A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
February 15, 2011
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Leslie Campione, Vice Chairman; Sean Parks; Jimmy Conner; and Welton G. Cadwell. Others present were: Darren Gray, County Manager; Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Courtney Vincent, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Pastor Donald Spivey from The Church at South Lake gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Presentation of Plaque
Commr. Hill, as Chairman and on behalf of the entire Board, presented Commr. Cadwell with a plaque in appreciation of his service as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners from 2007 through 2010.
Agenda update
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, asked to have a request for Closed Session added to the agenda under his business.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the addition of the request for Closed Session.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Commr. Hill requested the Minutes of January 18, 2011 be pulled; stating she wanted to review the audio of the meeting to ensure it was accurate.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Fred Costello, representing members of the South Lake Tea Party as well as the Tea Party of Lake County, addressed the Board in regards to the County Attorney’s request for a Closed Session, asking why it was being requested.
Mr. Minkoff explained Florida Statute authorized the Board to meet in Closed Session to discuss pending litigation.
Mr. Costello suggested the reason for the Closed Session be stated at the time of the request.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 4, as follows:
Memorandum of Interlocal Cooperative Agreement
Request to acknowledge receipt of a memorandum accompanying a copy of an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement for the Cities of Eustis and Tavares and the Town of Lady Lake, along with an affidavit regarding authenticity, in compliance with Florida Statute Section 163.01.
Notice of Proposed Annexation
Request to acknowledge receipt of a notice of proposed annexation of property from the City of Clermont including copies of the advertisement for the Orlando Sentinel; the draft of ordinance 2011-05-M (CONSERV II) 2,818.48 acres, final hearing Feb. 22, 2011, with legal descriptions; and location map.
Lands Available List
Request to acknowledge receipt of a list of property placed on the Lands Available List. Fiscal/Budgetary Impact: Lake County has until April 21, 2011 to purchase property from Lands Available List before it is available to the public.
Semiannual Investment Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of Lake County’s semiannual Investment Report. In accordance with the County’s Investment Ordinance, an investment report is prepared semiannually at June 30 and December 31. The report was previously distributed to the Board.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Hill requested to pull Tab 8 because there was a resolution attached to the Tab that needed to be approved.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 16, pulling Tab 8 for discussion, as follows:
Community Services
Request to approve award of term and supply contract 10-0607 to RouteMatch, Inc. for various operational enhancements on a phased basis within the County’s public transportation program. The anticipated fiscal impact for the initial phase of contract effort is $510,714. The entirety of the contract effort is to be fully funded by current and/or future anticipated FTA or ARRA grants.
Request for approval of the request from the Lake-Sumter MPO for LakeXpress services to operate each year during the Leesburg Bikefest, based upon the availability of funds. The fiscal impact is $16,656.70 (100% FTA Section 5307 Grant funded).
Request for approval of continued funding to the Lake County Shared Services Network in the amount of $25,000 for FY 2010/2011. Funding will be taken from the Crime Prevention Fund established by the County pursuant to F.S. 775.083(2).
Facilities Development and Management
Request to award contracts for On-Call Construction Management (CM) Services to Harkins Development, Henkelman Construction, Mark Cook Builders, and Ruby Builders, Inc. Financial impact is to be determined.
Public Resources
Request to approve and award contract 11-0205 in the amount of $33,912 to Miller Recreation Equipment and Design Inc. to provide and install a shelter and walkway at Lake Idamere Park. The fiscal impact is $33,912.
Request for approval to submit a Florida Communities Trust Grant Application for the Lake May Reserve Property. Fiscal impact is $1,500,000 (Grant funding: $1,500,000 / County match: land value) if grant is awarded.
Request for approval to apply for and accept grant funding, if awarded, from the Sport Fish Restoration Program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section (FWC). Approval and authorization for Chairman to sign 2 copies of Resolution No. 2011-16, allowing FWC to proceed with the application. Fiscal Impact is $17,000 (County portion $4,250/ Grant Funded $12,750).
Public Safety
Request from Public Safety's Fire Rescue Division for approval to amend and enter into the Amended Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Tavares regarding Fire Inspections of County buildings within the city limits of Tavares. The inspections will be conducted at Lake County's request.
Public Works
Request to approve and accept the attached list of public right of way deeds that have been secured in conjunction with roadway and / or stormwater projects. There is no fiscal impact. Commission Districts (1,2,3,4,5).
Request for approval and signature of Chairman to sign an updated Resolution No. 2011-17 giving the Public Works Director authorization to execute governmental applications and/or permits relating to transportation, stormwater, and/or Solid Waste projects. There is no fiscal impact.
Request to execute an Agreement between Lake County and Upson Downs Homeowners Association, Inc. regarding roads in the County Maintenance System, and Approval of Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2011-18. Fiscal impact is $33,600 - HOA Reimbursement. Commission District 5.
Request for acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed, R/W Map and operation and maintenance responsibility for a portion of CR 561 and CR 561A at the intersection with SR 91 (Florida Turnpike) in the Minneola area. No fiscal impact.
Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2011-19 to advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1163 to vacate a portions of platted right of way in the Umatilla area. There is no fiscal impact. Commission District 5.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Hill requested Tabs 17 and 18 be pulled for discussion.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 19 through 22, pulling Tabs 17 and 18 for discussion, as follows:
Request for approval of Second Amendment to Lease Agreement Between Lake County and Ali Jawad for Tax Collector office space in Clermont Fiscal Impact $19,056.
Request for approval for Chairman to execute Subordination Agreement regarding Lake County’s Mortgage for Tarvel Leggett. There is no Fiscal Impact.
Request for approval of the Mediated Settlement between Lake County and Carl Douglas Fonville and Kathleen Marie Fonville (Parcel No. 31-17-27-0100-000-00J00) and authorization of the Board Chairman to execute the deed necessary to transfer ownership of the railroad right of way to the Fonville’s. – Total Fiscal Impact is $10,500.00.
Request for approval of Workers' Compensation Claims settlement in the amount of $54,000 for Scott D. Covington, Firefighter/EMT. (Fiscal impact $54,000.)
Ordinance related to secondary metals recycling
Mr. Minkoff explained Tab 17 was a request to advertise an ordinance regulating secondary metals recyclers. He noted there was a change to the incorporated penalty provision, stating it needed to be changed to eliminate “notice incase criminal investigation is done and criminal charges are filed”. He specified the ordinance was modeled after the ordinances of Orange County and the City of Orlando, combining their lists of restricted materials into the proposed ordinance for Lake County. He clarified the purpose of the ordinance was to put additional requirements on people who purchased secondary metals, prohibit payment with cash and require payment by a check mailed to the business, and require the Sheriff’s Office be notified when a purchase of secondary metals was made through an electronic reporting system. He noted sending a copy of the ordinance to the Sheriff.
Commr. Cadwell asked the Lake County Sheriff if the electronic reporting system was something currently in place.
Sheriff Gary Borders replied it was already in place, specifying it was mostly in pawn shops now but the ordinance would require other dealers to do it as well. He noted the County had about 260 cases of metals theft last year valued at over $600,000. He stated it was because of that the ordinance was necessary.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved advertising an ordinance creating Article VI in Chapter 14 of the Lake County Code relating to secondary metals recyclers.
Ordinance related to Pain Management clinics
Mr. Minkoff stated the ordinances for Tabs 17 and 18 would be on the agenda for the first Board meeting in March for Public Hearing and adoption. He mentioned Tab 18 was a request for an ordinance placing a moratorium on the issuance of business tax receipts for new pain management clinics, specifying that for one year no new pain management clinics would be allowed in the County, existing clinics would be prohibited from being a cash-only business, and operating hours would be restricted to between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. He mentioned he would be making the same changes to the penalty provision with this ordinance as he had for the ordinance in Tab 17.
Commr. Hill suggested regulating which days of the week the existing pain clinics could operate, stating they should not be permitted to operate on Sundays.
Commr. Cadwell asked the reasoning behind the suggestion, noting people would still be in pain on Sundays.
Commr. Campione noted there were other places people could go to receive treatment when doctor’s offices were closed.
Commr. Conner asked if there was more of a propensity to purchase pain medications for illegal methods on the weekends, questioning if there was any evidence of that claim based on arrests.
Lieutenant Charles Thompson from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office addressed the Board, opining the propensity would be in the person attempting to obtain pain medication in a covert manner because a decrease in the paper trail on the weekends made it more difficult to track pain management activity.
Commr. Cadwell asked if the Statewide registry would be a helpful tool in this situation.
Lieutenant Thompson replied it would, adding if the State decided to pull funding for the project it would make it more difficult for police to track people trying to obtain drugs illegally.
Commr. Cadwell expressed it was not right for local government to spend time, energy, and money on an issue that should have been taken care of by the State.
Lieutenant Thompson, Commr. Hill and Commr. Parks agreed with Commr. Cadwell.
Commr. Conner asked if the elimination of the database was in the Governor’s budget or if it was in proposed legislation.
Lieutenant Thompson replied he believed the Governor repealed it.
Commr. Conner asked Mr. Minkoff if the Governor had the authority to repeal a bill.
Mr. Minkoff answered that the Governor had held up the administrative rule which would have implemented the bill, and that he believed it was in the accompanying document to the budget the Governor suggested funding be withdrawn from the project.
Commr. Conner stated he met with the Sheriff and his staff for about 45 minutes the previous day and the Sheriff believed the registry was an important component of being able to track who was abusing pain clinics. He suggested creating a resolution regarding the database, commenting the Governor needed to hear from local governments that the database was very important.
Commr. Cadwell suggested a letter from the Chairman on behalf of the Board to the Governor’s Office would be sufficient.
Commr. Hill agreed to either option, expressing it was important all the different local governments passing the moratorium send a message in support of the Statewide registry.
Mr. Minkoff asked if the Board would like to add language to the ordinance stating no existing pain clinics could have operating hours on a Sunday.
Commr. Conner stated that, based off of what Lieutenant Thompson had told them, the clinics should be closed on Saturdays and Sundays because of the increased propensity towards obtaining illegal pain medication during that time period.
Mr. Minkoff explained the definition of a pain clinic was fairly broad and could cause problems for some legitimate physicians with Saturday hours if all weekend pain clinic hours were prohibited.
Sheriff Borders advised prohibiting cash only operations should be sufficient. He suggested waiting to see what the State did in terms of regulations before discussing changing the regulations in regards to opening pain clinics, adding that the changes he discussed with Commissioner Conner were not part of the current proposed ordinance.
Mr. Minkoff remarked the ordinance required staff to work on regulations that might be necessary should the Board elect to allow new pain clinics to open.
Commr. Cadwell asked Sheriff Borders if the resolution the Board was going to write could mention that the Board had consulted with him regarding the registration issue.
Sheriff Borders consented.
Commr. Conner made a motion to advertise a Public Hearing in March to speak on the proposed Ordinance, including the addition of prohibiting Sunday hours. He asked if there were any other changes.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the advertising of an ordinance creating Article VII in Chapter 14 of the Lake County Code relating to pain management clinics including the prohibition on Sundays.
Commr. Cadwell asked for a separate motion for the request to create a resolution to send to the governor regarding the moratorium on pain management clinics.
The Chairman stated the request for the resolution needed to be added to the agenda.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved adding the request to create a resolution to send to the Governor stating the Board’s stance that the Statewide registry should be implemented in the State of Florida.
Mr. Minkoff stated his office would work with the County Manager’s staff to write the resolution.
Commr. Cadwell asked to add language to the resolution stating the Board had consulted with the County Sheriff.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the writing of a resolution stating the Board’s stance that the Statewide registry should be implemented in the State of Florida and sending the resolution to the Governor.
conservation plan for scrub habitat
Commr. Hill noted Tab 8 had been pulled from the County Manager’s Consent Agenda in order to approve an accompanying resolution. She explained the resolution ensured the County received unanticipated revenues for the fiscal year 2010-2011.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from Public Resources for approval and signature of Resolution 2011-20 and the contract for development of a Habitat Conservation Plan for Scrub Habitat in Lake County, Florida (FWC Contract No. 10155) between Lake County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) providing for grant funding, on a reimbursement basis, to the County to develop a Countywide Habitat Conservation Plan for Scrub Habitat on both public and interested private landowner properties. The grant is a federal grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that is administered by the FFWCC. Fiscal Impact is $224,420 (Non-federal in-kind match is $70,600; grand funding is $153,820).
presentation
2010 volunteer certificates
Ms. Jeannine Nelson, Employee Services Specialist, recognized the following volunteers who had each contributed more than 200 hours of volunteer service to Lake County: Milan Barabas; Michelle Brady; Louie Brewer; Angel Crosas; E. Gail Curry; Peggy Ekberg; Sally Fisher; Dolores Greenhalgh; Lea Greer; Ellen Janetka; Charles Keller; Carolyn Long; Natalie Manley; Patricia Miller; Donald Roy; Donald Schreiner; Elizabeth Schwarten; John Walton; Neil Wasserman; George Wingate; and Howard Youngmeyer. She presented each volunteer who was present with a certificate of appreciation.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
public works
memorandum of understanding
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, addressed the Board regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on a Central Florida Regional Transportation Operations Facility. He explained they would be working on various transportation issues ranging from efficiencies to signage, adding the purpose was to enhance the ability for people to recognize the boundaries of both cities within the County and the boundaries of the County itself.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding with FDOT with regards to a Central Florida Regional Transportation Center Consortium.
other business
library advisory board appointment
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Ms. Betty Ann Christian for District 4 to serve a four-year term beginning March 1, 2011.
board of building examiners appointment
Commr. Parks stated he wished the Board to consider Mr. Steven Berk, who was currently on the application list for the Board of Adjustment from District 2. He opined Mr. Berk would be an asset to the Board of Building Examiners and mentioned he had already discussed it with Mr. Berk.
Commr. Hill asked if Mr. Berk was a contractor.
Commr. Parks confirmed Mr. Berk was a contractor. He requested delaying the decision for the Board of Building Examiners to allow time for Mr. Berk to be considered because he believed he would be a better candidate for the position.
Commr. Conner stressed the Board not deviate from the application process and suggested readvertising the position to give Mr. Berk an opportunity to apply.
Commr. Hill stated the Board would pull Tab 26, requesting the Board appoint a member to the Board of Building Examiners, and readvertise the position.
sales surtax oversight advisory committee appointments
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the School Board’s recommendation to reappoint Mr. William P. Smith to the District 2 public at-large position and appoint Ms. Rachel Holtzclaw to the District 4 public at-large position on the Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee with terms ending November 19, 2014.
elder council appointments
Commr. Parks stated he approved the reappointment of Ms. Deanna Chapman to the at-large position and the reappointment of Ms. Barbara Howell and Ms. Rhoda Apfelbeck to the Commission District 2 positions. He mentioned there were two openings for Commission District 4 positions but only one person, Ms. Frances E. Weston, had applied and suggested moving Ms. Barbara Wilson Smith from the at-large position to the Commission District 4 position to fill the second vacancy.
Commr. Campione mentioned citizens who wished to apply for the at-large position had approached her after the position had closed. She suggested readvertising the at-large position.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Ms. Barbara Howell and Ms. Rhoda Apfelbeck to the Commission District 2 positions, Ms. Frances E. Weston to the Commission District 4 position, Ms. Deanna Chapman to the at-large member position, and the appointment of Ms. Barbara Wilson Smith to the second Commission District 4 position with all positions being two-year terms ending January 31, 2013. The Board also approved readvertising the second at-large position.
board of adjustment appointments
Commr. Parks recommended appointing Mr. Robert P. Peraza for the Commission District 2 position on the Board of Adjustment.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Peraza to the Commission District 2 position on the Board of Adjustment to serve a four-year term ending January 31, 2015.
Commr. Campione recommended reappointing Mr. Lloyd Atkins, Jr. for the Commission District 4 position on the Board of Adjustment.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Mr. Atkins to the Commission District 4 position on the Board of Adjustment to serve a four-year term ending January 31, 2015.
Commr. Campione recommended reappointing Mr. Donald R. Schreiner to one of the at-large positions on the Board of Adjustment.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Mr. Donald R. Schreiner to one of the at-large positions on the Board of Adjustment to serve a four-year term ending January 31, 2015.
Commr. Hill recommended appointing Mr. Robert S. Levens to the second at-large position on the Board of Adjustment.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione, and carried by a vote of 4-1, the Board approved appointing Mr. Robert S. Levens to the second at-large position on the Board of Adjustment to serve a four-year term ending January 31, 2015.
Commr. Conner voted “no”.
REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY
approval of interlocal agreement for land transfer
Mr. Minkoff addressed the Board requesting approval of an interlocal agreement between the School Board of Lake County, Lake County, and the City of Tavares pertaining to the transfer of land in Tavares currently occupied by the School Board. He discussed the background of the agreement, explaining the School Board was interested in relocating its bus maintenance facility (Bus Barn property), currently located on West Alfred/Old Hwy 441 and West Caroline Street, to property located on US Highway 27 south of Leesburg and that the City of Tavares in conjunction with Lake County was interested in purchasing that property. He explained if the agreement was approved by all parties the City would obtain title to the portion of the Bus Maintenance Facility on the north of Caroline Street for the purpose of constructing a new Fire/Police Station and the County would receive title to the portion of the facility on the south side of Caroline Street, gaining approximately 3,500 square feet in office space through the utilization of an existing building on the site. He added the agreement also called for the County to transfer ownership of a portion of County-owned property to the north of Caroline Street to the City and pay $200,000 to the School Board. He estimated the County would be receiving property valued at approximately $348,000 and would be giving up $200,000 and property valued at approximately $53,000. He described the portion of the agreement between the City of Tavares and the School Board, saying the City would pay the School Board $300,000 and grant 20 acres they own south of town to the School Board. He mentioned the CR466A road project was also tied into the interlocal agreement, specifying the School Board would transfer title to approximately 117,005 square feet of right of way and property for a stormwater pond. He stated the Board would purchase the property for $250,000. He remarked the $250,000 would come from impact fees and road right of way and the $200,000 would come from the sales tax fund.
Commr. Cadwell asked if the current road would be vacated after the realignment.
Mr. Minkoff responded the agreement provided the City would vacate the road when the realignment was completed and the County would obtain ownership, making the property contiguous with the Judicial Center.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Interlocal Agreement between the School Board of Lake County, Lake County, and the City of Tavares pertaining to land transfers; authorizing the Chairman to sign the necessary transaction and closing documents required in the agreement; the implementation of Resolution 2011-21 transferring certain County-owned property to the City of Tavares contingent upon the closing of the Bus Barn property; and a budget change request.
Request for Closed Session
Mr. Minkoff requested a Closed Session on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss pending litigation.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s request for a Closed Session.
reports – commissioner parks – district 2
Board Retreat
Commr. Parks reminded the Board of the Board Retreat scheduled for February 25, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at Cooper Memorial Library.
meetings Attended
Commr. Parks reported attending the West Orange Summit on February 4, 2011 with Mr. Darren Gray, the County Manager, and Commr. Campione. He noted their attendance at the meeting was advertised. He also reported attending his first myregion.org meeting on Friday, February 11, 2011, passing out a handout regarding the 6 Pillars of State and Regional Priorities that had been distributed at the meeting.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
workforce/economic development meeting
Commr. Conner thanked Commr. Hill for attending the Workforce/Economic Development meeting on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 with members of the Lake County School Board in his stead.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER campione – vice chairman and DISTRICT 4
economic development workshop
Commr. Campione reported the County Manager had scheduled another Economic Development Workshop Summit for Friday, March 11, 2011 at the South Lake campus of Lake-Sumter Community College from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. She noted at the workshop there would be five or six business owners acting as a panel and sharing their viewpoint on their experiences as business owners in Lake County.
Commr. Cadwell asked who would select the business owners.
Commr. Campione responded the County Manager was working with Economic Development staff to locate a variety of business owners. She also suggested contacting as many business owners as they could to let them know what the County is doing towards economic development.
Mr. Gray remarked staff would be reaching out to the School Board and the Cities in regards to the summit.
Regional office/mount dora employment center
Commr. Campione passed out a copy of a map distributed at the West Orange Summit on February 4, 2011, noting the map depicted the SR 429 corridor. She pointed out the location of the City of Mount Dora and mentioned how the extension to SR 429 would connect with SR 46. She handed out a second map which showed Mount Dora and referenced the Regional Office/Mount Dora Employment Center. She noted the Employment Center was approximately 700 acres. She requested to work with the County Manager and Ms. Amye King, Growth Management Director, to come up with language to be used in a joint resolution indicating the willingness of the County to work with the City of Mount Dora on the development of the Regional Office/Mount Dora Employment Center. She mentioned Ms. Melissa DeMarco, Mayor of the City of Mount Dora, would be speaking with the City Council about the proposed joint resolution.
Commr. Parks stated he supported the proposed resolution.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5
congress of regional leaders meeting
Commr. Cadwell discussed the Congress of Regional Leaders meeting he attended the previous week regarding the water management district and a regional water strategy. He noted a matrix of recommendations for the regional water strategy had been created at the meeting.
parks and recreation meeting
Commr. Cadwell reported attending his first Parks and Recreations meeting on Monday, February 14, 2011.
Parks, transportation, and maintenance funding workshop
Commr. Cadwell requested moving the BCC Parks, Transportation, and Maintenance Funding Workshop currently set for March 8, 2011 to another day because he would not be able to attend. He suggested having the meeting at one of the County parks.
Mr. Gray suggested Tuesday, March 29, 2011 as the new date for the meeting.
Regional office/mount dora employment center, Continued
Commr. Cadwell asked Commr. Campione to further explain the planned land use for the proposed Regional Office/Mount Dora Employment Center.
Commr. Campione explained one of the things discussed at the Orange County Summit was the idea of creating a brand out of the SR 429 corridor. She remarked the County and the City of Mount Dora could work together regarding master planning for the Employment Center, gather input from local property owners and potential business owners, and find a way to help market that area as a part of the SR 429 corridor.
School impact fees
Commr. Campione reported attending her first Affordable Housing Committee meeting and mentioned there had been a lot of discussion regarding the School Impact Fees. She asked about the status of the School Impact Fee Study.
Commr. Conner replied it would be completed in June 2011. He suggested the Chairman write a letter to the School Board requesting a formal response. He remarked the current School Impact Fee was out of proportion when compared to the various costs of construction.
Commr. Hill explained the competed study would go before the School Board for their recommendation, be sent to the County’s Impact Fee Committee for review with the consultant, and then the County’s Impact Fee Committee would make a recommendation to the Board.
Commr. Campione requested discussing with the School Board the possibility of implementing an interim or provisional fee pending the outcome of the study because of the length of time it would take for the study to be concluded and the results reviewed.
Community Development block grant budget
Commr. Cadwell reported participating, through NACo, in a conference call with Deputy Secretary Ron Sims of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the President’s budget for 2012. He reported the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) would see a reduction of 7.5 percent from the 2010 allotment.
Commr. Campione asked how the reduction would affect the water system in Umatilla.
Commr. Cadwell responded they would have to make hard decisions and use the CDBG funds as they were meant.
Commr. Conner stressed the water plant was a high priority and they needed to work with the City of Umatilla to put it on central water and sewage.
Mr. Minkoff noted the design had been started on the upgrades and BESH, Inc. was currently conducting the surveying and engineering, so hopefully construction could be started later in the year.
Commr. Cadwell emphasized the need to better scrutinize the way the CDBG funds were being spent.
school impact fees, continued
Commr. Parks asked if there was a way to select a temporary School Impact Fee amount until the study was completed.
Commr. Cadwell explained the School Board would be the ones to recommend a change in the fee amount.
Commr. Campione suggested the Chairman speak with the School Board Chairman to see if they might come forth with a voluntary recommendation.
Commr. Conner commented he supported the School Impact Fee but stressed it needed to reflect the true cost of what construction is. He agreed with the request for the Chairman to speak with the School Board Chairman about the reduction of School Impact Fees.
Commr. Hill, as Chairman, stated she had no problem talking to the School Board Chairman, noting it would only apply to residential fees, not commercial fees.
Commr. Campione opined the high impact fee acted as a deterrent to economic development in the County.
Commr. Hill asked if Mr. Minkoff, as the County Attorney, could accompany her to the discussion with the School Board Chairman in case any legal questions arose.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:36 a.m.
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JeNnifer Hill, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK