A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
august 16, 2011
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 16, 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: Leslie Campione, Vice Chairman; Sean Parks; Jimmy Conner; and Welton G. Cadwell. Commissioner Jennifer Hill was not present. 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 Shannon Treen, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Commr. Campione called for a moment of silence and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda update
Mr. Darren Gray, County Manager, stated that there was an Addendum 1-IIA that would be put under the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda and Addendum 1-IIIA and Addendum 1-IIIB would be added to the agenda as well. He requested to pull Tab 23 and reschedule that for a meeting in September and to move Tab 28 after Tab 22 so those could be presented together. He also stated that Tab 10 under the County Manager’s Consent Agenda should be moved to the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the changes to the agenda.
MINUTE APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of June 28, 2011 (Regular Meeting) and July 12, 2011 (Special Meeting), as presented.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Joseph Rudderow, a resident of the Plantation at Leesburg, addressed the Board stating that he was concerned about the proposed redistricting maps and expressed that according to a recent article in the newspaper, there was a strong movement to put two commissioners in the South Lake area. He noted that his community, as well as many others along Highway 27 in Leesburg, should not be considered part of the South Lake area and emphasized that the Board should keep in mind that the intent of redistricting was to have a fair distribution so that everyone was equally represented.
Commr. Campione pointed out that a public hearing to discuss the redistricting maps was scheduled for August 30, 2011, so the public should wait until then to comment since other members of the public were not notified that there would be discussion that day.
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Mr. Paul Richardson, a resident of Clermont, stated that he would not be able to attend the redistricting public hearing on August 30, 2011, so he wanted to relay to the Board that he supported the option 2 district map.
Commr. Campione mentioned that anyone who could not attend the public hearing could submit comments about the district maps on the County’s website. She added that they should refrain from any more discussion on the maps.
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Ms. Ginger Martin, a resident of Summit Greens in Clermont, addressed the Board regarding the approval of a traffic signal at the intersection of Hancock Road and Diamond Club Drive. She expressed that the resident who brought up the issue did not represent the views of the entire Summit Greens community, noting that it was never discussed by the Homeowners’ Association Board of Directors or the other residents. She added that even with a golf club adjacent to that intersection, there had never been a traffic issue and recommended that the Board rescind their vote for the traffic signal because the residents did not want it nor was it needed.
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Mr. Jake Farley, Mayor of Astatula, explained that he was also concerned about the redistricting maps, noting that it seemed as though the County would be split in half. He stated that even though the maps needed to be updated, major redistricting could ultimately be harmful to the citizens.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 6, as follows:
List of Warrants
Request to acknowledge receipt of list of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136.06 (1) of the of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into the Minutes as attached Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of the Clerk's Office.
City of Mount Dora Public Hearing Notice
Request to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the public hearing notice for a proposed annexation request regarding Ordinance No. 2011-12 from the City of Mount Dora for property generally located south of Old Eustis Road and east of Morningside Drive, Mount Dora, comprising .29 acres more or less, provided in accordance with Section 171.004(6) Florida Statutes.
Deer Island Community Development District Public Hearing Notice
Request to acknowledge receipt of a letter from the Deer Island Community Development District dated July 19, 2011 stating that the public hearing regarding the proposed annual budget for FY 2012 has been rescheduled to August 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Deer Island Clubhouse located at 18000 Eagles Way, Deer Island.
Florida Department of Transportation Public Hearing Notice
Request to acknowledge receipt of an email from the Florida Department of Transportation announcing a Public Hearing regarding the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for State Road (SR) 40 on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church located at 14100 NE Highway 40 in Silver Springs, Florida, beginning as an open house at 5:30 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m. The email included a copy of the SR 40 PD&E News Letter, Issue 5, regarding the Public Hearing announcement.
Proof of Publication of Unclaimed Moneys
Request to acknowledge receipt of proof of publication of unclaimed moneys and payment to the Board for those non-court related moneys advertised less claims and publication costs.
Semiannual Investment Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of the Semiannual Investment Report for June 30, 2011.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 21, pulling Tab 10 and placing it under the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, as follows:
Community Services
Request for approval and signature authorization of Proclamation No. 2011-105 recognizing August 15 through 19, 2011 as "Children's Healthcare Coverage Week" in Lake County. There is no fiscal impact.
Request for approval of the Lake County Public Transportation Division Substance Abuse Policy. The fiscal impact is $500.00 (County portion).
Request for approval and signature on Resolution No. 2011-106 to amend the General Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Amerigroup Foundation. The fiscal impact is $2,500.00.
Request for approval of the Public Transportation Division System Safety Program Plan. There is no fiscal impact.
Request for approval of the Lake County Public Transportation Division Security Program Plan (SPP) required by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Request for (1) Approval for the Department of Community Services to submit a direct application for Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Phase 29 funding as a Local Recipient Organization or Fiscal Agent/Conduit for a Local Recipient Organization if directed by action of the local Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Board. (2) Authorize the Department of Community Services to manage the program and prepare required plans, reports and other related documents as directed by the local FEMA Board and/or as required by FEMA. (3) Appoint Rebecca Foley-Kearney or an alternate designated by her to serve as Lake County Government’s representative on the local FEMA Board. (4) Appoint Jerry Smith or an alternate designated by the Public Safety Director as the representative from Public Safety to serve on the local FEMA Board. The fiscal impact is $158,654.00 (FEMA grant funds). No local match required.
Conservation and Compliance
Request to approve the Grant Contract between the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Board of County Commissioners for WaterStar training and approve the Training Agreement between the Florida Nursery, Growers, Landscape Association (FNGLA) to conduct the training and certification program. Authorize the Chair to sign both agreements on behalf of Lake County. Approve Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2011-107. (FISCAL IMPACT: $30,000 maximum reimbursable by SJRWMD)
County Manager
Request to approve Budget Change Request transferring funds from the Lake County Ambulance Fund Contingency Reserve for Operations to various operating accounts for the new not-for-profit Lake Emergency Medical Services, Inc. The fiscal impact is $73,255.00.
Request authorization to fill one (1) Commissioners Aide position within the Legislative and Executive Department, Board of County Commissioners. (Fiscal impact is $43,304.)
Request authorization to fill one (1) vacant Animal Shelter Technician position within the Conservation and Compliance/Animal Services Division. (Fiscal impact is $30,902.)
Public Resources
Request for approval and signature of Amendment to Interlocal Agreement Between Lake County and The City of Tavares, Florida Relating to Contribution of Funds for Construction of Woodlea Sports Complex. There is no fiscal impact.
Request for approval and signature of First Amendment to Interlocal Agreement Between Lake County, Florida, and the City of Mount Dora Regarding the Purchase of Public Access Computers for the W.T. Bland Public Library. Fiscal impact is $12,000.
Public Works
Request that the Board award term and supply contracts 11-0802 for Disaster Debris Removal Management and Monitoring Services to Science Applications International Corporation (primary) and O'Brien's Response Management Inc. (secondary). Fiscal Impact will be determined by need.
Request that the Board approve award of contract 11-0414 in the amount or $80,337.80 for Roadside Mowing, Litter Removal and Related Services - Group C to Native Land and Tree, Howey-In-The-Hills, FL.
Request for approval and signature of Supplemental Amendment Number 1 Agreement and Resolution No. 2011-108 to the JPA Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for the Design of Intersection Modifications at SR19 & CR450E (Collins St.), and Approval to Execute Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2011-109. FISCAL IMPACT: $2,731.00; Commission District 5.
Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2011-110 to advertise Public Hearing to vacate a drainage easement (S29, T18, R27), in the Eustis area, Commission District 4. There is no fiscal impact.
Request to execute an Agreement between Lake County and The Lakes of Black Bear Reserve Homeowners Association, Inc. regarding roads in the County Maintenance System, sign the Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2011-111 to amend the budget, and accept a Statutory Warranty Deed and Drainage and Grading Easement from The Lakes of Black Bear Reserve Homeowners Association, Inc. Fiscal impact is $26,394.82 - HOA Reimbursement. Commission District 5.
Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2011-112 to advertise Public Hearing to vacate portions of Skyline Drive (S18, T18S, R27E), in the Umatilla area - commission District 5. No fiscal impact.
county attorney’s consent agenda
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tab 10 and Addendum 1-IIA, pulling Tab 22 and placing it under the County Manager’s Departmental Business, as follows:
Request authorization for Chairman to execute letter necessary for Medicare Enrollment Application for Lake Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (LEMS).
Request for approval of Mediation Settlement Agreement between Lake County and Larry M. Phillips and Linda S. Phillips (Parcel Nos. 203 & 603) – Total Fiscal Impact is $535,560.07 ($256,100.00 previously paid, additional $279,460.07 to settle.)
presentation
leesburg health clinic
Mr. Kristian Swenson, Facilities Development and Management Director, addressed the Board stating that he would be discussing the Leesburg Health Clinic located on Griffin Road. He noted that they were proposing to renovate the Leesburg Health Clinic site and by doing so, it would save the County $46,000 per year since they would no longer need the current lease space. He explained that the building was vacated in 2003 because of a mold problem and during that time, a project was created to remove the mold, repair the building, do some energy efficiency improvements, and create a small addition to the building. He reported that the proposed funding for those renovations included $330,000 from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, as well as $185,000 from the Health Department. He related that the Health Department had spent approximately $21,000 on mold removal and $24,000 on architectural and engineering fees to date. He added that there was a comprehensive agreement with the Health Department and the total budget for the project was $515,000, with $400,000 being construction costs and $115,000 being soft costs. He explained that after the project was designed, they started the bidding process because the CDBG requirements did not allow for the use of the on-call Construction Manager. He elaborated that they received 16 contractor bids, including six local contractors, but ultimately chose RW Paul from Maitland. He noted that RW Paul was the lowest bid at $307,540, and because of the price, they were able to implement some of the add alternates to the project, including the overlay and the striping of the parking lot. He stated that staff recommended approval of the contract with RW Paul.
Commr. Cadwell related that Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, was trying to negotiate a six month lease for the current location of the Leesburg Health Clinic and asked if that was realistic.
Mr. Swenson responded that it was realistic because the construction window of the project was 90 days and there would then be an additional 75 days until substantial completion.
Mr. Gray added that the presentation regarding the Health Department that was supposed to be given that day by Ms. Donna Gregory, Administrator for the Lake County Health Department, would be rescheduled for September 6, 2011. He noted that presentation would help the Board understand the funding of the Health Department.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved contract 11-0215 to RW Paul for renovation of the Leesburg Health Clinic (Fiscal Impact $307,540) and executed the Interlocal Agreement with the Lake County Health Department for payment of the renovation.
amendment to lease agreement for health department space
Mr. Minkoff explained that the landlord had been accommodating in granting the County a six month extension to the lease, adding that the lease rate would stay the same at $11.58 per square foot.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Third Amendment to Lease Agreement with St. Clairsville Medical Group for the County Health Department space located at 9836 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. Fiscal Impact: $23,152.50.
east central florida regional planning council
Ms. Amye King, Growth Management Director, introduced Mr. Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and stated that since Mr. Laurien would be retiring soon, she wanted him to update the Board on the changes for the Growth Management Department that came from the past legislative session.
Mr. Laurien explained that he would discuss the changes to the regional planning statutes as a result of the 2010 legislative session and Mr. Andrew Landis, Regional Planner, would give a brief update on the changes that were imperative to Lake County.
Mr. Landis stated that there were a number of revisions to the comprehensive plan and to the Development of Regional Impacts (DRI), as well as major government reorganization. He noted that rule 9J-5, which specified the criteria for the different elements of the comprehensive plan, was repealed; however, portions of that rule had been incorporated into other statutes. He related that the comprehensive plan amendment process was changed to a 180 day deadline and the twice per year limitation was removed. He stated that the statewide review process was now called state coordinated review process and the small scale amendment criteria remained the same, except for the removal of density requirements. He pointed out that the role of agency comments for the review of comprehensive plans was clarified, adding that each agency should focus on specific functions of that agency, whereas the regional planning councils should focus on regional resources that were noted in the strategic regional policy plan. He explained that the State was now limited under the expedited review, as they could only comment on State resources and facilities because most of the control was returned to local governments. He related that the compliance termination that required comprehensive plan amendments to conform to the State comprehensive plan was removed and stated that urban sprawl was redefined as new towns or antiquated subdivisions and eight new measures were developed to determine whether an area was considered as urban sprawl. He pointed out that the capital improvements schedule no longer needed to be submitted as a plan amendment because it could be done through a local ordinance now. He added that the financial and feasibility requirements were completely removed and stated that concurrency for parks, transportation, recreation and schools was removed, but it was up to the local government to file a plan amendment to have it removed. He stated that the State requirement for mobility strategies that was created by Senate Bill 360 was now removed and there was no longer a requirement to have a mobility plan or a strategy to fund mobility.
Mr. Laurien then explained that the State would not have as much oversight as before, noting that the county governments would have control and would determine the planning needs. He added that one of the substantial changes was that amendments could be filed anytime rather than having to wait until the appropriate time twice each year. He pointed out that there was a lot of criticism regarding House Bill 7207 and although there were flaws in it, he felt there were many positives as well. He stated that the Council was in opposition that year because they did not receive any funding, adding that they always received $285,000 each year, but it usually cost about $500,000 to complete the 50 required state mandates. He noted that they were at a loss because if they did not complete those mandates, the Council could possibly be eliminated; however, if they did complete those mandates, the legislature could determine that they did not need state funding since they completed those without it. He explained that he suspected that the legislature would merge local metropolitan planning organizations into the local regional planning councils next year, so there could be a collaboration of different agencies. He mentioned that he would be presenting a resolution to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council tomorrow to accept the 2060 plan, which was the Strategic Regional Policy Plan. He added that it was the implementation of the “How Shall We Grow” vision, elaborating that the plan was the golden rules to a better future for East Central Florida. He related that the first rule of the plan would require there to be an interconnected street network throughout and would eliminate the dead end street network since that was causing the large arterial streets to constantly be widened. He noted that the plan would not be enforced, but it was a good set of suggestions for a better way to develop Central Florida. He expressed his appreciation for the support the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council had received over the years from Lake County and thanked Commr. Cadwell and Commr. Parks for their leadership with the Council.
Commr. Cadwell expressed that Mr. Laurien came to the planning council at a time when a planner was truly needed and remarked that he was appreciative of him.
Commr. Parks commented that he enjoyed working with Mr. Laurien on the Council and asked if he could explain to the public what the benefit was of the Council.
Mr. Laurien explained that the benefit was that the Council could look at a region and identify issues that affected the entire area and they could bring the local jurisdictions together to discuss those issues. He added that the regional planning councils also prepared for hurricanes and performed emergency preparedness training, noting that the Council would be receiving an emergency preparedness grant for $1 million for next year. He stated that they also had an opportunity to apply for a sustainable community planning grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to apply as a category two region with a regional plan for a sustainable development. He mentioned that they would be asking for $5 million to revitalize low-income neighborhoods around the SunRail stops, specifying that program would benefit the SunRail areas as well as the Orange Blossom Express.
Commr. Campione asked for an explanation of the year based amendments.
Mr. Landis stated that the amendments were completely voluntary and that a letter would need to be sent to the State addressing the need for the amendment. He noted that after the amendment was approved, the County would have 12 months to adopt it rather than 18 months as before.
Commr. Campione asked if the old rules applied in regards to the green swamp area.
Mr. Landis responded that the rules did still apply and explained that if the comprehensive plan amendment was in the green swamp area, then the state coordinator review process would apply.
library facilities update
Ms. Wendy Breeden, Public Resources Director, explained that Mr. Tom Merchant, Library Services Director, would discuss the update to the Lake County Library System Facilities Plan, including the background, the completed projects and the branch improvements, and she would then give an update on the status of the East Lake County Library and offer some specific options, as well as a staff recommendation for the Board’s consideration.
Mr. Merchant noted that the Library System Facilities Plan was created in 2005 for all of the County and city libraries to address the needs of those libraries through the year 2020. He then showed a map illustrating the various libraries throughout the County, adding that the Howey-in-the-Hills library was added after the plan was completed. He then discussed the completed projects, stating that the Citrus Ridge facility in the south was replaced with a new 18,000 square foot facility with a provision to expand up to 30,000 square feet for the future. He noted that it was completed and renamed to Cagan Crossings Community Library in 2008. He explained that the former Cooper Memorial Library was combined with the Lake Sumter Community College South Lake Campus to create a joint-use library, specifying that it was completed in 2009. He related that some of the member libraries had followed the plan and made improvements as well, noting that the Leesburg Public Library completed a 42,000 square foot building in 2007 and the Lady Lake Public Library completed a 42,000 square foot building in 2011. He added that the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora was currently under construction for a 6,000 square foot addition and stated that the Marianne Beck Memorial Library in Howey-in-the-Hills was planning for a 690 square foot addition for meeting space. He noted that the City of Tavares Public Library was planning to incorporate the existing civic center into the library; however, that would take place when the new civic center was built. He then discussed the improvements for the branch libraries, noting that the Astor County Library was a modular building that was built in 2002 and the meeting room space was inadequate. He added that the recommendation was to replace the library with a new permanent building incorporating the additional meeting room space. He related that the Paisley County Library was similar in that it was built in 2002 with a modular building and the same constraints applied, so they were recommending replacing the library with a permanent building as well. He explained that the modular buildings had a shelf life of about five years, but they had extended their shelf life to 10 years; however, that had been an increasing maintenance issue for the Facilities Maintenance Department. He stated that the Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library in Groveland was opened in 2002 in a renovated former hardware store, noting that the library was always busy since it received patrons from the Groveland and Mascotte area. He mentioned that there were not enough public access computers to meet the needs of the patrons and the meeting room space was also inadequate; therefore, they were recommending replacing the library.
Ms. Breeden continued the presentation, explaining that the East Lake County Library in Sorrento was the only branch library not owned by the County and mentioned that it was currently leased from the East Lake Chamber of Commerce. She noted that it was a 5,000 square foot prefabricated steel building that was originally constructed in 1989 and was renovated in 2000. She added that there was not adequate space for meetings, public computers, office or storage and there had been some ongoing problems with the roof. She stated that the 2005 Facilities Plan recommended that the building be replaced with a permanent 8,000 square foot structure, including a larger meeting room, and to build at the current site. She added that since then, the County had acquired and started developing the East Lake Community Park on CR 437, and it was proposed that the new library be located at that park. She explained that the County received a letter from the East Lake Chamber of Commerce stating its decision to sell the building and property and noted that it was listed by a realtor for an asking price of $500,000 for five acres. She stated that the Chamber had always been a strong advocate for the library as it was the Chamber’s desire that the library continue to operate from the current site. She related that the current lease would expire in September 2013, but it would typically take approximately three years to design, build and occupy a new library building. She then described the three options from staff, noting that Option 1 would be to negotiate a longer term lease with the East Lake Chamber of Commerce, thus providing more continuity for the library until funding could be identified for construction of a new library; however, that option would not provide a long term solution. She related that Option 2 would be to construct a new library at the East Lake Community Park since it was already County owned property. She stated that the estimated project cost would be $2.3 million and although that would create a permanent solution, the lease would end one year before they could occupy the building. She explained that Option 3 would be to purchase the existing facility and site, thus eliminating the lease expense from the budget. She added that would provide for a long term solution; however, there was no funding source to be able to do that. She noted that staff’s recommendation was for approval to work with the East Lake Chamber of Commerce to negotiate a longer term lease agreement for the current East Lake County Library facility and site, and if lease negotiations were unsuccessful, then have the current property appraised and look for alternative sites in the area.
Commr. Cadwell asked whether a new building would be constructed if the County decided to buy that property.
Commr. Campione stated that was correct, especially since there were issues with the building itself. She pointed out that the site was within the main street district that was designated on the County’s comp plan and opined that it was a logical long term location for a library. She related that the park had some restraints and they should not take any more land away from that use. She suggested they look into a lease purchase agreement for the building.
Commr. Parks asked if they had heard any comments from the public regarding the options that were discussed.
Commr. Cadwell explained that there had been discussion about creating some type of a downtown in that area, so the library would be an anchor there. He noted that the community would most likely not be in favor of moving the library.
Commr. Campione mentioned that she had heard the same kind of comments from the public, adding that the current location was the most logical place and the community would not want to use the park area for a library.
Commr. Conner commented that the County had a growing need for parks and recreation facilities, so they should keep that land for the park rather than using it for a library.
Commr. Campione expressed that the library was truly needed in that community and opined that she liked the staff recommendation because there might be other sites to compare and find a better deal on.
Commr. Conner pointed out that if the Chamber owned the property, then they might be willing to work with the County with making payments over a period of time rather than having to pay a lump sum up front.
Ms. Catherine Hanson, President of the East Lake Chamber of Commerce, expressed that she always had a passion for the development of communities and knew how important libraries were to creating a community and its sustainability. She explained that the property was put on the market because of the uncertainty of their lease and added that they currently rented an office space for the Chamber but they were looking at other options since the rent was quite expensive. She clarified that the property was paid for and it was a total of five acres. She noted that they could be flexible with different options, but they would prefer to have a 10 year lease. She added that it was more difficult to receive income from the community, so she was unsure whether the rent would need to be raised, but she would get back to the Board with that information.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he would not be interested in a 10 year lease on a building that was not adequate for their needs.
Commr. Campione commented that they might consider buying real estate since it was an opportune time.
Mr. Gray mentioned that if the Board approved of the staff recommendation, he would then discuss the issue with the Chamber and he could bring some options back to the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the staff recommendation of working with the East Lake Chamber of Commerce to negotiate a longer term lease agreement for the current East Lake County Library facility and site, and if lease negotiations were unsuccessful, then have the current property appraised and look for alternative sites in the area.
public hearing
certificate for lake emergency medical services, inc.
Mr. Minkoff explained that the state statute and Lake County code required that advanced life support systems operating in the County receive a certificate of approval from the Board. He added that the hearing was advertised and the municipalities were notified of the request.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
There being no one who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Lake Emergency Medical Services, Inc.
2011 bassmaster elite sponsorship
Mr. Gray stated that there was an event that took place back in March in Tavares and staff realized that the Board had never approved the sponsorship of the event, so Mr. Scott Blankenship, Economic Development and Tourism Director, would give the Board an update on the event. He noted that staff had since created internal procedures to make sure that all requests above the County Manager’s authority would come to the Board.
Mr. Blankenship explained that the request was for a sponsorship with the City of Tavares for the Bassmaster Elite 2011 fishing tournament and that the Board committed to the event in April 2010. He added that it was a Disney and ESPN owned tour and reported that the event was very successful, with it generating over 1,000 room nights and had a total economic impact of over $400,000. He related that it was a great investment for the County and staff recommended support of that.
Commr. Conner made a motion to approve the sponsorship for the 2011 Bassmaster Elite event, and it was seconded for discussion by Commr. Parks.
Commr. Parks commented that he appreciated the fact that the item was pulled off of the consent agenda so it could be discussed. He added that it was important for everyone to know that those kinds of events were successful and that they were worth spending money on.
Mr. Blankenship noted that the County also received a lot of exposure because the event was televised on ESPN.
Commr. Campione mentioned that those kinds of events were funded by the Tourism Hotel Tax, adding that the County used that money to generate more activity.
The Board approved the $30,000 sponsorship for the 2011 Bassmaster Elite event held in the City of Tavares and authorized the County Manager to sign for payment to the City of Tavares for promotion, marketing and sponsorship of the event.
other business
appointment to the zoning board
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board appointed Mr. Ted DeWitt to the District 2 seat of the Zoning Board to complete an unexpired four-year term ending January 31, 2015.
addendum 1-IIIa – appointment to the zoning board
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board appointed Mr. Lorenzo G. John Ameri to the District 3 seat of the Zoning Board to complete an unexpired four-year term ending January 31, 2013.
addendum 1-iiib – redistricting map discussion
Mr. Gray recapped that the Board decided to display five maps in the rotunda of the Administration Building as well as at the County and member libraries for the public to view, adding that the public hearing to discuss those maps would be on August 30, 2011. He noted that the Board asked Commr. Parks to bring his additional map back so they could review it and determine whether that map should be submitted as well, so Commr. Parks was submitting two maps that day.
Commr. Campione asked if Commr. Parks had already submitted a map.
Mr. Gray replied that Commr. Parks did submit a map that was approved by the Board and it was on display for public comment.
Commr. Campione commented that Commr. Parks now had three maps that he was presenting and felt that he should limit it to one map to be fair to the other Board members since they each only submitted one.
Commr. Parks stated that he had no problem keeping the current five maps on display for the public; however, he wanted to explain what happened at last week’s meeting and the two maps he was submitting that day. He noted that since he was not at the August 2, 2011 meeting, he was not aware that they needed to submit each of their maps before the August 9, 2011 meeting. He added that he was under the impression that they would have a workshop setting to discuss each of the maps and to make any changes. He then discussed the maps submitted that day, noting that Version 5 was Commr. Hill’s map, but with a change of moving about 1,500 residents from District 1 into District 2, and Version 6 was the same map already submitted, but with some minor changes to the percentages of residents. He then asked whether the Board would be able to make any minor adjustments to the map that was ultimately approved at the public hearing.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the five maps currently on display were a good representation of what the Board wanted to present and added that they were asking for public input, so if the public did come up with a better idea, the Board should definitely consider that.
Commr. Campione commented that this was the Board’s chance to hear comments from the public, so they should be receptive to that.
Commr. Parks noted that he was comfortable with that and thought they should leave the maps as is.
The Board reached a consensus to keep the original five maps that were currently on display for public comment.
reports – county manager
astatula city council meeting
Mr. Gray reported that he and Mr. John Jolliff, Public Safety Director, attended the Astatula City Council meeting on Monday, August 8, 2011 to assure the Council that they would not be moving the County’s fire maintenance facility station until a fire station was in place. He added that they planned on including the Council in the process of finding locations for the new station.
Commr. Campione asked what the target date was for getting a station in place.
Mr. Gray stated that they were looking at a couple locations for a short term solution, but they would end up building a permanent facility in Astatula. He noted that they would bring their recommendations to the Board in a couple months.
reports – commissioner parks – district 2
veterans’ memorial at fountain park
Commr. Parks reported receiving an invitation to the Veterans’ Memorial at Fountain Park in Leesburg on September 11, 2011 and mentioned that he would be attending.
Commr. Conner commented that he was attending a ceremony at Arlington Ridge that same day, and he was hoping they would stagger the times of that ceremony so he could attend both.
lake minneola high school safety concerns
Commr. Parks noted that he had received many phone calls from concerned parents regarding the safety of their children when walking to Lake Minneola High School from nearby neighborhoods, adding that a lot of the students had to cross Turkey Farms Road to get to the school. He stated that the School Board created a temporary solution of shuttling those students to the school, but he wanted to work with Mr. Tod Howard, School Board member, to acquire a right of way for the sidewalk on Turkey Farms Road.
Commr. Campione asked what the status was of getting the right of way.
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, explained that there were a couple parcels that were missing pavements on the edge of the right of way so there was not enough room for a sidewalk. He added that there were some slope issues as well, and there was a lot of cost associated with a sidewalk. He noted that he asked the Chairman of the School Board to provide him with the cost of using a bus to shuttle the students so they could compare each cost.
Commr. Campione asked whether the School Board would help contribute to the cost of the construction of the sidewalk or if that was the County’s responsibility.
Mr. Stivender stated that local government would provide the infrastructure for access to the school.
Commr. Campione opined that the County and the School Board should be working together on those types of issues, adding that the sidewalk should have been included in the overall price of the site. She expressed that she would like to see the cost comparison of using a shuttle as opposed to acquiring the right of way and building the sidewalk.
Mr. Stivender responded that he would have that information within a couple of days and noted that the State would not pay for the bus service, so that could possibly be an issue.
Commr. Campione asked if they could apply for safe access grants to help with the cost.
Mr. Stivender stated that they had been working with the School Board on applying for that grant for a couple of sites.
Mr. Gray related that there would be a joint meeting with the School Board at Lake Minneola High School on August 30, 2011, and that item was on the agenda to be discussed.
waterstar training program
Commr. Parks pointed out that a representative with the St. Johns River Water Management District was at the meeting in regards to the consent agenda item concerning the funding for the WaterStar training program. He thanked the individual for attending and added that the program would allow for builders in Lake County to become WaterStar certified.
summit greens issue
Commr. Parks commented that he made the decision to approve the traffic signal for the Summit Greens community because he thought there was a representation from the Homeowners’ Association (HOA). He added that he was unsure what needed to be done at that point, but thought they should directly speak to the HOA for clarity.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
constitution week proclamation
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2011-113 declaring September 17th through September 23rd, 2011 as Constitution Week.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER campione – VICE CHAIRMAN & DISTRICT 4
osprey lodge ceremony
Commr. Campione reminded the Board of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Osprey Lodge, which would be held at the Tavares City Hall on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5
ellis acres ceremony
Commr. Cadwell reminded the Board of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Ellis Acres on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
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JENNIFER hill, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK