A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
april 5, 2016
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in
regular session on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 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: Sean Parks, Chairman; Welton
G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; Timothy I. Sullivan; Jimmy Conner; and Leslie
Campione. Others present were: David Heath, County Manager; Melanie Marsh,
County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s
Office; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Kristy Mullane, Chief Deputy Clerk, County
Finance; and Angela Harrold, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Pastor Rick Fountain from the First Baptist Church of Tavares gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda update
Mr. David Heath, County Manager, stated that they did not add anything to the agenda, but he recommended that the Commissioners stay down from the dais after the employee awards for the presentation of the proclamations in Tabs 2, 3, and 4 before coming back up to the dais to proceed with public comment.
Commr. Cadwell related that he would give the Board an update on the Hickory Point volleyball locker-room facility, although it will not require action at this meeting.
MINUTE APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Sullivan, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of February 16, 2016 (Regular Meeting) and March 1, 2016 (Regular Meeting) as presented.
employee awards
Mr. Robert Anderson, Human Resources Director, recognized employees who have reached significant milestones in their career with Lake County, as follows:
FIVE YEARS
Elissa Allison, Library Assistant I
Public Resources/Library Services
Division/Cooper LSCC Library
Gregory Lane, Equipment Operator III
Public Works/Road Operations
Division/Maintenance Area I (Leesburg)
Aaron Taylor, Library Assistant I
Public Resources/Library Services
Division/Cooper LSCC Library
Benjamin Vacarelli, Firefighter/EMT (not
present)
Public Safety/Fire Rescue Division
TEN YEARS
Robert Fickett, Fire Lieutenant/EMT (not
present)
Public Safety/Fire Rescue Division
Karen Gouker, Office Associate IV
Public Resources/Library Services Division
Zoraida Lopez, Scales Attendant I (not present)
Public Works/Solid Waste Division
Dwayne Turner, Sign & Striping Technician
I (not present)
Public Works/Engineering Division/Traffic
Operations
FIFTEEN YEARS
Cynthia McManus, Office Associate I (not
present)
Fiscal & Administrative
Services/Procurement Services Division/Document Services
THIRTY YEARS
Kenton Tombow, Field Inspector (not present)
Public Works/Solid Waste Division
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER - 1st Quarter FY2016
Mr. Anderson presented the employee of the quarter award
for the first quarter of FY 2016 to Brandon
Barnett, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Administrator, in the Information
Technology/Programming & Application Support Division. He specified that Mr. Barnett has provided
exceptional service to County GIS users, collaborating on projects to upgrade
systems and helping to move several GIS users to a new system, which has
resulted in significantly reduced or eliminated downtime many GIS users had
experienced. He commented that Mr.
Barnett provides excellent customer service to the County’s internal
departments as well and displays creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication on
a daily basis. He thanked Mr. Barnett
for his commitment to the County.
SUPERVISOR OF THE QUARTER - 1ST Quarter FY2016
Mr. Anderson presented the Supervisor of the Quarter award to Deborah Kohler, Permitting Supervisor, Economic Growth/Building Services Division, noting that Ms. Kohler’s approach to leadership is what makes her a successful supervisor and that she leads by example and tackles the tough problems. He added that she has high standards and challenging goals and works as a team leader to reach those goals. He also commented that she takes a calm, precise approach when tackling tough issues.
T.E.A.M. OF THE QUARTER - 1st Quarter FY2016
Mr. Anderson presented the following T.E.A.M. awards of the quarter:
FLEET MANAGEMENT ASE
TEAM
Michael Abbott, Mechanic I
Bryan Campbell, Mechanic I
Timothy Chastain, Mechanic/Welder/Fabricator
George Dehart, Mechanic I
Baltazar Gonzalez, Mechanic I
Larry Higgins, Mechanic I
Ronnie Scarberry, Mechanic I
Richard Sullivan, Mechanic I
Jonathan Vogelius, Mechanic I
Robert Weaver, Mechanic I
Joseph Blackwell, Fleet Management Supervisor
Inshan Edoo, Fleet Management Supervisor
Keith Stevenson, Fleet Management Division
Manager
Mr. Anderson announced that the Fleet Management Division has recently earned the coveted Automotive Service Excellence Blue Seal Certified designation, and he explained that the objective of this nationally-recognized certification is to ensure maximum quality vehicle repair and service. He elaborated that at least 75 percent of the division’s technicians and supervisors must pass rigorous training and testing in multiple areas of mechanical expertise to obtain this prestigious designation. He specified that the team currently holds a total of 71 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, and the Fleet Management Division provides excellence in automotive repair for Lake County through their teamwork and commitment. He thanked those employees for their significant daily contributions to the County.
presentation of proclamations
sommer sports proclamation
Commr. Parks commented that it was his privilege and honor
to be able to present a proclamation to a modern-day pioneer for Lake County sports,
outdoor tourism, and recreation and presented the Sommer Sports Proclamation 2016-28 to Mr. Fred Sommer, reading the
proclamation aloud which detailed the accomplishments of Mr. Sommer.
Mr. Sommers
thanked Commr. Parks and the rest of the Board for their support in putting on
events that have a major impact on the community and thanked the rest of the
community.
surveyors and mappers week proclamation
Commr. Campione presented
Proclamation 2016-27 declaring March 20-26, 2016 as Florida Surveyors and
Mappers Week to some of the surveyors in their county, and she read the
proclamation aloud.
national library week proclamation
Commr. Campione
presented Proclamation 2016-31 recognizing the week of April 10 - 16, 2016, as
National Library Week in Lake County to the members of the Library Advisory
Board, and she read the proclamation aloud.
citizen question and comment period
Ms. Moshe Ramsay, a resident of Clermont, stated that she has gotten 750 signatures on petitions for providing bear-proof trash cans to avoid human and bear interactions. She noted that the residents of Lake County opposed the Florida bear hunt approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) last fall and did not want it to happen again. She expressed concern that the amount of revenue Lake County gains from hunting licenses was the County’s motivation for continuing the hunt. She opined that last fall’s hunt was a failure of the FWC’s policy, and it was time to do the right thing for the citizens of their county and to make the interests of animal rights a priority.
Ms. Mary Stack, a resident of Maitland, noted that although wildlife biologists estimated in 2002 the number of bears had risen to 3,000, the Florida Black Bears were on the impaired list until 2012, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission approved bear hunts in Florida after four bear attacks tied to unsecured trash cans. She opined that the Florida bear hunt portrayed by the FWC as a science-based, conservative, and well-regulated policy to manage the black bear population was none of these, and the human population is invasive on the bears and other native species of Central Florida, since most interactions between humans and bears occur near populated areas. She commented that having permanently destroyed the bears’ natural habitat, people expect the bears to live within the areas that they have confined for them. She stated that the FWC indicates that the bear hunts are necessary to reduce the incidence of problem bears, while those conflicts are due to human negligence. She opined that indiscriminate hunting is not likely to reduce conflicts, and the bears which hunters are killing are not the bears likely to be causing a nuisance since the hunting is not done on the edges of communities. She also pointed out that many bear cubs were left orphaned, inexperienced at foraging, and likely to be attracted to human food, which increases the problem that FWC seeks to solve. She concluded that there is no justification for killing bears, which serve an important ecological function and deserve their protection, and they need to educate their citizens and provide a safe habitat for them to live.
Ms. Katrina Shadix, a resident of Oviedo, recalled her time spent living in Central Florida and stated she supports legal and sustainable hunting in the area. She noted that she lives on 10 acres that is home to many types of livestock and wildlife, adding that she has never lost livestock to the predatory animals that share the property. She pointed out that there are less than 4,000 Florida Black Bears in the world, and she is opposed to the bear hunts in Florida. She stated that she frequents many state parks and enjoys the outdoors and hunting but is against hunting in state parks. She remarked that she has a family member who is an avid hunter, and he is opposed to hunting endangered and threatened animals as well as the hunting of Florida Black Bears. She reported that many hunters in the area are leaving the state to hunt elsewhere until the legalization to hunt Florida Black Bears is lifted. She stated that over 22 percent of the bears killed in the 2015 bear hunts were lactating females, and over 76 percent of the bears killed were on private land. She opined that there is no oversight to hunting on private land, which leads to illegal hunting and also led to an inaccuracy of reported hunting numbers, because private land hunting does not have to report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. She reported that residents in the area are refusing to renew hunting and fishing licenses, and there are petitions around the world pledging not to vacation in Florida until the bear hunting is called off. She opined that the Florida Black Bear is an iconic animal and added that 98 percent of residents opposed the hunting according to alleged FWC documents. She stated that the hunters that killed bears in the bear hunt did not respect ethics or laws, because real hunters respect wildlife and have a genuine concern for the balance and welfare of the ecosystems where they hunt. She commented that the Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act was being reviewed by the Florida Senate, which would give local governments funds if passed to provide bear-proof trashcans to its residents that are expected to greatly reduce bear and human interactions. She requested that a County resolution be brought forward by the Board to oppose the bear hunt.
Jill Rosolek, a resident of Eustis, stated that she has owned property in Lake County for 18 years and moved to the County for the natural, rural setting. She requested that the Board consider a resolution to urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to reinstate the ban on hunting Florida Black Bears and an ordinance that would improve waste management practices and require residences and businesses located in areas of high bear volume to use bear-proof trash receptacles. She reported that on trash day in her community there is often trash on the ground from the bears getting into the trash cans. She stated there had been 24-hour bear-proof trash receptacles installed at the local collection site in her area, but they were used improperly and then removed. She presented photos to the Board of the receptacles in her community. She opined that non-lethal techniques, community education, proper waste management practices and the availability of bear-proof trash containers are viable and sustainable answers to reduce bear and human interaction.
Ms. Irene O’Malley, a resident of Eustis and Executive Director of Lake Cares Food Pantry, noted that according to BeFreeLake.org the number of families living in Lake County at the poverty level in 2009 was 12.5 percent with that number increasing to 17 percent in 2013. She pointed out that was a 4.5 percent increase in a short amount of time. She stated that in 2015 Lake Cares Food Pantry experienced a 27 percent increase in the number of individuals that were served to over 25,000 people in total. She believes things in the County are getting better, but the jobs being posted are low paying jobs and opined that affordable housing is hard to find in Lake County. She stated that because of this, many families are struggling to make ends meet. She stated she attended a luncheon with the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition where Dr. Donna Beegle spoke about her journey from 28 years of homelessness to obtaining her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. She stated that while listening to Dr. Beegle she heard struggles and points of view that she had not thought about previously, such as that young children living in poverty do not think about what they want to be when they grow up; they think about where their food will come from the next day, where they are going to live or if there will be electricity for them to do their homework by. She noted that she wanted everyone to be able to hear Dr. Beegle’s important message and invited the Board to attend the function where Dr. Beegle will be speaking at Lake Receptions on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 5:30 PM through sponsorship with the Harper Family Charitable Foundation.
Mr. David Serdar, a concerned resident of Fruitland Park, spoke on the removal of cigarette butt litter in Lake County.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Sullivan, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 8, as follows:
List of Warrants
Request to acknowledge receipt of the list of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136.06 (1) 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 Minneola’s Mountain Properties CRA Annual Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Minneola’s Mountain Properties CRA Annual Report showing that it has received $0 in revenues for FY 2014 and $6,200.81 in revenues for FY 2015. It also states that the CRA had no expenditures, and the City of Minneola’s general fund incurred $6,000 in expenditures in FY 2014 and $6,892.25 in expenditures in 2015 on behalf of the CRA.
City of Minneola’s Downtown CRA Annual Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Minneola’s Downtown CRA Annual Report showing that it has received $34,024.48 in revenues for FY 2014 and $177,486.40 in revenues for FY 2015. It also states that the CRA had no expenditures, and the City of Minneola’s general fund incurred $33,329.33 in expenditures in FY 2014 and $6,892.25 in expenditures in 2015 on behalf of the CRA.
Inspector General Report BCC-139 Fixed Asset Verification – Fire Rescue Division
Request to acknowledge receipt of Inspector General Report BCC-139 Fixed Asset Verification – Fire Rescue Division
Inspector General Report BCC-141 Audit of Building Services
Request to acknowledge receipt of Inspector General Report BCC-141 Audit of Building Services
Ordinance 2015-23, City of Tavares
Request to acknowledge receipt of Ordinance 2015-23 from the City of Tavares amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares by annexing approximately 6.02 acres of non-contiguous property known as Three Palms Mobile Home Park located on the north side of Old US Hwy 441, 325 feet west of the intersection with David Walker Drive - this represents 30 dwelling units.
Ordinances Amending City Boundaries, Fruitland Park
Request to acknowledge receipt of certified copies of Ordinances from the City of Fruitland Park, both of which amend the boundaries of the City, as follows:
Ordinance 2016-002 includes within the city limits approximately 63.89 acres of land generally located east of US Highway 27/441 and west of Picciola Road.
Ordinance 2016-003 includes within the city limits approximately .96 acres of land generally located north of CR 466A and east of Micro Racetrack Road.
Before the Florida Public Service Commission, Amending Order No. PSC-16-0084-WS
Request to acknowledge receipt of Before the Florida Public Service Commission: Consummating Order issued March 18, 2016 which amends Order No. PSC-16-0084-WS issued February 22, 2016, regarding Docket No. 150260-WS, subject to a Petition for Formal Proceeding as provided in Rule 25-22.029, Florida Administrative Code.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 6 through 29 as follows:
Proclamations:
Request approval of Proclamation 2016-35 proclaiming April 2016 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, per Commissioner Cadwell.
Request for approval of Water Conservation Month Proclamation 2016-36, per Commissioner Parks.
Request approval of Proclamation 2016-37 proclaiming the month of May as Law Enforcement Month, per Commissioner Sullivan.
Community Services
Request execution of the attached contract modification confirming purchase of Route Shout software from RouteMatch Software, Inc. under Contract 08-0612 to support efficiencies within the Lake County Transit system. The fiscal impact is $43,140, and is fully grant-funded.
Request approval and signature on the Facilities Agreement with the Florida Department of Health in Lake County and LifeStream Behavioral Center, Inc. for Use of Umatilla Health Center. There is no fiscal impact.
Request approval of the Fiscal Year FY 2013-2014 and FY 2014-2015 Mid-Year State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Report. There is no fiscal impact.
County Attorney
Request approval for the County Attorney to execute the Stipulated Final Judgment in Court Case No. 2014-CA-002260, Lake County vs. Sunny Ct Fruitland Park, et al., (Parcel Number: FP54) for needed right of way on the CR 466A Road Project. The total settlement for approval is $19,666.50. A good faith estimate deposit was made with the Court per the Stipulated Order of Taking in the amount of $2,250.00; therefore, the fiscal impact at this time is $17,416.50 (Expenditure). Commission District 5
Request approval of Worker’s Compensation claim settlement in the amount of $85,000.00 for Frank Carattini. The fiscal impact is $85,000.00 (Expenditure).
Economic Growth
Request approval to sponsor the 20th Annual Leesburg Bikefest for $40,000. The fiscal impact is $40,000 (TDT expenditure). Commission District 3
Facilities Development and Management
Request approval to award contract 16-0408, Preventative Maintenance and Repair Services of Overhead Doors and Automatic Door Openers to D. H. Pace Door Services of Orlando (Orlando, FL). The estimated annual fiscal impact is $40,000 (Expenditure).
Fiscal and Administrative Services
It is recommended that the Board (1) declare the items on the attached list surplus to County needs, (2) authorize the removal of all of the items on the attached list from the County’s official fixed asset inventory system records, and (3) authorize the Procurement Manager to execute any required title documents.
Public Resources
Request approval to award term and supply agreements to fourteen (14) vendors for various on-call maintenance services at County parks and authorize the procurement office to execute all implementing documentation. The estimated annual fiscal impact is $200,000 (Expenditure).
Public Safety
Request approval of: (1) the integration of the Lake EMS technology equipment and infrastructure into Lake County Public Safety Communications Technologies, (2) the purchase the necessary equipment through Motorola Solutions for the integration of same, (3) the associated Unanticipated Revenue Resolution 2016-38, and (4) Authorize staff to complete all necessary paperwork and related budget adjustments. Total cost not to exceed $10,282. There is no fiscal impact due to transfer of Lake EMS funds.
Public Works
Request approval to award the CR-466A Phase I (Sunny Court to US Highway 27/441) Project No. 2016-02, Bid No. 16-0017, FM No. 430253, Tracking No. SDY03008, to CW Roberts Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $3,237,561.49. Also, request approval of the Unanticipated Revenue Resolution 2016-39 to amend the budget. Commission District 5
Request approval and adoption of the Resolution 2016-40
(Exhibit C) & Execution of the Transportation Economic Development
Transportation Project fund (General Appropriations Act, Chapter 2015-232)
Agreement to Acquire Right of Way for the four-lane divided urban roadway at
Citrus Grove Road Phase 2 (from US 27 to Grassy Lake Road) with the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the amount of $1,000,000. (FM#435541-2-44-01). The
fiscal impact is $1,000,000 (100% Grant Funding).
Commissioner District 2
Request approval of the Resolution 2016-41 & Execution of the Economic Development Transportation Project fund Agreement (General Appropriation Act, Chapter 2015-232) for Right of Way Acquisition Phase 3 of the widening of County Road 466A with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the amount of $2,500,000. FM# 430253-3-44-01. The fiscal impact is $2,500,000 (100% Grant Funding). Commissioner District 5
Request approval to execute Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Minneola for Drainage Improvements to Grassy Lake Road and East Chester Street and expend $66,702.00 from the County Transportation Fund ($33,351.00 to be funded by the City of Minneola). Commission District 2
Request approval and signature of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) Amendment No. 1, amending Mosquito Control State Funds transferring $1,000.00 from Travel & Per Diem (Line Item 40) into Printing and Binding (Line Item 47) for the printing of updated Mosquito Management informational pamphlets/Inspection Reports and door hangers. There is no fiscal impact.
Request approval for Chairman's signature on Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreements with the following municipalities: Town of Astatula, City of Clermont, City of Eustis, City of Fruitland Park, Town of Lady Lake, City of Mascotte, City of Minneola, City of Mount Dora, City of Tavares, and City of Umatilla. The fiscal impact is $278,165.53 (Revenue). Commission districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Request approval and signature on Resolution 2016-42 authorizing the posting of “No Standing, No Stopping, No Drop Off" signs on Treadway School Road (5335) in the area of Treadway Elementary School in the Leesburg area, Section 11 & 14, Township 19, Range 25. There is no fiscal impact. Commissioner District 3
Request approval and signature on Resolution 2016-43 authorizing the reduction of the speed limit from 55 MPH to 50 MPH on the CR 561 (0634) from 300 feet south of Rolling Hills Road, north to the start of the 35 MPH zone, approximately 2.5 miles north of Pine Island Road/ Log House Road, in the Clermont area, Section 11, Township 23, Range 25. There is no fiscal impact. Commission District 1
Request approval and signature on Resolution 2016-44 authorizing the reducing of the speed limit from 35 MPH to 25 MPH on Merry Road (4455) between David Walker Drive and Bracknell Forest Trail, in the Eustis area, Section 27, Township 19, Range 26. There is no fiscal impact. Commission District 3
Request approval and signature on Resolution 2016-45 adjusting various speed limits to a consistent speed limit of 50 MPH on CR 44 (6068) and CR 44A (6286), from SR 19 to just west of Estes Road, in the Eustis area,. Section 36, Township 18, Range 27, Section 1, Township 19, Range 26 and Section 5 & 6, Township 19, Range 27. There is no fiscal impact. Commission District 4
Request approval and signature of Resolution 2016-46 authorizing the installation of the "STOP" signs on Bougainvillea Avenue (8993) at its intersection with Myrtle Street (private road), in the Lake Kathryn area, Section 14, Township 17, Range 28. There is no fiscal impact. Commissioner District 5
public hearings
mid-year Budget Amendment FY 2016
Mr. Steve Koontz, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the mid-year budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2016 which provided the opportunity to reconcile and make adjustments based on the audited fund balances and some unforeseen changes. He stated the supplemental budget would be $357.38 million with the grant adjustments done previously in March 2016 and the mid-year changes. He gave a summary of the changes starting with the general fund noting that it would rise to $10.29 million, making it 8 percent of operating expenses. He stated that within the general fund there were changes due to a slight decrease in property taxes which caused the ad valorem revenues to be adjusted, and there were adjustments made for Public Safety litigation payments. He said there were also realignments with the Sheriff’s Lake Tech administrative services and other law enforcement contracts which occur after the initial approval of the budget. He noted that other administrative corrections had been made for the adjustment as well. He stated that the County Transportation Trust Fund, Public Works Infrastructure Sales Tax Projects, and Infrastructure Sales Tax Capital Projects were also adjusted due to what was projected versus actual expenditures. He reported that there is a staffing request in both the Building Services and Procurement Services Departments. He explained that in Building Services, the inspections have gone up since 2012 and the increased activity has made it difficult to issue permits in a timely manner. He stated that the request is to add five additional positions to address the workload issues and allow the department to meet a goal of issuing permits in three days or less 90 percent of the time. He specified that the Building Services reserves and current revenues support the additional staff, which would be a fiscal impact of $188,815, vehicle and equipment included. He explained that in Procurement Services, there is a need for a Procurement Supervisor position due to increased activity in purchase orders, formal actions and term and supply contracts. He stated this position would help distribute the increased workload, provide more oversight and provide for a succession plan, and the fiscal impact of this additional position would be $42,001. He asked the Board to approve the amended budget for FY 2016, approval of the resolution for the supplemental budget of $357,378,289 and also approval on the six new full time employee positions as outlined.
Commr. Campione asked what comprised the $10.29 million mid-year changes.
Mr. Koontz stated that the majority comes from the fund balance changes which were expenses being lower or revenues coming in higher than projected, with the majority of that money being moved into projects or reserves. He noted that the reserves went up from 7.6 percent to 8 percent which is a $600,000 increase.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
There being no one who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Campione asked to have the grant adjustment clarified.
Mr. Koontz replied that was reconciling what was projected for grant funding versus what the actual grant distributions were.
On a motion by Commr. Sullivan, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Resolution 2016-47 approving a supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2016.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
The Chairman called recess at 10:04 a.m. for 10 minutes.
work sessions
budget workshop – mission, goals and objectives
Ms. Kelly Lafollette, Communications Director, presented to the Board an update to the mission, goals and objectives. She gave a brief background stating that the current mission, focus, values, goals and objective were adopted by the Board on January 18, 2008; they are intended to be used throughout the organization as a guiding principal for all decisions; and they aid departments in developing performance measures. She stated that during the January 12, 2016 Board Workshop, Commr. Campione requested a review of the County’s mission, goals and objectives, and since that time the staff has worked with her on the updates. She explained that the current mission is: to provide excellence in service; the vision is for Lake County to offer an unsurpassed quality of life for its citizens; and the values are diversity, innovation, excellent service, integrity, accountability, professionalism and team work. She listed that the current eight goals were for Lake County to be a high-performance organization, a leader in multi-jurisdictional cooperation, to have a strong and diversified economy, to offer a quality and reliable transportation network in a multi-modal system, to provide social services to those in need throughout the entire county, to preserve environmental resources, to have urban development which is well-planned and implemented, and to have an esthetically pleasing and well-designed appearance. She stated that the proposed update to the mission was to provide exceptional service, enhance and protect the quality of life for all Lake County citizens, facilitate a vibrant economy with an abundance of workforce opportunities, and exercise fiscal responsibility, while using innovative approaches and making well-planned decisions. She noted that the goals were consolidated into seven key focus areas consisting of public safety, the economy, transportation, customer service, quality of life, residential and commercial development, and community services. She added that each goal has several objectives that accompany them, and she read through all of the objectives for each of the seven goals. She stated that next steps were for the Board to provide feedback, the departments to incorporate the goals and objectives into their performance measures, and consideration of the Mission, Goals and Objective being part of the final budget hearing that will occur in September 2016.
Commr. Parks asked the Board if the changes were reflective of what was discussed at the Board Workshop in January 2016.
Commr. Cadwell opined that these are real goals presented well and mentioned just about everything that was discussed. He suggested that this same presentation be given when the budget wrap up occurs to ensure that it matches the budget before deliberation.
Commr. Campione stated the hope was to expand the goals, to show the key areas the Board is trying to achieve, and to recognize that there is work to be done, adding that the Mission, Goals and Objectives is how the County achieves those goals, which is an exceptional quality of life in a cost feasible way. She stated that this can be used as a map to ensure the Board and County are on the right track.
Commr. Parks stated that every good corporation updates their mission, goals and objectives, and he feels as though that translates to the County.
Commr. Conner opined that the staff has done a good job led by good leaders in the organization and works to fill any need that arises.
Commr. Sullivan stated that goals and objectives cannot be too specific, and he opined that the presentation did a good job of that while also addressing priorities. He stated that these should be driving the budget and show where the focus should be in the upcoming budget discussions.
Commr. Parks stated that it was very reflective of what was discussed in the Board retreat mentioning the utility needs, the complete streets, and the enhanced quality of life, all while being fiscally responsible.
budget overview workshop fiscal year 2017
Mr. Koontz presented a budget overview for FY 2017 as a lead in to the department workshops taking place over the coming weeks. He gave a brief background presenting a list of the five millage rates that the Board votes on in September of each year, which were presented to the Board in February. He stated that the general fund millage is being projected at the roll back rate to limit new revenues to new construction only. He noted that there may be a proposal to the Board to lower the Public Lands Voted Debt Millage slightly, but that would be determined on the property value and ensuring that there is adequate debt service coverage. He commented that the millages for Parks and Stormwater, Fire Rescue and Lake County Ambulance will all remain at the same level as Fiscal Year 2016. He stated that the County general fund departments have been asked to maintain their current budget, there is always a look out for cost reductions and efficiencies, capital needs will be addressed where feasible, and the departments with alternative funding and grants will be reviewed to address the levels of service that can be accomplished based on the funding.
Mr. Koontz stated that the priorities for Community Services are to increase human services grant funding, the inclusion of funding for the Health Department Building and to increase funding to LifeStream Behavioral Center. He noted that the priorities for Parks and Trails will be to continue to move forward with the development of South Lake Regional Park, make additional improvements to East Lake and North Lake Parks, and to maintain the current levels of service for operations and maintenance. He listed the priorities for the Public Works Department as maintaining current levels of Countywide service in the Solid Waste Division, completing a Solid Waste assessment, leverage grant funding to continue 466A and Citrus Grove Road projects and continue to expand sidewalks into the needed areas and repair existing sidewalks. He noted that Public Safety priorities are increasing the level of service through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and moving current Basic Life Support (BLS) stations to Advanced Life Support (ALS), reviewing the fire assessment, and impact fee funding for the acquisition and design of the new Seminole Springs and Lake Yale fire stations. He added that other priorities will be funding for the Lake County Spay and Neuter Rebate Program for FY 2017, support for the Keep Lake Beautiful Program, review of the Employee Salary Study, reorganization of the Information Technology Department, evaluation of the Health Benefits Fund and consideration for the new employee medical clinic. He stated that other budget items include the Florida Retirement System rates, employee health insurance, and allocation of internal service charges and that raises for employees have not been included in the department budgets. He added that preliminary property values and the Constitutional budgets are due June 1, 2016, with the exception of the Tax Collector budget which is due August 1, 2016. He went over the presentation template that each department will use as well as the dates for each department presentation.
community services department budget workshop
Ms. Dottie Keedy, Community Services Director, presented the Community Services Department Budget Workshop to the Board by stating the purpose of the presentation was to provide the Board with an overview of the Community Services Department’s operations and proposed budget for FY 2017. She gave the outline of the presentation and showed an image of the department organizational chart, pointing out that the department has 26 full time employees. She stated that the department’s mission statement is to serve as the link between government and the community and to work with numerous partners to improve the quality of life while delivering the highest level of service.
Ms. Allison Thall, Health and Human Services Director, presented to the Board the Health and Human Services Division update starting with the organizational chart, pointing out the division is supported by six full time employees. She stated the division’s mission statement is to serve as advocates and provide information, resources, and assistance to Lake County citizens and agencies through grant opportunities, comprehensive community collaborations and the navigation of financial, health and social benefits. She noted that the level of service for the division is reflected by the number of Lake County residents the division serves, which includes responding to 15,269 phone calls from residents and agencies seeking assistance, assisting 1,338 uninsured and underinsured residents, and serving 6,576 veterans in the office as well as 672 veterans at the VA clinics. She stated that in addition to those services, the Health and Human Services Division also conducted 223 Health Care Responsibility Act eligibility determinations, provided 176 indigent cremations/burials, provided 126 Solid Waste/Fire Assessment Tax Hardship approvals, and distributed 4,098 Resource Directories. She pointed out that through Children’s Services Grants the division has been able to award money to 10 not-for-profit agencies in the amount of $175,761 to serve 4,509 at-risk children and families and awarded $72,500 through Human Services grants to 8 not-for-profit agencies to provide basic needs to 2,710 individuals and elders in crisis. She stated that additional accomplishments are partnerships with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to monitor and analyze the contract with Armor Correctional Health Services for inmate medical care, LifeStream Behavioral Center for the integration of primary care with their existing behavioral health services, and We Care of Lake County for the delivery of comprehensive specialty healthcare. She presented slides showing the benchmarks obtained by the Health and Human Services Division in Medicaid and Veteran Benefits distributions. She reviewed the proposed budget for the division for FY 2017, which is fully funded by the County’s General Fund. She pointed out that the three specific areas that impact the budget the most are Medicaid, the Health Care Responsibility Act and the Florida Department of Health. She commented that the division is hoping to secure an additional $50,000 for the Human Services Grants for 2017 in order to assist an additional 2,000 low-income residents who are experiencing difficulty in consistently supporting their need for shelter, utilities and food. She stated that the Health and Human Services Division also supports a $100,000 increase to support LifeStream Behavioral Center to enhance their core value to provide a full continuum of care to their clients, and these funds may be used in part as a cash match for a $1.9 million grant from the State of Florida for a 10-bed addiction treatment facility.
Ms. Cheryl Howell, Housing and Community Development Manager, presented to the Board an update on the Housing and Community Development Division, noting there are 9 full time employees in the division. She stated the mission statement for the Housing and Community Development Division is to improve the quality of life for Lake County residents through community, housing and economic development opportunities. She noted that the levels of service are that they provided rental and utility deposit assistance to help 67 families access housing, procured emergency repairs on homes for 28 families, provided mobility ramps to five families with physical challenges, replaced five mobile homes for eligible families, replaced or rehabilitated five homes for local families and provided rental subsidies to over 600 families, which adds $335,000 to the local economy. She reported that the housing division received a “High Performer” rating from a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) audit after receiving a 100 percent on the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) score. She stated that the division has maximized the number of families served under Section 8 and also provided Fair Housing Training to over 100 local landlords. She commented that the division completed the Altoona Community Center, partnered with the City of Tavares to complete the Brick Alleyway Project and also partnered with New Beginnings to develop 20 additional transitional housing beds for homeless families. She pointed out that the division has increased the leveraging of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding by 50 percent with Urban County Partnerships, created and implemented the College Outreach Program, and increased Section 8 voucher utilization from 93 percent to 100 percent. She listed important benchmarks pointing out that in the State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP); the division received an additional $500,000 which equaled an additional $29 to eligible households. She stated that the total proposed budget for the Housing and Community Development Division in FY 2017 is $9.9 million, detailing the budgets for CDBG, SHIP and Section 8. She reported that Lake County received a 30 percent increase in housing grant allocations, which includes SHIP, CDBG and Section 8 and that the proposed budget includes the addition of one full-time staff position to support the additional Section 8 and SHIP program activities, adding that the position is 100 percent funded by grant administrative revenues.
Commr Campione asked how the division gets connected with youth for the College Outreach Program and asked if guidance counselors at the local schools were contacted for eligible students to be involved in the program.
Ms. Howell responded that the division has a new Family Self Sufficiency Youth Job Program, and the Housing and Community Development Division is able to assess some of individuals working with the job program. She stated that if they are in the Section 8 program, then an associate is able to connect them to the College Outreach Program. She added that the division does work with the Lake County School District and guidance counselors to find students eligible and interested in the program. She stated that she feels very confident that a lot of residents will be helped through the Family Self Sufficiency Youth Job Program and the College Outreach Program.
Ms. Tomika Monterville, Transit Division Manager, presented to the Board an update on the Public Transit Division and stated that the mission statement for the division is to provide high quality public transportation services to paratransit and transit-dependent riders. She noted that there are five full-time employees on staff in the division. She gave an overview of the levels of service in the transit department, noting the five routes of service as Lady Lake and Eustis via US-441 (Route 1), Leesburg Circulator (Route 2), Eustis to Mount Dora Circulator (Route 3), Altoona to Eustis and Zellwood (Route 4) which connects to Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s Link 104, Orange County’s transit system (LYNX), and Route 50 which connects Mascotte to the Winter Garden Village Shopping Center in Orange County by pairing with LYNX Link 105. She stated that the fare to ride the bus route is $1.00; however, veterans, seniors and disabled riders pay fifty cents and students ride for free. She pointed out that in 2015 there were 307,566 trips taken on the first four fixed routes, and Route 50 was started in December, so she estimated that the count will be higher for 2016 with that route added. She stated that there were 130,373 trips provided through the paratransit service through the Lake County connection service. She presented a map of the County showing the service area, pointing out that it covers the entire central portion of the County. She stated that accomplishments within the division are the implementation of the Route 50 commuter connection, the RouteShout Traveler Application, which is a tool for smartphones that provide real time bus schedule and travel information, and also the installation of American Disabilities Act (ADA) bus-stop pads, benches and shelters countywide. She noted that the shelters are of great importance, because they provide shelter from the heat and rain experienced in Florida, and making them ADA compliant is important to helping the County’s disabled residents as well as gaining grant funding. She pointed out that the division received approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to change the preventive maintenance intervals, explaining that previously this hindered services for the paratransit community, and some fixed-routes, by not having enough vehicles available due to being in service for preventive maintenance and added that incorporating the new proposed maintenance schedule will save up to $40,000 in the next fiscal year. She stated that there is continued improved compliance with FDOT and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in oversight of contractors and sub-contractors and sixteen new replacement paratransit vehicles, and the residents have been happy with those replacements. She presented the benchmarks for the division, pointing out that paratransit trips per capita number will decrease as the fixed-route service area expands to include more rural areas and added that the trips per capita for fixed-routes will also go down because of the increase from seven to nine buses operating at maximum service. She reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017, pointing out the total revenue is estimated at $10,512,396, with expenditures totaling the same amount, noting no increase in the general fund subsidy. She stated that the service enhancement proposed for FY 2017 would be improvements on fixed route service to improve on-time performance and a new Route 1A funded by existing transit grants. She stated there have been significant on-time performance issues with Route 1, and the new Route 1A would correct this delay by 35 to 45 minutes, which would be a one-hour headway connecting to Walmart in Marion County and The Villages Hospital in Sumter County, which are employment generators. She pointed out that if there is not a better on-time performance; residents cannot look at the transit system as reliable enough to be an option for their transit trip. She indicated that there will also be small service enhancements to Route 2 and Route 50 impacting less than 10 percent of the ridership that will enhance the on-time performance in major ways.
Commr. Conner noted that the RouteShout Application is a welcome addition.
Ms. Monterville replied that it makes riding less complicated for the public, adding that there are transit dependent residents who need the transit system, and knowing where the bus is through the RouteShout Application will really help them.
Commr. Sullivan pointed out that 65 percent of the ridership use the service to get to their places of employment.
Ms. Monterville agreed and stated that there will be further evaluation on the impact of the changes and added that the division will be working with the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization to determine what the number of trips with employment impact is in the county. She elaborated that there are an estimated 25,000 people in the Clermont area but there are only an estimated 6,000 jobs being accessed there, and the hope is to implement a service to have more employment opportunities accessed in that area.
Commr. Cadwell noted that having better on-time performance for the fixed route transit will lead to less people depending on paratransit. He pointed out that paratransit is $11.00 per capita where the fixed route is $6.00 per capita and noted there is not a way to track how many people rely on paratransit without a fixed route option available.
Ms. Monterville responded that the number of people could be tracked that transition from paratransit to fixed route transit if they complete the Travel Training program, but there is not a way to determine a number otherwise. She added that a survey could be done if the number of riders goes down to try and gauge how many could have transitioned.
Commr. Parks opined that the fixed-route improvements will be how the system improves and suggested continuing to work with the cities on cost sharing, because the cities have a large stake in the transit system.
Ms. Keedy stated that she and Ms. Monterville plan to visit the cities to make a presentation of services and give information catered to the cities’ ridership and the work being done in the individual cities pertaining to the transit system.
Commr. Parks suggested that the Commissioners go to the presentations being done in their Districts to help the dialogue. He reported that in talking with some residents in the Four Corners area, he learned that working adults would be willing to pay a slightly higher fare for a transit service that runs north to south.
Commr. Cadwell opined that a service route running from north to south would likely need to be completed first before a Leesburg to Clermont service route because of the developmental patterns.
Ms. Keedy agreed, stating that funding is obtained through the use of the transit system in urbanized areas.
Commr. Cadwell pointed out that residents on probation in the re-entry program have a harder time using the transit system if they live in rural areas.
Ms. Monterville stated there are a lot of areas in the county she would like to see gain service, but the key is doing it comprehensively with Public Works to ensure the infrastructure is in place, identifying the locations that are the priority and installing the bus stops that are ADA compliant.
Commr. Campione suggested checking with local retirement communities to find out if the residents would be willing to utilize the bus routes and doing a survey in the neighborhoods to gauge interest.
Commr. Parks pointed out there are many sporting events taking place, specifically in Clermont, and wondered if there was coordination with the new route and transportation to and from the events.
Ms. Monterville replied that providing transportation for a private entity, to and from the sporting events, would essentially be a charter and a deviated fixed route service for a scheduled time, which would have to be bid out to other charter services first before bringing it to the County. She stated, however, that the service hours for LakeXpress could be extended if games ran late, but the County would have to cover that operating cost, and there would be no discounts to the residents.
Ms. Keedy gave a brief summary of the presentation and stated that the estimated departmental budget for FY 2017, revenues and expenditures, is balanced at $30,691,997. She stated that there is a proposed 17.8 percent increase to the Community Services budget for FY 2017 due to an increase in grant funding, there is a decrease of $115,552 in the General Fund portion of the budget, one proposed additional Program Assistant position which is funded by Section 8 and SHIP grant funds, a proposed increase of $50,000 for the Human Services Grant funding and a proposed $100,000 increase in the LifeStream Behavioral funding.
Commr. Cadwell recalled giving out bus passes in the past to grantees to give to residents utilizing programs and suggested adding additional funds; he estimated $5,000 could be set aside to cover the bus passes so that the grantees would not have to take money for those out of grant money. He stated that it would be tied only to service providers who received grants from the Community Services Departments and that it could start with the providers that have contacted him to get an idea of the number of passes needed.
Commr. Campione remarked that before making a decision on the budget it would be effective to get feedback on what the dollar amount would be to fund those bus passes.
Commr. Parks clarified that the $100,000 proposed for LifeStream Behavioral Center was for the 10-bed addiction treatment center.
Ms. Keedy replied that a portion of it would be used as a possible match for the $1.9 million grant funds to complete a 10-bed treatment center.
Commr. Campione asked if there would be a separate workshop pertaining to LifeStream Behavioral Center. She recalled reading that many residents in Lake County need these services but many cannot access them due to funding, and this is something that definitely needs to be reviewed. She opined that it is important that the Board understand what the programs are and the results that are obtained from having the programs available.
Mr. Heath stated that he would like to enlist Mr. John Cherry, CEO at LifeStream Behavioral Health, to be involved in the internal work sessions. He stated that there have been discussions about increasing the funding to LifeStream over a period of years now that the economy is recovering, with this year having funds available for the addiction treatment center.
other business
appointment to Water Safety Advisory Committee
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Sullivan and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Anthony Sabatini to the Water Safety Advisory Committee to serve a two-year term ending April 5, 2018.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Sullivan and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Lynda Hutchinson to the Water Safety Advisory Committee to complete a two-year unexpired term ending January 19, 2018.
appointment to lake emergency medical services
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 Mayor Michael Holland from the City of Eustis to Lake Emergency Medical Services to serve a two-year term ending February 1, 2018.
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 Mr. John Moore, CEO of South Lake Hospital, to serve a two-year term ending February 1, 2018.
reports – commissioner sullivan – district 1
lake county fair
Commr. Sullivan pointed out that the Lake County Fair was starting April 7, 2016 and running through April 16, 2016 and encouraged everyone to attend. He noted that 82,000 people attended the fair in 2015, and there were hopes of setting a new record.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER campione – DISTRICT 4
keep lake beautiful projects
Commr. Campione noted several successful projects that took place through the Keep Lake Beautiful program and was impressed with the participation from the community, noting specifically cleanups on S.R 44A and S.R. 46. She stated that the Groveland Elementary Beautification project was successful, with Cherry Lake Tree Farm donating trees and landscape material for the project and also Niagara Bottling sent volunteers to help with the planting and clean up. She said that she participated in the Blackwater Creek cleanup project with the Lake County Water Authority and U.S. Forest Service, and there were large amounts of trash picked up along the river and road. She added that the Lake County Sheriff would be sending an inmate work detail to the Grand Island area of CR 44 near SR 441 to assist with cleanup in that area.
Commr. Campione commented on the County’s collaboration with the Wildflower Foundation to identify areas to be marked as “Do Not Mow,” because the flowers will not regenerate if the area is mowed too often, so the need for signs and awareness is important. She asked that if an area is spotted that has wildflowers growing that should be preserved, to notify Keep Lake Beautiful.
iso ratings
Commr. Campione noted that she has received phone calls from residents stating they have seen a decrease in their homeowner’s insurance due to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, and she suggested reaching out to the media and all Lake County residents to survey where the reductions are occurring.
groveland four
Commr. Campione commented that she had been working with the County Attorney and speaking with the Florida Clemency Board on the exoneration of the Groveland Four. She reported that the Clemency Board does not posthumously pardon, but the request can be raised by one or more members of the Clemency Board, and then it is possible the exoneration would be reviewed. She added that she will be working with Josh Venkataraman, the University of Florida student who started the process and who worked with Gilbert King, the author of the “Devil in the Grove,” which is a book on the case, to put together a package for the Board and residents who want to reach out to the Clemency Board. She stated that it is also possible that the Board and residents can reach out to Governor Rick Scott and other legislative leaders to ask that the exoneration be reviewed.
Ms. Marsh stated that the last time a Clemency Board reviewed a case was 2010 and it had different members. The current Clemency Board has not considered any cases at this time but she believed that the case reviewed in 2010 was brought to the Clemency Board by people approaching the Governor at the time. She added that there is not an application process at this time.
litter removal
Commr. Campione spoke about making a concerted plan to address the litter in the gateway to Lake County areas. She asked for an update on commercial design criteria. She added that residents were using bear-proof drop off centers as areas to dump garbage, recalling the Pine Lake photo shown during the citizen comment period, and she would like to work on a better way to help the issue of keeping bear and human interaction from happening.
Commr. Cadwell clarified that the bear-proof dumpsters have worked well in all other locations aside from the Pine Lakes location.
canoe launch
Commr. Campione stated that there has been progress on getting the canoe launch placed at the Wekiva River in the most cost efficient way and that updates would be forthcoming.
reports – commissioner cadwell – vice-chairman and district 5
hickory point facilities
Commr. Cadwell gave an update on the restroom and locker room facility for Hickory Point Recreational Facility, stating that the Tourism Development Council (TDC) voted unanimously to move forward with the construction of the facility and wanted clarification that the Board of County Commissioners still wanted to move ahead with the project. He noted that he would be speaking with the Lake County Water Authority in regards to negotiating the agreement on size and placement of the facility. He stated that staff had been reviewing plans, and the estimated size would be 3,500 feet. He added that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and USA Volleyball stated that Lake County could become a premiere destination for tournaments and games with the addition of the facility, and it would impact the local economy positively. He remarked that the facility would be constructed at an estimated cost of $1.3 million, using TDC revenues only.
Mr. Heath stated that there is a schedule in the works to have the facility opened by 2018, and if the Board wanted to move forward there is a consultant ready to come in to get the project started. He added that a quarterly economic update would then be given in May 2016 laying out the economic specifics for the Board to use as a basis for moving forward on the project.
reports – commissioner parks – CHAIRMAN AND district 2
various events
Commr. Parks noted that he attended the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association (FSRA) East District Championship Regatta in Clermont which brought in a lot of visitors and teams that were funding the local economy. He reported that he spoke with many of the visitors and competitors in attendance and noted many of them using the local restaurants and hotels. He opined that keeping this at the forefront of opportunities would be beneficial.
Commr. Parks extended congratulations to Montverde Academy for making it close to the National High School Basketball Championship.
Commr. Parks thanked all of the Commissioners that attended the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) reception that was held at Bella Collina and that a good impression was made to all of the County partners.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:09 p.m.
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sean parks, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK