A regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

March 14, 2023

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., in the County Commission Chambers, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida.  Commissioners present at the meeting were: Kirby Smith, Chairman; Douglas B. Shields, Vice Chairman; Sean Parks; Leslie Campione; and Josh Blake. Others present were: Jennifer Barker, County Manager; David Langley, Assistant County Attorney; Niki Booth, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Gary J. Cooney, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller; Kristy Mullane, Chief Financial Officer; and Stephanie Cash, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION

Pastor James Gardiner, from First Baptist Church of Umatilla, gave the Invocation.

special recognition and pledge of allegiance

Commr. Smith stated that Mr. Frank Klum was a World War II veteran and had turned 100 years old in January 2023.  He related that Mr. Klum would lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and that he would then be recognized with a plaque.

Mr. Klum led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commr. Parks expressed appreciation to Mr. Klum for everything he had done for this country and this community, and said that it was an honor to be with him.

virtual meeting instructions

Mr. Levar Cooper, Director for the Office of Communications, explained that the current meeting was being livestreamed on the County website and was also being made available through Zoom Webinar for members of the public who wished to provide comments during the Citizen Question and Comment Period later in the agenda.  He elaborated that anyone watching though the livestream who wished to participate could follow the directions currently being broadcast through the stream; furthermore, he relayed that during the Citizen Question and Comment Period, anyone who had joined the webinar via their phone could press *9 to virtually raise their hand, and anyone participating online could click the raise hand button to identify that they wished to speak.  He said that when it was time for public comment, he would read the person’s name or phone number, unmute the appropriate line, and the speaker would be asked to provide comments.  He added that everyone would have three minutes to speak, and after three minutes an alarm would sound to let them know that their time was up.  He added that they previously notified the public that comments could be emailed through 5:00 p.m. on the previous day, and those comments were shared with the Board prior to the meeting.  He stated that anyone wishing to provide written comments during the meeting could visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/commissionmeeting, noting that comments sent during this meeting would be shared with the Commission after the meeting was concluded.

employee awards 

Ms. Jeannine Nelson, Human Resources and Risk Management Manager, announced that they would be recognizing employees who had reached significant milestones in their careers with Lake County, as follows:

FIVE YEARS

Anthony Borremans, Firefighter/Paramedic

Office of Fire Rescue

 

Joseph Maleski, Firefighter/Paramedic

Office of Fire Rescue

 

Justin Scribner, Firefighter/Paramedic

Office of Fire Rescue

 

Isaura Suarez, Program Associate

Office of Housing & Community Services

 

FIFTEEN YEARS

Matthew Einhorn, Firefighter/EMT

Office of Fire Rescue

 

TWENTY YEARS

Richard Sullivan, Mechanic II

Office of Fleet Management

 

RETIREMENT – 34 YEARS

Cindy Heffler, Assessment & Customer Service Supervisor

Public Works Department

 

Ms. Mary Hamilton, Operations Director for the Public Works Department, recalled that Ms. Heffler began her career with the County in April 1988 and had done much good in the Public Works Department in Solid Waste as a contract specialist, program specialist, and assessment specialist, and that Ms. Heffler had been the Assessment and Customer Service Supervisor since 1994.  She commented that Ms. Heffler had been instrumental in the transition to the new hauler contracts in 2014 and had assisted in the yearly solid waste assessment renewals, opining that she would be greatly missed.  She related that Ms. Heffler planned to travel and do volunteer work, and she congratulated Ms. Heffler on her retirement from nearly 35 years of service.

Commr. Smith added that Mr. Maleski had finished his paramedic training and passed the test, and he congratulated him.

Agenda update

Ms. Jennifer Barker, County Manager, requested that Tab 11 be pulled, which was the agenda item to advertise an ordinance for a moratorium, and noted that it would be placed on the March 28, 2023 Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting agenda.

Commr. Campione arrived at 9:10 a.m.

Minutes approval

On a motion by Commr. Blake, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the minutes for the BCC meetings of January 24, 2023 (Regular Meeting), January 25, 2023 (Special Meeting), and February 6, 2023 (Special Meeting) as presented.

citizen question and comment period

No one wished to address the Board at this time.

PROCLAMATION 2023-23 Transit Driver Appreciation day

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Proclamation 2023-23 designating March 18, 2023 as Transit Driver Appreciation Day.

Commr. Campione commented that she had attended the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB) meeting on the previous day, and that during the public comment period, a resident who was legally blind said that she had used paratransit to attend the meeting and expressed appreciation for the service.  She related that this resident had no other way to carry on with her responsibilities and duties without having someone pick her up and take her, and that this resident thanked her driver every day when using paratransit and wanted to let everyone else know how much this service meant to her.

Ms. Jill Brown, Director for the Office of Transit Services, expressed appreciation to the Board for approving the proclamation and to their transit drivers for their hard work providing safe transportation to those in need, and she introduced Mr. Rickey Mack, with RATP Dev USA.

Mr. Mack expressed appreciation for this proclamation honoring their bus operators, and opined that they were hard working and truly passionate about transporting their passengers.  He also opined that they knew the importance of this job and how much the service they provided meant to the passengers that used this service.  He expressed appreciation for the staff at the Office of Transit Services for their continued support and professionalism, and said that together they identified and safely met the mobility needs of Lake County residents.  He stated that they looked forward to many more years of providing safe, courteous, and dependable service to the residents of Lake County.

Commr. Shields read and presented Proclamation 2023-23 to Mr. Mack.

proclamation 2023-24 Florida Surveyors and Mappers Week

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Proclamation 2023-24 declaring March 19-25, 2023 as Florida Surveyors and Mappers Week.

Commr. Campione remarked that she was also an attorney whose practice involved real property laws, and that they relied heavily on the help of surveyors to make possible the buying and selling of real property, which was an integral part of private property rights enjoyed in the United States (U.S.).  She then read and presented Proclamation 2023-24 to a group of surveyors.

CLERK OF the Circuit COURT and comptroller’s CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Blake, seconded by Commr. Shields and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 3, as follows:

List of Warrants

Notice is hereby provided 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 Eustis Annexation Ordinances

Notice is hereby provided of having received Annexation Ordinance 23-01, corresponding Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Ordinance 23-02, and corresponding Design District Designation Ordinance 23-03 from the City of Eustis.

Lake County’s Semi-Annual Investment Report

Lake County’s Semi-Annual Investment Report of December 31, 2022 is hereby provided.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Shields and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Consent Agenda, Tabs 5 through 19, and pulling Tab 11, as follows:

PROCLAMATIONS

Recommend approval of the Irish American Heritage Month Proclamation 2023-5.

Recommend approval of Proclamation 2023-22 designating March 2023, as National Procurement Month in Lake County.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Recommend approval of the Supervisor of Elections request for precinct changes.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Procurement Services

Recommend approval to declare items as surplus and authorization for removal from the County's fixed asset inventory record. The fiscal impact (revenue) cannot be determined at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Emergency Management

Recommend approval:

1. Of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Lake County's continued participation in the Orlando Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI); and

2. To authorize the Chairman to execute the MOA; and

3. To designate the Office of Emergency Management Director as the primary representative for Lake County to the UASI Working Group; and

4. To authorize the County Manager to execute any future no-cost amendments or modifications to the MOA.

There is no fiscal impact.

Emergency Medical Services

Recommend approval to advertise a public hearing for issuing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Riteway BLS Services, INC.

PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Facilities Management

Recommend approval of a budget transfer in the amount of $73,700 from Facilities Jail Maintenance Repair/Maintenance to Facilities Jail Maintenance Improvements Other than Buildings to install a fence at the Lake County Detention Center and to replace a gate at the Sheriff's Administration Building.

Fleet Management

Recommend approval:

1. To utilize Florida Sheriffs Association Contract FSA20-EQU18.0 Heavy Equipment, Contract FSA22-VEH20.0 Heavy Trucks and Buses, and Contract FSA22-VEL30 Pursuit, Administrative and Other Vehicles and all successor contracts for as-needed purchases approved in the annual budget process; and

2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.

The estimated annual fiscal impact cannot be determined at this time. Annual expenditures will not exceed available funding in the fiscal year budget.

Library Services

Recommend approval:

1. Of an agreement with Library Interiors of Florida, Inc (Tampa, FL) to provide furniture and installation services; and

2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.

The fiscal impact is estimated at $175,000 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. Annual expenditures will not exceed available funding in the fiscal year budget.

Parks and Trails

Recommend approval of the sixth amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Fruitland Park to provide funding for concrete perimeters for the new restroom facility, a storage shed, a shade structure for bleachers, and two water fountains and site furnishings within the Northwest Lake Community Park.

The fiscal impact of $100,000 (expenditure) is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. Commission District 5.

Public Works

Recommend approval:

1. Of a Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) agreement; and

2. To adopt supporting Resolution 2023-29 with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for funding the right of way acquisition services for Round Lake Road from south of Wolf Branch Road to north of State Road 44, in the Mount Dora area; and

3. To adopt Unanticipated Revenue Resolution 2023-30 adding $2,000,000 to the Federal/State Grants Fund for the right of way acquisition services for the Round Lake Road project.

The estimated fiscal impact is $4,000,000 ($2,000,000 revenue/expenditure in grant funding, $2,000,000 expenditure – $1,000,000 impact fees and $1,000,000 sales tax). Commission District 4.

Recommend approval:

1. Of a County Incentive Grant Program agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); and

2. To adopt Resolution 2023-31 regarding funding the construction services for Ray Goodgame Parkway from Lost Lake Road to Good Hearth Boulevard in the Clermont area; and

3. To adopt Unanticipated Revenue Resolution 2023-32 adding $667,897 to the Federal/State Grants Fund for the Ray Goodgame Parkway project.

The estimated fiscal impact is $2,272,624 (revenue/expenditure – $667,897 in grant funding, expenditure - $936,727 in south impact fee district funding, and expenditure - $668,000 in sales tax). Commission District 2.

Recommend approval:

1. Of Contracts 23-707 for Tree Removal, Trimming, and Related Services with the following pool of vendors: Daniel Hickey's Tree Service, LLC (Deland, FL), Extreme Indoor/Outdoor Cleaning Services, LLC (Kissimmee, FL), Native Land & Tree, Inc. (Howey in the Hills, FL), Paff Services, LLC (Brooksville, FL), Tip Top Tree Experts, LLC (Weirsdale, FL); and

2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.

The estimated annual fiscal impact is $400,000 (expenditure). Annual expenditures will not exceed available funding in the fiscal year budget.

Recommend approval of a Purchase Agreement with Jeffrey S. Boykin, M. Kenneth Boykin, and Kenneth C. Boykin, for right of way needed for the CR 561 and Lakeshore Drive Roundabout Project in the Clermont area and authorize the Chairman to execute all necessary documentation.

The fiscal impact is $350,000 plus closing costs (not to exceed $500) (expenditure – Road Impact Fees South District) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. Commission District 1.

presentation of wellness way logo

Ms. Mary Ellen Stern, Executive Director for the Office of Economic Growth, relayed that residential housing developments, Project Olympus, and Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. were underway in the Wellness Way area.  She remarked that for more than a decade, the County and the City of Clermont had come together to work on this area, which was 15,000 acres total, with 12,000 net buildable acres and 3,000 acres of conservation land; additionally, there were more than 19,000 housing units planned and about 8.8 million square feet of non-residential space for commercial, industrial, and retail facilities.  She displayed photos from the City of Clermont showing the Wellness Way area, and said that there were monthly stakeholder meetings involving the County, the City, and stakeholders, such as the utility companies, gas companies, and private developers.  She stated that much of the work being done was driven by private developer investment and infrastructure installations, and that the sewer and water connection coming from the City of Clermont was projected to be completed by the end of April 2023, which would advance it to the Project Olympus point.  She mentioned that regarding industrial centers, there was much work to be done, and that it would be driven by the Lake/Orange Expressway.  She commented that as those plans neared completion, the focus would be on some of the infrastructure, such as sewer and water, and that the City of Clermont and Dr. Richard Levey, with Levey Consulting, could possibly do a Wellness Way update at a BCC meeting in June 2023. 

Mr. Cooper stated that during their brand discovery work, they conducted a survey with all the stakeholders to receive feedback on what Wellness Way was and to find a way to convey that brand identity; additionally, they had done product research and looked through much of the documentation for Wellness Way.  He related that they had conducted a media audit, which looked at what had been said about the development and similar developments in the area, and that they had also done market research and audience analysis.  He stated that they compiled all that information to build a brand essence which conveyed that Wellness Way cultivated a thriving region for families to connect, innovate, and grow, offering a range of amenities, including world-class entertainment and training facilities, workplaces, eateries, shops, parks, and schools, connected by a wide network of trails.  He remarked that they defined the brand voice and compiled all of this information to create a brand that represented the connectivity of Wellness Way and the unique characteristics of the region which had a distinct look when compared to regional competitors.  He displayed the Wellness Way brand, noting that the primary theme was connectivity, such as the connection between open spaces and planned spaces, and that the supporting themes included the winding trails, rolling hills, and the pristine lakes.  He displayed the color palette representing various areas of wellness, and said that the visual brand included the following images: sports and athletics; a Project Olympus sign with the Wellness Way logo; entertainment and open spaces; business and economic opportunity; a Lennar Homes community entryway monument with the Wellness Way logo; winding trails; innovation and technology; and eateries and places to socialize.

Commr. Parks expressed appreciation for the update by Ms. Stern, noting that there was much happening with Wellness Way, and that this was a critical period of time; furthermore, there would be an update possibly in June 2023.  He expressed appreciation for Mr. Cooper and the work that had been done in a short period of time, and opined that the brand was very important as it was to be marketed nationwide.  He opined that the brand was symbolic of the hills, the trails, and the water resources that were incorporated into the quality of life in Lake County, and that Wellness Way was a large area with much possibility for growth that was well planned.  He opined that there were many people interested in this area, and that it would be important to hold true to the integrity of the plan.  He opined that it was an important day for Lake County, and that this logo could now be used for marketing materials for Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD).  He also opined that LEAD should dedicate time to some of the planned areas around Lake County, such as Wellness Way, and market them on a national basis as part of the County’s efforts to attract higher wage jobs, such as manufacturing and industrial jobs, noting that this brand was a tool to help with that.

Commr. Campione opined that the two south Lake County Commissioners could maintain the integrity of the plan, and said that she was pleased to be invited to attend the meetings with the stakeholders, noting that she intended to be as involved as possible.  She opined that it was a great concept to plan this project instead of hoping that growth would all come together through piecemeal development, and she expressed appreciation to Commissioner Parks for all he had done on this project.  She stated that she was optimistic that the County’s involvement with LEAD and the active marketing of the properties designated for job creation would be successful, opining that it could have materialized into many subdivisions without the job creation component.  She opined that jobs were a key aspect of this project, and that housing development would continue to increase as a natural result of its Central Florida location.  She remarked that she approved of the logo and what it represented, and opined that it would be a happy day when this vision came to fruition.

Commr. Shields agreed, and added that he was impressed with the staff, opining that this was very well done.

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Shields and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the logo for use in Wellness Way.

appointments to the Tourist development council

Commr. Smith commented that the Board would designate two Tourist Development Council (TDC) members, and that Mr. Bud Beucher, former President and owner of Mission Inn Resort and Club, was no longer on the board.  He mentioned that Mr. Beucher had been on the board for many years, and that he wanted to recognize him for his contributions to the county.

Commr. Shields remarked that there had been an opening on the TDC for the vacation rental category, and noted that more than half of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue came from vacation rentals.  He related that Mr. David Filipponi had about 50 houses under management and was actively involved at the state level with the Vacation Rental Management Association, opining that he would benefit the council.  He mentioned that Ms. Cindy Staley was the new General Manager for Mission Inn Resort and Club, and that she had many years of hotel operation experience.

Commr. Blake opined that the Beucher family had been instrumental in Lake County, and that they had a long, valuable history.  He stated that he was sad to see Mr. Beucher leave the Board; however, he was happy to see others who were interested in contributing in this way.

Commr. Campione commented that she would like to look at the history and origin of the TDC, and opined that a proclamation could be presented in recognition and appreciation for the Beucher family.

Ms. Barker mentioned that the County had discussed this with Mr. Beucher, and that a proclamation was planned to be brought forward in June 2023.

On a motion by Commr. Shields, seconded by Commr. Blake and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to appoint Mr. David Filipponi and Ms. Cindy Staley to fill the two open TDC positions of owners or operators of hotels, motels or other tourist accommodations in the County that are subject to the Tourist Development Tax for a four year term, along with approval of applicable waiver.

commissioners reports

commissioner shields – vice chairman and district 1

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL meeting

Commr. Shields mentioned that he attended a TDC meeting, and that Mr. Ryan Ritchie, Director for the Office of Visit Lake, presented the vision for the upcoming year, noting that there was a strategic plan in place.

tour of Wilson Island

Commr. Shields stated that he had participated in a tour of Wilson Island in the City of Groveland, and opined that it was a great piece of property.

commissioner parks – district 2

boy scout dinner

Commr. Parks congratulated Commissioner Campione for leading the Boy Scout dinner, opining that it was a great event.

Pi Day

Commr. Parks related that it was Pi Day.

COMMISSIONER BLAKE – DISTRICT 5

Medical Examiner Board meeting

Commr. Blake remarked that he had attended a special meeting with the Medical Examiner Board, and that they had discussed the County-owned property in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park. He mentioned that Lake County was not interested in providing property in that area, and that they were exploring other areas.

tour of the City of Minneola

Commr. Blake mentioned that he participated in a tour of the City of Minneola with Mayor Pat Kelley and others, and that he was impressed and excited for the City.

UF/IFAS meeting

Commr. Blake commented that he had attended the quarterly University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) meeting.

tour of Discovery Gardens

Commr. Blake relayed that he participated in a tour of the Discovery Gardens, and that it was a unique three acre location with various gardens emphasizing different ways of gardening in the State of Florida.

Commr. Campione commented that she frequented this place with her father who had always loved gardening, and noted that it was nearby.  She relayed that one could go there to see what was blooming currently and then follow it through the seasons, opining that it was a good venue.

commissioner smith – chairman and district 3

council meeting for the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills

Commr. Smith related that he and Ms. Barker attended a council meeting for the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills.

appreciation for Mr. Klum

Commr. Smith expressed appreciation to Mr. Klum for his service and for his attendance at the current BCC Meeting to be recognized.

National Learn About Butterflies Day

Commr. Smith said that it was National Learn about Butterflies Day.

CITIZEN COMMENT

Mr. Bob Farrell, Quartermaster of Post 5277 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the City of Clermont, stated that they helped veterans, and that they had been very busy lately.  He expressed appreciation to the County Veterans Service Officers, such as Mr. Kirk Armstrong, for their help, and asked the BCC to keep that service office open.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

kirby smith, chairman

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

________________________________

GARY J COONEY, CLERK