A regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
october 24, 2023
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 24, 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; Sean Parks; Leslie Campione; and Josh Blake. Commissioner not present: Douglas B. Shields, Vice Chairman. Others present were: Jennifer Barker, County Manager; Melanie Marsh, 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 Josh Pearson, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Commr. Smith welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that it was being streamed on the County website; furthermore, they were also broadcasting the meeting via Zoom.
Reverend Brenda Loyal, with First Presbyterian Church in the City of Mount Dora, gave the Invocation and Deputy Chief John Simpson, with the Office of Fire Rescue, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 through 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.
Agenda update
Ms. Jennifer Barker, County Manager, said that staff had updated the background summary verbiage for Tab 38 since the agenda was first published.
sales surtax oversight committee presentation
Mr. Michael Rankin, Chairperson for the Sales Surtax Oversight Committee, stated that the committee had met on September 25, 2023 and had reviewed the packet that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) had been provided. He relayed that after about 14 comments, they had the packet to present to the BCC.
Minutes approval
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the minutes for the BCC meetings of August 8, 2023 (Regular Meeting), August 29, 2023 (Regular Meeting) and September 5, 2023 (Regular Meeting) as presented.
citizen question and comment period
Ms. Linda Moss, a resident with the Lake Jem Clean Water Project, opined that residents in the Venetian Village area had lived with the muck, smell and toxic chemicals behind their homes for many years, and that they knew that it was being worked on. She questioned why Orange County did not share Lake County’s expenses for building and maintaining the Nutrient Reduction Facility (NuRF), and she asked who from Lake County could request that they start sharing in Lake County’s expenses, opining that it was time to do this.
Commr. Smith indicated that he had been in contact with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and that he would be meeting with them in the City of Tallahassee. He added that this issue was being worked on.
Mr. Miguel Nieves, a resident of the City of Clermont, expressed concerns for the intersection of Lake Minneola Shores, County Road (CR) 565A, and CR 561, opining that accidents had occurred there and that it was dangerous. He asked if something could be done there, such as a traffic light.
Commr. Parks relayed his understanding that Mr. Nieves was discussing where there was also a trail crossing, and he opined that it was dangerous intersection, especially with pedestrians walking there. He said that there was a plan to install a push button crosswalk, and he agreed that it had to be addressed.
Ms. Barker said that Mr. Jeff Earhart, Engineering Manager for the Public Works Department, could meet with Mr. Nieves and provide information.
Ms. Merideth Nagel, a resident of the City of Clermont, indicated that an individual who worked for her was taking the lead on setting up legal services for the needy in Lake County through Community Legal Services of Mid Florida. She said that the Board would be receiving a letter from her, and she relayed that if they had 30 percent participation of four hours per month, then they would be able to provide significant services to the poor in their community including basic help and answering questions. She asked the Board to try to have some of the lawyers they knew cooperate and volunteer four hours per month.
CLERK OF the Circuit COURT and comptroller’s CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Blake, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 14, 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.
Annexation and Supporting Ordinances from the City of Umatilla
Notice is hereby provided of having received Annexation Ordinance 2023-12, Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ordinance 2023-13, and Rezoning Ordinance 2023-14 from the City of Umatilla.
Adopted Budget for the Arlington Ridge Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 final adopted budget for the Arlington Ridge Community Development District for purposes of disclosure information pursuant to Section 189.016 (4), Florida Statutes.
Budget Resolution for the Avalon Groves Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Fiscal Year 2024 budget Resolution 2023-14 for the Avalon Groves Community Development District.
Land Use Designation Amendment and Zoning Reclassification from the City of Umatilla
Notice is hereby provided of having received Land Use Designation Amendment Ordinance 2023-16, and Zoning Reclassification Ordinance 2023-17 from the City of Umatilla.
Adopted Budget for the Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 in accordance with Section 190.008(b), Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information.
Annual Meeting Schedule for the Lake Emma Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Lake Emma Community Development District annual meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with Chapter 189.015, Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.
Annual Meeting Schedule for the Lake Harris Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Lake Harris Community Development District annual meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with Chapter 189.015, Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.
Annual Meeting Schedule for the Hicks Ditch Community Development District
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Hicks Ditch Community Development District annual meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with Chapter 189.015, Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.
Adopted Budget for the City of Eustis
Notice is hereby provided of having received the City of Eustis FY 2023-24 adopted budget.
City of Groveland Community Redevelopment Agency Budget for Fiscal Year 2024
Notice is hereby provided of having received the City of Groveland’s Community Redevelopment Agency budget for Fiscal Year 2024, per Florida Statute 163.387(6), and Ordinance 2023-33 adopting the budget.
City of Mount Dora Annexation Ordinance 2023-13
Notice is hereby provided of having received Annexation Ordinance 2023-13 from the City of Mount Dora as required by Chapter 171.044(3) Florida Statutes with the accompanying map.
Windsor Cay CDD Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Meeting Schedule
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Windsor Cay Community Development District annual meeting schedule for the Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with Section 189.015, Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.
Southwest Florida Water Management District FY 2024 Schedule of Meetings and Map
Notice is hereby provided of having received the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Fiscal Year 2024 Schedule of Meetings and a map depicting the District’s boundaries as required by Section 189.417, Florida Statutes.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Smith asked to pull Tab 11 to the regular agenda.
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment.
There being no one who wished to address the Board regarding this matter, the Chairman closed the floor for public comment.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Blake and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the Consent Agenda, Tabs 4 through 35, pulling Tab 11 to the regular agenda, as follows:
PROCLAMATIONS
Recommend approval of Florida Native Plant Society Proclamation 2023-117, per Commissioner Parks.
Recommend approval of the White Cane Safety Day Proclamation 2023-118, per Commissioner Parks.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Recommend approval of Termination of Developer's Agreement between Lake County and McKinnon Groves, Grafton Groves, Inc., and Anna Akerman and for Chairman to execute the Termination and Release of Agreement. There is no fiscal impact. Commission District 2.
Recommend approval:
1. Of Purchase Agreement and
Release of All Claims between Blackwater Creek Enterprise, LLC and Lake County;
and
2. Of a budget transfer
reallocating $420,000 from General Fund reserves for the settlement payment.
The fiscal impact is $420,000 (expenditure).
COUNTY MANAGER
Recommend approval to provide a Technical Assistance Request Letter to the Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy.
Recommend approval of Assignment
and Assumption of Maintenance Obligations by The Villages Land Company, LLC,
and The Villages Development Company, LLC, and Village Community Development
District NO. 14 for roadway improvements related to stormwater retention
improvements as set forth in Section 4.b, and landscaping as set forth in
Section 9.a of the Agreement.
The fiscal impact is $5,000
(expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.
Commission District 5.
Recommend approval of
Resolution 2023-136 instructing the Lake County Tax Collector to not mail tax
notices to a taxpayer if the amount of taxes shown on the tax notice is less
than Sixteen Dollars ($16.00), and instructing the Lake County Property
Appraiser not to make an extension on the tax roll for any parcel for which the
tax amount would be less than Sixteen Dollars ($16.00).
The fiscal impact cannot be
determined at this time.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Management and Budget
Recommend approval for a distribution of $197,286.95 from funds designated as Crime Prevention Funds for use in the Sheriff's crime prevention activities. The fiscal impact is $197,286.95 (expenditure) and is within the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.
Recommend approval of reimbursement for the Lake County Sheriff's Office $2.50 Education Trust Fund for Fiscal Year 2023. The fiscal impact is $85,490.67 (expenditure) and is within the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Emergency Management
Recommend adoption of Resolution 2023-137 for the 2023 revision of the Lake County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. There is no fiscal impact.
Recommend approval:
1. To accept the Resilient Florida Grant from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and
2. To execute the Resilient Florida Grant from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of $502,198; and
3. To authorize the County Manager to execute future amendments/modifications that do not have a financial impact; and
4. To authorize the Director of the Office of Emergency Management to execute the contractual services certification (Exhibit H); and
5. To authorize the Director of the Office of Emergency Management to execute the vulnerability assessment compliance checklist certification (Exhibit I).
6. To adopt Unanticipated Revenue Resolution (URR) 2023-138 in the amount of $502,198 to recognize and appropriate the funds.
The fiscal impact is $502,198 (revenue/expenditure - 100 percent grant funded).
Fire Rescue
Recommend approval:
1. Of Contract 24-403 for an online training management system to TargetSolutions Learning, LLC (Tampa, FL); and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The fiscal impact is $64,899.16 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.
Planning and Zoning
Recommend approval to advertise an Ordinance amending Section 3.06.00, Lake County Code, Land Development Regulations, regarding regulations for Parking, Storing, or Keeping Vehicles, Vessels, Buses, Trailers, Trucks, and Commercial Vehicles. There is no fiscal impact.
Recommend approval to advertise an Ordinance amending Article IV, Division 2, Chapter 2, Lake County Code, entitled Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Community Redevelopment Advisory Committee. There is no fiscal impact.
Public Safety Support
Recommend approval:
1. To utilize Sourcewell (a cooperative purchasing public agency) Contract 081419-CDW Tech Catalog (081419#CDW) to purchase an audio visual system for the Emergency Communications Operations Center (ECOC); and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation; and
3. Of a budget transfer in the amount of $705,833 to reallocate funds to the Project account.
The fiscal impact is $705,832.46 (expenditure).
Emergency Medical Services
Recommend approval:
1. To participate in Year 4 of the Intergovernmental Transfer Program with the State of Florida for Medicaid Managed Care Transports; and
2. To authorize continued participation in future program years unless the County Manager determines future participation is not in the best interests of the County; and
3. To authorize the County Manager to execute all required agreements or documents for each year of participation.
The fiscal impact for Year 4 of the Program is $1,739,291.31 ($2,849,907.88 (revenue) and $1,110,616.57 (expenditure)). The anticipated fiscal impact for Year 5 of the Program is $2,337,428.89 ($4,032,831.07 (revenue) and $1,695,402.18 (expenditure)).
PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Facilities Management
Recommend approval:
1. To increase the expenditure limits of Contract 21-0449 for lawn maintenance and related services with Aero Groundtek, LLC (Ocoee, FL) from a not to exceed $501,600 to an estimated $600,000; and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The estimated fiscal impact is $600,000 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.
Recommend approval:
1. To increase the single project expenditure limits of Contract 20-0904 for On-Call Facility Construction Services with Advanced Commercial Contractors, Inc. (Eustis, FL), BG Southern Division, LLC (Orlando, FL), Boulevard Contractors Corp. (Winter Springs, FL), GSB Construction and Development, Inc. (Wildwood, FL), Ruby Builders, Inc. (Orlando, FL), Ryan Fitzgerald Construction, Inc. (Mount Dora, FL), Rybek Construction, Inc. (Tavares, FL), and Waterman Construction Corp. (Umatilla, FL) from a not to exceed $5,000 to an estimated $10,000; and
2. To increase the estimated annual fiscal impact from $200,000 to an estimated $300,000; and
3. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The estimated annual fiscal impact is $300,000 (expenditure) and will not exceed available funding in each Fiscal Year's Budget.
Housing and Community Services
Recommend approval of an agreement with We Care of Lake County, Inc. (Mt. Dora, FL) for operation of the Lake County We Care Program effective October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
The estimated fiscal impact is $116,975 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.
Recommend approval to authorize the use of $1,950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to construct an affordable housing project dedicated to veterans and seniors at the property located at 28123 County Road 561, in Tavares (previous Animal Shelter).
Parks and Trails
Recommend approval:
1. Of Contract 23-725 to Tom’s Playground of Central Florida, Inc. (Eustis, FL) to Deliver and Install Lime Rock, 57 Stone, and Coquina Shell Rock; and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The estimated fiscal impact is $325,000 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Annual expenditures will not exceed available funding in each future Fiscal Year's Budget.
Public Works
Recommend approval:
1. To award the Citrus Grove Road Phase 5 construction project (Contract 23-562) to Southern Development & Construction Inc. (Oviedo, FL) for $6,944,777; and
2. Of a Purchase Agreement with SP-V Green Properties, LLC, 160 East Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio 43065 for right of way associated with the paving of Citrus Grove Road Phase 5 for $100,000; and
3. To authorize Chairman to execute any necessary contracts and/or closing documents.
The estimated fiscal impact is $7,044,777 (expenditure - South Transportation Road Impact Fees) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Commission District 2.
Recommend approval to accept the final plat for Bella Collina West Replat and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Bella Collina West Replat final plat.
The estimated fiscal impact is $1,551 (revenue - final plat application fee) and there is no annual maintenance cost as the roads within the subdivision are private. Commission District 2.
Recommend adoption of Resolution 2023-139 to advertise a public hearing to vacate platted right of way and platted lots located North of Lakeshore Drive and West of Fairview Avenue. The closest municipality is the City of Tavares.
The fiscal impact is $2,295 (revenue-vacation application fee) and is within the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Commission District 3.
Recommend approval of the Termination and Release of Agreement between Lake County and Central Florida Investments, Inc., for Future Access associated with property located in the City of Groveland. The recording fees of $18.50 are to be paid by Central Florida Investments, Inc. (Developer). Commissioner District 1.
Recommend approval:
1. Of a Local Agency Program
Supplemental agreement; and
2. To adopt supporting
Resolution 2023-134 with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
regarding funding the construction and inspection services for County Road 42
from the Marion County line to State Road 44 in the Altoona area.
The estimated fiscal impact
is $243,742 (revenue/expenditure – 100 percent grant funded) and is within, and
will not exceed, the Fiscal year 2024 Budget. Commission District 4.
Recommend approval:
1. Of a Federally Funded agreement with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
2. To adopt supporting Resolution 2023-135 with HUD regarding funding final design and Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) for Citrus Grove Road Phase II, in the Minneola area; and
3. To authorize the County Manager to sign future documents related to this grant.
The estimated fiscal impact is $1,000,000 (revenue/expenditure – 100 percent grant funded) and is included in the Fiscal year 2024 Budget. Commission District 2.
Recommend approval:
1. To utilize Contract 22-931E with Tierra, Inc. (Winter Garden, FL) to provide Construction Engineering Inspection Services for the CR 441-19A Eudora Roundabout project; and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The estimated fiscal impact is $386,100 (expenditure) and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Commission District 3 and 4.
Recommend approval:
1. To delegate authority to the County Manager to execute a Task Order for Contract 21-0901B with Kleinfelder Southeast, Inc. (Mount Dora); and
2. To authorize the Office of Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation.
The fiscal impact is $89,479.27 and is within, and will not exceed, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Commission District 2.
Transit Services
Recommend approval:
1. Of the agreement with the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) to continue providing weekend and holiday Link 55 fixed route bus service in South Lake County; and
2. Of a budget transfer in the amount of $160,588 to reallocate funds to the project for tracking purposes.
The fiscal impact is $160,588 (revenue/expenditure – 100 percent grant funded). Commission District 1.
Recommend approval:
1. Of The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Innovative Service Development Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2024; and
2. To adopt Unanticipated Revenue Resolution 2023-140 of $163,819 to recognize appropriate additional grant funding for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Innovative Service Development grant for Fiscal Year 2024; and
3. Of a budget transfer in the amount of $18,202 to allocate funds from the Transit Fund reserves to contractual services.
The fiscal impact is $182,021 - $163,819 (revenue/expenditure-grant funded) and $18,202 (expenditure-county match).
tab 11: additional proposed 2024 legislative priorities
Commr. Smith pointed out that this item was a legislative priority which had been brought up two weeks prior, and he opined that the legislative funding for alternative water supply should read “for all of Lake County,” rather than just for one district.
Ms. Barker clarified that they would be considering all of Lake County when they spoke to their legislator.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried by a vote of 3-1, the Board approved of the following additional proposed 2024 legislative priorities: Florida Department of Environmental Protection to expand the wildlife corridor based on the County’s new maps; legislative funding to assist Lake County in procuring environmentally sensitive lands; and legislative assistance in funding for alternative water supply.
Commr. Blake voted no.
florida department of agriculture and consumer services presentation
Commr. Smith indicated that the Board would have to table this item for the next meeting.
Ms. Barker said that staff could reach out to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
public hearing: VACATE RIGHT OF WAY EAST OF CR 561
Mr. Fred Schneider, Assistant County Manager, presented vacation petition #1283. He explained that the applicant was Mr. Felix Petitt, the owner, who was represented by Ms. Nagel. He said that the proposed vacation was located in the City of Minneola area, north of Lake Shepherd in Commission District 2, and he displayed a location map. He specified that the area which would be vacated was south of Florida’s Turnpike and east of CR 561, and said that there was a section of right of way which was bifurcated when the turnpike was built. He indicated his understanding that it was part of an old plat and that it had remained as a public right of way. He relayed that the owners would like to vacate this remainder, which served no public purpose, and that they were going to unify title for the rest of their lots and build a home on the property. He mentioned that there were no issues with utilities or any other affected property owners, and that staff recommended approval of the request.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
There being no one who wished to address the Board regarding this matter, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Campione wondered whether there were other plats which were never vacated along the turnpike, opining that it could be nice if the County could clean this up.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved Resolution 2023-141 to vacate a platted right of way lying east of CR 561 and west of the Florida Turnpike. The closest municipality is the City of Minneola.
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS FACILITY
Ms. Barker said that she was bringing back information which had been discussed at the October 10, 2023 BCC meeting regarding the Supervisor of Elections facility considerations. She confirmed that based on that discussion, the County was continuing the Sears building lease for other County uses, and that they were terminating the contracts for both the construction manager and the architect. She added that the County would rebid both of these contracts with an updated scope, and that the County was working on the construction of a new facility on the Lane Park Road property, noting that the Office of Procurement Services was working with Senator Alan Hays, Lake County Supervisor of Elections, as well as working on a scope and getting the information out to rebid. She also indicated that Senator Hays would be delivering a packet of options to the Board, noting that one option would be a total cost of a not to exceed amount for the construction of both a warehouse and administrative building, as well as the option of just an administration building as discussed on October 10, 2023. She relayed that staff was looking to terminate the purchase agreement with Zellwin Farms Company for the facility that Senator Hays was currently in, recalling that a few BCC meetings prior the Board gave her direction to enter into a purchase agreement with them; however, things had since changed, and on October 10, 2023 the Board had directed her to work on terminating that purchase agreement. She indicated that the current item also included approval of a lease agreement with Boukalis Development, which was for temporary warehouse space for the Supervisor of Elections in the City of Eustis. She recalled that on October 10, 2023 they had a discussion about whether they could terminate the lease based on finding another lease opportunity for warehouse space, noting that the original lease agreement stated that it had to be a County-owned building; furthermore, the Board had requested that staff revise this language to include a County-owned or leased building for warehouse space. She commented that staff had reached out to the property owner and that they were amenable to those changes, and that staff had the lease agreement with those revisions for the Board’s consideration and approval.
Commr. Campione asked if the packet which would be brought back would give the Board an opportunity to examine the numbers more closely and know exactly what was being proposed for expenditures.
Ms. Barker confirmed this and clarified that the Board had not committed to this yet. She said that the Board had given the Supervisor of Elections the authority to work on his own behalf in gathering the information to receive the cost estimates for the design and construction of the full facility and just the administration facility. She added that the Supervisor of Elections would bring this back for the Board’s consideration.
Commr. Smith recalled that the Supervisor of Elections had given the Board a guaranteed maximum price (GMP).
Commr. Campione recalled that there were several matters brought up which could lead to a higher ultimate price such as offsite improvements, etc. She said that she would like to know the facts which would back up the GMP.
Commr. Smith agreed, and opined that the Board could not move forward unless they had the GMP and knew what it included.
Commr. Parks asked what the Board would approve at the current meeting.
Commr. Smith thought that they needed to continue with the lease of the Sears building, approve alternative uses for the Sears building, and terminate the construction manager and architect agreements, which was recommended by their counsel. He opined that they had to hold off on the construction of the new facility for the Lane Park Road property until they had the right numbers, and that they needed to rebid the construction manager and architect agreements. He also indicated that they needed approval to terminate the purchase agreement with Zellwin Farms Company, noting that the County still had a lease agreement with them for another five years; additionally, they needed to approve the lease agreement for the Eustis Shopping Plaza with the stated changes. He concluded that the only item they would not be approving was item four, for construction of a new facility on the Lane Park Road property, until they received the right numbers.
Commr. Parks asked about the alternative uses for the Sears building which was currently leased by the County, and if there could be some secured space, as well as potential leasing for meeting space.
Commr. Campione said that they could look at this as a possibility, and that if it did not cost a significant amount of funding to create secure storage space, then this might possibly solve the need for the additional leased property.
Ms. Barker relayed that the revision to the lease agreement would provide the County an opportunity that if they found that they could make some relatively inexpensive renovations to provide secured space at the Sears building, then they would have this option. She relayed that the Supervisor of Elections had indicated that the GMP would be coming back to the Board when he brought both options to them, and that this would be the guaranteed price.
Commr. Smith stated that he had full confidence in the County’s Office of Facilities Management to give the Board good options on all the requests for the Sears Building.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the following items: to continue with the lease of the Sears building; alternative uses of the Sears building currently leased by the County; to terminate the construction manager (Charles Perry Partners, Inc.) and architect (Song & Associates, Inc.) agreements and authorize the County Manager to execute the required termination documents; to rebid the construction manager and architect agreements; to terminate the purchase agreement with Zellwin Farms Company and authorization for the County Manager to provide the written termination notification; and a lease agreement with Boukalis Development of St. Petersburg, L.L.C. (Eustis Shopping Plaza) for commercial lease located at 276A Ardice Avenue, Eustis.
other business
appointments to the canvassing board
Ms. Melanie Marsh, County Attorney, explained that one member of the BCC was supposed to serve on the Canvassing Board, which would be starting in January 2024, if they did not have conflicts. She elaborated that they would have a conflict if they were up for election or if they would be campaigning or participating in campaigns; additionally, all of the Commissioners had indicated that they fell into one of those categories. She explained that the current item was a request to appoint Ms. Jennifer Hill as the primary Canvassing Board member and Mr. Timothy Sullivan as the alternate Canvassing Board member to serve in the BCC’s stead for the 2024 Canvassing Board.
Commr. Campione thanked both of these individuals for their willingness to serve the public in this capacity and for taking from their own personal time to do this.
Commr. Smith expressed gratitude to Ms. Hill and Mr. Sullivan for their willingness to do this.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Jennifer Hill as the Canvassing Board member and Mr. Timothy Sullivan as the alternate Canvassing Board member.
appointment to the homeless mitigation advisory council
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Blake and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board appointed Mr. Stephen Shylkofski as a new member with experience in assisting victims of domestic violence to the Homeless Mitigation Advisory Council, with applicable waiver, to serve a one-year term ending September 30, 2024.
reports
county manager
veterans day
Ms. Barker remarked that County Offices would be closed on November 10, 2023 in observance of Veterans Day.
commissioners reports
commissioner parks – district 2
israel rally
Commr. Parks thanked everyone who participated in the pro-Israel rally on the previous Wednesday. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Ray Powers helping to organize it on short notice, and he thanked Mr. Carey Baker, Lake County Property Appraiser, and Commissioner Smith for attending. He also expressed appreciation for Commissioner Campione’s comments, and for Mr. Tommy Carpenter, Assistant County Manager. He thought that it was a good sign of support for Israel, that this message coming from Lake County would be well received, and that it was good for the County to do this.
liberty trees at lake county schools
Commr. Parks related that he had attended a Lake County School Board meeting on the previous night and had proposed an idea regarding Liberty Trees. He said that Lake County did its Liberty Tree dedication every June or July at different locations, and that he hoped to accomplish promoting the idea of doing a Liberty Tree at each school in the county. He relayed that this idea received great support from the School Board members, and that he thought that within a few years there would be a Liberty Tree at each school. He also hoped that the District Commissioners could attend the Liberty Tree dedications at schools in their districts.
Commr. Smith thought that this was a great idea, and he believed that a school in the City of Umatilla would start one. He thought that it was great to teach children about how the country was formed, opining that the Liberty Tree was a great segue to this.
Commr. Parks relayed his understanding that it would be in the City of Umatilla and at East Ridge High School. He added that he had read the proclamation that the BCC did to the Lake County School Board, and that it may possibly be incorporated into those presentations, or they may each do something different on their own.
commissioner campione – district 4
israel rally
Commr. Campione thanked Commissioner Parks for initiating the Israel event, along with Mr. Powers, Mr. Baker and Commissioner Smith. She said that she was proud of the speakers and opined that it was a great event. She indicated that it gave them an opportunity to let their Jewish friends, family members, fellow Americans and those anywhere know that Lake County stood with them. She said that she tried to keep it at the forefront of her thoughts and prayers that they had fellow Americans going through this, and she relayed concerns for fellow Americans living in fear because of antisemitism in the country and displays on college campuses. She hoped that this possibly brought to light that there were things they needed to change in the United States (U.S.), noting that they were for free speech and liberty; however, she opined that they had to be cognizant of forces in the country that were trying to tear the country apart. She thanked the community for showing support, opining that it was nice to be involved in this event.
commissioner smith – chairman and district 3
veterans wall and dedication
Commr. Smith reiterated that County Offices would be closed on November 10, 2023, and said that a special event would occur on that day at 9:00 a.m. for the unveiling of the new Veterans Wall. He commented that they needed to support their veterans, and that this would be a dedication for the Veterans Wall, the Liberty Tree, and the Spirit of the American Doughboy statue that were all now together in one place.
israel rally
Commr. Smith thanked everyone who attended the Israel support rally, especially the City of Tavares for closing the road, and the law enforcement officers who kept peace within the community.
national bologna day
Commr. Smith said that it was National Bologna Day.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
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kirby smith, chairman
ATTEST:
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GARY J COONEY, CLERK