BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA

JANUARY 27, 2015

 

     The following is a non-verbatim transcript of the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA, held at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, in Room 1028 of the SEMINOLE COUNTY SERVICES BUILDING at SANFORD, FLORIDA, the usual place of meeting of said Board.

     Present:

Chairman Brenda Carey (District 5)

Vice Chairman John Horan (District 2)

     Commissioner Robert Dallari (District 1)

Commissioner Lee Constantine (District 3)

     Commissioner Carlton Henley (District 4)

     County Manager Nicole Guillet

     County Attorney Bryant Applegate

     Deputy Clerk Terri Porter

 

    

     Pastor Charles Higgins, Jr., Westview Baptist Church, Sanford, gave the Invocation.

     Commissioner Dallari led the Pledge of Allegiance.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Business Spotlight video for Avatar Solutions was presented.

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

Agenda Item #1 – A-0377-15

Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Henley, to adopt appropriate Resolution #2015-R-20 recognizing Pamela Klinker, Firefighter/Paramedic, EMS Fire Rescue Division/Department of Public Safety, for 27 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Seminole County, upon her retirement on December 31, 2014.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

Ms. Klinker addressed the Board to thank them for the Resolution.

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Agenda Item #2 – A-0380-15

Motion by Commissioner Henley, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to adopt appropriate Resolution #2015-R-21 recognizing Lin Polk, Budget Manager, Budget & Fiscal Management Division/Department of Resource Management, for successfully completing over 15 years of commendable service to Seminole County and her fellow citizens.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

Ms. Polk addressed the Board to express her appreciation.

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Agenda Item #3 – A-0366-15

Valmarie Turner, Community Services Director, addressed the Board to present a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Addressing Homelessness in Seminole County – The Housing First Approach.”  She stated the Homes Prevention Program was kicked off two years ago and then reviewed the Summary of Applications and Program Numbers. 

     Ms. Turner displayed and discussed Funding including Funds Expended, Rent/Deposit Funds and Leverage.  She stated they budgeted approximately $1.4 million and they currently have about $391,000 available and $212,000 of that is separated for the rental aspect of the program, with the remainder being used for case management, utility assistance and emergency shelter housing assistance.

     Ms. Turner reviewed Compliance Monitoring and advised that staff recommends the entire program be turned over to the Christian Sharing Center with the County continuing with oversight.  She further advised that the Christian Sharing Center already had half of the program, and since Rescue Outreach Mission is out of the picture now, Christian Sharing Center has agreed to take over the entire program.

     Ms. Turner reviewed the Recommended Amendments to the Agreement and displayed a district map showing the location of the 32 households currently in the program. 

     Ms. Turner introduced Debra Young who addressed the Board to relay her success story of how the program has affected her life.  Ms. Young explained she had a successful real estate career for over 15 years when the market downturn happened.  She was then divorced and also had twins, both with disabilities.  She had to live in a hotel for four years until the program came about.  She had lost everything to support herself and her twins.  The stress of being homeless also caused her to have health issues.  After receiving assistance, Ms. Young reported she is now going to Seminole State College and will be completing the prerequisites for the nursing program.  She added that the program also helped her with transportation; she was the recipient of a donated vehicle which helps greatly for getting to and from doctors’ appointments, which are several on a weekly basis, school for the children and her college.  She stated she is now able to form relationships and have a support system.  She also said the Christian Sharing Center has monthly meetings where a coordinator helped her prepare a budget and prepare her for self-sufficiency.  She opined that the accountability helps to keep her on track.  She said many people that are homeless just need a helping hand; it is not from a lack of wanting to work or having motivation.  She said she is thankful for the helping hand that was extended to help her back into self-sufficiency.

     Ms. Turner thanked the Chief Executive Officer of the Christian Sharing Center and said her case managers have been phenomenal in assisting individuals like Debra Young.  Chairman Carey thanked Ms. Young for sharing her story.

     Commissioner Henley questioned whether the transfer of responsibility to the Christian Sharing Center requires them to add staff.  Ms. Turner explained that because they only have 32 households and they are looking to add at the most 10 more, the 2 case managers they have will each assist 21 families, so no staff will need to be added.

     Commissioner Horan commented that the emphasis on “housing first” was spot on.  He opined that with other types of programs, they are still gearing up with case management and spending the same amount of money, but the people still don’t have homes.  With this program, they have 108 households that have been housed and then the case management is provided as they go forward.  He feels it is a much better use of public money to address the problem.  He said he also likes that they are using government as a catalyst to incentivize and build a foundation for the independent, non-profit sector to address this problem more effectively.  He congratulated Ms. Turner on this program.

     Commissioner Dallari agreed with Commissioner Horan and stated the partnership with Christian Sharing Center is a perfect example of the proper way to do this by not just leveraging the limited dollars they have, but to also use their expertise. 

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Nicole Guillet, County Manager, advised that in regard to Item #4, Seminole Cultural Arts Council has asked that their request to consider funding for artwork on traffic signal boxes be pulled from the Agenda and brought back at a later date.

     Pulled from the Agenda request to consider approval of funding requested by Seminole Cultural Arts Council to wrap U.S. 17-92 traffic signal boxes with local artwork along the U.S. 17-92 Redevelopment Area at a cost not to exceed $53,000.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

     With regard to public participation, no one in the audience spoke in support or in opposition to the Consent Agenda and public input was closed.

     Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Henley, to authorize and approve the following:

     County Manager’s Office

     Business Office

 5.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Civil Traffic Hearing Officer Service Agreement with Melody U. Pullen for Year 2015 (FY2014/15), effective the date of execution by the County and remaining in effect until September 30, 2015, unless terminated as set forth in the Agreement.  (A-0353-15)

 6.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Contract for Sale and Purchase or Transfer of Land between William E. Kirchhoff and Nixie Coleman, as Co-Trustees of the William E. Kirchhoff, Jr. Revocable Trust; Airport Industrial Partners, LLC; and Seminole County in connection with the Sports Complex Land Swap or Sale Contract.  (A-0333-15)

 

Community Services

Business Office

 7.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Satisfactions of Mortgage for households assisted under the County's HOME/SHIP Home Ownership Assistance Program, the Rehabilitation Assistance Program or the Reconstruction Assistance Program as follows:  Daisy Aviles, DeAnna Rose Van Rensburg, Hector L. Hernandez and Veronica Cruz, Jaime Soto, Jan Sanislow, Joan Crosby Tibbetts, Manuel Ruiz and Maria Gonzalez, Paule Renee Delva, Rhonda Flagler, Rhonda Sue Depaul, Tommie J. Bradley, Virginia C. Wells, and Wanda Thomas.  (A-0322-15)

Community Assistance Division

 8.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between Central Florida Regional Workforce Development Board, Inc. and Seminole County for the FY2014/15 grant period to deliver services and activities to low-income County residents that have a measurable and potentially major impact on poverty.  (A-0365-15)

 9   Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the First Amendment to the Seminole County Homeless Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement for Program Year 2014/15 with The Christian Sharing Center, Inc.  (A-0368-15)

Community Development Division

10.  Approve and accept the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) monthly snapshot/report and properties acquired by Seminole County Government.  (A-0338-15)

 

Development Services

Planning & Development Division

11.  Approve the final plat for the Preserve at Lake Sylvan Subdivision containing 35 lots on 15.84 acres zoned PD (Planned Development), located on the west side of Orange Boulevard, approximately one-fourth mile south of Wilson Road; Park Square Enterprises, LLC, Applicant.  (A-0276-15)

12.  Approve the final plat for the Astor Grande at Lake Forest Subdivision containing 76 lots on 25.77 acres zoned R-1BB (Single Family Dwelling), located on the east side of Orange Boulevard, approximately one mile north of West SR 46; MI Homes of Orlando, LLC, Applicant.  (A-0277-15)

13.  Approve the Tuska Reserve Replat for Lots 21 through 24 on property located on the south side of Center Drive and approximately 0.25 mile west of E. Lake Drive; Meritage Homes of Florida, Inc., Applicant.  (A-0339-15)

 

Public Works

Engineering Division

14.  Adopt appropriate Resolution #2015-R-22 and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement for Exchange of Land and Property Rights between Seminole County and Seminole State College of Florida District Board of Trustees, together with the County Deed (Seminole County to Seminole State College), and accept the Warranty Deed and Traffic Signal Accessory Easement (Seminole State College to Seminole County), all in conjunction with the County Probation Office; proof of publication received and filed.  (A-0310-15)

 

Resource Management

Business Office

15.  Approve and authorize acceptance of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Trust Grant award in the amount of $87,174 from the Florida Department of Health; approve and authorize the Chairman to execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-23 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #15-042 through the Public Safety Grant Fund in the amount of $88,447 to recognize $87,174 in grant funding and $1,273 in balance of funds from prior awards and establish budget; and authorize the Director of Public Safety to submit Budget Change Request #C3057 to re-allocate funding from the web-based Video Telephone Pilot Program to cover the costs of a Four-Day Procedural Cadaver Training Lab.  (A-0318-15)

16.  Approve to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in partnership with SafeHouse of Seminole and the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society requesting up to $500,000 in grant funding through the Justice for Families Program; and authorize the County Manager or her designee to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and any documents associated with the grant application pursuant to the application requirements.  (A-0344-15)

17.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Assignment of Drug Court Services Agreements from Colonial Counseling Associates and Human Services Associates to Aspire Health Partners for the Adult Drug Treatment Court Expansion & Enhancement Grant awarded to Seminole County by the Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  (A-0358-15)

Budget and Fiscal Management Division

18.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-24 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #15-033 to carryforward unexpended project budgets in the amount of $202,729,405 from FY2013/14 to FY2014/15.  (A-0221-15)

19.  Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-25 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #15-041 through the 2001 Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund to appropriate budget of $181,700 from Reserves for the Waverly Drive Culvert Replacement Project.  (A-0345-15)

Purchasing & Contracts Division

20.  Approve the First Amendment to RFP-602065-14/TLR, to Information Service Desk and Desk-Side Computer Support Services Agreement with Vitil Solutions, Inc., Sarasota; and authorize the Purchasing & Contracts Division to execute the Amendment.  (A-0349-15)

21.  Approve Change Order #14 to CC-6877-11/JVP, Red Bug Lake Road and SR 436 Flyover, in the amount of $161,122.26 to Middlesex Corporation of Littleton, MA; and authorize the Purchasing & Contracts Division to execute the Change Order.  (A-0351-15)

22.  Award CC-9942-14/RTB, Construction Services Agreement for Waverly Drive Pipe Culvert Improvements in the amount of $488,442 to Prime Construction Group, Inc. of Orlando; and authorize the Purchasing & Contracts Division to execute the Agreement.  (A-0326-15)

 

 

 

 

 

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS’ CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Horan, to approve the following:

     Clerk’s Office  (A-0359-15)

23.  Approval of Expenditure Approval Lists dated December 29, 2014 and January 5, 2015; and Payroll Approval List dated December 31, 2014; and noting, for information only, the following Clerk's "Received and Filed":

 

1.    Maintenance Bond #800015810 in the amount of $36,144.12 for the project known as Lakeside Estates; Meritage Homes of Florida, Principal.

 

2.    Maintenance Bond #SU1128456 in the amount of $26,441.43 for the project known as Walden Cove; Taylor Morrison of Florida, Principal.

 

3.    Title Opinion for Replat of Monroe Commerce Center South.

 

4.    Development Order #14-27500046 Alcohol License for Venice Pizza & Pasta; Fern Park Plaza, LLC.

 

5.    Customer Agreement for Reclaimed Water Rates with NC Lake Mary 639, LLC for Lakeside at Primera – Noah’s Event Center.

 

6.    Customer Agreement for Reclaimed Water Rates with Beaver Dam Development, LLC for Lakeside at Primera Tracts B & C.

 

7.    Community Services Funding Agreements for FY2014/15 with the following:  Meals on Wheels, Etc., Inc.; Kids House of Seminole, Inc.; Recovery House of Central Florida, Inc.; The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Inc.; The Grove Counseling Center, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.; Boys Town Central Florida, Inc.; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Inc.; as approved by the BCC on 10/14/14.

 

8.    Quit Claim Deed Seminole Youth Build, Inc., Grantor.

 

9.    Joint petition before the Public Service Commission for approval of Flexible Gas Service Tariff by Florida Public Utilities Company, Fort Meade and Indiantown Division, issued 12/30/14; Order #PSC-14-0710-TRF-GU.

 

10.    Certificate of No Recall for Orlando Jai Alai dated 12/29/14.

 

11.    Fully executed Memorandum of Agreement between Florida Department of State and Supervisor of Elections regarding HAVA Funds, as approved by the BCC on 10/28/14.

 

12.    Permit for Ongoing Use of Right-of-Way for Access to Alan S. Kornman and Wendy E. Geller.

 

13.    Audit Report dated 12/30/14 from Maryanne Morse, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, regarding Job Growth Incentive Program (JGI).

 

14.    IFB-602126-14 Term Contract for Cedar Ridge MSBU with Premier Lawn Maintenance.

 

15.    Amendment #2 to Work Order #9 to PS-5140-03.

 

16.    Amendment #1 to Work Order #8 to PS-8286-13.

 

17.    Amendment #2 to Work Order #5 to PS-8286-13.

 

18.    Amendment #3 to Work Order #102 to PS-5120-02.

 

19.    Closeout to CC-9328-14.

 

20.    Amendment #2 to Work Order #63 to PS-3914-08.

 

21.    Change Order #1 to CC-9126-13.

 

22.    Change Order #2 to Work Order #12 to CC-9192-13.

 

23.    Change Order #5 to CC-8898-13.

 

24.    Change Order #1 to Work Order #20 to CC-8199-12.

 

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

 

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Motion by Commissioner Horan, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to approve the following:

Sheriff’s Office  (A-0342-15)

24.  Approve an expenditure of $50,000 from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund to provide funding to the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing free legal services to low-income residents of Seminole County.

 

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT

Agenda Item #25 – A-0279-15

     The Board noted, for information only, the Informational Budget Transfer Status Report for FY2013/14 (November 2014).

 

Agenda Item #26 – A-0280-15

The Board noted, for information only, the Informational Budget Transfer Status Report for FY2014/15 (December 2014)

COUNTY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

     No report.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

     Meloney Lung, Assistant County Manager, addressed the Board to present the Summary of 2015-2016 Water Projects (received and filed).  She advised they received an email approximately two weeks ago from Representative Albritton requesting a list of water projects from all the Florida counties.  She advised the summary lists nine projects; four from Environmental Services and five from Public Works, and these need to be entered into the on-line application system by February 7.  She is seeking Board direction on the projects they would like to have submitted.  She further advised that they need a sponsor and have requested Representative Jason Brodeur, but they have not confirmed it yet. 

     Chairman Carey stated the criteria have not been written yet, so unless there is an objection, she suggests submitting all nine projects.  Commissioner Dallari agreed.

     Commissioner Constantine advised that this request is for information only; it was requested by Stephen James of the Florida Association of Counties.  He said, as Chairman Carey mentioned, the criteria is not there for Amendment #1, but as it evolves the criteria will be basically water quality projects, not water quality and quantity projects.  He stated some of the projects on the list are essentially water quantity projects that may or may not fit the criteria of Amendment #1.  He added that all the projects together are $120 million and all of Amendment #1 is $750 million.  He suggested that they be more specific with their submissions and said the last five on the list fit the criteria. 

     Chairman Carey explained that the request was to get them catalogued and she believes all of the projects on the list should be catalogued.  She agreed that Amendment #1 is about water quality and the last five on the list fit that, but she also opined that alternative water supply probably fits in water quality as well.  She asked if there were any objections to cataloguing all of the projects for now, and when they are asked to rank them in some order, the water quality projects should rise to the top because that is how the allocation will come once that is figured out.

     Commissioner Horan commented that a similar exercise was suggested at the Regional Planning Council.  He said he feels that what will be most important, whether they are water quality or water quantity projects, is what projects are “shovel ready.”  He added he believes that will be an important criterion on what will and will not get funded.  He stated that this is the largest environmental initiative ever passed by the people in any state anywhere; $22 billion over 20 years.  He suggested emphasizing those particular projects that are ready to go.  Ms. Lung replied that they will put that in the wording.

     Upon inquiry by Commissioner Dallari, Carol Hunter, Environmental Services Director, responded that the first four projects were submitted by Environmental Services; they relate to water quantity and quality.  The first two listed are the Reclaimed Retrofit, which is part of their CUP (Consumptive Use Permit).  She stated the cumulative resolution of the County’s reclaimed retrofit program is to offset one MGD of groundwater, which does protect the environment and which is why it qualifies for the quantity and quality aspect.  The next two projects are on the CFWI (Central Florida Water Initiative) list of projects for regional solutions, which addresses quantity and quality as well.  The CFWI’s Solutions Subcommittee has generated a list of 27 solution projects that addressed the entire region in the CFWI impact zone and those projects have already been identified and approved by the CFWI Steering Committee. 

     Chairman Carey confirmed with Ms. Hunter that projects #3 and #4 are on the CFWI final list. 

     Upon inquiry by Commissioner Henley, Commissioner Dallari stated there would be no harm in submitting all nine projects.  Chairman Carey suggested they include in the wording what is designed and ready for construction and they should list if it is a quality and/or quantity issue.  She said the more thorough they can be in the description of the project, the easier the person reading the list can make a determination. 

     Chairman Carey stated, unless the Board has any objections, they should submit the list with all nine projects being very clear about what they are, they should continue to monitor this and as the language starts to come out of the bill and they know the direction the Legislature is taking and how they are going to approach it, the Board may want to amend the list and how the project description is worded.  The Board voiced no objections.

     Commissioner Dallari opined that it is also important to note the projects supported by CFWI. 

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     Ms. Lung stated that several Board members had asked what the cost was for improvements at the Juvenile Detention Center; she advised the cost was $720,000.  Chairman Carey stated the building was in very bad condition.  After touring it, she asked the County Attorney if they could sue the State to make them fix it because the DJJ’s lease said they were to maintain it while they had it and they did not. 

     Commissioner Dallari stated that since they are asking the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to pay the $4 million that they owe the County, he feels they should include the $720,000 that was needed to repair what was destroyed or in disrepair. 

     Commissioner Henley left the meeting at this time.

     Upon inquiry by Commissioner Constantine, County Attorney Bryant Applegate advised that the latest issue with the DJJ is that they are once again adjusting the numbers that they think they owe the County and the numbers have dropped by about $1 million and change.  He said his office is looking to see what the strategy should be with litigation. 

     Commissioner Dallari reiterated that included in the DJJ’s lease, the DJJ was supposed to maintain the building.  When they vacated the building, it cost the citizens of Seminole County a considerable amount of money to repair it, and he believes they should be asking for that to be repaid.  Chairman Carey added they will need to have a discussion about whether it is a strategy to go after that money.  She said there were only three counties that opted out and Marion County has already informed the State that they will not go after claiming their money; therefore, it is now just Seminole and Polk Counties.

     Ms. Guillet stated it is an important issue because the initial discussions that the lobbyists have had with members of the Legislature is that this going to get down to an issue of equity in the fact that the County made a significant capital investment on top of the overpayment.  Commissioner Dallari said he is not looking to file a lawsuit but wants to bring it to the DJJ’s attention so they will actually pay what is owed to the County.

     Commissioner Henley reentered the meeting at this time.

     Commissioner Constantine said in looking at the DJJ’s budget, they did not include anything as a settlement for the two counties.  He said he spoke with the Appropriations Chairs and this essentially will not be legislation; it will be an agreement, or not an agreement, by the two head Chairs of Appropriations, not the Subcommittee Chair of the DJJ, whether they want to pay all, some or none of it.  He said the County spent $720,000 to fix up the building, so he agrees with Commissioner Dallari that they should let them know that.  He added one good thing they have going for them in this budget is that Senator Tom Lee is from Hillsborough County, which is right next to Polk County where he has many close friends, and Representative Richard Corcoran, the Appropriations Chair in the House, also represents close to Polk County.  He opined they have a better chance than they did last year of getting anything into the budget.  He said the legislators do recognize the difference between Seminole and the other 64 counties, so they will not get mired in that mix up like it has happened in the past.

     Chairman Carey stated there is the time value of money so the quicker they can resolve this, obviously the better.  Therefore, they should continue to move forward and put all of the costs into those numbers as they continue to claim them.  The Governor has indicated if the County can get it into some appropriation, he would certainly support it because he believes Seminole County is owed that money.

     Alex Setzer, Lobbyist, addressed the Board and said he agrees with Commissioner Constantine’s opinion that having Representative Corcoran in that “neck of the woods” helps.  He said he agrees there does seem to be a very fundamental understanding that Seminole and Polk Counties have primarily been exactly what they should be and they should be rewarded for that and be paid back as quickly as possible.  The debate going on now, at least at the staff level, is they would like for everyone to come to an agreement on repayment; however, there is also an agreement that Seminole and Polk Counties should be treated differently based on the fact that they are no longer in the system.  Mr. Setzer said they will be having more conversation with legislative staff next week.  He added that Chairman Carey was correct; what was offered by the House last year, the 20-year repayment, is not going to work based on time value and the fact that Seminole is no longer in the system. 

     Chairman Carey repeated the information about the State’s lease for Mr. Setzer and the cost of $720,000 to repair the building.  She added that Mr. Applegate had advised that there was some movement in the actual dollar amount and they need to agree on the number before trying to settle this.  Mr. Setzer said the quicker the Board can provide that number, the better.

     Commissioner Henley questioned whether staff had taken appropriate pictures as evidence of the State’s neglect.  Chairman Carey asked that Ms. Lung ensure they have those pictures and get those in some kind of a format to use as a tool as well.  Commissioner Horan said he recalls seeing those pictures.

     Mr. Setzer stated that both Seminole County and Polk County have very strong Sheriffs and that should help their cause as well.

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     Commissioner Horan advised that there are some new bills filed concerning public records to address the problem of abuse of the process by people who are requesting public records.  Chairman Carey requested that Mr. Setzer add this to the list to monitor.  Mr. Applegate stated the County Attorney’s Office is monitoring that as well.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

     Chairman Carey stated they talked about the Law Library appointment at the last meeting.  Currently Mark Reyes is the existing member and they need to appoint someone for a three-year term.  There was another applicant, Aaron Hines, that applied and those applications were circulated to the BCC Offices.  She said she noticed that Mark Reyes’ office is right on First Street in Sanford, not very far from the Law Library, and confirmed that Mr. Hines’ office is in downtown Orlando. 

     Motion by Commissioner Horan, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-26 reappointing Mark Reyes to the Law Library for a three-year term.

     Under discussion, Commissioner Horan said both lawyers are very well qualified for the position, but Mr. Reyes actually has his office in Seminole County.

     Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

 

     Chairman Carey said they were finally able to reach Dr. Moja who is their veterinarian on the Animal Control Board.  She stated he has agreed to serve for another year.

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     Motion by Commissioner Horan, seconded by Commissioner Henley, to approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-27 reappointing Dr. Robert Moja to the Animal Control Board for a one-year term.

     Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR REPORTS

     The following Communications and/or Reports were received and filed:

1.      Letter dated January 14, 2015 from Ana Richmond, DEO Bureau of Community Planning Chief, to Chairman Carey RE: the comprehensive plan amendment No. 14-4ESR.  (C:  Sheryl Stolzenberg, Seminole County; Hugh Harling, ECFRPC.)

 

2.      Letter with attachments dated January 16, 2015 from Erin O’Donnell, Altamonte Springs City Clerk, to Chairman Carey RE: Voluntary Annexation of Properties Contiguous to Altamonte Springs, 1203 E. Altamonte Drive.

 

3.      Copy of letter dated January 6, 2015 from Chairman Carey to Angela Weeks-Samanie of Florida Department of Agriculture RE: Seminole County, Mosquito Control Program Director.  (BCC members; Nicole Guillet; Antoine Khoury; Kim Ornberg.)

 

4.      Copy of letter and draft enclosure dated January 9, 2015 from Jason Loschiavo, Metroplan Orlando, to Chairman Carey RE: Draft Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Creation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.  (Original document to CAO for review as requested in letter.)

 

5.      Letter with attachments dated January 9, 2015 from Donna Gardner, City of Casselberry City Clerk, to Chairman Carey RE: City of Casselberry Annexation Ordinance No. 14-1412.

 

6.      Letter dated January 12, 2015 from Charlene Glancy, City of Casselberry Mayor, to Chairman Carey RE: Support for the MSBU Process for Aquatic Plant Management for Lake Howell.  (C: Casselberry City Commission; Randy Newlon, City Manager.)

 

7.      Letter and enclosure dated January 16, 2015 from Nicole Harvell, Florida Department of Revenue, to Seminole County BCC RE: Tax Information Publication Notice.

 

DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS’/COMMITTEE REPORTS

     Commissioner Horan gave a “shout out” to Joe Abel, Leisure Services Director, and his staff for rescheduling some dock maintenance on the St. Johns River to accommodate the “Running of the Shad.”  He further thanked Bruce McMenemy, Deputy County Manager, and Facilities staff for coordinating with the Historical Commission to come up with a protocol for repairing and refurbishing the historical markers and doing it within the existing budget.

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     Commissioner Horan advised at the Historical Commission meeting, they discussed the rollout and the exposition of the County’s items from “The Senator” and the March and June events.  He stated he will report with some recommendations after next month’s meeting.  Also, staff is working on that with the Historical Society and the Historical Commission.

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     Commissioner Horan reported that he attended a very informative meeting of the MPO (MetroPlan) Alliance on January 16.  There is a report from SunRail about the successful rollout of the evening service; they had 9,000 passengers on one day, January 2. 

Commissioner Horan advised that SunRail and DOT (Department of Transportation) are in the process of the development of a cost-benefit metric that will be used for expansion of the service, and they want the MetroPlan Alliance to be involved in that and possibly the Rail Commission.  A letter of support (copy received and filed) was given by the MPO Alliance to the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) for treating SunRail as one project.  He advised that the Federal government divided SunRail into three phases for purposes of funding.  At the present time, there is one phase in operation, a second one looking for funding out of bucket “A” and a third phase that would go from Debary to Deland that is looking for funding out of bucket “B.”  He noted that the MPO Alliance discussed the importance of funding SunRail as one project and agreed to send a letter to the FTA stating such.

Commissioner Horan said they also discussed legislative priorities.  He stated there was enabling legislation last year that allowed the DOT to use its condemnation power for purposes of trails.  In terms of the coast-to-coast trail, it is a very important piece of legislation.  That legislation combined with Amendment #1 money in terms of whether the rulemaking or the Amendment #1 money can be used also for coast-to-coast trail maintenance is also being considered at this particular time.

     Commissioner Horan advised Governor Scott appointed an East Central Florida Corridor Task Force, which is a model task force.  He stated the idea behind it was to model a procedure and process for how DOT does corridor studies in the future.  The primary recommendation coming out of the Commission was that there should be the commissioning and the production of a Regional Transit Action Plan and that the MPO Alliance should be the primary entity involved in commissioning and producing that action plan.  He added that will be the subject of discussion in the future.

     Commissioner Horan noted that the planning for the Deseret development property in Orange, Osceola and Brevard Counties, at build-out, should be about 500,000 people in approximately an area the size of Seminole County.  In terms of the next 25 to 30 years, they should think of replicating Seminole County just out of Deseret Ranch.  He pointed out that there is also the largest DRI (Development of Regional Impact), possibly ever, in Farmton, which is in Volusia County.  These developments will be north and directly south of what is basically Seminole County’s protected rural areas.  He stated they need to keep an eye on those developments and how they may impact their Charter-protected areas.

     Commissioner Horan stated they had a great presentation on the coast-to-coast trail.  Basically the $15 million this year was allocated under that enabling statute to go ahead and purchase more right-of-way along main corridors that will close the gaps on the coast-to-coast trail.  He advised that the Coast-to-Coast Trail Task Force recommended that the MPO Alliance ask the DOT to develop branding, aesthetics and other metrics that will give a certain uniformity to the coast-to-coast trail so that every county could have a gateway trailhead and be part of the process to identify those particular places where people will spend, not only time and effort, but also money, enabling the collection of sales tax along the way.

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     Commissioner Horan announced St. Stephen’s Catholic community’s annual winter festival on February 5 through 8.  He stated it is a great event with carnival food, family fun, silent and live auctions and a flea market.

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     Commissioner Constantine reported that on January 14, he spoke to the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs at their annual state meeting.

 

     Commissioner Constantine advised that MetroPlan had a value pricing workshop that he and Commissioner Dallari attended concerning how to address the potential of a new source of transportation funding in the state.  There was wholehearted agreement that they had to have the State’s buy-in and then pay for that particular plan if that was going to move forward.

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     Commissioner Constantine stated the Central Florida Zoo Board met and is in the process of trying to find a new executive director.  They had interviews yesterday along with a reception for them and they anticipate being able to have the new director on board by the end of February.

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     Commissioner Constantine reported that the Joint Leadership Seminole Board met at Florida Hospital in Altamonte Springs.  He stated he attended the Scottish Highlands Games along with Commissioners Carey, Dallari, and Horan.  Also, he and Commissioner Carey attended the City of Longwood meeting on January 19 concerning the Martin Luther King Good Citizenship Award.  At the MetroPlan Transportation Disadvantaged meeting, they discussed the concerns of citizens when it comes to working with LYNX. 

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Commissioner Constantine reported that at the Regional Planning Council meeting, Clay Henderson, who was the attorney for Amendment #1, gave an extensive report on the potential of the $22 billion.  He stated, as indicated earlier, they are looking at finding an implementing bill to use to distribute the Amendment #1 dollars.  With 40 senators and 120 representatives, there are 160 different ways of doing that right now, but it is a center point of the Environmental Preservation Committee of the Senate, and he said he did attend the first meeting which was jam packed obviously with lobbyists.  The executive director who is tasked with writing the legislation was one of his last appointees at the Environmental Preservation Committee and he had a wonderful conversation with him about some of the strategies they might implement.

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     Commissioner Constantine advised that CareerSource had their meeting and they discussed not only projects and their budget for the next year but their pending move to downtown Orlando.  Also, on January 22, he was a guest speaker of the League of Women Voters.

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     Commissioner Constantine stated the Leadership Seminole Class 24 is presenting “Wings, Wine and Wheels” at the Orlando Sanford Airport this Friday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m.

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     Commissioner Constantine noted that the Council of Local Governments will be meeting on February 4 in Casselberry.

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     Motion by Commissioner Constantine, seconded by Commissioner Horan, to approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-28 in appreciation of Deana Schott for her service on the Seminole County Industrial Development Authority; approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-29 appointing Lisa Metcalf to the replace Ms. Schott on the Seminole County Industrial Development Authority; approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-30 in appreciation of Michael Bowdoin for his service on the Planning & Zoning Commission; and approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-31 appointing Jay Zembower to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

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     Commissioner Constantine left the meeting at this time.

Commissioner Henley said in regard to SunRail, the new Chairman of MetroPlan, Jim Swan from Osceola County, sent a letter to Therese McMillan who is the Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration to request her help in getting funding for the second phase of SunRail into the President’s 2016 budget.  If it is not in his budget, it is going to be a significant setback to completing the 61 miles, regardless of whatever the dollar amount is.  He said Debary is the most popular station of all of the SunRail stations and the 12-mile extension up to Deland is critical to completing that, so Mayor Swan is requesting Ms. McMillan’s help to get it into the President’s budget.  He explained they have commitment from the local funding partners and from the State, but they do not have a federal commitment; they are looking for about $34.5 million.  He added it is a top priority for MetroPlan as well as the other MetroPlans in the area.  Upon inquiry by Chairman Carey, Commissioner Dallari stated they have been asking the chairs of all the funding partners to write a letter representing their board requesting exactly what Commissioner Henley stated.  Chairman Carey stated they will get that done and sent out today.

     Commissioner Constantine returned to the meeting at this time.

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     Chairman Carey stated she is the Board’s representative on the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFEA) Board and as Commissioner Horan mentioned, Deseret Ranch is a huge tract of land that is south of SR 528, which is a road under the authority of the CFEA.  The CFEA has been in discussion for quite some time and they continue to be in discussion with the Deseret Ranch Board to acquire right-of-way for their future expansion.  Under the new CFEA legislation, the agency is responsible for addressing all forms of transportation, not just toll roads but also transit and other sources.  She advised they will continue to work with Deseret Ranch on making sure that those needs are met.

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     Chairman Carey reported that TEAMFL (Transportation and Expressway Authority Membership of Florida) brings all the transportation agencies from around the state together and she attended a reception on behalf of the County.  She stated it was very well attended by all aspects whether it was rail, roads, heavy rail, or light rail.  The representatives that are doing the oversight and design on I-4 were also there.  The CFEA staff has reached out to DOT staff because they would like to have one message about transportation and the schedule of the construction.  When I-4 goes under construction, U.S. Hwy 17-92 is going to be under construction.  Also, there are some improvements that are happening on the turnpike so they need to make a better plan of how this is all going to work and what the easiest access route will be for people trying to move around the community.  CFEA will continue to work on trying to have a single message from all the agencies.  She asked for any input the Board may have, either through MetroPlan, LYNX or rail.  She informed Commissioner Henley that they are talking to LYNX just to make sure that everybody knows what the routes are.  Many times routes change during budget time and she knows they try to get that message out there, but there may be people that aren’t aware who are going to start to take SunRail and those types of things, so they need to make sure that the information is out there and easily accessible.

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     Chairman Carey advised she attended the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative banquet hosted by the City of Sanford and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Steering Committee on January 17 and she was honored to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship Award for 2015 from the City of Longwood.  She wanted to publicly thanked Mayor Maingot and those Commissioners for that recognition.

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     Chairman Carey stated that she attended the Mayors & Managers meeting last week with the County Manager.  There was a presentation given by EDAC, their Economic Development Advisory Committee.  John Hillenmeyer, Ron Davoli and Tom Green gave them an update.  She suggested that as things continue to move forward at some point during the year, the Board should probably have that group come and give an update to the BCC.

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     Chairman Carey thanked all the Commissioners that were able to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week at the Riverwalk.  She said it was a great event and it is a great partnership between the County and the City of Sanford and that everyone is looking forward to Phase 3.  She added in regard to the coast-to-coast trail, she shared with the County Engineer Brett Blackadar this morning the concept plan that has been done in thought where there would be a trailhead under I-4 for people coming from Volusia County.  They are working on the final funding for Phase 3 and the trailhead is something they need to look at as part of the funding because it would be a main focal point as people enter Seminole County from Volusia County.

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     Chairman Carey advised that Katrina Powell has taken a job out of state and she has an unexpired term on the Planning & Zoning Commission that will end January 1, 2016.

Motion by Chairman Carey, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-31 appointing Michelle Ertel to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fulfill an unexpired term ending January 1, 2016; and approve appropriate Resolution #2015-R-32 in appreciation to Katrina Powell for her service on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

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     Commissioner Dallari stated he attended a community meeting in Orange County.  There were two developers both talking about submitting their plans to Orange County.  One staff member, Tony Matthews from the Planning and Development Division, attended as well. 

     Commissioner Dallari said he has a concern about one of the developments, if not both, but for the one just south of Seminole County that borders the county line along SR 419 in Orange County, the developer is contemplating an additional four-lane road tying into the East-West Expressway.  The developer has not yet submitted his plans to the County; the plans are just sketches right now, but Commissioner Dallari would like staff to report back to the Board with additional findings on this.  It would take a four-lane road right up to the county line, and he said he is concerned about how it would affect not just the rural area of Seminole County, but the water and the stormwater in the County.

     Chairman Carey suggested they have the County Attorney draft something to put everyone on notice that Seminole County does not have any plans to widen SR 419. She asked Brett Blackadar, County Engineer, to contact the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFEA) staff to see if they have had any discussion with any developer in regard to connecting to the East-West Expressway.  Commissioner Dallari stated that taking a four-lane road from a major metropolitan area in Orange County and bringing it up to the rural area raises concerns.  Commissioner Dallari requested Mr. Blackadar report back to the Board so they can actually understand what is being submitted to Orange County staff.

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     Commissioner Dallari advised there was a work session with MetroPlan in regard to changing the gas tax structure and there have already been six different states that have done pilot programs and studies on this.  He feels they should not be going into this because it is a national issue and unless directed by the Board, he will not be supporting it at the upcoming MetroPlan meeting.

Chairman Carey suggested that before the Board would take a position on this, they have MetroPlan make a presentation so that everybody has an opportunity to get the same information.  She stated that as Commissioner Dallari said, it is a national issue, but they do have a national lobbyist.

Commissioner Henley stated this has been a point of discussion for some time at MetroPlan.  He opined they could ask MetroPlan’s staff member who has been heading this up for some time to appear before the Board so the Board can make an informed decision because he has a lot of reservations.

Commissioner Constantine stated there was clear discussion that all of them had reservations if it wasn’t a buy-in by the State and that they weren’t going to conduct it on a statewide basis.  The request was that Harry Barley, MetroPlan Orlando, go back and discuss this with the State to see if there was a buy-in, if the DOT would be able to pay for it, and if they were going to choose areas or an area to do this. 

Chairman Carey requested that the County Manager have staff look into this and if there is some formula that is being discussed, have staff do a quick estimate, i.e. this is what their gas tax is today and this is what it generates and this is what the new formula will generate.  She said if the State is going to take a revenue source away from the County, then they need to understand what it is, how much it is and the kind of impact it would have.  She directed that if this is not brought back to the Board at the first meeting in February, then she would like it no later than the second meeting in February.

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

     Dr. Nallan Chari, 1911 North Street, distributed his written comments (received and filed) to the Board and then addressed the Board to read his comments in regard to his requested cleanup of the pond on his property.

     Chairman Carey directed staff to put their response in writing.  She said she believes there was some clarification done as to the County’s impact on Dr. Chari’s pond as well as the responsibilities of the County and Dr. Chari’s private responsibilities.  She would like the written response circulated to the Commission Offices.

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     Chairman Carey expressed well wishes from the Board to Bruce McMenemy, Deputy County Manager, on a speedy recovery and said they look forward to his return.

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     Chairman Carey reminded everyone of the work session scheduled at 1:30 p.m. today in Conference Room #3024.

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There being no further business to come before the Board, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m., this same date.

 

 

 

ATTEST:______________________Clerk_____________________Chairman

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