BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA
JUNE 23, 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, June 23,
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)
Clerk of Court & Comptroller Maryanne
Morse
County Manager Nicole Guillet
County Attorney Bryant Applegate
Deputy Clerk Erin Leben
Pastor John Pierce, New Tribes Mission,
Sanford, gave the Invocation.
Commissioner Constantine led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The
Business Spotlight video for One Senior Place was presented.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Item #1 – A-0848-15
Motion by
Commissioner Horan, seconded by Commissioner Henley, to approve appropriate
Resolution #2015-R-103 congratulating Dr. E. Ann McGee for her outstanding
leadership in Seminole County as the President of Seminole State College and being
awarded the 2015 Leadership Legends Award.
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted
AYE.
The
Resolution was presented to Dr. McGee, who addressed the Board to express her
appreciation.
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Chairman
Carey recessed the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners at 9:44 a.m.,
and convened as the U.S. Highway 17-92 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
U.S. HIGHWAY 17-92 CRA
Agenda Item #2 – A-0822-15
Sonia Fonseca, U.S.
17-92 CRA Program Manager, addressed the Board to present a request to approve
the First Amendment to the CRA Redevelopment and Construction Grant Agreement
between Dick Baird, Inc., d/b/a Bill Ray Nissan and the U.S. 17-92 Community Redevelopment
Agency, related to the redevelopment of the property located at 2724 North U.S.
Hwy 17-92, extending the project completion date to December 31, 2016. Ms. Fonseca presented the request as outlined
in the Agenda Memorandum. She explained
that due to the significance of the scope, the review process and design
changes, the Applicant is requesting an extension of the completion time to
ensure that they comply with their agreement.
Ms. Fonseca stated staff is recommending approval of this request. She advised the Applicant is present to
address any questions the Board may have.
Chairman Carey noted
there was a recommendation from the RPA (Redevelopment Planning Agency) to
approve this Amendment.
Motion by Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner
Horan, to approve the First Amendment to the Redevelopment and Construction
Grant Agreement between the U.S. 17-92 CRA and Dick Baird, Inc. d/b/a Bill Ray
Nissan, related to the redevelopment of the property located at 2724 North U.S.
Highway 17-92, extending the project completion date until December 31, 2016.
David Leavitt, 1000
Ridge Pointe Cove, addressed the Board to express his concern with taxpayer
money being distributed to companies for things other than goods or services. He believes that any company receiving such
taxpayer benefits places an unfair burden on any other similar business not
receiving those benefits, and in effect, local governments are selecting
business winners and losers with taxpayer dollars.
Mr. Leavitt stated that
aside from grants for business, he likes what the CRA program can do when used
more appropriately. He feels it can
invigorate the economy of an area that is truly blighted by making investments
of taxpayer dollars on taxpayer-owned things such as road improvements, wider
sidewalks, creative curbing and medians, creative landscaping, trail extensions
and better lighting.
Mr. Leavitt stated he
realizes this Commission is “on the hook” with granting this extension to Bill
Ray Nissan; however, he hopes in the future they will work with the citizens to
help show the rest of Florida that businesses can and should compete with other
businesses on their own accord and without taxpayer help. He suggested they make 17-92 more appealing
for businesses to locate in the corridor by using the CRA money for
improvements that the taxpayers own.
Speaker Request Form
was received and filed.
No one else spoke in
support or in opposition and public input was closed.
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 voted AYE.
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Chairman Carey
adjourned the meeting of the U.S. Highway 17-92 Community Redevelopment Agency
at 9:49 a.m., and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Nicole Guillet, County Manager,
advised staff is requesting Item #28, Resolution implementing Budget Amendment
Request (BAR) #15-086 in the amount of $163,565,867 to recognize the Water and
Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2015A transaction, and Item #31,
Amendment #3 to RFP-601340-12/BJC, Fleet Management and Maintenance Services
with Serco, Inc., be pulled from the
Agenda.
Commissioner Constantine asked that
Item #11, Steeple Chase Replat for lots 106 through 122 and Tract F, zoned PD
(Planned Development); Item #12, Steeple Chase Replat for a portion of Tract N,
zoned PD (Planned Development); and Item #25, Loan Resolution and Resolution
implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #15-079 to appropriate budget of $3,250,000
from reserves to the Tourism Development Fund to complete an interfund loan for
the purchase of lighting at the Sports Complex, be pulled for a separate discussion.
Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Maryanne Morse stated she has a
recommended change on Item #25.
Chairman Carey asked that Item #29,
request to authorize the County Manager to execute all work orders over
$100,000.00 and any associated amendments under Master Services Agreement
PS-8186-13/DRR; and to approve previous Work Orders #1, #2, #7, #9, #10, #11,
#12 and #14 and any amendments over $100,000.00 that were executed be pulled for a separate discussion.
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 Constantine, to authorize and approve the following:
County Manager’s Office
Economic Development
Division
3. Adopt
appropriate Resolution
#2015-R-105, revising Seminole County's Delegation of Authority to the City of
Sanford with respect to the Lake Monroe Waterfront Downtown Sanford Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA), extending the termination date of the CRA ten
years, from November 13, 2015 to November 13, 2025. (A-0852-15)
4. Adopt appropriate Resolution
#2015-R-106, revising Seminole County’s Delegation of Authority to the City of
Casselberry with respect to the Casselberry Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA), extending the termination date of the Casselberry CRA for two years,
from December 11, 2015 to December 11, 2017. (A-0391-15)
Community Services
Business Office
5. Authorize the Chairman to
approve the reappointments and appointment of six members to the Committee on
Aging as follows: Randy Hunt, Walt Willis, Teri Rodgers, Nancy Squillacioti,
Audrey Burnett, and Penny Seater. (A-0921-15)
6. Approve and authorize the
Chairman to execute the Agreement for Assumption of Mortgage (Seneta Williams) with
Angeline Shepard, for a SHIP Affordable Housing Mortgage encumbering the real
property located at 2950 Dixon Avenue, Sanford. (A-0919-15)
Community
Development Division
7. Approve and accept the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) monthly snapshot/report and properties
acquired by Seminole County Government. (A-0917-15)
8. Authorize the Chairman to
execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-107, ratifying the County Manager's
execution of the Kathleen Anderson Comprehensive Work Center, Inc., d/b/a
Seminole Work Opportunity Program (SWOP) Grant Agreement that provided $5,000
for emergency replacement of two air conditioning units for SWOP, a not-for-profit
organization that provides training and work opportunities for adults with
developmental disabilities. (A-0914-15)
9. Approve and authorize the
Chairman to execute the First Amendment to Subrecipient Agreement between
Seminole County, the City of Sanford and Expressly You School of the Arts, Inc.
for Program Year 2014-2015 to allow direct pay to vendors and update income
certification forms. (A-0928-15)
Development
Services
Planning
& Development Division
10. Approve the final plat for Westlake
Subdivision for 3 lots on 8.4 acres located on the southeast corner of SR 46
and Orange Blvd.; Bruce Andersen, Applicant. (A-0885-15)
13. Authorize release of Roads, Streets and
Drainage Performance Bond #1020567 in the amount of $306,681.65; and Roads,
Streets and Drainage Performance Bond #1020598 in the amount of $39,545.00 with
June 6, 2013 rider increasing bond amount to $43,499.50 for the Versailles
Subdivision; M/I Homes of Orlando, Applicant. (A-0929-15)
Environmental
Services
Business
Office
14. Authorize the release of the original
Maintenance Bonds, for Water & Sewer Facilities for the following: Alafaya
Carrigan Infrastructure, Irrevocable Letters of Credit and Cash Maintenance
Bonds with Escrow Agreements, $5,028.26; Brooks Cove, Bond #59BSBGL9794,
$23,484.87; Colonial Grand at Lake Mary Phase 1, $4,955.00; Colonial Grand at
Lake Mary Phase 2, $4,905.00; Enclave at Aloma Phase 1, Bond #0596256-M2,
$43,661.00; Fern Park Plaza, $1,878.65; McDonald’s 46A, Bond #929561058,
$1,067.03; TSO Warehouse, LOC #IS0013593, $4,062.18; Value Pawn, $540.00;
Versailles, Bond #41246285, $33,579.02; WaWa 17-92, $627.00; and Wawa Alafaya
& Carrigan, $2,216.79. (A-0907-15)
Utilities
Engineering
15. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
a Distribution Easement to grant Duke Energy Florida, Inc. the right, privilege
and easement to construct, reconstruct and maintain in perpetuity one or more
electric underground distribution lines and related underground and aboveground
facilities located at the County’s Lynwood Water Treatment Plant. (A-0905-15)
Leisure Services
Tourism Development Division
16. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
an Agreement with United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) in the
amount of $6,500 for the 2015 Men’s and Women’s Slow-Pitch Softball State
Tournament to be held July 25 through 26, 2015.
(A-0896-15)
Public Safety
Animal
Services Division
17. Approve the First Amendments to
Pet Rescue Cooperative Service Agreements for Central Florida Pug Rescue, Inc.;
Project Paws; and T.E.A.R.S., Inc.; and delegate authority to the Animal
Services Division Manager to execute the Amendments. (A-0922-15)
Public Works
Engineering
Division
18. Adopt appropriate Resolution #2015-R-104 and
authorize the Chairman to execute a Quiet Zone Improvement Agreement between
Seminole County and the State of Florida, Department of Transportation; and a
Three-Party Escrow Agreement for the design and construction of the Quiet Zone
Safety Improvements located within the geographic limits of the SunRail
Corridor in Seminole County. (FDOT - Financial Management Number 436014-1-52-06) (A-0862-15)
19. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
an Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement creating the Orlando Urban Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization d/b/a MetroPlan Orlando. (A-0856-15)
20. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
an Interlocal Agreement between Seminole County and the City of Lake Mary to
construct a turn lane and median improvements on Lake Mary Boulevard at
Palmetto Street. (A-0930-15)
Resource
Management
Business
Office
21. Adopt appropriate Resolution #2015-R-108
amending Section 20.45 of the Seminole County Administrative Code, updating
Water & Sewer Connection Fees and User Charges. (A-0938-15)
22. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
a Federally-Funded Subgrant Agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency
Management in acceptance of $111,175 for the FY2015/16 Emergency Management
Performance Grant; and approve and authorize the Chairman to execute appropriate
Resolution #2015-R-109 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #15-089
through the Disaster Preparedness Fund, in the amount of $111,175 to establish
funding for the Emergency Management Program. (A-0910-15)
23. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
a State-Funded Subgrant Agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency
Management in acceptance of $115,806 for the FY2015/16 Emergency Management
Preparedness and Assistance Grant; and approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
appropriate Resolution #2015-R-110 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR)
#15-090 through the Disaster Preparedness Fund, in the amount of $115,806 to
establish funding for the Emergency Management Program. (A-0911-15)
24. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
appropriate Resolution #2015-R-111 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR)
#15-091 through the DCF Reinvestment Grant Fund in the amount of $544,968 to
allocate grant funding for Years 2 and 3 of the Department of Children and
Families Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant
Program. (A-0915-15)
Budget and
Fiscal Management Division
26. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
appropriate Resolution #2015-R-114 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR)
#15-084 through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Fund,
in the amount of $50,000 to establish budget for the repayment received from
Tonia K. Vogel. (A-0904-15)
27. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute
appropriate Resolution #2015-R-115 implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR)
#15-085 through the 2001 Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund, in the amount of
$134,358 to establish utility relocation funding for the Mitchell Hammock Turn
Lane Project. (A-0906-15)
28. Pulled from the Agenda request
to approve and
authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution implementing Budget Amendment
Request (BAR) #15-086 through the Water and Sewer Operating Fund in the amount
of $163,565,867 to recognize the Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series 2015A transaction. (A-0898-15)
Purchasing
& Contracts Division
30. Award IFB-602286-15/TLR, Term Contract for
UPS Preventive Maintenance, Maintenance, Repairs, and Battery Replacement to
Precision Power Services, Inc.; and authorize the Purchasing & Contracts
Division to execute the Agreement. (A-0916-15)
31. Pulled from the Agenda
request to approve
Amendment #3 to RFP-601340-12/BJC, Fleet Management and Maintenance Services
with Serco, Inc., Reston, Virginia; and authorize the Purchasing &
Contracts Division to execute the Amendment. (A-0897-15)
32. Award RFP-602242-15/GCM, Term Contract for
Mosquito Control Aerial Adulticiding Services, to Clarke Environmental Mosquito
Management, Inc., Kissimmee; and authorize the Purchasing & Contracts
Division to execute the Agreement. (A-0886-15)
33. Award RFP-602268-15/BJC, HP Converged
Server/Storage Solution, to Hewlett-Packard Company, Houston, Texas; and
authorize the Purchasing & Contracts Division to execute the Agreement. (A-0878-15)
Districts 1, 2,
3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.
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Agenda Item #11 – A-0825-15
Agenda Item #12 – A-0946-15
Regarding
Item #11, request to approve the Steeple Chase Replat for lots 106 through 122
and Tract F, zoned PD (Planned Development), located on the south side of Lake
Mary Boulevard, east of Markham Woods Road; Taylor Morrison, Applicant; and
Item #12, request to Approve the Steeple Chase Replat for a portion of Tract N,
zoned PD (Planned Development), located on the south side of Lake Mary
Boulevard, east of Markham Woods Road; Taylor Morrison, Applicant, Commissioner
Constantine advised he voted against the additional units for this development
and to be consistent, he would like to continue to vote against the plat on
those additional units.
Motion by
Chairman Carey, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to approve the Steeple Chase
Replat for lots 106 through 122 and Tract F, zoned PD (Planned Development),
located on the south side of Lake Mary Boulevard, east of Markham Woods Road;
Taylor Morrison, Applicant; and to approve the Steeple Chase Replat for a portion
of Tract N, zoned PD (Planned Development), located on the south side of Lake
Mary Boulevard, east of Markham Woods Road; Taylor Morrison, Applicant.
Under discussion and upon inquiry
by Commissioner Dallari, Commissioner Constantine advised there is not a
technical problem with the plat and he will be voting against the items for
philosophical reasons. Chairman Carey
added the plat is in keeping with the Development Order.
No one spoke in support or in
opposition to Item #11 and Item #12 and public input was closed.
Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 voted AYE.
Commissioner Constantine voted NAY.
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Item #25 -
A-0786-15
Regarding
Item #25, Loan Resolution and Resolution Implementing Budget Amendment Request
(BAR) #15-079 through the Solid Waste Fund to appropriate budget of $3,250,000
from reserves to the Tourist Development Fund to complete an interfund loan for
the purchase of lighting at the Sports Complex, Commissioner Constantine stated
he is in support of LED lights for the Sports Complex, but he requested two
weeks ago a long-term, true cost recovery analysis, not just including the
potential savings, but the exact number of hours the LED lights would work
compared to other lights and the cost of labor for replacing the lights. He is on the record requesting that analysis
be provided to him as soon as possible.
Chairman
Carey noted that the photometric consultant could provide the exact number of
the anticipated cost recovery with LED versus traditional lights.
Joe Abel,
Leisure Services Director, addressed the Board to explain LED lights are rated
to last about 20 years or 100,000 hours and metal halide lights typically last
between 5,000 and 6,000 hours. He stated
he does not have a specific answer regarding a cost recovery analysis for lighting
because both types of lights are covered under warranty in the agreement with
Musco Lighting, so there will be no additional cost to the County over a
20-year period in either scenario.
Chairman
Carey requested Mr. Abel ask the photometric consultant to provide the real
cost recovery numbers for LED lights versus metal halide and noted the number
can be given in today’s dollars. The
Board briefly discussed cost recovery regarding LED lights versus metal halide.
Clerk of
the Court & Comptroller Maryanne Morse advised that in Section 5 of the
Loan Resolution, the language should read as “by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
& Comptroller” rather than “by the Clerk”. Chairman Carey advised the language in the
resolution will be changed.
No one spoke
in support or in opposition to Item #25 and public input was closed.
Motion by Commissioner Dallari,
seconded by Commissioner Constantine to approve and authorize the Chairman to
execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-112, Interfund Loan Resolution, adding
the designation of Comptroller when referring to the Clerk of the Circuit Court;
and to execute appropriate Resolution #2015-R-113, implementing Budget
Amendment Request (BAR) #15-079 through the Solid Waste Fund to appropriate
budget of $3,250,000 from reserves to the Tourist Development Fund to complete
an interfund loan for the purchase of lighting at the Sports Complex.
Districts
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.
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Agenda Item
#29 – A-0918-15
Regarding Item
#29, Request to authorize the County Manager to approve and execute all work
orders over $100,000.00 and any associated amendments under Master Services
Agreement PS-8186-13/DRR and to approve previous Work Orders #1, #2, #7, #9,
#10, #11, #12 and #14 and any amendments over $100,000.00 that were executed,
Chairman Carey stated she requested this item be pulled to clarify a prior
action regarding the County’s continuing contracts. She explained that currently the County
Manager has the authority to execute anything up to $100,000, and anything over
that is to come to the Board of County Commissioners. Chairman Carey clarified this is a matter of
checks and balances and through discussions with Ms. Guillet, she is not
comfortable signing change orders over that amount so they start to accumulate.
Upon
inquiry by Commissioner Horan, Chairman Carey clarified the County Manager
currently has the authority to sign work orders up to $100,000.00. Ms. Guillet explained that related to
PS-8186-13, there was a prior action by the Board that authorized the County
Manager to execute work orders over $100,000.00 and staff requested she approve
and execute a work order over $100,000.00. So the question came up whether the Board’s
intent was that she have the ability to execute work orders that the Board had
approved versus approve and execute work orders over $100,000.00. Chairman Carey clarified that the Board has
to approve the work orders and the County Manager can execute them.
Upon
inquiry by Commissioner Horan, Ms. Guillet advised she has not checked whether
this policy is consistent with other counties the size of Seminole County but
it is consistent with the Purchasing Department’s policy.
No one
spoke in support or in opposition to Item #19 and public input was closed.
Motion by Commissioner Dallari,
seconded by Commissioner Henley, to deny
request to authorize the County Manager to approve and execute all work orders
over $100,000.00 and any associated amendments under Master Services Agreement
PS-8186-13/DRR.
Districts
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS’ CONSENT
AGENDA
Motion by
Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to approve the
following:
Clerk’s
Office
34. Approve Expenditure Approval
Lists dated May 11 and 18, 2015; Payroll Approval Lists dated May 7 and 21,
2015; and the BCC Official Minutes dated April 28, 2015; Clerk's "Received
and Filed" is for information only. (A-0877-15)
The Board noted, for information only, the following Clerk’s
“Received and Filed”:
1. Memorandum
to Department of Children and Families requesting reallocation of $30,000 in
funding from “Rapid Rehousing” to “Prevention” and associated Amendment #1 to
Contract GPZ28, effective 5/1/15; Emergency Solutions Grant for “Rapid
Rehousing” in the amount of $52,250 was approved by the BCC on 6/10/14.
2. Development
Orders as follows: #15-27500018,
Alcoholic Beverage License for Stone House Pizza, Robie Alan Finch; and
#15-30000037, Setback Variance, Jean & Victor L. Gonzalez, Jr.
3. Developers
Commitment Agreement for Parkdale Place Planned Development; DCA #15-20500007.
4. Utility
Easement and Temporary Construction Easement with Laurence and Ellen Morrell,
Grantors; Druid Hills Interconnect Project.
5. Florida
Public Service Commission Order approving Duke Energy Florida’s request
regarding Nuclear Cost Recovery Clause; Order No. PSC-15-0176-TRF-EI issued
5/6/15.
6. Pet
Rescue Cooperative Service Agreements with American Bullmastiff Association
Rescue Services and Florida Little Dog Rescue Group, Inc.
7. Parks
Contracts for Services as follows: David
Roberts; William Robillard, Jr.; Galid Nieves; Virginia Blackley; Daniel
Hernandez; Ryan Lamkin; and Jody Mask; and Head Tennis Pro Agreement for
Michael Koslik.
8. M-0164-15,
Lake Emma Road Final Survey.
9. Amendment
#5 to Work Order #15 to PS-1529-06.
10. Work
Order #84 to PS-4388-09.
11. Closeout
to Work Order #3 to RFQ-5888-10.
12. Work
Order #12 to PS-8072-12.
13. Work
Order #31 to PS-8047-12.
14. Amendment
#3 to Work Order #1 to PS-8286-13.
15. Work
Order #15 to PS-8286-13.
16. Work
Order #16 to PS-8286-13.
17. Closeout
to CC-9025-13.
18. Change
Order #1 to CC-9170-13.
19. Change
Order #4 to Work Order #1 to CC-9072-13.
20. Closeout
to CC-9276-14.
21. Change
Order #3 to RFP-9833-14.
22. Sixth
Amendment to RFP-601745-13 with Apex Pest Control, Inc.
23. Fourth
Amendment to IFB-601852-13 with Clarke Mosquito Control Products, Inc.
24. IFB-602237-15
with Stericycle, Inc.
25. Pet
Rescue Cooperative Service Agreement with Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida,
Inc.
26. Work
Order #18 to CC-9192-13.
27. Amendment
#2 to Work Order #22 to RFP-5706-10.
28. Amendment
#7 to Work Order #42 to PS-4388-09.
29. Change
Order #4 to CC-9140-13.
30. IFB-602208-15,
Term Contract for Inventory Parts Related Only to Water and Sewer Division
Through Catalog Price List for the following:
HD Supply Waterworks, Ferguson Waterworks, Lawson Products, Inc.,
Fortiline Waterworks, MSC Industrial Supply, and Sunstate Meter & Supply,
Inc.
31. Amendment
#1 to Work Order #1 to RFP-8721-13.
32. First
Amendment to IFB-601429-12.
33. Maintenance
Bond #CMS0281399 for Water & Sewer Facilities for the project known as
Preserve at Lake Sylvan in the amount of $38,691.41.
34. Water
and Sewer Improvements Cash Maintenance Bond and Maintenance and Escrow
Agreement for the project known as Shoppes of Oviedo Spring/Mattress One in the
amount of $2,642.50 (7915 Red Bug Lake Road).
35. Performance
Bond for Water and Sewer Systems #59BSBGY6017 in the amount of $423,955.62;
Performance Bond for Private Roads #59BSBGY6018 in the amount of $666,846.29;
and Recording of Plats for the Hampton Estates Subdivision.
36. Bids
for IFB-602258-15 from Temple, Inc.; Control Technologies, Inc.; and
Rainbow Distributors USA, Inc.
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
35. Approve expenditure of $10,000 from the Law
Enforcement Trust Fund to provide for a contribution to Pathways to Home. (A-0943-15)
36. Approve expenditure of $5,000 from the Law
Enforcement Trust Fund to provide for a contribution to the Foundation for
Seminole State College of Florida, Inc. for the Sergeant Mark Johnson IV Memorial Endowed Scholarship. (A-0942-15)
37. Approve expenditure of $25,000 from the Law
Enforcement Trust Fund to provide for a contribution to the Camaraderie
Foundation in support of programs for military personnel and their families. (A-0944-15)
Districts
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.
REGULAR
AGENDA
Agenda
Item #38 – A-0863-15
Danny Trosset, Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Division Manager,
addressed the Board to present a request to approve and authorize staff to
proceed with the Tourism Division brand identity initiative and to service mark
the new tourism logo and tagline as presented.
Commissioner Henley left
the meeting at this time.
Mr. Trosset displayed a
brief video explaining the Rebrand Initiative.
Commissioner Henley
re-entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. Trosset displayed a
PowerPoint presentation (copy received and filed) entitled “CVB/Destination
Identity Recommendation” and reviewed “Research Background.” Mr. Trosset discussed the challenges staff
has had when communicating with meeting planners, tour operators and the media
in promoting their destination as the Seminole County Convention and Visitors
Bureau at trade shows. He explained that
at trade shows they are often asked if they are part of an Indian reservation, part
of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino or part of the Florida State Seminoles. When they say they are just north of Orlando,
the light bulb goes on.
Mr. Trosset displayed “3rd Party
Recommendation” and advised when staff shared with the Tourism
Development Council (TDC) both the recommendation of the focus group research
and the difficulty promoting Seminole County at trade shows, the TDC agreed it
needs to be easier for visitors to know and understand the location of Seminole
County. Mr.
Trosset discussed the bullet point listing of reasons to consider
changing the destination identity/name for marketing purposes. Regarding Search Engine Optimization
opportunities, Mr. Trosset advised over 65% of visitors utilize the internet
when searching for travel destinations. He
noted that via SpyFu.com, a website that provides data on search engine
optimization results on key word searches, it indicates the term "Seminole
County" is searched just over 9,000 times globally on a monthly basis
while the term "Orlando" is searched over 300,000 times.
Mr. Trosset displayed examples of other
CVB logos that do not utilize their County brand or name and advised that of
the over 50 different CVB destinations across the state, most do not include
the county name within their logo.
Mr. Trosset displayed “Options to
Consider” and reviewed the suggestions staff presented to the TDC. The TDC voted to pursue “Orlando North” and
staff set up individual meetings with the Commissioners to make certain it was
okay to go down that path. Once that was
complete, staff began vetting different logo options with the TDC.
Mr. Trosset displayed samples of
the Chicago Northwest and Minneapolis Northwest CVB logos and noted they have both
utilized large metropolitan cities in their name. He discussed the successful results Woodfield
CVB experienced since rebranding.
Mr. Trosset displayed the “Orlando
North” logo and explained staff felt it was the strongest icon to represent Seminole
County as a destination. Mr. Trosset
displayed an example of an ad and indicated the proposed logo and tagline of
“Do North”.
Upon inquiry by Chairman Carey, Mr.
Trosset advised that the word “Orlando” is currently in several taglines being
used by Seminole County. He then displayed
several sample advertisements and indicated the “Orlando North” logo.
Mr. Trosset displayed and reviewed “Transition
to Orlando North” and “Additional Options Considered.”
Upon inquiry by Chairman Carey, Mr.
Trosset advised he does not have an estimated cost of the campaign but staff is
working with the advertising agency and trying to stay within their existing budget. Commissioner Horan confirmed with Mr. Trosset
that this is for next year and then explained that since this rebranding
request has not been approved yet, there has not been any costing done. The County already has Tourist Tax dollars
that they budget and they have a budget promulgated for advertising for next
year. He confirmed with Mr. Trosset that
the areas the County will be advertising in will not change. Commissioner Horan stated it is important to
clarify for the public that the amount of money that is paid for the
advertising publicity does not just go to the advertising firm. The money will be spent in other markets and
this particular branding will not really be used locally because it does not
make any sense to use it locally.
Upon inquiry by Commissioner Horan,
Mr. Trosset stated there are almost 60 CVBs in Florida; and based upon his
understanding of how they market and how they brand themselves, very few only use
the name of the county.
Clara Lindsey, 104 W. 10th
Street, addressed the Board to state she does not identify with the “Orlando
North” branding or Orlando-Sanford International Airport. She expressed that she is opposed to this rebranding
and thinks the County has spent a lot of tax dollars listening to Tampa-St. Petersburg.
James Windsor, 233 Yarmouth Road, addressed
the Board to state he thinks this rebranding is a bad idea. He stated he chose to live in Seminole County
when he moved to Central Florida 13 years ago and believes assets such as the
springs, trails and lakes in the County are what should be promoted. He expressed his concern with the advice
given from the marketing firm and urged the Board to vote against approval of
this rebranding and reconsider the marketing agreement with Paradise
Advertising.
David Leavitt, 1000 Ridge Point
Cove, addressed the Board to discuss Google search results and stated that
Seminole County actually has received 397,000,000 results, not 397,000. He advised that Google gives precedence over any
community, city or county, when the name is searched, so Seminole County or Orlando
North would not be displayed anywhere in the first several pages of search
results because it has no relevance to Google.
Mr. Leavitt stated that the TDC can
pay to display Seminole County whenever someone searches for Orlando just as
easily and effectively as displaying “Orlando North” when someone searches for
Orlando. He mentioned there is a church
named Orlando North Community Church, who owns the URL www.OrlandoNorth.com as well as
the Facebook page “Orlando North” which would cause confusion. He feels it is fine for churches and
businesses who want to use “Orlando” in their branding, but what the TDC fails
to recognize is the fact that Seminole County residents and businesses
overwhelmingly hate the designation “Orlando North.”
H. Alexander Duncan, PO Box 620092,
addressed the Board to discuss this rebranding being more than a catchy tourism
slogan. He believes it is part of an
agenda to slowly and methodically not only phase out “Florida's Natural Choice”
in advertising but also in practice. He opined
that as a lifelong resident of Seminole County, this proposal is an example of
an ill-advised and shortsighted initiative, championed by the few at the
expense of the many. Mr. Alexander
stated it is one thing when a private business decides to do what they find to
be in their best interest, but it is another thing altogether when some of
those business owners have been appointed to positions by Seminole County’s
elected officials and then attempt to sell the public their interest as being
the public’s own best interest.
Theo Hollerbach, 1013 S. Myrtle
Avenue, addressed the Board to state he is a business owner, resident of
Seminole County, and he is also a member of the TDC. He described how his businesses have
benefitted from tourism and how using “Orlando North” could benefit Seminole
County. He stated he really wants the
BCC to consider this change because it not only benefits the community, it will
create jobs. He concluded by stating
people like to have a better life for themselves and jobs are the way to do it.
John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, addressed the Board to express
his concern with the slogan “Orlando North” being deceptive due to the actual
distance between Seminole County and Orlando.
He stated there also might be some legal risk with “Orlando North” being
intentionally misleading or confusing.
He stated he does not think it is all right to say it is Orlando in a
direct way.
Speaker Request Forms were received
and filed.
With regard to public
participation, no one else spoke in support or in opposition and public input
was closed.
Commissioner Henley stated he
understands the concerns of citizens who love Seminole County but he wants them
to understand this is not about the local citizens. He explained the County Attorney sits in on
all of the TDC meetings and repeatedly warns the TDC it is prohibited to use
tax dollars to advertise locally and they must be spent outside the
region. He read a letter of support from
Frank Hale, Executive Director of the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of
Commerce, dated June 17, 2015 into the record (copy received and filed). He stated he has also received a letter (copy
received and filed) from Jack Wert, former Executive Director of the Seminole
County Convention and Visitors Bureau, in support of the rebranding.
Commissioner Henley stated he has
sat through numerous discussions over several years regarding the problems
staff has had with the lack of identity of the location of Seminole
County. He opined it is time to
recognize that they would not be doing away with anything the County is
presently doing if they went with the rebranding and it would be an additional
effort in attracting tourism to Seminole County. He thinks the Board needs to support the move
and noted the Tourism Budget has just undertaken more than a $31 million debt
service on behalf of the County and the Sports Commission that they are trying
to develop in order to attract and help the local economy because of what
sports can do. He added that the Zoo
depends heavily on the contribution from the TDC; and without it, the Zoo would
be in serious trouble.
Commissioner Henley stated the 15
youth sports events that Tourist Development sponsored this past year put
12,000 room nights in hotels and brought $11 million of economic development into
Seminole County. He opined this step is
important and he will be supporting it.
Commissioner Dallari submitted correspondence
that his office received into the record and indicated he did not receive any
correspondence in support of the rebranding.
Commissioner Dallari asked Mr. Trosset if they vetted the Orlando North
tagline to business travelers and sports travelers when the focus group was conducted. Mr. Trosset advised that when they did the
focus group research, they were testing Seminole County; so the Orlando North
tagline was not tested in the focus group research. He added the focus group research in
Jacksonville was with leisure travelers and the focus group research in Tallahassee
was with meeting planners. He advised
they did that last summer and tested their existing messaging. From the result of that focus group research, staff
determined Seminole County had very little identity and the members of the
focus groups referred to the area as Orlando North. He explained staff took that information back
to the TDC and that is where the process began.
Commissioner Dallari stated that
because the intention has always been to go after the business traveler and
sports tourism, he does not know how this rebranding can be judged on its
success if the idea has not been vetted to those markets. He stated there has to be measurable goals
and objectives to any plan to see if it is working or not. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Dallari, Mr.
Trosset stated there are key performance indicators on all of their advertising
initiatives, such as click-through rates and website traffic. Their job is to drive people to Seminole
County’s CVB website through advertising.
Mr. Trosset confirmed for
Commissioner Dallari that although the County does not own the website www.OrlandoNorth.com, they have
purchased several other URLs such as “Visit Orlando North” and “Discover
Orlando North.” Commissioner Dallari advised
he has looked at the reports and starting in 2010 Seminole County’s occupancy
rate has increased from roughly 59.6% to 79.5% so whatever marketing is being
done currently is going in the right direction.
He stated he wants to make sure that whatever they are going after now
is the right direction and right now he does not see it.
Commissioner Horan opined that
attaching Seminole County’s tourism to the best-recognized name in tourism is a
smart thing to do and he does not need surveys and research to tell him what is
obvious. He confirmed with Mr. Abel that
this year Seminole County will receive $4.5 million in Bed Tax, which will be a
record for the County. Commissioner Horan
stated this year Orange County will collect about $200 million dollars in Bed Tax,
which is more than Seminole County’s entire General Fund Budget. He clarified that the intent of this rebranding
is not to get tourists to the theme parks but rather to effectively communicate
with tourism professionals located in other regions who have the responsibility
of siting events, festivals and sporting events in this particular area. He explained that the TDC, who is tasked by
law to advise the Board concerning the best use of tourist development taxes
for their industry, creates this tax. He
added that there will not be any property taxes involved in this. Commissioner Horan stated the tourism
professionals and the organizations that are related to tourism have all
endorsed this particular initiative.
Commissioner Horan advised currently
there are 5,100 hotel rooms in Seminole County, which is down about 300 or 400
hotel rooms since 2010. He advised
Seminole County has about 2% of the hotel rooms in this region and about 20% of
the population. He discussed Seminole
County being a great place to have events and meetings. Commissioner Horan stated he supports the
rebranding wholeheartedly because he wants people outside of the region to know
what Seminole County has to offer.
Chairman Carey stated that although
she understands the importance of having the word “Orlando” in Seminole
County’s Tourist Development logo, she agrees with Mr. Leavitt’s earlier
comments regarding search engine results.
She stated if the goal is better search engine results, they can pay for
that today, even with the Seminole County logo.
Chairman Carey stated every
nationally recognized brand in Seminole County has the word “Orlando” in it,
but only one has the word “Orlando” first in the name. She advised that there are plenty of choices
that have the word “Orlando” in them to market Seminole County and she is
disappointed that “Orlando North Seminole County” is the best option Paradise
could come up with. She suggested
taglines such as “Orlando's Natural Oasis,” “the Wild Side of Orlando,” “the
Tranquil Side of Orlando,” “Orlando Oasis,” or simply saying “Seminole County,
just north of Orlando.”
Chairman Carey stated that although
Orlando has done a wonderful job evolving into a world-class destination,
Seminole County is not Orlando. She
advised most of the marketing collateral over the years has focused on Seminole
County’s natural resources.
Regarding Mr. Trosset’s comments
that people are confused at trade shows as to Seminole County’s location,
Chairman Carey suggested displaying a map indicating the locations of Orlando,
Seminole County and Daytona Beach.
Chairman Carey stated she
appreciates the service of the volunteers on the TDC and reminded everyone the
TDC is a recommending board and the members are not elected by the citizens of
Seminole County to make choices regarding the county. She reiterated she was disappointed that this
recommendation came out of the TDC with only one option.
Chairman Carey opined that the fact
the other Commissioners rejected her recommendation for a workshop regarding
this matter tells her that most of her colleagues will support this
rebranding. She stated the reason she
asked for a workshop is because she believes the decisions that impact Seminole
County are the responsibility of the BCC and she would have liked to have an
opportunity to have input.
Chairman Carey stated she will not
be supporting this recommendation and reiterated she would have liked the
opportunity to sit down with the Commissioners and see the options that went
through the TDC. She understands the
need and reasoning behind the recommendation and stated she is willing to
consider something else that does not give away the prominence of Seminole
County to North Orlando.
Upon inquiry by Commissioner
Constantine, Mr. Trosset clarified having the word “Orlando” in the tagline is
very important. Commissioner Constantine
stated he feels that with an issue like this, it is very important to build a
consensus to work together to move forward.
He opined this issue has been misunderstood due to the misdirection of
some of the stories in the news media. He
believes that it makes sense in Tourism to have the word “Orlando” in the
slogan for other areas around the country, but he expressed his concern with two
of his fellow colleagues having a problem with this slogan.
Commissioner Constantine agreed
with Chairman Carey that he would love to see the word "natural" in
the slogan because it is something Seminole County has worked and strived a
long time for. He suggested taglines
such as “Orlando's Natural Attraction” or “Orlando's Natural Adventure” in lieu
of “Orlando North.” He discussed his
concern with the work Paradise has done putting this together and suggested revisiting
their contract. He advised that if the
Board were to vote today, he would vote in support of “Orlando North” if it is
done properly. He reiterated the
importance of having a consensus, especially with two long-serving Commissioners
that are concerned about this.
Upon inquiry by Chairman Carey
regarding having a work session to explore options other than “Orlando North”
for the slogan, Commissioner Constantine stated he did not think that a work
session was necessary when Chairman Carey mentioned it at the last meeting and
he is still not sure a workshop is necessary.
Commissioner Constantine questioned
if this needs to go back to the TDC first and then come back to the Board. Mr. Trosset explained the biggest challenge
they have is when they are at a trade show and labeling themselves as the
Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Meeting planners and event organizers have an opportunity prior to the
trade show to schedule their appointments and when they are going through the
book to see who is attending the trade show, they see Seminole County
Convention and Visitors Bureau and do not know where that is so they go to the
next appointment. Staff and the TDC feel
strongly that it is important to have “Orlando North” as the prominent message
because that is what people are going to identify with. Chairman Carey asked Mr. Trosset if “Seminole
North Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau” would accomplish the same thing. Mr. Trosset responded that it is a
possibility.
Commissioner Horan stated that the
point of “Orlando North” is to distinguish the County from Orlando, not to be a
part of it. He advised this is not about
search engine optimization or Google but making sure that people know that just
north of Orlando there is Seminole County that has great tourist
offerings. He agreed with Commissioner
Constantine that if there is either a consensus or a material majority who
believe that associating with an Orlando brand makes sense, it would make sense
to go back to the TDC with that direction and ask them for additional
options.
Commissioner Horan explained that
now that the TDC has a better understanding, having communicated with the
Board, he thinks giving this back to them is best. He also does not want the members of the TDC
to think they were appointed to the board and make recommendations and then the
BCC just does what staff wants after a workshop. Commissioner Horan advised the reason he did
not concur with Chairman Carey’s workshop suggestion at the last meeting was
because he did not want to cut the TDC out of this. Chairman Carey stated she would be happy to
have a work session with the TDC. Chairman
Carey explained that the TDC has done their job but she is not sure what was
presented to TDC because she is not serving on the TDC and is not privy to
that. She reiterated that all she has
asked for all along is to just have some options.
Commissioner Dallari stated it is
important to market the County correctly and he has not gotten an answer to the
question of who they are intending to market towards. He explained he is not opposed to different
variations of taglines; but from what was presented, he does not understand
where this is going, how it will be measured, the goals and objectives, and how
they will see if it works or does not work.
Mr. Trosset advised he can share staff’s marketing plan that has that
information. Commissioner Dallari
advised he thinks it would be advantageous for the BCC to meet with the TDC for
a joint work session to understand what the TDC’s issues are so they can see how
this will work. He agreed with Commissioner
Carey and Commissioner Constantine regarding variations of the tagline.
Chairman Carey stated she believes
there is consensus to have a joint work session with the BCC and the TDC to
further vet this rebranding and have Paradise come back with some ideas regarding
what they have heard today.
Regarding Commissioner Dallari’s
concerns with how this will be measured, Commissioner Henley stated that
everything Tourist Development does is measured in “heads on beds,” room nights,
and using the State formula on the amount of economic gain that it brings to
Seminole County. He stated if the goals are
not met, the Board reduces the amount of money that has been approved for them.
Commissioner Henley stated he feels
Paradise has been unfairly criticized. First
of all, they did not bring this forward.
That was not their original idea.
He explained that Paradise takes their direction from the TDC. Commissioner Henley discussed the negative
criticism of the rebranding.
Commissioner Constantine reiterated
that he would like to see all the information from the TDC and have them
conduct a work session to present other options. He stated he is fully in support of the word
“Orlando” in the tagline. He supports
the joint meeting, but thinks it is important that the TDC meet first to kind
of filter out all of these ideas before they have that work session.
Chairman Carey suggested Paradise
make their rounds again. She stated she
wants Paradise to do what they are expert at doing and that is bringing their
expert opinion. She stated she wants
Paradise to bring it all back and they can vet it through the TDC. Then they will have the joint work shop, look
at all the options and then bring this back as an item for the Board to
consider when they have different options.
Commissioner Horan stated both he
and Commissioner Henley have attended the TDC meetings and he verified
Commissioner Henley’s comment that this was not a recommendation that came out
of Paradise; and it was proposed by other members of the TDC. He stated the minutes of the TDC meeting will
reflect that when Paradise was asked, they advised this idea was proposed
before and it did not fly due to opposition that is very similar to what has
been heard today.
Commissioner Horan opined this is a
smart thing to do, but if they are going to do this, it needs to be done with
some speed because the Sport Complex will be up and running in May of next
year. He expressed the importance of
ensuring the focus, marketing and message are very surgical because it will be
important to the success of the Sports Complex.
He added that if the Sports Complex meets its pro forma and if Orlando
City Soccer meets its pro forma, there will be three or four months of the year
Seminole County will not have enough hotel capacity to support that volume and
they will need more hotels. He added
that it is important people understand the value proposition of tourism, which
is not just bed taxes but sales taxes, increased property value for new hotels,
new venues, et cetera. He stated he
would like to get this done before summer is out.
Chairman Carey stated for the
record, the Seminole County Sports Complex is being marketed already regardless
of the County’s name by both staff and the Central Florida Sports Commission.
Motion by
Commissioner Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Horan, to table the request to approve and authorize staff to proceed with
the Tourism Division brand identity initiative and to service mark the new
tourism logo and tagline as presented.
Under discussion, Commissioner
Constantine advised he hoped the motion would be more definitive. He would like to see the motion include that
with all due speed, the TDC have a meeting and then come back and have a work
session with the BCC.
Commissioner Dallari amended
his motion to include Commissioner Constantine’s comment, that with all due
speed, the TDC have a meeting and then come back and have a work session with
the BCC. Commissioner Horan agreed to the amendment.
Chairman Carey clarified
that the motion is to table the item, to have the item go back to the TDC
with all due speed, to have Paradise Advertising meet with everyone concerned,
to have the item come back for a work session with both the TDC and the Board
of County Commissioners, and for the item to come back to the Board with
whatever recommendation comes out of the work session.
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted
AYE.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S AND STAFF BRIEFINGS
Agenda Item #39 – A-0941-15
The Board noted, for information only, the
Informational Budget Transfer Status Report for FY 2014/15 (May 2015).
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The
Board recessed the meeting at 11:21 a.m., reconvening at 1:30 p.m., with all
Commissioners and all other Officials with the exception of Commissioner Henley
and Clerk of the Court Maryanne Morse, who were absent, and Deputy Clerk Erin
Leben who was replaced by Deputy Clerk Jane Spencer, who were present at the
Opening Session.
PROOF
OF PUBLICATION
Motion by
Commissioner Horan, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to authorize the filing
of the proof of publication for this meeting's scheduled public hearing into
the Official Record.
Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5 voted AYE.
Chairman Carey announced that Commissioner Henley will not be
present for the afternoon session.
PUBLIC
HEARINGS
SECURITY AVENUE REZONE FROM R-1 TO
R-1BB, Azhar M. Khan and Farhat Jahan
Agenda
Item #40 – PH-2015-114
Proof of publication calling for a
public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance enacting a Rezone from R-1
(Single Family Dwelling) to R-1BB (Single Family Dwelling) district for 0.45
acres located on the east side of Security Avenue, approximately 300 feet south
of State Road 426, more particularly known as 3035 Security Avenue, Azhar M.
Khan and Farhat Jahan, received and filed.
Brian Walker, Planning & Development Division, addressed the
Board to present the request as outlined in the Agenda Memorandum. Mr. Walker advised that the Applicant is
requesting a rezone from R‑1, which requires 8,400-square-foot lots, to R‑1BB,
which requires 5,000-square-foot lots.
The current zoning district, which requires a minimum lot size of 8,400
square feet, would allow two lots within an area of 0.45 acres. The purpose of
the rezone is to create smaller lots of 5,000 square feet each, which would
allow the Applicant to create three lots within the 0.45 acres. Mr. Walker explained how the rezone is
compatible with the area. He pointed out
that the location of the project is within a Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) target area as defined by Community Services. Mr. Walker stated one of the objectives of
such an area is to increase access to affordable housing and this rezone is
consistent with that objective by providing more density and potential housing
in the target area.
Mr. Walker noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval by a vote of 4 to 2 and added that staff is recommending
approval.
Bruce Taylor, Dave
Schmitt Engineering, addressed the Board to state he is representing the
Applicant. Mr. Taylor displayed a
Conceptual Lot Layout (copy received and filed) and advised the site plan shows
they are meeting the minimum size lot.
He added they are proposing three lots with a net density of 6.5 units
to the acre.
Pastor Willie Nixon, 3036 Weston Street, addressed the Board to
state he is the senior pastor of the Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church, which
is located next to the subject property.
Pastor Nixon advised that he has found when this is allowed to happen,
they get people that rent that are drug dealers who like to use the property
for just that purpose only. He stated it
would really be in conflict with their worship service and they totally oppose
splitting this 0.45-acre lot into three separate parcels.
At Chairman Carey's request, Pastor Nixon indicated on the
aerial map where the church is located.
Beverly Ann Stewart, 1933 South Street, addressed the Board to
state this area is known as unincorporated Jamestown. Ms. Stewart submitted a Petition in
opposition to the Rezone Ordinance into the record.
Ms. Stewart advised she was born and raised in this community
and she loves it. The other people who
live there love it as well. She appealed
to the Commissioners to say a resounding “no” to the Applicant's request to
rezone the property because if they say “yes” to the request, it will open up
the proverbial Pandora’s Box. Ms.
Stewart described who she believes would be attracted to these buildings. She stated she believes the Applicants will
bring all forms of crime, all forms of perversity, debauchery, ungodliness, and
just plain sin.
Ms. Stewart reminded Commissioner Dallari that he has visited
this community many times and seen the improvements they have made and he knows
what they need to work on and correct.
She stated they are hard‑working people, good people, and God‑fearing;
and they only want peace, tranquility and a very happy quality of life in
Jamestown. Ms. Stewart pointed out the
average lot size in Jamestown is approximately 100‑by‑150 and they
want to keep it that way, keep it to a single-family dwelling like it has
always been. There have been generations
in Jamestown and they have a history in Jamestown and they want to keep it a
peaceful, little place.
With regard to public participation, no one else in the audience
spoke in support or in opposition and public input was closed.
Speaker Request Forms were received and filed.
Chairman Carey questioned whether the Applicants could split the
lot into two lots under the current zoning.
Mr. Walker responded that is correct; the rezone would allow them to get
one additional lot but currently they could get two. Chairman Carey confirmed with Mr. Walker that
the minimum square footage for a house, 700 square feet, is the same in R‑1
and R‑1BB.
Discussion ensued with regard to current lot sizes in the
community.
Commissioner Dallari
stated he has studied this area quite extensively through the years; and it is
a very good community, a very interesting community, and a very proud
community. He was amazed how, over the
years, there were things that needed to be done; and the County, as well as the
community, stepped up to do what needed to be done. The County put in roads, water, sewers, and a
playground; and the community is very proud of all of that. When they talk about transition and future
land use, presently it is zoned R‑1.
There is A‑1 to the west of it separated by Security Avenue. Commissioner Dallari stated he believes that
Security Avenue is the transition from A‑1 to R‑1. He reiterated that, as the Chairman pointed
out, under the existing code the Applicants can presently put in two lots and
he sees no reason at this time to allow additional lots.
Motion by Commissioner Dallari,
seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to deny adoption of an ordinance enacting
a Rezone from R-1 (Single Family Dwelling) to R-1BB (Single Family Dwelling)
district for 0.45 acres located on the east side of Security Avenue,
approximately 300 feet south of State Road 426, more particularly known as 3035
Security Avenue, as described in the proof of publication, Azhar M. Khan and
Farhat Jahan; Denial Development Order.
Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5 voted AYE.
Chairman Carey submitted her ex parte communication into the
record.
LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
Meloney
Lung, Assistant County Manager, addressed the Board to give an update on the
Legislative Session. She reported that
in the next six weeks, she will be meeting with the Commissioners so they can
come up with a priority list for the next Session, since it will be starting in
January.
Alex
Setzer, Lobbyist, addressed the Board to state they start committee weeks in 80
days, so it is important they get ahead of the ball. Mr. Setzer stated it has been a difficult
Session, based on a variety of issues and culminating today in record
vetoes. He noted that Central Florida
saw a very substantial amount of vetoes on many projects.
Mr. Setzer
advised that with regard to Water Resource legislation, the House passed theirs
quickly in Session and the Senate passed theirs later in Session. Both were very far apart. Amendment 1 required about $750 million for
water projects and $55 million were actually budgeted for, so now there is
money sitting and waiting to be spent on water projects. As of now, they have seen a significant
number of groups saying they are going to sue over Amendment 1, so there could
be a prolonged battle on that. So far
there is about $1 billion worth of water projects that have applied to be
funded and they only funded $55 million.
He noted that gives an idea of where water is right now, a little bit in
limbo.
Mr. Setzer
discussed fiscal sustainability regarding relocation of utilities, which
managed to be back this year. He does
anticipate that will come back next year in some variety or form. Regarding the Communication Services Tax
(CST) which died this year, he anticipates that will come back again next year;
so they need to be on their toes. The
Governor had requested about $650 million in tax cuts, which he got a portion
of, and the difference was the CST. Mr.
Setzer stated he believes that will be proposed again next year, so the County
needs to be cognizant of that and ready to fight it back.
With
regard to homelessness, Mr. Setzer stated there was a pretty broad offering by
the Senate; and a lot of that got caught up in the infighting between the two
chambers. He anticipates seeing that
come back again next year. He explained
that it has to do with shifting some flexibility of funding to each individual
local county or city so they can treat homelessness a little bit differently
because they all have different issues as well as some additional flexibility
as to how SHIP and SAIL funds are appropriated.
Mr. Setzer advised that most of what the legislation this year proposed
to do was to shift more from outputs to outcomes, and he hopes they see some
movement on that next year.
With
regard to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the juvenile detention
costs, Mr. Setzer stated this is a very tricky and controversial issue. He explained that they made a tremendous
amount of progress and the House offered it up on multiple occasions in
multiple stops in budget conference.
Unfortunately, they were unable to get the Senate to accept it into
their budget. He stated they have a firm
commitment again from the House that they want to see a resolution of this and
to especially make Seminole County and the other two outstanding counties
whole.
Chairman
Carey stated it isn't like they are asking for a grant or some type of
funding. They are asking to be repaid
money that they overcharged the County.
She stated the Governor had said if they could get it in the budget, he
could protect it; and yet they can't even get it in the budget. She emphasized this has got to be the
County's priority because they need to do some things at the Juvenile Detention
Center that will cost several million dollars.
Mr. Setzer
explained how Seminole County is being wrapped up with a lot of the remaining
counties. He noted how hard they worked
in the House to get the County pulled out of that conversation and added they
need to keep having that conversation, that Seminole County is not part of the
system and should be paid back.
Commissioner
Constantine stated that getting it into the budget, even on one side, was a
great success because it is a process as they all know. He stated after calling Senator Lee's office
at Mr. Setzer's request, one of his impressions, which was not said directly,
was that this was a throwaway item this year between the two chairs. In other words, they were giving things to
take away things as they went through the negotiations. He advised this was one item that hadn't
really made it to the level, in the consciousness of the two chairs, where both
of them wanted it to stay. One threw it
at the other one so they could give it away.
Commissioner Constantine emphasized that at least it was in play and
that is a start and that is the way that they do it eventually. One side putting it into the budget to
recognize the fact that they do owe it is something to start working from. He stated his real concern is in regard to
the vetoes that the Governor put in, which were pretty substantial. Discussion ensued with regard to some of the
Governor's vetoes.
Commissioner
Dallari congratulated Mr. Setzer, as well as the Central Florida delegates for
Seminole County, and stated he believes they all did a phenomenal job. He stated it was a good start but they still
need to finish it. He believes this
needs to be the number one goal and priority for next year. He reiterated that all they are asking for is
to just be paid back. He wishes the
other counties would run their juvenile justice system like Seminole County
does, with the Sheriff's Office.
Mr. Setzer
stated he believes they made tremendous progress in getting both sides to
acknowledge the fact that there is a difference between being in the system and
being out of the system and that the ones that are not in system anymore should
be rewarded and made whole. He stated he
hears that consistently on both sides of the Chamber, which is a lot better
than he heard in Session. Mr. Setzer
closed by saying it is very important that it is the County's number one
priority but they need to make sure it is their legislative delegation's number
one priority because that is how it happens.
Commissioner
Horan thanked Mr. Setzer for his hard work.
He explained that the DJJ issue, which they have talked about many
times, is wrapped up in a very complicated and multi‑level type of
issue. He discussed the 64 counties that
are still in the system and the 3 counties that are not in the system who are
just trying to get paid back.
Commissioner Horan told Mr. Setzer that he got the “card out of the
deck” and into somebody's hand. It got
discarded. The next step is making sure
that it becomes meaningful enough that it doesn't get discarded in the
bargaining. He stated the problem is
that the issue is so multi‑leveled and so complicated with so many
different players, and that is a very difficult job.
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
Chairman Carey reported that the National Mosquito Control
Awareness Week is June 21 through 27 and Seminole County Mosquito Control is
celebrating this week with the goal of educating their residents about the
significance of mosquitos in their daily lives and the important service
provided by the mosquito control workers.
She noted if someone has an issue in their neighborhood, they can call
and have someone come out to address the issue.
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Chairman Carey stated that she, along with Ms. Guillet and Ms.
Turner, met last Friday with the Leadership Seminole Board to discuss a
community‑based task force board to address the homelessness issue. This will be a sub‑committee of the
Central Florida Coalition of Homelessness made up mainly of business partners
and community leaders. She pointed out
this will continue to move forward because it is an important issue for them to
address.
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Chairman Carey reminded the Board that she had requested names
for submittal for the MetroPlan Orlando Citizens Advisory Committee and has not
heard from anyone. She stated unless
someone has a name, she has an application from Adele Burney. Commissioner Dallari stated he spoke to Jay
Zembower and he is interested. Chairman
Carey noted he had not made an application.
Commissioner Constantine stated he talked to someone with experience who
said he filed an application on-line, Tony Tizzio. Chairman Carey stated it is not critical they
do this today, but she requested they make the appointment at the next
meeting.
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Chairman Carey stated Labor Day falls on the second Monday of
September this year and questioned whether the Board wants to cancel that Board
meeting in light of the light agendas they have been having or have the Board
meeting the day after Labor Day.
Commissioners Horan and Dallari stated they were under the impression
they had already made that decision.
Chairman Carey stated if they already did it, that is fine. She just wanted to ensure everyone was aware
of it.
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Chairman Carey announced that the OBJ luncheon will be on June
26 at the Westin. It is a panel
discussion regarding doing business with Seminole County and she will be on the
panel along with Jason Brodeur, Randy Morris, Miguel De Arcos, Dr. Laura Ross,
and Cindy Barth will be the moderator.
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Chairman Carey reported that the Third Annual Peacemakers 2015 Peace
Conference will take place on June 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North
Branch Library in Sanford. She stated
for those who desire to promote racial harmony within the Sanford community,
they will be convening at 9:00 Saturday morning.
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Chairman Carey announced the First Annual Sanford/Seminole
County Veteran Celebration Luncheon at the Sanford Civic Center on July 1 at
11:00 a.m.
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Chairman Carey reported on Independence Day activities. The Geneva Parade will occur at 10:00 a.m. The City of Sanford will be hosting the Star
Spangled Sanford 4th of July on the Riverwalk from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at
Fort Mellon Park.
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR REPORTS
The following Communications and/or Reports
were received and filed:
1.
Memo and
attachment dated May 22, 2015 from Ray Valdes, Tax Collector, to Chairman Carey
RE: NACo Annual Conference – July, 2015 voting credentials.
DISTRICT
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Commissioner Constantine reported that Leadership Seminole will
have an Appreciation Reception on June 24 at the Longwood Community
Building.
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Commissioner Constantine announced that Altamonte Springs will
have Red, Hot and Boom at Cranes Roost on July 3.
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Commissioner Constantine stated he and Commissioner Dallari
spent time with the folks regarding the rest stop on I‑4, and he believes
they made significant progress with DOT and the moving of or the downgrading of
that rest stop area. He is looking
forward very much to DOT coming back and reporting some of the progress they
have made. Chairman Carey stated that
she suggested to Mr. Blackadar that if they are going to ultimately relocate
that to another area in four or five years, that would be a great trail head
for the County. She explained that her
suggestion for DOT was if it is going to be a temporary situation, rather than
building a wall, maybe they would plant several rows of Viburnum hedges on both
sides of the fence or something that would grow quickly and actually just
barricade that area from sound. When
they abandon the area, the County could ask if they would contribute that to
the County for a trail head.
Commissioner Constantine agreed that is a wonderful
suggestion. He believes they have all
said temporary as opposed to permanent.
He stated the one thing he and Commissioner Dallari emphasized and more
importantly the people that live there emphasized is that the number one
priority is to get rid of the truck‑stop type of scenario. That is really not appropriate any
longer. If a rest area, either now or
for a period of time, is necessary, he believes that is kind of a down-zoning
right there. Regarding the west side,
they should do everything they can to minimize the amount of activity that is
necessary as they move forward with the I‑4 corridor. Commissioner Constantine advised that the
folks were rightly told and he believes there is a clear understanding now with
the community that they are not really in control of closing the rest stop;
that it is a federal scenario.
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Commissioner Constantine stated he and Commissioner Horan
attended the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and there was a great deal
of interest as far as what happened in the Legislative Session and some of the
priorities that the counties had going forward.
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Commissioner Dallari reported that they made great strides
regarding the two rest stops, east and west of I-4. Regarding the one on the east side, DOT is
going to do no improvements; and regarding the one on the west side, they will
do very minimal improvements due to the I-4 expansion. They are talking to the Highway
Administration to try to get the rest stop moved up to an area at I-4 and SR
44. Discussion ensued regarding the property
located at I-4 and SR 44.
Commissioner Dallari stated with the two rest stops combined, it
was a total budget of $20 million and just doing one with minimal improvement,
it is a budget of $5 million to $8 million worth of improvements. He explained they have been talking to
Congressman John Mica's office, which is very engaged. Congressman Mica's office, as well as FDOT,
have been talking to the Highway Administration. Commissioner Dallari stated they are waiting
to see how far they can get before they ask the Board to take action and he
believes that is the right way to go.
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Commissioner Dallari reported that the public input portion of
the long-range plan for MetroPlan was last night, June 22. He noted there was very little public input
but there were a lot of people there for the presentation.
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Commissioner Dallari
advised he attended the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)
meeting in North Carolina on June 9 representing MetroPlan.
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Commissioner Dallari stated over the past number of years this
County has had concerns and issues with the property just to the south of
Seminole County in Orange County called the Rybolt Property. He described the issues they have had as
density, stormwater, increased transportation issues as well as the crossing of
the Econlockhatchee (Econ) River.
Commissioner Dallari stated in the past week or so, the P&Z
Board of Orange County made a recommendation to transmit both of those
properties, Lake Pickett North and Lake Pickett South, to Tallahassee. They recommended to include the extension of
McCulloch Road over the Econ River and also to extend it to SR 419. He added that both developers are not in
favor of the river crossing. He
discussed the concerns of extending McCulloch Road over the Econ River. Commissioner Dallari distributed and reviewed
a letter (copy received and filed) the Board sent in 2009 to Orange County with
their objections and concerns. He then
requested the Board “update” the 2009 letter with the appropriate data talking
about the east county rural area, the Econ River, transportation, emergency
response, stormwater, and the regional growth vision; authorize the Chairman to
execute the letter; and send the letter to Orange County for their hearing that
is coming up in July. He also requested
that a member of staff present the letter into the record.
Chairman Carey reminded the Board that they recently sent a
letter very similar to this and she would like to talk about the letter. She cannot remember if it addressed the Econ
River crossing or not. Commissioner
Dallari stated that it did not. Chairman
Carey stated because of the fact that Orange County's P&Z Board made
reference that they thought the crossing should be part of the consideration,
she believes just restating the County's position from the prior letter and
adding the Econ River crossing would be appropriate. Chairman Carey does believe it should be read
into Orange County’s public record to be more effective.
Motion by Commission
Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to approve and authorize the
Chairman to execute a letter to the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners, Mayor, and County Manager regarding the Rybolt property in
Orange County restating the Board’s previous concerns from their March 10, 2015
letter and adding their concern regarding the crossing of the Econlockhatchee
River; and authorize staff to read the letter into the public record at the
Orange County BCC meeting on July 28.
Under discussion, Commissioner Constantine questioned whether
that would give the County's staff authorization to speak on this matter. Commissioner Dallari clarified he is
requesting permission for staff to actually read the letter into the record,
not just present it. Commissioner
Constantine asked if there are any further meetings during this process with
Orange County, should staff not have the ability to speak and to try to get the
County's feelings known.
Ms. Guillet advised
they have been interacting with Orange County staff. As the County Manager, she feels more
comfortable having authorization from the Board to present the Board's position
at a public hearing. She believes what
the Board has been discussing today would be sufficient for that. Ms. Guillet emphasized they are continuing to
interface with Orange County staff.
Chairman Carey stated that all that staff can do is to express
the concern of the Board of County Commissioners; so by staff reading the
letter into the public record, they can't then take a different position
without the Board authorizing it. She
summarized that she will restate the previous letter the Board sent to Orange
County, add the Econlockhatchee River crossing issue; and she will send the
letter to the Chairman, copy all of the County Commissioners in Orange County,
the Mayor, and the County Manager. They
will have staff read the letter into the public record the day of the hearing.
Commissioner Horan stated he was not here in 2009 and has not
had an opportunity to examine specifically the extension of the McCulloch Road
issue and the effects of it. He advised
that back in 2009 when he was practicing law, he believes his law firm was
involved with the Econlockhatchee River issue.
Commissioner Horan stated he would like to abstain from the vote. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Horan abstained from voting
and submitted a Memorandum of Voting Conflict form.
Districts 1, 3, and 5 voted AYE.
Commissioner Constantine stated he thinks in the letter it is
important that Orange County recognize that this would have been a DRI but for
the change in the law; therefore, the standing that the citizens in Seminole
County should have is a reasonable request at the least. Chairman Carey stated she will make sure the
letter covers all of those points.
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Commissioner Dallari
announced that Oviedo will have a 4th of July celebration at the Oviedo Mall.
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Commissioner Horan announced that the City of Winter Springs
will have a July 4th celebration at Central Winds Park at 5:00 p.m. There will be entertainment, great food and
just a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Jesup.
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Commissioner Horan reported that he attended the Central Florida
Partnership Leadership forum regarding building an outstanding regional talent
pipeline with companies, communities and careers. He discussed the presentation from the
President of Columbus State College regarding forging partnerships with a
number of private entities and companies, which ended up with millions of
dollars in funding. He noted he will
forward the materials that were presented at the forum to the Commissioners'
offices.
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Commissioner Horan stated he attended the Florida Association of
Counties (FAC) meeting last week at which time there was more than just
interested discussion about what happened in the Legislative Session. He noted that at that meeting was the installation
of County Attorney Bryant Applegate as the president this year of the Florida
Association of County Attorneys.
Commissioner Horan stated he interacted with a lot of the county
attorneys and noted it is a great source of pride for him that Seminole
County's County Attorney is so highly regarded and respected by his peers in
the state.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Guillet noted she has met with each Commissioner
individually regarding a request they received from the Central Florida Zoo
regarding a revision to their lease agreement.
They have requested that they be given the authority to issue an
assignment relative to a loan they are pursuing to make some improvements at
the Zoo. Ms. Guillet noted that she
distributed a Memorandum (copy received and filed) and emphasized that the
matter is time sensitive, which is why she is requesting the Board take action
today.
Ms. Guillet stated the recommendation is to authorize staff to
draft an amendment to the lease agreement between the County and the Zoo,
authorize her to sign that amendment authorizing the Zoo to issue an assignment
of the lease pursuant to correspondence that was received from Philip Flynn
relative to the same and subject to requiring that any assignment be subject to
all of the provisions and conditions that are in the existing lease agreement
and any amendments thereto.
Motion by Commission
Constantine, seconded by Commissioner Horan, to authorize staff to prepare, and
the County Manager to execute, Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement with the
Central Florida Zoological Society (the Zoo) and Seminole County, originally
executed on December 12, 2012, and subsequently amended on April 2, 2013,
authorizing the Zoo to execute a Temporary Lease Assignment pursuant to the
terms and conditions discussed in the correspondence from Philip Flynn,
President of the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, dated June 22,
2015, provided that such Assignment incorporate all the terms and conditions
included within the Lease and any subsequent amendments thereto.
Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5 voted AYE.
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With regard to vacancies for the Public Works Director and the
Chief Information Officer, who serves as the Director of Information Services
Department, Ms. Guillet advised she has selected two individuals to serve in
those capacities and distributed a Memorandum (copy received and filed) to the
Commissioners relative to both. Pursuant
to the Administrative Code, she stated she is requesting Board confirmation of
the appointment of John Jreij as the Public Works Director and the appointment
of Semma Datta as the Chief Information Officer and Director of Information
Services Department.
Motion by Commission
Dallari, seconded by Commissioner Constantine, to confirm the appointment of John
Jreij as the Public Works Director and the appointment of Semma Datta as the
Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Services Department
Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5 voted AYE.
Upon inquiry by Commissioner Dallari, Ms. Guillet stated that
Ms. Datta will begin her employment at the end of July and Mr. Jreij will begin
his employment in August. Ms. Guillet
confirmed that Mr. McMenemy will continue to serve as the acting Public Works
Director and Ms. Lung will continue to serve as the acting Director of
Information Services.
PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
Bishop Samuel Duncan, 1143 1st Drive, addressed the
Board to discuss some concerns in the community. Bishop Duncan stated that when he raised his
hand to the oath of honor, he solemnly swore to defend and to support the
Constitution of the United States of America to the best of his ability. He did it because he realized that it came
with a lot of benefits and a lot of opportunities; freedom and liberty. He stated there have been some things going
on which raise some concerns, like politicians' power and the abuse of power
where Commissioners use their powers in the community against residents. He explained that if a resident is behind
with their taxes, he knows the Board has the power to go to the department and
get paperwork or have information pulled and sent to them. Such powers have been used to abuse the
residents because residents are behind with their taxes. He stated he has no idea when he became
Public Enemy #1 on Commissioner Carey's list.
Chairman Carey stated that she has no idea what Bishop Duncan is
referring to about being on her Public Enemy list and explained the Tax
Collector is the one that deals with delinquent taxes, not the County
Commission.
Bishop Duncan stated he believes Commissioners are elected into
a position where they should represent the people. If a resident is having a problem, the
Commissioner can reach out to the resident and say I understand there is a
financial situation and is there anything I can do or we can do to assist. It shouldn't be the other way around where he
is being victimized. Bishop Duncan
discussed previous times he has addressed the Board and he believes that is his
First Amendment right, to come before the Commissioner and bring things to her
attention.
Bishop Duncan advised this is a formal complaint that he is
making and he is asking the Commissioners to intervene because this needs to be
stopped. Furthermore, he stated he would
like to meet with all of the Commissioners.
He closed by saying taxation without representation leaves them with no
representation at all.
Speaker Request Form for Bishop Samuel Duncan was received and
filed.
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Arthur L. Jackson, 4521 Dubois Street, addressed the Board to
state he is from the Bookertown community and is here on behalf of the
Bookertown lighting system (MSBU) that they are trying to get out there. He pointed out that the way they are doing it
is a bad deal and he doesn't like the way it is going because it is not good
for the people. He explained that
Bookertown is a farm area and most of the people there are migrant
workers. He suggested if the Board
looked at the taxes of the people in Bookertown, they would find that they
can't afford the lights and most are behind on taxes right now.
Mr. Jackson referred to the papers that needed to be signed and
sent back for the MSBU and discussed the fraud that he found was going on, how
people were signing dead folks' names.
He stated he hired a lawyer to look into the matter. He discussed his history with
Bookertown. Mr. Jackson stated they
don't need these lights bad enough to have “fraud and cheat” out in the
community; they need to be honest. He
stated they need lights but the lights need to be with each household, not a
property. He owns 25 to 30 parcels,
which means $45 a parcel and he believes that is wrong.
Chairman Carey stated the process the County has for an MSBU is
that a community comes to the County and requests the County look at putting
lights in the neighborhood, which is what happened. The community came to the County and asked
for a presentation to the community about a special lighting district. She explained that the way it works is every
property owner in that community got a petition and they could fill it out
whatever way they wanted to and send them back to the County. She knows there have been some questions
about that because she has seen some of the correspondence. Chairman Carey explained that all they can do
is count the ballots as they come back as yes or no. If they don't get a ballot back, it is
counted as a no.
Mr. Jackson stated he understands but added the MSBU documents
were given to individuals. He described
how Reginald Campbell, the president of the Bookertown Association, went to the
MSBU office to get the paperwork and went around the community and asked people
that he thought owned the property to vote on this. Mr. Jackson stated he "frauded"
these votes.
Chairman Carey stated they are not going to allow fraudulent
votes to count in the MSBU, which is why they have still not made a decision on
this and are trying to determine that it is a legitimate vote.
Ms. Guillet stated they have a statutory process that they go
through when they set up an MSBU for things like street lighting. She stated the County has been alerted that
there may be an issue with the vote here and staff is reviewing that. She stated she appreciates Mr. Jackson
bringing the information to the County's attention. Ms. Guillet stated they are going back and
reviewing to ensure that any vote in favor of this, anything that would enact
this Service Taxing Unit is a legitimate vote.
They hope to get this straightened out and ensure everything is above
board and as it needs to be legally.
Mr. Jackson stated the
County has lawyers that work with the County and the lawyers sent papers out to
try and help those people that had an error on the father's and mother's
property and yet put their names down as heirs.
The lawyers sent paperwork out from the County to get these people so
they can approve the vote. He stated
they need to be fair when it comes to doing stuff like this and be honest
because some people can afford it and some can't.
Chairman Carey reassured Mr. Jackson that the County will make
sure the votes are verified before they move forward in light of the comments
that were raised, not only from him today but also earlier when he sent a
letter and when his attorney sent a letter.
Speaker Request Form for Arthur L. Jackson was received and
filed.
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James Bradwell, Jr.,
4681 Richard Allen Street, addressed the Board to discuss the MSBU lighting in
Bookertown and stated he opposes it 100%.
Mr. Bradwell stated he would like the lights as well as anybody else but
he doesn't know why they can't get it out of a grant or why they can't get it
out of taxpayers’ money. He owns 18
pieces of property and it started at $35 a parcel and has now escalated to
$45. Next year, it will be $60 and on
and on. They imposed the garbage on them
and they asked for the lights. He is
pretty sure the votes were tainted. Mr.
Bradwell pointed out that most of the people are delinquent in their
taxes. The way he sees it is if you
don't pay your garbage, you don't pay your lighting, you don't pay your
taxes. So guess what happens; the County
gets it. There are only a few houses
left. They have surrounded
Bookertown. He stated they all know they
want it. He believes the people out
there are selling their own self, generation after generation. He questioned why they can't get the lights
out of their taxpayers' money; he pays thousands of dollars a year. He questioned why it can't come out of the
grant. He stated he wants the lights as
much as anyone else but believes this is the wrong way of doing it.
Speaker Request Form from James Bradwell, Jr. was received and
filed.
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There being no further business to come before the Board, the
Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m., this same date.
ATTEST:______________________Clerk_____________________Chairman
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