This is the Lake County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting on June 9th, 2026 in board chambers administrative building to various Florida. recording in progress. >> All right. Good morning, everyone. Welcome. Welcome to our Blake County Board of County Commissioners meeting uh
this June 9th of 2026. We're glad you're here. Uh we're going to start with an invocation. This will be given by Pastor Bobby Row from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of North Lake County. And then we'll remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> Good morning. Let us pray.
Lord, we thank you for this day. This is the day that you have made and we choose to rejoice and to be glad in this day. We're thankful for a day we've never seen before. Lord, as we proceed to govern this county, continue to give our county commissioners wisdom and guidance
as they make decisions for the residents in Lake County. Lord, their decisions impact our lives. And although at times we may not agree, but let us agree as Lake Countyians to love each other, to work together to make our county the best county in the state of Florida. We
love you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Thank you. >> Thank you, pastor. >> All right. Um, County Manager Jennifer Barker, do we have any updates? >> Yes. Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. Uh first tab four the agenda recommended approval request was
updated to include Commissioner Sabatini's remote participation in today's meeting. Uh we are monitoring I do not believe he is online yet but he we will let you know if he does sign in tab 15 a revi revised resolution was
added as well as an additional resolution. On tab 27, the background summary was updated to reflect the planning and zoning board unanimously approving the proposed ordinance and tab 32 was added as an addendum and I'm requesting that that be moved under
the regular agenda. Okay, thank you very much. Um, moving along then to special recognition. Um, I'm going to call on Commissioner Parks who is our liaison to the Lake County Museum and Historical Society. >> Yes.
Miss Lewis, would you please come forward to be acknowledged going to embarrass you a little bit in a good way. >> So uh thank you chair uh my fellow commissioners. appreciate you allowing me this opportunity uh to make a very
special letter of recommendation re letter of recognition and a public honoring uh of this wonderful lady here uh Miss Janet Lewis. So obviously I'm very blessed to be the u liaison to the historical society the museum that we
have here. It's an incredible um feature. It's an incredible place for the county uh for us to go visit and learn about our history both uh new and old. There's always something to learn over at the museum. And that place is so special, and I know it is to all of you.
Um, primarily because of this lady right here, uh, Miss Janet Lewis. Um, the displays that you see over there, if you go over there, if you've not been over there, please go over, uh, are largely a result of of Janet's, uh, work, um, her
hard work, her passion for history. who loves the incredible display that we see outside in the middle of this ratunda right now. Let's give her a round of applause. Just Janet put that together for for all of us to enjoy. Uh I just think it's an
incredible way to do. I know there was other helped me push that one thing all the way over and down the ramp. >> Yeah, there was there was a lot of work and I know there was, you know, maybe some people that helped you, but that was you. You did that. Uh you did that, Janet. And so it's a little bit bittersweet that uh we're going to be
losing you and I know you're on to other things, but we just thought it was fitting. I thought it was fitting that um we do a letter of recognition for you and publicly honor you. So I'm going to go ahead and read this and if you would like to say anything as well, that would be um I'm sure the chair would not mind.
Um so Janet Lewis, manager for the Lake County Historical Museum and the Umatil Umatillaa Historical Museum, incredible work that you've done over there as well, too. Forgot to mention that. has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the rich history of Florida and
Lake County. A lover of history since her early childhood years, Janet's passion for local heritage has inspired countless residents and visitors alike. With 37 years of service, working with children through public education, library services, and the city of
Umatillaa, Janet has touched generations through education, storytelling, and community engagement. Her commitment to historical preservation and lifelong learning has strengthened the cultural foundation of our community and ensured that the stories of our past remain
alive for future generations. As Janet retires from the Lake County Historical Museum, we honor her extraordinary dedication, her leadership, and countless contributions to preserving our local history. Her work and devotion to the museum have
been truly priceless, leaving a lasting impact that will benefit the community for years to come. Janet will be so sorely missed by her colleagues, friends, and all who have been all who have had the privilege of working alongside her. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude and wish her the very best as she embarks on this exciting next chapter of life. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. It hardly seemed like work for me. It was fun, a passion, and I often got carried away.
>> No, that's that's what you're supposed to do. That's what you're supposed to do. You got to go over if you haven't been there. As soon as your agenda item's over, you got to go over to the museum and see it. So, >> well, I'm very proud of the retunda display. >> And the retunda display. So, thank you. You want to say anything else or >> No, just >> Okay. >> I'm all misty eyed now. So,
>> we have a we have a parting gift bag with some Lake County paraphernalia. >> Oh, yay. Everybody knows where I'm from. >> Yes. >> Okay. When I travel, >> thank you. >> So, so who's going to keep Ray straight now? >> I know it. >> That is the big question. That is the big question. Yes, we we're How do you
feel about that? >> We need lots of volunteers to keep Yes. >> Can we all get a photo with you? >> Uh, I think is it? Yeah. Can we get a photo? >> Sure. Just >> come on up, J. >> Okay. You're in the middle.
>> Okay. You want me to take my phone? >> Yes. Thank you everyone. Thank you Janet. We will miss you. >> I know. Bye everybody. And please everyone go over and check out the Yumatila Historical Museum whenever you
get a chance. It is incredible. It is an incredible place to visit. Um all right, moving along the minutes approval. Uh Mr. Cooney, clerk, >> morning. I have one set of minutes for your approval this morning. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. I.
>> That passes unanimously. Moving then to citizen question and comment period. We're now entering the public comment portion of the meeting. When the public can discuss items that are on today's agenda, with the exception of any zoning items, which we will take up when we get to the zoning portion of the hearing, anyone who's joined the meeting through
Zoom using their phone may press star 9 to virtually raise your hands. If you're participating uh via Zoom, we ask that you click the raise hand button uh to let us know that you wish to speak. Everyone will have three minutes to speak and after three minutes an alarm will sound and we will um ask that you
wrap it up right after that or you you're welcome to wrap it up ahead. Um but uh when we get to that period of time if you keep going I probably will have to interrupt you and ask you to to wrap it up. So um we do have a number of cards. We have some that are for zoning.
So those will stay over in the zoning pile. Um, we have something on tab 14, which I believe that might be on consent. So, anything that I got card-wise that's on consent, I'll just find out. Um, we we'll have you come up and make um your comments before we
address those particular items. And I'll move on now to the ones that are general comments that are not items on today's agenda. And I will start with Thomas. Um, and I'm going to take a stab at this. Chris Kuolo
>> as I requested on COD. Um, I uh moved here into Lake County in the uh um over near uh between um the land and Eustace. Uh, and I've
noticed in the last couple of years the traffic has been getting a little crazy on State Road 44. Also very dangerous. Um, my question is, is there any plans? I have two questions. Any plans in the future for the widening of State Road 44
from St. John's River Bridge to State Road 44 in uh, Mount Dora. That's my first question. >> Okay. My second question is between Pine Lakes, and I've brought this up a couple of times in the past years, between Pine Lakes and Cassia, there are some
uh parts of the highway that have real curves and there are no signs for curves. Uh, at one point going um going towards the land around Cassia, there's there's a sign over by the boys
camp. There's a sign. There's a curve and then there's a a street. Well, they have the curve and the street sign before the curve. They should be reversed is what I'm saying. So basically my question is is there any
plans in having them someone look at this parts of the roadway between Pine Lakes and Cassia with these curves because at night time it's it's pretty difficult sometimes. >> Yes. Um and I'll I'll try to answer that and then if staff needs to weigh in to
correct me or to elaborate but as you know state road 44 is a state road and so we cannot put our own signs up. um we just can notify FDOT and put a request in. Um they have conducted um a safety
study over the last couple years. They had been working on a safety study because there have been for many many years. In fact, I can remember when I was in high school, one of my someone in my class had actually had a a um a deadly accident um on one of those
curves. So it it's for many many years state road 44 between Eustace to Dand has been a problem. Um but we um I know they've done the safety study. They've looked at adding some turn lanes. They've looked at some different things. Um and it's really ultimately up to them
although we can raise and elevate those concerns to them. And um so the curves, those are an issue, turn lanes are an issue because then people can move off of the road so that others can continue to go. I've heard requests for um for double lines, um more enforcement, you
know, all of those kind of things. >> It doesn't work. I I was going to church two weeks ago on a Sunday morning going towards the land and some fell tried to pass me and he wasn't going to make it. He wound up on the other side on the grass. And I said, I just hope this guy
coming this way >> sees him >> sees him because he came up just to my back of my car. I said, you're not going to make it. I mean, I'm doing 55. This road goes, nobody does 55. They do 65, 70, and the lines don't mean anything.
>> No, I hear you. I understand. Um Mike, is there anything that you want to add or anyone from public works wants to add? Um Oh, okay. So, he Mike's going to go out into uh Mike Oka is going to go out into the rotunda area and meet you and get your concerns and then he will
be the one that'll interface with FDOT. >> Thank you. I appreciate you coming and and and raising these issues. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. All right. Um, next card is Farmer Banks Hellfrick. I am Farmer Banks Hellfrick. I live in
the Clay Road District. Farm tip of the day. Watermelons are in season. Uh, and here's a super cool hack of when to harvest watermelons. The vine that comes from the plant will go to the vine that goes to the actual fruit. Where they intersect, uh there's a curly quue on
the outside. When that curly eue turns brown, your watermelon is ready to be harvested. Chairwoman, uh board, um distinguished guests, um is America
morally and ethically bankrupt? Do we find ourselves uh self-centered uh in a transactional society where we only do things for ourselves and not for the good of all? There's an old adage, you never see a
hurst pulling a U-Haul trailer. In fact, you can't take it with you. You ask any hospice nurse what the reoccurring theme is and they will always tell you those of us on our deathbed always wish we spent more time with our family. Less time working, more time being
compassionate and kind. 20 college students were each given $10 each. 10 of them were told to go spend it on themselves. 10 of them were told to go spend it on someone else. Those who spend it on themselves came back and their happiness was the same, flatlined.
Those who spend it on others, their happiness increased. When we serve others, joy increases within us. During World War II, Oscar Schindler, uh, an Austrian factory owner, saved
over,400 Jews. At the end of the war, the 1400 survivors came to him and they thanked him for saving their lives. He broke down. He kicked his car and he said, "I wish I would have saved more of you. I don't need this car. I began
coming up here and speaking with a question. I'm going to end with another question and that is if we are not here to serve each other, why are we? I am Farmer Banks Hellfrick, candidate for state house district 25
and here to serve. May you all be blessed. Thank you for allowing me to speak. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, Alana Coulson what um they Embry Riddle Aeronautical University a private school couldn't do
legally i.e. be honest on land that they purchased. They are now asking the Forest Service to give them that land. Embry Riddle is pushing Paisley Lake County Forestry. Lake County and Forestry to allow them to cut down 40
acres of trees on either side of a dirt runway equals 80 acres of trees and pave an air strip in the middle of the Ocala National Forest and run five planes in there. This is protected federal land. If we look at
the 2030 and the 2050 land use maps for Lake County and Florida, they say there's they already know there's a minimum of 12 gopher holes and other creatures. So, this is a wildlife concern as well as a commitment
that were made to Lake County and the Florida taxpaying citizens. So telling the truth, this would not be right to allow and Lake County be would be open to lawsuits from any environmental agencies and its citizen.
Embry Riddle has been using its campus area and buildings for a research park to benefit its system and its students. Private tuition there at Embry Riddle varies from 44,000 to 65,000 for undergrads and as much 23,000 for
grad students. Their present big project is an old gym into the Boeing building. The Boeing building with 200 more in 2025. The expected completion is now by 2027. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, donations
are piling up, including 25 million from Florida State. Although this is a private school, students have been told that there shall be internships available with Boeing and employment in the range of 100,000.
I don't know what the average income of Lake County taxpayers are who are helping fund what they did not vote for. And this is one of the reasons why they are so cramped at Embry Riddle that they want to take some of Lake County's land.
In 2007, Navy Seal Richard Graham began a program to help US disabled and special ops veterans. In 2016, he purchased 55 acres adjacent to the Ocala National Forest and this land piece that is owned by Embry Riddle.
He purchased this land to host peaceful retreats for his program homefront K9 to benefit those with PTSD and suicide prevention. >> Thank you. And perhaps you can email the
rest of your comments to us um so we can hear the rest of them and um or if you're willing to come back another meeting then we can do the the bottom part of it. But I appreciate your synopsis and um >> it it as you know it's not something
that we actually voted on up here. So we are in affected >> by Lake County. >> Oh, we are affected by it. There's no question. No question. Um next card is Rick Carllins. >> Good morning commissioners. Rick
Carlland's Futland Park Lake County. And uh first I want to thank you for considering the the ordinance uh at a couple of meetings ago and uh passing that. I do appreciate that very much. However, um I believe that it we have
some amendments I had emailed to each uh one of you and what I I printed out six copies that I'd like to for each commissioner to have paper copies. So I'll at the end of what I have to say I will uh hand them to who they need to go
to. Um the ordinance that was brought to you was the Collier County ordinance. Uh and it was adopted in 2023. And um it's what I wanted to say though is the amendments what they would do
basically is that primar primarily would establish a symbolic uh well currently the weaknesses are uh that the ordinance that was passed is is basically is is symbolic. It limits limits action largely to litigation
initiated by the county commissions. It contains no prohibition against county participation in constitutional enforcement. Uh it contains no enforcement for penalties or provisions. It explicitly denies creation of private
rights of action. It lacks anti-comodering language and federalism case law. It does not prohibit the use of county personnel or resources for unconstitutional enforcement. and it provides only discretionary authority to
the sheriff rather than affirming constitutional non-ooperation authority. Uh the the uh the the Collier County ordinance that uh that was adopted that uh we brought in for consideration. And there were, I think, maybe 20 or 25
people that came in support of that ordinance. And this and it was spoken to that we wanted to, you know, we wanted to proceed with the uh the uh the stronger ordinance, the more enhanced ordinance. So, and the ordinance that
you have with these amendments would make it uh very strong that it it would be what it is that's desired. Um but just if I may just read one of the uh the asks in the uh recommendment
recommended amendments it would be the anti-comaring doctrine or uh it's recommended a new whereas clause inserting the following findings from the collier ordinance whereas neither the United States Congress nor the exe executive branch of the federal
government has the authority to commoder the states to act and whereas the anti-comoderian principle is absolute and categorical uh and that is u okay so anyway these findings would provide constitutional
foundation for uh non-ooperation with unconstitutional federal actions and significantly strengthen the ordinance's legal defensibility >> Mr. Dr. Carllins, can you give the copies? >> I will do that. Yes, I will.
>> And thank you for the time. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, the other cards I have are either zoning. Uh, one is on 19, tab 19, that's a presentation, so we'll take that up. That has to do with the injection well issues. Um, and
then I've got tabs, let's see, we're going to move to clerk of courts consent. and then when we get to our consent agenda, I will let everyone know what the cards are on our consent. Okay. So, Mr. Cooney, >> good morning again. I have 10 items in
my consent agenda for your approval. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All right. On the clerk of courts consent agenda. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Moving then to the county commission consent agenda. That's tabs 3
through 18. I have a card on tab 14. I also have one on 15. Um, which is a tab which is a card in support. And so I will let the um I will Yes, Commissioner Parks.
>> I just want to make a comment on tab 10 after we hopefully pass it. >> Oh, okay. All right. Um, >> and I'd like to make a comment on 12 >> on 12 after afterwards or Okay. All right. So, um, as far as I mean, I know the card on 15 is in support, so I'm not
sure whether, um, I I can pull it and we can vote on it, um, separately. Um, it's up to you all. Um, this is for a three-way stop to be added at Country Club, East Crooked Lake. Um, it's a safety issue. >> If they the speaker would like to speak,
we can pull it and vote. >> I'm looking for the speaker. Oh, there she is. Okay. All right. Well, we'll wait till we get there. Okay. All right. Um, so let's let's move on to tabs 3 through 18, less 14 and 15. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor say I. I. That
passes. Um, those items pass. We'll come back then to 14. And I got a tab. I I got a card from Cindy Newton. Good morning. Cindy Newton, District 4. I've been advocating for DWTS for replacement of conventional septic for
quite a while now. The last two people that contacted me asking questions after the county letter went out decided to get the units. And upon talking further with it, they found out they
were getting more charges than they had originally thought they would be getting. And they considered a bait and switched. Uh after reading this, I kind of understand a little better of what they were talking about. The extraordinary
costs are going to be passed on to the consumer. And while I understand this may be necessary, it does make me wonder some things. How many more costs are going to be added to these contracts down the road, it seems the contractors not able to keep up with these
installations under the current payment that they're getting with the original contract. With the county becoming responsible party of the continuation of the maintenance and installation upon on-site dissolving or going bankrupt,
will this include the units that are only under the grant or is this going to include all the DWTS's that on-site is putting into Lake County? Will that also include the
community ones with the community drain fields? And what will the cost be to the taxpayers if the county has to take over this maintenance? I'm wondering if I'm going to end up paying for the maintenance of these
units for which I've been advocating. So, thank you. Yeah, Commissioner Parks, you might want to answer the question, but I can tell you that the whole intent behind their fee structure is to make sure that the units themselves fall under that utility. So that that's part of why they charge fees that they
charge, so that they are able to go in and maintain not the Lake County taxpayers, but the utility operating the system. and the extenduating circumstances that they found in many properties were um such that it was
wasn't just a straightforward come put in a DWTS system, but you had very difficult um some more difficult than others, but whether it's hilly or um obstacles um other improvements that are
in the way um but but those added cost on that weren't calculated in the original cost of installation. So, have I hit on the things that were raised accurately? >> What about if they go uh belly up?
>> So, to to answer your question about the units, the county is only responsible for the units associated with the grant. If on-site has contracts with other subdivisions like Lake Nelly, that has nothing to do with the county. Um, if the company goes under, then this
particular amendment would provide us the source code so that we could continue to operate. we would either find another operator or we would have to bring it in house. And again, that is only for the units covered under our grant. Um, and yes, so the extraordinary circumstances are also covering things
like if they're older homes, they don't have the proper electrical, things like that. Those are not things that the county covers. Those are things the property owner would have to cover because that's a benefit to the entirety of the house versus just this unit. So, they have there have been those types of things. >> I understand that those
>> Yeah. And again, I would I would just add that um and I I appreciate the staff working on it and and some of the good questions. Uh remember, this is uh still a pilot program for a very real challenge that all of Florida is going to face with subject tanks and the documentation, the science behind it
that there's just so many people here now that a more effective system has to be installed. Um and again I won't be too repetitive here but those were that's the purpose of this was to address those and those difficult cases and and um moving forward and obviously
this can be uh looked at every year as far as and it's really up to how much the state gives us the money for it as well. So it'll kind of depend on the trunch of money the grant money that's coming down from D uh which we just got another grant for that but that's
subject every year to change. Yeah. >> Yeah. My main concern is the maintenance ongoing if they because we only got one quote when it went out. >> That's true. But there but that is a changing that's emerging and uh just
like this what's fabulous about this great country is you can uh put forward and get get patents and and do put your science and do your research into something that's new and effective and they have done that and that's protected. Of course, there are other competitors now coming online with the
same kind of systems. So, there'll be, you know, plenty of opportunity just like there is for advanced treatment units, um, which is sort of the next scale down. There'll be plenty of opportunities for competition. We will welcome that. Um, I think even knowing the contractor, they know that and welcome we'll welcome the the
competition as well in that area. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. And thank you for advocating for them. Um, >> yeah, thank you in the long run. >> That's true. I forgot to thank you for that, too. Thank I know you know this, but >> and Madam Chairman, just to clarify, um, as far as the rates go, this particular amendment, um, there could be annual
increases, 4% or CPI, whichever is lower. So, and it only applies to the people who have voluntarily signed up to be a part of this program. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, okay. So, that's this item. Do we have a motion for approval on Oh, wait. I have somebody raising
their hand. Um, and I don't know if it's for this item or not, so I'd have to >> uh, yes, there is someone online. They're labeled iPhone. Um, if you could please unmute your mic and then state your name for the board and then give your comments, please. Whoever's online has iPhone, you'll have
to unmute your phone to speak. We'll try a little bit longer. Okay. All right. We'll come back to that. Um I don't know what else to do. >> My only concern was I there were four things I was concerned about. Three of the four were addressed in in this especially
the the uh technology portion of it. >> Um but if the county is going to end up being responsible for it, we need to know. So that was very very important. Um the permit would come to us. That was another one. The one thing I didn't get that I'm still concerned about is that we're we're the ones collecting the
money and we're the ones paying on-site. And my concern is the fact the we're going to have if people don't pay, we're going to have to foreclose on them. And that and but on-site is going to continue to get paid regardless
whether whether whether the customer that they have pays us or not, on-site still gets paid. uh they need their own receivables department is what they need in my opinion >> and I think because the way it goes on the bill that's where it gets a little tricky where we have to take we have to
assume that responsibility because we're in the position to have the leverage to say you either pay or here are the repercussions so it's just in a perfect world there'd be another mechanism this is the best mechanism >> right and and three of the four were incorporated so it's better than what it
was >> and I and I really like the fact that then we have the ability to get to those source code. So if we have to take over then we've got the ability to do that or another company does. So okay, >> I'll make a motion for approval. >> Second.
>> All right. All in favor say I. I. That passes three to zero. Moving then to tab 15. And um this is um the one that Lisa Chapman is here for. And this has to do with the installation of stop signs and all-way plaques at East Crooked Lake Drive and Country Club in the Eustace
area as well as uh signage to um to prohibit trucks over 10 ton tons unless they're there for a local delivery and um some speed tables. >> Um I just want to first of all say thank you to Commissioner Campion for coming out personally with county staff and
observing uh what this problem has become on our road. Um, it it's substantial. I've lived on East Crooked Lake in the same house for 24 years now. Um, and I've watched it turn from a quiet residential street into a cutthrough for heavy commercial trucks
and speeding commuters. The speed limit on that road is 25 miles an hour. And um, my I'm here with my neighbor Joe Mazikian who lives at the corner where that proposed three-way stop is. and he's personally witnessed and heard
plenty of accidents on that stop. The visibility is really poor um at the bottom of Country Club coming up the way they people just assume that you're making the turn and they cut out. It's it's it's pretty bad. Um so every single
day and I work remote from home. I see dozens of heavy semi-truckss, flatbeds hauling heavy equipment. Um none of them are doing 25 miles an hour. I can promise you that. And I don't know how they make that one real tight turn where um multiple cars have gone into the lake
at that point. Those are usually 16-year-old boys, though. Um but my Joe's brother is a retired state trooper. Um we stand in my driveway when he's in town and we guesstimate what the speeds are and they're easily 40 miles an hour and
upwards on that. and again speeding commuters and heavy trucks and it's become a cutthrough road as opposed to a residential street. So these proposed measures that you've come out with are everything we could have dreamed of for
controlling the amount of traffic and controlling the speed. So I just want to expect or express appreciation to you and for getting this on the agenda. Um, I'm representing a lot of my neighbors on this street that couldn't make it
either due to work today or conflicts of schedule. But, um, we want to keep the character of this street residential. It's it's a beautiful drive. If you've ever been on it, East Crooked Lake is a beautiful drive and the um, partly the
wear and tear on the road also since it's been repaved. There's potholes that weren't there for the last 20 years. There's um cracking on the asphalt on the corners because these big trucks are are tearing up the road. Um and the most important thing along with
the wear and tear on the road is the liability that someone's going to get hurt or killed on the street. It I don't even walk it anymore. I used to walk that road for years. I won't even walk the road because it it's just heavy traffic and the the rightway is crowded.
And um I just really want to say I appreciate getting this matter. I can talk a small room to death, but a microphone terrifies me. So, um anyway, that's all I had to say is thank you for getting this matter um after years of trying of within eight weeks, you got something going on this and I appreciate
this so much. So, thank you all for your consideration on that. Thank >> Thank you for coming out today, Lisa and those that met us that day when we drove the road and we looked at some of the problems. And I know personally whenever we come to that stop sign, if it's my husband and I, one of us looks one way,
the other looks the other way, I mean, it's you just hope that nobody's going to come around there really fast. Um, it's it's dangerous. So, um, I think this is a a long overdue safety improvement. >> I'll second that.
>> All right. All in favor say hi. I >> I That passes unanimously. And I appreciate the the residents reaching out and trying to get this done. And hopefully this is going to benefit that entire area. And you are right, that is one of the prettiest drives in Lake County. And if you go to check it out
and you've never seen it before, just drive 25. >> Um, can I make a comment about 10? >> Okay. Oh, right. We wanted to come back and you wanted to talk about 10 and you want to talk about 12. >> Yeah. And and just on the public safety because it comes up every every meeting,
you can also help by advocating to make it uh to our legislators to make it harder to to get licenses and cheat and and to keep licenses for the bad drivers. That would probably help as well too for public safety. That's just my my two cents on the issue, but because that's we'll do all we'll do all
we can, but there's still bad drivers out there. But anyway, uh number 10 is I just wanted to point this out. um because this is I think a part of our our our culture. Um being concerned about water resources in Lake County
that you see this is a second amendment to an agreement with the Coastal Conservation Association. So, at our at our landfill, we um we offered up space to CCA, Coastal Conservation Association, about four or five years ago, maybe six years ago by now, uh to
take oyster shells uh from all the oyster bars around Peninsula Florida essentially. Um your Claremont Oyster Bar would be your local one. I know there's one here in Tivarious as well. um those shells instead of them going to a landfill will go to they'll go to um they'll collected and go to a place like
this area that we have at our uh landfill facility that's dedicated for them to be dried out um and then they're crushed and then taken to other parts of Florida like Mosquito Lagoon, the West Coast, um Appalachiccola Bay to seed oy
to reed oyster beds. Um especially in Appalachiccola Bay, there's been quite an issue for four or five years. uh actually banning um the harvesting of of oysters. Um so it's it's something that's happening and it's right here in Lake County. I'm really I just like to point it out always because you don't
always hear this kind of good news, but um that's going on right here in the center of the state. U this second amendment, by the way, is to to add another sort of service, if you will. We're going to grow mangrove um mangrove se mangrove seedlings. So they'll they'll be grown there as well. That's
what this second amendment does. And then those go out to hopefully um replenish and regrow our mangroves. Uh the best defense for hurricanes, by the way, are mangroves. Um so I just thought that would point that out. Thank you for letting me talk about that for a second,
but uh that's uh big news for Lake County today. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. And Tam, >> yeah, Tab 12. The only thing I want to make comment and it's uh source well uh cooperative contract is a catch-all contract for a lot of uh different
vendors. Um I just want to make sure if we are using this contract there's more than one vendor that does the work that we need and we are getting a competitive look at both of those or three of them and just not awarding a contract because
they have a source well contract. Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Moving along then to tab 19. This is a presentation by David Selenus, office of solid waste director. And this has to do with the injection
well issue and or deep injection wells. And I have a speaker card, Katherine Wright. So, um, we'll do the presentation, then we'll get the speaker card and then we'll go from there. Good morning. Uh David Selenus, office
of solid waste director and I'm here to give you the basics for deep wall injection as it pertains to the heart of Florida landfill in Sumpter County. Uh Blanch Hardy with Lake County Ward Authority will be uh finishing up the presentation with the technical aspects.
So to start with, Lee is the liquid generating mainly from rainwater passing through waste. As the water passes through the waste, it collects soluble and non-soluble solids including harmful substances. Lee is also produced from the decomposition of other landfill waste. Here we have a cross-section example of
a landfill essentially showing the layers and where the water passes through and is collected in the bottom. A leech is captured at the bottom of a line landfill where pumps are installed and they sump to extract the lee for treatment or disposal. There's four primary ways to treat
leech. You have recirculation. uh that's where the leech is reinjected back into the landfill. Uh it was a popular idea but it it is not something that's practiced uh regularly. Uh you have evaporation, you have the most common which is treatment which is wastewater treatment
plants and then deep well injection. For the purposes of today, deep well injection is the process of injecting waste water into porous formations below groundwater sources, insulating liquid waste from drinking water aquifers inserted between watertight rock layers.
There are six well classes for deep well injection in the state of Florida. Here are all six of them listed out, but today we're going to focus on class one and five. Heart of Florida's current permit is for a class 5 well which is used for exploratory purposes only and does not
allow for wastewater disposal. This phase is intended to evaluate the feasibility of a future class one permitted deep well for the disposal of leech. Here we have a drawing of the proposed drawing of the exploratory wall on the left and on the right for illustration
purposes the process of deep well injection. And uh from the D we have more than 180 active class one wells in Florida. No new hazardous waste wells have been uh put in since 1983.
uh waste treated to become non-hazardous to demonstrate waste will remain were replaced while hazard is defined as a 10,000 years. So essentially the waste has to be treated to become non-hazardous or demonstrated that it'll remain in place for 10,000 years in order to be injected. Approximately 54
wells in Florida are for municipal wastewater disposal and currently Pasco, Indian River and Charlotte counties have deep wells for leech. Some of the potential concerns for class one deep well injections. You have well construction failure, faults or
fractures in the geology, minimal risk of induced seismicity. Um that's probably more commonly known from Oklahoma with fracking uh the increase in seismic activity. It's not saying that there wouldn't be any, but there is
a minimal risk. Uh prologue storage causing degragation to the impermeable rock layer. site contamination at the source and improper abandonment or ceiling. And now I'll turn it over to Blanch. >> Hi, good morning. Uh Blanch Hardy, Lake
County hydrogeeologist. Um we're at the point we're talking about potential impacts. So uh well construction is unpredictable in car geology which we have in Sumpre County and we have in Lake County. So if
you look at the pink picture to your left on the the slide, you can see that these are substantive sink holes enough to be mapped by the state in the direct vicinity of the well which is the red
star. And the pink color is indicates that the state has found this area indicative of car geology. Um uh damage to aer springs and seeps. The center map shows you that there are springs and again the immediate vicinity
the left part of the map is Sumpre County. The right part of the map is Lake County. So we have class one to class 4 springs in this area already. And then on the right hand side, there are 729
potable wells within 1 half mile of this site. So the uh these are cross-sections. You'll see a small map inserted on each cross-section that shows a line. These uh wells, exploratory wells were drilled
by the US Geological Survey. These two maps appear in the definitive report that they issued on the Florida and aquifer in central Florida. So the red box indicates where the screened interval or open interval of the
proposed phase one injection or class one injection well would be. This first map is the map that was provided by the consultant to Sumpre County. It has been the map that's in the publications. As you can see, that white area is called a confining layer,
but it is actually defined as a confining or semi-confining layer. It consists of a carbonate called an anhydrite. And hydrates react with water. They also are slightly costic. Lee is very costic. So one can
anticipate there will be some reaction with that formation but it is in a confining layer. What was not included in the PowerPoint that was provided is the uh cross-section to the right. This
cross-section and let me step back a second uh in the maps that show where the lines that the USGS wells were installed. I want to point out this is seven or eight wells for the state of Florida. So this is not well defined by any stretch of the
imagination from a geological standpoint. So this first one is a well that's kind of by the site slightly to the west. The second one is by the well again kind of by the site slightly to the north. These two drawings were in
the publication as I mentioned. The well in the second drawing the location of the proposed well in the second drawing as you can see is in blue. That is a lower aquifer. The red line, the red dotted line that goes through both of these drawings is the saline
interface. So in that first drawing, this well is directly below the potable water supply that has been identified as an alternative supply should we need to go deeper than we currently do to address the growing population of the
state of Florida. You'll see the the red line is slightly above that unhydrate in the second drawing, but again, we're right below a future potable water supply that other counties right now and public water suppliers are looking at as
alternative supply. When you're in a bubble, which we'll talk about in a minute, you're in the freshwater bubble. You're 2,600 feet of fresh water. So that first one that shows that red dotted line, that's fresh water above there. That's your drinking water.
That's your future drinking water. The lower water, that's your drinking water 20 or 30 or 40 years from now because those lower supplies are called juvenile water. They're not rechargeable at 2,000 ft. You don't get recharge in the same
kind of way that we get Florida and recharge right now where the sufficient aquifer and our sink holes accept water. It percolates down through the car system or through the sand into the limestone. These are thousands of feet deep. This is water that was deposited
when it was deposited millions of years ago. So these are in these are not infinite supplies. These are finite supplies, but it's our future. So moving to the next drawing. This drawing is called a plate. Every
single one of those dots and I put the map there showing the grid of dots. Again, these are very few dots to define the subsurface geology of Florida at the depth that we're talking about. This plate, you have to go to the USGS and you have to acquire this plate. It's
publicly accessible, but certainly a consultant and definitely I know that these plates exist and immediately when I saw the PowerPoint, I went and got this plate. If you look at the star on the map, this well that I have put the
red box around is in immediately direct vicinity of this proposed well. And this one shows that again this will be in that potential 20 40 50year water supply that we may need to secure and treat.
and we I call it mineralized, we'll call it saltwater in order to provide for our growing population. So, a few more maps. If you look in the middle, the blue area and the pink area that doesn't have dots
in it, this is your good water. And that's you. This is Lake County and Sumpre County. Lake Sumpter and Marian County are the water supply for millions upon millions of citizens between Tampa and Cocoa Beach. The Green Swamp is the
water supply for Central Florida. And this is where we're talking about allowing or or not protesting this proposed well. And then the next one I think is the best map to look at. That purple is
2,600 feet of fresh water. This well will sit right below that. Now, I'd like to put something on. I know that we received a communication. So, I I prepared some things after you saw this. So, let me put this on the
There we go. I can straighten it out a little bit. So, we talked about the the hund there's over close to 200 class one injection wells. Well, here's where they are. There are one, two, three, four injection wells in the spine of the
state. All of the injection wells, almost all of the injection wells, the class one injection wells are on the coast. So those injection wells have an open bore hole or a screened interval that is under a thousand feet of salt water. Not under thousands of feet of
fresh water. It's under thousands of feet of salt water. So you don't see a lot in the middle of the state because when you put them in the middle of the state, you start to potentially impact water supply. So, I know that uh the discussion has been,
well, these wells have never contaminated a drinking water well. Well, you're not allowed to put them by drinking water wells. So, that's excellent news. I'm glad to hear that. However, that does not mean that the injection wells in all classes, I will go over all classes, have not
contaminated groundwater. And I think most people know about Piney Point. Piney Point is Egypt stack outside of Tampa that discharged 6,000 gallons of untreated industrial waste into Tampa Bay. The well didn't fail. The pump for
the well failed. So, you can't just look at the well and say, "Oh, these wells are great." You have to look at the system. The pump failed and by the time they shut it down, 6,000 gallons of water had been discharged into the surface water. Uh there's a another one
in my list here uh where I talked about the anhydrite. They had a failure into the um biscane aquifer where they were the well reacted. The material they were injected
included acidic wastes and it rejected with the anhydrate and it tore open the well. It left a great big gap in the well. So it not only contaminated the groundwater deep groundwater, it contam contaminated groundwater above the deep
groundwater. So there are a number of instances in Florida and a lot more instances outside of Florida where deep injection wells have contaminated groundwater. So unfortunately in this state, if you put one in Sumpre County,
it's not going to just contaminate groundwater if there's an accident. It's going to contaminate the drinking water supply, my drinking water supply, your drinking water supply. So, I'm happy to answer any questions. I'm happy to share any of the information I have
about other failures in the state of Florida. My recommendation is your hydrogeeologist is that this is a very bad idea. And earlier, we heard that there are other ways to treat leech. So, this isn't an
emergency. This isn't uh we have a crisis. We have no other choices. There are other choices. It's expensive. This is probably not quite as expensive. Couple things. There's nothing so far I've heard that guarantees they won't accept
leate from outside of Sumpre County. Now, our land, our solid waste does go to this landfill from my understanding, and you can correct me if I'm wrong. I also asked, well, what is the reduction in the tipping fee to the citizens of Lake County if this is allowed? What's
our savings? Well, nobody's talking about a reduction in tipping fees for being able to put leech aid in potentially in a manner that could impact our groundwater supply. So, just two points to think about. Thank you. >> Thank you, Blanch. Um, great information.
Really great information. Um, does anybody have questions? Welcome. just just a just a comment. I appreciate it. Um you're a great resource for us as a professional geologist. So, thank you for that uh presentation. And um you
know, I'm obviously uh I I don't think we should support a deep well inje deep well injection system. Um I just think it's interesting and I I don't want to you don't have to I guess go into great detail, but the treating of hazard they call it non-hazardous waste. So, they're
not treating it. The standard is if you are going to inject it, it's not going to be the way it w that the the water is not going to be treated to the the quality of water uh from where you're injecting it into it. Just there's some loose criteria on what non-hazardous is. Is that correct? Is it
>> Well, Lee isn't considered hazardous. So, I don't know. I have not seen in any of the documentation to what extent they are going to treat it if they're going to treat it at all. >> Okay. Yeah. And the other ways to treat leech are uh I mean we're seeing this in other places. So I agree with you.
There's they can break the water down to the molecular level pretty much and um bleach a shade you probably have to do that. There's a lot of bad stuff in that. >> You can send it to a waste uh you can send it to a wastewater treatment plant. >> You can put an on-site treatment system. My understanding is this is because of
the odor. So there's a lot of ways to handle odor. >> So but you can treat lee and waste usually they go to wastewater treatment plants. Again, um my opinion is that the other means are a little bit more
expensive. >> How far along are they in that process? >> Right now, they're asking for permission to do a class five, which is an exploratory boring. So, they're required to do an exploratory boring. As I've shown you, there's really not good data.
So they have to actually get data from their specific location and then they have to give that back to DP. So for example, if they would drill to the depth that they said and they're still uh anywhere near the potable drinking water supply, that would probably not go
well with D. So that's where they are. They're at the exploratory well. But if the exploratory well is okay and it's in the unhydrate and then they go for the class one. Okay. Anything that happens between land surface and the bottom of
that boring is in our drinking water supply. So >> So you think of uh should we write a letter of concern? >> Yeah. I mean they're doing the exploratory. That means they're pretty much trying to do it. I mean they want to do it. That's a lot of money.
>> Yeah. I would take it from concern to opposition. >> I would oppose it. >> Yeah. I think it should be a letter of opposition and I think it should list the reasons, the other alternatives and then the reasons that you stated today and why we're opposed and what our concerns are. >> Yeah. I was going to ask um
they could put this through a um wastewater plant for right for recycle reclaimed water. Yeah, it luchade is treated with the wastewater treatment plants. Yes. >> And they can just do it be like a reclaimed water you get from
wastewater treatment plant. Correct. >> If they would treat it to the appropriate standards, they could inject it as a storage and recovery. They wouldn't even have to go so deep. If the water was treated and and proven to be treated before it was injected, they could do ASR, which then becomes recharge and it becomes a benefit. So
the the point of my question was there's other alternatives other than what they're proposing here. So yes, >> I think I would agree that we say you know what we need to explore or they need to explore all the opportunities before
>> and and I think if you could help us obviously have our professional geologists craft that letter said there's the science behind what everything that you just said. I think that'd be very impactful as to why we're opposing it. I'd be very pleased to. >> Thank you. All right, we do have a card.
Um, we have Ca Katherine, right? Who's here? There's Katherine. Uh, did you want to speak to this or do you feel comfortable that we've covered the issues and you see where we're going? >> I see where you are going. >> You'll need to come to the microphone
then if you wish to speak. >> I do see where you're going with this. So thank you very much for putting this on the agenda. I've been studying this for four months and I never knew what it was. So but to me a class what won well from
what I am reading and studying on um landfill leate often known as referred as trash tea. So, I'm not going to say this whole spiel, but it does have highly concentrated mixture of pollutants including ammonia, chloride, toxic metals such as lead, arsenic,
industrial chemicals, and various pathogens. So, with that being said, this stuff is high octane for problematic situations with our health. So, and given the fact that mechanical
systems are prone to failure, the leak could go undetected for years because the the Florida Department of Environmental Protection um they only check this stuff at a minimum of every five years. So, it's such a issue, but the problems that this
stuff can make is neurological damage, liver, kidney disease, birth defects, and various concerns such as leukemia, bladder, pancreatic, cancer, and more. And also um it was said somewhere else in another commissioner meeting. I will
go ahead and say Citrus County like why did Florida Department of Environmental Protection even go forward and give the authority to even do this highly ridiculous request. This is really putting us all in danger.
So I thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um so the letter um that we've talked about you feel like we've given clear enough direction on the content and the position. >> Yes. So my question is do you want a letter that is signed by the chair or do
you want us to bring back a resolution in opposition? >> I like the resolution in opposition and then a cover letter that goes with it. >> We can bring that back at the next meeting. >> Okay. Um I do have one more speaker card. That's Marty Proctctor.
Marty Proctor, 18225 Rose Street, Roland, Florida. You do have it figured out. However, I want to give a little bit more light. The trash that is put in solid waste containers, in bins, in bags, and in dumpsters goes directly
into a truck. That truck goes directly not to heaven, but to the heart of Florida where it dumps that debris that some homeowner, business owner, whatever
quietly put into the trash directly goes to the heart of Florida landfill, which sits on top of our water. So, I've got a really, really even better idea than that. Let's take the water and the leech tape that comes off of that and pump it
underneath our drinking water and let's see if we can't just really do a great job of taking care of this situation all in one easy movement. Thank you very much. This is an important topic. It goes it needs to go a long way a lot further than just this part of it. But
thank you. >> Yes. Um I agree it's part of a bigger discussion. I think we got to tackle this one today, but I couldn't be in more agreement. It's part of a larger discussion, not just for us, but for the whole state.
Okay. All right. Um, moving along then to let's see, uh, tab 20, Megan Melany's, Office of Emergency Management Director. And Megan's going to give us an update on hurricane season. And I'm going to step out and I'll be right back. But I heard the presentation last
week. I have it memorized and I've already begun my preparation. >> Fantastic. Okay. Good morning. Megan Melany's emergency management director. Um we are going to do a quick hurricane season update since we are here in the start of June, which is the start of hurricane
season. Our outline for today's presentation is to quickly go over hurricane terminology just so we're all speaking the same language. Um and we'll talk a little bit about past hurricane seasons. We'll talk about what we can expect for this season as we enter it and then we'll talk about
how to prepare. So for our overview talking about our weather terminology, uh typically storms begin as a tropical depression and then as they gain strength and wind speed they form into tropical storms which are organized
weather systems with winds from 39 to 73 miles hour. As they continue to intensify, they become hurricanes, anything between 74 and for 74 miles per hour and higher. And then it is considered a major hurricane when it
reaches category 3 or stronger winds. Those categories, which I think most people are familiar with, look like this. So category 1 anywhere between 74 to 95 miles hour. Category 2 between 96 to 110 miles hour. Category 3 111 to 129
miles hour. Category 4 130 to 156. And then category 5 is anything 157 miles hour or higher. So again, those category 3 storms are what's considered those major hurricanes.
To review past seasons, um we did see uh recent hurricane responses over the last few years. We were fortunate last year that we did not see a landfalling hurricane, but we weren't so fortunate in 2024 where we had Debbie, Helen, and Milton, the year before that with Adalia, and even the year before that
with Ian and Nicole. All of which were impactful storms for our community. For last year's storms in 2025, we did see some of the storms develop. A lot of them developed in the Atlantic and moved off and away from the state, which is exactly what we hope to see this year.
Uh but these were the names that we went through, got about halfway through the list and then um stopped with the development. Uh the forecast that we saw last year in 2025, we expected to see between 13 to 19 named storms and we
ended up seeing 13 of those develop. So right at the lower end of that forecast. Hurricanes, we expected to see between six and 10. We saw five and then uh four of those became major hurricanes that category three or above which is right
in that range between three and five that we expected to see. So for this year we are expecting a below normal season. Um we do receive information from Colorado State University regarding what we are
expecting. Uh they have predicted 13 named storms with six of those becoming hurricanes. two of those hurricanes becoming major hurricanes. Uh and the National Hurricane Center gives a range. So they have predicted anywhere between eight to 14 named storms to develop with
three to six of those becoming hurricanes and one to three of those hurricanes becoming major hurricanes at category 3 or higher. So out of those, if we do see any visitors this year, this would be the possibility for what they might be
named. We're hoping not to see any of these folks come through and we'll talk a little bit about how to prepare so that our residents can make sure that they're making their plan. In terms of county preparation, we do prepare year round. This is kind of the season where we expect to be most active
uh depending on what storms develop and what tends to come our way. So, we do uh prepare year round doing partnerships, collaboration, coordination with all of our county stakeholders. Uh we also recently held a hurricane expo that was a public event for all of our residents to come out meet us and meet the public
safety professionals that take part in our hurricane response. So it's all all community response here um including non-governmental organizations and nonprofits. We make sure that our agreements are up to date and in place and that everyone knows what the
expectations are moving into hurricane season. uh for our residents before the hurricane comes, now is the time to start thinking about making a plan. Um the best thing that folks can do is just know what they're going to do and have the ability to enact it when the storm comes. Um so determine where you plan to
shelter during a hurricane if that's going to be at home. U make sure that you have all the supplies and resources that you might need. Make sure you're planning for pets as well. And create that disaster supply kit early so you're not waiting in the long lines for folks who maybe weren't as prepared. um stay
informed and get involved. Uh you know, make sure you're checking on neighbors. Um you know, stay informed with what the most current updates are in terms of what we're expecting for weather, try to pay attention to impact statements and what we're actually expecting to see within the county. And as you're
planning, if you do feel like you need to seek shelter somewhere other than your home, this is a list of our primary shelters that is also available on our website. One thing to note about this list of primary shelters is that we may not open every single shelter every
single time for every activation. Um, so please continue to pay attention to local news as well as the county website and social media as those announcements are made if we do uh end up having to activate for a storm this year. So there'll be something out of this list.
And of course the highlighted the yellow uh locations are uh designated for our special needs uh folks who are electric dependent or need assistance with activities of daily living in some way. And then any of the locations that have an asterisk uh will accept pets.
If you are going to be sheltering in place, just make sure you know where the safe room is in your home. It's going to be the innermost location in your home in case we have uh you know increased wind speeds. Uh, hurricanes can also generate and spawn tornadoes. So, it's important to know where the safe room is
in your home. And be mindful that the home environment may be very loud and frightening. When they say that the wind howls, they really mean it. Uh, stay away from doors, windows, and skylights. Open the refrigerator only when necessary. And again, just continue to stay informed. Having a weather radio
would be a major tool to make sure that you are continuing to stay informed as to what the weather updates are. Uh there is also alertlake.com where you'll receive alerts directly to your phone of any local situations that may be ongoing throughout the county or in your specific area. And folks can actually
sign up for those by going to alertlake.com. And then of course we always open the citizens information line when we are activated for storms so that if folks have any questions, concerns, they can call that line and speak to a real human. And I'm going to say that uh
number just so folks can keep it in their minds. It's 35225399999 and that's where you'll be able to speak to a real human during an activation if you have any questions, concerns, or you need information about what's going on with the storm. And of course, pay attention to local media outlets where
we'll be working with those partners to get information out to our residents. For after the hurricane, this is when we typically see the most issues with things like injuries or or otherwise. So, please, it can't be said enough, be careful. Uh stay informed to the latest
information. Stay away from any downed, loose, or dangling power lines. Um you know, ensure food safety. It's really not worth it to test something. So when in doubt, throw it out. Uh and when you're cleaning up debris, please be uh safe and mindful. Um it's really not
worth the injury to take shortcuts. Um take photos of damage to your house, furnishings, and surroundings for your insurance claims. And also, as part of your planning, please make sure you're taking a look at that insurance policy. Drive only when necessary. We are going to have crews out on the road immediately after the storm impact. So,
the more we can keep that clear, the easier it's going to be for us to get everything back to normal. And if the traffic lights are out, please treat it as a four-way stop. And also, please please make sure that you're you're contacting family, friends, and neighbors as soon as possible so that
they know that you're safe. And that is the totality of my update. Um, I'm happy to take any questions, comments. All right. Any questions? Yeah, that's great. And they're making this available and getting out to neighborhoods and
HOAs and so forth and getting this information out and they had their expo um not very long ago. I I'm sure you mentioned that when I was out of the room. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mayor. Um next we have tab 21. Bobby Bonia, assistant
county manager, presentation on Lake County Water Authority and proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Bobby Benia, the assistant county manager. Thank you for this opportunity to come before you and present the final presentation for the
Lake County Water Authority under my purview. The outline that we will follow is the organization chart, accomplishment, efficiencies, budget workshops, the 2027 recommended budget and the 2027 military
and the requested action. The Lake County Water Authority is a special district with a special mission. We have a board of trustees, uh, district one, Gavin Rollins. District two, Trampus Bone was in attendance today. District three, vice chair,
Birdie Shenichek. District four and chairman of the board of trustees, Mr. Hendris. And District 5, Mr. Gararov. A little bit of the overview and inventory that we have at the Lake County Water Authority.
Keep in mind, we're still in the process of the transfer of the Hickory Point. We added additional properties to the Lake County Water Authority as part of the transfer that included the Blueways, Helena Run, the pasture reserves, the Lady Lake, some of the properties that we have
currently open to the public. The Lake Norris Conservation Area is a operating agreement with the St. John's River Water Management District where the water authority plays a key role in the management of that property. As you can see, part of the blueway
system, the last part of the uh run uh underway currently is the Lake Apka. Some of the programs that the Lake County Board of Trustees have adopted, including the last two, which is the storm water and flood plane to conduct oversight and management.
This is the current organization chart. Part of the leadership includes the hydrogeeologist and Mr. Elkins as part of our operations director. Part of the accomplishment includes the water quality lab. A lot of data, a lot of analysis being collected throughout Lake Countyy's water system, including
the water atlas, which has an array of information for the public. You can see some of the samples that have been taken throughout the county and some of the litter has been removed. A lot a lot of that is done not just by staff, but also in partnership with volunteers.
So, we want to thank them for their services. We also partner with FWC and St. John's as we continue to collect as much data regarding our waterways. We also do a lot of community engagement
throughout Lake County and those can be found in the water exploration guide that the water authority publishes every year on a monthly basis. Their activities taking place throughout Lake County. Some of the photographs again are volunteers. We couldn't do this without
them. We're creating a library. A lot of the events we've asked for, we've been asked to can you have that event at another date at another location. So, we have created a library so we have the information readily available and handy.
Land management restoration is still part of our purview and our responsibility. So is the aquatics and the management of our waterways. And we work in conjunction with FWC. the waterway m manage uh signage throughout Lake County. This is
something that our aquatics team on top of the uh debris removal, they take on the signage throughout our county system. We have close to 200 signs in our waterways. You can see in the last three years as part of the reorganization and transition, we've been able to uh
increase the amount of tree removal from the waterways and you can see the water bodies that they've been removed. Each tree about each tree will cost if you outsource that work about $14,000 a tree. You're looking at in excess of a million dollars. The water authority has
been very supportive of allowing us to get the barge that you see in place with a second barge on the right hand corner at the bottom. That is a supporting deck barge to allow us to load up additional tree debris as we encounter them. This is an ongoing effort for many, many,
many years. You heard a lot about the nerf and again the nerf is now in the midst of a transformation for many years since 2009. We've had a 220 acre site that we're in the process now in design to begin a nature-based solution with
filter marshes and service of retention ponds to minimize the amount of alum that is needed. As you know lake apopa is the headarters of the water system at the Harris chain of lakes. First, it makes a stop at the Nerf, but then also downstream the other
properties that we're going to have to continue to address in order to minimize and reduce the nutrient loading. The Nerf is just one of many projects and we thank the board of trustees for supporting this change. Uh since obviously this was incepted in 2009,
this is a big change for the Nerf Side. It is also meant to connect to the Lake Apka trail head and the Northshore Overlook trail system. which is going to offer additional recreation and educational opportunities for the public.
Lake Denham is another of our properties. It's actually the largest property in the Lake County Water Authorities inventory of over 3,000 acres. We're currently in the conceptual plans for a master plant of that site. Offers a lot of opportunities for water storage, water treatment, nutrient
reduction, but at the same time education and recreation. the lake yield treatment. This is a project that's been in the books for the last 14 years. We were finally able to get all the stakeholders in place, fully supported by the board of trustees, DP,
St. John's, and many who actually were in attendance when we did the uh initial uh treatment. We continue to install monitoring devices and rain gauges throughout the county. the stormwater program for the Lake County Water Authority. This is a
program that started with over 13 projects. We've now got that down to three projects. Basically making sure that the cities and municipalities have complete the projects. Otherwise, we're just going to take the funds back and we have all the uses for those funds. So, we're down now to three projects. You
can see a list of the cities who have completed their projects. Some are new part of the three remaining projects, but the storm water and storm water conveyance is of the highest priorities for the Lake County Water Authority. We're also engaging in a partnership with the Lake County Sheriff's Office,
the Marine Unit. This building is currently alpha bid and this will be part of the marine unit which we both uh share and to be located at the Hickory Point Recreational Complex. the board of trustees. We were able to launch the first annual report in the
last four years that was sent over to the state legislature, the board of county commissioners in St. John's. We're very proud of the progress that has been made and all all of that is documented in the report that is uploaded in the website. many efficiencies. Obviously, a lot of
consolidation uh revamping uh the staff and the structure uh sharing resources, reaching out to municipalities and other agencies, being part of the development review process, and obviously having the
key staff to do all this. We had three budget workshops with the water authority, March 25th, April 22nd, and May 20th. Fiscal year 27 budget summary funds the operation and also continues the grant program.
There are many projects which are multi-phase multi-year which are ongoing based on the best numbers that we were provided. It's a lot earlier than the numbers that we'll probably see sometime in July, but these are the estimates
that we have from fiscal year 25. At the May 20th meeting, the board of trustees recommended a tentative budget at $29 million50,832. They're recommending based on the data we had a 0.29 0.2940 mills. And again
that is early based on the numbers that we have to work with. You can see the revenues expenditures over the last four years. But you can see also how we're monitoring and uh keeping track of the how we spend the
money and then the return on the investment. in the last three years. I think we're doing a much better job how we uh basically have a better return on the funds and only issue uh purchase orders when need to and payments when need to.
We're also obviously restricting and watching the grant program. We're asking for the municipalities and other opportunities with the state and federal level to make sure they're exercising opportunities to look for other grants and not have just the water to be their first stop.
As you can see, the 2027 budget includes the operations, the management services agreement with Lake County, staff restructuring any new positions, the capital outlay. Obviously, we have a lot of projects in
hand and obvious in the reserves, we're able to maintain the 16% as recommended by the government finance officers association. There is a request requested action as you know that Nerf has is has gone through a transformation since 2022
we've been outsourcing that project uh we've taken a look at the operations we feel that we can do the job in house uh fiscal year 26 uh the fiscal impact is about $833,000
just the labor cost the board of trustees were very supportive unanimous is support to begin the process of doing this project in house of the operation. With that, we're able to save over $330,000.
The makeup of the team obviously would change somewhat. So, I'm asking for your support of bringing in four additional staff, keeping in mind that at the end of the day, the staff will also operate the
nerf and other properties. But one of the biggest deficiency as the makeup of the team, not just for Lake County water authority, but for the county and municipalities, it's storm water engineering. So that will complete the makeup of the Lake County water authority. You heard from the hydro geologist. You have the operations, you
have the fuel staff, but we need to get down to the storm water uh conveyance, BMAPs. So I'd like to reinforce the team with stormwater engineers. These are licensed engineers that can actually get to work right away. design and have shovel ready
projects not just for the county, the water authority, but all the municipalities who need some guidance. Again, part of the number one priority for the legislative uh team is the storm water conveyance that we have in Lake County. We have got to get going on
that. And the way you start that is a master plan throughout the whole county. And by the way, asking the cities to adopt the master plan and make sure their storm water, their public works actually working on those projects. We have to have a continuous link between the storm water that's traveling
from point A to point B to point C. While public works has a array of responsibility, this is a unique area. The Lake County water authority, as I mentioned earlier, is a special district with a special mission. This is consolidation, creating
efficiencies and a savings to the taxpayers of Lake County and the ability to go after much greater grants. We were able to open doors at Tallahassee for the first year in our first try with the legislative priorities. The message is clear. There's a lot of opportunities and
funding that's available, but we have to have the makeup of the right team. And this allows us to have shovel ready project sooner rather than later. You hear you get a lot of emails regarding projects that have been in the drawing boards for two and three years. We've got to do better and again the water authority has own up
to this type of responsibility and accountability and manage management. So we're very thankful for this partnership. So with all due respect, I would like your support in these uh requested action to get these folks in place as the agreement with the contract
that's at the nerve is to expire at the end of this fiscal year. >> All right. Is question though um from the standpoint of the positions and so forth, as long as they're staying within the budget as presented, then do we actually have to
weigh in on the positions themselves? You do have to approve the positions themselves because they're full-time positions and then excuse me and then once the positions have been created will load the budget appropriately for the for the cost. >> Okay.
>> Is that done today? >> So if you provide that direction we'll make sure it's included with their budget. You will be approving their millage rate in July. >> But the positions will take the place of the funding that you're reducing basically. Correct. I think Bobby, great. It's a great idea. Uh the master
plan, fabulous. I appreciate everything you've done. Board of trustees, I know it's a big lift for y'all, but uh thank you very much for what you do. >> Yeah, I got to say the transformation of the water authority and everything that Bobby's doing in his department has been
absolutely phenomenal. Um, as you can see from your presentation, uh, you're actually reducing your budget by 10%, which is fantastic through innovators of technology and the use of people in the right place. So, uh, thank you for that, >> Mr. Cars.
>> Yeah. No. Um, so we're going to approve the budget though later. Their budget would be with our budget. >> Correct. This is just the initial presentation to the board. um with the requested action being that you would approve the millage rate in in July and
they'll have the final they'll be part of the final budget presentation in September which is adopted at the two public hearings. >> Okay, good. Yeah. And I want I want to go through that with you a little more later. Um we got a little time. Um what you were you were saying uh was music to my ears at the end. Could not agree with
you more. the uh of great importance for us is the BMAP and a storm water master plan across the county with the cities involved uh from this surficial treatment of of waste not wastewater of of storm water that's going to be
incredibly important for us. So I I I think that that is going to be I'm glad that that's going to be a primary focus and uh you have that budgeted for. Um and then you know as as well uh I think it's going to be important um when you have the master plan with the cities
especially what could be happening in the future uh you know you need if you're going to need if we need money from the state for grant monies and things like that uh you have to have had the plan in place first and for many years to try to follow it uh to make yourself more to make ourselves more
competitive for those uh for those grant monies. Now >> once we get the master plan completed, we'll be going around to all the cities asking them to adopt the master plan. Make sure that's part of the comprehensive the planning documents. So that way we're actually apples to apples. >> Yeah. And and that might be a good that
might be a good topic when we do our roundts that are starting to become pretty effective with the county commission and all the city cities like we do at Phoenician Gardens every three three months. That would be another good topic to talk about that I think at some point >> and and we have brushed that. I think
now it's just getting down into details and that's where we're going to turn the technical part of it over to the water authority. I mean, I think this is the great way to do it so that this is a water authority initiative and it's countywide with the water authority
leading the charge to actually have this countywide flowway and storm water drainage plan. And I just want to confirm that places in Aster will be included in that plan because as you know that is one of our
most challenging areas and um something about this time of year this is when it gets even harder to manage. Um and of course as we know from the storms last October um again perfect example of how coordination makes a huge impact and
this would totally step in the right direction. Let me just remind the commissioners, if you recall the public works presentation, we've actually made some opportunities there in terms of funding the storm water program. That is all part of the plan to free up that funding so we can actually get going sooner
rather than later. >> Thank you. >> All right. Great job. >> So, are we going to do consensus on the the four positions? Is that how you want to handle it? or are you going to bring it back or >> you can just give consensus on the four positions and that way they know whether
or not they need to make any revisions to their budget before it comes to you for a final approval in September. >> I I just want to make sure that the four positions you're replacing what's already out there at the Nerf under the contractural services. >> That is correct. Not only is that contract $833,000 next year it's going
to be probably $900,000. >> Almost $400,000. >> Good job. I think I'm good with it. I'm good with it. >> Okay. I think everybody's good with it. And just to confirm, I mean, you still use alum, but you just do it in a different way. You don't have the centrifuge and you're just using the pond system.
>> We're going to significantly reduce the amount of alum only after testing that water if it needs to be uh injected with alum. Okay. After it's gone through the series of filter marshes and ponds, we'll test that before we release it. But we'll be mindful that other uh downstream opportunities that we have to
address of any neutral loading. >> Okay. I just want to make sure whatever's coming out and going into the Harris chain is as clean as it is the way that it's been done in the past as far as the nerf goes. Okay. Marty Proctor put a card in. Wanted a comment on Lake County Water Authority. Did you
want to come to the podium in support of staff? >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Marty. Okay. All right. So, we have a consensus and that will conclude that presentation. >> Thank you, commissioners. Thank you, board of trustees. And thank you, staff. >> Okay. Okay, we have one more
presentation before we get into the zoning hearings. Um so, um is everybody okay with moving ahead with that presentation or you want to bump that to the behind the zoning hearings? >> We take >> Jennifer or you and take a break. >> Take a five minute break.
>> Yeah, the the budget summary presentation shouldn't be that long. >> Okay. All right. You want to >> let's hear it. >> Let's knock it out >> and then we'll take a fivem minute break and then we'll start the zoning cases. Good morning, Madam Chair and
commissioners. Today I have for you the proposed budget development summary. It's going to provide you with a fiscal 2027 uh the development so far and where we are today. An outline includes the
budget budget process, the June 1st estimate of property values, the general fund overview, the budget workshop summary in addition to the constitutional budgets, budget considerations, and next steps in the process.
So far, we have had the budget strategies workshops that was back in February. The departmental budget workshops went throughout May. The preliminary taxable values did come in on June 1st. And here we are today on the 9th going over the budget summary
workshop. Here's the best estimate property values as of June 1st. Based on the best estimate of property values, we saw 7.52% growth in the countywide property values. This does reflect an overview of
the countywide decline in new construction of 13.54% in 2026 versus 2025. However, several cities did see a considerable uptick in new construction and some notable ones are Futland Park
at 433% increase and Lady Lake at 114% increase. A few things to keep in mind. The advalorum revenues are based on the best estimate of the property values that
were provided June 1st. The status quo millage rate of 5.0254% and does not include the tax and collector's fiscal year 27 budget requests, medical examiners 27 budget requests, or the FRS contribution
adjustments. Here's a summary of the preliminary general fund budget compared to the 2026 adopted budget. The advalorum which is the increase on taxable values is 7.36%. The increase in revenue from uh other
revenue sources totals 1.3% from various sources. The sheriff's revenue is the contracted services his office provides. And the fund balance of fiscal year 26 does not include the purchase order carry forward amounts
and it does reflect the use of the reserve funds for the county's hurricane response during the current year. Below that you see the expenditures and for the expenditures we have the county department offices as a whole with an increase of $852,000.
The county redevelopment agency or CRA payments are estimated on property values and came in at $17.6 million. The reduction in other grants and aids reflects the anticipated completion of the Rosen Wall Gardens project in fiscal
year 2026. the judicial support which reflects the anticipated increases in IT supplies, software, utility costs, and the repairs and maintenance at 184,000. Below that, you'll see the medical
examiner's $315,000, which is estimated based on the increases we've seen in previous years. The constitutional budgets will be discussed further in a few slides, but um the preliminary budget does fully fund all the requests.
reserves decrease from 31.6 million which is approximately 10.87% of the general fund expenditures and is due to the fiscal year 2026 including the purchase order and carry forward adjustments which is going to be
calculated later in the budget cycle. Next we have our departmental budget requests. This is going to be a brief cap recap, excuse me, of the requests that were presented during the department's budget workshops. The majority of the departments are seeing a
slight increase related to the proposed wage adjustments and increases in insurance premiums. Keeping that in mind, the HR risk increase of 3.8 million does reflect the projections of the actuary in respect to the health
care claims and increased wages. It's increase of 350,000 is due to personnel GIS CAD positions in addition to software for those new positions and increases in operational costs. Parks
and trails increase of 841,000 is due to the contractual uh cost increases. We have housing coming at 7.1 which reflects the transfer of the veteran services to housing and the allocation from SHIP to CDBG.
Facilities um is seeing a savings of $2.4 million and the decrease reflects the capital projects that are um expected to be completed in fiscal year 2026. And lastly, we have fleet for $262,000
for staffing, reconstructing, wage increases, and increase in the insurance costs. We also have further department budget requests for planning and zoning $412,000 which reflects the personnel services
from the comp plan update in 2026 and the restructuring of the stormwater staff to pro um planning and zoning. Fire rescue and EMS included wage adjustments, FRS insurance increases, and contractual increases, as well as
the end of life defibrill replacements for transit. That reflects a decrease of $7 million due to the completion of the older grant funding as well as um carry forward for 2027. I'm excuse me, does not include carry forward from 2027.
Solid waste. The $1.99 million reflects anticipated increase to the disposal contracts. And for public works, we have um $13 million which reflects an increase for awarded FDOT grants.
Next, we have the constitutional budget requests. The clerk of court's requests include increases for wage adjustments, insurance and FRS rates, and inflationary impacts due to operational costs. The property of Placers requests
include an increase for the staggering amounts of the new full-time employees, their life insurance and health insurance costs, a customer Q management system, timekeeping system, other IT devices such as website redesign,
employee training and development. The sheriff's office request includes an increase for cola wage adjustments, jail upgrades, IT equipment, increase in insurance rates, and FRS contribution rates. We also have the tax collector's budget which will be due August 1st, but
this is an approximation you see here, and it's based on the increase in property values being used to estimate uh the subject uh the value and of course, it's subject to change. The increase in the county support is mainly attributable to increases related to
leases, utilities, and other maintenance costs. And overall, we have the increase to the constitutional offices of $18.3 million. Next, we have fire rescue. This is a breakdown of the most recent fire
assessment study, which was presented earlier in May, and there are no changes due to the current assessment rates. Next we have the solid waste assessment. Here there's a proposed uh solid waste assessment rates. This refle reflects
the rate adjustments to match the increasing contract costs for hauling and disposal. The rates on the left are at one time a week or excuse me the left are the one time a week and right are twice a week. The proposed rate increase
is $37. The minimum wage impacts. The county has taken a proactive approach to stay ahead of the state schedule. The countywide minimum wage was adjusted to $16 an hour in 2026. And for fiscal year 2027, we're
proposing to adjust the minimum wage to $17 an hour for all BCC employees, plus adjustments for compression. What is to come? The next steps in the budget process are to be in July. We'll
receive the certified taxable values and adopt the initial assessment resolution and set the maximum millage rate. In July, we'll hold a budget workshop and public hearing for the infrastructure sales tax plan. And in September, we'll
hold our public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget. And that concludes the budget presentation. Did you guys have any questions? >> Just a very general question. Just a
general question. Just so the con constitutional is a 10% increase, >> correct? >> And then the county uh departments, that's 1%. >> No, I think ours was five. >> Okay. I thought I saw one in there. >> 5 point.
>> It was 1%. Yeah, I thought I saw it somewhere. May I that's what I wanted to >> um here's the constitutional budget. >> Yeah. >> So 1% now. >> Oh yes I see. >> And then my third question is the dollar
figure the famous dollar bill figure that we show. So we're still county is still about 22 to 23% of total. >> I think we're about 24 25% of the total general fund for the county departments. Gotcha. Okay. >> The items that are in blue on the spreadsheet
um and then you have the other items such as CRA's debt service are about the same about 22 to 25%. And then the constitutionals are about 50 to 60 depending on >> and your increase um is I heard you say
this I think is primarily from increases in leases. What was the you you rampled off a list >> the increase for the the constitutional support or >> no departmental budgets >> for the departmental budgets um a majority of it is related to health care premiums. >> So our health care cost over the last
several years have skyrocketed to say the least. So a majority of the increases related to the county departments are the cost for each department for each employee for the health care cost. And then just to um
confirm on the FEMA money that's still outstanding on prior hurricanes, we're at what 15 or 18 million. >> So I believe the total that we're anticipating is about 14 million on several storms. So we spent since 2022
about $18 million on the storms that Megan outlined earlier during the hurricane outlook presentation. Um, we have received about two and a half to $3 million so far total, which leaves us with
>> So we we're thinking that we expect to receive about 14 million or so. >> That's correct. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. All right. We'll take a um I'm going to say a five minute break, but we will
definitely be started no long no later than 11 a.m. on zoning cases, but let's shoot for five five to seven minutes. >> All right. into the we're going to move into the zoning cases and then we'll come back to
tab 23 and tab 24. All right. Um so that means that Mr. Fitzgerald will be coming to the podium to help us with the presentations um on
the public hearings related to zonings. >> Thank you, chairman. >> Um I do need to remind everyone that when we get to a zoning case, if you had any exparte communications on those cases, I'll just ask you to disclose them.
>> Just for clarification, chairman, 23 and 24 are being moved. >> Yes. until after the zoning cases. >> Okay. For the record, Mike Fitzgerald. I'm the office of planning and zoning director presenting six cases today
on the agenda. These these items have been advertised in accordance with Florida statutes. And here is today's agenda. I'll turn the meeting back over to the chairman to open the public hearing. >> Okay. All right. on tabs one and two on
consent. I'm not seeing any cards related to tabs one or two, which would normally mean that we're not going to take those off of consent. Do we have anyone online? Can I just check to see what they're calling in on? No one. No one online. Okay. All right. So, do we
have a motion on consent? >> Move approval. Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? All right. That takes care of one and two. and then we move on to tab three. >> Thank you, chairman. Tab three is a
project entitled Hannes Creek Estates PUD amendment. The requested action is to amend and restate the planned unit development ordinance 2023-36 to amend section D, the architectural design standards. The planning and zoning board voted unanimously to
recommend approval of this. The location is Goose Creek Road south of Eagle Point Port. Uh, pursuant to ordinance 2023-36, the subject property is approved to be developed as a single family residential
subdivision with 145 lots. The ordinance included architectural design standards governing building design elements. Subsequent to approval of the putt ordinance, the Florida legislature amended Florida statutes to prohibit local governments from regulating specified building design elements in a
planned unit development. The applicant now seeks to amend the ordinance to uh reduce the minimum square foot of living area from 1500 square feet to,200. Remove the roof pitch minimum requirement. Remove the specific
building material and color requirements. remove the language requiring architectural design standards be placed in the homeowners association declarations. And there's also an update to transportation improvement agreements. And those agreements are highlighted as uh resurfacing Goose
Creek Road from County Road 44 to the development entrance. Right turn lanes installed at eastbound County Road 44 onto Goose Creek and Shelley Drive is allowed uh pursuant to existing rightway. and then extend Eagle Point
Court west to the subdivision entrance. That concludes the presentation for this agenda item. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Okay. First of all, uh, anyone have expporte communications on this matter? >> I have. I've talked to the engineer of record. >> Anyone else?
>> Not on this one. >> Okay. All right. Um, then the next question is, is the applicant here? And does the applicant wish to make a presentation? >> The applicant is here. Hey, good morning. Logan Opsaw, 215
North Yula Drive. Um, I'll be brief uh because I appreciate Mike's overview. Uh, so you I know y'all are familiar with this project. It was approved back in 2023. And the amendment being proposed today is to make the PUD tax
consistent with the plan that was approved back in 2023. So at the time of PSP original submittals all the way up to approval of the PUD, the site plan showed uh a minimum of 1,200 square feet for the single family
homes. The text of the PUD said 1,500. And so because the way the ordinance is written uh and we need to build this project consistent with the site plan that's what's coming forth before this board
making the square footage consistent with the approved plan which is unchanged. Uh when we began this conversation with staff uh to to make sure that again the ordinance is consistent with the site plan, uh that's
when we we discovered we'd need to come before the board amend the PUD. And so while we're here, uh address the design standards that the Florida legislature enacted relating to requirements or I I
should say lack thereof. and that is um the roof pitch, the uh architectural design standards uh like building materials uh on the exterior of the home and the inclusion of those standards in
the HOA doc documents. Uh and thirdly, the the transportation improvements, those are already contained in the PUD. uh additional conversations and discussions with staff and and some agreements in those conversations also
took into account the the resurfacing of of Goose Creek Road and the shoulders. Um so so those are the three things before the board. Uh we we have this this PUD that was previously approved with the site plan. So making sure the
ordinance text matches that approved site plan. and then while we're here uh implementing those those specific changes as it relates to pitch and design standards and then incorporating our our agreements with the staff as it relates to transportation improvements
in the ordinance. So happy to answer any questions. >> Okay. I I'm a little confused about the design standards because as I understand it that that has an actual date per the Florida Florida statutes where you were allowed to make those requirements and you predate that.
>> That's correct and that was brought up in in planning commission. Those those items uh were were implemented by ordinance after the legislature created the statute. Both those things happen after the approval of of the goose of
the Hannes Creek PUB. However, the things like roof roof pitch and exterior um are items that we're those are the specifics we're incorporating into this PUD. Yes, it's consistent with the statute which I think follows in line with your standard PUD language. Your
standard PUD language states that any references to statutes code uh as amended. And so since those statutes were amended, we're amending the PUD as it relates to the square footage. We also want to incorporate those items as well.
So, it was approved before the new statute came out. And so, you're asking now to go back and do what the new statute says you can do. >> That's right, Commissioner, as it relates to the pitch. >> And so, what did the county what what did the county get out of this if we do
this? Do we get more roads? Do we get I mean, was what do we get? What what do the residents get out of this? >> Sure. Yeah. One of one of the additions uh as it relates to transportation was the remilling resurfacing of Goose Creek
Road and the implementation of the shoulder. Those are now also being added into the PUD here. >> And what what's the estimated cost on that >> of that road work? >> Yes. >> Um Chuck, do you have a dollar figure? >> About 200 about $200,000.
Well, I I can tell you I understand um why you want to go from 1500 to 1,200 because it was a typo, let's just say in your uh PUD. Your site plan had 1,200. The PUD said
1500. I can understand. And it's consistent with the site plan before, correct? That you had on the room property. >> All All of the same. >> All the same. What I'm not good with is all your architectural changes. I don't know why you'd Are you planning on having flat roofs out there? >> No, sir.
>> Are you planning on putting metal roofing up in case you have a 112 pitch? I >> I don't believe the the metal roofing is part of it. >> So, I I'm I'm I'm I don't like that you're changing um the Stuckco or the Hardy Board or all
that. I'm okay with moving it from 1500 to 1200, but everything else I'm I'm not good with. Well, on that 1500 to,200, I'm a little confused why your argument is that the site plan controls, but the PUD says
1500. Why? Why? Why is it that the site plan would control? I would think the PUD would control it. >> It's correct. The PUD would have come first. So, if the site plan was inconsistent, whoever designed the site plan on the developer side did not look and follow the terms of the PUD. So, the
site plan would not have come before the PUD. That was my comment. The PUD is always governs because that's what we we're always talking about what's important to put in the PUD on that as well. So I I mean I we're going to have public comment. I'll reserve some of my com.
I'm I'm just a little surprised you're coming forward with this kind of change to be honest. But >> and and just one other clarification because this is residential. There is no site plan. It would be preliminary plat, construction plans, and final plant. Again, all of which would come after the
PUD. >> All more important for the PUD. Yeah. Yeah. >> Now, the ordinance or the statute that dealt with architectural type stuff, I thought the statute specifically said when it went into effect that this shall not impact projects that were approved
before a certain date. >> That's correct. That statute went into effect, I believe it was July 1st of 23 or 24. >> I believe 23. 23 and this project was approved about 3 weeks before it went into effect in June of 23.
>> So, I get that language about, you know, statutes as amended. But, you know, I appreciate you making the argument, but I think the statute was just so clear that if it was there, it was already there and that new statute was not going to affect it.
>> Yeah, Commissioner. I mean, we're not disputing the dates of those things. I want to be very above board about that. the the requested change as it relates to pitch and and exterior. Again, those those are maybe consistent with statutes now, but we understand the timing of the projects as it relates to to the square
footage. The the plan I'm referencing is the PUB plan, which is part of the ordinance and those have been consistent on our submittals. That was how this project was to be overlaid. I I'll I'll note that currently your code doesn't have the minimum square footage
requirements, but again, the the this does require consistency with that PUB plan. And so we we caught that typo and and brought it to staff's attention to which we were informed, great, we can fix it through the PUD amendment
process, which is why we're here. >> All right. Um Okay. Well, we do have speaker cards. I mean, I guess if I was strategizing and I was in your shoes, I would say, "What is it that I really want?" And if I really wanted that square footage change, I don't think I would start asking to water down the way
these units were going to look, considering that they were >> I agree. >> Not wanted by the surrounding community >> foot lot lines. So, why don't you just change your whole development to 65 foot lot lines? So, I'll I'll save some of that responses because I'm sure we'll speak
to that, but the overall impetus of the reason we're here is consistency to the PUD. Um, so, thank you for that comment. >> All right, we've got two speaker cards, Gary Whipking and then Liz Jensen.
>> I guess we're still morning. Good morning. >> Yes, sir. This is Gary Weepking, 160 Formost Island Road, Leburg, Florida 34788. I've been up here before. They were dealing with this subdivision again. And I appreciate the comments the commissioners have made so far on this.
A concern we have in the general neighborhood is the type of housing they're going to build there. We're concerned about will it affect the value of the homes in the surrounding area. That's the number one concern just based on the roof pitch, the materials that they're using, even the square footage.
Are they building cottages? Are they building building single family homes? Another concern is with the HOA, are they changing the fencing around the subdivision or the the wall that they're going to put up? We're not sure about
that. Also, back in the day, they were granted a right away to Goose Creek Road. It was through the county. It was land I think belonged to the water authority and they were going to put in a park and parking lot and turn it into
like a nature trail. I don't know what the status is of that is whether they're going to do that or not because that was the only reason you all gave them the permission to have the rightway on Goose Creek Road. Which leads me on to Goose Creek Road. They're going to want to
pave it and maybe widen it. What about a right turn lane? Has that been approved? And my understanding is it hasn't been approved. And we're looking at over 11,000 cars are traveling up and down route 441 or 441 44, excuse me. And
uh you know the traffic, in fact, they monitor the traffic about 11,000 cars going over the Hannes Creek Bridge, which was starting to crumble anyway. But those cars will continue on to Eustace. So that is another concern. Uh,
another concern I have is in regards to a traffic signal light at the corner of 44 and Harbor Shores Road because they not only have an entrance coming in off of Goose Creek, they also can go to Eagle Point and zigzag up to Harbor
Shores and out that way. I was told by the public works department, excuse me, that they were going to start putting up a traffic signal light on the 8th of June. That was yesterday. I just went by it today. Nothing's happening.
So, I'd like to know what the status of that is, too. Because we're looking at about what, another 250 to 300 additional cars that'll be going through there. So, those are concerns that I have, and I'd like them to address that if they could. Thank you. Okay, we'll
get and we'll definitely get you an answer about the signal. A lot of times that has to do when materials come in or don't come in. Um, Liz Jensen, >> good morning this morning. Um, Lat Jensen, District 3. I am also neighbor.
I would like to point out that we had no idea of this being discussed today if it wasn't for our amazing neighbors that sent out an email. That's the only reason why I'm here today. And I had to finagle a bunch of stuff to come and let our voice be heard. I don't know if you guys remember me. I came out in October.
U my daughter was the one that was in a horrible car accident. Um 16-year-old kid that now can no longer play because of the terrible traffic on 44 uh when she was at a complete stop. And this was after a stoplight. She was at a complete stop.
Someone came over the curb over Hannes Creek. Um, sorry, I just lost my train of thought. The bridge and smashed into her, smashing her into a work truck. The traffic on 44 is only getting worse. I know we lowered the speed limit on uh
right in front of the fire department on uh Harbor Shores. People do not follow it. It went from 50 to 40 and people just keep going 60. Whenever they're coming from Leburg going into G uh Grand Island and into Eustace, they're going 60. There's times that I turn out of
Harbor Shores and I need to step on my gas to make sure that someone that's coming probably on their phone doesn't smash into me. Um, so that is another great concern of ours. I know in October when the whole Golden Tree Drive fiasco houses was trying to be implemented, I
brought up the infrastructure is not there for the streets. They're not wide enough. If the second entry is going to be through Eagle Court, they have to drive through Golden Tree. They have to drive through harbor shores. Those curbs are dangerous. People are constantly
crossing over the double yellow lines on the curbs because we cannot see. So you have to super be cautious and observe what's happening. I also would like to raise the issue that Mr. Gary brought up about our property values because yes, as my husband, retired military, this is
what this is going to be our home and we want to make sure as I'm sure every single property owner that our property value is not diminished. We have HOA rules. We abide by an architectural review committee. I do not see why, like as you all brought up, which I think is very fair. Why is there um quality of
what the house is going to look like? Why does it have to change so drastically? And again to reiterate the whole sizing of the traffic, if they have two entry points, if they do not put a righthand turn lane coming from Leburg onto Goose Creek on 44, there is
going to be more fatalities than what there is already. And I would hate for another person, whatever their age, for their life to be uprooted because we keep building without adding the infrastructure that is needed to protect
the citizens of Lake County. And I would just leave that with you, please. And thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Uh Ray Hayden. >> Hi. Good morning. Ray Hayden, 35121 Dennis Road, Leburg, Florida. The uh first thing I want to mention is that
Hannes Creek Bridge that you're all familiar with. If if you've been over it recently at all, you've seen that there's a nice big steel plates that are being put in there, the 25 mph speed limit over the bridge and the 30,000 pound limit for vehicles going over that. There's still the, you know, as
Ben stated and as we all know, uh, people that travel that road every day, we need to go, uh, to even with the lower speed limit, um, the patience level of the drivers who don't live in the area that are try, you know, just they're they're going through the area. It's a problem for those of us who live
there and and we have no choice. We have to go that way. Uh the new committee over there had increased the width of the road as they have to do uh in the front of their properties to include a turning lane into those. They need the turning lane into this particular area.
We've been talking about it since day one has been reiterated here as well. That right turn lane is really a mandatory thing. It's got to be there uh for them. And the traffic light uh at at at the next intersection up really needs to be there as well. And the other
concern I have is that second entry, I know that it got approved and there was that little water treatment thing and that little park deal, that little parking area thing that was the thing that triggered that approval to, you know, kind of really get that to go and happen, go through there, but that is
it. The second entry way is kind of a convoluted fix to to that. So that also really needs to be addressed for ingress and egress to the emergency service personnel that would have to, you know, show up there uh in anything and larger
trucks having to make those tight turns. Once you get into that other area that allows you to get down to where this community is going to be, any actual entrances, the main entrance for this community where it's going to have to be, that is going to be very difficult for the the large trucks that might have
to go through there, fire trucks, whatever, rescue trucks or whatever vehicles because we've seen in other properties that we own that have tight turns, you know, it's it's the trucks do get through, but it's it's it's not an easy maneuver to get to and it just takes that valuable time for the EMS folks to
get there. So that the people who are actually moving into an area like that that hasn't been built yet is going to be a potential problem, a safety hazard for the people that are going to be living there. So in order to help protect the people that haven't even been there yet, we need to really make sure that we take that into account uh
you know and in looking at the approval or amendment of this particular plan. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh anyone online? No. Okay. All right. We'll bring it back to the applicant um for their closing comments.
>> Uh yeah, thank you all for your comments. A couple things. Um I understand and and chair, Madam Chair, I think you were talking about this traffic light that's in design at the county stage. Um the the turn lane that
that's discussed that's that's in the PUD ordinance. Um, we actually had construction plans submitted to the county on that front. Um, I I know it's tight there, but that that is in the ordinance to the extent there's there's room to do it. Um, I
want to clarify on the on the pitch, the roof pitch. Um, the code, your code no longer has the the roof pitch requirements. And so I I was making reference to to statutory changes, but the roof pitch adjustment
is related to to match the code as it's written today. Um but I'm I'm I'm following Commissioner Smith's and and the chair's direction on the exterior language. Um that that's fine to keep
within there. I I to to clarify the the site plan as as has been approved is is what we we caught as it relates to the square footage. The thought was in in discussions prior to to me being before you today was while we're here we can
make these adjustments. Um so understood we can we can remove those changes. You have in your packet a a red line which is which is fairly limited. It includes just a couple of things, revisions to to the entity and and and
some dates and then a a general reference to comply with with the zoning code. Uh removal of the roof pitch. The other one, two, three red lines relating to those design standards. We're we're comfortable with leaving those in if
that's the direction of the board. And then of course the final change, the additional transportation discussions and and requirements that we're just going to go ahead and implement following our discussions and agreements with the county. >> Okay.
Any questions? >> What what is the guarantee for the uh the parking? The parking that we had is is it in this PUD? This PUB does not include the parking language that we started incorporating,
I want to say in October of last year. Um, the only parking requirements in this one says that all single family units will have a paved twocar wide driveway access from garage to street and only one driveway access per lot. So, I I don't know what their plan is
for width of street on this, but if they do the minimum width, then you would have the same issues that you've had with other subdivisions where people could be parking in the street and blocking emergency services. I just don't know what their the width of the street is for this subdivision.
>> 14 ft. >> Can we get an answer to that? >> Yeah, someone does someone know >> 14t. >> Do you want us to repeat the question? Width of the internal access roads >> it's 14 feet. >> Good morning Chuck Hayyatt 902 North
Sinclair Avenue with half the internal roads meets the requirements of the county which is 12t of asphalt or excuse me 12t of drivable surface. So what we've got is we've got 10t of asphalt and we've got 2 feet of drop
curb which gives us the 12 feet that's per code. Uh, and that's been approved. Uh, we're waiting to go for construction. The only thing we're talking right now really is we were trying to get the the square footage consistent with the PUD plan that was
part of the actual document. >> Just to make sure that 12 foot is 12 foot per total of 24 foot per road. >> Yes. I'm sorry. >> Thank you. So, so just to to jump in here and and uh Chuck may not be aware of this, but the the problem that we've
had in other subdivisions that are doing 12- foot wide roads, they are selling homes where people have multiple drivers. They are on very small lots. I don't know what the average lot size for the subdivision is. 50 foot, I'm assuming.
>> And so what is happening is people are parking in their driveway. They're using their garages for storage and then they're parking in a street and we've had several subdivisions where we cannot get emergency vehicles down the road. Um, we end up in long discussions with
HOAs because the HOAs can't or won't enforce garage parking and driveway parking. So, and Chuck, I don't know if you've worked on any projects that we've we've dealt with since October. So, what we've been doing as a standard is we now have standard parking language that goes in our PUDS
that says the road width must be a minimum of 34 feet if they're going to allow on street parking. If they're not going to allow on street parking and they're going to have the smaller 12- foot minimum standard, then they have to provide driveways that will accommodate four vehicles either in length or width
without impeding the sidewalk. or the developer has to include on each block or strip of road overflow parking because parking will not be permitted in in the roadway. And additionally, developers are are being required to put
up the signage. Um, under the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the signage for no parking has to be placed every 60 ft on both sides of the road if you're prohibiting parking on both sides of the road. So, that is all language that we've been incorporating in our PUD since October.
Could we um add to this one since most of the I'm sure most of the development planning has been done uh is that it's one side parking only. >> So, so technically under the fire
prevention code and I don't know if we've got somebody from fire here. Um I know Tommy's here, but um if you if you have only the the 12 foot lane widths, you're not supposed to have parking on either side. Um standard fire truck is
11 foot wide. So if you've got parking on one side and you're bringing that truck down there, you could potentially be impeding them being able to get to the equipment or getting to the side of the road where people are parked all up and down the street. It's not out of the realm of possibility, but that's not what the firerevention code provides
for. So what if they went to 1,200 instead of 1500 square feet? Would could you design something where you could get a wider road? It's an olive branch, >> right? No. Uh again, it's the the 1500.
We were just trying to get to the 1200 to be consistent with the actual plan. Um, not sure if you're familiar with the other project, but the other project that was running through at the same time this was, it also has 1,200 square feet. That text matched the plan. This
case, the text did not match the plan. So, really, that's that's what we're asking. >> So, so just so you're aware that we didn't open this can of worms. Y'all opened the can of worms. Absolutely correct. And there are things that have changed that that come to us that has
been great concern and one of them is the road with within subdivisions because we have been having to deal with that constantly. So if we can get ahead of that, that would be great. One thing we can do with that is put it in the HOA docs as far as no
parking and have the HOA most likely police it. But it's not a guarantee. It's just something that we can do to help. You know what else you can do to help? You can widen the roads. >> So, >> if you widen the roads, then then it's
solved. >> So, widening the roads, just to give you, that's a brand new PSP submitt. That's a brand new construction plan approval. We're waiting. We're ready to start construction that we already spent. >> Well, you you understand? >> Again, we didn't open this can of worms.
>> I understand. Um yeah, my comments are um we did not open the can of worms. That was a very good comment. Again, I'll go back to I'm just going to say this politely. I'm surprised that you're coming back because if you remember the hearing, how
contentious it was. There was a lot of people here. There's some here that are today, but there was a lot of people. It was a long hearing. And so the issues about what it would look like were very much brought forward. That's why the some of that the criteria that was in the PUD was in there because it was
reflective of what people were saying were big concerns, >> the square footage of the homes, the architectural style. And so knowing that that was how contentious that was, that's why I'm a little surprised because that's to me, and I'm not I don't know you saying you personally
feel this way, but coming back like this is like what are your real intentions? I mean, is it is it to just do something really cheap? uh or I mean I I just don't understand because I I you said the word very well. You open up the can of worms now. Um I mean
so I I'm not supportive of it. I wasn't back then as you know. But um the width of the roads I think are important. The width I know that you would do the standard now and I'm not arguing that. But the other roads that are going into the neighborhood if you remember those are those are the substandard roads.
Those are where the Amazon truck can barely get by. uh on the on the existing pavement, you know, much less if you had cars that were parked out there. So, that's where when you bring this neighborhood and that's where it's going to become a real problem is getting out through that. And that goes to your
point, can you help us fix all those roads? Then we might have a different story. Um so I, you know, I'm just I I wouldn't support the change in any way. Um I do think that you're on the hook for the right-hand turn lane. So I know and
it sounds like you are you know that but that that has to be done as well because that was that was discussed to mitigate traffic during the hearing if I'm correct. >> Sure. If I can respond the can of worms was certainly never the way we looked at it. Uh we have an
approved PUD plan and the there was a typo in the PUD and this is the only process to correct that and make sure that the the ordinance is consistent. I I understand and sorry not to interrupt you, but the but it wasn't to me it's not a typo because the PUD is a governing document. I know that the the
typo might have been on the plans, but >> yeah. Well, it's the other way around and and understand how the ordinance reads. We're we're all in agreement with that. That's that's why we're here. >> Um the the other specific items like pitch
is just to match the code. The exterior, we're we're here match statute. I I understand the direction of the board as it relates to that. Perfectly fair. That's that's not even the the reasoning we came here to begin with. It was just for consistency sake. Um and then
lastly, while we were here is to include that additional transportation agreement. And so, uh rather than uh a can of of worms, we we wanted to come back through the appropriate channels and and make consistency with our
approved PUB plan. So, so that's the reasoning. That's the reason we're here. I I think it's been heard loud and clear as to the uh exterior finishes. Um so those can be disposed of. Um but those those are the two now items and again
they're for consistency and to also include an obligation we we told the county that we agree to and go ahead and incorporate it in. >> So Chief Kilbury is here. if you would like more information on the road um with versus the fire code. Um the other
thing I wanted to point out to the suggestion um that Chuck made where they could put in the homeowners documents that the HOA would enforce the no parking. Um there is some case law out there where the HOA cannot enforce parking or no parking on publicly
dedicated roads. So I don't think that that's necessarily feasible. um the HOA wouldn't have the ability to go in and run tags and and make sure you know who owns the vehicles. Um they would have the option though of doing the overflow parking or the wider or longer driveway
um depending on I don't know how long these you know the length of these particular lots but again Chief Kilberry is here if you want. >> Uh but the county would have because the roads will be dedicated right so the county would have the ability to put signs up that say no parking on the road. you yes, you could incorporate in
here um if you approve any of these changes, you could incorporate that the developer would have to pay for the signs at their expense. >> But if even if it wasn't incorporated in here, I mean, couldn't that be put within the rideway next to a dedicated road? >> We can. The issue that we're running into with the signage is that the
signage is fairly expensive if you do have to put them every 60 ft. Um it's about I think $315 per sign installed for us to do that. Um, we've had discussions with the sheriff's office. Um, and typically they're going to want them to be where people can't say, "I
didn't know." Um, so we could do that. It's just typically we would want that cost to go back to the developer if the developer is not going to design to have street parking. >> And it may not look very sightly either, >> but I don't want the roads. >> Yeah. I would Did I just hear you say publicly dedicated road? I thought they
were keeping the roads. >> No, these would be publicly dedicated. >> No way. I mean, well, they're their right away. It's It's >> I mean, I want the HOA to take care of it. We don't need We didn't We don't need >> Yeah, we don't need roads in an HOA.
>> I don't think this is unique to this PUB. It's It's just It's right of way um that that's going into the neighborhood. >> So, this PUD does incorporate the language that it would be brought into the MSBU to pay for the roads. >> That's just a pay. That doesn't take away your right to put a sign in the
rightway. >> Correct. And again, you know, these are previously approved PUD plan. We have approved construction plans. Uh, again, I think Commissioner Parks brings a good point. We just want to make those consistent. So, thank you.
>> I know you're doing your job. >> So, if I can >> your your roads are currently 10 ft asphalt, 2 feet, what is it? Miami curb >> to be 24 feet and we need how much? What do we need?
>> Well, if I can bring Chief Kilbury up. He >> Here comes the chief. >> Here comes Chief. >> Hey, Commissioners. David Kilbury, public safety director. So, chapter 18 in the Florida Fire Prevention Code requires that a street for fire
department required access be 20 ft unobstructed. requires a 13.6 feet vertical clearance. If there's an exception to that, the AHJ being the fire marshall can mandate additional fire protection requirements if there's
uh difficulty in accessing some of that. But 20T unobstruction uh unobstructed is no parking on the streets. The only way to overcome that is bulbouts or dedicated areas in that. And so no overnight parking, no on street parking.
An Amazon delivery truck is temporary. It's not parking. Offloading furniture, people moving, but unattended vehicles that are just on the street is not allowed. However, uh in a previous patch at a different larger community in
Central Florida, we had to go back and put in no parking signs because the developer did not put those in there. And so it's kind of a lot of the residents like we had no idea we couldn't park here and and you know it is an issue that a different county put
it on the developer as the CEO of the buildings started to occur that no parking signs had to go up because you've got journeymen, tradesmen, plumbers, you know, delivery. So it wouldn't be during the time of construction. But at CO the fire inspector would make sure that those no
parking signs were put up on the streets. So, uh, it is in code and codified, but the enforcement would be on the sheriff and without the street signage. They don't enforce the fire code per se. So, it's incumbent upon the developer to educate in the documents of
what the the buyer is getting into as well as the posting on the streets so it doesn't occur. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Any any Jeff, did you want Oh, tell us about the light. >> Jeff Airhov with public works. I just
wanted to add about that the traffic signal at Harbor Shores that's under contract. So, if they haven't started, they should be. The PO is given. So, all that work is occurring. We're just waiting on the material to come in. And um if you if you do choose to move forward, it's ex the the right turn lanes in. It's extremely unlikely that
there's um right of way sufficient to allow that. So just a FYI and then and the the the agreement says if it's if it's available. So if you if you pass it, you might want to want to please clarify the language. >> Yes. And that's that's not I'll be I'll
jump up on that. That's in my opinion that's not our problem. They need to make the turn lane happen. It may require a purchase of rightway, but that's not on us. That's that's the mistake. Sorry, my my little rant here. That's the mistake I think that's
happened in the past year after year is the some of these other second order effects and yeah there's impact fees that are paid but there's still an impact in this case and we would end up paying for the turn lane at some point meaning coming out of our tax dollars
where one you would argue it wouldn't be needed if this wasn't approved. So I I >> one thing I'll add on the fire department access is that it's incumbent on the design professional to show through autoturn CAD that our largest
fire truck can navigate and make the corners. So roundabouts, intersections has to have an autoturn design on our largest uh you know apparatus. So on tight intersections and and right turn lanes and all that, they have to be able to demonstrate the autoturn ability of a
dual rear end axled fire truck and things such as that. So I just want to add to that if there's issues with >> I got to agree with Commissioner Parks. I I believe my um my approval on his vote was because of that right turn lane.
>> Yeah. I mean that's that's the >> right turn lane's got to go in. All right. So, um, yeah. So, a lot of discussion on the design. I know we're there's a lot of moving parts here. Uh, I've I've I've beat the dead horse on the on the reason
we're here, which was for for consistency sake. But, uh, I heard you, heard the concerns. Um, so I think at this time, we'll just pull this request and we'll continue to work with staff and I I just want to thank them, too,
because they've been very helpful in working through this process. So, we'll go ahead and and pull back this item. Thank you. >> Right. Do we have to take any official action? >> If if they pull the request, it allows them to come back with more
changes. Or if we deny it, they have to wait a year. >> No. So, if they withdraw their request, they will operate under the previously approved PUB that was approved in 23. >> Yeah. And I mean I think that's obviously I mean I wouldn't wasn't going
to support it or not but I will go back again to the regardless of um I don't see us and I I don't know if it's still if we need to clarify it or not but I don't see it as our the county's responsibility for the turn lane. It's not I don't want that that's not our problem.
>> And I know you guys may argue over it those of you who supported this to begin with that your intent was that if they couldn't get the rightway then the project couldn't go through. That's a an issue that the county attorney's office and the owner is
is going to have to work out. Um that turn lane needs to be there. >> Yeah. >> It it's not safe now and this will make it even worse. >> All right. >> Well, thanks for this discussion. >> Yeah, we Yeah. >> Okay. Moving along then to tab four.
Um, >> export. >> Oh, exparte. Communications. Commissioner Morse. >> Commissioner Smith. >> I have no >> uh I had communications with the owner of the property, Mr. Wiggins. I also had discussions with a a property owner
across the street. Um, Mr. Wilson. >> Um, just the applicant. No other property owners. I got some emails too probably that everybody got as well. >> Lots of emails. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Mike. >> Thank you, chairman. For the record, Mike Fitzgerald, the Office of Planning
and Zoning Director. This agenda item is Wiggins County Road 439 LLC. The requested action is a conditional use permit to allow a utility service associated with a well drilling and repair facility and other associated uses within an agricultural district.
The planning and zoning board recommended approval uh on their regular agenda at a vote of 6 to1. The location is east of County Road 439, south of County Road 44A. The future land use is currently rural with an existing zoning
of agriculture. The proposed concept plan depicts two phases of development. Phase one includes a proposed 9,400 ft warehouse and office and a 3,900 ft barn for storage. Phase two is a 90 9800
square foot flex space for storage and agricultural support services including the sale and repair of electrical power equipment in case of emergency. This is considered uh an essential utility service for rural areas. The
applicant is proposing to utilize existing tree lines on the property as a buffer. The buildings will be set back over 100 ft from the property lines. The applicant will be utilizing private well and septic for the subject property and the proposed request is not anticipated
to adversely in uh affect transportation levels of service in the area. It's important to note that staff has received um some correspondence both in opposition and in support of this and I believe the support emails uh totaled
13. With that said, I believe the applicant is here to address the board. >> This is in the BMAP, right? So, he'd have to be DWTS. >> This is in middle St. John's BMAP, correct, sir?
>> Okay. The applicant. >> Good morning. I'm Dan Langley with Fishbach Dominic representing the applicant and also the intended enduser of this property, Wiggins Brothers Well Drilling. Uh before you was an application that
the staff has recommended approval. Your planning and zoning board voted 6 to1 to recommend approval. The conditional use permit meets all the criteria for approval under your code, your land development code, is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
It's important to know that this business has been around since 1939. It's a familyowned business and it will continue to survive as a family-owned business. Mr. Greg Wiggins is here with me and he's brought his son sons and his
wife who are all associated with this business. U they are a great community partner and they're well known for what they do. Uh this is not as some of the neighbors or I think there were two that spoke or
one that spoke to the planning and zoning board hearing claimed that this was an industrial use. This is not an industrial use. This is an agricultural support use. It's a utility support use. There is no manufacturing
processing. This is a service business. This is a low intensity use with the minimous traffic, very low employee count. This is not some big box or retail center. Um, and
we have uh Mr. Wiggins will explain more about his business in a minute. The buildings are beautiful. The architecture is exquisite and fits the rural character. The buildings are set
back u on uh County Road 439, I believe, over 240 feet from the road. Uh there's adequate landscaping, natural landscaping that will buffer the neighbors
u and create a beautiful environment. And there's a lot of natural vegetation there already. I will now turn it over to Mr. Wiggins to explain his business and his intended use. Again, this is uh consistent with the comprehensive plan and it is vital
that businesses like this go into rural areas to support your a community. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Greg Wiggins, president of Wiggins Brothers Welrin. I am the third generation of our
family-owned business. My sons Taylor Clayton and Marshall are the fourth and they're here. Uh the company was founded in 1939 by my grandfather and great uncle providing the water well and pump service needs for the agriculture and rural
residential market. Today we still serve the agricultural market mostly comprised of plant nurseries, sod farms, um fresh fruit, vegetable, cattle and horse farms.
These are s there is still a significant Yeah. Okay. There is still a significant amount of Lake Countyy's rural population and get their water from private wells. The services we provide are essential to and critical to these
rural communities. When a rural residential home is out on a private well is not functioning. Not only is the family out of water, they have cows, they got, you know, dogs, horses, goats, all that stuff, too. More than people up
town, obviously. Um, when an agricultural plant nursery has a well not functioning, they could lose the entire crop of plants if the water's not restored quickly. Our business has been located at the corner of 46 and Round Lake Road,
Sarrento, for over 42 years. Uh future plans for that area are slated for highintensity growth with the city of Mount Door expanding over that area. Um you know the reason why we need to move
is I knew since 202021 that staying there was not really in our cards. Um we've enjoyed staying there 42 years. I mean things like if you've been down 453 429 to 453 you see all of that Apopka
it's coming it's coming the city of Apopka has run water lines all down Plymouth road on road all these developments and and apartment complexes back there. They started doing that about 10 years ago. I'm going what are they what are they running these water
lines out here in the middle of nowhere? Well there was a reason. So, um, you know, that's moving towards us. You got Mount Dora moving towards us. Um, again, we moved there in ' 84.
Um, 46 around like was a stop sign. I mean, there were we had a residential house beside us, which we own now. We call it the rental house, and another house to the left. And there was farms and, you know, similar to what we're talking about moving to. um
in knowing we had to move what was important and looking at the future of our company 87 years I mean you got to look forward you can't just let things happen and react to those that's why certain pe certain companies do go out of business because they don't plan but
I spent three years looking for property when I knew it was time and so 44 439 44a 43 37 was kind of the area I was thought would be appropriate. It's still in the county. Again, the one thing I'm proud of, we are a Lake County
currently a Lake County unincorporated business. We are Lake County unincorporated residence. I want to remain a Lake County unincorporated business. I don't want to be a city of outdoor business or to varies or used. Um
but anyway, we we we felt moving north to this location put us in the stayed in a central location over our our customers. Um we a lot of agricultural customers out there, rural uh residential
and and when Round Lake gets extended eventually, we can still get back to some of those customers that are south. So we we think the you know as we you know 439 that's it's not like we went down Calhoun road and
tried to put it down a side road or something like that. 439 is a substantial road. Um okay. Like Dan said, you know, we um we left u we have agriculture exemption on the
property now. We did move some remove some trees, but that's under the agricultural exemption. There were some most of the trees in there were spinly pines after the orange grove froze out. So, there really wasn't a lot of great trees in there. We left a lot of the good trees. We left the trees in the
front. We left the trees on the side and left some of the interior trees that were worth saving. Um, we're building a beautiful