HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOCC Minutes 10-14-2008
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING
Date: October 14, 2008 Convened: 9:05 a.m.
Adjourned: 11:05 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Doug Coward,
Chris Craft, Charles Grande
Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County
Administrator, Lee Ann Lowery, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County
Attorney, Debra Brisson, Parks and Rec. Director, Don West, Public Works Director,
Lauri Case, Utilities Director, Marie Gouin Management and Budget Director, Beth
Ryder, Community Services Director, Jim David, Mosquito Control Director, Diana
Lewis, Airport Director, Roger Shinn, Central Services Director, Carl Holeva, Human
Resources, Mark Satterlee, Growth Management Director, Leo Cordeiro, Solid Waste
Director, Ed Fry, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Mike Powley, County Engineer, Millie
Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk
I. INVOCATION
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. MINUTES
Approve the minutes from the October 7, 2008 meeting.
It was moved by Com. Craft, seconded by Com. Lewis, to approve the minutes of the meeting
held October 7, 2008, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Resolution No. 08-317 – Honoring New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Inc. on
th
their 50 Anniversary in St. Lucie County, Florida – Consider staff
recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 08-317 as drafted.
It was moved by Com. Craft, seconded by Com. Lewis, to approve Resolution No. 08-317
and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
B. 2008 Florida Main Street Award Presentation by Doris Tillman, Fort Pierce Main
Street
C. Resolution No. 08-318 – Proclaiming the Month of October, 2008, as “Residents’
Rights Month” in St. Lucie County, Florida – Consider staff recommendation to
adopt Resolution No. 08-318 as drafted.
It was moved by Com. Coward, seconded by Com. Grande, to approve Resolution
No. 08-318, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
D. Resolution No. 08-319 – Requesting the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to
immediately end the current pulse discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the St.
Lucie Estuary that have been occurring continually since September 4, 2008 –
Consider staff recommendation to adopt the attached Resolution No. 08-319 as
drafted.
It was moved by Com. Grande, seconded by Com. Lewis, to approve Resolution
No. 08-319, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
E. "Draft Northern Everglades River Watershed Protection Plan" – Presentation by
Temperance Morgan, South Florida Water Management District
1
V. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Johnathan Ferguson, Exchange Club Member addressed the Board and expressed
appreciation for the county’s participation and support at the Chili Cook Off this past
weekend. He also commended the Fairgrounds staff for their efforts in making it a
successful event.
Mr. Edwin M. Fry, Jr., St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court addressed the Board
and presented an update on the county’s investment portfolio standing. He advised
the Board he had a nationally recognized firm by the name of Standard and Poor’s
review the County’s investment portfolio. Standard and Poor’s assigned a Triple A
rating to St. Lucie County’s Investment portfolio.
Mr. Fry stated this high rating should provide the citizens of St. Lucie County a level
of comfort especially in today’s economy.
Com. Craft questioned if the SBA was still holding any county funds and asked what
interest was lost if any.
Mr. Fry advised the Board presently the SBA still had approximately $6 million dollars
of the County funds and he did not have an answer at this time on how much interest
had been lost.
Com. Coward asked what was the estimate return overall on the portfolio.
He stated the average return received on the portfolio at this time is approximately
2.75%.
Com. Coward thanked Mr. Fry for providing input and resources when needed.
Com. Smith asked Mr. Fry if they were presently receiving interest on the $6.5 million
dollars the SBA is holding.
Mr. Fry respectfully declined to answer the question.
Com. Coward thanked Mr. Fry for the work he has done for the citizens of St. Lucie
County.
Mr. Craig Mundt, taxpayer, addressed the Board and requested information regarding
the law suit against St. Lucie County.
The County Attorney stated he was not aware of such a law suit.
Mr. Mundt questioned if there had been any disclosure on the funds used for the
employee luncheon and asked if there was a line item in the budget established.
The County Administrator stated the employee appreciation luncheon funds were
provided through existing picnic committee funds and donations received from the
community. There were no taxpayer funds involved.
Mr. Mundt addressed the volunteers for the county and felt they should also be
thanked for their time.
Com. Smith stated the Board appreciates every volunteer and they cannot thank
them enough.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Com. Grande, seconded by Com. Coward, to approve the Consent Agenda as
amended, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
A.WARRANTS
Approve warrant list No. 54 and 2.
B.COUNTY ATTORNEY
1. First Amendment to the following contracts:
?American Acquisition Group, LLC (C06-10-643)
?Earth Tech Consulting, Inc. (C06-10-714)
2
?Florida Acquisition & Appraisal, Inc. (C06-10-686)
?HDR Acquisition Services, Inc. (C06-10-674)
?PBS&J (C06-10-670)
The Board approved the First Amendment to the following contracts:
American Acquisition Group, LLC (C06-10-643), Earth Tech Consulting,
Inc. (C06-10-714), Florida Acquisition & Appraisal, Inc. (C06-10-686),
HDR Acquisition Services, Inc. (C06-10-674), and PBS&J (C06-10-670),
extending the contract through October 16, 2009; and authorized the
Chairman to sign the Amendments as prepared by the County Attorney’s
office.
COUNTY ATTORNEY (Contd.)
2. Ordinance No. 08-034 – Changeable Message Signs – The Board granted
permission to advertise draft Ordinance No. 08-034.
3. Treasure Coast FBO, LLC – Consent to Sublease, First Amendments to
Sublease and Assignment and Assumption of Sublease for Hanger 3179.
This item was pulled prior to the meeting.
4. 10-100 Holdings, LLC – Revocable License Agreement – The Board
approved the proposed Revocable License Agreement with 10-100
Holdings, LLC, and authorized the Chairman to sign the agreement.
5.Treasure Coast FBO, LLC – Consent to Sub-Sublease with Steve Barnett for
Hangar 16 – The Board approved consenting to the Sub-Sublease between
Treasure Coast FBO, LLC and Steve Barnett, and authorized the Chairman to
sign the document.
6.Midway Road PD&E Study- The Board approved the Fourth Amendment to
the Agreement with Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. to extend the
contract to December 31, 2009 and authorized the Chairman to sign.
C. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Road and Bridge Division – Approval of the second amendment to
Contract C07-11-600 with Florida Highway Products, Inc. – The Board
approved the second amendment to contract C07-11-600 with Florida
Highway Products, Inc. extending the contract through August 24, 2009,
and authorized the Chairman to sign the amendment as prepared by the
County Attorney.
2. Engineering Division - Agreement with Guadamonte, Inc. (Martin Office
Building) to pay fee-in-lieu-of constructing concrete sidewalk – The
Board approved the Agreement to pay fee-in-lieu-of constructing
concrete sidewalk with Guadamonte, Inc. (Martin Office Building) and
authorized the Chairman to sign.
rd
3. Engineering Division - Angle Road Sidewalk Project (Avenue Q to 53
Street) – Award bid to Ranger Construction Industries – The Board
approved the construction bid award to Ranger Construction Industries
in the amount of $732,779.60 for the Angle Road Sidewalk Project, and
authorized the Chairman to sign.
4. Engineering Division - Agreement with Richard Donahue developer of
Donahue Warehouse to pay fee-in-lieu-of constructing concrete sidewalk
– The Board approved the Agreement to pay fee-in-lieu-of constructing
concrete sidewalk with Richard Donahue developer of Donahue
Warehouse and authorized the Chairman to sign.
5. Engineering Division - Work Authorization No. 2 to the Stormwater
Management contract (C07-07-387) with Miller Legg for design of the
Calmoso Drive Emergency Culvert Replacement – The Board approved
Work Authorization No. 2 to the Stormwater Management contract (C07-
07-387) with Miller Legg for design of the Calmoso Drive Emergency
Culvert Replacement in the amount of $66,376.00, and authorized the
Chair to sign.
3
D. MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
1. Purchasing Division - Board approval to advertise a Request for Proposal
for Lobbyist Services for the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioners and the St. Lucie County Erosion District. – The Board
approved advertising a Request for Proposal for Lobbyist Services for the
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and the St. Lucie
County Erosion District.
2. Purchasing Division - Board approval to advertise an Invitation to Bid for
Premise Distribution Wiring for the Information Technology Department
– The Board approved advertising an Invitation to Bid for Premise
Distribution Wiring.
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (Contd.)
3. Purchasing Division - Board approval to advertise an Invitation to Bid for
striping and pavement markings for the St. Lucie County Road and
Bridge division – The Board approved advertising an Invitation to Bid for
striping and pavement marking for the St. Lucie County Road and Bridge
division.
4. Purchasing Division - Board approval of the assignment of Contract C07-
10-671 from ELAB, Inc. to Pace Analytical Services, Inc. – The Board
approved the assignment of contract C07-10-671 from ELAB, Inc. to
Pace Analytical Services, Inc. and permission for the Chairman to sign
the assignment as prepared by the County Attorney’s Office.
5. Purchasing Division - Board approval of the second amendment to
contract C07-12-704 with Rocket Car Wash, Inc. – The Board approved
the second amendment to contract C07-11-704 with Rocket Car Wash,
Inc. extending the contract through November 5, 2009 and granted
permission for the Chairman to sign the amendment as prepared by the
County Attorney’s Office.
6. Purchasing Division – Board approval of the assignment of Contract 08-
02-363 from Belt Maintenance Group, Inc. to BMG Conveyor Services of
Florida, Inc. – The Board approved the assignment of contract C08-02-
363 from Belt Maintenance Group, Inc. to BMG Conveyor Services of
Florida, Inc. and granted permission for the Chairman to sign the
assignment as prepared by the County Attorney’s Office.
7. Purchasing Division - Board approval to reject the sole proposal received
from Request for Proposal #08-049 Services of a Tennis Professional –
The Board approved rejecting the sole proposal received from Request
for Proposal #08-049 Services of a Tennis Professional and granted
permission to re-advertise.
8. Purchasing Division - Approval of the third amendment to contract C07-
12-695 with DeAngelo Brothers, Inc. d/b/a Aquagenix for Aquatic
Vegetation Control Services – The Board approved the third amendment
to Contract C07-12-695 with DeAngelo Brothers, Inc. d/b/a Aquagenix
adding a location (White City Park) to the contract and authorized the
Chairman to sign the amendment as prepared by the County Attorney.
9. Purchasing Division - Board approval to advertise an Invitation to Bid for
the Master Plan for Signalized Intersections, through the Joint
Participation Agreement AP-823, for the St. Lucie County Road and
Bridge division – The Board approved advertising an Invitation to Bid for
the Master Plane for Signalized Intersections, through the Joint
Participation Agreement AP-823, for the St. Lucie County Road and
Bridge division.
10. Purchasing Division - Approval of bid waiver and ratification of
emergency purchase orders from Tropical Storm Fay – The Board
approved: (1) Ratifying the County Administrator’s Order effective
August 19, 2008 at 6:00 A.M.; (2) Approved the waiver of sealed bids as
a result of the declared emergency; (3) Ratified the County
Administrator’s approval of the emergency purchase orders and credit
card transactions as attached.
4
E. COMMUNITY SERVICES
1. Approval of Resolution No. 08-011 to accept the service development
grant from the Florida Department of Transportation in the amount of
$250,000 – The Board approved Resolution No. 08-011 to accept the
service development grant from the Florida Department of
Transportation in the amount of $250,000.
2. Approval of Budget Resolution No. 08-312 for Medicaid Non-Emergency
Transportation Agreement Amendment No. 8 in the amount of
$150,043.00 – The Board approved Budget Resolution No. 08-312 for
the Medicaid Non-Emergency Program Transportation Amendment #8 in
the amount of $150,043.
COMMUNITY SERVICES (Contd.)
3. Outside Agency Grant Contracts FY2008-09 – The Board approved the
grant agreements and authorized the Chairman to sign the agreements.
4. Approval to renew contract with INTACT, the long term recovery
organization for continued funding to provide case management and
program coordination assistance – The Board approved the contract with
INTACT to receive grant funds to provide coordination and case
management services, hire needed staff, and authorized the Chair or
designated representative to sign all necessary documents.
F. PARKS AND RECREATION
1. Approval of Request to Waive Fees totaling $1,130 for the Health
Department’s Annual Staff Training and Luncheon at the Havert L. Fenn
Center on November 21, 2008 – The Board approved waiving $1,130 in
rental fees for the Health Department’s Training Day on November 21,
2008 at the Havert L. Fenn Center.
2. Port St. Lucie Fall Festival – Request to Waive Rental Fees at Tradition
Field – This item was pulled prior to the meeting.
3. Request for Waiver of Fees/Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie –This
item was pulled prior to the meeting.
4. Board approval for Project Agreement Extension of Florida Inland
Navigation District (FIND) Grant for South Causeway Park Shoreline
Restoration – Phase I Project # SL-06-45 – The Board approved the one-
year extension from the Florida Inland Navigation District’s (FIND) grant
to complete the design, engineering and permitting of the South
Causeway Park Shoreline Restoration and Park Improvements – Phase I
Project.
5. Exercise Option to Extend Professional Concessions, Inc. Concession
Lease Agreement for the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds per the terms of
Contract C05-05-293 for Two (2) Years, and add the Havert L. Fenn
Center as an Additional Site to Provide Concession Services – The Board
approved the two (2) year extension of Contract C05-05-393 through
May 10, 2009, and the Havert L. Fenn Center as an additional site to
provide concession services, and approve the amendment as drafted by
the County Attorney’s Office, and authorized the Chairman to sign.
G. GRANTS AND DISASTER RECOVERY
1. Cultural Affairs Division - Approve the loan agreement with the A. E.
Backus Museum & Gallery for three original A.E. Backus oil paintings that
will be on display for the public at the St. Lucie County Historical
Museum – The Board approved the loan agreement with the A. E.
Backus Museum & Gallery for three original A.E. Backus paintings that
will be on display for the public at the St. Lucie County Historical
Museum.
2. Cultural Affairs Division - Authorize the Chair to sign the grant contract
with the National UDT Navy SEAL Museum for $40,000 in operating
5
expenses - The Chairman signed the grant contract with the National
UDT Navy SEAL Museum for $40,000 in operating expenses.
3. Authorization to accept a grant – The Board accepted the grant award
on behalf of Exchange Club Child Abuse Services, Training and Life
Enrichment (CASTLE) from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Violence Against Women, “Safe Havens: Supervised Visitation and Safe
Exchange Grant Program” in the amount of $458,320 to further a
program to support supervised visits and the safe exchange of children
by and between parents.
GRANTS AND DISASTER RECOVERY (Contd.)
4. Authorization of the acceptance of the second amendment to an
agreement – The Board authorized the second amendment to an
agreement between St. Lucie County and Exchange Club Child Abuse
Services, Training and Life Enrichment (CASTLE) to disperse to CASTLE
grant funds in an amount not to exceed $447,266 from a grant award
from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women,
“Safe Havens: Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Grant Program”.
5. Authorization to accept a grant – The Board authorized accepting a grant
award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services,
Training and Technical Assistance Program – Earned Income Tax Credit
(EITC) and other Asset Formation in the amount of $50,000 to further a
program to provide capacity-building collaborations that create or
expand asset formation and financial literacy services among low-income
households.
6. Board approval of the first amendment to contract C06-10-823 with Beck
Disaster Recovery, contract C06-10-669 with Patton Harris Rust and
contract C06-10-668 with Solid Resources for disaster management and
consulting services. The amendment will extend the contract by one
year – The Board approved the first amendment to contract C06-10-823
with Beck Disaster Recovery, contract C06-10-669 with Patton Harris
Rust and contract C06-10-668 with Solid Resources for disaster
management and consulting services extending the contracts through
November 9, 2009 and gave permission for the Chairman to sign the
amendments as prepared by the County Attorney’s Office.
H. PUBLIC SAFETY
1. State and Federally-Funded Subgrant Agreement. County Emergency
Management Preparedness and Assistance Trust Fund Program Base
Grant (EMPA) – The Board approved the agreement #09-BG-03-10-66-
01- and authorized the Chairman to sign.
2. Federally-Funded Subgrant Agreement (Non-Match) – The Board
approved agreement #09-BG-20-10-66-01- and authorized the Chairman
to sign.
3. Request to approve the Radiological Emergency Preparedness
Agreement for fiscal Year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 – The Board
approved the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Agreement with
Florida Power & Light and authorized the Chairman to sign.
I. AIRPORT
Request for approval of the LPA Group Inc. Work Authorization No. 14 for
consultant services for the Gopher Tortoise Relocation Area Conservation
Management Plan – Year 2 Implementation at the St. Lucie County International
Airport, for a lump sum amount of $68,949 – The Board approved LPA Group
Inc. Work Authorization No. 14 for consultant services for the Gopher Tortoise
Relocation Area Conservation Management Plan – Year 2 Implementation at the
St. Lucie County International Airport, for a lump sum amount of $68,949, and
authorized the Chair or designee to execute same.
J. CENTRAL SERVICES
6
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Work Authorization No. 3, GLE Associates,
#C05-05-282, to provide professional services in the amount of $39,000
for the design and planning of the Employee Health Clinic located at the
St. Lucie County Logistics Center. Approve Budget Amendment #BA09-
001 in the amount of $600,000 and Capital Improvement Plan #CIP09-
028 – The board approved Amendment No. 1 to Work Authorization No.
3, GLE Associates, #C05-05-282, to provide professional services for the
design and planning of the Employee Health Clinic located at the St.
Lucie County Logistics Center. Costs associated with these professional
services are $39,000. Estimated total cost for the Employee Health Clinic
project, including professional services, is $600,000 and funding is
available through the Health Insurance Fund. This item was pulled
prior to the meeting.
2. Terminate Gulfstream Aluminum & Shutters Contract #C08-01-035.
Permission to go to the next responsive bidder to Bid #07-106, E-Z Lock
Shutters in the amount of $16,650 for the Helping Hands (Agape)
building – The Board approved the termination of Contract #C08-01-035
with Gulfstream Aluminum & Shutters and pay Gulfstream $4,684 for
work completed at Helping Hands (Agape) building. The Board
approved selecting the next responsive bidder to Bid#07-106, E-Z Lock
Shutters in the amount of $16,650 for Helping Hands (Agape) building.
K. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Oxbow – Board approval to reject all proposals and re-advertise a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for design and construction services to develop a St. Lucie River
“Living in a Watershed” Exhibit at the Oxbow Eco-Center – The Board approved
rejecting all proposals and re-advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design
and construction services to develop a St. Lucie River “Living in a Watershed”
Exhibit at the Oxbow Eco-Center.
L. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Request approval of the Economic Development Council Grant for 2008-2009 in
the amount of $150,000 – The Board approved the grant for $150,000 and
approves to develop the agreement and authorized the Board Chairman to sign
the agreement when completed.
M. SOLID WASTE
1. Staff requests Board approval of Equipment Request No. 09-016 for a
Solstice Cam Wireless Solar Powered Surveillance Camera System (2
cameras, wiring and hardware) and Budget Amendment No. 09-002 in
the amount of $6,200 – The Board approved Equipment Request No. 09-
016 for a Solstice Cam Wireless Solar Powered Surveillance Camera
System and Budget Amendment No. 09-002 in the amount of $6,200.
2. Approval of a Work Authorization as prepared by the County Attorney for
the September 29, 2008 proposal from CDM for engineering services to
assist St. Lucie County with the overall landfill gas system management.
– The Board approved and authorized the Chairman to execute a Work
Authorization as prepared by the County Attorney for the September 29,
2008 proposal from CDM for engineering services to assist St. Lucie
County with the overall landfill gas system management. The scope of
services includes management of the existing Phase I and II Landfill
systems, and gas system compliance monitoring for a lump sum of
$375,350.
3. Staff request Board approval to award Bid #08-053, Design, Own and
Operate a Landfill Leachate Pretreatment System to the only bidder
Innviron Corporation for a unit cost of $136.80 per thousand gallons of
landfill leachate treated – The Board approved awarding Bid #08-053,
Design, Own and Operate a Landfill Leachate Pretreatment System to
Innviron Corporation for a unit cost of $136.80 per thousand gallons of
landfill leachate treated.
SOLID WASTE (Contd.)
4. Staff requests Board approval of Second Amendment to Contract C07-
03-147 between St. Lucie County and RTP Environmental Associates,
Inc. This Amendment will extend the term of the Contract through
7
December 31, 2008 – The Board approved the Second Amendment to
Contract C07-03-147 between St. Lucie County and RTP Environmental
Associates, Inc. This Amendment will extend the term of the Contract
through December 31, 2008.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Consider Draft Ordinance No. 08-033, correcting a Scrivener’s Error to eliminate
the second “Whereas” clause cited within Ordinance No. 07-044, adopted on
December 18, 2007 – Consider staff recommendation to approve Draft
Ordinance No. 08-033 amending Ordinance No. 07-044.
It was moved by Com. Coward, seconded by Com. Craft, to approve Ordinance No. 08-
033, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
B. COMMUNITY SERVICES
Approval of Modification No. 2 to revise program budget and scope of work for
the St. Lucie County 2005 CDBG DRI – Consider staff recommendation to
approve of Modification No. 2 to revise program budget and scope of work for
the St. Lucie County 2005 CDBG DRI Grant and authorize the Chair to sign all
documents necessary.
It was moved by Com. Grande, seconded by Com. Lewis, to approve staff recommendation, and;
upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
VIII. HUMAN RESOURCES
Request Board approval of Phase III, Department/Consolidation/Reorganization Plan and
Staff reduction – Consider staff recommendation to approve Phase III,
Department/Consolidation/Reorganization Plan and Staff reduction.
It was moved by Com. Lewis, seconded by Com. Craft, to approve staff recommendation, and;
upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
IX. GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Ag Development Steering Committee – July 2008 Report – Staff recommends the Board
review and accept the report from the Committee and discuss or refine the future
activities of the Committee.
The Ad Hock Committee Chairman addressed the Board on this item and requested
direction if the Board wishes to have the committee continue to meet and serve at
the please of the Board or to have the committee sunset.
Com. Grande thanked the committee for all it has done and stated since there is a
TDR committee he felt they may not need to have another committee going in the
same parallel direction as the TDR committee.
Com. Lewis stated she felt that until the Board proceeds forward she does not believe
there is any further direction for this group. As Com. Grande stated the TDR
committee is in place.
Com. Craft recommended having this discussion at an informal meeting and have the
Growth Management Director bring his recommendation forward at that time.
Com. Coward stated he appreciated all the hard work the committee had done but
had concerns with the fact some members are now suing the taxpayers of the county.
He supports the effort to sunset the committee and roll it into a broader rural land
effort. He believes they need to open it up for everyone to be involved. He felt there
was a lack of information provided.
8
Com. Craft stated he felt they should wait and have the committee continue and see
if there is another charge for this them.
Com. Smith concurred with Com. Craft and felt they have worked hard to provide
information to the Board as requested and continue the discussion at an informal
meeting. However he felt the volunteers will continue to be involved.
It was moved by Com. Grande seconded by Com. Coward, to sunset the existing ad
hoc committee and direct staff to come back with a recommendation along the lines
of what Com. Coward suggested with broader base committee to look at the future
of agriculture in the western portion of St. Lucie County, and; upon roll call, the vote
was as follows: Nay’s: Craft, Smith; Aye’s: Lewis, Coward, Grande; motion carried by
a vote of 3 to 2.
X. PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering Division – Infrastructure Improvements – Port St. Lucie Utilities potable
water service to the south side of Easy Street – Consider staff recommendation to grant
permission to negotiate a sale price of our abandoned infrastructure on the south side of
Easy Street.
It was moved by Com. Craft, seconded by Com. Coward, to approve staff
recommendation, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously.
BOARD COMMENTS
The County Attorney advised the Board he had received a copy of the law suit from
Ms. Andrews and proceeded to check the status electronically. He was informed a
staff member of the Property Appraisers office was served with a copy of the suit in
July and following this, the Judge had dismissed the complaint for lack of subject
matter jurisdiction and this was the reason why no one was aware of the law suit in
the federal courts. At this time there is no suit pending.
Com. Smith addressed the importance of having volunteers and noted that there has
been a “National Volunteer Appreciation Day” instituted nationwide.
The County Administrator addressed Com. Coward request regarding the increase in
the percentage and decrease in the estimate of property valuation. When the 24
month budget was done they had predicted a 12% devaluation. It is now 20%. This
shows a difference of $10,273, 299 to be received in 2009/2010. They had funds
going into the 2010/2011 budget and have pulled those funds into the 2009/2010
and this narrow the budget deficit to $7,290,640. They will continue with the hiring
freeze and also have limited capital projects and expenses. The capital
improvements dollars are generated by impact fees and these fees cannot be placed
into the general funds for operations, only for capital expansions in the county.
The County Administrator stated he felt the county was still in a good position and
would be able to address the shortfall through other means and projects. He
believes the health clinic will assist in saving the county money which can be used
towards this gap.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was
adjourned.
_________________
Chairman
___________________
Clerk of the Circuit Court
9
10