Tavares, FL June 23, 2016
Here is an overview of the June 21, 2016 Lake County Board Meeting by guest authors Tom & Nancy Madden:
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in a regularly scheduled session on Tuesday June 21.
You can find links to the agenda, meeting packet and video at this page (scroll down to "recent meetings" - the video is not posted as of this article's date).
After observing a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting in Orlando, citizen remarks were heard.
Citizen Remarks: Hope Lamb of Clermont spoke on behalf of the Florida Black Bear and asked the Commissioners for a resolution in support of a request to end the black bear hunt.
Board Resolution: The Board then passed a resolution expressing support for the victims of the Orlando shootings and their families and the County's gratitude to the first responders.
Veteran's Court Presentation: Judge Briggs and Judge Nacke gave a presentation on the new "Veterans Treatment Court" that is now in place. It seeks to provide special treatment for Veterans who have suffered injuries leading to mental illnesses as recognized by the VA. Unless the Veteran has been charged with a very serious offense, he/she will be given an opportunity to participate in a Diversion track and complete an alternative program rather than entering the criminal justice system..
Rezonings: The Board approved five recommendations for rezoning that were presented by Staff.
Bear resistant trash cans: The Board considered an ordinance that would require the use of bear-resistant trash receptacles in those areas of the County where bears are active. The County will apply for funding to support these efforts.
Update on $2-million Housing programs: The BCC received an update on the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) and HOME programs. LHAP (Local Housing Assistance Program) is determined by the County according to guidelines defining different categories of low income families and types of housing. There is a program that provides one-time assistance to those needing help to get into a rental unit (first month rent, deposit, utilities) and various other assistance programs. For FY2016 the total budget is $2 million with $1.8 million being allocated to the various strategies. New strategies include support that would fund Impact Fees and Re-housing for seniors who have become homeless. The Board unanimously approved the current programs and new strategies.
Summary Budget Update: Steve Koontz provided the Commissioners with a Budget update. To date, 18 Budget workshops for the FY2017 Budget have been held. All these reports can be viewed on the Lake County website. Department Budgets have largely retained status quo while still allowing for new positions. Most levies for FY2017 will remain the same with millage rates being "rolled back" to compensate for additional revenue from new construction.
United Arts Presentation: The Board also heard a brief presentation from the United Arts group that covers the four counties. Funding is used to promote the arts in the schools and other community efforts.
Additional $50,000 budget for North Lake Park: Mr. Cadwell requested that an additional $50,000 be included for improvements to North Lake Park. In general, though, the Budget looks good and millage rates will be established in July.
Tom Madden
Note: EMS Board Meeting: The County Board also met with the Lake County EMS Board later the same day, and the agenda and video are HERE.
