LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

(352) 343-3777

REGULAR MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AND AGENDA

March 23, 2016

3:30 pm

Lake County Administration Building

2nd Floor - County Commission Chambers

315 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

1. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

Tab 1 2. Approval of Minutes - February 24, 2016 - Regular Meeting

3. Executive Director Report

4. Consent Items

Tab 2 a. Brightwater Mitigation Lease Renewal Patricia Burgos

Tab 3 b. Approval of Special District Public Facilities Report Linda Marino

5. Discussion Items Tab 4 a. Disc Golf at Hidden Waters Preserve Agreement Renewal Patricia Burgos

Tab 5 b. Review of Current Use of Preserves Patricia Burgos

Tab 6 c. Preview of New Web Site Ben Garcia

Tab 7 d. Status of Bourlay House Michael Perry

Tab 8 e. Status of Old Office Building Michael Perry

Tab 9 f. Status of Lake Norris Acres Appraisal Michael Perry

6. Public Comment (5:00 pm or as soon thereafter as possible)

7. Legal Staff Report Carole Barice

8. Board Member Comments

9. Board Member Items for Future Agenda

10. Information Items Tab 10 a. Staff Report

Tab 11 b. Monthly Financial Reports - February 2016

11. Announcement of Upcoming Meetings and Events - Freshwater Master Naturalist program at Hickory Point, Friday, March 18,

2016 (9am to 3pm)

- Trout Lake Nature Center Spring Break Camp at Hickory Point, Wednesday,

March 23, 2016 (9am to 3pm)

- Water WONDERS – Venetian Gardens, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 (10am to

2pm)

- Water WONDERS – Umatilla Library, Thursday, April 7, 2016 (3:15pm to

4:15pm)

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Patricia Burgos, Environmental Program Manager DATE: March 10, 2016 SUBJECT: Brightwater Mitigation Lease Renewal _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Consent Item Brightwater Mitigation Lease Renewal for Trailer Parking In February 2015, the Board entered into a lease agreement to allow residents of Imperial Terrace West homeowners to park their trailers on the Water Authority’s Brightwater Mitigation property. Staff has not received any complaints over the past year nor has staff needed to deal with any issues concerning this leased area. Staff did inspect the site on March 10, 2016 to check for any current issues or concerns.

Picture taken of the year old fence used to provide security for the site

Picture taken of the boat trailers in the leased area. The leased area appears maintained and mowed in and around the trailers. There are currently 14 boat trailers and 11 utility trailers at the site, as per the agreement. The homeowner association complied with the request to submit hold harmless paperwork from the residents using the Water Authority’s property. The HOA also submitted liability paperwork and added the Water Authority as an additional insured. This requirement will be enforced with the renewal of their license agreement for 2016. Executive Director’s Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to renew the Imperial Terrace West HOA License Agreement for the Brightwater Mitigation property through February 2017.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Michael J. Perry, Executive Director DATE: March 11, 2016 SUBJECT: Public Facility Report ______________________________________________________________________________ Consent Item Approval of Special District Public Facilities Report In an effort to foster coordination between local government and independent special districts the State of Florida requires that special districts submit an updated public facilities report every five years. The last report submitted to Lake County was July 2009. The report is to describe all of the existing public facilities that the special district owns or operates to include the following:

• Its current capacity • The current demands placed upon the facility • Its location

In addition, any proposed construction of a public facility within the next five years must be identified and details provided (financing, anticipated completion, anticipated capacity). The attached report follows the same format as previously submitted LCWA Public Facilities Reports. Executive Director’s Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to forward the Special District Public Facilities Report for the Lake County Water Authority dated March 2016 to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Patricia Burgos, Land Resources Director DATE: March 10, 2016 SUBJECT: Disc Golf at Hidden Waters Preserve Agreement Renewal _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Item Disc Golf at Hidden Waters Preserve Agreement Renewal Staff was approached in January 2015 by a newly formed group with the idea of setting up a disc golf course at one of the properties. Staff received a proposal on January 12, 2015 from the Florida Disc Golf Foundation (d/b/a Lake County Disc Golf Club) to create the course on the western side of Hidden Waters Preserve. The Board approved a one year agreement with the organization for a 9-hole course primarily on the western side of Hidden Waters Preserve. At the time staff was concerned about the location of the tees and the goals for each hole conflicting with the resident gopher tortoise population, liability issues between the disc golfers and trail users, increased traffic in the 90-acre preserve and increased garbage. Staff has been observing the use of the property this past year by inspecting the gopher tortoise burrows, going at different hours of the day and weekend, noting areas where erosion areas are and the amount of garbage at the preserve. The following are staff’s thoughts:

• Some of the gopher tortoises are not bothered by the activity while some appear to have abandoned their burrows and moved to other parts of the preserve;

• The garbage has increased, but also the appearance of a neighborhood volunteer that has been picking up along the property’s boundaries and along Country Club Road;

• Based upon the monthly sign-in sheets, the monthly attendance at the preserve has nearly tripled from this time last year. For example in March 2015, 257 visitors signed in and for 2016 it was 614 visitors ;

• Staff has not noticed any increase in vandalism and in fact a decrease has been noticed in damage to the kiosk, bench, trail markers, etc.;

• Staff was able to conduct an 11-acre burn on the west side April 15, 2015 with no difficulty imposed by the presence of the goals;

• The placement of goal #1 has impeded the restoration efforts on the southwestern unit; • The trail between goal #1 and goal #2 has increased the erosion along that route;

• The provision of a portable restroom for a weekend competition went smoothly with no vandalism to the units;

• Staff has observed an increase in millennials and young families using the property; and • The Disc Golf group has been very responsive to correcting concerns and working on

solutions. Staff had the opportunity to meet with Ben Champion, disc golf representative to discuss renewal of the agreement for 2016 and concerns regarding the course. Discussion centered on the location of Goal #1, the erosion between Goal #1 and Goal #2 and better signage to direct people to the next tee. Staff requested that Goal #1 be moved further into the canopy and away from the restoration area on the southwestern side of the preserve. Because of the distance between the tee and Goal #1 users would have to toss the disc farther creating a situation where users were walking all over the southwestern unit. By moving the Goal #1further down the hill into the canopied area there would be a reduction in erosion between the Goal #1 and Goal #2. Staff also discussed the installation of a larger and clearer map, as well as signs depicting the course and directing users to the next tee and goal.

Tee #1

Goal #1

In return for moving Goal #1 into the canopied area and away from the higher elevation area where restoration was proceeding staff now feels more comfortable recommending to the Board consideration of an increase in goals from nine to eighteen, which was requested over year ago by the club. Staff included with this memo a preliminary map of the 18 holes. Members of the disc golf group will be present at the Board meeting to answer any questions, discuss issues and to discuss with the Board the possibility of having sponsor recognition signs on the goals. Executive Director’s Recommendations:

1. Authorize the Florida Disc Golf Foundation d/b/a Lake County Disc Golf Club to operate an eighteen-hole disc golf course without liability insurance for any events under 25 participants.

2. Authorize the Executive Director to execute a one-year agreement with the Florida Disc Golf Foundation d/b/a Lake County Disc Golf Club for an eighteen-hole disc golf course on Hidden Waters Preserve.

New Tee#1 & Goal #1

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Patricia Burgos, Environmental Program Manager DATE: March 14, 2016 SUBJECT: Review of Current Use of Preserves _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Item Review of Current Use of Preserves The Water Authority’s acquisition program can be traced back to 1972 when the Lake County Board of County Commissioners formed a citizen’s Resource Advisory Committee to identify environmentally sensitive, water-related resources around the County. When nothing was done at the County level to protect these areas, citizens approached the Water Authority and in 1983 the Water Authority Board established a Citizen Advisory Committee on Conservation. In 1985 the Citizen Advisory Committee worked with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council to produce BASELINE 85, which recommended environmentally sensitive water-related resources throughout the county that needed protection using the 1972 list. In 1988 the LCWA Board held public meetings to solicit input regarding the establishment of a one-half mill ad valorem tax to fund acquisition of conservation lands in Lake County. 1989 was the first year the funds were generated to purchase conservation land and in 1990 the Flat Island Preserve was established in the Okahumpka Marsh. Currently, Water Authority staff manages 6,600 acres for a total of 18 properties with 13 being open to the public for daily use. The table below provides an overview of activities found on the properties opened daily:

Properties Acreage Activities Bear Track Preserve 194 Hiking Bourlay Historic Nature Park 83 Hiking, Exercise stations, Paddling, Jogging,

Birding, Geocaching Crooked River Preserve 63 Hiking, Paddling, Jogging, Fishing, Picnicking,

Nature Observation Double Run Preserve 575 Fishing, Paddling Eagles Ridge Preserve 341 Fishing Fern Prairie Preserve 595 Hiking, Fishing Flat Island Preserve 2,317 Camping-group & primitive, Hiking, Jogging,

Geocaching Hidden Waters Preserve 90 Hiking, Birdwatching, Jogging, Disc Golf,

Geocaching Ocklawaha Picnic Grounds 175 Fishing

Sawgrass Island Preserve 1,168 Horseback riding, Hiking, Birdwatching, Nature Observation, Biking

Sawmill Lake 5 Fishing, Water skiing, Jet skiing Scrub Point Preserve 98 Fishing, Picnicking, Campfires, Paddling Treasure Island Preserve 74 Hiking, Jogging, Fishing

The properties most visited by the public are checked twice monthly and sometimes more if there are issues or maintenance to be done (e.g. fencing or gate repairs, mowing, trail trimming, etc.). Staff has included the EXCEL spreadsheets of annual visitation for the last three years. Visitation numbers go back to 2006 with over 99,000 having visited the preserves since then. The numbers would easily go past 100,000 if there were ways to count the fisherman that fished along the preserve’s multiple shorelines. The numbers have been especially telling for two of the Water Authority’s preserves – Hidden Waters and Crooked River. Although they are 90 acres and 68 acres respectively, the properties have shown an increase in monthly visitation compared to Flat Island which is the largest of the agency’s properties. In staff’s opinion these increases could be linked to introduction of new recreational activities including geocaching, disc golf and paddling. Geocaching This activity came to the staff’s attention soon after 2001, the 9/11 terrorist attacks when staff found a metal ammunition box on one of the preserves. Staff had never seen anything like that before and when it was determined that it was not a danger, staff found out that it was part of an emerging outdoor activity called geocaching. Since then staff has allowed geocaches on the Preserves with a signed agreement. There are currently five approved geocaches at Sawgrass Island and five approved geocaches at Hickory Point Park. It has brought in a different type of recreational user. It advertises the properties in a different way. Staff saw an increase in visitors from out-of-county and out-of-state visiting the preserves to geocache. One visitor even commented on the sign-in sheets that they were on their honeymoon and wanted to geocache on the property prior to visiting Disney. Paddling Staff saw an increase in requests to use kayaks about 5 years ago. Since the Water Authority has partnered with the Lake County Parks and Trails to host paddle trips highlighting the County’s Blueways and the Water Authority’s Preserves staff has seen an increase overall in participation on the trips. The organized paddling trips are very popular and many times have waiting lists. We also have seen an increase in requests for kayaks as opposed to canoes that are kept at the properties. Table below gives an overview of the quantity and where the vessels are located.

Property Vessels Bourlay Historic Nature Park By request up to 4 Canoes and/or Kayaks Crooked River Preserve 3 Canoes soon to get add’l 2 Kayaks Flat Island Preserve 4 Canoes Hickory Point Park 4 Kayaks Lake Norris Conservation Area (owned by SJRWMD) 4 Canoes

Disc Golf The Water Authority is closing out its first year of allowing disc golf activity at Hidden Waters Preserve. It has proven to be a very popular activity at the Preserve attracting a broad range of ages to the property. Issues and concerns were discussed in the previous Disc Golf agenda item memo, but staff does see a value in having extra eyes on the property and trying to keep the balance between public use and environmental protection. Educational Programs Staff tries to host a paddling and/or hiking trip each month on one of the Preserves. For example, staff partnered with the County to host a paddling trip on Lake Norris and Black Water Creek. There is a Stagger Mud Paddle trip coming up and two weeks ago staff hosted 19 visitors from the Florida Native Plant Society on Scrub Point Preserve. Other upcoming events that Land Resources staff will be participating in will be hosting a doggie walk at Lake Norris Conservation Area, a Camping 101 at Flat Island Preserve, an Exercise Hike with Naturalist at Hidden Waters Preserve and a Paddling 101 at Hickory Point Park.

Wolf Branch Sink Open House Paddling on Lake Norris

Scrub Point Tour Paddle trip on A-B Canal & NuRF Tour Additional education programs that are planned for the Preserves include Leesburg High School at the Bourlay Historic Nature Park March 29th. In an effort to make the public aware of the Preserves around the County, staff has for the past few years worked with Florida Dept. of Transportation and Lake County Roads and Signs to not

only upgrade the signs found on the roadways, but also to include activity icons that better express what can be done at the different Preserves. Staff has worked close to two years trying to get the Flat Island Preserve signs on Hwy 27 replaced and upgraded by FDOT. The County has allowed us to add icon signs to the Crooked River sign on Hammock Ridge Road. We will be working next on the Sawgrass Island signs.

Sign on Hammock Ridge Road Sign at entrance Vandalism/Issues: In addition to approved recreation activities on the Preserves there are also unwanted activities on the Preserves. From Feral hog damage to run-ins with cars and boundary fences. Recently staff collected a can (photo to the right) along the southern boundary of Sabal Bluff Preserve, which was attached to the agency’s fence. This can was being used as target practice with the person shooting into the Preserve. There have also been complaints recently about golf carts, which is an approved use by the Board on Sabal Bluff, going too fast on the trails and bringing unleashed dogs to the property. Staff observed golf cart tire tracks getting off the trails and dog prints on the aprons of the gopher tortoise burrows. Sabal Bluff was approved as a waif tortoise sanctuary by the Board over a year ago. Currently there are 12 new waif tortoises at the Preserve. Staff would like to discuss these issues and receive direction from the Board.

More alcohol bottles and cans have been found at Hidden Waters and Crooked River, which might correlate to the increase in use also. To clarify the policies, staff has installed the “No Pets, No Alcohol” signs at HWP and CRP properties. HWP had “No Pet” signs, but was missing the alcohol component and CRP did not have either. Staff in partnership with the site residents will continue to monitor the Preserve usages and make corrections as needed.

Executive Director’s Recommendation: Direct staff regarding the Sabal Bluff loose pets, target practice can and speeding golf cart issues.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Ben Garcia, GIS Manager DATE: March 11, 2016 SUBJECT: Preview of New LCWA website ______________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Item Preview of New LCWA website Some of the major issues facing the Lake County today such as economic development, tourism, environmental impact, increasing population, improvement of provided services, and so on, has a critical electronic communication dimensions. Making the public aware with up to date information via the use of website is essential for the Water Authority. The Water Authority is now in the process of updating the LCWA website with new graphics and better ways to inform the public. Staff was able to negotiate down the initial design cost of the LCWA website with a graphics designer at a low price to the Authority. Once completed, Water Authority staff will be able to have complete control of the new website for editing and adding information at a more standard programing language. This visual tool will be compatible with the new mobile devices by automatically reducing the resolution for those devices. The main motivation to update LCWA website is to promote and include all information pertaining to the Water Authority related to water and land resources within the county. Staff will provide a brief demonstration and a preview of the new LCWA website before is all finalized and live on the Internet at the Board meeting. Executive Director’s Recommendation: For discussion purposes only. No action required.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Michael J. Perry, Executive Director DATE: March 14, 2016 SUBJECT: Status of Bourlay House ______________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Item Status of Bourlay House The Bourlay Historic Nature Park home was recently vacated. Staff has visited the house on several occasions since it has been vacated to make sure it is not being vandalized in any way In December, staff contacted a handyman/repair service to determine the repairs required, obtain an estimate for the repairs and prioritize the repairs based on safety, desired upgrades and aestheics in that order. Staff reported to the Board in December that the repaires were beyond the capability of a handyman and would require an electrician and plumber first. The Board directed staff to do the following:

• Immediately turn off the water to the house • Contact an electrician and plumber to inspect the house; and • Contact the City of Leesburg about the feasibility and cost of connecting to City water

and wastewater services. All electrical and plumbing issues known to date have been resolved. The hole in the ceiling due to the previous leak has been repaired. The downstairs bathroom shower has been re-tiled and is now useable. The staircase has been restored and the downstairs painting is complete. Work is still ongoing in the kitchen, however the remaining tasks are mainly painting, determining if the lower cabinets should be replaced and what to do with the floor. Staff is still attempting to get the City of Leesburg to discuss the potential for connecting to City water service. An alternative would be to install a water treatment system that includes removing iron. Staff will brief the board on the status of the project at the Board meeting, however the process for selecting a site resident could begin if the Board desires. Executive Director’s Recommendation: For information purposes only. No action required.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees

FROM: Michael J. Perry, Executive Director

DATE: March 10, 2016

SUBJECT: Status of Old Office Building ______________________________________________________________________________

Discussion Item

Status of Old Office Building

Now that the new office has been completed and staff has moved into the new building, the Board can begin to determine the disposition of the old building.

At its December 16, 2015 meeting the Board authorized Mr. Walter Price to do the appraisal of the old office building. At the January 2016 regular Board meeting, staff provided the appraisal to the Board. At the Board’s February 2016 meeting, the Board took action to release a Request for Bid for the old building and established a minimum amount for the Bid. Staff adapted an example of an Invitation to Bid that was prepared by the City of Tallahassee and forwarded it to Attorney Barice for her review. Once the Request for Bid is deemed complete, it will be released and copies provided directly to the County Manager.

There have been some inquiries about the old building already. The Clerk’s Office auditing staff came by to look at the space and at the Open House for the new building, other county personnel asked about the size of the old building. In the past an adjacent property owner had asked if we would consider selling a portion of the parking area so he can have better access to his property.

The draft Request for Bid is attached and staff will provide an update at the Board meeting.

Executive Director’s Recommendation:

For discussion purposes only. No action required.

TO: Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees FROM: Michael Perry, Executive Director DATE: March 14, 2016 SUBJECT: Lake Norris Acres Appraisal Update ______________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Item Lake Norris Acres Appraisal Update Staff received a sales flyer for a 98.54-acre parcel that is located on Lake Norris (copy attached) and adjacent to the Water Authority’s 185-acre Bear Track Preserve accepted as a donation in 1999. Staff brought this potential acquisition to the Board in June 2015 to determine if there was an interest from the Board in this property and if other government agencies should be contacted related to determining their interest in partnering to acquire this 98.54-acre parcel. Chairwoman Cox sent a letter to the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Forestry Service (copy attached) to determine if there is any interest by those entities in this property. Staff discussed this property briefly with the St. Johns Water Management District. The District expressed an interest; however they were concerned with the asking price of $893,900 and wanted to further discuss this with the property owner. District also wanted a copy of the owner’s 2012 property appraisal for review. The Board discussed this issue at its September 2015 Board meeting. Chairwoman Cox noted that Ms. Burgos and Trustee Bryant had visited the site with property owner, Brian Richards. Ms. Burgos stated that she had spoken with Ray Bunton, Director of Real Estate Services at the St. Johns River Water Management District to see if they are still interested, and he had stated that the District is still interested in the property as a whole. Trustee Bryant stated that the discussion with Mr. Bunton was related to the purchase of the entire 98 acres as they feel acquisition of the property as a whole would be the most beneficial to the District, the Water Authority and the surrounding Seminole State Forest.

Brian Richards, owner of Lake Norris Acres addressed the Board. He explained that the property is made up of several parcels and one of the parcels has a five-year balloon bank note coming due. He stated that his bank is putting pressure for him to make some kind of decision regarding that parcel. He explained that the parcels have been up for sale for a while and he has an offer for the parcel closest to the lake. He further stated that he is interested in selling the whole 98 acres, but must make a decision on the parcel with the bank note. He explained that if the Water Authority Board is willing, he could sell them that particular parcel first and tie in the sale of the remaining parcels.

Chairwoman Cox asked how long it would take St. Johns River Water Management District to do an appraisal and review of the property and Ms. Burgos stated that it would take approximately 45 days to complete. She explained that the District would handle the appraisal and review of the property, but would like the Water Authority to pay for half the cost of the approximate $7,000 it would cost for the appraisal and review.

A motion was made at the September 2015 meeting to enter into partnership with the St. John River Water Management District to commission a market appraisal and review of the property, in an amount not to exceed $7,000 with the water authority’s portion being no greater than $3,500. The vote was 3 - 3, no action was taken.

In November 2015, Trustee Bryant has requested that the proposal to participate with the St. John's River Water Management District in obtaining a current appraisal of the Lake Norris property be placed on the November 2015 agenda. Trustee Bryant noted that several factors have changed since the September meeting. • The owner has indicated there is no pressure for the LCWA and the SJRWMD to make an

acquisition decision hurriedly. Bank personnel have told the owner, Mr. Richards, there will be no action taken relative his loan so long as the districts are taking steps to potentially acquire the property.

• There is no pressure to move ahead toward acquisition negotiations without a full and timely

appraisal and environmental report.

• The SJRWMD executive director has stated her interest in partnering with the LCWA in this project.

• The Florida Forestry Service has stated willingness to assume management responsibilities if

the property is acquired. Trustee Bryant further noted that here are a number of compelling reasons why this particular parcel should be considered for acquisition by the LCWA in partnership with the SJRWMD. However, such discussion may be reserved until a current appraisal is conducted. The Board took action at the November meeting to authorize staff to spend up to $3,500 (50% of up to $7,000) to conduct the appraisal and environmental review. At the January 2016 Board meeting, Water Authority staff reported that they have been in contact with the SJRWMD Executive Director, Dr. Ann Shortelle, regarding the appraisal. She noted that District land management staff have been extremely busy completing large acquisitions during the end of last year. She said that she will touch base with her land management staff and ask them to prepare a scope for the appraisal and work with one of their contracted appraisers. On Friday, March 11, 2016 two staff members from St. Johns River Water Management District (one from Real Estate Services Dept. and the other from Environmental Services looking at the condition of the property, environmental values and hydrology connection) and Patricia Burgos

met at the Brian Richards property. The appraiser Mr. String, Polk County was there and a reviewer from Duval County Mr. Grainger went along on the tour. The appraiser took measurements of the mobile home then the group went on a property tour. Discussions centered on the uplands versus wetlands delineation, wildlife corridor, access to Lake Norris, boundary markers, ancillary structure onsite (Quonset hut), what was permitted in terms of homes allowed on the property, history of the property and discussion of the seepage areas and slope of the property. According to the appraiser and reviewer, the Water Authority could expect the appraisal and review to be completed in 45 days, which would bring us to end of April, beginning of May. Kim Hall, Real Estate Specialist from the SJRWMD St. Johns will email Water Authority staff to confirm that. Executive Director’s Recommendation: For information purposes only. No action required.