November 17, 2009

Doris Ragan, a pillar of the Tavares community for the past 50+ years was inducted into the Lake County Women's Hall of Fame this morning in the chambers of the County Commission. Mrs. Ragan, whose husband, John, is deceased, was accompanied by numerous friends and loved ones including her three children, Angela, Terry and Randy.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner presented Mrs. Ragan who taught him at Tavares High School in the early 70's. He spoke of his respect for Mrs. Ragan and how he admired her as a teacher and as a Christian leader at First Baptist Church of Tavares.

Mrs. Ragan is a lifelong community volunteer, a gardener and a member of many civic groups including the Lake County Historical Society. The City of Tavares has proclaimed "Doris Ragan Day" not once, but twice in her honor.

Commissioner Conner said presenting Mrs. Ragan was one of the highest honors he will ever have as a Commissioner and it was a proud occasion for Mrs. Ragan and her many friends.

November 10, 2009

Architects working on the Downtown Judicial Project made a presentation to the County Commission today and advised Commissioners the City of Tavares has agreed to reduce the size of the roundabout. That was welcome news to Commissioners and could reduce costs.

The Commission also approved the construction contract to repair the leaks in the current judicial building which has been leaking from the roof and sides for an extended period of time causing water damage inside. These repairs have been badly needed and will significantly enhance the use of that building.

Architect Fees Discussed

There was discussion about the revised architect fees. Commissioner Jimmy Conner expressed concern about the proposed amount so Commissioners referred the issue to county manager Sandy Minkoff for review.

The revised schedule ties architect fees to construction costs, something Conner opposes. He believes a flat fee is more appropriate and will result in lower costs to taxpayers.

"Architect fees should be tied to the service provided in the design, not to the costs of construction," said Conner.

The fee issue will be brought back to the Commission in the near future.

November 4, 2009

In September, Commissioner Jimmy Conner was the lone vote against taking the county's recycling program in a different direction. He felt the staff presentation was one sided and overstated profits which they projected to be over $300,000.

What Conner and the Commission learned Tuesday is that expenses in the presentation back in August were understated because the equipment that separates the recyclables came in at $10,000 over budget and there was only one bid, something Conner finds problematic.

Staff Promised to Consider Used Equipment

Additionally, in September, staff promised to aggressively seek used equipment but on Tuesday there was just the one bid for a new machine. Once again, Conner was the lone vote opposing the purchase.

Conner believes staff should have been more aggressive to look for used equipment and to get more than just one bid.

As a school board member, Conner was a vocal opponent of sole source bids because without competitive bids, you do not know if taxpayers are getting a good value. Conner said this is not the manner he believes the county should conduct business and he intends to monitor this program throughout the year.

Tonight is election night for many municipalities in Lake County. Here are the early results from the Supervisor of Election's web site.

Jimmy

Responding to citizen concerns about lighting, Commissioner Jimmy Conner personally visited the downtown parking garage at night. Conner agreed that too many lights were on so he discussed the issue with county manager Sandy Minkoff.

Conner learned that due to liability, the garage must be lit when in use but as a result of Conner's input, along with an employee advisory group and input from other citizens, the county will be closing the garage at night when there is not an event in downtown Tavares.
This will result in an estimated savings of $7,000 to $8,000 per month.

Conner said this is just one example where the county can save a lot of money just by scrutinizing expenditures and he said the county needs to look at other areas to achieve cost savings. Conner believes that millions of dollars can literally be saved if the county will more meticulously scrutinize expenses.

"I want the public to know that I try to respond when they bring issues to my attention," said Conner. "I was surprised to learn lights were on in the garage even in the wee hours of the morning," he stated.

Conner wants to thank those citizens who contacted him and also wants to thank county manager Sandy Minkoff for his leadership in achieving these significant savings.

In tough economic times, getting good bond ratings is more difficult, especially when revenues are declining, so I am very pleased with the county's A+ rating.

Decisions Commissioners make do have a direct impact on financial ratings. I believe downsizing the downtown judicial project and not incurring additional debt, really helped the financial analysis due to our debt ratio.

I am pleased our Commission has taken a very conservative approach to fiscal management. We cut the county commission part of our budget by $12 Million dollars for FY 2009-2010 and we have committed to continue to downsize next year. This has been a team effort and I am very pleased with our direction. This rating confirms the county is in solid financial condition.

See the detailed Fitch Analysis and learn more about the county's financial position only at ConnerReport.com

On October 14, 2008, one year ago, the National Museum of the Marine Corps sent a letter to the Lake County Museum Curator advising the Medal of Honor for Pvt. Robert McTureous must be returned by October 31, 2009. This is in accordance with the original agreement dated September 19, 2000. Most Medals of Honor are loaned for three years but the Marine Corps loaned the McTureous Medal of Honor to Lake County for almost ten years and the Marines will not extend that term.

Keeping the Medal of Honor was used in an attempt to convince Commissioners to keep the curator position, an argument Commissioner Jimmy Conner now says was misleading.

"It is disappointing the contents of the Marine Corp letter was not shared with county administrators," said Conner.

Conner applauded Wendy Breeden and her staff for unveiling the details to Commissioners and appreciates their efforts to obtain a replica Medal of Honor so the county can continue to honor Pvt. Robert McTureous.

"Now more than ever I believe the Commission made the right decision to return oversight of the museum to the Lake County Historical Society," said Conner. "Had they been involved, I know this type of problem would not have occurred," he concluded.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner said two things bother him the most about this issue.

First, Commissioners were not fully informed on this issue by the county manager and her staff. Commissioners were not aware that county staff would be encouraging employees to apply for unemployment nor was the $91,000 cost figure presented to the Commission during the decision making process.

Secondly- What about taxpayers? Is it fair for taxpayers to pay one year of health insurance premiums in addition to 3 months severance pay and then be expected to pay for unemployment on top of that?

Conner has been working very hard to bring a more fiscally conservative approach to the Commission and he says this issue demonstrates one more in a long line of examples of just how your tax dollars are being misspent.

On October 5, Commissioners are holding a retreat in an attempt to correct problem areas.

During budget meetings, Commissioner Elaine Renick suggested county libraries should not be purchasing NEW RELEASE ENTERTAINMENT DVD's. She believes libraries should be more for reading and learning rather than providing free entertainment DVD's to patrons.

The key words here are NEW RELEASE ENTERTAINMENT DVD's.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner enthusiastically agreed with Commissioner Renick.

"I want people to realize this is for NEW RELEASE ENTERTAINMENT DVD's ONLY and does not mean libraries will stop purchasing education videos," said Conner.

Conner does not believe it is an appropriate role for government to be competing with private businesses that offer new entertainment DVD's. He has been on a crusade to limit the role of government and to downsize county government.

At the budget hearing Conner said the more government provides for people, the more they expect and he feels we are creating a culture of government dependency.

Commissioner Linda Stewart, a former teacher voiced agreement with Renick and Conner. The vote was 4-1 with Chairman Cadwell dissenting.

September 20, 2009

Commissioner Jimmy Conner addressed a breakfast social group started by The Honorable Judy Proli who is a resident there and member of the city's planning and zoning board.

Conner spoke about the importance of downsizing government and reducing government spending. He talked about the expansion of government and expressed his concerns about federal deficit and its impact on local government and more importantly, on our young people who will have to pay off the massive debt Congress and the President are creating.

He also discussed the importance of delivering fire services in a more cost efficient manner and suggested studying how Clermont and the county can work together to improve fire service and reduce costs.

Conner feels a major accomplishment has been the downsizing of the Judicial Center. He expressed appreciation to the County Commission for not taking on any additional debt and he noted the tax rates for 2009-2010 will not be increased.

Conner would like to thank Judy Proli for her work in starting this group and for the opportunity to meet so many of her neighbors who received him warmly.

By a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Jennifer Hill dissenting, the County Commission rejected a proposal to build a 50,000 sq. ft. shopping center in Sorrento.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner was conflicted saying the county needs more commercial development but he noted the proposal did not comply with the Comprehensive Plan. He indicated he would support a commercial project on a smaller scale.

Conner ran on a platform of protecting the rural nature of the Sorrento-Mt. Plymouth area and he expressed concern this development would be the first step toward urbanization of that area. He also noted the Sorrento-Mt. Plymouth Advisory Committee which is representative of the community consistently opposed large shopping centers.

Conner was impressed with the professionalism of the applicant during the three hour hearing and he applauded Commissioner Linda Stewart for her comments that represented her district.

The citizen's coalition has called for Lake County government to pay the legal fees of Keith Schue who was exonerated of lobbying violations through an appeal process.

The coalition is critical of the manner county government handled the lobbying allegations against Schue and believes Schue should not have been forced to spend personal funds for an attorney.

September 3, 2009

About a year ago, Kiwanis members throughout Lake County united in support to build a
Miracle Athletic Field for handicapped children. They presented their vision to the County Commission who joined their effort and committed to provide county property for the field.

Fundraising has stalled and today, Commissioner Jimmy Conner pledged his full support to move this project forward in a meeting with Kiwanis leaders who are spearheading the project.

Conner, whose only brother was born terminally handicapped and died as a teenager, has a heart for special needs kids and was a driving force along with School Board Chairman Kyleen Fischer, to build the new Lake Hills School.

"I appreciate the Kiwanis leaders for initiating this very worthy project and will work diligently over the next several months to move this Miracle Field toward a successful completion," added Conner.

September 1, 2009

The county commission unanimously approved an out of court settlement with a former county employee who filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination against the head of Procurement and retaliation by the County Manager.

The settlement was for $51,000 and legal fees will exceed $20,000 meaning the total cost to taxpayers will be over $70,000. Because the county is self insured, tax dollars, not an insurance company, will pay this settlement.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner has focused on fiscal responsibility and expressed disappointment this expenditure became necessary.

"Taxpayers deserve better," said Conner. "At some point I believe the Commission must establish some measure of accountability," he concluded.

August 19, 2009

I have served as the Commission liaison for the Historical Society and County Museum which are two different committees. I attend committee meetings and have been very involved. Scroll down ConnerReport and you can see numerous pictures from the Historical Society's Annual Awards Banquet.

SECURITY IS AN ISSUE

With the Tax Collector moving his office, which has been on the second and third floor of the Historic Courthouse, to the new downtown office building, the plans have always been for the Sheriff to utilize the space being vacated.

The County Museum is currently located on the first floor of the Historical Courthouse
You cannot secure that building (keep our Sheriff employees safe) except from the first floor so it seemed logical for security and other reasons, to allow the Sheriff to utilize the first floor space.

BETTER ACCESS FOR CITIZENS

We are not eliminating the artifact displays. Rather, the Historical Society will oversee moving the artifacts to various locations including the new Tax Collector's office where they will get much more exposure to the public. This means better access for citizens in the Leesburg area, The Villages, North Lake County, and South Lake County and it has even been suggested the artifacts could be rotated to increase visibility.

There are also significant savings but the overriding issue is to best utilize tax dollars and to provide adequate, secure space for the Sheriff's Office.

I am a third generation Lake Countian and preserving our history is important. I am confident this transition preserves our history and also uses tax dollars and buildings more efficiently.

August 18, 2009

In an effort to promote county government doing business with local firms, the County Commission unanimously passed a Business Friendly Policy.

The new policy changes the makeup of the committee members and is intended to level the playing field for local firms who cannot afford expensive marketing presentations.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner has served as Commission liaison on this issue and worked closely with the Chamber Alliance as well as several businesses to bring this policy forward.

"I appreciate the entire Commission for supporting this initiative and we hope it will create an environment where local firms will be given the proper consideration," said Conner.

Conner said there is a lot of talent in Lake County and that county government should utilize local firms when they are qualified.

Conner also expressed appreciation to the Chamber Alliance and local businesses who took a lot of time to review the policy.

I am very pleased to inform you that our commission is doing a financial analysis on this grant for 12 new firefighter positions before we accept it. We will be scrutinizing the short and long term financial commitment we must make from local tax dollars.

We will be needing additional firefighters when we open the new Paisley fire station so the timing of the grant might be appropriate.

If we accept this grant, we will save several thousands of dollars in overtime expenses next fiscal year and thereafter so it may actually be a wise move.

The county manager was directed to give a financial analysis to the commission which should be coming within a few days.

Bottom line is I am very proud that rather than taking the easy way out and getting lured into a federal government program, our Commission is studying the issue closely.

After reviewing the need and overtime savings, I believe accepting this grant will probably be the right decision but we are still gathering financial information.

Please know our Commission has been studying the budget and working in your behalf.

BUDGET NEWS
August 12, 2009

Following two days of budget review, County Commissioners decided against closing county government one day a month as suggested in the county manager's budget.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner previously opposed the plan saying "we should not close our doors to the public."

Today, other Commissioners also expressed opposition to the plan stating that other constitutional officers have no plans to close.

Increased Reserves and Lower Price Tag for Judicial Center Possible

Commissioners lowered their operating budget by $13 million dollars for 2009-2010 and have cut approximately 95 positions in an effort to lower their budget during difficult economic times.

Commissioner Elaine Renick once again expressed a desire to increase the amount of unencumbered reserves from the 10% presented in the county manager's budget.

Currently, $11 million dollars from reserves is budgeted for the Downtown Judicial Expansion Project and Commissioner Renick suggested keeping some of those funds in reserves. Several Commissioners seemed to agree therefore it is possible the Judicial Expansion Project could be scaled back.

On Tuesday, August 4, the county manager will ask the County Commission to transfer $98,000 from the General Fund to cover overspending in the Rental Assistance Housing Program.

Commissioners will also be asked to transfer $69,491 from the general fund to cover overspending for administrative expenses for the Tornado Relief Program.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner said he is concerned there may be a "pattern of mismanagement" of tax dollars and expressed disappointment that local tax dollars will be used to pay for programs normally funded by the federal government.

Commissioners are expected to decide the future of the Downtown Construction Project at a special evening meeting, set for July 21 at 6 pm at the Round Courthouse in Tavares.

The meeting was set to allow the public to give their opinion prior to the vote.

The Commission will consider many proposals, one which will require an additional $40 million dollars of borrowing and increase the debt on the downtown project to $130 million dollars.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner has expressed misgivings over acquiring more debt, especially during an economic downturn, saying taxes might have to be raised to repay it, something Conner strongly opposes.

On February 24, the county commission voted 5-0 to hold a special evening public hearing on the downtown judicial center project and Commissioner Jimmy Conner said any possible vote next Tuesday should be delayed until after that evening meeting.

"We voted unanimously to seek public input on this issue and when you are talking about $40 million more in debt on top of the $90 million already borrowed, the public deserves to be heard," said Conner.

"This is the most important financial issue the county commission will make this decade and I want people on all sides of the issue to be heard," continued Conner.

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A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 24, 2009

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Jennifer Hill, Vice Chairman; Jimmy Conner; Elaine Renick; and Linda Stewart. Others present were: Sanford A. (Sandy) Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; and Ellie McDonald, Deputy Clerk.

SPECIAL EVENING PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING FINANCING FOR THE JUDICIAL CENTER

Commr. Conner moved that the Board make a commitment to hold a special evening public hearing in the future in the event they decide to consider extending their debt beyond the $47 million already budgeted for the Judicial Center.

Commr. Renick seconded the motion.

Under discussion, Commr. Hill stated that she would like to make it clear that the Judicial Center was not budgeted for $47 million and questioned whether they were just asking for bonding.

Commr. Renick commented that the $47 million was what they had left over and that the meeting was to occur only if they were going to spend more than the $47 million.

Commr. Hill remarked that that was other than what they initially decided which was to have a second bond for that complex. She stated that she was not opposed to any evening meeting, but that it would cost more. She commented that she wanted to make sure people understood that they had pledged sales tax revenue towards these bonds. She explained that the original bonds were to be at $180 million and were done in two Phases of $90 million each. She commented that they may not come back for the other $90 million, but wanted the public to be aware that there was a second Phase to this bonding issue.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion and second which carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.

On Monday, June 22, Commissioner Jimmy Conner made an on site visit to Mission Inn as part of a communication program initiated by the Business Resource Center at Lake-Sumter Community College.

The purpose of the visit is to hear from local businesses and to learn of their needs during this difficult economic downtown. Conner said it is important for local governments to support Lake County companies since they employ so many Lake County families.

Several topics were discussed including the importance of a permitting system that streamlines rather than encumbers the process. Also discussed was the importance of governments doing business with Lake County companies.

Conner commended LSCC, the EDC and the county growth department for participating and said the visits were an excellent opportunity to hear from local companies.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner believes deferring impact fees supports local businesses and helps spur the economy. This action does not eliminate impact fees but allows their payment upon occupancy rather than when the building permit is pulled.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner was the lone vote against "free" bus rides for students this summer. Conner said the one dollar fee is modest and he thinks free bus rides send the wrong message to young people.
Conner said he voted this way due to the government dependency that is being created in our society today and he felt it sent the wrong message to young people.

Daily Commercial April 26, 2009

Lake County will work with the city of Tavares to possibly assist in making the planned Woodlea Sports Complex into a regional park for the central part of the county. The partnership would not be at the detriment of plans for a similar style of park already being discussed for the Clermont area, said Commission Chairman Welton Cadwell.
The commitment does not mean monetary help at this time, commissioners reiterated. Tavares officials said they would need about $900,000 in assistance to finish the park to current plans.
Commissioners said they hope the park someday serves the same purpose as the North Lake Community Park serves near Umatilla. That park recently partially opened.

On Friday, April 17th, Commissioner Jimmy Conner was the guest speaker at the Chamber Alliance luncheon held at Angelo's Restaurant in Tavares. The Chamber Alliance is composed of Chamber of Commerce members throughout Lake County.

Conner was welcomed by Alliance Chairman Ron Wallace who is also publisher of the Daily Commercial.

Conner addressed many topics and Alliance members were
particularly interested in supporting efforts for local governments to do business locally whenever possible.

Conner has owned Jimmy Conner & Associates, an insurance business, since 1979.

On Wednesday, April 8, Commissioner Jimmy Conner attended a meeting of the Lake County Historical Society as County Commission liaison.

The Honorable Bob Grenier presided over his last meeting as President and Jamie Hanja will become President for the coming year.

Conner is a third generation Lake Countian and was instrumental in preserving the historical Tavares High School Main Building during school renovations so he is a natural fit for this position. In fact, the entire campus was designed to replicate the 1920 structure and the community has been very appreciative of the historical preservation.

Conner would like to thank the Officers, Board of Directors, members at large and Gail Morris, Office Manager of the Lake County Historical Society for their commitment and dedication to preserving Lake County's History.

Sheriff Gary Borders has remodeled the Lake County Sheriff's Office located in Tavares and has quietly saved taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars by using inmate labor.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner took a tour of the facility last week and was not only impressed with the savings but also with the how nice the facility looked.

"The Sheriff's Office looks better today than it did several years ago," said Conner. "I'm really impressed."

Conner said he wanted to let the public know of the Sheriff's initiative and how much he appreciates elected officials who are trying to save taxpayer money in these trying times.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Borders offered inmate labor to the County Commission for needed improvements to the sheriff's substation in Clermont, known as the Dodge Dealership.

Conner is enthusiastic about the possibility of greater savings there and looks forward to assisting Sheriff Borders in his effort.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner and Mayor David Yeager will debate the Mayor's proposal for a paramutual facility on Lake Front TV this week. Yeager's proposal is to stimulate the economy but Conner strongly opposes the expansion of gambling.

The show was taped last Friday in the Leesburg studio with host Steve Richey.

Conner was very pleased with his debate performance and hopes everyone will have the opportunity to watch or record the show.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner's plan to hold an evening meeting in the event the County Commission decides to borrow additional funds for the expansion of the Judicial Center received unanimous approval from the BCC Tuesday, February 24.

They spoke specifically about federal funding for the Howey Bridge on Highway 19. The bridge is fifty-seven years old and qualifies for federal funding.

Jimmy Conner is working hard as your new County Commissioner and has visited several departments to learn about county operations. Conner said, "I have a lot to learn and I am working hard to learn the many aspects of county government.

County government provides a much broader range of services than I realized so it will take time and dedication to learn what I need to know to be an effective Commissioner. I am eager to learn and very willing and eager to dedicate the time necessary to learn in this new position," Conner added.

Conner recently toured the EMS department headquarters located in Mt. Dora to learn about emergency medical services in Lake County.
Conner was impressed with the modern equipment Lake County has to help save the life of citizens. In particular, he was in awe of that Lake County has an a piece of equipment that automatically performs CPR on a person in distress.

Conner appreciated the hospitality of Mr. Jim Judge and his organization for taking time to provide a valuable orientation.

On Tuesday the County Commission agreed to re bid the furniture package for the two new government buildings being built in the Downtown Tavares project after coming under fire from property appraiser Ed Havill, who criticized the commission for overspending. Havill contended he could purchase the same quality of furniture and save taxpayers $22,000.

Lake County businessman, Tim Morris, of Ernie Morris Enterprises, a longtime Lake County business, agreed with Mr. Havill and suggested the process the county was using was not fair to local businesses. Morris pointed out the school board, which builds a lot of schools, uses local vendors and saves taxpayer's money as well.

Conner recently received a complaint from a cabinet vendor who said the county was using expensive cabinets when building fire stations so Conner sees a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident.

"Our staff needs to understand that frugality is important and we must not be extravagant in spending taxpayer funds", stated Conner.

"We need to do business with Lake County businesses when we can and that is obviously not being done," affirmed Conner. Commissioner Conner has been vocal in his desire to be more business friendly and for the county to use local vendors more.

The vote to rebind was unanimous.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner visited the community of Hawthorne Thursday morning and was interviewed by resident and retired educator, Barbara Weese.

The interview was seen live on Hawthorne's closed circuit television system and a wide range of issues were discussed

Conner mentioned the need to cut the budget and specifically said some upper management salaries need to be reclassified similar to the ones recently enacted by the Superintendent and school board.
School issues were discussed and Conner emphasized that Lake County Schools is an A district which can help attract businesses.

He also discussed budget concerns and the economic downturn and expressed his concern about the long term use of water. Conner restated his opposition to the proposed water pipeline from the St. John's and its tributaries.

Commissioner Jimmy Conner was among the seventy Lake County Leaders who attended Lake County Days in Tallahassee this week. Conner said his major issues were budgeting, water, education and the stimulus bill and what it means to Lake County.

Conner met a number of elected officials and Representative Kurt Kelly, from Marion County, met with Conner in a one on one meeting to discuss issues. Conner and Kelly are longtime personal friends and served on their respective school boards together.

Lake County's newest Commissioner also had an opportunity to visit with the Speaker of the House Larry Cretul. Conner and the Speaker share something in common as Speaker Cretul is a former county commissioner from nearby Marion County.

Conner said it was an honor to meet Senate President Jeff Atwater and stated he will be following legislation closely this session that impacts Lake County.
Senator Carey Baker, and Representatives Marlene O'Toole and Alan Hays also attended Lake County Day events.

Conner said he was disappointed that information on the stimulus bill is not readily available at this time but pledged to continue to monitor its impact on Lake County.