Commission Meeting Minutes

1. Conceptual Presentation — Of a proposal to expand the Lady Lake Utility Service Area Boundary to incorporate approximately 49.46 acres of land located west of Cherry Lake Road and south of County Road 466; also within the jurisdiction of Sumter County, Florida; to be served by the Town of Lady Lake for provision of water and sewer utility. (Thad Carroll)

Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He turned the presentation over to Jonathan Huels of the law firm representing the property owner. Mr. Huels reviewed his client’s proposal to expand the utility service area boundary and requested the Commissioners’ thoughts on it.

Mayor Richards asked the Commissioners if they any questions.

Commissioner Kussard commented on the amount of allocated gallons authorized to be withdrawn by the Town’s consumptive use permit. She stated there is an unknown factor that should be considered whereby other properties within the Town limits and/or development of properties that may be annexed into the Town may need reserve capacity prior to 2026. These may include developments on CR 466, US Highway 27/441, and Lake Ella Road. She noted that although annual revenue of over $42,000 would be paid to the Town if this project goes forward, there will never be tax revenue since it is outside the Town limits. Commissioner Kussard stated water is a precious commodity and the Town should take seriously how these resources are allocated.

Mayor Richards asked if the property owner is prepared to pay for constructing and installing all the utility lines down Cherry Lake Road for this utility service boundary expansion.

Mr. Huels replied that the developer would be obligated to pay the cost for the utility line expansions as part of the utility service agreement with the Town.

Mr. Huels responded that he understands Commissioner Kussard’s concern, although he noted that actual use is normally half of what is allocated.

Mayor Richards noted the average use is normally 100 gallons a day per person, although irrigation uses a lot more.

Commissioner Vincent asked if there is reuse available for this project.

Mr. Huels confirmed with Public Works Director C.T. Eagle that they would be using reuse water for irrigation, not potable water.

Mr. Eagle agreed that the average household is two and a half persons, which is where the 250 gallons per day average comes from. He confirmed that this project would definitely tie into the reuse line for irrigation if it goes forward.

Commissioner Kussard and Commissioner Holden were not in favor of this expansion.

Commissioner Hannan and Commissioner Vincent were initially  in favor of this, although Commissioner Vincent stated he would like more information.

Mayor Richards stated he would like additional analysis by staff, and the other Commissioners agreed that they would like further evaluation by staff before considering this proposal further.