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Highlands Today

Wish List: AP, County Ask Legislators For More Money, Migrant Bill

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: November 25, 2007

City Manager C.B. Shirey isn't giving up. He still wants the state legislature to forbid the Highlands County Health Department to issue migrant labor camp permits that violate municipal zoning ordinances.

Last year, the health department granted eight permits in Avon Park, one in Sebring and 55 in Lake Placid.

Avon Park went through a summer of strife as the council considered an ordinance that would fine landlords for allowing too many people in one house. Some homes allowed a dozen migrant workers — assumed to be illegal — to stay in the homes. Neighbors have complained they've witnessed drunkenness and outdoor urination at migrant rent houses.

The council directed Shirey to seek a change in state law, requiring the city's approval of migrant labor housing.

"We would sign off on whether it meets local zoning regulations," Shirey said.

To avoid conflicts, the city also wants more than one Community Redevelopment Agency, Shirey said.
"Right now, we have three pots of money," Shirey said. The money goes to redevelop the airport, downtown, and the Southside, where many blacks and Hispanics live.

"Each area has different dynamics," Shirey explained. With a six or seven member board, potentially each of the three CRA factions could form a minority.

Finally, the city is seeking help on storm water retention. Shirey wants to treat rainwater before it reaches the lakes with grease and pollutants from the streets.

Highlands County

Lake Placid Mayor Tom Katsanis and Sebring Assistant City Manager Scott Neothlich said they will not make requests.

The county is expected to lose $4.2 million in revenues if citizens vote for a tax increase on Jan. 29.
That's why County Administrator Carl Cool is asking the Legislature to appropriate money to offset the loss.

Senate Bill 4-D allows the state to give back money to "fiscally constrained counties," Cool told the county commissioners on Tuesday.

"In addition, the municipalities that are located within a fiscally constrained county should also be included and likewise compensated," Cool wrote.

The county is also asking for funding for a $4 million community center in Lake Placid. Highlands County will host coastal residents who would evacuate due to hurricanes, Cool wrote, but the county has a shortage of wind-resistant shelters. Lake Placid has no wind-compliant shelters.

"We view this situation as a matter of concern not just at a local or regional level, but of statewide significance," Cool said. The center would house from 500 to 1,000 people.

The county is asking the county's legislative delegation: Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid; Rep. Baxter Troutman, R-Winter Haven; and Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, to vote against an amendment proposed by Florida Transportation Builders Association.

"This legislation would cripple the county's capital financial strategy, from dirt road construction to major road building like the (Sebring) Parkway projects," wrote Ross MacBeth, county attorney.
The proposed law would dictate when and how the county could build new roads and bridges, and whether they could be paid out of gasoline taxes.

Finally, the county requested money to close the Thunderbird Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant, and reroute the sewage to the city of Sebring. The cost is estimated at $2.2 million.

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