MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners
tuesday, january 3, 1956
Monday, January 2, being a Holiday and a quorum not being present for the Commissioners meeting, the Clerk adjourned the regular meeting of the Board until Tuesday, January 3, 1956 at 10:00 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Tuesday, January 3rd, at ten o’clock a.m. with the following present: Chairman Singletary; Commissioners Cowart, Simpson, and Lightfoot; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.
The Board was called to order by the Chairman.
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the minutes of December 5 and 17 were approved as read.
pauper list
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Lightfoot, and carried:
District 1 - the following were dropped from the list: Mrs. Euthah Barnes, Paul Austin Howard, and Mrs. Gus Kleman.
Districts 2, 3, and 4 – No changes
District 5 – Rosa Lee Monroe was added to the list for $15 per month.
notary public bonds
Clerk Owens reported he had approved since the last regular meeting the following Notary Public Bonds with American Fire and Casualty Company: Robert M. Bentz 104 ½ W. Main, Leesburg 12-12-55; George O. Craig, Leesburg 12-12; Lorrayne B. Munson, 1017 Lee St., Leesburg 12-14-55; and Perry C. Brown 12-14-55.
With American Surety Company of New York: Ralph D. Dandridge 12-12-55 and William Hugh Nichols 12-12-55; and with Fidelity & Casualty Company of NY: Alice W. Lockmiller 12-16-55 and Ted C. Prosser 12-23-55;
With U. S. Fidelity & Guaranty Co.: Mrs. Barbara Johnson 12-23-55.
The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of W. H. Kistler with Stovall & Stovall, Agents.
bids for purchase of truck for mosquito control
Notice having been advertised for the purchase of a truck for Mosquito Control work, the following bids were received:
BERDINE MOTORS, Leesburg
One new 1956 1-ton 4-wheel drive Willys pickup truck $2,899.21
Less Discount 250.00
$2,649.21
Less Excise Tax 104.09
$2,545.12
Less Excise Tax on tires 3.72
Total price net $2,541.40
SUN CHEVROLET CO. INC., Clermont
1956 Chevrolet 1-ton cab and chassis (equipped as listed) $2,825.00
LAKE MOTORS, Eustis
1956 Dodge Model PW6-126 1-ton truck (equipped as listed) $2,320.00
Option 1 deduct $41.50
Option 2 add $82.78
Option 3 add $147.70
JUNGLE AUTO SERVICE, Leesburg
1956 GMC ¾ Ton Truck $2,898.00
On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bid of LAKE MOTORS, Eustis, to furnish Lake County for Mosquito Control work one 1956 Dodge Model PW6 1-ton Power Wagon, Chassis Cab equipped as specified for the sum of $2,467.70 (with Option 3) was accepted.
bids for purchase of crawler mounted shovel
Notice having been advertised for the purchase of a one-half cubic yard Crawler Mounted Shovel for use in District No. 5, the following bids were received:
CHAPMAN MACHINERY, Tampa
One new Insley ½ cu. Yd. Shovel Excavator $16,201.00
FLORIDA EQUIPMENT CO., Jacksonville
One model 205 Koehring ½ cu. yd. Shovel $18,030.00
Add for 20” shoes 195.00
Add for Caterpillar D-315 Engine Diesel 475.00
PILOT EQUIPMENT CO., Jacksonville
One Bay City Model 30 Crawler Machine $17,998.00
GRAZE-DEMPSEY, INC., Jacksonville
One Bucyrus-Erie Model 15B ½ cu. yd. Crawler $16,916.00
FINN MACHINERY CO., Orlando
One ½ cu. yd. Lorain Model L15 Shovel $18,363.00
CRAWFORD EQUIPMENT CO., Jacksonville
One new P&H 155 ½ cu. yd. Shovel mounted on crawlers $16,652.00
For 20” shoes flat, in lieu of 20” grouser, add 455.00
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the above bids were taken under advisement until the next regular Board meeting on February 6, 1956.
Mr. W. H. Reedy appeared before the Board and presented letters from Governor Collins and Mr. Dial of the Road Board regarding building an underpass at the intersection of Roads 27 and 19 north of Groveland. Mr. Reedy stated that Mr. Richey Green has received the resolution from Lake County regarding this underpass and told him that plans are underway on the underpass, and the contract will probably be let in July 1956. Governor Collins came down and viewed the location of the proposed underpass. This should be put in the budget for the last part of the year 1956. Mr. Reedy asked that the Attorney for the Board write Mr. Dial asking that this underpass be included in the budget for 1956. Mr. Reedy stated that Mr. Dial is going to speak in Mount Dora at the Community Building on Thursday, January 5, at 8 PM and requested the Board members to be present at this meeting. Commr. Simpson invited the Board members, Mr. Owens, Mr. Duncan, Senator Baker, and Mr. Boyd to be his guests at this dinner at 7 PM.
Mr. Reedy brought to the attention of the Board the deplorable condition of the road leading into the radio station. Commr. Singeltary stated all clay roads are in a deplorable condition now due to dry weather. Mr. Reedy requested that the radio station road be oil topped. Commr. Lightfoot stated if the citizens will buy the asphalt, he will fix the road. Commr. Lightfoot is to talk to Mr. Reedy later about this matter.
Mr. Lehmann appeared before the Board and filed a request for $2,000 for the Chamber of Commerce and $2,000 for the Fair Association. Said requests were approved by the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Clermont Press was designated to publish the delinquent tax list for 1955.
R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, filed with the Board a check in the amount of $20,505.51, excess fees returned to the County for the year 1955.
The request of W. Troy Hall, Jr., County Judge, to purchase a typewriter and table was approved by the Board.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Todd Co. Inc. acknowledging the order for a Check Protector; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the five-year Service Contract with Todd Co., Inc. dated 12-21 55, Machine No. U 757R 2917 Order Serial No. MO 2172 for an annual service fee of $18 was executed by the Chairman for the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, has recently acquired a Check Signing Machine No. U 961 P 8031 Order Serial No. MO 2173 to facilitate and protect signatures upon checks of the Board of County Commissioners.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the check signing machine above described be, and it is hereby adopted as the official machine for signing checks for Lake County, Florida, and that the signatures appearing upon this page (see above) and “signed” or impressed by said machine is adopted as the official signatures of the signers for the purpose of issuing checks of Lake County, Florida.
Membership cards for the County Commissioners Association were given to each member of the Board.
Clerk Owens reported that Paul Reed has offered $25 for a steel filing cabinet in the Clerk’s office. The Commissioners agreed to appraise this cabinet and advise Mr. Reed.
Mr. Owens brought to the attention of the Board that the Board of County Commissioners do not have an official seal but have been using the seal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the following resolution was adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that said Board adopt as its official seal an impression seal designed as follows:
In the outer rim “Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida.”
In the inner circle “Official Seal.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the seal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, heretofore used on official documents of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, be ratified and cancelled as the official seal of said Board when the official seal is procured.
Clerk Owens reported that someone had called him and asked that a sign be placed at the intersection of the old Tavares-Eustis Road at the Dream Boat, designating the road as Tavares-Eustis Road; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart, Attorney Duncan was instructed to write the State Road Department requesting that a sign be placed at the Dream Boat designating the Tavares-Eustis Road.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Attorney Duncan enclosing a check for $1,250 from the State of Florida to Irving Burleigh which was endorsed to Lake County to be applied to the cost of the culvert on Road S-452, Lake Shore Drive, Tavares-Mount Dora. The easement on this was filed. Also, a letter from Mr. Duncan enclosing a check for $630 from the State of Florida to Jeffers endorsed to Lake County is to be applied to the cost of the culvert on Road S-452, Lake Shore Drive. The easement on this was filed.
Clerk Owens filed an Addenda to the Appraisal on SR S-452, Section 1157-150 (Grand Island) signed by H. F. Getford, W. I. Carleton, and Fred Cross in the amount of $850. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Simpson, an Addenda to the Appraisal on SR S-452, Section 1157-150, for $850 was approved by the Board.
Clerk Owens filed an Addenda to the Appraisal on SR S-452, Section 1159-150 (Grand Island) signed by C. B. Treadway, W. I. Carleton, and Fred Cross in the amount of $3,130. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart, the Addenda to the Appraisal on SR S-452, Section 1159-150 was approved by the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the request of Clerk Owens to purchase cabinets for his office to hold subdivision maps was approved.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Lightfoot and carried, Warrant #302 in the amount of $7.55 to Kingsley’s for keys and latches was cancelled, as this is a duplicate payment.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Paul A. Husebo enclosing a letter from the State Road Department regarding Section 1109, SR 19 (Old), regarding city or county governments making a request for a survey on said road; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Cowart, the Attorney for the Board was instructed to request the State Road Department to make a survey on Old State Road 19, Section 1109.
A letter from Lake Abstract & Guaranty Company stating that the land described in Wentzel Subdivision Plat is insurable in the name of Edwin Wentzel, Sr. and wife was filed with the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving the applications of Charles Gordon Kinsey, Lake Jem; Monroe Gaines, Mount Dora; and Wallace E. Hawkins, Lake Saunders, for admittance to the T. B. Hospital was approved. Clerk Owens reported he has been informed by the Health Unit that Mr. Hawkins went to California instead of entering the Hospital.
Clerk Owens called to the attention of the Board that the Kiwanis Club of Tavares asked if they can sell the timber on the land that was donated to the Tavares School for forestry purposes. Attorney Duncan stated that the School Board can do whatever it wishes to with the trees.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute the deed to P. B. Brown for land purchased by him by bid at the last meeting.
A letter from Miss M. L. Haynes regarding the cemetery at Orange Bend was read to the Board, and the Clerk was instructed to have a complete title search run on this land and then give the information to Attorney Duncan.
Clerk Owens reported that Cy Willard stated that the surveyors do not agree on section corners at Grand Island, and Mr. Duncan stated that the Board does not have authority to have corners established. Mr. Duncan was instructed to write the federal government and ask if it will establish corners without cost to the County.
Fred Tanner appeared before the Board and requested the Board to advertise for a machine for mosquito control with a trade-in of the old machine; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the Clerk was instructed to advertise in the Tavares Citizen for a machine for mosquito control with a trade-in of an old machine. (Tanner to furnish information for advertisement.)
Mr. Kaharska appeared before the Board and stated he has an 80-acre tract of land into which he has no approach, 25 acres planted in a 4-year grove and six acres in Sea Island cotton. Commr. Cowart stated the road has been declared a public road, but the rights of way would have to be secured. Mr. Kaharska stated he will pay half of the condemnation and half of the price of the land for this road. Mr. Duncan stated if the road has been declared a public road, then the land can be condemned. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Lightfoot, the following named persons were appointed Appraisers to appraise the value of rights of way to be obtained on a strip of land designated as a public road in the Bay Lake section on November 7, 1955: Lacy G. Thomas, Edwin Mattson Jr., and John Arnold.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Simpson, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, viewers were appointed to locate and establish a public road in the Bay Lake Section in Lake County, Florida, and said viewers did report on the 3rd day of October, 1955 designating as a public road, a strip of land particularly described as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of State Secondary Road No. 562 (Mascotte-Bay Lake Paved Road) and the mid-section line of Section 4, Township 23 South, Range 24 East; thence run East as near as practicable along the midsection line of said Section 4 and Section 3 to the East boundary of Section 3;
ALSO
Begin at the intersection of the East line of Section 34, Township 22 South, Range 24 East and the Groveland-Empire County Clay Road, thence run South as near as practicable along the East line off said Section 34 and the East line of Section 3, 10, and 15 in Township 23 South, Range 24 East, to intersect with the paved road leading from Bay Lake Church located in the SE corner of Section 16, Township 23 South, Range 24 East, Eastward to State Highway No. 33, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners on November 7, 1955 did declare said above-described strip of land to be a public road, and maps have been prepared showing said road as designated by said viewers and filed with said Board; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Board of County Commissioners that the above-mentioned public road is necessary to serve the public and the property owners owning property abutting and near said public road.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the location and map of the public road above described be, and the same are hereby approved and that said map be signed by the members of this Board and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the judgment of this Board that the construction of a public road, in accordance with said map and report of the viewers, is necessary, practicable, and to the best interests of Lake County, the property owners owning property abutting and near said road, and to the public. That it is necessary that the title to the right of way, as shown by said map, be acquired; and that this Board be authorized to acquire the same by gift, purchase, or condemnation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said Board be, and it is hereby authorized to secure by gift, purchase, or condemnation as provided in and by the Laws of Florida, the lands necessary for the right of way for said road and for borrow pits as may be necessary for the construction of said road, that may hereafter be found and determined necessary in such construction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Attorney for this Board be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to proceed to take the necessary steps for this Board to acquire in the name of Lake County by donation, purchase, or condemnation such title, rights of way, borrow pits, and easements as shall be necessary and required in accordance with the map approved by this Board and to prepare in the name of Lake County deeds, permanent easements, temporary easements, subordinations, and other instruments which may be required in the acquiring of said rights of way, borrow pits, and easements and to prepare all condemnation proceedings, affidavits, and pleadings necessary for said purpose; and to prosecute all condemnation proceedings to judgment.
A delegation of citizens from Fruitland Park, namely Mel Larson, Morris Gustafson, Fred Crispell, Henry L. Wiley, L. D. Norbury, W. S. Confer, Fred Peyerl, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Matthews, Mrs. Ira Latham, and Mrs. Hungerford appeared before the Board and filed a petition signed by this delegation, also by John P. Keser, Ira Latham, and R. Hungerford regarding loss to property owners by the four-laning of Road 441 at Fruitland Park and locations of cutoffs and crossovers in said road divided by an island in the center. Mr. Frank R. Green of Ocala, Attorney for Morris Gustafson of the Lakeside Motel, pointed out that the Plat of Hilldale Subdivision left a strip of land four feet wide that was of no use, except for a fence. Mr. Matthews stated he did not think a road that has been established for 75 years could be closed by the State Road Department. Mr. Larson stated he bought his land with the understanding that a super highway would pass by it, but now he is closed off of the highway. Business is down 40 percent since the road is in. There should be an answer to this problem somewhere, and we thought this is the place to start. Mr. Wiley stated he sold the land to Mr. Larson. He stated it is his plan now to file a subdivision plat of record and see if they can get the island eliminated. Mr. Duncan stated if Mr. Wiley brings in a plat in compliance with the law, he sees no reason why the County Commissioners could not accept same. Mr. Duncan stated he will be glad to request the State Road Department for crossovers on this highway. Senator Baker stated that he and Mr. Duncan went to the State Road Department while they were in Tallahassee during the session of the Legislature several times and asked that they do away with the island but failed to accomplish this; then they tried to get crossovers or intersections. Mr. Duncan and I have done all we can as representatives in the Legislature to improve this situation but do not know whether or not we can get this change, but if there is anything we can do, we will be glad to do it. We have tried our best and will continue to try. Commr. Singeltary stated the County Commissioners did not request that the island be put in. Mrs. Latham stated they bought a home right on the highway but have no place to turn off of the highway.
vouchers
On a motion by Commr. Lightfoot, seconded by Commr. Cowart, the following vouchers were approved for payment by the Board, to wit:
GENERAL REVENUE FUND – Vouchers #303 to and including #412
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND – Vouchers #224 to and including #300
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND – Vouchers #46 to and including #57
the following letters were filed with the board:
Letter from Robert L. Griffin, County Commissioner, St. Lucie County, regarding Appalachian Oak
Letter from the State Road Department acknowledging receipt of resolution regarding Secondary Roads
Letter from Karl Lehmann – News Notes
Copy of letter from Dr. Hall, Director, Health Unit, to Director of Baker, Oregon, regarding Mrs. Vivian Mae Volner being admitted to a hospital in Oregon
State Board of Administration report on road bridge bonds, all issues, and surplus gas tax report and 7th cent gas tax
Minutes of State Road Department, Dec. 13, minutes of Mid-Year Conference, State Association of County Commissioners
the following reports were filed with the board:
Mrs. Valentine, Home Demonstration Agent, Joan Mills, Asst. H. D. Agent
R. E. Norris, County Agent
J. C. Hunter, County Service Officer
The Report of Licenses issued by the Tax Collector, duplicates of which have been filed with the County Judge of Lake County for the Month of November, 1955.
Fines, Forfeitures, and Costs Reports of W. Troy Hall, Jr., County Judge, for the months of July, August, September, and October, 1955.
We, the Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Lake in the State of Florida, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the following is a true and correct list of the names of the persons drawn or selected by each of us for jury duty to serve in the Circuit Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, in and for said County of Lake for the year 1956 and that each of us has personally selected and verified said list, that said persons named have the qualifications required by Section 40.01, Florida Statutes according to the best of our knowledge, information, and belief.
(LIST OF JURORS ON PAGE 420 AND 421 IN MINUTE BOOK 16.)
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens /s/ George Singeltary
CLERK CHAIRMAN