MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

 saturday, may 4, 1957

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in special session in the County Commissioners Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Saturday, May 4, 1957, at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the Report of the Fact-Finding Committee appointed to investigate the needs of the Juvenile Court and make recommendations to the Board and such other matters as may be brought before the Board, with the following present:  Chairman Cowart; Commissioners Singeltary, Hooten, Simpson, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.  The Lake County Legislative Delegation – Boyd, Duncan, and Daniel – was present.

The Board was called to order by Chairman Cowart.

Mr. Duncan stated that last year the Board accepted a deed for right of way for land situated near Lake George, and now it is determined that an exchange of property should be made.  He presented a deed from C. K. Swindle, single, to the County of Lake conveying certain land in Section 39-15-27; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Singeltary, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the deed dated May 1, 1957 from C. K. Swindle to Lake County was accepted in lieu of title conveyed previously, and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute a deed to C. K. Swindle conveying the title which he previously deeded to Lake County.

The Fact-Finding Committee consisting of Rev. Hoyt Tatum, Mr. L. Day Edge, Mr. W. F. Williams, Mr. John McCormick, and Mr. Joe B. Kennedy was present (except McCormick, whose opinion was submitted in writing, read by Mr. Williams, and filed.)  Mr. Williams also read the report signed by Mr. Tatum, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Edge.  Mr. Kennedy stated he was out of the state at the time the report was drawn and did not sign same.  He thinks a proper detention home should be built.

Mr. Harry Gaylord, representing the Lake-Sumter Bar Association, recommended that the Juvenile Judge’s salary should come from the County Judge’s office fees and that a bill has been drawn recommending this.   Mr. Welborn Daniel, Representative, asked how the Board feels about the Bar Association’s recommendation.  No action was taken on this matter.

At the request of the Committee, the Clerk read the amounts of Receipts and Disbursements and amounts paid to the County from County Fee Officers for the year 1956.

On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, it was moved that the Fact-Finding Committee will be thanked very graciously for the work it has done.

The following delegations were present and heartily endorsed the report of the Fact-Finding Committee:

Mrs. Soper and Mrs. Bowers of the Tavares Woman’s Club.  Mrs. Bowers also represented the Tavares PTA along with Mrs. Hudson.

Mrs. D. A. Furlong represented the Woman’s Society of Christian Service of Tavares Methodist Church.

Mrs. J. A. Chesshyre represented the Morrison Memorial Methodist Church, Leesburg.

Mrs. Clinton Tobey, President, represented Lake County PTA Council

Mr. Williams gave a report on the salary of the Chief Counselors of various counties.  Clerk Owens filed a report of cost of the Juvenile Court of Orange County.

Commr. Hooten suggested that the Board ask Orange and Marion Counties about the use of their detention homes for Lake County.  Commr. Singeltary thinks this would be OK.  Commr. Simpson suggested that this matter be investigated by the Committee, but Commr. Singeltary suggested the Committee not do this, but the Board should.  Mrs. Alexander did not think the children should be so far away from the counselors.  Commr. Hooten suggested that if possible, the budget should be amended for additional funds to hire additional counselors.

On a motion by Commr. Singeltary, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Board accepted the Fact-Finding Committee’s report with thanks and discharged them.

Commr. Hooten suggested that the motion be amended to read that the Committee not be discharged but still work with the Board.  WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the motion previously adopted “that the Board accepted the Fact-Finding Committee’s report with thanks and discharged them” was amended to read that the Committee be not discharged but continue in an advisory capacity for the Board.

Mr. Williams stated the most needed items for the Juvenile Court are an increase in personnel and salary and a detention home.

Mr. Tatum stated that the Committee knows the Board has to have time to work this out, and he does not think they would be able to solve these problems this morning.

Mr. Cowart, Chairman, suggested that the Board study the budget Monday at the meeting, and if they do not have time that day, call a special meeting Tuesday or Wednesday.  Mr. Cowart asked if this would be agreeable to the Committee, and Mr. Tatum stated he does not see anything else to do.  Mr. Duncan stated he will be glad to take this information to Tallahassee and check on it, but the Board did not so instruct him.

Clerk Owens filed a letter from Harriette E. Mills, Secretary of Christian Social Relations of the Methodist Church, Mt. Dora, favoring a Juvenile detention home, etc.

Commr. Cross stated he talked to Mr. Peters of the Lake County Medical Center, and he is ready to meet with the Board and discuss the possibility of the hospital having space for the mentally ill.  The Board agreed to go to the Fountain Inn for dinner Monday and discuss this matter with Mr. Peters.

Senator Boyd stated the Board of Parks wants to construct a park and facilities for the boat landing just east of Fruitland Park and dig sufficient channel from that point for boats to get into Lake Griffin and the Oklawaha River but will need ten or fifteen more acres of land.  The Town of Fruitland Park has five acres.  Mr. Boyd stated the Park Director said it would help to have a resolution from the Board that it will cooperate with the Board of Parks in securing additional land; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Singeltary, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, State of Florida, recognize the need for additional recreational facilities in Lake County, Florida, and

WHEREAS, the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, a State Agency, is seeking a Legislative appropriation to begin initial development of Lake Griffin State Park situated in Lake County, Florida, and

WHEREAS, to properly develop Lake Griffin State Park, additional lands must be secured and proper access provided, and

WHEREAS, in the judgment of said Board of County Commissioners, such a development will be advantageous to the residents and visitors of Lake County and will add to the recreational, economic, and social life of Lake County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County:

That said Board of County Commissioners in consideration of the foregoing premises, will cooperate with the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials in the development of Lake Griffin State Park and will use its best endeavors to acquire additional land necessary for the prop development of said park.

Commr. Cross brought to the attention of the Board that the County owns Marsh Memorial Park on Road 452 at Fort Mason on Lake Yale, and he would like for the Board of Parks to include this park in its roadside parks.  There was no motion on this.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

/s/ Frank E. Owens                                                                  /s/ O. M. Simpson           

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN