MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

MONDAY, may 6, 1957

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, May 6, 1957, at ten o’clock a.m. with the following present:  Chairman Cowart; Commissioners Singeltary, Hooten, Simpson and Cross as well as the Clerk. 

Chairman Cowart called the Board to order.

The minutes of April 1st and April 15 were adopted as read, on motion of Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson.

PAUPER LIST

DISTRICT NO. 1 – Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried – that Robert B. Yates be increased from $30.00 to $40.00 and that the warrant be made to Mrs. Corrine Fletcher.

DISTRICT NO. 2 – That Hugh Parrish, Groveland, be increased from $35.00 to $45.00.  That William Anderson, Yalaha, for $10.00 be dropped from the list.

DISTRICT NO. 3 -  That the following be dropped from the list:    M. G. Treiwieler, Tavares; Willie Seate, Tavares and Eddie F. Kennedy, Clermont; That Mrs. Corrine Fletcher be granted $14.50 per month for care of Mrs. Marie Tucker.

DISTRICT NO. 4 – That no changes be made.

DISTRICT NO. 5 – That Mrs. Fletcher for Emma Collier be dropped from the list; that Mrs. Ward C. Bryan, New Jersey Apartments, Eustis, be granted $20.00 per month; and that Dora Golheur, Umatilla, be granted $10.00 per month.

Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried that Mrs. W. B. Gibson, Lady Lake, be granted $90.00 per month for care of Roland Miller and the Roland Miller fund payment of $40.00 be discontinued.  (Credit Dists. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Clerk Owens reported he has approved since the last regular meeting the following Notary Public bonds with American Surety Company of New York:  Evelyn S. Hodel 4-13-57; Vera E. Sawyer 4-19-57; Annie Bozeman 4-22-57.  With American Fire & Casualty Co.:  Marie L. Rich 4-16-57; Shirley Ann Pridgeon 5-3-57; Lucille Rawling 5-6-57; and with Glens Falls Insurance Co. Grace Smith April 30, 1957; also C. A. Vaughn, Sr. May 3, 1957 approved did not make notation of Company.

Mr. Karl Lehmann appeared before the Board and gave a report on the findings of the Committee appointed by the Governor re the population survey to determine if a third judge is necessary in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.  He stated the Governor has accepted the report:

            University figures                                                                  120,493

            Committee figures                                                                 127,937

            Lake County, largest in Circuit                        49,316

            Marion County                                                 48,803

            Sumter County                                                 11,847

            Citrus County                                                     8,297

            Hernando County                                              9,674

 

Mr. Lehmann stated the Governor assured the Committee he will approve a third judge for the Circuit, but he will not come from Lake County.  Mr. Lehmann thinks there will be a refund from the Committee to the County.

On motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried the Committee was thanked for the splendid work it has done on the survey.

The Ninth Grade Class of the Tavares High School, attended by Mr. Jack Morgan, Principal and Mrs. John Ragan, Teacher, came to the Board meeting to familiarize the class with the duties of the Board.  The party was introduced to the Board by Commr. Singeltary.

Frank Porter appeared before the Board re:  road into Lake George and stated it is necessary to change the location as have moved the road over a few feet and have placed on record Saturday a new deed.  The Forest Board is in favor of this road.  After the road is completed, there will be between 12 and 15 homes built on Lake George, which would mean more tax money.  This road is a little less than one mile.  Commr. Cross suggested that the road be cleared 20 or 25 feet for County Park.  Boat clubs will be in favor of this.  Some fill is needed in the park.  Road to be sand and clay.  This was left for the foremen to work out.

C. A. Vaughn filed re-appraisal on parcel #10 – Raymond C. Lee – State Road 44, Section 1111-Job 107 by appraisers John Alden Murray, Howard Getford and Emery Dillard.  State Road Department advised the previous appraisal making a total of $234.00 for the land taken in Parcel #10, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried, the re-appraisal in the amount of $102.00 on parcel #10 State Road 44 was approved.

C. E. Haven appeared before the Board and presented Plat of Crest Haven Subdivision with Policy #A70830 Title & Trust Company of Florida, and letter from the Health Department stating the location for septic tanks is apparently OK, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried, the Plat of Crest Haven was approved.

The Petition of Ben P. Rebel and 10 others requesting the establishment of a public road having been filed and viewers appointed and having made their report on same recommending the establishment of said road, and the Notice having been advertised for objections, and no objections having been received, Commr. Singeltary requested that the matter be held in abeyance until the deeds are secured.

Mr. Huff of Cassia appeared before the Board in connection with the road into Swift property and was instructed as soon as the deeds are secured, the Board will go along with them in this matter.

Commr. Hooten filed a letter from R. E. Norris, County Agent, re his appointment as president of the Florida State Horticultural Society and the expense connected therewith.  This letter was filed as Mr. Norris has been previously authorized to submit bills for this expense up to $200.00 until the end of October.

Mr. R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, and Mr. Paul Reed of the Tax Collector’s office appeared before the Board.  Mr. Cassady stated that changes have been made on the 1956 Tax Roll since the Roll was turned over to the Tax Collector – the changes are numbered consecutively from 1 to 198 inclusive and are up to date at the present time.  Changes due primarily to – houses which were charged on the 1956 Tax Roll as being completed on January 1, 1956, and later proven to have not been completed; new groves which were charged on the Tax Roll as being set out prior to January 1, 1956, and later proven to have been set out after Jan. 1, 1956; widow and disability exemptions which were applied for and granted after the Tax Roll was written.  Prior to 1956 these errors and corrections have been handled in the form of an “E&I” report submitted to the Board and approved.  The State Auditing Department now insists that it should be handled in this way and the corrections and changes should be made at least periodically as the Board meets.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Forms numbered from 1 to 198 inclusive were approved by the Board.

Mr. Cassady stated that every five years they should have new aerial survey of the County.  Last survey was made in 1952.  If can go in with the four adjoining counties, will be cheaper.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, was authorized to have new aerial survey maps of the County made, and pay for same out of excess fees of his office.

Mr. Cassady stated they need a new machine to write the Tax Roll and the estimated cost is $3,225.00, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to advertise in the Tavares Lake County Citizen for the purchase of a Tax Billing Accounting Machine to be used by the County Tax Assessor for extending the County Tax Roll and preparing County Tax statements.  Bids to be accepted at the next regular meeting.

Paul Reed asked if the Board would allow the Tavares School to have the seats which have been taken out of the courtroom.  The Commissioners suggested that the School Board make this request by letter.  Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that upon receipt of letter from the School Board requesting the seats removed from the courtroom in the Courthouse that the School Board be allowed to have the seats.

Commr. Cowart stated he needs to purchase a clay pit that adjoins property now owned by Lake County and the price of same is $400.00, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, Commr. Cowart was authorized to purchase a clay pit for $400.00 adjoining County-owned land.

Commr. Simpson presented a petition signed by Leslie F. Jackson and 20 others, Petitioning the Board to name the clay road on the east side of Lake Woodward extending from the Old Eustis-Mt. Dora road to a point on Route 19 near the junction of Route 441, commonly called The Triangle, “Eudora Road,” WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the road referred to above was named “Eudora Road,” and the Commr. in District Four was authorized to erect a sign at each end of the road with the name thereon.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that the action of the Clerk and Chairman in approving the applications of Mrs. Blanche M. Lucroy and Mr. Warren Kirby for admittance to the T. B. Hospital be approved.

Telegram dated April 18, 1957, from E. G. Simmons, President State Assn. of Co. Commrs., requesting the Board to urge C. E. Duncan, member of the Roads Committee of the House, to support House Bills Nos. 51, 52 and 54 – funds for acquisition of rights of way – was read.  Also telegram dated April 25, 1957 from Mr. Simmons requesting the Board to contact immediately senators and house members and urge their support of Senate Bill #516, House Bill #721, providing funds for acquisition of rights of way; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Clerk was authorized to urge the Lake County delegation to support the bills referred to in the telegrams.

A delegation of citizens from Clermont, comprising the Midway Intersection Assn, namely – Don McCaffry, Lottie B. Baker, G. Prines, Alice Lockmiller, Betty Jenson, Roy E. Baker, Gordon Forbes, Austin Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Douglas, Roy Douglas, Patricia McCaffry, Mrs. Jenson and Howard Mooney – appeared before the Board and filed objections to the proposed overpass on Roads 50-27.  Mr. Mooney was spokesman for the group and presented a copy of traffic circle proposed instead of an overpass.  The delegation asked that the Board amend its Resolution adopted on February 4, but the Board declined action on this.  Mr. McCaffrey, designer of the traffic circle, said State Road Department engineers have described it as having “definite possibilities.”   He stated it can be constructed for about $70,000.00.  No action was taken on this matter by the Board.  Commr. Hooten stated he will discuss the proposed alternate with State Road Department engineers.

Commr. Hooten filed check of Raymond E. Williams in the amount of $57.20 for sale of pipe to be deposited to the credit of District #3.  Commr. Simpson filed Co. R/B warrant #356 dated April 1, 1957, for $20.10 made to Jack Walton for cancellation as party has left Co. employment and left no address, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, said warrant was ordered cancelled.

Commr. Simpson presented deed from Brown to Lake County for a parking area for loading trucks on Road 46, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the deed from Brown to Lake County for a parking area for loading trucks on Road 46, was accepted, subject to approval of Attorney Duncan.

NOTICE HAVING BEEN ADVERTISED by the Board, by authority of the State Road Department, for the sale of houses on rights of way Road 500, the following bids were received:

W. B. HALL, owner

            For the big house in which he lives                           $710.00

            For the small block cottage                                          100.00

Mr. Hall advised the Board that Mr. Duncan agreed with him that he is to have the          water pump on the property.

 

SOUTHERN FISH CULTURISTS

            For the house or houses known as W. B. Hall

             and wife on Road 441                                                $1,111.00

 

            For the house or houses known as Clark

            S. Velsor and wife                                                        3,111.00

 

            For the house or houses known as the Clark   4,222.00

            S. Velsor and the house or houses known as

            W. B. Hall and wife, collectively

 

RAYFORD TAYLOR

           

            For the small block building located in front

            Of the W. B. Hall building located on Federal

            Rd. 441                                                                           100.00

 

H. W. CALLAWAY

 

            For the C. S. Velsor house on highway 441,

            East of Leesburg                                                             475.00

 

JOHN W. REGNVALL

 

            For the C. S. Velsor house on highway 441,

            Front house or the one Velsor now lives in                   640.00

 

STEWART BUILDINGS

 

            For the four buildings Hall and Velsor                      $2,773.00

            (Check for $277.30 which is 10% of

            Bid enclosed)

 

Clerk Owens was instructed to submit the bids to C. E. Duncan, Attorney for the Board.

 

Letter from Ross H. Stanton, resident attorney, re procedure to dispose of houses filed.

NOTICE HAVING BEEN ADVERTISED FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING THE HOME DEMONSTRATION BUILDING, THE FOLLOWING BIDS WERE RECEIVED:

 

DUNNAGAN SHEET METAL COMPANY                         $4,125.00

JESS DOOLEY’S                                                                   $5,543.00

HORST ROOFING & SHEET METAL                                 $4,185.75

TEMPERATURE ENGINEERING CORP                             $4,362.25

The Board instructed Mr. Emerson, Engineer to take the bids for study and return same with his recommendation May 12, 1957.

Mr. Owens advised the Board at the suggestion of Walter Warren he asked a representative of Florida Nursery & Landscape Company, Leesburg, to come before the Board and discuss the advisability of planting a rose garden on the Courthouse grounds.  Mr. Johnson came to the meeting and suggested that the garden be planted on the West side of the courthouse on each side of the walk, as the bushes would get plenty sun there – would take 42 bushes – suggested 3 colors, white, pink and red.  Advised to stay away from yellow.  If the County prepared the bed with clay and fertilizer, the bushes would be furnished and set for $56.90.  Mr. Singeltary suggested that this matter be taken under advisement.

Mr. Owens reported that K. Mizell has advised him that the City of Leesburg has two plats which they want approved by the Board, but the City will not have a meeting until sometime during the week.  Clerk Owens was instructed to advise Mr. Mizell to send them to the Board meeting on Monday, May 13, for approval.

Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried that the Plat of West Shore – property of Joe Priest – be approved subject to approval by Attorney Duncan.

Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that the application of Elvish Handsbough, Leesburg, for admittance to the T. B. Hospital be approved.

Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried that the Chairman and Clerk be authorized to execute the deed from Lake County to John F. Seagle, et al, without consideration.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Judge Futch stating that Mrs. Margaret Hightower, secretary to Judge Futch, has resigned, and the Judge requested that her salary for April as Secretary and Librarian be paid.  The letter also stated that Mrs. Georgia Trampish is working for him now and requested that her salary as of the first of April be paid, WHEREUPON, on motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Clerk was authorized to pay Mrs. Margaret Hightower her salary for the month of April as Secretary and Librarian; and pay Mrs. Georgia Trampish’s salary for the month of April as Secretary and Librarian.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Mr. Lehmann requesting $2,000.00 for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and Fair Association, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Cross and carried the Clerk was instructed to issue warrant to Lake County Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $2,000.00 for Chamber of Commerce and Fair Association.

Copy of Federal Work Mileage Report was filed and Clerk Owens was requested to make copies of this for the Board Members.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Alice W. Lockmiller, Inc., re:  purchasing E-1/2 of Tract 35, Section 28-23-26 belonging to Lake County and was instructed to advise the party the Board does not want to sell this land as it was given to the County for clay purposes.

Clerk Owens filed Special Warranty Deed from H. L. Pringle, individually and as Trustees, and wife, to Lake County for right of way for Public road – land in Block 7 of Resubdivision of Subdivision of Silver Lake Estates.

Report of Mr. Lightfoot relative to special account maintained in the Umatilla State Bank to the credit of District No. 5 filed with the Board.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried that the County deeds be executed by the Chairman and Clerk.  (Deeds to Gustave Schmidt, Jr; Helen Hutt; James F. Carpenter; Carl Merrill; and W. D. Ward.)

Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the Clerk be authorized to advertise for pipe to be purchased in quantities over a period of years, arch pipe and round pipe, coated and uncoated – 12-15-18-24-30-36.

Clerk Owens filed request for $____ for the purpose of paying State Trial witnesses before the Court at the Spring Term of Court, 1957; which was approved by the Board, on motion of Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried.

Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Cross and carried that the request of R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor for $6,000.00 be approved.

A price list on timber was given to Steve Pemberton, Foreman District 3.

Clerk Owens read quotations on books for his office from Bishop Office Supply – 50 books at $925.00 – which is the old price.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried that Clerk Owens be authorized to purchase from Bishop Office Supply 50 books for use in his office at the price of $925.00.

Clerk Owens read quotations on flat files for his office from Bowen Supply Company for $299.95; and from Bishop Supply Company $308.50; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried, the bid of Bowen Supply Company to furnish Clerk Owens flat files for his office for the sum of $299.95 was accepted.

Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Singeltary and carried, that the Plat of Chain O’Lakes Development be approved.  (Irving Morse’s Opinion on title filed.)

Clerk Owens read bid of Bill Rumley on an electric typewriter for use in the Clerk’s office for the price of $480.00; also bid of International Business Machines Corp (William Kelso) on IBM Electric Typewriter for the sum of $480.00; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Clerk was authorized to purchase from International Business Machines Corp. an IBM electric typewriter for the sum of $480.00 for use in his office.

The bill of Francis Emerson, architect, for drawing plans on heating and air conditioning the Home Demonstration Building was approved for payment, in amount of $240.00.

Clerk Owens was instructed to write the State Board of Health, Jacksonville, FL., advising that in the future, the Board will purchase its own mosquito material.

Motion by Commr. Singeltary seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following Vouchers were approved for payment:

GENERAL FUND                              No.  768 through 920

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                  No. 690 through 808

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND           No. 112 through 135

SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL                NONE

FOLLOWING FILED WITH THE BOARD:

 

1.     Copy of State Road Department proposed budget

2.     Letter – Florida Anti-Mosquito Assn – re joint meeting with American Mosq. Control Assn.

3.     Letter from Clerk Owens to Peoples State Bank of Groveland – 2% interest on amount on deposit

4.     Letter from Wilbur E. Jones, Chr. SRD to J. C. Cowart, Chr. – Job 1155-150 SR S-449 SR 500 to Sil. Lake

5.     Lake Co. Health Dept. re inspection and survey of Picciola Island Subdivision

6.     Jos. L. Rozier Machinery Co. – appointment of Lang de Bruyn as manager

7.     Notice of Fish Conservation Bill

8.     City of Leesburg – enclosing copy of proposed additional tax on gas

9.     Copy of Resolution of Lake Co. Chamber of Commerce – re Sanford – Titusville Canal

10.  Albert Lunday, Farm Forester- Report

11.  Copy of letter from Lehmann to members of the Board – re public unloading & loading ramps

12.  Copy of letter from Lehmann to Syd Herlong – re war surplus material for civil defense

13.  Copy of letter from Owens to W. W. Boyd – re sale of land in Section 28-22-25

14.  Public Notice of Application for modification of Department of Army permit

15.  Outlaw & Associations, Engineering, Land Surveying, Research & Testing Fields Service

16.  Judge Futch’s letter to Miller Constr. Co. – re delivering deed to Owens

17.  Ross H. Stanton, Jr. Atty SRD, letter to Duncan, Atty – re SRD vs Alta Kay

18.  Letter from Luster, Asst. Dist. Eng. SRD to Owens – re trees on SR 44 East Eustis

19.  Copy of Lake Co. Health Project July 1, 1956 – June 30, 1957

20.  State Board of Administration report – road and bridge bonds all issues

21.  Comptrollers Report March & April – motor vehicle special fuel tax

22.  Millican & Beske, Inc. – re Policy 330 P5284 Pacific Fire Insurance Company

23.  Report of Inspection Columbia Casualty Company on barn at Clermont

24.  Central Fla TB Hospital re – discharge of Luther Lindsey Pearce; Chaudoin; Davis & Endinger

25.  Florida Development Commission – re Lake Co. Health Center Project Florida B-28

26.  SRD Minutes Meetings March 15 and April 12, 1957

27.  21st biennial report of SRD Jan 1, 1955 through December 30, 1956

28.  Report of State Board of Administration Jan 1, 1956 to December 31, 1956.

THE FOLLOWING REPORTS WERE FILED WITH THE BOARD

1.     Lake County Welfare Report for April – Myrtle Sudderth, Director

2.     F. F. Tanner, Director Mosquito Control Work for month of March 1957

3.     Marion B. Valentine, HD Agent, and Asst. Agt. Rowley, for the months of March and April

4.     R. E. Norris, County Agent, and Assts. Billy O. Bass and J. R. Connell for April

5.     Report of Licenses issued by the Tax Collector for the month of March 1957

6.     J. C. Hunter, Service Officer, J. C. Hunter for the month of April 1957

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

/s/ Frank E. Owens                                                                 /s/ J. C. Cowart

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN