MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

 monday, january 6, 1958

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, January 6, 1958, at ten o’clock a.m., with the following present:  Chairman Cowart; Commissioners Theus, Hooten, Simpson, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.

The Board was called to order by Chairman Cowart.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Cross and unanimously carried, the minutes of the meetings of December 2 and December 19 were adopted as read.

Clerk Owens reported he had approved since the last regular meeting the following NOTARY PUBLIC BONDS with American Surety Company of New York:

J. Ed. Baker 12-4-57, Dorothy P. Williford 12-6-57, Edwin R. Waiter 12-11-57, and Mrs. Belle V. Combs 1-2-58; and with American Fire & Casualty Company the following:  Harry E. Gaylord 12-12-57 and Mrs. Katherine L. Sherman 12-20-57.

Mr. Karl Lehmann appeared before the Board regarding securing assistance in getting the Fairgrounds in readiness for the fair.  The Board agreed to assist in this matter, for which Mr. Lehmann expressed his appreciation.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Evans appeared before the Board and stated their neighbors have blocked the road into their property and will not give a right of way.  Commr. Hooten stated one of the property owners will give a right of way; therefore, he will build the road as it has been opened for years and is an established road.  The Sheriff has been contacted to go there and request the people to quit blocking the road, but no action has been accomplished.  Sheriff McCall came into the meeting at this time and stated he has no authority to order the people off the road.  Mr. Duncan stated the County Commissioners have instructed me to instruct you, as Sheriff, to go out and open up this road.

On a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Herman T. Dykes, Tavares, and Talbot Simpson, Mount Dora, were appointed appraisers to appraise the land of James E. Spiller at the north end of Dora Canal.

bids received for purchase of crawler tractor

Notice having been advertised for the purchase of a crawler tractor, the following bids were received:

JOS. L. ROZIER MACHINERY COMPANY, Orlando

1 New Caterpillar Diesel #955 Traxcavator – Deduct $106 if 24 volt direct electric starting is desired in lieu of gas engine with electric starter                                                       $15,836.50

Add $991 if 1 5/8 cubic yard side dump bucket is desired.

FLORIDA-GEORGIA TRACTOR COMPANY, Orlando

1 New International Model TD9-424-2 Crawler Tractor                                                                                                                                                                                           $14,581.00

ALTERNATE BID

1 New International Model TD9-424-2 Crawler Tractor, equipped with Drott 9K-3 standard 1 ½ cubic yard bucket instead of “4 in 1” bucket and less Hydro-springs     $13,308.00

OPTIONAL

1 Angledozer blade 102” to interchange with 9K3 standard bucket, add $718

1 bulldozer blade, radius control, 95” to interchange with 9K3 standard bucket – add $497

1 Hydro-spring for use on above 9K3 Skid shovel add $242

SQUARE DEAL MACHINERY & SUPPLY COMPANY, Orlando

1 new Allis-Chalmers Model HD-6G equipped with Model TS-6 Tractor Shovel with 1 ½ cubic yard 2-position bucket                                                                                                $14,546.12

On a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, Lake County did advertise for the purchase of heavy equipment to be used in the construction of roads and other business of the County, and advertisement was had in accordance with Law, and

WHEREAS, Lake County received on the 6th day of January, 1958, bids for the sale of such equipment, and

WHEREAS, Florida-Georgia Tractor Company offered to sell to Lake County the following equipment:

1 Crawler Tractor with front-end loader and bulldozer combination with a 1 ½ yard bucket capacity:

Minimum Engine Horsepower 65 (Diesel Engine)

Minimum Dumping clearance of 8 feet

Minimum Weight of combination, loader and tractor, 18,000 lbs.

for the sum of $14,581, and

WHEREAS, the said sum is not the lowest bid, but the Commissioners are of the opinion that the equipment offered by said Company is the best suited for the uses for which Lake County requires of said equipment and that therefore the bid is the lowest and best bid for the equipment for which Lake County advertised to purchase;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the bid of Florida-Georgia Tractor Company for $14,581 for the sale to Lake County of 1 Crawler Tractor with front-end loader and bulldozer combination with a 1 ½ yard bucket capacity, with minimum Engine Horsepower 65 (Diesel Engine), minimum dumping clearance of 8 feet, minimum 13-inch track shoes, triple bar grouser, minimum weight of combination, loader and tractor 18,000 pounds was accepted.

W. R. Davis, Manager, sales representative, of Universal Concrete Pipe, appeared before the Board and asked that the Board consider them when purchasing pipe.  He left a price list.

C. Welborn Daniel, Attorney, appeared before the Board and stated it has been rumored that I am an applicant for the job of prosecuting attorney, but I am not an applicant.  I could not accept the job if it were offered to me, as I do not have the time while I am a Representative in the House of Legislature from Lake County.

Judge Hall appeared before the Board and stated that Rep. J. Emory Cross, Chairman of Mental Health, has called a meeting on mental health on January 7-8 and “has asked me as President of County Judges to meet with them in Tallahassee.  I have appointed a committee of County Judges to work with his committee – viz:  Mr. Frank Dowling, Miami; Mr. George Adams, Orlando; and Mr. Robert L. McCrary of Marianna.  If you have any suggestions you would like me to take to the Committee or any questions that you would like me to get answers to, I will be glad to give you a report on my return.”

Mr. Duncan stated he has two deeds for County road purposes; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, Margaret Jane Deen and John Curtis Deen, her husband, have tendered to Lake County a Deed conveying a right of way for roadway purposes commencing at State Road S-561A in the west half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 12, Township 22 South, Range 25 East and running North to the South Boundary of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 12; and James Allison Adkinson and Myra Adkinson Pickard, as Trustees of the Last Will and Testament of W. Hal Adkinson, deceased, have tendered a Deed to Lake County for a continuation of said right of way to the North Boundary of said Section 12, which said right of way will connect State Road S-561A with a County clay road in existence, and

WHEREAS, the County Commissioners have determined that a connecting road will be of service to the public in that area;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that a Public Road be established along the following described tract of land:

Commence at a point 957 feet east of the Northwest corner of Sec. 12, Tp. 22, SR 25 E., run thence south to intersect the Northern Boundary of State Road S-561A, thence run west 66 feet, thence run north parallel to the East Boundary of this tract to the North Boundary of said Sec. 12, thence run east to the point of beginning;

and that the Deeds above referred to, conveying title to said strips of land to Lake County be accepted by Lake County and be filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

Clerk Owens stated he has an old typewriter stored in his office and has a written offer from Mrs. P. J. Yoder to buy the typewriter for $10; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to accept the offer of Mrs. Yoder to pay $10 for the old Noiseless Underwood typewriter in the Clerk’s office.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Willis V. McCall, Sheriff, regarding taking away time from two trustees who have slipped whiskey into the jail.  The Sheriff requested that the Board approve his revoking 20 days of Winston Parker’s time and 10 days of Bubba Wilson’s time for misbehavior.             WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the request of Willis V. McCall, Sheriff, to take away 20 days of Winston Parker’s time and 10 days of Bubba Wilson’s time on account of misbehavior was approved, subject to the approval of Judge Futch.

Clerk Owens read a letter from the State Association of County Commissioners and a letter from Bryan Willis, State Auditor, to E. G. Simmons, President, State Association of County Commissioners, regarding the Florida County Commissioners manual.  The Association’s letter stated the County’s contribution will be $300 for 15 manuals.  WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Clerk was instructed to notify the President of the State Association of County Commissioners that Lake County will purchase 15 manuals for the price of $300 and that the statement for annual dues for the year 1958 in the amount of $112.50 be paid.

Clerk Owens filed a check from R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, in the amount of $16,425, excess fees for 1957.

R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, requested an advance on commissions on the 1958 Tax Roll in the amount of $6,0000; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the request of R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, for an advance on commissions on the 1958 Tax Roll in the amount of $6,000 was approved for payment.

Commr. Theus filed a check in the amount of $105.60 from Paul Buzzard for pipe.  Clerk Owens filed a check for $113.16 from Koss Manor Motel for pipe D-3.

Commr. Hooten filed a check for $823.50, final payment for road work, Far Reach Ranch, D-3.

Commr. Simpson filed a check for $49.56 from Gunard C. or Elizabeth S. Brautck for pipe.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Mr. Temple requesting that the County discontinue his grant, as he has moved from Lake County and ordered that he bring the letter to the meeting January 13.

Clerk Owens read a letter from C. E. Duncan, Attorney for the Board, enclosing the Amendment of Lake Abstract Company to the Title Report on State Road Section 1164-150, Leesburg By-Pass showing changes in title to lands previously reported.

Clerk Owens filed an executed copy of a proposed typical section, State Job 1168-150 from SR 448 (SAL Depot in Lake Jem) to 2 miles south.

Notice was advertised that the Board would consider the adoption of a Resolution today regarding the exchange of certain tracts of land owned by Lake County but not needed for County purposes for certain land owned by Matt Guthrie, but Mr. Duncan advised he does not have all the information necessary for the adoption of the resolution at this time.

Clerk Owens read an application from Mrs. Edna White (Mrs. C. A.) for the rental of a concession stand for serving coffee, sandwiches, etc. if the courthouse (County) would consider installing such a concession.  Clerk Owens was instructed to notify Mrs. White at the present time the Board is not interested in such a concession in the courthouse.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Certificates of Correction of Errors on the 1957 Lake County Tax Roll numbered 137 through 164 inclusive was approved, and the two copies of the letter of transmittal were approved and returned to R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, and the original letter and certificates filed.

Commr. Hooten stated he does not think that additional millage should be put on people’s property for an addition to the courthouse at this time, in view of the fact that the freeze in early December has injured everything.  Commr. Theus stated Mr. Frazer and Mr. Creech will be here after dinner to discuss the addition to the Courthouse.  Commr. Theus stated he would not go along with any increase in millage at this time, as the whole economy has been changed since the freeze.  The matter of enlargement of the courthouse should be held in abeyance for at least another year.  The Board was in agreement with this, but the architect will have to be paid for his survey.

letters read by clerk owens

Clerk Owens read a copy of a letter from C. E. Duncan, Attorney for the Board, to Mrs. Myrtle Sudderth, Welfare Worker, regarding the responsibility for treatment of William F. Hines, who was convicted of drunkenness in Lake County Court and sent to Marion County for work on County projects, and while working in Marion County, the prisoner was injured.  Attorney Duncan advised in his opinion Marion County should pay for treatment of this party.

Clerk Owens read a copy of a letter from G. G. Ware, Chairman of the Board of Bond Trustees, regarding the sale of $35,000 par value of 1-7/9% Treasury Notes due 2-15-59 and regarding the purchase by Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta for Trustees 4% Treasury Notes due 8-1-61.  This transaction will result in a substantial profit to the Trustee’s account.  The Board expressed to the Trustees its appreciation for the businesslike manner in which this transaction was handled.

Clerk Owens read a letter from the Oklawaha Basin requesting that the old bridge on the Dora Canal be removed.  Commr. Hooten stated he thinks the bridge should be torn down and the Water Authority be given permission to remove it at the Authority’s expense.  Get approval of the Town of Tavares to transfer authority to remove the bridge to the Oklawaha Authority.  The Board agreed to this suggestion when concurred by the Town of Tavares.

A letter from the Lake County Health Department regarding the North Lakewood Park Subdivision suitability for septic tank installation was read and filed.

On a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the action of the Clerk and Chairman in approving the following applications for admittance to the T. B. Hospital was approved:  Herbert Martin, Letha Woods Richardson, and Robert Carson Roundtree.

Clerk Owens read a letter from the State Tuberculosis Board regarding hospitalization cost per diem.

Clerk Owens read a letter to R. E. Norris, County Agent, from L. H. Lewis, Director, State Farmers’ Markets and Secretary of the Committee on Senate Bill 488 regarding the proposed Agricultural Building.  Commr. Hooten thinks should go ahead and get the state money, as he does not think will have to use the full portion of our money and will be entitled to $22,000.  This matter was referred to R. E. Norris, County Agent.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Plat of Lake Nettie Terrace Subdivision was approved.  A letter from the Lake County Health Unit regarding the subdivision was filed, and Policy #Z-996-395 of Lawyers Title Insurance Corp. was presented.

The Plat of Cypress Haven was presented to the Board, and Clerk Owens was instructed to call Charles B. P. Sellar, attorney, regarding the easement of the Oklawaha Basin Authority.

Judge Futch appeared before the Board and advised the Commissioners that the District Court of Appeals will be using the Courtroom on Friday, January 10, and he would like to have the Commissioners inspect the room before then and see about the lighting over the Judge’s bench.  Mr. Duncan can tell you what is customary for this Court.  The Commissioners advised Judge Futch they would inspect the Courtroom after this meeting today and carry out his suggestions.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Clerk was authorized to transfer from the contingency items in the General Fund to Item 675-2-gas, oil, and repairs, the sum of $1,972.44.

Clerk Owens brought to the attention of the Board that if they wish stationery and envelopes, same should be ordered at this time.  Each Commissioner wants 250 letterheads and 250 envelopes; Attorney Duncan 1,000 letterheads and 1,000 envelopes.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commissioner Hooten and carried, the Leesburg Daily Commercial was designated to publish the 1957 delinquent tax list and the Tax Collector was notified of same, also the paper.

Commissioner Hooten stated that Mr. Hooks wants to trade 40 acres of land to the County for 20 acres.  No action was taken on this matter.

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 1958, that each of us has personally selected and verified said list and that said persons named have the qualifications required by Section 40.01 Florida Statutes according to the best of our knowledge, information, and belief.

(Individual Signatures of Commissioners)

William W. Alsobrook            S. B. Tucker                Robert McDougald     Roger Bedell

Francis H. Ault                       Charlie Suggs              Howard Moody          Bart Baker

John E. Best                            Harry Turpak               William Morris            Wilbur Adams

John S. Consigny                    W. E. Wrinkle             Eugene G. Nolin         Paul Neeld

Theodore Erck                        James C. Beard           Hinson Pemberton      Travis Stewart

Glyn Faircloth                         Leroy Benton              John R. Smart             A. B. Merritt

Paul G. Frazier                        Sanford Bentley          Otis Gray Smith          J. B. Tyre

A.    H. Griner                           Joseph Boutwell          Erbie Spears                A. L. Merritt

William B. Hall                       Jessie Broadway         Thomas Lee Spittle     R. S. Deal

Wilson S. Heald                      Charles W. Brown      John Bret Strickland   J. C. Beach

Fred O. Johnson                      George D. Grown       Ferran T. Wood           C. J. Rempe

Waldo B. Justison                   Charles Bunnell           William T. Worthey    Chas. Vaughn

DeLos Kane                            Durwood Bush           Edwin Byron Young  Joe Crosina

Lonnie Lee                              Sam Caccamise           Thomas Zipperer         J. N. Clark

Loren L. Liston, Sr.                Oliver T. Cason           Earl L. Atkins             J. F. Hall

Gordon A. Mansfield             Willard C. Cauley       Beorge E. Barrineau    Herb. Hunter

Jackson Hughes Mathews       Jimton Cone                George W. Baxter       J. E. Steppe

Alvin T. Milham                      Gordon Dorris, Jr.       Louis P. Beck              W. M. Hall

Arthur L. Miller                      Arthur B. Foster          Sidney B. Bennett      H. B. Hunter

Clifford V. Millikan                James E. Fretwell        M. R. Booth                Elbert Davis

William S. Moorehead            John W. Anderson      Ronald T. Boram        Robert Gray

Hugh Morrow                         Freeland Babock         Alfred P. Bosanquet   Wilbur Hart

Don L. Napier                         George W. Hall           Willie F. Brewer          John Barber

Alfred L. Neil                         Walter W. Heinmiller  Clarence E. Briscoe     G. Brownyard

Florence Guilford                   Heram G. Howard      Maurice Buckley         Pasco Odom

Alex W. Ogilvie                      Lofton S. Hunt           George F. Burch         Roy Sarver

Charles Pearson, Jr.                 Nathaniel James          Landis E. Caldwell     K. Satterwhite

Frank M. Pemble, Jr.               Horace Jones               E. A. Coapman           Ernest Beasley

Ransford A. Potter                 Mack Kirste                William L. Colson       Frank Murrey

John W. Regnvall                    Louis Chas. Kitchen   Carl E. Cook               E. Porterfield

John Albert Rose                    Harry Alan Krueger    Harold A. Davenport  Harry Darrow

Rayford Taylor                       Ronald W. Lee            Fred Wynn                  Elmer Hyatt

C.     R. Moon                            Arthur E. Suck            Boyd W. Houston       M. Washburn

I.L. Gaskins                            Cliff Waterfield          R. P. Jarnigan              W. Carl Hart

Junie Merritt                            William L. C. Gross    Charles Johnson          Rich Whitacre

D.    G. Odom, Jr.                     Mathew H. Guthrie     Joe B. Kennedy          Gen. Whitford

Chas. E. Alexander                 Henry H. Hancock      Julian A. Merry           Jas. P. Treen

R. E. Bridges                          Henry Vanderput        Hurl Newcomb           Wm. H. Gibb

Ralph H. Burns                       Carl H. Goossen          Leonard W. Nix          Earl Walker

Will Coppage                          H. Gordon Forbes       Grady L. Pait              John Walters

G. L. O’Brian                          Troy L. Fowler            John Kirkpatrick, Sr.   Robert Taylor

Henry C. Fender                     Fred J. Fox                  Oliver B. Koonce        E. Templeton

Roy Lester Hart, Jr.                Espey E. Elliott           Wilbur Parker              Wm. Terrell

Troy Batten                             Howard L. Doland     Frnklin M. Persons      G. Strickland

Henry Bauknight                    Raymond Douglass     Philip A. Frary            J. B. Taylor

Theodore W. Bielow               Howard L. Surrency   Martin T. Freeman      John C. Duff

Walter G. Bridges                   Harry Edmonds          Brad S. Fuller              Jess Allen

Allen T. Davis, Sr.                  Walter T. Dempsey     Howard G. Gamble    Andy Drigers

Dominick F. Bruno                 John R. DeYoung       Ralph A. Phillips         Percy Fort

Floyd Carlson                         Fred R. Dickson          Buford H. Pugh          Don. Graham

Earle E. Center                        Paul A. Dees               Francis S. Reed           Paul Guenther

Joseph E. Dixon                      Oscar Cook                 Edgar E. Reedy          R. Klingbell

Edwin Eckburg                       Ted S. Collins             J. Herbert Gatch          Geo. Jackson

L. A. Gaudio                           E. B. Cashwell            J. A. Getford               D. Lambert

 

(For full list of potential jurors, see Page 126 in Minute Book 17)

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

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

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN