MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners
tuesday – september 2, 1958
Monday, September 1, being a holiday and a quorum not being present for the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners until Tuesday, September 2nd at ten o’clock a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on September 2nd at ten o’clock a.m., with the following present: Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Hooten, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.
The Board was called to order by Chairman Simpson.
minutes
The minutes of the meetings of July 11 and 28 and August 4, 11, and 22 were adopted as read on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
notary public and firearm bonds
Clerk Owens reported he has approved since the first regular meeting in August the following Notary Public Bonds with American Surety Company of New York: Harry A. Holstein 8-15-58, Marian W. Jacobs 8-15-58, E. B. Jaques 8-26-58, and Hattie Augusta Miller 8-27-58; and with American Fire & Casualty Company the following: C. F. Moore 8-11-58, Belva M. Addison 8-21-58, and William A. Muir 8-29-58.
The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of T. W. Caldwell with American Fire & Casualty Company.
The following Bonds for carrying firearms were approved by the Board:
Ernest Pitt, Minneola with J. B. Tinsley and John T. Tinsley as sureties for carrying a pistol made by Smith & Wesson of Special 38 calibre and numbered 532507.
Carl Garnto, Umatilla, with R. D. Flippo and John F. Nelson as sureties for carrying a pistol made by Harrington & Richardson of 32 calibre and numbered 52545.
Elmer Sperry, representing the Tavares Red Socks, appeared before the Board and stated the Red Socks have won the State Championship and have a chance to win the National Championship which is to be in Battle Creek, Michigan, but need some money to make the trip. The Board advised it could not donate to this cause, but the individual members made donations and wished the Red Socks success.
Bill Reedy appeared before the Board and thanked the Board for authorizing Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, to go to Tallahassee with a delegation from Eustis regarding roads in Lake County.
Ben Reaves appeared before the Board and presented a letter from the Town of Astatula regarding complaints about the garbage pit in Astatula and requesting that the Board of County Commissioners furnish a location suitable for garbage disposal to the Town of Astatula. The Town suggested a location just north of the town limits on County-owned property. Mr. Goodson was instructed to look at the site recommended by the Town of Astatula and report to the Board next Monday.
Owen Conner appeared before the Board again regarding Road 448A, and this matter was postponed until the September 8th meeting in order for Mr. Conner to get a report on what the Orange County Board will do.
county property
A delegation from Clermont again appeared before the Board regarding the exchange of land, notice of which had been re-advertised for consideration of adoption of a resolution on this date. Said Notice was read by Clerk Owens. Mr. Roe was spokesman for the delegation and stated the properties are not of equal value. Mr. Duncan stated he has not received a report from the Tax Assessor regarding this land. Commr. Theus suggested that the property be set up as a park, then if it is to the advantage of Lake County later, just reserve 300 feet along each side of the Palatlakaha River. Mr. Duncan stated this would have to be by a Special Act of the Legislature. The Board could adopt a resolution now and have it set up as a park. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, in the year 1952, Lake County acquired certain lands near Clermont south and north of Road 50 from the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund for the purpose of establishing a Park and Bird Sanctuary, as will appear by reference to the Minutes of the Board of County Commissioners, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the acquisition of said tracts of land, exchanges were made with private ownerships in order to block out the property owned by Lake County and to eliminate private ownerships within the park area, and
WHEREAS, the title to said land as it appears upon the Public Records of Lake County does not show that Lake County holds said property for park purposes, and it is the will and intent of the Board of County Commissioners to establish of record the acquisition and the holding and owning of said property for park purposes only.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the following described tracts of land located in Lake County, Florida:
W ½ of NW ¼ of Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
All of Government Lots 5 and 7 in Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
N ½ of SE 1/4 ; NE ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 22, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
N ½ of Government Lot 3, lying west of the Palatlakaha River in Section 7, Township 23, South, Range 26 East
N ½ of SE ¼ of Section 15, Township 22 South, Rang e25 East
E ½ of NE ¼ ; E ½ of NW ¼ of NE ¼; NE ¼ of NW ¼ of SE ¼; N ½ of NE ¼ of SE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
SE ¼ of NE ¼ of SE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
SE ¼ of SE ¼ of SE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
SW ¼ of NW ¼ of SE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
NW ¼ of NW ¼ of SE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
SW ¼ of NE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
W ¼ of NW ¼ of NE ¼ in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
Tract 2 Groveland Farms in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
Tract 15 Groveland Farms in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
Tracts 3, 4, 13, 14, 19, 20, 29, and 30, Groveland Farms, in Section 27, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
SE ¼ of SW ¼ and S ½ of SE ¼ in Section 22, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
E ½ of W ½ of SW ¼ in Section 22, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
E. 310 feet of N. 200 feet of Tract 20, Groveland Farms, in Section 30, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
Tracts 47 and 48, according to the Plat of Groveland Farms, in Section 23, Township 22 South, Range 25 East
be and the same are hereby designated as a Public Park and Bird Sanctuary and that the title to said land shall be held by Lake County for Park purposes and is withdrawn from sale or exchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be recorded in the Official Record Book of Lake County as Notice to the Public.
A vote by Districts was called for, which was as follows:
District No. 1 – yes District No. 2 – yes District No. 3 – no District No. 4 – yes
District No. 5 – yes Carried 4 to 1
T. H. Mittendorf appeared before the Board regarding a raise in taxes on his property on Lake Shore Drive, Tavares. He stated he was out of the State when the Board met as an Equalization Board and could not be present. When he bought the property about two years ago, the taxes were $114. This year taxes are $185. He does not understand the increase. He paid $40,000 for the property with furnishings. The high water in the Spring badly damaged the property, and he had to build a seawall at quite an expense. No action was taken on this matter, but Mr. Hooten said he would like to go with Mr. Mittendorf to the Tax Assessor’s office regarding this matter.
plats
Cy Willard, surveyor, appeared before the Board and presented the Partial Replat of Villa City but does not have title report; therefore, the Plat was not approved.
John May, abstractor, appeared before the Board and Presented a Plat – Oveson’s Partial Replat of Silver Lake Park on property between Eustis and Umatilla, also Lawyers Title & In-Copr #Y-138-586 and a letter from the Lake County Health Department were filed; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Oveson’s Partial Replat of Silver Lake Park was approved.
The Plat of Country Club View Subdivision First Addition with a letter from the Lake County Health Department and title opinion of H. L. Pringle were presented to the Board; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Plat of Country Club View Subdivision First Addition was approved.
The Plat of Shady Nook Subdivision, Unit 2, with a title opinion of Irving F. Morse was presented to the Board; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Plat of Shady Nook Subdivision Unit 2 was approved. (The property is within the City of Clermont.)
C. Welborn Daniel, attorney, presented to the Board the Plat of Lake Susan Homesite Subdivision but had not the title report; therefore, this Plat was ordered held until the September 8 meeting.
Hugh Hanna from the State Road Department appeared before the Board and presented an aerial photograph of a secondary road from Road 437, southeasterly direction to connect with State Road 46 east of the Wekiva River and asked that the road start about a mile east of Road 437 off of proposed Road 44A instead of starting the road at Road 437; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the State Road Department was given permission to go the short line in building the road.
Clerk Owens presented the proposed typical section regarding Job #11610-3601,SR S445, Location SR 19 to Astor Park via Alexander Springs, length 11.17 miles, budgeted amount $340,000; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to execute the typical section regarding Job #11610-3601,SR S445.
Mr. Duncan reported that the Oklawaha Basin Authority has requested that this Board pass a resolution that the height of the bridge on the Dora Canal which is now being designed be maintained; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County has been advised that plans are now being prepared for the construction of a bridge over the Dora Canal at the present location of the old wooden bridge on the old route of State Road 19 in the Town of Tavares, and
WHEREAS, the Board is informed that the proposed plans provide for a clearance between the bridge and the waters of the Dora Canal to conform to the present height of the new concrete bridge on new Route 19 as it crosses the canal, and
WHEREAS, the height of said concrete bridge is lower than the present height of the wooden bridge, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners can foresee, because of the rapidly increasing traffic by water, the possibility of more clearance under said bridges, and it is its desire to facilitate water traffic in the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the State Road Department be requested to construct the plans for the bridge over the Dora Canal as hereinbefore described to conform to the present clearance of the wooden structure and that as a condition shall demand the bridge structure of the present Road 19 be raised to conform to such clearance.
Clerk Owens presented a request from the State Road Department for title search in duplicate regarding Job 11681-2601, SR S565A (Monte Vista Road). Whereupon, on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was instructed to request the Lake Abstract Title & Guaranty Company to make a title search on Job 11681-2601, SR S565A.
Clerk Owens gave to Commr. Cowart a photostatic copy of a deed to Ogden regarding road right of way.
Dr. Hall appeared before the Board regarding purchasing equipment for the Leesburg Clinic; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, Clerk Owens was instructed to advertise in the Leesburg Commercial for bids for equipment of the Leesburg Clinic.
A request from the Lake County Historical Society for $1,500 to be included in the regular budget and turned over to Frank E. Owens, Secretary-Treasurer of the organization, was approved by the Board.
Clerk Owens read a letter from the Florida Industrial Commission recommending that the Elevator Machine, controller, and operating circuit conduits should be properly grounded; WHEREUPON, Clerk Owens was authorized to notify Otis Elevator Company to make the necessary repairs.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Orkin Exterminating Company, Inc. giving prices for extermination of infestation in Pioneer Building, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, Courthouse, and Home Demonstration Buildings. Mr. Owens reported that the Health Department has just sprayed the buildings and will take care of them.
On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to notify Mrs. K. Baker, Supervisor of Registration, that starting with October 1, 1958, she will be limited to two helpers in the office.
Clerk Owens reported he has executed 3 copies of a Project Progress Report which is a request for the first installment payment in the amount of $7,500 for the Federal grant for the Lake County Auxiliary Health Center.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the action of the Clerk and Chairman in approving on August 26, 1958 the application of Jessie Junior Steel for admittance to the T. B. Hospital was approved.
On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Payroll for the month of August was approved.
Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, stated the Architect will write the Board requesting that a well be drilled at the site of the Home for the Aged; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to advertise for bids for drilling a well on the site of the Home for the Aged. Bids are to be received on October 6, 1958 at 2:00 p.m.
Kennie Pearce, Juvenile Counselor, appeared before the Board and stated a woman and little girl had been picked up over the long weekend, and the woman was placed in jail; the child had to be placed in a home for the weekend, and the cost was about $15; WHEREUPON, the Juvenile Counselor was instructed to present the bill at the next meeting.
After the adoption of the resolution regarding reserving land for park purposes (see page 240), Welborn Daniel, attorney, appeared before the Board and protested the adoption of the resolution, stating that it was his understanding that all interested parties would be informed before any action was taken on the matter. Chairman Simpson stated it was the Board’s understanding that Mr. Daniel’s client, Inland Groves, had withdrawn its proposal to trade some land to the County after protests were received from Clermont groups on August 11th. Commr. Hooten stated he is willing to reserve a 300-foot wide strip along both sides of the Palatlakaha but believes that holding “white sand and scrub pine land” further away will restrict growth of Clermont.
location for boat ramps in lake county
The location for boat ramps in Lake county was discussed; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the rapid development of the small boat industry has caused tremendous increase in the number of small boats used by the people of Lake County and the general public, and
WHEREAS, small boats are transported on trailers and launched in the various lakes and rivers of Lake County for the use and the pleasure of the owners thereof, and
WHEREAS, Lake County is admirably equipped through its many lakes and connecting streams for the use and enjoyment of small boats, and the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, wish to encourage the use and enjoyment of the waterways of Lake County, and
WHEREAS, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has agreed to furnish materials and labor for the installation of boat ramps to facilitate the launching of boats, to the value of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars per ramp and has agreed to furnish materials for ramps at the locations hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission be and it is hereby requested to furnish materials and labor to the value of $500 per ramp for the construction of launching ramps at the following locations in Lake County, Florida:
Lake Dora at Tavares
Lake Minnehaha at Minneola
Lake Audrey at City Park in Groveland
St. Johns River at Astor – two ramps
Lake Yale at Eustis
Lake Yale at Higley
South and of Lake George near Blue Springs
Lake Griffin, Beauman St. extended at Fruitland Park
South end of Lake Griffin at Leesburg
Lake Eustis at Old City Park, Eustis
East end of Lake Dora at Gilbert Park, Mount Dora
Burrell Lock on Haines Creek
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, agrees to grade and prepare said ramp sites in accordance with the accepted specifications upon the furnishing of the materials required for such ramps and to bear any expense of installing such ramps in excess of $500.
the following reports were filed with the Board:
J. C. Hunter, Service Officer, for August 1958
R. E. Norris, County Agent, and two assistants, J. R. Connell and B. O. Bass
Mrs. Valentine, Home Demo Agent, and two assistants, Mary Jane Rowley and Ann A. Frier
the following letters were filed with the board:
Copy of letter from O. M. Simpson to Walter Rose, Chairman, Site Selection Committee, Presbyterian College, urging the selection of the site adjoining Lake County near Mt. Plymouth
Copy of letter from John Wakefield, Director, Water Resources Department, to E. J. Burrell, Chairman, Water Authority, regarding State of Florida or one of its political subdivisions assuming responsibility for maintenance and operation of Moss Bluff
Joe Grotegut, Chairman, Road Department, regarding policy for administering Highway Revolving Fund
H. W. Tarkington, State Director, regarding County Civil Defense
U. S. Army Engineer District, A. L. McKnight, Chief, Operation Division, extending thanks for furnishing information regarding removal of old bridge over Dead River
Florida T. B. Hospital regarding John Henry Emerson, Herbert Martin, and J. D. Cottrell
SRD Minutes of August 14, 1958
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens /s/ O. M. Simpson
CLERK CHAIRMAN