MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners
monday, DECEMBER 8, 1958
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, December 8, at ten o’clock AM 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.
PAUPER LIST
Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Cross and carried.
· District #1 - That Mrs. Nora White for $40.00 per month be dropped from the list
· District #2 - That no changes be made
· District #3 - That no changes be made
· District #4 - That Mrs. Agnes Truesdell for care of Mrs. M. Lenton for $40.00 be dropped. That Floyd Terrell, c/o Mrs. Mamie Crosswhite for $20.00 be dropped.
· District #5 - That Mrs. Ray Gatch for care of Mr. Cone Flemming be granted $40.00 for 1 mo.
THE FOLLOWING BONDS WERE APPROVED BY THE BOARD
J. C. Cowart – County Commissioner from District No. 2 – to hold office for a term of 4 years from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January 1959, or until his successor is qualified, according to constitution and laws of the State of Florida. ($2,000.00 with Fidelity & Casualty Company of New York.)
Cecil C. Theus – County Commissioner from District No. 1 - for a term of 2 years. ($2,000.00 with United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company of Baltimore, MD.)
M. O. Buster Williams – Member of the County Board of Public Instruction from District No. 1, for 4 years – from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January 1959, or until his successor is qualified, according to constitution and laws of the State of Florida. ($2,000.00 with Aetna Casualty & Surety Company.)
Don Kemp, Chairman of ASC Committee, Jack Allen, Jr., John McCown, R. E. Norris and Mrs. Margie Harris, appeared before the Board re: More space for the Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation USDA office. Mr. Kemp stated that the State Office has made a report that the space now being used is inadequate and unless more space can be acquired, the office will have to be moved from the County. We would like to know what can be done about this. Mr. Simpson asked how much space they need. Mr. Kemp said two rooms at least. When we were in the Pioneer Building that space was adequate. Mr. Cross suggested that the School Board be contacted and see if it would trade space in the Pioneer Building for the space in Duncan-Hamlin Building now being used by Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Office. Commissioners Hooten and Theus, Don Kemp and R. E. Norris to attend the School Board meeting December 18, at 8:00 PM.
J. M. Pomerantz appeared before the Board re: Accident Prevention Program with workmen’s compensation. Mr. Goodson and Mr. Pomerantz were instructed to work this matter out.
William Calhoun appeared before the Board re: Colored cemetery near WLBE Station and offered to donate one acre lot of the cemetery for County use for the burial of indigents if the County would clay a road running between SR 44 and Federal 441 via WLBE Station extending East 200 yards to the cemetery and continuing around the 10-acre block, with an additional road through the center of the block. Mr. Simpson suggested that this be worked out and help them get a road into the cemetery. Commr. Cross said if they would deed it to the County, he would see about getting a road, but not for private individuals. Commr. Theus suggested that the County buy the acre of land, but not to be located in the back of the cemetery. Mr. Duncan asked if it is worth $150.00 per acre and Calhoun said that is exactly what they paid for it. Mr. Simpson stated he recently sold two-tracts of land in that vicinity for more than that price per acre. Calhoun was instructed to write a letter to the Board and enclose appraisal with description of the land. Mr. Duncan to write form of appr.
Mrs. Marian Valentine, Home Demonstration Agent, appeared before the Board re: purchasing blinds for a room in the Home Demo. Building. Estimate of Fox of Eustis if $146.00. Mrs. Valentine said she would like to use the money set up for refinishing chairs and not refinish them now. Motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried that Mrs. Valentine get another estimate for the blinds and award the job to lowest bidder. Mrs. Valentine also asked for permission to start buying the tables – 9 foot table cost $25.99 plus freight. Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried that Mrs. Valentine be authorized to go ahead and buy the tables.
Mr. Duncan reported that Dr. Hall has been to Jacksonville and had a consultation RE: The Crawler Tractor, but still wants complete reservation to pay the bill monthly. Mr. Duncan stated there is no reason why cannot execute the lease, and requested that the lease from the Director, State Board of Health, to Dr. Hall re: Commissioners billing the Lake County Health Department for rental. Dr. Hall’s notation on this letter as follows: “We use the bulldozer from 100 hours to 200 hours per month. I request Lake County Commissioners to purchase a bulldozer and rent to the Health Department at $1200.00 per month.”
Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the Lease Option between Florida-Georgia Tractor Company, a corporation, and Lake County be executed subject to approval of the Budget Department.
Commr. Simpson filed check in the amount of $68.15 from Superior Asphalt Company for purchase of culvert.
Motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving the application of Milo Bryce Wright for admission to the T. B. Hospital be approved.
EXECUTED COPY OF RIGHT OF WAY CONTRACT ON JOB 11530-2152; SR S -466-A extending from old SR 500 Easterly to new SR 500 in Fruitland Park was filed with the Board.
Permit for Houston Gas Line was discussed. The Board is not willing to consider a blanket permit. Mr. Duncan was instructed to study this matter further.
Clerk Owens read a Resolution signed by Sam Post, President and Harley Morse, Chairman, Surveying Committee, of the Lake County Board of Realtors re: re-establishing at public expense, all Section and Half-section corners not now well marked. Mr. Duncan said might employ an engineer to locate the corners. Clerk Owens was instructed to reply to the letter and state the County feels the cost for this would be prohibitive.
Clerk Owens read a letter from C. Welborn Daniel, Local Bill Chairman, Lake County Delegation, stating that Senator Boyd and Rep. Reedy have requested him to serve as “Local Bill” Chairman.
Mr. Duncan stated he is working on a bill relative to subdivisions and thinks the Abstract Companies should be consulted if we want a plat law. Mr. Simpson stated he thinks we should have some kind of subdivision law in Lake County, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Mr. Duncan and Mr. Goodson were authorized to prepare the necessary forms for a plat bill.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Charles B. Roe, Chairman Clermont City Council, stating, “We are opposed to now, as before, the County Commissioners entertaining any thought of trading or swapping land of such unequal value. We appreciate the Resolution which you passed in October, and wish to assure you that we are still in favor of your stand. ----” Mr. Hooten stated that some of the councilmen said Mr. Roe was not authorized to write this letter.
Clerk Owens read a letter from Mrs. Martha A. Bass, Asst. Director of Legislative Reference Bureau, re a study of welfare in Florida. This letter was referred to Mrs. Sudderth.
Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for bids for paving about two miles of road in D-1.
Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for bids for furnishing a loader for an Alis Chalmers in District No. 4.
Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for a new trailer, and also to advertise for a used trailer.
Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for a half-ton pickup truck for District-2, with a 1953 Chevy pickup truck trade-in.
Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for a half-ton pickup truck for the Health Department.
Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for a pickup truck and two dump trucks for District 3, with trade-ins: 1 – 1954 Chevy truck; 1 – 1955 pickup Chevy truck and 1 - 1952 2-ton Chevy truck.
Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise for a dump truck for District 4, with trade-in one 1953 Dodge truck.
Clerk Owens read a request from Karl Lehman for $4,000.00 for part of annual appropriation. Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that a warrant for $4,000.00 be issued to Karl Lehman, Secretary Lake County Chamber of Commerce for part of annual appropriation.
Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that warrant in the amount of $10.87 be issued to Florida Telephone Corp in payment of telephone bill on phone Elgin 7-3039, as previous warrant issued in payment of this bill was cancelled on September 25, 1958 as it was outstanding for nine months.
Clerk Owens presented an estimate of Dobbs in the amount of $191.00 for fixing books in the Clerk’s Office. Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that the Clerk be authorized to have the books in his office repaired at a cost of $191.00.
Clerk Owens reported that Judge Futch wishes to purchase from Don Black, Box 762, Coral Gables, representative of Bancroft-Whitney Company of Francisco, California the following:
Microlex Edition American Laws Report, Second Series, Vols: 1-61 at $655.00
Microlex Reader, Dust Cover and Stand with rollers & high shield $198.00
$863.00
Less Discount 51.81
$811.19
Mr. Duncan stated the reader will save 95% of space and Judge wants this as a space saver.
Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the Board purchase for Judge Futch the above listed articles for the sum of $863.00, less the discount allowed.
Mr. Hess appeared before the Board re: a needy family living in Eustis. Commr. Theus suggested that the Child Welfare Unit investigate this family. K. Pierce was present and stated he would go and see about this family. Mr. Pierce also stated he wants to go take Christmas presents to the boys in Marianna. Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that K. Pierce be authorized to take the Christmas presents to the boys in Marianna, expenses to be paid by the County.
Dr. Hall, Director Lake County Health Unit, appeared before the Board and reported he can get a dentist to examine the school children’s teeth, without expense to the County, and would like to have a vote of the Board to get the dentist. He will work under the Health Department, but wants support and approval of the Board, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board approved the recommendation of Dr. Hall to employ a dentist for the Lake County Health Department.
Mr. Simpson reported to the Board that the Villa-Dora Hotel in Mount Dora can be purchased for approximately $66,000.00 for a nursing home. Dr. Hall stated he has checked this building. It has 34 rooms, located on one block of land, furnished completely. Commr. Cowart suggested that the Board go look at the building this afternoon. The Board agreed to go look at the property. Mr. Goodson reported on revamping of the Circuit Judge’s Court. He stated he understands there is the sum of $3,000.00 set aside for this work. If can hold this under $4000.00 can go ahead with revamping it now. Mr. Duncan stated should have a contractor do this and Goodson act as architect, so to speak, and Goodson to get the plans.
Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that the Board have a special meeting on December 15th at 9:30 AM to discuss plans for remodeling the Courtroom.
Mr. Duncan stated that he has a proposed exchange of properties in Mr. Hooten’s District. It is the property owned by Mr. Starr. He proposes giving the Board a right of away in exchange for property for a road into his subdivision. We would be getting more land than we give, and the value is more in our favor, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, Lake County is vested with the fee title to the following described tract of land in Lake County, Florida:
All that part of: South 25 feet of West 964 feet of the E ½ of SW ¼ of Sect. 26, Tp. 22 S. R. 25 E.,
for the use of which Lake County has no immediate or foreseeable need; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, has deemed it expedient to acquire a certain tract of land for which Lake County has a need, said property being owned by Herbert S. Starr and wife, Ernestine Starr, and Robert O. Barber and wife, Lillian S. Barber and is located in Lake County, Florida, and described as follows:
All that part of: North 50 feet of South 90 feet of West 700 feet of the E ½ of SW ¼ of Sec. 26, Tp. 22 S. R. 25 E., which strip lies 15 feet North of the 25 foot parcel previously described, and runs parallel with it Eastward from Florida State Road No. 561;
and that said Herbert E. Starr and wife, Ernestine Starr, and Robert C. Barber and wife, Lillian S. Barber, have offered to convey said property last above described to Lake County in exchange for the tract of land first above described; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, has determined that said properties are of approximately the same value, and that such an exchange would be fair and reasonable; and
WHEREAS, Notice of the proposed exchange of properties above described has been published in accordance with Law, as will appear by reference to publications in the Tavares Lake County Citizen, appearing on November 21st and on November 18th, 1958, proof of which has been filed with this Board;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that upon receipt of Deed from Herbert S. Starr and wife, Ernestine Starr and Robert C. Barber and wife, Lillian S. Barber, property executed, conveying to Lake County, a Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, the following described tract of land in Lake County, Florida:
All that part of: North 50 feet of South 90 feet of West 700 feet of the E ½ of SW ¼ of Sec. 26, Tp. 22 S. R. 25 E., which strip lies 15 feet North of the 25 foot parcel previously described and runs parallel with it Eastward from Florida State Road No. 561;
the Chairman and the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, be, and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver to Herbert S. Starr and wife, Ernestine Starr, and Robert C. Barber and wife, Lillian S. Barber, a Fee Simple Deed, conveying the following tract of land in Lake County, Florida:
All that part of: South 25 feet of the West 964 feet of the E ½ of SW ¼ of Sec. 26, Tp. 22 S. R. 25 E.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION ON ABOVE FILED
Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the following numbered vouchers be approved for payment:
General Fund #163 through #326
Road & Bridge Fund #141 through #268
Fine & Forfeiture Fund # 16 through # 31
Health Clinic #3
South Lake Memorial Hosp. #1 and #2
FOLLOWING FILED WITH THE BOARD
o Civil Defense Planning Memorandum from H. W. Tarkington, Director
o Copy of letter from H. W. Tarkington to Karl Lehmann – re Civil Def. employing full time director
o Copy of letter from Lehmann to each Commissioner, Attorney and Clerk re: Civil Defense
o Letter from Judge Futch expressing appreciation for flowers sent for T. G. Jr.
o Letter from Lake County Health Dept. re: West Lynhurst Subdivision, Eustis, septic tanks
o Letter from Fred Owles re: Fees for Old Folks Home
o Copy of Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Eustis re: Favoring raising the level of highway bridge to 12 feet on SR #19 at its intersection with Dora Canal in Town of Tavares
o Letters from Central Florida T. B. Hospital re: Buster Freeman; Norman Lee Berry; Emory Collins; Walter Scott Services; Thomas Raymond Osteen and W. B. Branton
THE FOLLOWING REPORTS FILED WITH THE BOARD
o R. E. Norris, Co. Agent, Annual Report
o R. E. Norris, Co. Agent and 2 assistants Reports for November
o Marian B. Valentine, H. D. Agent and 2 assistants reports for November & Annual Report
o J. C. Hunter, County Service Officer - November report
o Myrtle Sudderth, County Welfare Worker – November report
o W. Troy Hall, Jr. County Judge – Fines, Forfeitures and Costs Reports for July, August and September
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens /s/ O. M. Simpson
CLERK CHAIRMAN