MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

 monday – november 9, 1959

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, November 9, 1959, at ten o’clock AM with the following present:  Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Bishop, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.

The Board was called to order by Chairman Simpson.

pauper list

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried:

District 1 – that Cora White for $10 be dropped from the list.

District 2 – that Mrs. B. Gibson be granted $40 per month for care of Raleigh Lee and that she be paid $50 for previous care of him.

District 3 – that no changes be made.

District 4 – that Mrs. W. B. Gibson be granted $40 per month for care of Miss Affa Hubbell; that Mrs. Dorothy Truelson c/o Mr. Angus McDonald, 1415 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, be granted $25 per month; that Mrs. A. H. Duval, Duval Home for Retarded Children, Glenwood, Florida be granted $40 per month for care of Ernest Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Smith, Mount Dora, address Tavares, R-1.  This has been approved by Mrs. Sudderth, County Welfare Worker.

District 5 -  that no changes be made.

bids for two trucks in district 2

Notice having been advertised for the purchase of two trucks in District 2, the following bids were received:

JUNGLE AUTO SERVICE, Leesburg

Two GMC Trucks, Model 372 with trade-ins of 1972 and 1956 Chevrolet trucks, less dump bodies, net                                                                                                   $5,600.00

JOE CREAMONS CHEVROLET, INC., Eustis

2 new 1960 Chevrolet Motor Trucks, Model C-6103 with trade in of 1 1952 and 1 1956 Chevrolet                                                                                                           $5,713.18

BOAST MOTORS, INC., Leesburg

2 1960 Dodge 500 Chassis & cab, GVW 19500, less trade-in as above                                                                                                                                                        $5,955.00

MID-LAKES MOTOR CO., Leesburg

2 1960 Ford trucks F-600, less trade-in as above ($7,916.16 less trade-in $1,994)                                                                                                                                       $5,922.16

WHEREUPON, on a motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Bishop, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners did advertise for the purchase of two new two-ton trucks, without dump bodies, with a trade-in of a 1952 and 1956 Chevrolet truck, less dump bodies, which bids were to be received on November 9, 1959, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners did receive bids for sale to Lake County of Motor Trucks as advertised, and among said bids was the bid of Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. of Eustis, Florida, for the sum of $5,713.18, which was not the lowest bid but which bid was determined to be the lowest and best bid for the reason that the other trucks owned by Lake County and in use in District 2 were trucks of similar model and make and therefore would be of better service on a fleet basis.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the bid of Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. in the sum of $5,713.18 net for the sale of two Chevrolet 2-ton trucks be accepted as the lowest and best bid therefore and that the Chairman and Clerk of the Board be authorized to issue checks in payment for said trucks upon the delivery thereof to Lake County.

Mr. W. J. Rumley appeared before the Board regarding the quotations submitted last week on a Royal typewriter for R. E. Norris, County Agent.  He stated he is the only one in Lake County who can bid on the Royal, as he has a franchise on the machine; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the request of R. E. Norris to purchase a 13-inch Standard Royal typewriter for the sum of $200.25 from William J. Rumley was approved.

The Citizens Advisory Committee – Mrs. Heinsbaugh, Mrs. Cook, Mr. Cumbaa and Mr. Williams – appeared before the Board, also Judge Hall, Juvenile Judge, regarding a permanent home for the juveniles.  Mrs. Heinsbaugh stated that Mr. Howell Hopson has joined the Citizens Advisory Committee.

discussion on borrowing money for building juvenile home

Judge Hall stated that the banks said they will loan the money, provided the Board of County Commissioners passes a resolution that the levy will be made in 1960.  Mr. Hopson was also present, and he stated better to allow three months for drawing the plans.  Judge Hall stated there are two things they need to do, authorize to engage an architect and authorize to acquire the land.  He was advised that the Board passed a motion at the last meeting hiring Howell Hopson as architect, associated with Mr. Glen Frazier, architect, to make a preliminary study of the courthouse plans and detention home.

It was agreed that Judge Hall, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Theus, and Mr. Hopson would go to Bartow Wednesday morning to look at the detention home.

Judge Hall is to arrange a meeting with Mr. Duncan for the two commissioners, the Advisory Committee, Mr. Hopson, and Judge Hall.

Mr. Theus stated as far as I am concerned, we were told that if we could get the property north or west of the building, we should do it.  At the last meeting, the Board authorized the purchase of the house adjoining the building on the north.

Discussion of the suitability of the location followed, and the Advisory Committee wants to look at the land at Astatula.

Johan Van der Laag appeared before the Board and presented the Plat of Derk Borons with a letter from the Lake County Health Department and title insurance Policy FE 19195 of Title & Trust Company of Florida.  The letter was filed, and the policy was returned to the owner of the Plat.

On a motion by Commr. Bishop, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Plat of Derk Borons was approved.

Mr. Brautcheck appeared before the Board and stated he has purchased some property in Eustis Meadows and would like to get a road to and from the property.  Mr. Simpson suggested that he see Mr. Roy Christopher, attorney, regarding this matter.  He was advised if he does not get a 50-foot right of way, the County cannot go in and maintain the road.

recess and reassembly

The Board adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.

bids for surfacing of gun shop road

Notice having been advertised for surfacing of the Gun Shop Road, Highland Avenue, and the Lake Minneola Shore Drive in the approximate quantity of 25,000 square yards of asphaltic concrete surface, the following bid was received:

BASIC ASPHALT CORPORATION, Lockhart

16,150 square yards asphaltic concrete type 2, 1-inch thick at 57 cents per sq.yd

Cashier’s check for $460.28 accompanied bid.

On a motion by Commr. Bishop, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bid of Basic Asphalt Corp. as above was accepted, with approval of the Board to negotiate for a lower price.

A letter from Pauley Jail Building Company regarding equipment for the proposed jail was referred to Mr. Howell Hopson.

Clerk Owens advised that the Oklawaha Basin requests that the Board of County Commissioners attend the Water Ways meeting to be held in Leesburg on December 9th.

bills from tax assessor

The following bills from Tax Assessor R. G. Cassady were approved by the Board:

Commissions on 1959 tax roll for General County Levy (including courthouse bonds)

Total Taxes Assets (from Grand Recapitulation)       $2,047,064.98

Non-Exempt Valuation           $65,285,248

Aggregate Valuation               $99,698,528

Commissions                                                               $57,016.30

Less 20% retained for errors & insolvencies               $11,403.26

Amount Now Due                                                      $31,613.04

commissions on 1959 tax roll for south lake hospital district

Total Taxes Assessed                                                  $22,645.04

Commissions                                       $679.35

Less 20% retained for errors and ins. $135.87

Amount Now Due                              $543.48

Valuation $22,644,909.00

Mr. Simpson filed a check in the amount of $28.84 from Stanley Harturck for the culvert.

A certificate of the Canvassing Board was filed.

Mrs. Valentine, Home Demo. Agent, appeared before the Board regarding a mimeograph machine for her office and submitted prices from the following:

SIMONS OFFICE EQUIPMENT, Leesburg

Small machine Rex-Rotary                                                     $345.00

Heavy Duty Memo Model 562                                               $650.00

SOUTHERN PRINTING CO, Eustis, oral price                   $399.50

GEORGE STUART, Orlando                                                $675.00

LEESBURG TYPEWRITER SERVICE, Leesburg

1 Geha 200 DA $550 less $55                                                $495.00

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, Mrs. Valentine, Home Demo. Agent, was authorized to purchase from Leesburg Typewriter Service One Geha 200 DA mimeograph machine at the price of $550, less $55, making a total cost of $495.

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the salary of Joe Spires, Prisoner Guard, was increased ten cents per hour, making an hourly basis of $1.10.

Discussion on closing the street in Dora Manor back of Dr. Hall’s dwelling.  Mr. Goodson reported it is OK to close this street when the Petition is filed.

Mr. Owens brought to the attention of the Board that one thousand dollars for travel expense for the Juvenile Judge has been set up in the budget and suggested that this be handled on a monthly basis; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to pay the travel expense of the Juvenile Judge on a monthly basis – 1/12 of one thousand dollars each month.

Commr. Bishop stated he is having the County barn at Minneola painted by the painter who painted the barn at Mascotte and wants authority to pay him when he finishes the work; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, the Clerk was authorized to issue a warrant to Lewis Marrier for $125 for painting the County barn at Minneola upon him presenting the bill to Clerk Owens with approval from Commr. Bishop.

Clerk Owens read a letter from the Town of Umatilla expressing their appreciation of the splendid job of leveling and resurfacing West Ocala Street (SR 450) and E. Collins Street (County road leading to SR 42 to Deland).

Clerk Owens read a telegram from A. C. Church, SRD, regarding bids on Job 11110-3108, SR 44A from a point on SR 437 approximately 1.75 miles south of SR 44 east and northeast to a point near the intersection with SR 44.  J. D. Manly Construction Company is the low bidder of $256,259.32.  The amount was charged to secondary fund for $150,000 Lake County.

Mr. Owens requested the Board not to act on a Petition to close the street in Rosenwald Gardens if the petition should be presented when he is not present.

Mr. Owens advised the Board that the last Legislature passed a law whereby it is compulsory that the Board of County Commissioners keep an inventory of all personal property owned by the County, and we will need forms to keep this inventory.  The cost will be approximately $850; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to purchase the necessary forms for making and keeping the personal property records for Lake County.

A copy of a letter from J. Basil Hall, M. D., Director of the Lake County Health Unit, to William Ekey of the SRD, Deland, was read regarding the plan to sink a surface drainage well near Fruitland Park to relieve high water conditions.  Dr. Hall’s letter did not approve this plan, and the letter suggested to the State Road Department:

1.      Plan the roads so that they will be at least three feet above the highest known water level.

2.      Anticipate the increased amount of surface water due to the added hard drainage surface in the area and the interference produced in the natural drainage system of the area.

The Board concurred in the suggestion of Dr. Hall and refused to endorse the State Road Department plan regarding this drainage.

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

WHEREAS, it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that Block 100 in the City of Tavares, according to the Plat thereof filed and recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 1, page 64, is owned by Lake County and has been withheld from sale in accordance with a prior agreement with the Board of Public Instruction of Lake County under the terms of which it was agreed that said Block should be conveyed to the Board of Public Instruction of Lake County upon the approval thereof by the City Council of the City of Tavares, and

WHEREAS, State Road 19 has been constructed through said Block 100, requiring 100 feet thereof for right of way, which right of way has been conveyed to the State of Florida.  That the City of Tavares has now indicated its agreement to the conveyance of the remainder of Block 100 to the School Board for public purposes, subject, however, to any additional requirements that the State Road Department may require for the broadening and four-laning of State Road 19 through the City of Tavares.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Chairman and Clerk of the Board be, and they are hereby authorized and instructed to execute and deliver to the Board of Public Instruction of Lake County, Florida its Fee Simple Deed, conveying said Block 100 LESS that portion thereof included in State Road 19, subject to the agreement by the Board of Public Instruction to convey to the State of Florida for road purposes without consideration widths as shall be required by the State Road Department for the widening and four-laning of State Road 19.

Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, reported that Mr. Owles, Architect, will have the plans ready by Friday of this week for the County Home.  Comm. Cross, Commr. Bishop, Commr. Theus, and Mr. Goodson were instructed to check the plans and report to the Board on same.

Commr. Theus stated he wants to purchase a used truck for District No. 1.  On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to advertise for bids for the purchase of a used truck for District No. 1 (GMC Truck).

State Auditor’s Report #5027 including the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, and County Judge was read and filed with the Board.

The bill of Hunnicutt & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $3,255.18 for services rendered on Lake County Reappraisal job for work completed through October 31, 1959 as per contract was approved for payment.  A copy of the progress report of the work of Hunnicutt was given to each of the Commissioners, and one was filed with the Board.

Mr. Goodson stated he wants to raise the salary of his secretary $50 per month, which will make his salary $375 per month.   On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the County Engineer was authorized to raise the salary of his secretary beginning November 1, 1959 to $375 per month and that Clerk Owens be authorized to transfer the sum of $550 from the contingency fund in the general revenue fund to Item #411-2 – Salary Clerk County Engineer.

Mr. Duncan advised the Board that there has been presented to the Board a contract for purchase of two lots. There is a dwelling house on one of the lots immediately north of the Detention Home, and one lot is west of the dwelling.  This would give the County the southwest corner of the block and property immediately north of the southeast corner and property west of the dwelling, a total of 276 feet.  Mr. Duncan stated he thinks this property would be very suitable for an addition to the new building.  The contract is signed by Mrs. Annabelle V. Franks.  The lots are described as Lots C & F, Block 40, Tavares.  The map shows that the lots are 50 feet wide and 130 feet deep, with an alley separating them.  Mr. Duncan also reported he also has a letter in the nature of an appraisal on the lots in the amount of $9,000, said appraisal signed by H. T. Dykes and C. B. Treadway.

On a motion by Commr. Bishop, seconded by Commr. Cowart, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Legislature has passed an Act requiring the Board of County Commissioners to assess one mill in each of the two years for the purpose of acquiring a Dependent Children’s Home, or Detention Home, in Lake County, and

WHEREAS, Lake County does not have a suitable area for the location of a detention home and has located a tract of land suitable for that purpose and has negotiated with the owner for the purchase of said property, and

WHEREAS, an appraisal by two qualified realtors has been secured indicating that the value of the property being considered is at least Nine Thousand ($9,000) Dollars, and the owner of said property has offered to sell said property to the County for $9,000, said property consisting of two lots in the City of Tavares, upon one of which is located a frame dwelling house, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners have examined said property and have concluded that the price for said property is fair and reasonable and that said property is suitable and well located for a Dependent Children’s Home, or detention home; that said property is within the City Limits of Tavares, subject to municipal services, to-wit:  police protection, electric power, water supplies, and is within one block of the Courthouse and the Juvenile Court and the Judge of the Circuit Court.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners that the offer of Annabelle W. Franks for the sale of Lots C and F in Block 40 in the City of Tavares for the sum of Nine Thousand ($9,000) Dollars be accepted and that the Chairman and Clerk for the Board of County Commissioners be, and they are hereby authorized to execute and deliver Contract for the purchase of said property, subject to the approval of the County Attorney, for a title thereto.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman and Clerk of the Board be and they are hereby authorized to issue a warrant in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to H. T. Dykes, as Agent for the said Annabelle W. Franks, as down payment on said property upon the execution of the contract, and to the said Annabelle W. Franks a warrant for Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000) to be delivered at such time as title to said property is approved and warranty deed delivered to Lake County.  UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

(TITLE OPINION OF C. E. DUNCAN, ATTY, FILED IN Dec 7th meeting)

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to transfer $9,000 from the Contingency Fund in the General Fund to Item #844-Detention Home.

following filed with the board:

Canvassing Board Report on the General Election held November 3, 1959; also Certificate County Canvassers.

Copy of letter from Karl Lehmann, Secretary-Manager, Lake County Fair Association, to City of Eustis, thanks for exempting Fairgrounds from taxes.

Florida T. B. Hospital regarding discharge of the following:  Rebecca More, Ada Elizabeth Workman, Jack Rackard, Herbert Martin, and Huey Kennington

Report of Ray E. Green, Comptroller regarding gas tax collected during month of October, 1959.

Report of Myrtle Sudderth, County Welfare Worker

vouchers

On a motion by Commr. Bishop, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following vouchers were approved for payment:

General Fund Revenue                       1 through 172

Road & Bridge Fund                          1 through 130

Fine & Forfeiture Fund                       1 through 26

South Lake Memorial Hospital           1

 

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

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

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN