MINUTES OF the REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

monday – DECEMBER 14, 1959

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, December 14, 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.

The minutes of the meetings of November 2nd and 9th were adopted as read on motion of Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cross and carried.

The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of Eloise Thomas, Leesburg, with American Fire & Casualty Company.

PAUPER LIST

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried:

·       District #1 –    That Jack Rackard, Gen. Del. Fruitland Park be dropped from the       list.

§  That Mrs. Cora White 508-1/2 N. Canal Street, Leesburg, be granted $20.00 per month.

§  That Mrs. Maude Geerkin, Lady Lake, be granted $40.00 per month.

·       District #2 -    That Mrs. W. B. Gibson, Gibson’s Nursing Home, Lady Lake for       care of J. Raleigh Lee for $40.00 be dropped from the list. 

§  J. Raleigh Lee for $40.00 be dropped from the list.

§  That the address of Albert Atkinson be changed to care of Mrs. Corine Fletcher 1709 W. Main Street, Leesburg.

·       District #3 -    That no changes be made.

·       District #4 -    That Mrs. W. B. Gibson, Lady Lake, for care of Miss Affa Hubbel for $40.00 be dropped from the list.

·       District #5 -    That no changes be made.

 

D. T. Larabee again appeared before the Board and presented Plat of Haines Creek Mobile Home Site Subdivision, and filed letter from Lake County Health Department, with Memorandum of Title of Fishback, Williams, Davis & Dominick, Attorneys, also Satisfaction of Mortgage.  Atty. Duncan advised Mr. Larabee that Notice has been advertised for a Public Hearing on Zoning regulations of Mobile Homes & Villages to be added to present Zoning Regulations and when the Commissioners adopt this addendum to the Zoning Regulations, this Plat can be approved.

Mr. Karl Lehmann appeared before the Board re:  Conversation with Mrs. Dodge over the telephone re:  obtaining one thousand acres of land for Girls Town.  She told Mr. Lehmann some land in the south end of the County has been offered.  She likes this County very much and would like very much to have the Girls Town here.  She also has an offer of land at St. Augustine, also Brooksville, and Mr. Roper has offered land this side of Lake Apopka.  Mrs. Dodge said this land is not high enough for their purpose.  She hopes Lake County will go into this as she likes the high elevation.  She is interested in Mount Plymouth area – Sanson’s property and has talked to Mr. Daugherty.  He said they have committed themselves to 500 acres for industrial center and are negotiating for another college site, and do not have that much land available at this time.  Mr. Lehmann said Mrs. Dodge called last night and asked for Mr. Sanson’s address in Miami and asked for Mr. Lehmann to make an appointment with Mrs. Sanson for her to go to Miami to see him.  Mr. Lehmann said he did not get in touch with Mr. Sanson and he presumes that the lack of donors of a thousand acre tract would about eliminate the possibility of Girls Town being located in Lake County.

Mr. Padgett presented Plat of Crescent Cove for J. E. Fretwell, et al; also letter from Lake County Health Department stating they accept recommendations of Orange State Engineers on this property was filed.  Title Insurance Policy issued by Lawyer’s Title Insurance Corp #Y-677-545 showing property is owned by J. E. Fretwell and wife, Virdilee.  Mr. Duncan said the Plat meets with all regulations.  Has County clay road.  Streets OK.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, the Plat of Crescent Cove was accepted and approved.

Plat of Lake View Heights Second Addition – E. R. Hastings and wife, was presented to the Board.  Mr. Duncan said the streets are 60 feet wide and the subdivision borders on clayed County Road 66 feet wide.  The plat meets the requirements.  Letter from Lake County Health Department and opinion of Title by Z. D. Giles, Attorney, shows the title is OK, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Plat of Lake View Heights Second Addition was accepted and approved.

Plat of Hoosier Heights Subdivision in Section 35-18-24, with letter from Lake County Health Department, with title policy #Y-677-541 issued by Lawyer’s Title & Insurance Corp. showing title in Kenneth C. Beanblossom and wife free and clear of any defects was presented to the Board.  Mr. Duncan stated one street is 50 feet wide, but borders on Sunnyside Street Drive which is 66 feet wide.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, the Plat of Hoosier Heights Subdivision was accepted and approved.

Opinion of Irving F. Morse, Attorney, in connection with the right of way for County road across the lands of Thomas Henry Hancock was filed with the Board.

Mr. Goodson reported on the Bids on Concrete Pipe received at the meeting on Monday, December 7, 1959, stating the low bidder is Florida Concrete Pipe Company of Lakeland,  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, the bid of Florida Concrete Pipe Company of Lakeland to supply the needs of Lake County in Concrete Pipe for the year 1960 at the prices as quoted in the bid be accepted.  (SEE LETTER FROM GOODSON, County Engineer, filed this date.)

Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, gave a report on the change in Typical Section on Road SR S-439, Job 11685-3601-02-31 (From SR 44 to SR 42), WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the State Road Department of Florida has submitted to the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, a proposed typical Section for State Job N. 11685-3601-02-31, State Road No. S-439, which will connect State Road 44 with State Road 42; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County have determined that a realignment of the Northern portion of said road, as hereinafter set forth, will better serve the area through which the road will pass, and the property owners along said roadway and that a different type of surface treatment will be more acceptable.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the State Road Department be requested to make the following changes in the alignment of said road, and the specifications for said road:

1.     That the Southerly terminus of said road be shifted Westerly to match the Lake Seneca Road (approximately one-half mile) and intersect the exiting County Road at a point 3,000 feet North of State Road 44.

2.     That the Northerly terminus of said road, between Stations 175 and 210 be realigned to follow the alignment of the existing County Road.

3.     That the surface type, as proposed for said road, be changed from Asphalt Concrete Type I (1” thick) to surface treatment, 2 – Course.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Road Department be requested to submit proposed typical section for the above road in line with the changes.

DISCUSSION re:  Piping water from Lake Woodward to Lake Saunders.

The State Road Department has agreed to put in a pumping station which would discharge the excessive water from Lake Woodward, which is in the path of the proposed SR 500, into Lake Saunders, however, the State Road Department requests that Lake County maintain the pumping station.  Mr. Cross stated he does not think Lake County should do this on Primary Road as the money for this maintenance would come out of secondary road funds.  Thinks the Department should maintain the pumping station.  Mr. Bishop stated this is in his district and he does not think the County should maintain the pumping station.  Mr. Duncan stated that the only thing the County has to do on Primary Roads is to furnish the rights of way and it is up to the State Road Department to furnish drainage.  Mr. Duncan stated that the District Engineer stated to him that he could see that the Health Department had a valid objection re drainage wells.

Mr. Goodson presented a deed executed by Harry W. Shaw and wife, Edna L. Shaw to the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, conveying 0.94 acres more or less in Section 7-19-27 (Lake Joanna road over to 44-A).  Letter from James R. Codding, President of Board of Trustees of Joanna Shores Property Owners Assn. Inc., to Daniel Shaw filed.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the deed executed by Harry W. Shaw and wife on extension of Lake Joanna Road was accepted.

R. E. Norris appeared before the Board and stated that James R. Connell, Asst. County Agent, is resigning effective December 31, 1959, to take a job as sales manager of Chase and Company of Sanford.  Mr. Norris stated he would like to see if he can get a man with ornamental shrubbery training.  Letter from Mr. Connell filed with the Board. 

Mr. Norris stated he needs to be out of the County approximately ten days on extra activities, and the Board granted him permission for the ten day leave.

BOARD ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH.

BOARD RECONVENED AT 1:30 P.M.

Mr. Fred Duncan appeared before the Board re:  Contract for transporting the Voting Machines.  He suggested renegotiation of the contract for more hours, dated back applicable to increase of time, due to more precincts to be supplied, $14.00 per machine per round trip.  For demonstration $28.00.  Mr. Duncan stated with the County’s approval, I will renegotiate this contract as to the date and number of precincts providing for $14.00 per machine, but provide that the minimum shall be $28.00 without the City of Leesburg.  The Attorney for the Board, Mr. C. E. Duncan, was instructed to write this Contract based on the suggestions of Mr. Frank Owens and Mr. Fred Duncan and submit for adoption at the next meeting.

Mr. Duncan, Attorney for the Board, stated he does not have title approval ready on the Burke Chester property, which the Board is contemplating purchasing for an Agricultural Center, but has just received the abstract from the Abstract Company.  He also stated the Board should authorize payment of 10% of the purchase price at this time - $2,000.00; also authorize payment of the balance of the purchase price at such time as the deed and approval of title is received.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to issue warrant on the Capital Out-Lay Reserve Fund – (Agricultural Building) to Burke Chester and wife for 10% of the purchase price of the property - $2,000.00 – and deliver said warrant upon delivery of executed contract; also issue warrant on the Capital Out-Lay Reserve Fund (Agricultural Building) to Burke Chester and wife in the amount of $18,000.00 – balance of the purchase price – same to be delivered upon receipt of warranty deed conveying said property and upon receipt of approval of title by the Attorney for the Board, Mr. C. E. Duncan.  The property which the Board agrees to purchase is located Southwest of the intersection of the “Woodlea Road” and State Road 19, in Section 31, Tp. 19 S. R 26 E., and includes 20 acres of land.

Deed from Annabelle W. Franks, a widow, to Lake County, a Political Subdivision, conveying Lots C & F in Block 40, Tavares, with 1959 Receipt for County taxes and 1959 Receipt for taxes Town of Tavares, were presented by Mr. Duncan to the Board, who stated one thousand dollars has already been paid on this property, and the balance of $8,000.00 should now be delivered to Mrs. Franks.

A letter from J. C. Sparks re:  Lots K & L Block 40 quoting price of $1,100.00 each was presented to the Board and Clerk Owens was instructed to bring the letter to the meeting in January.

Discussion on purchasing a mimeograph machine for use of attorney for the Board:

            Quotation from Simons Office Equipment – Leesburg was as follows:

            1 M-4 EQU Mimeo Machine                                                 $345.00

                        Federal Excise Tax                                                         20.70

            1 stand for machine                                                                    39.95

                                                                                                            $405.65

                        Less Federal Excise Tax                                               20.70

                                                                                                            $384.95

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Cross and carried that the Board of County Commissioners purchase from Simons Office Equipment one M-4 EQU Mimeo Machine and stand for the price of $384.95 to be used by the Attorney for the Board, Mr. C. E. Duncan.

Mr. Duncan presented warranty deed executed by Leesburg Hospital Assn, a non-profit corporation to Lake County, a Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, conveying Blocks F, G and H, Less N. 62.50 ft. of the S. 141.40 ft. of the W. 215.24 ft. of Block F and Less:  Lot 2 of Block G, all in East Leesburg, a Subdivision in Block 57, Leesburg.  This Deed subject to:  Restrictions and reverters as contained in a certain Deed from G. G. Ware, et al to the Leesburg Hospital Association.

Mr. Duncan also presented Fee Simple Deed from City of Leesburg, Florida, a municipal corporation to County of Lake, State of Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, conveying – Lot 2, of Block G, East Leesburg, as shown by the Plat on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida,

WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Board accepted both of the above described deeds, subject to title being checked by Attorney for the Board, Mr. C. E. Duncan.  (Mr. Duncan stated he has checked the title to both deeds, and the title is OK.)

Notice was advertised for bids for the purchase of a used GMC 3-ton truck for District No. 1, and one bid was received on December 7th and said bid was ordered held over at that meeting as Commr. Theus was not present.  Mr. Theus now being present, the bid of Jungle Auto Service was presented, as follows:

            1 used GMC 3-ton truck                                             $1,695.00

                        Less trade-in on 1953 GMC 1-1/2 ton

                        Dump truck                                                          495.00

                                    Net difference                                     $1,200.00

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the bid of Jungle Auto Service to furnish Lake County one used 3 ton GMC truck for the price of $1,695.00, less trade-in one 1953 1-1/2 ton GMC dump truck, for the net difference of $1,200.00, be accepted, and Clerk Owens is hereby authorized to issue warrant in said amount to Jungle Auto Service in payment of transaction.

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to issue warrant to Motor Vehicle Commission in the amount of $6.60 in payment of X-tag for the 1953 GMC 3-ton truck and transfer of title certificate; also including the X-tag and title certificate for the new truck in District #4.

Clerk Owens read a letter from R. T. Gupton, Secy-Treas. State Assn. of County Engineers and Road Supt. re:  Membership fees in the State Association, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to issue warrant for $10.00 to R. T. Gupton, Secy-Treas. State Assn. of County Engineers and Road Superintendents for membership fee in the State Association.

Clerk Owens presented bill in the amount of $85.57 from Hunnicutt & Associates for services rendered on Lake County re:  Appraisal job for work completed 11-2-1959 through 11-28, 1959 per contract.  Said bill has been approved by Mr. Cassady, Tax Assessor, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the bill as above set out was approved for payment.

(Clerk Owens gave each member Progress Report on the Appraisal Work per above.)

Clerk Owens was instructed to bring to the meeting in January a letter from the City of Mount Dora re:  E 45’ of Block 4 Lot A Sadler Subdivision, Mount Dora.

Clerk Owens presented quotations from Bowen Supply Company on Commissioners Minute Book 18 in the amount of $93.65; and Circuit Court Minute Book #26 in the amount of $69.00, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to order the Minute Books as described above.

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Theus that Mrs. Ann Clore be employed as Secretary to County Agent, R. E. Norris, for the month of December at a salary of $120.00, with a higher rate of salary after December.

Clerk Owens advised the Board that he needs two new typewriter desks for his office and presented quotations from the following companies:

Leesburg Typewriter Service

            Globe-Wernicke Secretarial desk                                          $279.50

                                                Less                                                         69.88

                                                                                                            $209.62 each

 

            If Secy-tray stationery compartment not needed

                                                Deduct                                       15.00

 

Bowen Supply Company -  Plant City

 

            2 Steelcase secretarial desks                                                  $420.00

 

Simons Office Equipment - Leesburg

           

            2 secretarial desks, with Typewriter

            mechanism, Benston, Square edge top                                  $507.50

           

                                                Less 15%                                                76.13

                                                                                                            $431.37

 

Mr. Owens stated he wants to check the equipment; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to check the equipment and accept the lowest bid if possible.

Clerk Owens read quotations on typewriter desk and chair from the following companies, which were presented for Lake County Agent’s Office.

Southern Printing Company – Eustis

            1 typewriter desk and one C-2 posture chair,

            Both grade A                                                                          $253.23

 

Simons Office Equipment – Leesburg

 

            Typewriter desk 30” x 60” Bentson                                       $267.75

                                                            Less                                            41.63

                                                                                                            $226.12

 

            Anderson-Hickey desk                                                           $194.94

            Budget Line desk                                                                    $187.00

            Haskell desk                                                                           $177.12

            60” x 30” metal stand                                                             $175.66

 

            Chair:

 

            Emeco Secretarial Chair                    $50.40

            Cosco Secretarial Chair                     $30.60

            Steelmaster Secretarial Chair                        $58.50

 

Leesburg Typewriter Service

 

            Globe-Wernicke Desk                                                                        $279.50

                                                            Less                                             69.88

                                                                                                            $209.62

                        Cosco Secretarial chair                                                  26.95

                                                                                                            $236.57

 

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the bid of Southern Printing Company to furnish Lake County one typewriter desk and posture chair, both Grade A in all appointments, engineering and functions delivered to Tavares for the sum of $235.23 be accepted.

Mr. Duncan reported that the Order of Taking on Road S-46-A has been signed.

DISCUSSION ON SELECTION OF JURORS FOR CIRCUIT COURT

Mr. Duncan suggested that a Jury Commission be appointed to recommend to the County Commissioners’ selection of names.  Judge Futch came in and stated anyone 65 or over can claim this as an exemption and suggested that those over 65 who are willing to serve as jurors, come in and register with the Clerk.  This should be given publicly.

OPINION OF TITLE on Block 58, the E-1/2 of Block 60, TOWN OF MINNEOLA, by CORK & DANIEL, ATTORNEYS, FILED.

Mr. Duncan explained the Contract for Voting Machines and said would have to rewrite the Contract for the purchase of the five (5) additional machines as the Company cannot deliver the machines at the old price, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, Mr. Duncan was authorized to rewrite the contract for the purchase of five (5) additional Voting Machines and Clerk Owens was authorized to place the order for these five (5) machines.

Bill of Fred Duncan Transfer Company, Leesburg as follows was approved for payment:  On motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried.

            $618.00 – delivering and locking up Voting Machines

                  2.50 – storage on Voting Machines for November

            $700.50

 

Clerk Owens brought to the attention of the Board that the Courthouse Family would like to have a Christmas tree in the lobby and establish this precedent as an annual affair.  Tree to be decorated by the Courthouse Employees.  The initial cost would be approximately one hundred dollars.  Mr. Simpson stated he thinks this would be a nice thing to do, and asked if the Board wants to underwrite this cost for decorating the Christmas tree up to $100.00.   WHEREUPON,  on motion of Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board of County Commissioners agreed to underwrite the cost for decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby of the courthouse up to one hundred dollars.

Mr. Cowart filed a check in the amount of $117.67 from P. B. Brown for culvert.

Mr. Theus filed check in the amount of $20.00 to Lake County from Cecil C. Theus for four loads of clay.

FOLLOWING FILED WITH THE BOARD

·       Letter from A. E. O’Neal & Associates re:  Sanitary District.  Copy of Senate Bill 522 attached.

·       Letter from Green-Clark Company re:  Litter problem

·       Letter from Sorrento-Mt. Plymouth Civic Association re:  Dumping and garbage disposal area.

·       Dominion Signal Company, Inc. advising they are sending a container of Va. Peanuts.

·       Letter from Glenn G. Frazier, Architect, re Proposal for services in connection with the proposed Juvenile Detention Home and the Ag. Bldg.

·       Executed Agreement Fraizer filed.

·       Copy of letter to Mr. Simpson from Howell C. Hopson, Architect re:  Proposal for services in connection with the construction of the proposed County Jail and alterations to the Courthouse.

·       Florida T. B. Hospital, Orlando re:  Discharge of Maude Alberta Holley; Jessie Steel, Jr.; Charlie Clyde Anderson; Mrs. Julia Marie Abele; & Morris E. Nichols.

·       Report of County Welfare Worker for November

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

           

            General Fund              -            #173 through 342

            Road & Bridge Fund -           #131 through 260

            Fine & Forfeiture Fund          #  27 through   44

            South Lake Mem. Hosp.         #    2

            Capital Outlay Res.

                   (Ag. Bld)                          #    1

 

 

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

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

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN