MINUTES OF the regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ON monday – APRIL 11, 1960

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, April 11th,  at ten o’clock A.M., with the following present:  Chairman Cross; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Bishop and Simpson; Attorney Duncan and Clerk Owens.

The Board was called to order by Chairman Cross.

The Minutes of the meetings of February 29, March 7th and 14th were approved as read on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Deputy Sheriff Bond, of Glenn W. Ford with Hartford Accident and Insurance Company in the amount of $1,000.00, was approved by the Board.

pauper list

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

            District #1 – That no change be made

            District #2 – That Fred Cook be dropped from the list

            District #3 – That no changes be made

            District #4 – That no changes be made

            District #5 – That on changes be made

confederate pensioners

Mr. Cowart reported at the last meeting that Mrs. Nonnie Gray is still living and Mr. Cross reported today that Mrs. Haire is still living.  Therefore, Clerk Owens was instructed to notify the Pension Department, Tallahassee.

sale of beer on sunday

A group of approximately 20 to 25 ministers and laymen of Lake County appeared before the Board.  Clerk Owens asked that the spokesman for the group come forward.  Rev. Leo Barnes, minister of the Central Baptist Church in Leesburg, stated he will be spokesman for the group and speaking for the delegation request that the Board of County Commissioners rescind its action opening the sale of beer on Sunday.  Mr. Duncan, Attorney for the Board, read Florida Statutes 562.14.  (LIST OF THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS PRESENT WAS FILED WITH THE BOARD)

Mr. Theus asked “is a motion in order today to remove the sale of beer on Sunday Countywide, can we do this without the Beverage Department being present?”  Mr. Cowart stated “just allow the sale under the present licenses.”  Attorney read the law on this subject.  After further discussion, Mr. Theus stated “in view of the fact that I have repeatedly voted against this and abstained from voting the last time, I now move that we not allow alcoholic beverages to be sold on Sunday anywhere outside of municipalities in Lake County; and that the action of the Board taken on last Monday allowing the sale of beer on Sunday be rescinded.”  DISCUSSION:  Mr. Bishop stated, “You will remember when this Resolution was adopted that I gave you the choice of rescinding or adopting this Countywide.”  Mr. Theus stated “that was true; also the first Resolution for selling beer on Sunday was adopted before Mr. Bishop was on the Board.”  Mr. Cowart seconded Mr. Theus’ motion and on roll call by Districts, each Commissioner voted for the adoption of the following Resolution.

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, have upon request, issued permits to holders of licenses to sell beer, granting them the right to sell beer on Sunday; and

WHEREAS, it appears from the reaction of the public that the granting of such licenses is not for the best interest of the people of Lake County and the sale of beer should be restricted on Sunday.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that all permits for the sale of beer on Sunday heretofore granted, together with the Resolution adopted on April 4, 1960, granting generally the right to sell beer on Sunday by those holding licenses to sell beer, be, and the same are hereby revoked, repealed and annulled and that henceforth the holders of licenses to sell beer in Lake County shall not sell beer, except as provided in and by State Laws applicable thereto.

The delegation thanked the Board for its action and Rev. Barnes offered a prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father for the action taken by the Board of County Commissioners.

Mr. Larabee and Rev. Hatch asked that the selling of alcoholic beverages never be allowed at Haines Creek.  Discussion followed this request as to the Zoning Regulations.

greenwood Subdivision

Francis A. Nelson of Leesburg appeared before the Board re selling lots in this Subdivision stating he wants to deed the streets to the County and asked permission to sell the rest of the lots.  Attorney Duncan stated he has discussed this with Mr. Nelson.  He has sold 16 lots – all lots except two, and has combined these so that they will comply with the Plat Law.  Could consider this a hardship case to this tract.  Motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that a hardship case be allowed on this tract and that the Plat be accepted and received for filing.

sherwood highlands plat

Harry Padget presented Plat of Sherwood Highlands consisting of 140 lots, with Lawyers’ Title & Insurance Company Policy #Y-687-156; Policy #Y-687-158; and Policy #Y-687-162 issued to C. E. Strickland as Trustee showing a mortgage but that the streets have been resolved from the mortgage.  Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that the Plat of Sherwood Highlands be accepted and approved.

new county jail

Howell Hopson, Architect, presented to the Board Preliminary Plans on the Proposed Modern four-story County Jail, with an estimated cost of $825,000.00 to $900,000.00, which is designed to house 206 prisoners.  These preliminary plans showed the new jail is to be erected behind the present Courthouse.   Mr. Cross suggested, if the Division of Correction has no objection, that Mr. Hopson be authorized to go ahead with the construction plans, and if they have minor changes that we go along with them.  The Board instructed Mr. Hopson to begin work on final construction plans, and requested the cost of installing heavier foundations to support two additional floors if needed for future expansion.  Mr. Cross suggested that the disposal project be started.  Attorney Duncan was instructed to make negotiations for acquiring the property for disposal project to take care of the proposed new jail and other buildings housing County government agencies.

4-h club project

Request from Mrs. Valentine, Home Demo. Agent, to purchase 2 new Singer Sewing Machines for 4-H Club clothing project at a cost of $104.50 each was authorized on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried.

PASSING OF MRS. ALLIE BISHOP

Chairman Cross stated that Mr. Bishop’s mother died yesterday, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County have learned with regret of the passing of Mrs. Allie Bishop, the Mother of one of the Honored Members of this Board; and

WHEREAS, the Members of this Board realize that, in spite of the knowledge that a loved one, upon reaching an age beyond the usual allotted time for life, will pass on to a better world; nevertheless, the passing of such a loved one is always a shock and brings sadness; and

WHEREAS, this Board wishes to express to our Honored Member our regret and sorrow upon the passing of his Mother, but we wish also to express to our Honored Member the knowledge and belief that her passing was but a release from this life so that she may take up her eternal life with her Maker;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that we take this method of expressing to our Honored Member, R. G. Bishop, our deep regret and sorrow upon the passing of his Mother, Mrs. Allie Bishop, and further express to him the comfort of the knowledge that she is now rejoicing in her Eternal Home.

water management program appointment

Chairman Cross stated he appointed State Rep. W. H. (Bill) Reedy and County Engineer Charles P. Goodson on the 13-Central and Southwest Florida Counties Committee to obtain an overall Water Management Program for Central Florida.  Mr. Goodson gave a report on the meeting in Brooksville on April 6th stating that a permanent organization has been formed with the following officers:

Senator James E. Conner of 9th District – Chairman

Hon. Ellsworth Simmons, Hillsborough County Commr. – Vice Chairman

Rep. W. H. Reedy, Lake County – Vice Chairman

Mr. Wysong of Sumter County – Treasurer

Hon. Francis Williams, Clerk of Court Citrus County – Secretary

A Steering Committee composed of one Constitutional Officer from each County was selected by the temporary Chairman for the purpose of arranging legislation and water management to embody the following Rivers – Oklawaha, Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Cooti and Peach.  A Resolution was adopted to be forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee of Congress for the hearing April 12, 1960 in Washington, requesting the sum of $100,000.00 be made available to the Corps of Engineers for preliminary survey and studies with copies of said Resolution to go to Florida Congressional delegation and copy to Hon. John W. Wakefield, Director of Water Resources.

BOARD ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH AND RECONVENED AT 1:45 PM

Board called to order by Chairman Cross.

Discussion on Bill of Fred Owles, Architect, on County home site at Astatula.  No action was taken on the Bill.

Mrs. Alexander, Juvenile Counselor, and Mr. Polhamas, Juvenile Detention Home Supervisor, appeared before the Board re:  Bill of Tavares Coffee Shop in amount of $736.50 for feeding the Juveniles for the month of March.  Mr. Polhamas said this is at the rate of $2.50 per day or 83¢ per meal.  Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the bill of Tavares Coffee Shop for feeding the Juveniles in the amount of $736.60 be approved for payment.

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried that the payroll for the month of March be approved for payment.

Mr. Duncan stated the houses on the right-of-way on SR 500 have been sold and the money received, and the money should be turned over to the State Road Department, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to endorse the check in the amount of $2,707.07 to the State Road Department and send same to Atty. Duncan for transmittal to be credited to Lake County Secondary Road Fund.

t. b. hospital application

Application of Edwin Allen Yale for admission to the T. B. Hospital in Tampa was presented by Mr. Owens and he stated this party has not been in the State long enough to be placed in the T. B. Hospital and paid for by the County, but Mr. Yale has signed a statement that he will pay for the State and County cost of the Hospital; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the application of Edwin Allen Yale for admission to the T. B. Hospital was approved.

SHOUP VOTING MACHINE

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried that the bill of Shoup Voting Machine for rental due on five (5) – 10 column 50 row Shoup Voting Machines, per contract dated February 1, 1960 - $364.60 per machine plus freight of $164.75, making a total of $1,987.75 be approved for payment.

contract for transferring voting machines

Mr. Owens presented copy of Resolution from Hillsborough County re:  Contract on Voting Machines.   He stated the other counties he contacted re this matter stated they transfer their own Voting Machines.  Mr. Duncan stated that $14.00 per machine not too much out of line, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Attorney Duncan was instructed to draw up a one-year contract with Fred Duncan, d/b/a Leesburg Transfer Company, for transferring the Shoup Voting Machines from his warehouse in Leesburg to and from the Voting Precincts.

Hunnicutt & Associates, Inc., resume of work completed on the Lake County Revaluation Project through the week ending April 2, 1960 was filed with the Board, with Bill for work completed March 1 thru 26th as per contract.  Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried that the bill of Hunnicutt & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $8,422.73 be approved for payment.

Vehicles seized – beverage law violation – report from sheriff mcall REFERRED TO ATTORNEY DUNCAN

 

Make                                       Owner                                     Date Confiscated            District

1955 Oldsmobile                       Leonard Swan, Mt. Dora           April 5, 1960                4

1954 Mercury-Monterey            Value $600.00                          August 21, 1959           4

1948 Chevrolet                         Value $100.00                          October 13, 1958          4

1946 Chevrolet                         Value $300.00                          April 21, 1959               4

1952 Chrysler – New

  Yorker                                    Value $400.00                          April 21, 1959               4

            ALSO:

1959 Briggs & Stratton

   Pump                                                Value $  80.00                          July 18, 1959   

 

 

On motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried the following vouchers were approved for payment:

GENERAL REVENUE FUND #817 through 991          

ROAD AND BRIDGE #620 through 725

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND #107 through 123

COUNTY HOME #6

Clerk Owens read a letter from Hon. R. A. Gray, Secretary of State, enclosing Certificate showing the name of W. Troy Hall, Jr., as a candidate for the office of Circuit Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Group 1, to fill the vacancy in nomination caused by the death of Judge T. G. Futch, with the following NOTE at bottom the Certificate: 

NOTE:  Since Judge Hall has no opposition he is declared nominated under the law and his name should not be placed on the primary ballot.  (See Section 99.041 Fla. Statutes)

The bill of Durham Young Hospital in amount of $933.25 for hospital, medicine, x-ray, etc. for Charlotte Wass, indigent, was referred to Mrs. Sudderth, County Welfare Worker.

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, that the bill of Gregg, Gibson & Gregg, First Estimate on Construction of County Home in amount of $5,124.82 be approved for payment.

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, that the bill of East Lake Company in amount of $207.25 for tractor and pump rental and pump attended – pumping to divert water Florida Lake due to flood damage to surrounding residents – be approved for payment and charged to Park Association.

Clerk Owens was instructed to answer the request of Dixie Package Store for permission to sell beer on Sunday and advise that the sale of beer on Sunday is not allowed.

Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to transfer from the contingency item in the General Revenue Fund $200.00 to Item #844 – Detention Home.

Clerk Owens was instructed to answer the letter from Geo. W. Anderson and advised him that at least one Republican has been selected on every Board where possible and the same procedure will be followed in selection of the Election Boards for the other elections.

State Road Department Request Re:  Job 1109-106 SR 19; and JOB 11010 SR 500 (Leesburg to SR 19) for title search were ordered held until the May meeting.

following filed with the board

Letter from James M. Milligan, State Chairman Demo. Ex. Committee of Fla., ack. Receipt of check in amount of $1,566.67 to cover 1/2 qualifying fees collected from the Lake County Demo. Candidates, subject to May Primary.

Copy of letter from Richey Green, Dist. Eng. SRD., to John Tietjen, Mt. Dora re:  Water potentials on U.S. 441 on the new alignment.

SRD – Notice of beginning and completion of construction:  JOBS 11010-8502; 11130-8501; 11590-8602; 79040-8501.  Contract No. 5116, Road Nos. 500, 46, 15 and 600 – Work began 2-11-60, completed 4-4-60.  Also roads accepted for Primary Maintenance; and Roads returned to Col and/or City for maintenance.

Letters from Eustis Ministerial Assn. and Leesburg Assn – requesting reconsideration of action and rescind same re:  Sale of Beer on Sunday.

Report of County Welfare Worker filed.

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

/s/ Frank E. Owens___                                                                                                  /s/ Fred Cross

CLERK                                                                                                                        CHAIRMAN