A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY – JULY 8, 1963

The Board of County Commissioners met in special session in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the Courthouse at Tavares, Florida on Monday, July 8^th, 1963, at 9:30 A.M. with the following present:

Chairman Dykes; Commrs. Theus, Cowart, Livingston, and Babb; Clerk Owens; Attorney Duncan; and Tax Assessor Cassady.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman.

Attorney Duncan said the purpose of this meeting is to receive the report of the Tax Assessor with reference to the assessments for the year 1963 and to determine whether or not it is acceptable.

The Tax Assessor filed estimate of the assessed values for 1963 as follows:

County wide non-exempt aggregate value $268,773.521

County wide aggregate value $330,639,561.00

South Lake Hospital District $93,374,601.00

Waterman Memorial Hospital District $97,519,561.00

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, the valuation as submitted by the Tax Assessor was accepted.

The members retired to the County Commissioners’ Room at 10:00 A.M. to take up the business of the regular session. All members being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman.

The invocation was given by Mr. Theus.

MINUTES

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried, the minutes of the special meetings of June 20^th and June 25^th, 1963 were approved.

INDIGENT LIST

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, the following changes were made to the present indigent list:

DISTRICT NO. 1 – No change

NO. 2 – ADD – Lewis Beach, Mascotte - $30.00

NO. 3 – No change

NO. 4 – No change

NO. 5 – No change

E. CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

Mr. Livingston reported on the meeting of July 5^th the Lake County Committee had with the members of this Council. Mr. Livingston said the meaning of the seven county planning group was thoroughly explained. There will be another meeting in Cocoa on Wednesday, July 10^th, at 9:00 A.M. He further explained that the members of this committee will be here at 1:30 P.M. to talk about this meeting.

PLATS

Mr. E. T. Hall appeared before the Board and presented the plat of OCALA FOREST CAMPSITE NO. 4, owner W. H. Vernor, Inc. Attorney Duncan said the subdivision is in Section 5, Township 17 S, Range 27 E, and borders on SR 445. The streets meet all the requirements and are acceptable. Title Insurance Company policy #FE 52768 issued to W. H. Vernor Inc. shows no mortgages or obligations with the exception of 1963 taxes. The plat has been signed by W. H. Vernor; it is not yet approved by the Zoning Director; however, understand it does meet all the requirements. On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the plat of OCALA FOREST CAMPSITE NO. 4 was approved, subject to inspection and approval by the Zoning Director; also, subject to receipt of report by the County Engineer of percolation test.

PLATS

Mr. Bill Fair again appeared with the plat of PLANTATION HEIGHTS. Mr. Duncan said the title policy was previously submitted showing no mortgages and today we have a letter from the County Engineer approving the lots for percolation tests. The subdivision has access to SR 42 and the streets are the proper width. The plat has been signed by the Zoning Director and appears to be acceptable; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, the plat of PLANTATION HEIGHTS was approved.

PLATS

Mr. John Rapalje appeared and presented the plat of TAVARES CEMETERY. Mr. Duncan said this plat is presented for the County’s approval. It has already been accepted by the City of Tavares. The City is endeavoring to have the plat corrected to comply with the regulations and to preserve the lots that have been sold. There is no change except in areas owned by the City. On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried, the plat of TAVARES CEMETERY was approved.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS

Clerk Owens read a letter from E. T. Hall, Orange State Engineers, Inc., with reference to the Board’s status regarding subdivision plat recording. The Clerk was instructed to send a certified copy of the excerpt of the Commissioners’ minutes of June 10^th, pertaining to Health Department Regulations for all Subdivision in the County to Mr. Hall and other surveyors and engineers in the County.

REMOVAL OF EXITING JAIL EQIPMENT

Chairman Dykes submitted a bill from J. P. Hutchinson, Contractor, in the amount of $1,000.00 for dismantling the old jail to date. Mr. Howell Hopson, Architect, being present was asked to check the bill and if in order, to approve the bill for payment. Mr. Hopson said he would report back on this.

Also, authorization from Val-Rich Construction, Inc. for Mr. Hutchinson to use their dumping chute to remove debris from the old jail. Mr. Hopson also to look into this and report back.

PROPOSED UNIVERSITY SITE

The Chairman submitted and read letter and information bulletin from the Board of Control of Florida re-establishing a site for the proposed state university in east central Florida. Chairman Dykes said he has turned this information over to the Industrial and Tourism Commission. Letter filed.

REMOVAL OF EXISTING JAIL EQUIPMENT

At this time, Mr. Hopson again appeared and said the contract for this work reads that the contractor will be paid when the job is completed, therefore, cannot approve the bill without varying from the contract. The agreement with Val-Rich for using the dumping chute is okay. The bill from J. P. Hutchinson in the amount of $1,000.00 was tabled for the time being.

COURTHOUSE REMODELING

Contract with Val-Rich Construction, Inc. for modeling the Courthouse was submitted and the Attorney was instructed to check the contract and advise.

Later in the day, Attorney Duncan said the contract appears to be in order and has a satisfactory performance bond attached; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute the contract with Val-Rich Construction, Inc.

Clerk Owens submitted a bill from Howell C. Hopson, Architect, for architectural services on the courthouse remodeling plans in the amount of $20,565.00. The Clerk said we do not have enough money in the checking account to pay all this and I have arranged with Mr. Hopson to pay him $9,800.00 now and the balance of $10,765.00 on August 5^th. This action is necessary to keep from calling in a time deposit before it is due and forfeiting the interest. THEREFORE, motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, that Mr. Hopson be paid $9,800.00 now and the balance of $10,765.00 on August 5^th.

Chairman Dykes said we need to clean out the basement of the Courthouse before the remodeling work starts. There are a number of old radiators and other salvage junk stored there. Motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, that the custodian be instructed to secure several prices on the junk stored in the basement.

TAX VALUATION

Statement from Paul Reed, Tax Collector, showing amounts of 1962 taxes collected on real estate and personal property within the corporate limits by cities and towns for road and bridge purposes was read as follows:

Astatula $182.09

Clermont $3,245.04

Montverde $257.58

Minneola $422.10

Tavares $1,821.10 $5,927.91

Leesburg $11,244.71

Lady Lake $234.76

Fruitland Park $679.05 $12,158.52

Umatilla $1,298.58 $1,298.58

Eustis $4,037.79

Mount Dora $3,111.35 $7,149.14

Groveland $1,422.78

Howey $876.32

Mascotte $383.50 $2,682.60_

$29,216.75

The above amounts are 50 percent of the collections on the basis of .315 mills, the total levy for 1962 being .63 mills.

Motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, that the 1962 taxes collected on real estate and personal property within the corporate limits of the cities listed for road and bridge purposes be distributed to the cities as shown above.

CLOSING ROAD IN SHADEMOOR ACRES

Mr. Duncan gave a brief description of a road on Shademoor Acres that Mr. Rogers Wells wants closed. During the discussion of location and ownership of the property, Mr. B. P. Howell appeared and he was advised by Chairman Dykes to contact Roy Cadwell in regard to this matter.

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon and reassembled at 1:30 P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

GAME AND FRESH WATER FISH COMMISSION

At the request of the Board, Mr. Tom Garrison of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission appeared and explained how the additional one dollar on fishing licenses will be used. Mr. Garrison filed Procedure for Handling Fish Management Area Establishment and a Suggested Resolution, which is the recommendation of this Commission for the establishment of a fish management area. Mr. Garrison suggested the Board write to Mr. John Woods, Chief of Fish Management, Tallahassee, if they are interested in having any lakes in Lake County under this program. Clerk Owens was instructed to write Mr. Woods regarding this.

Letter from South Lake Waterways Club, Clermont, was read and filed, in which they request the principal lakes in the South Lake Chain be included in this program.

E. CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

Members of the Lake County Committee appeared with Mr. Herbert Butler acting as spokesman for the group.mr. butler reported on the meeting with the representatives of the E. Central Florida Regional Planning Council and each member of the Committee urges the Board to enter into this long range planning; WHEREUPON, motion was made by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, that the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, a Special Committee appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, with instructions to confer with the Officials of East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, this day reported to the County Commissioners that they met with the two officials off said Organization, and after discussing the general plan of said Organization with particular reference to its application to Lake County, reported to this Board its findings and conclusions, and

WHEREAS, said Committee reported that they, and each Member thereof, after due consideration, determined that the future of Lake County is essentially concerned with the future of East Central Florida; and that the conclusion of Lake County with said Group, will greatly benefit this County; and that such benefits considered from long range planning, will exceed any pre-conceived plan at a cost which will, in effect, be nominal; and that the inclusion of Lake County in said Group is essential to its future progress.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by said Board of County Commissioners, that there be included in the Budget of Lake County, for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 1963, the sum of Seventy-Five Hundred ($7,500.00) Dollars, based upon a per capita formula, as shall be determined by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, which sum shall be allotted to, and for the use of said East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, that the Clerk be authorized to transfer $3,000.00 from Contingency Item in the General Revenue Fund to Item 658-1, Publicity.

Bill Reedy, representative of the Florida Telephone Corp., appeared and commended the Board on its action of entering to the East Central Florida Planning Council. Mr. Reed said he thinks Lake County has a good chance of being selected as the site for the new proposed state university.

COUNTY PROSECUTOR

County Judge W. A .Milton, Jr. appeared with the newly appointed County Prosecutor L. E. Brown and introduced Mr. Brown to the members of the Board. Mr. Brown requested office space in the Courthouse to conduct the office of County Prosecutor. He was advised that the Courthouse is in the process of being remodeled and at this time there is no space available.

ZONING

Zoning Director Bob Webb appeared and recommended that applications from the following be approved:

House and Home, Ltd.

Mrs. Ethel M. Byrd

Richard J. Gano

Lelia H. & Thomas Windram

Also, right of way deed covering the following described property:

That part of Government Lots 1 and 5 in Section 19, Township 19 South Range 25 East, in Lake County, Florida bounded and described as follows: Begin at the intersection of the Southerly line of the Right of Way of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad with the East line of the said Government Lot 1; thence run south along the East line of the said Section 19 to a point on the Northerly line of the Right of Way of U.S. Highway No, 441; thence run Westerly along the Northerly line of the said Highway to a point 50 feet West of the East line of the said Section 19, when measured at right angles thereto; thence run North and parallel with the East line of the said Section 19 to a point on the Southerly line of the Right of Way of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad; thence run Easterly along the Southerly line of the said Railroad Right of Way to the point of beginning.

Motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, that the deed from Lelia H. Windram, a widow, be accepted and recorded upon the public records.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Lake County Planning and Zoning Commission, did, on the 27^th day of June, 1963, after due Notice of the Hearing, review Applications for changes and revisions of the zoning of certain areas in Lake County, and did approve certain changes as requested in the particular Applications hereinafter set forth, subject to approval by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida; and the Board of County Commissioners having reviewed said Applications, and Recommendations of the Lake County Planning and Zoning Commission;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of the County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Zoning Rules and Regulations of Lake County be altered and amended as they pertain to the following tracts of land, to the Classifications designated after each description:

1. The West 528 feet of the East 792 feet of Government Lot 1, in Sec. 19, Tp. 19 S. R. 25 E., lying North of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad right of way in Lake County, Florida,

now classified and zoned as R-1 (Residential) with Mobile Home exception, be, and the same is hereby amended, changes, and rezoned to Classification C-2 (Commercial).

2. The West 143 feet of the East 286 feet of Lot 8, in Block 47, according to the Subdivision of Silver Lake Estates, as recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 5, Pages 1 and 2,

now classified and zoned as R-1A (Residential), be, and the same is hereby amended, changed, and rezoned to Classification C-2 (Commercial).

3. The East 200 feet of Government Lot 5, lying North of U. S. Highway No. 441; The East 200 feet of Government Lot 1, lying South of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad right of way; The East 264 feet of Government Lot 1, lying North of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad right of way; LESS AND EXCEPT, beginning 238.05 feet North of the E ¼ corner of Sec. 19 S. R. 25 E., thence run West 132 feet; thence North to Lake Griffin; thence Northeasterly along Lake Griffin to East line of said Government Lot 1, thence South to the P.O.B.; ALL of said property being in Sec. 19, Tp. 19 S. R. 25 E.,

now classified and zoned as R-1A (Residential), be, and the same is hereby amended, changed, and rezoned to Classification C-2 (Commercial).

4. The North 500 feet of Tract 16, in Sec. 18, Tp. 22 S. R. 25 E., according to the Plat of Groveland Farms, filed and recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida,

now classified and zoned as R-1 (Residential), be, and the same is hereby amended, changed and rezoned to Classification A (Agricultural), and limited to use of said property for the planting and development of an Ornamental Nursery.

ZONING FEES

Bob Webb presented the schedule of fees prepared by the Zoning Commission. Motion made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, that the new schedule as presented be accepted.

SALARY COUNTY EMPLOYEE

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the Clerk was instructed to transfer $300.00 from the Contingency Item in the General Revenue Fund to Item 219-5, Salary Inventory Clerk.

SURVEYS

Mr. Hampton, the County Planner, appeared and said several months ago the Board was to request a new soil survey from the U.S.D.A. He wondered if this was ever received. The Clerk was instructed to check into this and if the survey has not been received from the U.S.D.A., he is to request that same be made.

CLAY PIT

Commr. Livingston said it is possible we may be able to lease land in the National Forest to be used as a clay pit. Gordon Hays, Engineer, advised that he has contacted the Florida Forestry Service with reference to an easement, but has not heard from them.

COMPLAINTS

Clerk Owens advised that the City of Mount Dora has called again requesting that the prisoners be sent back to Mount Dora to pick up and bury the dead fish. He was instructed to advise the foreman to take the crew back to Mount Dora.

ACCOUNTS

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

GENERAL REVENUE FUND NO. 1514 – 1682

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND NO. 1060 – 1178

FINE & FORFEITURE NO. 149 – 164

MOSQUITO CONTROL STATE NO. 2 NO. 70 – 75

CAPITAL OUTLAY RESERVE

County Buildings NO. 1 – 2

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING NO. 16

FOLLOWING FILED WITH THE BOARD:

Copy of Public Defender Law certified by the Secretary of State

Letter from Mrs. Marion G. Farnum regarding Saltsdale Road, requesting that this matter be continued until after January 1, 1964. Request granted by the Board.

Copy of letter from C. E. Duncan to SRD regarding Highland Ave. in Mount Dora

Copy of letter from C. E. Duncan to SRD regarding Bridge and Approaches on Lakeshore Drive in Eustis

Copy of letter from C. E. Duncan to Frank E. Roper regarding right of way deeds

Copy of letter from Zoning Director to Bert Cumings regarding relocation of sign at SR 19 and SR 500 Interchange

FOLLOWING REPORTS FILED WITH THE BOARD:

Fines, Forfeitures, and Costs Report by W. A. Milton, Jr., County Judge, for June 1963