MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 MONDAY – february 7, 1966

A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida was held in their meeting room in the Courthouse, Tavares, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., Monday, February 7, 1966, with the following members present:  Chairman Theus, Commrs. Cowart, Dykes, Livingston and Babb.  Also present were Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays, Zoning Director Webb and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven. 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Theus, who gave the invocation.

Bids

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on aluminum or corrugated steel pipe, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open the bids and the Engineer to tabulate same, whereupon, the Engineer reported receiving bids from the following:

            Florida Culvert Manufacturing, Inc.

            Florida Steel Corp.

            Culvert Manufacturing Company

            Williams Development Company

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation to the Board.

Later in the day on recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the low bid of Williams Development Company in the amount of $21,796.00 was accepted, with the understanding that Oklawaha Water Authority will pay one-half of this cost and the County’s one-half will be divided equally among the districts.

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on one Caterpillar Traxcavator, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open the bids and the Engineer to tabulate same, whereupon, the Engineer reported receiving bids from the following:

            Kelly Tractor Company

            Ring Power Corporation

            Carlton Company, Inc.

            Jos. L. Rozier Machinery Co.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the low bid of Jos. L. Rozier Machinery Company in the amount of $13,750.00 was accepted.

Roads – state

Mr. C. L. Merritt of Ferndale appeared and presented copy of petition addressed to State Representative W. H. Reedy with reference to the condition of SR 455.  Said petition was signed by sixty-six (66) persons.  Chairman Theus stated the resurfacing of this road will certainly be included in the road requests for 1966-67.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Clerk was authorized to notify the Florida Power Corp. to erect one white-way light at the South end of the ballpark approximately ¼ mile South of Umatilla on State Road 19.  Cost of same to be paid by District No. 5.

Roads – county

Mr. Howard Young appeared and advised he has promise of right of way for the tram road through Green Swamp with the exception of 120 feet.

Mr. Young extended an invitation, on behalf of Mr. Larkin of Dade City, to the Board members and the Engineer to attend Kiwanis meeting in Dade City February 8, regarding this road being extended through to Dade City.  Commrs. Cowart and Dykes and Mr. Hays will attend the meeting with Mr. Young.

Commr. Dykes advised the Bear Pen Road is blocked again, whereupon, on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Attorney was instructed to notify the owners of the land and also the people responsible for the barricade to have same removed within thirty (30) days, or the Sheriff will be instructed to remove the barricade.

advertising

Representative W. H. Reedy appeared with reference to the County endorsing the slogan “Holiday Highlands” as adopted by Dick Pope of Cypress Gardens and suggested that signs be erected on the Turnpike and Interstate 75 advertising “Holiday Highlands” and designating Lake County as the “Heart of Holiday Highlands.”   On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board adopted a resolution endorsing the slogan “Holiday Highlands.”

Road closing

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing on petition to close and abandon the following described street in Fruitland Park, the Chairman called for interested persons to be heard at this time:

That portion of Rook Street located on the following described property:

The East Half of the Southeast Quarter of Block 51 of the Town of Fruitland Park, Florida, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 3, Page 9, Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

There being no objections or complaints, motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, and a resolution was adopted that the above described street be closed.

County property

Attorney Roy Caldwell appeared with reference to right of way deeded to the County in 1936, which is ambiguous and creates a cloud upon the title; whereupon, on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing quit claim deed to correct right of line, said description being as follows:

TO: Harold R. Loughran and Virginia W. Loughran

Lots 7 and 7-A, block “A”, in Sunset Ridge, a subdivision in Lake County, Florida, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 14, Page 63, Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

Reserving, however, the right of way described as Lakeshore Drive as shown on said Plat of Sunset Ridge.

County buildings

On motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a resolution was adopted declaring the County building located on property of WLCO Radio Station of no value to the County and said building to now be the property of the land owner.

Public health

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board agreed to request the Health Department to clean up area in the vicinity of SR 437 near Sorrento, and the Engineer was instructed to post “No Dumping” signs.

Railroads

The Clerk submitted copy of letter to the Public Utilities Commission opposing hearing scheduled in St. Petersburg regarding the discontinuance of Atlantic Coast Line trains 37 and 38.  Chairman Theus presented letter from the Atlantic Coast Line extending invitation to the Commission to attend a luncheon meeting in Ocala on February 10 to hear the Railroad’s views in this matter.

Right of way – roads

Mrs. Homer Hooks appeared with reference to road right of way on Haines Creek Road.  She has request form the State Road Department for an additional 66 feet and would like the County to release right of way previously deeded to the County.  The Engineer was instructed to look into this and report to the Board.

Appointments

Chairman Theus presented letter of request from Phil Dunford, Chairman of the Community Action Committee, and appointed Commr. Dykes to serve as the Board’s representative on this Committee.

Resolutions – not classified elsewhere

On recommendation of the Chairman and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the State Road Department to use Federal funds appropriated for highway beautification on State Road 25 and State Road 500 through the Leesburg area.

Recess and reassembly

The Board recessed for lunch at twelve o’clock noon and reconvened at 2:00 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

Zoning

Mrs. Ethel Schmidt of Astor appeared regarding re-zoning of Lots 1 and 2, block 45, Astor.  She was instructed to contact the Zoning Director regarding this.

Road closing

Mrs. Schmidt also requested that road back of her property be closed.  Commr. Babb advised her this matter will be investigated and referred same to the Engineer.

Contracts

Mr. Fred Duncan appeared with reference to the contract for storing and transporting the voting machines, and requested that Sub-section (b) under Section 9 in the contract be deleted as the insurance covering this item is prohibitive.  The Clerk advised the Board the County is covered under the liability policy and if Mr. Duncan was required to carry this insurance, it would be a duplication.  On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, Sub-section (b) under Section 9 of the contract was deleted.

Bids

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids for one truck for District #4 and one Caterpillar 922 Traxcavator for District #1.  Bids to be received March 7.

Roads – county

Engineer Hays presented list of secondary roads as recommended for construction in District 3, 4 and 5, and stated the State Road Department advises the list should be submitted in priority order before road requests in March.  Action on this was deferred until the next regular meeting.

Roads – state

Notice from the State Road Department that budget hearings for primary and secondary road projects for 1966-67 will be held March 8, 1966 was read, and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a special meeting to receive road requests for the 1966-67 budget was scheduled for February 21 at 9 o’clock A.M., and the Clerk was directed to notify interest parties.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, typical section for the design of Job no. 11514-3601, SR 48 (East of Astatula) was approved and the Clerk was authorized to execute same.

Clerk Owens submitted notice form the State Road Department advising that J. D. Manly Construction Company was the low bidder on SR S-568 from SR 44 South and East to SR 25 in Leesburg (South Street) in the amount of $563,567.07.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the re-alignment of SR 19 from the Howey Bridge through the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills.

Statements showing the status of the County’s secondary funds as of December 31, 1965 were filed and copies distributed to each member.

The Engineer initiated a discussion with reference to speed limits on the Eustis-Tavares Lakeshore Drive, SR S-452.  The Clerk advised resolutions have previously been adopted establishing maximum and minimum speed limits and “no-thru” truck traffic.

Roads – county

Letter from J. W. Baumgardner regarding County Roads 5-7911 and 4-7991 and letter form John Maiberg regarding roads in Suburban Shores were referred to the Engineer.

Road & bridge dept.

The members of the Board concurring, the Chairman declared upon delivery the new asphalt distributor will be stored in the County Barn in District #2.

Engineer Hays reported there is a ten acre tract available as a clay pit near the Lone Pine pit and the owner’s appraisal is $7500.00 plus severance damage of $2500.00.  However, only five acres has clay.  No action taken.

municipalities

Notice from the City of Eustis to the Lake County Fair Assn. regarding assessment for improving Eustis Street was referred to the Engineer.

deeds

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, deeds and easement conveying the following described properties to Lake County were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records:

GRANTOR:   Odessa D. James, a widow

A STRIP OF LAND, 10 FEET WIDE, 5 feet on each side of the following described centerline: Commence at the East 1/4 corner of Section 28, Township 20 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida; thence run South 89°29’20” West, 424.84 feet, to the point of beginning; thence run South 0°43’04” East, 47.86 feet to the centerline of number 2 road (2-3024), being located in the Northeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 28.

GRANTORS: Sam W. Carroll and Faye W. Carroll, his wife

THE SOUTH 25 FEET OF:   The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, Section 3, Township 18 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: Lester W. Baxter, Sr. and wife, Mabel Y. Baxter

The East 25 feet of the South 315 feet of the East 740 feet of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NW 1/4 of SW 1/4) of Section 17, Township 19 South, Range 24 East.

Legislation

The Zoning Director called to the Board attention a new act passed during the last legislature prohibiting the issuance of building permits on certain buildings where the plans are not drawn by an Architect.

Clerk Owens presented letter form Donald B. Taylor, member of the Lake County Safety Council, requesting the Board’s support of legislation for annual compulsory car inspection.  The Clerk was directed to refer this letter to the legislative delegation, with copy to Col. Kirkman, Director of Department of Public Safety.

Licenses & permits

Discussion was held with reference to the Board adopting a policy of charging the utility companies for use permits.  The Engineer was instructed to check with other counties regarding this.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Bonds for Carrying Firearms were approved for the following:

            James C. Dozier

            Paul V. Hudson

Appointments

Chairman Theus appointed Commr. Dykes to serve on the Law Library Board for the ensuing year.

Development commission

The Clerk submitted letter from the Lake County Development Commission to Mr. Theus advising as Chairman of the Board he will serve as a member of the Development Commission.

audits

Clerk Owens submitted for filling copy of audit report No. 6297 covering the audit of the accounts of the Tax Collector, Tax Assessor and Sheriff, same being hereby made a part of these minutes pursuant to Section 21.131 (3), Florida Statutes.

Reports – official

Annual report from the Tax Assessor of Receipts, Expenses and Net Income for the year ending December 31, 1965 was filed, said report showing that $31,930.75 has been returned to the County and $3,951.81 returned to the Board of Public Instruction.

Annual report from the Tax Collector of Receipts, Expenses and Net Income for the year ending December 31, 1965 was filed, said report showing that $49,799.61 has been returned to the County and $4,893.38 returned to the Board of Public Instruction.

Hospitals

The action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving application to the Southwest Florida Tuberculosis Hospital for the following was approved on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried:

            Rollin Franklin Byrd

The following notices from the hospital were filed:

            Tom McGee, Jr. was given a disciplinary discharge on January 6, 1966.

            Gary Wayne Burton was discharged with medical advice on January 11, 1966.

            Fred Eagle was discharged with medical advice on January 16, 1966.

Tax collector

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Eustis Lake Region News was designated as the newspaper in which the Tax Collector is to publish the delinquent tax list and the Clerk was instructed to so notify Mr. Reed.  Also, publish notice of Equalization Board in the Eustis Lake Region News on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.

Tax assessor

Request form the Tax Assessor for approval of Certificates of Corrections of Errors and Corrections on the 1965 Tax Roll numbered 147 through 159, was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.

Tax delinquent

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing the redemption of 1964 Tax Certificate No. 442 in the amount of $14.95.

Federal agencies

Letters from the Alexander Spring Assn. and the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, agreeing to the termination of cooperative agreement as of January 31, 1966 were read and filed.

Bonds – misc.

Deputy Sheriff bond for Wesley F. Cater was approved on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Soil survey

Memorandum from the Soil Conservation Service was filed showing that 6,061 acres were mapped during the month of January.

County employees

Resignation of R. E. Norris, County Agent, effective April 30, 1966 was accepted with regret on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

e. central Florida regional Planning council

Minutes of regular meeting held on December 17, 1965 in Mount Dora, Florida were filed and copy distributed to each member.

Checks received

Check in the amount of $291.28 from the Clerk of Circuit Court, unclaimed monies for lands sold on tax deeds was accepted on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and the Clerk was instructed to deposit same to the General Revenue Fund.

Funds – transfer

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Clerk was authorized to transfer 1200.00 from Reserve for Contingencies in the General Revenue Fund to Item 219-5, Inventory Clerk.

Accounts filed

Request of the Small Claims Court for two docket books in the amount of $250.00 from Bowen Supply Company was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.  Three proposals filed.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Sheriff was authorized to purchase two (2) 38 caliber pistols, one (1) pocket size thirty-eight and one (1) shotgun to be used by the guards.

Expenses of Commr. Dykes and Welfare Director Verna Eastwood were approved to attend Welfare Workers Seminar in Orlando on February 11 and 12, on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.

Request of C. W. McCauslin to attend Short Course in Gainesville February 27 – March 2, was approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board authorized reimbursement to the Clerk of Circuit Court salary of inventory clerk, Glenn Igou, effective February 1, 1966 until inventory is completed, at the rate of $400.00 per month.

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the payrolls for the month of January were approved.

communications

Invitation from Pinellas County to the Board members to attend the Fifth Annual Pinellas County Industrial & Aerospace Exhibition on February 25, 26, 27, was read and filed.

Reports

The following reports for the month of January were filed:

Florida Division of Corrections regarding Road Prison No. 58, Lake County Jail and Stockade

Lake Griffin Report

Supervisor of Commodity Warehouse

Planning, Zoning & Building Department

Veterans’ Service Officer

County Agents

Fines, Forfeitures & Costs of County Judge

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 o’clock P.M.

 

___________________________________                          ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN