MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – march 7, 1966
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse at Tavares, Florida, on Monday, March 7, 1966, at 10:00 A.M. with the following present: Chairman Theus; Commrs. Cowart, Dykes, Livingston, and Babb; Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays, and Zoning Director Webb.
The meeting was called to order and the invocation was given by Chairman Theus.
bids
It now being 10:00 A.M. the time advertised to receive bids on the following items, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open the bids and the Engineer to tabulate same, whereupon, the Engineer reported receiving bids from the following:
CAB AND CHASSIS FOR DISTRICT NO. 4
Jungle Auto Service $3,599.00
Eustis Motor Company $3,506.80
Eustis Dodge, Inc. $3,396.87
Hodges Equipment Company $3,686.38
Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. $3,495.98
On motion of Commr. Dykes, 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. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the low bid of Eustis Dodge, Inc. in the amount of $3,396.87 was accepted.
CATERPILLAR TRAXCAVATOR
Kelly Tractor Company $17,485.00
Carlton Company, Inc. $17,500.00
Ringpower Corp. $17,140.00
Jos. L. Rozier Machinery Co. $16,530.00
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the low bid of Jos. L. Rozier Machinery Co. in the amount of $16,530.00 was accepted.
road maintenance – subdivisions
Mrs. Obie Alexander of Remley Heights appeared and presented Petition for Construction and Resurfacing Streets signed by 75.8 percent of the property owners, equaling 2,715 feet of road frontage of 3,330.60 feet involved or 81.5 percent of road frontage. The Engineer reported the work will cost approximately 78 cents per foot. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board accepted the petition and agreed to resurface the streets in Remley Heights when money from the property owners is received and deposited with the Clerk. Commr. Dykes stated it is understood with the property owners that the County will not maintain the streets after the resurfacing is completed.
Mr. W. J. Gibbons of Lake Harris Estates appeared and presented checks totaling $1,622.00 to apply to the cost of resurfacing the streets in Lake Harris Estates. Mr. Gibbons advised he still has to collect from two or three property owners. The Clerk was instructed to deposit the money to apply against the cost.
bids
Mr. H. A. Clark and Mr. Joe Creamons of Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. appeared and advised they have been notified by the factory that they cannot manufacture the model tractor ordered from Creamons on October 7, 1965 for reasons beyond their control. Mr. Clark further advised they can furnish an alternate truck, Model JM71413, gasoline powered, at a lower price to the County.
Whereupon, on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted accepting the alternate truck, Model JM71413, which is powered by a gasoline motor rather than a diesel motor, at a savings of $2,312.58 to the County, which will do the same job as the diesel powered tractor, and the used equipment offered by the County in trade for the diesel tractor was delivered to Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. at the time the bid was accepted, and such used equipment has been sold and cannot now be recovered, and the Clerk was authorized to pay to Joe Creamons Chevrolet, Inc. the sum of $7,584.42.
safety council
Dr. Stan Klar and Don Taylor appeared and requested financial assistance and office space in the Courthouse to establish a more firm Safety Council. Dr. Klar stated they want to institute a “driver improvement program” and need funds for a secretary and office supplies. The Board members concurring, the Chairman advised financial assistance is impossible during this budget year; however, office space might be available when the Engineering and Zoning Departments move into the new building.
applications
Commr. Babb presented an application from Alfred F. Holt for employment with the County. The Clerk was instructed to forward the application to the Board of Public Instruction.
Maps and plats
The Engineer and Attorney were instructed to give their recommendations to the Board regarding notation to be included on all plats pertaining to the maintenance of streets in subdivisions unless they are built to State Road Department specifications.
assessments
Petition signed by fifteen businessmen requesting reassessment of business properties on Alfred Street (Old SR 500) was referred to the Tax Assessor.
complaint
Letter of Complaint from John Maiberg, Suburban Shores, was read and filed.
Letter from A. F. Stecher regarding condition of road through the Floriland Farms Dairy property was read and Commr. Livingston stated he will contact the Ebersoles for a solution to this problem.
State agencies
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Change Order No. 1 to the Agreement with the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission was approved authorizing five experimental seine hauls in Lake Dora, and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute same.
County judge
Clerk Owens reported he is in receipt of an opinion from the Attorney General advising according to Chapter 39 and Chapter 65-1042, Florida Statutes, “it appears that the additional County Judge would also serve in the capacity of Juvenile Judge.” The Clerk further advised in the future all warrants drawn for compensation to the Juvenile Judge will be divided equally between Judge Milton and Judge Booth.
courthouse
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board authorized the use of the Grand Jury Room on the Fourth Floor of the Courthouse as an office for the Assistant State Attorney.
Recess and reassembly
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
road maintenance – subdivision
Mr. George Amory and four other property owners in Sylvan Shores appeared with reference to resurfacing streets in Sylvan Shores Subdivision under the supervision of the County Engineer. Chairman Theus advised them the Engineer will work with them in figuring costs and yardage and for them to have a petition prepared and collect the money for the costs of same.
roads – state
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing the cost of relocating a power line owned by Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. on SR S-473, said cost to be paid from Secondary Funds accrued to Lake County.
Clerk Owens presented right of way contract, Department resolution and map of survey and location on Section 11200-2505, SR-25; whereupon, on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted whereby the County agrees to furnish the necessary right of way, borrow pits and easements for that portion of Section 11200, SR 25, extending from a point in Section 7, Township 22 South, Range 26 East, Northwesterly to a point in Section 22, Township 21 South, Range 25 East, and authorizing the Attorney to proceed with condemnation proceedings. The Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute the right of way contract.
Roads – county
Clerk Owens submitted a letter from the Paisley Post Office requesting that the bridge on Sunset Drive in Blue Lakes Ridge be repaired. Commr. Babb stated this bridge is on private property and he does not have the money to repair the bridge.
Road and bridge department
Letter from the Florida Industrial Commission was submitted by the Clerk advising that on February 9, 1966 the Industrial Safety Representative inspected the Leesburg equipment shop (District One) and discussed safety control with the Heavy Equipment Operator Yates.
Road closings
Commr. Babb presented for filing four letters of protest from residents of Astor opposing the closing of a street in the Town of Astor.
zoning
Clerk Owens present a letter from John Holt of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints requesting information as to zoning laws, and restrictions for establishing a youth camp in the Ocala Forest. The letter was referred to the Zoning Director.
Reports – official
Annual report of Receipts, Expenses and Net Income for the year ending December 31, 1965 was filed by the Small Claims Court Judge, showing a net income of $5,862.13.
Suits affecting county
Attorney Duncan reported on the status of the Hooten case which was appealed in the District Court of Appeal in Lakeland and the decision was in our favor. The decision has been appealed to the Supreme Court on Writ of Certerori.
Tax delinquent
Attorney Duncan reported Henry Pringle is holding a tax sale certificate which has an error in the description and in order to correct same a court order will be necessary setting aside the sale and authorizing the Clerk to readvertise the certificate. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Attorney was instructed to advise Mr. Pringle this action is approved by the Board with expenses incurred to be paid by Mr. Pringle.
contracts and agreements
Clerk Owens submitted a contract with Shoup Voting Machine Corp. covering the purchase of 18 used voting machines and on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the contract was approved and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute same.
soil survey
Memorandum from the Soil Conservationist advising that 7,101 acres were mapped in February, making a total to date of 258,312 acres mapped.
hospitals
The following notices were received from the Southwest Florida Tuberculosis Hospital:
Perry Lewis was given a disciplinary discharge on February 7, 1966.
Robert Almon Beasley was discharged with medical advice on February 18, 1966.
Jessie Davis expired on February 22, 1966.
deeds
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, deeds conveying the following described properties to Lake County were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records:
GRANTORS: Grover Harris and Edna H. Harris, his wife
THE SOUTH 25 FEET OF: The East 411.96 feet of the West 1247.58 feet of the NE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 15, Twp. 19 South, Range 26 East.
GRANTORS: A. T. Wigelsworth and Pearl S. Wigelsworth, his wife
THE SOUTH 25 FEET OF: The East 72.42 feet of the NE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 15, Twp. 19 South, Range 26 East.
ALSO: THE NORTH 25 FEET OF: Lot 2, Block E, according to the Partial Replace of Eustis Heights, recorded in Plat Book 17, page 4, Public Records of Lake County, Florida.
licenses and permits
The Engineer filed the following use permits:
No. 67 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 4-4480.
No. 68 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 4-4767.
No. 70 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 3-4560.
To American Tel. & Tel. Co. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable across County Road 3-1757.
To American Tel. & Tel. Co. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable across County Road 3-1653.
county agents
Letters of appreciation from Earl M. Kelly and K. S. McMullen for the Board’s approval of Mr. Kelly’s employment as County Agent effective May 1, 1966 were read and filed.
Veterans service officer
Letter from the State Service Officer regarding Annual Statewide Service Officers School and Conference to be held April 30 to May 7 at Miami Beach was read and filed.
oklawaha
Copy of letter was read and filed from Oklawaha Water Authority to the Southwest Florida Water Management District requesting assistance in effecting three changes in the plan design of the Corps of Engineers on the Four Rivers Basin Project.
salaries and wages
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Board approved an increase of $600.00 to the annual salary of the County Engineer Gordon Hays, effective April 1, 1966.
Accounts allowed
On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, invoice from Seaboard Air Line Railroad Company in the sum of $759.97 for construction of crossing near Mile Post 781, Tavares, was approved.
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, relocation of control panel to the amplifying system in the Circuit Courtroom was approved, cost not to exceed $100.00.
On recommendation of the Zoning Director and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to refund $44.20 to Tiffany Homes, Inc. for building permit issued in error.
Interest payment on Certificates of Indebtedness was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board approved the purchase of two Acme Visible Cabinets from Simons Office Equipment in the amount of $650.50 for the Clerk’s Office.
On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the low proposal from Jansen Auto and Equipment Repair was approved to construct prisoner cage on new truck in the amount of $488.20.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the low proposal from Basic Asphalt Corp. was approved to pave parking areas and driveways for the new Engineering and Zoning Building at a cost of 60 cents per square yard.
Proposal from Johnson & Smith, Inc. in the amount of $943.50 was approved as the best bid for landscaping the grounds of the Engineering Building, on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the proposal from True Temp, Inc. to furnish and install one Carrier Air Conditioner in the sign shop for the sum of $431.00 was accepted as the best unit on recommendation of the Engineer.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the payrolls for the month of February were approved.
communications
Letter from Representative Bob Sikes was read and filed regarding the transfer of MOL facilities. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter of appreciation to Golden Gem Growers, Inc. for extending the height of the smoke stacks on their plant.
Copy of letter from the State Board of Health regarding Palm Shores Resort was filed.
reports
The following reports for the month of February were filed.
Veterans Service Officer
County Agents
Planning, Zoning & Building Department
Surplus Commodity Warehouse Supervisor
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN