MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – november 7, 1966
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse in Tavares on Monday, November 7, 1966, at 10:00 A.M. with the following members present: Chairman Theus, Commrs. Cowart, Dykes, Livingston and Babb. Also present were Attorney Duncan, Clerk Owens, Engineer Hays, Zoning Director Webb and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman who gave the invocation.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids on propane gas requirements, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids, whereupon, the Clerk reported receiving bids from the following:
Gulf Cities Gas Corp. 15ȼ per gal.
Mid-Florida Gas Company 12ȼ per gal.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the low bid of Mid-Florida Gas Company was accepted.
State agencies
Mr. Ed Zagar of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission appeared with reference to additional seining in Lake Griffin in order to evaluate the seine hauls previously made in the lake. Approximate cost for 40 hauls will be $8,000 and request the board to provide half of this. The Attorney was instructed to give an opinion on this at the next regular meeting.
Clerk Owens presented letter from Mr. Zagar recommending that the Board’s request to make Lakes Dora, Harris, Eustis and Yale fish management areas be delayed until the long range rejuvenation project in Lake Apopka materializes.
complaints
Mr. T. C. Hanson of Lady Lake appeared and filed written complaint objecting to the County’s support of the three hospital districts, the Chamber of Commerce and the Lake County Development Commission.
The Clerk read letters of complaint from Harry C. Flint and Phillips Simcic regarding assessment on their property. The letters were filed with the Board.
Letter of complaint from John C. Byrne of black scum caused by an incinerator at the Golden Triangle Shopping Center was referred to the Health Director.
courthouse
Howell Hopson, Architect, appeared and presented sketch of sign with aluminum lettering that he recommends for the Courthouse grounds. Signs to be 18’ long and 3-1/2’ high, approximate cost for two signs $1200 to $1400. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids for the construction of two signs. Bids to be received on December 12, 1966.
On recommendation of the Architect and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board approved installation by Lenhart Electric of two speed controllers to the air control units in the Recording and Law Departments in the Clerk’s Office at an approximate cost of $40.00.
On recommendation of the Architect the Board postponed action on the request of the County Judge to advertise for three electric filing cabinets. Mr. Hopson was instructed to contact a structural engineer with reference to the effect the weight of the filing units will have on the building’s foundation.
Road closings
Attorney Duncan presented petition of James S. Lewis and Barbara E. Lewis to close part of Washington in Edgewater Beach Subdivision, and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing advertising for a public hearing to be held on December 5, 1966 to close the following described street:
That part of Washington Street comprising the N 1/2 thereof – 25 feet in width – abutting Lots 5, 6,7, 8 and 9 of Block D, in Edgewater Beach Subdivision.
Hospitals
Attorney Duncan discussed the legal aspects pertaining to the proposed loan of $1,250,000 to the Waterman Memorial Hospital for improvements to the hospital. It is vitally necessary that we keep a close association with the Attorney General in reference to this proposal. He further explained that after all indebtedness has been taken care of, the title to the hospital would pass to the county. The Board members concurring, Chairman Theus stated, “We do not want to get in the hospital business and we must examine the ramifications of such a proposal with extreme caution.”
Roads – state
On recommendation of the Attorney, Commr. Livingston and the Engineer were directed to view Clyde W. Ransick’s property with a representative from the State Road Department, in regard to the Road Department erecting a retaining wall on the property.
The Engineer presented letter and map from the State Road Department recommending the access road across the Apopka-Beauclair Canal be closed while a new bridge is being constructed. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing the Road Department to close SR S-48 over the canal during the construction period.
Petitions
Mr. George C. Amory of Sylvan Shores appeared and filed written statement addressed to the residents of Sylvan Shores regarding the petition to resurface the streets in the subdivision. Attorney Duncan advised the petition has not been amended and the petition and withdrawal of names will be considered at the public hearing.
Planning & Zoning
Mr. J. W. Brooks representing the Planning and Zoning Commission appeared and requested the Board meet with his Commission and representatives from Adley Associates. The Board agreed to meet on Tuesday, November 29, at 10 o’clock A.M.
leases
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board authorized the Road and Bridge Department to construct clay roads in the Higley Clay Pit, in accordance with the terms of the lease with Em-En-Ell Groves.
Road maintenance – subdivision
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Road and Bridge Department was authorized to sand seal Ironwood Street and Crossen Street in Bassville Park.
The Board discussed the need for improvement to the streets in Bassville Park which are not dedicated streets. The Engineer advised the streets are only 30’ wide and do not meet the County’s requirements. The Attorney was instructed to contact Mr. Royster, the original developer, and request that he dedicate the streets owned him to the public.
Roads – county
Chairman Theus authorized the Engineer to add the following roads to the list of county roads to be improved:
Race Track Road - County Road #1-5702
Conant Road - County Road #1-7807
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Board approved permission for Dutch Murphey to use county road as access to his clay pit which adjoins the County’s pit on SR 42 two miles West of Altoona; and that the Florida Forestry Service will be allowed to load out of this pit.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, a resolution was adopted establishing 35 mile per hour speed limit on County Road #1-5124 (Shady Acres Road) and that appropriate signs be erected.
The Engineer reported Mrs. Goodson in Umatilla requested that he view clay roads she owns in Umatilla. Commr. Babb instructed the Engineer to advise Mrs. Goodson to formally close the roads before they are declared prescriptive roads.
The Attorney was instructed to review the law with reference to the County’s authority to prohibit the piling of trash and rubbage on dedicated streets and roads.
County buildings
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Jack Jones, Architect, was instructed to prepare tentative plans for an addition to the Lake Memorial Nursing Home.
Recess and reassembly
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12 o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.
Contracts
Clerk Owens advised according to the contract with Leesburg Transfer and Storage, Inc. the Board is to notify them by the first of December if the contract for storing and hauling the voting machines will be renewed for another year.
He further advised the transfer company has denied liability of damage to a voting machine while it was being transported from the Courthouse. On reviewing the contract, the Attorney advised the transfer company is liable and he was instructed to so notify Leesburg Transfer and Storage Company.
hospitals
Mayor Joe BonJorn of Clermont and Bob Gill appeared and showed slides of a rehabilitation center for alcoholics in Dothan, Alabama. Mayor BonJorn said he is interested in such a center being established near Clermont and asked if the County owned property that could be donated for such purpose. Chairman Theus stated do not know if such a transaction would be legal although the work is very rewarding and worthwhile, think the best way to get a center started would be to interest local citizens.
Maps & plats
E. T. Hall appeared and presented plat of Pine Meadows Fairway Estates consisting of twenty-eight (28) lots all within the City of Eustis. Attorney Duncan advised the plat has been approved by the City of Eustis and title opinion issued by Inland Abstract & Title Company is in good order and the streets are correct width. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the plat was approved for record.
County property
On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing quit claim deeds to E. Louis Wills and wife, Bertha A. Wills, and C. W. Wiederhold and wife, Mildred E. Wiederhold conveying the following described property to them for the purpose of removing from the title the cloud placed thereon by virtue of Tax Foreclosure proceedings brought by Lake County on January 16, 1945:
North 1/2 of Lot 1 in Block E, Town of Astatula
Action on bid from Dalton Payne on the following described county property was deferred on request of Commr. Cowart:
The West 396 feet of the South 150 feet of the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 laying East of road in Section 21, Township 22 South, Range 24 East.
Municipal corporations
Engineer Hays reported the Eustis Police Department and the City of Eustis have requested the County to make their signs. The members concurring, the Chairman refused the request, for the reason this would be in competition with private business.
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Board approved having the Road and Bridge Department maintain streets and roads within the corporate limits of municipalities that the County has previously maintained. The Engineer was instructed to request the names of the streets from the towns and cities and check same with the former district foreman.
Letter from the Town of Minneola submitting a list of clay roads within its town limits was referred to the Engineer.
Deeds
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, deeds were accepted conveying the following described properties to Lake County and same were ordered recorded upon the public records:
GRANTORS: H. L. Pringle and Dorothy O. Pringle, his wife
Begin at SW corner of Sec. 1, Tp. 19S, R. 25E, run thence N 20 feet, thence E. 66 feet, thence S 20 feet to South line of said Section, thence West to P.O.B.
ALSO: Begin at the NW corner of Lot 2, Block D of Hilltop Subdivision, Unit #2, as per Plat Book 13, Page 37, Public Records of Lake County, Florida, run thence North along E line of Sec. 11, Tp. 19S, R. 25E for 66 ft., thence West 60 ft., more or less to State Road #473, thence South along East Boundary of said road to a point West of P.O. B., thence run East to P.O.B.
ALSO: Begin at NE corner Sec. 11, Tp. 19S, R. 25E., run West to S. R. 473, South 30 ft., East to Section line, North to P.O.B.
All of said parcels to be used exclusively for public road purposes.
GRANTORS: Willis V. McCall and Doris D. McCall, his wife; and
Malcolm V. McCall and Carol G. McCall, his wife
The West 25 feet of the SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 lying North of the right of way of State Road S-452, in Sec. 34, Tp. 18 S., R. 26 E.
GRANTORS: Arthur E. Godbold and Gladys V. Godbold, his wife; and
Clarence A. Walker and Envielese J. Walker, his wife
ALL THAT PART OF: The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 13, Township 23 South, Range 25 East, AND
Begin 240 feet West of the Northeast corner of the Southwest quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest quarter (NW 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) of Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence run South 226 feet; thence run East 100 feet; thence run North 131 feet; thence run East 120 feet; thence run South 140 feet; thence run West 80 feet; thence run South 160 feet; thence run West 100 feet; thence run South 225 feet; thence run West to the West boundary of said section 18; thence run North along said West boundary of Section 18 to the Northwest corner of said Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northwest quarter (NW 1/4) of the Northwest quarter (NW 1/4); thence run East to the Point of Beginning.
Lying within twenty-five feet (25’) on each side (fifty feet total) of the following described centerline:
Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 18, township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence run South 0°06’42” East 863.00 feet; thence run north 87°00’30” West 667.09 feet to the start of this centerline; thence run South 87°00’30” East 1,296.92 feet to the end of this centerline.
Right of way – roads
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing quit claim deed to J. L. Wise and Clara Wise, his wife; and accepting deed from John P. Westervelt and Mildred S. Westervelt to correct the following described rights of way:
GRANTOR: Lake County
Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 26, Township 18 South, Range 24 East; thence run South 735.83 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run North 89°20’ East 1320.00 feet; thence run South 10.17 feet; thence run South 89°20’ West 1320.00 feet; thence run North 10.17 feet to the Point of Beginning.
GRANTOR: John P. Westervelt and Mildred S. Westervelt, his wife
Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 26, Township 18 South, Range 24 East, thence run South 705.38 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run North 89°20’ East 1320.00 feet; thence run South 15.00 feet; thence run South 89°20’ West 1320.00 feet; thence run North 15.00 feet to the Point of Beginning.
Road and bridge department
The Engineer advised Lake-Sumter Junior College requested the rental of two large pumps and 1500’ of pipe to pump water from a pond on the campus as an aid to their construction plans. We will bill them for the equipment at the rental rate established by the Board.
Appraisal
Commr. Livingston stated the Board authorized purchase of 2.5 acres from W. B. Herrington on September 7, 1965 to be used as a clay pit and the transaction was not consummated. Would like the Board to purchase the property at this time if last year’s appraisal is still valid. Attorney Duncan advised unless someone can prove the value of the property has gone down, it is still valid. Commr. Livingston moved that title search be made on the following described property:
A strip of land lying North of SR 44 in the South 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 in Section 10, Twp. 19 S., Range 27 E.
The motion was seconded by Commr. Babb and unanimously carried.
Elections – general
Chairman Theus advised he has received notice from the County Judge that the canvassing board has been scheduled for 9:00 o’clock A.M., Wednesday, November 9, 1966 in Judge Booth’s office. Commrs. Cowart, Livingston and Babb were appointed to serve.
budget
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the amended budget for 1965-1966 was approved as follows: SEE PAGES 529-532
Reports – official
Annual Report from the Office of the County Judges for the year ended September 30, 1966 was filed showing refund of $961.11 to the County and same was approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
Roads – state
Clerk Owens filed notice from the State Road Department that the work on SR 455 between SR 50 and SR 561-A northwest of Montverde has been completed and accepted for secondary maintenance on October 24, 1966.
The Clerk submitted letter from the State Road Department with right of way map and request for title search on Job 11506-2604 (Kurt Street). On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Clerk was authorized to request title search by the abstract company.
Roads – county
Resolution adopted on September 6, 1966 with reference to streets in Lake Franklin Park was rescinded on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, as the Attorney advised the resolution adopted on October 3, 1966 with reference to county dedicated roads would supply the intent regarding Lake Franklin Park streets.
The Engineer was instructed to remove trees from the right of way on County Road 5-8376 at the Slater property in Umatilla.
Interest
Clerk Owens advised interest earned on time deposits for the 1965-66 fiscal year is $29,618.04.
Tax delinquent
Application from Gordon Hays for duplicate Tax Sale Certificate No. 126 dated May 31, 1963 was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.
Prisoners
Request of the Sheriff that good time allowance be taken away from Wayne James Tustin and Donald L. Powers was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
Tax assessor
Request of the Tax Assessor for approval of Certificates of Errors and Corrections on the 1965 tax roll numbered 206-208 was approved on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
Licenses & permits
Application for permit to carry firearms for Ray Lancaster was referred to Commr. Livingston.
The following use permits were filed by the Right of Way Agent:
Permit No. 83 to Florida Telephone Corp.
Permit No. 84 to Florida Telephone Corp.
To Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for the construction and maintenance of power line between County Roads 5-6781 and 5-6981.
To Florida Gas Co. for the construction and maintenance of natural gas main along County Road 5-7061 between Dona Vista and Umatilla.
To Florida Gas Co. for the construction and maintenance of natural gas main along County Road 5-6863 East of Dona Vista.
To Florida Power Corp. for the construction and maintenance of distribution wood pole line along County Road 3-4857 South of Eustis and West of SR 19.
To the City of Eustis for the construction and maintenance of main sewer along County Road 4-5258 between Eustis and Tavares.
To the City of Eustis for the construction and maintenance of main sewer along County Road 3-4955 between Eustis and Tavares.
To the City of Eustis for the construction and maintenance of water main and sewer main along County Road 3-4859 between Eustis and Tavares.
Soil survey
Memorandum from the Soil Conservationist advising that 12,723 acres were mapped in October, making the total to date 358,914 acres.
Hospitals
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the action of the Chairman and Deputy Clerk was approved in approving petition to the Southwest Florida Tuberculosis Hospital for Buck William Newmans.
Committees
Notice from the State Association of County Commissioners that Commr. Babb has been appointed a member of the County Zoning Committee for the year 1966-67 was read and filed.
State road department
Statement of the Status of the County’s Secondary Funds was filed and copy of same distributed to each Board member.
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution adopted on October 3, 1966 to request the State Road Department to appoint local surveyors to make centerline surveys on state roads was rescinded. The Attorney was instructed to write the State Road Department for information on its policy in other counties.
e. central florida regional planning council
Copy of minutes of meeting held September 20, 1966 in Vero Beach was filed and copy distributed to each Board member.
Petition
Clerk Owens presented petitions signed by numerous county residents requesting the Board to withdraw the office space from use by the Lake County Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc. Chairman Theus stated the County has no need for the office space at this time and the fact that we are furnishing the space does not mean we endorse their program. When we need the space, we will withdraw it. No official action was taken.
Outdoor recreational facilities
The Engineer advised the Lake Eustis recreational area West of Tavares is nearing completion and the Road Department will want the parking spaces marked. The Board authorized the Engineer to mark the parking spaces.
Zoning
Copy of petition filed by Roy Christopher to the Zoning Board and signed by residents of Mt. Plymouth Subdivision was filed with the Board.
County employees
Clerk Owens advised he has been asked to serve as Courthouse chairman for the United Appeal Drive and the program provides for payroll deductions effective January 1, 1967. The Board members concurring, the Chairman stated this will create too many problems and the Clerk was instructed not to consider the payroll deductions for employees contributing to the Fund.
Letter from Robert S. Alderman, Surplus Commodity Warehouse Supervisor, expressing appreciation for salary increase received in October was read and filed.
In reply to question raised by Mr. Owens, the Board agreed the employees in the Juvenile Court office and the Supervisor of Elections’ office will not come under the county-wide policy regarding sick and annual leave.
Salaries & wages
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the following pay schedule was adopted with reference to new road and bridge employees:
Position Starting Pay Budgeted Pay
Rodman $225.00 per mo. $240.00 per mo.
Guard 1.30 per hr. 1.35 per hr.
Truck Driver 1.50 per hr. 1.65 per hr.
Guard Foreman 1.35 per hr. 1.40 per hr.
Operator 1.85 per hr. 1.95 per hr.
Mechanic 1.95 per hr. 2.05 per hr.
Guard Captain 400.00 per mo. 425.00 per mo.
Maintenance Foreman 430.00 per mo. 440.00 per mo.
Construction Foreman 460.00 per mo. 475.00 per mo.
Superintendent 475.00 per mo. 550.00 per mo.
Employee may be raised to budgeted pay item any time after 30 days.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board approved the following change in the pay plan effective November 1, 1966:
From Operator, Area 1, to Mechanic – Gordon Hyatt and William White
Increase wages 10ȼ per hour.
Checks received
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board accepted the following checks for deposit:
From the Town of Mascotte in the sum of $1,379.73, reimbursement for asphalt used on town streets.
From Royal-Globe Ins. Companies in the sum of $25.00, reimbursement for damage to bridge by Hertz Rent-A-Car to bridge over canal on Silver Lake Drive, County Road 5-5327.
From City of Eustis in the sum of $199.29, reimbursement for pipe used at the Eustis Shopping Center.
Accounts allowed
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Engineer was authorized to rent 914 Model Xerox Copier for an additional $10.00 per month rental fee in place of the desk model now in use in his office.
Request of the Zoning Director to attend Planning and Zoning Association Conference in Clearwater on November 9-12 was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, statement from Holder’s Restaurant in the amount of $301.50 was approved covering meals furnished the Juvenile Shelter in September. This statement should have been turned in for payment in September but got misplaced in the Juvenile Office.
The Clerk presented two quotations on County Commissioners Minute Book 21. Motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, that the low quotation of Bowen Supply Company in the amount of $91.00 be accepted.
Request from the Juvenile Judge to extend the Audio System in the Juvenile Shelter for the sum of $381.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.
Request from the Juvenile Judge to purchase new IBM Selectric Typewriter for the sum of $405.00 for the Juvenile Office was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, request of the Lake County Development Commission for $2500 for October expenses and $2500 advance was approved, and the Clerk was instructed to deduct $364.31 surplus from 1965-66 fiscal year.
Quotations submitted by the Veterans Service Officer for filing cabinet were filed and the low quotation from Lake Business Machines, Inc. for $70.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board authorized that the American Legion building in Umatilla be included in the pest control spray program with Payne of Ocala.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the payrolls for the month of October were approved.
Salaries & wages
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Assistant State Attorney, John W. McCormick, was authorized to pay maximum salary of $450.00 per month for stenographer. The Board also authorized one month’s salary for Joan Byrd to train new employee.
Communications
Notice from the Agricultural Agent regarding the Governor’s Committee on Water Quality meeting to be held in Orlando November 14 was read and filed.
Notice from the U.S. Corps of Engineers of Initiation of Flood Plain Information Study, St. Johns River, was read and filed. Clerk Owens advised copy of this notice has been forwarded to the Oklawaha Water Authority.
Letter was filed from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development regarding annual awards program for outstanding contributions to intergovernmental relations in the field of urban development.
Copy of letters from the State Board of Health regarding the following were filed:
Malibu Groves
Lake Yale Baptist Assembly
Eustis Plaza
City of Leesburg
reports
The following monthly reports were filed with the Board:
Planning, Zoning & Building Department
Right of Way Agent
Veterans Service Officer
Surplus Commodity Warehouse Supervisor
County Agents and Assistants
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN