A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MINUTES OF special MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONDAY – july 3, 1967

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, met in special session in the Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse in Tavares on Monday, July 3, 1967 at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the report of the Tax Assessor of estimated assessed values for 1967.

The following members present: Chairman Dykes, Commrs. Theus, Cowart, Livingston and Babb. Others present were Clerk Owens, County Attorney Duncan, Tax Assessor R. G. Cassady and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven.

Mr. Cassady submitted in writing estimates for the 1967 Tax Roll as follows:

County-Wide Non-Exempt Aggregate Value $388,941,899.00

County-Wide Aggregate Value 458,613,749.00

(Including Homestead)

South Lake Hospital District 133,134,741.00

NE Lake County Hospital District 146,765,016.00

NW Lake County Hospital District 108,972,170.00

The members discussed the comparison of this year’s figures with figures for last year, and also the effect the legislature will have on the County, relative to the new laws pertaining to funds from different sources which will be changed by the enactment of the new laws.

A motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and unanimously carried, accepting the Tax Assessor’s figures and expressing to him the Board’s appreciation for the excellent job he is doing.

The members recessed to the Commissioners’ Room to convene in regular session at 10:00 o’clock A.M.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman and the invocation was given by Mr. Webb.

bids

It now being the time advertised to receive bids for remodeling the County Judge’s Office, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids. Before the bids were opened it was called to the attention of the Board, some of the bidders could not secure bid bonds due to the absence of their agents, whereupon, bid bond on all bids was waived.

The Clerk reported receiving the following bids:

Coven Construction Company $1,422.00

Fred C. Kuhlman 2,950.00

A. W. Smith & Son 1,650.00

On recommendation of the Architect and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the low bid of Coven Construction Company was accepted.

Roads – state

Jack Parker of the State Road Department appeared relative to the Board’s wishes regarding the route of Lake Shore Drive (SR 452) at Orange Avenue in Eustis. After viewing the aerial map, motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, authorizing the State Road Department to make a preliminary survey and submit recommendations to the Board.

A delegation from the City Council of the City of Leesburg appeared and presented a resolution adopted by the Council regarding a six-lane north-south by-pass for the City of Leesburg. After discussing the route recommended by the City and other possible routes, the Board agreed to meet with the State Road Department Engineers to consider the best proposal.

A resolution from the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce and a letter from the Leesburg Board of Realtors endorsing the proposed route recommended by the City were read and filed.

Maps & plats

Mr. E. T. Hall appeared and presented plat of Coachwood Colony Subdivision located within the City of Leesburg. Attorney Duncan advised the plat has been approved by the City of Leesburg and there are proper access roads. Title opinion submitted by P. B. Howell, Jr., Attorney, shows good title, clear of liens. On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the plat was accepted and approved for record.

deeds

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

GRANTORS: Lelah R. Cherry and Frank X. Cherry, Jr., her husband

That part of : The S 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 23, township 24 South, range 25 East; lying within 50 feet of the survey line of State Road S-474, Section 11518, said survey line being described as follows:

Begin at a point on the West boundary of Section 26 of above Township and Range, located 1.67 feet Southerly of the Northwest corner of said Section 26, said point being on a curve concave to the Southerly, with a radius of 5729.65 feet; thence from a tangent bearing of North 89°14’38” East, run easterly 137.29 feet along said curve through a central angle of 01°22’22” to the end of said curve; thence South 89°23’00” East 10412.02 feet, crossing the calculated West boundary of Section 25 of above Township and Range, to the beginning of a curve concave to the Southerly, with a radius of 2864.93 feet; thence Easterly 6.09 feet along said curve through a central angle of 00°07’18” to a point on the East boundary of said Section 25, located 361 feet Southerly of the Northeast corner of said Section 25; CONTAINING 125 sq. ft., more or less.

GRANTORS: Hazel H Huey and Lester W. Huey, her husband

The East 25 feet of: The South 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 31, Township 18 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: Emory E. Hayes and wife, Ina Ellen Hayes

The West 25 feet of: The South 10 feet of the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, Township 18 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTOR: Alberta Allen, a widow

The East 25 feet of: The South 990 feet of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 6, Township 19 South, Range 24 East, AND the West 25 feet of the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 6, Township 19 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: R. Parks Williams and wife, Margaret M. Williams

The East 25 feet of: The NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 31, Twp. 18 S., R 24 E.

GRANTORS: Dan R. Hunt and wife, Mary F. Hunt

The West 25 feet of: The North 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 31, Township 18 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: Walter Hill and Lillie Mae Hill, his wife

The East 25 feet of: The North 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4, LESS the North 210 feet, in Section 6, Township 19 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: W. G. Wells and wife, Bena B. Wells

The West 25 feet of: The NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 31, Twp. 18 S., R 24 E.

GRANTORS: John F. Nelson, Jr. and Lucille H. Nelson, his wife.

The West 25 feet of: The South 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 31, Township 18 South, Range 24 East.

GRANTORS: Hubert C. Ebbs and wife Mrs. Hubert C. Ebbs

ALL THAT PART OF North 325 feet of the South 742 feet of the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 3, Township 19 South, Range 24 East; LYING WITHIN 25 feet (50 feet total) OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED CENTERLINE: Commence at the NE corner of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4, thence run South 0°11’ West, 459.91 feet to the Point of Beginning (Station 23+74.85); thence continue running South 0°11’ West, 311.15 feet to a point of intersection (Station 26+86); thence run South 10°23’21” West, 564.35 feet to a point of intersection (equation 32+50.35 back = 32+73.90 ahead).

Mr. Dalton Payne appeared and presented deeds conveying the following described properties to Lake County, said right of way being access road into the Florida Baptist Encampment, and has been constructed by the camp owners:

GRANTORS: Elvene R. Jackson, a single person

The South 60 feet of that part of the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 27, Township 21 South, Range 24 East, lying East of State Highway No. 33.

GRANTORS: R. E. Pervis and Lou Verta Pervis, his wife

Begin at the NE Corner of the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 26, Township 21 South, Range 24 East, thence run South 60 feet, thence Northwesterly to a point 60 feet West of the point of beginning, thence run East 60 feet to the Point of Beginning.

GRANTORS: Green Valley Real Estate, Inc.

That part of the North 60 feet of the N 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 26, Township 21 South, Range 24 East lying West of the E 3/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said section, Township and Range. Also a strip of land 60 feet wide lying on the East side of the West line of the E 3/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Section, Township and Range.

GRANTORS: Nelia Sloan, unmarried; J. B. Sloan and Eunice Sloan, his wife; Thelma Sloan Knight and S. B. Knight, her husband; Jewell Lee Murray and Doyle Murray, her husband; Jack Sloan and Eloise, his wife; Edward L. Sloan and Peggy A. Sloan, his wife

The South 60 feet of the NW 1/4 of Section 26, Township 21 South, Range 24 East, and beginning at the Southwest Corner of the NE 1/4 of said Section, Township and Range, thence run North 60 feet, thence run Southeasterly to a point 60 feet East of the point of beginning, thence West to the Point of Beginning.

The Engineer assigned Road No. 2-2311 to the above described road.

Right of way easements – except roads

The following drainage easements were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried:

GRANTORS: James D. Boyte and Gladys E. Boyte, his wife

ALL THAT PART OF: The SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 26, Township 19 South, Range 24 East, lying within 25’ feet (50’ total) on either side of the following described centerline: Commence at the Southwest corner of Section 26, Twp. 19 South, Range 24 East; thence run North 0°22’30” East 572.48 feet to Point of Beginning; thence run South 89°58’30” East 340.39 feet; thence run South 77°11’30” East 109.91 feet; thence run South 35°36’30” East 79.81 feet; thence run South 57°15’10” East 146.04 feet; thence run South 71°00’30” East 243.03 feet; thence run South 42°01’50” East 70.36 feet; thence run South 70°21’10” East 252.62 feet to the waters of a canal leading to Lake Harris, LESS right of way for SR 25 and ALSO LESS a 50 foot right of way previously deeded to the State Road Department, as recorded in P.B. 347, page 83, Public Records of Lake County.

GRANTOR: Lucy E. Boyte, a widow

Right of way – roads

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board instructed the Engineer to survey road right of way in Yalaha that Joe Knowles is desirous of conveying to the County.

Mr. Van Caskey appeared and presented map of Caskey’s Cove and advised he would like to dedicate 50’ right of way for road purposes, a strip of land from Haselton Dairy to SR 19-A. on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Engineer was instructed to survey the location and give his recommendation to the Board.

Resolutions not classified elsewhere

Resolution from the City of Leesburg commending Mr. Willard Peebles for the outstanding job he has done as a member of the State Road Board was read and filed.

Leases – county property

Mr. John Lackey of Astor appeared with reference to previous request for permission to erect VFW building on county right of way in Astor. Mr. Lackey advised the location desired is a street that has never been used as such. On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board adopted a resolution to lease the site for $1.00 per year with the provision that the building will be removed on request at the expense of the lessee.

Mr. Lackey stated the County owns property in Astor that the Town would like to use as a recreational area for the children. No action on this.

Law and legislature

Representative W. H. Reedy appeared and reviewed legislation that will directly affect the county. HB 181 increases the State sales tax to 4%. Mr. Reedy said he feels the Governor will veto this Bill. He also stated if the veto stands on the appropriation bill, an increase of 2 mills will be necessary in Lake County.

Mr. Reedy advised the automobile inspection bill is now a law. The bill gives the County first option to operate the inspection stations; second option goes to the municipalities and third to private enterprise. The cost to the car owner will be $1.75 every six months, with $1.25 being returned to the county. The necessary personnel, equipment and drive-in lanes will be required.

Sewage and Water Districts outside the municipalities in another bill before the Legislature.

HB 101 sets the salary of the prosecuting attorneys not to exceed $9,000.00. Mr. Reedy said he has introduced a local bill to hold the present salary to $7,500.00 and to re-establish the office.

Senator O’Grady has introduced a resolution in the Senate asking for a census in the Counties in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to determine if another Circuit Judge is needed in Lake County. Attorney Duncan said each county in the Circuit should be advised of this. Mr. Reedy informed the Board he will not push this bill without a resolution endorsing the bill from all Boards of County Commissioners in the Circuit.

Budget

Public Defender Robert Pierce was present and requested the Board to include in the 1967-68 budget funds to employ an investigator for his office. Feels he could acquire an investigator for approximately $6,000.00, and the other counties in the Circuit would bear their pro rata share of this expense.

Recess and reassembly

The Board recessed for lunch at twelve o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business. Commr. Livingston was not present during the afternoon session.

Roads – county

Engineer Hays reported the owners of Tall Palm Fish Camp are willing to pay the cost of materials for surfacing the access road into the Camp. Commr. Babb asked that action on this be deferred until the owners present a definite proposition to the Board.

Roads – state

The Engineer presented a letter from the State Road Department advising it will be necessary to relocate a power line owned by Florida Power Corporation on SR 19, Section 11100-6504, North of Eustis, and estimated cost of same will be $3,787.00. Motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, adopting a resolution authorizing the relocation of the power line and cost of same to be paid from Secondary Funds.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board adopted a resolution requesting the State Road Department to make a traffic survey and determine a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour for that portion of SR 448 described as follows:

Commencing at a point on State Road 448, 745 feet West of Apopka-Beauclair Canal Bridge, and extending east to a point 1,030 feet East of said Bridge;

and that a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour be determined and set for the following road:

Beginning at the intersection of State Road 448 with State Road S-448-A, and run thence South along State Road 448-A, a distance of 2,165 feet.

Roads – county

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the following county roads were accepted for maintenance and the Engineer was instructed to add same to the present county road system:

#2-3210 and #2-2117.

Inventory

The Engineer advised an individual is willing to trade a pump and motor for a county owned engine and asked if this can be done. Attorney Duncan said if the equipment is of equal value, there is no reason why the exchange cannot be made.

Road and bridge department

Engineer Hays advised it will take about two weeks to finish clearing the new fairground site West of Eustis. Should county equipment be used or should we hire a bulldozer to do the work? Motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that County equipment be used to do the clearing.

Right of way easements – except roads

The Engineer advised a grove owner at Lake Jem is complaining the County spillway is draining additional water into his grove and undermining his trees. He is willing to give the County an easement to run a pipe to the lake. The Engineer was instructed to determine the exact amount of pipe needed.

County employees

Engineer Hays informed the Board he has discussed with Dr. Hall the feasibility of requiring physical examinations on future Road and Bridge employees. Dr. Hall recommends the individual have the examination made by his personal physician and have the report mailed to Dr. Hall for evaluation. Cost of the examination will be approximately $10.00 to $15.00 per person. On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board authorized physical examinations for future employees after one month’s employment.

The Right of Way Agent presented for the Board’s approval, corrected list of duties of the Right of Way Department, together with a list of his qualifications.

On recommendation of the Zoning Director and on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Clarence W. McCauslin was appointed to the position of Building Administrator of the Building Department. Mr. McCauslin’s salary will remain the same for the present time.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, vacation for Verna Eastwood, Welfare Director, was approved from July 17-28, 1967.

Complaints

Attorney Duncan informed the Board he has received further correspondence from Robert W. Thompson complaining of the Board’s action in allowing canal in Thompson Place to be filled in. Attorney Duncan stated he was forwarded copy of the letter to W. E. Lee, Attorney.

Planning and zoning

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing for the purpose of establishing and adopted construction and building codes for trades requiring expert technical knowledge, and the provisions under which permits to practice such trades will be issued, the Chairman called for interested persons to be heard at this time.

The following persons appeared in support of the above:

Jack Jones, Architect - Leesburg, Florida

Derow L. Poynter - Minneola, Florida

A. L. Hungerford - Leesburg, Florida

Maxie Sumner - Leesburg, Florida

Wendell Stiver - Mount Dora, Florida

George A. Williams - Astatula, Florida

The following appeared opposing the above:

Arthur Morgan - Leesburg, Florida

Wayne Myers of the Florida Telephone Corp. and Douglas Thigpen of Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. appeared with reference to the effect the new act will have on the many electricians employed by the utility companies. Will each individual have to be licensed? The Zoning Director advised only the supervisor under whom the electricians work will have to be licensed.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, a resolution was adopted activating and implementing HB 770 effective September 1, 1967.

On recommendation of the Zoning Director and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was directed to contact seven (7) individuals from the building trades relative to serving on an examining Board to establish rules and regulations and schedule of fees for examinations.

Clerk Owens submitted a letter from the Lake County Council of Federated Garden Clubs relative to enforcing the Zoning Rules and Regulations pertaining to junk yards and automobile grave yards. Zoning Director Webb advised the Board approved and adopted an amendment to the Rules and Regulations to become effective July 1, 1967. He was instructed to furnish Attorney Duncan with the names of the violators, who will notify them to comply with the regulations.

Tax assessor

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board approved Certificates of Corrections and Errors on the 1066 Tax Roll numbered 301-315, as requested by the Tax Assessor.

hospitals

Architect Jack Jones appeared relative to central air conditioning in the Nursing Home. Cost of new addition will be less than $1300.00, and approximate cost to air condition the old building will be $9550.00, plus $2,000 to increase the electrical work. Action was deferred until cost of furnishing the new addition is determined.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board approved the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving applications to the Tuberculosis Hospitals for the following:

Viola Cordia Stephens

Margaret McKay Borgard

Lemuel Perkins Holton

William Wiseman

Notices from the Hospitals were filed as follows:

Johnie Donalson was discharged with medical advice on June 10, 1967

Ophelia Estell McCray left against medical advice on June 22, 1967

Coy Leon Strickland was discharged with medical advice on June 30, 1967

County buildings

Clerk Owens presented a letter from the Adjutant of The American Legion at Umatilla explaining that the building is used for Legion and Legion Auxiliary meetings and students from the Forest Rangers School at Lake City are allowed to use the building during the summer while in training with the Forest Ranger in the Ocala National Forest. The Clerk was instructed to thank Mr. Parks for his letter of explanation, with copy of letter to Dr. Holman.

Use permits

The following use permits were filed:

Permit No. 96 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of manholes and conduit along a part of Rd. 4-4465 and pipe across Rd. 3-4664.

Permit No. 98 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along a portion of Rd. 4-4581 between 4-4684 and 4-4484.

To Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for the construction and maintenance of power line crossing County Rd. 2-2539 between SR 561 and Howey Arch.

To Florida Power Corp. for the construction and maintenance of power line along County Rd. 3-1255 between Clermont and Winter Garden.

To Florida Power Corp. for the construction and maintenance of power line along County Rd. 5-6863 between Dona Vista and Three Lakes.

e. central florida regional planning council

Minutes of meeting held May 17, 1967 in Titusville were filed and copy distributed to each Board member.

Insurance

The Clerk presented a letter from the fire insurance company recommending that certain fire protective measures be considered for the Courthouse. The Board agreed to consider same at a later date.

Lake county development commission

Brochure from the Development Commission which has been forwarded to the committee interested in moving the State Capitol to a more central location was filed and a copy distributed to each member.

Outdoor recreational facilities

Clerk Owens read a resolution adopted by the City of Tavares regarding the completion and maintenance of the wayside park located on Lake Eustis West of Tavares.

Accounts allowed

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, purchase was approved for loading rollers from Jim Livingston in the sum of $150.00, same to be used in the Commodity Warehouse.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was authorized to forward check for $149.00 to Relco Industries together with purchase order, as they will not ship the metal detector without payment.

On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, bill from Southernaire Motel in the sum of $36.82 for room reserved by W. H. Reedy for Lake County was approved.

Request from the Sheriff to include in the 1967-68 budget, funds to cover the Sheriff’s Department share of Social Security and Retirement for employees, on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, contract with Greyhound Exterminator was renewed for treating the Courthouse Annex, amount $25.00 annually.

Proposal from Sterling Huggins for painting and repairing the Umatilla Barn in the amount of $940.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Request from the Tax Assessor for $20,000 advance on commissions on 1967 tax roll was approved on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Expenses in the amount of $507.50 were approved for 4-H members to attend Citizenship Shortcourse in Washington, D. C. on July 22-30, were approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Wm. M. Nixon, Assistant Agricultural Agent, was authorized to attend Junior Citrus Institute in Lake Placid on July 3-7^th.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the low proposal from Smitty’s Glass Works for $85.00 to install a new floor closer on door at the Agricultural Center was approved.

Request from Judge Hall to purchase portable tape recorder in the amount of $99.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Payrolls for the month of June were approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Communications

Notice from the Florida Aviation Division that restricted Airport site will be approved for Lyle A. Freitag, unless sufficient objection is registered within ten days from June 13^th, was read and filed.

Reports

The following monthly reports were filed:

Planning, Zoning and Building Department

County Agents and Assistants

Florida Division of Corrections regarding Road Prise No. 58

Report to the Nation regarding National Youth Conference on Natural Beauty and Conservation was filed.

Report of the Florida Assn. for Mental Health regarding The Elimination of the Practice of Using Jail Cells for the Confinement of Mental Patients was filed.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 o’clock P.M.

___________________________________ ______________________________

CLERK CHAIRMAN