MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – august 7, 1967
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse in Tavares on Monday, August 7, 1967 at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Commr. Dykes, Cowart and Babb. Also present were Attorney Duncan, Clerk Owens and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven. Commr. Livingston was present at 9:50 a.m., and Commr. Theus was present at 11:15 a.m.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, who announced the invocation will be dispensed with.
tax valuation and equalization
1. Julius Sturm representing Leonard Pepper, owner of the Golden Triangle Shopping Center, was present and requested the assessment be reduced to $900,000.
2. H. E. Shulz – 5-21-26 – SW ¼ lying W of R/W, Hiway 561, less 60’ of S. 690’
6-21-26 – Govt. Lot 8 less n 60’ of S. 690’
Complained assessment increased 140 percent.
3. Earl T. Harris representing Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. wants assessment on consumer basis instead of line mile.
4. Ralph Darden and Sherrill Dillard appeared and advised that lots assessed to them have been sold. They were instructed to discuss this with the Tax Assessor.
5. Elmo Wrenn – Lot 1, Twilight Cove – Assessment on lot and unoccupied building too high.
Letters regarding the following assessment were submitted:
6. C. S. Whitfield – 31-1925 East ½ of S ½ of Govt. Lot 8 – 19.57 acres and 31-19-26 West ¼ of NW ¼ of SW ¼ - 20 acres.
7. Raymond J. Ward – Lots 7 and 8, Sylvan Shores, Mount Dora.
8. Mrs. Carol Peters dba Leesburg Lanes, Leesburg.
All complaining parties were notified their requests would be considered and discussed with the Tax Assessor later in the day.
state agencies
Mr. Ed Zagar of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission appeared and requested the Board’s participation in a joint seining program for Lake Dora. The Fish Commission is in a position to begin seining immediately and expects to make 100 hauls before the first of the year. The cost will be $15,000 to the County, and the Fish Commission is willing to bear the expense and bill the County for its share after the next fiscal year. On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to enter into an agreement for seining Lake Dora and to reimburse the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission after October 1, 1967.
road maintenance – subdivisions
John L. Williams appeared and requested the County to improve the access road into Sun Eden Subdivision, Yalaha. Commr. Cowart advised him as much as he would like to help the residents of the area, the law forbids the County from maintaining roads in private subdivisions.
W. F. Austin, Jr. appeared relative to the access road to Sylvan Beach Heights, advising the former commissioner had determined the foundation was built to county specifications and requested the road be improved. On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Engineer was instructed to make an inspection of the cost of applying 8” clay and two layers of slag to the road.
road closings
Clayton Weir, Attorney, appeared and opposed the closing of Mulberry Street. Mr. Weir stated the residents want the road relocated – not closed. He was advised a petition to close the street has not been presented to the Board, and when it is the Board will take his objection into consideration.
leases – county property
John Lackey of Astor appeared with reference to the VFW leasing County right of way to erect a building for use by the VFW. In addition, the residents of the area want to lease adjoining County property to be used as a Little League ball field. On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board agreed to lease the property to the VFW Post 9986 for $1 per year, with the provision that any improvements to the property will be removed when the County needs the land for public purposes.
bids
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Engineer was authorized to prepare annual bids on various items for the next fiscal year, and the Clerk was instructed to advertise same for September 5.
roads – county
The Engineer filed the Construction Cost Report for the 2nd quarter of 1967.
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, a resolution was adopted vacating County Road 2-1813 as a County Road and that the County shall discontinue any maintenance of said road effective immediately.
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following roads were accepted for maintenance and added to the County Road System: County Road 1-4608; 1-4708; 2-1214; #5-8172 (Altoona-Clark Road), #2-1420 (Groveland School Extension), and #4-5168 (Rainbow Ridge Road).
The Engineer was directed to include approximately ¼ mile construction of Mt. Bethel Church Road in the present road construction work plan.
rights of way – roads
Attorney Duncan was instructed to again request the Attorney for Herbert H. Fitz and Alice M. Fitz Ellingson to secure the abstract covering the adjoining property to determine if the same reservation is included in deeds for the surrounding property.
Engineer Hays reported Mary Rebedoux dba Mary’s Cottages at Astor wants permission to leave her business sign on the County right of way. The Engineer was instructed to survey the right of way, and if the sign is on the right of way, to allow Mrs. Rebedoux to keep the sign there until such time as the right of way is needed for public use.
right of way easements – except roads
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a 100’ easement to Florida Power Corp. across Lone Pine Clay Pit on SR 455 in Sec. 13, T 21 S., R 25 E. was authorized.
railroads
The Engineer advised that Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company advises the cost to improve railroad crossing in Sorrento at Orange Avenue is estimated at $183, and the cost to construct a crossing for Dr. Hawthorne 374’ Northeast of Mile Post TA 788 is estimated at $355. The Engineer was authorized to proceed with the improvements to the Orange Avenue crossing, and the Attorney was instructed to advise Dr. Hawthorne of the cost and request payment from him in this amount.
hospitals
On the recommendation of the Architect and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, C.O. No. 1 to the contract with Thompson Bros. Construction Co. on the Lake Memorial Nursing Home was approved as follows:
Air condition new addition $1,288.00
Electrical work required 65.00
Concrete slab 15.00
Contractor’s 5 percent 68.40
__________
$1,436.40
Attorney Duncan advised he is in receipt of an agreement form with the Northeast Lake County Hospital Assn. regarding the issuance of payment on bonds for the Waterman Memorial Hospital and recommended certain changes in the Agreement, which were approved on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried. Attorney Duncan to rewrite the agreement.
Clerk Owens presented a copy of the 1967 Special Act with respect to the South Lake Memorial Hospital authorizing funds for ambulance service.
The action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving petitions to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for the following was approved on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried: Wilson Harvey Pardue and Chester Plimpton Stanclift.
Notices from the Hospital were received as follows:
William Wiseman expired on July 7, 1967.
Marvin McCollum was discharged with medical advice on July 6, 1967.
county depositories
On a motion by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following depositories were approved:
Citizens National Bank of Leesburg – Northwest Lake County Hosp. Ambulance Service
First State Bank & Trust Co. – Northeast Lake County Hospital Ambulance Service
Citizens Bank of Clermont – South Lake Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service
Bank of Tavares – Fish Conservation
Bank of Mount Dora – Road & Bridge Special Assessment (Sylvan Shores)
Bank of Tavares – Capital Outlay Reserve (Health Clinic)
county property
Engineer Hays reported the pistol club in Leesburg has been using an abandoned clay pit as a shooting range and recommended that the Frame Pit located at the intersection of SR 468 and County Road 1-5306 be used instead. On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, this location was approved, and the Engineer was instructed to notify the club to face west when firing, and no targets shall be of glass.
recess and reassembly
The Board recessed for lunch at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
assessments
It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing for the purpose of hearing objections to any of the assessments as set forth in the Special Assessment Roll to cover construction and paving of portions of streets in Sylvan Shores Subdivision under Chapter 63-1505, the Chairman called for interested parties to come forth.
There were no objections or complaints, and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a resolution was adopted approving the special assessment roll as submitted by the Tax Collector and that the amounts as shown in the Special Assessment Roll opposite each property be declared to be a specific lien upon and against said property to be paid in three annual installments, provided the owner of any of the properties shall have the right to pay the assessment in full at any time prior to the 30th day of September, 1967.
budgets
On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, a resolution was adopted approving the amendment to the Road and Bridge Fund in the 1966-67 Budget in the sum of $34,595.20 to be used in payment of the costs of paving streets in Sylvan Shores Subdivision in accordance with the Petition and proceedings before the Board of County Commissioners and the Special Assessment Roll as prepared by the Tax Collector.
Clerk Owens presented the Budget and Program of Work for the State Road Department for the fiscal year July 1, 1967 through June 30, 1968 and distributed copy of same to each Board member.
petitions
It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing on a Petition for the reconstruction and repaving of Sylvan Point Drive, commencing at the west boundary of Morningside Drive and extending westerly to the easterly boundary of Lucerne Drive in Sylvan Shores Point Subdivision, the Chairman called for interested persons to be heard.
There were no objections or complaints, and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board adopted a resolution accepting and approving the Petition and authorizing preparation of the Preliminary Special Assessment Roll and also preparation of specifications to advertise for bids for the construction.
insurance
Bill Sawyer of Group Insurance of Florida appeared relative to group insurance for County employees. Engineer Hays was instructed to discuss the plan with the Road and Bridge employees and report the results to the Board.
juvenile
Judge John W. Booth, one of the Juvenile Judges, appeared and requested the Board to budget funds necessary to handle juvenile cases according to the Supreme Court decision in the Gault case, compelling the Juvenile Courts to appoint a prosecutor and defender in juvenile cases. Attorney Duncan was instructed to secure an opinion from the Attorney General relative to this subject.
Mr. Duncan left the meeting to contact the Attorney General’s Office by telephone and returned to report they will not give an opinion over the telephone without a written request. Inasmuch as Mr. Duncan was leaving town later in the day, the Clerk was instructed to write for the opinion.
Commr. Livingston asked Judge Booth, “Who has the right to determine if the names of habitual juvenile offenders should be published?” Judge Booth and Attorney Duncan advised this is at the discretion of the Court.
deeds
On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, deeds and subordinations conveying the following described lands to Lake County were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records:
GRANTORS: Charles R. Newman and wife, Sandra G. Newman and Billy A. Myrick and wife, Myra C. Myrick
RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 987
Grantors: Henry L. Pringle, individually and as trustee, joined by his wife, Dorothy O. Pringle
RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 988
GRANTOR: L. R. Busk, a single man – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 989
GRANTORS: William J. Rees and wife Ruby B. Rees – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 990
GRANTORS: Edgar K. Brockway, a widower – RECORDED OR BOOK 340 – Pg. 991
GRANTORS: G. H. Rich and wife Eva Rich – RECORDED OR BOOK 340 – Page 992
GRANTORS: H. B. Holloway, Sr. and wife Grace Holloway – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340, Page 993
GRANTORS: Doyle C. Long and wife Patsy A. Long – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 994.
GRANTORS: Joy Hammell Allbright and husband Edwin R. Allright – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340, Page 995 (This is exactly the spellings of the names as in the original minutes.)
GRANTORS: Joy Hammell Allbright and husband Edwin R. Allright – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340, Page 996.
GRANTORS: Donald C. Bailey and wife Felicita R. Bailey – RECORDED O.R. BK 340 – Page 998.
GRANTORS: Knowles & Cancelmo, Inc. – RECORDED O.R. BOOK 340 – Page 999
GRANTORS: Nelson & Company, Inc. – RECORDED IN O.R. BOOK 341 – Page 1
SUBORDINATIONS re Charles R. Newman - RECORDED IN O.R. BOOK 341 – Pg. 2
Ditto re Leroy Bronson - RECORDED IN O.R. BOOK 341 – Page 5
Ditto re Leroy Bronson - RECORDED IN O.R. BOOK 341 – Page 8
civil defense
Floyd W. Hess appeared relative to the Agreement with the State on a Community Shelter Plan at no expense to the County.
Mr. Hess also presented a resolution form to establish a Civil Defense Council whereby the Civil Defense Director is answerable to the Board of County Commissioners, not to the Civil Defense Council. The forms were referred to the Attorney for study and recommendation to the Board.
maps and plats
Chairman Dykes presented a map of Venetian Park and stated the developer wants the County to convey title to the Park appearing on the plat to him, as he has been paying taxes on the property designated as a park. Action on this matter was deferred until the Attorney is present.
county employees
Zoning Director Webb advised one inspector has resigned effective August 31 and requested permission to hire a new employee effective August 15. The request was granted on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
appointments
Clerk Owens presented a letter of resignation from George Coffey as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Chairman Dykes said he will consider a replacement and advise the Board at the next meeting.
Commr. Babb appointed Elliott Seabrook to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Russell Bryan.
tax assessor
Certificates of Corrections of Errors and Corrections on the 1966 Tax Roll numbered 316 through 320 as submitted by the Tax Assessor were approved on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.
laws and legislation
A copy of a letter from the Lake Development Commission relative to two tax revision suggestions for Lake County was referred to the Attorney.
e. central florida regional planning council
The roster of membership in the Council was filed and a copy distributed to each Board member.
fair association
The Clerk submitted a letter from Charles Norris, President of the Fair Assn., relative to using the old fairgrounds and buildings for the 1968 Fair and Flower Show due to the time element.
A letter from the Lake Development Commission regarding buildings at the new fairground location was referred to the Fair Assn.
licenses and permits
The following Use Permits were filed:
To Raymond H. Clyburn for construction and maintenance of a 1” water line under Lakeshore Drive, Minneola.
To Florida Telephone Corp. for construction and maintenance of poles and buried cable paralleling portion of County Road 4-4767.
To Florida Telephone Corp. for construction and maintenance of poles and buried cable paralleling portion of County Road 3-4158.
To the City of Leesburg for construction and maintenance of a 2” natural gas line west of County Rd. 1-5007 from SR 44 to SR S468.
To the City of Leesburg for construction and maintenance of a 10” water main along portion of County Rd. 1-4909.
To Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for construction and maintenance of a power line along Fla. Baptist Encampment Road between SR 33 East to County Rd. 2-2311.
To Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for construction and maintenance of a power line along portion of County Rd. 3-2854.
roads – state
Clerk Owens presented a notice from the State Road Department that Project No. 11514-3601, SR S-48 between SR 561 in Astatula and SR S-449 A will be retained on the Secondary System upon the advice from the County that same will be maintained from Secondary Funds. On a motion by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute the Agreement on the above project, and a resolution was adopted requesting the State Road Department to retain the road on the state secondary road system.
State road department
The Clerk submitted a notice to the County Judge from the State Road Department of traffic regulation changes on SR S-445-B North of Mount Dora, which was read and filed.
inventory
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Sutorbilt Air Blower, Property Record No. 2403, was declared junk and obsolete and same was removed from the inventory.
county agents
A letter of resignation from Heloise Hankinson, Assistant Home Economic Agent, effective September 1, 1967 was accepted with regret.
planning and zoning
Letters from the Tavares Chamber of Commerce and Umatilla Chamber of Commerce supporting regulations relative to junkyards were read and filed.
Letters from the Lake County Board of Realtors and Leesburg Board of Realtors requesting postponement of adoption of the new subdivision regulations were read and filed.
checks received
A check from Southern Farm Bureau in the sum of $12.50, reimbursement for damages to County Road 4-5771 by Fletcher H. Powers, was accepted on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
A check from Karst, Inc., revenue from the Lone Pine Clay Pit grove in the sum of $785.35 was accepted on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Board approved the purchase of a Graveley tractor-mower from Rogers Automotive Service in the amount of $491.60 for use by the Courthouse custodian.
Request No. 4 for payment on the contract with Thompson Bros. Construction Co. in the amount of $8,433, work performed on the Nursing Home, was approved on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.
On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, expenses were approved for a 4-H Leader and members to attend Leadership Camp, Camp Cloverleaf on August 7-10.
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, $350 was approved for Joe Andrews Dredging Contractor to pump the 80’ beach on Lake Dalhousie.
Repairs to the motor in the central hearing unit in the Welfare Office, Leesburg, were approved in the sum of $50 on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
Purchase of a Watson Microfilm file cabinet from Simons Office Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $390.75 for the Clerk’s office was approved on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
communications
A letter from W. T. Bland expressing appreciation for improvements to Lake Jem roads was read and filed.
A letter from the Altoona Methodist Church expressing appreciation for clearing trash from adjoining property was read and filed.
A copy of a letter from County Health Sanitarian to Shady Grove Youth Camp was filed.
Copies of letters from the State Board of Health regarding Central Florida Bible Camp and the City of Leesburg were filed.
A letter from the Florida Installment Land Sales Board regarding Florida Land Sales Law was referred to the Planning and Zoning Director.
A letter from the State Department of Public Welfare relative to the Food Stamp Plan was filed.
reports
The following monthly reports were filed:
Planning, Zoning and Building Department
Veterans Service Officer
County Agents and Assistants
Supervisor Surplus Commodity Warehouse
At this time the Board recessed to the Tax Assessor’s office to consider complaints on assessments.
board of equalization
At 4:45 p.m. the Board met as an Equalization Board in the Tax Assessor’s Office to consider the assessments and complaints.
After considering the complaints made in person and in writing, Commr. Theus moved that the Assessment Roll for the year 1967 as submitted by the Tax Assessor be approved without change. The motion was seconded by Commr. Babb and unanimously carried.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN