MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 MONDAY – february 5, 1968

A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, was held Monday, February 5, 1968 in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida at 10:00 A.M. with the following members present:  Commr. Babb, Chairman; Commrs. Cowart, Dykes and Theus.  Others present were Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays, Zoning Director Webb, and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven.

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

public health – municipalities

Representatives of the Tri City Landfill were present with John Cain of the City of Mount Dora acting as spokesman.  Mr. Cain said the group is before the Board regarding the purchase of a new bulldozer for the landfill; since no signed agreement can be found, they must rely on the verbal agreement at the time of the formation of the landfill.  The three cities purchased the 145 acres of the present site and the County purchased the bulldozer and agreed to keep the machine with an operator at the site at all times.  The three cities agreed to purchase the next bulldozer in five years, but since the County has not lived up to its agreement, do not feel the cities should purchase the machine.

Paul Milton, Mosquito Control Director, was present and said the Mosquito Control participates in three landfills and has one machine at each site, but when one breaks down, they have to use one of the other machines until repairs can be made.  Commr. Theus said he feels the County has some responsibility since other County facilities use the landfill.  Mr. Milton advised it is possible he will be able to secure a used machine from the surplus properties that might be used for a year or two until we can buy a new machine.  It will probably be summer before we can secure the machine.  The Board agreed to continue working the landfill for the present time and instructed Mr. Milton to attempt to secure a bulldozer through the surplus properties.

Mr. Milton asked the Board’s opinion of moving or switching the machines when one breaks down in order to keep the landfills operating.  This method of operation was approved by the Board.

bids

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on the following items, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids, whereupon, the Clerk reported receiving bids from the following:

                        Validating and Receipting Machine – Burroughs Corp.   $1,025.00

 

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the bid was accepted and the Tax Collector was authorized to pay for same from his office funds.

The following bids were received for Motor Vehicle Inspection Equipment:

                        Weaver Division, Walter Kidde & Co.

                        Counts Supply Company

                        Southern Tire Equipment Co.

                        Ned Smith Equipment Co.

                        Wood Oil Equipment

                        Bailey Motor Equipment

                        Tri County Equipment

                        Woodruff Equipment, Inc.

                        Maxwell Manufacturing Co.

                        C. L. Steiner Co.

 

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

On recommendation of Judge Milton and the Chairman of Maintenance Committee, the Clerk was authorized to advertise bids for painting the inside and outside of the Juvenile Shelter and minor carpentry repairs.  Bids to be accepted March 11th.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise bids for resurfacing Dicie Avenue in Eustis, approximately 2,870 square yards.  Bids to be received March 4th.

Public health

Paul Milton and Glenn Wallace of Mount Plymouth appeared relative to lease of clay pit as a garbage dump, previously approved by the Board with Vicie Collier.  Mr. Milton advised since Mrs. Collier signed the lease, we have discovered that the property described in the lease is Mrs. Collier’s entire property including her residence.  Mr. Milton explained the access road to the dump would run directly by her residence and the clay pit is not large enough without additional land.  Mrs. Collier is asking that the lease be canceled.  On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the lease with Mrs. Collier was refused with the understanding that the County will clean up the existing garbage in the area, dump it in the clay pit and cover same and abandon the site as a garbage dump.

Letter from the Division of Community Hospital and Medical Facilities, letter from the State Treasurer and telegram from the Governor advising that Federal Grant has been approved for the construction of a Health Center in Tavares were read and filed.

cemeteries

George Drossos was present relative to the survey of the Astor Park Cemetery.  Engineer Hays advised the survey is being made, but markers have not been erected.  Mr. Hays said he will send Mr. Drossos a copy of the survey when it is completed.

Resolutions not classified elsewhere

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and unanimously carried, the Board adopted a resolution expressing sorrow and sympathy to the family of Dewey H. Livingston, Member of the Board, upon his passing.

Mr. G. T. Everton representing Greyhound Lines appeared and asked the Board’s reconsideration of a resolution passed on January 8th endorsing the application of Tamiami Trailways to extend bus service to this area.  Mr. Everton said Greyhound now has five schedules through the County which is adequate for this area.  Chairman Babb advised the Board will study this request and take it under advisement.

Chairman Babb stated the people in the Astor area would like the County to establish a fire district and have the County insure the firemen and purchase the necessary license plates.  Attorney Duncan advised the firemen would have to be employed by the County and a special act would be needed to tax the people to cover the costs.

permits

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, permits for carrying firearms were approved for the following:

                        Willis Fairley

                        Herschel V. Roberts, Jr.

                        James C. Dozier

                        Vernice C. Deafner

 

rights of way – roads

Commr. Cowart stated that he has had several complaints from owners who have been requested to remove trees from road rights of way where the trees are 20 feet from the paved road.  Attorney Duncan advised agreement could be made with the owners admitting the trees are on the right of way and that they will retain the trees until such time as the right of way is needed for drainage or construction, or the trees interfere with traffic, at which time the County will remove the trees.

Commr. Cowart moved that the owners be notified to this effect and secure a written agreement from them.  There was further discussion after which Mr. Cowart withdrew his motion.  The Attorney and Engineer were directed to pursue this matter and attempt to come up with a workable solution.

recess and reassembly

The meeting recessed for lunch and reconvened at 1:30 P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

Federal agencies

Darwin Knockemous of the Geological Soil Survey was present and gave an informal report of the geological survey being conducted in the County, embracing the following:

1.     How information is collected

2.     Where it is collected

3.     To show some of the data on what it means

 

Mr. Knockemous introduced his assistant, Lamar Batts, and they showed slide pictures of samples being taken from the Oklawaha and Palatlakaha Rivers and various lakes.  He showed a map of stream flow station, which will determine how much water is being lost in the County.  Slides were shown of well sites with recorder information measuring limestone aquifer and well stations which will record the low water level.  Information is being collected on the quality of surface water.  Overall the County was 8 to 10 inches deficient in rainfall.

Mr. Howard Young, Chairman of the Oklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority, was present and said his board is very happy with the work and results of the geological survey.

water pollution

C. W. Sheffield of the Governor’s Committee on Water Pollution was present.  Attorney Duncan read a letter from Orange County in response to his inquiry on the possibility of Orange and Lake Counties combining resources to combat the water pollution problems.  The letter states Orange County is in favor of joining in such an effort, and suggests that Mr. Sheffield make arrangements with this Board whereby the field work could commence on or around February 26.  Mr. Sheffield said the plan is for 100 samples to be taken from 47 sample locations in Lake County from Beauclair and other lakes, excluding Lake Apopka for one year.  Approximate cost will be $5,400.  This survey is needed in order to make application for federal assistance.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Clerk was instructed to amend the budget to provide the funds for the survey, with the provision that the Water Authority will pay one-half the cost.

The Clerk was also instructed to forward $2,500.00 budgeted for the Lake Apopka Restoration to Orange County.

Mr. Young said it is the Water Authority’s recommendation that Lake County along with Orange County request the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council to proceed with the necessary steps for a comprehensive water quality basin plan for not only Lake Apopka, but the Oklawaha River to the Marion County Line.  On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board accepted Mr. Young’s recommendation and directed that letter be forwarded to the Planning Council.

Road closings

Letter from James F. Rumford of Grand View Greenhouses, Okahumpka, requesting the Board’s consideration in closing the west 10 feet of Canal Street (County Road 2-3221) from the SE corner of Grand View Greenhouses, Inc. property north to the curve to Lake View Drive was discussed by the Engineer.  On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Attorney was instructed to advise Mr. Rumford the necessary legal procedure to close the road.

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider a petition to close an alley in Sorrento and no one appearing to object to the closing, a motion was made by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the Board adopt a resolution to close the following described alley:

That certain alley designated “Alley,” located in Block 2 of Paxton and Somerville Subdivision of Sorrento, in Sec. 25, Tp. 19 S.R. 27 E., according to the Plat thereof, filed and recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 1, Page 58.

 

Attorney Duncan presented petition of T. Stin Haselton requesting the closing of Center Drive in Haselton Heights, whereupon, on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted accepting the petition and authorizing a public hearing for March 11, 1968 requiring all persons opposed to said petition to appear and be heard.

Attorney Duncan presented petition for Attorney E. C. Aulls, Jr. to close a portion of Lake Nettie Drive, petitioners being Charles J. and Marcia A. Anderson and Beryl Jefferis.  The County Engineer was instructed to view this property and report his findings at which time the petition will be considered.

County employees

Juvenile Judge W. A. Milton appeared and advised the Superintendent and Matron at the Juvenile Shelter are resigning effective February 15, 1968 and the Board of Visitors recommend the appointment of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. DeVoe effective February 1, 1968 to the positions vacated by the resignation of the Spaldings.  On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the resignation of Mr. and Mrs. Spalding was accepted and the appointment of Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe effective February 1, 1968 was approved at the annual salary budgeted.

county property

Gordon Hays, Lake County Engineer and representing the Board of County Commissioners, makes the following suggestion to the Board of County Commissioners for the acquisition of a location for a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 67-307, 1967, Acts of the Legislature of Florida:

Lake County is the owner of the following described tract of land in Lake County, Florida:

The East 330 feet of the West 690 feet of the S ½ of SW ¼ of SW ¼; LESS the South 33 feet included in State Road 44A right of way, in Sec. 15, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E.

 

The City of Leesburg is the owner of the following tract of land in Lake County, Florida:

The West 290 feet of the East 630 feet of the South 290 feet of the SW ¼ of the SW ¼; LESS the South 33 feet included in the right of way of State Road 44A, in Sec. 15, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E.;

 

that the tract of land owned by Lake County is not being used for public purposes at this time, nor will it be required in the reasonable foreseeable future; that the same consists of a clay pit which has been excavated; that the lands owned by the City of Leesburg are located near said tract, but a portion of the same has not been excavated and is near surrounding ground level; that said properties have been appraised by an approved appraiser, and the value of the two respective tracts of land are approximately the same.

The tract owned by the City of Leesburg is suitable for the location of a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.

Lake County therefore proposes to exchange the tract of land owned by the County for the tract of land owned by the City, both of which are described above, upon the following basis:  In consideration of a deed from the City of Leesburg to Lake County conveying the tract of land owned by the City, Lake County will execute and deliver to the City of Leesburg a deed conveying title to the tract of land owned by the County.

IT WAS THEREUPON SUGGESTED that the following Resolution be adopted to effectuate said exchange on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried:

WHEREAS, Lake County has suggested an exchange of properties with the City of Leesburg, upon an approximate equal value, which result will be beneficial to both Lake County and the City of Leesburg, and

WHEREAS, Lake County proposes to exchange the following tract of land in Lake County, Florida:

The East 330 feet of the West 690 feet of the S ½ of SW ¼ of SW ¼; LESS the South 33 feet included in State Road 44A right of way, in Sec. 15, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E.;

 

for the following tract of land in Lake County, Florida, owned by the City of Leesburg:

The West 290 feet of the East 630 feet of the South 290 feet of the SW ¼ of SW ¼; LESS the South 33 feet included in the right of way of State Road 44A, in Sec. 15, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E.;

 

and the Board of County Commissioners is satisfied that such an exchange will be beneficial to both Lake County and to the City of Leesburg;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that a Notice of the proposed exchange of properties be, and is hereby authorized, which shall provide that at 10:00 in the forenoon, on the 4th day of March, A.D. 1968, in its Offices in the Courthouse in Tavares, Lake County, Florida, the Board will take up and consider such proposed exchange, and will hear any objections to the exchange of properties as above set forth.

safety

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board approved the following locations as Motor Vehicle Inspection Station sites:

Eustis – The East 132 feet of the West 363 feet of the South ½ of the NW ¼ of the NE ¼, in Sec. 12, Tp. 19S, R 24 E.

 

Minneola – Lots 5 and 6 of Block 20, Town of Minneola, as recorded in Plat Book 9, Page 31-F (Sheet 7), in Sec. 18, Tp. 22 S, R. 26 E.

 

Leesburg – The West 290 feet of the East 630 feet of the South 290 feet of the SW ¼ of SW ¼; LESS the South 33 feet included in the right of way of S.R. 44A, in Sec. 15, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E.

PROVIDED the exchange of the above described property now owned by the City of Leesburg is completed.

 

The Engineer discussed recommendations received from the meetings he has attended relative to the inspection stations as follows; and advised the Architect will bring tentative plans for approval at the next meeting:

            4 inspectors and 1 clerk at each inspection station

            60 foot building instead of 45 feet as originally planned

 

Mr. Hays further advised that he and the Road Superintendent, Alfred Ponds, will attend a meeting in Tallahassee on Wednesday, February 7th regarding this program.

Roads – county

Engineer Hays filed construction cost report for improvements to county roads for the 4th quarter of 1967.

Roads – state

Engineer Hays advised five signs have been erected from SR 500 and Old SR 500 directing traffic to Main Street in Tavares to the Courthouse.

The Clerk submitted notice from the State Road Department that requests for primary and secondary roads for 1968-69 will be received in DeLand on February 20, 1968 at 4 P.M.  The Board members concurring, the Chairman designated February 13 at 9 A.M. to hear requests from municipal corporations and other interested parties.

Motion was made by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried approving right of way contract for that portion of Section 11570, SR S-452-A extending from SR 452 in Eustis Easterly to SR 19, and adopting a resolution agreeing to furnish the necessary right of way, borrow pits, and easements for said portion of said road and authorizing the County Attorney to proceed with condemnation proceedings.

zoning

On recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Director and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted amending the Zoning Atlas Maps by removing Pages 661, 662 and 256 dated June 12, 1967 and inserting in lieu thereof, corrected Pages 661, 662 and 256 approved by the Board this date.

Petitions – road maintenance – subdivisions

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to receive objections to the petition for the reconstruction and repaving of portions of streets in Suburban Shores Subdivision pursuant to Chapter 63-1505, the Chairman called for interested persons to be heard at this time.  There were no objections or complaints and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted accepting the petition and authorizing the Clerk to advertise for bids for the repaving to be received March 4, 1968.

fair

Clerk Owens presented a letter from the City of Eustis relative to the construction of a multi-purpose building on the new fairground site.  The Attorney was instructed to write the Commissioner of Agriculture to determine if any funds are available to assist Lake County in the construction of the Fair buildings.

Letter from Charles, President of the Lake County Fair and Flower Show regarding the buildings was read and filed.  Also, letter from the Department of Army relative to including fall-out protection in the construction of the building was filed.

legislation

The Clerk presented Newsletter from the State Association urging the Legislature to override the Governor’s veto of the cigarette tax increase bill, and requesting the Board to contact Legislation Delegation regarding this.  No action by the Board.

east central florida regional planning council

Clerk Owens submitted a letter from the Council with reference to policy adopted by the Council as a guide for evaluation of work programs.

Minutes of meeting held in Vero Beach on December 20, 1967 were filed and copy distributed.

state road department

Statement of status of Secondary Funds as of December 31, 1967 was filed and copy distributed to each Board member; also, statement of secondary work program for 1968-69.

Reports – official

Reports of Receipts, Expenses and Net Income of the Clerk of Circuit Court and Tax Collector for the year ending December 31, 1967 showing refunds to the County of $3,595.56 and $69,960.64 respectively and $13,639.16 to the Board of Public Instruction from the Tax Collector.  Reports were accepted and approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

audits

Audit Report No. 6773 of the accounts and records of the Tax Collector and Tax Assessor as of March 31, 1967 and June 30, 1967 was filed and accepted on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

tax assessor

Certificates of Correction of Errors and Corrections on the 1967 tax roll numbered 104-112 were approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Bonds – misc.

Deputy Sheriff bond for Earl D. Wise was approved on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.

Contractors Bonds for certificates of competency numbered 255-302 were approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Notice from Continental Casualty Co. that Contractor’s License Bond #3027603 (218) covering Trusco Fabricators, Inc. is being cancelled was approved on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.

county depositories

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, The First National Bank of Mount Dora was designated as the depository for the Motor Vehicle Inspection Fund.

Accounts allowed

Request of Paul Milton, Mosquito Control Director, to attend National Convention in New Orleans on March 31 – April 3 was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board approved expenditure of $277.20 to Fred Kuhklman for installing corner stone on the Courthouse Annex.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, appraisal fee of $25.00 from L. W. Huey for appraising City of Leesburg and County property, was approved.

Travel expenses were approved for C. W. McCauslin to attend 16th annual Short Course for Building Officials in Gainesville on February 25-28, on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

On recommendation of the Clerk and on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the low proposal of $73.90 from Ford Press for printing for the Clerk’s Office was approved; also, the low proposal of $399.00 from Florida Forms and Systems for 2,000 case binders.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, order placed by the Clerk for candidates election supplies with Bowen Supply was approved.

Request from the County Service Officer to travel to St. Petersburg on February 7th to meet with Veterans Administration Rating Board and State Service Officer was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Payrolls for January were approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

tax delinquent

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Tavares Citizen was designated as the newspaper in which the Tax Collector will publish the delinquent tax list.

County buildings

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Board approved the Lake County Democratic Women’s Club using the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting room in the Engineering Building on February 20 at 8 P.M.

communications

Letter from Orange County Budget Commission requesting cost of Lake County government for the year 1967 in order to make a comparable study of counties in the Central Florida area.  The Board instructed the Clerk to furnish the information.

Letters from the Florida State Board of Health regarding Country Club Mobile Manor and Tavares Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaners were filed.

Letter from H. L. Harris opposing the County’s participation in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program was read and filed.

reports

Monthly reports were filed as follows:

                        Home Demo Agent and Assistant

                        Building Department

                        Commodity Whse. Supervisor

                        Veterans Service Officer

 

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 P.M.

 

___________________________________                          ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN