MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 MONDAY – JULY 7, 1969

The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, met in regular session in the Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. for the purpose of receiving the report of the Tax Assessor of estimated assessed values for 1969 as advertised according to Chapter 129.03, Florida Statutes.

The meeting was called to order with the following persons in attendance:  Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr., Alex J. Macdonell, J. M. Hoskinson and Kenneth VanAuken, all members of the Board, County Attorney C. E. Duncan, Clerk of Circuit Court Frank E. Owens, Deputy Tax Assessor James P. Loflin, and Deputy Clerk Norma H. Coven.

Deputy Assessor Loflin submitted in writing estimates for the 1969 tax roll as follows:

            County-Wide Non-Exempt Aggregate Value            $412,110,452

            County-Wide Aggregate Value                                    483,498,602

            South Lake Hospital District                                       138,748,552

            Northeast Lake County Hospital District                    157,333,176

            Northwest Lake County Hospital District                   115,821,583

The comparison with last year’s figures was discussed and on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the estimated valuations as submitted by the Tax Assessor were accepted.

The meeting recessed and reconvened in the Commissioners’ Room and Commissioner Hoskinson gave the invocation.

minutes

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, the minutes of the regular meetings of May 5, 12, and June 2, and special meeting of May 27, 1969 were approved as submitted.

budget

Clerk Owens presented the tentative budget for the fiscal year 1969-1970 and same was approved and accepted on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, and the Clerk was authorized to publish the budget and advertise a public hearing to hear objections and complaints on July 17, 1969 at 10:00 o’clock A.M.

road maintenance – subdivisions

W. E. Messenger appeared and submitted petition to resurface Lake Dora Circle in Thompson Estates in accordance with Chapter 63-1505.  Clerk Owens presented letter from the County Engineer advising that 89.66% of the owners have signed the petition and 90.07% of owners of the front footage have signed it.  The petition was accepted on motion of Commissioner Hoskinson seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and unanimously carried and a public hearing on same was authorized for August 4, 1969.

pollution board – appointments

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, the following persons were appointed to serve as members of the Pollution Control Board:

                                    Ralph A. Roane

                                    Philip R. Edwards

 

resolutions not classified elsewhere

On recommendation of the Chairman and the Board members concurring, a Resolution was adopted expressing appreciation to E. T. Hall and Roy J. Snell for their service on the Pollution Board during the past year.

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, a Resolution was adopted expressing the Board’s appreciation to Willard Peebles for his interest and support during his tenure as a member of the State Road Board.

county property

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider the exchange of the following tracts of land, and no one appearing to object to said exchange, a motion was made by Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, adopting a Resolution authorizing the exchange and that the Chairman and Clerk be empowered to execute a deed conveying the tract of land owned by Lake County to Green Valley Real Estate, Inc., in exchange for a deed executed by Green Valley Real Estate, Inc. conveying the tract of land first described to Lake County, for the sum of $900.00:

GREEN VALLEY PROPERTY

Parcel No. 9, LESS the right of way for State Road 50, according to the Plat of Midway, Lake County, Florida, which Plat is recorded in Plat Book 11, page 57, public records of Lake County, Florida.

 

LAKE COUNTY PROPERTY

That part of the SW ¼ of NE ¼ of Sec. 32, Tp. 21 S., R. 25 E., in Lake County, Florida, lying East of the Easterly line of the right of way of State Road 19.

 

 

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider the exchange of the following tracts of land, and no one appearing to object to said exchange, a Resolution was adopted on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, authorizing the exchange and that the Chairman and Clerk be empowered to execute a deed conveying the tract of land owned by Lake County to Pauline G. Alger and husband John W. Alger, in exchange for a deed executed by Pauline G. Alger and husband John W. Alger, conveying to Lake County the tract of land first described:

ALGER PROPERTY

Commence at the Southeast corner of the Northwest ¼ of the Southeast ¼ of Section 32, Township 18 South, Range 27 East; thence run North 0°44’20” East 345.97 feet; thence run South 7°15’40” West 74.84 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue running South 75°15’40” West 75.00 feet; thence run North 73°39’ West 75.00 feet; thence run South 89°11’40” E 144.51 feet to the Point of Beginning.

 

LAKE COUNTY PROPERTY

Commence at the Southeast corner of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 32, Twp. 18 S. Rg. 27 E.; run thence North 0°44’20” East 294.09 feet, thence run South 75°15’40” West 74.90 feet to the Point of Beginning:  thence continue running South 75°15’40” West 75.00 feet; thence run North 73°39’ West 75.00 feet, thence run South 89°11’40” East 144.51 feet to the Point of Beginning.

 

 

 

building department

Commissioner Hoskinson moved that the Board of Examiners be requested to review the requirements of contractors to secure Certificates of Competency and make recommendation to the Board.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

planning and zoning

Commissioner Hoskinson initiated a discussion relative to a policy on new chicken farms throughout the County.  Attorney Duncan advised this matter should be considered on an individual basis.

tax assessments

Commissioner Hoskinson inquired if there is any way the County can derive more taxes from mobile homes.  Attorney Duncan advised this would have to be approached from a Legislative angle as the law would have to be changed as to the matter of assessment.

laws & legislature

Commissioner Hoskinson asked for the Attorney’s opinion regarding the Home Rule Bill.  Mr. Duncan said he has not received a certified copy of the Act from the Secretary of State, but will report on this when the bill is received.

Chairman Windram presented replies from the Legislature Delegation and the Governor relative to a Special Session of the Legislature to consider the establishment and funding of a road system.

Later in the day Representative Jim Glisson appeared and stated he will support a road program and will vote for “some type of funding.”

Clerk Owens submitted letter from Consolidated Insurance Agency advising that Senate Bill 825 providing for the waiver of immunity for liability for tort actions against political subdivisions passed the Legislature and will become effective July 1, 1969 if not vetoed by the Governor.

Commissioner Carson stated it is his understanding that House Bill 1082 provides that municipal taxes shall be assessed and collected by the County Tax Collector.

complaints

Mrs. Marguerite Lambert and a delegation of seven residents from the Lake Mack area appeared and complained of hunters bringing their dogs into the area on weekends and turning them loose on trial runs.  Mrs. Lambert also filed letters from five other residents making the same complaint.  Attorney Duncan informed the delegation the Sheriff does not have the authority to make an arrest unless the charge can be proved.  The Board agreed to alert the Sheriff’s Department of this and Commissioner VanAuken asked Mrs. Lambert to call him as well as the Sheriff when this problem exists again.

Commissioner VanAuken reported he has received complaints from residents in the Pittman area of trash dumping.

resolutions not classified elsewhere

Messrs. Hampson, Mason and Richards appeared and presented charter of the Yalaha Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., whereupon, on motion of Commissioner Hoskinson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, a Resolution was adopted approving the organization of the Yalaha Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation, for the purpose of protecting property in and about the Town of Yalaha and is duly qualified to enter into contracts and accept fire-fighting equipment from the Florida Forest Service.

indigents

Chairman Windram submitted letter from the Johnson’s Professional Nursing Home asking the County to supplement payment to the Home for indigent patients to increase the minimum care per patient to $300.00 per month.  Members of the Board concurring, the Chairman referred this matter to the Welfare Director.

planning & zoning

J. C. Watkins, Planning Director, was present and submitted files on zoning violations:  A. C. Carroll, Altoona; E. J. Skehan, Leesburg; Housing Development Corp., Orlando; and J. A. Roberson, Deland.  The Attorney was instructed to review the files and recommend future action to the Board.

Mr. Watkins further reported the six months given Diamond Auto Salvage Co. to abide by order of the Court is almost up and he shows no indication of complying with the order.  Mr. Yeager has not returned the signed Conditional Use Permit granted to him.

Mr. Watkins also advised there is an existing problem at the Howey Motel relating to the plumbing fixtures meeting the Building Code.

Mr. Watkins stated WLBE Radio Station has extended the County an offer for a fifteen minute weekly program concerning future County development.  The Board approved this service at no expense to the County.

Findings of Fact pertaining to the following Conditional Use Permits were filed by the Planning & Zoning Director.

                                    No.      130-2

                                                132-2

                                                133-5

                                                134-1

                                                135-5

                                                136-4

 

county employees

Mrs. Joanne Lord representing the Florida Telephone Corporation appeared and discussed qualifications for the telephone operator and receptionist.  Mrs. Lord recommended that the operator work with her two days before the system goes into effect.

county property

It now being the time advertised to receive bids for the sale of the following described surplus property, Clerk Owens announced the notice called for bids to be received at the North door of the Courthouse and he presented bid from John P. Westervelt of $100.00:

The South 131 feet of the West 82 feet of the SE ¼ of SE ¼ of SE ¼ of NE ¼ of Section 22, Twp. 18 S., Rg. 24 E.; LESS the South 25 feet thereof, reserved for road purposes.

 

There being no other bids received, Commissioner Macdonell moved that the bid of $100.00 be accepted.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried and the Attorney was directed to prepare the necessary deed and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute same.

road closings

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider petition to close platted street in Eldorado Heights, and no one appearing to object to the closing, a motion was made by Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, that the Board adopt a Resolution closing the following described street:

AN UNNAMED STREET, as shown on the Plat of Eldorado Heights as filed and recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 3, page 7, more particularly described as follows:

 

Begin at the Northeast corner of Lot 172 in the said Eldorado Heights, thence run westerly along the Northerly line of Lot 172 in the said Eldorado Heights to the Northwest corner of said Lot 172; thence run Northerly along a Northerly extension of the Westerly line of the said Lot 172 to the waters of Lake Eldorado, the said point being hereby designated as Point “A;” Begin again at the point of beginning, thence run Northerly along a Northerly extension of the Easterly line of Lot 172 in the said Eldorado Heights to the waters of Lake Eldorado; thence run westerly along and with the waters of the said lake to the above designated Point A.”

 

Leo and Mildred Betz of Umatilla appeared and requested that a portion of Sylvan Lake Drive in Dona Vista be closed.  They were referred to the County Engineer.

road maintenance

Commissioner VanAuken also stated he has received a request from Camp Ocala to improve the road.  Advised this is a private enterprise and no action was taken by the Board.

recess and reassembly

The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

bonds – misc.

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, Bond for Carrying Firearms for James P. Weir was approved.

The following contractors’ bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved on motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried:

                                    Nos. 433 – 440

Also, cancellation of Bond No. 124, Glenn Y. Middleton and No. 432, Roger Patrick Martin was approved.

state agencies

Ed Zagar of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission appeared relative to a new seining program in Lake Yale, the Clermont chain and Lake Griffin.  Mr. Zagar advised the Fish Commission is now an agency of the Department of Natural Resources.  The new program will be for 100 hauls and for one year only, with County participation of $10,000 and $5,000 by the Commission.  The sale of rough fish will be split between the two agencies.  Commissioner Carson moved that the program as outlined by Mr. Zagar be approved.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried.

public health

Paul Milton, Mosquito Control Director, was presented and reported on landfill sites.  The Empire Church Road site will be in operation next week.  The Stuckey Pit is not in operation because we are waiting on a reply from the Department of Agriculture and the status of the Paisley pit is that the Forest Service wants us to use cleared property rather than cut timber.

hospitals

Attorney Duncan advised he has contacted a local stock broker relative to the stock certificate donated by Lois H. Miller to the Lake Memorial Nursing Home.  Inasmuch as the Nursing Home is not a corporate body but simply an organization handled by Lake County, recommends that Mrs. Miller endorse the certificate over to Lake County.  Commissioner Carson was directed to contact another stock broker regarding this matter.

On motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving applications to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for the following was approved:

                                    James Lamar O’Neal

                                    Edward Paines

 

The following notices from the Hospital were filed:

 

            Betsy Jo BonJorn was discharged with medical advice on June 10, 1969

            William Ervin Wrinkle was discharged with medical advice on June 17, 1969

            Nettie Workman was discharged with medical advice on June 19, 1969

            Nathaniel Jordan was discharged with medical advice on June 20, 1969

            James Lewis Benton was discharged against medical advice on June 25, 1969

 

Clerk Owens presented Income and Expense Budget of the Leesburg General Hospital for the fiscal year 1969-70.

tax collector

Recapitulation of Errors, Discounts, Insolvencies and Double Assessments on tangibles and real estate as submitted by the Tax Collector against the 1968 tax roll was approved on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried.

insurance

Commissioner Carson expressed a desire for an analysis of the County’s insurance needs.  Feel the Board could save money by having an opinion from an expert relative to combining some of the coverage.

The Clerk presented letter from Consolidated Insurance Agency advising that the Florida Inspection and Rating Bureau is unable at this time to quote a new rate on the County buildings due to the Fairground buildings being added to the schedule.  Letter states that no appreciable change is anticipated.

Safety recommendations from the Florida Industrial Commission concerning the District No. 2 Barn were referred to the Engineer for immediate action.

contracts and agreements

Clerk Owens informed the Board contracts with the City of Leesburg and Lennons’ Ambulance need to be amended to meet the 1969-70 budget requirements.  The Attorney was instructed to prepare the necessary amendments to pay the City of Leesburg $1,965 per month for ambulance service and Lennons’ $2,000 per month effective October 1, 1969.

roads – state (deeds)

On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, a Resolution was adopted authorizing execution of a deed conveying to the State Road Department title to lands required for right of way for SR S-474, Section 11518-2601, more particularly described as Parcel No. 154.

railroads

Attorney Duncan advised the Seaboard Coastline Railroad Company advises the estimated cost of constructing a private crossing 2,389 feet East of MP 788 near Sorrento is $733.00.  In addition will need the cost of raising the telephone lines at this location.  The Attorney was directed to secure the cost of raising the lines from Southern Bell Telephone Company.

autos & trucks

Attorney Duncan advised Notice of Lien has been advertised relative to storage charges on Trailmobile Trailer and no one has appeared to claim the vehicle.  He was instructed to proceed with the necessary action regarding this matter.

outdoor recreational facilities

Notice was filed from the State Road Department that the 90-day establishment period for landscaping at the recreational area on Lake Eustis West of Tavares ended May 29, 1969.

fair association

Annual Report and Breakdown of Accounts from the Fair Association showing a bank balance of $5,386.26 as of June 30, 1969 was filed.

state road department

Statement of Status of Secondary Funds and Trust Fund as of May 31, 1969 were filed and copy distributed to each Board member.

licenses & permits

The following Use Permits were filed by the Engineer:

To Florida Gas Co. for the construction and maintenance of natural gas line along County Rd. 3-4660 between Eustis and Mount Dora;

 

To Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for the construction and maintenance of distribution line along County Rd. 3-3637 between Lane Park Sub. and Oxmoor Place;

 

No. 155 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable a portion of County Rd. 3-3637 between Tavares and Howey.

 

civil defense

Mr. Watkins advised the State Civil Defense Office requires a new Surplus Property Agent Certification for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1969, whereupon the Certification was signed by the Chairman and Clerk designating Thomas E. Chapman as Civil Defense Coordinator and James C. Watkins, Alternate Agent.

accounts allowed

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, the Mosquito Control Director was authorized to secure prices for the cost and installation of a two-way radio in the Director’s car.

Request from the Small Claims Court to purchase IBM Selectric typewriter for the sum of $450 was approved on motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, the Agricultural Agent was authorized to purchase one microphone from the Lanier Co. at a cost of $51.00 and one file cabinet for the Home Economic Department at a cost of $73.00.

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, payrolls for the month of June were approved.

cancellation of warrants

The Clerk was instructed to cancel General Fund Warrant #2704 dated June 9, payable to Southern Bell Telephone for the reason of duplicate payment.

communications

Copy of Order from the Judge of Industrial Claims in the Vivian P. Ritter case was filed.

1970 Federal appropriations for Florida Public Works Program of water related projects as prepared by the Florida Board of Conservation were filed.

reports

The following monthly reports were filed:

            Veterans Service Officer

            Surplus Commodity Warehouse Supervisor

            Agricultural Agent and Assistants

            Home Economics Agent and Assistants

            State Beverage Dept. showing cigarette tax collection for April 1969

            Statistical Report from the State Board of Health

 

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 o’clock P.M.

 

___________________________________                                                                                                                                                  ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                                                                                                                                           CHAIRMAN