MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – july 6, 1970
A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, was held in the Office of the Clerk in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida at 9:00 o’clock A.M. on Monday, July 6, 1970, with the following members present: James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman; Alex J. Macdonell, J. M. Hoskinson, Thomas J. Windram, and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were: Tax Assessor R. G. Cassady, Clerk of Circuit Court Frank E. Owens and Deputy Clerk Norma H. Coven.
tax assessments
Mr. Cassady submitted in writing estimates for the 1970 tax roll as follows:
County-Wide Non-Exempt Aggregate Value $429,115,162
County-Wide Aggregate Value 503,661,582
Northeast Lake County Hospital District 160,229,766
Northwest Lake County Hospital District 121,904,589
Mr. Cassady also submitted figures showing the total assessed valuation of all taxable properties within the city limits of the fourteen incorporated towns in Lake County and the total assessed valuation of grove acreage.
The meeting recessed to the Commissioners’ Room with Attorney C. E. Duncan and County Engineer Robert H. North in attendance.
The Chairman called the meeting to order and gave the invocation, after which the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
county attorney
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Macdonell and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Christopher C. Ford to succeed Mr. Duncan as County Attorney at an annual salary of $10,200.00 effective immediately.
minutes
On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 11, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr Windram and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 18, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the minutes of the special meetings of May 25 and 26, 1970, were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of June 1, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, minutes of special meeting of June 4, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, minutes of regular meeting of June 8, 1970 were approved as submitted.
county buildings
On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Civil Defense Coordinator was instructed to contact the Civil Defense Technical Services with reference to assistance in the planning and construction of a proposed multi-purpose County building that would receive federal funds of 50%.
county property
Attorney Duncan submitted title opinion from Lake Abstract & Guaranty Co. concerning property of Philip Berkovitch which shows two mortgages against the property. On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, payment of $9,000 was approved for the purchase of the following described property, subject to Satisfaction of Mortgages:
That part of the W ½ of the SE ¼ of the NW ¼ of Sec. 15, Tp. 22, R. 24 E., lying North of the Atlantic Coast Line (now Seaboard Coastline) Railroad right of way, less and except therefrom the following description: Beginning at a point 35 ft. South of the NW corner of said W ½ of the SE ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 15-22-24, thence run South 417.42 ft., thence run East 417.42 ft., thence run North 417.42 ft., thence run West to the point of beginning the above exception being the present County clay pit, containing 4 acres more or less.
roads – county
On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, a Resolution was adopted reducing the maximum speed limit on County Road 2-0729, also known as “Ladies Road” and “Fletcher-Hare Road,” to 35 miles per hour.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids on various equipment, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids, whereupon, Clerk Owens reported receiving bids from the following:
SELF-PROPELLED PNEUMATIC
TIRED ROLLER - Browne-Nelson Equipment Co. Inc.
Florida Equipment Co. of Orlando
M. D. Moody & Sons, Inc.
State Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation to the Board.
SELF-PROPELLED PULVI MIXER - Florida Equipment Co. of Orlando
M. D. Moody & Sons, Inc.
Triangle Equipment Co., Inc.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation.
INDUSTRIAL TRACTOR - Hodges Equipment Company
Shelfer Ford Tractor Co., Inc.
State Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc.
Triangle Equipment Co., Inc.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation.
DUMP TRUCKS - Hodges Equipment Company
Jungle Auto Service
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation.
Later in the day, on recommendation of the engineer and on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried, the Board accepted the low bid of Jungle Auto Service to furnish two 1971 GMC dump trucks, without trade-in, for a net delivered price of $21,796.00; and accepted the low bid of Hodge Equipment Company to furnish two 1970 International dump trucks with trade-ins, for a net delivered price of $20,500.00.
railroads
Attorney Duncan presented estimate from the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company for improvements to the crossing 1,199.5’ northwesterly from Mile Post ST-782, West of Tavares. On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Attorney was instructed to notify Mr. Squibb to deposit $319.00 with the Clerk and request Supplement Agreement from the railroad company for the construction of the crossing Later in the day, Mr. Squibb appeared and submitted check for this project.
law library
Attorney Duncan advised Judge Hall has requested that the 37 volumes of Martindale-Hubbell Law Directories be transferred from the County Judge’s Office to the Law Library. The request was approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
county attorney
At this time Christopher C. Ford appeared and assumed the duties of County Attorney.
fair buildings
Mr. Ken Hart, Executive Secretary of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce appeared with Mrs. Arthur Fox relative to a beatification plan for the Fair Grounds. Mr. Hart advised the cost of the plan will be at a minimum inasmuch as the garden clubs in the County will assist in this program. Asked the County's assistance in furnishing prison labor when needed. The Board approved the plan and authorized prison labor for the project, with the understanding that ample notice will be given the County Engineer when the prisoners are needed.
Mr. Hart presented written report of equipment needed for the operation of the Fair Buildings as a convention center. Chairman Carson advised Mr. Hart the Board will take his report under advisement.
county property
At the request of Commr. Hoskinson, the Attorney was instructed to obtain a title report on property located in South Lake County which has been set aside as a bird sanctuary. The land is being considered as an airport site.
courthouse
On motion of Commr. Macdonell, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, Commr. Hoskinson was authorized to change the steps in the Circuit Court Room leading to the witness box, and to expend up to $100.00 to correct the humming noise in the lights in the courtroom.
right of way EASEMENTS – except roads
Mr. Neil Barton and Glenn A. Schrader appeared with thirteen property owners and petitioned the Board to clean out the overflow ditch from Lake Saunders to Lake Dora. It was determined that an easement is needed from H. J. Dunlop and Commrs. Windram and Hoskinson agreed to contact him for a solution to this problem.
recess and reassembly
The meeting 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.
meetings
On recommendation of Commr. Windram the Board approved a meeting next Monday with the members of the Pollution Control Board, along with the Planning and Zoning Commission members and Dr. Hall, Lake County Health Director.
suits affecting county
On request of the Chairman, Attorney Ford advised it is his intention to file a motion to dismiss the suit brought by Kissam Super Concrete Co. (Civil Action No. 5945).
The Attorney was instructed to pursue the Suit to Quiet Title on the railroad right of way from Umatilla to Altoona.
planning and zoning
It now being the time designated to consider Conditional Use Permit No. 188-5, the County Planning Director J. C. Watkins was present. Chairman Carson advised he has observed the property involved, whereupon, on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission was upheld and the permit was denied.
civil defense
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, Thomas E. Chapman, Civil Defense Coordinator, was authorized to act as Surplus Property Agent for Lake County, with James C. Watkins as Alternate Agent.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board ratified the Standing operating Procedure for civil defense emergencies. Property Division for the Paisley Volunteer Fire Department and the truck was refused and we need to dispose of the truck. Commr. Hoskinson moved that the truck be declared surplus for the purpose of disposing of same. The motion was seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
hospitals
Chairman Carson reported the doors needed at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home to meet the requirements of the Fire Marshal have been donated to the County by Anthony Curtas, President of Florida D & M Company of Kissimmee.
The action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving application to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for James McCoy was approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried.
public defender
Clerk Owens submitted letter from Public Defender Robert E. Pierce advising that Irving F. Morse was appointed Assistant Public Defender effective July 1, 1970 to replace Richard H. Langley whose resignation became effective June 30, 1970.
inventory
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, transfer of the following inventory items was approved:
Property Record No. 1608 and 1614, Steelcase File Cabinets from the Clerk’s Office to the Veterans’ Service Officer.
The following items not being used were transferred to the District No. 3 Barn:
Property No. 4326 – RCA Whirlpool Air Conditioner
1549 – Oak Chair
1550 – Oak Chair
1551 – Oak Settee
1583 – Wood swivel chair with rollers
On motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, three (3) broken chairs of a lot of eight (8), Property Record No. 1669, were removed from the inventory at the Agricultural Center.
right of way – roads
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, deed was accepted from John Kruesi and wife, Marion G. Kruesi, conveying the following described property to Lake County for road right of way:
All that part of the Southeast quarter of Section 6, tp. 18 South, Range 27 East, LYING WITHIN 30 feet (60 feet total) ON EACH SIDE OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED CENTER LINE:
Commence at the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 6, Township 18 South, Range 27 East; thence run North 89°54’ West 30.21 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run South 6°36’ East 1990.02 feet to the start of a 10°32’16” curve to the right (concave to the southwest) with a central angle of 96°36’; thence run Southwest along said curve a distance of 916.68 feet to the end of said curve; thence run West 672.72 feet to a Point of Intersection with County Road #5-7973.
Deed of correction from Mrs. Ina Ellen Hayes was referred to the County Engineer.
roads – state
Chairman Carson presented letter from the Department of Transportation requesting a Five Year Plan of work for the construction and maintenance of roads and streets within Lake County. The Clerk was instructed to furnish copies of the letter to the Board members and Engineer for study and recommendation.
Request from the City of Fruitland Park for a cross-over on SR 500 and SR 25 (U.S. 441-27) at Grizzard Avenue, and cleaning out of drainage ditch at the corner of Myrtle Street and SR 500 was read. Chairman Carson advised he has discussed this with the Department of Transportation.
roads – county
Request from Glenn L. Edmondson for the County to clear debris from the right of way along Ravenswood Road in Altoona was referred to the Engineer.
safety council
Clerk Owens submitted letter from the Lake County Safety Council advising that the Defensive Driving Classes in the future will be held in the conference room of the Sumter Electric Cooperative building on U.S. 441 near Eustis.
TAX ASSESSMENTS
The Clerk presented copy of 1970 Ad Valorem Tax Law changes made by the 1970 Legislature and advised that the County will continue to collect taxes for the School Board.
Request from the Tax Assessor for approval of Certificates of Error and Corrections on the 1969 Tax Roll numbered 190 through 192 was approved on motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
tax collector
Recapitulation of Errors, Discounts, Insolvencies and Double Assessments on tangibles and real estate as submitted by the Tax Collector against the 1969 Tax Roll was approved on motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
licenses and permits
Use Permits issued to the Florida Telephone Corp. were approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried:
No. 214 – To construct and maintain manholes and conduit paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road 3-1346 between County Road 3-1040 and SR 25.
No. 215 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road 2-1503 between SR S-565 and County Road 2-1204.
No. 216 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling a portion of County Road 2-1311 between SR 50 and County Road 2-1310.
No. 217 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road 2-1310 between County Road 2-1309 and Mascotte.
No. 218 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road 2-1204 between County Road 2-1503 and end of pavement.
No. 219 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road 2-1412 between SR 50 and County Road 2-1310.
No. 220 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling a portion of County Road 2-1206 between the end of the road and SR S-565.
No. 221 – To construct and maintain buried cable and poles paralleling a portion of County Road 2-1309 between County Road 2-1310 and SR S-565.
No. 222 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling a portion of County Road 2-1304 between County Road 2-1204 and the end of the road.
No. 223 – To construct and maintain buried cable paralleling a portion of County Road 2-1207 between SR S-565 and the end of the road.
bonds – misc.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, Bond for Carrying Firearms for Robert L. Leggett was approved.
Deputy Sheriff bond for Horace Edgar Blocker with Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company as surety was approved on motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Hokinson and carried.
Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved as follows on motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried:
No. 408 – James T. Cochran
508 – Robert Spears
509 – A. C. Mathis
510 – Frank F. Harvey
511 – Lewie K. Ratley
bids
Commr. Carson presented for discussion County Judge W. A. Milton’s request for approval of his action in advertising for bids for office equipment amounting to more than $1,000.00. On recommendation of the attorney, the Board refused to approve Judge Milton’s action and directed the Attorney to inform him the bids were not taken in accordance with the Statutes.
indigents
Clerk Owens submitted notice from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services that the 1970 Legislature did not appropriate funds for the Hospital Service for the Indigent Program for 1970-71 Fiscal Year and effective midnight June 30, 1970 the Program will be terminated.
Notice from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services concerning effective date of food stamp program was read and filed. Letter recommends that the Surplus Commodity Program be continued until the food stamp program is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and funds appropriated.
juvenile
Chairman Carson advised he has received notice from the County Judge that Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe have resigned as Matron and Superintendent at the Juvenile Shelter, effective June 24, 1970, which includes two weeks’ vacation. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have assumed the duties and are on full time duty.
resolutions not classified elsewhere
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board adopted a Resolution commending Carl E. Duncan for his many years of faithful service to Lake County as County Prosecutor, Representative in the State Legislature and County Attorney.
communications
Letter was read from the Bureau of the Census that the population of Lake County as shown by the 1970 census is 67,115.
Communication from the State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner regarding flood insurance was referred to the Planning Director.
Request from E. C. Aulls, Jr., Attorney, that the Board withhold action against W. F. Austin for his indebtedness to the County for three months due to Mr. Austin’s financial stress at the present time. Attorney Ford was instructed to notify Mr. Aulls the Board will withhold action for 90 days from today.
Letter from the Department of Natural Resources concerning a uniform system of motor boating regulation and enforcement was referred to the Clerk.
Letter from C. V. Griffin, Sr., suggesting that the Board should publish the annual budget each year, was read and the Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Griffin the budget is published in accordance with the law every year.
Letters from residents of Howey-in-the-Hills opposing the four-laning of SR 19 through the town were referred to Commr Macdonell.
Letters and petitions opposing the lowering of the lake levels in the Clermont Chain of Lakes were referred to Commr. Hoskinson.
Copy of letter from W. G. Cadwell, Sr. and Ralph W. Cadwell, Sr. to Paul Milton, Mosquito Control Director, was filed.
Copy of letter from the Lake County Health Department regarding Shad Grove Youth Camp was filed.
Copy of letter from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services regarding Montverde Academy was filed.
accounts allowed
On motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, travel expense was approved for J. W. Bryant to go to St. Petersburg to confer with the Veterans Administration and the Florida Division of Community Affairs on July 8, 1970.
Travel expense was approved for J. C. Watkins to go to Tallahassee on July 7, 1970, on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
county employees
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the employment effective October 1, 1970, of a full time mental health worker to assist in the Juvenile Court with the salary structure to be as outlined in Judge Milton’s letters of June 4 and 24, 1970, and Mr. Kulpan’s proposal of June 3, 1970.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 o’clock P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN