MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY – JANUARY 11, 1972
The Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room, in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Tuesday, January 11, 1972, at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon; with the following members present: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; J. M. Hoskinson; James R. Carson, Jr.; and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were Deputy Clerk, Bernice P. Conner; County Engineer, Fred M. Harpster; Director of Planning, James C. Watkins.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman and the invocation was delivered by Commr. Hoskinson, after which the Pledge of Allegiance was given.
county employees
Jack Haddox appeared before the Board with reference to the appointment of Mr. Dan E. Spears, to the position of Extension Agent-Farm Management I, effective January 17, 1972, replacing James Hand, pending the approval of the Board of Regents. His salary will be $9,600.00, of which $5,400.00 will be paid by the State, and $4,200.00 will be paid by the County. Also travel allowance of 10¢ per mile up to $1500.00 annually.
Commr. Deems arrived at the meeting at this time.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the employment of Mr. Spears as recommended by Mr. Haddox, County Extension Director, at the salary as set forth, was approved by the Board.
Mr. Haddox introduced to the Board Mr. Andy Rose who is replacing Royce Williams.
bids
It being the time advertised to receive Bids on four Tandem 10 c.y. dump trucks for the Engineering Department, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids. Whereupon, Deputy Clerk, Bernice P. Conner, reported receiving the following bids:
Bid from Creamons Chevrolet $12,981.30 per truck, total $51,925.20, less $1750.00 trade-in, net total of $50,175.20.
Bid from Hodges Equipment Company, $13,147.22 per truck, total $52,588.88, less trade-in of $1300.00, net price of $51,288.88.
Bid from Richey Buick-Pontiac, Inc., $12,748.00 per truck, total $50,922.00, less trade-in of $1750.00, net price of $49,242.00
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Bids were referred to the County Engineer for verification of specifications, and recommendations.
Attorney Ford came in at this time.
Chairman Windram brought to the attention of the Board, a letter from Richey Buick-Pontiac, Inc., with reference to the requirement of the Board that the Dealers give a definite time for delivery. It is the feeling of the Dealers that it is impossible for them to state a time for delivery as it depends entirely on the factory and is beyond the control of the Dealers.
county buildings and grounds
Carl Smith reported to the Board that high winds had loosened the roof on the Expo Building and estimated that it would take one full day’s work for one and possibly two men to repair the damage, and that it would cost in the neighborhood of $150.00 to $175.00. The Chairman suggested that Jack Jones, the architect, be contacted and requested to meet with Mr. Smith and check out this situation, and other existing conditions in the buildings on the Fairgrounds, and to specifically check everything for safety purposes. The Board instructed the Clerk to contact Mr. Jones in re. of this.
emergency employment act
Mr. Watkins stated to the Board that unless the people under the Emergency Employment Act have been hired by February 1st, any unexpended funds will be sent back to the Government. The County Engineer stated that he has made application for rodmen, and is going to make application for a Secretary. On motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the employment of William Duggs at a salary of $5,000.00 a year, effective January 10, 1972, under Section 5 of the Emergency Employment Act, was approved.
Mr. Owens came in at this time.
roads – state
Chairman Windram reported on the meeting held in Deland last Thursday, January 6, 1972, as follows: That the Board was informed that the funds which the Department of Transportation refers to as D-funds which had been originally designated for construction of U.S. 27 in Leesburg, had been all but eliminated. Therefore, for this Project to remain on schedule, the only way it could be done, if the Board should see fit, was for the Board of County Commissioners, from the uncommitted secondary road funds, to lend the Department of Transportation approximately one million and a half dollars. Chairman Windram stated that they were told last Thursday, that if the Board saw fit to take this action, that the Department anticipated a contract letting in March, and a completion date of approximately one and a half years. The advances from the secondary funds were to be paid back over a period of three years, from the 1972-73 Budget year; 1973-74 Budget year, and 1974-74 Budget year. Chairman Windram stated that the part which was quite upsetting was that yesterday afternoon, at about 4:00 P.M., he received a call from the Department of Transportation again, and the call was basically that the Department had checked in Tallahassee, and that these D-funds which were going to be used to repay this money are so critical that they were told that what might have been accomplished, cannot be done. They followed with suggestions for consideration. (1) That the Safety Project at the North end which amounted to $181,000 be withdrawn from the Project. (2) That in order to stay on any semblance or type of schedule, it would mean they would have to start construction at the intersection of SR 44 and U.S. 27, and continue North, but at this time delay anything South of SR 44. Chairman Windram further stated that it appeared the only way this could be accomplished would be for this Board to lend them $425,000.00, to be repaid in two years, and for the County to contribute $425,000.00, which would not be repaid. He also stated that U.S. 27 does not qualify for Federal funding.
Chairman Windram said that he asked Mr. Benedict in Deland, about the Highway 50 Project, and that the Department of Transportation in Deland assumed the same attitude on that that they have had in the past, that the segment of road from SR 25 in Clermont to the Orange County Line, should be moved up to top priority, and their reasoning for this is the jam-up and backup on Interstate 4 due to Disneyland traffic. They are attempting to route traffic out SR 50 and down U.S. 27. That is their reason for changing priority from SR 25 to the Orange County Line. He stated that this Board’s position is not to impede any development of any road program in Lake County, but that the Board is concerned that the Mascotte-Groveland Project be moved up on a part with the other Project. The Department of Transportation did indicate that should this Board consider an approach similar to that it had previously offered in the case of U.S. 27, that it may be possible to expedite the Mascotte-Groveland Section to almost the same time as the other end of the Project, and that they will have to relocate a very few houses in the Mascotte-Groveland area. He feels that a Representative of this Board, or all of the Board, should approach the Department of Transportation through Deland Office, about the possibility of completing this entire Project as it should be done, with a possible extension on the period of time for the pay-back.
Attorney Ford made a suggestion that two or three of the Members, the County Engineer and Attorney should go to Tallahassee, and that the Board should go on record, stating that it will lend this money if it is paid back in the next two or three years.
Chairman Windram asked the Board what it thinks of informing the Department of Transportation that in its desire to complete this entire project, the Board of County Commissioners is willing to provide the million and a half dollars on secondary funding on a loan basis and to negotiate the pay-off terms where they might be acceptable to the State.
Deputy Clerk, Norma R. Coven took over at this point.
On motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, a Resolution was adopted advising the Department of Transportation that Lake County will provide an amount from secondary funds not to exceed $1,500,000 for the completion of SR 25 and will negotiate with the Department on terms for the repayment of the funds.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, a Resolution was adopted offering to advance to the Department of Transportation the sum of money necessary ($800,000) from 72-73 secondary funds to expedite the bid letting in 72-73 for the portion of SR 50 from SR 33 in Groveland to SR 33 and SR 50 in Mascotte, with repayment to be made in 74-75. This offer is made with the understanding that it will in no way affect the priority of any other projects scheduled for Lake County.
Mr. Harpster reported there will be a design hearing on the SR 33 and 50 project in Groveland Community Center on Feb. 23, 1972, at 7:30 P.M.
roads – state
The Engineer reported the traffic count on County Road 2-2530 (Buckhill Road) is 150 cars per day.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, a Resolution was adopted establishing a maximum speed on County Road #5-5433 (Radio Road) of 45 MPH on the straight-away and 30 MPH on a curve, and appropriate signs to be erected.
appraisals
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, Mr. Lee Howard was appointed to appraise property of W. A. Dunston to be considered as a landfill adjacent to the present site at Lady Lake and a $500.00 binder was authorized until the appraisal is received.
deeds
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, deed was accepted from Darrell C. & Pauline M. King conveying to Lake County for road right-of-way on County Road #1-5915. Recorded O.R. Bk. 453, Page 882.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken, the Board approved the construction of aerial electric transmission line by the Florida Power Corp. crossing Haines Creek approximately 20 feet northerly from SR 44 bridge.
public health
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken, the County Engineer was authorized to notify the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering that the Board’s name should appear on the Certificate for participating in the “Mission 5000” Program, which has to do with banning open burning pits.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Engineer was authorized to erect signs designating disposal areas for junk cars at no cost to the public.
BIDS
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved plans and specifications for painting the Lake Memorial Nursing Home and authorized bids to be received on February 15.
beverage law
The Engineer and Attorney were instructed to check into the legality of establishing storage rates on vehicles confiscated under the Beverage Law.
ordinances
Robert Taylor, Fire Chief, Leesburg; Jack Kirkpatrick and Bill Tweedle appeared concerning self-dispensing gasoline stations. Mr. Taylor said this type of marketing is prohibited in the State at the present time, but in order to change the rules and regulations it will only require a decision by the State Fire Marshal. The fire service feels this is a hazardous service and the City of Leesburg has gone on record as opposing such a ruling. Some cities are adopting local ordinances to prohibit such facilities. Members of the Board concurring, the Chairman asked the Attorney to research the legality of this and make recommendations relative to an ordinance to control such stations in Lake County.
outdoor recreational facilities
Dave Newell was present and discussed the preservation of Emerald Marsh as a natural wildlife area saying he has had considerable correspondence with various governmental agencies on this. The funds can be raised to condemn the property but need assurance from the Department of Natural Resources that the money will be paid back. Attorney Ford stated there is some question if property can be condemned for this purpose. Commr. Hoskinson informed Mr. Newell there is a committee working on this and a report by the members is due this week. The purpose of the committee is to consider various areas and make recommendations to the Board.
indigents
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems, the following changes were approved to the present indigent list:
District No. 3 – CANCEL EROS Williams $40.00
District No. 4 – CANCEL Josephine Jawarski $40.00
bonds – misc.
Bonds for carrying firearms were approved for the following on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried:
Patricia A. Kopp
Cody C. Baxley
Contractors’ bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following on motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried:
No. 302 (Renewal) W. O. McDermid, Sr. doing business as GMC Electrical Contracting, Inc.
No. 585 (New) Wm. R. Solitro doing business as Southern Heating & Air Conditioning
No. 675 (New) James W. Crabtree doing business as J. T. Plumbing
No. 676 (New) James D. Brown doing business as E. C. Ernst, Inc.
juveniles
Clerk Owens submitted letter from the Board of Visitors’ Chairman requesting the Board to allocate funds to employ a third couple at the Juvenile Shelter, and advising the Board of Visitors is considering the feasibility of entering into an Agreement with Seminole County to house juveniles from Seminole County on a per diem basis. Commr. Deems stated the Seminole liaison officer is to contact him re this.
licenses & permits
Use Permit issued by the County Engineer to Huey F. Baker, President, Piney Woods, Inc. to construct and maintain a water line along a portion of County Roads #1-6304 and 6305 between U.S. 441 and County Road #1-5702, was approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried.
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.
inventory
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken, Property No. 1451, 26 pair of short bed rails, stored at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home were declared surplus and of no value.
bids
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Engineer was instructed to include in the Contract Resurfacing Work a drive to the kitchen area at the Nursing Home and resurface the parking area.
fairgrounds
Chairman Windram informed the Board the participants of livestock shows are to raise the money to construct steer pens at the Fairgrounds. Commr. Hoskinson said he has had complaints that this County property and the 4-H boys and girls should not have to go door-to-door to solicit funds for the project.
laws and legislature
It was Commr. Hoskinson’s recommendation that the Board should take action to either approve, or disapprove, the proposed legislation relative to collective bargaining.
Commr. Hoskinson reported there is pending an act to repeal the section of the law that any road that has ever been a primary road or maintained as a primary road could not be dropped from the primary system. The Chairman recommended that this Bill be opposed.
Commr. Hoskinson reported on proposed legislation whereby the County could expend secondary funds to employ a Road Planning Consultant at $20,000, or $10,000 on a part-time basis, and recommended opposing this Bill.
hospitals
Mr. Watkins informed the Board that Sweat Construction Co. of New Port Richey is the company interested in building a new hospital in the Leesburg area. Under the C-2 Zoning Site Plan approval is necessary for a general medical and surgical hospital. The regulations give the Director the authority to disapprove the request but recommend that same be set for public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. The Board directed Mr. Watkins to handle the application in the usual manner.
planning and zoning
On recommendation of the County Attorney, Mr. Watkins was instructed to prepare guidelines to be following regarding Zoning Regulations authorizing the Planning Director to approve or disapprove certain applications.
insurance
The Clerk submitted a letter from the Agent of Record advising that the two Deputies Sheriff over 70 years of age are not covered under the Occupational Death policy. The Clerk was instructed to notify the two Deputies of the contents of the letter.
beverage law
Clerk Owens presented a request from Harvey Hofbrau Restaurant for permission to serve beer and wine of Sunday. On instructions from the Board, the Clerk will notify the restaurant that until the facilities are expanded to eat and feed 200 patrons, the Board cannot consider the request.
bids
Commr. Deems reported the State Health Dept. has approved the bid of State Tractor & Equip Co. on International Crawler-Tractor, and moved that the bid in the amount of $57,827.24 be accepted as the lowest and best bid. The motion was seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried.
On advice from the State Department of Health that the bids accepted on the dragline are not acceptable, Commr. Deems moved that all bids on the 1-1/4 cu. yd. dragline be rejected. The motion was seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board accepted the bid of Richey-Buick Pontiac, Inc. as the lowest and best bid to furnish four (4) new dump trucks for a price of $49,242.00.
Mr. Carson reported the dealer will reduce the price of the trucks $200.00 each if the County will accept the trucks painted red instead of green. On advice of the Attorney, the Engineer was instructed to request this in writing.
minutes
On motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the minutes of the meeting of November 2, 1971, were approved as amended.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the minutes of the meeting of November 9, 1971, were approved subject to verification of the Medicaid Bill.
accounts allowed or refused
A discussion was held relative to paying medical bills for the party who was cut on the foot at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. Attorney Ford said it is still his recommendation that the County would be establishing a precedent if the bills are paid; whereupon, Commr. Carson moved that the recommendation of the Attorney be followed in this case. The motion was seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried. Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board approved the purchase of two mobile radio units from General Electric Company at the State price of $388.00 each to be installed in Commrs. Deems and Windram cars, and the old units be transferred to the prison guard trucks.
The Engineer reported the contract for linen service for the Motor Vehicle Inspection Station inspectors is up for renewal, and he was instructed to secure quotations for the service from local concerns.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, travel was approved for John L. Jackson, Jr., to attend Indian River Citrus Seminar in Ft. Pierce on January 19 and 20.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, travel was approved for Emogene Stegall to attend Mid-Year Conference of Supervisors of Elections in Tampa January 12-15.
Request from the Supervisor of Elections for postage in the amount of $600.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved advance to the Tax Assessor on Commissions on the 1972 Tax Roll in the sum of $25,000.
Request from the Tax Collector for $57,212.07, Commissions on taxes remitted on 1971 tax roll and licenses, was approved on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, a Resolution was adopted authorizing the purchase of grader blades in the amount of $1,696.94; and on recommendation of the County Attorney, the Engineer was instructed to obtain bids on this item in the future.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, payment to the Lake County Chamber of Commerce was approved in the amount of $2,083.33 for January allotment.
Travel for Robert S. Stroud for trip to Tallahassee September 22-25, 1971, in the amount of $73.95 was approved on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
Request from the Clerk to purchase secretarial desk and chair from Southern Printing Company in the amount of $404.00, and IBM Selectric typewriter in the amount of $486.00, was approved on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, repairs to the ventilators at the Nursing Home in the approximate amount of $100 was approved.
Air travel to Tallahassee for Commr. Hoskinson to attend the State Association of County Commissioners Directors’ meeting was approved on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
Travel request for Phil Yoder to attend training course in Atlanta, Ga., was referred to Commr. Deems.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried Medicaid Nursing Home and Hospital Services for October in the amount of $9,185.00 was approved.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, travel was approved for the Board members, Attorney and Engineer to go to Tallahassee to consult with the Department of Transportation regarding the construction of SR 50 and 25.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved mileage at 10¢ per mile for the personnel in the Pollution Control Office until the new pickup truck is delivered.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the following vouchers were approved for payment:
|
General Revenue |
Nos. 492 – 695 |
|
Mosquito Control – State II |
13 – 17 |
|
Motor Vehicle Inspection |
45 – 66 |
|
Fine & Forfeiture |
73 – 94 |
|
Road & Bridge |
187 – 261 |
|
Youth Services Bureau |
19 – 28 |
|
Construction Trust |
3 – 5 |
|
Fish Conservation |
1 |
|
NE Lake County Hospital |
4 |
|
NE Lake County - Ambulance |
5 – 6 |
|
NW Lake County – Ambulance |
5 – 6
|
funds – transfer
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the following transfers were approved from the Contingency Item in the General Revenue Fund:
$700.00 to Acct. #56822 “Maintenance of Building” Juvenile Shelter
$3,696.00 to Acct. #55702-2 “Salary Warehouse Workers” and
$300.00 to Acct. #55791 “Miscellaneous” – Commodity Warehouse
$500.00 to Acct. #21002 “Clerical Expenses” Supervisor of Elections
bids
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Engineer was instructed to include the parking area and driveway to the kitchen at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home in the Road Resurfacing Program.
appointments
Commr. Hoskinson presented letter from James R. Gregg declining appointment to the Resource Survival Committee.
reports
The following reports were filed with the Board:
Veterans Service Officer for December
Welfare Director for December
Cigarette Tax Collections and Distributions for October
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 o’clock p.m.
______________________________ _____________________________
clerk chairman