MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, february 1, 1972
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Tuesday, February 1, 1972, at 9:00 in the forenoon, with the following members present: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; C. A. Deems; J. M. Hoskinson; and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were Clerk of the Circuit Court, Frank E. Owens; Deputy Clerk, Bernice P. Conner; County Planner, J. C. Watkins; County Engineer, Fred M. Harpster.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, and the Invocation was delivered by Commr. Carson, after which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given.
roads – state
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board adopted a resolution to the effect that Lake County is willing to lend the Department of Transportation up to $1,500,000 for the completion of the widening of North 14th Street in Leesburg, with a payback of one-third due July 1973, one-third due July 1974, and one-third due July, 1975.
With regard to Highway 50, the Department of Transportation has advised the Board that they hope to be able to let the contracts for both ends of the highway at the same time.
Commr. Hoskinson recommended that a hearing on road budget requirements be scheduled by the Board for the 7th of March and that notices be sent to the various municipalities advising them of this and asking them to write in their requests, and if they want to discuss it with the Board, it can be set up on the Agenda. The Board instructed Clerk Owens to do this.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board instructed Attorney Ford to prepare a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation to conduct a safety study on SR 50 between Clermont and Groveland.
Attorney Ford came into the meeting at this time.
emergency employment act
Chairman Windram reported on the progress of the request for extension of the deadline established on the Program. He received a telegram from Lawton Chiles, U.S. Senator, stating that he had sent two telegrams to the Labor Secretary urging the extension of the deadline. Chairman Windram also received a letter from Bill Chappell, Congressman with the same information.
oklawaha water authority
There was some discussion of a proposed agreement to establish the Oklawaha River Basin Improvement Council, and Commr. Hoskinson read to the Board a copy of the response of Orange County to this proposed agreement. The Board is concerned about the funding of such a proposal. Commr. Hoskinson feels that there should be a meeting of representatives of the County to review this matter, possibly with Congressman Frey or his representative. Although this Board approves of the idea, it does not feel that it is being done in the right way. Chairman Windram stated that he thinks the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council should be included, also a representative of the Florida Air & Water Pollution Control, a representative of the Fish & Game Commission, a representative of the agricultural interests, a representative from the Board of County Commissioners from each county, and one from each municipality. Chairman Windram stated that he would write to the Congressman that the Board concurs with what he is attempting to do, but that the Board has a number of areas about which it is concerned; and the Board would like to set a meeting with representatives from the four counties concerned and try to come up with ideas that would be the most feasible to all concerned.
public health
Commr. Deems and Chairman Windram presented a memorandum to the Board with reference to the Tri-City Use of the Lake County Landfill, said memorandum including a proposed agreement that the existing Tri-City Dump be closed and cleaned by the County immediately. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board instructed Attorney Ford to draw up a contract with the individual cities involved in the use of the Tri-City Landfill and also instructed Attorney Ford to consult with Commr. Deems and County Planner, J. C. Watkins and the County Engineer, Fred M. Harpster, in the preparation of said contract and to bring the contract back to the Board for its approval.
The Planning Director discussed with the Board the policy concerning the utilization of septic tanks and private wells in the development of subdivisions. Mr. Watkins pointed out that the Board at one time indicated that their policy would be that any subdivision that had lots consisting of less than 12,500 square feet would be required to have both central water and central sewage, and subdivisions that contained lots of 12,500 sq. feet but less than one acre per size in lot would be required to have central water after the creation of the tenth individual lot; and central sewage would be determined by the State Board of Health. He continued that any subdivision that had lots consisting of more than one acre in size would not be required to have central water nor central sewage, unless the Board upon recommendation of the Health Department, had determined the area unsuited for septic tank development. It was also pointed out that individual lots created under these circumstances would be reviewed and judged on its individual merits by the local Health Department. Mr. Watkins asked the Board if his understanding was correct, and the Board indicated it was. The question then arose as to whether or not the Subdivision Advisory Committee was aware of this situation. Mr. Watkins indicated that the Committee was aware of the situation but that Dr. Hall was unable to attend these meetings and was being represented by a Sanitarian at that meeting and was not always the same Sanitarian. The Board then indicated that it would be their desire that Dr. Hall personally attend those meetings. A discussion followed, and Commr. Hoskinson was instructed to meet with Dr. Hall and discuss this matter.
civil defense
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board authorized the Chairman to make application for the purchase of a helicopter through the Civil Defense Director for utilization in conjunction with the other equipment now owned by Lake County.
east central florida regional planning council
Chairman Windram read to the Board a letter from Alfred Rehbaum, Jr., whose term of office will expire this month. Mr. Rehbaum stated in his letter that due to business and personal reasons, he does not wish to be reappointed for another term. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board directed the Attorney to prepare a resolution commending Mr. Rehbaum for his excellent services to the County as a member of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and thanking him for his services.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board instructed the Clerk to write a letter to the League of Municipalities asking them to make recommendations as to an appointment to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council immediately, as the appointment should be made by the 1st of March.
pollution control
Clerk Owens reported to the Board that Rufus Pace has a machine that can remove pollution from water, and he would like to meet with the Commissioners and show them about it. Mr. Watkins said that it is a rock process that takes nutrients out of the water, and it come out clear. Mr. Pace would like to sell this machine to the County. Mr. Watkins told the Board that he thinks the machine merits investigation. The Chairman instructed Clerk Owens to contact Mr. Pace and tell him the Board will meet with him at 1:15 p.m.
mvi stations
The Chairman reported that he had received complaints about people having to wait in line at the MVI Stations for 20 or 30 minutes and that they then had the chains hung in front of them before they could get in. The County Engineer said that this has been corrected, and he recommended that on days like that, a second lane should be opened to alleviate the situation. The Board instructed the County Engineer to investigate the matter and come back before the Board with recommendations; also, to determine whether the revenue will cover adding alternates for this situation.
The County Engineer stated to the Board that he saw no need for keeping the old MVI records, but that there was no cutoff date on destroying such records. Attorney Ford advised the Board that there are Statutes on destroying old public records and that it would be well to check into it. The Board instructed the County Engineer to write to Tallahassee to determine whether there are Statutes to cover the destruction of old public records.
legislation
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, Attorney Ford was instructed by the Board to prepare a resolution that the Lake County Commission opposed a bill before the Florida Legislature governing the content of additives in detergents and applying it statewide.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board instructed Attorney Ford to meet with Deputy Clerk Norma Coven with reference to the publishing of Special Acts to be presented to the State Legislature.
state agencies
Mr. Watkins advised the Board that under the Youth Services Program, specifically the Cadet Program, they would like to reduce the number of hours of the three Cadets and add another Cadet to the Program, that it will not cost any more, and that there will not be any more hours. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board authorized this change, subject to the approval of the sponsoring agent.
fire control districts
Commr. Hoskinson advised the Board that he had a request for information regarding the creation of a fire control district. The Board instructed Attorney Ford to prepare a Brief regarding the procedures for establishing fire control districts.
county property
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board declared a small piece of County-owned property in Astor to be surplus and that it be advertised for bids. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the motion was rescinded, and the matter was referred to the Engineer.
schools
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board authorized the County Engineer to check on some work that needs to be done on the Umatilla High School baseball diamond and send a grader in to do the work.
recess and reassembly
The meeting recessed at 12:00 noon for lunch and reconvened at 1:40 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
bids
The County Engineer requested permission to advertise for bids for a car or pickup for the Assistant County Engineer, Henry Truitt; also, Mr. Watkins stated that his department needs one for the new building inspector; both vehicles to be secured under the Emergency Employment Act. On a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board authorized the Clerk to advertise for bids on two pickups, said bids to be open on March 7, 1973 at 10:00 a.m.
deeds and easements
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, a drainage easement granting the following described property for a perpetual easement and right of way to Lake County was accepted and ordered recorded in the public records:
GRANTORS: John and Aldona Sandargas
DESCRIPTION: THE EASTERLY 12 FEET OF:
Begin at a point 96.37 feet east of the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of Section 30, Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence run north 13 degrees 36’ 9.54 feet more or less, to a point on the south right of way line of Lake Shore Drive; thence run southeasterly 60 feet along said right of way line to a point; thence run south 13 degrees 36’ west to a point on the shore of Lake Minnehaha; thence run northwesterly along the lake shore to a point lying south 13 degrees 36’ west of a Point of Beginning; thence run north 13 degrees 36’ east to the Point of Beginning.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were directed and authorized to execute a Quit Claim Deed to the following described property in favor of John and Aldona Sandargas; and that these minutes should show that this is an exchange of easements to put a drain in the proper location:
GRANTOR: Lake County
DESCRIPTION: A 12 foot outfall ditch and centerline described as follows: Begin at a point on the north boundary of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 30, Township 22 South, Range 26 East, 150 feet, more or less, east of the northwest corner of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 30, Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence run south 17 degrees 00’ west, a distance of 54 feet. As recorded in Deed Book 177, Pages 129 & 130, according to the public records of Lake County, Florida.
At this time, Attorney Ford reported on his study of the law with regard to the signatures of Commissioners on deeds. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board instructed Attorney Ford to prepare a resolution that all instruments of conveyance from the County may be signed by the Chairman or Vice Chairman and attested by the Clerk.
road closings
With reference to Leroy Bronson’s request for permission to advertise to close streets, the Board instructed the County Engineer to secure more detailed map information.
tax adjustment board
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board authorized and directed the Clerk to advertise the Board of Tax Adjustment meeting in the Mount Dora Topic.
tax assessor
A copy of the Budget of the Tax Assessor was presented to the Board at this time. The Board instructed the Clerk to make copies of the Budget for all Board members.
oeo
By order No. 9845, the Florida Public Service Commission granted to Lake County Economic Opportunity, Inc. the authority to transport passengers over five routes in the County, provided they comply with the Commission’s rules and regulations.
licenses
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board directed Attorney Ford to write to the Tallahassee Beverage Department, telling them that this Board has no objection to Howey in the Hills getting their share of the liquor license fee for the Mission Inn Country Club Motel, as long as there is no reduction of the County revenue and that the County has no control over the part of the motel that is in the city limits.
legislation
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board instructed Attorney Ford to meet with Deputy Clerk, Norma Coven, with reference to the publishing of Special Acts to be presented to the State Legislature.
subdivisions
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board appointed Mr. Terrell Davis of the State Forest Service to the Subdivision Advisory Board and urged that he attend all meetings that he possibly can.
bonds – misc.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Bonds for contractors for certificates of competency and one renewal were approved for the following:
Renewal #11 A. W. Smith dba A. W. Smith & Son
New #772 Cecil D. Thompson dba Thompson Welding Co., Inc.
New #773 Claude Hill
New #774 Joseph L. Abrams dba King Mechanical Electrical Company
New #775 James A. Grady dba Alpine Service Co.
New #776 Charles Frowine
New #777 Otto Umlauf dba Otto Umlauf Electric Company
New #778 Joseph R. Foley
New #779 John M. Shearer dba Shearer Electric Company
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, a Firearms Bond for Jack L. Isbill was approved.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, a Firearms Bond for Joseph Castrogiovanni was approved.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, a Firearms Bond for Willie Mae Barrett was approved.
On a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Official Bond for Howard E. Young, as member of the Oklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority in Lake County, was approved.
hospitals
The action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving application to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for Ernest Woodall was approved on a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
minutes
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the minutes of November 16, 1971 were approved as submitted.
On a motion by Commr. Van Auken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the minutes of November 23, 1971 were approved as amended.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the minutes of December 7, 1971 were approved as amended.
permits – use
The following Use Permits filed by the County Engineer were approved on a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried:
No. 320 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a proposed buried cable on County Road Dist. 1-7807 located between Lady Lake and Weirsdale.
No. 321 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of an aerial wire on County Road Dist. 4-4981 located between Mt. Dora and Eustis.
No. 322 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Mr. Dora (SR 44B) and Mt. Plymouth.
No. 323 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable and pole line located between Mr. Dora and Mt. Plymouth.
No. 324 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between SR S-565 and the end of Bay Lake Road.
No. 326 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of an aerial cable on existing Sumter Electric power poles, located between Lady Lake and Oxford.
No. 327 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Mr. Dora and Tangerine.
No. 330 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable located between Astor Park and Astor.
No. 331 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Astor Park and Ocala.
No. 332 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Astor Park and Astor.
No. 333 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Astor Park and Ocala.
No. 334 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Astor Park and Astor.
No. 335 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable located between Astor Park and Astor.
No. 325 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of a buried cable along County Road Dist. 2-1124 (Redwing Road) located between Groveland and SR S-565B.
reports
The following reports were filed with the Board:
a. Cigarette tax collection and distribution for November.
b. Quarterly Report for Lake County Agricultural and Home Economics Dept. for October, November, and December 1971.
communications
Request from the Wekiva River Committee with reference to the Wekiva River Project. Seminole County has declared a moratorium on work on the Project and urges Orange County and Lake County to do the same.
Request from the Tavares Junior Woman’s Club for Fairgrounds fee to be waived to hold a circus on the 11th of March. This was referred to the Chairman.
Letter from Orange County with reference to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration re: grant-in-aid to study “The Impact of Increased Crime and Tourism on the Criminal Justice Needs of Central Florida.”
Letter from the Lake County Health Department with reference to a complaint from the Ajax Harvesting Co. about conditions on the William Lord property on US 27. On a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board directed the Clerk to send the letter to Dr. Hall and ask him why it is not being handled in the same manner as the Malmberg matter, since both apparently are violations of the Health Code.
Letter from Putnam County with reference to the Fishing Improvement Coordinator and Aquatic Weed Control Officer was read into the record.
Letter of complaint from Edgar Malone, Tavares, with reference to the condition of roads throughout the County. The Board instructed the Clerk to write Mr. Malone informing him that the roads with which he is concerned are State Primary Roads and are in the current year’s budget for resurfacing and repair.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board authorized the transfer of $1,000 from the Contingency Fund to Investigations in the Sheriff’s Budget.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board approved the requisition of the Sheriff for the month of February in the amount of $43,717.49.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board authorized the Clerk to draw up to an additional $2,000 for State Trial Witness fees in the case of the State vs. Resnick and Hicks and to honor all court orders for payment of money for said trial.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board authorized the County Engineer to install lighting in the courtrooms in an amount not to exceed $950.
Under the authority of a former motion of the Board, the statement of Lee Howard, Realtor-Appraiser, in the amount of $250 for the appraisal of the William T. Dunstan property was approved for payment.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board authorized the purchase of the land of William T. Dunstan.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the transfer of funds with the existing budget framework under the Youth Services Project.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board authorized travel expenses for Robert F. Oatman, Building Administrator, to Orlando, Florida Feb. 20-23 in the amount of $91.50.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board authorized the disbursement to County employees of raises as budgeted before the freeze to be retroactive from Oct. 1st to Nov. 15th.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board approved the purchase of five radios, three for the Pollution Dept., one for the Building Inspector, and one for the Assistant County Engineer, each for the sum of $388, plus $29 for installation per unit; also the purchase of one Telemote Unit in the sum of $243.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board authorized the purchase of a front end loader bucket in the sum of $900, if approved by the County Engineer.
On a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board authorized travel expenses for P. R. Edwards, Pollution Control Officer, to Tallahassee Feb. 10-11 in the amount of $50.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board authorized the rebinding, labor, and material on Record Books in the Clerk’s Office in a sum not to exceed $987.50.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board authorized the payment of the sum of $460 to Coven Construction Company for alterations in the Clerk’s Office.
The Board approved the hiring of Harley Evans as a Chemical Laboratory Technician for the Pollution Control Department at an annual salary of $6,000 under the Emergency Employment Act.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
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chairman
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Clerk