MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 5, 1973

The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session Tuesday, June 5, 1973, in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse Tavares, Florida, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. with the following members present:  C. A. Deems, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr., Thomas J. Windram, J. M. Hoskinson, and Glenn C. Burhans.  Others present were:  Fred Harpster, County Engineer; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; James C. Watkins, Clerk of Circuit Court; Norma H. Coven, Deputy Clerk; and Doris Babb, Financial Officer.

The Chairman called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.

minutes

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of August 8, 1972, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of August 15, 1972, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of August 21, 1972, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of September 12, 1972.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of March 27, 1972, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of April 10, 1973, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the meeting of May 8, 1973, as submitted.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of the meeting of May 15, 1973, as corrected.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the board approved the Minutes of the meeting of May 23, 1973, as submitted.

hospitals

The Chairman read a letter from Leesburg General Hospital requesting that the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector waive their fees in regard to the one mill required by the Lake County Hospital District.  The Clerk advised the Board that he does not believe it can waive the fees of any fee office.  The Chairman referred the matter to the County Attorney.

Queenie Mae Fleming was approved for admission to A. G. Holley State Hospital on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously.

Discharge notification was received from W. T. Edwards Hospital stating that on May 18, 1973, Johnie R. Thomas was discharged with medical advice.

communications

A Resolution from Palm Beach County in opposition to House Bill #1020 was filed.

The Clerk read a letter from the Department of Transportation asking that the Board submit the County’s Five Year Construction and Maintenance Program for roads under the County’s jurisdiction.

A letter was read by the Clerk from the Department of Transportation notifying the Clerk’s Office of the time and place for budget and construction hearings.

The Chairman presented a letter from the Mayor of Jacksonville, Hans Tanzler, notifying the Board of a meeting of the St. Johns River Council.  This was referred to Commr. Carson.

The Chairman read a letter from the Department of Transportation stating that all road-signing on public roads and streets under the County’s jurisdiction must conform to the standards set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices of 1971.  These standards must be complied with by December 31, 1974.  The subject was referred to the Engineer.

A letter was read by the Chairman from Senator Jim Glisson advising the Board that he had opposed the Bill on Sovereign Immunity.

Commr. Burhans requested an audit of all outstanding credit cards because they are being issued to everyone indiscriminately.

road maintenance

For the Board’s information, the Engineer reported that County residents are being billed for estimated costs of any damages done to County roads.

Commr. Burhans spoke regarding Forest Rd. #72.  The Engineering Department has checked this out and finds that it will take 50 or 60 loads of clay to enable residents to travel from their campsites out to Rd. #454.  During the discussion, it was decided that this would be a good connecting road between State Rd. 19 and 439.  The Engineer presented a map of the road and recommended that it be improved and taken into the County Maintained System.  For the 6.2 miles involved, the estimated cost of building a clay road, which would be up to County standards, is $200,000.00.  The Engineer was instructed by the Board to check with the Forestry Service on obtaining right of way for this road.

federal agencies

Commr. Burhans said that he had received a request from O.E.O. to come before the Board.  They would like to have the County fund them $50,000.00 a year for staff personnel, even though they are receiving other grants.  Commr. Burhans was told to ask them to contact the Clerk’s office and make an appointment to appear before the Board.

bids

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on road leveling and re-surfacing, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate bids, whereupon the following bids were received:

Basic Asphalt Co., Lockhart, Fla.                              $850,454.40

Asphalt Pavers, Leesburg, Fla.                                  $979,225.05

 

On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the bids were referred to the Engineer for his recommendations.

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on three Bear Model #4505 heavy duty brake testers for the MVI stations, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate bids, whereupon the following bids were received.

Bossie’s Orlando, Fla.                                                $9,849.00

C. L. Steiner Co., Orlando, Fla.                                 10,450.50

Baas Auto Supply Co., Inc., Leesburg, Fla.               10,442.25

Larry LaMoreux, Winter Haven, Fla.                        10,500.00

 

On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the bids were referred to the Engineer.

Later in the day, the Engineer appeared and recommended the Board take the low bid of Bossie’s of Orlando in the amount of $9,849.00.  On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Bossie’s bid was accepted based on confirmation from them that the brake testers will be installed on previously prepared surfaces at the stations.

A bid was received from Carroll Contractors after the other bids were opened.  On recommendation of the Attorney, the bid was returned unopened to the bidder.

SALARIES AND WAGES

The Chairman spoke regarding the problem of obtaining registered nurses at the County Nursing Home for the present pay rate of $545.00 per month.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the monthly salary for nurses was raised to $575.00.

The Chairman had previously asked the Attorney to research the wage and hour laws with the idea of applying the information to next year’s budget.  The Attorney advised, in a letter to the Chairman, that on April 10, 1973, a new Amendment was enacted which allows persons earning less than $3.50 per hour to be brought up to that amount without any applicable guidelines.  If employees are earning more than $3.50 an hour, then an overall 5.5% annual salary increase must be used.

opinions – legal

Commr. Hoskinson advised the Board that there has been considerable confusion as to the date the reviews should begin on the Development of Regional Impact.  He requested the Attorney to obtain an opinion from the Attorney General determining the effective date.

roads – state

Commr. Carson requested the Engineer to have new rumble strips installed on the bridge over the Palatlakaha River on State Rd. 48.

right of way – roads

The Engineer presented a request from Mr. David Kelley asking for right of way over County owned property off of State Rd. 561.  He needs legal access to a piece of property on which he intends to build a commercial enterprise.  The road would be built at his expense to County standards.  The Board referred this back to the Engineer to be discussed further with the developer.

maps and plats

The Engineer presented a plat of Lake Minnehaha Shores, Unit #2, which has been changed to correct certain needs of the area.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the plat was approved.  It was also moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Windram, to accept a check in the amount of $525.00 for the purpose of relocating the access road.  The motion was carried unanimously, including authorization for the Road and Bridge Dept. to move the road.

The Engineer said that Royal Palm Beach Colony, Inc. wants to vacate a portion of the plat of Unit #1, Royal Trails Development, to use as commercial property.  He asked the Board’s permission to find out the cost of analyzing the plat through a computer because of the great number of pages, the contour of the streets, and the handling of drainage.  Commr. Hoskinson suggested that Orange County would probably allow the County to use their computer free of charge.  Commr. Hoskinson also recommended that the Attorney draw up a Resolution implementing vacation procedures as outlined by the Engineer.

The Engineer spoke regarding Sarah A. Schwer’s Subdivision, formerly Sarah A. Day’s Subdivision, and said that the present owner would like to have the property re-platted in order to increase rights of way to meet current County standards.  This will take a policy decision on the part of the Board as the plots do not conform to the minimum size zoning ordinance.  The matter was referred back to the Planner, the Engineer, and the Attorney.

utilities

The County Planner was asked to study the requirements of the contract that Florida Power Corporation enters into with land developers in regard to underground utilities and street lighting.  The Board feels that these regulations would be beneficial additions to the County’s subdivision regulations.

planning and zoning

In regard to the Orlando Hills subdivision, east of Umatilla, the County Planner recommended that one type of home be constructed throughout the subdivision, either mobile or conventional.  Most of the lots have been sold, but since they were grandfathered in before the new subdivision regulations were adopted, they can be used for mobile homes or conventional homes.  The County Planner was instructed to make a field inspection and report back to the Board.

planning and zoning

The County Planner recommended that the standards of Underwriters Laboratory be used for all mobile homes entering Lake County, but Commr. Hoskinson felt that it was not fair to limit the right to set standards to one company.  The matter was referred back to the Planning and Zoning Commission and to the Board of Examiners for complete investigation, on motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously.

recess and reassembly

The Chairman announced that the Board members will have lunch at the Silver Lake Country Club and invited members of the Press and public to join them on a Dutch-treat basis.  The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:00 o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

roads – county

The Clerk read a letter from the Engineer and the Planner regarding Towerview Drive, Crystal Cove Subdivision, District 3.  It was agreed to exchange the end of the drive for a cul-de-sac circle.  This was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously.  Included in the motion was the Board’s decision to pay the advertising for the road closing.

bonds – misc.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, Bonds for carrying firearms were approved for the following:

Horace E. Jones          Melvin L. Williams

Howard W. Strutz       Erma Lee Holland

William Glen Ryon

 

Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved on motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously:

#1025                          Seburn Seagraves dba Brownie Septic Tank Service

#1027                          Windel Lee Henderson dba Union Septic Tank

#1028                          Thomas G. Scott

#1029                          Al Longcrier

#1030                          Jimmy Dean Baker dba Creative Aluminum Products

#1031                          Jacob Nash dba Sumter Plastering Co.

#1032                          Glen Pelfrey dba Pelfrey Enterprises

#1033                          Thomas D. Thompson dba Florida Boat Docks

#1034                          Clayton Owens

#1035                          Paul E. Day dba Paul E. Day Contracting

#1036                          Richard Campbell dba Campbell’s Signs

 

A Bond on Edward H. Riddle as a Member of the Northwest Lake County Hospital District was approved on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by ________ (left out in original Minutes) and carried unanimously.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Deputy Sheriff’s Bonds were approved for the following:

            #111-389                     Paul Robert Donmoyer

            #111-390                     James R. Flynt

 

county depositories

All the banks in the County meeting the State and County requirements for the depository of public funds were re-nominated for use in the coming year on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously.

tax assessments

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, a Tax Adjustment Board was set for Tuesday, August 7, 1973.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, Certificates of Error and Correction, Numbers 236 through 239, inclusive, were approved.

accounts allowed

It was moved by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, to release $20,000.00 to the Sheriff for the purchase and equipping of four new automobiles for the Sheriff’s Department.  Transfer of these funds was approved April 17, 1973.

The Engineer requested authorization for travel expenses for Alfred Ponds to attend a meeting in Tampa on June 1st and 2nd regarding Solid Waste Disposal.  On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the expense was approved.

The Engineer requested the purchase of 30 highway safety cones at $5.20 each.  It was moved to buy them by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously.

county employees

The Chairman read a letter of resignation from Robert F. Oatman, Building Administrator, effective June 15, 1973.  It was moved by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, to pass a Resolution commending Mr. Oatman for his years of service to the County.

The County Planner introduced Mrs. Penny Belton who will be employed as an Executive Secretary in the Planning Department at a salary of $475.00 per month, effective immediately.

Commr. Hoskinson recommended the hiring of an Administrative Assistant to serve both the Engineering and Planning Departments.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, it was decided to hire Miss Jacquelyn Hester for an annual salary of $12,000.00 per year, effective July 1, 1973.  This salary is to be divided equally between the Planning and Engineering Departments on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously.

Clerk Watkins said that he wished to make it clear for the record that he had made no recommendations for the position of Administrative Assistant.  He and Miss Hester discussed her role in the Clerk’s Office and came to an understanding that that particular role was coming to a close.  Miss Hester approached the Board in her own capacity to ask for the Administrative Assistant job.  The mutual agreement that Clerk Watkins and Miss Hester reached had no reflection on her capabilities or lack of same.  It is just that her position in the Clerk’s Office involved working with all the different Judges and because of past affiliation with them as Clerk of the County Court; it is a difficult role for her to perform.  The understanding between Clerk Watkins and Miss Hester came about before the position of Administrative Assistant was opened.

public health

Commr. Burhans called the Board’s attention to the fact that the attendant at the Paisley landfill is selling junk.  It was moved by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously to stop all scavenging or sales at all landfill sites.

The Engineer presented a request from Roscoe Williams, DeLand, to have the garbage franchise for Districts A and C, Astor and Paisley area.  This was approved on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.  Commr. Burhans voted “no.”

The Clerk read a letter from the Engineer to the City of Mt. Dora authorizing construction of a short stretch of clay road within the Tri-City Landfill, the building of which began June 4, 1973.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the action was approved.

On recommendation of the Engineer, the lease with John D. Skipper on the land adjacent to the Lady Lake Landfill will be terminated on October 1, 1973.  It was so moved by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 o’clock p.m.

 

 

______________________________                                                                                                            _____________________________

CLERK                                                                                                                                                           chairman