A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 5, 1974

The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Tuesday, February 5, 1974, at 9:00 A.M. with the following members present:  James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman; C.A. Deems, J. M. Hoskinson, Thomas J. Windram, Glen C. Burhans.  Others present were:  Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; James C. Watkins, Clerk; Norma Coven, Deputy Clerk; and Andrea Gambrell.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, James R. Carson, Jr.  The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance was led by James C. Watkins, Clerk.

minutes

Minutes of the following meetings were approved:

Moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the September 18, 1973 Minutes were approved as amended.  Moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the September 28, 1973, Minutes were approved as submitted.

Moved by Commr. Deems and seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried the October 12, 1973, Minutes were approved as amended.

Moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, to have the Minutes of the Special Meeting of January 7, 1974, read by the County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, then submitted for the Board’s approval.

Moved by Commr. Deems and seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the January 15, 1974, Minutes were approved as submitted.

Moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the January 18, 1974, Minutes were approved as submitted.

Moved by Commr. Deems and seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the January 31, 1974, Minutes were approved as submitted.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Minutes of the meeting of January 17, 1974, were approved as amended.

autos and trucks

A letter was presented to the Board by Commr. Carson from Dr. Charles F. Bradley, County Health Director, concerning the sanitarians driving their cars to and from work and on weekends.  It is necessary that they conduct department duties on the weekends and after hours.  Commr. Deems moved that the sanitarians be allowed to drive their cars to and from work and on weekends pursuant to duties as sanitarians, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried.

outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Terrell Davis, County Forester, appeared before the Board concerning the Wekiva River and its natural resources.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would like to see Lake County participate in this cause.  Commr. Hoskinson moved that our County Departments cooperate with the Environmental Information Center of the Florida Conservation Foundation, Inc., seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously.

county buildings and grounds

Mr. Dragash of Gutmannn, Dragash and Matz, Architects, Inc., appeared before the Board with a tentative schedule for planning the new Administrative Building.  Their intent being to appear before the County Commissioners on Tuesday for approvals or disapprovals of progressing plans.  This did not meet with opposition from the Board.

Discussion was held regarding the qualifications a construction company must meet if it plans to submit bids.  It was decided that this would be left up to the expertise of the architect since they have had experience with such guidelines.  At this time it was also asked that the 18 month construction period be reviewed; due to the world situation there might be an adjustment in the allotted time needed to complete the building.

Mr. Dragash asked that there be a liaison from the Board of County Commissioners enabling them to have a particular person to contact for general questions and to help them design the most efficient functional layout in the space available.  It was moved by Commr. Windram and seconded by Commr. Hoskinson that the Clerk, James C. Watkins, serve as this liaison.  It was carried unanimously.

Mr. Dragash then asked if a Commissioner could be appointed to participate in the Design Charrette.  This is merely putting the building together on paper, therefore, having the Commission involved from the start of the building to its completion.  Commr. Windram suggested that someone with knowledge of different governmental buildings through his experience be placed in the position and made a motion to appoint Commr. Hoskinson to be the Commissioner liaison to the architects, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously.

right-of-way - ROADS

Mr. Bill Keedy appeared before the Board concerning the 50’ easement on District Road 1-6760.  Commr. Deems will refrain from voting and discussion because he is part owner of the property being deeded.  Commr. Hoskinson moved that the deed and its recording be accepted with no involvement of the County for its construction or maintenance, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.

Commr. Burhans moved that the request to install an additional 110’ of pipe within drainage easement in Lot 3, Piney Woods Subdivision be granted, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously with reverter clause subject to the approval of the County Attorney.

Mr. Bill Canty appeared before the Board to request the paving of Hartle Road.  Mr. Canty stated that he would be willing to donate the necessary right-of-way for the paving and drainage.  Commr. Hoskinson moved that this be placed back on the priority list of roads to be paved (it was removed previously from the priority list because the necessary right-of-way could not be attained).  It would be paved from Highway 50 to its South Terminus providing that the necessary right-of-way and easement for drainage be donated, this was seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried.

east central florida regional planning council

Chairman Carson brought before the Board a letter from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.  It was asked of him to appoint three people to serve on the Central Florida Advisory Council on the Elderly.  Commr. Carson presented three names, Earl Kauffman, Ph.D., Mr. Al Chesshyre, and the Governmental Representative to be Commr. Hoskinson.  It was moved by Commr. Deems that Commr. Carson’s appointments be accepted, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously.

Commr. Carson brought before the Board another letter from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.  This was from Mr. Reeves, Chairman, requesting appointments to the Project Review Committee.  On the suggestion of Commr. Carson, Commr. Hoskinson moved that James C. Watkins, Clerk and F. C. W. Kramer, III, serve on the Project Review Committee, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously.

Commr. Carson brought before the Board another letter from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council requesting the appointment of three representatives to this Council for the 1974 calendar year.  Commr. Carson stated that the three members that served last year were Commr. Hoskinson, Mr. Tommy Wootson and Mr. G. R. M. Pearson.  At this time Commr. Carson asked that Commr. Hoskinson and Mr. Tommy Wootson be reappointed and that Mr. Charles Strickland of Leesburg be appointed as the representative from the Cities.  Commr. Burhans moved that the appointment be made for one year, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried with Commr. Deems voting “no.”

animals

Mr. G. Y. Middleton appeared before the Board and stated that the Animal Shelter had been completed with the exception of some of the cages still to come in.  The total cost came to $26,995.91.  The Well and the septic tank were the overriding factors that caused the shelter to cost more than the $25,000 budgeted.  It was moved by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried to approve the transfer and expenditure of funds from Contingency in the amount of $1,995.91.

Discussion was then held about the Directors’ position to the Shelter.  Commr. Deems stated that the duties of the Sheriff’s Deputies should stop after bringing the animals to the shelter and that the hired director should take care of the feeding, cleaning, checking in of the animals and the final disposal of the animals after the required holding time of animals as set by the State of  Florida.  The Sheriff’s Department, however, would continue to destroy the animals until the Animal Euthanasia equipment arrived which would enable the director to take over this responsibility.  Salary and hours were then discussed and it was decided that the starting pay would be $6,000 and that the hours would be Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 6 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.  Commr. Hoskinson suggested that Mr. Fred Glessner be offered the job.  County Attorney, Christopher Ford, contacted Mr. Glessner and he stated that he would be interested in the position but would like to think about it for a few days and would be in contact with the Board.

public health

Mr. H. L. Pringle came before the Board on behalf of Mr. Charles Cave concerning the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service.  Mr. Pringle stated that Mr. Cave believes that he can operate this service without subsidy.  Mr. Pringle further stated that he personally felt that this could not be done but that the man deserved to be given a chance.  It was suggested by Mr. Pringle that perhaps he could be given a temporary Certificate of Need and Necessity.  The County Attorney, Christopher Ford, didn’t believe that this could be issued.  He is operating at this time on an Occupational License from the County.  Mr. Ford further stated that he was not violating a County Ordinance but that he might be in violation of a State Law.  At this time Commr. Carson read two petitions given to him in support of the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service.  Mr. Bobby Young, Councilman, for the City of Tavares, appeared as a private individual to speak on free enterprise and the need for competition in this field.  Mr. Pringle was informed that the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service had only six weeks left before its Occupational License expired and the Board would welcome a financial statement showing the ability of this service to operate efficiently without subsidy, at which time their Certificate would be reconsidered.

roads – county

Commr. Windram moved that stop signs be erected on County Roads in the Wekiva River Acres Subdivision, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.

Commr. Windram moved that stop signs be erected on County maintained DR 3-1158 and 3-1255, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried.

Commr. Windram moved that a Resolution be adopted establishing a 25 mph speed limit on Poinsettia Drive, DR 4-4360, and signs be erected accordingly, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried.

Commr. Windram moved that the County proceed with the construction of Shellcracker Drive and Pike Street in Orange Blossom Estates based on the fact that the property owners have paid their 2/3 of the cost of the road.  The County will accept the roads for maintenance when completed, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried.

Commr. Windram moved that Suane Avenue, DR 4-5867, be extended 300 feet, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously.  This would involve just clearing the road and placing clay on the above mentioned road.

Mr. James Reilly appeared before the Board requesting “NO LITTERING” signs and speed signs be erected in the Western Shores area.  He then reported on the problems that they were having with garbage dumping and speeders.  Commr. Carson suggested that the County Engineer run a survey concerning establishing a speed limit on Carl Drive and Oklawaha Drive and asked that the Sheriff be requested to patrol the area more frequently and also investigate placing “NO LITTERING” signs along the above mentioned roads.  Commr. Hoskinson moved that the above suggestions be accepted, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried and referred to the County Engineer for his recommendations.

Commr. Deems moved that Missouri Street, DR 1-5338, be extended 350 feet, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously.

The request to build a road parallel to and 1/8 of a mile North of DR 5-5929 was referred to Commr. Burhans for his personal evaluation.

Commr. Burhans requested that a culvert be installed along DR 5-9587.  It was moved by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously.  The Engineer is to notify the owner to follow the County Policy on Driveway Permits.

The cost estimate for Joleen Drive on Loleen Estates was returned to the County Engineer to include a cul-de-sac on a 1/3 to 2/3 basis.

The Acting County Engineer reported that the improvements of Valencia Terrace and Morningview at Leesburg Subdivision were completed and built to County standards and recommended that they be accepted for maintenance.

roads – state

Commr. Hoskinson moved that a “No Dumping” sign be erected on SR S-561A near Snarr’s Subdivision, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously.

It was reported that the improvements to the intersection of SR 46 and SR 437 in Sorrento were completed and returned to the County for maintenance.  On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried the above recommendation was accepted.

Commr. Carson reported concerning the safety work that has to be done on Highway 441 at Royal Industries.  The only cash expense will be paid by Royal Industries.  The City will furnish an air hammer, concrete forms, concrete finishing, emergency lights to direct traffic.  Commr. Carson recommended that the County furnish the backhoe, equipment to roll the lime rock, grader, and a truck to carry debris away.  The DOT has agreed to survey it, stake it for grading, and give Royal Industries the necessary permit to do the work.  Commr. Windram moved to accept this report and Commr. Carson’s recommendations, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried.

recess and assembly

The meeting adjourned for lunch and will reconvene at 1:30 p.m.  The Chairman stated that they would have lunch at Bittners in Eustis and the public and press are invited on a Dutch-treat basis.

roads

Commr. Hoskinson moved that a Resolution be adopted establishing a 20 mph speed limit at Imperial Terrace and that the purchase of four (4) stop signs and eight (8) 20 mph speed limit signs and posts be purchased by the residents of Imperial Terrace, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried.

resolutions

A Resolution was adopted on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried, endorsing Pasco County’s objection to certain items in the Water Resources Management Act, specifically, as follows:

1.     The governing board of Water Management shall have power to exercise eminent domain in the manner provided by law for the condemnation of private property except water and water rights already devoted to a reasonable beneficial use.

2.     In the construction, operation or maintenance of any works or facilities and in the approval Consumptive Use Permits under the provisions of the Act, a water shed, basin or area wherein water originates, or an area adjacent thereto which can conveniently be supplied with water therefrom, shall not deproved directly or indirectly of the prior right to all of the water reasonably required to adequately supply the reasonable beneficial needs of the watershed, basin, area or any of the inhabitants or property owners therein.

This motion was carried.  Commr. Windram voted “no” because he felt this would not solve the problem.  It was referred to the County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, for further research.

On a motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried, a Resolution was adopted to thank Mr. G. R. M. Pearson for his faithful service as a member of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

county property

Commr. Burhans moved that the Southwest Florida Management District be allowed to acquire a portion of land owned by the County in Section 23, Township 24S, Range 24E; however, there should be a reverter clause placed in the deed subject to the approval of the County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford.  The motion was seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.

A letter was presented to the Board from Orange County requesting the feasibility of acquiring land in the Johns Lake area for Park Development. This was referred to Commr. Hoskinson for his research.

hospital

Commr. Windram moved that the petition be accepted for Gerald B. Deleveaux to be admitted to A. G. Holley Tuberculosis Hospital seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried.

juvenile

A report was given to the Board concerning the Volunteer Counselor Program.  Mrs. Knowles’ letter to Commr. Carson was read reporting on the success of the Program.  Commr. Carson, at this time, read a letter from Mr. Ben Revel outlining what he expects to do with the program for the next year.  He hopes to have 75 active volunteers in the Volunteer Youth Counselor Program.  The Program hopes to expand its services; however, the One-to-One Program will still receive top priority.  The Program will be looking for volunteers to serve in the following areas:  Short Term Foster Homes, Small Group Tutoring, and Group Recreational Activities.  It was discussed whether to renew the contract for one year.  It was agreed that Commr. Hoskinson would look into the Youth Program comparing last year to this year and report back to the Board on his findings.

A notice was read from Mr. Boyd, from the Juvenile Shelter, that the deficiencies reported by the State Fire Marshall has been corrected.  This report met with the Boards’ approval.

reports

The report from the Division of Corrections with regard to the Correctional Institution was accepted by the Board.

state agency

At this time Commr. Hoskinson asked that the Cadets’ wages be raised to $2.00 per hour.  The Commissioners asked that Commr. Hoskinson report back to the Board as to how many members have been added to their staff before it would take action on this request.  Mrs. Babb was called in to give a financial report on the Cadet Program.

licenses and permits

Commr. Deems moved that the franchise be approved for the Central Florida Septic Tank and Service Company, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried.

planning and zoning

Commr. Deems had Mr. Michael Willett, Director of Planning and Zoning, appear before the Board to review a Comprehensive Development Plan Project by King Helie Planning Group, Inc.  The cost will be about $22,000.00 and he stated that Lake County had all the information needed to make up such a report but that it had to be put together in an orderly manner and updated regularly.  It was then decided that an appointment be made for February 22, 1974, at 3:00 P.M. for Mr. King Helie to appear before the Board of County Commissioners to make his presentation.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried, Bonds for Contractors were approved for the following:

  587    Karl A. Erikson (drywall)

  597    Willard Watson (painting)

  617    Joseph R. Huett, Jr. (paving)

1153    Terry L. Wolters dba Southern Metal Buildings

1154    D. V. Rucker Plbf, Inc.

1155    Ralph M. Austins dba Lake County Exterior Cleaning

1156    Gary L. Jorden (mechanical)

 

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, Deputy Sheriff bonds were approved for the following:

Jimmy E. Harrison

Leslie H. McGonigal

Walter G. Johnson

Clifford G. Olmstead

Earl P. Brow

Audrey G. Poe

William H. Worley, Sr.

Eugene G. Roggelin

On a motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried petitions to carry firearms were approved for the following:

 

Willie Mae Barrett

Clarence E. Holmes

Randy Burns

Douglas McDuffie

Fred P. Spanogle

James Gilroy

 

On the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried Peace Officer bonds were awarded to the following:

Frank M. Cheves

Edward Engel

Paul G. Geraghty

James F. Terraggoli

 

meetings

Commr. Hoskinson moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission be permitted to use the Commissioners’ Room on the last Wednesday of each month provided that it does not conflict with the Court usage of this room.  Seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.

mosquito control

The recommendations from the Travelers Insurance regarding safety measures to the gasoline pump at the Mosquito Control was read and it was referred to Phil Yoder.

schools

Notice from the District School Board was received by the Chairman stating that the District School Board voted to go on record as opposing all impact projects, and voted in particular to oppose the Three Rivers Project.

There was a request from the School Board that a District School Board Representative be made a voting member of the Subdivision Advisory Committee.  The Clerk read a section from the Subdivision Regulations which states that they already hold this status and a letter is to be written to them by the Clerk informing them of the same.

road maintenance – secondary

There was a letter to be written and sent along with the questionnaire from the Committee on Transportation regarding maintenance of secondary roads.  It was suggested by Commr. Windram that a letter be written to this Committee stating that we took over the maintenance of the roads because the State was not keeping them up as the County felt they should be maintained.  But now since they are making the County responsible for additional mileage from the primary system into the secondary system this is creating a real burden and that some consideration should be given this area, either let the State take the total maintenance responsibility again or give additional compensation to the County for the maintenance if they are going to do this.  Question # 2 is to be answered that the County does use its own forces and equipment as opposed to private concerns.  Question # 3 is to be answered that private concerns in our area capable of conducting Secondary Maintenance would be Leecon and Square G. Construction Companies as suggested by Commr. Carson.

county buildings

The Board was asked to approve the Clerk’s recommendations on repairs and improvements to the building of Division of Youth Services therein.  At this time Mr. Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, presented the lease on the building with the State and on his recommendation the term of the lease will be terminated on June 30, 1974, and the renewal clause omitted.  The lease as amended was approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried.  It was suggested that the recommendations on improvements and repairs of the building be delayed until they agree to the terms of the building.

sheriff

Chairman Carson presented at this time a letter to the Board from the Honorable Guy C. Bliss, Sheriff, concerning a Resolution he has submitted for the Commissions’ information and edification establishing a Law Enforcement Training Account for his department.  It was suggested that the County Attorney review this Resolution and then bring it before the Board for action.

mvi

Commr. Carson presented a letter to the Board from Trooper Morris of the Florida Highway Patrol concerning the brake machines in Lake County that are not working.  It was asked that the Commission reply, outlining some definite action which will be taken to correct this problem.  Commr. Carson reported that Mr. Frank Woodson recommended that the County use the amount budgeted for new equipment in emission control and sound control, to purchase the machines needed.  Commr. Hoskinson moved and seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried to advertise for bids for two new rake machines on March 8, 1974, and 10:00 A.M.

contracts

On the recommendation of the County Attorney the action on the contract from the Tax Assessor and Department of Revenue for the re-evaluation of the County Properties was deferred.

On a motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried the amended contract with Standard Oil on petroleum was approved.  At this time the County Attorney stated that the County was fortunate to obtain a fuel contract due to the energy crisis.

bids and proposals

It was moved by Commr. Burhans to remove used roofing materials from the Mascotte and Umatilla barns which were declared surplus and of no value and that the bid of $125 from Ogden Groves, Inc., being the best and highest of three bids, be accepted, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.

checks received

It was discussed how the $18,000 received from the State for Emergency Medical Services would be divided, this was tabled until a later date.  Mrs. Babb was instructed to place this check in a 30 day time deposit, this was moved by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.

reports

At this time the Clerk presented before the Board of County Commissioners a governmental form from the Equal Employment Opportunity Council.  The Board returned it to Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk, to complete the form and return it to the Equal Opportunity Council.

tax assessor

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried, Certificates of Error and Corrections on the 1973 Tax Roll numbered 3480 through 3494 were approved.

revenue sharing

The County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, brought to the Board’s attention an article in the COUNTY NEWS concerning the Congressional Budget Reform Bill which contains a provision whereby Revenue Sharing Funds will not go through the Budgetary appropriation Committee and the NACO recommends that governmental units contact the members of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and also local Senators urging that this provision be exempt from the Bill.

accounts allowed

Commr. Hoskinson asked that a final door be replaced at the Minneola barn at the cost of $209 by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried, with Commr. Deems and Commr. Windram voting “no.”

Commr. Hoskinson motioned that the bill of $1,253.95 from the Architects Design Group be paid, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried.

The Clerk brought before the Board a notice stating that the Annual NACO Legislative Conference will be held February 26 – 28, 1974, in Washington, D.C.  Last year Commr. Hoskinson, Mrs. Babb, and James C. Watkins attended this meeting and felt that it was a worthwhile trip.  Commr. Burhans moved that the approval for travel to this Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. be given to any Commissioner, James C. Watkins, Clerk, County Attorney, or any department head who would like to attend, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried.

It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried for approval of travel for any Commissioner, County Attorney, and Department Heads to the State Association of County Commissioners in Panama City, March 2 – 5, 1974.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

_________________________________

chairman

 

___________________________

Clerk