A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

march 8, 1974

The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Friday, March 8, 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, Glenn C. Burhans.  Others present were:  ames C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Debby Potter, Deputy Clerk; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.

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

Tax collector

A letter of request was received from T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector; for concurrence from the Board of County Commissioners permitting him to mail additional Tax notices to the public which are deemed proper and necessary.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board concurred with the Tax Collector on his request.

Roads – state

A letter was read from the DOT stating that Leecon, Inc., was the lowest bidder for Job No. 11682-3603, Lincoln Street, from SR 44-B (Donnelly Street) in Mount Dora, east to SR 500 (US 441), in the amount of $207,059.68.

Due to the rapid development of Florida, the DOT has requested that the County contact Mr. J.H. Baisden, Maintenance Engineer, at Leesburg to initiate the necessary permits prior to performing any work on the Department’s right-of-way.  The letter of request was referred to the Public Works Department for compliance.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, a resolution was adopted supporting the Design Study Report on Highway 50, State Project No. 11070-1505.

Roads – county

Mr. Larry Morey, Acting County Engineer, brought before the Board a request for a 40 mph speed limit on DR 2-0611 from SR S-565 to SR 33.  It was the Board’s feelings that this would be unpractical due to the length of the road.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, advisory speed limit signs were approved to note curves.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the school crossings in Eustis Heights would be painted and signs erected denoting “School Crossings.”

The request for “No Overnight Truck Parking” signs in the Golden Isle Subdivision was referred to Commr. Windram.

There was a request brought before the Board that 335 feet of Pearl Street and 700 feet of Merrell Avenue in Umatilla be maintained by the County, having been brought up to County standards.  No action was taken at this time.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, permission was granted to advertise a public hearing to vacate a portion of Old Eustis-Tavares Road on April 9, 1974, at 10:00 A.M.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, permission was granted to advertise for a public hearing to vacate Blocks 15, 16, 21 and 22 in Sorrento, Main Division, and a portion of Osgood Street on April 9, 1974 at 10:00 A.M.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, permission was granted to advertise for a public hearing to vacate a portion of Belmont Avenue in Belmont Heights on April 9, 1974 at 10:00 A.M.

Mr. Larry Morey reported on a drainage problem on SR S-44B.  The cost estimate to repair this would be $12,252.00 including labor.  Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, was instructed to contact the DOT and on a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, a letter is to be written to the DOT stating that the drain was not brought up to County standards and that the DOT will be expected to bring up the drain to proper standards.

Mr. Larry Morey requested a release of the lease on the Maurice Day Clay Pit off SR S-452.  Mr. Morey stated that all the usable clay had been exhausted.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, this request was approved.

Three cost estimates were presented before the Board on STATE JOB 11050-2507, SR 19-A from SR 500 to SR 500A:

            Urban curb and gutter            1.14 million

            Rural                                       1.29 million

            Combined                               1.14 million

The criteria for the cost estimates were read.  A copy is to be given to Commr. Windram and will be brought back to the Board at their March 1, 1974 meeting.

It was requested the Board approve the special use permit for the Clay Pit in Ocala National Forest for Forest Road 72.  It was suggested by Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, that the first paragraph in number 19 be omitted.  It was returned to Mr. Larry Morey.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was approved to erect a stop sign on 4-5174 at SR S-44B.

Mr. Larry Morey brought before the Board a request from the residents in the Golden Heights Subdivision concerning the resurfacing of their road.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was approved to resurface the roads in the Golden Heights Subdivision on a 1/3 to 2/3 participation basis.

Mr. Morey reported on a proposed relocation of a portion of Alcrest Avenue, 4-4187, due to the fact that the road had shifted and the center line was on the edge of the right-of-way.  The repairs would total $4,488.00.  There was no action taken at this time.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried a resolution was adopted establishing a 30 mph speed limit on Spril Lake Boulevard, DR 1-6304 north of Fruitland Park.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, a stop sign is to be erected at Holy Trinity Church in Fruitland Park.

Schools – miscellaneous

Commr. Hoskinson brought before the Board a request that the County assist the Clermont Elementary School with its Tennis Court Project.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was approved for the County to use its equipment and materials on the Tennis Court Project at the Clermont Elementary School.

Commr. Hoskinson brought before the Board a request from the residents in Montverde concerning establishing a speed limit on a road that goes through the school district.  Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, stated that this involved a private school and should be handled between the school and the city.

Public health

Commr. Burhans brought before the Board a letter from the Division of Health in Jacksonville stating that the ambulance service license for the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service in Lake County had been denied.  At this time the Clerk brought to the attention of the Board a letter from Senator Jim Glisson, signed also by Rep. Vince Fechtel and Rep. Dick Langley, requesting the Board to reconsider the certificate of need and necessity to the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service.   Christopher Ford, County Attorney, stated that the Ambulance Service or their attorney was to present a financial statement to the Board to prove that it could operate without subsidy and this has never been received.  Therefore, to the best of the Board of County Commissioner’s knowledge, the Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance service no longer wishes to serve Lake County.  The Clerk was instructed to write a letter to Senator Glisson, Rep. Vince Fechtel and Rep. Dick Langley informing them of the status of this situation.

Mr. W.K. Hennessey, Acting Director of the Lake County Department of Pollution Control, appeared before the Board regarding a letter he received from Broward County requesting that Lake County join with them and other local Pollution Control Boards in the Association.  Mr. Hennessey was instructed to write to the Broward County Pollution Control Board informing them that Lake County is not interested in joining an association of this type at this time.

State agencies

Barbara Dorf, Assistant Planner, appeared before the Board regarding a County Library System.  It was brought to her attention that the local libraries would like State Funding and this can be done through a library study which will determine if a County wide Library System would work.  The State would finance this study in the amount of $3,000.00 with no obligation to the County for matching funds.  A meeting of the Library Board was held on February 11, 1974, at which time the Board and its representatives passed a resolution requesting that this Library Study be done in Lake County.  This was referred to Commr. Hoskinson for his personal attention and to report his findings back to the Board of County Commissioners.

Notice was received from the DOT regarding the Five Year Work Program stating that the DOT was having its formal hearing on March 28, 1974, at 4:30 P.M. in Deland.  The Board of County Commissioners, therefore, set its public hearing for the cities on March 18, 1974, at 9:00 A.M.

Machinery and Equipment

Commr. Burhans received a request from the City of Umatilla to have the County stripe the middle of its air field.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, it was approved for the County to stripe the middle of the Umatilla air field on a time and material basis.

Bids

At 10:00 A.M. the sealed bids for the two brake machines for Clermont and Minneola were opened:

MAUREX EQUIPMENT
	one unit	$3,733.50
	two units	7,467.00
	installation	250.00 each
JACKSON BEARING AND SUPPLY, INC.
	one unit	3,483.50
	installation	200.00 each
C.L. STEINER CO.
	one unit	3,333.00 each
	ordered after March 17, 1974	3,483.00 each
FLORIDA TIRE SUPPLY COMPANY
	total cost of two units	6,700.00
	after March 18, 1974 5% increase
BAAS AUTO SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
	total cost of two units	6,966.00
	installation	300.00 each
BAILEY MOTOR EQUIPMENT COMPANY
	one unit	3,978.00
	installation up to the County

 

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the bids were referred to Larry Morey, Acting County Engineer, to check the specifications and report back to the Board with his recommendation.

Later in the day, Mr. Morey recommended that the bid from C.L. Steiner Co. be accepted in the amount of $3,333.00 each, being the best and lowest bidder.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, Mr. Morey’s recommendation was accepted.

Tax levy

Mr. John Cain, City Building Inspector for the City of Mount Dora, appeared before the Board to request a relief from taxes on certain property owners by the City of Mount Dora.  Mr. Cain was instructed to compile all his information and confer with the County Attorney on this matter.

Outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Norval Brown, Supervisor of Physical Education, appeared before the Board regarding the Summer Enrichment Program.  At this time the Clerk quoted from the County Commissioner’s Handbook stating that County Funds raised by County Taxes for County use may not be given to the schools nor would a loan be permitted.  It was suggested that the cities might support this program but Mr. Brown stated that many of the cities will not release funds for support of this program.  Discussion was held.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was moved that the County would loan $20,000 to the School Board for the Summer Enrichment Program provided that it is legal and that this would be repaid by the School Board no later than September 30, 1974.

Courthouse

Gutmann, Dragash, and Matz, Architects, Inc., in joint venture with Jack Jones, Architect Inc., appeared before the Board to present their Schematic Design of the new Courthouse Complex.  The Schematic Design they have prepared will be used for elevator placing.  It was decided by the Board with regard to the fourth and fifth floors that the Courts would be placed on the top level and the Judicial Department under this.  The Commissioners requested that no design for the fourth and fifth levels other than the Schematic Designs already prepared, be done.

After much deliberation, the following changes were made in the Schematic Design of the Courthouse:

            Supervisor of Elections Office – Strike kitchen

                       

Public Defender and State’s Attorney Offices – Expansion area needed

 

Parole and Probation Office – Satisfactory

 

Board of County Commissioners Office – Satisfactory except Board Room will seat 100 with standing room for 50 more.

 

Clerk’s Office – Satisfactory

 

Sheriff’s Office – On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Clerk was instructed to meet with the Architects and Commr. Hoskinson to redesign the Civil defense area.

 

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the revised Schematic Design of the Planning and Engineering Building was approved.

It was requested that the Architects be given a furniture inventory with dimensions of the furniture and equipment that will be taken over to the new Courthouse when completed.

At the request of the Board, the Architect will return on March 19, 1974 at 10:00 A.M. to discuss the revised Schematic Design and on March 12, 1974 at 9:30 A.M. to discuss the contract.

Animals

 Miss Dorothy Gross, Lake County Animal Shelter Manager, appeared before the Board to report on the progress of the new Dog Pound.  Miss Gross requested guidance with regard to picking up animals in cities.  It was decided the pick-up service would continue until Commr. Hoskinson and the County Attorney can obtain resolutions from other counties regarding procedures.  Miss Gross presented before the Board a list of operating procedures which she had drawn up.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Lake County Animal Shelter Operating Procedures were approved on an interim policy subject to the approval of the Attorney.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, travel was approved for Miss Gross to Orange County for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the operational procedures of the Orange County Dog Pound.

At the request of the Board, Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, is to draw up a waiver of liability for the Animal Shelter volunteers to sign.

Fair association

Commr. Windram brought before the Board a letter from Mr. J. Carl Smith of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce inviting the Board of County Commissioners to attend the Lake County Fair and provided them with complimentary tickets.  At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Smith was to be contacted and requested to include the Clerk and County Attorney in his invitation.

County indebtness

Mr. Jack Kirkpatrick contacted Commr. Windram concerning his warehouse and bulk plant in Tavares.  Mr. Kirkpatrick has offered to rent this to Lake County at $350 per month.  The Commissioners discussed the advantage of having a warehouse for storage.  The County would also benefit from the gasoline and diesel fuel storage tanks that are now on the property.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was moved to lease Mr. Kirkpatrick’s warehouse and bulk plant in Tavares on a one year renewable lease basis at $350 per month, subject to negotiations involving spot deliveries of fuel to County facilities by Mr. Kirkpatrick.

County property

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, it was approved to move the phones in the Umatilla Barns as needed.

Bonds

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Firearm Bond on Manuel Adams was cancelled.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, Firearm Bonds on the following were approved:

                        Chalres C. Strickland – self protection

                        Frederick C. Belton

                        Frank Michnowicz – operates a liquor store

                        George W. Daugherty – operates a liquor store

                        Leonard W. Blair – operates a liquor store

                        David Nipper – self protection

                        Francis J. Barrett – service station operator

It was moved by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, that the Firearm Bond for Will Jackson be referred to the State’s Attorney due to the fact that no one on the Board knew the applicant nor had any Board member been contacted by Mr. Jackson concerning his application.

It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, to cancel the Firearm Bond on Thomas F. McCabe.

It was moved by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, to approve the following Contractor Bonds:

997-	Willie G. Moore  (specialty)
1161-	George W. Heymann  (electrical)
1162-	Percell J. Leary (mobile home)
1163-	Harold C. Osborne  (hearing and air conditioning)
1164-	William W. Lavender, Jr.  (mobile home)

 

It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, to approve cancellation of Contractor Bond #920 – Raymond Lantz.

Planning and zoning

The Clerk brought before the Board a request from Mr. Charles X. Forrer requesting permission to apply for a permit to erect a bulkhead on the St. Johns River on Lot 3, Block 90 of Astor Forest Campsites.  It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson and seconded by Commr. Deems and carried that the Board had no objection concerning this matter.

Resolutions

It was moved by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, that a resolution be adopted and sent to Mrs. Norma Coven for her service in Administrative Duties.

Correspondence

Letters were received from Senator Lawton Chiles and Congressmen Bill Bunter and Bill Chappell expressing their appreciation for the correspondence sent to them regarding the fuel situation in Lake County.

A letter was received from the Department of Pollution Control concerning classes on “Complex Sources,” a copy of this letter is to be sent to Mr. Larry Morey, Acting County Engineer, and to Mike Willett, Planning and Zoning.

Commr. Carson brought before the Board a letter of appreciation from the Sunrise Workshop for the County’s check in the amount of $5,000.

The Clerk notified the Board that it had received a resolution from Collier County supporting the President of the United States.

A letter from Margaret Nacke, L.P.N. was read to the Board concerning her difficulty in purchasing gasoline.  It was suggested that the Clerk write to Ms. Nacke stating that she would be included in the priority classification.

A letter from Ken Henderson, District Ranger, was brought before the Board suggesting a garbage box site in the Astor area.  Mr. Morey, Acting County Engineer, stated that this would be included in a report that he would be submitting ot the Board.

A letter from Mr. George Bland of the William R. Hough, Co., was received concerning the financing of the new Courthouse Complex.  The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Bland stating that it is not necessary to float a bond issue at this time.

Tax assessor

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, Certificates of Error and Corrections on the 1973 Tax Rolls numbered 10331 to 10336 were approved.

Checks received

It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, to accept a check in the amount of $1,692.95 from the Clerk’s Office for unclaimed monies due owners of land sold on application for tax deeds.

Accounts allowed

A letter of request was received from Mr. Phil Yoder, Director of Lake County Mosquito Control, for permission to purchase one stainless steel insecticide tank, one strobe flasher for fog truck, one sangamo tachograph for fog truck, one 16hp synchro balance Briggs Stratton motor, one sutorbilt Blower for fog truck, two 15 round fiberglass tanks, total amount being $4,206.97.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved purchase of the above items for the Lake County Mosquito Control and Hyacinth Control.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, an appraisal, not to exceed $300, of the Horseshoe Island was approved.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the purchase of a Steam Jenn was approved in the amount of $598.00.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the purchase of a chain saw for the construction crew was approved in the amount of $129.95.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, additions were approved on the previously built facilities of the rest rooms in the Umatilla and Minneola Barns.

It was moved by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, that the following funds be transferred from Contingency in the General Revenue Fund for the Animal Shelter:

$3,500.00	to Account #5106102 – “Manager’s Salary”
1,350.00	to Account #5106204 – “Supplies not otherwise specified”
50.00	to Account #5106205 – “Office Supplies”
750.00	to Account #5106337 – Maintenance of Building”
400.00	to Account #5106340 – “Utilities”

 

It was moved by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, that the Clerk be authorized to repair the leak in the roof at the Pioneer Building at as low a cost as possible.

It was moved by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, that a Lanier Recorder be purchased for Judge McCormic’s Office in the amount of $269.00.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

 

 

_________________________________

james r. carson, jr., chairman

 

___________________________

James C. Watkins, Clerk