A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

june 4, 1974

A regular meeting of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, June 4, 1974 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.

Present were:  Glenn C. Burhans, Vice-Chairman; C.A. Deems; Thomas J. Windram; and J.M. Hoskinson.  Others present were:  James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Debby Potter, Deputy Clerk.  Absent was James R. Carson, Chairman.

The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

public health

Commr. Deems stated that he had talked with Mr. Philen of the Health Department regarding matching funds for a new bulldozer.  This would be used at the new landfill site near Umatilla.  Mr. Fallin said that matching funds were not available in this year’s budget.

Commr. Windram suggested the Board buy the bulldozer now if the funds are in the Mosquito Control Budget and use it where it is needed.

Commr. Deems will talk with Mr. Philen again and report to the Board next week.

Commr. Burhans read a letter from the State Department of Pollution Control concerning the landfills that were denied a time extension.  Astor, Montverde, and Bay Lake were denied because of high water table, and Clermont was given 90 days extension.

Commr. Hoskinson reported on the meeting with Mr. Carusso regarding the use of his land as a landfill site.  After much discussion, the Attorney was authorized on a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried to offer Mr. Caruso up to $4,000 per year.  This is 5 percent of the assessed value.  The taxes will be Mr. Caruso’s responsibility.  This will be subject to the appraisal and approval of the Pollution Control and the Health Department.

elections – general

Commr. Hoskinson stated that the National Association of Counties had sent out a bulletin stating that precinct workers had to be paid the minimum wage of $1.90.  The Board should consider this in finalizing the budget for the 74-75 fiscal year.

committees

The Clerk stated that due to many conflicts in his schedule, he would like the Board to appoint another representative to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council Project Review Committee.  Mr. Watkins said that whoever the Board appointed should be very vocal about what is of regional impact and what issues are local in nature.

After discussion, the Board appointed Michael Willett, Planning Director, to be Lake County’s representative on the ECFRPC Project Review Committee on a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Burhans asked Mr. Zagar if anything could be done at the Lake Dalhousie boat ramp to separate the skiers from the swimmers.  Commr. Burhans also stated that there are swimming parties after sundown, and it is disturbing the neighbors.  Mr. Zagar said he would have a sign placed in the area stating “No Swimming After Sundown.”

civil defense

The Engineer presented a request to relocate the Civil Defense supplies presently in the Bulk Plant Warehouse.  The Board asked Mr. Donoghue to contact Mr. Fred Bollenberg, Civil Defense Officer, on this matter.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Ed Zagar of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission appeared before the Board concerning the contract with Southern Guide Fishing Maps.  He said Southern Guide Fishing Maps are agreeable to all the amendments to the contract except the one pertaining to the copyright.

Mr. Cal Zethmeyer appeared before the Board and stated that it would cost less to have Southern Guide Fishing Maps furnish the County with more maps when needed than to have another printer do it from scratch.

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that a provision in House Bill 543 stated that the funds from the sale of fishing licenses shall be used for the sole purpose of improving fish life in Lake County.  Therefore, there is a question as to whether these funds can be used for the purchase of fishing maps unless the Fish and Game Commission will approve the project based on its improving fish life and send the County a letter to that affect.

Mr. Zagar stated the maps would make it easier to harvest fish and therefore in his opinion would improve fish life.  He will obtain a letter from Mr. Fry of the Fish and Game Commission in Tallahassee stating that this program is necessary to improve fish life.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved giving Southern Guide Fishing Maps full copyright on the maps subject to the Board receiving a letter from the Fish and Game Commission stating this program is necessary for fish life.  The Board will at that time approve and re-execute the contract.

budget

A letter from the County Attorney to James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman, was read regarding Budget requests as well as a release to the press about the same.  These letters are on file in the Minute File of June 1974.

road material

Mr. Ed Zagar requested a yard of lime rock for use at the boat ramp on State Road 450.  This request was approved on a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried.

roads – county

Mr. Michael Donoghue, County Engineer, appeared before the Board.  He presented a drainage easement for Birginia M. Blissert DR-4-6280 and a right-of-way deed from Florida Groves, Inc., DR 3-1751, for recording.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the above for recording.

Mr. Donoghue presented a request from the Department of Transportation for release of Murphy Act Deed #1658.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed #1658 except for that portion lying within 100’ of the existing centerline of SR 44.

Mr. Donoghue presented a request for a 20 mph speed limit sign on Kentucky Boulevard, DR 4-5468.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, a resolution was adopted establishing a 20 mph speed limit on DR 4-5468.

The Engineer presented a request to advertise to vacate a portion of Cypress Haven Unit No. 2.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved to advertise for public hearing on July 9, 1974 at 10:00 a.m.

The Engineer presented a cost estimate for Ocala Forest Campsites, No. 1, for improving the roads.  For North Road and South Road from Forest Road 72 west to Ohio Road, the cost is $2,655 for each road.   This cost estimate is based on hauling clay from the County pit in Marion County.

Residents in the East Lake Harris Estates would like the County to participate on a 1/3 to 2/3 basis for road improvements in the subdivision.  Part of the roads are in the Town of Astatula and part in the County.  The policy at this time is not to maintain any roads within an incorporated area.

Commr. Hoskinson is to check with Mr. Tom Grizzard on this, and the Engineer is to work up another cost estimate.

The cost estimate prepared by the County Engineer for road improvements to Pine Drive in Dona Vista was rejected by the requestor, Mr. Sam Carroll.

The Vice Chairman read a letter from the DOT concerning the Highway Safety Act of 1973.  This Act has to do with the installation of pavement markings and removing roadside obstacles, installing guard rails, etc.  This letter was referred to the Engineer.

road closings

Mr. Jack Pack of Leesburg appeared before the Board regarding a road off of South Street in Leesburg that was declared prescriptive by the Board of County Commissioners in 1965.  An adjoining property owner is trying to physically close it.  The road provides access to his property.

Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, advised him to see his personal attorney, because a court will have to make a decision as to whether the road is or is not a public prescriptive road or perhaps a way of necessity for Mr. Pack.

roads – state

Mr. Donoghue presented a request for the Board to approve a typical section for State Road 19A from SR 500 to SR 500A.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the typical section.  This would require nine more feet of right-of-way on each side of the existing 66’.

The Vice Chairman read a letter from the City of Tavares concerning the cost of laying sewer lines across SR 500A.  To bore and jack will cost approximately $35,000.  To open cut will cost approximately $5,400.  The City would like the Board to request approval from the Department of Transportation.  The letter was referred to the County Attorney.

federal agencies

Mr. Tommy Wooten, representative on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, appeared regarding a Certificate of Eligibility under Section 221 of the National Housing Act.  This is to certify to overcrowding conditions in a two-bedroom house.

The County Attorney stated that the overcrowding is not due to governmental action, and he would like to contact the Housing and Urban Development Office in Orlando for some guidelines.

A letter was received from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration stating that it has set aside $3,000,000 of its Fiscal Year 1974 ten percent matching funds to support the best proposals from the cities and counties regarding the problems frequently encountered by victims, witnesses, and jurors.

recess and assembly

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m., and the Vice Chairman announced the Commissioners will have lunch at the Pine Meadows Golf and Country Club in Eustis, and the press and public are invited on a Dutch-treat basis.  The meeting reconvened at 1:40 p.m.

animal

The Engineer presented a letter from Dorothy Gross, Animal Shelter Manager, recommending the dog catcher-rabies control function be transferred from the Sheriff’s Department to the Animal Shelter.  This will be an additional $6,500 added to the budget for the Animal Shelter.

The Engineer also reported that the Euthanasia Equipment will require a room 12’ x 14’.  The County will have to build the space since there isn’t enough room in the animal shelter.  Mr. Donoghue is to work together with Mr. Glenn Middleton and come up with a cost estimate.  A shower stall needs to be installed at the animal shelter.  Mr. Donoghue will bring a cost estimate back to the Board.

road maintenance – subdivision

The Engineer stated the construction of the roads in Orange Blossom Garden, Unit 2, are substandard and cannot recommend the County taking over the maintenance of them.  Mr. Donoghue is to talk with Commr. Carson concerning this.

state agencies

The Vice Chairman read a letter from Mr. John W. Boyd, Superintendent at the Detention Center, requesting additional funds for the Cadet Program during the summer vacation period.  It is the Board’s opinion that if the State has taken over the program, they should also fund it.  Mr. Watkins is to confer with Mr. Boyd on this matter.

county employees

The Vice Chairman read a letter from Jack Haddox regarding the Vista Volunteer Program.  Mr. Haddox stated that he needs an assistant to work in low income housing, and the volunteer will be under the supervision of the Home Economics Agent Program leader.  The total cost would be $800 per year.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the hiring of a Vista Volunteer.

schools

A letter was received from the Superintendent of the Lake County Schools, Mr. Bernard McCabe, giving the School Board’s authorization regarding the moving of the trees in front of the Triangle Elementary School.  The Engineer is to confer with Mr. Geddes, Chairman of the Horticulture Committee of the Men’s Garden Club of Mount Dora, before the trees are moved to be sure the garden club will maintain the trees.

bonds

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

Leighton L. Baker

Joseph E. Wittington

Clayton R. Haff

Thomas L. Rogers

J. Herbert Gatch

Herbert I. Wilkes

John Rocker

James Allen

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, a Deputy Sheriff Bond was approved for Oscar Lewis Berry.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, Contractor Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following:

390      Ramad Interprises, Inc. (electrical)

957      Don C. Peters dba Howard Gill Plumbing

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, Firearm Bonds were approved for cancellation on James Allen and Melvin L. Williams.

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

390      T. Graham Phillips (electrical)

645      Jack Crouch, Jr. dba Crouch Construction

hospital

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved the petition for Phalfer Haynes for admission to A.G. Holley State Hospital.

A copy of the Lake County Emergency Medical Services Council By-Laws was presented to the Board for their review.  This was referred to the County Attorney.

tax levy

A letter from the City of Leesburg was read requesting the millage for ambulance services be increased from .2500 to .4000 for the next fiscal year.

soil survey

A letter from Jerry R. Joiner, District Conservationist, to Mr. Richard Jackson concerning the soil on a 764-acre tract located between SR 44 and SR 44A, 8 miles east of Eustis, was read and filed in the minute file for June of 1974.

county buildings and grounds

The Clerk reported that the Public Defender, Robert Pierce, needs approximately 300 sq. ft. of office space in the Courthouse.  There is no available space.  There was space in the Pioneer Building, but it was not suitable for the Public Defender’s needs.

The Sheriff would like office space in the Pioneer Building on the second floor that was being used as storage area.

The Clerk read a letter from the State Attorney, Gordon Oldham, Jr., asking for the office space currently being used by the State Auditors.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, space was designated on the second floor of the Pioneer Building for use as office space for the Sheriff’s Department and the State Attorney’s Office.

Tax delinquent

The County Attorney presented a resolution cancelling taxes on certain land that the State has purchased for a public purpose.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, a resolution was adopted cancelling the taxes on that land.  Commr. Hoskinson was out of the room at the time of discussion and therefore abstained from voting.

meetings

There will be a meeting with a panel of experts from the Farmers Home Administration to discuss the Rural Development Act of 1972.  The meeting scheduled for Lake County is June 5, 1974 at the Marion County Courthouse from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

courthouse

Commr. Hoskinson stated the Board had instructed the Clerk and the Attorney to check on renting space to State Agencies in the present Courthouse.  They had met last Friday, May 31, 1974, together with Commr. Hoskinson, because he is a member of the original Courthouse Committee.

During the meeting several alternative uses for the space in the existing Courthouse were discussed.  The alternative of renting space to State agencies is being pursued, and the Committee will report to the Board its findings as soon as that research is completed.

At the Committee meeting, the alternative of using the present facility for administrative functions for County government was discussed.  This would mean that the Courts would be totally located in the new facility; the Commissioners and Commissioner-related departments would be located in the existing facility and possibly still have space in other buildings to lease to the State.

The following departments possibly could move into the present facility:

County Commissioners Offices and Hearing Room

County Commissioners’ clerical staff

Planning and Zoning Department, including the Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing Room

Building Department

Pollution Control Department

Legislative Delegation Offices

Civil Defense

Veterans Service Office

County Forester

This plan would also free space to be leased to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services for the “one stop” social service center.  It would also free space for expansion of the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector’s offices in the area now used by Pollution Control and Probation and Parole.

Commr. Deems asked what it would cost to finish the two floors in the new Courthouse.  Mr. Ford replied “$400,000 per floor.” Commr. Deems would like to finish the two floors in the new Courthouse and lease the present Courthouse.

Commr. Windram would like to finish the new Courthouse and if enough State agencies are interested in leasing the building and paying for the overhead, then he doesn’t mind leasing the present Courthouse.

It was the opinion of the Board that prior to exploring the alternatives listed above any further, the Clerk and the Attorney should first check into the State’s interest in leasing the present Courthouse.

communications

Commr. Burhans read a letter from Mr. Keith R. George, Supervisor of Alcoholism Counseling and Education, informing the Board that the fees for those attending the DWI school will be raised by $20.  This is due to the program’s expansion of services to include alcoholism counseling.

A letter was received from SUA Incorporated regarding space planning, interior design, and furniture and equipment layout.  The letter was referred to the Clerk.

A resolution for better bike safety in the County was presented to the Board by the Clerk from the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce.  It was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

Commr. Burhans read a letter from Warren W. Willis of the Florida United Methodist Camps, stating they are willing to give the County protective rights as long as the island in Lake Griffin is used as a bird sanctuary.  Their attorney, Mr. Gordon Savage, is to get in touch with the County regarding this.  The letter was referred to the County Attorney.

A public notice was received from the Department of the Army pertaining to the establishment of Safety Fairways and Anchorages in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  It was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

A resolution was received from Hendry County requesting the Legislature to take action necessary to have the entire second gas tax distributed to the Counties.

A copy of House Bill 3778 which eliminates certain prohibitions on employment of auditing firms was read and filed in the Minute file for June of 1974.

A copy of House Bill 3697 which authorizes local government units to enter into interlocal agreements with the Florida Highway Patrol was read and filed in the Minute file for June of 1974.

A copy of Senate Bill 650 concerning indigent patients was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

A resolution from Okaloosa County urging the passage of House Bill 3648 which will return the 5th and 6th cent tax after debt service to the Counties of Florida was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

A letter from J.A. Doub, System Manager, concerning the change of name from T.M. Communications Company of Florida to Teleprompter of Florida, Inc. was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

A letter from the Department of Transportation to the City of Umatilla regarding the State funding of Umatilla Municipal Airport was read and filed in the Minute File for June of 1974.

accounts allowed

A request for $20 for permit application for the new Astor Landfill site was approved on motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved travel for any Commissioner, Clerk, and Attorney to attend the Disaster Management and Funding Seminar which will be sponsored by the Emergency Preparedness Project of the National Association of Counties on June 13 and 14 in Atlanta.

A request from Jack Haddox to transfer $202.00 from amount budgeted in 1973-1974 to Secretary-Receptionist position for Mrs. Harriet Savage was approved on a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.

The Clerk requested permission to purchase one additional desk and two typewriters.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the purchase of the equipment.  Commr. Hoskinson was out of the room during the discussion and therefore abstained from voting.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

 

 

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james r. carson, jr., chairman

 

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James C. Watkins, Clerk