REGULAR MEETING OF THE BD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

july 2, 1974

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, July 2, 1974 at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Room of the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  The following members present:  James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman; C.A. Deems; J. M. Hoskinson; Thomas J. Windram; and Glenn C. Burhans.  Others present were:  James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.

The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Chairman.

communications

Commr. Carson presented to the Board a letter from Doctor Willson T. Sowder regarding funds appropriated to the counties for the reimbursement of payments to the Medical Examiner.  This letter was referred to Commr. Deems to investigate the percentage of money to be returned.

Commr. Carson presented to the Board another letter from the Department of Administration stating the public hearing regarding Green Swamp as an area of State Critical Concern will be held on July 9, 1974 at 10:00 A.M., in the Branscomb Memorial Auditorium, at Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida.  The County Attorney, Mr. Ford, the County Planner, Mr. Michael Willett, and two Commissioners will attend this meeting.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, all publicly advertised hearings will be postponed until July 16, 1974 at the same scheduled time if only three Commissioners are present at the July 9, 1974 Board Meeting.

Commr. Carson read a letter from the Department of Natural Resources regarding the purchase of the property owned by Major Realty.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that there were other properties that needed protection due to their unique and irreplaceable lands.

Commr. Windram expressed a concern for the taxes that would be taken away from the County when these lands are bought.

The Clerk presented the following resignations from the members of the Board of Examiners due to the new Disclosures Law:  R. E. Allison, J. W. Connelly, Sr., Louis C. George, and A. A. Hungerford.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the resignations were accepted.

roads – county

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had received a petition regarding the paving and repairing of DR 3-34452, which cuts through Lane Park Loop and ties into the DOT maintenance yard that runs off of SR 19 in Tavares.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that if this is correct, there is no right-of-way available.  Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, said he would look into this matter and report back to the Board.

Commr. Deems brought to the Board’s attention the matter regarding Lisbon Road.  About three years ago the County paved all but 1/2 mile of this road.  Right-of-way deeds could not be obtained for that 1/2 mile.  Since that time the County has received 12 deeds with 2 still outstanding, which are involved in an estate.  On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, this road is to be placed on construction schedule for rebuilding with continued effort to obtain the two additional deeds.

Commr. Carson expressed a concern over the footage of the two outstanding deeds.  Commr. Deems stated the County has adequate prescriptive rights, and it will not hinder the construction of the road in the event they cannot be obtained.

On a motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the road and Bridge Department was authorized to place the extension of the Turkey Farm Road on the priority schedule for clay construction.

The County Engineer reported that the residents in the Bassville Park Subdivision had collected their share of the cost needed to pave Learn Road.  On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the construction of the road to begin.

Commr. Deems brought to the County Engineer’s attention that he had been contacted by Mr. Bob Marshall, owner of a Concrete Plant in Leesburg.  Mr. Marshall stated that the County had used clay out of his pit to build a base on the road that runs across his property.  He also stated that his concrete trucks had damaged the road.  Mr. Deems stated that Mr. Marshall used to wash out his trucks on the road and has done so on occasion but was stopped by an official of Lake County whose name Mr. Marshall could not remember.  Mr. Marshall has requested that if he furnishes the base, would the County be able to pave it or would it be possible to obtain permission to wash out the concrete trucks on this road.  Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, said he would certainly look into the situation and keep the Board informed on this matter.

Mr. Donoghue reported to the Board the details of the safety study program made available by the Governor’s Highway Safety Commission to the County, free of charge.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted requesting a representative from the Governor’s Highway Safety Commission to attend a Lake County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting to explain their safety program.

resolutions

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, the County Attorney is to write a Resolution to the family of Mr. Frank Lawton who passed away.

county buildings

Judge Hall appeared before the Board regarding the problem of the leaking roof during the heavy rains this past week.  The Board was informed that the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector were experiencing similar problems.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the situation was declared an emergency and the Clerk was instructed to obtain estimates from various roofers and was authorized to accept the lowest quotation.  The Board also requested that a Certificate of Guarantee be obtained from the roofer for his work.

county property

Judge Hall stated the Law Books in his library had not been sprayed and the insects could do irreparable damage to these books.  The Clerk was instructed to contact Clerment’s Pest Control and check into this matter.

Judge Hall stated that he needed more book shelves in his office.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request for more shelves and the Clerk is to contact Babe Coven about this.

recess and assembly

The meeting adjourned for lunch.  The Chairman announced the Board would have lunch at the Green Tile Restaurant in Eustis, and the press and public were invited on a  Dutch-treat basis.  The meeting reconvened at 1:30 P.M.

animals and accounts

The County Engineer presented tentative plans for the addition to the Lake County Animal Shelter.  Discussion was then held.  The estimated cost of the addition will be $7,000.00.  The Board instructed the Engineer to inform Mr. Al Ponds that if the construction would not be done at a maximum cost of $7,000.00, it is not to be started.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the plans for the addition to the animal Shelter were approved as submitted and the construction cost for this addition is not to exceed $7,000.00.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the necessary transfer of funds was authorized.

east central florida regional planning council

The Clerk presented a bill from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council requesting payment of the quarterly contribution.  The County Attorney advised the Board to have the Clerk write to ECFRPC requesting written proof that the Lake County contributions will not be used in the suit of ECFRPC vs. LAKE COUNTY.

hospitals

The Clerk presented a letter from Doctor Wilson T. Sowder, Director of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, stating that the per diem cost per patient day for the Tuberculosis Hospitals had been raised from $27.00 to $35.00, effective July 1, 1974.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr Burhans, and carried unanimously, the increase in cost was approved.

autos and trucks

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, brought to the Board’s attention that a car had been purchased for the Agricultural Center and Mr. Haddox, County Extension Director, has requested a gasoline credit card for in and out of County travel.  On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the appropriate cards be issued to Mr. Haddox to obtain gas from the County bulk plant and also, credit cards from two major oil companies for out of County travel.  It will be on a transfer billing cost.

juvenile

The Clerk reported to the Board that he had been informed by Mr. Boyd that the State will take over the Cadet Program.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved that the payroll records be sent to the State.

bonds

On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the following firearm bonds were approved:

Robert E. Bell

Mary Elizabeth Jenks

John Marroney

Richard Webb

On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, a Deputy Sheriff bond for Pat R. Kicklighter was approved.

On motion of Commr Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the following contractor’s bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved:

  820                Richard B. Garlington dba Garlington’s Plumbing

1191                Bobby D. Hollingsworth dba Sentry Mobile Service

1192                Richard L. Hayes (swimming pool)

1052                David Harrison (electrical contractor)

public health

Mr. William Hennessey, Acting Pollution Control Director, sent the Board a letter regarding a dredge and fill permit for Mid-Florida Lakes.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he remembers a condition in the rezoning prohibiting them to fill in any land below the mean high water line.  The Clerk was instructed to ask Mr. Hennessey to research this matter.

road closings

The continuance of the Public Hearing regarding the closing of Second Street in Okahumpka was held at this time.

Mrs. Edith B. Howard appeared in opposition to the road closing.  Discussion was then held.  On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, the petition to close Second Street in Okahumpka was denied.

planning and zoning

Mr. Donald Chernoff, Attorney representing Royal Trails, appeared regarding the CUP for Royal Trails.  Mr. Ford, County Attorney, furnished the Commissioners copies of the final draft of the CUP.

On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried, the CUP for Royal Trails was approved as amended, subject to the verification of the Attorney that the proper legal description of the land in question was advertised.  Commr. Burhans voted “no.”  A copy of the amended CUP is on file in the Board of County Commissioners’ Office.

Mrs. Katherine Steverson appeared and stated she was present because she thought the CUP would land lock her property, but all her questions had been answered through the discussion.

contracts and agreements

The County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, presented a contract from Kustom Signals, Inc. for approval.  On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to sign the contract.  Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”

meetings

The County Attorney reported that he had been in contact with Doyle Conner and Tom Adams and had invited them to view the Green Swamp area by plane.  Mr. Ford said Mr. Conner might be able to take advantage of it.

suits affecting the county

The County Attorney reported that the suit of HURLEY vs. LAKE COUNTY had been settled.

Mr. Ford informed the Board as to the status of the suit between CARR and LAKE COUNTY.  He stated Mr. Dan Robuck was going to attempt to obtain an interlocutory appeal which would move the trial to Lakeland and have the District Court consider the case.  On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Attorney is to use his discretion in the proper way to fulfill the demands of the Board of County Commissioners in defending the suit of CARR vs. LAKE COUNTY.

budgets

The Clerk brought the Board’s attention to the fact that Budget Hearings to discuss the 1974-1975 Budget had not been established.  The Chairman stated that since the State has requested a re-evaluation of the land in Lake County, the figures from the Tax Assessor’s Office will not be presented to the Board until September 1, 1974.

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board instructed the Clerk to write a letter to the Department of Revenue requesting a 30 day extension due to re-assessment of Lake County as requested by the State.

federal agencies

Mr. Ford, County Attorney, reported the status of the LEAA Program.  Discussion was held.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Attorney was instructed to contact the Sheriff to inquire if he would be interested in applying for these funds.

holidays

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved July 5, 1974 as an additional Holiday for County Employees.

funds – transfers

The Clerk presented a Court Order for the transfer of $26,715.42 from the Board of County Commissioners’ Contingency Fund to the Sheriff’s budget.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $26,715.42 from the Board of County Commissioners’ Contingency to Sheriff’s Account # 3101302, “Expenses Other Than Salaries.”

accounts

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of a new telemote unit for the new sign shop at a cost of $325.00 plus $25.00 installation fee.

On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of Certificates from the State for the MVI stations, in the amount of $6,000.00.

The Clerk presented the cost of the new microfilm equipment for the Clerk’s Office.  He stated the Board had previously approved an expenditure of $15,000 and that the total cost of the equipment would be $9,581.15.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of the new microfilm equipment at a total cost of $9,581.15 for the Clerk’s Office.

Mrs. Penny Belton, Secretary to the Planning Director, appeared with quotations from various printers for stationery for the Planning Department.  On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the quotation from Southern Printing at $118.15 as being the lowest and best of the four quotations.  The four quotations are on file in the Minute Folder for July 1974.

The Clerk presented a letter from Mr. Jack Haddox requesting permission to purchase a new copier for the Agricultural Center.  On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of a VCH 3M Copier at a total cost of $2,247.00.  The necessary transfer of funds were authorized.

On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the repair of books by the Dobbs Brothers Library Binding Company, Inc., in the amount of $1,075.00.

On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the installation of a telephone in the new sign shop facility at $21.75 per month and an installation charge of $20.00.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

 

___________________________                                                                  ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                                           CHAIRMAN