A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
december 10, 1974
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, December 10, 1974 in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida with the following members present: James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman, C. A. Deems, Thomas J. Windram, J. M. Hoskinson, 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 James R. Carson.
accounts allowed
Commr. Burhans stated that a request had been made for a new floor to be placed in the Lady’s Room at the American Legion Hall in Umatilla at a total cost of $45.00. Commr. Burhans reminded the Board that this was a County-owned building. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above request.
COUNTY PROPERTY
Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board a sign had been placed advertising PEPSI on a piece of County owned property being leased by the American Legion. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board instructed the Clerk to write to the Commander of the American Legion and inform him that the sign must be removed immediately because it is against County policy for commercial advertisements to be placed on County property. Also, they are to receive permission from the Board before placing any signs on any property they may be leasing from the County.
state agencies
Commr. Hoskinson brought to the Board’s attention that Lake County was delinquent in the payment of its dues to the State Association of County Commissioners. The Board requested that this be paid.
licenses and permits
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following Utility and Driveway Permits were approved:
PERMIT NO. PERMITTEE PURPOSE ROAD
701 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 2-3024
703 Florida Telephone Corp. Aerial Cable 2-2005
1-212 Sumter Electric Coop. Distribution Line 1-5538
5-202 City of Umatilla Water Main S-450
DRIVEWAY PERMITS
Henry W. DeVore 5-6666
Wilbur Zulauf 3-1158
Pine Acres, Inc. 2-2123
M. Kenneth Boykin 3-1741
MAPS AND PLATS
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Plat of Dora Pines Subdivision Unit 1, meeting all the County requirements, was approved for recording.
machinery and equipment
Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, brought to the attention of the Board the condition of the wiring of the pumps at the Bulk Plant. The Board requested that Mr. Ford, County Attorney, research the matter to determine which party is responsible for this repair.
supplies
Mr. Donoghue stated that there has been some difficulty in getting the storage tanks filled. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board declared an emergency and authorized the County Engineer to obtain quotations on tank loads of gasoline and diesel fuel for the purpose of filling the storage if it proves necessary to take this action.
public health
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the franchise of Robert Herrin for Septic Tank Service.
civil defense
Michael Donoghue stated that it would be permissible to move the Civil Defense supplies and equipment to the Umatilla Barn. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved that these supplies be moved.
animals
Mr. Donoghue informed the Board that an Animal Control Officer had been hired. He requested guidance as to policy the Board wanted to establish with regards to picking up animals in the City Limits.
It was the opinion of the Board that the Animal Control Officer would pick up animals within the City Limits upon request; however, if the volume of calls became too great it might necessitate picking up these animals at a central point.
maps and plats
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Plat of Quail Roost meeting all County requirements was approved for recording.
landfills
Commr. Hoskinson reported to the Board the progress he has made with regard to purchasing property in South Lake County for Landfill purposes. He stated that he hoped to have some sort of definite price to present before the Board in the near future.
At this time Mr. Donoghue stated that the Landfill Permit for site in Clermont will expire in January. The Board requested that he inform Tallahassee of the pending negotiations and attempt to obtain an extension of this permit.
indigents
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the following changes in the Indigent List were approved:
ADD Sara O’Keef for Norman Ware #1 $65.00
CANCEL Kermit Clay for Albert Warren #2 $40.00
ADD William D. Clay for Lona Byrd #3 $40.00
ADD Anita Mathews for Mamie Brooks #4 $40.00
CANCEL Sue Creech for Kenneth Van Gorder #5 $65.00
chamber of commerce
Mr. J. Carl Smith, Executive Director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Board to discuss the auditors’ comments regarding the accounts of the Convention grounds. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Ken Hart, Past President and Director of the Chamber of Commerce, would speak to the Board.
Mr. Hart outlined the history of the Chamber, Convention Center, and the Fair Association. He stated that these accounts were separate and independent of each other and that they should remain that way so as not to mingle funds from the different accounts. Discussion was held as to the feasibility of leasing the building to the Chamber or to pay them for services rendered during a particular month.
Mr. Smith stated that he would not mind for the County to take over the accounts of the convention center; however, his workers are retired and do not want to be employed by the County and would like to be paid within the week they work. Discussion was held as to the possibility of setting up a fund for labor which Mr. Smith could draw from.
The Board requested that Mr. Watkins, Mr. Ford and Mrs. Babb confer about this and resolve the matter.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the payment of the two requests for funds by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”
insurance
Mr. Watkins stated that certain information had to be supplied to the Insurance Companies and requested permission to change the date to receive bids on Liability Insurance from December 23, 1974 to December 30, 1974 at 10:00 A.M. This met with approval of the Board.
budget
Mr. Watkins requested that December 30, 1974, at 10:15 P.M. also be the advertised time for the approval of the final budget for the 1974-1975 Fiscal Year. This, too, met with approval of the Board.
courthouse
Mr. Watkins stated that most of the offices have been moved out of the Pioneer Building. He stated that alterations would be needed in the new location for the Civil Defense and Welfare Offices. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Clerk to accomplish the alterations at the new location for the above mentioned departments on a time and material basis.
deeds
Captain Blount appeared before the Board and stated that he would like to deed to the County the island that he owns in Haines Creek. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the County Attorney to draw the necessary documents for this land to be deeded to the County.
recess and reassembly
At 12:00 Noon the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at the Mount Dora Motor Lodge. The Public and Press were invited on a Dutch-treat basis. The Chairman stated that the Board would reconvene at 2:00 P.M.
zoning
ZONING VIOLATION 74-86 Fate Lee Jones
Mr. Jones appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board found him in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-87 Talmage Fussel
Mr. Henderson, Code Enforcement Officer, stated that his attorney had called and requested a 30 day postponement.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board postponed this case until January 16, 1974 at 2 P.M.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-88 Douglas Cowan
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board found him in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave Mr. Cowan 10 days to cease his operation.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-89 William May
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, he was found in violation and given 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-94 Samuel J. Howard
Mr. Howard appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Howard in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1 and 71-6.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-90 Judith Johnson
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, Judith Johnson was found in violation, declared a public nuisance and given 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1 and 71-6. This will not include the appropriate dune buggies which will be left to the judgment of the Code Enforcement Officer. Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”
ZONING VIOLATION 74-91 John E. Kranich
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. Discussion was held as to what constitutes a dune buggy.
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board found Mr. Kranich in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1 and 71-6. Commr. Carson voted “no.”
ZONING VIOLATION 74-92 Zella K. Liles
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board found him in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-93 Gary E. Barley
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board found him in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
ZONING VIOLATION 74-96 Bobby Caruthers
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board found him in violation, declared him a public nuisance and gave him 5 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6. Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.” The Board further stated that before a mobile home is allowed to be placed on a building site during construction it be brought before the Board for approval.
COUNTY BUILDINGS
Commr. Deems stated that the Mental Health will be moving into its new facilities December 16, 1974. Mr. Watkins stated that they are leaving the building in good condition.
The Board requested the Clerk to check and see how much room Mary Hamner, Nursing Home Administrator, would need and then check the possibility of moving the Welfare Offices into the remaining space available.
planning and zoning
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, Mr. Charles Pettyjohn and Mr. Stephen Vaughn were approved to serve as representatives on the Planning and Zoning Board for District #4.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following Contractor Bonds were approved:
267-75 Donald W. Asbeck (Electrical Contractor)
324-75 Sterline Huggins (Painting)
508-75 Robert D. Spears dba Spears Insulation Co.
1157-75 William Eisenbrandt dba Eisenbrandt & Sons
salaries and wages
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the salary increase of Mrs. Lucille Harper, Receptionist-Secretary, from $4043.00 to $4070.85 retroactive as of October 1, 1974.
contracts and agreements
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Chairman and Clerk to sign the agreement for the continuation of the Cooperative Hydrologic Records Program during the 1975 Fiscal Year between the Geological Survey and the Water Authority of which the County’s share is $2,500.
HOSPITALS
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the Budget report of South Lake Memorial Hospital for the 1974-1975 Fiscal Year.
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the Budget report for Waterman Memorial Hospital for the 1974-1975 Fiscal Year.
resolutions
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution, upon the recommendation of the County Attorney, to be sent to our Legislative Delegation requesting the Legislature to readopt Florida Statutes, Section 125.41, relating to conveyance of land by County.
commissioners
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board elected Commr. Hoskinson to be the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the year 1975 effective December 17, 1974.
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board elected Commr. Windram to be the Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the year 1975 effective December 17, 1974.
resolutions
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution commending Commr. Carson for his service to the County while serving as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
outdoor recreational facilities
Mr. Ed Zagar of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, appeared before the Board and requested on behalf of the Lake Improvement Association $1200 for the construction of a Cyprus fish attractor to be placed in Lake Yale. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above request.
planning and zoning
Mr. Michael Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board and presented the Fourth Draft of the Green Swamp Development Code as required by the State of Florida.
Discussion was held. Mr. Willett stated that the State hopes to have a code adopted by January 23, 1975. He recommended that the Board have a representative from the State attend a Board meeting to enable the Commissioners to receive answers to questions they have had since the beginning of the development of this code and also to voice their opinion as to the sections they are unclear and which the Board feels would be impossible to enforce.
courthouse
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, brought to the attention of the Board that the Architects would like the Board to take some action on the pre-qualifications of Bidders. Discussion was held. Comr. Hoskinson voiced his concern over the economic situation of today. Commr. Deems and Commr. Windram were concerned over the legal and moral obligation the County would have to these contractors after requesting them to complete this lengthy form. Another point of discussion was the title problem the County was experiencing with regard to the site for the new Courthouse.
tax levy
At 5:15 the Chairman requested that the Clerk read the proof of publication for the public hearing on the increased millage in the Lake County Northwest Hospital (Ambulance) District. The proof of publication is on file in the office of the Board of County Commissioners.
For the benefit of the audience Commr. Carson stated that the Northwest District was requesting a millage of .42 which would generate $114,428. Commr. Carson then proceeded to read the resolution which would be signed by the Chairman and the Clerk should the Board approve this millage increase.
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution approving .42 mills for the Lake County Northwest Hospital (Ambulance) District and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.
The Chairman requested that the Clerk read the proof of publication for the public hearing on the increase millage in the Lake County Northwest Hospital (Ambulance) District. Proof of publication is on file in the Board of County Commissioners’ room.
Mrs. Farner of Tavares appeared before the Board and stated that in light of the fact that Waterman Memorial Hospital was taking over the services previously rendered by Lennon’s Ambulance Service the Board should wait about one year to view its operation before instituting a millage increase. The Board members informed Mrs. Farner that even if Waterman Memorial Hospital did not take over this service Lennon’s would have requested the same millage increase.
On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the resolution approving a millage of .2506 mills for the Lake County Northeast Hospital (Ambulance) District and authorized the chairman and the Clerk to sign same.
courthouse
The Board returned to the discussion on the Pre-qualifications of Bidders. A point of discussion was with regard to Section 10 which stated that the financial disclosure statements will be kept confidential. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Windram and carried upon the recommendation of the County Attorney the Board approved the Pre-qualification of Bidders form with the exclusion of Section 10. Commr. Hoskinson and Commr. Burhans voted “no.”
supplies
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he had researched the legality of allowing the Pine Lakes Fire Department to purchase tires from the County according to Florida State Statute 125.38. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Pine Lakes Volunteer Fire Department to purchase tires through the County provided that total cost of the tires is deposited with the finance department before purchasing.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the following vouchers were approved for payment:
General Revenue 292-556A
Auto Inspection 23-39
Fine and Forfeiture 48-76
Roads and Bridges 123-215
Capital Outlay Reserve (County Buildings) 2
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
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james r. carson, jr., chairman
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James C. Watkins, Clerk