A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 21, 1977

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, June 21, 1977, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  C.A. “Lex” Deems, Chairman; Glenn C. Burhans and James R. Carson, Jr.  Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.   Absent was Thomas J. Windram who was out of town.

The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by James R. Carson, Jr.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved Contractor Bond #1544-77 Robert F. Oatman (Residential Contractor).  Commr. Hoskinson was absent for the vote.

accounts allowed

The Deputy Clerk presented to the Board a letter from the City of Eustis stating that it would not waive the Sewer Tap, Building, Plumbing and Electric Permits for work done at the Lake County Fairgrounds.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved payment of the above mentioned bills totaling $574.10.

courthouse/insurance

The Deputy Clerk reminded the Board that when the New Courthouse was being constructed the County took out Builders Risk Insurance.  Since the Building has been completed it has been endorsed onto the County’s Building Policy held by Simpson Wiate Insurance Company in Mount Dora.  It has been requested that the Board approve the release of the Builders Risk Insurance that it took out with Lassiter-Ware Insurance Company.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the release and return of the Builders Risk Insurance Policy purchased by Lassiter-Ware Insurance Company.  Commr. Hoskinson was out for the vote.

accounts allowed

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, informed the Board that the Landscaping of the Courthouse had been 100% completed and that the Building Committee is requesting that the Board approve payment to Johnson and Smith, Landscapers, of the remainder of their bill for this work.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved payment to aforementioned landscapers in the amount of $5,552 which is the remainder of their bid price.

bids

Mr. Robert Andrew, County Engineer, appeared before the Board with the bid tabulations for the paving of the parking lots.

He suggested the Board approve the Bid from Carroll Contraction in the amount of $20,858.10 for the job on Ruby Street and accept the bid from Superior Asphalt in the amount of $13,725 for the job on Barrow Avenue.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present the Board accepted the above bids from Carrol Contracting and Superior Asphalt as recommended by the County Engineer and approved for him to negotiate to have the additional parking space behind the new Courthouse paved under one of the above mentioned contracts.  The County Engineer was directed to obtain from the City of Tavares the necessary approval for angle parking because the cars will be backing out of the proposed spaces on a City Maintained Street.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the Public Works Department to purchase MVI Inspection Stickers for the Inspection Stations.

roads-county/resolutions

Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that there is a problem on Burhans Road near Lake Dalhousie.  He stated that some time ago the Board adopted a resolution changing the speed on this road to 25 mph and 35 mph; however, the signs had not yet been changed to reflect this action and requested that the Board adopt a resolution reinstating the 15 mph speed limit on those portions of the road that are currently 25 mph.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted a resolution changing the speed limits on Burhans DR 5- as requested by Commr. Burhans.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Burhans stated that he had been contacted about disturbances of the peace at recreational parks after dark, particularly at Lake Mack.  He requested that the Board contact the Sheriff requesting that he patrol these areas more often.  This met with the approval of the Board.

county property

Mr. Watkins informed the Board that the Sheriff had requested a three drawer file cabinet and a four drawer file cabinet.  Mr. Watkins stated that there are cabinets on the property list not being used and would transfer the requested items to the Sheriff’s Department for his use.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of property #1617, 1996 to the Sheriff’s Department for his use.

courthouse

The Board discussed the condition of the sound equipment in the new Board of County Commissioners Room.  There was present, at this time, a representative from the company who installed the sound equipment.  He discussed with the Board the connection of the sound system into the offices of the five commissioners.  This type of arrangement was not agreeable to the entire Board.  Commr. Deems discussed his desire to have a switch by which he could turn off the individual microphones in front of each commissioner.  Discussion was held regarding the placement of a control box near the Chairman.  Mr. Watkins stated that he felt he could work with the manufacturer and make the necessary adjustments that would meet the approval of the Board.

Discussion was held regarding the ability of people appearing before the Board to carry the microphone to all parts of the Board Room.  It was suggested that a lavaliere microphone which would attach easily to the clothing of an individual be installed in the Board room.  This met with the approval of the Board.

courthouse/accounts allowed

Mr. Watkins brought to the attention of the Board that there were areas around the Courthouse which the Building Committee felt needed some sort of landscaping attention.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the following landscaping work which is in addition to the work that is being done under the advertised bid price.

work to be done                                                                                    cost

Landscape the four (4) fingerling concrete islands to the

South and East of the new Courthouse.  Twenty (20)

Plants (5 for each island) and mulch.                                                                  $220.00

 

Additional plants, ground cover and mulch for the area

at the east end of the Old Courthouse (5 large plants

Plus 200 sq. feet of ground cover.)                                                                    $500.00

 

Sod and grade the area between the jail and south

parking lot.                                                                                                       $450.00

 

Shape two (2) additional existing trees.                                                              $  50.00 each

 

Commr. Deems asked if the Courthouse gardener knew how to care for the plants in and around the Courthouse.  Mr. Watkins stated that the Landscapers had offered to walk around the Courthouse with the gardener and brief him on the care of the plants in the Courthouse.

machinery and equipment

Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that Mr. Keith Hall was interested in having two of the three power files in the old Courthouse transferred to his office and that the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services was interested in renting the remaining power file.

Mr. Watkins stated that it would cost approximately $1,500 to move each power file.  It was the opinion of the Board that if the Tax Collector decided to take the power files in question it should be his responsibility to bear the total cost for moving and placing back in operation the power files being discussed.  It was further discussed that if the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services wished to use the remaining power file that it would be responsible for the total maintenance and upkeep of the machine.  The rental price of the machine was discussed at this time.  The rental fee of $1.00 per year was discussed.  Mr. Ford stated that he would be willing to discuss this with the proper authorities.  No formal action was taken at this time.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the transfer of two power files from the Clerk’s Property Records to the Tax Collector.  The total cost for the transfer of these files will be at expense of the Tax Collector.

courthouse

Commr. Hoskinson discussed with the Board the proposed timetable he received from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services regarding its move into the Old Courthouse.

Discussion was held regarding the alterations that would have to be made in the Old Courthouse such as extra outlets, room dividers, etc. to accommodate the personnel moving into the Old Courthouse who are employed by the State.

It was stated that Mr. Gene Dixon, County Maintenance Engineer, could probably supervise most of the work needed.  Further discussion was held on the manner in which these alterations should be done.

Mr. Watkins suggested that an account be established for the purpose of paying for those alterations needed in the Old Courthouse.

Discussion was held regarding the use of CETA workers to compose a crew to do the refurbishing work at the Courthouse.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the establishment of an account for the refurbishing of the Old Courthouse in the amount of $5,000.  The Board approved the necessary transfer of funds be made, if these monies are not already available in the Building Fund.

The Board also stated that the Chairman, Chairman of the Building Committee, or the Clerk in the absence of the preceding two, may approve refurbishing work be done in the Old Courthouse.

libraries

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board selected Mr. Cecil Beach to be the consultant to conduct the Library Study in Lake County under the Grant which is being applied for by the Department of Planning.  Mr. Cecil Beach must also receive the approval of the Planning Department.

meetings

Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that this Friday and Saturday the State Association of County Commissioners will be holding its meeting at the Mission Inn and Country Club in Howey-in-the-Hills.  At this time, the State Association will probably interview applicants to fill the position of Executive Director of the Association previously held by Mr. Eddie Hafner, who is retiring.

roads-county/subdivision

At 10:30 A.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the approval of the Preliminary Assessment Roll for that part of Lake Eustis Drive in Sunny Dell Park Subdivision which was inadvertently omitted from the advertisement for the public held on June 7, 1977.

At this time Mr. Ford stated that although this public hearing was legally advertised he suggested that it be postponed until July 5, 1977 at 10:00 A.M. because those persons who appeared at the public hearing on June 7, 1977 were told the next hearing would be held on July 5, 1977.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board postponed the public hearing to approve the preliminary assessment roll for that portion of Lake Eustis Drive in Sunny Dell Park Subdivision until July 5, 1977 at 10:00 A.M. as recommended by the County Attorney.

meetings

Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that the annual meeting of the National Association of Counties was holding its meeting in Detroit in the month of July and that he planned to attend.  The Board discussed who should be delegated the authority to cast Lake County’s two votes in voting items at this meeting.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Commr. Hoskinson to have the authority to cast Lake County’s two votes at the meeting of the National Association of County Commissioners in Detroit during the month of July.

insurance/county buildings

The Deputy Clerk informed the Board that notification had been received that the insurance coverage on the Lake County Memorial Nursing Home would be terminated as of July 1, 1977, due to the action of the legislature forbidding this type of coverage being handled by Joint Underwriters Association (JUA).

She informed the Board that Lassiter-Ware Insurance Agency had submitted a quotation for full coverage on the Nursing Home at a premium of $6,900 annually.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board declared an emergency and approved the quotation from Lassiter-Ware Insurance Agency for coverage of the Lake Memorial Nursing Home at an annual premium of $6,900.

county employees/accounts allowed

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a request from the custodial crew for some sort of uniform.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he felt it was a good idea for the custodial help to have these uniforms to aid in the wear on personal clothing and so that they could be easily identified in the Courthouse.  He stated that the employees were willing to pick up half of the cost for the uniforms; however, Commr. Hoskinson suggested that the County absorb the entire cost for the uniforms.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved for the custodial crews to be equipped with uniforms with the cost of these uniforms being absorbed by the County.

district iii planning council

Doctor James Fisher and Mr. Don Walsh from the North Central Florida Health Planning Council appeared before the Board to obtain approval of the proposed District III Mental Health Plan from the Board of County Commissioners.

Points of discussion were the amount of financial support Lake County would have to give to the District III Mental Health Board.  Discussion was held on having an independent CPA Firm annually audit the District III Mental Health Board.

Discussion was held on the present staff at the District III Mental Health Board and the proposed expansion of the staff anticipated in the future.

Doctor Fisher informed the Board that there was a form resolution which all counties, approving the plan, will adopt.  Mr. Ford stated that he had reviewed the resolution and suggested some changes.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted the proposed resolution as amended by Mr. Christopher Ford, County Attorney.

recess and reassembly

At 12:00 Noon the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at the Silver Lake Golf and Country Club.  The public and press were invited on a Dutch-treat basis.

sewer treatment plants

Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board and stated that the City of Eustis is requesting that the 201 Facility Planning Grant be extended to include a Sewer Survey.  Discussion was held.  Mr. Willett stated that he had no objection to this request.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved for Mr. Willett to sign the necessary application and approved for the Chairman to sign the Equal Rights Compliance Form.  Commr. Hoskinson was absent for the vote.

Mr. Willett presented to the Board the resolution in which Lake County adopted the 201 Modified “C” Plan as a County Plan.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the resolution as presented and authorized the Chairman to sign same.

grants

Mr. Willett presented to the Board, for its approval and the Chairman’s signature, the application of EDA Public Works Funds which Lake County has applied for to pave roads.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved for the Chairman to sign the above mentioned application.

communications

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a letter from the National Association of Counties notifying Lake County that NACo has selected Lake County to receive the NACo New County, U.S.A. Achievement Award for its development of a Purchasing Department, Personnel Department and Animal Control Department.  It was also stated that this award would be presented to the representative from Lake County attending the NACo Conference in Detroit, Michigan, July 23-27.

contracts and agreements

The Deputy Clerk presented to the Board the amended contract between Lake County and Youth Programs, Inc., to reflect the financial support Lake County will give to this organization in the 1977-1978 Fiscal Year.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the above amended contract and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.

planning and zoning

cup 545-2 spray field

Mr. Willett stated that this case was postponed about three months ago and since that time Hawthorne has decided to hook up to the City of Leesburg’s Sewer System and no longer has a use for the spray field as requested.  He stated that he had received a letter from the petitioner requesting that this case be withdrawn. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously by those present the Board approved the withdrawal of this case as requested.

45-77-1 a, c-2 and rr to all rr; c-2 to a s. possee and p & z commission

Mrs. McCurdy appeared before the Board and stated that land owned by her was included in this rezoning and stated that she did not want her land rezoned.  The Board asked why Mrs. McCurdy’s land was involved in the rezoning.  Mr. Willett stated that this was in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan in an attempt to discourage strip commercial developing along the highways.  Discussion was held.

Mr. Ed Sawyer appeared before the Board to object to this rezoning because he owns property which would be adjacent to this land and requests that it remain C-2 because he purchased his property for the purpose of developing on it someday.

Mr. Tom Grizzard, Realtor, appeared before the Board on behalf of his father who owns property in the area and who, too, is opposed to this land being rezoned RR.

Those that appeared did not object to Mr. Possee rezoning his property RR, but did object to their property which was included in the rezoning.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission was upheld and the Board rezoned Mr. Possee’s property to RR and stated that the rest of the property under consideration would remain zoned C2.

rezoning 46-77-1  r-1-7 to rr  horace warren

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and postponed this case until the next rezoning hearing.

rezoning 53-77-1 a to R-1-5  ralph stafford

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was denied.

cup 141a-1 permit permanent mobile homes  paul okonski

Mr. Willett presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Okonski’s Attorney requesting that this case be withdrawn without prejudice.  Discussion was held.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was denied.

rezoning 47-77-4 to r-1-7  theodore carey

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

rezoning 48-77-5  r-1-7 to c-2   p & z commission

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

rezoning 49-77-4  rr to a  empire trucking

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was denied.

rezoning 50-77-5  r-1-7 to cp  delma mobley

Paul Mobley appeared before the Board and explained the operation of his business to the Board.  Discussion was held.  At this time the Board discussed if the operation would be a bothersome site to the neighbors and Mr. Mobley stated that he would be willing to erect a fence.

Mr. Z. Osborne, Attorney for Mr. John Taylor, adjacent property owner, appeared before the Board regarding this case.  He stated that his client would like to see a fence erected around this business.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was overturned and the rezoning to CP was approved subject to the approval of the site plan which must be submitted to the Planning Department and approve by the Board of County Commissioners.

Commr. Hoskinson vote “no.”

rezoning 51-77-5  a to rr  j.c. white

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

rezoning 52-77-5  a to ra  j.c. white

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

cup 568-5  cup in a for hog ranch  huckeba and adams

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this CUP.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was approved.

cup 569-4  cup for mobile home as carEtakers residence in lm willner

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson  seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was revoked.

cup 142-1  revocation of cup for a church  p & z commission

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was revoked.

rezoning 54-77-3  rmrp to rm  curtis rodgers

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning to RM was approved.

rezoning 55-77-2  a to lm  f.c.w. kramer, iii

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

recess and reassembly

At 3:10 P.M. the Chairman announced that there would be a five minute recess.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved that the following vouchers be paid:

General Revenue                                                                      2250-2362

Fine and Forfeiture                                                                   336-375

Road and Bridge                                                                      777-818

COR County Buildings                                                             59-66

Youth Vol. Counselor Fund                                                      11

Block Grant                                                                              6

Road and Bridge Special Assessment                                        5

CETA VI                                                                                 63-66

CETA 2                                                                                   29-30

Title 2 Antirecession                                                                 4

Auto Inspection                                                                        163-173

 

courthouse/accounts allowed

Mr. Watkins presented to the Board the final bill from the Landscaper.  It was stated that the job was 100% complete except for those additional items which the Board approved this morning.  He did inform the Board that in error a tree was pruned at an additional cost of $50.00.  It was recommended that the County approve the payment of the final bill to Johnson and Smith Landscapers.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved payment of the final bill from Johnson and Smith Landscapers.

minutes

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the minutes of May 10, 1977 as amended.

courthouse

At this time discussion was held on the condition of the carpet in the New Lake County Courthouse.  Mr. Ford stated that representatives from the company who manufactured the carpet were scheduled to meet with the Building Committee and review the problem.

minutes

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the minutes of May 17, 1977, as amended.

On motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 24, 1977, were approved as submitted.

county employees/salaries

Commr. Deems stated that Mr. Knuckles, Purchasing Agent, completed his six month probationary period on June 15, 1977.  On a motion b Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved that effective June 15, 1977, Mr. Knuckles would be raised to a salary of $13,500.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board the meeting adjourned at 3:40 P.M.

 

_____________________________

C.A. “LEX” DEEMS, CHAIRMAN

 

__________________________

james c. watkins, clerk