A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
august 9, 1977
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, August 9, 1977, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Present were: C.A. Deems, Chairman; Thomas J. Windram; Glenn C. Burhans; James R. Carson, Jr.; and J. M. Hoskinson. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerks.
The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by James R. Carson.
minutes
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the minutes of July 5, 1977 as amended.
outdoor recreational facilities
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from Patricia Farner, City Councilwoman from the City of Tavares, requesting the County to make major repairs to Eustis and Summerall Park.
Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would contact Mrs. Farner regarding this matter and report back to the Board at a later date.
department heads/county employees
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from Glenn Middleton, Building Official, reminding the Board that he will be on vacation from August 29 through September 12, 1977.
roads – county- state
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a certified copy of excerpts from the minutes of the Department of Transportation meeting held in Tallahassee on July 28, 1977 pertaining to traffic regulation changes.
grants
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Housing and Urban Development informing Lake County that its letter of credit for the S.E. Umatilla area had been increased to $375,000.
public health/accounts allowed
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from McLaughlin Funeral Home in Crestview, Florida, regarding the transportation of the wrong body to Crestview.
Commr Deems stated that he had discussed this matter with Dr. Bill Shultz, Medical Examiner for the Fifth Judicial Circuit and found that somehow the two bodies were tagged incorrectly and no one is claiming responsibility for the mistake. Discussion was held.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment to McLaughlin Funeral Home in the amount of $275 for the transportation of the mistagged body to Crestview, Florida.
roads – county – state
Mr. George Smith, representative from the Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board to discuss the status of the Secondary Work Program due to the recent legislation in the Florida Legislature.
George Smith stated that the DOT would not continue with any projects unless specifically requested to do so by the County. He stated to date it had received a resolution from the County requesting that it continue its work on Dixie Avenue and Donnelly Street projects.
He presented to each Board member a copy of the cash flow sheet and stated that they would have to take formal action on any project which they would like the DOT to continue working on.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Department of Transportation to continue its planned work on priority projects 2 through 14 as listed on the cash flow sheet provided by Mr. George Smith.
Discussion was held regarding the procedure that must be used to determine what is a collector road according to the new legislation.
At this time, discussion was held on the status of the Lisbon and Astor Bridge.
communications/county employees
Mr. T.H. Poole, representative from the NAACP, appeared before the Board to voice his opinion on Lake County’s Affirmative Action Program. Mr. Poole asked if he would be receiving an answer to his letter which he submitted to the Board last week.
Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had met with Mr. Middleton and Mr. Dan Robuck and that an answer to his letter would be forthcoming within a few days.
recess and reassembly
At 12:15 p.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch to the Park Restaurant in Tavares. The public and press were invited on a dutch treat basis.
appointments
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board formally appointed the following persons to serve on the Lake County Library Planning Advisory Board: Ms. Anna May Hunt, Mr. H.W. Dandridge, The Honorable William Morgan, The Honorable John F. Blatt, The Honorable George Schrodel, Mr. Henry Czech, The Honorable Carl A. Vossberg, The Honorable Carolyn Hamric, The Honorable Edwin Merrill, Commissioner James R. Carson, Jr., Mrs. Dottie Paddock, The Honorable Carlton Dowling, and Mrs. Jean Williams.
grants/ceta
Mr. Willett stated that he had discussed with Mr. Porter the possibility of using the CETA Funds for the Housing Rehabilitation Element. He stated that he was urged to use these funds for this purpose.
He presented to the Board for approval projects in which these funds would be used.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the first project as submitted which is to use CETA workers in the housing rehabilitation program in the S.E. Umatilla area. It was requested that a neighborhood clean-up crew be included in this project. Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved project #2 which is to obtain accurate information on tons per day delivered to each landfill.
outdoor recreational facilities/resolutions
Michael Willett requested the Board approve and adopt a resolution for the Gilbert Park Dock #2 for the City of Mount Dora. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the resolution as presented by Mr. Willett involving the Boating Improvement Fund.
accounts allowed
Commr. Windram presented to the Board a bill from Jet Mark in the amount of $847.65 for work performed on Morningside Drive. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above-mentioned bill be paid.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following Contractor Bonds:
1563-77 Wayne Dukes (Master Plumbing)
1566-77 Frederick Kurfiss (Residential)
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the cancellation of the following Contractor Bonds:
1022-77 Harry H. Showers
1146 Rolland J. Atley
1237-77 Gordon D. Albright dba A & R Concrete Company
1380 A.C. Steele dba Freedom Air Conditioning
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Emogene Stegall to attend the Supervisors of Election Florida Convention in Ocala August 9 -12, 1977.
hospitals
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of Carl Eugene Hale to the A.G. Holley State Hospital.
funds – transfer
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $700 from the DWI School reserve of contingency fund to purchase a desk, chair and typewriter, which was approved for purchase on August 2, 1977.
licenses and permits
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following firearm applications and $500 firearm bonds:
John R. Jones Alfred H. Earls Marcia Smiley
Magnus Olsen John H. Taylor, Sr. Willie F. Kelley
Timothy Jezek
zoning
zoning violation 77-51 tommy merrill
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. Mr. Willett reported to the Board that Mr. Merrill had cleaned up the property considerably since he had been cited.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board postponed this case for 60 days.
zoning violation 47-77 joseph orlando
Mr. Ford stated that he and Mr. Willett had gone out to see the property in question and due to a misunderstanding, did not contact Mr. Orlando before they arrived to notify him that they were coming. At this time, Mr. Ford apologized to Mr. Orlando for this error.
Mr. Ford suggested several possible answers to solve Mr. Orlando’s problem.
Mr. Orlando appeared before the Board and stated that he did not intend to cover his cars and that if the County was determined to pursue the matter, it would have to become a court case.
Mr. Ford suggested that the case be dismissed and that the Ordinance be amended to address in detail the matter of cars on a persons’ property which do not have current inspection stickers or license tags. Mr. Ford stated that if this was done, Mr. Orlando would have notice that the Board was taking this action and would have time to remedy the problem on his property before he was cited again.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board dismissed the charges against Mr. Orlando. Comm. Carson voted “no.”
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board directed the County Attorney and Planning Department to draft an amendment to the Ordinance 1970-1 to address directly the subject of junk vehicles on an individuals property.
zoning violation 77-23 joseph butts
It was brought to the attention of the Board that Mr. Butts has not ceased his lawnmower shop in Altoona.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board directed the County Attorney to proceed with the necessary legal action to have Mr. Butts cease operation of his machine shop.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the mobile home bond for Alman Dixon subject to the necessary bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the mobile home bond for Richard Yager subject to the necessary bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the mobile home bond for Ronald Hart subject to the necessary bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the mobile home bond for Dennis Enix subject to the necessary bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the mobile home bond for Bobby Grimes subject to the necessary bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board postponed action on the mobile home bond for Pauline Edmonson because the property on which she wanted to place the mobile home was in Sumter County.
sewer treatment
Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board the request from the City of Mount Dora for the County to adopt Plan “A” for the 201 Plan.
Mr. Willett reported to the Board that according to Hugh Harling, County Consultant, it would cost approximately $25,000 to do over some of the reports and studies that have already been completed.
county buildings
Commr. Hoskinson stated that the Juvenile Shelter building was in need of repair. Discussion was held. The Board stated that since the County rents this building to the State for a nominal fee of $1.00 per year, the State should maintain the building.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board requested the County Attorney to review the lease agreement and send a letter to the appropriate agency informing them of their responsibility to maintain the building.
Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board the problems the Public Works building is experiencing with its septic tanks. Commr. Hoskinson will look into the matter.
courthouse
Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that due to Lake County assuming the responsibility of the CETA Title I Program, the CETA Offices will need additional space and would like to allocate them more space in the old Chamber of Commerce Building, specifically that space which was allocated to the Legal Aid Society.
The Clerk was requested to notify the proper authorities at the Lake County Legal Aid Society of the Board’s decision regarding the allocation of space tentatively assigned to them in the old Chamber of Commerce Building.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the assignment of additional space to the CETA Program in the old Chamber of Commerce Building as previously discussed.
courthouse/county employees
Mr. Watkins discussed with the Board the additional burden placed on the County Finance Department pertaining to the additional people being hired under the CETA Program and the need to have the proper payroll records kept.
He suggested the creation of a Payroll Department consisting of Jan Adams, presently in the Finance Department and in charge of the Payroll, and two CETA Personnel who will assist in the keeping of the proper records and writing payroll for the CETA employees. Mr. Watkins further stated that additional space would have to be allocated to the Finance Department in the New Courthouse to accommodate these additional employees. He informed the Board that there was a vacant, finished room on the fourth floor which would be adequate to accommodate these people. He also stated that additional equipment would be needed in this Department and that he did not anticipate the cost to exceed $500. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above suggestion as outlined by James C. Watkins, Clerk.
county buildings/animals
Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that there was a problem at the Animal Shelter involving the Septic Tank and drainage field. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Purchasing Department to obtain quotations on the repair of this septic tank and authorized the use of CETA workers to do the necessary work. The Board also authorized the necessary transfer of funds.
courthouse
Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board the request from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to carpet the old Law Library on the Fourth Floor of the Old Lake County Courthouse. It was also presented to the Board that a request had been made to carpet the Zoning Violation Department in the Planning and Zoning Department.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board appropriated $1,500 for carpeting the old Law Library in the Old Lake County Courthouse and the Zoning Violation Department in the Planning and Zoning Department.
Commr. Burhans voted “no.”
county buildings
Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that the roof on the Public Works building was in need of replacement. He stated that Gary Knuckles, Purchasing Director, estimates that the cost to replace the roof would be approximately $4,000 - $5,000.
The Board directed Commr. Hoskinson to advise the Purchasing Department to obtain quotations on the replacement of the roof in question and bring the quotations back to the Board for formal action.
Commr. Hoskinson also presented to the Board the need to replace the windows on the north side of the offices previously occupied by the Pollution Control Department. He suggested that the Purchasing Department obtain quotations to replace the above-mentioned wooden windows with aluminum windows. This met with the approval of the Board.
CIVIL DEFENsE/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED
Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that the Civil Defense Department was in need of furniture. Commr. Hoskinson also advised the Board that 50 percent of the cost of this furniture would be reimbursed to the County through matching funds from the State. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the expenditure of funds in the amount not to exceed $900 to purchase new furniture for the Civil Defense Department with the County being reimbursed for 50 percent of the expense through matching State Funds.
appointments/committee on the status of women
Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board for its consideration a request to adopt a resolution allowing the Committee on the Status of Women to become a Commission and be affiliated with the Regional Commission on the Status of Women, thereby giving them the benefit of applying for grant monies to run the organization. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution permitting the Lake County Committee on the Status of Women to become affiliated with the Regional Commission on the Status of Women with the stipulation that they not partake in political activities.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution approving for the Lake County Committee on the Status of Women to become affiliated with the Regional Commission on the Status of Women, which would allow them to become eligible for grant monies; however, it is to be clearly stipulated in the resolution that they are not to take part in political activities, partisan or otherwise.
courthouse/county property
Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that Mr. Knuckles is working on the advertised sale of the courtroom benches which have been declared surplus. He stated that Mr. Knuckles had established a minimum bid of $90 on the small benches and a minimum bid of $110 on the large benches.
budgets
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board ratified the action of the Vice-Chairman, James R. Carson, Jr., in approving the Supplemental CETA Budget for PSE Title VI Funds.
reports
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Statement of Assurances for the General Revenue Sharing Funds and authorized the Chairman to sign same.
county buildings/contracts and agreements
Mr. Watkins, Clerk, reminded the Board that it had rented office space owned by Ken Retebuch located behind the barber shop on Main Street in Tavares. He stated that the rental lease was for $1.00 per square foot “as is.” Mr. Watkins stated that he had been notified by the owner that he has a prospective tenant interested in the space and would like to know if the Board of County Commissioners plans to continue renting the space in question. Mr. Watkins stated that at the present time the County is using it for storage. Discussion was held. The Board instructed Mr. Watkins to inform Mr. Retebuch that the County does not intend to renew its lease when it expires.
contracts and agreements
Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services requesting that lease #590:1011 on the building located at 403 N. Main Street be cancelled.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the cancellation of the above lease and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.
road closings
Mr. Ford presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Robert Matthias, Attorney, requesting the Board to join in the petition to close certain roads in Groveland Farms.
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, advised the Board that it should not join in this petition because it will be necessary for the Board of County Commissioners to hear the petition and take formal action in the closing of the roads and therefore should not be a party to this petition.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Ford presented to the Board the Agreement between HRS and Lake County for the Medical Examiners Program for the 1977-1978 fiscal year.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above agreement as recommended and approved by the County Attorney and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.
ordinances
Mr. Ford presented to the Board for its consideration an Emergency Ordinance prohibiting overnight parking on County Lands.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board declared that an emergency existed.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board placed the Ordinance on for its first and only reading by title only, which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING OVERNIGHT PARKING ON COUNTY LANDS, PARKS OR COUNTY RIGHT-OF-WAY; PROVIDING PENALTY; PROVIDING SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING EMERGENCY EFFECTIVE DATE.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the above Ordinance on its first and only reading by title only as amended.
municipalities/outdoor recreational facilities
Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from the City of Mount Dora requesting the County to assist the City in some clean up work needed at Lake Franklin which has recently been annexed into the City of Mount Dora.
The Board requested that this be forwarded to the County Engineer for its review and recommendation to the Board.
The Board requested the Clerk to notify the City of Mount Dora informing them of the action taken by the Board pertaining to their request.
appropriations/county employees
Mr. Porter, Director of Personnel, and Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board to brief the Board on their trip to Atlanta regarding the Affirmative Action Program. Mr. Porter reconfirmed with the Board that the goals set in the EDA Program were only goals which the County would try to achieve. He briefed the Board on the number of minorities which have been hired in the County during the summer months.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Ford presented to the Board the contract and grant agreement for HELPLINE. He stated that he has reviewed the contract and feels that it is in order. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the grant application for HELPLINE through LEAA Funds and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.
funds/revenue sharing
At 5:00 p.m. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to conduct its public hearing on the possible uses of the Revenue Sharing Funds available to Lake County for the Fiscal Year 1977-1978.
The Clerk read the proof of publication. Mrs. Babb, Supervisor of the Finance Department, Revenue Division, was present and informed the Board that this hearing had been publicized over many of the radio stations as well and all the local newspapers.
No one appeared before the Board regarding this public hearing. At this time, Mr. Watkins stated that Mr. T.H. Poole, President of the NAACP, had requested that his letter of last week be considered as possible ways to use the revenue sharing funds.
courthouse/county property
Commr. Deems stated that there could be provided two additional parking spaces at the Barrow Street Parking lot; however, it is necessary to have the Board approve the additional required paving. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the additional paving on the Barrow Street parking lot.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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C.A. “Lex” deems, chairman
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James C. Watkins, Clerk