A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 18, 1983
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 18, 1983, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; C. A. "Lex" Deems; and Glenn C. Burhans. Others present at the meeting were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney: and Toni M. Austin, Secretary.
The invocation was led by Commr. Carson and Commr. Deems led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS/SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Commr. Windram informed the Board that Sergeant Duttenhaver, Florida Highway Patrol, contacted him regarding the purchase of a Magnavox visual monitor for the Florida Highway Patrol and/or the Sheriff's Department to be used to assist in the convictions of DWI cases. Commr. Windram stated that the cost would be
approximately $2,600. Commr. Windram further stated that there was some concern regarding State funding for State agencies. Commr. Windram informed the Board that the Highway Patrol was having some problems with the eight radar guns that had been purchased earlier.
Chris Ford, County Attorney, stated that it had been a voluntary action of the Board to fund the purchase of the radar guns.
Discussion occurred regarding accuracy of the radar guns and video equipment. Commr. Smoak suggested the Sheriff be informed about the equipment and having a joint use of the equipment between the Sheriff's Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. Commr. Smoak suggested the request be referred to the Clerk.
At this time it was the feeling of the Board not to fund State agencies. Commr. Windram stated he would respond the
feelings of the Board to Sergeant Duttenhaver.
COURTHOUSE
Commr . Smoak extended his appreciation to the County Commissioners and the constitutional officers that were present at the opening of the South Lake County Courthouse Annex in Clermont.
INSURANCE
Commr. Carson acknowledged receipt of the booklet of proposed insurance figures from the Administrative Services Division.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following gun permits and bonds:
Renewals
William A. Wiseman Sandra Melanie Young
E. R. Jelsma
BONDS-CONTRACTOR
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following Contractor Bonds:
Cancellations
#0886-84 S. W. Williams (Williams Steel Industries, Inc.)
New
#0826-84 Charles Rabun d/b/a Rabun Electric Service
(Electrical)
#0873-84 Don Clifford Smith (Masonry)
#1047-84 George E. Lavender (Building)
#1174-84 Clifford G. St. Louis (Electrical)
#1225-84 Richard J. Klaas (Specialty Contractor)
#1934-84 Thomas D. Reeves d/b/a Reeves Electric, Inc.
(Electrical)
#2018-84 Douglas VanSant d/b/a Doug's Drywall (Drywall)
#3047-84 Elizabeth Stiltner and B & B Drywall (Drywall)
#4033-84 Gordon L. Malmberg d/b/a Canimellea Enterprises
(General)
#4061-84 D. R. Nash (Plumbing)
#4062-84 Reddy Mechanical, Inc. (Electrical)
#4063-84 James E. Hill d/b/a Nickel1 House Movers
(House Moving)
MEETINGS
Commr. Windram informed the Board of a seminar being held at Lake Buena Vista regarding Proposition I and suggested someone attend.
Chris Ford suggested he and Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, and the Clerk attend. Mr. Ford stated he felt the seminar would be very beneficial to the Commissioners also.
Discussion occurred regarding the implications of Proposition I.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/REPORTS
Mr. Jack Pae, Executive Vice-President of the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce, introduced to the Board Mr. Joe Holmes, Vice-President, Business Development, Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Holmes presented to the Board a booklet with a tentative proposal to bring Major League Baseball to Lake County. Mr. Holmes stated that over the past two years, he and several members of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce had talked with representatives of various Major League teams. Mr. Holmes further stated that they feel 99% certain that if they could provide the facilities, they could convince a team to relocate in Lake County. Mr. Holmes stated that each of the teams listed the playing and training facility as the number one reason they have considered leaving the city they are in now. Mr. Holmes further stated that a 4,000 seat stadium and playing field with adequate parking and a three-field clover-leaf practice facility with adjoining locker room, lunch room and storage area are needed, which would be approximately 40 acres.
Mr. Holmes directed the attention of the Board to Exhibit 1 in the booklet which were estimates provided by R. L. deFlon of the HNTB Company in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Holmes stated that the firm has designed the majority of Major League Stadiums in the United States and are considered experts in the field. Mr. Holmes stated that the first estimate was the estimated cost of purchasing land and building a complete complex from scratch; total cost approximately $3 million. Mr. Holmes further stated that the second estimate involved renovating Pat Thomas Stadium in Leesburg and purchasing some property currently suitable for building four practice fields; total cost approximately $2.2 million. At this time Mr. Holmes informed the Board that the Chamber of Commerce recommended the $2.2 million renovation.
Mr. Holmes stated that the Chamber of Commerce was recommending a tourism development tax as the source of funding for the baseball facilities. Mr. Holmes further stated that it would be a 2% levy added to the cost of hotel, motel, and other short term rentals that are generally used by tourists, conventioners, or visiting businessmen.
At this time Mr. Holmes directed the attention of the Board to Exhibit 2 in the booklet which consisted of the estimated annual revenue from the tourism development tax in Lake County; $379,270 as figured by the Lake County Planning Department. Mr. Holmes stated that there would be other revenue opportunities over and above a Major League team as explained in Exhibit 3. Mr. Holmes listed the following as being benefits of a Major League Baseball team in Lake County:
1. Clean Industry
2. Direct Retail Sales Increase
3. Payroll
4. Increased Employment
5. Increase in Tourism
Mr. John Wendall, Attorney from Lakeland representing the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Board and stated that he had been approached by the Major League Baseball Club concerning the placement of a team in the Florida State League in Leesburg. Mr. Wendall stated that a Major League Ball Club will not even talk to you until you have a facility to
contract.
ASSESSMENTS - PUBLIC HEARING
The Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Public Hearing on Special Assessment-14, Sorrento Ranchos, Penlan Park.
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, recommended the Board not approve the low bid, but to approve the next lowest bid with the difference of $810, the difference being a much more extensive proposal for drainage.
Mi-. Gerald C. Aldrich, Apopka, appeared before the Board and requested explanations of how the assessments are figured and if they are tax deductible.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Special Assessment for Sorrento Ranchos, Penlan Park, Project-14 and awarded the contract to Hewitt Contracting Company in the amount of $124,521.16.
Mr. Willett informed the public that the construction would be started within thirty days and would be completed within 200 calendar days.
OUTDOOR RECREATONAL FACILITIES/REPORTS (CONT'D)
Discussion occurred regarding the maintenance of the Major
League Baseball facility.
Mr. Wendall stated that since the project should be a Lake County supportive activity, the City of Leesburg would most likely have the responsibility of the maintenance.
Discussion occurred regarding the collection of revenue for Lake County as compared to Osceola County.
Commr. Smoak stated that the decision that the Board was trying to make today is whether or not to commit the entire potential 2% tax revenue to a single project for the next 20 years. Commr. Smoak further stated that another decision to make would be whether or not the Board wished to agree that the County will subsidize any shortfall in operating costs in the facility after the completed construction. Commr. Smoak stated that he was in favor of the proposal presented today. Commr. Smoak further stated that the County needs to look at the procedures in establishing this kind of tax in Lake County, setup the nine member Tourist Development Council, and solicit from the people of Lake County ways they want to tie up the money for the next 20 years. Commr. Smoak stated that he would like to see a facility of this type tied to a general recreational facility that would be useable by everyone in the County.
Mr. Wendall discussed the bylaws of the Florida State League. Mr. Wendall further discussed the League using a revenue bond as a source of funding the facility.
Commr. Smoak suggested that the Board review the possibility of presenting to the electorate of Lake County the opportunity to vote on a tourist tax which would provide facilities of some specified nature, which are developed by the Tourist Development Board, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners setting
priorities. Commr. Smoak recommended that the Commission conserve the appointment of the Tourist Development Council as stipulated by the Statutes, and develop a plan for the use of the 2% tax in Lake County with input from the public.
No action was taken at this time.
RIGHT-OF-WAYS - ROADS - EASEMENTS
Mr. Willie Smith, Highland Lakes Subdivision, appeared before the Board to request the Board reopen the public right-of- way from Highland Lakes Subdivision to State Road 44. Mr. Smith stated that the minutes of May 15, 1980, reflect that the right- of-way can be reconveyed. Mr. Smith further stated that the minutes do not correspond with the Florida State Statutes. Mr. Smith stated that the Board was in error in reconveying the property to the Mandersons, and he is now having to travel over private property.
Chris Ford, County Attorney, stated that it was the opinion of his office that the Board was not in error in reconveying the right-of-way, and that Mr. Smith is not traveling over private property because of the other reservations. Mr. Ford stated that there is a pending lawsuit against the County.
Commr. Windram informed Mr. Smith that he has communicated on several occasions with Duane Schultz, Senator Hawkin's Office, regarding his request.
Commr. Smoak suggested the Board make an exception of the rule if the Board has created a problem of ingress and egress and make the improvements that would be necessary.
Mr. Robert Hawley, Eustis, appeared before the Board and stated that there are water and pot hole problems.
Mr. Ford stated that the road problems could be handled just like any other road problems that needed improvement within the County.
Mr. Horace Richter, property owner, appeared before the Board and stated that he is having problems obtaining a permit for his property as well as many other property owners in the same area.
Mr. Ford stated that the only way to open the right-of-way would be to reacquire the land and condemn it.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board ceased discussion regarding the easement in the Highland Lakes Subdivision until the judge has ruled on the litigation.
COMMISSIONERS
At this time Commr. Carson excused himself from the meeting for a doctor's appointment.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Noel E. Griffin, Jr., Sheriff, for allocation of funds from the Second Dollar, Law Enforcement Education Account for the purchase of ammunition for firearm qualificaion in the amount of $3,784.30, payable to Shooters Supply and FPC/Supervel, Inc.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 11:50 a.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for lunch and would reconvene at 2:00 p.m. for the Public Works Agenda.
PUBLIC WORKS AGENDA
ROAD CLOSINGS - Third Street - Petition #331
It was noted that the proper proof of publication was on hand as it appeared in the September 29, 1983, and October 6, 1983, editions of the Sentinel Star, Lake Little Sentinel.
Eloise Wagner, Okahumpka, appeared before the Board to object to the vacation. Mrs. Wagner stated that she purchased her property because of all of the streets surrounding the property. Mrs. Wagner further stated that there is a chain linked fence around her entire property which encompasses the whole city block, and it would be to expensive to move the fence in any way. Mrs. Wagner stated that dumping takes place on her property, and if the fence should have to be moved, she would have to solve the problem rather than having the County assist her with it.
Jacqueline Good, Okahumpka, appeared before the Board to discuss this request. Mrs. Good questioned ownership of property after the vacating of the road and also the charges for the vacation.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved the vacating of those parts of Third Street lying between Blocks K & R, J & S, I & T, H & U, L & Q (West of S. Quarters Rd. #2-3209), according to the plat of Okahumpka being in Section 15, Township 20 South, Range 24 East, Lake County, Florida, for Jerry Rivels and Michael Zeller, as per Petition No. 331.
ROAD CLOSINGS - Fifth Street - Petition #333
It was noted that the proper proof of publication was on hand as it appeared in the September 29, 1983, and October 6, 1983, editions of the Sentinel Star, Lake Little Sentinel.
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, requested a 30 foot drainage easement be given to the County, should the vacation be approved.
Chris Ford, County Attorney, suggested a drainage easement be prepared for the petitioner's signature prior to the vacation of the road.
Mr. Hugh Williams, Petitioner, stated that he would have no objection to signing an easement.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the vacating of the West half (42 feet) of 5th Street Running North from Hwy. 40 to Dora Street, Recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 12, Town of Astor, "A" Subdivision, located in Lake County, Florida, for Saul and Williams, by Hugh Williams, Jr., as per Petition No. 333.
At this time it was noted that Mrs. Saul had passed away over the weekend.
ROAD CLOSINGS - Permission to Advertise - Petition #334
Michael Croak, Attorney, was present to discuss this request with the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board granted permission to advertise that portion of a SO foot unnamed right-of-way north of Lot 31 in El Bonito Subdivision, Plat Book 5, page 46, recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, for French, Newman, and Whitaker, by Michael Croak, as per Petition No. 334.
ROAD CLOSINGS - Permission to Advertise - Petition #335
Mr. James Lashley, Petitioner, was present to discuss this request with the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board granted permission to advertise a portion of an unnamed easement lying between Tract 12 and 13 in Groveland Farms, Section 5, Township 23 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida, for James E. Lashley, as per Petition No. 335.
PUBLIC WORKS/RESOLUTIONS/SIGNS
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from the residents of Belmont Heights area that a 25 mile per hour speed limit be posted on the following roads:
1. Aldrich Street #4-4863
2. Bryant Street #4-4864
3. Colfax Street #4-4765
4. Dupont Street #4-4766
5. Belmont Avenue #4-4865
PUBLIC WORKS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/SIGNS
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works,
informed the Board that 80% of the people on Drive Number 1 in Astor were requesting the road be renamed River-view Drive.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board denied the request from the property owners on Drive No. 1 requesting the name be changed to Riverview Drive.
PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and
carried unanimously, the Board approved a one-time maintenance on
Foxfire Lane by Holly Greene in the amount of $390.
DEEDS/RIGHT-OF-WAYS - ROADS - EASEMENTS
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the following right-of- way deeds:
1. Marion Inmon, Johnnie Berry, Willie Blaire and Tom
Robert Martin - Cemetery Road #5-7676
2. Charles 0. Cottle, J. Fenimore Cooper, Jr.; and
Wayne P. Reece - Country Squire Road #5-8687
PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and
carried unanimously, the Board authorized the signature of the Chairman on a right-of-way easement to Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc, from Lake County, with the stipulation that if the poles need to be relocated in the future, the move will be at the expense of Sumter Electric.
BIDS/PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board awarded the bid for an Articulated Front-End Loader, John Deere, to Highland Tractor in the amount of $86,500.
ACCOUNTS-ALLOWED/ROAD PROJECTS
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following payments to Superior Asphalt Company, Inc.:
1. Partial Payment on Project No. SA-11, Cumbermoore and Horseshoe Drive in the amount of $22,937.57. (Special Assessment and County Funding)
2. Partial payment on Project No. 17-83, Wiygul Road #5- 581, in the amount of $58,367.50. (Revenue Sharing)
3. Partial payment on Project No. 19-83, #3-0942 Hull Road and #3-0842 Wikel Lane, in the amount of $10,760.45. (Revenue Sharing)
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following payments to Trac Roadbuilders, Inc.:
1 . Final payment on Project No. SA-7, Loyd Street, First Street, Drive No. 1 and Riverview, in the amount of $12,489.20. (Special Assessment and County Funding)
2 . Final Payment on Project No. 13-83, C-48, in the amount of $34,684.01. (Secondary Funding)
3 . Partial payment on Project No. 18-83, C-Old 50 and #3- 1370 Lake Boulevard, in the amount of $55,458.72. (Secondary Funding)
.
4 . Final payment on Project No. 14-83, #l-5110 Park Holland and #l-5109 Michigan, in the amount of $55,892.70. (Revenue Sharing)
DEEDS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved to release the following road reservations from the Department of Transportation from the following deed numbers:
# 900, all but 33 feet from the centerline of Lakeshore Drive. (Department has letter from the City of Eustis.)
#2134, all reservations (East of Mt. Dora).
# 145, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Gray's Airport Road #l-7310 and 25 feet from the centerline of Azalea Way and Parkingonia Street. (Lady Lake area)
#2510, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Sackamaxon Drive. (Mt. Plymouth area)
#2422, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Sackamaxon Drive and Overlook Street. (Mt. Plymouth area)
#2807, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Timuyuaina Drive. (Mt. Plymouth area)
# 802, all but 30 feet from the centerline of Hillcrest Drive. (Pine Lakes area)
#1005, all but 25 feet from the centerline of an unnamed road. (Lake Mack area)
#2609, all but 30 feet from the centerline of Oak Avenue #4-4585.
# 145, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Magnolia Street and Illicium Lane. (Lady Lake area)
#2519, all but 25 feet from the centerline of Hibiscus Avenue and Lake Street. (Lake Kathryn area)
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/POLLUTION CONTROL
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board granted permission for Robert Erickson and Richard Roof, Pollution Control, to attend the Annual Fall Meeting of the Florida Society of Environmental Analysts on October 28, 1983, in Gainesville, Florida, at a total cost of $40.
ASSESSMENTS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the following roads into the County maintenance system upon completion of the special assessment Project No. SA-7, Astor:
1. Loyd Street #5-9689A
2. First Street #5-96898
3. Drive No. 1 #5-9689C
4. Riverview Drive #5-9689D
APPRAISALS/COUNTY PROPERTY
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, presented to the Board a list of appraisers and their fees for the appraisal of County surplus property.
Discussion occurred regarding the hiring of an appraiser as opposed to a MA1 appraiser.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board selected R. L. Huff, Broker, to appraise the County surplus property in the amount of $3,650.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, to clean up the Palatlakaha Roadside Park.
LANDFILLS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, to place access firewood at the Astatula Landfill for the public to obtain for their use and granted Mr. Willett permission to obtain a permit to burn leftover brush.
ROADS - COUNTY AND STATE
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, requested postponement on the discussion of Maxwell Avenue for further review.
ORDINANCE
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, stated that he basically felt the most objectionable part to the sand mining industry, being the part of going back and reclaiming those areas that were mined twenty or thirty years ago, had been eliminated. Mr. Willett discussed the purpose of the progress reports and duplications that might be in the Ordinance.
Commr. Smoak stated that by setting the Ordinance for a public hearing, the County would be giving the industry the opportunity to come forth and specifically state their objections, which they have not clearly enumerated in their letters.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved advertisement and scheduled the proposed Mining Ordinance for public hearing December 6, 1983, at 2:00 p.m.
RIGHT-OF-WAYS - ROADS - EASEMENT /SIGNS
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request for posting of the right-of-way on C-42 with "NO Hunting From Right-of-Way" signs.
POLLUTION CONTROL
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the recommendation from the Pollution Control Board and Mike Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, to enter into a contract for 60 days with Ted Wicks to assist in technical matters concerning the Pollution Control Department, and the expense to be paid from the Pollution Control Salary Budget.
COMMITTEES/PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the reappointment of Mr. Jerry McDowell to the Code Enforcement Board.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved to solicit nominees from the Lake County Architectural Association to be submitted to the Board for consideration.
COUNTY PROPERTY/PUBLIC WORKS
Michael Willett, Director of Development and Public Works, stated that Ben Benedum recommended the County keep the DIG
Bulldozer rather that sell it back to Rozier because of the expense for a new one.
Mr. Benedum stated that he felt the County should keep the Bulldozer for several more years before it is traded in because it is still in good condition.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board granted permission to request Rozier to buy back Property No. 7179, D7G Bulldozer, in the amount of $78,500, and to advertise for the purchase of one bulldozer.
BONDS - MOBILE HOME
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved the request from Albert Soper - Umatilla Area - District #5 to live in a mobile home on the same piece of property on which his conventional dwelling is being built, subject to the proper bond being posted and with the stipulation that the mobile home will be removed upon completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners. Commr. Carson was not present for the vote.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the cancellation of the bond for Joe and Jane Smart upon completion of construction of a conventional dwelling unit and removal of the mobile home.
Commr. Carson was not present for the vote.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/REPORTS (CONT'D)
Discussion continued regarding a resort tax being levied by
the County for a baseball league.
Mr. Jim Brown was present to answer any questions the Board had concerning a resort tax.
Chris Ford, County Attorney, explained the procedures for placing a resort tax on the ballot. Mr. Ford stated that an Ordinance would be needed. Mr. Ford further stated that the Board would have to adopt a resolution appointing members to the County's Tourist Development Council.
Commr. Smoak stated that the County should try to develop a program which would incorporate a major sports facility with a recreational complex. Commr. Smoak further stated that he would like to see the Board begin the process under State Statute to investigate what might be interesting to the people in this County.
Commr. Deems stated that the during the meetings held around the County, the main concern of the people present was how the city would receive its share of the income.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved to re-examine the issue of a resort tax in Lake County, and in order to do so, solicit nominations for appointment to the Tourist Development Council.
CHECKS RECEIVED/CLERK/PROPERTY APPRAISER/TAX COLLECTOR
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board acknowledged receipt of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund
Balance Budget and Actual and accepted a check in the amount of $132,442.71 from T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector; a check in the amount of $3,053.24 to the Northeast Lake County Hospital District; a check in the amount of $1,016.72 to the Northeast Lake County Hospital District; a check in the amount of $1,041.75 to the Northwest Lake County Hospital District; a check in the amount of $288.45 to the Board of Oklawaha Recreation, Water Conservation and Control Authority.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board acknowledged receipt of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance- Budget and Actual in the amount of $16,242.86 from Edward E. Havill, Lake County Property Appraiser.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board acknowledged receipt of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance- udget and Actual and accepted a check in the amount of $240,393.73 from James C. Watkins, Clerk of the Circuit Court.
BUILDING COMMITTEE/CETA-PIC
James C. Watkins, Clerk, stated that the Building Committee met at lunchtime and had a report for the Board. Mr. Watkins stated that Mr. Jim Flowers, Private Industry Council, had made a request to relocate the Private Industry Council (formerly CETA) in the offices vacated by of Parole and Probation as PIC is now paying rent. Mr. Watkins further stated that the monies could come back to the County. Mr. Watkins stated that the Building Committe would like the authority to consider the Private Industry Council and other County offices for the vacancy.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Building Committee was granted permission to review the requests received and to reassign the space recently vacated by the Parole and Probation office to another County office.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/CLERK/BUILDING COMMITTEE
James C. Watkins, Clerk, informed the Board that the Building Committee has been communicating with United Telephone for approximately six months about purchasing the courthouse telephone system. Mr. Watkins stated that the County presently pays $6,799.81 per month. Mr. Watkins further stated that the County can purchase this system from United Telephone for a total cost of $162,352 or a payment of $7,844.85 per month for 24 months or make six equal payments. Mr. Watkins stated that the Building Committee recommends buying the system from United Telephone and the County take the option of six equal payments with no finance charge in an attempt to do this over the next eighteen months. Mr. Watkins further stated that there is a one year warranty on the entire system.
At this time Commr. Carson declared a conflict because he is a director with the United Telephone Company.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board granted the Building Committee permission to negotiate the best deal in purchasing the telephone system from United Telephone.
COURTS-JUDGES
James C. Watkins, Clerk, discussed with the Board a memorial ceremony to hang pictures of the late Judge McCormick, Senator Baker and Mrs. Baker in the old courthouse. Mr. Watkins stated that it has been traditional for the Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Bar Association, to dedicate the portraits. Mr. Watkins further stated that there would be minor expenses for framing of the portraits, which the Bar Association would consider, if the individual had belonged to the Association.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Mr. Watkins to schedule a memorial ceremony for the hanging of portraits of Judge McCormick, Senator Baker and Mrs. Baker in the old court-house.
SUITS AFFECTING THE COUNTY/LANDFILLS
Chris Ford, County Attorney, presented to the Board a
recommendation for settlement on the LaSage Grove in the amount of $14,700. Mr. Ford stated that it had been determined that substantial damage had been done to approximately 33 trees.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the County Attorney's Office to settle the LaSage lawsuit in the amount of $14,700.
Mr. Ford requested that the Board recommend the County Attorney's Office sue their insurance company to cover the damage. Mr. Ford stated that the insurance company had disclaimed the coverage. Mr. Ford further stated that the County Attorney's Office felt that they had a 60-70% chance of winning the lawsuit.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the County Attorney's Office to sue the insurance companies involved with the coverage and enter into settlement negotiations with them.
CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/PUBLIC HEALTH
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved and authorized the Chairman to sign the contract between the State of Florida and the County Medical Examiner.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved and authorized the Chairman to sign the contract between the County Medical Examiner and the Board of County Commissioners.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
Thomas J. Windram, Chairman
James C. Watkins, Clerk
TMA/12-2-83