MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

monday, APRIL 7, 1958

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday April 7, 1958, with the following present:  Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Hooten, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried that the minutes of the meetings of March 3rd, 10th and 25th be adopted as read.

Clerk Owens reported he has approved since the first meeting in March the following:

Notary Public Bonds:

            American Surety Company of New York.  Julia S. Post 3-7-58; W. F. Williams 3-14-58; Lois W. Mize 3-17-58; Ruth A Klotz 3-19-58; and R. H. Bowen 3-24-58.

American Fire & Casualty Company  John W. May 3-11-1958.

The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of Evelyn Crabb with American Surety Company of New York, and Sarah S. Jacques with Massachusetts Bonding & Insurance Company.

Mrs. Valentine, Home Demonstration Agent, appeared before the Board re:  Purchasing 2 banquet-type tables.  She stated the office supply companies do not carry this type of table, but the Methodist Publishing House furnishes them for $22.75 each, plus shipping chgs.  Whereupon, on motion of Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Mrs. Valentine was authorized to purchase 2 banquet-type tables from Methodist Publishing House for the price of $22.75 each, plus shipping charges.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried that the expense account for Leadership Camp April 25 through 27th as follows be approved:

            1 Agent                       $4.00

            2 Adult leaders             8.00

            4 4-H girls                  16.00

                                               28.00

Mileage not needed as Camp in Lake County.  Make check to Ann Frier, Assistant HDA.

Will Murphey appeared before the Board re-establishment of a road four miles East of Umatilla off of road 42.  After discussion of this matter no definite action was taken.

Sheriff McCall appeared before the Board and thanked the Commissioners for the extra space allowed him for his office and stated he now needs it furnished.  Desks, filing cabinets, typewriter and stand, chairs, clock, air conditioner, etc. will cost between $2500.00 and $3000.00.  The Sheriff stated he has a contingency fund of about $13,000.00 in the budget.  Mr. Theus stated if possible this equipment should be purchased from local firms.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, Sheriff McCall was authorized to purchase from the Contingency Item in the Fine & Forfeiture Budget the equipment for his new office; and the Clerk be instructed to transfer from the Contingency Item in the Sheriff’s Fine & Forfeiture Budget to the Equipment Item the sum of $3,000.00.

Clerk Owens read a request of Sheriff McCall for $1,900.00 to be transferred from the Contingency Item in the Sheriff’s Fine & Forfeiture Fund to expenses other than salaries.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to transfer from the Contingency Item in the Sheriff’s Fine and Forfeiture Budget to expenses other than salaries the sum of $1,900.00.

DISCUSSION as to Sheriff McCall having part of space allotted to Prosecuting Attorney.  Mr. Simpson stated if the Sheriff and Prosecuting attorney can get together on dividing the space allotted to the Prosecuting Attorney there is no reason why this matter cannot get worked out to the satisfaction of everyone.

Mr. C. E. Frisch appeared before the Board re filing Plat of Frisch’s Subdivision and was advised he needs more feet for right-of-way.

E. T. Hall, Surveyor, appeared before the Board and presented for approval the Plat of Buckeye Addition.  Policy #FE7545 of Title & Trust Company of Florida dated 19th day of June 1957 showing clear title in Robt. E. Thornburg and wife Dora M. was presented and letter from Inland Abstract Company dated 7 April 1958 showing no changes in title since issuance of the policy was filed; also letter from Lake County Health Department filed; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Plat of Buckeye Addition was approved.

Opinion of Attorney Gaylord on title of Plat of Gardens of Devotion was filed, with the Plat, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Plat of Lakeside Memory Gardens of Eustis – Gardens of Devotion – was approved.

Chas. P. Goodson, County Engineer, appeared before the Board and thanked the Board for giving him an opportunity to work with them.  Mr. Goodson stated that Mr. French of the Zoning Committee is here and we have been talking about the Zoning proposition.  Do you wish for me to work with the Attorney and Mr. French.  If so, we will set up a plan of work and report at a future meeting.  The Board was in accord with this suggestion.  Mr. Goodson stated he will present a list of needs for his office at the next meeting.  Commr. Cross suggested that the Board advertise for the purchase of a 4-door sedan for the use by the Co. Engineer, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise in the Eustis Lake Region News for the purchase of a 4-door sedan – Ford, Chevy, Plymouth or equal.

Mr. French stated he appreciates the opportunity to meet with the Board this morning and to meet Mr. Goodson.  The Zoning Committee wants to call a meeting soon and would like to have Mr. Duncan meet with us.  Does not he act as our Attorney.  The Board advised Mr. French that Mr. Duncan is to act as attorney to the Zoning Board.

Judge Hall appeared before the Board and reported they have hired an additional Juvenile Court Counselor and she came this morning.  The Committee recommends her very highly, and I would like to have an opportunity this afternoon to bring Mrs. Seiler before the Board.  This request was concurred in by the Board.

The meeting adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 2:30 P.M.

A letter from Lake County Health Department on Silver Beach Heights was filed; also a Partial Release of Mortgage relative to the streets in the Subdivision as filed in Book 44 page 549 was filed.  WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Plat of Silver Beach Heights was approved.

Miss Frances Davis, Director of the Child Welfare Division of the State Welfare Dept. of Jacksonville, Mrs. Genevieve Bishop, District Supervisor of Leesburg and Mr. Earl Fain, Member of the State Welfare Board, of Leesburg, appeared before the Board re-establishment of the Child Welfare Unit in Lake County.  Miss Davis stated the Welfare Department is ready to go ahead as far as funds are concerned – and has approved the hiring of a 3 member staff to consist of a supervisor, field worker and stenographer.  We shall try to find the right kind of people, but have no funds for payment of office rent.  Would like to have the Unit in Tavares, need 3 rooms, but they do not have to be real large – office for each Child Welfare Worker, one for the stenographer, which would be used for a waiting room.  It is better for the Unit to be near the Health Unit, Juvenile Court and County seat.  Ordinarily we would pay the rent, but now do not have funds in the budget.  Mr. Fain suggested they ask Tallahassee to include this in the budget, but Miss Davis stated all the funds available for rent are committed.  Discussion as to space for the Unit was had, but no definite decision at this time.  The Commissioners will check the available space in the County buildings, particularly the County Chamber of Commerce building and Pioneer Building.  Miss Davis stated we hope to get started by the first of July and will look for a place as fast as we can.  The Board instructed the County Engineer to work with Mrs. Bishop in locating space for the Unit.  Miss Davis filed Pamphlets – Caring for Foster Children; Child Welfare Services in Florida, and statement July 1, 1956 to June 30,1957 Source of Funds for Care of Children.

At this time, Judge Hall came before the Board and introduced Mrs. Geraldine L. Seiler, Assistant Counselor for the Juvenile Court, who is a psychologist.  Judge Hall stated Mrs. Seller will start to work today.

Frank McGill, realtor, appeared before the Board in the interest of the Board purchasing the Motel Plantation property for an old folks home.  He stated all of the Commissioners, except Mr. Simpson, have seen the location.  Mr. McGill stated he is here as an individual and not as a member of the old committee and his interest is in finding a place that is suitable, and has in mind this Motel on Road 27 South of Leesburg, consisting of about 3-1/2 acres, and is furnished.  The Board agreed that the first thing to do would be to have the property appraised.  Should have a certified appraiser.  Mr. Simpson stated Carl Ferran is a member of the Senior Appraisers.  Mr. McGill stated the owners would take $40,000.00 for the property, WHEREUPON, MOTION by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Theus, that the Board purchase the property known as Plantation Motel located on roads 27-25 and 48 South of Okahumpka for the price of $40,000.00 for an old folks home, subject to the Engineer – Chas. P. Goodson – checking same and giving the Board his appraisal, subject to State Board of Health approval, subject to approval of Commr. Simpson, after inspection of same, subject to the abstract being brought down to date, and subject to real estate appraisal, one of the appraisers being a certified appraiser.  On roll call by Districts, the vote was unanimous.

The Board appointed Carl Ferran, Eustis, and Ransford A. Potter, Leesburg, to appraise the property – Plantation Motel – and Clerk Owens was instructed to notify them and also Dr. Hall, Director of Lake County Health Unit, to inspect the property.

Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, Lake County has heretofore acquired for park purposes along portions of the “Dora Canal,” a natural river connecting Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in Lake County, Florida; and

WHEREAS, the “Dora Canal” has been nationally publicized as one of the most beautiful inland waterways in the world and said river and its banks have become a natural park and beauty spot in Lake County and through its attraction draws many people from various parts of the world to Lake County; and

WHEREAS, for the proper maintenance of a parkway along the banks of said river, it is necessary for Lake County to acquire by eminent domain proceedings, or by gift or purchase, the remaining portions of said parkway between the concrete bridge spanning said river, being a part of State Road 19, and the concrete bridge spanning said river, being a part of State Road 500, U. S. 441, so that the parkway shall be continuous between said bridges along the Dora Canal; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, acting for Lake County, have determined that in order to preserve the natural beauty of said river and the adjoining banks for the benefit of the public, the acquisition of the remaining portions of said parkway is necessary and proper, and for the best interest of the people of Lake County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that in its judgment, the acquisition of strips of property along the Dora Canal, extending on each side thereof for a distance of 170 feet from the thread of the stream, is necessary, practical and to the best interest of Lake County and the State of Florida; that it is necessary that the fee title to said strips of land be acquired for parkway purposes; and that Lake County is authorized to acquire the same by gift, purchase or condemnation.

Commr. Theus filed check in the amount of $65.00 for 13 loads of fill dirt at $5 per load, which he purchased from the County.

Commr. Cross filed check in the amount of $19.51 from Fireman’s Fund for damage by lightning to Courthouse in July 1957.

Commr. Theus took the 1 year lease & Contract with renewal privileges between Lake County and Leesburg Tire & Battery Company to get Fred Duncan to sign, and return to this office (both copies).

Mr. Goodson discussed with the Board some of his duties as County Engineer.

The following Confederate Pensioners of Lake County were approved by the Board:

Mrs. Lenorah Haire, Umatilla, Florida and Mrs. Nonnie Gray, Box 241, Mascotte, Florida

 

Commr. Hooten stated a party wants to buy from the County a small piece of property in Summit Subdivision.  Clerk Owens said he would check on what the County owns in the Subdivision and advise Commr. Hooten.

Commr. Theus stated he has sent a tuberculosis patient to another state and had to pay $50.00 for transportation and would like to be reimbursed.  Commr. Theus was instructed to make out a bill and bring to the next meeting.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Department of Veterans’ Affairs re:  Annual State-Wide Service Officers’ School and Conference to be held May 5 through 10 at the Daytona Plaza Hotel, Daytona Beach, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart, the Clerk was instructed to notify J. C. Hunter, Service Officer, that he is authorized to attend said meeting.

Report on claim of Chas. Scruggs was given to Commr. Theus.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the Certificates of Correction of Error from R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor, be approved (Nos. 165 through 181).

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, that the Board approve the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving on April 3, 1958, the application of Mrs. Mamie Lou Jones for admittance to the T. G. Hospital.

Clerk Owens read and filed Telegram from State Road Department re:  Awarding of bid to J. D. Manly Construction Company of Leesburg in the amount of $169,324.52 on Road Project #1162-250 S S-561-A between SR 50 and SR 25 around North Shore of Lake Minneola; also Clerk’s reply concurring in the action of the State Road Department in awarding said contract, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board approves the action of the Clerk and now goes on record concurring in said award.

Clerk Owens filed in duplicate Contract between Lake County and J. D. Manly Construction Company on Eagle Nest Road, between U. S. Highway #27 and Lake Griffin, and on Griffin View Road, between U. S. Highway No. 27 and Lake Griffin – total length of these projects is approximately 6.6 miles.  (One signed copy to be mailed to Manly) WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Clerk was authorized to deposit the two checks – one in the amount of $1,050.00, and one in the amount of $350.00 – being held for Performance Bond of Manly in the Performance Bond Account in the Bank of Tavares.

Clerk Owens reported that the Lake Abstract & Guaranty Company will insure the title to the Joe Maxwell property which the County wants to buy for a clay pit.

Clerk Owens filed copy of AUDIT REPORT #4726 dated March 3, 1958 on County Judge and Sheriff’s offices.

Clerk Owens read quotations from Southern Printing Company $69.85, and Leesburg Typewriter Service $59.37, on a 4-drawer letter-size suspension steel master file for R. E. Norris, County Agent, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to have R. E. Norris approve the quotation of Leesburg Typewriter Service for $59.37, the cheaper quotation, and the Board also approves the purchase of said master-file.

Mrs. Baker, Supervisor of Registration, presented to each Commissioner and the Clerk a list of registered voters, on which she designated the number of voting machines to be used in each precinct.  Mr. Duncan stated the Commissioners should select the Election Boards early and in addition to the usual four on the Board, one should be present to handle the Voting Machines.

Motion by Commr. Hooten seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the Payroll for the month of March be approved for payment.

Mr. Duncan filed deed from Teamwork Foundation, Inc. to Lake County and deed from Lake County to Teamwork Foundation, Inc., and Proof of Publication re exchange of property in Sun Eden Subdivision.

Mr. Duncan also filed Proof of Publication and Petition for Closing Street.

Said Petition being as follows:

TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA:

            The undersigned, being all of the owners adjoining and abutting and affected by the street hereinafter described, hereby respectfully request that the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, renounce, quitclaim and disclaim any right of the County of Lake and the public, in and to the following described street located in the Subdivision designated as Sun Eden, a Plat of which is filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 12, Page 65;

Sunset Drive, beginning at Hibiscus Canal and extending Westerly between Lots 1 and 2 in Block A, and Lot 1 in Block B, to the West boundary of Sun Eden, thence extending Southerly along Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Block B, to the Southerly boundary of Lot 5 extended Westerly.

 

And in support of said Petition, Petitioners respectfully show:

1.     That said street and Subdivision are not included within any municipality of Lake County, Florida.

2.     That said street is not a part of any County, State or Federal Highway.

3.     That said street has never been open for public use and has never been used by the public.

4.     That the closing of said street will not interfere with any road system and will not deprive any person of reasonable means of ingress and egress to the adjoining properties from existing public highways.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED the 7th day of March, A.D., 1958.

BY       Ralph E. Loper

               President

 

            Joseph A. Crosina

                Joseph A. Crosina

 

WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, TEAMWORK FOUNDATION, INC., the owner of the land abutting the following described Street, has presented to the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, a Petition to Close a platted street in Lake County, Florida, not included in any municipality, as the same appears upon the Plat of a Subdivision designated “Sun Eden”, which Plat is recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 12, Page 65, and which Street is more particularly described as follows:

Sunset Drive, beginning at Hibiscus Canal and extending Westerly between Lots 1 and 2 in Block A, and Lot 1 in Block B, to the West boundary of Sun Eden, thence extending Southerly along Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Block B, to the Southerly boundary of Lot 5 extended Westerly.

 

and said Petition is in proper order and form; and

WHEREAS, the said Board of County Commissioners on the 7th day of April, A. D. 1958, at 11:00 o’clock in the morning, at its Regular Meeting, in its office in the Courthouse at Tavares, Florida, considered the advisability of renouncing and disclaiming any right of Lake County and the Public in and to the above described platted street and the advisability of vacating, abandoning, discontinuing and closing the same; and a Notice of Petition to Close said platted street was published according to law, in the Daily Commercial & Ledger in Leesburg, Florida, proper proof of the publication of which has been submitted to the Board of County Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, no objections were made to the closing of said platted street, and the Board, having considered said application, it appears to the Board that the continued dedication of said platted street can serve no useful service to the Public;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the platted street hereinbefore more particularly described, be henceforth closed, abandoned, discontinued and vacated; and the Board of County Commissioners, acting for Lake County and the public, does hereby renounce and disclaim any right, title or interest in or to said platted street; and that the title to said platted street be vested in the adjoining proper owners in accordance with law.

                                                BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF

                                                LAKE COUNTY

 

                                                BY

(Official Seal)                                    Chairman

 

                                                ATTEST

                                                            Clerk

 

FOLLOWING FILED WITH THE BOARD

1.     Report on Sanford-Titusville Canal

2.     Fla-GA Tractor Co re:  Galion purchased recently by Lake County

3.     Lehman giving latest population figures and copy of letter to Fla Children Commission

4.     Copy of letter from F. E. Owens to Dr. Dame re:  .9 of a mill assessment – Health Department

5.     State Board of Administration

6.     T. B. Hospital re:  Discharge of Letha Richardson and admittance of Richard Pelham Bolden

 

the following reports filed with the board

1.     R. E. Norris, County Agent, and Assistants Bass & Connell

2.     Marian B. Valentine, Home Demo Agent, and Assistants Rowley and Frier

3.     J. C. Hunter, County Service Officer:  Department of Agriculture re:  County Jail

4.     Ray E. Green, Comptroller re:  Gas tax and special fuel tax

 

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

/s/ Frank E. Owens                                                                 /s/ O. M. Simpson

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN