MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

 monday, may 12, 1958

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, May 12, 1958, at ten o’clock a.m., with the following present:  Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Hooten, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Mrs. Florence Robertson, Deputy Clerk.  (Clerk Owens was absent attending Court.).

The Board was called to order by Chairman Simpson.

pauper list

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried:

District 1 – No changes were made.

District 2 – Doris Hilton for $20 per month was dropped from the list.

District 3 – Mrs. Corrine Fletcher for care of Elmo Hall for $40 per month was canceled.

District 4 - Mrs. Corrine Fletcher for care of Mr. Wiltsie for $40 per month was canceled.

District 5 – Mrs. Agnes Truesdell for care of Chas. Merrrill for $20 per month was canceled.

The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of W. B. Spradlin with American Fire & Casualty Company.

A delegation of homeowners on Dixie Avenue in Leesburg appeared before the Board.  Mrs. E. E. Mack as spokesman for the group presented, read, and filed a Petition signed by 74 persons requesting the Board to take immediate action to stop any widening or four-lane proposals on Dixie Avenue for the purpose of a south bypass.  Commr. Theus stated this effects Districts One and Two, and we will send the Petition to the State Road Department and see what they say, as a request for widening Dixie Avenue has been made to the SRD by this Board.  Chairman Simpson stated the State Road Department can be requested to delete the Board’s request.

A bill in the amount of $304 for the survey of a proposed home for the aged on property near Astatula was approved for payment.

G. D. Cross appeared before the Board requesting the Board to close a road near his house.  Attorney Duncan explained the procedure for closing a road.  Mr. Cross stated the road has been opened for about 16 years, and the only one he knew would object to the closing would be Homer Morris.  The Chairman suggested that Mr. Cross get an attorney to prepare the legal notice of closing, and then the Board could act on it and close the road if there were no objections.

R. E. Pierce, Prosecuting Attorney, appeared before the Board and requested that an air conditioner be installed in his office.  The Chairman advised that the Board would try to get a condition for his office.

On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, have determined that the road hereinafter described is important as a Farm to Market Road, since the route thereof will serve citrus groves in almost its entirety.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the 1958-1959 Budget of the State Road Department pertaining to secondary roads for Lake County, Florida, be amended by adding thereto the following road to be built from secondary gas tax funds due Lake County:

Commencing at the intersection of Donnelly Avenue in the Town of Mt. Dora, with proposed Road 500 at the north edge of the Town of Mt. Dora and continuing northerly to Lake Joanna, thence around the easterly edge of Lake Joanna to intersection with State Road 44, northeasterly of Lake Joanna.

On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that Greenway Drive, a Dedicated Street with the Subdivision known as Sylvan Shores in Lake County, Florida, which commences at State Road 500 (US Highway 441) and runs north to the north boundary of Sylvan Shores and which road is not included within any municipality, be and the same is hereby designated as a “Through Street,” traffic over which shall have right of way, and that “Stop Signs” of the same type of color required by the State Road Department of the State of Florida be placed at the intersections of all streets crossing Greenway Drive.

bids for purchase of bulldozer used by garbage disposal

SQUARE DEAL MACHINERY & SUPPLY COMPANY

1 new Allis-Chalmers, FOB Lake County (optional equipment)       $13,333.40

  Tracto dozer $516

  Von Canopy $295

FLORIDA GEORGIA TRACTOR CO.

New International, FOB Tavares                                                        $14,995.00

  Alternate bid, new International                                                       $13,299.00

JOS L. ROZIER

New Caterpillar, FOB Lake County                                                   $15,394.50

  If 24-volt direct electric starting, deduct $106

  If bulldozer blade for tractor desired, add $442

MACHINERY & SUPPLY CORP

Oliver Diesel tractor with Anderson Model 012 bulldozer                $  8,834.00

Oliver model OC126 loader                                                               $10,834.00

BARNEY E. DILLARD

A bulldozer diesel power crawler tractor (first bid)                           $12,218.20

Second Bid tractor and loader                                                            $12,662.15

Fred Tanner, Mosquito Director, took the above bids under advisement and will notify the Board later which was accepted.

bids for construction and resurfacing of road 466

J. D.  MANLY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Approximately 13,420 square yards @ 48 cents per square yard       $6,441.60

  (Bid check enclosed $400)

YOUNG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Approximately 13,420 square yards @ 48 cents per square yard

  (Bid check $322.08)

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the bid of J. D. Manly Construction Company for reconstruction and resurfacing of Road 466 and a road in Cisky Park at 48 cents per square yard was accepted on account that his equipment is within a mile of one of the roads.

Mr. Duncan filed a contract between Lake County and J. D. Manly Constriction Company regarding reconstruction and resurfacing of Road 466 and a road in Cisky Park, Leesburg.

Commr. Theus filed 21 checks and $48.50 for a total amount of $1,426.77 from property owners along the Cisky Park road in payment of oil for the road. (for names on the checks, see list attached to deposit slip of May 19, 1958 and also a slip in Commissioners’ files of May 12, 1958)

Attorney Caldwell and E. T. Hall, Surveyor, appeared before the Board regarding the Plat of Springs Bath and Yacht Club Subdivision.  Attorney Duncan read a letter from the Lake County Health Department showing the Subdivision is OK for septic tanks. Title binder #6395 with Title & Trust Company of Florida showing two mortgages on the property, one held by Trustees of Trimpi Estate and one held by Thomas R. Waddell, R. as trustee, were presented; also, satisfaction of both mortgages to be recorded today were presented.  Title binder #6394 issued by Title & Trust Company of Florida for the West 500 feet of Government Lot 7, Section 17-20-25, excluding the railroad right of way was presented.  Mr. Duncan stated the only question is the railroad right of way to the access street.  There was a problem as to whether or not this should be closed.  The width of the crossing is indeterminate, but they see no reason why the plat should not be accepted.  WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the Plat of Springs Bath and Yacht Club Subdivision was approved.

R. E. Norris, County Agent, appeared before the Board regarding space for the Parole Officer and stated the Agriculture Department is willing to divide its space.  If Mrs. Harris could be given other space, her office would be suitable for the Parole Officer.  Mr. Simpson suggested that Mr. David look at this space and see if suitable.  At the request of the Board, Alan Hamlin was called regarding the Board renting his father’s office.  Mr. Hamlin said would not want anyone who would interfere with Mr. Duncan.  Mr. Duncan stated if all right with Alan, it would be alright with him to rent the space to the Board.  Mr. Goodson was instructed to look this space over and advise the Board.

The agreement in duplicate between the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County and Fred G. Owles, Jr., AIA Architect, 23 Magnolia Avenue, Eustis, Florida, regarding erection of a Home for the Aged was filed with the Board; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Agreement was accepted and the Chairman and Clerk authorized to execute the Contract. (Retain one copy and send Architect copy.)

discussion regarding agricultural building

Commr. Hooten thinks they should go ahead and build at Summerall Park, and Commr. Cross thinks they should keep close to the Courthouse.

A request from South Lake Memorial Hospital for $15,000 was presented to the Board; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to issue a warrant in the amount of $15,000 to South Lake Memorial Hospital.

A bill from L. F. Roper, Winter Garden, in the amount of $3,700, balance due, was presented to the Board.  Said bill stated July 11, 1957 our check #162 for #3,700 to Boykin & Elliott for building a road through Johns, Price & Avapopka properties in Lake County.  This amount advanced to Boykin & Elliott on the advice of Commr. Hooten.  Payment was to be reimbursed to L. F. Roper within 60 to 90 days.  Please set this up for payment.

Commr. Hooten stated he told Mr. Roper he did not have any money to pay the above bill.  Mr. Duncan was instructed to write Mr. Roper regarding this bill.

Mr. Chuck Garland of the Leesburg Boating Club of Lake Harris appeared before the Board and requested the removal of cables and the structure in Dead River and also regarding time of opening the locks at Haines Creek.  He suggested the opening on call whenever boats get to the Locks, from 7 AM to 7 PM.  Mr. Garland stated the locks at Moss Bluff open at 8 AM and close at 5 PM, and Railroad and Highway open from 6 AM to 10 PM on call.  Mr. Duncan stated if enough people made the request, it might have some bearing.  Might request that the trial opening be continued for a few more months.  Commr. Hooten suggested that the Board make a request to the Waterways Authority to remove the structure at Dead River.  Mr. Duncan stated so far as the Water Authority is concerned, they will say the bridge belongs to Lake County.  Then, Commr. Hooten suggested to get an estimate from Joe Priest as to what it would cost to remove the bridge and cables.  Commr. Cross suggested to advertise for bids for removal of the bridge; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, Clerk Owens was instructed to advertise for the sale of the bridge, and the County Engineer to get rid of the cable and piling.

Mr. Garland stated his Boat Club would like to see the trial opening of Haines Creek Locks on call from 7 AM to 7 PM.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board requested the Waterways Authority to open Haines Creek Locks on call from 7 AM to 7 PM around the calendar.  Mr. Garland thanked the Board for this action.

Mr. Charles Anderson appeared before the Board and presented a request representing the Citizens Committee of Groveland and the property owners along the waterway from Hunt’s Island to Villa City regarding the treatment of the Water Control Authority in that no locks nor boat life be erected at Hunt’s Island.  Mr. Duncan stated the Authority advertised for bids to erect the boat lift, but when the bids were received, they were too high, and the Authority will have to re-advertise.  Mr. Duncan suggested that the Commissioners look into what the water levels were before.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the warrant in the amount of $9.90 to George Stuart for a smoking stand for Judge Futch’s office was cancelled, as it has been reported lost, and a duplicate warrant was issued in lieu thereof.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the request of Karl Lehmann for $2,000 for publicity was approved.

On a motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the request of James R. Connell, Assistance County Agent, for $140 for the expense for a Short Course for 4-H boys was approved.

On a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the request of James C. Hunter, County Service Officer, for a copying machine was approved.

On a motion by Commr. Hooten, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the request of Clerk Owens for case binders at the price of $188.88 was approved.

At this time, Mr. Norris reported that the office in the Pioneer building is large enough for the Parole Officer, but the Hamlin office to be occupied by Mrs. Harris is too dark and would need lights.  Mr. Norris was instructed to get whatever is necessary for lighting and touching up with paint the Hamlin office.

Paul Reed appeared before the Board and presented a petition signed by 46 County employees requesting that the Courthouse be closed all day Saturdays and in lieu thereof work each day from the hours of 8:00 AM to 5 PM.  Said Petition was approved by W. Troy Hall, Jr., County Judge; Pearl L. Cullen, Tax Collector; Willis V. McCall, Sheriff; Frank E. Owens, Clerk of the Circuit Court; and R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor.

Motion by Commr. Cross, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the Courthouse be closed on Saturdays, and in lieu thereof be opened each day, except Sundays, from the hour of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, effective July 1, 1958.

Judge Hall appeared before the Board and asked for the Board’s approval for the Report of the National Probation and Parole Association made by Mr. Fred J. Ward, Jr., Subdirector, dated on the 15^th day of January, 1958, to be published verbatim in a series of lectures on Juvenile Delinquency.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Board approved the proposal of Judge Hall to publish verbatim the report of Mr. Fred J. Ward, Jr., Subdirector of the National Probation and Parole Association, dated on the 15^th day of January, 1958, in a series of lectures on Juvenile Delinquency, and that the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, be so advised.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to purchase the documentary stamp machine.

Commr. Theus stated he wishes to advertise for bids to be received at the second meeting in June for material for a County barn.

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for material to construct a County barn in District No. One.  Bids are to be received on June 9, 1958 at ten o’clock AM.  The County Engineer is to get the specifications.

Commr. Cowart was instructed to check the size of the air conditioner in Judge Futch’s office and to also look at the one in the Clerk’s office.

Fred Tanner appeared before the Board and reported he has briefly compared the tractor bids, and the low bid does not have parts service near.  The other three bids are comparable.  He prefers the International for $14,995.  Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, stated the three bids are about all there are to consider; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Hooten and carried, the Board authorized the purchase of the International tractor from the Florida-Georgia Tractor Company for the price of $14,995.

VOUCHERS

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the following Vouchers were approved for payment:

General Fund                                      #869 through #1012

Road & Bridge Fund                          #665 through #781

Fine & Forfeiture Fund                       #86A through 105

South Lake Memorial Hospital           #7 and #8

letters and reports filed with the board

The following were filed with the Board:

Letter from Mrs. J. L. Mills, Mt. Dora regarding favoring a Juvenile Detention Home for Lake County

Florida Development Commission – enclosing a copy of Part 4 and revised Part 2 – Lake Co. Health Center

Burroughs Corp regarding microfilming

Report of Myrtle Sudderth

 

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

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

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN