A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

monday – MAY 11, 1959

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares at 2:30 P.M., Monday, May 11^th, with the following present: Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Bishop, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.

Board called to order by Chairman Simpson.

The Board approved the following Notary Public Bonds:

Mass. Bonding & Insurance Company

Patricia McKay Crum and Dennis C. Wheeler

American Surety Company of NY

Martha A. Rou

pauper list

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried –

District No. 1 – That no changes be made

District No. 2 – That no changes be made

District No. 3 – That the following named persons be dropped from the list –

Mrs. Richardson, Wildwood for care of Lottie Hall for $40.00.

Mrs. Jessie Whitney Nursing Home, Clermont, for care of Mrs. Mamie Harden $40.00

District No. 4 – That no changes be made

District No. 5 – That Mrs. Ray Gatch for care of C. C. Fleming for $10.00 be dropped.

DELEGATION TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD

Clerk Owens invited the delegation to come before the Board at this time.

From Eustis were the following:

Mayor-Commissioner, L. L. Hughes, who was spokesman for the group; Ernest P. Kidd, City Manager, and Donald J. Porter, Councilman.

Mr. Hughes stated this group is interested in the School Bond issue and presented a Resolution – which stated in part that re-evaluation would help the school bond issue. Mr. Owens read the Resolution, copy of which was filed with the Board previously. Mr. Simpson asked what the re-evaluation cost was in Eustis. Mr. Hughes stated our original cost was $10,000.000, runs approximately $1,500.00 per year now.

Mr. Trenham, Town Clerk of the Town of Tavares, was present.

Copy of Resolution by the Town of Umatilla was presented by Mr. Duncan.

Motion by Mr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the Resolution of the City of Eustis and the Resolution of the Town of Umatilla be accepted.

Mr. Simpson announced that the Board has invited Mr. Hunnicutt to come before the Board today.

Mr. Patton, Mayor of Mt. Dora; Mr. Trenham, Town Clerk of Tavares; and Mr. O’Neal of Mt. Dora came before the Board and presented a plan, which would have to be concurred in by the Board of County Commissioners, to establish a sanitary District to include Tavares, Mt. Dora and intervening territory, including Sylvan Shores. They presented a Photostatic copy of the plan for the sanitary-district, and suggested that the Plant be located somewhere between Tavares and Mt. Dora. The government will pay up to 30% of the cost of the plant not to exceed a quarter of a million dollars. Have to make application for feasibility report to establish the district. Three governing bodies involved – Mt. Dora, Tavares and the County. Mr. Duncan read the law giving County right to establish the District. Should have Resolution from both cities requesting the Board of County Commissioners to establish the District. Mayor Patton said that the City Council of Mount Dora is favorable to the creation of the District. Mr. Trenham said the proposal has not come before the Tavares council officially.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the plan be taken under advisement pending reports from the Towns of Tavares and Mt. Dora, and that Mr. Duncan get more information on this matter.

Mr. George Jolly appeared before the Board and presented Plat of Wedgewood, which is within the city limits of Mt. Dora. Title binder #6864 issued by Title & Trust Company of Florida, showing the title to be in C. George Jolly, subject to two mortgages which are a matter of record (however, have satisfactions of both mortgages that have not been filed for record) also deed of correction from the City of Mt. Dora; also deed from John M. Brandon to C. George Jolly. Mr. Jolly also has record title binder. Report of Lake County Health Department showing the property suitable for sanitary septic tanks filed. Mr. Duncan recommended that the Plat be approved, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Plat of Wedgewood in the City of Mount Dora was approved.

Mrs. Valentine appeared before the Board and presented a bill for expenses to Short Course total amount $538.00; Camp $115.50. This, of course, is in the budget and the check should be made to Lake County 4-H Girls Fund. Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the check for the above be issued to Lake County 4-H Girls Fund.

bids received for leveling and resurfacing three miles of lake county road

Notice having been advertised for leveling and resurfacing three miles of Lake County Road between Grove Street extension South of Eustis and Donnelly Avenue in Mt. Dora, the following bids were received:

MacAsphalt Corp – Lakeland

Total Sum of (SEE BID) $32.975.10

Cashier’s check for $1,700.00

Orlando Paving Co. – Orlando

Total Sum of (SEE BID) $35,000.00

Cashier’s check $1,750.00

Eastlake Company – Eustis

Total Sum of (SEE BID) $54,671.86

Bid Bond in amount of 5% total bid

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the Chairman and Commr. Bishop take the bids under advisement, and that the Engineer check same.

Doug Igou again appeared before the Board re roads in Lake County. Said he has called Mr. Davis of SRD and he does not have the budget out, but should be in Deland the last of the week. Mr. Green has a copy of the tentative budget and will make a copy and mail to Lake Co.

adjourn and reconvene

Meeting adjourned for lunch. Reconvened at 1:30 P.M.

Commr. Cross stated it was necessary to repair the No. 12 Diesel Caterpillar Grader in his district; that because it would be necessary to disassemble and examine the motor before any firm bids could be received for the repair thereof, it would be advisable to authorize the repair thereof on a cost plus basis even though this cost may exceed one thousand dollars.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Commr. Cross be authorized to employ the service of an experienced machinist dealing with Diesel motors to repair the No. 12 Diesel Caterpillar Grader motor and any other parts necessary to be repaired on a cost plus basis.

Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cross and carried that medicine bills in an amount not to exceed $30.00 per month be authorized for Mr. Marion Austin at Bouleware’s Drug Store. Bill to be sent to the Board of County Commissioners.

At this time Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, announced that the bid of one of the bidders – Orlando Paving Company – on leveling and resurfacing the road is irregular and of the two remaining bids MacAsphalt Company of Lakeland is the lower bid, WHEREUPON, on motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, the bid of MacAsphalt Corp was accepted to level and resurface 3 miles of road between Grove Street Extension South of Eustis and Donnelly Avenue in Mount Dora.

Mr. Goodson gave a report on the bids on a pickup truck and recommended the purchase of the International truck, as it has power lock rear end, all steel body with width to accommodate equipment required to carry. These two features will offset the difference in price. Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the bid of Hodges Equipment Company to furnish Lake County one International Model B-102 pickup truck at a net delivered price of $1,664.23 be accepted.

Commr. Cross gave a report on the Juvenile building. Mr. Duncan stated that one of the ladies of the Garden Club asked if they could beautify the grounds of Juvenile building.

Commr. Theus announced that he wants to have reconditioned and hard surfaced 9/10 of a mile of road; the cost will be between $4,500.00 and $5,000.00 – a clay road between US 27 and Road S-466-A, and 1600 lin. Feet of Grove Avenue in Griffin Shores.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried that the Clerk be authorized to advertise in the Leesburg paper for bids for reconditioning and surfacing a clay road between US 27 and Road S-466-A and 1600 lin. Feet of Grove Avenue in Griffin Shores. Bids to be taken on June 8, 1959.

Commr. Theus filed checks in the amount of $1,459.35 for paving in Griffin Shores. Mr. Simpson filed check from City of Mt. Dora in the amount of $681.82 for paving. Commr. Cross filed check for $38.50 for paving and Commr. Cowart filed check for $91.80 for paving. (See deposit slip for list of checks current refund)

Clerk Owens gave the address of D. L. Thrash & Associates, Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida, stating they would like to bid on re-evaluating property in Lake County.

Mr. Hunnicutt and Mr. Hamilton of Hunnicutt & Associates of St. Petersburg appeared before the Board, at the Board’s request, in re countywide property re-evaluation. Mr. Hunnicutt stated that the Clerk for the Board advised him that Mr. Cassady, Tax Assessor, is willing to go along on this project. Our purpose here is to answer any questions and hope if you are going to have a re-evaluation that we may be able to serve you. We are now working in Polk County. We estimate the job will take about 1-1/2 years to complete if the County votes to proceed with it. The Board asked Mr. Hunnicutt to work up a cost estimate for the project and agreed to call a special meeting for ten o’clock AM May 21 to receive the report. Mr. Cross stated he thinks all incorporated towns should bear their share of the payment. Mr. Hunnicutt said the cost in Orange County on real estate only was $225,000.00. Polk County included business and personal property as well as real – estimated cost $423,000. Mr. Cassady recommended that tangible personal property should be included in Lake County’s project. Several municipalities including Leesburg, Mt. Dora and Clermont have been re-appraised by Hunnicutt in recent years. Tavares also signed a contract with them yesterday. Eustis employs the Firm to keep its tax roll up to date. Mr. Hunnicutt suggested that these cities might cooperate in making their records available to the County.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that a called meeting be held on Thursday, May 21, at ten o’clock AM for the purpose of hearing the Report of estimate of cost of re-evaluating property in Lake County from the Hunnicutt Firm.

Fred Tanner, Director of Mosquito Control, appeared before the Board and asked that the Board in its new budget consider the creation of a mosquito control district and levy a one-mill tax for support of the program, as the State is gradually withdrawing its assistance; State cut our budget on spraying $8,000.00. Garbage disposal was also discussed. No action taken on either project at the present.

Clerk Owens presented Plat of First Addition Nooney Subdivision with title insurance #FE 19384 issued by Title & Trust Company of Florida showing title to Karl D. Nooney and Mary E. Nooney without any encumbrances. Letter from Lake County Health Department showing suitable for septic tanks. Only 25 foot street, however, Mr. Duncan advised the Board has no alternative will have to accept the plat. Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the Plat of First Addition Nooney Subdivision be accepted and approved.

A bill from Dr. Andrews for James Jackson, Jr. in the amount of $250.00 for surgery was discussed. This Negro was taken to the hospital after being shot by a policeman or Deputy Sheriff. Clerk Owens was instructed to write Dr. Andrews and get the full particulars of the patient.

Request of South Lake Memorial Hospital for $18,000.00. Mr. Duncan explained the law on this and Mr. Owens was instructed to notify them re the new act.

Letter from Lake County Chamber of Commerce requesting $2,000.00 in May or June. Mr. Duncan said the same ruling applies to this as on South Lake Memorial Hospital.

Request of J. R. Connell, Assistant County Agent, for $180.00 for 4-H boys to attend Short Course in Gainesville was approved by the Board.

Clerk Owens presented 2 refusals from Tax Assessor Cassady for Homestead Exemptions Miss Winifred Kitchen and Mr. Edgar. Filed for Equalization Board.

Copy of the autopsy on Mrs. Scheer was filed.

Letter from H. O. Cole re the Commissioners moving a road was referred to Commr. Cowart and he said he would call on Mr. Cole. Clerk was also instructed to write Mr. Cole.

Copy of Title Search by Inland Abstract Company on Road S-450 from Umatilla to Eldorado Road 44 was filed.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the following be appointed appraisers on Road S-450: Chas Z. Osborne, Neff Sebree, W. I. Carleton – Umatilla.

The North Addition to East Section of Crows Bluff Community Center Subdivision with Revised Policy #6760 of Title and Trust Company of Florida issued to W. H. Vernor, Inc. was presented. Release and letter from Lake Co. Health Department filed. This plat was held up because it did not show the width of street.

DISCUSSION ON PAYING INDIGENTS HOSPITAL BILLS: Clerk Owens said there is only $1500.00 in the budget for each District.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the $1500.00 in each District be prorated each month on the hospital bills for the indigent.

Dr. Hall read a letter he wrote to the Hospitals re this matter.

Mr. Duncan announced that the suit re County Land has not been started. Mr. Theus suggested that Mr. Duncan find out when they are going to file the suit. Mr. Duncan said it should be filed within the next ten days.

Mr. Duncan stated he has been requested to report on the progress of the civil suit for the recovery of the land or some restitution. So far, nothing has been done. I have contacted the attorneys and they promised they would do it next week. I think now due to the criticism that we get, we should request that the suit be filed and the time limit as to filing be within ten days.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross, that the Attorney for the Board notify the Attorneys that the Board would like to have the suit filed within ten days or that they meet with the Board on Thursday, May 21^st at ten o’clock AM and explain the cause of further delay. Motion carried. Mr. Bishop abstained from voting as he was not a member of the Board at the time this happened.

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the following Vouchers be approved for payment:

General Fund #956 through 1105

Road & Bridge Fund #794 through 923

Fine & Forfeiture #120 through 138

South Lake Memo Hospital #5

letters filed with the board

P. Kuzma, Eustis - requesting clay

Telegram from A. C. Church – awarded contract to Marion Construction Company on Job #11610-3601 and State Job 11610-3602, SR S-445

ACL RR Co – re agreement for railroad crossing

Fla RR & Public Utilities Com re – discontinuing agency at Astatula

reports filed with the board

Lake County Health Department

County Welfare Worker, Sudderth

Prison Division Department of Ag – report on jail and camp

Fred Tanner, Director Mosquito Control, Annual Report, Calendar Year 1958

MEETING ADJOURNED.

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

CLERK CHAIRMAN