MINUTES OF special MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners
WEDNESday – JUNE 3, 1959
The Board of County Commissioners met in Special Session with the Zoning Commission in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares at 1:30 P.M. for the purpose of reviewing proposed Zoning Regulations for certain parts of Lake County, and such other matters as may be brought before the Board, with the following present: Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Bishop, and Cross; Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens; and members of the Zoning Commission as follows: Chairman French, Vice-Chairman Kilgore, Miss Reba Harris, Secretary, Mr. Amory, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Nash, also Mr. Goodson.
The Board was called to order by Chairman Simpson who announced this meeting is called to acquaint the public with the Act of the Zoning Commission and its ruling. Now the meeting is turned over to Attorney Duncan to read the Act, and if anyone wants to ask questions, that is what the meeting is for. Mr. Duncan read the Act passed in 1957 Session of the Legislature and said this meeting is required by the Act and has been duly advertised in the papers of the County. Mr. French was introduced by Mr. Duncan and he, in turn, introduced the Members of the Zoning Commission. Mr. Duncan introduced Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, who read the Lake County Zoning Regulations, assisted by Miss Harris.
Different phases of the Regulations were discussed as read. During the discussion of swimming pool regulations, Mr. Duncan announced that the present session of the Legislature has passed a law that there shall be fences around all swimming pools public or private.
Mr. Simpson asked for suggestions from the audience and a few questions were asked by the visitors and discussions followed. Mr. Goodson displayed and explained a map showing the territory zoned for commercial and also territory zoned for residential districts.
At this time Mr. Simpson called the Board back to order and stated if there are any objections on any of the requirements, please let’s get them in the record. Commr. Bishop asked if this is adopted, how flexible is it from a standpoint the County is going to grow and change, as we all know, and can this be changed accordingly. Mr. Duncan read the law on this and stated it can be changed. (This will be effective as soon as the Governor appoints an Adjustment Board, which will be recommended by the Board of County Commissioners.) Mr. Simpson asked if certain areas are going to be residential and a party buys a lot and then later he finds out it can be changed, have we been fair with that party. Mr. Duncan read the law on this and stated cannot make any change without giving the public notice. Mr. Duncan also stated should make amendment before adopting the Regulations.
Mr. Owens, speaking as an individual citizen, stated we definitely know where 441 is going now and I see no reason for placing the proposed four-lane highway between the Orange County line and the Dream Boat Corner South of Eustis in a high class residential zone rather than in a commercial classification. Now is the time to make the change and make it a commercial zone for unless this is done, it will drive business away from that area. The Zoning Commission members said there are at present no criteria to determine the future development of the route and that changes in zoning can be made as needed by action of the County Commissioners.
The citizens present for the hearing commended the Commissioners and the Zoning Commission for the careful consideration of the needs and wishes of the public in setting up the County’s first zoning program.
Mr. L. B. Ritter of Sylvan Shores in speaking for his group said, “I feel that we, the residents of Lake County, owe a deep debt of gratitude to this group for the wonderful job that they have done and on behalf of our section of Lake County, which is Sylvan Shores, I move very deeply that the County Commissioners adopt these zoning regulations with the few changes that have been recommended and set up here today. Thank you.”
Mr. Simpson. “Thank you, sir. We certainly appreciate the remarks you made to this fine group that proposed this wonderful job. They have put more time and more effort and it is a group of people who have a very fine background. I want to add my thanks to your thanks. This being an open meeting, a motion was made. All heard the motion that we thank this group – that we accept the thanks of this group. Frankly, we cannot act on this as a body of County Commissioners today, because, I feel like ____” Here Mr. French interrupted and stated, “I realize that.” Mr. Simpson. “You have heard the motion is there a second?” Mr. Chuck Brock said. “I will second it.” Mr. Simpson. “Any further discussion.” “All in favor of this motion say “I.” Motion carried.” Mr. Simpson again thanked the group.
(THIS ENDED THE SESSION WITH THE ZONING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. FOR SESSION OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SEE NEXT PAGE.)
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens /s/ O. M. Simpson
CLERK CHAIRMAN
IN A SHORT BUSINESS SESSION OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THE FOLLOWING ACTION WAS TAKEN:
Mr. Bishop appointed Mr. Arthur George, Clermont as Right-of-way Agent on the Lake Shepherd Road, SR S-561-A, Section 11660-2250, which appointment was concurred by the Board.
Attorney W. B. Hunter appeared before the Board and reported that he has received an offer through the Attorney for the proposed defendants in the suit concerning the new barn site in Clermont by which the proposed defendants offered to pay back to Lake County, conditioned upon no suit being filed, the sum of $5,740.00.
After considering the offer, the Board determined that such offer was not acceptable because of the conditions under which said barn site was acquired, and instructed Mr. Hunter to advise said Attorney that the amount sought to be recovered in the proposed suit plus attorneys’ fees is the minimum amount that would be accepted.
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens /s/ O. M. Simpson
CLERK CHAIRMAN