MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY commissioners

monday – JULY 13, 1959

 

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, July 13, at ten o’clock A.M. with the following present:  Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Bishop, Cross, and Attorney Duncan; and Clerk Owens.

Board called to order by Chairman Simpson.

Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried.

District 1 –      That no changes be made

District 2 –      That no changes be made

District 3 –      That the amount for John Swaffer, Astatula be decreased to $15.00 per month

                        That amount for Bessie Hall, Astatula be decreased to $15.00 per month

                        That payment for medicine for Mr. Austin be cancelled

District 4 –      That Ollie Riggens for $25.00 per month be dropped from the list as she        has been approved for State Aid

District 5 –      That no changes be made

Clerk Owens read a request of the Lake County Welfare Office for $18,000.00, if possible, to be set up in the budget for 1959-1960.  This request also listed the work that has been done by this group.  Motion by Commr. Theus seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the request of Lake County Child Welfare Unit – for $12,000.00 to be set up in the 1959-1960 budget be approved.

Mr. French, Chairman Zoning Commission, appeared before the Board and stated we are not in a position at this time to give a report as matters are before us that we cannot act upon at the present.  Mr. Owens played back the record of the meeting of June 3rd in regard to the Zoning Regulations being, or not being, adopted.  Mr. French stated “I understand that you accepted it, but did not adopt it.”

Mr. Duncan presented an Amended appraisal of E. L. Puryear, R. E. Nash and John S. Arnold in the amount of $42,231.02 on SR S-565-A.  The original appraisal being in the amount of $41,231.02.  Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the Appraisal as amended be accepted.  (Duncan to send 2 copies to SRD.)

Mr. Howard appeared before the Board re the development which they wish to have improved with clay roads (this matter having been discussed at the meeting on July 6th).  After discussion of the matter, Mr. Simpson asked if Mr. Duncan and Mr. Bishop would see Mr. Howard and work out some deal on the road.  Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the following named persons be appointed to appraise the rights of way on the road:  Dwight Gaines, Clyde Gaines and W. W. Boyd, all of Clermont, Florida.

Mr. L. C. Gram appeared before the Board and presented a plat of Twilight Cove for approval.  Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cross and carried, that the Plat of Twilight Cove be accepted.

Mr. Sears and Mr. Janney again appeared before the Board re:  Highland Lakes Subdivision.  Mr. Goodson gave a report on the subdivision.  Mr. Sears stated they would like to submit the plat again for approval.  Commr. Cross stated he has not checked the location.  Letter from Health Department was filed.  Mr. Duncan stated he now understands they have an access road into the subdivision which meets the requirements of the statutes, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Plat of Highland Lakes Subdivision was accepted.

Clerk Owens read a Resolution adopted by the Leesburg Planning and Zoning Commission on June 15, 1959, urging the County Commissioners to study carefully and to accept the recommendations of the County Planning Board, and to put into operation at the earliest possible date the Zoning Ordinance to control and regulate future building to best serve the public and preserve the natural beauty of Lake County.

R. E. Norris, County Agent, appeared before the Board and asked permission to attend the meeting of the National Association of County Agents in Kansas City, Missouri, in September.  The cost would be approximately $260.00.  Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that R. E. Norris, County Agent, be granted permission to attend the meeting of the National Association of County Agents in Kansas City in September, and that he be allowed expenses up to $260.00.

Discussion on the Resolution re:  Resurfacing Road 561, resulted in a motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that Attorney Duncan be authorized to write the State Road Department requesting completion of this road in accordance with the original Resolution.

Clerk Owens filed the following on Road 46-A:

Right of Way Contract

SRD Resolution

County Commissioners’ Resolution

Original Sepia and prints

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that the following Resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, the State Road Department of Florida has authorized and requested Lake County to furnish the necessary rights of way, borrow pits and easements for that portion of Section 11580, State Road S-46-A, extending from State Road 44-A Southeasterly to State Road 46 in Section 30, Township 19 South, Range 29 East, which has been surveyed and located by the State Road Department as shown by a map on file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County and in the office of the said Department at Tallahassee; and

WHEREAS, the said Department will not begin construction of said portion of said Section in said County until title to all land necessary for said portion of said Section has been conveyed to or vested in said State by said County, and said lands are physically cleared of all occupants, tenants, fences, buildings and/or other structures and improvements upon or encroaching within the limits of the land required for said portion of said Section; and

WHEREAS, the said County is financially unable at this time to provide the necessary funds to acquire said rights of way, borrow pits and easements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the State Road Department of Florida be and it is hereby requested to pay for the rights of way, borrow pits and easements for said road, including the removal of buildings, fences and other structures and improvements thereon, and for other expenses of acquiring title to said rights of way borrow pits and easements by purchase or condemnation, from such funds and under such conditions as are set out in the contract hereto attached; and be it further

RESOLVED, that said County, through its Board of County Commissioners comply with the request of said Department and procure, convey or vest in said State the free, clear and unencumbered title to all lands necessary for said portion of said Section and deliver to the State Road Department said lands physically clear of all occupants, tenants, fences, buildings and/or other structures and improvements situate upon or encroaching within the limits of the lands required for said portion of said Section, and that the Chairman and the Clerk of this Board be and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver on behalf of said County to said Department the Contract in the form hereto attached; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the attorney for this Board be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to proceed to take the necessary steps for the County to acquire in the name of said County by donation, purchase, or condemnation said rights of way, borrow pits and easements for said portion of said Section and to prepare in the name of said County by its County Commissioners all condemnation papers, affidavits and pleadings, and prosecute all condemnation proceedings to judgment; and furnish to the Department the abstract search provided for in said Contract.

Bonds for carrying  numerous firearms which were filed by W. J. Wingler; Jack R. Prager and Leighton L. Baker were discussed, as each bond listed several guns.  Mr. Duncan advised that the law states “only one gun to each license.”  Mr. Duncan was advised to talk to the applicants for further details.  The bonds were not approved.

Howell Hopson, Architect, appeared before the Board and submitted a report of the Special Committee, headed by E. Everett Huskey, which was appointed by the County Commission to study the present courthouse facilities.  Said report estimated that 75% of the electrical system in the courthouse is inadequate, and recommended repairs be made immediately at an approximate cost of $20,000.00; Plumbing and heating system estimated at $4,000.00; repairs to courthouse building estimated at $5,000; other recommendations from the Committee included the removal of the balcony from the courtroom and providing space for two courtroom facilities and a meeting place for the County Commissioners; also suggested that the open balcony on the second floor filled in and an adequate public lobby be provided to serve the records room and the county clerk’s department.   Also recommended were new glass and aluminum doors for the four main entrances, and that the first floor lobby and offices be air-conditioned and redecorated.  Also after the completion of the proposed new county jail, that the existing cell block be removed to provide storage space for old records.  The Committee feels that the present courthouse facilities would be adequate for the next 10 to 20 years.  However, they recommended that the Commission make plans to secure a 30 to 40 acre site for constructing new facilities to house all County Departments.  The County Commissioners advised that they have already appointed a Board of Appraisers to evaluate about 60 acres along SR 19 just outside of the city limits of Tavares for this purpose.

Mr. Simpson thanked the Committee for the report.  Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Comr. Theus and carried, that Clerk Owens be instructed to write the Committee a letter of appreciation for the work it has done.

Plat of Orchid Lake Subdivision, which has been approved by the City of Eustis, with title opinion of Harry E. Gaylord, Attorney, was presented to the Board for approval.  Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, that the Plat of Orchid Lake Subdivision be accepted.

Clerk Owens filed bill for two tax certificates and letter from R. G. Cassady Tax Assessor, stating taxes extended on lands exempt 1958 tax roll.  Motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that the bill be approved for payment on tax sale certificate #122 of 1959 - $105.75; and tax sale certificates #394 of 1959 -$3.92; in order to comply with the request of R. G. Cassady, Tax Assessor.  (Letter attached to the bill)

Adjourned for lunch.  Back at 1:30 PM.

Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that the quotation of Wolfe & Konsler for repairs to the courthouse and jail in the amount of $484.55 be accepted.

Mr. Blitch again appeared before the Board re:  The County clay pit near Howey.  Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried that the following named persons be appointed appraisers to appraise the clay pit – Terrell Holland and Howard Mathews.  Mr. Cowart said he would contact the appraisers on the way home today.  Mr. Duncan was instructed to advise Mr. Blitch re the appraisal before he leaves the last of the week.

Mr. Duncan was asked to check the law – if you stop up one day a year a road, can you keep it from being declare a public road.

Mr. Duncan advised that the bill went into effect on May 5th allowing the Commissioners a sum not to exceed $100.00 per month for administrative costs and expenses in their respective offices.  Clerk Owens stated that $100.00 has been paid to the Commissioners’ secretaries in Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 for May and June, therefore, Commr. Theus in District 1 will be paid direct $187.00 for part of May and all of June as office expenses.

Clerk Owens presented two bills for electric typewriters for the Court Reporter as follows:

Leesburg Typewriter – 1 electric typewriter                                                 $315.50

W. J. Rumley – 1 electric typewriter  $445.00 less trade in $200                $245.00

Clerk Owens was instructed to write Alan Hamlin, Court Reporter, to get the Board’s OK beforehand when he intends to purchase items costing more than $50.00.

Mr. Goodson was instructed to have the land around the Pioneer Building surveyed (complying with the Duncan lease) so notice for bids to pave for a parking lot can be published. Above action taken on motion of Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.

Mr. Duncan was instructed to include in the revenue certificates repairs to the jail.

Plat of First Addition to Mobile Home Estates was presented for approval, together with letter from Lake County Health Department and Lawyers Title & Insurance Corp. policy #Y-677-280.  Motion by Commr. Bishop seconded by Commr. Cross and carried that the Plat of First Addition to Mobile Home Estates be accepted.

Plat of Orange Capital Court Subdivision located by the Old Country Club at Eustis, two blocks East of Bellview Heights Subdivision, was presented for approval, together with letter from Lake County Health Department and Lawyers Title & Insurance Corp. policy #Y-677-281.  Motion by Commr. Cross seconded by Commr. Bishop and carried, that the Plat of Orange Capital Court Subdivision be approved.

Emery Dillard and A. E. Mundy, appraisers appointed to appraise the value of the land being considered for the proposed County Courthouse Center, appeared before the Board and discussed the appraisal.  Mr. Duncan was instructed to contact the owners about purchasing the land.  Mr. Cross thinks 26 acres would be sufficient.

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

Road & Bridge Fund                          #1025 through #1155

General Fund                                      #1242 through #1395

Fine & Forfeiture Fund                      #  158 through #  176

S. Lake Memorial Hosp. Fund           #     6

 

ITEMS FILED WITH THE BOARD

Letter from G. R. Chain, D.D.S. Mt. Dora – Commending J. C. Hunter, Co. Serv. Of. For splendid work.

Letter from Katherine L. Baker, Supt. of reg. re:  Salary

Letter from State Road Department re:  JOB #11530-3152, SR S-468 and S-466-A between 466-A and SR 44, and between old SR 25 and new SR 25 Ft. Park – bids to be let on July 28, 1959.

T. B. Hospital to Dr. Hall re:  Admittance of Paul Hoyt Barlow and Laura J. Miller & Mattie Fulton.

AGC Newsletter – Opinion of Attorney General

Ballinger Legislative Service

Division of Corrections Report

County Welfare Worker’s Report

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

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

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN