MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
monday – june 12, 1961
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, June 12, 1961 at ten o’clock a.m., with the following present: Vice Chairman Cowart; Commissioners Babb, Dykes, and Simpson; Attorney Duncan; Clerk Owens; and County Engineer Goodson.
The Board was called to order by Vice Chairman Cowart.
approval of minutes
On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Minutes of the meetings of March 16; April 3, 10, 13, and 19; and May 1, 8, 12, 17, and 26 were adopted as read.
notary public bond
The Notary Public Bond of Bettye Sue Blackmon with American Surety Company of New York was approved by the Board.
Commr. Babb filed the following checks:
Ann Gay Marteeny by Clyde Marteeny - $75 for purchase of old hyacinth cutter
B. R. Audley - $30 for reimbursement for services
pauper list
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried:
D-1: No changes were made
D-2: No changes were made
D-3: No changes were made
D-4: John English, Lake Memorial Nursing Home, was granted for two months $45 per month.
D-5: Mrs. Edna Joiner was canceled for $20 for care of J. L. Mooney and the allowance for Roland Miller was increased to $88 for one month only.
permits for hauling draglines and other heavy equipment
Permits for hauling draglines and other heavy equipment were given to each Commissioner present. One was mailed to Foreman Ponds for D-1.
plat of thompson estates on lake dora in section 31-19-26
Tom Sawyer appeared before the Board representing W. H. Thompson and presented this Plat with Title Insurance Policy #Y-888-3451 issued by Lawyers Title Insurance Company and letters from Orange State Engineers, Inc. and the Lake County Health Department re suitability for septic tank installation. Mr. Sawyer stated this Plat was presented last week but not accepted on account of the width of the streets. He reports they now have put in 50-foot streets; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Plat of Thompson Estates was accepted and approved.
plat of crystal lake heights, a partial replat of lot 1, block 48 of fruitland park
Tom Sawyer representing L. M. Lomax presented this Plat, together with the Opinion of title by John F. Cherry. Mr. Duncan stated the title seems to be acceptable. Letters from the Lake County Health Department and Orange State Engineers, Inc. stating that the property is suitable for septic tank installation under normal operating conditions were filed. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Plat of Crystal Lake Heights was accepted and approved, subject to the width of McWhorter Avenue being determined.
resignation of assistant county agent, herman bowers
R. E. Norris, County Agent, appeared before the Board and stated that Mr. Bowers has resigned effective as of July 1, 1961. Mr. Norris asked for permission to employ a new man to replace Mr. Bowers and stated he is working on one in Kentucky now who is willing to take a reduction in title and salary. Mr. Norris stated he would like to work this out and get the new man at the same salary as set up in the budget at this time. The Board gave Mr. Norris permission to hire the new man to replace Mr. Bowers at the salary as now set up in the budget.
agricultural center
Dave Lunsford and R. E. Norris inquired about the furniture for the Agricultural Center and stated the building is ready to move into except for the furniture. Mr. Cowart suggested that the Board look at the building at noon. The Board agreed to do this. Mr. Duncan stated so far as he knows, it is okay to take bids now, as the Bill has gone through both Houses of the Legislature, but have not had official notice that the Act has been filed, but think it is worth taking a risk on and suggest the authorization to advertise for bids if the Bill has been approved. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to advertise in the Daily Commercial and the Eustis Lake Region News for bids on furniture for the Agricultural Center. Bids are to be received on July 10, 1961.
discussion on pipe and pump at agricultural center
There was a discussion on the pipe and pump at the Agricultural Center and how to fill in the mud hole. Mr. Cowart suggested filling in the whole pond. No action was taken on this.
Robert Ford, architect, reported the Agricultural Building is essentially completed. Only a few minor things to be done. The well is complete. The pump is to be installed. He stated he would be glad to go with the Board to inspect the building. The Board invited him to go with them, and Commr. Simpson invited the press also. Will go at 11:30 today.
agricultural center re: payment to gregg, gibson & gregg
Mr. Ford presented Certificate of Payment Number 6, Architect’s Order Number L2-66 showing the amount due the Contractors of $15,804.30. After discussion on this bill, the same was ordered held in abeyance until a letter is received from the Architect that everything has been taken care of.
quotations for office equipment and furniture
Judge Milton appeared before the Board and presented quotations from Simon Office Equipment, Leesburg, on:
1 - B. L. Marble swivel chair #28 ½ upholstered in top grain leather (entire) f.o.b. Tavares $225
1 - #CF3976 Conference Desk, top size 76 X 39 f.o.b. Tavares $165
Total $390
The Judge stated he has been to three office supply companies in the county, and this is the best offer. This furniture will be suitable for the courthouse when it is renovated.
WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, Judge Milton was authorized to purchase the desk and chair described above from Simon Office Equipment, Leesburg, for the sum of $390.
Judge Milton also stated he is in need of a new Thermo-Fax “Secretary” copying machine and has the following quotations from Lanier Systems Company of Orlando, Inc.
Model 44 Thermo-Fax Secretary copying machine $359
Less trade-in of Model 22 $125
Net $234
WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Judge Milton was authorized to purchase from Lanier Systems Company of Orlando, Inc. the Thermo-Fax Secretary copying machine for a net difference of $234, provided the money is available.
Judge Milton stated he has an Acme indexing system machine he is not using and has had one offer of $50 and one for $100 for it, if the Commissioners would authorize this sale. May have to advertise it for sale. Clerk Owens was instructed to find out if they would have to advertise for bids on the sale of the indexing machine. He was also instructed to check to see if the money is available for the purchase of the other items requested by Judge Milton.
wlbe radio station road
Bucky Harrell appeared before the Board re this road. There was discussion on this, but no action taken. Mr. Harrell stated he would give the right of way on his land if they do not touch the trees or buildings. It was suggested that Commr. Babb and Mr. Harrell might work out something on this, but have no money now.
notice for proposed legislation
The bill of the Tavares Citizen re these notices in the amount of $102 and $61.50 for extra proofs required for filing in the Legislature, which have been held up to obtain Proofs of Publication were presented for payment; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the bills in the amount of $163.50 were approved for payment.
special acts for lake county and population acts
Clerk Owens requested the Board to authorize him to order copies of all Special Acts for Lake County passed in the 1961 Legislature, also copies of all Population Acts where the population was stated between 56,000 and 60,000. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to order from the Secretary of State said Acts.
recess and reassembly
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
boat ramp at astatula
Mr. Duncan stated he has not yet gotten a report on the title of the land being considered for a boat ramp in Astatula.
borrow pit on road from fruitland park to lake-sumter county line
Mr. Duncan read a letter from the State Road Department stating the borrow pit would cost $3,000. He asked if the County is willing to pay for this. Mr. Owens stated the County bought one borrow pit on this road and do not think they can buy another one. Mr. Duncan was authorized to answer this letter.
lake county law library act
Clerk Owens read a letter from C. Welborn Daniel, representative, stating, “Barring an unforeseen Governor’s veto, this law takes effect at the hour of 12:01 a.m. July 1, 1961.”
stop signs and speed limit on roads in sylvan shores – mount dora
Mr. Simpson presented two letters from Sylvan Shores property owners, one requesting that stop signs be placed on all streets in Sylvan Shores entering Eudora Road and Morningside Drive and one requesting a resolution to establish a 35-mile speed limit on all roads in Sylvan Shores. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, “Sylvan Shores,” a subdivision located west of the City Limits of Mount Dora, is predominately a residential area, and many homes have been built in said subdivision and are occupied by the owners thereof, and
WHEREAS, many children live in said subdivision and excessive speeds on said streets create a distinct hazard to the children and to the grown people who occupy said area, and it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that frequently the operators of motor vehicles have traversed said streets at an excessive rate of speed, endangering the lives of those who live there;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour be fixed for all streets in “Sylvan Shores” and located without the City Limits of the City of Mount Dora; that proper signs be erected setting forth said speed limits on said streets;
BE IT RESOLVED that at the point of intersection of all streets in Sylvan Shores which intersect “Eudora Road” and “Morningside Drive” stop signs be erected.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that anyone violating the provisions of this Resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with law for such violation.
Mr. Goodson was instructed to put up the stop signs mentioned in the above resolution.
seneca church road
Mr. Simpson thinks there should be a load limit posted on this road; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that because of excessive loads being transported across “Seneca Church Road” located easterly of Eustis, the surface of the road is being seriously damaged and will be destroyed unless a limit is placed upon loads traversing said road;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that no truck or motor vehicle weighing in excess of 2 ½ tons loaded be permitted to traverse said road and that a proper sign be erected limiting the load limit for use of said road.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that anyone violating the provisions of this Resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with law.
Mr. Goodson was directed to erect the speed limit signs on this road.
juvenile court problem
Judge Milton and Mrs. Seiler, counselor, appeared before the Board re: assistance in getting a 15-year old girl back from Nashville, Tennessee. She has been in the School for Girls in Ocala twice and other places. She was sent to her sister in Nashville, but this is not working out. Now the Ocala School will take her back. Mrs. Seiler read a telegram from Tennessee Welfare regarding this child stating they have no jurisdiction. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Mrs. Seiler, Chief Counselor, was authorized to decide on the means of transportation and get the child back and that Clerk Owens be instructed to issue a warrant for payment of transportation.
Easement with the State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
Mr. Goodson presented a form of easement with the State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission of Florida for the construction, use, maintenance, and operation of a public boat launching ramp by the State of Florida and to provide access thereto for the general public. After discussion of this, a motion was made by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried authorizing Clerk Owens to notify the State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission that the Board of County Commissioners declines to enter into the easement.
lumber in umatilla barn
Commr. Babb reported there is stored in the County barn at Umatilla 3,000 feet of good lumber, 1-inch thick, 6 to 10 inches width, 12 to 18 feet long, which is not needed, and he would like to advertise same for sale. A resolution would be needed declaring same surplus and a motion to advertise for sale. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, there is in storage in the Umatilla County Barn approximately 3,000 feet of lumber for which the County has no immediate use and is deteriorating; that the County will be better benefitted by the sale thereof and conversion of the same to money;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that said lumber be declared as surplus and that same be sold after first giving public notice of sale as provided by law and that the funds received therefor be deposited to the account of Lake County.
old trailer to be offered for sale
Commr. Babb said he has an old trailer that should be declared junk and offered for sale; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the County is the owner of an old trailer which in its present condition cannot be used by the County and is therefore of no value to Lake County, and
WHEREAS, the County has received a Bid for the purchase thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the County Barn be declared as surplus and that the same be sold as provided by law after first giving public notice of sale.
Miscellaneous reports
Clerk Owens advised the Board he had a note from Mrs. Theus saying that Commr. Theus is much improved and may have visitors now.
Commr. Dykes stated it has been brought to his attention by the Tavares City Police that some rough boys are playing around the Historical Building, and they suggested that a fence be built around the building for fire protection. Clerk Owens was instructed to notify the Historical Society that this has been discussed.
Commr. Dykes reported that he has a petition from some Tavares people about an open ditch from the schoolhouse sewage in the Sinclair Avenue vicinity requesting that the drainage be by pipe and not an open ditch. Mr. Babb suggested that this is the City of Tavares’ problem and not in the jurisdiction of the Board. Also, the School Board problem and they should take this up with the School Board and City Council.
survey of property around dream lake
Mr. Goodson was instructed to contact the surveyor and get the survey made on the road right of way to the lake, which was brought to the attention of the Board at the last meeting by Mr. Stanley Kaszewski.
new ibm typewriter
Judge Hall appeared before the Board re buying a new IBM electric typewriter. He stated he had a letter from the salesman quoting the price as follows:
IBM electric machine $445.00
Less govt. tax $ 44.50
Less trade in $250.00
Net difference: $150.50
On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Judge Hall was authorized to trade in his old typewriter for the new IBM for a net difference of $150.50.
use of grand jury room
Judge Hall reported that he would like to put the Court Reporter in the Grand Jury room and use the small room now being used by the Court Reporter for the jury room. If the grand jury is not able to use the small room, they will make the southeast corner room on the third floor available for it. This room will be used for conferences. The Judge said he would need a window air conditioner for the old jury room and requested authority to purchase same. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Judge Hall was authorized to get prices from three companies on a window air conditioner for the old jury room and purchase from the lowest and best quotation.
Signs for marsh memorial park
Commr. Babb reported he has contacted Merry Sign Company to make these signs.
prohibiting firearms in all lake county parks
Discussion on this. On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that firearms have been carried upon the public parks of the County and that the possession thereof in said public parks constitutes a hazard to the public;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that from the approval of this Resolution, no firearms shall be carried upon any of the public parks of Lake County, except by duly authorized police officers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that anyone violating the provisions of this Resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with the law upon conviction of a misdemeanor.
plat of yale retreat
W. H. Padgett, Engineer, appeared before the Board and presented this Plat together with Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation Policy #Y-883-235 showing title in J. B. Marshall and Doris W. Marshall. Letters from Mid-State Eng. Corp. and the Lake County Health Department were filed. Sheriff McCall was present and stated he would give a deed to the County for right of way.
On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Plat of Yale Retreat was accepted and approved as soon as the deed from Sheriff McCall is received.
cleaning out black water creek at garrett bridge
It was reported to the Board that piling is clogging up the creek, and the spray crew cannot get through to spray the hyacinths. Mr. Owens reported that E. E. Gandy said he would clean out the creek. The name of the person owning the land along the banks of the creek is Mr. Harper, and they would have to get permission from him to clean out the creek. On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the County Engineer was authorized to get prices on the cost to have the piling removed and have the creek cleaned out so the spray boat can get in to spray, if they can get permission from Mr. Harper.
A copy of a letter to J. C. Cowart, Acting Chairman, from Lora A. Kiser, Past President, Florida Home Demonstration Agents Association, re: Mrs. Marian Valentine, Lake County Home Demo. Agent, being selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award at the National Home Demonstration Agents Association meeting, October 9-13 in Boston, Mass., was read and ordered held for the budget hearing.
mile post #781
Clerk Owens was instructed to send the Western Union bill in the amount of $200.95 for raising the W. U. wires to George N. Vance for payment.
agreement with farm bureau
The agreement with the Farm Bureau re: tapping into the Agricultural Center water pipes was ordered held until the next meeting.
The request of James Salter, custodian, for two weeks’ vacation, one week on July 11 - 17, 1961 and one week on August 15 – 22, 1961, was granted on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.
construction of new jail
Mr. Hopson presented the request of Fred S. Conrad Construction Company in the amount of $32,844.60 for work completed to date; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the bill of Fred S. Conrad Construction Company in the amount of $32,844.60 was approved for payment – net due this estimate.
tax collection on real and personal property by cities
The 1960 taxes collected on real estate and personal property within the corporate limits by cities and towns for Road & Bridge purposes:
Letter from Paul Reed, Tax Collector as follows:
These amounts are 50 percent of the collections on the basis of 1.5 mills. The total of the R/B Levy for 1960 being 3.0 mills.
Astatula $ 233.44
Clermont 4,201.99
Montverde 542.93
Minneola 452.34
Tavares 2,284.62
Total $7,715.32
Leesburg $14,995.58
Lady Lake 420.94
Fruitland Park 558.55
Total $15,975.07
Umatilla $ 6,232.10
Mount Dora 5,193.32
Total $11,425.42
Groveland $1,786.18
Howey $ 977.35
Mascotte $ 471.87
Total $3,235.40
Grand Total $39,821.50
On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the 1960 taxes collected on real estate and personal property within the corporate limits for Road and Bridge purposes were to be distributed to the cities as listed in the letter from Tax Collector Reed.
bills of lenhart payne
The bills of Lenhart Payne Electrical Company were presented to the Board. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the bills of Lenhart Payne Electrical Company for labor and material to relocate service at the Courthouse in the amount of $500 and the bill to repair light fixtures in the amount of $17.10 were approved for payment.
mile post s-806
The bill of Atlantic Coast Line RR Company in the amount of $57.56 re railroad crossing 220 feet SE of said post at Okahumpka per the agreement dated March 28, 1960 was presented for payment. WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Bab and carried, the bill was approved for payment.
telephone bills of senator boyd and representatives daniel and reedy
Clerk Owens presented telephone bills incurred by Welborn Daniel, representative, in the amount of $105.01 and W. H. Reed, representative, in the amount of $101.89 while they were in Tallahassee at this session of the Legislature; also, an old telephone bill of Senator Boyd in the amount of $163.54 of which $38.23 was paid on August 17, 1959 and $54.90 paid on 9-23-50, leaving a balance due of $70.41; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that telephone bills incurred by Senator J. A. Boyd during the Legislative Session of 1959 and the telephone bills of the Lake County Senator and Representatives incurred during the 1961 Session of the Legislature in their respective official capacities as Members of the Legislature be paid by Lake County as and for a public service to the people of Lake County.
re: issuance and sale of $1,250,000 lake county certificates of indebtedness
Clerk Owens presented the bill of B. J. Van Ingen & Co. Inc. as follows:
For services rendered by Van Ingen Company and Gunby & Company in accordance with the contract dated September 20, 1960 in the amount of $3,742.50, with the additional printing charge included of $55, with the total being $3,742.50.
On a motion by Commr. Bab, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the bill as set forth above was approved for payment.
prohibiting harrows being used on right of way of certain county roads
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that portions of the rights of way of State Road S-19 between Tavares and Eustis and SR S-565 are being damaged by the transporting of harrows across the pavement and the right of way, and that such damage is resulting in an unnecessary expense to Lake County because of the cost of repair and maintenance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the State Road Department be requested to erect signs along said roads prohibiting the use of the roadway and the right of way by harrows, unless properly transported by raising the same off of the surface thereof.
BE IT RESOLVED that anyone violating the provisions of this Resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of law upon conviction thereof.
discussion of proposed bridge
There was discussion of a proposed bridge between Eustis and Tavares on Lake Shore Drive. The cost will be approximately $17,000. Should have 12-foot clearance and 25-foot span.
vouchers
On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the following Vouchers were approved for payment:
ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND #893 through #1032
GENERAL REVENUE FUND #1095 through #1255
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND #131 through #145
CAPITAL OUTLAY RES. (AG CENTER) #17 & #18
CAPITAL OUTLAY RES. (CO. BLDGS) #19 & 20
MOSQUITO CONTROL STATE II #87 through #99
CAPITAL OUTLAY RES. (CO. HOME) #49 through #60
following filed with the board:
Letter from Sara C. (Peggy) Franklin, resignation as secretary to Home Demo Agent
SRD re: transfer entire balance of $1,013, 176.92 from the Lake Co. R/W Acquisition Trust Fund to the Lake County Secondary Fund.
Lake County Welfare Worker Report for May 1961.
MEETING ADJOURNED.
/s/ Frank E. Owens___ /s/ J. C. Cowart_
CLERK VICE CHAIRMAN