MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 monday – june 11, 1962

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, June 11, 1962, at ten o’clock a.m. with the following present:  Chairman Simpson; Commissioners Theus, Cowart, Dykes, and Babb; Attorney Duncan; Clerk Owens; and County Engineer Givens.

The Board was called to order by Chairman Simpson.

Invocation was given by Commr. Theus.

notary PUBLIC bond

The Board approved the Notary Public Bond of Robert E. Dinsmore, 1100 Washington Road, Mount Dora, with American Fire & Casualty Company as Surety.

following checks filed by commr. babb:

Flippo Groves, Inc. $250 for donations for Huskey Road near Grand Island

Flippo Properties Inc. $250 for donations for Huskey Road near Grand Island

Allison Brothers $20 for purchase of sand

pauper list

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried:

District 1 – that Mrs. A. R. Blakemore for Edith Hallmyer for $40 be canceled

Districts 2, 3, and 4 – NO CHANGES BE MADE

District 5 – that Mrs. A. R. Blakemore for Hattie Pollock for $40 be canceled and that John Bynum c/o Lula Belle Davis, Eustis for $20 be canceled.

bids received

Notice having been advertised for equipment for the Jail and Sheriff’s Department, the following bids were received:

Bids on Office Furniture:

George Stuart, Inc., Orlando                          $1,610.00

Doris’ Furniture, Mount Dora                        $1,315.75

Leesburg Typewriter Service, Leesburg        $1,499.00

Simons Office Supplies, Leesburg                $1,383.93

Skipper’s Office Supplies, Leesburg             $1,140.00

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bids were referred to Howell Hopson, architect, and the Board was to purchase the furniture from the low bidder upon recommendation of the Architect.

bids on venetian blinds for jail:

Roberts Awning Co., Orlando                        $550.00

Doris’ Furniture, Mount Dora                        $618.73

Fox Venetian Blinds, Eustis                           $707.20

Leesburg Aluminum Products, Leesburg      $515.00

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bids were referred to Howell Hopson, architect, and that the Board purchase the Venetian Blinds from the low bidder upon recommendation of the Architect.

mattresses for jail bids

Lauderdale Bedding, Fort Lauderdale           $2,072.00

Leesburg Army Store, Leesburg                    $2,257.92

Ezel-Titterton, Fort Lauderdale                     $2,297.00

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the bids on Mattresses for the Jail were referred to Howell Hopson, architect, and the Board will purchase the Mattresses from the low bidder upon recommendation of the Architect.

landscape jail grounds

Following quotations presented to the Board:

Johnson & Smith, Inc., Leesburg – Price for group as quoted          $420.50

Florida Nursery & Landscape Co., Leesburg                                                $515.20

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bid of Johnson & Smith, Inc. for landscaping the Jail grounds for the sum of $420.50 be accepted.

lake memorial nursing home administrative building – furniture

Engineer Givens reported to the Board that the bid of George Stuart, Inc. received June 4, 1962 in the amount of $1,139.48 is the low bid; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bid of George Stuart, Inc. to furnish furniture for the Lake Memorial Nursing Home Administrative Building for the sum of $1,139.48 was accepted.

agricultural center

Notice having been advertised for the purchase of kitchen furniture for the Agricultural Center, the following bids were received:

Turner’s, Leesburg – Group A & C (not bidding on B), $1,393.72, Check #16195 $69.69 enclosed.

kitchen furniture agricultural center

Bid of Lenhart Payne electric, Leesburg Group A, B & C    $1,635.00

Less $204 combined                                                               $  204.00

Cashier’s check #31875 for $81.75 enclosed

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the bid of Lennart-Payne Electric to furnish Lake County Group A, B, and C for the sum of $1,431.00 for furniture for the Agricultural Center was accepted.

agricultural center auditorium

Mr. Ford submitted the General Contractor’s request for payment on the Agricultural Center Auditorium – Certified payment No. 3, Graham Construction Co. in the amount of $22,055.92 and recommended that the contractor’s request be paid.

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Graham Construction Company’s request – Certificate No. 3 for the amount $22,055.92 was approved for payment.

Robert V. Ford, architect, submitted his bill for professional services rendered on the Auditorium for the Agricultural Center supervision at 1 ½ percent on the contract completed to date ($63,373.92) in the amount of $950.60.  WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the bill was approved.

LAKE MEMORIAL NURSING HOME BILL

The Lake Memorial Nursing Home bill of Leesburg Typewriter for supplies for the administrative office in the amount of $9.00 was approved for payment on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.

highway house rule 8612

Mr. Duncan read a letter from Congressman Herlong stating “No hearings have been held on this bill.  A resume will be sent within the next few days; however, the prospects for this bill are slim.”  Letter filed.

first addition to east lake harris estates in section 20-26-26

Tom Sawyer again presented this Plat, stating that the man who had a private road has now dedicated it to the public.  Title Policy #Y-883177 dated April 14, 1960 was presented, with a letter from Inland Abstract & Title Company stating “no change in the title since that date.  Mortgage set forth as Item 5, Schedule C has been released as to the lands described in the said plat.  This said mortgage was assigned to Ruth M. Smith.”  A letter from the Lake County Health Department stating “Subdivision is acceptable for installation of septic tanks” was filed.  On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Plat of First Addition of East Lake Harris Estates was approved.

second addition to east lake harris estates

Mr. Sawyer also presented this Plat and stated the policy referred to the above for First Addition; also includes title to the property in the Second Addition.  A letter from Inland Abstract & Title Company states “no change in the title since April 14, 1960.  The mortgage has been released as to all streets, drives, and canals as shown on the said new plat.”  A letter from the Lake County Health Department states “septic tanks installation acceptable.”  On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Plat of Second Addition to East Lake Harris Estates was approved.

A letter from M. Austin in reply to Mr. Duncan’s request for more information as to Austin’s property on SR 42 was read.  Mr. Babb stated he does not think the Board can do what Mr. Austin requests in regard to building a road.  We are not interested in building roads in subdivisions.  Mr. Duncan was instructed to advise Mr. Austin that the County is not interested in building roads into subdivisions.

lake memorial nursing home

Mr. Theus presented a quotation from Lenhart-Payne Electric re:  Installation of a fan in the Home for the sum of $789.

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Board was authorized to purchase from Lenhart-Payne Electric two 38” heavy duty Quietaire Fans, two automatic louvers, two metal hoods on the roof with complete installation through the roof with proper flashing, and patching from the price of $789.

overhand for two porches – lake memorial nursing home

Mr. Theus also presented quotations on Overhands as follows:

Leesburg Aluminum Products Co., Leesburg:

41” overhand – 48” for two porches              $409.00

Coven Construction, Tavares:

1 overhand 33”           $224.50

1 overhand 45”           $287.50

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the quotation of Leesburg Aluminum Products Company to furnish Lake County 41” overhang – 48” for two porches at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home, Leesburg, at a price of $409 was accepted.

T. c. hanson presented 3 proposals as follows:

1.  Requested the Board of County Commissioners to request the Department of Interior to furnish Engineer prints of the work as soon as completed and before the final publishing of the maps.  Also, that this request be brought to the attention of the Representative in Washington.

2.  Requested the Board to write a letter to USDA, Congressman and Senators requesting a speedup in the mapping of soils in Lake County.

3.  Pertaining to Oklawaha Basin Plan.

Mr. Duncan was instructed to write the letters as suggested above.

belmont heights subdivision road

Walton Hunter, attorney, appeared before the Board and filed a Petition requesting the Board to rescind a resolution adopted on April 3, 1961 designating a certain road passing through Lot 5, Block 5, of Belmont Heights, First Subdivision, and continuing in a westerly direction as a public road by prescription.  Mr. Hunter stated the Plat of Belmont Heights No. 2 was filed closing all these streets.  Mr. Simpson stated the County has not done any work on this road, and the Board made a mistake in adopting the resolution on April 3, 1961, which should now be rectified.  WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

RESOLUTION

Re Petition Rescinding and Cancelling Resolution of April 3, 1961

Re Belmont Heights First Subdivision Road.

WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting on April 3, 1961 passed a resolution designating a certain road passing through Lot 5 of Blk. 5 of Belmont Heights, First Subdivision, and continuing in a westerly direction as a public road by prescription and further instructed the Sheriff of Lake County to remove any obstructions from said roadway, and

WHEREAS, no notice was published that said matter would be taken up at said meeting, and the owner of the property through which said road passed, to-wit:  Bertha Irene Butler, was not present at said meeting and was not given an opportunity to be heard upon the matter, and

WHEREAS, said road is not a platted street on any official plat of record in Lake County, Florida, all of the streets in Belmont Heights Unit No. 2, of which this particular road was formerly one, were closed by replat of Belmont Heights Unit No. 2 approved by the Board of County Commissioners on November 2, 1936 and field in Plat Book 10, page 78, of the public records of Lake County, Florida, and

WHEREAS, subsequent to the passage of said resolution, the County Commissioner of the district in which said road is situated and his road foreman investigated the matter of said road and determined that said road is not and has not been kept up or maintained by Lake County as a county road, and

WHEREAS, since said road is not a county road and is not maintained by Lake County, any question as to whether or not said road is a public road by prescription is a matter for judicial determination, and if the property owners in the vicinity of said road desire said determination, they should file suit in the Circuit Court in and for Lake County, and upon proper persons being made parties to said suit, the Court can then determine the matter of whether or not said road is a road by prescription,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Resolution of April 3, 1961, designating the above-mentioned road as a road by prescription and requiring the Sheriff of Lake County to remove any obstructions therein, be and the same hereby is rescinded, cancelled, and annulled.

jail ceremony june 14, 1962

Mr. Lehmann appeared before the Board and presented a program for the ceremony for the Jail Thursday morning at ten o’clock.  Mr. Simpson asked that the Press publish notice of this.  Hon. William S. Christian, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Florida, of Miami, will be the speaker.  Mr. Lehmann stated the Plaque will be unveiled by the two granddaughters of the Hon. O. M. Simpson, Chairman of the Board.

jury commission payment

On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the bill for the five members of the Jury Commission for the year 1961-1962 at $100 each plus mileage for a total of $523 was approved for payment.

On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to transfer from the contingency item in the General Revenue fund $523.00 to Item No. 319 – Salary and Expense Jury Commission.

recess and reassembly

The Board adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.

The board was called to order by Chairman Simpson after lunch.

exchange of land on dead river

James E. Leitner appeared before the Board re the exchange of a strip of land 25’ long and 25’ wide, stating he would like to exchange this as he is unable to use it.  Commr. Dykes said he is in favor of the exchange.  Mr. Duncan stated the Board should have on file an appraisal showing the Board is getting at least equal value, WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Edwin R. Waite and C. B. Treadway were appointed appraisers to appraise the property.

sunshine state parkway on turnpike (CROSSINGS)

Data on the bridge across O’Brien Road in Section 16, Tp. 21 SR 25 E. and also a drawing in Section 1, Tp. 21, S. L. 24 East was presented by Commr. Cowart.  Mr. Duncan was instructed to write Mr. H. E. Lewis, Chief Engineer, Florida State Turnpike Authority, Box 8427, Orlando, requesting a centerline showing the exact location of the toll road as now determined from the east line of Lake County all the way across to the west line.

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Board accepted the construction plans of the Bridge No. 13-1-3 crossing O’Brien Road located in Section 16, Tp. 21, S. Range 25 East.

On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Board accepted the construction plans of the Bridge No. 13-3-2 over the county road located in Section 1, Tp. 21, S., Range 24 East, provided the plans are identical with those for the bridge in Section 16, Tp. 21 S., Range 25 East; also addition of bridge rail.

plat of pine valley in section 32-17-28

This plat was presented to the Board by Harry Padgett with title policy No. Y-138-713 issued to Everette E. Huskey, et al. and individually, which shows two mortgages – one from Hardy to Kolar and one from Huskey, et al to Hardy.  A Satisfaction releasing streets from the Hardy mortgage will be filed with the Plat.  A letter from Inland Abstract & Title Company states as follows: “dating from October 21, 1958 at 4:25 p.m. to June 5, 1962 at 8:00 a.m. and from said search we find that the title to the property is vested in Huskey Development Co. Inc., subject to pole line easement and subject to mortgage from Huskey and wife, et al to Lawrence S. Hardy, Jr. and wife, which said mortgage has been released as to all drives, circles, streets, lanes, parks, roads and all other dedicated rights of way or dedicated public places, show upon the Plat of Pine Valley Subdivision.

Mr. Duncan stated that from the above record, he assumes that the mortgage held by Kolar has been satisfied.  A Title Policy will be issued tomorrow showing a change in title, the release of the streets from the Hardy mortgage, and that the Kolar mortgage is not in existence.  Later during the day, Mr. Huskey presented Title Policy #X-268-933 issued by Lawyer’s Title & Insurance Co. dated June 11, 1962, showing that the mortgage from Huskey to Hardy has been released as to all drives, circles, streets, lanes, parks, roads, and all other dedicated public places shown upon the Plat of Pine Valley.  A letter from the Lake County Health Department was filed showing that the lots are apparently suitable for septic tank installation, based on the report of Mid-State Engineers Corp.

On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Plat of Pine Valley was approved.

plat of lake harris shores unit no. one

This Plat was presented by Frank Meridith, with title policy #FE-42072 issued by Title & Trust Company of Florida showing the title to be vested in Lake County Investment Inc., subject to a mortgage held by H. J. Beuhler and LaVaughn Beuhler, his wife.  The property is in Section 20-20-26 two miles north of Astatula.  Mr. Duncan suggested that a motion could be passed approving the Plat subject to proper release of subordination.  Mr. Duncan stated the streets are acceptable to the County, with the exception of the mortgage on the streets.  The subdivision borders on SR 561 which is proper access.  It meets the Zoning Board requirements.  A letter from the Lake County Health Department was filed which stated “Based on analyses and percolation tests made by Frank H. Meridith, Engineer, relative to Lake Harris Shores Unit #1 located two miles north of Astatula on SR 561, comprised of 87 lots, we find this subdivision is apparently suitable for septic tank installation.”  (Copy of Meridith Report filed)

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Plat of Lake Harris Shores Unit No. One was accepted and approved, if and when the mortgage is released as to public way, that is streets and canals.

pine valley subdivision

E. E. Huskey appeared before the Board re getting a road into this Subdivision.  He said he has built six houses in the subdivision and has sold other lots and needs to work out something to get a road opened from Johnson’s Corner two miles.  If the County can work out something to buy one-third in this year’s budget, Mr. Huskey said he will pay for two-thirds of the road.  It is about two miles to Lake Norris Road.  This subdivision is only eight miles from Interstate 4.  Commr. Babb said he would pay for one-third in District 5 if District 4 will pay one third.

development and tourism committee

Mr. Huskey stated this Committee has had four meetings, and the Committee has agreed to hire an executive secretary for $200, $100 for expense money and $100 for the salary of a secretary or manager.  They have a party lined up who is willing to work for this amount.  They need to secure a limited amount of money from the County to do this.  We expect to ask the County to include in this year’s budget some money.  Discussion that each District put in one thousand dollars.  Mr. Huskey stated “We feel like we can raise $10,000 and get $5,000 from the County.  Will need $25,0000.  Should have office in Tavares.”  Mr. Huskey presented a copy of a letter from Mr. Benjamin Flink of Titusville, Florida, in which he states he is enclosing a check for $100 in hopes that it will start the ball rolling to get enough money to accomplish the objectives of the Lake County Development Commission.  No action was taken at this time on the suggestions as presented by Mr. Huskey.

closing road and abandoning raven subdivision

Clerk Owens read a letter from Mr. Fernandez requesting that this matter be deferred until the first meeting in July, and it was so ordered.

lake saunders drainage ditch

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, E. R. Waite and C. B. Treadway were appointed as appraisers to appraise a right of way for a drainage easement to complete a ditch from Lake Saunders to Lake Dora.  (Dunlop land)

road S-448

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, 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 of Lake County, Florida, that excessive speeds along the road hereinafter described have become increasingly dangerous to the lives of those using the highway and to the lives and property of those living along the boundaries of said highway, and in order to protect them, a speed limit should be determined and posted along said roads; and

WHEREAS, said road was not constructed to support heavy loads, and the transportation of excessive loads over said road will destroy the same;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that in accordance with the provisions of law pertaining to County roads, a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour is here determined and set for the following road:

Beginning at the intersection of State Road 448 with County road running North from the East side of Lake Jem and following along the North side of Lake Jem in its intersection with County road running North from West side of Lake Jem and located in Lake County, Florida.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to protect the surface and construction of said road, after the adoption of this Resolution, no trucks of any description shall be permitted to traverse and use the above-described road.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate signs showing the speed limit above set forth be erected along said roadway.

Anyone violating the provisions of this Resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be prosecuted under the laws pertaining to misdemeanors.

zoning applications

Three applications for change in zoning were presented by Charles Givens, Zoning Director, with recommendations that the changes be granted; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, the Lake County Zoning Commission did on the 31^st of May, 1962, after due notice of hearing, review applications for changes and revisions of the zoning of certain areas in Lake County and did approve certain changes as requested in the particular applications hereinafter set forth, subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, and said Board of County Commissioners having reviewed said applications and the recommendations of the Lake County Zoning Commission;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Zoning Rules and Regulations of Lake County be altered and amended as they pertain to the fallowing tracts of land to the classifications designated after each description:

1.     Six (6) acres of land located in the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Sec. 20, T. 19, SR 24 E., and South of the Highway passing through said property, now classified and zoned as R-1 (Residential) be, and the same is hereby amended, changed, and rezoned to Classification C-3 (Commercial).

2.     The Easterly 140 feet of the Southerly 880 feet lying West of State Road 561, located in the North 3/8 of Sec. 20, T. 20 S, R. 26E, in Lake County, Florida, now classified and zoned as A (Agriculture) be, and the same is hereby amended, changed and rezoned to Classification  C-1 (Rural Commercial District)

3.     The Southerly 880 feet of the North 3/8s of Sec. 20, Tp. 20 S, R 26E, in Lake County, Florida, lying west of State Road 561, excepting therefrom the Easterly 140 feet thereof, now classified and zoned as A (Agriculture) be, and the same is hereby amended, changed and rezoned to Classification R-2 (for permanent residents only.)

bill for survey

The bill of T. O. Moorhead in the amount of $200 for survey location on south R/W line of Alfred Street between the Dora Canal and Lake Avenue in Tavares as ordered by Charles N. Givens – map and 2 prints – was authorized paid on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried.

Rental on pumps to polk county

Clerk Owens was instructed to mail a bill to the County Commissioners of Polk County for rental on pumps - 292.2 hours @$10 per hour for a total of $2,942.00.

The bill of Florida State Hospital for transfer of Hugh Hobbs, a non-resident of Florida, to the Central State Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia on 4-25-62 in the amount of $287.87 was ordered paid on a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

lake county vs. a. m. skinner

Clerk Owens advised the Board that Judgement was entered in Small Claims Court on May 31, 1962 for damages in the amount of $399.08 against A. M. Skinner for non-payment of a bill incurred re installation of a railroad crossing – Mile Post 780.

junior college

A letter from the Board of Public Instruction re resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on September 25, 1958 re helping with Junior College was referred to Attorney Duncan to consult with the Attorney General.

retirement for beeman mcwhorter

Clerk Owens was instructed to search the personnel record of Mr. McWhorter and see if he is eligible for retirement at the present time.

On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the salaries of the road foremen were increased $25 per month in next year’s budget beginning October 1, 1962.

vouchers

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

General Revenue Fund           #1220 thru 1404   Capital Outlay Reserve Co. Bldgs. #21

Road & Bridge Fund              #864 thru 987       Capital Outlay Reserve (Ag Bldg) 28-34

Fine & Forfeiture                   #127 thru 141       Capital Outlay Reserve (Co. Home) 4

State No. 2 Mosquito Control #71 thru 80

jail equipment

Mr. Hopson, architect, appeared before the Board and presented his recommendations on the purchase of equipment for the Jail as follows:

MATTRESSES:

Lauderdale Bedding Co. of Fort Lauderdale is the low bid in the amount of $2,072.00.  It is recommended that a contract in the amount of $2,072.00 for 168 mattresses be awarded to this company.

VENETIAN BLINDS:

Leesburg Aluminum Products bid in the amount of $515.00 is the low bid.  It is recommended that a contract in the amount of $515.00 for Venetian Blinds as specified be awarded to this firm.

FURNITURE:

Skipper’s of Leesburg bid in the amount of $1,140.00 is the low bid.  It is recommended that a contract in the amount of $1,140.00 be awarded to this firm for the items of furniture as listed in the specifications and also repeated in their proposal.

It has come to the writer’s attention that the Cosco office and furniture factory will be closed for vacation from June 22, 1962 to July 9, 1962.  To avoid unusual delay, the order for this furniture should be entered at the earliest possible date.

Mr. Hopson was advised to write letters of acceptance to the above companies.

The following letters were filed with the Board:

State Road Department – 3 letters re:  Job #11686-3601, SR S-478 between SR 19 and Cherry Lake – bid tabulation – low bidder Brinson Allen Const. Co., Tampa $152,039.80; Job 11090-3504 in Tavares, Park Avenue, Pedestrian overpass over SR 19, low bidder Fairchild – Florida Construction, Monticello $50,286; and Section 11150 SR S-450 west of Umatilla re put up signs.

Florida State Board of Health re:  renting equipment operated by Mosquito Control program.  Should obtain approval of SBH, rental price to be fixed by them.

Orange County Board of County Commissioners – regret cannot attend dedication of new jail, but have a meeting at that time.

Report of Myrtle Sudderth, Co. Welfare Worker filed.

MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

___________________________________                          ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN