A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on

MONDAY – June 1, 1964

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Small Claims Office in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, June 1, 1964, at 10:00 o’clock A.M. with the following present:

Chairman Babb, Commrs. Theus, Cowart, Dykes, Livingston; Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays, and Zoning Director Webb.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman.

The invocation was given by Mr. Theus.

Minutes

Upon motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the minutes of the regular meetings of May 4^th and May 11^th were approved as submitted.

Upon motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the minutes of the special meeting of May 18^th were approved as submitted.

County employees

Mr. Bob Norris, County Agent, appeared and introduced Miss Elaine Stanley, Assistant Home Demonstration Agent, to the Board members.

Courthouse

Upon motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, Howell Hopson, Architect, was authorized to prepare notice for bids for necessary furniture, drapes, irrigation system and landscaping.

On recommendation of the Attorney, and on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, Mr. Hopson was authorized to prepare change order to the contract to include bars for license department windows in the County Judge’s Office, approximate amount $400.00.

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, kitchenette was approved for the office of the Supervisor of Registration at a cost of $750.00, to be included in change order.

Mr. Hopson was instructed to advise the various department officials that incidental items may be purchased individually, such purchases to be classified as office expense and will not be considered change order to the contract.

Public health

Upon motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, Mr. Hopson was authorized to prepare notice to bidders on the Clermont Health Center. Bids to be received June 23^rd at 10 o’clock A.M.

Motion was made by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, that Lake County will have the parking area around the Clermont Health Center paved before the building is ready for occupancy.

Budget

Mr. Livingston reported that he and Mr. Dykes and City Commissioner from Eustis attended the State Road Department budget meeting in Tallahassee on May 28^th and that they were assured that the items listed in the tentative budget for Lake County would stand that our tentative application for $1,600,000 certificates of indebtedness against the surplus gas tax accruing to Lake County was approved.

Planning & zoning

Chairman Babb reported on the meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 28^th to consider applications for County Planner. Nothing was decided but it was the general opinion that a consulting firm be fired rather than an individual. Bob Webb was instructed to request representatives from George Simons firm to meet with the Board on June 8^th at 2 o’clock P.M.

Meetings

Chairman Babb reported he had attended a meeting in Jacksonville with reference to the “day-care” problem which our neighboring counties are experiencing due to working mothers. Chairman Babb stated, “altho’ we are not faced with this problem at the present, and I do not feel it is the County’s responsibility, I do feel it is something to be considered in the future.”

Commr. Dykes reported on the ceremonies at the Eustis Marina on Saturday, May 30^th, and also on meeting held in Leesburg on May 21^st by the Florida Outdoor Recreational Planning Committee. Mr. Dykes said he could not understand why the Board of County Commissioners was not notified of this meeting. He presented copy of recommendations prepared by the South Lake Waterways Club which was submitted to the Recreational Planning Committee at this meeting.

County property

A delegation from the Town of Astatula appeared with reference to the County allowing the Town to use abandoned clay pit for recreational purposes. Commr. Dykes said he and his road superintendent have investigated this pit and both feel it is completely useless as a clay pit as well as being an unsightly area, and would like to lease this property to the Town of Astatula. Whereupon, Commr. Dykes moved that the Attorney prepare lease agreement between the County and the Town of Astatula for leasing Lots 5, 6, 13 and 14, Block D, Astatula, Plat Book 1, Page 12, for recreational purposes. Period of time to be worked out between the Attorney and Mayor Weems. Motion was seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried.

courthouse

Mrs. Fern Taylor, Clerk in the Small Claims Court office, appeared before the Board and requested permission to move to the Pioneer Building while the remodeling work is going on in her office. Mrs. Taylor was given permission to move temporarily to the Pioneer Building.

She also reported that several chairs in the Small Claims Office have been burned by the welders. Clerk Owens was instructed to discuss this matter with the construction foreman.

Complaints

Mr. D. A. Walters of the Marietta Motel, Fruitland Park, appeared seeking relief of a drainage problem. Commr. Theus stated the County Engineer and Health Department Sanitarian Sneed have investigated this matter and have previously advised Mr. Walters this is a private matter and the expense must be borne by the property owners. Commr. Dykes said he has discussed this with Fred Tanner who states there is no justification for the Mosquito Control unit to go in and open up the ditch.

John Burton of the Flying Dutchman appeared and registered complaint of the pollution in Lake Griffin. John Kane and Mrs. Leon Isaacs also appeared regarding Lake Griffin. During this discussion, Attorney Duncan submitted report by the Florida State Board of Health regarding pollution in Lake Apopka. On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, Attorney Duncan was instructed to write the U.S. Army Engineers, with copy to Congressman Herlong, Water Authority Chairman Burrell, and David B. Lee, Florida State Board of Health, requesting that the water level in Lake Griffin be raised and that the pollution problem in Lake Griffin be corrected. Mr. Duncan to request that when the cause of the pollution is determined, that same be published in order that the public will be advised.

Commr. Dykes said he has had several complaints regarding speeding boats in the canals at Venetian village and would like a speed limit established. Attorney Duncan advised it will be necessary to determine if the canals have been dedicated to the public before a speed limit can be established.

Clerk Owens submitted letter from Ernest H. Lorenz, Jr. requesting that a letter be sent to the Mohawk Fertilizer & Chemical Company to cease building operations. Attorney Duncan stated he had written the company under date of May 21^st advising them that an appeal is on file with the Board of Zoning Appeals and further construction of the plant is subject to any decision which may be made by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Letter from Myrtle McMahon regarding road between Lake Nellie and Lake Louisa was referred to Commr. Dykes.

Letter of complaint from Mrs. George W. Hull complaining of cars speeding on road on South side of Lake Minnehaha and Lake Crescent. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted determining the speed limit to be 35 MPH on County Road generally known as “Hull Road” extending along the South side of Lake Minnehaha and Lake Crescent and that appropriate signs be erected.

Right of way

Attorney Duncan advised with reference to proposed purchase of Atlantic Coast Line right of way north of Umatilla, the railroad has advised that their records do not contain the necessary information for a better deed. A motion was made by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, that the deed be accepted as is and Engineer Hays was instructed to make right of way survey and notify Mr. Duncan to file same with the Tax Assessor to establish the County’s claim to this right of way.

Railroads

Commr. Dykes inquired of Attorney Duncan of the progress in getting railroad crossing at Clergrove established. Mr. Duncan advised he has written the railroad the information they requested but have heard nothing further from them.

At the request of Commr. Dykes, the Engineer was instructed to get the work started on the railroad crossing in Tavares.

County property

Clerk Owens was instructed to have Bill Young’s crew clean the area around the house at Dead River, and he was also instructed to have this building covered by insurance.

Deeds

Upon presentation of appraisal from Dalton S. Payne, Realtor, stating that the fair market value of property described below is $1500.00, motion was made by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, that deed be accepted and Lake County purchase the property described to be used as a clay pit for District No. 2, for the cash sum of $1300.00:

GRANTORS: Edwin Mattson, Sr. and wife Selma L. Mattson

SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 25 E.

Clerk Owens was instructed to issue warrant in the amount of $1300.00 to Edwin Mattson, Sr. and wife Selma L. Mattson.

bids

Motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Engineer was instructed to prepare specifications for painting the Pioneer Building and same to be advertised. Bids to be opened on July 13^th at 10 o’clock A.M.

Roads – state

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted restricting “through trucks” from SR 452 from SR 500 to SR 19 at Bay Street in Eustis and that “no through trucks” signs be erected.

On recommendation of Chairman Babb, and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the State Road Department to make a speed zone study of SR 40 at Astor to determine if necessary to establish speed limit in this area.

Florida traffic safety council

On recommendation of Chairman Babb and on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, W.H. (Bill) Reedy was appointed member-at-large to serve with the Lake County Committee of the Florida Traffic Safety Council.

Recess and reassembly

The Board recessed for lunch at twelve o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

Plats

Mr. S. S. Ceder presented plat of Lake Harris Shores – Unit #2, owners Lake County Investments, Inc., located in Section 20, Township 20 S, Range 26 E. Attorney Duncan said this proposed subdivision is connected with a subdivision already platted and a matter of record, and access is available. Streets are a minimum of 50 feet; canals already dedicated and are public waters. Letter from the County Engineer recommending the subdivision for septic tank type sewage disposal was filed. Mr. Duncan said the plat is acceptable subject to title report and permanent street markers. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the plat was approved subject to presentation of evidence of title and installation of street markers.

Civil defense

Al Marshall, Civil Defense Director, appeared and requested authorization to get federal participation for the Civil Defense Office retroactive to February 1^st. Mr. Marshall’s request was granted.

Mr. Marshall also requested that the Civil Defense Office be moved from its present location into better and more adequate quarters in the Pioneer Building. Mr. Marshall was authorized to work this out with the Courthouse custodian.

Clerk Owens advised that Mr. Marshall’s salary was set at $350.00 on May 11^th and since Federal participation has been authorized his salary should be increased accordingly; whereupon, on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston, and carried, salary for the Civil Defense Director was increased to $500.00 per month effective May 15^th with travel allowance of 10ȼ per mile.

Road & bridge dept.

Commr. Theus advised they have been experiencing a siege of robberies at his barn in Leesburg.

elections

Upon motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, request from Walter Baker Ream that his name be removed from the Republican ballot as a candidate for County Commissioner, District No. 3, was accepted, and the Clerk was instructed to notify the Supervisor of Registration not to issue certificate of nomination to Mr. Ream, as his name will not appear on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 1964.

Certification of Canvassing Boards of May 26^th Primary were filed.

Pensions

Clerk Owens submitted letter from the Comptroller requesting certification of Confederate Pensioners as follows:

Mrs. Lenorah Haire and Mrs. Nonnie Gray

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the names as listed above were approved to continue to receive pension payments.

Bonds – roads

Copy of Debt Retirement and Feasibility Schedule regarding the proposed $1,600,000 Road Revenue Bond Issue was filed.

Bonds – miscellaneous

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Deputy Sheriff Bond for George MacCauley Murray was approved.

Public health

Clerk Owens submitted letter from Dr. Hall, Director of Lake County Health Department, requesting the Board’s support in reclassifying Mr. Ragan and Mr. Sneed, from Sanitarian III to Sanitarian IV. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the support of the State Board of Health in reclassifying the Sanitarians in Lake County to Class IV.

Tax assessor

Request from the Tax Assessor for approval of Certificates of Correction of Errors on the 1963 Tax Roll numbered 245 through 252 was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Hospitals

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the action for the Chairman and Clerk authorizing admittance to the Southwest Florida Tuberculosis Hospital for the following was approved:

Lorenzo Wilson and Willie B. McInvale

Notices from the Hospital were filed as follows:

Myers Duffice Gaskins was discharged with medical advice on 5/14/64

Freddie Jackson Masterson was discharged with medical advice on 5/22/64

Insurance

Clerk Owens submitted letter from Moore, Clark & Potter, Inc. advising that the Historical Society building had been removed from the County’s blanket fire policy.

e. central florida regional planning council

Minutes of the meeting of April 15^th were filed and copy of same given to each commissioner.

Zoning

Letter from Leo J. Vogel objecting to changes in zoning for trailer manufacturing. Zoning Director Webb stated that the application for the changes was considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission and their recommendations will be presented to the Board at the next meeting.

Permits – dredging

On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, dredging permits for the following were approved subject to the usual restrictions of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission:

L. A. Peterson – Lake Griffin

M. B. Griffin, R. D. Harmon, L. E. BeBout – Little Lake Harris

Permits – firearms

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, bonds for carrying firearms were approved for the following:

R. A. Clarke – Browning 9 MM Pistol #86759

Willie Mae Barrett – Smith & Wesson 38 calibre pistol #942618

Roger W. Conner, Jr. – Armi-Galesi-Brescia-Brevetto 6.35 calibre pistol #186347

Permits – use

The following Use Permits were filed by the County Engineer:

Permit No. 22 – Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable crossing County Road #3-1653 between Minneola and Mohawk.

Permit No. 23 – Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable paralleling County Road #3-3241 between Tavares and Howey.

Sumter Electric Coop. for the construction and maintenance of power distribution line between Montverde and Minneola.

Sumter Electric Coop. for the construction and maintenance of power distribution line across North boundary of W 1/2 of Section 30/19/28 E.

City of Eustis for construction and maintenance of water main between Eustis and Umatilla.

Budget

The Clerk submitted letter from the President of the Lake County Historical Society requesting that the same sum of $1500.00 be allocated to the Society for the coming budget year. Members of the Board concurring, the Chairman directed the Clerk to submit this letter at the budget hearing.

The Clerk submitted letter from the Shoup Voting Machine Company advising that now is the time to order additional voting machines if needed. Members of the Board concurring, the Chairman directed the Clerk to submit this letter at the budget hearing.

Accounts allowed

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Commodity Supervisor was authorized to purchase two deep freezers to be used in storing butter for a cost not to exceed $500.00.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes, Clerk Owens was authorized to transfer monies in the Special Airport Fund in the Bank of Tavares to the General Revenue Fund.

Motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, bill from Leland L. Nunn in the amount of $119.63 for assisting in preparing voting machines for May 26^th primary was approved.

Motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes, the Clerk was authorized to purchase two Acme Visible Cabinets for the price of $546.70.

On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, voucher No. 1313 was approved for payment covering the payroll for Clerks and Inspectors serving on the election boards in the first and second primaries.

Motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, the payrolls for the month of May were approved.

Communications

Thank you note for flowers for O. M. Simpson from Mrs. Simpson was read and filed.

Letter from Henry and Martha Bauer, Astor Park, re Charles and Martha Okerman was read and filed.

Letter from the City of Mount Dora expressing thanks to the Board for the road work to improve certain streets in Mount Dora was read and filed.

Letter of thanks from the Central Florida Boy Scout Council for the fine work done by the prisoners at Camp La No’Che was read and filed.

Letter of thanks from residents of Suburban Shores for repairs to access road into the subdivision.

Letter from the State Board of Health re the Southernaire Trailer Park was filed.

Letter from the Florida Board of Conservation re Four River Basins Flood Control was filed.

Memo from the State Assn. of County Commissioners enclosing copy of Chapter 317 Florida Statutes 1963 re Motor Vehicles Regulation of Traffic on Highways was referred to the County Engineer.

Resolution re Florida Anti-Mosquito Control was filed.

Reports

Florida Division of Corrections re Road Prison 58, Tavares, was filed.

Florida Division of Corrections re Lake County Jail and Stockade was filed.

Service Officers report for the month of May was filed.

County Agent’s and two assistants’ reports for the month of May were filed.

Home Demo Agent and one assistant’s reports for the month of May were filed.

County Judge’s Fines, Forfeitures and Costs report for the month of May was filed.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, on motion made, duly seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 o’clock P.M.

___________________________________ ______________________________

CLERK CHAIRMAN