MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on
MONDAY – july 6, 1964
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, July 6, 1964, at 9:30 o’clock A.M. with the following present:
Chairman Babb, Commrs. Cowart, Dykes and Livingston; Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan and Tax Assessor R. G. Cassady. (Commr. Theus was absent)
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
Attorney Duncan said the purpose of this meeting is to receive the report of the Tax Assessor with reference to the assessments for the year 1964 and to determine whether or not it is acceptable.
The Tax Assessor filed estimate of the assessed values for 1964 as follows:
County-wide non-exempt aggregate value $277,403,429
County-wide aggregate value 340,578,279
South Lake Hospital District 95,676,830
Northeast Lake County Hospital District 99,956,477
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the valuations as submitted by the Tax Assessor were accepted and the following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that a recent decision of the Supreme Court requires just valuation of property in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of Florida, which suit was based upon an apparent fifty percent (50%) valuation of properties in Dade County, Florida, and
WHEREAS, recently the properties in Lake County were re-assessed for the purpose of determining a just valuation, and said re-assessment was approved by the Board of County Commissioners, and this Board feels that the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector have complied with the Laws of Florida with reference to valuations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that this Board, after review of the assessments of Lake County, does hereby determine that the properties in Lake County are now assessed at their just valuations, in compliance with the Laws of Florida and the Constitution of Florida.
The members retired to the Pioneer Building at ten o’clock A.M. to take up the business of the regular session. All members being present, except Mr. Theus, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Babb. (Mr. Theus appeared later in the morning.)
Minutes
Upon motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the minutes of the regular meetings of June 1st and 8th and the special meeting of June 23rd were approved as submitted.
complaints
Mr. Victor Kovanich of Mount Dora appeared and complained of a brush fire on his property in Sylvan Shores. Mr. Kovanich was advised to contact the Sheriff’s Department regarding this.
Mr. T. C. Hanson of Lady Lake appeared and complained of the pollution in Lake Griffin and also of the proposed canal from Lake Apopka to Lake Harris (Double Run). Mr. Hanson was advised by Clerk Owens that Mr. K. K. Huffstutler, Sanitary Engineer, Florida State Board of Health, has been invited to discuss the pollution problem in the lakes with the Board on July 13th at 11 A.M.
Mr. E. H. Lorenz of Mohawk appeared regarding the handling of the complaint against Mohawk Fertilizer Company by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Lorenz said as of this morning he has not been notified of the Board of Appeals’ decision. Attorney Duncan advised Mr. Lorenz to seek the counsel of an attorney as the Board of County Commissioners has no jurisdiction in this matter.
Zoning
George Leviner and several other property owners in Tropical Shores Manor appeared in protest to rezoning of certain property in this subdivision. Zoning Director Webb stated that the application of Earl Harris was turned down by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Leviner was assured that this Board will abide by the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Plats
Mr. John A. Harder presented plat of Shorewood Park, owners John A. and Virgene E. Harder. Letter from Irving F. Morse, Attorney, advising that partial Release of Mortgage releasing one street has not yet been executed was read. Opinion of title by Wm. E. Lee, Attorney, was filed. Also, letter from the County Engineer recommending the subdivision for septic tank type sewage disposal was filed. Attorney Duncan stated the plat complies with the law insofar as street widths and access road are concerned. Mr. Harder was advised when the release is received and the plat completed by the owners, the Board will approve same.
Re Lake Harris Shores – Unit #2
Clerk Owens advised the Board that on June 11th Attorney Duncan notified his office that the title on subject plat is in proper form and that it was in order for the Chairman and Clerk to sign the plat; also, partial release of mortgage from Old Dominion Capital Corp. was recorded in the public records on June 11, 1964. Attorney Duncan further advised the Clerk that opinion of title had been requested from Lake Abstract & Guaranty Company and we are today in receipt of this opinion.
On recommendation of the Zoning Director, motion was made by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, that the following certification be incorporated on all plats filed for recording in the future:
It is hereby certified that this Plat meets the requirements of Lake County Zoning Regulations.
Approved this day of A. D. 1964.
________________________________________
Zoning Director
Deeds & road closings
Attorney Duncan presented deed from Otto Nielsen and wife, Gladys Nielsen correcting alignment of a part of Cardinal Drive more particularly described as follows:
Commence at the Southwest corner of the NE 1/4 of SW1/4 of NE 1/4 of Section 12, Township 19 South, Range 26 East, run thence North 661 feet to the point of beginning for this tract; thence run West 30.12 feet, thence North 17°21’ East 160.25 feet, thence South 150.48 feet to a point due East of the point of beginning; thence West 16.18 feet more or less to the point of beginning.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the deed was accepted and ordered recorded in the public records, and a resolution was adopted to close, abandon, and discontinue a portion of Cardinal Drive described as follows:
Begin at the Southwest corner of the NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Section 12, Township 19 South, Range 26 East, run thence North 661 feet, thence East 16.8 feet to the point of beginning for this tract, thence run South 89°49’ East 40 feet to an iron pin, thence run North 0°52’ East 150.48 feet, thence run South 15°30’ West 158.5 feet to the point of beginning.
Mr. Anton Spicl of Eustis appeared and objected to the closing of Cardinal Drive. Attorney Duncan advised Mr. Spicl that the road will not be closing but the portion advertised will be re-aligned.
Road maintenance – subdivisions
Mr. J. C. Schlauder appeared at the request of the Board. The Engineer advised Mr. Schlauder that the contractor paved some streets in Three Lakes Subdivision wider than the specifications called for and we now owe the contractor approximately $1500 more than the contract price. Chairman Babb said he would agree to pay one-half of this amount from the Road and Bridge Fund if Mr. Sclauder will pay one-half. Mr. Scluader stated he was agreeable to this and when the final figures are compiled to send him a bill for same.
Courthouse
On recommendation of the Architect, motion was made by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried that the Board receive bids on Courthouse furnishings on August 3rd, and the Architect was authorized to advertise for same.
County buildings
Mr. Hopson was instructed to proceed with the plans for an addition to the Tax Collector and Tax Assessor’s building as this money will be included in the budget for 1964-65.
Petitions – lake yale boat ramp
Attorney Duncan reported he has a letter from the County Engineer regarding the boat ramp to be installed on Lake Yale. There are certain provisions Mr. Lynwood Smith wants incorporated in an agreement or resolution before he will give the necessary easement to construct the boat ramp. Mr. Duncan was instructed to discuss this matter with Mr. Smith’s attorney.
Engineer Hays advised that deed has been obtained from R. W. Roseborough for 25 feet of land to the proposed ramp. Clerk Owens was instructed to write Mr. Roseborough that payment for the land will be held up until satisfactory deed is received from Mr. Smith.
Outdoor recreational facilities
Commr. Dykes recommended that name signs be erected at each County park and recreational area, and the Engineer was instructed to prepare necessary signs.
Condemnation proceedings
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted determining the necessity of condemning the property of E. W. Lefkowitz described as follows for public use:
NW 1/4, SW 1/4 SE 1/4, NE 1/4 in Section 27/24S/26E.
Roads – state
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Clerk was authorized to request the Sheriff to enforce the speed limit on SR S-448.
Clerk Owens advised request from the State Road Department for title report on Section 11200-1504, SR 25, was submitted to Inland Abstract & Title Company on June 16th and same was completed and forwarded to the State Road Department on June 19th.
Letter from the State Road Department was read by the Clerk advising that the County’s request for the State Road Department to take over Old SR 44 for secondary maintenance advising that same has been forwarded to Tallahassee and Road Board action should be forthcoming soon.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing the relocation of a power line owned by Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. located along Section 11560-6601; SR S-466 and the State Road Department to pay the cost of same out of secondary funds.
Letter from the Board of Public Instruction requesting the resurfacing and widening of SR 455 from the Howey Arch through Ferndale and Montverde, was read by the Clerk. Commr. Dykes stated this request has been included in the road requests for several years.
Deeds
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, deeds conveying the following described properties to Lake County were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records:
GRANTORS: Robert W. Lickfelt and Bernice E. Lickfelt, husband and wife
Begin 200 feet South of the NE corner of Government Lot 3; Section 26, Township 19 South, Range 26 East for a point of beginning. From said point of beginning run West 764.67 feet, South 50 feet, East 764.67, North 50 feet to point of beginning.
GRANTORS: W. L. East and Nancy Mae East, husband and wife
Begin at the NE corner of Government Lot 3, Section 26, Township 19 South, Range 26 East, and run South 200 feet, thence West 764.67 feet West for the point of beginning of this tract. From said point of beginning run West 500 feet, South 50 feet, East 500 feet, North 50 feet to point of beginning.
GRANTORS: Elmer C. Jost and William M. Jost, his wife
The East 25 feet of the SE 1/4 of Section 4, Township 21 South, Range 26 East.
Recess and reassembly
The Board recessed for lunch at 12 o’clock noon for lunch and reconvened at 1:15 P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.
County employees
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the resignation of Fred Tanner, Director, Lake County Mosquito Control, was accepted effective July 15th, and the Clerk was instructed to include two weeks’ severance pay in his final check.
bids
On recommendation of Dr. Hall and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Clerk was instructed not to advertise for station wagon for the Mosquito Control Unit until a new director is employed.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for hot and cold mix asphalt. The Engineer to prepare specifications and bids to be received August 3rd at 10 A.M.
Roads – county
Engineer Hays was instructed to notify Doug Igou to secure affidavits from two people to the effect that Quale Grove Road in Section 26/18/27 and adjoining SR 439 has been a public road for the past 20 years.
Municipal corporations
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, a resolution was adopted whereby the County will pave a portion of Minnehaha Lakeshore Drive located without the City of Clermont.
Mr. John Rapalja, Clerk for the City of Tavares, appeared and requested assistance from the Board to install traffic signals at Orange Avenue and Burleigh Boulevard. On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted establishing the policy not to assist any municipalities financially with the cost of installation of traffic signals.
Planning & zoning
Zoning Director Webb introduced Mr. Snyder and Mr. Savage of the firm of Snyder-Lyle Planners. They showed maps and gave a brief outline of their proposed planning for the County. Mr. Webb will advise Mr. Snyder when the Board will hear them again.
Civil defense
Civil Defense Director Marshall appeared regarding the proposed radio net for the county. Said he hopes to have a civil defense plan to the Commissioners soon which will meet the State’s criteria. Chairman Babb thanked Col. Marshall for his efforts in securing the State’s aid with the radio net and requested him to get a commitment from them as soon as possible.
equalization
Letter from Oscar Schubert regarding assessment was read and the Clerk was instructed to hold same for the Equalization Board.
Municipal corporations
Copy of ordinance passed by the City of Mount Dora was submitted for the Board’s approval. Motion was made by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, that the attorney determine the intention of the City of Mount Dora in passing this ordinance.
Tax assessor
Certificates of correction of Errors on the 1963 tax roll numbered 253 through 285 inclusive from the Tax Assessor were approved on motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
Planning & zoning
Zoning Director Webb again requested that the vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals be filled, whereupon, Commr. Theus said he would give his recommendation to the Clerk who was instructed to write the Governor to fill the vacancy made available by the resignation of Ted Prosser.
pensions
Chairman Babb instructed the Clerk to advise the Comptroller’s Office of the death of Mrs. Lenorah Haire, Confederate Pensioner.
Roads – state
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted setting a minimum speed limit of 35 MPH on the Tavares-Eustis Lakeshore Drive and that signs be erected and the minimum speed enforced.
deeds
Attorney Duncan stated we need a corrected deed from W. T. Adams, Jr. as executor of the Estate of Wilburn T. Adams, a/k/a W. T. Adams, deceased, and Joyce H. Gano, as Administratrix of the Estate of Eunice Adams Gano, deceased, as the original deed was not properly executed.
Railroads
Attorney Duncan submitted letter from the Atlantic Coast Line R.R. regarding the public crossing requested at Clergrove. Letter stated that the expense of the crossing must be borne by the County and that the present existing road encroaches four feet on the Coast Line’s right of way. Commr. Dykes said he would contact the petitioners regarding moving the road off the railroad’s right of way.
Notary bond
Notary Bond for Shirley Sawyer with C. E. Duncan and E. I. Burleigh as sureties was approved by the Board.
County employees
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, salary for Mary Hamner was increased $25.00 per month effective October 1, 1964.
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, salary for Verna Eastwood was increased $50.00 per month and travel expense decreased $50.00 per month effective July 1, 1964.
Motion by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, salary for Dolly Battle will be increased $10.00 per month effective October 1, 1964.
Judge Milton appeared regarding the action of the Board on June 8th with reference to Mrs. Seiler’s travel allowance. The Board concurring, Chairman Babb advised Judge Milton there is no legal way the Board can rescind its previous action; therefore, the action of the Board on June 8th with reference to Mrs. Seiler’s travel allowance remains unchanged.
Judge Milton requested permission to take applications for the position of Clinical Psychologist. He was advised that money for this position will be included in the 1964-65 budget and it will be in order for him to consider applicants.
insurance
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and unanimously carried, the Board waived the policy requiring advertising for bids on insurance and authorized the renewal of the Workman’s Compensation policy with Lassiter-Ware Insurance.
Public Health
Motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was authorized to execute a revised Part IV of the Project Construction Application on the Clermont Health Center.
Permits – use
Engineer Hays filed the following permits:
Lake County #24 to Florida Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road No. 5-6748 between Grand Island and SR 452.
Sumter Electric Coop., Inc. for the construction and maintenance of power line along the east side of County Road No. 4-7187.
Hospitals
On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving applications to the Tuberculosis Hospital for the following was approved:
Wm. Henry Harrison – John W. Allen – David Edward Wambles
Notice that Charles Anson Brown was discharged on 6/26/64 with medical advice was filed.
Surplus commodity warehouse
Letter from Robert S. Alderman regarding disposition of cash money received from the sale of salvage materials was read. Clerk Owens was instructed to advise Mr. Alderman the money should be turned over to the Clerk’s Office for deposit to the General Revenue Fund.
Oklawaha
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the following vouchers were approved for payment by the Oklawaha Water Authority:
Nos. 150-A through 165
Accounts allowed
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board authorized the purchase of ten (10) phosphorescent vests for use by the road crews.
Request from County Agricultural Agent to purchase daylight projection screen at a cost of $105.83, plus cost of mounting, was approved on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.
Request from Tax Assessor for balance due on commissions on 1963 tax roll in the amount of $14,241.80 was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
Upon motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the payrolls for the month of June were approved.
budget
On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was authorized to include $9,000 in the budget for a soil survey of the County, said money to be paid quarterly.
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the Clerk was authorized to include $1800 in the budget for Fish and Game Conservation program.
Communications
Three letters regarding resolution adopted by the Board pertaining to reclassification of the two Lake County Sanitarians were read and filed.
Letter from Howell Hopson to Val Rich Construction, Inc. regarding damage to chairs in Small Claims office was read and filed.
Letter from Dr. Louis R. Bowen objecting to road across his property was read and filed.
Letters of appreciation from the 4-H girls attending the 4-H conference at the University of Florida were read and filed.
Letter from L. C. Hill to Commr. Dykes regarding weeds along the beach area west of Dora Canal was read. Clerk Owens advised that the hyacinth spray will not kill the weeds.
Letter from the State Board of Health regarding City of Eustis was filed.
Letter from the State Board of Health regarding Locke’s Mobile Home Park was filed.
Reports
Florida Division of Corrections regarding Lake County Jail and Stockade was filed.
Florida Division of Corrections regarding Road Prison Camp No. 58 was filed.
Surplus Commodity Warehouse report for June was filed.
Home Demonstration Agent and two assistants’ reports for June were filed.
Agricultural Agent and two assistants’ reports for June were filed.
Veterans Service Officer Annual Report June 1, 1963 – May 31, 1964 was filed.
Veterans Service Officer monthly report for June was filed.
County Judge’s Fines, Forfeitures & Costs report for June was filed.
Commr. Dykes advised the Board members are invited to an appreciations dinner at the Ferndale Community Center on July 17th at 7 P.M.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 o’clock P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN