MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 monday – december 4, 1967

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse in Tavares on Monday, December 4, 1967 at 10:00 a.m. with the following members present:  Commr. Dykes, Chairman, Commrs. Cowart, Livingston and Babb.  Others present were Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, County Engineer Gordon Hays, Zoning Director Robert S. Webb, and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven.  Commr. Theus was absent due to business reasons.  

The meeting was called to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Webb.

Public health

Glenn Wallace of Mount Plymouth was present and requested that the County maintain a garbage dump in the Mount Plymouth-Sorrento area.  Mrs. Vicie Collier owns an abandoned clay pit and is willing to lease same to the County for $5.00 a year.  On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board authorized leasing the property from Mrs. Collier for $5.00 annually and authorized the Mosquito Control to clean up the refuse presently in the area and to maintain the dump when practical.

Roads – county

Mr. Harry Troller appeared and requested that the County cease maintaining a road through his property.  Mr. Troller said he permitted the road to be built in order for Mrs. Revels to have access to her property, but now other property owners are making it a public road and the owners on the other side will not donate right of way for a public road.  On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the following described road was abandoned and the Board abandons any claim to the right of way:

A road running west from County Road 5-5942 lying immediately South of the following described line:  Commence at the SE corner of Lake Eustis Village (or the SE corner of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of 6/19/26) as recorded in Plat Book 17, Page 20, public records of Lake County, thence run West 1320’ more or less.

The Engineer was instructed to attempt to secure the necessary right of way for a county road to be constructed in the area.

The Engineer asked the Board members to meet with him December 18 at 9 A.M. to consider road priorities and other road matters.

On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Attorney was instructed to request the person responsible for a wire gate across County Road 2-0426, 4.25 miles East of SR 561, to have same removed.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted prohibiting the dumping of garbage and refuse along County Road 1-6602 between U.S. 27 and County Road No. 1-6903, and along County Road 1-6903 between County Road No. 1-6602 and SR 466, and that appropriate signs be erected.

On advice of the County Attorney, the Chairman instructed the Engineer to request the State Road Department to erect appropriate signs on Old SR 500 in Tavares directing traffic to the Lake County Courthouse.

safety

Mr. Herbert Butler of Leesburg and six other representatives from automobile dealers were present.  Mr. Butler stated it is the opinion of the dealers the County should exercise the option to control the vehicle inspection stations.  Mr. Butler gave estimate of the cost of operating three stations throughout the County.  Chairman Dykes requested that a letter be read from the Lake County Farm Bureau on this subject stating it is the feeling of the Bureau that the best interests of residents would be served by having motor vehicle inspections performed by private authorized shops. 

After further discussion, Chairman Dykes stated a decision will be forthcoming later in the day.

Petitions and road maintenance – subdivision

Bruce Luton and Ben Howell of Suburban Shores appeared and presented petition for resurfacing streets in Suburban Shores Subdivision under Chapter 63-1505.  Attorney Duncan stated the procedure previously adopted by the Board has been for the owners to finance the work and pay the costs by special assessment roll.  Mr. Luton said he will be responsible for the difference collected and the amount of the work. 

Motion was made by Commr. Babb to accept the petition and to accept the road for maintenance after improvements have been completed.  The motion was seconded by Commr. Cowart and unanimously carried.  Mr. Hays advised the road will be an extension of County Road 3-1269.  He was instructed to submit figures relative to the number of property owners, front footage involved and approximate cost.

Hospitals

Clerk Owens presented the original of an option granted by the Northeast Lake County Hospital Co., Inc. to Lake County to pay off certain bonds issued by the Hospital Company and certain property owned by the Corporation.  Mr. Owens advised he had acknowledged receipt of the Option on November 28, 1967.

The following notices from the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital were filed:

            Reva Nadine Heath was discharged with medical advice on 11/3/67.

            George Williams was discharged with medical advice on 11/14/67.

County property

Attorney Duncan reported the Escrow Agreement for the sale of the fairground property has been rewritten.  The deed is to be delivered to an Escrow Agent and the money is to be delivered to the Agent.  One-half the amount of the purchase price will be paid by the Escrow Agent to the County on April 15, 1968, and the County shall have until May 15, 1968 to remove all buildings.  The Escrow Agent shall pay the remaining one-half amount to the County in the event this is done by June 15, 1968, and the deed delivered to the buyers.  Motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, approving the agreement and authorizing the Chairman and Clerk to execute same.

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to return check in the amount of $10,000 signed by L. R. Huffstetler, when the Escrow Agreement is filed with the Clerk and to deliver the deed to the Escrow Agent.

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing relative to the exchange of the following described tracts of land in Lake County, and no one appeared objecting to the exchange, a motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, approving the exchange and authorizing the execution of necessary deeds:

PROPERTY OF LAKE COUNTY:

Commence at the North Quarter Corner of Sec. 8, Tp. 19 S.R. 24E., and run thence South along the centerline of said Sec. 8, 1070 feet, thence run South 89°35’ West 600 feet, thence run North 89°35’ East 600 feet, thence run South 220 feet to the point of beginning;

ALSO: Commence at the North Quarter Corner of Sec. 8, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E., run thence South 1070 feet, thence run South 89°35’ West 250 feet to the point of beginning; thence continue South 89°35’ West 400 feet; thence run North 4°39’53” West 220.60 feet; thence run North 89°35’ East 417.95 feet; thence run South 220 feet to the point of beginning, RESERVING unto Lake County, an Easement and right of access and for the purpose of mining for a period of ten years, at which time such reservation shall expire;

And PROPERTY OF P. G. JEFFCOAT:

Commence at the North Quarter corner of Sec. 8, Tp. 19 S.R. 24 E., and run thence South 1070 feet, thence run South 89°35’ West 108 feet to the point of beginning for this tract, thence run North 380 feet; thence run South 85°20’ West 571.42 feet, thence run South 4°39’53” East 117.96 feet; thence run North 89°35’ East 417.95 feet, thence run South 220 feet, thence run East 14 feet to the point of beginning.

Fair association

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, Clerk Owens was instructed to notify the Fair Association Committee to submit a report of location and construction of buildings at the new fairground site to the Board on January 8, 1968 at 1:30 P.M.

Complaints

Mr. Duncan reported he has received a reply from Herbert Ferran.  No action by the Board. 

Commr. Cowart informed the Board the transfer company dropped a voting machine during delivery in front of the Community Center in Yalaha and broke the concrete.  The Town wants the concrete repaired.  Attorney Duncan advised Commr. Cowart to have the owner of the property request the transfer company to make the repairs.

Chairman Dykes reported he has had several complaints relative to Major Campbell pumping out of Lake Tavares.  The Engineer gave him permission to place his irrigation pipe under the road through a culvert.  The Attorney was directed to notify Mr. Campbell to limit the hours of pumping from 8 o’clock A.M. to 6 o’clock P.M.

County policy

Engineer Hays requested permission to eliminate one Operator’s position and add one Mechanic’s position to the Road and Bridge Department.  Salary change will be from $405 to $425 per month.  Request granted.

County employees

Engineer Hays presented six applications for the position of Road Superintendent which will be available on January 1, 1968 when Dee McLendon retires.  The Engineer recommended Lester Sutton for the position.  Action deferred until the next meeting.

Ambulance service

Attorney Duncan informed the Board since executing agreement for ambulance service with Lennon, he is requesting that the Highway Patrol Officers be instructed to initial his trip tickets when the Patrol calls for an ambulance, to avoid any mix-up in preparing charges for the ambulance service.  Motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, instructing the Attorney to make this request of the Highway Patrol.

Water pollution

Attorney Duncan recommended that no action be taken to activate a County Pollution Control Board until reply is received from Orange County relative to Lake and Orange Counties joining together to solve the pollution problems.

Clerk Owens presented letters from the Lake Improvement Assn., Inc., Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Commission and copy of letter to the Governor from the Attorneys for the Cities of Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares requesting the Governor to conduct a public hearing under the authority of the 1967 Air and Water Pollution Control Act.  On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the Governor to implement the Air and Water Pollution Control Act on a State level.

Chairman Dykes advised he is in receipt of a letter from Senator O’Grady that the next meeting on this subject will be held in the City Courtroom in Leesburg on December 6 at 7:30 P.M. and he expects to attend the meeting.

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.

Licenses and permits

Bond for carrying firearms for Hubert Walker was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.

Road maintenance – subdivisions

The Engineer was instructed to patch the holes in the clay roads in Nooney’s Subdivision (Vernon Court and Oak Hill Court).

Road closings

On recommendation of Commr. Cowart, the Attorney was instructed to notify H. B. Hunter, Sr. the proper procedure relative to closing a portion of Lime Street in Yalaha.

Mr. R. F. Weinmann appeared and presented map showing alley in Sorrento which has never been used and requested the Board to officially close same, in order that he can begin construction of a residence on the site.  On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Attorney was instructed to prepare the necessary petition to close the alley. 

It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider a petition to close a portion of unnamed street in a certain subdivision prepared for Alex St. Clair Abrams and no one appearing to object to the closing, a motion was made by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, adopting a resolution to close and abandon the following described street:

That portion of a certain unnamed street 50 feet in width, lying between Lots 4 and 9, and between Lots 5 and 12, in a certain Subdivision entitled Subdivision of the NE¼ of the SW¼ and the NW¼ of Sec. 18, Tp. 19 S. R. 28 E., recorded in the public records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 1, Page 58;

    It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider a petition to close a portion of N. Magnolia Circle in Eustis Heights and no one appeared to object to the closing, a motion was made by Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, adopting a resolution to close and abandon the following described street:

That portion of North Magnolia Circle bordered on the North by block 22, and on the South by Block 20, as shown on the Plat of Eustis Heights, recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 84, public records of Lake County, Florida;

The Clerk advised the petition of J. A. Getford, Jr. to vacate and return to acreage portions of Eustis Meadows Town Plat is still pending awaiting receipt of deed for right of way.  On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Attorney was instructed to write Mr. Getford and request he complete the requirements so that portions of the land may be returned to acreage.

Resolutions not classified elsewhere

On motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board adopted a resolution expressing its regret on the passing of Karl Lehmann.

Request from Manatee County asking approval of the withdrawal of Manatee County from the Central Florida Regional Housing Authority was approved by resolution on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

Machinery and equipment

Clerk Owens submitted a letter from General Electric Company informing the Board they will extend the same prices for maintenance on the RCA mobile communication equipment as priced in the current service contract on General Electric communication equipment.  The Engineer was instructed to accept the offer in the event the new units do not have a guarantee.

Public health

Dr. Hall appeared at the request of the Board with reference to the issuance of septic tank permits to the owner of Imperial Mobile Terrace Third Addition.  Dr. Hall stated Mr. Squibb has been advised the State Board of Health would not approve any more permits for septic tanks in this subdivision.  Chairman Dykes said it is the opinion of the Board that permits should be issued because the plat was approved by the Board.  Mr. Babb moved that Imperial Mobile Terrace Third Addition be approved for septic tank permits and authorized the issuance of same by the Lake County Health Department.  The motion was seconded by Commr. Livingston and unanimously carried.

County buildings

Dr. Hall requested designation of the location for the construction of the new proposed Health Department Building.  On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Board designated Lots A, B, and C, Block 41, Tavares, as the site for the building. 

Deeds

Engineer Hays presented deeds from Stella Owens and the Board of Public Instruction for right of way on the Treadway School Road.  The deeds were accepted subject to the removal of five citrus trees before March 1, 1968, or the County will take steps to remove the trees.  The Clerk was instructed to record the deeds.  RECORDED O.R. Book 348, Page 473 and 474.

zoning

Zoning Director Webb asked the status of the substandard lots sold prior to zoning in the Ocala National Forest Campsites Subdivision unrecorded plat.  On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Attorney was instructed to request list of the lots sold prior to December 1966 either by contract or deed and date of sale.

The Planning and Zoning Director filed report of the meeting held by the temporary committee to consider area-wide planning.

Mr. Webb advised the Planning and Zoning Commission elected officers for the new year as follows:

            F. C. W. Kramer, Chairman

            J. G. Ray, Jr., Vice Chairman

            Fred Shelby, Secretary

State agencies

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to forward completed questionnaire prepared by the Zoning Director to the Florida School of Forestry regarding Scenic Highways and Roadside Environment.

Safety

Herschel Roberts of the Lake County Farm Bureau was present and added his comments opposing the County entering into this program.  The Clerk submitted a letter the Southworth Associates, Inc. offering to make a study and recommendation on the program for approximately 5% of the first year’s income.

The Chairman called for a motion with reference to the vehicle safety inspection law, whereupon, on unanimous decision action was deferred.

Tax assessor

Certificates of Correction of Errors and Corrections on the 1967 Tax Roll numbered 1-89 were approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.

State road department

Statement of Status of Trust Fund and Secondary Funds were filed and copy of each distributed to the Board members.

Federal agencies

Request from the Lake County Economic Opportunity, Inc. regarding a meeting with the Chairman of the Board and the Program Consultant for the Division of Economic Opportunity from the Governor’s Office for December 7^th was agreed to by Chairman Dykes.

Bonds

Certificates of Competency Bonds for contractors numbered 175-222 were approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.

Chamber of commerce

Annual report of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for the year ended September 20, 1967 showing a balance as of that date of $2,020.76 was filed.

Use permits

Use Permit to the City of Eustis for the construction and maintenance of an 8” and 6” sewer line parallel and under County Road 3-4859 was filed.

e. central florida regional planning council

Minutes of regular meeting held October 18, 1967 in Kissimmee were filed and copy of same distributed to each Board member.

Audits

Audit Report No. 6740 relative to accounts and records of the Board of County Commissions, the Oklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the years ended September 30, 1966 and January 31, 1967, was filed with the Board.

Accounts allowed

Request of the Engineer for him and the Road Superintendent to travel to Orlando on December 16 to attend auction for the purpose of purchasing a lowboy trailer was approved on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, payment from the Road and Bridge Fund of an additional $50.00 to Basic Asphalt Corp on the contract for resurfacing Sylvan Point Drive due to an error in figuring the case, was approved.

Request from the Clerk to purchase one new check signer from Burroughs Corp. for $567.00 including trade-in was approved on motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried.

Quotation from Bowen Supply Company for index books with covers and labels for the Clerk’s Office in the amount of $393.80 was approved on motion of Commr. Livingston, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.

On motion of Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Livingston and carried, the payrolls for the month of November were approved.

Communications

Letter expressing appreciation for the improvement to the access road to the Faith Lutheran Church was read and filed.

Letter and resolution from the South Lake Waterways Club relative to the removal or bypassing of Cherry Lake Dam were filed.

Letter from the Clermont Garden Club regarding the by-passing of Cherry Lake Dam was filed.

Letter from the State Board of Health regarding the City of Leesburg was filed.

Reports

Biennial report of the Florida Board of Forestry was filed.

Summary of seine hauls by the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in Lakes Dora, Beauclair and Carlton for the week of November 13, 1967 was filed.

The following monthly reports were filed:

            Building Department

            Veterans Service Officer

            County Agents and Assistants

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 o’clock P.M.

 

___________________________________                          ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN