MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
june 3, 1968
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse, in Tavares, Florida, on Monday, June 3, 1968, at 10:00 o’clock A.M. with the following members present: Commr. H. A. Babb, Chairman; Commrs. Theus, Cowart, Dykes and Windram. Others present were, Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays, Deputy Clerk Virginia S. Hansel.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Babb and the invocation was given by the Reverend Franklin H. Beaird, Pastor of The Golden Triangle Community Chapel, Mount Dora.
safety
W. H. (Bill) Reedy was present and presented for the Board approval revised list of members of the Lake County Safety Council. Mr. Reedy said in addition to the original six members appointed to the Executive Committee, would like the Board’s approval to add Fred Babb, Lucky Norris and Wes Cater to the Committee. On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the list as submitted was approved.
Mr. reedy advised since the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations are not opened, no arrests will be made until all the station in the county are open and the public has had sufficient time to get their cars inspected.
Planning & zoning
Fred Kramer, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission introduced Mr. J. M. VanderMeer, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, who gave his recommendations relative to the qualifications of a Planning and Zoning Director. Upon motion made by Commissioner Dykes, seconded by Commissioner Cowart and carried, Mr. VanderMeer and his committee were authorized to interview applicants and present their recommendation to the Board.
Road closings
Joe Knowles appeared with reference to affidavits presented to the Board on May 6, 1968 regarding a road in Yalaha. Mr. Knowles stated the South 15 feet or 20 feet of the clayed portion is on his property. Mr. Knowles said he wants to keep the portion of the road on his property closed, and this will not cause a hardship to the adjoining property owners. He further stated the statement in the affidavits that the road has been in existence for 20 years is incorrect. On evidence submitted and on a motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the Board denied the petition to open the road as the road is not a prescriptive road.
Atty. Duncan presented petition to close Citrus Avenue in Yalaha. Action was deferred until the Board members can view the road.
Mr. Duncan submitted petition to close street in Lake Juenietta and same was denied.
Road maintenance – subdivisions
A petition signed by the residents of Sorrento to improve North Church Street was presented by Melvin Huck. The Engineer advised this is a dedicated subdivision street. The owners were notified by the Board to clean up the right of way and move the junk cars in the area before any improvement will be made. On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, the board will view the road at the next quarterly road inspection on June 17.
Roads – state
A discussion was initiated with reference to purchasing right of way from secondary funds to widen Orange Avenue in Eustis West to SR 19. Clerk Owens advised the $50,000.00 pledged from secondary funds was for the construction and widening with no additional right of way to be purchased. He was instructed to check the primary road requests on this.
Mr. Baker, Umatilla, appeared and announced the State Road Department needs drainage easement or additional right of way at the intersection of SR 19 and 19-A in Dona Vista. Engineer Hays was instructed to check with the State Road Department and advise Mr. Baker.
fair
Jack Jones, Architect, appeared and presented plans and specifications for the Fairground Building. Mr. Jones said the preliminary estimate of the cost of the building is $98,000.00 unless one bay is omitted. Upon motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, the plans and specifications were approved and accepted as submitted and bids were authorized for July 1, 1968.
Charles Norris appeared concerning lease with the Fair Association on building to be utilized as an office, flower show, crafts and arts building. Mr. Norris requested that the Board make available funds in the amount of $3,750.00 to be used in the construction of floor and foundation. Other materials to be salvaged from those of the torn down buildings on the old fairgrounds. Jack Jones concurred on the price of $3,750.00 and upon motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, Mr. Jones was instructed to draw plans for the floor and foundation. Attorney Duncan was instructed to draft a lease with the Fair Association.
contracts
On motion of Commissioner Theus, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried, contract for architect’s fees with Jack Jones was approved and accepted as submitted.
deeds
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, deeds were accepted conveying right of way to Lake County on the Bridges Road, and ordered recorded on the public records:
Grantors: H. Cecil Henderson & Otilia M. Henderson and
Jorge F. Morales & Maria P. Morales Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 491
Corbin Isbon & Edith H. Isbon Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 493
W. H. Hohenstein & Annie Hohenstein Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 497
Philip Bichard & Jacqueline Bichard Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 498
Carl E. Bonnell & Leola Bonnell Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 499
Golden Fleece Groves, Inc. Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 500
Thomas R. McNeill and Donald Meikle &
Betty Lou Meikle Rec. O.R. BK. 360, Pg 501
Mr. Duncan was instructed to correct the deeds concerning the right of way in the Lake Louisa area from the Industrial Corp. of Ohio.
Bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids for the sale of surplus county property located in the City of Mount Dora, the Clerk announced the Notice of Sales calls for the tract of land to be sold at the North Door of the Courthouse; whereupon, the Clerk was excused to hold the sale at the North Door of the Courthouse.
Clerk Owens returned and announced Chester Crum acting as purchaser for John A. and Bessie M. Drombrauskas has offered $50.00 for the property. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the Board accepted Mr. Crum’s offer and the attorney was instructed to prepare deed to purchasers on the following described land:
The West 5 feet of the North 144.5 feet of Block 358 in Section 32, Township 19 South, range 27 East, in the City of Mount Dora, Florida.
State agencies
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, the Board adopted a resolution nominating C. E. Duncan to the Governor for appointment as Commissioner of Lake County to a Housing Authority to function in and for Lake County under Section 421.27 Florida Statutes 1967.
Public defender
Atty. Duncan reported he has searched the law and can find no authority for payment to the Public Defender for defending juveniles. The Statutes provide that the Public Defender may defend the juveniles, but the only way the Board can reimburse him would be in additional salary – not for defending the juvenile, simply a salary supplement for handling the work load. Commr. Windram moved that the Clerk request the Public defender, Robert E. Pierce, to come to the Board meeting next Monday to discuss this matter. The motion was seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
Schools
Bulletin from the Board of Public Instruction was red by Mr. Owens concerning the Earth and Space Science Teaching and Study Center, Howey, under the direction of Sam Commander. Upon motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, the Clerk was directed to write letter to the Superintendent of Public Instruction endorsing the school.
permits
The Engineer filed the following use permits:
Permit No. 124 to Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Rds. 2-1214 and 2-1213 between SR 33 and SR 565;
To Sumter Electric Coop, Inc. for the construction and maintenance of power line along County Rd 5-8897 between SR 42 and end of Fla. Power Transmission line;
The City of Leesburg for the construction and maintenance of 4” natural gas main along SR S44C westward to SR 468.
Elections – primary
Certificates of the Board of Canvassers of the Democratic and Republican Primary Elections held May 28, 1968 were filed.
Elections – general
Mrs. Katherine Baker, Supervisor of Elections, was present and discussed with the Board the advisability of holding small groups of classes of instructions for the General Election. Mrs. Baker also requested the assistance of Dan Heald in holding the classes in the voting machine warehouse because of his knowledge of the voting machines. On motion of Commissioner Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, Mrs. Baker was authorized to hold the school of instructions in small groups in the voting machine warehouse with the assistance of Dan Heald.
On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried, the Clerks and Inspectors who served in the last Primary Election were appointed to serve in the General Election.
State road department
Notice from the State Road Department that the picnic pavilions and grassing of the Wayside Park on Lake Eustis West of Tavares was completed on May 21, 1968 and same returned to the County and/or City of Tavares for maintenance.
County property
The Clerk submitted a letter from the Town Clerk of Astatula advising that a building has been erected by unknown parties on county property adjoining the North city limits of Astatula. The Engineer states his crew has made a diligent effort to locate the building but could not find it. Commr. Dykes said the building is definitely there from reports he receives from Astatula. The Engineer was instructed to locate the building and dismantle and remove same.
pollution
Clerk Owens submitted letters declining associate membership on the Lake County Pollution Control board from Neal D. Huebsh and Robert C. Ingram. Letters of acceptance were received from the other five appointed members, and on motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Dykes, the Clerk was instructed to notify the members to meet with the Board of County Commissioners at 9:00 o’clock A.M. June 10, 1968 for the purpose of organizing the Board.
Discussion relative to Lake County participating with other counties as a pollution control unit was deferred until the Pollution Control Board is organized.
State agencies
Representatives of the lake Improvement Association were present and discussed the need of more supervision and more competent personnel in the seining program in Lake Harris. The Board agreed to request the Fish Commission to lengthen and deepen the net. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, Mr. Duncan was directed to work with the Fish Commission’s representative on the contract for the program.
County property
The Clerk presented letter form the First State Bank & Trust Co. of Eustis advising that they are willing to dispose of the W. G. Wells Packing House property in Tavares for $24,750.00 excluding property taxes for 1968. Motion was made by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, appointing Edwin Waite and Don Driggers appraisers of the property.
hospitals
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving application to the W. T. Edwards TB Hospital for May Helen Miller Gavin was approved.
Notice from the Hospital was filed advising that Harry Phillip Hall was discharged with medical advice on May 2, 1968.
County agents
Mr. Earl Kelly, County Agent, introduced John L. Jackson, Jr. applicant for the position of assist county agent, specializing in citrus. On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried, Mr. Jackson was employed as Asst. County Agent effective July 1, 1968 at an annual salary of $3500.00 and $1200.00 travel expense.
Bonds – misc.
Bond for carrying firearm for Francis J. Barrett was approved on motion of Commissioner Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus, and carried.
Hyacinth control
Clerk Owens submitted letter addressed to the Chairman relative to Hyacinth Control Society annual meeting in Winter Park on June 16-19. On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, the letter was referred to Paul Milton and Mr. Milton’s expenses to the meeting were approved.
safety
Clerk Owens presented approved application for federal funds for costs incurred on the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations. Letter advises the costs incurred after April 8, 1968 are reimbursable and the Clerk was instructed to forward statement for funds due Lake County.
Engineer Hays announced that Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations will be open Tuesday through Saturday from the hours of:
8:00 – 12:00 noon
1:00 – 5:00 P. M.
Insurance
The Clerk filed letter from Nationwide Insurance giving the amounts of premiums and losses for the period July 5, 1967 to April 5, 1968, and congratulating the Board on its excellent experience.
State road department
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the State Road Department to make a study of the intersection of SR 500 (US 441) with “Old US 441” West of Tavares, and if warranted, install a trip-type traffic light at the intersection.
Account allowed
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, purchase of a typewriter for the lake County Safety Council was approved.
Expenses of Dr. James B. Lackey to attend meeting in Leesburg on June 13th relative to pollution of Lake Apopka and lower lakes in the chain were approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried.
On motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commissioner Dykes, and carried, travel expenses of Gordon Hays were approved to attend National Association of Counties convention in Washington D. C. July 27-Aug. 1.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, the low proposal of F & R Office Supply, Inc. of $87.45 each for 3 three-drawer filing cabinets for the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations were accepted.
On motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram, the proposal of Lake Office Equipment, Inc. to furnish two Royalmetal Verti-Files for use in the Small Claims Office was approved in the sum of $522.00.
Expenses in the amount of $486.65 were approved for 4-H Club members and one leader to attend Citizenship Shortcourse in Washington, D. C. July 7-13, on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried.
Request of Royce E. Williams, Asst. County Agent, to attend vegetable field day at Horticultural Research Unit, Gainesville, June 4, 1968, was approved on motion of Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried.
Requisition from the lake County Development Commission for $1,250.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried.
On motion of Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes, and carried, payrolls for the month of May were approved.
Bids
The Clerk was authorized to advertise bids on the maintenance of the heating and air conditioning equipment in the county buildings.
communications
Agenda and bulletin on the Governor’s Conference on Redevelopment and Urban Planning was filed by Mr. Owens.
Letter and copy of resolution from The Greater Haines City Chamber of Commerce was filed with reference to Disney World Traffic on primary roads in the six county area.
Copy of letter from L. A. Rees to the Planning & Zoning Commission concerning a mobile home use as a temporary field office in Western Shores Subdivision was read and filed.
Copy of letter from the Florida Audubon Society endorsing the Emeralda Marsh Project was read and filed.
Letter from the U. S. Department of the Interior thanking the board for its resolution concerning interest in the establishment of a seashore park in Volusia and Brevard Counties was read and filed.
Reports
The following monthly reports were filed:
Surplus Commodity Warehouse Superintendent, Building Department.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN