MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – august 5, 1968
A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, was held in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse in Tavares on Monday August 5, 1968 at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: H. A. Babb, Chairman; Commrs. Theus, Cowart, Dykes, and Windram. Others present were Clerk Owens, Attorney Duncan, Engineer Hays and Deputy Clerk Norma Coven.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
tax valuation and equalization
Attorney L. R. Huffstetler, Jr. representing Eustis Plaza Corp. was present and submitted a written request for reduction in the assessment of the property owned by the Corporation in Eustis.
Mr. Huffstetler was notified his request will be considered and discussed with the Tax Assessor later in the day.
Letter from P. W. Sedgwick complaining the assessment on Lots 33 and 34, Block A, Picciola Island Subdivision, Leesburg, is too high.
roads – county
Mr. Bert West was present and submitted a petition signed by 11 of the 12 owners on South Dead River Road from Glen’s Cove Road to Dead River to have the road resurfaced, cost of same to be paid by the property owners. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board agreed to advertise bids to resurface the road, County No. 3-4140, when the money is collected and deposited with the Clerk.
On the advice of the Engineer that harrows are damaging County Road 4-5174, a resolution was adopted prohibiting the damaging of County roads by the use of harrows or other heavy equipment and that appropriate signs shall be erected on this road or any other County road showing damage caused by such equipment.
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Board agreed to pave the remainder of the unpaved portion of County Road 3-4461 (Auction Road) at an approximate cost of $150 inasmuch as the 50 feet R/W was donated to the County.
At the request of A. C. Faber, the Engineer was instructed to have clay deposited in the low spots on the R/W on County Road 1-7316 near his property. Mr. Faber said he will sod the bank and keep it mowed.
Engineer Hays filed a Construction Cost Report on road improvements for the second quarter 1968.
The Engineer was instructed to withhold further survey on the proposed road by the Central Florida Camps, Inc.
The Engineer was instructed to request Orange County to erect a “No Thru Trucks” sign on Duda Farms Road.
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, County Road 2-0428 was dropped from the County road system.
Clerk Owens presented a letter from Mrs. Dorothy O’Leary relative to the condition of Missouri Street in Bassville Park. Engineer Hays advised the road is not presently maintained by the County. On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Missouri St. was accepted as a County-maintained road and added to the road system.
bids
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids for September 3 covering annual requirements of the Board for the next fiscal year.
deeds
The Engineer presented deeds conveying R/W on Collins Road, whereupon deeds as follows were accepted and ordered recorded upon the public records on a motion by Commr. Dykes and seconded by Commr. Windram:
GRANTORS:
Herman C. Turner and Dorothy Turner – OR BK 364, Page 270
Edw. Dixon Brown and Edith Y. Brown 364, Page 274
P. W. Bryan and Opal Bryan 364, Page 269
W. M. Vaught and Natalie K. Vaught 364, Page 271
J. M. Vaught and Byrd L. Vaught 364, Page 272
Virginia Collins, a widow 364, Page 273
complaints
Mr. Faber complained of Suburban Refuse Service trucks littering the R/W and private properties by debris falling off their trucks on County Roads 1-7212 and 1-7316. On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Attorney was instructed to notify Suburban Refuse of the complaint and request that their trucks be properly covered.
Mrs. Minnie Weems of Astatula was present representing the South Lake Waterways Club with reference to a dumping problem on County Road 3-0942 between Lake Susan and Lake Louisa. It was determined the refuse and debris is mostly on private property, and on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Engineer was directed to obtain permission of the owners to allow County equipment to cover the debris and erect “No Dumping” signs. Debris will be removed from the County R/W.
Gus Anderson of Mt. Plymouth appeared and complained of the condition of roads in his area. Engineer Hays advised the streets referred to are dedicated subdivision streets. Commr. Windram explained he has discussed this with Mr. Anderson and explained to him the road does not belong to the County. Mr. Windram further stated he advised Mr. Anderson the Board would consider regrading and graveling, provided the owners pay the cost of the improvement. No action by the Board.
chamber of commerce
Ken S. Hart, President of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, appeared and presented a quotation for improvements to the Chamber of Commerce building; also quotation of $126 to clean the building. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, Mr. Hart was advised the Board is not in a position to make extensive improvements to the building at this time, but will have the building cleaned.
Mr. Owens discussed with Mr. Hart funds budgeted for the Chamber must be kept in a separate bank account, and any unexpended funds will be returned to the Board. Mr. Hart said he is aware of these requirements.
Mr. Owens read a letter from Mr. Hart expressing the Chamber’s appreciation of the budget approval for the 1968-69 fiscal year.
appointments
On the recommendation of the Building Department Administrator and on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart, and carried, the following were appointed to serve on the Examining Board for a term of one year effective September 1, 1968: Jack Jones, Arthur Miller, Derow Poynter, Robert Drew, Harry Tamsett, Curtis Kinney, Glenn Thompson.
civil defense
Civil Defense Director Floyd Hess appeared relative to the Board naming a Director of Emergency Management of Resources, which the State Office feels should be taken out from under the Civil Defense Department and put under the control of the Board of County Commissioners. Chairman Babb appointed the following as members of a committee to study this program and make recommendation to the Board: Floyd Hess, Thos. J. Windram, Frank E. Owens, and Earl Kelly.
Mr. Hess will call a meeting concerning this matter.
road maintenance
Glenn Wallace of Mount Plymouth appeared and requested the County build and maintain two roads in the area running east and west as a safety measure to the elderly and school children. Commr. Windram said this matter will be considered at the next quarterly road meeting in September.
contracts
Jack Jones, Architect, was present and submitted the request of the contractor on the Fair Building to change the manufacturer of the metal building accepted on the bid from DuPont to Varco-Pruden due to delivery date. Mr. Jones said the Varco-Pruden building meets the requirements of the Southern Building Code and the plans and specifications. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the change in the building manufacturer was approved as recommended by the Architect.
water pollution
W. H. Reedy appeared relative to the authority of the Water Pollution Control Board. Mr. Reedy stated he has been advised by Mr. Vincent Patton, Chairman of the State Air & Water Pollution Commission that the local act has as much authority as the state law. Mr. Reedy said he has invited Mr. Patton to come to Lake County to meet with the local Pollution Board.
Later in the day, Mr. E. T. Hall and C. W. Sheffield appeared and submitted a written proposal for financial assistance, including salary of field manager, office space, laboratory and transportation. Mr. Hall recommended that the proposal be for the months of August and September, at which time the Pollution Board will re-evaluate its program. Commr. Theus moved that the Board accept the proposal for the months of August and September, at which time the Pollution Board will make another recommendation. Motion seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.
road maintenance – subdivisions
A letter of complaint from Roy Christopher relative to maintenance of streets in Gertrude Manor Subdivision was filed and referred to Commr. Windram.
roads – state
Clerk Owens submitted a resolution adopted by the City of Eustis with reference to widening Grove Street (SR 19) from Orange Avenue South to the interchange. Commr. Windram and Engineer Hays to discuss this proposal with the City officials.
On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, a resolution was adopted requesting the State Road Department to install a traffic control light at the intersection of Citizens Boulevard and North Boulevard (SR 500) in the City of Leesburg.
recess and assembly
The Board recessed for lunch at twelve o’ clock noon and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
road closings
Attorney Duncan presented a petition signed by Lewis H. English, Faye Harding, and Mays Carter to close a platted street in Francis H. Hinson’s Plan, Altoona, whereupon, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, a resolution was adopted accepting the petition and authorizing a public hearing to be held on September 9, 1968 of the intention to close the following described road:
That certain unnamed platted street lying between Lots 13 and 14, according to the Plat of Francis H. Hinson’s Plan of the Town of Altoona, as the same appears filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida in Plat Book 1, Page 28.
Attorney Duncan presented a petition signed by Robert V. and Joyce Millikan to close a platted street in Sunset Park, whereupon on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, a resolution was adopted accepting the petition and authorizing a public hearing to be held on September 9, 1968 of the intention to close the following described road:
That portion of the South 125’ of Oleander Avenue, lying between Magnolia Boulevard and Eldorado Drive, according to the Plat of Sunset Park as the same appears filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 5, Page 48.
bonds – miscellaneous
Henry Mayhew of Astor appeared and requested the Board’s assistance in forcing Robert Barber or his bonding company to make good faulty workmanship. Attorney Duncan said under the provisions of the bond, the individual has the right to sue the principal for faulty workmanship. W. H. Reedy was present and suggested Mr. Mayhew contact the Insurance Commissioner’s Office in Winter Park.
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, firearm bonds were approved for the following: John J. Keown, Richard P. Brown, Herman Parsons, James R. Gunnell, Thomas R. “Bob” Liston, and Horace E. Jones.
Contractor’s bonds numbered 354 – 358 were approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
A request from William G. Talton & Sons, insurance agency, for cancellation of Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company Bond No. N-3822235 issued to Marcus Watters was denied due to the fact the bond automatically expires September 30, 1968.
bonds – road
Mr. Duncan submitted a letter from Samuel D. Draper, Director, Revenue Projects Division, State Road Department, together with a schedule of debt retirement relative to the proposed road revenue bond issue in the amount of $1,750,000. On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
(See Resolution requesting the Florida Development Commission to finance a highway improvement project by a bond issue in the amount of $1,750,000 on Page 253, Minute Book 21, deeming the highway improvements are necessary and desirable to the progress and development of the County, for the following system of roads:
Section No. 11100, Road No. 19, right of way acquisition for SR 44 in Eustis to south limits of Umatilla.
Section No. 11040, Road No. 25, right of way acquisition for SR 25, south of Vine Street to a point north of High Street in Leesburg.
Section No. 11020, Road No. 33 and 50, right of way acquisition for junction of SR 33 and SR 50 in Mascotte to junction of SR 33 and SR 50 in Groveland.
Section No. 11001, Road No. 500A, right of way acquisition for SR 500 in Leesburg to Dixie Avenue via Second and Third Streets and right of way acquisition for primary and secondary roads throughout Lake County.)
safety
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Board amended the working hours of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations for a period of 30 days effective August 12, 1968 as follows:
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – Monday through Friday
1:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday
The hours are to be reviewed again the first meeting in September.
The Engineer advised the equipment at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations is still not working properly. He was instructed to notify the suppliers the retainers on final bills will not be paid until the equipment is in satisfactory working order.
fair
A letter from the County Engineer to the City of Eustis requesting extension of water line facilities to the multi-purpose building at the fairground was read and filed. Clerk Owens reported he discussed this with the City Engineer, and the City is agreeable to this.
public health
Engineer Hays discussed the agreement form submitted by Gee & Jenson Consulting Engineers relative to the water and sewage proposal. Attorney Duncan recommended that no fees or expenses be paid until Lake County is satisfied federal aid is available, and the proposal is accepted by the federal government.
budget
Clerk Owens presented the budget for the year ending September 30, 1969 which has been returned and approved as to form by the Comptroller, said budget being as follows:
ESTIMATED EXPENSES – NORTHWEST COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND, LAKE COUNTY (FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED 9/30/69):
A/c No. 20312 Commissions of Tax Assessor $750
A/c No. 20412 Commissions of Tax Collector $750
A/c No. 66900 Ambulance Service $20,000
Total Appropriations $21,500
Reserve for Contingencies:
94196 $1,980
90199 – Reserve for cash balance to be carried forward $4,500
Total Budget $27,980
(The original of this form is signed by the Clerk of Circuit Court, Chairman, and Comptroller, and dated August 1, 1968.)
The clerk read a letter from the Governor urging the Board to provide funds in the budget for good law enforcement. Letter filed – no action.
audits
Clerk Owens filed Audit Report No. 6905 which was made on the accounts and records of the Board of County Commissioners and the Oklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority as of September 30, 1967, said report being made a part of these minutes on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried.
appraisals
The Clerk submitted the appraisal of Don Driggers and Edwin R. Waite on the W. G. Wells Packing House property in Tavares. Appraisal value is $14,800, and on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was instructed to advise the First State Bank & Trust Company of Eustis the Board is willing to purchase the property at this price.
county property
Clerk Owens informed the Board Mrs. William A. McCue, Mount Dora, has offered to purchase Lot 16, Unser Subdivision, Mount Dora, for the sum of $1,500. Mr. Owens said the property is assessed at $1,300. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the offer was declined and Mrs. McCue was authorized to plant a garden on the property in exchange for keeping the grass mowed and the shrubs trimmed.
county employees
Vacation leave for Verna Eastwood from August 19-30, 1968 was approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
county buildings
On a motion by Commr. Cowart, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Clerk was instructed to notify Jack Jones, Architect, to make a study of the heating and air conditioning system in the Chamber of Commerce building and give the Board his recommendations to correct same.
Clerk Owens submitted a letter from the County Agent together with a recommendation of True-Temp, Inc. necessary to correct the condition of the air conditioning equipment on the Agriculture Center roof. The Clerk was instructed to request True-Temp representation to appear before the Board next meeting regarding this matter.
leases – county property
Attorney Duncan presented the lease agreement between Lake County and the Fair Association. On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the agreement was approved and the Clerk was instructed to forward a copy to the Fair Association for approval.
board of public instruction
A copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Public Instruction was filed determining the millages to be assessed to provide revenue for the operating costs of the public schools of Lake County.
tax assessor
Certificates of Corrections of Error and Corrections on the 1967 tax roll numbered143 – 144 as presented by the Tax Assessor were approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
tax collector
Recapitulation of Errors, Discounts, Insolvencies and Double Assessment on tangibles and real estate as submitted by the Tax Collector against the 1967 tax roll was approved on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.
licenses & permits
A request from Chevron Oil Company for cancellation of a drilling permit was referred to the Engineer to check the drilling locations for damage.
state road department
Clerk Owens presented a notice from the state Road Department that SRS-438 from SR 561 in Minneola to SR 25 has been completed and that this portion of SRS-438 has been abandoned by the State Road Department for maintenance and is now the responsibility of Lake County.
tax delinquent
Application for duplicate tax sale certificate No. 124 dated June 1, 1968 from Ann Conca was approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
hospitals
Commr. Theus moved for the approval of the Chairman’s and Clerk’s action in approving the petition to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for the following: Eunice Lea Ellison, George Ware, and Mack Alexander.
The motion was seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried.
A notice from the Hospital was filed advising that Brady Albert Ellison was discharged with medical advice on July 24, 1968.
inventory
On a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the following items were declared surplus and of no value and deleted from the County Inventory:
County No. 2114 – International Dump Truck, ID #BLD 2694397
County No. 2147 – Diesel 4 Cyl. Water pump, #PC 143369
insurance
Clerk Owens reported the Fire Company has notified the Agent a metal fire door must be installed between the frame furniture warehouse and the voting machines warehouse. Mr. Owens stated he has talked with the owner of the building, and he has agreed to install the fire door.
bids
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, bids were authorized for group insurance on the County employees, to be received September 9, 1968.
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise bids for the purchase of a new addressograph machine to be used by the Supervisor of Elections. Bids to be received September 9, 1968.
roads & bridge
Engineer Hays informed the Board the US Dept. of Transportation is embarking on a National program of evaluating the conditions of all highway bridge structures throughout the country. Have made a list of the bridges in the county and recommend the wooden bridges be replaced with large culverts.
accounts allowed
The Engineer was instructed to contact a cabinet maker relative to repairs to night tables in the Nursing Home.
An appraisal fee of $225 to Donald L. Driggers and Edwin R. Waite was approved for payment on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, architect’s fees in the following amounts to Jack Jones were approved:
Multi-Purpose Fair Building $217.21
Metal Fair Building 56.25
Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations 300.00
The request from the Lake County Development Commission for final payment of $2,500 was denied on a motion by Commr. Theus, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, and payment for the month of August was approved in the amount of $1,250.
Travel expenses for Floyd Hess and H. G. Drake to attend the Florida Civil Defense Association conference in Winter Park, August 14 -16 were approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
The travel expense of $62.50 for W. T. Mills incurred while attending the Delinquency Control Institute at Florida State University on July 7 9 was approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
The request from the County Agent to apply funds appropriated for a 4-H girl to attend the Citizenship Conference in Washington to the travel expense of Deborah Boulware who attended in place of the 4-H girl was approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, the Clerk was authorized to transfer $1,016.83 from the Contingency Item in the General Revenue Fund to Account #20193 – Refund of Revenue Collected in Prior Fiscal Year and to pay this amount to Sheriff McCall for his equity in the automobile he drives.
Payrolls for the month of July were approved on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried.
checks received
Checks in the amount of $110.77 and $4.74 from the Office of the County judges were accepted on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried. The checks represent Unremitted Excess Income for the fiscal years 1964-65, 1965-66, and 1966-67.
legislation
A memorandum from Geo. Stallings, Jr., Chairman of the Committee to Preserve Florida’s Old Constitution, was read requesting the members of the Board meet with other County officials for the purpose of organizing a local committee to oppose ratification of the proposed new Constitution. The Clerk was directed to notify the officials to meet with the Board on August 12 at 3:00 p.m. for the above purpose.
communications
Clerk Owens presented a letter from the US Department of Agriculture advising that Major Realty Corporation of Orlando has offered to sell a tract of land in Lake County containing 5,674 acres to the United States for National Forest purposes and that hearing on same will be held August 21.
A letter of complaint from Mrs. Lela B. Whitman relative to a dumping problem on SR 46 between SR 437 and SR 435. Part of the refuse is on the road right-of-way and part on private property. The Clerk was instructed to ask Mrs. Whiteman if she knows who owns the property.
A letter from Mrs. V. G. Eveland thanking the Board for sending the 4-H members to Washington was read and filed.
Copies of letters from the State Board of Health regarding Mid-Florida Lakes Mobile Manor, Orange Blossom Hills, and the City of Leesburg were filed.
A letter from the Lake County Safety Council relative to the lack of visibility on street corners and other intersections throughout the County due to shrubbery, trees, or signs was read and filed.
Notice from the Corps of Engineers urging boat operators to exercise caution in the Oklawaha and St. John Rivers due to adverse conditions caused by the heavy rains.
A letter of thanks from Suburban Shores Improvement Association was read and filed.
reports
The following reports were filed:
Annual County Forester Report
Veterans Service Officer
Report regarding the Vista Program
Reports from the State Beverage Department showing cigarette tax collections to the cities and counties for the month of May
Surplus Commodity Warehouse Supervisor
Report on “Youth Power” an evaluation of the national Youth Conference
The Board recessed to the Tax Assessor’s Office at 4:00 p.m. to consider complaints on assessments and requests for agricultural zoning.
equalization board
After considering the complaints made in person and in writing, a motion was made by Commr. Theus that the Assessment Roll for the year 1968 as submitted by the Tax Assessor be approved, with the exception of one change made by the Equalization Board. A motion was seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, said change being as follows:
P.W. Sedgwick – Lots 33 and 34, Block A, Picciola Island Subdivision Assessment reduced $1,000, making assessed valuation $8,600.
The Board acting as an Agricultural Zoning Board with the Tax Assessor considered applications for agricultural assessments from the following: M. O. Williams, William W. Boyd, John M. Whistler, Carlton Village, Inc., Verne O. Buck, Helen B. Wilkins, Wendell G. Cook, Christ Schommer, Roy E. Smith, James Clay Traywick, Mary Witt, and Byron E. Herlong.
After considering each application and on a recommendation of the Tax Assessor and a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Theus and carried, the following changes were approved:
Roy E. Smith – 10 acres classified as pasture land, reducing assessment $1,500.
Byron E. Herlong – Picciola Island Subdivision – 17 acres classified as grove, reducing assessment $25,200.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN