MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 MONDAY – AUGUST 4, 1969

A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida was held in the Commissioner’s Room in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Monday, August 4, 1969, 9:00 o’clock A.M. with the following members present:  Commissioner Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; Commissioners James R. Carson, Jr., Alex J. Macdonell, J. M. Hoskinson and Kenneth VanAuken.  Others present were Attorney C. E. Duncan, County Engineer Gordon Hays, Jr., Clerk of Circuit Court Frank E. Owens, and Deputy Clerk Norma H. Coven.

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

Chairman Windram recognized Mr. Hays and the honor he received from the National Association of County Engineers in naming him the outstanding rural County Engineer for 1969.

tax valuation and equalization

1.     Raymond Vanderbleek – Grove properties in 33-18-24 and 29-18-24.  Mr. Vanderbleek requested that valuations on the properties be reduced to the 1968 valuations.

2.     Fred Berry – Grove properties in 27-18-24, 23-18-24 and 34-18-24.  Mr. Berry requested the valuations be reduced based on the production of the groves.

3.     H. S. McKinney – Grove properties in 13-18-24 and 24-18-24.  Mr. McKinney presented petition for reduction in valuations.

4.     Tom Hanson of Lady Lake appeared and complained of the method of assessments.

5.     J. Ray Bridges – Grove properties in 21-23-24, 26-24-24.  Complained assessments are too high.

6.     Henry Tanner – 1-19-28 –Complained assessment was increased from $1900 in 1978 to $15,700.

7.     Paul Bryan – Grove properties in 2-19-27 and 28-18-27 and trailer park, also G. Russell Bryan in 17-18-27 and 3-18-24 and Bryan Groves Packing Company in 14-18-26.  Appeared and complained the assessments are too high.

8.     Robert L. Collins representing Golden Fleece Groves, Inc. appeared and complained groves are assessed too high.

9.     Roy Christopher appeared representing A. V. Lent and Elizabeth L. Moore, Trustees and complained of increase in assessments over 1968.

10.  W. M. Haywood, Jr., appeared relative to 115 acres grove property in 2-18-24, stating the assessment doubled this year.  Also, 60 acres in 2-18-24.

11.  Mrs. Rachel Cordrey appeared and complained of increase in assessment on grove property in 3-18-24.

12.  Wallace DeDier appeared and complained on increase in assessment on motel property located on East Alfred Street, Tavares.

13.  Mrs. Garret Rotteveel appeared and complained the County’s assessment on new residence is higher than the valuation placed on the property by the City of Eustis.

14.  Letter from Max Kohl protesting 1969 valuation placed on 173 acres of grove property located in 23-19-27.

 

All complaining parties were informed the Board would consider the requests with the Tax Assessor later in the day.

bids

It now being the time advertised to receive bids on chain link fencing at the Mosquito Control grounds, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids, whereupon, the Clerk reported receiving bids from the following:

            Holmes Fence Company                    $3,487.00

            Hurricane Fence Company                   2,876.99

            Quaid Fence Company                         2,559.00

            Reeves Fence, Incorporated                2,600.00

 

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried, the bid of Quaid Fence Company in the amount of $2,559.00 was accepted as the lowest and best bid.

contracts and agreements – fairgrounds

Representatives from the City of Eustis and Lake County Chamber of Commerce were present to discuss arrangements for the use of the facilities at the Fairgrounds.  After much discussion and on motion of Commissioner Macdonell, the Attorney was instructed to prepare a contract stipulating the County will pay to the City of Eustis $100.00 per month for the following services:  Police protection, street lights, garbage and trash pickup and fire protection, plus a monthly charge of approximately $25.00 for water and sewerage.  In addition the City will pay to the County $100.00 per day rental for use of the facilities, plus additional expenses incurred during the period the facilities are rented to the City.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

roads – county

J. N. Clark appeared relative to the maintenance of road designated as County Road 2-3021.  Mr. Clark stated he has been maintaining the road since 1950 and asked that the County grader cease trespassing on the road.  Mr. Hays informed the Board when road signs were erected throughout the County; this particular road was pointed out as a prescriptive County maintained road by the road foreman.  Attorney Duncan advised in order for the County to acquire a prescriptive road it must be with the tacit consent of the owner for a period of 20 years.  The Statutory provision is that the County must maintain the road for 4 years.  Commissioner Macdonell asked in view of the Attorney’s advice, that action be deferred until Mrs. J. F. Busbee, adjoining property owner, is present.  The Clerk was instructed to notify Mrs. Busbee to appear before the Board regarding this matter when she returns to the County.

salaries and wages

John McCormick, Assistant State Attorney, appeared and requested a 5% increase in his secretary’s salary effective October 1, 1969.  On motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, the request was denied due to the fact the budget for the next fiscal year has been adopted.

federal agencies

Reverend R. E. Rutland, President, Lake County Economic Opportunity, appeared and explained the purpose of the organization is to help the under-privileged with Federal aid and asked the Commission to recognize the Lake County Economic Opportunity as a government priority.  He also requested the use of County property, buildings and equipment for use as recreational and training purposes.

visitors

Miss Alice Blackburn, Assistant Home Economic Agent, was present and introduced four 4-H Club members who will go to Washington to the short-course study.

recess and reassembly

The meeting recessed at 12:30 o’clock P.M. for lunch and reconvened at 1:30 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.

minutes

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried, the minutes of regular meetings of June 9 and July 7 and special meetings of June 10, 17, 19 and 30 and July 1, 1969, were approved as submitted.

roads – county

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, the Engineer was instructed to notify the Road and Bridge personnel the following policy concerning County roads was adopted:

GRADING COUNTY ROADS ON COUNTY-OWNED RIGHTS-OF-WAY

 

1 – All roads being graded within a County-owned right-of-way shall be centered in said right-of-way and shall not veer to the right or left to miss a particular shrub or tree or other item of value, or to appease certain individuals.

 

2 – All trees, shrubs, etc. within a County-owned right-of-way shall be removed to comply with Item 1 above.

 

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, the Road and Bridge Department was authorized to furnish 5 to 10 loads of clay to improve the access road to the Groveland Academy.  Action was determined on the basis of prescriptive right.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, a Resolution was adopted establishing speed limits as follows:

A maximum speed of 25 miles per hour is determined and set for Sunset Circle in Gertrude Manor Subdivision as the same appears filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida;

 

A maximum speed of 35 miles per hour is determined and set for County Road Number 4-4581 (Cooper Road extension) from County Road Number 4-4484 to State Road S-437.

 

water pollution

Commissioner Hoskinson discussed the pollution problem in the south chain of lakes and the Palatlakaha River caused by a dredging operation by Poynter-Harder Construction Company.  Permit for the work was issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  A motion was made by Commissioner Hoskinson that a letter of protest be written to the Southwest Florida Water Management District that all operations cease under the permit issued to Poynter-Harder until the contractor fully complies with the stipulations in the permit.  That the operation not be allowed to resume until it can be determined if additional pollution is caused by the operation.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

east central florida regional planning council

Letter directed to the Chairman from the Council together with copy of revised bylaws was filed.  Commissioner Hoskinson reported the Council met on August 1 and adopted the bylaws and it was the unanimous approval that any new projects considered by the Council will be at the request of the Boards of County Commissioners.

tax assessments

At the request of the Board, the Clerk was instructed to notify the Tax Assessor to appear before the Board on August 11th relative to the provisions of Chapter 193.201, Florida Statutes, County Agricultural zoning boards, assessment of lands zoned agricultural.

Clerk Owens presented letter and copy of Chapter 69-286 repealing the millage rollback law.  In essence this means the 10% restriction on increasing millages up to the amount allowed by law is eliminated.

Certificates of Error and Corrections on the 1968 Tax Roll numbered 155 through 159 as submitted by the Tax Assessor were approved on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried.

roads – state

Mr. Duncan submitted letter from the Department of Transportation relative to the County securing a loan from the Secondary Trust Fund in the amount of $500,000.  Letter states “due to the reorganization of the State agencies and certain requirements under the 1968 Constitution, it will be necessary to revise procedures, etc., regarding the Secondary Trust Fund loan program.”  The Attorney was instructed to request application forms concerning the necessary steps to secure such a loan immediately.

Commissioner Carson reported he and Mr. Duncan were successful in obtaining signed contract with K.L.M., Incorporated for right of way on State Road 530.

water pollution

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, Mr. Joe Hill of Leesburg was appointed to serve on the Pollution Control Board representing Industry.

On motion of Commissioner Carson, seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried, a Resolution was adopted expressing to Mr. Carol Floyd the Board’s appreciation for his service on the Pollution Control Board.

building department

Mr. Carson reported on a new industry in the County engaged in the constructing of modular homes, which does not meet our building code.  Can we amend our Code in order that the homes will meet the County’s requirement?  This matter was held in abeyance pending discussion with the Building Department Director.

laws and legislature

Attorney Duncan informed the Board he has received application form for bonding race track funds and it will be ready to present to the Legislature if there is a special session.

road and bridge department

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, the Road and Bridge Department was authorized to apply two loads of clay to the driveway at the Okahumpka Post Office.

On motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, the Board authorized the Road and Bridge Department to repair bridge on County Road No. 5-8688 with asphalt coated culvert at an estimated cost of $660.

ordinance

The Attorney was instructed to obtain from the City of Leesburg copy of Ordinance extending the Bar and Lounge hours for establishments selling alcoholic beverages and advise the best procedure the Board should follow in this regard.

bonds – miscellaneous

Bond for carrying firearms for Willis Fairley was approved on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried.

The following contractors’ bonds covering certificates of competency were approved on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried:

                        Numbers 442, 443, 444 and 445

road closings

The Board denied the request of Leo and Mildred Betz to close Silver Lake Drive in Dona Vista on motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

Petition to close portion of platted park in Edgewater Beach was accepted on motion of Commissioner Hoskinson seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried and a Resolution adopted to consider the petition to vacate portions of the park described as follows:

All that portion of the “park” and the area designated as “playground” abutting Lake Boulevard and lying immediately East of the following described properties:  Lots 21 and 22 in Block A, and Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in Block B, all according to the Plat of EDGEWATER BEACH as filed and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, in Plat Book 8, page 84.

 

The Engineer was instructed to check the description in order that the portions to be vacated do not interfere with the boat ramp on Johns Lake.

civil defense

After having a Resolution read concerning construction of future County buildings providing fallout protection, same was referred to the Building Department on advice of the Attorney.

budget

Budget and Program of Work for the Fiscal Year July 1, 1969, through June 30, 1970, adopted by the Department of Transportation was filed.

Clerk Owens presented budget for the year ending September 30, 1970, which has been returned and approved as to form by the Comptroller.  Said budget being filed.  See Page 480 in County Commissioners’ Minute Book 21.

The Clerk submitted Resolution adopted by the Lake County Farm Bureau conveying to the Commission its appreciation for maintaining the same millage as in 1968-69.

state agencies

Agreement with the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission relative to the cooperative Seining Program on Lakes Yale and Griffin was approved on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried, and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute same.

contracts and agreements

Amendments to the contracts with Lennons’ Ambulance and the City of Leesburg relative to monthly payment for ambulance service beginning October 1969, were approved on motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, and the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute same.  Attorney Duncan advised Mr. Lennon would like his contract drawn on a three-year basis to allow him to purchase and finance new equipment.  No action was taken on this request.

Mr. Duncan was instructed to contact Dr. Hall regarding the possibility of receiving Federal assistance for ambulance service in the County.

hospitals

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving application to the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital for Wilson Don Pelham was approved.

Notice from the hospital was filed advising that Walter Jasper was discharged on July 24, 1969, with medical advice.

The Clerk presented a letter from Floyd R. Jaggears relative to nursing home care for his mother who is now living outside the County.  Same was referred to the Welfare Director.

Letter from the Division of Family Services formerly State Department of Public Welfare to Representative James A. Glisson concerning Lake County’s involvement in the Medicaid Program after January 1, 1970, was read.  Letter states that the Bureau of Finance and Accounts is in the process of computing cost estimates for all counties and these figures will be released by the Comptroller soon.

public health

The Clerk submitted letter from the Chairman of the Pinellas County Commission advising that Pinellas County will not increase its contribution for the support of the State Board of Health and its employees, as the demand by the Department creates an undue hardship on the County.

bids

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids on the following insurance:

            Bodily Injury and Death Benefits for Law Enforcement Officers

            Fleet Liability

            Hospital Liability

 

licenses and permits

Request from Farris E. Rahall, WLCY-TV, Saint Petersburg, relative to application for a permit or license to construct a CATV system in Lake County was presented by the Clerk.  He was instructed to advise the County already has issued a permit to the Leesburg Cablevision, Incorporated for this service.

The following Use Permits were issued and filed by the Engineer:

To the City of Mount Dora for the construction and maintenance of water line along County Road 4-4465 between Eudora Road and Morningside.

 

To Sumter Electric Cooperative, Incorporated for the construction and maintenance of power line along County Road 4-6781 in 28-18-27.

 

No. 157 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 3-1040 between State Road 561 and No. 3-0739.

 

No. 158 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 1-6611 between US Highway 27 and No. 1-7310.

 

No. 159 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 1-7310 between US Highway 27 and No. 1-6508.

 

No. 160 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 1-6007 between US Highway 27 and end of road.

 

No. 161 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 1-6602 between US Highway 27 and No. 1-6706.

 

No. 162 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 1-6304 between US Highway 27 and No. 1-6006.

 

No. 163 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road 3-2854 south of State Road S-48.

 

railroads

Attorney Duncan presented proposed agreement with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company covering public crossing 2,389 feet east of Mile Post ATA-788, Sorrento, Florida Telephone Corporation advised they will bear the expense of raising the telephone lines which parallel the railroad at this location.  The Clerk was instructed to notify Mr. E. S. Burnett the County will not execute the agreement until the cost of the crossing is paid by him.

municipal corporations

The Engineer advised the City of Mount Dora has requested assistance in preparing a race track course in Lake Dora.  Time required by the survey crew will be approximately five days.  Mr. Hays was authorized to assist with the course but to notify the City of Mount Dora this will be their responsibility in future years.

maps and plats

On recommendation of the Engineer, the Board tentatively agreed to accept the Plat of Camphor Woods Shores, Unit One, as meeting the requirements prior to August 1st and based on percolation tests, erection of street signs and construction of roads.

communications

Letter from Schulmerich Carillons, Incorporated relative to the installation of bells and carillons in the courthouse.  The Board members concurring, the Chairman instructed the Clerk to advise Mr. Giurato this is not the appropriate time to consider such an installation.

Copies of letters from the State Board of Health relative to Imperial Mobile Terrace and Mission Inn were referred to the Planning Director.

reports

Monthly report from the Surplus Commodity Warehouse for July was filed.

cancellation of warrants

General Revenue Fund Warrant No. 2927 dated July 14, 1969, for $24.30 was cancelled on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, duplicate payment.

funds transfer

Transfer of $600.00 from the Contingency Item in the General Revenue Fund to Account No. 20102-1, “Salary Telephone Operator,” was approved on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

accounts allowed

On motion of Commissioner Hoskinson seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried, request was approved from the County Judge for $2700 to be used as matching funds for Social Security and Retirement for the months of July,  August and September.

On motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved payment of $5 per night to Murry Lowe to open the hearing room in the Engineering and Zoning Building for Motor Vehicle Inspection personnel to attend school of instruction to be conducted by the Highway Patrol on August 11, 12 and 13.

Utility bills amounting to $27.55 from the City of Eustis for service at the Fairgrounds were approved on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

Monthly increase of $5 to Clements’ Pest Control to include the Tax Collector’s Office in the monthly spraying program was approved on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried.

On motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, travel expenses were approved for Emogene Stegall to attend State Association of Supervisors of Elections convention in West Palm Beach August 12 – 16.

Request from Waterman Memorial Hospital for $16,000 was approved on motion of Commissioner Macdonell seconded by Commissioner Carson and carried.

On motion of Commissioner VanAuken seconded by Commissioner Macdonell and carried, the Clerk was authorized to purchase two book cases for his office from Lake Office Equipment, Incorporated at $128 each.

Travel expenses for Gordon Hays to attend State Association of County Commissioners convention in Hollywood, Florida, September 24-27, were approved on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried.

On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner VanAuken and carried, the Board approved payment of $118.41 from the Road and Bridge Fund, difference in the Special Assessment Roll and the contract amount for paving Broadvue Heights and Rainbow Ridge.

On motion of Commissioner Carson seconded by Commissioner Hoskinson and carried, payrolls for the month of July were approved.

The Clerk was requested to furnish the Board members a statement of cash balances in the General Fund for September, October and November.

The meeting recessed to the Tax Assessor’s Office to consider complaints on assessments.

tax valuation and equalization

The Equalization Board reconvened in the Office of the Tax Assessor and after considering the complaints made in person and in writing, the valuations for the year 1969 were approved excepting the following which the Board and Assessor agreed to personally inspect and report at later date:

Raymond Vanderbleek – Grove properties in 33-18-24 and 29-18-24

William Haywood, Jr. and S. I. Tubbs – 2-18-24

Cleveland M. Kurharske – 22-24-24 and 16-23-24

Lester L. Knight – 6-23-24

 

The members and Mr. Cassady set Thursday, August 7, 1969 at 1:00 o’clock P.M. to inspect the above properties.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 o’clock P.M.

 

___________________________________                                                                                                                                                  ______________________________

CLERK                                                                                                                                                                                                           CHAIRMAN