MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY – AUGUST 3, 1970
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room on Monday, August 3, 1970, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. with the following members present: James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman; Alex J. Macdonell, J. M. Hoskinson, Thomas J. Windram, and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were: County Attorney Christopher C. Ford; County Engineer Robert H. Norton; Clerk of Circuit Court Frank E. Owens; Paul W. Bryan, Chairman of the Board of Public Instruction and appointed member to the Board of Tax Adjustment; and Deputy Clerk Norma H. Coven.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Carson, who delivered the invocation; after which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited by all present.
tax valuations and equalization
The Chairman announced the Board of Tax Adjustment will now hear and receive complaints as to the value and classification of any real or personal property as assessed by the County Tax Assessor for the year 1970.
1. Dr. George D. Hoffeld – Appeal for Homestead Exemption.
2. Bertram L. Langeberg – Residence and 10 acres located in 26/18/24. Assessed value $8,100.00, purchase price $7500.00 in 1967.
3. Wilfred B. Klein – approximately 167 acres located East of Lady Lake on Lake Griffin. Assessed $12,700.00, purchase price $75,000.00 in 1969.
4. Volusia Lake Realty Co. – 200 acres located in 16/18/29. Assessed value $25,000.00, purchased in 1970 for $56,000.00. No improvements on property.
5. Rita Ryals – 233 acres located in 33/17/29 and NW ¼ West of SR 44 in 34/17/39. Assessed value $25,300.00. Purchased in 1969 for $54,999.37.
6. Frank E. Owens – 9 acres in grove located in 32/19/26. Assessed $40,500. Purchased in 1956 for $21,000.00. Complaint withdrawn.
7. Karick Price – 160 acres in grove located South of Leesburg. Assessment increased from $67,900.00 to $96,700.00. The Tax Assessor explained the increase is due to $200.00 per acre assessment on irrigation equipment. With this explanation, Mr. Price withdrew his complaint.
8. Wm. L. Omarr, Jr. – Mobile home awning assessed at $150.00 – cost of same $98.00. Mr. Cassady explained this is the minimum assessment on additions to mobile homes. Cost of installation is considered.
All complaining parties were informed the Board would consider the requests with the Tax Assessor later in the day.
minutes
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, minutes of the regular meeting of July 6, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, minutes of the special meeting of July 7, 1970 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, minutes of the regular meeting of July 13, 1970 were approved as submitted.
indigents
Commr. VanAuken reported he has been contacted by the person who is boarding a former tuberculosis patient in her home and he is not getting sufficient foods from the commodity program. Discussed this with Mrs. Eastwood and she advised they are not preparing the foods properly. Chairman Carson stated there is nothing the Board can do if Mrs. Eastwood is cognizant of this.
prisoners
Request from the Sheriff that accumulated good time of 15 days on Roy Clifford Russell and Thomas Woodrow Wilson be disallowed, was approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
complaints
Commr. Windram asked the Attorney’s opinion of the Board considering an Ordinance to control pornographic movies and magazines. Attorney Ford replied the adoption of an Ordinance is possible, however, the way the Courts are ruling the Board would probably be taken to court and lose. On recommendation of Commr. Windram the Board instructed Mr. Ford to draft a letter to the owners and operators of the theatres and to the distributors of magazines asking their cooperation in being more selective in their choice of pornographic material.
Letter from Mrs. Michael Roth was read complaining that the shrubs and trees along the Lakeshore Drive (Eustis) had been sprayed and killed. The Clerk was instructed to inform Mrs. Roth this was the result of road right of way maintenance, by the Department of Transportation.
Letter was read from Earl L. Williams complaining of the sale of school property in Lady Lake and same was referred to the County Attorney.
Letter of complaint from Mrs. Mildred Brownsberger concerning County Road 3-3987 was read and referred to Commr. Windram.
suits affecting county
Attorney Ford advised the final hearing on the Dora Canal suit is scheduled for August 13, 1970 at 1:30 o’clock P.M.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids for the purchase of one new motor grader, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids, whereupon, Clerk Owens reported receiving bids from the following:
W. L. Sly Machinery Co. of Tampa $22,721.06
State Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc. 21,962.00
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the bid from State Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc. was accepted as the best and lowest bid, subject to same meeting the specifications.
At this time the meeting recessed to the Office of the Tax Assessor for the Board of Tax Adjustment to consider complaints received relative to assessment of property.
tax valuations and equalization
The Tax Adjustment 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 1970 were approved as fixed by the County Tax Assessor, on motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried.
Mr. Cassady presented letter from Edward Berowski requesting a reduction in the assessed valuation of his property located in Mount Plymouth, together with his reply denying the request.
Also, letter from J. Dewey Mosley concerning valuation and zoning of property in Lake Mack Park. On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Mr. Bryan and carried, the Board concurred in the action taken by Mr. Cassady.
Upon returning to the Commissioners’ Room, the Chairman asked if there is anyone else who wants to bring a complaint of his assessment against the Tax Adjustment Board. No one came forward.
Relative to the 1970 Act requiring the Board of County Commissioners to collect and assess taxes for municipalities and to sit as a Board of Equalization, the Chairman called for anyone who wants to register a complaint. No one appeared before the Board of Tax Adjustment or the Board of County Commissioners sitting as a Board of Equalization for the municipalities.
courthouse
Mrs. Emogene Gamble of Tavares appeared with a group and complained of the treatment given people lining up in the Courthouse Lobby to receive unemployment compensation checks. Mr. Duesenberry of the Florida Industrial Commission was present and explained he made the arrangements to cut down on the confusion and expedite the line. The Board assured Mrs. Gamble no one had ever been denied the use of the Lobby, but the unemployment recipients should conduct themselves properly and not interfere with the normal business of the Courthouse.
recess and reassembly
The meeting 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.
road closing
Larry F. Van Hoose appeared and presented amended petition to discontinue street or alleyway in Francis J. Hinson’s Subdivision to Altoona, Florida. Attorney Ford advised a mistake was made in the original petition and the amended petition properly describes the alley that the petitioner wants closed. Do not feel it is necessary to advertise the amended petition. On motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, a Resolution was adopted amending the description in the Resolution adopted by the Board on April 20, 1970 to read as follows:
That certain alleyway or street lying between Lots “H” and “G” according to the Plan of Francis J. Hinson’s Subdivision to Altoona, Florida, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 1, page 28 and 29, Public Records of Lake County, Florida.
juvenile
Mrs. Pat Vanderbleek, Mrs. Richard Brown and William W. Plummer, members of the Board of Visitors, appeared relative to the problem of employing a matron and superintendent at the Juvenile Shelter. Mrs. Vanderbleek pleaded for the recommendation made by the Board of Visitors concerning salary increases for the two couples needed at the Juvenile Shelter. After considerable discussion, Chairman Carson advised that the Board members hope to finalize the 1970-71 budget this week and the proposals offered today will be considered.
railroads
Mr. Charlie Squibb was present relative to the status of the improvements to the railroad crossing West of Tavares at the entrance to his mobile home subdivision. On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Lake, Florida, in regular meeting assembled that the Chairman of said Board be, and he hereby is, authorized to enter into a supplemental agreement with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company and to sign same on behalf of said County whereby an agreement dated July 20, 1961, between the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad Company, now Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company and the County covering a public highway or street crossing near Tavares, Florida, is amended to permit the County to widen, improve and maintain same; as more particularly set forth in said supplemental agreement, which supplemental agreement is dated June 25, 1970, a copy of which is filed with this Board of Commissioners.
road and bridge
Commr. VanAuken asked the Board’s consideration of assigning the new motor grader to the area encompassing District No. 4 and 5. Chairman Carson said he feels the personnel assigned to the maintenance of the road equipment are more qualified to ascertain this. Commr. Macdonell said he feels all new equipment should go to the construction crew.
Commr. Hoskinson asked the County Engineer if the survey crew had finished the borings in the Astatula clay pit. Mr. Norton said there is material in the pit but it is not considered usable.
roads – state
Chairman Carson reported he is in receipt of notice from the Department of Transportation that requests for a public hearing on the four-laning of SR 44 in Leesburg West of SR 44-A to SR 25 will be received until August 21, 1970. Also, notice regarding public hearing on the four-laning of SR 33 from the intersection of SR 33 and SR 50 in Mascotte to Groveland.
“Five-Year Construction Plan and Budget” from the Department of Transportation for the period July 1, 1970 through June 30, 1975, was referred to the County Engineer.
subdivisions regulations
The Board discussed with the County Planning Director recommendations made by the Planning and Zoning Commission relative to amending the subdivision regulations requiring new platted or unplatted subdivisions to provide central water supply and central sewage disposal. No action was taken by the Board.
state agencies
Addendum No. 2 to the Cooperative Equipment Lease with the Division of Forestry to provide 1500 gallon tank to be mounted on the fire engine for the Yalaha Volunteer Fire Department, was approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
county property
The Attorney was instructed to determine if there is a reverter clause in the deed from J. N. Dull to Lake County on property used as a clay pit.
roads – state and county
Clerk Owens submitted letter from James F. Rumford, Grand View Greenhouses, Okahumpka, relative to the existing conditions at the intersection of SR 48 and County Road #2-3221. Engineer Norton advised he has viewed this intersection with the District Engineer of the Department of Transportation and there is nothing the Department can do but there are some corrective measures the County can make to improve this problem. He was authorized to proceed.
Letter from Three Lakes Community Association for consideration of deceleration and acceleration lanes at the intersection of SR 19 and County Road #5-6863 was referred to the County Engineer.
salaries and wages
Request from the County Service Officer to employ part-time help for the months of August and September was approved on motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried, not to exceed the balance of $440.48 in the budget.
licenses and permits
The following Use Permits were filed by the County Engineer and approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Macdonell and carried:
No. 224 to Florida Telephone Corp. to construct and maintain buried cable paralleling a portion of County Road #1-6602 between Fruitland Park and Lady Lake.
No. 225 to Florida Telephone Corp. to construct and maintain buried cable paralleling and crossing a portion of County Road #1-5702 between County Road #1-6602 and SR S-466-A.
hospitals
The following discharge notices from the W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital were filed:
Grace Mathes discharged with medical advice on June 19, 1970.
Oscar Evans transferred to VA Hospital, Lake City on June 29, 1970.
John D. Ward discharged with medical advice on July 2, 1970.
C. C. Bradford, Jr. discharged with medical advice on July 15, 1970.
Evelyn E. Smith discharged with medical advice on July 22, 1970.
Charles Green discharged with medical advice on July 27, 1970.
Elizabeth Ashe discharged with medical advice on July 29, 1970.
elections – general and primary
Clerk Owens presented certified lists of Republican and Democratic candidates who qualified for County offices, together with copy of letters to the parties conveying qualifying and assessments fees as provided by law.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Clerk was authorized to prepare the absentee ballots and have same printed, for the primary election on September 8, 1970.
bonds – misc.
Bonds for Carrying Firearms were approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, for the following:
T. W. Carter, Jr. Elizabeth Hogsett
Frank Cipris, Jr. John W. Hogsett
Howard B. Fox, Jr. Horace E. Jones
Maguerite G. Haselton Thomas “Bob” Liston
Maurice E. Hindman Dick E. Reynolds
Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, as follows:
No. 513 – Elliott W. Brown, Jr., and/or Brown Steel Contractors, Inc.
514 – William Earl Ferdelman
515 – Robert S. Reed
423 – Tops of Ocala, Inc. – cancelled
inventory
On motion of Commr. VanAuken seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the following inventory items were transferred from the Old Health Department Building to the Pioneer Building for use by the Mental Health Counselor for the Juvenile Court:
Property No. 2970 – Wood Desk
2976 – Swivel Chair
2983 – 4 drawer wood file cabinet
--- Book shelf (No number)
1581 – Straight chair
1582 – Straight Chair
3517 – Straight Chair
county employees
Vacation leave for Mrs. Verna Eastwood, Welfare Director, from August 24, 1970 to September 4, 1970, was approved on motion of Commr. Macdonell seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Letter from John Westervelt relative to rural fire protection was referred to Commr. VanAuken.
Letter from Ambulance Service, Inc. of Jacksonville relative to ambulance service in this area was read and filed.
Letter of appreciation from the Springs Park Area, Inc. regarding the action against the Conditional Use Permit for travel trailer facility was read and filed.
reports
Quarterly report from Lake County Agricultural and Home Economics Departments was filed.
Report of cigarette tax collections and distributions for the month of May was filed.
First Annual Report of Water Resources Data from Lake County as prepared by the Department of Interior Geological Survey was distributed to the Board members and filed.
meetings
The members concurring, Chairman Carson announced the Board will meet at one o’clock P.M. tomorrow to consider the budget.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 o’clock P.M.
___________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK CHAIRMAN