MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY – JANUARY 4, 1972
A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, was held in the Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, on Tuesday, January 4, 1972, at 9:00 A.M. with the following members present: J. M. Hoskinson, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr., C. A. Deems, Thomas J. Windram and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Frank E. Owens, Clerk of Circuit Court; and Norma H. Coven, Deputy Clerk.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman and the invocation was given by Mr. Ford, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
minutes
On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of October 19, 1971, were approved as corrected.
A discussion was held with the Clerk regarding a better and quicker way of getting the Board minutes recorded and copies to the Commissioners. Attorney Ford suggested the Board investigate a MCST computer typewriter like the ones used in his office and the Deputy Clerk was instructed to look into the practicability of the machine for her use.
reports
Commr. VanAuken recommended that Mr. Watkins give the Board members a report on all programs involving matching funds that the County has entered into.
ordinances
Commr. Windram stated it is his understanding the Board may adopt an ordinance creating a county-wide sewer district and asked the Attorney to go ahead with the preparation. Mr. Ford said he has asked the SACC to furnish him copies of other County ordinances as a guideline.
J. C. Watkins, Planning Director, and Fred M. Harpster, County Engineer were present at this time.
redistricting
Mrs. Emogene Stegall, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, appeared at the request of the Board to discuss the additional finances needed to handle the work created by the redistricting; advising printing expense will be $135.00 and additional part-time clerk for approximately six weeks at $2.00 per hour, and postage. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board approved transfer of $1635.00 from Contingency to cover the added expenses as outlined.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board authorized application under the Emergency Employment Act for funds in the sum of $500.00 for part-time help in the Supervisor’s Office.
planning & zoning
Mr. Watkins discussed the Zoning Regulations concerning “on site sign setback” requirements and recommended that the Building Department cease issuing building permits unless the State requirements are met.
hospitals
Commr. Deems reported the Leesburg General Hospital is concerned that a group of doctors are planning on building another hospital in Leesburg. The Leesburg General and the City of Leesburg are hesitant to go ahead with the planned improvements to the hospital because of funding until this has been resolved. Mr. Watkins said this matter may be resolved through the Zoning Ordinance as a need must be shown for economic and area feasibility. Commr. Deems asked the Attorney to request a copy of Hillsborough County’s ordinance which regulates the necessity of new hospitals.
public health
Commr. Deems advised the State Department of Health has returned the detailed work plan budgets on the landfill operation and mosquito control. Basically they are the same. All the equipment has been officially transferred to the landfill operation with the exception of one dragline they want to keep for a few months this summer. Commr. Deems moved for acceptance and approval of the detail work plan budgets and instructed that same be forwarded to Jacksonville for final approval. The motion was seconded by Commr. Windram and carried.
Mr. Harpster informed the Board the landfills are getting in bad shape and additional equipment is needed to maintain the areas.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Engineer and Planning Directors were instructed to arrange a meeting with the commercial refuse and garbage collectors regarding franchises and landfill operations and bring recommendations to the Board.
roads – state
Chairman Hoskinson submitted a letter from the Department of Transportation advising that all bids on SR 25 from Colfax Street to Sunshine Avenue in Leesburg were rejected and the project will be re-advertised at a later date. Talked with Mr. Benedict and the bids were far in excess of the anticipated amount. He thinks Lake County should commit $1,500,000 for the project and wants to study our priorities. The Board feels we should give Deland the opportunity to work this out with us before going to Tallahassee. Mr. Hoskinson later announced a meeting was arranged with Deland for January 6, in the afternoon.
A letter from the Department of Transportation was filed giving the Departments reason for changing the Board’s priority requests on SR 50. Said reason being the impact of Disney World.
maps and plats
Mr. Harpster presented Plat of Wekiva River Acres located in Sections 28 and 33, Township 19 South, Range 29 East, owners Wekiva River Acres, Inc. Recommended that the Plat be accepted as same has been approved by the Planning and Engineering Departments. The Developer has not paid the fees for final application and the taxes have not been paid, but he asks for approval because he is out-of-state and will handle these two items on return. Title opinion filed; also letter of credit from the Citizens National Bank of Orlando that funds are available for the completion of the project. On motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Plat of Wekiva River Acres was accepted and approved for record subject to the unpaid fees and taxes being paid.
Mr. Harpster presented Plat of Dexter Estates owner Esther H. Lackey. Title & Trust Company of Florida Policy FE 214039 was filed together with letters from the contractor that cost of street construction will be $7,500 and letter from the Deland Bank that the money is on deposit for this purpose. Mr. Harpster recommended that the Plat be accepted; whereupon, on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Plat of Dexter Estates was accepted and approved for record.
tax rolls
Certificates of Error & Correction on the 1971 Tax Roll numbered 124 thru 179 were approved on motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.
bonds – misc.
Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, for the following:
No. 674 – Roy Blankenship
No. 841 – Gordon E. Lee and G. E. Lee Electric Contacting & Appliance, Inc.
state agencies
Clerk Owens submitted a letter from the Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission advising that the implementation of commercial fishing regulations will not take effect until July 1, 1972.
appointments
Letter of request from the Lake Sumter Community Mental Health Center was read for appointment to the Board of Trustees in place of Mrs. Lacy Thomas who declined. No action was taken by the Board.
youth service bureau
Mr. Watkins asked for consideration of reimbursement to Robert Stroud for services rendered and mileage during the period from September 23, 1971, through September 30, 1971, before the project was funded. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken, the Board approved the reimbursement when submitted for actual mileage and time subject to prior approval by Judge Milton.
county employees
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the employment of one additional assistant superintendent and assistant matron at the Juvenile Shelter to be paid under the Emergency Employment Act and Mr. Watkins was instructed to work with the Board of Visitors in locating the couple.
water pollution
Chairman Hoskinson discussed a letter received by the Board members from Congressmen Frey, Chappell and Fuqua relative to an Interlocal Agreement for a study of the Oklawaha River Basin with a Technical Advisory Committee of 24 members. It was the general opinion of the Board that the letter should be answered that Lake County is concerned with the problems involved and interested in the general concept and will consider the agreement when received.
county buildings – courthouse
Clerk Owens informed the Board he is badly in need of additional space in his office as it is necessary to employ another law clerk. Asked for permission to remove a portion of the counter in the outer office to make room for another desk. He was instructed to investigate the cost and proceed with the work.
commissioners
At this time Commr. Windram moved that any old business which is pending at this time be carried forward into the New Year. The motion was seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried.
The meeting adjourned sine die and reconvened for the purpose of election of new officers for the year 1972.
reorganization of the board
Nominations for Chairman for 1972 were called for, whereupon, Commr. Carson nominated Thomas J. Windram as Chairman. The motion was seconded by Commr. Deems who moved that the nominations cease. There being no further nominations, Commr. Windram was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Board for the year 1972.
recess and reassembly
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:45 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business, with Chairman Windram presiding.
commissioners
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, a Resolution was adopted expressing the Board’s appreciation to J. M. Hoskinson for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Board during 1971.
bonds – road
Commr. Carson initiated a discussion relative to the decease of the Trust Fund Balance remaining in the 1964 road bond issue, noting that $192.00 was expended on the completed portion of SR 25, Job 2503, Section 11200, South Clermont to North Minneola. Mr. Harpster said some of this could be condemnation settlements. Attorney Ford recommended that a letter of explanation be requested from the Department of Transportation, further suggesting that the County Engineer periodically go to Deland to check on unexplained items such as this. The Attorney was instructed to ask the Department of Transportation for an itemized breakdown of the Trust Fund Account.
county employees
At this time the Board discussed and considered positions that may be filled under the Emergency Employment Act. After a lengthy discussion, the Board approved the following positions and salary ranges to be paid from Emergency Employment Act funds, and instructed the Planning Director to assist in locating personnel to fill the positions:
2 Attendants – Juvenile Shelter $6,500.00
1 Supervisor of Elections Helper 500.00
2 Deputy Sheriffs 14,000.00
1 Assistant Planner 10,000.00
1 Clerk – Planning Department 4,000.00
2 Landfill Attendants 10,400.00
1 Building Inspector 5,700.00
1 Clerk – desk – Planning 4,000.00
1 Clerk – Circuit Court 6,000.00
1 Assistant Engineer 12,000.00
1 Clerk – Finance 5,400.00
2 Rodmen 10,000.00
1 Secretary – Road & Bridge Dept. 4,500.00
1 Mechanic 6,000.00
1 Mechanic Helper 4,500.00
2 Heavy Equipment Operators 12,000.00
2 Nursing Home LPNs 8,500.00
1 Landfill Foreman 8,000.00
1 Assistant Custodian 5,000.00
1 Secretary – Commissioners 6,000.00
1 Law Library Assistant 4,000.00
insurance
Attorney Ford advised the Board the Agent of Record on the Occupational Death coverage on the law enforcement officers advises the policy does not cover the two Deputies Sheriff over the age of 70. The Clerk was instructed to get information on individual coverage for the two men if possible.
personnel policy
Mr. Harpster reported the holiday schedule in the Personnel Policy needs to be revised to conform with the days that are nationally celebrated. On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Personnel Policy was amended to show the recognized holidays.
suits affecting county
Attorney Ford informed the Board there is a hearing in the Yeager case sometime in February; also, that Tyler Crusades is moving slowly. They still have one trailer on the property that is illegal.
permits
The following Use Permits were filed by the Engineer and approved by the Board:
No. 318 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable paralleling and crossing County Road #5-8498 between SR 42 and Country Road #5-8698.
No. 319 to Florida Telephone Corporation for the construction and maintenance of buried cable along County Road #5-6836 between Lisbon and Grand Island.
To the City of Leesburg to construct and maintain a gas line across County Road #1-4807 just West of the Industrial Park.
To the City of Leesburg to construct and maintain a gas line across County Road #1-5007 West of Leesburg.
communications
Letter from the Kiwanis Club of Groveland was read and filed commending the Board on its stand regarding SR 50.
Letter from Tommy Stevens, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation was read and filed asking the Board’s comments or suggestions regarding the funding for repair, maintenance and reconstruction of bridges.
Letter of complaint from Gary E. Anderson, Lady Lake, was read and filed regarding charges to the public for dumping in the County landfills. Advise him the charges have been removed from all vehicles except commercial vehicles.
accounts allowed
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved a monthly travel allowance of $50.00 for the Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 1972. Chairman Windram commented he is opposed to this action.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the expenditure of $125.00 was approved for an employee of the Assessor’s Office for overtime help to the Planning Department with ownership research, re: mobile home zoning.
Travel request for J. C. Watkins to attend Planning and Zoning Meeting in Clearwater, January 28 and 29, was approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
Travel request for Tom Chapman to attend Civil Defense Conference in Tallahassee January 23 – 25, was approved on motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried.
The low proposal of Automatic Elevator to install emergency lighting in the elevators in the Courthouse and Jail for $243.00 was approved on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried.
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and carried, the Board approved for the Sign Shop to make eight signs for the Town of Montverde at a cost of $72.80, which will be reimbursed by Montverde.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 o’clock p.m.
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cLERK Chairman