MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
september 5, 1972
A regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida was held Tuesday, September 5, 1972 in the County Commissioners’ Room in the Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; C. A. Deems; J. M. Hoskinson; and Kenneth VanAuken. Others present were: Frank E. Owens, Clerk of Circuit Court; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Norma H. Coven, Deputy Clerk.
The Chairman called the meeting to order, and the invocation was given by Commr. Deems. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
licenses and permits
Chairman Windram informed the Board he has received a request from the Department of Transportation that the County cease issuing building permits in the area of SR 19 and the Sunshine Parkway until future planning of the area is more definite. The request was referred to the County Engineer to work out an agreement with the Department of Transportation.
tax adjustment board
At this time, the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was recessed, and Chairman Windram announced the Tax Adjustment Board will convene. In attendance were Chairman Windram, Commrs. Deems and VanAuken; and Mr. Paul Bryan and Mrs. Barbara Wyckoff, members of the Lake County School Board.
The following persons appeared with complaints and testimony as to the value and classification of real and/or personal property with regard to their Petitions as follows:
Petition 1972-1 – Paul L. Curtis appeared seeking review and adjustment of the assessed value of real property. On a motion by Mr. Bryan, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, the petition was denied.
Petitions 1972-2 and 1972-3 – William C. Martin, III, Attorney representing South Lake Groves, and Robert L. Chapman, Jr. appeared appealing the denial of application for agricultural zoning. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Mr. Bryan and unanimously carried, the requests were denied.
Petitions 1972-4 – Gillun C. Davis appeared appealing the denial of application for agricultural zoning. On a motion by Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried, the petition was denied.
Petition 1972-5 – Leo N. Hierholzer representing John C. Hierholzer appeared appealing disapproval of application for Ad Valorem Tax exemption, other than homestead, and denial of application for agricultural zoning. Terrell Davis, County Forester, appeared with the petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Mr. Bryan and unanimously carried, the petition was denied.
Petition 1972-6 – David King, Attorney representing Sulphur Springs Ranch, appeared together with Gary Hooper, one of the owners, and appealed denial of application for agricultural zoning. On the recommendation of the County Attorney and on a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Mrs. Wyckoff and unanimously carried, consideration of the request was postponed until September 13, 1972 at 9:00 a.m. and time extended for filing of the petition was granted until 5:00 p.m. September 12, 1972.
Petition 1972-7 – O. C. May (O. C. & Agnes May Trust) No one appeared in support of the petition appealing denial of application for agricultural zoning. On a motion by Mr. Bryan, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried, the petition was denied.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, the Tax Adjustment Board recessed from day to day and specifically to reconvene on September 13, 1972 at 9:00 a.m. The taxpayers are allowed until Tuesday, September 12, 1972 at 5:00 p.m. to file petitions to the Board of Tax Adjustment, the reason being that many people did not receive their tax notices until today.
The meeting reconvened of the Board of County Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
elections
Mrs. Robert Pearson appeared and asked the Board’s consideration to a Resolution granting County employees one hour released time, with pay, in order to vote on election days. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Resolution was approved.
sheriff
On the recommendation of Sheriff Meech and on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried rules and salary structures as promulgated by the Florida Police Standards Board were adopted and approved for Lake County in order for the County to participate in the Florida Revenue Sharing Act of 1972.
Sheriff Meech and a representative of Motorola were present and informed the Board the radio equipment in the Sheriff’s Department tis antiquated. Mr. Meech advised suspended Sheriff McCall had instituted a study of needed equipment, and the study had been completed. The Motorola representative described the necessary equipment including two closed circuit television cameras at a cost of $21,412 with 6 to 8 weeks delivery. Chairman Windram said this will be considered when the budget is finalized. The Sheriff also recommended that a security screen be installed over the windows in the Jail and requested permission to obtain a price for same. Request was granted.
planning
Mr. Louis A. Griffing appeared regarding a proposed development off of SR 44 between Cassia and Volusia County, approximately 165 acres into 5 acre Ranchette lots. The County is now requiring the developer to pave an access road into the property from SR 44. Mr. Griffing said the developer would not have continued with the project if he had known this would be a requirement. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, Mr. Griffing was instructed to confer with the County Engineer and County Attorney to work out an equitable escrow agreement.
recess and reassembly
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
planning
J. C. Watkins appeared and advised the changes in the zoning regulations has caused the developer of a PUD (Royal Palm Beach Colony and Coastal Engineering) a hardship. The Planning Dept. failed to notify the developers that the regulations were being amended. Mr. Watkins advised them to apply for a variance; however, the Attorney said since the plans were drawn prior to the change in the regulations, this could be handled by an amendment to the Ordinance; whereupon, on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the attorney was instructed to prepare an Emergency Ordinance amending Section 62.121 of the Zoning Ordinance, Lot stating that they are contributing $9 for every dollar they are requesting requiring minimum width of lots from 165 feet to 150 feet.
right of way – roads
Mr. Floyd Lassiter appeared and informed the Board an adjoining property owner in the Grand Island area wants to block access to his grove from the right of way. Commr. VanAuken advised there is a County road up to the property but not through it. Attorney Ford advised it must be determined if a way of necessity exists or if the road is prescriptive.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids, the Chairman instructed the Clerk to open and tabulate the bids; whereupon, the Clerk reported receiving bids on the following items:
PICKUP TRUCK – Mosquito Control
Cecil Clark Chevrolet $2,970.79 plus $34 for 350 CIV8
Eustis Dodge, Inc. $3,097.22
Richey Buick-Pontiac, Inc. $3,034.34
3 DIESEL POWERED WHEEL TRACTORS AND
3 ROTARY PULL TYPE MOWERS
|
C&C Tractor, Inc. |
$18,450.00 |
|
Fort Mason Tractor Co. (Mowers) |
$2,692.50 |
|
Prescott Tractor Sales (Tractors) |
Each $5,700.00 & $5,600.00 |
|
Prescott Tractor Sales (Mowers) |
$2,280.00 |
|
Shelfer Ford Tractor Co. Inc. (Tractors) |
$14,680.50 |
|
Shelfer Ford Tractor Co. Inc. (Mowers) |
$2,013.16 |
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation.
planning
Mr. Stephen Vaughn, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, appeared and submitted written recommendations of the Planning & Zoning Commission relative to the growth of mobile homes in Lake County. During his presentation, Mr. Vaughn said it is the Planning Commission’s feelings to help the tax structure, thereby increasing the revenue to the Board of County Commissioners.
Chairman Windram thanked Mr. Vaughn and his Commission members for their time and effort in making the recommendations to the Board.
oklawaha water authority
The Chairman presented a letter from the Department of Administration, Division of State Planning, relative to onsite field inspection of the Palatlakaha River Watershed Project on September 6, 1972 and asking that any comments on the project be submitted before September 20, 1972.
contracts
Commr. Carson remarked he has discussed with Mr. Fred Duncan the contract with Leesburg Transfer & Storage for storing and transporting the County’s voting machines. The original contract was signed in 1966, and although Mr. Duncan is not desirous of increasing the storage costs, he would like to increase the cost of transporting the machines from $18.00 per machine to $20. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, the Attorney was instructed to prepare a new contract for a term of 3 years with cancellation clause increasing transportation costs from $18 to $20 per machine.
Commr. Carson further stated it is Mr. Duncan’s recommendation that the County furnish sheets of plywood to be placed under the voting machines where there is carpet in the voting places. The expenditure of $40 for plywood sheets for this purpose was approved on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried.
bonds – misc.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following:
No. 872 Billy Joe Watson dba Watson Construction Co.
873 Don Clifford Smith
874 Alfred F. Holt (Building)
875 Clarence Moore, Jr.
Bonds on Cecil F. Old and Ronald Kent Graffis as Deputy Sheriffs were approved on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried.
Bonds for carrying firearms on the following were approved on a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried:
Betty Sue Pugh Alton Lampert
Leroy Turner Elizabeth Hogsett
Marguerite G. Haselton John W. Hogsett
John Lane
Schools
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, the Board approved free admission to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind for John Lyndon Riley, Leesburg, Florida.
Hospitals
Discharge notifications from W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital were filed as follows:
Jessie Hardrick expired on August 11, 1972
John F. Blankenbeckler was discharged with medical advice on August 12, 1972
J. A. Mathews was discharged with medical advice on August 18, 1972
tax assessments
Commr. Deems raised the question of waiving the tax assessment on the property purchased by the Leesburg General Hospital. Attorney Ford advised the Hospital can make a donation to the County of the portion of the taxes while privately owned.
courthouse
The Clerk submitted a letter from Davis, McLin, Burnsed & Austin, Attorneys at Law, requesting that the courthouse telephone operator stay on duty until 5:30 P.M. The clerk was instructed to send the offices’ night numbers to the firm for their use after five p.m.
county property
Commr. Carson requested that “No Shooting” signs be erected in County clay pit in the Carlton Village area.
contracts & agreements
On recommendation of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved agreement with SCL R.R. covering lease of a portion of SCL property for parking purposes on Barrow Avenue, Tavares.
roads – county
As submitted by the Engineer, the Board approved permission for Dr. Randall B. Whitney to install 6” x 16” curb within the right of way adjacent to Morningside Drive alongside his clinic property.
The Engineer was authorized to grade Pennsylvania Avenue in Astatula as requested by Harley Morse at his expense.
Improvements to currently maintained County Rd. 5-7991 from Paisley to Cassia were approved by the Board.
hyacinth control
Mr. Harpster reported hyacinths are presently being hauled out of Trout Lake and are being dumped in W. V. McCall’s pasture. Hold Harmless Agreement from Mr. McCall is on file.
licenses & permits
On recommendation of the Assistant Planning Director and on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board waived the fees on inactive licenses for the Building Inspectors, provided the inspectors agree not to actively engage in the building trade while in the employ of the County.
Use Permits as filed by the County Engineer were approved as follows on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried:
No. 373 – To Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of carrier site poles along County Rd. #3-1038 between SR 561 and County Rd. #3-1040.
No. 382 – To Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable paralleling a portion of County Rd. #4-4955 between Tavares and SR 19.
No. 386 – To Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of H Fixture for Carrier along County Rd. #5-8375 at Altoona, Fla.
No. 389 – To Fla. Telephone Corp. for the construction and maintenance of buried cable paralleling and crossing County Rd. #4-4859 between Eustis and SR 500.
To Fla. Power Corp. to construct and maintain aerial electric transmission line crossing County Rd. #3-1255 between Clermont and Winter Garden.
To Lake Hamilton Citrus, Inc. to construct and maintain irrigation pipe under County Rd. #2-2113 between Groveland and Leesburg.
To Dora Pines, Inc. to construct and maintain deceleration lane from Wolf Branch Rd. from SR 500 to Northeast city limits of Mount Dora.
Driveway Permits to the following were also approved:
To Knowles & Co. to construct private driveway off of SR 470-A, West of Okahumpka.
To Quenell Bonds to install culvert under SR S-450 in Umatilla Turpentine Co. Subv.
To Lake Glass Co. to construct private driveway off of SR 44-C (Griffin Rd.) North of Leesburg.
To Robert C. Granger, Jr., to construct private driveway from SR 439 in Orlando Hills.
To D. H. Hutchingson to construct private driveway off of SR 473 in Sunnydale Park.
roads – state
Notice from Department of Transportation that improvements to SR S-455 at Ferndale to SR 19 South of Howey in the Hills have been completed and same returned to Lake County for maintenance.
Notice from Department of Transportation that improvements to various secondary roads in Lake County have been completed and same are returned to Lake County for maintenance.
complaints
Harold Hinman of Ocklawaha Drive, Bassville Park, appeared and complained of an adjoining property owner who is violating the zoning regulations by installing large house trailers. He said he has talked with the Code Enforcement Officer, but nothing has been done. He was referred back to the Zoning Department.
Commr. Hoskinson reported he has received complaints from citizens of Minneola concerning a traffic signal on SR 50. Advised them to contact the City Council and the Department of Transportation as we have no jurisdiction.
Letter of complaint from A. F. Holt, Umatilla, relative to contractor’s license fee. Mr. VanAuken said this has been straightened out with the Building Department.
prisoners
Clerk Owens presented a letter from Sheriff Meech advising that due to the cost of housing and feeding prisoners, it is necessary for him to increase the daily fees for city and federal prisoners in custody to $3.00 per day.
communications
Letter from Janice Bardeen expressing appreciation for the sewing course offered by the staff of the Extension Home Economics was read and filed.
Letter from Frank X. Gliozzo, Attorney, concerning the claim in regard to Tommie Vickers was referred to Mr. Ford.
reports
Report from the Division of Correction relative to the Lake County Jail and Stockade was filed.
tax assessments
Clerk Owens presented estimates as submitted by the Tax Assessor on the 1972 Tax Roll as of August 31, 1972:
|
County Wide Non Exempt Aggregate Value |
$478,777,548 |
|
County Wide Aggregate Value |
$621,552,168 |
|
Northeast Lake County Hospital District |
$187,258,753 |
|
Northwest Lake County Hospital District |
$135,407,776 |
|
South Lake Memorial Hospital |
$155,245,172 |
accounts allowed
Travel was approved for Mr. and Mrs. Boyd to attend Annual Child Care Assn. Convention in Tampa, September 20-22, on motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, travel was approved for Frank Woodson to attend annual MVI Assn. Conference in Ocala, September 14-16.
On motion of Commr. VanAuken, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, expenses incurred by the Engineer on his trip to Los Angeles that were not reimbursed by the company were approved.
Travel was approved for the Pollution Control Officer and County Engineer to attend Environmental Short Course, Winter Park, September 14, on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried.
Travel was approved for the County Engineer to attend annual meeting of American Society of Civil Engineers, Cocoa Beach, September 14-17, on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried.
The Clerk was authorized to publish the machine ballots in three (3) County newspapers.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried, the Clerk was authorized to issue warrant in the amount of $25.00 to be used as petty cash fund in the Planning Department on the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried, the Board approved $75.00 tuition fee and $15.00 application fee for Frank S. Lawton to enroll in Land Management course at Rollins College.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Deems and unanimously carried, travel was approved for one member of the staff in the Veterans Service Office to attend meeting in St. Petersburg, October 18-20.
suits affecting county
Attorney Ford reported the suit with Kissam Concrete Products has been dropped by the plaintiff.
checks received
Check in the amount of $206.68 from residents of Golden Isle Drive in Oakland Park, reimbursement for improvements to the street, was accepted on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. VanAuken and unanimously carried.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 o’clock p.m.
_________________________________ _____________________________
CLERK chairman