MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
march 13, 1973
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session on Tuesday, March 13, 1973, in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. with the following members present: C. A. Deems, Chairman; J. M. Hoskinson, Glenn C. Burhans, Thomas J. Windram, and James R. Carson, Jr. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk of Circuit Court, Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney, and Norma Coven, Deputy Clerk.
The Chairman called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Commr. Hoskinson. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
Minutes
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the meeting of June 13th and June 20, 1972, were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the meeting of July 5, 1972, were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the meeting of February 6, 1973, were approved as amended.
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the meeting of February 13, 1973, were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the meeting of February 20, 1973, were approved as submitted.
sheriff
Sheriff Bliss, Bob Tanner, and Stephen Hall appeared before the Board regarding the Sheriff’s request for budget supplement for additional personnel and equipment to upgrade his department.
After considerable discussion, the Chairman appointed Commr. Windram as liaison commissioner to work with the Sheriff’s Department in furnishing the Board a breakdown of what is needed to operate the Sheriff’s Department the balance of this Fiscal Year with a priority schedule.
The County Attorney briefed the Board on Special Act 71-462 regarding appointment of Bailiffs.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids for construction of maintenance facility, the Chairman directed the Clerk to open the bids; whereupon the following bids were received:
All Weather Air Conditioning, Inc. (The Board did not accept this bid as it was for air conditioning only.)
Dean Snavely, Inc. $416,000.00
Geiger-Jones $259,780.00
Frank Strickland $278,946.00 (Deduct $2,000 for standard paint)
Syntax Construction Co. $240,473.00 (Deduct $7,600 for standard Paint)
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board referred the bids to the County Engineer to study and make recommendations to the Board.
indigents
Aubrey Hayes, County Welfare Director, appeared before the Board requesting the use of the space vacated by Mr. Stroud in the old Chamber of Commerce Building. Mr. Hayes reported that he would like to use this room for a used clothing outlet for indigents. The Clerk apprised the Board of request received from Mrs. Knowles, Division of Youth Services requesting use of this space. On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board authorized Mr. Hayes the use of said space for the used clothing outlet.
planning and zoning
Mr. Flynn, Director of Planning Department, introduced Michael Willett, new Development Coordinator for Planning Department.
right of way – roads
Commr. Carson presented letter from J. M. Smith requesting permission from the Board to clear trees on Arlington Avenue in Fruitland Park from the Lady Lake city limits south approximately 1500 feet to obtain legal access to this area. On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the Board granted permission for the residents of this area to do sufficient clearing of this right of way under the direction of the County Engineer and Lake County Forester.
insurance
The Board discussed memorandum from the County Attorney which advised the Board that the statutes require liability insurance be carried by the District Medical Examiner. This matter was referred to the County Attorney to check into further and make report to the Board.
laws & Legislature
The Board discussed a bill introduced in the United States Senate concerning voter registration by postal card. On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board adopted Resolution to Congressional Delegation in Washington requesting that Senate Bill #352 be vigorously opposed.
SHERIFF
Commr. Windram moved that he be granted permission to contact former acting Sheriff Meech, or anyone else experienced in law enforcement, to assist him in reviewing the Sheriff’s request for additional personnel and equipment on a consultant type basis for a limited period of time. The motion was seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried.
right of way – roads
The County Engineer reported that he advised Mrs. Sophie Sulen, who requested the County to return deed she and her husband previously conveyed to the County in 1952 for road right of way, that the County is required to sell the property in question by bid. The Engineer stated that because of this requirement, Mrs. Sulen decided not to pursue her request further.
maps & plats
The County Engineer presented replat of Penlan Park, with letters of approval from the Attorney, Engineer and Planning Director attached. On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board accepted the replat of Penlan Park and approved recording of same.
roads – county
On recommendation of the County Engineer, and on motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board adopted Resolution to establish speed limit of 25 mph on County Road 2-1706 and authorized posting of appropriate signs.
bids
On request of the Engineer and on motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the Clerk was authorized to advertise bids for three brake machines for the Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations.
roads – county
The Board set the next road trip for March 29, 1973, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. The County Engineer requested that the Commissioners send him their input on roads they would like to consider so he can set up an itinerary for the trip. The Board authorized the Engineer to check into the possibility of renting a nine passenger vehicle to enable the Commissioners and Press to travel in one vehicle.
The Engineer asked for the Board’s guidance regarding building or improvements of access roads leading to new subdivisions. He stated that he will prepare a cost estimate of establishing access road and present to the developer of each new subdivision. He also stated that he would like to investigate with the Attorney the possibility of the County accepting escrow from the sales of lots for work on the roads outside the subdivision.
county buildings & grounds
The Board instructed the Clerk to obtain estimates on lawn care for the courthouse grounds.
bids
On recommendation of the County Engineer, and on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board accepted the bid submitted by Cecil Clark Chevrolet for one pickup truck for the Mosquito Control Department at a cost of $3,210.00. Commr. Carson abstained from voting as he holds minority interest in company bidding on the vehicle.
recess and reassembly
The Chairman announced that the Commissioners will have lunch at the Silver Lake Country Club and invited the members of the Press and the public to join them on a Dutch-treat basis. The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:00 o’clock noon and reconvened at 1:55 o’clock P.M. to take up the remaining items of business.
laws and legislature
Vince Fechtel, State Representative, appeared before the Board and stated that because of the Cost of Living Index Study the State conducted last year, Lake County will be receiving 10% less than average State funds on many items in the future, and asked the County’s help in opposing the validity of the study. Commr. Windram asked Representative Fechtel to furnish the Board a copy of the breakdown by counties.
planning and zoning
Zoning Violation Case 73-2 was called for public hearing. Mr. R. B. Stott, alleged violator, was not present. On recommendation of the Code Enforcement Officer and on motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board declared case #73-2 in violation of Lake County Ordinance 1971-6 and the violator was given 30 days to remove the two mobile homes and at the end of 30 days, if no action has been taken, the Board directed that the case be referred to the County Attorney for action.
Zoning Violation Case 73-3 was called for public hearing. Mr. Earl Grey, alleged violator, appeared before the Board in support of the case. On recommendation of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board allowed Mr. Grey 30 days to try to work out the problems with the Planning and Building Departments and requested that the case be referred back to the Board on April 10, 1973, for further action.
PUBLIC HEALTH
On recommendation of the County Engineer and on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved landfill franchise agreements for the following:
Richard Jazz – Clermont
W. H. Watson – Altoona
John Hamilton – Bassville Park
George F. Lyons – Clermont
Albert McFarland, Jr. – Leesburg
Stanley Craig – Mascotte
road material
The Engineer stated that from time to time the County has sold clay to the cities for use on their city streets. He informed the Board that Mascotte’s truck is broken down and they would like permission for a private contractor, who is presently working on their streets, to enter the County Borrow Pit with his loader and haul 3 cubic yards of clay at a time. On motion of Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board authorized same.
road & bridge department
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board authorized the County Engineer to correct the drainage situation on Merrell Avenue in the Umatilla area on a one-time basis, at approximate cost of $100.00, and authorized him to proceed with investigation of the drainage problem to the North which would require a 15 foot easement.
roads – state
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board adopted a Resolution to the Department of Transportation requesting the Safety Improvement Team to come to Lake County to meet with Mr. Harpster, County Engineer, and Commissioner Carson, District #1, to try to alleviate hazardous highway conditions existing both north and east of Leesburg on U.S. #441.
right of way – roads
Clerk Watkins read request from Loren A. Dunton, M.D. for dedication of a 66’ clay road, extending from State Road 42 into and adjoining Government Lot 7 and Government Lot 8 of Section 13, Township 17 South, Range 28 East. On recommendation of the Engineer, the Board did not accept the dedication or deed of the road.
inventory
Clerk Watkins read letter of request from the County Extension Director for approval to junk seven chairs and remove from the inventory. The request was referred to the Clerk.
hospitals
Discharge Notification from W. T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital was received for the following:
Thomas Stiggons – discharged on 2-19-73
Joe Richardson – discharged on 2-16-73
Carrie B. Sapp – discharged on 2-22-73
licenses and permits
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Use Permits as filed with the Engineer:
#418 – Florida Telephone Corporation to construct and maintain buried cable along County Road 1-6808 from SR 25 and 500 for 1472’ in Lake County, Florida.
Utility Permit for Sumter Electric Co-op, Inc. to construct, operate and maintain an electric power line along 4-5968.
Utility Permit for City of Mount Dora to construct, operate and maintain a 6” water line approximately 480’ from 380’ west of dist. Road 4-4264 to dist. Road 4-4165.
Utility Permit for Sumter Electric Co-op, Inc. to construct, operate and maintain an electric power line from Montevista Road 565-A to Red Wing Road 2-1124.
#419 – to Florida Telephone Corp. to construct and maintain buried cable along dist. Road 3-4360 from SR 19-A to Morningside Drive.
#423 – to Florida Telephone Corporation to construct and maintain aerial cable along dist. Road 4-4584 in Lake County.
The following Driveway Permits were approved by the Board:
Gwyn C. Beshears – Sorrento, Florida
Coronet Motel – Leesburg, Florida
E. G. Treves – Eustis, Florida
Bill Monn, Eustis, Florida
J. B. Johnson – Leesburg, Florida
John A. Miller – Mount Dora, Florida
Robert J. Blackmon – Mount Dora, Florida
Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association – Winter Garden, Florida
bonds – miscellaneous
On motion of Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, bond for carrying firearms was approved for Alfred F. Holt.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, Contractors’ Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following:
#987-73 – John McCown (Specialty – Carpenter)
#989-73 – Elbert Prescott (Concrete Finishing)
#990-73 – Ralph Cone dba Ralph Cone Roofing
#991-73 – Jimmie C. Meeks dba Quality Roofing
laws and legislature
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board adopted Resolution to Legislative Delegation opposing any bill removing he sovereign immunity held by the counties.
suits affecting county
The County Attorney advised the Board that the Notice of Appeals has been filed in the McKinney tax suit and Mr. Stephens, Tax Assessor, is making a re-appraisal of the property.
communications
Commr. Burhans presented letter from the Umatilla High School expressing their appreciation to the County for their cooperation in improving the school ball field.
Letter from D. B. Norris regarding drainage ditch on Connant Road #1-7807 was read and referred to the Engineer.
Letter from Alfred F. Washburn, Mount Dora, regarding abandonment of easement was read and referred to the County Engineer.
Resolutions from Glades, Gadsden and Palm Beach Counties regarding second gas tax were filed with the Board.
Letter from Department of Natural Resources regarding report of the National Water Commission was read and filed.
reports
The following reports were field with the Board:
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
A. Engineering
B. Survey
C. Motor Vehicle Inspections
D. Road & Bridge
E. Solid Waste Management
accounts allowed
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board approved subscription to the Criminal Law Report for the Circuit Judges at cost of $148.00 per annum.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved paint and drapes for Judge Sturgis’ Office and cost of patching and painting walls in Judge Aulls’ Office.
Travel expenses were approved for P. R. Edwards to appear before the Natural Resources Committee in Tallahassee on March 19-22, 1973, on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board approved purchase of one John Bean Pumping Unit from William Henderson, Groveland, for maintaining the grounds at the Agricultural Center at a cost of $331.50.
On motion of Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of $95.20 for secretarial chair for Judge Aulls’ Office from Simons Office Equipment, Inc.
Travel Expenses for Frank Woodson to attend Annual Conference of the Vehicle Safety Association of Florida in Tallahassee on March 22-24, 1973, were approved on motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of Juvenile and Mental Health Division court costs to Clerk of the Court in amount of $302.00 for the month of February 1973.
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of court costs, Probate Division, to Clerk of the Court, in amount of $125.00 for month of February 1973.
On motion of Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved purchase of one Watson 8-roller cupboard for storage of registration books in the Supervisor of Elections Office from Bowen Supply Company, at cost of $410.40.
The Board approved payment of $3,639.00 to East Central Florida Planning Council; contribution for the remainder of 72-73 budget year, on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of $144,000.00 to Waterman Memorial Hospital Association, as requested.
On motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment to the Tax Collector on commissions collected on the 1972 tax roll, in amount of $57,202.12.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment to the Tax Assessor advance commissions on 1973 tax roll, in amount of $25,000.00.
On advice from the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of $712.75 to United Van Lines, Inc.; moving expenses for Joseph E. Flynn from Missouri to Leesburg, Florida.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of $368.50 for installation of outside lights and fire alarm at Juvenile Shelter.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the following vouchers were approved for payment:
General Revenue Fund 980-1233
Auto Inspection 80-104
Youth Services 39-44
State II Mosquito Control 1-3
Fine & Forfeiture 139-176
Road & Bridge 442A-557
Capital Outlay Reserve
County Buildings 2
NE Hospital District 4-5
NE Ambulance 8-9
NW Ambulance 8-9
checks received
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board accepted check #121, in the amount of $1,576.56, covering unclaimed monies due owners of land sold on application for tax deeds.
accounts refused
On advice of the State Attorney, the Board disallowed payment of bills from the Medical Examiner on cremations.
On advice of the Attorney and on motion of Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the Board disallowed payment of two Fine and Forfeiture bills from the State Attorney for association dues.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
_________________________________ ______________________________
chairman CLERK