MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

and tax adjustment board

 

AUGUST 14, 1973

A regular meeting of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the Tax Adjustment Board was held on Tuesday, August 14, 1973, at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.

The Tax Adjustment Board was called to order by the Chairman with the following members present:  C. A. Deems, Chairman; Glenn C. Burhans; Donald Berry; J. M. Hoskinson; Barbara Wyckoff; Donald Stephens, Tax Assessor; and Deputy Clerk, Norma Coven.

The invocation was given by Mr. Burhans who led the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

tax assessment

Petition #1973-1 – Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kohnen appeared and complained that their taxes were over $100 more than any of their neighbors.  The Chairman explained that after all the petitioners are heard the Board would adjourn and meet in the Tax Assessors’ Office where the records are kept.

#1973-2&3 – Mrs. Iris Proie appeared and the County Attorney explained that State Certification is needed before final action can be taken.  Mrs. Proie waived the hearing today and will return next Tuesday, August 21, 1973.

#1973-9 – John H. Threadgill appeared for Camp Inn, Inc.  He said that revenue for the first year of business doesn’t match up with the taxes.  The Chairman said wait until the records are examined.

#1973-15 – Mr. G. G. Stewart appeared and wanted to know why his taxes were so high this year.  He had made no improvements this year and wasn’t given a reason why his property was assessed higher.  The Chairman advised the records will be examined in the Assessors’ Office.

#1973-12&13 – Mr. William E. Burleigh appeared and requested Agricultural zoning for his land in the City of Tavares.  The County Attorney said he must file for agricultural zoning each year.

Mrs. Wyckoff and Mr. Berry had to leave the meeting to attend a School Board Meeting at ten o’clock.

#1973-4-8 – Holt S. McKinney appeared and wanted Agricultural Zoning for his property.  He presented written argument.  Mr. Ford informed him of the technicality of the Tax Roll not being certified by the State.

The Chairman asked if there were any other complaining parties in the audience.

The Chairman announced the Tax Adjustment Board will recess until 9:00 o’clock A.M., August 21, 1973.

The Board recessed and reconvened in the Tax Assessors’ Office.  The following Petitioners were present:

                        1973-1 – Joseph F. Kohnen

            1973-9 – John H. Threadgill

            1973-15 – G. G. Stewart

            1973-12 & 13 – William Burleigh

 

Each petition was discussed but further action was postponed until all the Tax Adjustment Board members were present.  On the motion of Mr. Hoskinson, seconded by Mr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Tax Adjustment Board recessed until Tuesday, August 21, 1973.

Mr. Ford recommended that the old McKinney suit be dropped.  We have complied with the court order for reassessing the property and raised it at a higher level.

The Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 11:30 a.m. with the following additional members present:  Commr. Carson, Commr. Windram, Mr. Ford, County Attorney; Fred Harpster, Engineer; Joe Flynn, Planning Director; and Norma Coven, Deputy Clerk.

state agencies

Joe Carter and Frank Meech appeared with a letter to the Sheriff from the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice.  It said that the State Communications Master Plan provides that Lake County mobile radio zone will adopt a VHF high band.  Presently the Department uses a low band.  Additional costs to Lake County will be approximately 80 to 150 thousand dollars.  Possible Federal Funds of 75% will be available.  On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the extension of 30 days on the program.

The meeting was recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m.  The press and public were invited to the Silver Lake Country Club on a Dutch-treat basis.  The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m.

indigents

On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the following change was approved to the present indigent list:

                        ADD – District 4 – Loda Allen - $40.00

planning and zoning

Vince Fechtel appeared and asked for permission to work with the Planning Department to draft local legislation, if needed, on Flood Plain Zoning protecting the wet lands.  The Board recommended that he get together with Terrell Davis and discuss the matter, also, to work with the Resource Survival Committee.

zoning

Mr. Harpster submitted a letter concerning Garden Lakes Estates from Lewis Vallejo, San Juan, Puerto Rico, about a pool holding area on his land.  Selling of his property is in violation of subdivision regulations.  It was recommended that the County Attorney advise them that they are in violation.

zoning violations

Z V 73-8 – Lester Aycock violator.  Horses kept in a C-2 zoning district.  Mr. Aycock’s attorney was in court and could not be there to represent them.  He asked if the hearing could be postponed until the September meeting.  Action deferred until the attorney is present.  Later, on recommendation of the County Attorney, and on motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the hearing was postponed until August 21, 1973 at 2:00 o’clock p.m.

Z V 73-9 – James Patterson violator.  Junk autos in R-1-7 zone.  On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, he was declared in violation and given 30 days to remove all the junk cars and trucks from the property.

Z V 73-10 – Earl English violator and Mrs. Katherin Ross owner.  Junk cars on property.  On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, she was declared in violation and given 30 days to remove all junk cars.

Bill Henderson reported that fruit stands located on SR 25 at four corners are in zoning violation.  Not zoned for mobile homes.  Action deferred until first meeting in September and Mr. Flynn and Mr. Ford will make recommendations to the Board.

county employees

Joe Hill, Chairman of the Pollution Control Board, appeared and said an immediate replacement for Phil Edwards is necessary.  The Pollution Board recommended that Bill Hennessey be made Acting Director and Ted Wicks, Deputy Director.   The qualifications of the two men were discussed.  Commr. Windram suggested that the Board actively look for a qualified director with the understanding should this Board find a qualified person that Mr. Hennessey will also be considered and if someone more qualified is found that he will have to step down.  On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, Mr. Hennessey was approved as Acting Director and his salary will be increased $50 per month as long as he is in that position.  Also, applicants for the position will be actively pursued.  Commr. Burhans voted no.

road maintenance

Mr. Harpster brought before the Board a cost estimate on Canal Drive.  Total cost is $5,214; the owners share is $3,476.  The Board asked Mr. Harpster to notify the owners of the cost.

Mr. Harpster presented a request from DOT for an appointment next week regarding discussion on Dixie and Lincoln Avenues.  The Board asked him to notify Mr. Glidewell and John Cain of this appointment.

Commr. Carson suggested that when there is a surplus of funds on a participating basis for road resurfacing, the extra money should be given back to the one who collected it for disbursement.

Commr. Windram brought up the drainage problem on Ohio Street.  Mr. Harpster presented a Resolution and Agreement and recommended 15” pipe to carry off the excess water.  On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Resolution and Agreement were approved.

roads – county

On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, a Resolution establishing a maximum speed limit of 45 MPH on SR 561-A from Lake Minneola 1/2 mile north to Snarr’s Subdivision on both sides of the road was adopted.

Mr. Harpster presented a request for no thru trucks signs on County Road 3-4353.  On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the request was approved.

Mr. Harpster presented a letter from Mrs. Walker about a problem with drainage ditch at Ferndale.  It was referred to the Chairman.

road closings

Mr. Harpster presented a request for permission to advertise for vacating of Julia Avenue and Central Street in Dora Manor.  On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the request was approved.

road maintenance – subdivision

Mr. Harpster presented a request for improvement to Linda Lane in Bassville Park.  The owners have their share of the money on a participating basis.  On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the funds be accepted, road work be authorized and County maintained when brought to County specifications.

reports

Mr. Harpster filed Engineer’s Report.

On the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the monthly report on Youth Programs was approved.

permits – use

On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, the following right-of-way utilization permits were approved:

NO.                 PERMITTEE                          PURPOSE                                           ROAD

469                  Florida Telephone Corp.        Const. & Maintain buried cable         5-5032

472                  Florida Telephone Corp.        Const. & Maintain buried cable         5-5133

3-108               Florida Power Corp.               Aerial Transmission line                    3-0456

3-107               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0553

3-106               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0553

3-105               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0653

3-103               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0653

3-104               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0558

3-102               Florida Power                         Aerial Transmission line                    3-0854

470                  Florida Telephone Corp.        “H” Fixture                                         S-44-A

 

DRIVEWAY PERMITS

Wendall G. Cook                    Route 1, Box 56, Leesburg                             5-5727

Marcia F. Smiley                    1204 Lakeshore Drive, Mt. Dora                   4-4365

Lee Poth                                  102 Mockingbird Lane, Eustis                       1-4636

Helen Shaw                             Box 677 Star Route, Eustis                            4-5672

Stanley R. Pearce                   Rt. 3, Box 1800, Leesburg                              Cresent Drive

Grace Bible Church                P. O. Box 906, Leesburg                                2-5105

Henry Mitchem Equip.           Highway 44-C, Leesburg                               S-44-C

J. C. Rogers                            S. 9th Street, Leesburg                                                S-44-A

William Mullins                     P. O. Box 762, Apopka                                   S-439

Bel-Aire Homes, Inc.             1301 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando                  1-6304

Bel-Aire Homes, Inc.             same                                                                1-6304

Fred N. Orme                          1107 S. 8th Street, Leesburg                           Hollandel Rd.

 

maps

Mr. Harpster recommended that a new atlas be made up showing ownership of properties, area photographs, zoning maps, etc.  A company in Miami is interested and said that they would update it yearly.  They would need to use County records.  Referred to the County Attorney and Engineer to draft a contract.

public health

Mr. Harpster presented a franchise for septic tank service for Sangston Septic Tank Service.  On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the franchise was approved.

right-of-way – roads

Mr. Harpster presented deeds conveying rights-of-way from the following on Dewey Robbins, Cherry Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, Tucker, Youth Camp, Merritt, and Turkey Farms Roads:

Carol Floyd and wife, Nannie S.

James H. Wright

Dewey Robbins and wife, Margaret M.

W. B. Van Voorhis

J. K. Heimann

Moncler Groves, Inc.

Mattie J. Roberts

Four Nineteen, Inc.

Eugene Hill

Henry E. Felker and wife, Ester P.

Gulf Atlantic Production Credit Association

Mannon Shaw (2 deeds)

Arnold D. Perko and wife, Rita V.

Board of Public Instruction

Harold L. Harvey and wife, Florence M.

Florida Power Corporation

Jack O’Dell and M. E. O’Dell

John D. McElheny and wife, Frances W.

Howard L. Supp and wife, Essie P.

H. L. Wikel, Trustee

Claudalee Groves, Inc.

Carrell D. Whitescarver and wife, Peggy D.

Gladys Ruhmer

Martin E. Stricken and wife, Margaret B.

J. C. Powers and wife, Dovie K.

Norwood A. Lockett and James W. Clower

Rex W. Anderson, Sr.

Anne M. Ward

Manuel Oliver and wife, Gladys

 

On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the deeds were approved for recording.

DEEDS

Mr. Harpster presented a corrective deed to B. G. Anderson, Jr. on the following described property:

All of that part of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of Section 7, Township 19 South, Range 28 East, lying West of and within twenty-five (25) feet of the following described center line:  Begin at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said Section 7, and run thence North to the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said Section 7.

 

On recommendation of the Attorney and on the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the disclaimer was approved.

county engineer

Mr. Harpster presented his resignation, effective September 30, 1973.  It was accepted with the proper Resolution for both Mr. Harpster and Phil Edwards, effective August 15, 1973.  On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Resolutions were approved.

communications

The Chairman submitted a letter from C & H Construction Co., Inc. expressing appreciation of the Board of County Commissioners, Pollution Control, Board, Dept. of Health, the Building and Planning Dept. and staffs for their cooperation during the construction of Ramada Inn on SR 25.  It was read and filed.

The Chairman submitted a letter from DOT concerning a Scheduled Design Workshop session on SR 50 from SR 561 in Clermont to the Lake County Line.  The date of August 16, 1973 at 9:30 a.m. in the Clermont City Hall is satisfactory for everyone concerned.  The letter was read and filed.

Notice from the Corps of Engineers that the Oklawaha River will be closed to navigation between Moss Bluff and Lake Griffin until November 8, 1973.  It was read and filed.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Burhans presented a request for signs posting the McTureous Park 1/2 mile north and south and on the site.  On the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously, the request was approved.

leases – county property

Mr. Ford brought up the lease with the City of Astatula on the County borrow pit.  They want to use Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for building recreational facilities on the land.  Mr. Ford recommended a long term lease (20 years) with a stipulation that any excavation will require approval from Lake County.  On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the recommendation was approved and the Chairman and Deputy Clerk were authorized to execute the lease.

bonds

On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the firearm bond was approved for G. E. Ellis.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the contractors bonds were approved for the following:

#1072  William H. Moorman (carpentry)

#1074  Allen Darcy dba Darcy Electric

#1075  Charles N. McDonough (subcontractor)

 

Author O. Hampton appeared and appealed the denial of the bond for a gun permit.  He said the case against him for aggravated assault was dropped for lack of evidence.  He has just finished a course in Hillsborough County for auxiliary police and is presently enrolled in the Eustis Vo-Tech School on law enforcement.  Deferred for a 2:00 o’clock hearing.  Later the Chairman requested Mr. Hampton to obtain a reference from the Sheriff or others and the Board will reconsider the bond.

budget

Deputy Clerk J. C. Hunter advised he has accepted the service of the Sheriff’s appeal.

Mr. Ford advised that it may be 30 days before we have a decision on the Sheriff’s budget.

There is a budget hearing on Friday, August 17, 1973, at 10:00 o’clock.

Mr. Ford reported the Sheriff’s appeal has been sent to Tallahassee and it will be necessary for the Board to file a reply.  The Dept. of Administration now has the full power and authority to make the actual decision.  Mr. Ford has employed a Tallahassee attorney, Wilson Wright; to help in this suit and will need to go to Tallahassee several times to consult with Mr. Wright.

outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Ford had professional pictures taken last Saturday of Lake Louisa properties.  Have a meeting with the Cabinet staff at 10:00 o’clock a.m. on Thursday, August 16, 1973.  The films will be shown to the Cabinet and the Governor.

animals

Mr. Harpster recommended that if a decision is made to proceed with construction of the animal shelter, the information on how the shelter is to be built, according to the American Humane Association, should be turned over to an architectural firm for design and installation supervision.  The matter was referred to Mr. Harpster to design a less expensive building.

county property

Exchange of land with Mr. Sharp and Florida Made Door Manufacturing.  Mr. Ford feels the Board should have a request from Astatula for the right-of-way for dedication to public use.  Referred to Mr. Hoskinson.

accounts allowed

On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the request from Mr. Flynn for Fred Bollenburg to travel to Miami Beach to the State Association of County Commissioners’ Meeting was approved.

Mr. Harpster requested $8,864.10 for brake machines to be installed in Eustis.  On the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the request was approved.

Mr. Harpster submits that Larry Morey would like to return to college for his master’s degree and make up the time he is attending classes by working nights and weekends.  Class starts September 20.  Total fees are $900 and books $300.  On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, a contract for repayment of tuition fees will be drafted.

Mr. Hoskinson requested a purchase of three vacuum cleaners for the Courthouse at $123.75 each.  It was suggested that we get another price and take the lowest one.  No action taken.

On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the balance due $1290.46 on the contract of the courthouse Complex Study, for the Scheizer architects, was approved.

On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Medicaid for the month of June for $5920.37 was approved.

Mr. Ford was authorized to go to Tallahassee on Tuesday, October 21, 1973, to make a presentation, if necessary, concerning the Lake Louisa purchase by the State.

On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following vouchers were approved:

General Revenue Fund

2186 – 2423

Capital Outlay – County Building

# 7

Auto Inspection

207 – 231

Fine and Forfeiture

336 – 367

Road and Bridge Fund

953 – 1064

Fish Conservation

# 15 – 16

Northwest Lake County Hospital Ambulance

# 14 – 15

Northeast Lake County Ambulance

# 14 – 15

Mosquito Control State II

# 7

 

 

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Cooperative Agreement with USGS and the Oklawaha Water Authority for a continued Hydrologic Monitory Program for the sum of $2500, was approved.

funds – transfer

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following transfers were approved from the Fine and Forfeiture account # 2333102 to the following accounts:  # 2333332 - $465; # 2333340 - $270; # 2333335 - $2,370; # 2333341 - $145.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

 

 

 

_________________________________                                                                                                      _____________________________

CLERK                                                                                                                                                           chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEE PAGE 393 FOR SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 17, 1973.