MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND TAX ADJUSTMENT BOARD
SEPTEMBER 4, 1973
A regular meeting of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the Tax Adjustment Board was held on Tuesday, September 4, 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; J. M. Hoskinson, G. C. Burhans, Mrs. Wyckoff, and Mr. Berry. Others present were Dan Robuck, Attorney; James C. Watkins, Clerk of the Circuit Court; and Norma Coven, Deputy Clerk.
The invocation was given by Mr. Watkins who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Mr. Robuck advised that the County Attorney went to Tallahassee on Friday and would like the Tax Adjustment Board meeting postponed until 1:30 p.m., September 11, 1973.
Orville Brooks appeared and appealed the increase in his Tax Assessment.
The Chairman announced the Tax Adjustment Board will recess until September 11, 1973, at 1:30 p.m.
The Chairman called the Board of County Commissioners to order at 9:14 a.m. with Commr. Windram and Commr. Carson present.
communications
The Chairman read a letter from Douglas Giles requesting that a lake on Charles J. Bradshaw’s land, purchased recently by Mr. Bradshaw, be named “Arlene” in honor of his wife. It was referred to the Attorney.
The Board received a Resolution from Okaloosa County opposing House Bill 1331 giving the Okaloosa County Tax Assessor the position of setting County ad valorem tax.
The Board received a Resolution from Okaloosa County objecting to the “numerous high-level, interdepartmental conferences between departments in Tallahassee.”
state agencies
The Chairman read a letter from the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice referring to Mr. Flynn’s request for a 30 day extension of funds. The request was disapproved and the terminal project date must remain in effect.
The Chairman read a letter from the Division of Youth Services regarding runaway children. They would like the counties in the State to consider the funding of shelters for runaway children.
federal agencies
F. E. Hinson of the Office of Economic Opportunity appeared representing Mrs. Jones of Clermont requesting that the Board designate OEO as a public agency. They are not asking for any financial assistance from the County at this time.
Mrs. Jones, president of the volunteer group in Clermont appeared later and spoke in favor of the OEO and gave a review of what the OEO is doing in South Lake County.
Virgil Hawkins of OEO appeared in support of the program.
The Board discussed the responsibility of the County if the request was approved. Mr. Watkins said he would investigate the program, where the funds would come from, and disbursement of same.
Mr. Flynn received a letter from the Department of General Services involving Lake County Criminal Justice Advisory Committee concerning centralized communication for law enforcement in Lake County. It indicates what will be required for Lake County’s portion of the system being considered. The Board discussed the Resolution designating the Sheriff to furnish information for the application of the Grant. It was amended on advice of the Attorney authorizing the Chairman to file the application on behalf of Lake County. On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Resolution was approved as amended.
Later Mr. Watkins recommended an amendment to the above Resolution for the acquisition of a modern radio communication system for the law enforcement agency. On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, paragraph 3 was amended to read “not to exceed $30,000” and paragraph 4 was amended to read in parenthesis “of the total $30,000 referred to in paragraph 3.” The amended Resolution was approved as corrected.
roads – state
The Chairman read a letter from Cathy Gentry regarding a caution light on SR 33 and SR 48 intersection. It was referred to the Safety Council and she was notified that this was the usual policy of the Board.
Commr. Hoskinson submitted complaints about SR 561. On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, a Resolution to DOT concerning the hazardous condition of SR 541 from the city limits of Astatula north to SR 19 was approved.
Mr. Harpster submitted a request from the Florida Boy’s Ranch in Groveland for three directional signs to be placed on SR 561, SR 33 and SR 50. They will pay for the signs. The Engineer is to ask the DOT for permission to install the signs.
Commr. Carson read the notice from DOT of road projects completed by Leecon, Inc. and returned to Lake County maintenance:
From SR 19 in Eustis to Crooked Lake Drive
From S-565-A to SR 25 North of Minneola
From SR 44 West of Leesburg North to SCL R.R.
From a point approx. 3.5 miles North of SR 44-A to .1 mile North
The County Attorney reported on his trip to Tallahassee to visit the DOT regarding SR 50. The Orange County portion to Clermont will be delayed 4 months and the portion from Groveland to Mascotte will be delayed one year to 18 months. The Attorney recommends that one or two of the Commissioners visit the DOT on Thursday, September 6, 1973.
courthouse
The Chairman read a letter from W. A. Milton requesting that an Orlando firm, James Dower and Associates of Florida, be considered as an architect on the courthouse complex. It was read and filed.
public health
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Harpster concerning landfill use charges. Clermont will be using a private collector to collect the commercial accounts. The Chairman asked that Mr. Harpster be informed that the charges will be on the same basis as at the other County landfills.
fire districts
Commr. Windram would like the Board to request of Mt. Dora, Eustis, and Tavares permission for their fire chiefs to sit down with a representative from this Board and study what would be involved moneywise, personnel wise, and equipment wise for the cities to extend their areas. The cities cannot be expected to finance any fire protection in the rural areas. Commr. Windram recommended expanding the present city facilities and paying for same through a special fire district fund. Commr. Hoskinson recommended that Commr. Windram go ahead and set up a conference with the interested parties. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter requesting the cities to attend the meeting.
right-of-way – roads
Commr. Carson read a letter from Mr. Stark of the SCL advising that there is available right-of-way from Astatula to Orange County line. They have 190 acres for about $100,000. Commr. Windram said that this was an opportunity to acquire land we may need in the future for four laning and for recreational areas. The Engineer was instructed to investigate the potential of the land.
tax valuations
It now being the time advertised to consider the ad valorem tax levy for the General County Fund for 1973, in accordance with Chapter 73-172, Clerk Watkins presented proof of notice of Ad Valorem Tax Levy that the Board of County Commissioners intends to levy upon the assessment roll for 1973 at the rate of $4.102 per $1,000.00 valuation will yield the same amount of tax revenue as that levied during the current year.
No one appearing to oppose the proposed levy, on motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Resolution was adopted levying a millage of $4.102 per $1,000.00 valuation for the General County Fund, broken down as follows:
General Revenue Fund .8500
Fine and Forfeiture Fund 1.7100
Capital Outlay Reserve
(County Buildings) Fund 1.2860
Capital Outlay Reserve
(County Home) Fund .0260
County Health Unit .2300
It now being the time advertised to consider the ad valorem tax levy for the Northeast Lake County Hospital District Fund for 1973, in accordance with Chapter 73-172, Clerk Watkins presented proof of Notice of Ad Valorem Tax Levy that the Board of County Commissioners intend to levy upon the assessment roll for 1973 at the rate of $1.0000 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northeast Lake County Hospital District Fund, and that certification has been made by the Tax Assessor that a tax rate of $.90 per $1,000.00 valuation will yield the same amount of tax revenue as that levied during the current year.
No one appearing to oppose the proposed levy, and on the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted levying a millage of $1.0000 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northeast Lake County Hospital District Fund.
It now being the time advertised to consider the ad valorem tax levy for the Northeast Lake County Hospital District Ambulance Fund, in accordance with Chapter 73-172, Clerk Watkins presented proof of Notice of Ad Valorem Tax Levy that the Board of County Commissioners intends to levy upon the assessment for 1973 at the rate of $.2000 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northeast Lake County District Ambulance Fund and that certification has been made by the Tax Assessor that a tax rate of $.1700 per $1,000.00 valuation will yield the same amount of tax revenue as that levied during the current year.
No one appearing to oppose the proposed levy, and on the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted levying a millage of $.2000 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northeast Lake County Hospital District Ambulance Fund.
It now being the time advertised to consider the ad valorem tax levy for the Northwest Lake County Hospital District Ambulance Fund for 1973, in accordance with Chapter 73-172, Clerk Watkins presented proof of Notice of Ad Valorem Tax Levy that the Board of County Commissioners intends to levy upon the assessment roll for 1973 at the rate of $.2500 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northwest Lake County Hospital District Ambulance Fund, and that certification has been made by the Tax Assessor that a tax rate of $.2200 per $1,000.00 valuation will yield the same amount of tax revenue as that levied during the current year.
No one appearing to oppose the proposed levy, and on the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted levying a millage of $.2500 per $1,000.00 valuation for the Northwest Lake County Hospital District Ambulance Fund.
BUDGET
It now being the time advertised for a public hearing on the budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 1973 and ending September 30, 1974, and no one having appeared to object to said budget, on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved and adopted the tentative budget as advertised.
county employees
The Chairman read the resignation of Mr. and Mrs. Cowart at the Juvenile shelter, effective October 30, 1973.
Commr. Windram submitted the resignation of L. L. Hulett, effective September 10, 1973, but Mr. Hulett will reconsider if the Board will increase his salary. The Board will act on this matter at the next meeting.
appointments
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, Robert E. Allison of Clermont was appointed to the Board of Examiners and the following were reappointed:
Morton J. Barnes
Jesse W. Dooley
Louis C. George
A. A. Hungerford
James Sheldon
ordinances
An emergency ordinance regarding proposed amendment to the subdivision regulations was considered at this time. On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the ordinance was declared an emergency and was placed on first reading by title only, said title being as follows:
An emergency ordinance amending the subdivision regulations of Lake County, Florida, by deleting exclusions from the applications of the subdivision regulations; by changing a definition of street access and by adding an exception for pre-existing subdivision.
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the emergency ordinance was adopted on the first reading by title only.
On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the emergency ordinance was placed on second reading by title only.
On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the emergency ordinance was adopted on the second reading by title only.
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the emergency ordinance was placed on third and final reading by title only.
On the motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the ordinance was adopted on the third and final reading.
elections
Commr. Carson read a letter from the Supervisor of Elections regarding the amendment to the law for elections. It was read and filed.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
The Chairman reported the Water Authority has requested maintenance and grading in the lock areas at Cherry Lake, Villa Cities, and M-1 on SR 48. They are being used as recreational areas. Commr. Carson will talk to Mr. Bouis about this.
The County Attorney reported that it is the Attorney General’s opinion that the Counties should not maintain private roads. They must be in the County system. The County Attorney does not feel this is a major problem.
road maintenance – subdivisions
Mr. Harpster was requested to prepare a cost estimate for paving in Shady Dell Subdivision. He would like permission to proceed and collect money for escrow. On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the request was approved.
Mr. Harpster reported that there is a drainage problem in Ravenswood Park Subdivision. He would like permission to make recommendations to them and also issue a use permit.
Mr. Harpster presented a petition and request to improve the roads in the Hilltop Subdivision. The roads are not dedicated to the public but to the owners in the subdivision. Commr. Windram said he had explained the special act where the owners could resurface the roads under Chapter 63-1505 and also, they could deed the roads to the County and go on a participating basis. The Attorney was instructed to notify the owners of the special act.
Mr. Harpster presented a petition from the Groveland Farms Subdivision for road improvements. The Attorney advised that the roads need to be dedicated to the public and then the County may go in on a time and equipment basis, or if the roads were built to County standards they could be taken into the County maintained system.
Mr. Harpster presented three (3) deeds for the cul-de-sac on Tower View Drive. On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following were approved for recording:
Vernon D. Reier and wife, Lottie E. Reier
Gail Wheeler and wife, Euple Wheeler
William Roth and wife, Sarah Roth
recess and assembly
The Chairman announced that the Board members will lunch at the Silver Lake Country Club and the press and public are invited on a Dutch-treat basis. The meeting was recessed at 12:00 noon and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
right-of-way – roads
Charles Bruck, a real estate broker, appeared representing Michael Davis. Commr. Hoskinson said the Town of Astatula is preparing a formal request to the Board to dedicate its portion of the road as a public right-of-way with no exchange of land. The County Attorney recommended that the road be brought up to County specifications and maintained by the manufacturer. He hopes to hear from Astatula by the next meeting so this matter can be finalized. The Engineer and the Attorney were instructed to prepare the necessary papers on the road right-of-way to expedite matters.
road closings
Mr. Harpster referred to a request to close Central Street in Dora Manor Subdivision which was denied by the Board August 17, 1973. The residents of the area filed a notice of objection to the construction of any type of building upon the South extension of Central Street abutting upon the waters of Lake Dora. The request was referred to the Building Director.
plats
Mr. Harpster presented a replat of a portion of Postal Colony Company known as Johns Lake Acres. There was a letter from the Attorney stating the plat meets all requirements. On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the plat was approved and accepted for recording in the public records.
inventory
On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Gravely Mower, County Property #3559, at the Nursing Home was declared surplus and of no value and will be turned over to the Road and Bridge Department for spare parts.
bonds – misc.
Bonds for carrying fire arms were approved on the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, for the following
Maynard T. Long
Dan B. Martin, Jr.
Richard A. Shirk, Jr.
Cynthia Vail Strong
Earle Hester, Jr.
Contractor’s bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved on the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram, and carried unanimously for the following:
# 206 renew Ray Wood dba Ray Wood’s Electric
#1065 renew Ed Hurston dba Service Contract
#1066 renew Jack B. Pratton (electrical)
#1077 renew Don Taylor, Jr. (specialty)
#1079 renew Frank J. Gordon dba Gordon Heating and Air Conditioning
#1080 renew J. Richard Joa (specialty)
#1081 renew John David Wilcox dba Wilcox Electric Company
hospitals
On the action of the Chairman and the Clerk and on the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the petitions for Willie Taylor and Willie Russ to enter A. G. Holley Tuberculosis Hospital was approved.
The Board received a notice from A. G. Holley State Hospital that the following patients were discharged from the hospital on medical advice:
Elizabeth Dunn August 22, 1973
Emmett Green August 8, 1973
Willie Hilton June 21, 1973
deeds
Mr. Watkins would like authorization for his recording department to check on instruments dedicating streets or roads to the County or to the public. On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Clerk is to have his staff check deeds and when there is any conveyance involving the County or the public, the parties recording the instrument will be referred to the Engineer for recommendation.
tax assessment
The County Attorney informed the Board that the Department of Revenue feels that the reassessment of the County should be done by a professional firm. They will review every adjustment made to the tax roll by the Tax Adjustment Board.
bids
On the recommendation of the engineer and on motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, bids on sign materials were accepted as the lowest and best on the following items:
John M. Warren Aluminum blanks
Steel delineator posts – 5 feet long
Flat mounting brackets
Minnesota Mining and Manf. Co. Reflective and non-reflective facings
And letters
McCain Sales Steel channel posts – 8’, 10’ & 12’
Hex nuts
Dave Smith, Inc. Galvanized iron pipe 2” – 10’ & 12’
Dominion Signal Co. Cap screws
On the recommendation of the Engineer and on the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the annual bid on traffic paints from Dave Smith, Inc. was accepted as the best bid.
county surveyor
The County Attorney informed the Board that the Transamerica Insurance Company still has T. O. Moorhead under the County’s blanket bond. The Clerk was instructed to notify the insurance company that the office of County Surveyor was removed from the Statutes as an elective office in 1968 and Mr. Moorhead has not been covered by a bond since that time.
budget
The County Attorney recommended that the majority of the board members attend the hearing and that the Chairman and Commr. Windram should speak on the Sheriff’s appeal. The hearing is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 1973, in Room 212 of the Carlton Building in Tallahassee.
The Attorney read a letter from the Department of Administration to the Board and presented copies of the Sheriff’s reply to Mr. Story.
accounts allowed
On the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, travel for the Commissioners, Engineer, Planning Director, and Attorney to attend SACC meeting in Miami, September 23-26 was approved.
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, travel for Herb Dudgeon to attend the Annual Plumbing, Gas, and Mechanical Inspectors Seminar in Hialeah, on September 25-28 was approved.
On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, travel for Mr. and Mrs. John Boyd to attend the Annual Meeting of the Florida Group Child Care Association at Daytona Beach, September 18-21 was approved.
On the motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, travel for Glenn Middleton to attend the State and Block Examination for Certification in Construction, in Sarasota, September 7-10 was approved.
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the request from the Pollution Control Department to purchase from Curtin Scientific Lab equipment in the sum of $1,350.50 included in the current budget was approved.
funds – transfer
On the motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the request from the Sheriff that $5000 be transferred from Contingency to Expenses other than Salaries was approved on the recommendation of the Attorney that statutes require compliance.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
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CLERK chairman