MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
september 11, 1973
The Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, convened in regular session on Tuesday, September 11, 1973, in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, at 9:00 A.M. with the following members present: C. A. Deems, Chairman; J. M. Hoskinson; Glenn C. Burhans; James R. Carson, Jr.; and Thomas J. Windram. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk of Circuit Court; Fred M. Harpster, County Engineer; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Norma H. Coven, Deputy Clerk.
The invocation was given by James C. Watkins, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
schools
Mr. Jack Millican of the Lake County School Board appeared before the Board to request that the Division of Youth Services be designated as administrative agent for the neighborhood Youth Corps, relieving the Lake County School Board of the responsibility. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the request of Mr. Millican was approved.
minutes
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the minutes of the special meeting of July 11, 1973 were approved as submitted.
county property
The County Engineer presented cost estimates for correcting the drainage problem in the Courthouse Employee’s Parking Lot. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and unanimously carried, the Board authorized the Engineer to devise a plan for shallow dry wells to accommodate the excess water in the Courthouse parking lot.
road and bridge
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and unanimously carried, the Board authorized the Road and Bridge Department to erect eight golf cart crossing signs on the highway dividing the Oak Hill Country Club at the cost of $15 per sign to Oak Hill Country Club.
deeds
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board accepted right-of-way deeds from the following:
Emerald Island Road from William C. Hawkin
Dewey Robbins Road from Royear, Inc.
Owens Road from Paul H. Champion and B.W. Martin
Owens Road from Micheloni, Inc.
Lake Jem Road from W. T. Bland, Jr.
Drainage easements:
E.B. Peters, Jr. and Piny Wood Subdivision
John H. Coffey and Berkshire Street
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the recommendation of the Department of Transportation to grant partial release of 33 feet of the Murphy Act Deed #666 on SR 452 between Mr. Dora and Tavares on Lake Shore Drive, retaining 67 feet from the center line of survey.
road maintenance
Commr. Carson referred to a letter from Mr. Frank Bouis, Chairman of the Lake County Water Authority, requesting assistance in mowing the grass along construction sites at the Cherry Lake Structure from Dedicated Road to the structure, ½ acre of grass of SR 565 at the Villa City Structure, and Bridges Road Structure during normal road maintenance when we have mowing equipment in those areas. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board authorized that someone from the Engineers Department meet with Mr. Bouis to discuss mowing these areas on a regular basis when we have equipment in the areas mentioned.
road closing
Commr. Carson reported that the Tavares City Council approved a resolution to close Texas Avenue between Main Street and Ruby Street in accordance with the Board’s request with the following conditions:
1. Easement be granted on the East side of Texas Avenue for access to a 6” water main.
2. Curbing and sidewalk across Texas on Main Street right-of-way to be provided by the County.
3. Utilize County sewer line to hook up three houses on Sinclair Avenue subject to Engineering approval.
4. Reverter Clause to be added with a 5-year time limit.
5. All natural tree, etc. to be left intact as much as possible.
Commr. Carson suggested the Board select an architectural firm as soon as possible to design the new courthouse building.
bids
It now being the time advertised to receive bids, the Clerk was instructed to open and tabulate the following bids:
Steel and aluminum pipe
Concrete pipe
Asphalt material
Stone, slag, and limerock
Radio maintenance
Propane gas
Hot asphaltic concrete
There were no bids on propane gas and hot asphaltic concrete. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the submitted bids were referred to the County Engineer for study and recommendation.
road closing
It now being the time advertised to hold a public hearing to consider a petition to close platted streets, Central Street and Julia Avenue, Dora Manor, Mt. Dora. The Chairman called for interested parties to be heard. Del Potter, Attorney for Alexandra Birkbeck, applicant, presented the petition. In opposition were Mr. Enloe Campbell, Mr. Steve Vaughn, and Mr. M. W. Phay. Mrs. Birkbeck spoke in her own behalf. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, the petition to close the road was denied.
The petition to close Southwind Drive between Twin Oaks Lane and Lake Maggie in Breezee Shores Subdivision by Cohen Holdges and E. L. Gnann was deferred for lack of proof of publication. Later in the meeting, proof of publication was presented by Mort Aulls, Attorney for the petitioners. On the advice of the County Attorney, the petition is to be readvertised.
elections
Mr. Donald Cosgrove of Computer Election Systems demonstrated a computer election system before the Board. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, at the request of Mr. Cosgrove, a letter be written to the Secretary of State requesting certification of electronic voting machines in the State of Florida.
recess and assembly
The Board recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. to take up the remaining items of business.
tax adjustment board
The Board heard petitions for reassessment from Alex McDonnell, F. Lowndes, and a withdrawal from Mrs. Proie.
The Tax Adjustment Board then met with Mr. Donald Stephens, Tax Assessor, in the Tax Assessor’s office and ruled on the following petitions:
1973-20 Alex McDonnell, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Mrs. Wyckoff and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was granted at $243,800.00.
1973-21 F. Lowndes, petitioner. On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Mrs. Wyckoff and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was denied.
1973-10 E. H. Wilhelm, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, petition for reassessment was granted at $40,000.00. Mr. Berry and Mrs. Wyckoff were in opposition.
1973-11 Amos F. Sanford, petitioner. On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was denied.
1974-14 Robert D. Hartog, Attorney and trustee for Leroy Ireland, petitioner. On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Mrs. Wyckoff and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was denied.
1973-18 Southland Gardens, Inc., petitioner. On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was denied.
1973-19 Orville J. Brooks, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was granted at $3,500.
1973-1 Joseph Kohnen, petitioner. On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, the petition for reassessment was denied.
1973-9 Camp-Inn, Inc., petitioner. On a motion by Ms. Wyckoff, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the petition for reassessment was denied.
1973-4 through 1973-8 Holt S. McKinney, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and unanimously carried, petition for reassessments were denied for the reason the property was reassessed on direct court order, obtained by Mr. McKinney based on agricultural zoning.
1973-12 William E. Burleigh, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Mr. Berry and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was granted at $1,700.
1973-13 William E. Burleigh, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Mr. Berry and carried unanimously, petition for reassessment was granted at $15,600.00.
1973-15 G. G. Stewart, petitioner. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Mr. Berry and unanimously carried, petition for reassessment was denied.
The Clerk read letters of protest from Mr. and Mrs. Grant H. Thompson, Mr. Hugh A. Mose, and W. T. Parrington. No action was taken by the Board on these letters.
Mr. Stephens advised the Board he had received a telegram from the Department of Revenue that the Tax Roll has been conditionally approved.
The Board reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioner’s Room at 4:00 p.m. with all the members present.
county employees
The Board approved vacation for Joe Flynn from September 12, 1973 through September 23, 1973.
The Board accepted L. L. Hulett’s withdrawal of his resignation.
state agencies
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and unanimously carried, a resolution was adopted authorizing application to the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice for a modern radio communications system for the County’s law enforcement agency, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
zoning
ZV 73-8 Mr. and Mrs. Aycock – Violation of ordinance 1972-6. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the case was dismissed as Mr. Aycock complied prior to the hearing.
ZV 70-12 Grady Whitlock – Violation of ordinance 1971-6. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, Mr. Whitlock was declared a public nuisance and given 60 days to comply.
ZV 71-99 Forrest R. Laroe – Violation of ordinance 70-1, sections 2 and 4. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Mr. Laroe was declared a public nuisance and given 30 days to comply.
ZV 71-135 Cora Wiley – Violation of ordinance 70-1. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Mrs. Wiley was declared a public nuisance and given 30 days to comply.
ZV 73-11 Willie Hatter – Violation of ordinance 1970-1, section 2 and 4. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Mr. Hatter was declared a public nuisance and given 30 days to comply.
maps and plats
The County Engineer presented a plat for Forest Lake and Hills, second addition, with letters of approval from the Engineer, County Attorney, Acting Director of Pollution Control, and the Health Department. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the plat was approved for recording in the official records.
public health
The Engineer reported he had a call from Ken Henderson of the Forest Service that the landfill at Paisley needs to be extended, and the landfill at Astor will be moved to SR 455A on Grasshopper Lake.
road maintenance
On the recommendation of the County Engineer and on a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, a resolution was adopted requesting the Forest Service to furnish clay for improvements to Forest Road 72 and give the County Forces permission to improve the road.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Road and Bridge Crew was authorized to improve the following streets in the City Limits of Minneola on a time and material basis:
1. Bloxam Avenue, south to pavement.
2. Madison Street, from Bloxam Avenue east to dead end.
3. Rockwell Avenue, south from Pearl Street to Old Highway 50.
4. Seminole Avenue, south from Washington Street to dead end.
bids
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Engineer was authorized to forward specifications for the new tractor for the landfill operation to Jacksonville.
The Engineer submitted a bid from Central Oil Company, Inc. for asphalt material, which was received in his office at 9:00 a.m. this morning, but did not reach the Board until after lunch. The bid was referred to the County Attorney to see if it could be considered.
right of way – roads
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board instructed the Attorney to prepare dedication of the 33-foot right-of-way adjoining property of the Town of Astatula with a reverter clause.
ordinance
An ordinance prepared by Richard H. Langley prohibiting rock and sand trucks on County roads that are not covered was referred to the County Attorney.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board is to advertise a public hearing for October 9, 1973 to consider a proposed amendment to the zoning regulations concerning the R-3 Zone.
contracts
A resolution from the City of Leesburg cancelling the contract with the County for collection of ad valorem taxes was referred to the County Attorney.
bonds – miscellaneous
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, Bonds for carrying fire arms were approved for Leonard E. Lindahl, William T. Sanders, Frank J. Vaughn, and George M. Brown.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, Contactor’s Bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following:
#254 Thomas F. Williams
#791 Robert M. Vickery
#833 Frank Mish
#492 George F. Morton
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, Deputy Sheriff’s Bonds were approved for William H. R. Landis and Jamie Lee Hill.
communications
A copy of a resolution from Alachua County concerning HB 1331 was read and filed.
A copy of a resolution from Pasco County opposing off-shore drilling was read and filed.
permits
The following Utility and Driveway Permits, filed by the Engineer, were approved:
PERMIT NO. PERMITTEE PURPOSE ROAD
1-100 Sumter Elec. Co-op Inc. Distribution Line 1-5702
1-110 David Mathews, Jr. Water Line 1-6611
2A-101 City of Leesburg Force Main S-468
3A-100 West Cocia Co. Force Main 1-1590
464 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 4-4581
473 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 5-7939
474 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 5-7958
475 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 5-7959
477 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable S-44A
478 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 3-3143
479 FL Telephone Co. Aerial Cable 3-3145
480 FL Telephone Co. Aerial Cable 3-3144A
481 FL Telephone Co. Aerial Cable 3-3144
482 FL Telephone Co. Aerial Cable 3-3143A
483 FL Telephone Co. Aerial Cable 3-3142
484 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 2-3220
485 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 5-7659
487 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 4-4060
486 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 4-4260
488 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 3-2257
489 FL Telephone Co. Buried Cable 4-5263
2A-102 City of Leesburg Water Line S-468
Driveway Permits
Lawrence E. Taylor 1-5466
Marcia F. Smiley 4-4265
R. L. Register 1-7407
budget
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Mosquito Control and Landfill budgets were approved, and the Chairman gave authorization to execute same for the fiscal year 1973-74.
road maintenance
Commr. Burhans stated that he had a request to improve Fifth Avenue, a dedicated right-of-way in Astor, to a passable condition. The Road Superintendent has confirmed this road has been worked on a one-time basis. The Engineer was instructed to prepare a cost estimate for the work and report back to Commr. Burhans.
county engineer
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved reassignment of duties by the Engineer, who is resigning at the end of the fiscal year, to Mr. Morey and Miss Hester.
indigents
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the following changes were approved to the present indigent list:
District 4 – DELETE – Dorothy Albury - $40
District 4 – Add – Loda Allen - $40
sheriff
Attorney Ford called the Board’s attention to the fact that William E. Hamner, Courthouse Custodian, is not deputized by the Sheriff, and since he handles county jail trusties, Mr. Ford recommended that the Sheriff be asked to deputize Mr. Hamner. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Clerk was instructed to make such a request of Sheriff Bliss.
budget
Attorney Ford reported he has received a copy of the correspondence from Mr. Hall to Tallahassee concerning the Sheriff’s budget appeal and finds there are several derogatory remarks in it. The Board members asked for copies of the correspondence.
fund – transfer
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the following transfers from the Fish Conservation Fund was approved:
$3,400 from Acct. #6306305 – Payments to Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to Acct. #6306402.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, pay was approved for Glenn Middleton to attend the Southern Building Code Congress October 28, 1973 through November 2, 1973.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, pay was approved to Fred Bollenburg to attend the Annual Bar and Civil Defense Council September 19 -21, 1973.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, pay was approved for Joe Flynn to attend the annual meeting of the American Institute of Planners in Atlanta, GA October 20-25, 1973.
The Board approved the purchase of a desk for the Building Official from Shader Brothers for $99.95.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, pay was approved for travel expenses for Judge B. R. Burnsed when he was assigned to Lake County by the Chief Justice.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, pay was approved for Alfred Ponds to attend the State Association of County Commissioners meeting in Miami this month.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, pay was approved for Jack Haddox and John L. Jackson, Jr. to attend the First International Citrus Shortcourse at the University of Florida, Gainesville, September 23 – 26, 1973.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, pay was approved for $1,222.66 to the Department of Transportation for engineering and miscellaneous charges for maintenance on Secondary Roads in the County during the fiscal year 1972-73.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, pay was approved for $2,508 to Johnson Service Company for repairs to the Courthouse air conditioning system.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following vouchers were approved for payment:
General Revenue Fund 2424-2671
Capital Outlay – County Building #8
Auto Inspection 232-257
Fine and Forfeiture 368-402
Road and Bridge Fund 1065-1169
Fish Conservation #17-19
Northwest LC Hospital Ambulance 16
Northeast Lake County Ambulance 16
Mosquito Control State II 4
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m., after which Mr. Ford showed aerial movies of the Lake Louisa property recently purchased from the State.
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chairman
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Clerk