REGULAR MEETING OF the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DECEMBER 4, 1973
A regular meeting of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, December 4, 1973, at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.
The Chairman called the meeting to order with the following members present: C. A. Deems, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; J. M. Hoskinson; Thomas J. Windram; and Glenn C. Burhans. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Joseph E. Flynn, County Planner; Norma H. Coven, and Debby Potter, Deputies Clerk.
The invocation was given by James C. Watkins, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
minutes
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the minutes of September 4, 1973 were approved as submitted.
communications
The Chairman read a postcard from K. N. Stafford, of Volusia County, regarding the Volusia County Manager. It was read and filed in the Minute File for December of 1973.
Chairman Deems read a letter from Mr. Victor C. Baker, President of Little Lake Harris Shores Civic Association, expressing appreciation for the spraying of the canals by the Mosquito Control. The letter was filed in the Minute File for 1973.
The Chairman read a letter from the Ocala Boat and Yacht Club thanking the Board for its interest and efforts to have the Oklawaha River made passable and safe for the boating traffic. The letter was filed in the Minute File for December of 1973.
The Board received a Resolution from the City of Mount Dora commending the Board of County Commissioners of Orange and Lake Counties for all past actions in making plans to avoid impact development in any particular area. Read and filed in December Minute File for 1973. The Chairman asked that a letter be sent to the City of Mount Dora acknowledging receipt and thanking them for their concern.
The Clerk read a letter from Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service commending the emergency medical personnel at Waterman Memorial Hospital. Read and filed in the Minute File for December of 1973.
meetings
The Chairman read a letter from Jack Martin, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee regarding a comprehensive health planning grant, stating a meeting will be held in Orlando on December 19, 1973. The Chairman asked Commr. Burhans to attend the meeting and the Clerk is to notify Dr. Andrews of the meeting.
The County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, stated there is to be a seminar at the Agriculture Center on December 10, 1973 regarding the Food Stamp Program. The meeting starts at 9:00 A.M. Commr. Carson and the Clerk plan to attend.
reports
The Chairman read a letter from J. D. Doolittle, Division of Population Studies, regarding the estimated population that will be used for State Revenue sharing for the Fiscal Year 1974-75. The estimate is 79,046.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Chairman was authorized to sign a certification that the estimate is reasonable.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the previous motion was amended to check with East Central Florida Regional Planning Council regarding their population estimate.
soil survey
C. B. Ogden, Chairman of the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, Jerry Joiner and Jack Haddox appeared and presented the Lake County Soil Survey Interim Report. They explained why the final survey is not completed.
road maintenance
On motion of Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, DR 1-5343, Linda Lane, will be maintained by the County.
Commr. Burhans reported that residents in the area of Sunset Drive in Paisley would like the canal to be opened for boat traffic. This will mean installing a 6 to 8 foot culvert. Commr. Burhans does not feel the County should spend the money just to enable a few people to go fishing. The residents are not willing to pay for the larger culvert. A delegation will be in next week to discuss this matter.
It is the County Attorney’s opinion that the owners should pay the difference between the larger and smaller culvert and if they are not willing to do this, the County should install the 4 foot culvert.
The residents of Rose Avenue in Tavares would like their road paved on a 1/3 – 2/3 participating basis. Commr. Carson recommended the Board should look at the road on the lunch break.
Later in the afternoon Commr. Hoskinson brought up the subject of paving Rose Avenue in Summerall Park, Tavares. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved, for the County’s share, payment of 1/3 of the cost for the City to pave the street in front of the County owned property.
Jacquelyn Hester, Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Department, appeared and reported Dave Smith of Dave Smith and Company, Inc. will not be present today and would like to appear before the Board next week, December 11, 1973. He was to appear regarding the paint striper. Commr. Carson asked the County Attorney to write Mr. Smith and request he be here at the next meeting.
minutes
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the minutes of August 14, 1973, were approved as amended.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the minutes of August 17, 1973 were approved as submitted.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the minutes of August 21, 1973 were approved as submitted.
road closings
Larry Morey, Acting Engineer, presented a petition to vacate a portion of Oak Park Addition in Sunset Addition. No one appeared to object to the closing. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted closing the road.
Larry Morey presented a petition to close Golfview Avenue in Oak Park Addition in Sunset addition. No one appeared to object. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted closing the road.
public defender
The Chairman read a letter from the Public Defender, Robert Pierce, for more office space for the Assistant Public Defender, Investigator and Secretary. He will need three rooms.
Commr. Windram recommended the space in the annex be allotted to the Tax Assessor and assign space in the Pioneer building to the Public Defender and the States Attorney on the fourth floor.
The Clerk, James C. Watkins, recommended the Board show the Sheriff and the Public Defender what is available in the Pioneer Building and discuss with the States Attorney what he needs on the fourth floor. The files will be moved from the Courthouse annex and the Tax Assessor will be allowed to use that space.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Clerk was directed to investigate placing the overflow from the Sheriff’s Office and Office of the Public Defender in the Pioneer Building. He was also directed to negotiate with the Tax Assessor concerning his needs for the space and fully explore the needs of the State Attorney on the fourth floor. The Clerk was also authorized to lease warehouse space for storage of old files, county surplus equipment, etc.
animal
The Chairman presented a Resume’ from Benjamin F. Kimball for the position of Animal Control Officer at the Lake County Animal Shelter. The Board discussed the possible operation of the animal shelter.
BIDS
Commr. Carson announced a company in which he has financial interest, Inland Equipment, is bidding today and he will abstain from voting based on the Attorney General’s opinion of a possible conflict of interest.
It now being the time advertised to receive bids for 6 dump trucks and one survey crew van, the Chairman asked the Clerk to open and tabulate bids. The Clerk read proof of publication. The following bids were received:
DUMP TRUCKS
D. C. Waters Ford $44,214.00 with trade in
McCullers Ford 42,980.00 with trade in
Cecil Clark Chevrolet 53,100.00 with trade in
Inland Equipment 50,244.54 with trade in
SURVEY TRUCK
Joe Creamons Chevrolet $4,609.49 with trade in
D. C. Waters Ford 4,889.00 with trade in
Cecil Clark Chevrolet 5,100.00 with trade in
Inland Equipment 3,896.47 with trade in
On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the bids were referred to the Engineer for study and recommendation. Commr. Carson abstained from voting.
Later in the day Miss Jacquelyn Hester, Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Department, appeared and presented the Engineer’s recommendation for bids on two economy trucks. Larry Morey recommended the lowest and best bid was from D. C. Waters Ford for the two Couriers at a price of $5,293.20. These are 1973 models. The Bid specifications called for 1974 models. The County Attorney said that in view of the immediate need for the vehicles the Board would ask for quotes for on-the-lot vehicles.
On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board rejected all bids and the County Attorney is to write a letter and ask for proposals from all the companies that bid. The proposals are to be brought before the Board next Tuesday, December 11, 1973.
Miss Hester presented the Engineer’s recommendations on the bids for the six dump trucks and the van for the survey crew. The Engineer recommended the lowest and best bid was from Bob McCuller’s Ford for the six dump trucks at a price of $42,980.00. The lowest and best bid for the van was from Inland Equipment at a price of $3,896.47.
On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the Engineer’s recommendations. Commr. Carson abstained from voting because of a possible conflict of interest.
road – state
Larry Morey, Acting Engineer, appeared regarding the design of SR 19A from Mt. Dora to the Eustis interchange. He would like instructions from the Board for the design. Commr. Carson recommended four lanes with one turning lane like SR 25 in Leesburg with an 80’ right-of-way. Commr. Carson and Commr. Windram will meet with the Engineer from the DOT regarding this.
roads – county
On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board rescinded a Resolution regarding 25 MPH speed limit signs on Alice Avenue in Hazelton Heights and approved erecting “Children Playing” signs.
Commr. Hoskinson reported the City of Minneola has a cleanup campaign and would like the County to send a prison crew to clean up the right-of-way at the end of the streets that end at the lake. The property owners keep the rest of the right-of-way clean. The Board would like to wait and see how much land is involved.
Commr. Carson presented a request from Mr. Ed Geiger, Jr., of Overton Drive, for a speed limit sign of 25 MPH and a “Children Playing” sign. He is willing to pay for the signs.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted regarding the speed limit and a “Children Playing” sign was authorized to be erected, all at the owner’s expense.
roads – county
The County Attorney, Christopher C. Ford, brought up the matter of Sawgrass Road that was closed by Royal Trails. He stated that Royal Trails does not object to the property owners using the road but does object to the hunters using it. Mr. Ford does not feel Royal Trails will object to the County opening the road again.
Commr. Burhans would like Royal Trails to come before the Board next week and discuss the matter.
schools – miscellaneous
The Leesburg Middle School on Dixie Avenue would like the use of a grader to level and spread the clay on their playing field. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request and the Road and Bridge Department was instructed to complete the work.
maps
The Chairman appointed Commr. Hoskinson to work with the Planning Department and obtain the aerial maps from the Southwest Florida Water Management District that shows land use in parts of the County.
public health
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the procedures and policies of the Lake Memorial Nursing Home as submitted by the Nursing Home Director, Mrs. Mary Hamner. The above are on file in the Nursing Home file for 1973.
Miss Hester reported the South Lake Refuse Company, Inc. of Groveland is in arrears regarding their account in the amount of $778.60 for use of the landfill. The County Attorney said he had written to them but had received no reply.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the County Attorney is to write the South Lake Refuse Company and advise them that if the bill isn’t paid by December 10, 1973, they will be denied the use of the landfill. The motion was amended from December 10 to December 15, 1973 so that Commr. Hoskinson will have time before the next meeting of the Board to contact the refuse company.
The Clerk read a letter from Kenneth D. Anderson, District Ranger, stating that he had inspected the landfills in Paisley and Astor and would like to commend the Board on the appearance of the sites. The letter was filed in the Minute File for December of 1973.
state agencies
Commr. Carson presented the offer from the State Division of Youth Services to rent the county building for $350.00 a month. Mr. Ford, the County Attorney, stated that he has written and told the State that the offer isn’t acceptable since there is over 2,500 square feet in the building. The County Attorney recommended the County lease the building to the State at $350.00 per month until next June and then increase the rent to $3.50 per square foot. The Attorney was instructed to pursue this matter with Mrs. Knowles, Youth Counselor Supervisor.
The Clerk presented a progress report from Youth Programs, Inc. for the period from October 1 to October 31, 1973. The report was read and filed in the Youth Bureau File for 1973.
water level
Bill Hennessey appeared regarding the new law protecting small lakes in Florida from sewage, dredging, and changing the water level. If more than 50% of the abutting land owners file a complaint with the Board of County Commissioners the Board then notifies the State Pollution Board and they will make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners within 60 days.
beverage law
Commr. Burhans brought up the request from the Forest Hills Grocery Store to sell beer on Sunday. The store is located in a recreational area in the Ocala Forest.
The County Attorney said the present Resolution could be amended to include this area but he feels the law should be uniform Countywide. Mr. Ford will review the State Laws and advise the Board on this matter.
recess and assembly
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon and reconvened at 1:30 P.M. The Chairman announced the Commissioners will have lunch at the Silver Lake Golf and Country Club and the Press and public are invited on a Dutch-treat basis.
budgets
Miss Hester presented the amended Landfill budget for 1972-73. It was filled out on the wrong form and now needs the Chairman’s signature. On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the amended budget.
county engineer
Miss Hester reported that some of the applicants for the position of Public Works Director will be in the State on vacation in the near future. The Board advised her to set up appointments with them. Commr. Carson recommended the Board receive applications through the month of December and set appointments with the out-of-state applicants.
Miss Hester presented Mr. Edward R. Lampp to the Board as an applicant for the position of Public Works Director. The Board requested Mr. Lampp to state his qualifications. The Chairman thanked him for his time and said the Board would contact him later concerning the position.
tax assessment
Donald Stephens, Tax Assessor, appeared and advised that he had contacted five firms regarding the reassessment of the County. He stated the holdup on the reassessment was that he had to go through the Department of Revenue for the money. The Department of Revenue has not formulated a contract.
Mass Property Appraisals of Tampa are interested in the job at an estimated cost of $224,500. This includes the reappraisal and a change over to a computerized system. The County Attorney is to look over the contract with Mass Properties Appraisals. Donald Stephens stated that in the contract the County is to provide office space for them.
Mr. Keith Hall, Tax Collector, appeared and stated that he is not in agreement with the Tax Assessor regarding the hiring of Mass Appraisals. Mr. Hall stated that in his opinion there is a way that the information assembled on computer tape can be compatible with the present computer system.
On motion of Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Certificates of Correction and Error on the 1973 Tax Roll numbered 3301 through 3425 and also the use of the Chairman’s facsimile stamp for his signature.
On motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the voiding of Certificate No. 1464 that was approved on November 20, 1973.
beverage law
The Clerk read a letter from VFW Post 8087 in Eustis requesting that they be allowed to open on Sundays and serve beer to their members. This letter was referred to the Attorney.
contracts and agreements
Bill Henderson appeared and presented an amended contract between Gene Smith Salvage and the County. The County Attorney does not approve of the exclusive right to pick up junk cars in the County and that there is a non-existent termination date. The County Attorney recommended Commr. Hoskinson be appointed to review the contract with the Attorney. The Chairman appointed Commr. Hoskinson to review the contract.
The Clerk read a letter from the DOT concerning the right-of-way contract on SR 19A in Mt. Dora from SR 500A. The letter was referred to the Engineer.
A proposal from I. S. K. Reeves, V, for consulting services on the new Courthouse Complex was discussed. After discussion and on the motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board entered into an agreement with Mr. I. S. K. Reeves, V, as outlined in his proposal with the addition of a clause that he will report his progress every 20 hours.
Under no circumstances will the contract with Mr. Reeves exceed the amount set forth in the Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act of 1973 that would require the interviewing of several firms for this consultant contract. The above was approved unanimously on motion of Commr. Carson and seconded by Commr. Hoskinson.
MVI
The Clerk read a message from C. L. Steiner Company asking why the bid for a Bear Model Brake Tester was given to Maurex Equipment when they both had the same price on the bid. This was referred to the Clerk to answer.
courthouse
The Clerk presented an estimate on repairing the Courthouse roof from Bill Smith, Roofer, at a price of $925.00. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Clerk is to obtain other proposals on roof repair.
county buildings and grounds
James C. Watkins, Clerk, reported the Board had adopted a Resolution that the County parking lot not be used by Lake Region Packing but the Resolution is not being enforced. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, a Resolution was adopted requesting the Sheriff to enforce the parking lot restrictions imposed on the County parking lot.
The Clerk recommended the Board look into the development of the property in back of the Health Department as a parking lot for the County employees. This was referred to the Engineer and Commr. Burhans.
JAILS
The Clerk presented a report of inspection of County Detention facilities. It was read and filed in the Lake Correctional Institute file for 1973.
holidays
The Clerk brought up the subject of holidays for 1974. The holidays for 1973 are as follows:
February 22
May 27
July 4
September 2
November 11
November 28 & 29
December 25 & 26
January 1
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, discussion of the holidays was tabled until next week.
planning and zoning
The County Attorney reported that CUP 395A-4 from Major Realty has been redrafted and has some changes in it. The CUP was referred to Michael Willett, Acting County Planner.
maps and plats
The plat of Sunset Groves was discussed at this time. The Surveyor, E. T. Hall, has complied with the requirements of the assessor’s plat by attaching to the plat the legal description of each individual parcel. There is a requirement in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations that requires a public hearing of all assessor plats and a notice to all the owners of record prior to the public hearing that an assessor’s plat is being proposed.
The County Attorney recommended a hearing be set for January 2, 1974 and notify the owners of the hearing and require them to comply with the rules and regulations by providing the Board with proof that they have given notice to owners of record.
If the owners do not cooperate, the Board can approve the plat. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the public hearing was set for January 1, 1974, at 10:00 A.M.
bonds
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the following firearm bonds were approved:
John T. Griffin
Reuben Jamison
James A. Gilroy
Rita A. Hand
Bobby Boswell
The bond for Oscar Lewis Berry was referred back for more information.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, Contractor’s bonds for Certificates of Competency were approved for the following:
# 407 I. M. Mobley – plastering
561 James Street – specialty
1041 Hubert Hammac dba Hubert Hammac Builder
1126 Charles D. Dykes dba B & D Construction (septic tank)
1127 McDonald Air Conditioning, Inc. (Gary Landers, Licensee)
1128 Alphonze Moody dba Al’s Signs
1129 Walsteen J. Sweat (specialty)
checks received
Larry Morey, Acting Engineer, presented a check in the amount of $420.00 from the Town of Montverde for road work done.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved accepting the check.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the check from Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, in the amount of $17.76 for furnishing list of voters.
accounts
Mr. Ed Zagar, with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, requested approval to purchase 50,000 two inch bass fingerlings at 12.5¢ each or a total price of $6,250.00. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the request was approved and the money to be paid from the Fish Conservation Fund.
The Clerk presented a request to travel to Boca Raton to view the IBM Computer Systems on January 3 and 4, 1974 for the Clerk and Commr. Hoskinson. On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the request was approved.
On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Frank Woodson, Norman Trampish, Everett Smith and Oscar Baxton to attend a MVI meeting in Orlando on December 18, 1973.
The Clerk reported the County can rent 1,000 square feet of storage space at 10¢ per square foot in Leesburg. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the rental of storage space was approved.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
_________________________________ ______________________________
CLERK chairman