A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

january 7, 1975

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, January 7, 1975, at 9:00 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  J. M. Hoskinson, Chairman; Thomas J. Windram; C.A. “Lex” Deems; Glenn C. Burhans; and James R. Carson, Jr.  Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.

The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by James R. Carson, Jr.

minutes

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the minutes of the meeting of November 19, 1974 were approved as amended.  Amended copy is on file in the Minute Folder of November 1974.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the minutes of the meeting of December 3, 1974 were approved as amended.  Amended copy is on file in the Minute Folder of December 1974.

planning and zoning

On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, Mr. A. S. Brooks, Sr. and Mr. Ray Robbins will represent District #2 on the Planning and Zoning Board.

roads – county

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution establishing a 25 mph speed limit on DR 2-1629 and approved that two (2) curve signs with an advisory speed of 15 mph be erected.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution reducing the speed limit on SR S-452 (a section of Lakeshore Drive) from 45 mph to 35 mph.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved to install the following District road signs with name and number:  Babb Road 5-7958 and Peru Road 5-7961

public health

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the franchise for Bob’s Septic Tank Service and instructed the Chairman to sign the necessary forms.

county property

Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, reported to the Board that it would take approximately 573 feet of fence to fence in the new parking lot.  The Board members decided to wait and see if a fence is warranted before taking any action on this matter.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the funds for the resurfacing of the new parking lot are to be taken from the Road and Bridge Fund.

roads – subdivision

Mr. Donoghue presented to the Board the revised cost estimate for East Lake Harris Estates.  Commr. Hoskinson requested that on these cost estimate sheets a statement be placed that since these roads are not being brought up to County Specifications, the County will not be responsible for their continued maintenance.  He further requested that on the top of these estimates be placed a statement informing the residents that these quotations are obtained through present market prices and are subject to change.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the cost estimate for East Lake Harris Estates was approved, being on a publically dedicated right of way, provided that the total cost of the work is paid for by the residents and that the County is under no obligation for the continued maintenance of these roads.

road closings

Mr. Donoghue presented to the Board a request to close a public use road in Section 3, Township 22 South, Range 26 East.

Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that according to the aerial map, he could not see any road.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, this was referred to the County Attorney for his attention.

roads – county

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution reducing the speed limit on DR 4-4189 and DR 4-3987 to 25 miles per hour.

maps and plats

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Plat of the Gibson Subdivision meeting all County requirements was approved for recording.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Plat of Dora Pines Unit II meeting all County requirements was approved for recording.

roads – state

Mr. Donoghue stated that he would like the Board to request the DOT to redesignate various State Route Numbers on Secondary Roads due to duplication.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution requesting the DOT to redesignate various State Route Numbers mainly on 450 and S44A because of duplication of these numbers.

county employees

Mr. Donoghue stated that he would like approval of the employment of Wilbert Bass on the Construction Crew.  He stated that his wife works in Maintenance, and according to County Policy the employment of a member of the same family must be approved by the Board.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the employment of Wilbert Bass on the Construction Crew was approved effective January 6, 1975.

Public health

Mr. Donoghue presented to the Board a letter from the State Department of Pollution Control stating that their Department was unable to give Lake County an extension on its Landfill Permits; however, Lake County could apply for a Temporary Operating Permit.  The County Engineer was instructed to write to the Department of Pollution Control and request a Temporary Operating Permit.

Commr. Hoskinson asked Mr. Donoghue if he would like to have any discussion of the Landfill situation.  He stated that in his opinion the Swiderski property could be used but would like to look into the matter a little further.  Commr. Hoskinson asked that Mr. Donoghue confer with Commr. Deems in hopes of coming to a solution and report back to the Board.

animal shelter

Mr. Donoghue informed the Board that the Animal Control Officer had picked up an animal on December 31, 1974 and destroyed it the next day.  Mr. Donoghue presented to the County Attorney a letter from the owner requesting that Lake County replace his dog.  Mr. Ford, County Attorney, suggested that this be referred to the County’s Liability Insurance Agent.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, this matter is to be turned over to the Insurance Company upon the advice of the County Attorney.

county property

Commr. Hoskinson stated that Mr. Alfred Ponds, Superintendent of the Road and Bridge Department, had informed him of the need of security lights at the Barn and MVI Station located in Minneola.  Mr. Donoghue stated that the electrical work would be about $125 and the lights would cost about $35 each.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved for security lights to be erected at the Minneola Barn and the MVI Station at a cost not to exceed $200.

Mr. Charles Demko, Commander of the American Legion in Umatilla, appeared before the Board to discuss the matter regarding the commercial sign that has been erected in front of the American Legion.  Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that it would probably be a policy decision on the part of the Board whether or not to allow commercial advertising on County Property.  The Board requested Mr. Ford research the matter and determine if it is legal to place commercial advertising on County or Public Property.

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that on December 10, 1974 the Board directed his office to write a letter to the American Legion requesting that this sign be taken down immediately.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board rescinded its action of December 10, 1974 and will give the County Attorney until February 4, 1975 to research and obtain the necessary information.

state agencies

Mr. George Smith, Mr. Chuck Hunt, Mr. Jim Freeder and Mr. Ted Winstead of the Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board to discuss and answer questions on the road work being done and that which is still on the drawing board.

Mr. Smith went over the financial situation of Lake County.  He stated that Lake County loaned 1.5 million dollars from secondary road funds to aid the DOT in the construction of Highway 27.  He stated that DOT paid back to Lake County $500,000 last fiscal year, paid $500,000 in September and anticipates paying back $500,000 in July of the coming fiscal year.

Commr. Hoskinson asked if Mr. Smith would write to the Board updating the proposed “letting time” for all the sections of Highway 50.

Ms. Smith stated that widening and resurfacing of State Road 19 needs some clarification. He stated that previously the primary funds would cover the resurfacing, and the County would add the money for the widening.  There was then some financial difficulty, and the DOT then stated that this project would have to be postponed for about one year.  A letter was then received from Lake County requesting that the funds for the 466A be placed on the widening and resurfacing of 19.  He asked the Board if it was their intention to pay for the entire cost of the construction.  The Board informed Mr. Smith that it was their intention to provide the DOT with money needed to get this job done as soon as possible.

Mr. Smith discussed the matter of Dixie Avenue in Leesburg.  He stated that the DOT was experiencing some difficulty in negotiating with Leesburg.  Commr. Carson stated that he would look into the matter.

recess and reassembly

At 12:15 p.m. the Board adjourned for lunch at the Chateau Restaurant.  The public and press were invited on a Dutch-treat basis.  The Board will reconvene at 1:30 p.m.

public health

Mr. William Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, appeared before the Board to discuss the location of two sewer plants in two Subdivisions.

Mr. Hennessey stated that these plants would probably be grandfathered in because all the necessary approvals were obtained back in January before the passage of the Ordinance 1974-6 dealing with new setback requirements for such plants.  He presented to the Board drawings of the plans for the sewer plant for Unit 1 of the Wisconsin, Michigan Mobile Home Park which is south of Tavares.  He stated that this plant is on the owner’s property and is far enough removed so that their plant should not be a nuisance to anyone.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the location of the septic facilities as recommended by Mr. William Hennessey, Pollution Control Officer.

Mr. Hennessey presented to the Board the sewer plant and spray field of Kings Cove in Picciola Point.  He stated that they have their plant situated so that their spray field will not be able to be seen by anyone and is 1,000 feet away from the road and that they have created their own buffer zone.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the sewage facilities for Kings Cove upon the recommendation of the Pollution Control Director.

outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Hennessey stated that he had received an answer from the State Department of Pollution Control regarding the petition that was presented to the Board by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan regarding the water being pumped from a land-locked lake to irrigate an orange grove.  Commr. Deems requested that Mr. Hennessey contact Mr. Key Scales of G & B Packers and attempt to resolve the matter.

county property

Mr. Glenn Middletown, Building Official, appeared before the Board regarding the filling of the storage tanks at the bulk plant.  He stated that he had received two quotations for tank loads of fuel.  Kirkpatrick Fuel submitted a quotation of $.3550 per gallon for super Premium (non-leaded), No Lead Regular at $3280 per gallon and regular leaded at $.3100 per gallon.  These are all Amoco products.  Fleet Gasoline submitted a quotation of Premium at $.33 per gallon and No Lead Regular at $.32 per gallon.  These quotations include the delivery of the gasoline.

It was the opinion of the Board that the County should negotiate with Mr. Kirkpatrick for the filling of the bulk plant storage tanks with premium and no lead regular gasoline.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board declared an emergency due to the fact that the County has had to purchase no lead gasoline from retail dealers and authorized Commr. Deems to approve the purchase of the necessary fuel not to exceed $.35 per gallon.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Glenn Middleton to attend the Building Officials Association of Florida Annual Conference in Gainesville February 22-27, 1975.

bonds

Mr. Middleton requested approval for the County Attorney to take the necessary action to call upon the following contractors’ Bonding Company to correct the errors made in the work done for:

OWNER                                  CONTRACTOR                                  BOND NUMBER

Elmer C. Belew                      David Craft & Roy Crawford             409-75

Rt. 2, Box 231-F                     Rt. 1, Box 265C

Tavares, Florida                     Groveland, Florida 32736

TYPE OF WORK DONE:  New Roof

Mary M. Lenty                       Allen Wiley                                        304

Rt. 4, Box 609                         Rt. 4, Box 896                                    

Leesburg, Florida                   Leesburg, Florida

TYPE OF WORK DONE:  Additions to Mobile Home

Sybil McDonald                     Richard Spray                                     881-75

Wolfbranch Road                   P.O. Box 806                                     

Sorrento, Florida                    Eustis, Florida

TYPE OF WORK DONE:  Additions to Mobile Home

appointments

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a letter from the Federal energy Administration requesting the County to designate a member of its staff to serve as the County’s Federal, State and Municipal liaison.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board appointed Mr. Glen Middleton to serve as this liaison.

civil defense

Sharon Eaton appeared before the Board to express her interest in the position as the Civil Defense Director.

state agencies

Mr. Evan Porter, Deputy Clerk, appeared before the Board to discuss the CETA II Fund.  Mr. Watkins, Clerk, informed the Board that these funds have not been used and stated that he plans to contact the Departments again informing them that these funds are available and list the positions for which these funds may be used.  He further stated that he would like to place on this list of positions eligible for these funds a maintenance man for the Courthouse.  Mr. Watkins stated that there was a capable person available to fill this position but that it would have to be registered with Mr. Glen Faircloth of the Employment Service before anyone could be hired.  At this time, Mr. Watkins informed the Board that there was going to be a meeting in Tallahassee on January 13 and 14, 1975 regarding additional funding under CETA II and would like approval for himself and Evan Porter to attend this conference.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the aforementioned travel request.

In view of the information regarding the CETA II funds and the possibility of the County not having $101,000 to spend on budgeted positions, the Board requested the Clerk to look into the matter and find out if the County Budget had a revenue of $101,000 from CETA II funds.

Mr. Watkins reported to the Board the status of the LEEA Grant with respect to the Sheriff’s Equipment.  He stated that Commr. Hoskinson, being the new Chairman, would now be the project coordinator.  He stated that the equipment has been ordered and that these funds are not being used for the purchase of a communication tower.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a letter from Representative Vince Fechtel, Jr., requesting the Board to reconsider financially supporting the Central Florida Zoological Society.  The Board requested that the Clerk contact Representative Fechtel and inform him that at the present time Lake County is unable to provide the Zoological Society with any financial assistance.

licenses and permits

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a streamlined procedure for the issuing of gun permits.  Changes made were the application fee would be set at $5.00, the Clerk’s Office will make three copies of the person’s driver’s license (containing a picture) in lieu of the three photographs, an interview with the State Attorney will not be a requirement, and that the person, after obtaining the proper card form may have his fingerprints made at his local police department.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved and adopted the revised gun permit procedure as amended.  Commr. Deems and Commr. Windram voted “no.”

In the case of renewals, the applicant must submit a letter requesting a renewal of his license and does not have to fill out a new application form.

accounts allowed

Commr. Hoskinson stated that the National Association of County Commissioners is having its annual legislative conference in Washington D.C. February 25-27, 1975 and would like the Board to approve travel for any Commissioner, County Attorney, and the Clerk.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following Contractor Bonds:

370-75             Robert W. Harper dba Harper Plumbing & Heating Co.

577-75             Bill Brant dba Brant Brothers, Inc.

981-75             Vertis B. Hall (Carpentry-Specialty)

1244-75           Forrest E. Williams, Jr. (General Contractor)

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the cancellation of the following Contractor Bonds:

445                  Gerald Smith

958-75             Steven W. Griffing Jr.

1077-75           Donald R. Taylor

1137                Jerry Lamar Wilbanks dba Wilbanks Decorator

1151                James E. McKnight

hospitals

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of Sylvester Brown and James Larry to the A. G. Holley State Hospital.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment to Block and Associates $1,500 for preparing, proctoring and grading approximately 40 examinations for Lake County.

contracts and agreements

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board directed the Chairman to sign the Right of Way Contract from the DOT for the work to be done on State Road 33 & 50 in Groveland to State Road 561.

courthouse

Mr. Watkins presented to the Board three quotations from Carpet Cleaners for the cleaning of the rugs in the Courthouse.  They are as follows:

Stanley Steamer                                 $1,013.04

Positive Stean Cleaning (Dry)           $  600.00

Steam Cleaning                                  $  868.00

Richard’s Carpet Maintenance          $  723.00

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the quotation from Richard’s Carpet Maintenance being the best and lowest quotation of those received for steam cleaning the carpets in the Courthouse.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Deputy Sheriff Bonds for Lee Bullard, Joseph Faxio, Joseph Fields, Sandra Franklin, Oscar Berry, Robert McDonald, William Waller, and John Rodweller were cancelled.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the changing of the gun permit for David Nipper from a Rohm, .38 calibre Serial Number HFO 100637 to a Python Colt .357 calibre Serial Number SRN 74359.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the changing of the gun permit for R. P. Jarnagin from a Colt, .38 calibre Serial Number 508580 to a Colt of .38 calibre Serial Number C 69990.

checks received

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board accepted a check in the amount of $219.29 from the Tax Collector for unclaimed redemption money.

oklawaha basin rec. & water conservation & control

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request of the Water Authority for the County to furnish them with a DANGER sign which is to be placed in the Dead River.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved postage in the amount of $300 for County Court use in the Criminal and Civil Division.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the fourth installment for the Tax Collector in the amount of $12,558.72 if there is contingency money available.

state agencies

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the expenditure of $800 to carpet the offices of the Division of Youth Services.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved gun permits for the following:

Clifford Lee Baumgardner                 William M. Ritter

Leeola Gamble                                   Melvin Lee Williams

Fred W. Breuche                                Howard Fox

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved a refund of $5.00 to the above applicants due to the reduction of the application fee as approved earlier in the day.

roads – county

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for a CATTLE CROSSING sign to be erected on Carter Island Road, which is a County-maintained road for public safety.

county employees

Mr. T. H. Poole, President of the Tri City Branch of the NAACP, appeared before the Board to discuss with them the hiring policy of the Board with regard to the minority.  A point of discussion was the possibility of having a central filing system where all applications would be held, and then when there is a need for a particular type of worker, those applications pertaining to that field would be pulled for consideration.

The Board reminded Mr. Poole that it was County Policy to be an equal opportunity employer and that when a person applies for a job, their application is available for any Department Head to review.

Mr. Poole suggested that a position for a Black Director of County Employment be created for the purpose of accepting applications and making recommendations for employment; however, he did not want this position to have any dealings with the discipline of the work force.  The Board stated that this had been discussed several times and that it felt Lake County was too small to warrant such a position being created, and it was the policy of the Board not to create positions, thus using taxpayers money, for positions that are not needed at this time.

Mr. Poole suggested that the Board encourage the State Offices to hire the minority.  The Board stated that it has no say whatsoever in the hiring procedure of the State Offices; however, the Board would write a letter which would be sent to all Offices and Department Heads stating the hiring procedures of the County with regards to the minority population.

The Board informed Mr. Poole that due to the economic situation and the fact that the Tax Bills have not yet been mailed, there has been a freeze on the hiring of new employees and the turnover of the present employees has been extremely low.

Mr. Poole before leaving handed a letter to the Board outlining what the Tri-City Branch of the NAACP wants the County to do with regards to hiring practices in the County.  The Board referred this letter to the County Attorney for an appropriate answer and requested that copies be sent to the proper authorities.

planning and zoning

Discussion was held regarding the placement of a mobile home on a construction site.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board established a policy where as a mobile home may not be placed on a building site during construction without the prior approval of the Board of County Commissioners.

minutes

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the minutes of the meeting of December 10, 1974 as amended.  Amended copy is on file in the Minute Folder of December 1974.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the minutes of the meeting of December 17, 1974 as amended.  Amended copy is on file in the Minute Folder of December 1974.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of December 30, 1974 as amended.  Amended copy is on file in the Minute Folder of December 1974.

meetings

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board changed the regular Board meeting of March 11, 1975 to Thursday, March 13, 1975, due to a special State Association of County Commissioners Conference which the Board approved for the Commissioners to attend in Washington, D.C.

county property

Mr. Watkins stated that the Pioneer Building was scheduled to be demolished on Wednesday, January 15, 1975. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Pioneer Building was declared obsolete and a safety hazard.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Ford, County Attorney, presented to the Board the Contract with Geophysical Service, Inc. for Vibroseis Survey.  At this time an additional provision was placed in the contract which would make this agreement good for six months.  The Board authorized the Chairman to sign this agreement as amended to date.

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

___________________________

J.M. Hoskinson, chairman

 

­­­­­________________________

James C. Watkins, Clerk