A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

march 4, 1975

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 1975, at 9:00 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  J. M. Hoskinson, Chairman; C.A. “Lex” Deems; Thomas J. Windram; James R. Carson, Jr.; Glenn C. Burhans.  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 Jim Hoskinson.

roads-subdivision

Commr. Windram reported to the Board on the matter involving Curelia Drive in the Buckeye Addition.  Commr. Windram stated that he had talked with the residents and it had been decided that the 300 feet in new construction would be reduced from 20 feet wide to 14 feet wide to be consistent with the rest of the road and that this road would be paved, and paid for entirely by the residents, with the understanding that it would not be taken into the County maintained system.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved this road work.

roads-county

Commr. Windram stated that he had received a petition from the residents on Westland Road in the Sylvan Shores Subdivision requesting that this road be taken into the County maintained system, as it now meets County standards.  Commr. Windram stated that about one year ago the County accepted into the system the roads in the Sylvan Shores that were used by the school buses and apparently Westland Road was omitted.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board accepted Westland Road into the County maintained system.

autos and trucks

Commr. Deems stated that about one month ago, the Board discussed purchasing a small truck for use by the maintenance man when machine repairs are needed at the various MVI Stations.  Commr. Deems stated that there are no surplus vehicles and recommended that advertisement for bids be approved for the purchase of a vehicle.  At this time, Commr. Burhans stated that he had a request for one 3/4 ton and three small trucks to be used by the Mosquito Control Department and suggested that all the needed vehicles be purchased at one time.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Public Works Department to write the specifications for the above mentioned vehicles which will be advertised for April 8, 1975 at 9:45 A.M.

county employees

Commr. Carson brought to the attention of the Board a letter which was received from Mr. Jackson A. Haddox, County Extension Director, regarding family employment restrictions.  Mr. Haddox stated that he would like to continue the employment of Miss Doris Milligan, Home Extension Economist, upon her marriage to Mr. Bert Taylor.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the continued employment of Miss Doris Milligan, Home Extension Economist.

contracts and agreements

Dr. Eugene D. Minnietta, Executive Director of the Youth Volunteer Counselor Program, appeared before the Board to request its continued support of this program for the 1975-76 fiscal year.  Discussion was held.  Mr. Minnietta reminded the Board that he was aware that if the Board did approve to continue its support, the County money would not be available until October 1, 1975.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the resolution and directed the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Subgrant Application committing the County to its matching share of $4,159.00 for the period of July 1, 1975 through June 30, 1976 with the understanding that Lake County’s funds will not be available until October 1, 1975.

appropriations

Commr. Burhans stated that he had received information regarding a substantial amount of money which would be made available through the CETA II funds.  Points of discussion were the possibility of the Public Works Department setting up projects that could be done by CETA II employees, or the possibility of creating a department for the purpose of cleaning up the various parks and rights-of-way.  However, the Board agreed that it did not want to get into the position that when the CETA II funds are discontinued, the County will have become dependent or obligated to retain these employees.  Commr. Windram suggested that the Board consider the hiring of an administrator knowledgeable in all aspects of government grants.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board, through Commr. Burhans, approved the employment of a CETA coordinator whose responsibility will be to handle all administrative aspects of the CETA program and that any projects for CETA employees will be brought to the Board through this coordinator.

public health

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had been contacted by Mr. William VanLandingham regarding the 9-1-1 Statewide Emergency Telephone Number.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he was reminded that this system must be implemented by 1977.  Mr. VanLandingham has been working with Florida Telecommunications Incorporated and felt that he could show the County how this system could become operative in an inexpensive manner.

The Board, therefore, established a meeting on March 24, 1975 at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners Room to discuss this matter with the various Volunteer Fire Departments, Sheriff, Hospital Districts, Lake County Civil Defense Director, Doctor Langley, Chairman of the Lake County EMS Council, and the City Police and Fire Chief.

roads-county

The Board set up a special meeting to be held on March 17, 1975 at 9:00 A.M. to discuss the Five Year Road Program.  Mr. Michael Donoghue, County Engineer, was directed to contact the municipalities requesting they submit their proposed projects to the Board prior to March 17, 1975.

Mr. George Smith, Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board for the second time in a series of three meetings.

Mr. Smith presented an updated cash flow chart which shows the various projects and the status of each.

Points of discussion were: the use of the gas tax; how the priorities will be established for this year’s Five Year Road Program; and the possibility of the County being able to bid on DOT projects within Lake County.

recess and assembly

At 12:00 noon the Chairman announced that the Commissioners would adjourn for lunch at the Silver Lake Golf and Country Club.  The Board reconvened at 1:30 P.M.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved for Mr. Aubrey Hayes, Welfare Director, to attend the meetings that would be of benefit to his department at the State Association of County Commissioners meeting in Jacksonville, March 9-11, 1975.  Commr. Deems was out of the meeting for the vote.

tax assessments

The Clerk presented a petition from Martha and William Burleigh requesting special assessment on property owned by them and located within the city limits of Tavares, Florida, in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 193.501 titled “Outdoor recreational or park lands; assessment.”  This was referred to the County Attorney.

planning and zoning

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had received a letter from Lieutenant Governor Williams regarding the Green Swamp as an Area of State Critical Concern.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he is trying to get an appointment with him in order to discuss the problems that exist.

courthouse

Commr. Hoskinson stated that the advertised hearing regarding the exchange of land between the County and Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Duncan would be postponed until 2:10 P.M.  The Chairman asked if there was anyone present wishing to voice their comments with regards to this hearing.  There was no acknowledgement to the Chairman’s question.

county buildings

James C. Watkins, Clerk, stated that the Board had received a letter from the insurance company which is covering the County with regards to liability coverage, the Iowa National Mutual Insurance Company.  He stated that their representative had made specific suggested repairs in the various County Departments and Buildings.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved that the necessary repairs be made as outlined in the letter from the Iowa National Mutual Insurance Company.  Commr. Deems was not present for the vote.

accounts

The Clerk reminded the Board that it must make a decision as to which bank it would use on a yearly basis for the Road and Bridge Tax monies.  He further stated that the Finance Department requested that a specific bank also be established on a yearly basis to handle the demand accounts of the General Revenue, Road and Bridge and the Fine and Forfeiture Funds.

commissioners

Commr. Deems arrived for the afternoon session of the Board meeting at 2:10 P.M.

courthouse

At 2:10 P.M. the Clerk read the proof of publication for the hearing regarding the exchange of land between the County and Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Duncan.

The Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who would object to a postponement of this hearing.  There was no acknowledgement to the Chairman’s question.

public health

Mr. William Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, appeared before the Board regarding the location of the Wisconsin-Michigan sewage treatment plant.

Mr. Morton Aulls, Attorney, is representing Krygoski Construction Company, Inc. who has petitioned the Board for a rehearing regarding this matter.  He stated that his client was out of town and requested that the matter be postponed until the second meeting in March.  The request met with no opposition from the Board members or Mr. Hennessey.

At this time, Mr. Hennessey presented a site plan for the treatment plant of Imperial Terrace.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the site plan of the sewage treatment plant of Imperial Terrace as approved by William Hennessey, Director of Pollution Control.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of an IBM Correcting Selectric at a cost of $630 for the Pollution Control Department.  The Board stated that any transfers needed to purchase this piece of equipment must be made within the Pollution Control Department’s Budget.

autos and trucks

Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, requested permission to advertise for five new trucks.  Discussion was held regarding the possibility of purchasing the trucks needed by the County directly off the lot.  Mr. Donoghue stated that in 1973, Ford Motor Company was awarded the bid for six trucks of which only four have been received and he stated that he had received notification that the County would have to pay an additional $800 for the remaining two vehicles.  In view of this information, it was moved by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, that the action of the Board approving the advertisement of four mini trucks and one 3/4 ton truck be rescinded.  Commr. Deems was directed to look into the matter and report back to the Board as to the number of vehicles that are needed.

maps and plats

Michael Donoghue presented the plat of Dora Pines Subdivision, Unit 3.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the plat of Dora Pines, Unit 3, meeting all County requirements and approved by the County Attorney, County Planner, and County Engineer, was approved for recording and the Addendum to the Escrow Agreement was accepted.  Commr. Hoskinson voted “no.”

public health

Mr. Donoghue presented a letter from the State of Florida, Department of Pollution Control, regarding the closing of the landfill in Clermont.  He stated that they had requested that he, as the County Engineer and agent for Lake County, sign the letter which he received and conform to the closing procedure and dates as outlined in the letter.  Discussion was held.  Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he would advise Mr. Donoghue not to sign any form or letter committing the County to anything.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the County Engineer was directed to write to the State Department of Pollution Control and inform them that the County intends to close this dump by July 1, 1975 as proposed.

resolution-roads

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board adopted resolutions establishing a 35 MPH speed limit on DR 5-7864 and a 25 MPH speed limit on DR 5-7764 and DR 5-7762 and authorized the signs to be located in appropriate positions.

roads-county

Mr. Donoghue presented a request from Elizabeth Marshall to have DR 4-6079, running north from 44A to Lake Eldorado, renamed to East Eldorado Lake Drive.  The Board requested the County Engineer to follow the County policy with regards to the renaming of roads and present this request upon the completion of this procedure.

county property

Mr. Donoghue reported that it would take approximately 636 feet of fencing, barbed wire and the moving of a 20 foot gate to comply with the request to fence in an additional area at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Mr. Donoghue presented three quotations as follows:

Company                                            Price

Huett                                                   $2,591.00

Holmes, Inc.                                       $2,090.00

Protecto, Inc.                                      $2,024.87

 

Discussion was held.  At this time the Board requested that Commr. Burhans researched the matter further, and therefore, took no action to this request at this time.

deeds

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed 1739.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the recording of a right-of-way deed for John R. Arnold, Forest L. Arnold, and M.L. Myerholtz on the Boggy Marsh Road (DR 3-0257) and that this road be placed on the list of roads for future construction.

road and bridge

Mr. Donoghue requested permission to rent two pan trucks to move the overburden off of the clay that the County has been given at Bob Wade Ford.  The Board discussed the amount of money involved and stated that this clay was to be obtained by the County at no expense.  No action was taken at this time.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Michael Donoghue, County Engineer, to attend the seminar on Labor Relations sponsored by the AWPA in Tampa, on April 21 & 22, 1975, and approved payment of the advance registration fee of $75.00.

county employees

Commr. Hoskinson stated the Clerk would like approval of the Board to meet with all department heads and supervisors to advise them of the Do’s and Don’ts regarding Labor Management.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Employee Relations Committee to meet with department heads and supervisors to instruct them as to the procedures they should follow with regard to their employees.

roads-county

The Board established March 27, 1975 at 9:00 A.M. as the date for the Commissioners and all necessary parties to make a road trip throughout the County.

resolutions

Commr. Hoskinson stated that Mr. David Newell, a local author, recently had his book published entitled “If Nothin’ Don’t Happen.”  Commr. Hoskinson thought it would be appropriate for the Board to formally recognize his accomplishment.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution commending David Newell as being an outstanding citizen of Lake County.

county property

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had attended an organizational meeting regarding Farm City Week.  He further stated that the people organizing these festivities are under the impression that they will be allowed to use the facilities at the Lake County Fairgrounds free of charge.  Discussion was held.  Due to the other charitable and non-profit organizations that have been denied the use of the building because the Board could not waive the required fees, the Board felt it could not make an exception for Farm City Week.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Clerk to write a letter to Farm City and inform them that the Board of County Commissioners has set a policy with regards to the use of the Expo Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds and that they will be responsible for the normal charges imposed at the Fairgrounds in November 1975.  Commr. Burhans requested that J. Carl Smith, Executive Director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, inform the Chairman of the Farm City Week festivities of the rules and regulations governing the Expo Center.

southwest florida water management district

Mr. Derrill McAteer, Chairman of the Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, appeared before the Board to discuss the transfer of Lake County from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to the St. John’s Water Management District.  Others present were Senator Jim Glisson, Representative Vince Fechtel and Representative Richard Langley.  Points of discussion were: the unique position that Lake County has with the Southwest District by having a representative on the Board; the money that Lake County might lose through the taxing power of the Southwest District if Lake County transferred in the middle of the year; the introduction of a Bill by the Southwest District constituents delaying the transfer of Lake County into the St. John’s District; and the stand that the Southwest District took regarding the Green Swamp Area.

Commr. Carson was concerned about the canal that still appeared on the official maps of the Southwest Florida Management District, which if constructed would cause water in Lake County to flow in a southwesterly direction.  Mr. McAteer stated that this canal would never be constructed and served no purpose in the plans of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would like to obtain more information before a definite was made.  He further stated that the views of other counties involved in the transfer would be important so as to avoid creating a position of Lake County and St. John’s River Water Management District vs. Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Mr. McAteer stated that Lake County should be very careful on how it addresses itself to this transfer because there are several larger counties who are in opposition.

Commr. Carson asked what would take place if Lake County took no adverse action regarding this matter.  Representative Langley stated that possibly another county might attempt to delay the transfer.  Senator Glisson informed the Board that to his knowledge there is no bill on the Senate calendar at this time to delay the transfer.  Mr. McAteer stated that if Lake County proceeded with the scheduled transfer there would be a bill introduced in the Senate in favor of a delay.  The Board stated that before any definite decision was made as to Lake County’s position, the Board would like to meet with the governing bodies of the St. John’s River Water Management District.  The Board invited Mr. McAteer to attend this meeting.  He stated that there was a philosophy conflict and declined the Board’s invitation.

The Board assured our Legislative Delegation that they would be informed as to the time and date of the proposed meeting with the St. John’s River Water Management and any decisions derived therefrom.

accounts

At this time, Commr. Windram stated he had to leave the meeting and as this was the last meeting of the month the Board would have to decide which banks would hold the demand accounts of the County on a yearly basis as well as the bank which would hold the Road and Bridge Tax money.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the banks as listed below would be given the accounts as follows:

            Citizens National Bank of Leesburg              Road and Bridge Tax Money

            Atlantic Bank of Eustis                                  General Revenue (demand)

            Sun First National Bank of Leesburg            Road and Bridge Fund (demand)

            Exchange Bank of Clermont                          Fine and Forfeiture Fund (demand)

 

Commr. Carson and Commr. Deems abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest and have filed the necessary forms with the State of Florida Commission on Ethics.  A copy is on file in the office of the Board of County Commissioners.

oklawaha basin recreation & water conservation & control authority

The Board returned to the discussion regarding the transfer of Lake County to the St. John’s Management District.

Senator Glisson and Representatives Fechtel and Langley asked if the Board was going to take a definite stand with regards to this matter which in turn would give them an idea as to what stand they should take in the Legislature.  The Board stated that they were in no position at this time to make any definite decision, but would like to talk about this matter with the Legislative Delegation and the St. John’s Water Management District.  Commr. Carson stated that he would establish a date for this meeting and report back to the Board.

bonds

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

            1049-75           Houston T. Hales (carpentry, masonry and roofing)

            1254                James W. Miller (specialty)

 

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

            813-75             Sal Revello

            1137                Jerry Lamar Wilbanks dba Wilbank’s Decorator

 

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, Deputy Sheriff Bonds were approved for Joe Frank Short, Byron F. McClure, Carvin D. Parker and John Ray Wood.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the bonds for Philip Conant and Robert Carbaugh as members of the Board of Trustees of the Lake-Sumter Community College.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the $500 bond for Henry Adams.

hospitals

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the admission of Clarence Peoples to the A.G. Holley State Hospital.

resolutions

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board adopted a resolution requesting a County-wide highway safety study be done in Lake County in the Fiscal Year 1975-1976 and authorized the County Engineer to make the necessary applications.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved that a Tarus, 38 caliber, serial number 878462 be added to the gun permit for Alvin Knight.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved travel for Phil Yoder, Mosquito Control Director, to attend the Florida Anti-Mosquito Association 1975 Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Motor Inn in Fort Myers, April 13-16, 1975.

county tax collector

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board acknowledged receipt of the 1974-1975 budget of the Tax Collector.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the purchase of a Cold Aerosol Fog Generator and Strobe Flasher at a total cost of $3,075.00 from Lowndes Engineering Company in Valdosta, Georgia, being the only state approved manufacturer of this equipment.

licenses and permits

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

            Willis McCall                         Doris McCall

            Samuel L. Emlich                   Frederick Ladd, Jr.

            Dennis Wright                        Robert Goff

            George White, Jr.                   Wendell Brock

 

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board denied the gun permits for John Myers, Paula Myers, and Willie Sager.

communications

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, presented a letter from the 3M Company informing the Board of an increase in the cost of Scotchlite Brand Reflective Sheeting, which they supply the County with under contract.  Their contract has an escalator clause and, therefore, this letter is to notify the Board of the increased cost effective April 1, 1975.  The Board requested a copy of this letter be sent to the County Engineer and the Finance Office.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the following transfers were approved:

            County Attorney’s Budget

Transfer $25.00 from #2103334 “Commissions, Fees & Costs” to #2103329 “Dues & Membership.”

 

Welfare Services Budget

Transfer $1,500.00 from #5221307 “Welfare, Direct Cash Payments” to #5221308-1 “Food” (Food account overspent)

 

Disposal Plant Budget

Transfer $72.40 from #7102338 “Maintenance of Equipment” to #7102204 “Supplies”

 

The Clerk stated that all department heads have been requested to watch their budgets because there will be no overspending of budgets unless it receives approval of the board.

budgets

The Clerk stated that due to the fact that a budget had to be established for the CETA II funds, it would be more efficient to amend the 1974-1975 budget in accordance with Chapter 129.06 (d) of the Florida Statutes.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board adopted the amended 1974-1975 budget of the General Revenue Fund in accordance with Florida Statutes.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the transfer of $4,000 from Contingency in the Fine and Forfeiture Fund to #9210603 “Refunds Prior Year Revenue” and authorized a warrant in the above amount to Thomas Walker to comply with an Order signed by Circuit Judge John W. Booth on March 3, 1975.

road and bridge

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the hauling of a load of peat moss by the Road and Bridge Department for Terrell Davis, County Forester, in relation to the transplanting of the plant life around the Old Courthouse.

accounts

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the purchase of a storage cabinet for the Planning Department at a cost of $100 in place of one of the file cabinets approved in the 1974-1975 budget at $125.00 each.

animals

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board accepted and authorized the Clerk to sign the Temporary Emergency Agreement signed by the City of Umatilla with regards to the collection of animals within its city limits.

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