A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
august 5, 1975
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, August 5, 1975 in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Present were: J. M. Hoskinson, Chairman; C.A. 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. Absent was Commr. Thomas Windram who was out of town on vacation.
The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by James R. Carson, Jr.
municipalities
Mr. Larry Taylor, Attorney, appeared before the Board to present a petition on behalf of John W. Hogsett, Charles Winstons Holmes, Judy Holmes, Edwain Padgett and Ruthann Padgett, regarding the density regulations on a piece of land that has been recently annexed into the Town of Lady Lake. He stated that according to Chapter 171.062 of the Florida Statutes, it states that property annexed into any municipality, subsequent to the first day of October 1974, shall bear the same density of population as provided for under the County Zoning attached to the property prior to annexation. He stated that this property was annexed into the Town of Lady Lake on the fourth day of November 1974. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board accepted the petition as presented by Mr. Taylor and adopted a resolution which approves the increase of density of population as it relates to certain properties annexed into the Town of Lady Lake. Commr. Deems abstained from the discussion and voting due to the fact that he owns property abutting the property in question. The proper disclosure forms have been filed with the Ethics Committee in Tallahassee.
tax valuation and equalization
At this time, Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that an organizational meeting had to be established for the Board of Tax Adjustment. Therefore, an organizational meeting was set for August 19, 1975 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.
appropriations
The Clerk presented to the Board, at this time, an update of the positions presently being funded through CETA and the additional requested positions from the municipalities and various organizations.
Mr. Watkins stated that he had gone to Tallahassee at the request of the Board and spoke with Mr. Chuck Bates, State CETA Planner, and that he assured him that the operation of the CETA Program as outlined in two memorandums previously presented to the Board were correct and that he would confirm this in writing to the Board of County Commissioners and the Clerk as soon as possible. At this time, the Clerk stated that the only addition to the County’s responsibility regarding CETA funds was that the County had to compile and submit to the State monthly financial reports.
Mr. Watkins stated that the Board had to set priorities for the CETA funds. At this point, Commr. Carson asked Mr. Glyn Faircloth from the State Employment Service if he had reviewed the applications of those persons placed in positions which were approved by the State before the County became a Program Agent. Mr. Faircloth stated that all applications had been reviewed and that the people placed in these positions did qualify for a CETA position.
At this time, Commr. Carson asked if the requested position change from the Sunrise Workshop was included in the presently funded positions or if it was handled as an entirely new request. Mr. Watkins stated that this change was treated as an entirely new request and was on the list of requested positions for the establishment of priority by the Board. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved to refund and establish as the number one priority the presently existing positions under CETA II, VI, and EEA.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board established the number two priority to be the request from the Sunrise Workshop for a Building and Grounds Work Supervisor and an Assembly Work Program Supervisor.
Skipper Babb, Attorney, appeared before the Board and stated that he was involved in a program entitled Open Door, Inc. He stated that they had been approved for funding; however, the name of their organization did not appear on the list presently before the commissioners. At this time, Mr. Ken Law from the Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security stated that a contract to fund this program had been signed but that funds had just begun to be drawn from the allotted amount and there may be no problem with this funding. He stated that he would contact the necessary authority to find out how long the allotted funds will last.
At this time, the City Administrator from Tavares appeared before the Board and stated that it would like the Board to give its attention mainly to two of the twelve requested positions, those two being an additional patrolman and a fireman. He stated that the funding of these two positions were the most important to the City of Tavares. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board established priority number three to be the first newly requested position from each municipality and the positions requested by South Lake Memorial Hospital, and that the priorities will be numbered consecutively according to the order of positions submitted to the County by the municipalities.
Mr. Ken Law returned to the Board and stated that Open Door, Inc. had enough funding to carry its operations through to April 6, 1976. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board amended its prior motion establishing the number one priorities to include the funding of Open Door, Inc. from April 6, 1976 to June 30, 1976.
Commr. Hoskinson stated that it had been requested by the City of Tavares to raise the salary of its maintenance man who is employed under CETA funding. The Board instructed the Clerk to notify the proper authorities in Tavares that under the guidelines, salary increases are not permitted.
roads-county
Mr. George Smith from the Department of Transportation appeared before the Board for a general workshop discussion session.
Mr. Smith stated that Lake County had decided to do the necessary road work on SR S-565 and, therefore, would like a resolution from Lake County deleting project number 522608 from Lake County’s Secondary Road budget. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted the above resolution as requested by the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Smith stated that according to the five year road program, work was not scheduled for Donnelly Street in Mount Dora. He stated that he would review the problem which exists on this road in detail and write a formal letter to the Board which would include recommendations.
Commr. Hoskinson stated that the Board had not taken any action on the material received from the DOT regarding road classification. Mr. Smith stated that the DOT only wants the County Commissioners to study the proposed classification and submit their recommendations as to why they do or do not agree with the proposed road classification.
appropriations
Mr. George Johnson from the Lake Community Action Agency appeared before the Board requesting from the County $10,000 in matching funds for programs for the senior citizens of Lake County. The Board members stated that it would take it into consideration when discussing the budget but could make no definite commitment at this time.
recess and reassembly
At 12:00 Noon the Chairman announced that the Commissioners would adjourn for lunch at the Silver Lake Golf and Country Club. The public and press were invited on a dutch treat basis.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the purchase of one Kemmerer Water Sampler and one 45 Brass Messenger at a total cost of $124.95 for the Pollution Control Department.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the purchase of a Sand Auger and the necessary accessories at a total cost of $91.07 for the Pollution Control Department subject to the Pollution Control Director investigating whether or not the County does not already own one that is not being utilized.
planning and zoning
On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the request, upon the recommendation of the Planning Department, for Mr. Richard Woody, Mr. Franklin Hodge, and Mr. John Q. Ausley to live in mobile homes on a temporary basis on the same piece of property while their permanent home is being constructed. And said mobile home is to be removed upon the completion of the structure or before if ordered by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
public health
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the board appointed the following persons to serve on the 911 Emergency Phone Number Committee for Lake County: Mr. Robert Tanner, Sheriff’s Department; Chief Robert Smythe, Lake County Fire Chief’s Association; Mr. Earl Treadway, EMS Council; Mr. Bob Drogo, Florida Telephone Corporation; Mr. David Matthews Jr., Small Municipality; and Mr. Ellsworth Hoppe, Large Municipality. At this time, the Chairman appointed Commr. Carson to represent the Board of County Commissioners on this Committee. The Clerk stated that Mr. Vanlandingham, the State’s Representative for the 911 System, wished to establish a meeting with this Committee the first part of September. The Clerk was instructed to arrange this meeting at a time and place convenient to all the members.
courthouse
Commr. Hoskinson stated that the Courthouse Committee had met regarding the phone system in the new Courthouse. He informed the Board that a change order would have to be issued because it was necessary to have three inch conduit installed for this system. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board authorized for a work order change to be issued changing the size of the conduit to three inches for the phone system.
At this time, Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that the Courthouse Committee had also reviewed placing fire escapes on the existing Courthouse. It was stated that the architects believed it could cost approximately $40,000. Discussion was held. The Board directed the Clerk to notify the architects to postpone any work or compiling of information regarding the placement of fire escapes on the existing Courthouse until further notice from the Board.
road closings
At 2:00 P.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the public hearing to close certain roads in Lisbon. The Clerk read the proof of publication and the description is as follows:
A. The thirty foot east-west street lying between lots 9, 10, 11, 12 and lots 13, 14, 15, and 16.
B. The thirty foot north-south street lying between lots 12 and 13 and lots 11 and 14.
C. The sixty foot north-south street lying between lots 11 and 14 and lots 10 and 15.
D. The thirty foot north-south street lying between lots 10 and 15 and lots 9 and 16.
Mrs. Ruby Sapp appeared before the Board and stated that she owned property in this area and had no objection to these streets being closed as long as it did not interfere with her property.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted the resolution closing the above described roads as outlined in the petition presented to the Board.
public health
Mr. Donoghue appeared before the Board regarding a garbage franchise involving a partnership which has been dissolved. He stated that Herbert Wilkes, one of the previous partners, would like to apply for another franchise. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the garbage franchise for Mr. Herbert Wilkes upon inspection by the County Engineer of the equipment to be used in his business and upon the surrender to the County Engineer and cancellation of franchise #10 under the name of W&R Refuse.
At this time, Mr. Donoghue stated that a Mr. James M. Hendrichson was under contract with the Federal Government collecting garbage at the campsites in the Ocala National Forest and dumping in the government pit in Paisley and did not have a garbage franchise. Discussion was held. No action was taken because he was picking up on Federal Government land only.
roads-subdivision
Michael Donoghue presented to the Board a request from the attorney representing Loch Leven Subdivision requesting that the deposit of $20,000 for the construction of the main entrance road to its development be returned to the developers since their plans were not developing and the road in question would not be built. Discussion was held regarding what effect this would have on the CUP which was issued to the developer. The matter was referred to the County Attorney for his recommendation to the Board.
deeds
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed 977 except for 25 feet from the center line.
roads-subdivision
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board accepted the roads in Quail Roost Subdivision upon the recommendation of the County Engineer meeting all the County requirements, and authorized the Escrow Account to be released and that the roads be taken into the County maintained system.
roads-county
Mr. Donoghue presented to the Board a request from the residents in the Astor Campsites to purchase stop signs and speed limit signs in their area at a cost of $215.60. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the placement of stop signs only on public road entering into roads that are County maintained in the Astor Forest Campsites at no cost to the residents.
Mr. Donoghue presented to the Board a request from Mr. Arthur Morgan to purchase a sign for Pine Street in Tavares. No action was taken. The Board requested Mr. Donoghue contact Mr. Morgan and inform him that it is against County policy to sell signs to private individuals.
Mr. Donoghue reported that the Board approved for signs to be placed near the Pasco Fire Station informing motorists of fire vehicles entering the highway; however, he stated that these signs would have to be placed on the State right of way which the County cannot do.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved for the signs to be made and given to the Pasco Fire Department for placement.
resolutions
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted a resolution establishing a speed limit of 25 mph on Wilson Parish Road and a speed limit on S-478 of 45 mph.
roads-state
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the commencement of work on S-565 by the County.
municipalities
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the request from the City of Mount Dora to borrow a County pump to pump out a percolation pond within its city. Commr. Deems voted “no.”
roads-subdivision
Mr. Donoghue reported to the Board the drainage problem that exists at Venetian Village. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board referred this to Commr. Hoskinson and the County Engineer for their investigation and recommendation to the Board.
state agencies
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the request from the Lake Correctional Institute for the County to furnish and load fill for work that is being done on this property.
municipalities
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the request from the City of Minneola for the County to load and haul two truck loads of clay to the City of Minneola with the understanding that they will be expected to pay the standard charges required by the County.
autos and trucks
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the advertising of two trucks to be used by the landfill and the Mosquito Control Department. These bids will be conducted under the new bid procedure adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the following bills be paid from the Escrow Account of Kings Cove:
Florida Sewer Service $17,828.55
Sandy Acres $10,561.68
Davis Water and Waste Industries $20,413.80
public health
At this time, Mr. Donoghue requested that the Board discuss charges to be placed on those using the various landfills. No action was taken at this time.
budget
Mrs. Doris Babb, Deputy-in-Charge of the Finance Department, appeared before the Board to report on the status of the budget. Discussion was held.
Mrs. Babb stated that in order for the County to receive State money for Landfill and Mosquito Control Departments, these two budgets had to be certified, approved and sent to Jacksonville by August 15, 1975. Mrs. Babb stated that the Board would still have the opportunity to amend these budgets if the Board wished to do so at a later date. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the budgets of the Landfill and the Mosquito Control Departments.
right of way
Mr. Donoghue requested guidance on the County’s policy in accepting road right of way. Discussion was held. The Board stated that when right of way is being dedicated, the County Engineer should urge the individual or company to deed the right of way to the public rather than to the County.
roads-county
Commr. Burhans presented to the Board a request from Mr. Larry Hughes, a Lake County resident, to have the name of Grand Island Shores Extension placed on DR 5-6245. Discussion was held. It was moved by Commr. Burhans to place the above requested name on DR 5-6245. Commr. Hoskinson removed himself as Chairman and handed the Chairmanship to Commr. Carson and then seconded the motion made by Commr. Burhans. The question was called for and Commr. Burhans and Commr. Hoskinson voted “yes.” Commr. Carson and Commr. Deems voted “no.” Commr. Carson acting as Chairman announced that the motion did not carry.
Commr. Hoskinson returned to his position as Chairman and asked the County Engineer to confer with Commr. Burhans and notify Mr. Larry Hughes on the policy followed by the County in this matter.
roads-county
Commr. Burhans presented to the Board a request from the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club in Astor for the County to take into its maintained system a clay road which leads to a public boat ramp in Astor. The Board requested that Mr. Donoghue research this request and to return to the Board with the necessary information regarding this matter.
courthouse
Commr. Burhans informed the Board that on November 15, 1975 at 2:30 P.M. the cornerstone of the new Courthouse will be laid by the Tavares Masons.
county employees
Commr. Hoskinson stated that the Board should consider the employment of a central purchasing agent. Discussion was held but no action was taken.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the cancellation of the following contractor bonds:
152-75 Bill J. Monn
905-75 George L. Jacobs
967-75 John E. Griffin
1189-74 John W. Vernon, Jr. dba Wildwood Mobile Homes, Inc.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the following contractor bonds were approved:
390 Graham Phillips dba B. Cap Electric
1194 David H. Hamilton
1277 T.L. Godwin, Jr. dba Godwin Electric
1278 Wayne Edward Reed
1279 Myer & Jacson Enterprises, Inc. dba Suburban Septic Service
1280 Robin F. Brown, Drywall
1281 Orville J. Hall, Sr.
1282 Joseph Mason dba Fairway Plumbing
1283 Jett Riley
1284 George Dougherty dba Dougherty & Williams
1285 Ronald Atley
1286 Thomas B. Adair
1287 James E. Rose Mechanical Contractor, Inc.
1288 Douglas A. Yerkes
licenses and permits
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the gun permits for the following: O.M. Simpson, Abe T. Gaskins, Fred P. Cooper and Roy Wrightam.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the gun permit bonds for the following: O.M. Simpson, Fred P. Cooper, Richard Chrisman, Abe Gaskins, Roy D. Wrightam and Marcia F. Smiley.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the bonds for Edythe H. Martin and Jimmy Ray Peacock as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Lake Sumter Community College.
planning and zoning
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board accepted with regrets the resignation of Mr. Lennon D. Jordan as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board requested the Clerk write him on behalf of the commissioners thanking him for his service to Lake County.
contracts and agreements
The Clerk presented to the Board an agreement regarding State fund reimbursement to counties for Medical Examiner Services for the Fiscal Year 1975-1976. This was referred to the County Attorney for his review.
ordinances
The County Attorney presented to the Board an emergency Ordinance regarding funds for the Sunrise Workshop.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board declared that an emergency existed involving the funds in the 1974-1975 budget for the Sunrise Workshop.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted the emergency Ordinance as presented by the County Attorney on its first and only reading.
county property appraiser
At this time, the Clerk presented to the Board the approved budget of the Property Appraiser. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board requested that a letter be written to Mr. Donald Stephens, Lake County Property Appraiser, informing him that the County does not feel that it is in a position to grant across the board salary increases and was adopting the policy of the State of Florida by holding all salaries for this fiscal year. The Board stated that it would like to hear his comments on this policy before the Board meets with a representative from the Department of Revenue to discuss the salary increases of his employees as listed in his budget.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board also requested that a letter be written to the County Tax Collector informing him that the County is holding the salaries of County employees this fiscal year and hopes that he will follow suit.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved travel for Fred Bollenberg to attend the Annual Convention of State Association of County Commissioners in Orlando, September 21-23, 1975 and authorized the necessary funds be transferred from Contingency.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the purchase of a Roots Blower to be installed on a fog truck in the Mosquito Control Department at a total cost of $603.42 plus freight.
hospitals
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the admission of Joseph Henry Clemons to the A.G. Holley State Hospital.
accounts-transfer
The Clerk presented to the Board a request from the Sheriff, Guy Bliss, for the transfer of $3,500 from Reserve for Contingency to Investigations and $6,500 to Expenses other than Salaries. The above request was moved by Commr. Deems and seconded by Commr. Carson. Commr. Deems and Commr. Carson voted “yes” with Commr. Hoskinson and Commr. Burhans voting “no.” The Chairman announced that the motion did not carry.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
___________________________
J.M. Hoskinson, chairman
___________________________
James C. Watkins, Clerk