A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

December 16, 1975

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 1975, in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Present were: Jim Hoskinson, Chairman; C.A. Deems; Thomas J. Windram; 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 Commr. C. A. Deems.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Windram reported to the Board that he had received some calls regarding the condition of the boat ramp at Marsh Park in Eustis. He stated that this is a seasonal problem and the County usually goes out to this location and repairs the ramp with clay. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized Commr. Burhans to confer with the County Engineer on this problem and make the necessary repairs.

right-of-way—roads

Commr. Windram presented to the Board information regarding the acquisition of the final piece of right of way needed to pave Glover Street in Eustis. He stated that the owner who will be donating the largest piece of right of way has requested certain commitments be made by the County regarding the construction of this road. Further discussion on this matter was postponed until late in the day.

road closings

At 9:30 a.m. the Chairman announced that it was time for the Board to consider an advertised correction of a Resolution regarding the closing of Woodland Road.

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this correction. The Clerk stated that the problem involved the publication of the wrong page number in the plat book. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted and approved the corrected Resolution regarding the closing of Woodland Road.

schools

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a request from Timothy J. Gallagher for the Board to certify that he is a resident of Lake County in order for his son to be admitted into the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. The Chairman asked the Clerk to find out if Mr. Gallagher is truly a resident of Lake County and report back to the Board later in the day.

right-of-way—roads

At this time the Board returned to the discussion of the road construction of Glover Street. Commr. Windram stated that the owner of property in question, Mr. Godley, wants the County to give him a definite date for the construction of this road. Commr. Windram stated that this would be impossible; however, he would be willing to give Mr. Godley an estimated date of construction which, of course, would be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Further discussion on this matter will be held later in the day.

schools

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Charles Broadway, Assistant Superintendent for Transportation Services for Lake County Schools, requesting that the County take into its maintained road system Greenway Drive in the Sylvan Shores Subdivision which is being used for a bus route. Discussion was held regarding the frequent changes being made in the school bus route in this area and the request for the County to maintain the roads used in the route. Commr. Windram stated that if the Board decided to take Greenway Drive into the County system a letter of agreement should be received from the School Board stating that this road, as well as the other four roads previously approved, will be the official School Bus Route used in this area and that the buses will not be rerouted to other roads within this subdivision.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board referred this request to the County Engineer for his inspection of the road and recommendation to the Board.

planning and zoning

Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board and presented a revised fee schedule for use by the Planning Department. Discussion was held. The Board requested that an addition be made under a CUP for mining to include the extraction of natural resources from the land and that the fee be $50 plus $10 an acre for this category. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the fee schedule for the Planning and Zoning Department and approved for a Resolution to be drawn by the County Attorney invoking same.

communications

Commr. Hoskinson reported to the Board that he had received a letter from Mr. F. Browne Gregg, President of Florida Crushed Stone Company, stating that he felt it was very important to the City of Leesburg and to Lake County that Dixie Avenue be widened as proposed. This was filed in the office of the Board of County Commissioners.

planning and zoning

Mr. Willett presented to the Board a request from Mr. Nelly Dillon for permission to live in a travel trailer on the same piece of property on which his permanent home is being built. Discussion was held on allowing travel trailers to be used for this purpose as well as conventional mobile homes. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board denied the request of Mr. Nelly Dillon as presented by the Planning Director.

communications

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Mrs. Ethel Stokes opposing the proposed widening of Dixie Avenue in Leesburg. This letter was read and filed.

machinery and equipment

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had been contacted by an individual who was willing to pay $100 for a pull grader that was located at the Minneola Barn. Commr. Burhans stated that it can still be used by the County and recommended that it not be sold. No further action was taken.

planning and zoning

Mr. Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, appeared before the Board regarding the location of the sewage treatment plant for Montverde Mobile Home Subdivision. He stated that the owner of the property, Mr. Smith, assured him that the spray field, pond and plant would be a minimum distance of 100 feet from adjacent property. At this time Mr. Hennessey recommended approval of this site. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the site location of the sewage plant, pond and spray field with the 100 foot stipulation as recommended by the Pollution Control Director.

maps and plats

Mr. Archie Rutledge appeared before the Board for tentative approval of the plat of Rutledge Village. The Board informed Mr. Rutledge that this was highly irregular and that the Board does not approve any plat until it is ready to record. Mr. Ford, County Attorney, informed Mr. Rutledge that he would advise the Board against approving a plat before it is ready to be recorded because there may arise a problem which could be grandfathered in due to such a request being honored by the Board. He further stated that when the plat was ready for formal approval it would be presented to the Board by the County Engineer at the proper agenda time.

public health

Commr. Deems stated that he had received many complaints regarding the location of one of the green boxes in the Astor area and recommended that it be moved to the old landfill site. Commr. Burhans stated that he would like to see it moved to the location of the new transfer station. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board directed the County Engineer that unless an alternate location can be found to locate the green box which is now on SR 40, by the end of the week, it is to be moved to the old Astor Landfill site.

ANIMALS

Mrs. Harold Yetter, Finance Chairman for the Lake County Friends of the Animal Shelter, appeared before the Board for Jennie Troesch regarding the initiation of a spaying program for Lake County. She stated that she had contacted some local veterinarians regarding the cost of such a program being adopted and informed the Board that it would cost $33.75 for spaying a female dog and $23.50 for a female cat. She stated that when an animal is adopted from the Shelter the individual would pay a portion of this fee and the rest would be picked up by the County through the use or Doctor Crum’s bequest to the County for the Animal Shelter. Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that he would confer with the Finance Department regarding the establishment of such an account. Discussion was held. It was stated that at the present time the Animal Shelter was not planning to have male dogs and cats neutered but hope the program would become successful that this also could be done.

Mr. Watkins reported to the Board that according to Mrs. Babb, Deputy in charge of the Finance Department, an account could be established for the purpose; however, funds would have to be transferred from Contingency to begin the program with the funds eventually being returned to the County as soon as the program begins to support itself. He stated that he would report back to the Board with a definite amount of funds that would have to be transferred as well as the name of the account under which this program would operate.

Mrs. Troesch asked if any funds remaining from the sale of dog tags could be placed into the spaying program fund. Commr. Deems stated that there may be a need for more manpower to enforce the County Ordinance; however, he saw no reason why some of the funds could not be used for the program if they were available for this use. At this time Mrs. Troesch asked if this program could begin January 1, 1976. This met with no opposition from the Board.

courthouse

Mr. Gregory Pait, Mr. Harvey Spears, Mr. George Bradshaw and Mr. Ed Kruger, representatives of the Florida Telephone Company, appeared before the Board to discuss the telephone problems which the Courthouse is experiencing.

Mr. Spears explained to the Board that the volume of communication traffic which the switchboard is receiving is tremendous and that he would recommend a traffic study in order to submit realistic recommendations on how this problem can be resolved. Various methods were discussed for a more efficient use of the switchboard which now exists in the Courthouse.

The Board requested that the necessary traffic study be made at no cost to the County and that they confer with Mr. Watkins regarding their recommendations for changes for presentation to the Board within 30 days.

recess and reassembly

At 12:00 Noon the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at the Silver Lake Golf and Country Club. The public and press were invited on a Dutch-treat basis.

planning and zoning

Mr. Michael Willett, Planning Director, appeared before the Board regarding the need to designate a Comprehensive Planning Agency for the County and recommended that it be the Planning and Zoning Commission. Discussion was held regarding the fact that this commission would be the final decision making body regarding the plans submitted by the municipalities. The Board members felt that this agency should be represented by the Board who were elected officials of the people in Lake County. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board designated the Lake County Board of County Commissioners to be the Planning Agency for the Comprehensive Plan and requested that Mr. Willett present to them a procedure which should be followed in this matter.

At this time Mr. Willett stated that Public Hearings should be held on the Comprehensive Plan before being sent to Tallahassee for approval; however, he informed the Board that it would not be able to adopt the Plan by Ordinance until it is received from Tallahassee. Mr. Willett stated that he hoped to have a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding this Plan sometime in February which would place it on the Board’s agenda for Public Hearing in the month of March. The Board approved for Mr. Willett to advertise and conduct the necessary public hearings.

planning and zoning

102-75-5 RMRP to RM C. B. Marshall

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. At this time Commr. Burhans stated that he would abstain from the discussion and vote due to a conflict of interest.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was denied without prejudice.

113-74-4 & 5 RP to A P & Z Commission

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously the Board approved the postponement of this case until January 20, 1976 at 2:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible.

106-75-5 R-1-7, C-2 to A Roy and Judy Smith

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. Discussion was held. Commr. Windram stated that if the operation develops, as it has been explained to the Board at this time, it would be a commercial brokerage operation and would not be suitable in Agricultural zoning. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved.

Discussion was held regarding the extent of the business operation. Commr. Windram stated that this should be investigated more thoroughly because he still felt that this would turn into a full commercial operation and would set a precedence for such businesses being allowed in the Agricultural district.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board rescinded its previous action and postponed this case until January 20, 1976 at 2:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible.

111-75-5 A to C-1 Roy E. Deerman

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this rezoning. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to C-1.

CUP 503-5 CUP in A for Volunteer Fire Station George Brown

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this CUP. On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was approved.

CUP 504-4 CUP in A for Volunteer Fire Station Mary and James Todd

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this CUP. ON a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was approved.

109-75-4 A to RR Paul & Frederick Gosnell

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this rezoning. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to RR.

105-75-4 C-1 to CP Frank Porter

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to CP.

116-75-4 RR to R-1-15 Donald B. Taylor

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to R-1-15.

CUP 505-4 CUP in RR for Child Day Care Center Janet Greene

At this time Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Mrs. Edna B. Boas opposing the approval of this CUP.

Miss Janet Greene appeared before the Board in favor of the approval of the CUP. She stated that she planned to fence in her backyard in order to contain the children in the rear section of the property where proper supervision could be maintained. She stated that there is concern over the traffic this Day Care Center would generate and she stated that the cars would be traveling this road in the morning to deliver the children and in the afternoon when the parents came to pick them up.

Mrs. Edna Boas, Mr. Charles Blacke and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wise, residents of the neighborhood, appeared before the Board in opposition to the granting of this CUP.

Mrs. Linda Johnson appeared before the Board in favor of the approval of the CUP. She stated that Miss Green had been caring for her two children for about two years and was a very responsible person and felt that she should be given a chance to develop her business.

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was denied.

112-75-3 Review conditions for a Tavern in CP P & Z Commission

Mr. Willett stated that this piece of property had been rezoned to CP with certain stipulations being imposed. Mr. Willett informed the Board that the owner of the Tavern has been cooperative and has made changes in the building that were not requested but were helpful in attempting to solve the problem.

Mr. Willett stated that when the CP was granted it was stipulated that acoustical tiling had to be installed and he would like to add, at this time, the wording “as approved by the Building Official.”

Mrs. Madge Honeycutt, Mrs. D. Warwick and Mr. Earl King, nearby residents of the establishment, appeared before the Board in opposition to the type of business that is being conducted and the noise which is generated during hours of operation and after closing hours. They requested the Board guide them on the ways they can have the operation of the business controlled. Commr. Windram stated that he had received a message from Edith Fortner opposing the operation of this establishment. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the stipulated change in the wording was approved as requested.

104-75-1 A to RM Roy Robbins

Mr. Willett stated that the applicant had withdrawn his application this morning. It was the feeling of the Board that a recommendation had been submitted to the Board and, therefore, action should be taken on the recommendation. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was denied.

107-75-1 RR to A Thedford King

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to Agricultural.

CUP 502-2 CUP for a Church in A Percy A. Walker

CUP 146-1 Revocation of a CUP P & Z Commission

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the CUP was revoked.

115-75-2 A to RA A. E. Roberts

110-75-3 RR to A Harry T. Huizenga

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board was upheld and the rezoning was approved to A.

114-75-1 LM to C-2 Catherine Lee Giles

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to the postponement of this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, this case was postponed until January 20, 1976 at 2:00 P.M.

108-75-1 RR to C-2 H. L. Pringle

Mr. Willett stated that Mr. Pringle requested that this case be postponed because he would be out of town and would not be able to attend this hearing. Mr. Robert Tuller appeared before the Board and stated that he was in opposition to this rezoning and would wait to deliver his comments to the Board until it heard the case and was ready to make a final decision. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board continued this case until January 20, 1976 at 2:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible.

At this time Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had received a letter from Dan Robuck, Attorney, informing him that a ruling had been handed down stating that when an individual applies for a rezoning he must represent himself at the various hearings or be represented by an attorney and not by another individual or agent. If another person does represent him, that person may be sued for practicing law without a license. Discussion was held. The County Attorney advised the Board that the public should be made aware of this ruling when making rezoning applications to the Planning Department.

ROADS- SUBDIVISION

Mr. Donoghue, County Engineer, appeared before the Board and requested that the Board accept the one year maintenance bond for the Meadows Subdivision and accept the roads into the County maintained system. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the roads of the Meadows Subdivision into the County maintained system and accepted the one year maintenance bond upon the recommendation of the County Engineer.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Mr. Donoghue reported to the Board that he had located two transport vehicles for use in the Transfer Station operation. He stated one was a Mack truck with 100,000 miles on it and the other was a Peterbuilt truck with 200,000 miles on it; however, if the County was interested in the latter it would have to be purchased sight unseen. Discussion was held.

Mr. Donoghue stated that Equipment Wholesalers Inc. said that if the Mack truck they have needed a major motor overhaul it would cost about $2,500; however, they would run it through the shop and conduct a dynamometer test on it and if the County decided it did not want to purchase the truck it would be responsible only for the cost of the test made. Commr. Deems stated that he would like to have an experienced driver test drive the vehicle in question with a load attached to see how the truck operates under a load condition. On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of the Mack Truck from Equipment Wholesalers, Inc. at a cost of $10,000 as described by the County Engineer after the dynamometer test is performed and subject to a one day trial test.

ROADS-COUNTY

Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board the matter concerning Glover Street which must be settled. He stated that Mr. Godley, who owns the last parcel to be acquired on this road, would like the final grade of the road in relation to the existing grade so that he will have as little fill dirt as possible to haul and requested that he be given a date that construction will begin. Commr. Windram stated that if it met with the Board’s approval he would like to honor the request made by Mr. Godley with regards to the final grading; however, he would suggest that an approximate date of construction be given with the understanding that this is subject to change due to unforeseen difficulties. This met with the Board’s approval and instructed the Engineer to inform Mr. Godley of the above.

At this time Mr. Donoghue asked the Board if the City of Eustis would maintain the road due to the fact that it was in its city limits. The Board requested that a letter be written to the City of Eustis informing them that it is the County’s intent to pave the road in question and return it to the City for future maintenance.

public health

At this time the Clerk stated that a letter had been received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the closing of the Astor and Paisley Landfills. This was given to the County Engineer for his attention.

accounts – transfer

On a motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $1,800 from #4210337-2-2 “Maintenance of Grounds” to #4210341-2 “Contracted Services.”

roads – county

Commr. Burhans presented to the Board a petition from the residents of Foxfire Lane requesting the County to place a 20 MPH speed limit on this road which is a public road but not maintained by the County. Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that the Board could establish a speed limit on this road but would have to sell the sign to the residents for placement on the road. On a motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, this was referred to the County Engineer for his attention and recommendation to the Board of an appropriate speed limit for the road in question.

schools – misc.

Commr. Carson presented a letter to the Board from the City of Leesburg stating that it would be responsible for the future maintenance and utility bill for the flashing school crossing signal on Dixie Avenue after it is installed by the County. This was given to the Clerk for filing.

commissioners

At 4:45 P.M. Commr. Hoskinson excused himself from the meeting due to a matter that needed his immediate attention.

public health

Commr. Windram stated that he was very confused regarding the fact that Lake County is designated to be in the North Central Branch of the Health Planning Council but still serves on the Board of the East Central Florida Health Planning Council. He explained to the Board that the North Central is totally federally funded; however, this Branch is not yet totally organized to enable it to function properly. Commr. Windram requested Mr. Ford to research the possibility of extending the present contract between the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the East Central Florida Comprehensive Health Planning Council which expires December 31, 1975.

planning and zoning

Commr. Carson presented to the Board a letter of resignation from Mr. James A. Stivender from the Planning and Zoning Commission due to a conflict of interest that was brought to his attention by Mr. H. D. Robuck, Jr., Attorney. On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. James A. Stivender and adopted a Resolution commending him for his outstanding service to Lake County while serving as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

schools – misc.

Mr. Watkins reported back to the Board regarding the request from Mr. Gallagher requesting the Board to certify that he is a resident of Lake County which would enable his son to be admitted to the State School for the Deaf and Blind. Mr. Watkins stated that there is no record of Mr. Gallagher being a registered voter or owning land in Lake County. Mr. Gallagher, however, did phone the Clerk’s office to assure the Board of County Commissioners that he would fill out a domicile certificate in the Clerk’s office on December 17, 1975.

commissioners

At 5:00 P.M. Commr. Hoskinson returned to the Board meeting.

schools – misc.

On a motion of Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, the Board signed the necessary document which would permit Timothy Gallagher to be admitted to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and authorized that it be forwarded to the necessary authorities subject to Mr. Gallagher completing a Certificate of Domicile for Lake County.

appropriations

Mr. Watkins presented a memorandum to the Board from Mr. Evan Porter, Special Assistant, requesting that the County issue the payroll checks for the three CETA employees working in Mr. Glyn Faircloth’s office in Leesburg, this being consistent with the procedure that is followed with some of the other State Agencies. On motion of Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the above request was approved.

accounts – transfer

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $250 from Contingency to #2101329 “Dues and Memberships” for the purpose of covering the increase of dues for the National Association of County Commissioners and to cover the cost of Mr. Porter’s membership in the NPERA.

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $212.00 from Contingency to #5106204 “Supplies Not Otherwise Specified” to cover the cost of dog tags.

bonds

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved Contractor Bond #1374-76 for Leonard Carter.

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the cancellation of Contractor Bond #890-76 for Carl Wheeler.

licenses and permits

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the $500 bond posted by Mr. Wayne Coleman for his Firearm Permit.

accounts allowed

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Mr. Willett to attend a Department of Community Affairs Rules Hearing involving the Comprehensive Planning Assistance Program on December 22 and 23, 1975 in Tallahassee.

On motion of Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of an electric typewriter for the Veterans Service Office subject to the approval of Commr. Hoskinson.

resolutions

On motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a Resolution authorizing the road Striping Program and designated the County Engineer, Michael Donoghue, as the individual who will be authorized to act on behalf of the County.

property appraiser

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Certificates of Error and Corrections 4-16506 through 4-16519 as submitted by the Lake County Property Appraiser.

public health

At this time Mr. Ford, County Attorney, gave the Board a brief summary of the State Association of County Commissioners’ Directors meeting he attended because discussion was going to be held regarding the change in the law Lake County had requested with regards to the services authorized by the Medical Examiner. He stated that Dr. Davis, Chairman of the Board of the State Medical Examiners, was present along with several other representatives. They stated that they were not in favor of the changes proposed by Lake County.

At this time Commr. Hoskinson stated that those present representing the Medical Examiners performed the services of a Medical Examiner under contract and were not familiar with the fee rates which Lake County has been charged.

Commr. Deems stated that the County is concerned over the amount of funds being spent for the work of the Medical Examiner and added that both he and Mr. Ford had been informed by Doctor Shutze, personally, that he would be placed in a position of embarrassment with some of the insurance companies if he did not perform autopsies on some of the individuals involved in automobile accidents. Commr. Deems stated that if he wished to do this on his own time there would be no objection; however, Commr. Deems felt that such autopsies were not in the best interest of the County and that the County should not be charged for same for the benefit of the insurance companies.

It was suggested that a contract be negotiated for the services rendered by the Medical Examiner as is done by other counties in the State of Florida. Mr. Ford stated that another meeting was slated between himself and Doctor Shutze and that he would report back to the Board any new developments.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

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J.M. Hoskinson, chairman

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James C. Watkins, Clerk