A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

may 4, 1976

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, May 4, 1976, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; C.A. “Lex” Deems; Glenn C. Burhans; James R. Carson, Jr.; and J. M. Hoskinson.  Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Richard Hennings, Acting County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.

The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by J. M. Hoskinson.

communications

The Chairman presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Natural Resources informing the Board that the Cabinet deferred its consideration on the proposed acquisition of the Lower Wekiva River Corridor to May 4, 1976 at 10:00 a.m.  Commr. Windram mentioned to the Board that the letter was written on April 26, 1976 and was received on May 3, 1976.

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a notice of a meeting sponsored by the Department of Environmental Regulation in Orlando regarding the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a resolution from Polk County opposing the proposed changes of the Department of Revenue involving the operations of the County Property Appraiser’s Office.  The Chairman stated that the Board has already adopted and mailed to the proper authorities a similar resolution stating Lake County’s objection to the proposed changes.

roads – county

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Barbara H. Gable regarding the moving of her fences and gates for the construction of proposed S 452A.  Commr. Windram requested the Clerk to inform Barbara Gable that at the present time this project is no longer being pursued due to the inability of the county to acquire the right of way on an acceptable basis; however, if there should be a change in the status of this road project, the County will honor its previous commitment to move the fences in question.

minutes

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the minutes of the meeting of April 6, 1976 were approved as amended.

county employees

At this time, Mr. Watkins introduced Mr. Don Smalt who will be working in the Finance Department on behalf of the Clerk’s Office.

contract and agreements

Mr. Al Marshall, Chairman of the Lake County Water Authority, appeared before the Board to suggest various changes in the Contract between Lake County and the Water Authority for the preparation of a drainage study plan for Lake County.  Discussion was held on the changes, and there was no objection by the Board.  The Chairman requested that the Contract be retyped and presented to the Board in final form for formal action and signatures.

At this time, Mr. Marshall requested that the Board formally express its desire to have the Lake County Water Authority conduct this drainage study for Lake County.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the offer of the Lake County Water Authority to undertake and accomplish the preparation of a drainage study which is a portion of a required element of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of 1975 and requested that the Lake County Water Authority enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Lake County to perform said study.

At this time, Mr. Willett informed the Board that even without the passage of the Comprehensive Plan, Lake County needs to have a drainage study done to solve various problems which already exist.

ordinance

At 10:00 a.m. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the passage of an Ordinance increasing the filing fees for civil actions in the County and Circuit Courts.

The Clerk stated that proof of publication had been received and read same.

At this time the Ordinance was discussed, and Mr. Watkins requested that a provision be inserted stating that the Clerk had until the fifth day of the following month to forward the funds received to the Legal Aid Society.  This met with approval from the Board.

Mr. Jim Reich, Attorney and spokesman for the Legal Aid Society, was present and had no objection to the proposed change.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board placed the Ordinance on the floor for its first and only reading, as amended.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for this Ordinance to be placed for its first and only reading by title only:

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF FEES IN EXCESS OF THE FEES ALREADY IMPOSED BY GENERAL LAW AND LOCAL ORDINANCE FOR FILING CIVIL ACTIONS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT AND COUNTY COURT IN LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES FOR INDIGENTS IN LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the above Ordinance on its first and only reading by title only.

appointments

Mrs. Peggy Hand, President of the Lake County League of Women Voters, appeared before the Board as a spokesman to request the Board to create a Lake County Commission on the Status of Women and appoint nine representatives from Lake County to serve on this Commission.  At this time, Mrs. Hand briefed the Board on the purpose of the Commission and the services it would render to the Lake County area.  She stated that it was hoped all the counties would create a commission of this type.

The Board discussed the possible growth of this Commission and its possible financial needs.  Mrs. Hand stated that funds would be available through the assistance of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council for this purpose.  Further discussion was held.

The Board requested that Mrs. Hand contact the various organizations in the area and present to the Board suggested names of individuals who would serve on such a commission and requested Mr. Willett to research possible funding for this proposed commission.

outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Willett stated that he had planned to discuss with the Board certain items regarding the proposed Clermont dock; however, the necessary information had not been received from the City of Clermont and stated that this would be postponed until a later time.

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he was concerned that the City of Clermont might feel that it can change the construction plans of the dock as long as it did not exceed the allotted amount pledged to them through the Boating Improvement Fund.  He requested that the City of Clermont be informed as to the leeway it has in proposed plan changes in the construction of the dock.

public health

Mr. Willett stated that the Board had approved for him to attend a meeting in Jacksonville regarding the use of septic tanks in the State of Florida.  The Board instructed Mr. Willett to uphold the County’s policy regarding the use of septic tanks which is in accordance with the Lake County Ordinance.

planning and zoning

Mr. Willett stated that on April 27, 1976 the Board held a Special Meeting to discuss the Community Development Block Grant.  He stated that at that time he informed the Board of another grant which can be applied for under Section 8 which deals with rent subsidy.  He stated that there seems to be come confusion involving the news media as to whether or not the Board approved for the Planning Department to submit an application for these funds.  The Board confirmed Mr. Willett’s understanding that it had authorized the Planning Department to submit an application for funds under Section 8.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Willett stated that he has received instructions to have an Interlocal Agreement signed between Lake County and those municipalities for whom the Planning Department will conduct portions of the cities’ Comprehensive Plans.  Mr. Willett requested permission to add a section stating that the County Planning Department had the right to make recommendations to the cities about their Comprehensive Plans when they conflict with the County Plan.  This met with approval of the Board.

appropriations

Mr. Porter, special Assistant, appeared before the Board regarding an application on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department for LEAA Funds for the purpose of replacing bedding facilities in the Lake County Jail.  He stated that he has reviewed the grant which is for $12,000, of which the County would be financially responsible for $394 in matching funds. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the Chairman and Clerk to sign the LEAA grant application and approved for the County’s share of matching funds in the amount of $394 be transferred from the Fine and Forfeiture Contingency Fund.

county employees

Mr. Porter informed the Board that an emergency arose at the Nursing Home due to the sudden resignation of a nurse’s aide, and it was necessary to hire a replacement immediately.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the employment of Pauline Bush as a nurse’s aide at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home effective May 1, 1976 at a monthly salary of $375.

Mr. Porter stated that he had received a request from the Public Works Department asking approval for two new alternate attendants in the Landfill Department.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the establishment of two alternates for the Landfill at a salary of $2.35 per hour.

Mr. Porter brought to the attention of the Board that Lennie Koch, regular employee at the Sign Shop, was on a leave of absence and requested permission to hire Jim Ellis as a part-time sign maker to be employed on Wednesday afternoons and all day Thursday and Friday for the month of May at a salary of $2.35 per hour.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the above request was approved.

sewer treatment plant

Mr. Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, presented to the Board for approval the proposed location of the sewer treatment plant for Shangri La Mobile Home Park.  Mr. Hennessey stated that the developer has been caught in the middle of a regulation change, and since the surrounding property owners do not object to the location, the Pollution Control Department would recommend approval provided a substantial vegetative buffer be established on the north and east boundaries of the facility.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the sewer treatment plan location of the Shangri La Mobile Home Park upon the recommendation of the Pollution Control Director.  Commr. Deems voted “no.”

appointments

Mr. Hennessey reminded the Board that there were two members on the Pollution Control Board whose terms would expire June 5, 1975.

outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Carson stated that Mr. Mussleman from the Southwest Florida Water Management contacted him requesting permission to post notices of a Public Hearing on May 14, 1976 at the various boat ramps in Lake County.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the request of Mr. Mussleman provided that the notices are removed after the Public Hearing is held.

The Board requested the Clerk to write to the proper authorities informing them of the Board’s decision.

sheriff

The Chairman presented to the Board a request from the Sheriff’s Department for the transfer of $21,076.00, which is needed to meet the premium payments of the increased cost of insurance for his vehicles.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of the remaining $5,000 in the Sheriff’s Contingency and $16,076.00 from the Fine and Forfeiture Contingency to Expenses other than Salaries” in the Sheriff’s Budget.

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.

purchasing department

Mr. Middleton, Purchasing Agent, appeared before the Board with proposed changes in the Purchasing Policy of Lake County as recommended by a member of the State Auditor’s staff.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the submitted changes in the Lake County Purchasing Policy were approved and adopted.

county materials

Mr. Middleton stated that when the specifications were advertised for the repair and replacement of the air conditioning/heating unit in the office of the Lake County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, there were no provisions made for the removal of the salvage material. Mr. Middleton stated that he requests approval to advertise this salvage material for public sale.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board declared the salvage material from the work being conducted in the offices of the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser as surplus and of no use to the County and approved for it to be sold at a public sale at a time and date to be determined by the Clerk.

machinery and equipment

Mr. Middleton discussed with the Board the possibility of replacing the Xerox machines in the Engineering Department and on the third floor of the Courthouse in the Clerk’s Office with new IBM Copiers.  He stated that there was a monetary saving in these replacements.  The Board informed Mr. Middleton that this had been taken under consideration by the Board several months ago and it felt that at this time it would make no changes in the present copiers being used by the County.  There was no action taken on the request presented to the Board by the Purchasing Agent.

Mr. Middleton brought to the attention of the Board that the Board had approved the employment of a clerk-typist, through the CETA Program, for the Purchasing Department and stated that in the Public Works Department there are no extra typewriters available for this employee to use.  Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that he was sure there was an available typewriter on his inventory and would take care of the matter.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved a refund to Mr. Edward S. Griffith on Building Permits 32112 and 32134 in the amount of $37.00, because the mobile home involved would not meet zoning requirements.

building codes

Mr. Middleton informed the Board that more and more individuals are looking into the installation of solar heating in their homes, and Lake County has no regulations on this type of system.  He stated that he had complied information and had written for a manual on solar heat and suggested that the Board adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing this manual as the guidelines Lake County will follow in the field of solar heating.  The Board requested that this be forwarded to the County Attorney for his review and drawing of the necessary document for presentation to the Board for formal action.

licenses and permits

Mr. Middleton informed the Board that on April 6, 1976 the Board of County Commissioners sustained the action of the Board of Examiners regarding the revocation of Mr. Henry Mayhew’s Certificate of Competency, yet he was still operating as a builder in Lake County.  Discussion was held and on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the Office of the County Attorney to obtain an injunction against Mr. Henry Mayhew provided they receive the necessary evidence from the Building Department to support the injunction.

At this time, Commr. Windram stated that he had received two certified letters from individuals regarding the Mayhew hearing as did the other Board members.  Mr. Middleton was requested to review the letters and present his comments to the Chairman in order that the Chairman may appropriately respond to the letters on behalf of the Board members.

roads – right of way

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had received a call from John Gilbert of Sun City regarding a problem concerning a road right of way, and Mr. Middleton was asked if Mr. Gilbert would be able to obtain a variance.

Discussion was held regarding the principle upon which a variance can be obtained.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had told Mr. Gilbert to contact the necessary authorities in the County to investigate the alternatives regarding this situation.

road closing

At 2:00 p.m. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the closing of Mansfield Road.

The clerk stated that proof of publication had been received and the description of the road is as follows:

A 25 FOOT WIDE ROAD LYING IN THE NORTH 147 FEET OF GOVERNEMNT LOT 3, IN SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 19 S, RANGE 26 E., LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, LESS THE NORTH 25 FEET OF THE WEST 710 FEET AND LESS THE WEST 25 FEET OF SAID GOVERNMENT LOT 3.

 

No one appeared before the Board in opposition to this road closing.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the above road to be closed.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the following Utility and Driveway Permits:

NO.                 PERMITTEE                                      PURPOSE                              ROAD

775                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            5-9790C

776                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            5-9790D

777                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            5-9790

786                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Buried Cable                           3-2539

787                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Buried Cable                           3-2540

788                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial and Buried Cable         S-19A

789                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Buried Cable                           3-0542

790                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            S-468

791                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Buried Cable                           4-7588

792                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Buried Cable                           2-0222

793                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            5-7662

794                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial and Buried Cable         5-7660

795                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            S-474

796                  Florida Telephone Corp.                     Aerial Cable                            S-44B

3-275               Tomelaine Groves                               Irrigation Line                         3-0729

3-276               Florida Power Corporation                 Distribution Line                     S-448A

1-277               City of Leesburg                                 Gas Service Line                     1-6006

2-278               City of Leesburg                                 Gas Main                                 2-4608

5-279               Sumter Electric Coop.                         KV Line                                  5-7659

3-280               Gigilotti Pipe Line                              Water Line                              3-3024

driveway permits

4-171               G. R. Cooke                                                                                        4-6172

5-172               W. A. Moseley                                                                                    5-8787

4-173               John A. Miller                                                                                     S-44B

1-174               Allen D. Conerly                                                                                 I-5409

2-175               Toby Williamson                                                                                 S-44A

4-176               John Russell                                                                                        4-5768

            Commr. Carson abstained from the vote because he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Telephone Corporation.

deeds

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed 1702 on DR 3-3637 except for 33 feet north of the centerline.

public health

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the reinstatement of garbage franchise #7 for Bobby Lee Harris.

accounts allowed

Mr. Morey, Acting Public Works Director, stated that the State requires that there be two approved persons able to purchase MVI Certificates.  Due to the fact that Mr. Donoghue is no longer with the County, he requests that his name be approved as being eligible to sign for these certificates.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Mr. Larry Morey and Mr. Frank Woodson to be eligible to sign for MVI Certificates.

roads – subdivision

Mr. Morey stated that the roads in the Quail Roost Subdivision were built to County standards, and the one-year maintenance bond has expired.  He requested approval to release the maintenance bond and accept the roads into the County maintained system.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, upon the recommendation of the Acting County Engineer, the Board approved the release of the maintenance bonds on the roads in the Quail Roost Subdivision and accepted Quail Roost Road and Oak Knoll Road into the County maintained system.

roads – subdivision

Mr. Morey stated that there had been a request to install road name signs in Yale Retreat Mobile Home Village.  He informed the Board that some of the roads are maintained by the County and others are not.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the placement of road name signs in the Yale Retreat Mobile Home Village; however, those signs on roads in the County-maintained system will be erected at County expense, and the residents will be responsible for cost of the signs placed on those roads that are not in the County-maintained system.

Commr. Burhans abstained from the vote because his brother-in-law owns the property in question.

road closing

Mr. Morey presented to the Board a request to close a portion of DR 1-7917.  Discussion was held.  The Board had reservations about this request, because it would cut off access to a piece of property in the area.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. :Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved advertisement of the petition to vacate a portion of the above-mentioned road for June 1, 1976 at 2:00 p.m.; however, the Board requested that Mr. Morey relay to the petitioner that the Board has some reservations regarding the closing of this road.

Mr. Morey presented to the Board a request to advertise a petition to close a portion of East 13th Street in Assembly Heights Subdivision.  Discussion was held.  Commr. Burhans requested that the Board delay action on this request until he had an opportunity to speak with the residents in the area about the matter.

funds – transfer

Mr. Morey requested approval to transfer $1,500 from Contingency to “Maintenance of Equipment” in the MVI Budget.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the above request was approved.

county employees

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved a leave of absence for Sandra Casburn for eight weeks beginning May 5, 1976 at12:00 noon to enable her to recuperate from an illness.

machinery and equipment

Mr. Morey requested permission to advertise for new lifts at the Leesburg MVI Station.  Discussion was held.  The Board requested Mr. Morey confer with Mr. Glenn Middleton, Purchasing Agent and Building Official, on this matter.  No formal action was taken at this time.

At this time, Mr. Morey presented to the Board a partial list of County Property which is surplus and of no use to the County.  He requested that it be declared surplus and approved for sale.

Discussion was held on the volume of surplus property at the various County barns which could be sold at the same time.  It was discussed that the property which is of no further use to the County be collected and brought to the Mosquito Control Department for inventory who could then present to the Board a complete list of the property which the Public Works Department requests permission to sell.

roads – county

Mr. Morey stated tht he had received a request that a 25 mph speed limit be established on Palmetto, Eastland, Southland, and Westland Roads in the Sylvan Shores area.  He stated that Eastland Road already has a speed limit of 25 mph; however, he recommended that the speed limits on the other roads be established at 35 mph.  Discussion was held.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution establishing a speed limit of 25 mph on Westland, Palmetto, and Southland Roads in Sylvan Shores and that the sign on Westland and Palmetto be erected at County expense because these roads are in the County-maintained system, and the cost of the sign to be placed on Southland Road will be the responsibility of the residents.

Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that problem regarding the condition of Robbins Road in the Astatula area.  Discussion was held.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that the residents have been unable to get Mr. Don Driggers, Realtor, to assist them in completing the necessary papers needed to dedicate the required right-of-way to the public in order that the County can legally grade the clay road.  The Board stated that it could not help the residents until the right-of-way was obtained.

Commr. Hoskinson requested Mr. Morey to contact Mrs. Baker, a resident on Robbins Road, and explain to her the County’s position in this matter.

schools – misc.

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a letter from the Lake County School Board bringing to the Board’s attention the dangerous intersection at Highway 33 near Highway 50 and requested that consideration be given to this problem when construction begins for the widening of Highway 50.

Commr. Deems stated that the area has been corded and there is approximately 40 feet of muck and is a swamp area.  Commr. Deems further stated that it is the opinion of Mr. William Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, that the State will not issue the necessary permits to fill in the area.

It was requested that Mr. Morey prepare a letter to Mr. Bernard McCabe, Superintendent of Schools, explaining the problem and present it to the Board for its approval.  The Clerk was requested to write to the School Board and inform them that this was referred to the engineering Department and convey to the School Board that there may be both environmental and construction problems at this intersection.

public health

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had a request from a private individual offering to tear down the house located at the Log House Landfill site for the material in the structure.  Commr. Deems asked if it could be used as a caretaker’s house.  It was requested that Mr. Morey investigate this and report back to the Board.

county buildings

Commr. Burhans stated that there was a problem with the drainage of water at the Umatilla Barn.  Mr. Morey stated that he has looked into the matter, and there has been a temporary ditch constructed to handle the runoff from a normal rain; however, to drain it into the road, an easement had to be obtained.  He stated that he was working on the problem and would present to the Board a definite recommendation as soon as possible.

county materials

Commr. Carson presented to the Board the growing problem in the destruction of County signs.  Discussion was held on the possibility of establishing a reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons caught destroying County signs.  He stated that there is a private individual who was willing to contribute the first $500 to initiate this drive.  It was discussed whether or not the Sheriff’s Department could assist the County with this problem.

Mr. Morey was requested to contact other counties and inquire as to how they are handling this growing problem.

communications

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Administration soliciting problem statements for safety related research in traffic engineering and improvements for safety.  This letter was referred to Mr. Morey for his attention.

Mr. Morey presented to the Board a letter from Representative Fechtel regarding the five-year Department of Transportation Plan.  This was referred to Larry Morey.

roads – subdivision

Commr. Windram stated that a few weeks ago the Board approved for certain signs to be erected on North Palmetto in the Eustis Heights Subdivision.  He stated that the information he had received was incorrect and informed the Board that the majority of the residents did not want the signs placed in the area.  In view of this information, the Board instructed Mr. Morey to have the signs in question removed.

building department

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Commissioner Paula Hawkins enclosing a copy of Minnesota’s Building Codes.  He stated that Mr. Middleton has reviewed it and responded to Mrs. Hawkins.  This was given to the Clerk for filing.

public health

Commr. Hoskinson stated that several months ago he brought to the Board’s attention a dumping problem on property owned by Mr. Kenneth Osborn in Groveland.  The Board had agreed to cover this dump in an effort to eliminate the problem, provided the necessary Hold Harmless agreements could be obtained from the property owners.  Mr. Morey stated that the piece of equipment the County was going to use to fill in the ditch broke down.  Commr. Hoskinson requested Mr. Morey contact Mr. Osborn and explain to him the reason for the delay.

jails

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a resolution from Manatee County opposing a bill providing for imprisonment in the County Jail of a person whose sentence does not exceed five years, and he discussed with the Board the fact that the State is placing more and more of its responsibility on the County.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a similar resolution opposing the aforementioned bill.

contracts and agreements

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a request from Eugene Minietta, Executive Director of the Youth Programs, Inc. for a commitment from the County in the amount of $8,619 as matching funds for the operation of this program for the 1976-1977 year.  Discussion was held regarding the fact that each year the State contributes less and expects the County to contribute more.  It was the Board’s opinion that if this is a State Program, it should be funded by the State.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved to fund the Youth Programs, Inc. on the same level as in the 1975-1976 year which was in the amount of $4,159.  The Board requested the Clerk contact Mr. Minietta informing him that the decrease in the State’s participation and the continued passage of State responsibility to the local government make it impossible for the County to increase its financial participation.

jails

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a resolution from Orange County opposing the site selected by the State for a new prison facility.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a similar resolution opposing same and requested that it be sent to our Legislative Delegation.  The Board requested that the Clerk contact our delegation and inquire as to whether or not this site in question is still under consideration.

emergency services

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution requesting State Funding for the 911 Program.  The Board requested that a copy of this be sent to our legislative delegation.

county employees

Mr. Porter appeared before the Board and stated that there would be a union election on the 28th of May.  He briefly explained to the Board the procedure the County must follow to eliminate itself from being accused of unfair labor practices.  He suggested that a memorandum be immediately sent to all department heads requesting that they do not submit any information regarding the salary portion of their budgets until after May 31,1976On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for a memorandum to be sent to all department heads directing them not to submit that portion of their budgets dealing with salaries and merit raise recommendations until after May 31, 1976.

Mr. Porter stated that it would be advantageous to explain to the employees that the County would like to inform them of the plans the County is considering taking but is unable to, because when the union filed its petition to PERC, the County at that point could not talk or inform its employees of possible wages or benefits without being charged with unfair labor practices.

The Clerk presented to the Board a letter from Donald Stevens, Lake County Property Appraiser, requesting the Board to inform him as to what position it plans to take with regards to salaries for the 1976-1977 Fiscal Year.  The Board instructed the Clerk to inform Mr. Stevens that the County is unable to make any statement on this matter until after the union election slated to by held on May 28, 1976.

county property

The Clerk informed the Board that there were extra armchairs in the Courthouse inventory and wished to advise the Board that property number 0588 has been transferred to the Sheriff’s Department and property number 9699 has been allocated to Mr. Terrell Davis of the Forestry Service.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the above transfer and allocation of County property was approved.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of an adding machine for the Law Department of the Circuit Court at a cost of $139.95.

bonds

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

190-76             Paul J. Gosnell – Building Contractor

562-76             Arthur Muns, Jr. – Plumbing

1380-76           A.C. Steel dba Freedon Air Conditioning Spec.

1416-76           Eugene W. Nyland – General

1419-76           Frederick Lee Crawford, Sr. – Masonry & Concrete

1420-76           Paul C. Thomas – Building

1421-76           Joseph L. McCoy dba Greenbrier Construction – Building

1422-76           Elmer Bolling – Roofing

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

1373-76           Randall A. Sotry dba Phoenix of Florida, Inc.

1286-76           Thomas B. Adair

1404-76           R. Roy Thompson dba Thompson Tile and floor Covering

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the appointment of Charles Joseph Knowles as a member on the Oklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority and approved the Deputy Sheriff bond for Nancy H. Turner.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following Firearm Application and $500 bond:

John R. Jones                          Frederick A. Ladd

Antonio J. Radosti                  D. Carl Smith

Edward P. Meshalko              Daniel A. McClellan, Jr.

The Board requested that the Clerk write to Mr. Horace E. Jones informing him that his gun permit and bond is being cancelled by the Bonding Agency in order to give him an opportunity to present a new bond.

municipalities

The Clerk stated that the Board requested that he remind the municipalities to establish a date and time the Board could meet with them to discuss the changes the County plans to make on the use of the County landfills.  The Board requested that this be brought back to them in the month of June.

checks received

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the check for $90 for a voters list purchased by the Committee for Joann Saunders for Congress.

contracts and agreements

The Clerk  presented to the Board the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Leesburg and Lake County for the work that is to be done at Dyches Lake.  The Board requested that this be brought to their attention next week when Mr. Ford is present.

hospitals

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of William Furey to the A. G. Holley State Hospital.

east central florida regional planning council

The Clerk presented to the Board a letter which was received requesting matching funds from Lake County in the amount of $2,608 for the Division of Aging.

audits

The Clerk presented to the Board a copy of an audit report from Waterman Memorial Hospital regarding the ambulance operations.  The Commissioners requested that each receive a copy of this document.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Chairman and Clerk to sign the General Revenue Sharing Planned Use Report for the Seventh Entitlement Period.

funds transferred

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the following transfers were approved in the General Revenue Fund:

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – transfer $500 from Contingency to #2101338 “Maintenance of Equipment”

ANIMAL SHELTER – transfer the following from #5101208 “Medicines and Drugs”:

$350 to #5106205 “Office Supplies and Expenses”

$800 to #5106337 “Maintenance of Building”

accounts allowed

Mr. Hennings, Acting County Attorney, presented to the Board a bill from the County Attorney’s Office in the amount of $6,743.75 for various road suits processed by the County Attorney.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the bill to be paid and authorized the County Attorney to forward these bills to the proper authorities in the Department of Transportation in Tallahassee for processing.

communications

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Allen Swenson from Joanna Shores regarding a noise problem they have encountered involving their neighbor’s air conditioning unit.

The Board requested that the Clerk write to Mr. and Mrs. Swenson and inform them that their letter has been referred to the County Attorney, and they will be hearing from him in the near future.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Hennings presented to the Board the amended contract between Lake County and the Lake County Water Authority which was discussed earlier in the day.  Mr. Hennings stated that he has reviewed the agreement and that it is in order.  On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the interlocal agreement as amended and authorized the Chairman and the Clerk to sign same.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

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C.A. “Lex” deems, chairman

 

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James C. Watkins, Clerk