A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
june 8, 1976
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, June 8, 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; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by James R. Carson, Jr.
communications
Mrs. Alice Ayers appeared before the Board and introduced to them the members of the 4-H Club who would be attending the Citizens Short Course in Washington, D.C.
minutes
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the minutes of the Special Meeting of April 29, 1976 were approved as amended.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 4, 1976 were approved as amended.
The Board discussed the minutes of May 18, 1976, and in view of the changes which were made, the Board requested that they be retyped and resubmitted to the Board for formal approval.
commissioners
Discussion was held on the matter which arose on May 18, 1976 regarding a rezoning case involving the Sun First National Bank of which Commr. Carson and Commr. Deems serve as members on the Board of Directors. Mr. Ford stated that he would write to the Ethics Commission and request their opinion on the matter.
public health
Becky Kurshoff, Supervisor of the Out Patient Unit of Lake Sumter Mental Health; Dr. Lowell Cunningham, Staff Psychiatrist; Jill Warren, Head Nurse of the Patient Unit; Richard Hughes, staff member working on the Alcohol Program; and Linda Schoshler, Head of the Children’s Program of the Mental Health Center, appeared before the Board and briefly explained to the Board their duties in their respective programs and the services provided to the patients enrolled.
county employees
Mr. Porter, Special Assistant to the Board, introduced Mr. Calman Ambrosy who is to be interviewed by the Board for the position of Public Works Director and County Engineer. Points of discussion were his experience in road building, administrative experience, knowledge in the field of solid waste, engineering qualifications, experience and leadership ability.
The Board members thanked Mr. Ambrosy for coming to Florida for this interview and stated that other interviews were slated and assured him he would be contacted of the Board’s decision.
fire district
Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board and stated that the Pine Lakes and Bassville Park Volunteer Fire Departments are applying for funds through the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. He stated that a governmental body had to approve the application before funds could be allocated to the above-mentioned fire departments. Discussion was held on the administration of the funds. The Clerk stated that the County would act as a funnel for these funds and that when the allocation was received by the County, it would then release the appropriate amount of funds to each Fire Department.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board supported the application of the above-mentioned Fire Departments and authorized the Chairman to sign the necessary letter. At this time, the Board requested that a paragraph be added stating that the County will not assume the responsibility for the administration of the funds in question.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Willett presented to the Board Addendum #3 to the Cooperative Lease Agreement between the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry and the Board of County Commissioners. The Board postponed action on this until the County Attorney was present.
planning and zoning
Mr. Willett reported to the Board that Fruitland Park had received a $20,000 grant through 701 and was requesting that the County handle these funds for them. He stated that the only problem is being able to absorb the people needed in the Planning Department to conduct the necessary work for which these funds have been allocated. Mr. Willett suggested that a small portion of this work be contracted to a consulting firm. The suggestion, as outlined by Mr. Willett of having a small part of the work for Fruitland Park under the 701 Funds be contracted to a consulting firm met with approval of the Board.
roads – county
Nancy Chrissinger, Associate Planner, appeared before the Board regarding the request from the Leesburg Women’s Club through the City of Leesburg to have the north sidewalks along Dixie Avenue designated as Classification III bikeways. Nancy explained to the Board that the DOT in its construction plans will provide for curb cuts in the sidewalks from Highway 27 to Canal Street; however, it has been requested that the designation of the bikeway be continued from Canal Street to June Drive, and the cost for these curb cuts would have to be absorbed by the County.
On a motion by Commr Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution stating that the Board is in agreement with the request of the City of Leesburg, initiated by the Woman’s Club of Leesburg, that the north sidewalk will be designated by the City of Leesburg as a bikeway and would appreciate their concurrence with the construction principle that will lead to this designation.
courthouse
Jack Jones, Architect, appeared before the Board to discuss with the Board certain changes that have been requested in the new Courthouse. It was suggested that each item be discussed individually and that action on each one be taken separately.
John Dickerson, Architect, stated that it has been requested that a change be made in the Small Courtroom which involves moving the Judge’s bench away from the jury box, which would enable a Judge to confer with the attorney without having to excuse the jury from the room.
On a motion by Commr Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the aforementioned changes to be made in the Small Courtroom at a cost of approximately $1,000.
It was explained that there was a judge’s chambers that was not slated to be completed at this time, and it has been requested that all judges’ chambers be completed at this time. On a motion by Commr Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the completion of all judges chambers that are provided in the plans and the elimination of the designated Attorney’s Lounge in this pod at an approximate cost of $3800.
At this time, Mr. Watkins stated that in reviewing the plans, both Judge Booth and Judge Aulls realized that although the square footage of the conference room was in accordance with the request that had been submitted to the architects for space, the shape of the room presents a problem in that there is not ample space for the necessary tables and chairs. He further stated that it was suggested that the designation of the hearing room and the Judges Chambers be switched. Commr. Hoskinson brought out the fact that if this is done, the judge will be removed from his secretary.
Mr. Ford stated that everyone that has come to the Courthouse Committee regarding changes has been told that plans have been made and that the County is going to try and follow these plans as closely as possible.
Commr. Windram stated that he had spoken to both Judge Booth and Judge Aulls about this matter and was informed that the room can become very crowded.
Commr. Deems stated that he was very concerned about making changes in the building in a hasty manner. Jack Jones stated that if the changes were made as suggested, the Judge would become susceptible to the public, and the secretary would no longer be in a position to act as a screening agent. Commr. Deems asked if the Judges were aware of the safety feature that had been built into the outlay of these offices when designed. Mr. Watkins stated that this was discussed, and it did not seem to bother the Judges. Mr. Jones stated at this time that it should also be noted that their offices would now be located on the inside section of the circle and would have no outside light exposure into their offices.
Commr. Carson asked how much it would cost for these changes to be made. Mr. Dickerson stated that the cost would be insignificant.
Discussion was held on the fact that the Judge may decide to use the rooms differently as designated, but that this could be done by each individual Judge. On a motion by Commr Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the redesignation of rooms within the Judges Chambers was approved as well as the relocation of the bathrooms within their offices. Commr. Burhans was out for the vote.
At this time, Mr. Jones stated that it had been requested for hot and cold water facilities and a 220 electric line be provided in each of the judges offices for kitchenettes. The Board was opposed to this because it had been decided that there would be no kitchenette facilities in the new Courthouse.
Mr. Ford suggested that the Board consider “roughing in” hot and cold water and 220 line for this type of facility in the vending area. Discussion was held. The Chairman requested that the architects confer with the Courthouse Committee on the matter and return to the Board for formal action on this particular item if necessary.
The Board then discussed the matter involving the need for additional space to be allocated to the State Attorney’s Office due to a change in the State Law. It was explained that Probation and Parole did not need the space originally allocated to them, and it was explained that because these two offices are next to each other, there would be no problem in allocating the additional space requested by the State Attorney’s Office. John Dickerson stated that the cost involved would be approximately $3500. Mr. Ford asked if Probation and Parole had been contacted about this, because he felt that the rooms were not as large as were envisioned, and he had some reservations as to whether or not the counseling rooms for Probation and Parole would be adequate for their needs. Mr. Watkins stated that he felt the rooms were adequate for the indicated needs. Mr. Ford suggested that the change in the allocation of space of the above two mentioned offices be approved subject to the architect determining that the room remaining to Probation and Parole would be adequate, and if it is determined that it would not be, they would return to the Board for further discussion on this matter.
On a motion by Commr Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the aforementioned change in the allocation of space in the Office of the State Attorney and Probation and Parole was approved, subject to its costs not exceeding $3500 and that it be determined that the space remaining to the Department of Probation and Parole would be adequate for their needs. Commr. Burhans was absent for the vote.
commissioners
At this time, Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would be absent for the afternoon session, because he would be in Tallahassee on business pertaining to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.
recess and reassembly
The Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at Perkins Cake and Steak. The public and press were invited to attend on a Dutch-treat basis.
schools – misc.
Mr. Carlton Dowling, Mayor of Groveland, appeared before the Board regarding the school bus route in Groveland. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board committed the County to provide a clay road for a school bus route located in the South 50 feet of Section 45 and 46 according to the map provided by Carlton Dowling, Mayor of Groveland, and subject to the School Board providing the proper right of way and that the fill for this project is to be provided by outside sources at no cost to Lake County.
emergency services
Commr. Carson brought to the attention of the Board that when the 911 Committee was established by the Board of County Commissioners, it had designated Mr. Earl Treadway, Administrator of Leesburg General Hospital, as a member of this committee. He stated that Mr. Treadway no longer holds this position at the hospital and would like to appoint Mr. Carl Bender, the new Administrator of the Leesburg General Hospital, to replace Mr. Treadway on the 911 Committee. This met with the approval of the Board.
Commr. Windram presented to the Board the resignation of Mr. Robert Smythe as Chairman of the Emergency Medical Services Council. The Board accepted with regret the resignation of Mr. Smythe and requested the Clerk respond to Mr. Smythe’s letter of resignation.
Commr. Windram presented to the Board another letter from Mr. Robert Smythe informing the Board that Dr. Thomas Langley has been elected Chairman of the Emergency Medical Services Council.
zoning
zoning violation 76-24 – howard a. pruitt
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. Pruitt in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
zoning violation 76-64 – martha waite
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mrs. Waite in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave Mrs. Waite 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1 and 71-6.
zoning violation 76-65 – randel white
Mr. Bernie Langin from the Planning and Zoning Department reported to the Board that the property in question had been sold and is now owned by a bank in Groveland who has indicated that it will be removing the mobile home in question.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. White in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
zoning violation 76-66 – a. j. morgan, jenye dupree and ms. brown
Mr. A. J. Morgan appeared before the Board regarding this case. He stated that the property was family owned and was divided by a road. He further informed the Board that the parcel of property which he owns was operated under the name of Morgan’s Mobile Home Park and that due to internal problems with his sisters, the parcel of property on the other side of the road was operated solely by them, and he claimed no responsibility for problems which existed on their land.
Mr. Benny Jones from the Health Department was present and stated that the problem arises in that the two pieces of property are hooked up to one sewer system and that the problem could be solved by each property owner applying for separate permits. Mr. Jones stated that he already had applications for these permits from Ms. Dupree and Ms. Brown, but did not have one from Mr. Morgan. Mr. Morgan stated that he already had a permit from the State of Florida. Mr. Jones stated that he would need to see this permit in order to straighten out the problem.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found the property owners in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave them 90 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.
zoning violation 76-67 - henry meissner
Mr. Meissner appeared before the Board regarding this case. He stated that he was selling the lumber in order to eliminate it from his property and that he would not sell any more after what was already on the premises was gone. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. Meissner in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
zoning violation 76-88 – capital mobile homes
Mr. Willett stated that his Department had received a letter from the alleged violator, Ed Hurston, stating that he was planning to move the materials in question within 10 days. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. Hurston and the property owner, Capital Mobile Homes, in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave them 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
zoning violation 76-69 – geraldine williams
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. Mr. Langin did state that Mrs. Williams had telephoned the office and stated that she did not feel she was in violation. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mrs. Williams in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave her 30 days to comply with Ordinances 71-6 and 70-1.
zoning violation 76-70 – gene smith
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board upheld the recommendation submitted to the Board and authorized for the County Attorney or a member of his staff to obtain the necessary injunction papers to resolve this situation.
zoning violation 76-71 – jerry mcdaniel
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. McDaniel in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 1970-1.
zoning violation 76-72 – claude l. cole
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Mr. Cole in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 60 days to comply with Ordinance 1970-1.
zoning violation 76-74 – helen m. terry
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board found Helen Terry in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave her 15 days to comply with Ordinance 1971-6.
At this time, Mr. Pruitt appeared before the Board regarding his Zoning Violation #76-24. He stated that he has attempted to sell the mobile home that is in violation, and if he is unable to sell it within the allotted time allowed by the Board, he really has no place where it could be relocated. He also stated that he would like the name of the person who is calling the County and lodging these complaints so that he could turn the matter over to his attorney. Mr. Langin stated that the person does not give their name when they call the department.
The Board informed Mr. Pruitt that he is in violation, and they have given him two extensions already and will be unable to allot him any more time and therefore would not be able to change their decision made earlier in the afternoon regarding his case.
county property appraiser
Mr. Donald Stephens, Lake County Property Appraiser, appeared before the Board to discuss with them the date the Tax Assessment Notices would be mailed from his office and the 17-day cutoff date for Petitions to be filed with the Clerk for the Tax Adjustment Board. Discussion was held. The Board stated that it had not contacted the School Board to request the names of their two members who will sit on the Board of Tax Adjustment. The Board members stated that they did not have any specific date in mind for the mailing of these notices and that he could select a date that would be convenient to him.
At this time, Mr. Stephens stated that the Property Appraisers Association has asked each Property Appraiser to request its Board of County Commissioners to adopt a resolution opposing the changes by the Department of Revenue involving the Property Appraisers Rules and Regulations because of the financial burden it will cause the County and its taxpayers. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted a resolution as requested by the County Property Appraiser opposing the changes by the Department of Revenue involving the Rules and Regulations of the County Property Appraiser and instructed that this resolution be forwarded to the Governor, Cabinet and our Legislative Delegation.
accounts – refused
Commr. Deems stated that the County had received a bill from the Leesburg Ambulance Service for the transportation of bodies as directed by the District Medical Examiner. The Board requested that the County Attorney write a similar letter as was forwarded to Waterman stating that the County feels since the Ambulance Service is tax supported, they should absorb this cost of transporting bodies.
bonds
Commr. Burhans reported to the Board that he had been contacted by Reverend Wentz of the Astor Baptist Church regarding the procedure for obtaining a permit to shoot off fireworks. He stated that he had the County Attorney’s Office research this and that it was necessary for a $500 bond to be posted and a 15-day waiting period elapse before a permit be issued.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved that a Fireworks Permit be given to Reverend Wentz of the Astor Baptist Church in accordance with the State Law.
county roads
Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that there are several roads within the County that need grading, but the County is unable to conduct the work because there is a grader being used on the A.B. Merritt Road. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, Commr. Deems was authorized to contract the remaining grading that is needed on the A.B. Merritt Road.
Commr. Burhans presented to the Board figures which he had requested from the Department of Transportation regarding the preliminary work that has been done involving S 452A. He expressed his opinion that this was wasted money, and he also stated that there has been no formal notification given to the DOT that this is to be removed from the project schedule.
Mr. Ford stated that the DOT has been notified verbally that the project has been stopped.
It was moved by Commr. Burhans that the Board rescind its previous action and proceed with the construction of S452A. The Chairman announced that the motion had died due to the lack of a second.
At this time, Commr. Windram requested the County Attorney to forward to the DOT the formal resolution of the Board of County Commissioners deleting this project from the work schedule.
planning and zoning
The Chairman presented to the Board the progress report of Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan.
courthouse
The Chairman presented to the Board a letter from the State of Florida Department of General Services regarding the rules and regulations relating to the accessibility in buildings for physically handicapped persons. The Chairman requested that this be forwarded to the Building Department and to the architects.
county employees
The Chairman presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Community Affairs regarding collective bargaining workshops. This was referred to Mr. Porter and the County Attorney for their attention.
licenses and permits
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the gun permit and $500 bond for G.E. Nix.
accounts allowed
At this time, the Clerk presented to the Board at the request of Judge McCormick three quotations regarding the purchase of a four drawer fireproof legal file cabinet. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the low quotation at $288 from Sweeney’s Office Supply. The quotations are on file in the Office of the Board of County Commissioners.
contracts and agreements
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the lease between Lake County and Florgro Corp. regarding the rental of space at the Tavares Industrial Center on Old Highway 441 for use by the Public Defender.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved travel for four delegates from the 4-H Club to attend the State 4-H Congress at the University of Florida in Gainesville July 26 – 30, 1976.
county property appraiser
The Clerk presented to the Board a letter stating that if the Board has any comments or objections regarding the Property Appraiser’s Budget, their comments must be submitted in writing to the Department of Revenue by July 1, 1976.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the Certificate of Error and Correction #4-16601 on the 1975 Tax Roll.
animal shelter
The Clerk reported to the Board regarding the missing funds at the Animal Shelter. Discussion was held. Various alternatives were discussed on how the funds could be replaced. It was suggested that it be placed in the minutes that the missing funds had been brought to the attention of the Board, and the Clerk was directed to work out a procedure for the accounting of the funds so that this situation will not arise again at the Animal Shelter.
county employees
Mr. Watkins presented to the Board a memorandum regarding the policy of the Board involving the reimbursement of lunch money to County employees who are away from home base during the lunch hour. Discussion was held, and the Board decided it would follow the procedure as practiced in the past involving this subject.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Contractor Bond #1433-76 for Dan J. Judy dba D. J. Plumbing.
county employees
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the salary of the switchboard operator, having completed her probationary period, be raised to $400 per month.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved travel for Mr. Bill Hennessey, Pollution Control Director, to attend a symposium in Gainesville June 28 and 29, 1976 and approved the advance registration fee of $40.
audits
The unaudited report of the Waterman Ambulance Service was referred to Mr. Ford for his attention.
civil defense
Commr. Windram presented to the Board a proposed Ordinance from the Civil Defense Department regarding taxing districts for fire protection. This was referred to Commr. Hoskinson.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the third of four billings to Cody and Associates in the amount of $2,000, which is in accordance with their contract.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the following vouchers were approved for payment:
General Revenue 1948-2237 Emergency Medical Services 2-3
Road and Bridge 682-770 North East Ambulance 12-14
Fine and Forfeiture 317-364 North West Ambulance 7
Auto Inspection 157-174 Revenue Sharing 16-17
indigents
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the following changes on the indigent list were approved:
CANCEL Maedean Burns for Lelia Mae Miller Dist #5 $50.00
CANCEL Hazel Brown for Beverly Patrick Dist #5 $50.00
ADD William Miller for Lelia Mae Miller Dist. #5 $50.00
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the architect’s bill in the amount of $2,477.26, which is in accordance with their contract.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the bill from the General Contractor, P & C Thompson, in the amount of $223,069.50, which is in accordance with their contract.
municipalities
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted a resolution approving the rezoning of land recently annexed into the city limits of Leesburg, which is in accordance with Florida Statute 171.062 (2) (1974).
contracts and agreements
Mr. Ford stated that there had been submitted to the Board an addendum in the Cooperative Lease Agreement between Lake County and the Division of Forestry involving Pine Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the addendum, subject to it being approved by the County Attorney.
public health
Mr. Watkins reported to the Board that he had received several complaints regarding the posted operating hours at the Lady Lake landfill. He stated that it had been reported that the attendant leaves at 5:00 p.m.; however, the posted hours states that the landfill closes at 5:30 p.m. This was referred to Commr. Deems for his attention.
animals
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the spaying program as proposed by the Friends of the Lake County Animal Shelter.
public health
At this time, Mr. Ford discussed with the Board the outcome of his trip to Tallahassee on June 3, 1976 for the purpose of following the status of Lake County’s Medical Examiner Bill. He stated that when he arrived in Tallahassee, it was in serious trouble; however, with the assistance of Wilson Wright, the bill was passed through the Senate.
county attorney
Mr. Ford stated that he would like to make a few comments on the County Attorney’s bill that was passed in the Legislature. He pointed out that this bill had been drawn just three days before the Legislature would adjourn, and it stemmed from a heated conversation he had with Senator Glisson on Tuesday regarding the Medical Examiners Bill. He pointed out to the Board that this County Attorney bill was a local bill; however, it had not been discussed at a local bill hearing because none were held. He stated that he had talked with Representative Fechtel and Langley regarding the possible defeat of this bill in the House and was informed that this would not be possible.
Mr. Ford stated that he would like to comment on the letter he had received from Commr. Burhans. He announced to Commr. Burhans, at this time he would speak with Commr. Burhans at any time on County matters.
Mr. Ford suggested that the Board of County Commissioners consider the employment of another attorney to advise them in matters involving Laurens Glass. He stated that there seems to be some concern over the fact that he may have a conflict of interest. Mr. Ford stated again that he had called Tallahassee about this matter and that both he and the officials in Tallahassee felt there was no conflict of interest since he did not represent Laurens Glass in matters that would need Board approval. Again he reiterated that in view of the letter that was written, he would advise the Board to employ another attorney for advice in the above and offered the name of Mr. Emmett Tally or Larry Taylor, both of whom are attorneys. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the employment of Mr. Emmitt Tally, Attorney, to advise the Board of County Commissioners on any matters involving Laurens Glass. Commr. Windram stated that he did not want his vote to be construed that he felt that there was a conflict of interest in any way, but was only voting because it was the request of the County Attorney, Chris Ford, that another attorney be employed to advise them on matters involving Laurens Glass.
At this time, Mr. Ford also commented on the article that appeared in the newspaper regarding the price paid by Volusia County for a full-time Attorney. He enumerated the services that the County receives from his office and stated that a part of the cost is absorbed through his private practice.
county employees
Mr. Porter appeared before the Board and stated that in view of discussions he had with George Cody, the County may want to file a petition with PERC for a clarification of the bargaining unit. He reminded the Board that this has been a point of contention with the Board and the Union. He stated that he was just bringing this to the Board’s attention but did not feel it needed Board action at this time.
accounts allowed
Mr. Porter stated that his office had received a telephone call on June 7, 1976 from Tallahassee requesting a meeting with all the CETA Program Agents June 8, 1976 in Tallahassee regarding Occupational Summary and next year’s proposals. He requested approval for Mr. Harry Spooner to travel to Tallahassee to attend this meeting. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the above request.
county employees
Mr. Porter stated that he had reviewed the request from Mr. Middleton for certain transfers made in his department. Mr. Porter informed the Board that the accrued annual leave and sick time would carry Mrs. Angel Brooks through June 11, 1976. This would allow Mrs. Marjorie Brooks, previously the CETA employee in the Purchasing Department to take over Mrs. Angel Brooks position beginning June 14, 1976 at a salary of $6,000. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the termination of Mrs. Angel Brooks on June 11, 1976 and the employment of Mrs. Marjorie Brooks June 14, 1976 at a salary of $6,000 and approved the refilling of the vacant CETA position.
appropriations
Mr. Porter asked for clarification on whether or not the Board wanted to approve the filling of all CETA positions. Discussion was held. It was the Board’s opinion that it did not want positions filled just because there is money available and stated that they wanted to approve the filling of all CETA positions that became available.
Mr. Porter brought to the attention of the Board that a cook had been released at the Nursing Home, and it was imperative that this position be refilled. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the refilling of the CETA position of cook at the Nursing home at a salary of $375 per month effective immediately.
county employees
Mr. Porter informed the Board that the Secretary-Receptionist at the Agriculture Center had resigned effective June 17, 1976, and it was requested to refill this position effective June 21, 1976 at an annual salary of $5730. Mr. Porter stated that he had conferred with Mr. Haddox and indicated to him that if the Board approved this position to be refilled, it was the Board’s position that the new employees begin at a lower salary for their probationary period. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the above-mentioned position to be filled at a salary lower than the budgeted amount for the probationary period.
Mr. Porter discussed with the Board the time and date it would like to have Mr. George Cody appear before the Board to make his formal presentation of the Job Classification and Pay Scale his firm has conducted for the County. Discussion was held. It was the decision of the Board that it would listen to the formal presentation the morning of Tuesday, July 13, 1976 and established a tentative date of Tuesday, July 20, 1976 at 11:30 a.m. for formal adoption of the plan.
Mr. Porter asked the Board how it would like to handle the interviewing of applicants for the position of Public Works Director. The Board stated that it would be willing to hold a special meeting on Thursday, June 17, 1976 at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of interviewing prospective applicants.
Commr. Deems stated that he had received a note from Michael Willett regarding the employment of Kirstin Tetsworth as Assistant Planner. Commr. Deems stated that he is going to speak with her prior to the next Board meeting and wanted to know if the Board would like to interview this applicant. The Board stated that Commr. Deems could conduct the interview, and it would accept Commr. Deems’ recommendation.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
________________________________
thomas j. windrm, chairman
________________________
James C. Watkins, Clerk