A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

march 8, 1977

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, March 8, 1977, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  C.A. Deems, Chairman; Thomas J. Windram; Glenn C. Burhans and James R. Carson, Jr.  The Chairman announced that Commissioner Hoskinson had telephoned stating that he would be late for the meeting. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Sharon Mitchell and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerks.

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

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved travel for Michael Willett, Director of Planning, to attend the State Association of County Commissioners Conference on Thursday, March 10, 1977.

budgets

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously by those present, the Board adopted the amended budget for the CETA Fund due to the County’s receiving more CETA Funds than was anticipated.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved travel for Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, to attend a Forum on Election Law Changes in Tallahassee on March 10-12, 1977.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the purchase of a Lanier Action Line Executive Assistant, for the office of Ernest C. Aulls, Jr., Circuit Court Judge, at a cost of $500, with trade-in, plus a yearly maintenance agreement, subject to its being processed through the Purchasing Department.

licenses and permits

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the Gun Permit and $500 Bond for Mr. Johnny Jarnigan.

bonds

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

1333-77   William A. Wiseman dba General Contractor

1387-77   James V. Coursey dba Building Contractor

 

Checks received

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the endorsement of a check in the amount of $30.00 to Mr. Lester Sutton from Aetna Insurance Company. This represents funds taken from Mr. Sutton’s paycheck through a Deferred Income Plan.

courthouse

Mr. Watkins presented to the Board a request from the Office of the Public Defender to have book shelves placed in the suite of offices assigned to his offices in the new Courthouse. This was referred to the Building Committee for a recommendation to the Board.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the travel of Stanley Young to attend the Aquatic Weed Training Program for aquatic plant management, in Bartow, on March 16-17, 1977. Mr. Eddie Ratliff was scheduled to attend this meeting with Mr. Yoder, but is now unable to attend; therefore, Mr. Young will go in his place.

reports

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously by those present, the Board accepted the monthly report from the Traffic and Criminal Department from the month of January.

communications

Commr. Windram presented to the Board, a letter from Clarence Holmes of Mount Dora commending the Board of County Commissioners on the fine job they are doing in leading Lake County.

roads-subdivision

Commr. Carson stated that there were representatives present from the Bassville Park Area regarding the paving of Lake Eustis Drive. Robert Andrew, County Engineer, was present and stated that the residents had decided that they would use the procedure of securing the names of 75% of the property owners which own roadway frontage and have a lien placed on their property over a 10-year period for the payment of this improvement.

Discussion was held as to how this would be financed. Commr. Deems stated that, according to his information, local banks may be willing to finance this type of project. Further discussion was held.

The Board stated that it would like to have the required public hearing regarding this matter as soon as possible. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously by those present, the Board approved the advertisement of a public hearing regarding the paving of Lake Eustis Drive on April 5, 1977, at 1:30 p.m. The Board reminded the representatives present that they must have the financing of this project worked out prior to the above Public Hearing.

roads-county

Mr. George Smith, representative from the Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board to review the manner in which Lake County’s Five-Year Road Program should be compiled. He stated that the format was slightly new and felt that it would alleviate a few problems which have been encountered in the past.

commissioners

At 9:40 a.m., Commr. Hoskinson arrived for the Board meeting.

roads-county

At this time, Commr. Carson stated that Lake County had sent a resolution to the Department of Transportation requesting that it pay the City of Leesburg $57,076 for the purchase of Right-of-Way on Dixie Avenue, in which the City of Leesburg owns Parcels 171 and 176. However, provisions had not been made for the payment of the necessary recording stamps. He requested that the Board approve a letter to be written to Mr. Barnes, Administrator, requesting him to pay the City of Leesburg an additional $234.55 for the Documentary Stamps.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above-mentioned letter to be written.

Commr. Hoskinson stated that when SR 48 was resurfaced, there was a small piece of roadway, which lies north of Citrus Avenue, that was not widened and resurfaced. It was requested that this piece of road be done when working on Highway 19, yet the officials of Howey were informed that this piece of roadway was designated SR 48 and could not be done. Discussion was held and Mr. Smith stated that he would look into the matter.

roads-county/resolutions

Commr. Hoskinson presented, to the Board, a resolution from the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills requesting the DOT to widen that part of SR 48 which lies north of Citrus Avenue.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a similar resolution and requested that a copy be sent to Mr. Robert Andrew, County Engineer, for handling.

roads-county/meetings

Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a notice of a public hearing, regarding the replacement of the Haines Creek Bridge, on April 19, 1977, at 7:00 p.m. in the Eustis Community Building. The Chairman stated that a great deal of interest should be shown in this matter. He requested that the Engineer be notified of the hearing.

At this time, the County Engineer reviewed, with the Board, the road requests he had received from the various municipalities.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Andrew presented, to the Board, the Contract between Lake County and MacAsphalt for the paving of Emeralda Island Road in the amount of $38,486.50.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above contract and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.

water authority

Commr. Hoskinson discussed with the Board the possibility of Lake County joining with other Central Florida Counties in a Central Florida Water Authority. Commr. Deems stated that Mr. Willett, Planning Director, had obtained some information on this and requested that this be discussed later, when Mr. Willett was present.

Municipalities

Commr. Hoskinson stated that the cities of Minneola, Clermont, Groveland and Mascotte are still interested in securing an airport facility in the south end of the County. It was requested that an Airport Study Committee be established to review this matter, and it was requested that the Board appoint an individual to this Committee as its representative. Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had contacted Mr. Frank B. Ezell, Jr., who is willing to serve on this Committee.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board appointed Mr. Frank B. Ezell, Jr., to serve as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on the Airport Study Committee for South Lake County.

public health

Mr. Watkins reported that he had received a phone call from Mr. Green, of the North Central Health Planning Council, regarding the Home Health Care Services Program under the direction of the Health Department.

Commr. Carson stated that Doctor June Murray informed him that Mr. Kulpan was anxious for Waterman Memorial Hospital to take over the sponsorship of this program and would present it to his Board of Directors tonight at its Board meeting. Commr. Carson requested the Board’s approval for Waterman Memorial Hospital to assume the responsibility of this program.

The Board members felt that this request should be received from Waterman Memorial Hospital.

No action was taken at this time.

appropriations/county employees

Commr. Carson reported to the Board that he had reviewed the request for an Activities Coordinator at the Lake Memorial Nursing Home. He stated that this was a required position and could be funded through CETA.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the filling of the position of Activities Coordinator under the CETA Program and requested that the Personnel Department be notified that the Board wishes the duties of this position to be combined with other duties at the Nursing Home.

accounts allowed

Commr. Carson reported to the Board that, of the original $109,000 of Anti-Recession Funds, there is still $18,300 uncommitted, and word has been received that there is an additional $48,000 being allocated to Lake County. He suggested that $30,000 of this additional Anti-Recession money be committed to covering the increased premium cost of the Employees Group Hospitalization Plan for next year and that the remaining money be committed to repainting and repairing the inside of the existing Courthouse when it is vacated or designate it to be used for moving Lake County into its new facilities. Discussion was held. Because a decision on the commitment of this money does not have to take place immediately, no formal action was taken at this time.

outdoor recreational facilities

Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board and presented the proposed projects to the 1977 Boating Improvement Funds. The projects consist of the replacement of the dock at Lakeshore Drive in Eustis, replacement of the “L” shape dock in Gilbert Park in Mount Dora, the rehabilitation of the boat ramp in Venetian Gardens and Highway 27 in Leesburg as well as the widening of the boat ramp on Lakeshore Drive in Leesburg. If, for some reason, one of the municipalities listed above is unable to raise its portion of the funds needed to proceed with the project, the Planning Department recommends that, for an alternative project, an additional dock be constructed at Wooten Park in Tavares.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the proposed projects for the 1977 Boating Improvement Funds as presented by Mr. Willett.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request of Mr. K.L. Sands to live in a mobile home on the same piece of property which his conventional dwelling is being built subject to the proper bond being posted and with the understanding that the mobile home will removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.

water authority

Commr. Hoskinson discussed, with the Board, the possibility of Lake County joining other Central Florida counties in a Central Florida Water Authority.

Mr. Willett stated that the creation of this Authority is to place a tighter control on where the water in Central Florida is pumped. Discussion was held. The Board members felt that there should be more information obtained about the proposed Water Authority before formal action is taken by the Board as to whether or not it wishes to be included in the organization.

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would try to find out more about the matter at the State Association Meeting in Tampa, this week.

Commr. Carson stated that he would also discuss this with the St. John’s Water District Board to which he acts as a liaison between the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the St. John’s Water District Board.

civil defense

Commr. Hoskinson presented, to the Board, a letter from Mr. Bill Driggers, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, informing the Board that the cereal based rations were no longer suitable for human consumption according to the State and Federal Civil Defense Agencies and was, therefore, requesting approval to dispose of these rations. He further informed the Board that the State Fish Hatchery in Richloam is willing to pick up these rations from the Umatilla Barn and deliver them to their facilities to be used as fish food.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board declared the above rations, “Surplus” and approved for these rations to be given to the State Fish Hatchery because the rations have been declared unsuitable for human consumption.

accounts refused

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had received a note from Mr. Driggers informing him that Senator Glisson has requested that Mr. Driggers attend a meeting on Nuclear Disaster Preparedness in Tallahassee, as his representative. Discussion was held. It was the feeling of the Board that it would serve no useful purpose for a County Employee to attend a meeting designated for State Legislators.

courthouse

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he had been contacted regarding the HRS renting portions of the old Courthouse. He stated that it had been indicated to him that HRS is interested in moving all of its offices into the Courthouse and would like room on the first floor for the Food Stamp offices. The Board felt that it must take care of its own needs and that the top three floors have been made available for State rental. The Board did not wish to alter its offer.

fire districts

Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from the Yalaha Volunteer Fire Department stating that their fire truck was no longer operational. This was referred to Mr. Driggers for his attention in following the proper procedure in the disposal of the vehicle and to inquire as to their need for another truck.

roads-county

Commr. Hoskinson presented, to the Board, a letter from a resident regarding the condition of the Hollendle Road. The Board requested that a letter be written informing the party that money has been allocated for the widening and resurfacing of this road and that it hopes this road will be repaired in the near future.

county employees

Mr. Watkins stated that he had talked with Mr. Callaway regarding his interest in being employed for a certain length of time after the construction of the Courthouse is completed. Mr. Watkins stated that he was interested. Discussion was held. The Board requested that Mr. Watkins inquire as to whether or not Mr. Callaway would be interested in 30 or 60 days extension of the Contract, or being on an “on call” basis to answer questions regarding the new Courthouse.

recess and reassembly

At 12:00 Noon, the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at Perkins Cake and Steak. The public and press were invited on a dutch treat basis.

license and permits

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the gun permit and $500 Bond for William Gelbach.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment of the bill from Jones and Dickerson, Architects, in the amount of $2,513.14, which is in accordance with their contract.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment of the bill from P & C Thompson Brothers, General Contractor, in the amount of $109,193.00 which is in accordance with their contract.

sewer treatment plants

Mr. William Hennessey, Director of Pollution Control, appeared before the Board regarding the location of the sewer treatment plant and spray field for the Last Resort Fishing Camp.

Mr. Kelly, Engineer of the plant for the Last Resort Fishing Camp, appeared before the Board and outlined the process which would be used in the treatment of the affluent.

Mr. George Hollingworth, Mr. W.H. Born, and several other residents of the area appeared before the Board to voice their opposition to this location due to the possibility of odor and the growth of fresh water gnats. Discussion was held.

Mr. Kelly stated that the developer was willing to move the treatment plant as far back as possible if this would ease the minds of the residents. The Board requested Mr. Hennessey to work with the developer to make sure that the residents in the area were protected.

zoning

At 2:00 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Zoning Violations would be postponed until 2:10 p.m.

sewer treatment plant

Mr. Hennessey reminded the Board that this was only approval of the location of the plant and that the developer still had to comply with the State and Local regulations regarding the treatment of affluent.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the location of the sewer treatment plant for the Last Resort Fishing Camp as presented by the Director of Pollution Control.

Commr. Burhans voted “no”.

zoning

ZONING VIOLATION 77-6  Steven Szollosy

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Szollosy in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 1971-6.

ZONING VIOLATION 77-17  Middlebrooks (Property Owner)  Peterson (Violator)

Neither Mr. Middlebrooks nor Mr. Peterson appeared before the Board regarding this case.

Mrs. Mary Miracle, resident in the area, appeared before the Board and stated that this property has been in violation since last August. She further stated that her home is for sale, and it is hard to explain to prospective buyers that the area is zoned RR when there are travel trailers parked on property in the area.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Middlebrooks and Mr. Peterson in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave them 30 days to comply with Ordinance 1971-6.

county employees

Commr. Deems stated that, a few months ago, the Board approved to hire Nancy Cox, Associate Planner, at a salary of $9,000. He stated that Mr. Willett, in order to avoid “in house” problems, has started Miss Cox at a salary of $8,500 and after a three-month probationary period, he requests permission to raise her to $9,000.

Commr. Deems stated that he realized that this was not in accordance with the Procedure Manual which the Board adopted, but this arrangement was made prior to the adoption of the Manual, and Mr. Willett felt that he could not alter his offer to this employee after she accepted the position. He further stated that the Employee Policy Procedure Manual would be adhered to in the future.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the salary of Nancy Cox, Associate Planner, beginning at $8,500 and after a 90-day probationary period, her salary would be raised to $9,000.

roads-county

Mr. Ford stated that he had researched the matter involving the garage and apartment that is built in a County Road right-of-way in Sorrento. Mr. Ford stated that he realized the Board would like to take sympathy on the resident and help her out but felt that the Board could not close a section of this road in order to allow her to obtain clear title to the property. He further stated that this would be setting a very serious precedent. Mr. Ford stated that the resident would have to personally work out a solution to this problem.

appropriations

Commr. Burhans asked the Board whether or not it would like a program to be written for the use of CETA Funds for carpenters to do various carpentry work in the Old Courthouse. Discussion was held. The Board requested that Commr. Burhans confer with Mr. Glenn Middleton and prepare such a project for the Board’s approval.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment of the bill from Allan Hamlin, Court Reporter. He was unaware that the Board had changed its policy of paying bills and, therefore, submitted his bill late.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m.

 

 

 

________________________

C.A. “Lex” Deems, Chairman

 

 

____________________

James C. Watkins, Clerk