A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MAY 3, 1977
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, May 3, 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; James R. Carson, Jr., Glenn C. Burhans and J. M. Hoskinson. 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 James R. Carson, Jr.
minutes
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 19, 1977, were approved as amended.
roads-county-state
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from the Department of Transportation regarding the transfer of certain roads from the State Primary System to the County for maintenance. According to the letter, the DOT has postponed making a decision on this matter until the legislation on the 5th and 6th cent gas tax is acted upon by the Florida State Senate and House.
county property/county employees
Commr. Windram presented, to the Board, a letter from the Department of Commerce, Division of Labor, regarding certain deficiencies that exist at the District #2 Barn. The Clerk informed the Board that a copy of this had already been sent to the Engineering and Personnel Departments for their attention. Commr. Windram requested that the Engineering Department be instructed to follow up on this, immediately, and notify the proper authorities, in writing, when the deficiencies have been corrected.
roads-county-state
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from the Department of Transportation stating that it would be unable to pave the small strip of road on SR 48, in Howey, at this time.
accounts allowed/meetings
Discussion was held regarding the proposed legislation written by the Lake County Property Appraiser. It was the feeling of the Board that Mr. Ford should be in attendance at this meeting to voice his views on the legislation. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Mr. Ford to attend the above mentioned meeting on behalf of the Board.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Frankie Rouse to attend an Animal Control Seminar in Columbus, Georgia, June 17-21, 1977, at a cost not to exceed $245.00.
outdoor recreational facilities
Mr. John Batchlor, resident of Wekiva River Acres, appeared before the Board as a spokesman for the residents in the area protesting the Rock Concert that was held in the area on May 1, 1977. He stated that the facilities on which the concert took place were inadequate to hold the number of people who attended the event. He pointed out the various problems that he and the other residents encountered during the time that the event was taking place. He requested that the Board take some action to prevent a situation like this arising again.
Mr. Ford informed those present that the County had adopted an Ordinance in 1971 prohibiting this type of activity without proper permission from the Board of County Commissioners. At this time Mr. Ford briefly reviewed the Ordinance, pointing out the various regulations, to which a sponsoring organization must adhere, in order to obtain a permit to have a rock festival.
Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, was present and informed the Board that the property, on which the event was held, is owned by C. E. Middlebrooks. He stated that this was zoned Agricultural and that a CUP had been issued for a travel trailer park and marina. Mr. Willett stated that this event was a violation of the CUP and the Lake County Zoning Rules and Regulations for the area in question.
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he had spoken with Mr. Scism, an Investigator with the Sheriff’s Department, who said that the Sheriff’s Department was investigating the matter at this time. Mr. Ford also stated that, according to the Sheriff’s Department, the crowd was very orderly. Further discussion was held.
The residents of the area, who were present at the meeting, said that they had heard a rumor that another concert was planned for this coming weekend and would appreciate any action taken to prevent a situation like this reoccurring. The Board asked if it would be possible to obtain an injunction on something that may happen. Mr. Ford stated that it was possible. At this time, Mr. Ford passed around a sheet of paper and requested the names, addresses, and phone numbers of those residents who would be willing to testify as to the activities that took place at Wekiva River Acres.
Mr. Ford stated that he would contact the Sheriff to see if he could appear before the Board, today, to update the Commission on the matter.
funds-transfer
Commr. Hoskinson presented, to the Board, a request to transfer funds into the Animal Shelter Budget. He stated that $800 is needed in the “Medical and Surgical” account for the neutering program; $450 in the “Communications” account to cover the monthly charge for the telemote unit; and he recommended that $100 be transferred into the “Maintenance of Equipment” account because it is Overexpended by $7.00 and the $100 would carry this account to the end of the budget year. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the transfer of $1,500 from Contingency to be divided among the accounts as listed above, in the Animal Shelter Budget.
elections
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, the memorandum they received from Mrs. Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, opposing the Universal Voter Registration Bill (H.R. 5400) and stated that she would appreciate anything the Board could do to have this bill defeated. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board directed the Clerk to write a letter to Congressman Kelly expressing the Board’s opposition to the above mentioned bill.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that Mr. Jack Haddox, County Extension Agent, would like to hire Sally Miller as a Secretary II, at the Agricultural Center. However, he would like her to be hired at the budgeted salary of $5,700 and not be subject to a probationary period. Commr. Burhans expressed his disapproval of this proposal. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Ms. Sally Miller to be offered the position of Secretary II, at the Agricultural Center at a salary of $5,400 with a six month probationary period.
appropriations
Commr. Burhans reported, to the Board, that the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services is having internal problems and asked if the Board would like to consider taking over the administration of the CETA, Title I, program. Commr. Burhans requested guidance, from the Board, because he is scheduled to attend a meeting in Tallahassee on May 4, 1977, regarding the CETA Programs. The Board asked if it would be possible to obtain an extension of time on the deadline for applying for the administration of Title I funds. Further discussion was held. Commr. Burhans requested that Mr. Spooner be asked to appear, before the Board later in the morning, to discuss this matter.
municipalities
Commr. Windram stated that the Tax Equalization Committee was at the culmination of its meetings with the League of Municipalities regarding Tax Equalization. He stated that, according to the figures, the cities were paying 35% of the ad valorem taxes and receiving 35% of the services, but the cities contained 57% of the population. He requested some guidance from the Board as to its feelings on the matter. Discussion was held.
Mr. Ford informed the Board of the outcome of various cases that have gone to trial regarding tax equalization.
It was the feeling of the Board that, in view of the results of the study, the cities were receiving the amount of services for which they were paying.
appropriations
Mr. Harry Spooner appeared before the Board to answer questions regarding the CETA, Title I, program. He stated that Title I is the most complicated of all the CETA Programs. Commr. Burhans asked if the County was capable of taking over the administration of the CETA Title I program. Mr. Spooner stated that the County could operate the program. However, additional staff would have to be hired, and there may be some additional help required in the Finance Department because CETA I provides for checks to be written every week. The Board was concerned over the possible increase of personnel in the Finance Department.
Due to the information provided, the Board felt that Commr. Burhans would be more able to determine, after attending the meetings in Tallahassee regarding the CETA programs, whether an extension of the deadline for filing an application for the administration of the CETA, Title I, funds should be requested.
bids/courthouse
Commr. Deems postponed the tabulation of the bids for the landscaping of the new Courthouse until 11:30 A.M.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request of Mr. Victor Landsbury to live in a mobile home on the same piece of property on which his conventional dwelling is built, provided the proper bond is posted, and with the understanding that the mobile home will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.
accounts allowed
Mr. Watkins brought to the attention of the Board that on April 19, 1977, it had approved payment to P & C Thompson Brothers, General Contractor for the Lake County Courthouse, in the amount of $38,285. He stated that there was an error in the addition and that the payment should have been $66,785. Therefore, he requested approval to pay P & C Thompson Brothers the additional amount of $28,500 retroactive to April 19, 1977. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the above request as presented by the Clerk. Commr. Hoskinson was absent for the vote.
county depositories
The Clerk presented, to the Board, the necessary forms which the Board needs to approve to allow the Winter Park Federal Savings and Loan Association, Mount Dora Branch, to be a County Depository. Discussion was held. The Board and Mr. Ford, County Attorney, recalled that it had discussed, several months ago, this very subject and requested that Mr. Ford review his records and advise the Board as to its decision regarding the use of Savings and Loan Associations as County Depositories.
Mr. Watkins presented, to the Board, new night bag depository contracts from the Exchange Bank of Clermont for the deposit of auto inspection funds and requested approval for authorized depositing agents. These forms need the approval of the Board because the Exchange Bank has recently become a National Bank, and this is one of the new regulations to which it must adhere. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the forms as presented and approved Bernice Ivey, John Doyle, and Frank Woodson as the County’s authorized depositing agents.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved the following Contractor Bonds:
296-77 J. R. Barber (Masonry Contractor)
1147-77 Wally Beitl
1530-77 Kenneth R. Martin (Swimming Pool)
1531-77 Stephen C. Vaughn, Jr. (Building Contractor)
Commr. Burhans was absent for the vote.
licenses and permits
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the Firearm permit applications and $500 bonds for the following:
Clark E. Kauffman Frederick A. Ladd, Jr. Antonio J. Radosti
Louis Range Armando M. Valdes Richard Jerome Womack
Commr. Burhans was absent for the vote.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the request of James E. Bouldin for approval to add a Smith and Wesson hand gun of 9mm caliber with serial number A315599 to his existing permit.
Commr. Burhans was absent for the vote.
budgets
Mr. Watkins presented, to the Board, the annual request for funds from Youth Programs, Inc. The Board stated that it did not wish to discuss this request now but would consider it during the normal budget hearings.
county property
Mr. Watkins presented, to the Board, the sewer assessment in the amount of $341 on the property which the County purchased from Lake Region Packing. This was referred to the County Attorney for his investigation and recommendation to the Board.
appointments
The Clerk brought to the attention of the Board that it still had to consider appointments on the Pollution Control Board in the Engineering and Conservation capacity. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the reappointment of Ralph A. Roane, in the capacity of Engineering, and Joe E. Hill in the capacity of Industry, to the Pollution Control Board.
hospitals
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of Alan Buddy Still to the A. G. Holley State Hospital.
reports
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the monthly report of the Youth Programs, Inc.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment of the following vouchers:
General Revenue 1783 – 1905 Section VII 41 - 50
Road & Bridge 610 – 651 NE Ambulance 9
Fine & Forfeiture 287 – 308 DWI School 15 – 20
Auto Inspection 130 - 138 Comm. Block Grant 4
CETA II 14 – 21 COR (Co. Bldgs.) 23 – 27
CETA VI 35-49
indigents
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following changes on the Indigent List:
ADD Frank Higgs for Thomas Smith Dist. #5 $50.00
CANCEL Mrs. J. C. Osborne for Cindy Olsen Dist. #5 $62.50
CHANGE Lillian D. Moore for James Moore Dist. #3 from $82.00 to $50.00
communications
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from Franklin County regarding the situation which developed when three of its members were sued for Federal Conspiracy by Leisure Properties, Ltd., a very large property owner in Franklin County, when the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners attempted to regulate development of the property owned by Leisure Properties, Ltd.
Franklin County is asking the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County to support Franklin County in its decision, that the County should pay for the defense of a Commissioner when he is sued due to a decision made, as a Board member, regarding development within the County to which he is an elected official.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution supporting Franklin County’s decision that the County pay for the defense of its Commissioners as stated above. The Board requested that the Clerk forward, to our Legislative Delegation, a copy of the Franklin County’s letter, a copy of the resolution, and a letter of endorsement by the Board of County Commissioners supporting Franklin County’s decision in this matter. The Board requested that the letter be signed by the Chairman of the Board.
ordinance
The Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider an ordinance regarding the issuance of special assessment bonds for Lake Eustis Drive.
The Clerk stated that a certified proof of publication had been received and is on file.
bids/courthouse
Mr. Watkins presented, to the Board, the tabulation of the bids received for landscaping the new Courthouse. He informed the Board that four bids were received ranging from $40,000 to $19,200. It is the recommendation of John Dickerson, Architect, to accept the bid from Johnson and Smith Landscaping at he bid price of $19,200 which was the best and lowest bid of those received. He stated that $50,000 had been allocated to pay for this.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Architect, accepted the bid from Johnson and Smith Landscaping at a cost of $19,200.
courthouse
Mr. Watkins informed the Board that the Courthouse will be ready to move into the new facilities, beginning May 13, 1977, and will be open for business on May 17, 1977 at 8:30 A.M. He also informed the Board that dedication ceremonies are planned for the morning of May 17, 1977 beginning at 8:30 A.M.
resolutions
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution commending Judge John W. McCormick for his service to Lake County. The Board requested that this resolution be forwarded to his widow.
communications/public health
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from a retired health officer who urges that a Department of Health in Tallahassee be recreated.
Commr. Deems presented, to the Board, a letter from the Department of Transportation informing the Board that President Carter has declared the week of May 15, 1977, as NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION WEEK. No action was taken.
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.
Commr. Windram stated that he had a dentist appointment after lunch and may be later returning to the meeting.
road closing
At 2:00 P.M., the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the vacation of a portion of the plat of Picciola Island Subdivision.
The Deputy Clerk stated that proof of publication had been received and the description, of the portion of the plat to be closed, is as follows:
THAT PORTION OF EAST PICCIOLA DRIVE ABUTTING BLOCK C, LOTS 32, 33, & 34 AND BLOCK A, LOTS 42, 43, 44 OF PICCIOLA ISLAND SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 14, PAGES 19, 19A & 19B, PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; INCLUDING LOTS 32, 33, AND 34, BLOCK C AND LOTS 42, 43, AND 44, BLOCK A AND ALL OF BLOCK J.
Mr. Collins appeared before the Board, representing the Picciola Island Subdivision Homeowners Association, to voice his concern regarding what the property will be used for after the road and lots are vacated.
Mr. Byron Herlong, developer of the subdivision, appeared before the Board and explained how and why he was asking for this portion of the plat to be vacated.
John Conner and James E. Pits, also from the Homeowners Association appeared before the Board and voiced their concern as to what the property could be used for if this vacation was granted. Commr. Carson stated that the zoning would remain the same and that, if the prospective owner of the property wanted to use it for another purpose, other than residential, he would have to petition for a rezoning hearing. Further discussion was held.
Commr. Deems asked if there were any other citizens present who would like to voice their comments on this matter. There was no response.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, by those present, the Board approved the vacation of a portion of the Plat of Picciola Island Subdivision as described above.
The Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived to consider the closing of Betty Lane and Woodland Avenue in Mascotte Hills, Unit 1.
The Deputy Clerk stated that the proof of publication had been received, and the description of the road to be closed is as follows:
THAT PORTION OF BETTY LANE AND WOODLAND AVENUE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF MASCOTTE HILLS, UNIT 1 AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE 70, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; LYING WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:
A PART OF SECTIONS 9 AND 10, TOWNSHIP 22 SOUTH, RANGE 24 EAST, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: FROM THE SW CORNER OF SECTION 10, RUN NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, 533.0 FEET TO THE P.O.B. OF THIS DESCRIPTION, RUN THENCE WEST PERPENDICULAR TO THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, A DISTANCE OF 148 FEET, THENCE NORTH PARALLEL TO THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, 157.00 FEET, THENCE EAST 148 FEET TO THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, 285.26 FEET TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF TUSCANOOGA ROAD AND A POINT HEREBY DESCRIBED AS POINT “A”. RETURN TO THE P.O.B. AND RUN NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, 7.0 FEET, THENCE EAST PERPENDICULAR TO THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 10, 425.06 FEET TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF TUSCANOOGA ROAD, THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY TO INTERSECT THE AFOREMENTIONED POINT “A”.
No on appeared before the Board regarding this road closing. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr Burhans and carried, by those present the Board adopted a resolution approving the closing of the above-described road.
outdoor recreational facilities
Mr. Ford stated that the Sheriff and Mr. Scism were ready to brief the Board on the results of their investigation into the activities that took place at Wekiva River Acres, last Sunday.
Sheriff McCall stated that his department had no forewarning or notification that there was going to be a concert held at Wekiva River Acres. He stated that, when his office began receiving telephone calls regarding the number of people, he sent deputies out to the area to help with traffic problems. The Highway Patrol was on standby alert as were other Lake County deputies. Sheriff McCall did say that, for the number of people that showed up for the concert, they conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The Board stated that they had received word that there were things stolen from the homes in the area. Mr. Scism, investigator with the Sheriff's Department, stated that only one case of theft had been reported but that, as of this time, there was no proof that the theft was related to the rock concert.
Sheriff McCall, at this time, apologized to the Board regarding the misinformation which was given out by his dispatcher pertaining to the fact that Lake County did not have an Ordinance regulating such concerts when in fact the County had adopted such an Ordinance in 1971.
Discussion was held on the action that could be taken to prevent an event like this from taking place again at Wekiva River Acres without obtaining the proper permits and providing the necessary facilities for those attending the event.
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he could probably obtain a temporary restraining order; however, he requested clarification as to whether the Board wanted the restraining order to be directed to the property owner, Mr. C. E. Middlebrooks, or if the Board wanted it also to include WORJ Radio Station which apparently sponsored the concert.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, by those present, the Board directed the County Attorney to proceed in obtaining the necessary restraining order or injunction against WORJ Radio Station and Mr. C. E. Middlebrooks and any other party responsible or involved in the arranging of the rock concert at Wekiva River Acres.
commissioners
At 2:55 P.M., Commr. Burhans excused himself from the remainder of the afternoon session because he had to leave for Tallahassee on County business.
maps and plats
Mr. Larry Taylor, Attorney, appeared before the Board requesting approval of the plat of East Lakeview Estates. He stated that there was a slight problem due to the fact that there was an elderly couple in Texas who own 25% of the mineral rights on the land. Mr. Taylor stated that he plans to file a partition suit in this matter which Mr. Ford, County Attorney, feels will solve the problem, to him, seemed extremely improbable.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, by those present the Board approved the plat of East Lakeview Estates and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same. The Board also approved the Escrow Agreement and title opinion as presented by Mr. Taylor and approved by Mr. Ford.
Mr. Taylor appeared before the Board requesting approval of the plat of Pine Acres Subdivision. He stated that Mr. Dan Robuck, attorney from Mr. Ford’s office, had questions regarding this subdivision; however, all of these questions have been answered to the County Attorney’s satisfaction. Mr. Ford verified that this was correct and that his office had no objection to the approval of this plat.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved the plat of Pine Acres Subdivision and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.
Mr. George McGammon appeared before the Board to request approval, from the Board, to waive certain Subdivision Requirements on over 500 acres of land which he owns and wishes to subdivide into six parcels. He informed the Board that he has dedicated a 66-foot right of way into the property, as the Board requested when he appeared before them last month. Discussion was held regarding the manner in which Mr. McGammon had subdivided the property.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved the County Engineer to be authorized to waive the Subdivision Rules and Regulations as requested by Mr. McGammon pertaining to the paving of roads with the property he wishes to subdivide.
bids/autos and trucks
Mr. Knuckles, Purchasing Director, appeared before the Board to request approval to advertise for bids for the purchase of two 5/8 ton pick-up trucks and one 1-ton pick up truck for the Engineering Department. He informed the Board that there would be three vehicles traded in on the above. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved advertisement for the purchase of the above-mentioned vehicles, with trade in, at a time and date to be determined by the Clerk.
At this time, Mr. Knuckles stated that there was a need for a pool car in the Engineering Building which would be used mainly by the Assistant County Engineer, Road Superintendent, and Right of Way Agent. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved advertisement for the purchase of a compact car for the Engineering Building at a time and date to be determined by the Clerk.
accounts allowed/machinery and equipment
Mr. Knuckles stated that, several weeks ago, the Board had requested that he obtain quotations on a calculator to be used by the Jury Clerk in the Clerk’s Office. He stated that he would recommend the purchase of a Monroe Printer Calculator at a cost of $216.11. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved the above purchase to be paid for from the Clerk’s budget.
county buildings
Mr. Andrew, County Engineer, stated that he was able to obtain only two quotations for the demolition of the warehouse, behind the Lake County Health Department, which the County recently purchased from Lake Region Packing. The quotations are as follows:
Burdette Wrecking, Inc. $1,745.00
B & J Salvage 2,800.00
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board accepted the quotation from Burdette Wrecking, Inc., in the amount of $1,745 for the demolition of the warehouse in question. This will be a “turn key” job, and the Board will waive the landfill charges for the disposal of the debris.
licenses and permits
At this time, Commr. Deems passed the responsibility of chairing the meeting to the Vice Chairman, James R. Carson, Jr.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the following Utility and Driveway permits were approved:
NO. PERMITTEE PURPOSE ROAD
910 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 2-1911
911 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable S-46A
912 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable S-542
913 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 3-0840
914 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 3-0840
915 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 1-4621
917 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 5-6040
918 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 3-0456
919 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable S-437
920 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 2-0421
921 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 5-7939
922 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable S-452
923 Florida Telephone Corp. Buried Cable 4-4265
1-323 City of Fruitland Park Water Main 1-5702
1-324 Paul McSheehy ACCMP 1-5702
1-5704
driveway permits
1-325 Edward S. Griffin 1-5805
2-326 James F. Rumford (R/W Permit) Hutchinson S/D
1-327 Paul J. McSheehy 1-5702
1-5704
Commr. Carson abstained from the vote because he is a member on the Board of Directors of the Florida Telephone Corporation.
Commr. Deems resumed his position as Chairman.
road closing
Mr. Andrew presented, to the Board, a request for approval to advertise the closing of an easement in Ravenswood Subdivision in District #5. No action was taken at this time.
roads-county, state
Mr. Andrew discussed, with the Board, its policy regarding the erecting of signs on private streets. He stated that he had received a phone call informing him that an individual had dug a ditch across a non-maintained clay road to slow the speed of vehicles on this road. Discussion was held regarding the liability which the County would be subjected to if it erected signs on this type of road. The Board instructed the County Engineer to inform the residents that, if they wish to post speed signs on a private road, they may do so at their own expense. It should be understood that the County has no involvement in the establishment or enforcement of the speed limit.
roads-subdivision
Mr. Andrew reported, to the Board, that three individuals in Picciola Harbors Subdivision wish to pave East Harbor Drive and Oak Lane, at their expense, and are requesting a variance in the road width from 20 feet to 18 feet. He stated that they plan to have the County accept the roads into the County System. Discussion was held. The Board instructed Mr. Andrew to inform the individuals that, if the variance of the road width is granted, the road must meet County Specifications in every other respect in order to be taken into this system. No formal action on the variance was taken at this time.
deeds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed #1963 (S-466A) except for 40 feet from the centerline.
resolutions – roads
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board, upon the recommendation of the County Engineer, adopted a resolution establishing a speed limit of 20 mph in Orange Blossom Gardens II.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board adopted a resolution, establishing speed limits on Wolfbranch Road (DR 4-4581) in the following locations:
From U.S. 441 to Roundlake Road (DR 4-4183) 45 mph
From Roundlake Road to Orange Street (DR 4-4484) 55 mph
From Orange Street to S-437 45 mph
deeds
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried by those present, the Board approved the recording of the 66-foot right-of-way deed from Charles E. Bradshaw to Lake County on Five Mile Road.
ROADS – county, state
Discussion was held regarding the placement of a signal light at Sinclair Avenue and Alfred Street (500A), in Tavares. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried by those present, the Board agreed that a signal light should be erected at this intersection in Tavares.
It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson for the County to financially assist in the installation of the above-mentioned signal light. The Chairman announced that the motion had died due to the lack of a second.
municipalities
Mr. Andrew presented, to the Board, a request from the City of Leesburg for 100 yards of clay to repair a parking lot at its softball field. Commr. Carson asked Mr. Andrew to review the situation because he did not feel that it would take 100 yards of clay. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved for the County to furnish the City of Leesburg up to 100 yards of clay to repair a parking lot at its softball field.
roads – county, state
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried by those present, the Board approved the execution of County Deed, Resolution, and Right of Way Map for SR 33 and SR 50.
roads – county
Mr. Andrew brought to the attention of the Board a matter regarding a piece of land belonging to Mr. Theus, a former Commissioner. According to correspondence written to him in 1970, the County agreed that, if Mr. Theus donated right of way on Owens Road, the County would move his fence off the right of way which he donated. Mr. Andrew stated that a barbed wire fence was moved at that time; however, Mr. Theus claims that the County is responsible for realigning the fence even along that portion of the road which is not constructed and exists entirely of shrubs. Discussion was held. The Board, upon the advice of the County Attorney, instructed Mr. Andrew to contact Mr. Theus and inform him that the County feels it has fulfilled its obligation regarding the moving of the fence when it moved the barbed wire fence.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved partial payment to Jet Mark, Inc., in the amount of $43,442.90, which is in accordance with their Striping Program contract with Lake County.
county property
The Board, upon the request of the County Engineer, approved for Mr. Andrew to secure prices for the paving of the parking lot behind the Health Department.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Andrew requested permission to begin the process necessary to select consultant services in the area of aerial photography, general road design, road and drainage and bridge inspection. The Board took no action on this request.
courthouse
Mr. Ford reported, to the Board, that Mrs. Knowles had given him approximate dates that her departments plan to begin occupying space in the old Courthouse.
Discussion was held. It was requested that the Clerk obtain, from Mrs. Knowles, a more definite date regarding the approval of the rental contract of the proposed space by the State and a more definite moving date by her departments.
Mr. Ford also mentioned, to the Board, that Mrs. Knowles was interested in hooking up their communication equipment with that in the new Courthouse. He felt the Board may want to consider this possibility.
Mr. Ford also informed the Board that Mrs. Knowles may be interested in renting the use of the Diebold Rotary Files, on the third floor of the Courthouse, which Mr. Watkins, Clerk, has decided not to move into the new Courthouse. The Board was agreeable to this if an arrangement could be made whereby the Department of HRS would rent as well as maintain the equipment.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Ford presented, to the Board, for formal approval, the county offer of $76,000 and which the County would pay for the Brokers Commissions and closing costs which would bring the sale of the land to $81,795. This deals with the property belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons that the County is interested in purchasing for the clay on the land. On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the necessary documents. It was also the understanding that the sale is contingent upon the results of the soil borings and upon the appraisal substantiating the price being paid for the acreage in questions.
resolutions
Mr. Ford presented, to the Board, a resolution which the Board needs to approve to enable the Sheriff’s Department to obtain insurance coverage, under Joint Underwriters Association, in the amount of 100/300/500. On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board adopted the above resolution as submitted.
meetings
Mr. Ford discussed, with the Board, the meeting to be held on May 6, 1977, in the Board room regarding the proposed legislation by Ed Havill. He stated that he felt it was unconstitutional and would speak bluntly regarding his views on the matter. This met with the approval of the Board.
accounts allowed
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried by those present, the Board approved the expenditure of $1,200 to move the Diebold Files in the Sheriff’s Department to the new Courthouse.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 P.M.
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C. A. “LEX” DEEMS, CHAIRMAN
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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK