A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

AUGUST 2, 1977

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, August 2, 1977, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  C.A. “Lex” Deems, Chairman; Thomas J. Windram; 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 Thomas J. Windram.

communications/municipalities

Commr. Deems presented to the Board letters from the Cities of Leesburg and Eustis regarding the Road and Bridge Millage.  It was requested that the Clerk respond to the letters and inform the Cities that their letters were appreciated and they will be given consideration.

roads-subdivision

Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Neil V. Dempsey, presenting George Cota, who is President of Dora Pines, Inc., regarding the improvements to roads within this Subdivision.

No action was taken at this time on this letter.

libraries/funds-transfer

Commr. Carson, representing the Lake County Law Library was in need of financial assistance to carry it through the remainder of this fiscal year.  Discussion was held.  Commr. Carson sated that the Library Board was considering a fee which would be paid by the attorneys for the support of the Law Library.  The Board was in favor of such a fee being instituted.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board transferred $4,000 from Contingency to the Law Library Budget to subsidize it for the remainder of this fiscal year.

grant

Debra Chapman, Executive Director of Helpline, appeared before the Board regarding possible funding it could receive through an LEAA Grant.

Discussion was held.  The Board discussed this with her, however, due to the fact that the County Attorney had not received a copy of the necessary papers the Board felt that it would be unable to take any action regarding this Grant until Mr. Ford, County Attorney, had an opportunity to review the contracts involved and report to the Board his opinion.

Mr. Jim Reich, Attorney representing the Legal Aid Society, appeared before the Board requesting renewal of its grant funding through the Community Services Trust Fund.  He stated that the procedure was the same as has been the past two years.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the grant application as presented by Mr. Reich and approved for the Chairman and the Clerk to sign same.

resolutions/outdoor recreational facilities

Commr. Carson presented to the Board a letter from Putnam County requesting Lake County’s support in the saving of Lake Ocklawaha.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted a resolution expressing its support to save Lake Ocklawaha.  It was requested that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Florida Cabinet, our Senators and Congressmen.

communications/status of women

Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board a copy of a letter from Kenneth Van Auken to the Lake Sentinel in opposition to Lake County tax money being used for the support of the Committee on the Status of Women.  This was read and filed.

At this time Commr. Hoskinson presented to the Board the County Achievement Award he accepted on behalf of Lake County at the NACo Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

appointments

At this time Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that he had been appointed, by the Governor of the State of Florida, to serve on the Advisory Council for Intergovernmental Affairs.

contracts and agreements

Commr. Hoskinson, presented to the Board, Change Order #5 pertaining to corrections in the new Lake County Courthouse.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that these changes have been approved by the Building Committee.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Change Order as presented and approved by the Building Committee.

budgets

At 10:00 A.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the Budget Amendment for the 1976-1977 Capital Outlay Reserve (County Buildings) Fund.

No one appeared before the Board regarding this Public Hearing.  Mrs. Doris Babb, Deputy In Charge of the Finance Department, Revenue Division, explained to the Board that this Public Hearing was being held in compliance with Chapter 129.06 (4)(a) of the Florida Statutes.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the amended budget of the above-mentioned fund as submitted by the Finance Department.

courthouse

Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a sign which could be changed to identify the type of meeting being held in various rooms in the new Courthouse.  The Board felt that this would help direct the public.  Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would look into the matter.

sewer treatment plants/municipalities/grants

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter from the City of Mount Dora stating that it has received word that if the County would approve Plan “A” of the 201 Facility, it could receive funding from the proper sources.  It was stated that such a change, at this time, would necessitate additional studies and planning.  It was requested that Commr. Windram confer with Mr. Willett on this matter and report to the Board on the amount of money it will take to restudy the 201 Facility Plan to accommodate Mount Dora’s request.  No formal action was taken on the latter at this time.

appointments/county employees

Commr. Windram presented to the Board a letter of resignation from Mr. Dennis E. Holcomb of the Pollution Control Board.  He stated that Mr. Holcomb was accepting a new assignment in Tallahassee as Chief of the Bureau of Fisheries Research.

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously the Board accepted the resignation of Mr. Smokey Holcomb from the Pollution Control Board and adopted a resolution commending him for his service to Lake County while serving as a member of this Board.

There was no formal action taken at this time to fill the vacancy on the above-mentioned Board.

roads-subdivision

Commr. Windram asked the Board if a brief discussion could be held on the letter each Board Member received from Dora Pines, Inc.  Discussion was held.

Mr. Ford advised the Board that it should inform Mr. Dempsey that the suggestions in his letter have merit but that a public hearing would have to be established because it involved the closing of roads within the Subdivision.  This was referred to the County Attorney for his review and it was requested that he write the necessary response.

emergency medical services

Commr. Carson presented to the Board a letter from Mr. Edward J. Telanders, Communications Engineer with the Department of General Services, regarding the possibility of convening a meeting of the 911 Committee.

At this time Commr. Carson informed the Board that he was the Chairman of this Committee but has since been elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Telephone Company and felt that he should no longer be a member of this Committee.

Commr. Hoskinson stated that he would be willing to be the Board’s representative on this Committee in place of Commr. Carson.  This met with the approval of the Board.

communications

Mr. T. H. Poole, President of the Tri-City Branch of the NAACP, appeared before the Board regarding various conditions in Lake County.

He stated that he felt the minority areas of the County were not being given proper consideration regarding the paving of roads.  He also presented to the Board a complaint regarding procedures being followed in the Building Department in the issuance of Building Permits.

Mr. Andrew, County Engineer, was present and explained to Mr. Poole and those present, the action the County was taking in the paving of roads in the Southeast Umatilla Area.

Discussion was held regarding the minority being given consideration in the awarding of County Projects.  Commr. Windram suggested that Mr. Poole inform his people that they should advise the Engineering and Planning Department that they wish to be placed on the bidders list for projects which are let out to bid by the County.  Commr. Windram also stated that the Department Heads would be more than happy to explain and assist anyone in the proper completion of the bid format.

ordinances

At 11:00 A.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider an Ordinance amending the Zoning Rules and Regulations in the Agricultural Zoning District.

At this time the Clerk announced that the proof of publication had been received.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board placed the above-mentioned Ordinance on the floor for its first and only reading by title only, which is as follows:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, BY ALLOWING FIFTY POULTRY IN THE “A” AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT:  BY ALLOWING A BARN OR STABLE WHICH HOUSED NOT MORE THAN THREE HORSES TO MAINTAIN A SEVENTY-FIVE FOOT SETBACK FROM THE NEAREST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF ANY PUBLIC STREET, ROAD, OR HIGHWAY, OR THE ADJACENT BOUNDARY OF PROPERTY OWNED BY OTHERS IN THE “A” AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Discussion was held regarding the inclusion of cattle in this Ordinance.  This met with the approval of the Board to include cattle in this Ordinance.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the above Ordinance by title only as amended.

The Chairman requested that it be noted that no one appeared before the Board to voice any comments on this Ordinance.

animals

Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that there was an outstanding bill in the amount of $250 for board and feed of a horse picked up by Bobby Tanner.  Discussion was held regarding the fact that such large animals are being kept beyond Statute limitation.

Mr. Ford stated that he and Commr. Carson would meet with the Sheriff regarding the disposal of large animals that are picked up by the County.

communications

Discussion was held regarding the response which the County would give to Mr. Poole of the NAACP regarding his presentation of earlier this morning.

It was requested that Mr. Ford, County Attorney, and Commr. Hoskinson review the allegations made by Mr. Poole and answer them accordingly.

accounts allowed/machinery and equipment

Mr. Watkins presented to the Board a request to purchase a microfilm reader at a cost of $2,950.95.  On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above purchase as requested.

The Clerk informed the Board that last week it approved payment to the City of Tavares $655 for a sewer assessment.  He stated that the actual bill was $691.60 and approval was needed for the additional payment of $36.60.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the additional payment to the City of Tavares in the amount of $36.60.

bonds

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

1395-77                     Joseph R. Polverino (Swimming Pool)

1409-77                     Chris Palmer (Swimming Pool)

1549-77                     Robert E. Everatt, Jr. (Swimming Pool)

1555-77                     Richard Zuboski (Building)

1556-77                     Carl M. Bailey (Home Service)

1557-77                     David A. Caryer (Concrete)

1559-77                     Bobby Mysinger (Residential)

1560-77                     Richard P. Davidson (Signs)

1561-77                     Roy T. Henry (Masonry)

1562-77                     Robert French (Air Conditioning)

1564-77                     Norman H. Schiff (Building)

1565-77                     Delmas B. Wood (Building)

 

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

1109-77                     John Kornhaus, Jr.

1502-77                     Richard Hanson (Mechanical Contractor)

55-77                     Charles W. Lewis (Building Contractor)

 

schools-misc.

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of Alicia Lynne White to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

hospitals

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the admission of Freddie Martin to the A. G. Holley State Hospital.

accounts allowed

A travel request for five persons from the Soil and Water Conservation District to attend the Supervisor’s Convention in Jacksonville was presented to the Board.

It was moved by Commr. Burhans to allow only one person permission to travel and have him report back to the other four.  This motion was seconded by Commr. Hoskinson.  Discussion was held.

Commr. Burhans withdrew his motion and Commr. Hoskinson withdrew his second.  Commr. Burhans stated that he would look into this matter and report back to the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, to attend a workshop for the Supervisors of Elections in Tallahassee July 25-28, 1977.

appointments

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Herb Spell, Mr. James A. Sheddan, Mr. Robert E. Allison, and Mr. Robert L. Hamel to the Board of Examiners for one term which will begin on August 31, 1977 and terminate August 31, 1978.

communications

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board requested the Clerk to write a letter of appreciation to Mr. Jesse Dooley, on their behalf, for his service to Lake County.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Glen Middleton to attend the 1977 Annual Research Conference in Orlando October 22-27, 1977.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved a check to be issued to Southern Building Code Congress International in the amount of $90 to cover the pre-registration fee for the above-approved travel.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of a desk, chair, and typewriter from the DWI School Budget at a cost of $1,060.00.

budgets

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Supplemental Budget for CETA Title I, PSE Funds, as submitted.

civil defense

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Local Civil Preparedness Annual Program Paper as presented.

tax collector

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Recapitulation of all errors, double assessments, discounts and insolvencies on the tax roll for the year 1976 as submitted by the Honorable T. Keith Hall.

INDIGENTS

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following change on the Indigent List:

ADD                Perry Kelley for Genall Crouch Dist.#1             $56.00

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment of the following vouchers:

General Revenue................................................................................. 2615-2750

Road & Bridge.................................................................................... 889-935

Fine & Forfeiture................................................................................. 423-442

M.V.I.................................................................................................. 191-203

C.O.R. (County Bldgs.).......................................................................   87-90

D.W.I. School Fund............................................................................   27-28

Section 8 Fund....................................................................................   77-89

N.E. Ambulance..................................................................................   14

CETA Title I – PSE.............................................................................     1-3

CETA Title II......................................................................................   41-49

CETA Title VI.....................................................................................   82-87

Title II Antirecession............................................................................     8

Construction Trust...............................................................................     1

Certif. of Indebtedness Sinking Fund....................................................     2

 

recess and reassembly

At 12:00 NOON the Chairman announced the Board would adjourn for lunch at the Park Restaurant in Tavares.  The Public and press were invited on a Dutch-treat basis.

libraries

Mr. Willett, Director of Planning, appeared before the Board regarding the appointments to the Library Study Committee.  He stated that Commr. Deems and Commr. Windram needed to appoint someone from their district to this committee.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Willett presented to the Board the Library Consultant Contract.  On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above contract and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.

grants/accounts allowed

Mr. Porter, Director of Personnel, and Mr. Michael Willett appeared before the Board to discuss the goals for minority hiring involved in the affirmative action program pertaining to the EDA Grant.  Discussion was held.

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Michael Willett and Van Porter to travel to Atlanta to “iron out” problems in the EDA Grant.

appropriations/ceta

At this time Mr. Porter discussed with the Board the operation of the CETA Title I Program by the County.  He stated that it has been suggested that additional personnel be hired to operate this program.  It was taken into consideration the additional personnel which were anticipated to be hired when this matter was discussed in the Budget Hearings.  On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board amended the CETA I Budget to increase the number of employees to meet the State minimum requirement.

accounts allowed

Commr. Burhans stated that he had looked into the travel request which was submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District which was discussed earlier in the day.  He stated that only three persons would need approval to attend the meeting in question.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board approved travel for three supervisors at the Soil and Water Conservation District to attend the Supervisor’s Convention in Jacksonville August 17-19, 1977.

easements

Mrs. Ralph K. Jones, resident of Lake County, appeared before the Board to request it to reconsider its decision not to vacate a 30-foot easement on SR 452.  She explained that this was a drainage easement which she and her late husband agreed to give the State many years ago and, in her opinion, is of no value for drainage purposes and requests that it be vacated and deeded back to her.  Discussion was held.

The Board remained with its previous decision not to vacate the easement in question.

deeds

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the release of Murphy Act Deed #2815 except for 33 feet from the Centerline.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Andrew presented to the Board a change order for Superior Asphalt in the amount of $2,112.50 for the additional parking space which will be paved by them under their existing paving contract pertaining to various parking lots which the County is having paved.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Change Order as submitted and authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign same.

ordinances/outdoor recreational facilities

The Honorable Ernest C. Aulls appeared before the Board regarding overnight parking and camping at Marsh Park.  Discussion was held.  Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he has reviewed the matter and is having an Emergency Ordinance, pertaining to this matter, drawn up which will be presented to the Board next week.

courthouse

Commr. Windram stated that it has been brought to his attention that County personnel and those working at the new and old Courthouse are parking in the spaces that are reserved for the handicapped.

It was requested that the Clerk send a memo reminding everyone that these spaces are reserved for the handicapped, as well as reminding Mrs. Knowles that the parking lot located on West Main Street in Tavares is for use by her employees working in the old Courthouse.

Road-closing

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved advertisement for the closing of an unnamed street in Villa City for September 2, 1977, at 2:00 P.M.

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the advertisement of the vacation of roads and lots in Higley Subdivision for September 2, 1977, at 2:00 P.M.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the advertisement to close a portion of Red Head Road in the Ocala Forest Campsites in September 2, 1977, at 2:00 P.M.

deeds

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the following right-of-way deeds in Groveland farms with the stipulation added, at the suggestion of the County Attorney, that acceptance of subject deeds does not mean that the County will maintain the said roads.

The deeds are from Jimmie D. Allen, Gordon Demey, A. J. Givvs, Jr., Harry K. Higdon, Kenneth D. Howard, Paul Hoizli, Donald E. Johnson, Gordon O. Johansen, John LeRoy, Edward Lee, Franz Loster, James D. Mitchem, Jackson Morgan, Elizabeth Reddick, Andrew F. Santoro, William J. Seebeck, William Robert Spears, Clayton R. Swearingen, Steven Szollosy, Vernon C. Turk, Ralph G. Ulco, Ronald Ziemba, L. R. Ziemann, Bryant W. Williams, and Amerlio Lenzini.

landfills

Discussion was held regarding the use of the County Landfills to help in the cleanup of the oil spills on the coast.  No action was taken at this time.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Robert Andrew to attend the DOT District V Liaison Meeting on August 11, 1977, and approved the registration fee of $4.50.

landfills

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the permanent operating permits for the Landfills at Astatula, Loghouse, Umatilla and Lady Lake.  This action is required by the Department of Environmental Regulations.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved partial payment to Superior Asphalt in the amount of $21,466.69 for the work done on Boys Ranch Road.

easements

Mr. Andrew presented to the Board a problem regarding a drainage easement in Fruitland Park on property owned by Mr. Hampton.  Discussion was held.  It was requested that the County Attorney and Mr. Andrew prepare an appropriate response to Mr. Hampton regarding this problem.

accounts allowed

Discussion was held regarding the employment of Mr. Richard Newman to conduct bridge inspections for Lake County.  The Board approved for Mr. Newman to be paid accordingly upon the submission of a bill to the County for services rendered.

escrow agreements

On a motion by Commr. Carson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board, upon the recommendation of the County Engineer, approved the release of the Escrow Funds for Lakeview Acres Subdivision with the stipulation that the County will hold back $1,400 security to act as a maintenance bond.

contracts and agreements

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved entering into a contract with Springstead and Associates to design roadways in the S.E. Umatilla Area at a cost of $4,100 which will be paid from the Community Development Block Grant.

maps and plats

On a motion by Commr. Windram seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the plat of the Four Winds Subdivision and accepted the roads into the County Maintained System upon the recommendation of the County Engineer that the Subdivision met all County regulations.

contracts and agreements

At this time Mr. Ford presented to the Board a title policy to the Simmons Property which was recently purchased by the County for clay purposes.  This is filed with the original deed to the property and can be found in the Board of County Commissioners’ file marked DEEDS.

courthouse

Mr. Ford reported to the Board that he had discussed with the Architects the matter involving the air conditioning in the Courthouse.  He stated that two new chillers are being shipped; however, he suggested that the air conditioning be run 24-hours a day seven days a week for two weeks to see if it would make a difference in the temperature within the building.  This met with the approval of the Board but it was requested that the County receive from the proper authorities, in writing, that running the equipment constantly will not harm the system.

appraisals

Mr. Ford presented to the Board the appraisal of the Umatilla Landfill, which was required in accordance with the contract.  He requested that a copy of same be forwarded to Umatilla.

resolutions/contracts and agreements

Mr. Ford presented to the Board a form resolution which the Board was requested to adopt this morning on behalf of Helpline.  He suggested that the resolution and contract be approved subject to its form and content being approved by the County Attorney’s Office.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the resolution as presented and approved the contract in question subject to the form and content being approved by the County Attorney.

contracts and agreements

Mr. Ford presented to the Board for its information a proposed livestock impounding agreement between the Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners.  He suggested that a copy of same be forwarded to the Sheriff for his information and review.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the allocation of an additional $3,500 for the furnishing of the Judges’ offices.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

_____________________________

C.A. “Lex” deems, chairman

 

________________________

James C. Watkins, Clerk