A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

november 15, 1977

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, November 15, 1977, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.  Present were:  C.A. “Lex” Deems, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; J. M. Hoskinson; Thomas J. Windram; and Glenn C. Burhans.  Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Jennifer Kennedy, Deputy Clerk.

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

county Grounds

Mr. Terrell Davis, Lake County Forestry Service, appeared before the Board to request funding for a landscaping project.  Mr. Davis requested permission to purchase approximately 450 seedlings in reusable containers, consisting of a variety of low-maintenance, fast-growing trees, which would be grown by the Correctional Institute during their initial stages, but placed on County grounds such as Inspection Stations and County Barns, etc.  Discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of the above trees at a cost of $744 to come out of the Building Fund, or Contingency if the Building Fund is short of the desired amount.

Mr. Davis also discussed a reforestation program of County-owned lands along with the planting of trees on School Board Land.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved a $374 additional purchase of trees to be planted on public grounds such as clay pits, borrow pits, etc., by CETA personnel.

hospitals

Commr. Windram read an exchange of letters between James Kulpan, the Administrator of Waterman Memorial Hospital in Eustis, and Carl Bender, the Administrator of Leesburg General Hospital, outlining the serious problem Waterman Memorial is experiencing regarding its obstetrics patients.  Lengthy discussion followed where it was pointed out that because of Leesburg General closing its OB Ward, many of those Northwest Tax District patients are coming to the Northeast Tax District Hospital (Waterman); yet, Waterman is getting none of the tax relief from the Northwest and in most cases the patients are unable to pay any of their hospital or doctor bills.

Mr. Jim Kulpan of Waterman was present to discuss this matter with the Board and ask their assistance in any way they saw fit.

At 9:30 A.M. the Chairman announced that since no one was present in the audience regarding the Advertised Special Assessment Improvement Bond Ordinance, it would be postponed until 10:00 A.M.

Discussion continued regarding the problems Waterman Memorial Hospital is now experiencing and the problems they are anticipating when they only have two Obstetricians affiliated with the hospital come January.  The introduction of mid-wifery as a possible solution to the doctor shortage was also discussed.

Mr. Kulpan expressed his desire to sit down with the officials at Leesburg General and discuss the problems he is experiencing.  He stated that he felt a representative from the Board of County Commissioners would prove fruitful at such a meeting.  It was decided that Commr. Windram and Christopher Ford, County Attorney, would represent the Board at such a meeting.  Mr. Kulpan said he would arrange for the meeting November 21st or 22nd.

ordinances

At this time Christopher Ford, County Attorney, advised the Board on whether to adopt the Special Assessment Improvement Bond Ordinance or postpone it.  At this time the Board discussed their intent in drawing up this Ordinance.  The Board expressed the opinion that it was their intent to help the individual who did not have the immediate financial sources available to improve his/her property, thus enabling them to pay for the improvements over a period of time.  Some Commissioners expressed the fear of developers, who do not need this financial help, taking advantage of this Ordinance.  Discussion followed where it was decided the attorney would write in additional wording to clearly specify the Board’s intent.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the adoption of this Ordinance was postponed until 2:30 P.M. December 6, 1977.

At this time the Chairman announced that the advertised time had come for the consideration of the Sheriff’s Fees Ordinance.  It was noted that the proper proof of publication was on file.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board placed the Ordinance on the floor for discussion on its first and only reading by title only.

No one appeared before the Board to comment on the Ordinance being considered for adoption.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Ordinance was adopted on its first and only reading by title only which is as follows:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF LAKE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO SHERIFF FEES FOR SERVING OF SUMMONS, SUBPOENAS, AND EXECUTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF DISCRETIONARY SHERIFF SURFEES AUTHORIZED BY THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 77-234, LAWS OF FLORIDA, 1977, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

MEETINGs

Commr. Deems read a notice from the Sanford Chamber of Commerce regarding a conference on the Eradication of the Blind Mosquito to be held at the Chateau Restaurant in Tavares at 12:00 NOON, Tuesday, November 22, 1977.  Commr. Burhans and Mr. Watkins said they would attend; Commrs. Hoskinson and Windram said they would also try if possible.

county roads/schools

Commr. Deems read a letter from Carl Pettitt, Assistant for Special Projects/Lake County Schools, regarding the death of a young Mt. Dora High School student.  The letter spoke of the possibility of lowering the speed limit on the stretch of road where the death occurred.  The Board referred the letter to the County Engineer for action.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

Commr. Deems brought before the Board a request from the Planning Department for Portable Axle Load Scales to be used at County landfills.  A letter was read from the Sanford Scale Company, Inc., quoting a total price of $1,000, plus tax, for these scales, with a buy-back guarantee of $300-$350 each for the two scales.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board moved to send the above letter to the County Purchasing Agent, Gary Knuckles, to negotiate the purchase of the necessary scales, at a cost not to exceed the $1,000 price so far obtained by the Planning Department.

county buildings and grounds

Commr. Burhans informed the Board that the roof out at the fairgrounds needs fixing.  The estimates Commr. Burhans had were not complete enough to award the lowest bidder at this time.  Discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized Commr. Burhans to obtain the additional necessary information and award the contract to the lowest bidder.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Purchase Requisition from the Agriculture Department on a Pressure Vacuum Pump for soil testing.  The cost is $139, and it is a budgeted item.

medical services/courthouse

Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board Dr. Murray’s, Lake County Health Department, request to place an automatic blood pressure computer in the Courthouse for use by the general public.

Commr. Hoskinson made a motion to authorize the Health Department to set up these blood pressure machines in County buildings.

Discussion followed.  It was pointed out that the machines are completely insured for any liability by the State Health Department.  Commr. Windram stated he would like to further investigate the matter.  Commr. Hoskinson withdrew his motion and the matter was tabled.

purchasing

Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board Mr. Knuckles efforts to establish a more controlled purchase requisition system.  Discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board authorized Mr. Watkins to issue a Memorandum to all Department Heads informing them they are to sign Purchase Requisitions for all supplies; and further authorizing them to inform Purchasing if someone else in their department has the authority to sign requisitions, and if so, for how much.  This Memorandum is being issued at the request of the Purchasing Agent.

public health

Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board of a letter from the Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services informing us of a Public Hearing on November 21, 1977 to examine and analyze Florida’s present public health system.

This letter referred to the County Attorney to reply along with a copy being given to Commr. Windram and Dr. Murray of the Health Department.

old courthouse

It was brought to the attention of the Board that the Veteran’s Service would like a wheelchair ramp leading into their offices.  This request was referred to Commr. Hoskinson for further investigation.

road closing

At 11:30 A.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the closing of Taylor and Crawford Streets in Jackson Park.

It was noted that the proper proof of publication had been received.  The description is as follows:

THOSE ROADWAYS LYING BETWEEN BLOCKS 4 AND 5 AND BETWEEN 5 AND 6 IN THE PARTIAL REPLAT OF JACKSON PARK AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 12, PAGE 86 AND LYING WITHIN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY:  ALL OF THAT PART OF A PARTIAL REPLAT OF JACKSON PARK AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 12, PAGE 86, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, LYING WEST OF DOUGLAS ROAD, LESS AND EXCEPT, BEGIN AT THE INTERSECTION OF WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID DOUGLAS ROAD AND THE NORTH LINE OF JACKSON PARK; THENCE N. 89 DEGREES 36’00” W. ALONG SAID NORTH LINE 408.74 FEET; THENCE S. 00 DEGREES 24’00” W. 408.38 FEET; THENCE S. 89 DEGREES 36’00” E; 444.58 FEET TO THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DOUGLAS ROAD; THENCE NO. 4 DEGREES 37’20” W. ALONG SAID WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE 409.95 FEET TO THE P.O.B. AND LOTS 21, 22, 19 AND 20, BLOCK 6, JACKSON PARK AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE 11, PAGE 47, PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

 

No one appeared before the Board regarding this road closing.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the closing of Taylor and Crawford Streets in Jackson Park.

suits affecting the county

At this time Christopher Ford, County Attorney, took a few minutes to brief the Board Members on the status of the Silver Lake suit against the County.

checks received

Mr. Ford presented to the Board a check in the amount of $618.00 from Great Age Construction Company, Inc., to cover clay @ $1.00/yd. they mistakenly removed from one of our County pits.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board, upon the advice of the County Attorney, accepted the above check from Great Age Construction Company, Inc.  Commr. Windram was absent from the vote.

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

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

The Board reconvened at 1:30 P.M.

road closing

At 1:30 P.M. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived for the Board to consider the closing of the cul-de-sac in Dexter Estates.

The Chairman noted that the proper proof of publication was on file and is as follows:

ALL THAT PORTION OF PERCH STREET ROAD CUL-DE-SAC LYING EASTWARD OF THE PROJECTION OF THE LOT LINE BETWEEN LOTS 1 AND 2 NORTHWARD IN DEXTER ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION IN LAKE COUNTY AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 18, PAGE 48 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF LAKE COUNTY.

 

Mrs. Lackey, petitioner, appeared before the Board to discuss her request with them.  Discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the closing of that portion of the cul-de-sac abutting Lot 1 in Dexter Estates, as recommended by the County Engineer.

recreational facilities/municipalities

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for an additional 2,000 yards of fill dirt for the Groveland/Mascott Community Park.

bonds

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the request of Mr. Charles Kreider to store building materials in a travel trailer on the same piece of property on which his conventional dwelling is being constructed provided that the proper bond is posted and with the understanding that the travel trailer will be removed immediately upon the completion of the conventional dwelling or upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners.  Commr. Hoskinson voted “No.”

audits/contracts and agreements/community block grants

Mr. Michael Willett, Planning Director, appeared before the Board requesting the Chairman’s signature on two contracts for audits.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Dennis Helmes to audit the Section 8 Program of the Housing Assistance Program; and for Greenly, Paul, Furnas & Kurras to audit the Community Block Grant for Bassville Park.

Discussion was held during which Mr. Willett was requested in the future to fill out a Purchase Requisition and forward same to the Purchasing Department for any expenditure, such as the above.  It was also agreed he would submit Purchase Requisitions covering the above two audits.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/REFUNDS

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the refunding in the amount of $50 to Mrs. Vivian Brown, due to her immediately changing her mind after applying for a variance.

bonds

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

    94-78           William R. Coffey

  365-78           John W. Shaw, Sr.

1109-78           John J. Kornjaus, Jr.

1599-78           William D. Johnson

1600-78           Richard D. Pape

 

Commr. Hoskinson was not present for the vote.

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

1320-76           Dennis V. Lieske

1434-76           William A. Reynolds

1469-77           James Plakias

1526-77           Jay D. Turner, Jr.

 

Commr. Hoskinson was not present for the vote.

annual reports

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board accepted the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s Annual Report.  Commr. Hoskinson was not present for the vote.

hospitals

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board approved the admission of Robert Lee Calhoun to the A.G. Holley State Hospital.  Commr. Hoskinson was not present for the vote.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Request for Funds in the amount of $98 to cover the cost of the District 4-H Leadership Training Retreat which was held October 14 thru October 16, 1977 at Camp McQuarrie.  This covered Registration, Insurance, and Meals for 14 delegates @ $7.00.

accounts allowed

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Travel Request for Mary Hamner, Administrator, Lake County Nursing Home, and Doris Maynard, R.N., to attend a Health Care Association Seminar in Tampa on November 29, 1977, at a cost of $100 per person, for a total of $200.00.

county personnel

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved a merit increase in salary for Mr. Gene Dixon, Building Maintenance Superintendent, presently making $11,500 to $12,700 effective November 1, 1977, at the completion of his probationary period.

budgets

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board authorized the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Amended Budget for State II Landfill funds, which closes out the 1976-1977 Fiscal Year.

checks accepted

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board accepted a check in the amount of $20.34 from the Supervisor of Elections Office to cover precinct lists number 6 and 36 for S.T.E. Pinkney.

courthouse machinery and equipment

Commr. Deems read a letter to the Board from Judge Ernest Aulls requesting the Board lease an IBM Copier II for use by the Judges and the Law Librarian.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board referred this letter to Commr. Carson and the Law Library Committee for coordination.

maps and plats

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the necessary signatures on the Cashwell Minnehaha Shores Plat per the recommendation of the County Attorney and County Engineer.

planning and zoning

cup #588-1  Vincent Fechtel and Theodore Erck

Mr. Vincent Fechtel appeared before the Board to request that this case be postponed for 30 days.

Mr. Steve Richey, Attorney representing Gary Brown and Wayne Hyball, appeared before the Board and asked that a 60-day postponement be considered since he had reason to believe property had been rezoned which did not even belong to the petitioner and he would be challenging previous Planning and Zoning actions.  Discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board granted a 30-day postponement in this case.

rezoning 96-77-4  rr to r-1-7   Tom Winder

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to R-1-7.

rezoning 591-3  cup in A  Richard Shank

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the withdrawal by the petitioner for this CUP.

rezoning 83-77-3  a to RE   Eleanor Sleight

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission for denial without prejudice of the rezoning.

cup 603-3  cup in ra  Joseph Peterman

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the CUP.

cup 600-2  cup in Rev. G. P. Sloan

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the CUP.

cup 602-2  cup in Ronald Damer

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the CUP.

rezoning 108-77-2  r-1-7 to RR  Phyllis Butler

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to RR.

rezoning 112-77-2  r-1-7 to R-1-5  Rosalie Hill

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to R-1-5.

rezoning 110-77-2  r-1-7 to c-2  John O’Kelley

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission for denial of the rezoning was upheld.

rezoning 106-77-2  r-1-7 to a   j. e. Baas

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to A.

rezoning 109-77-1  rr to Leroy Mack

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to A.

cup 597-5  cup in Jack Prickett

Messrs. Jay Allen, Ron Purrenhage, Wayne Purrenhage, and Ernest Purrenhage, adjacent property owners, appeared before the Board in opposition to the granting of this CUP.

Mr. Bill Cheta, representing the petitioner, appeared in favor of the granting of this CUP.  Considerable discussion followed.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried, the Board overturned the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and denied the granting of this CUP.  Commr. Windram voted “No.”

rezoning 111-77-5  a to c-1 or cp  Ernest Burr

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the rezoning to C-1.

cup 599-5  cup in c-1  Ernest Burr

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, as amended in regards to music noise being contained in the building, and granted the CUP.

rezoning 107-77-4  a to rr  Maureen Ritzel

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted a postponement on this case.

rezoning 113-77-4  r-1-7 to cp  Patricia Hommes

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and denied the zoning request.

cup 601-4  cup in lm and R-1-7  Wendall Stiver

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and granted the CUP.

cup 598-4  cup in Hollywood Word Ministry

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board upheld the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and denied the request for a CUP.  Commr. Burhans abstained from voting.

purchasing/municipalities

Discussion was held on the possibility of letting the various municipalities take advantage of our purchasing powers.  It was decided that Commr. Hoskinson would work with Gary Knuckles, possibly checking with Orange County regarding their procedure, and get back to the Board with any recommendations.

lake county property appraiser

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved Certificates of Error and Correction 5-09108 through 5-09112, 5-09152 through 5-09180, and 5-09181 through 5-09200.

zoning

Christopher Ford, County Attorney, presented his investigative report to the Board on the Odyssey Bottle Club, as to whether it is a public nuisance or a private one.  Mr. Ford stated that after evaluating his report it is his opinion that it is a public nuisance.  Discussion followed where it was decided to send a letter to those residents who expressed a desire to testify in court against the bottle club, informing them that they should come to the Courthouse and give a sworn statement against the nuisance to the State’s Attorney Office.  The County Attorney stated that he would compose such a letter and get it in the mail.

suits affecting the county

Mr. Ford updated the Board on the status of the Geophysical Services suit.  Discussion followed.  On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the County Attorney was authorized to negotiate a settlement.  It was the feeling of the Attorney that he would be able to settle at a slightly higher settlement than the last offer of $3500.00.  The County Attorney advised settling due to the fact if taken to court here would be costly legal fees involved which would greatly reduce the monies the County would eventually get.

county employees

On a motion by Commr. Carson, per the request of Evan Porter of Personnel, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved retaining Mrs. Alice Neumann as a consultant to the Activities Coordinator at the Lake County Nursing Home.  She is being retained at a fee of $35.00 per month and will bring us in compliance with HEW Rules since our present consultant is not certified.

pollution control

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Mr. Ted Wicks, Acting Director of the Pollution Control Department, to be named as a voting member of the 208 Area-Wide Planning Advisory Committee to replace Mr. William Hennessey.

accounts allowed

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

General Revenue ................................................................... 167-367

Auto Inspection.......................................................................... 10-20

Fine & Forfeiture....................................................................... 32-51

County Trans. Trust................................................................. 54-103

DWI School...................................................................................... 2

CETA TITLE I.......................................................................... 36-63

CETA TITLE II......................................................................... 21-25

CETA TITLE VI Projects.......................................................... 28-34

 

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

 

_____________________________

C.A. “Lex” deems, chairman

 

__________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK