A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
december 13, 1977
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, December 13, 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; and James R. Carson, Jr. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; and Andrea Gambrell and Jennifer Kennedy, Deputy Clerks.
The Invocation was given by James C. Watkins, Clerk, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
roads – state – county/municipalities
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from the City of Tavares requesting a deceleration lane on the west side of SR 19 and north of Dead River Road. This letter was referred to the County Engineer for his attention and recommendation to the Board.
contracts and agreements/boating improvement fund
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a letter from the Department of Natural Resources informing Lake County that it had a total of $26,387.50 available for use under the Florida Boating Improvement Program. It was requested that this letter be referred to Mr. Willett.
county buildings
Commr. Deems stated that he had spoken with Mr. Gene Dixon, Maintenance Supervisor, regarding some electrical work that was needed in the rest rooms at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Discussion was held. Commr. Deems referred this matter to Commr. Burhans for his review and recommendation to the Board.
leases and agreements
Commr. Burhans informed the Board that it had been brought to his attention that the building which the County rents for use by the Tax Collector is in need of painting and also needs to have some kind of seating capability. Discussion was held. The Board requested that Mr. Ford, County Attorney, review the lease and determine if Lake County is responsible for these types of repairs.
grants
Commr. Burhans reported to the Board a problem involving the paint peeling off of a home which had been painted under the Community Development Block Grant. He stated that he had spoken with Mr. Willett about the matter, and Mr. Willett was looking into the situation.
commissioners
At 9:20 a.m. Commr. Hoskinson arrived for the Board of County Commissioners meeting.
county employees/salaries/accounts allowed
Mr. Porter appeared before the Board and requested approval to pay one week’s salary in the amount of $86.68 to Mr. Richard Williams. He explained to the Board that inadvertently he was hired under the CETA Program, and after he had worked one week it was discovered that he was not eligible to participate in the CETA Program. Mr. Porter stated that Mr. Williams was not at fault in this situation and recommended that the Board approve payment of his salary in the above amount from the Road and Bridge Fund.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above request as presented by Mr. Porter and directed that these monies be taken from the Road and Bridge Fund.
grants/contracts and agreements/accounts allowed
Mr. Porter requested approval for three additional phones and one additional phone line to be installed in the CETA offices. He stated due to the County taking over the operation of the CETA I Program, these phones are needed.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the installation of three additional phones and two additional lines for use by the CETA Department.
county employees
Mr. Porter requested approval of a CETA Clerk to assist with the proper preparation of the CETA Payroll records. He stated that the salary would be set at $6,000. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the employment of a Clerk in the CETA Program to assist in the preparation of the payroll records. The salary will be $6,000, and the position will become effective December 15, 1977 and will be a CETA position.
accounts allowed
Mr. Porter requested approval for the County to purchase a topper for a pickup being used by the CETA workers involved in the Lake Mack Project. He stated that it is a County truck, and with the cold weather coming, it will be uncomfortable for the workers to ride in an open truck.
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of a topper for a County truck for the purpose as stated above and that this item be leased to the State for use by the Manpower Services Office.
county buildings
Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that the telephone system in the Agriculture Building needed to be updated. This was referred to Commr. Hoskinson for his attention.
courthouse
Commr. Hoskinson reported to the Board that he has employed a locksmith to change the locks on the courtroom doors and the door leading to the dais in the Board of County Commissioners Room. He stated that the locksmith can remedy the problem by the installation of a small pin which will hold back the locking device and stop the noise when the door closes. He stated that the expense would not be as much as was anticipated.
hospitals
Mr. Kulpan, Administrator of Waterman Memorial Hospital, appeared before the Board to discuss the situation which South Lake Memorial and Waterman Memorial Hospital are experiencing, that is receiving the indigent OB patients from the former Northwest Lake County Hospital District. Points of discussion were the possibility of building a facility which would act as a clinic and possibly work out some arrangement with the University of Florida by which residents would be required to spend time in this clinic as part of their training, the employment of mid wives, and the possibility of establishing a County-wide tax for the support of this clinic.
The Board requested Commr. Windram, Mr. Kulpan, representatives of the other hospitals and Dr. June Murray, Director of the Lake County Health Department, meet regarding this matter and attempt to work out a suitable solution to the problem.
outdoor recreational facilities
Mr. Heppberger, President of the Lake Improvement Association, and Mr. Ed Zagar, representative of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, appeared before the Board regarding the possibility of using funds in the Fish Conservation Fund which would be matching funds in addition to the Department of Natural Resources funds for the construction of the fishing pier in Tavares. The Board had no objections to this request; however, the Board asked Mr. Zagar if he had any doubts if the money in the above-mentioned fund could be used for this project. Mr. Zagar assured the Board that he felt that this would benefit the fisherman and would be an allowable expenditure of these funds.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the expenditure of $1,946.50 to assist in the building of the Fishing Pier in Tavares. The Board requested that Mr. Zagar send to the Board a letter stating that he feels this is an allowable expenditure of the Fish Conservation Fund.
commissioners
Commr. Deems stated that this is the time of the year when the Board elects a new Chairman. He stated that he would entertain a motion for a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the 1978 year.
It was moved by Commr. Windram and seconded by Commr. Hoskinson that Commr. James R. Carson, Jr. be nominated as the new Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the 1978 year.
It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram that the nominations for Chairman be closed. The vote was taken, and it carried unanimously to close the nominations.
The Chairman asked for the vote on Commr. Carson’s nomination as Chairman. The vote carried unanimously, and the Chairman announced that Commr. Carson would be the new Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the 1978 year. He will take over this position on January 3, 1978, which is the first meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in 1978.
It was moved by Commr. Carson and seconded by Commr. Windram that Commr. J.M. Hoskinson be nominated as Vice Chairman for the 1978 year.
It was moved by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously that the nominations for Vice-Chairman be closed.
The Chairman asked for the vote on Commr. Hoskinson’s nomination as Vice-Chairman. The vote carried unanimously, and the Chairman announced that Commr. Hoskinson would be the new Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the 1978 year. He will take over this position on January 3, 1978, which is the first meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in 1978.
communications
Commr. Hoskinson informed the Board that he had received an invitation from President Carter to attend a National Growth Policy Meeting in Washington D.C. on January 29, 1977. He stated that he would be making plans to attend this Committee Meeting.
licenses and permits
The Clerk presented to the Board for approval two gun permits. He stated that Dorothea Woodward was now married and wanted her gun permit changed to her married name, which is Dorothea Hughes. Sgt. R.A. Clark would like an Astra, 9MM, Serial Number 1112443 added to his gun permit.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the changes in the above-mentioned gun permits.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following contractor bonds:
111178 Carroll M. Walter dba Lak-Co.
1324-78 Robert J. Nali dba Robert J. Nali Construction Company Inc.
1450-78 Albert Bastberg dba Al’s Heating and Cooling Service, Inc.
checks accepted
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the voucher from Ben Blackburn for voters list in the amount of $5.85.
contracts and agreements
Mr. Ford, County Attorney, stated that he had reviewed the leases pertaining to the building rented by the County and used by the Tax Collector in Eustis. He informed the Board that according to the lease, the County would be responsible for painting and minor repairs in the building. It was requested that Commr. Hoskinson have some of the excess benches that were taken from the old Courthouse placed in the above-mentioned building so that there would be seating facilities available to the public. The Board requested Mr. Hoskinson look into the matter and report back to the Board.
suits affecting the county
Mr. Ford stated that a suit involving the denial to close Howard Street as requested by Mr. Champion had been filed. He stated that the Board should accept the service of the suit and authorize the County Attorney to proceed with the defense. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above recommendation of the County Attorney.
courthouse
Commr. Deems brought to the attention of the Board that he had received a telephone call from Mr. Marshall Wilson in Leesburg, who suggested that the County plan to have an open house at the Courthouse on a Saturday afternoon to give the public an opportunity to tour the new Courthouse facilities. Mr. Watkins stated that such plans were being formed in cooperation with the League of Women Voters for a Friday evening in January.
Commr. Deems requested the Clerk contact Mr. Wilson and brief him on the plans that are being made for an open house.
budgets
Commr. Deems brought to the attention of the Board that he had been contacted by Mr. Ray Ingram, representative of Youth Programs, Inc., requesting the County consider additional funding for Youth Programs, Inc. Discussion was held. It was the consensus of opinion of the Board that it would not allocate additional monies for this program. The Board requested that the Clerk write to Mr. Minietta and inform him of same.
recess and reassembly
At 10:50 a.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn until 1:30 p.m. He stated that the Board would have lunch at the Park Restaurant and that the public and press were invited on a dutch treat basis.
accounts allowed/machinery and equipment
Commr. Deems presented to the Board a memorandum from Mr. Willett regarding the purchase of a cabinet for Plan Hold files and a Precision Pantograph for the drafting room. He stated that he could use the funds from the money budgeted in the 1977-1978 fiscal year for dictating equipment, which is a low priority in his department. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of an additional cabinet for the Plan Hold Files at a cost of $190 and a Precision Pantography at a cost of $560, and the money is to be taken from the funds allocated for the purchase of dictating equipment for the Planning Department in the 1977-1978 Fiscal Year.
bonds
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request of Larry Olszewske to live in a mobile home on the same piece of property on which his conventional dwelling is being built, subject to the proper bond being 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.
grants
On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Housing Rehabilitation Contract for Mellisia Hester in the amount of $1400.
recess and reassembly
At 1:45 p.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 15 minutes. He stated that the Board would reconvene at 2:00 p.m.
zoning
zoning violation 77-81 mr. m. a. galbreath
Mr. Galbreath appeared before the Board and stated that before he obtained his permit to place this mobile home on the property in question, he informed the Building Department that there were two names on the deed to the land. He stated that he had no idea that there would be a problem if the owner to the half of the property objected due to the fact that he owns an undivided interest in one half of a 20-acre piece of property. Discussion was held.
Mr. Ford stated that Mr. Galbreath could enter into a partition suit and have the Court divide the land. Further discussion was held. The Board sympathized with Mr. Galbreath in this situation.
It was moved by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans that Mr. Galbreath not be found in violation and that the recommendation of the staff be overturned, provided he retain at least a one-half interest in the 20-acre piece of property. The Chairman called for the vote. Commr. Deems, Windram and Carson voted “no.” Commrs. Burhans and Hoskinson voted “yes.” The Chairman announced that the motion did not carry.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board found Mr. Galbreath in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to come into compliance. Commr. Burhans voted “no.”
zoning violation 77-82 Mr. Art peschke
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Peschke in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply.
zoning violation 77-77 mr. ernie pyle
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Pyle in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
zoning violation 77-78 herbert barthelemy
Mr. Dean Russ, brother-in-law to Mr. Barthelemy, appeared before the Board and stated that his mother and sister have been trying to keep up the mobile home park, but it has become too much for them to handle. He stated that he is presently living in Texas and that he has agreed to move back to Florida to help get the mobile home park back in order. He stated that he will not be moving until after the first of the year and requested the Board to give him ample time to get settled and begin work on the property.
On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Barthelemy in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
zoning violation 77-83 violator: fairglade dairy
No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board found Fairglade Dairy in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave them 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.
accounts allowed/machinery and equipment
Commr. Carson reported to the Board that he and the Clerk had discussed the request from the Judges for an IBM Copier II to be installed on the third floor. He stated that this copier would be placed in the Law Library and that the County would be responsible for 5/6ths of the rental cost, and the Law Library would absorb the remaining 1/6th.
county buildings
Mr. Watkins brought to the attention of the Board that the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission would like to use the Fourth Floor Courtroom in the Old Lake County Courthouse for a meeting. This met with the approval of the Board.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
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C.A. “Lex” deems, chairman
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James C. Watkins, Clerk