A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JANUARY 10, 1978

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in regular session on Tuesday, January 10, 1978, in the Board of County Commissioners Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida at 9:00 a.m. Present were: James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman; J.M. Hoskinson; Thomas J. Windram; C.A. “Lex” Deems; and Glen C. Burhans. 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 and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by C.A. “Lex” Deems.

ORDINANCE

The Chairman presented to the Board the filed copy of Ordinance 1978-1 which had been forwarded to him by Mr. Morell of the State Association of County Commissioners. This was given to the Clerk so that it could be placed in the permanent records of the Board of County Commissioners.

INSURANCE

Commr. Carson brought to the attention of the Board that the Insurance Committee had met to discuss the insurance needs of the County. He stated that he had requested Mr. Knuckles, Purchasing Director, to investigate the possibility of securing an insurance consultant to assist Lake County in writing specifications which will provide Lake County with coverage it wants. He stated that the Committee was interested at this time in the Health Insurance Program which expires February 1, 1978. However, he stated that he had received notification from Mr. Boswell, Agent for Time Insurance, that our Health Insurance Coverage would be extended to March 1, 1978.

Mr. Knuckles stated that he had investigated the two consultants who were recommended and had excellent recommendations about Charles Stepter who is the consultant for Orange County, Red Lobster Restaurants as well as several other large companies. He stated that he had spoken with Mr. Stepter and was informed that his fee is $35 per hour. Discussion was held and the Board felt that it would be worthwhile to have an expert such as Mr. Stepter to review our insurance program.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems, and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the Insurance Committee to met with Mr. Stepter to discuss the County’s Insurance needs and authorized this Committee to employ Mr. Stepter as Lake County’s Insurance Consultant at $35 per hour. It was also requested that if the County employs Mr. Stepter, the County Attorney draw an agreement to be signed by both the County and Mr. Stepter for this service.

COUNTY BUILDINGS/FAIRGROUNDS

Commr. Burhans brought to the attention of the Board that there was an electrical problem at the Lake County Fairgrounds. He stated that he had the Clerk copy the two contracts held by the County between Lake County and the Chamber of Commerce and the Fair Association which deals with the maintenance of the building. The County Attorney stated that he had reviewed the contracts and found them to contradict each other. Mr. Ford advised the Board that because of faulty wiring some electrical work is needed as quickly as possible to protect the public.

Commr. Burhans stated that a quotation had been obtained from Advance Electric in Clermont for $1650 to repair the wiring. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskins and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the quote as stated above for the repair of the electrical deficiency at the Lake County Fairgrounds and authorized the work be done and that the cost for the work shall be taken from the County Maintenance Building Fund.

COUNTY POLICY/PURCHASING

Mr. Knuckles appeared before the Board and stated that according to the Purchasing Policy any purchases over $2500 will be placed out for sealed bids. He stated that over a period of a year there may be small purchases whose accumulative total would be or would exceed $2500 and he would like to change the policy to correct this problem. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the change in the Purchasing Policy which provides for any item in excess of $2500 be placed out for bids; however, if a group of items purchased over a period of time exceeds $2500, these items do not need to be placed out to sealed bids.

ACCOUNT DENIED

Commr. Deems presented to the Board a request from the Building Department for the purchase of a typewriter, microfilm reader, and two new vehicles. Discussion was held and the Board denied the purchase of the above items for the Building Department.

PLANNING AND ZONING

Mr. Willett appeared before the Board and stated that Mr. Jerry Sexton, Associate Planner, had completed Fruitland Park’s Comprehensive Plan and was ready to present it to the Board for its comments.

Mr. Sexton presented the map of Fruitland Park’s Comprehensive Plan. He stated that it had been completed in April of 1977 and that it has been sent to the State and the Regional Planning Council for their comments. He stated that to date there have been no adverse comments received from the above-mentioned agencies.

The Board listened to the presentation. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the necessary letter be written to the proper authorities from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners accepting the Comprehensive Plan for Fruitland Park and stating that it did not conflict with Lake County’s overall Comprehensive Plan.

GRANTS/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

The Chairman presented to the Board a memorandum from Michael Willett informing the Board that due to the change in Chairmanship of the Board of County Commissioners for the 1978 year, he would request approval for Commr. Deems, Immediate past Chairman, to sign the Certificate of Completion for the Bassville Park Community Development Block Grant with HUD, the Quarterly Report for the EDA Grant, report of federal cash transactions for the EDA Grant, the periodic estimate for partial payment involving All American Construction Company for the EDA Grant and payment voucher on the letter of credit for the EDA Grant involving All American Construction Company. This request is being made until new signature cards can be obtained and signed by the new Chairman which will give Commr. Carson the authority to sign these types of Documents for Lake County.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request of the Planning Department for Commr. Deems to sign the above mentioned forms as Chairman of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners until the new cards can by obtained.

On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved that the new Chairman, James R. Carson, Jr., and the Vice-Chairman, J.M. Hoskinson, be authorized to sign any necessary forms for the County which require the Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman signature.

GRANTS/AUDITS

Mr. Willett brought to the attention of the Board that it is required that the Community Development Block Grants be audited by a CPA firm. He informed the Board that the Planning Department had sent to every accounting firm a letter requesting that they indicate to the Planning Department their interest in conducting this type of work for Lake County. He stated that two firms responded to the letter expressing an interest in this type of work. The two firms were Greenlee, Paul, Furnas and Kurras; and Shumaker, Brooks and Brown.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the Accounting Firm of Greenlee, Paul, Furnas and Kurras to conduct the necessary audit for the Umatilla Community Development Block Grant.

Mr. Willett presented to the Board for approval and signature the Housing Rehabilitation Contract for the residence owned by Mr. Clark. He stated that this has been approved and all that is required now is approval and execution of the contract. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above-mentioned contract and approved for the Chairman to sign same.

COUNTY BUILDINGS

Commr. Carson brought to the attention of the Board that Mrs. Mary Hamner, Administrator of the Lake County Nursing Home, had informed him that the skylight portion of the roof at the Lake County Nursing Home was in need of repair. He informed the Board that several quotations were received and that B & H Roofing of Leesburg submitted a low quotation of $485. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for B & H Roofing to make the necessary roof repairs at the Lake County Nursing Home at the quoted price of $485. The cost for this repair will be taken from the Nursing Home Maintenance Fund 5223337-1.

ROADS/COUNTY

Commr. Burhans presented to the Board a request from the residents on Palm Drive and Orange Drive near Camp La-No-Che for three hours of grader time at a total cost of $78.00. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the County to do the above-mentioned work upon the total cost of the work being paid for by the residents, that the money is received prior to the work being done and with the understanding that the County is under no obligation for the continued maintenance of the road.

Commr. Burhans also presented to the Board a request for the County to load and haul 100 yards of clay from the Federal Clay Pit in the Ocala Forest for use on Forest Road 72. The Forestry Service will be responsible for grading and spreading the clay but the County will load and haul the Clay from the Federal Clay pit at no cost to the Federal Government. Discussion was held. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board approved the above request as presented by Commr. Burhans. Commr. Deems voted “no.”

LANDFILLS/MUNICIPALITIES

Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board that the municipalities had requested the County level the tri-city landfill. Commr. Windram stated that the piece of equipment that would be needed to do this work is the TD 25 which is inoperable and Mr. Andrew stated that if a small dozier was used to do the work, it would take approximately three to four weeks. In view of this, Commr. Windram stated that he had instructed Mr. Andrew to write an appropriate letter to the proper authorities explaining why the County is unable to assist the Municipalities in this request.

COUNTY PROPERTY/OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Commr. Hoskinson brought to the attention of the Board that the rest rooms at Summerall Park and Tavares Park needed to be hooked up to the sewer system and Mrs. Pat Farner, Chairperson of the Tavares City Council, has requested the county pay for this charge. Discussion was held by the Board members regarding the number of people that use the parks and it was suggested that Commr. Hoskinson inquire as to the possibility of the city of Tavares waiving the monthly sewer charge if the County pays for the hook-up fee.

BONDS

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

1266-78 Richard A. Whalen dba Chain O’Lakes Mobile Home Park

1480-78 James E. Waworth (Electrical Contractor)

1542-78 Charles E. Welch dba Welch Construction

1558-78 Roy E. Robbins

1607-78 William H. Ford

1608-78 Dan Royster dba Royster Heating& Air Cond.

1609-78 Paul L. Snyder dba Thriftline Construction

LICENSES AND PERMITS

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the gun permit application for Judith Ellis Wood.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the gun permit bonds for Judith Ellis Wood and Leola H. Gamble.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

The Clerk presented to the Board a request for $10,000 from the Lake Sumter Mental Health Clinic. The Board was reminded that it had budgeted $40,000 for the operation of this clinic in the 77-78 Budget.

At this time, Commr. Windram briefed the Board that Sumter County budgets funds to support its portion of this operation. According to an Attorney General’s opinion, the County may release funds upon the receipt of a quarterly report from the Mental Health Clinic. Commr. Windram stated that Lake County has received a similar quarterly report and would recommend the release of $10,000 upon the receipt of each quarterly report from the Lake Sumter Mental Health Clinic.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the above release of ¼ of the budgeted amount for the Lake Sumter Mental Health Clinic provided Lake County is in receipt of the above-mentioned quarterly report.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

The clerk presented to the Board membership dues in the amount of $100 for Commr. Windram’s membership in the Florida Community Development Association. Commr. Windram stated that he did not know he was a member of this organization and requested that Mr. Willett review the matter and advise him as to whether or not it is necessary for Commr. Windram to be a member.

AUDITS

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the Audit Report for Section 8 as submitted to the Board last week by the Planning Department.

BUDGETS

The Deputy Clerk presented to the Board a memorandum from Mr. Watkins, Clerk, informing the Board that it is necessary to have a public hearing in order to change the CETA Budgets. He requested approval to have a public hearing for this purpose on February 21, 1978, at 10:00 a.m.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the refund to All State Homes in the amount of $103 because the building permit is not needed due to the cancellation of the construction.

LAKE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Certificates of Error and Correction 5-19676 – 5-19725.

INSURANCE

Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board the matter involving persons over 69 or under 18 who are employed by the Sheriff’s Department and are not covered under the Occupational Death Coverage. Mr. Ford, County Attorney, was requested to look into this matter.

COUNTY BUILDINGS

Mr. Ford stated that he had been informed that there was a letter forthcoming from Secretary Page suggesting that the Juvenile Shelter be used to house juveniles on a short-term basis such as 8 months. Commr. Deems voiced his opinion that a Lake County Building should be used for Lake County Juveniles and the State should not be allowed to use this building for their own needs. Mr. Ford stated he would make a more detailed report when he received the letter in question.

COUNTY BUILDINGS/MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT/INSURANCE

Mr. Ford stated that the Building Committee had met with the Architect and were informed at that time that the air conditioning compressors were only given a one-year warranty and not a five-year warranty as was told to the County by the General Contractor. Mr. Ford stated that an attempt is being made to have the compressors replaced and another one-year warranty given on the new compressors. He also stated that he had the Clerk’s Office contact the Insurance Agent who was awarded the Boiler Insurance to find out if the compressors were covered under the policy. Mr. Ford further stated that the Insurance Agent, Ted Ostrander, Jr., was looking into the matter and would give the County a letter stating whether or not the compressors are covered under the policy.

MEETINGS

Mr. Ford advised the Board that there was going to be an insurance seminar in Orlando February 15, 1978. He stated that he planned to attend it and wanted the Board to be aware of this seminar in case any Board members wished to also attend.

HOSPITALS

Mr. Ford gave the Board a memorandum regarding hospital tax districts. Discussion was held. Mr. Ford suggested that the Chairman appoint a committee to confer with the various hospitals regarding the problems that are being experienced due to the abolishment of the Northwest Lake County Hospital District.

The Chairman appointed Commr. C.A. Deems, Commr. Thomas J. Windram and Mr. Christopher C. Ford to serve on a committee to discuss with the various hospitals the problems they are experiencing due to the abolishment of the Northwest Lake County Hospital District and report to the Board their progress.

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

At 12:00 Noon the Chairman announced that the Board would adjourn for lunch at the Park Grill in Tavares. The public and press were invited to join the Board members for lunch on a dutch treat basis.

The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m.

ZONING

ZONING VIOLATIONS 78-1 – MR. ALLEN CARTER

Mrs. Allen Carter appeared before the Board regarding this case. She stated that they had removed 13 vehicles from their property and were planning to restore one vehicle that is still on the property. Discussion was held.

On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board declared Mr. Carter in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-3 – MR. CHIP PORTER

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. Porter in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-4 – MR. D. HEGWOOD

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. Hegwood in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-6 – MR. GORDON WHARTON

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Wharton in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-8 – MR. RALPH CHURCHMAN

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Hoskinson, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Churchman in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 90 days to comply with Ordinance 71-6 if he does the following:

1. Applies for a CUP for a caretaker’s residence.

2. Continues to complete the building.

3. Places the residence inside the building.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-10 – MR. DENNIS WATKINS

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Watkins in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.

ZONING VIOLATION 78-11 – MR. JOHN GAMBLE

No one appeared before the Board regarding this case. On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board found Mr. Gamble in violation, declared the violation a public nuisance and gave him 30 days to comply with Ordinance 70-1.

COUNTY BUILDINGS/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

Commr. Carson brought to the attention of the Board that during the lunch hour he had been informed by Mr. Knuckles, Director of Purchasing, that Mr. Bill Smith of Leesburg had submitted a quotation for the repair of the roof at the Nursing Home in the amount of $450. He assured the Board that there was no way he could have found out that the Board had awarded the work to another roofer at a cost of $485. He suggested that the Board rescind its action of this morning and award the work to Mr. Smith at the lower cost.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board rescinded its action of this morning approving the quotation from B & H Roofing in the amount of $485 for the repair of the roof at the Lake County Nursing Home.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Hoskinson and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the work on the roof at the Nursing Home to be conducted by Bill Smith at a cost of $450.

HOSPITALS/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board that when the County was calculating the County millage, it requested Waterman to hold its millage rate down so as not to create a tax hike. Commr. Windram stated that Waterman Hospital was told that if it held the millage to last year’s rate with the increase of taxable property, it would generate more funds to operate the hospital. He stated that in reality this did not work out and Waterman is receiving approximately $2400 less than it did last year.

Commr. Windram suggested that we offer to pay Waterman Memorial Hospital $2400 for the transportation of bodies to the Medical Examiner. He stated that he understood the last time we agreed to pay for the transportation of bodies it was to be on a one-time basis only; however, in view of what has happened with the millage, he stated that this would be a more economical way to resolve the problem rather than having to advertise for a public hearing to amend the budget. This met with the approval of the Board. Commr. Windram stated that he would speak with Waterman Memorial Hospital about the matter and inform the Board as to the Hospital’s reception of the suggestion.

SCHOOLS/MISC.

Commr. Burhans presented to the Board a request from Mr. Kicklighter, representative of the Lake County School Board, requesting the County to furnish the School Board with the necessary manpower to clear out the bushes for approximately 50 yards of canal bank so that a boat could be kept at this location for laboratory purposes. On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the prison crew or CETA work crew to do the necessary work provided it is on public lands.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:39 p.m.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman

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James C. Watkins, Clerk