A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

NOVEMBER 27, 1979

            The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in Special Session on Tuesday, November 27, 1979, at 10:00 A.M., in the Board of County Commissioners' Meeting Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present were: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; C. A. "Lex" Deems; Glenn Y. Middleton; James R. Carson, Jr.; and Glenn C. Burhans. Others present were James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Pat Goetzen, Deputy Clerk; and Pat Shirah.

            The Invocation was given by Mr. Watkins, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commr. Carson.

            TAXES

            The Board approved payment of the 1979 tax bills for the landfill site purchased by Lake County from the Winter Park Land Company. The amount to be prorated as of the date of the Order of Taking.

            TRAVEL/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

            On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Middleton, and carried unanimously, the Board approved travel for Bob Lewis, Emergency Services Director, to attend a conference to discuss the lack of middle distillate supplies in the State of Florida.

            The Conference, requested by the Governor's Energy Office, is to be held in Tampa, November 29, 1979, with anticipated costs of $34.10.

            TAXES

            At this time, Dr. William Hodgkiss appeared before the Board to speak on behalf of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (Market Committee).

            He presented the following options as proposed by the Chamber (Market Committee) to resolve the problems concerning the operation of the Expo Facility:

            1.         To discontinue the Farmers Market-Flea Market program.

 

            2.         To continue under present programs allowing a time span to correct problems which have occurred and which are recognizable.

 

            3.         To provide independent management of the market under the same contract clauses now existing between the Chamber and the County. Such individual or group to operate as all other centers of Expo space available.

 

            4.         To suggest that the Commissioners provide their own management of the market if they desire to continue with this use of the Expo Facility.

 

            5.         To suggest that the Fair Committee operate the market under their non-profit program. Such a suggestion has not been discussed with the Fair Committee.


            Commr. Windram pointed out that he had been informed that Golden Gem would not use the Expo Facility again for their annual meeting and dinner due to the facility not being properly prepared and the uncleanliness of it.

            Commr. Windram also stated the Farm Bureau was also displeased with the manner in which the facility was set up for their use recently.

            Mr. Joe Thornton, Chamber Board, suggested allowing the Chamber to continue operating the Expo facility under option #2 as previously presented, allowing additional time (90 days) to correct problems which have occurred and are recognizable.

            Mr. Robert Dunbar, Chamber Director, spoke to the Board concerning the management of the Expo Facility.

            Commr. Burhans stated he had received a call from Lake County Kennel Club who stated they had called the Chamber to request the use of the Cattle Pavilion and had received a quote of $400.00 for one (1) day.

            Commr. Burhans recommended the Board appoint a manager for the interim period of time until a manager can be placed, therefore removing the management of the facility from the Chamber of Commerce.

            Ms. Evelyn Mathews questioned whether or not the Fair Association would be covered as far as secretarial needs from the Chamber under new management.

            Dr. Hodgkiss stated, if the recommendation made by the Board of County Commissioners is approved, the Chamber will not be able to survive due to insufficient funds for operation.

            Dr. Hodgkiss also stated the Chamber would pay the deficit money from the operation of the Farmers Market to the Board of County Commissioners.

            On a motion by Commr. Middleton, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board assumed management of the Expo Facility as soon as possible and directed Mr. Watkins, Clerk, and Chris Ford, County Attorney, to work out the necessary details of the change.

            Under discussion, Commr. Carson questioned whether the contract between the Board and the Chamber would be cancelled immediately.

            Commr. Middleton recommended the contract not be cancelled immediately, allowing the Clerk and Mr. Ford time to work out details and, if necessary, cancel the contract at that time.

            Commr. Carson voted "No."

            Commr. Deems suggested the Clerk check into every possibility to work with the Chamber concerning the deficit money owed to the County, however, Mr. Joe Thornton, Chamber Board, stated he felt the Chamber would pay the money.

            Mr. Gideon Massey also addressed the Board regarding the management of the Expo Facility.

            On a motion by Commr. Middleton, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board requested the Chamber operate the Farmers Market on November 29, 1979, for the Board of County Commissioners at no cost to the Chamber for the facility. Same charges as previously made to apply to the vendors.

            The Board appointed Commr. Windram, Mr. Watkins, Clerk, and Chris Ford, County Attorney, as a committee to work out the necessary details for the transition of management from the Chamber to the Board of County Commissioners.

            Ms. Evelyn Mathews recommended to the Board that the interim time for the change be expedited due to the upcoming fair and the need for planning and management of that event.

            Commr. Windram, Mr. Watkins and Mr. Ford are to meet with Dennis Horton, Chamber President, and Marian Fox, Fair Association, to discuss the changes and details involved.

            There being no further business to bring to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 P.M.

Thomas J Windram, Chairman

James C. Watkins, Clerk