071469 MINUTES
City ~Commission, sanford,' Florida
July ~at 8:00 P. M.
OFFICE ,-~u~PLY ~OMPANY .
19 69
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in regular session at the
City Hall in the City of Sanford, Florida, at 8:00 o'clock P. M. on July 14, 1969.
Present: Commissioner Lee P. Moore, Mayor " James H. Crapps
" Earl Higginbotham
" W. Vincent Roberts
" A.L. Wilson
City Attorney W. C. Hutchison, Jr.
City Manager W. E. Knowles
Acting City Clerk Rosa M. Rotundo
Police Chief Ben E. Butler
The meeting was called to~order by the Chairman.
The first item of business was the consideration of the present condition and need
for a new City Hall and Security Complex relating to the feasibility of relocating these
facilities temporarily at the Sanford Airport in Building No. 310.
The Chairman related the events leading to the proposal and stated that the City
Commission was just getting into the study of same.
Approximately seventy-five to one hundred citizens appeared before the City Commis-
sion. Attorney G. Algernon Speer, as an interested citizen and taxpayer, spoke in opposition
to the move from the downtown area. Those present indicated their opposition to the move by
a clapping ovation. Harry Skop recommended that consideration be given to sites in the down-
town area for relocation through new construction of said facilities.
After deliberation, Commissioner Wilson made the following motion: That this City
Commission cease to entertain any idea of using an airport site for the Sanford City Hall
activities, either temporary or permanent; that the City Commission concentrate its efforts
along that line to the relocation of the zoo; and that, when it becomes necessary to think of
building a new Sanford City Hall, this Commission go on record as of this date as favoring
the present expanded2 site and thereby keeping the Sanford City Hall do'wntown where it belongs
Seconded by Commissioner Higginbotham and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Crapps then called for opinions from the citizens present regarding the
downtown beautification program as approved by the City Commission and more particularly re-
lated to the two island-medians to be installed with palm trees in the middle of West First
Street in the two-block area west of Myrtle Avenue.
G. Algernon Speer~voiced objection to installing said medians on the basis of it
being against the rights of property owners and a traffic hazard particularly in relation to
emergency vehicles. Alex Serraes, President of Sanford Downtown Merchants, spoke in behalf
of the medians remaining in the beautification plan. The majority of those present indicated
opposition to the construction of the median planters, and on motion of Commissioner Crapps,
seconded by Commissioner Higginbotham and carried, the proposed median planters on First
Street in the area west of Myrtle Avenue were removed from the beautification plan; and, the
motion included the elimination of the existing median planter situated on West First Street
between French and Laurel Avenue.
William Reck, Jr., WTP~ Radio News Media and Chamber of Commerce member, recommended
that the property owners directly affected by said medians be given a poll as to their desires
C. ~ernon Mime and John Sauls, representing the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal
MINUTES
· City. Commission, Sanford, Florida
~July l& at 8:00 P.M. 19.69
of this project in labor and equipment alone would be approximately $16,000.00. After con-
sideration of the possibility of this property not being taxable, Commissioner Crapps moved
to table the request. Seconded by Commissioner Higginbotham and carried.
Consideration was given to an application of Robert Young for an occupational li-
cense to operate a third taxicab with the purchase of a new vehicle for same. On motion of
Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Crapps and carried, the request was tabled.
Submitted next· was a proposal from the Gulf Life Insurance Company for increasing
the benefits under the City's Group Hospitalization Insurance Plan. After consideration,
Commissioner Higginbotham moved to accept the Gulf Life Insurance Company proposal provided
that the Company pays one-half of the cost and the other one-half is borne by the employees
with dependent coverage at cost of $3.50 per month, and that at the end of a two-year period
that either the Company or the employee will pick up the entire cost. Seconded by Commission~
Wilson and carried.
A discussion was next given to a request of Chester T. Ott to close and vacate a
portion of a l&-foot utility easement located on the south side of property at 2525 Park
Drive, Dairy Queen operation. The City Attorney recommended that the owner be contacted and
an explanation given that there could be a question as to the validity of entire ownership
which could have a bearing on any financing of the property and that said owner might wish
to consult with his attorney. On the aspect of denying use of said utility easement to the
abutting property owner, Commissioner Roberts moved that the matter be referred to the Zoning
and P~anning Commission for study and recommendation. Seconded by Commissioner Higginbotham
and carried.
A discussion for clarification was next held regarding the new legislative law re-
quiring that the Mayor of the City of Sanford now be elected by the voters. The City Attorne3
gave the following interpretation of the law:
"The candidate elects which seat he is running for at the time he quali-
fies. The bill as drafted contemplates the election of a mayor for the
first time under this program under the election on December 2, 1969.
At that time there will be two seats up - and only two. The bill pro-
vides that, because those two seats are up anybody qualifying who desires
to run for mayor qualifies specifically ~s mayor. That will automatically
take one of the seats. There is only one remaining seat. So, that means
anybody who qualifies to run for the city commissioner and not run for
mayor will automatically run in the other seat. It can be either seat
~under the circumstances. A differentiation is made as to whether or not
you elect to run for mayor or you do not elect to run for mayor. All
those who elect to run for mayor, run in one race. All those who do not
elect to run for mayor, run in another race. One of the two seats that
is now up for election will be a seat for a commissioner and will also be
mayor ~and will be mayor for three years. Now, whoever runs for mayor is
going to take one of these seats, The other seat is going to be available
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City Commission. Sanford. Florida .l~ 7 14 at 8: O0 P. M,
19 69
DOT~.~OW OFF][9'-~ ~/t,~k'PL¥ ~OMPANY
you will automatically be in one race and the other one, if he decides
to qualify, will be in the other race. NexD year you will have two
commissioner's seats up; you will not have a mayor,s up. Further, if
one decides to run for mayor, he does not have to resign in advance of
that election. Now, if he wins that race in December, he would have to
resign his commission seat. Prior to that time he could be seated as
mayor. If he lost the election, in my judgement, he would not have to
resign. He would continue to act as a city commissioner of the City of
Sanford until the seat he occupies comes up in its normal course for
election. The bill as it is drawn makes no change in the present charter
me~hod for~filling a vacancy in a commission seat on the City Commission.
If the~conveniency should occur as just mentioned, if the existing in-
cumbent commissioner in a seat that is not up for election in December
elects to run for mayor and is elected, he would resign that seat. That
commission spot would then become filled by the majority vote of the City
Commission as it is constituted and that selectee would serve until the
next general election."
After discussion, Commissioner Higginbotham moved that the City Attorney be in-
structed to contact the Attorney General regarding clarification of the legislative bill.
Seconded by Commissioner Wilson and carried.
Submitted next for discussion was a letter from Burnup and Sims, Inc., West Palm
Beach, Florida, requesting consideration to construct and operate a Community Antenna Tele-
vision (CATV) system in the City of Sanford under a franchise agreement. Commissioner Roberts
moved ~hat all CATV comPanies, including those previously submitting proposals, be notified
that the City Commission would be interested in discussing a franchise proposal with the in-
dividual companies, with no guarantee, but for the purpose of discussion and a common meeting
ground. Seconded by Commissioner Moore on relinG~ishing the chair to Commissioner Roberts
pro rem. Motion carried.
After discussion, Commissioner Higginbotham moved to approve the request of the
Circle K organization, associated with the Seminole Junior College, for free use of the muni-
cipal Civic Center for a training conference on October 25, 1969, under the same arrangement
as allowed the previous year with the City donating and transferring the cost from Contingency
Account No. 8150 to the Civic Canter Rent Account No. G 871, and application being that of
the 1969-70 Budget. Seconded by Commissioner Roberts and carried.
Consideration was next given to a request of William Wallace Smith for the City to
establish a sale price on Lot 10, Block 8, Tier 7, E. R. Trafford's Map of Sanford, assessed
on the City tax rolls at a value of $1,140.00. On motion of Commissioner Roberts, seconded
by ComMissioner Higginbotham and carried, approval was granted to place the property on open
bid to all citizens for the highest bid above the assessed value~ with further consideration
of offers or bids at the regular meeting of July 28, 1969.
At the request of the Building Official regarding complaints received, consideration
was given to a vacant, deteriorating, residential structure located at 107 East Seventh Street
and owned by Eleanor H. Ravenel. Said property previously removed by Commission action in
1967 from a condemnation list at a public hearing under the condition of cleanup of yard debri~
MINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida
July 14 at 8:00 P. M.
19 69
and the removal of a garage on the rear of said property. Commissioner Roberts moved that
appropriate steps be taken, as outlined by the City Attorney, to place said structure back
under condemnation procedures. Seconded by Commissioner Crapp~ and carried.
On recommendation of the City of Sanford Scenic Improvement Board, Commissioner
Higginbotham moved to appoint Roger L. Berry'to said board. Seconded by Commissioner Roberts
and carried.
Consideration was next given to recommendations from the Citizens' Advisory Com-
mittee of persons to fill two vacancies, and approval regarding a Citizens Self-Help Program
in an area of Pomegranite and Jessamine Avenues and West llth Street and West 12th Street,
and on motion of Commissioner Roberts~ seconded by Commissioner Wilson and carried, action on
same was deferred until the next meeting in order that the persons could be contacted regard-
ing their willingness to serve on the board.
On recommendation of the City Manager, Commissioner Crapps moved to approve a salary
reclassification of a City employee, as follows:
Cleo Carter, Clerk - Finance Office From:
To:
Seconded by Commissioner Roberts and carried.
Grade C - $70.&8/week
Grade D - $72.8~/week
After discussion and on motion of Commissioner Crapps, seconded by Commissioner
Roberts and carried, approval was given to transfer the amount of $6,425.00, for the operation
of the two municipal swimming pools through September l, 1969, from Account No. 8150~ Con-
tingency, to swimming pool accounts, as follows:
4~01 Salaries $3,500.00
~18 Janitorial Supplies 400.00
~1~119 Equipment Repairs 350.00
#~21 Building Repairs lO0.00
~22 Miscellaneous 75.00
4&23 Utilities - Water, Electricity 800.00
4426 Equipment General 500.00
4~30 Chemicals ~700.00
After consideration, Commissioner Crapps moved to approve the transfer of $300.00
from Account No. 8150, Contingency, to Account No. 8078, Sanford Memorial Library. Seconded
by Commissioner Higginbotham and carried.
After consideration and on motion of Commissioner Higginbotham, seconded by Commis-
sioner Wilson and carried, authorization was given to transfer the sum of $100.00 from City
Manager Account No. 1201, Salaries, to Account No. 1209, Miscellaneous.
After discussion, Commissioner Higginbotham moved to approve the transfer of funds
within the Sanford Airport budget in the amount of $1,806.00 from Account No. 8653, Radio
Equipment, to Account No. 8686, Public Liability Insurance. Seconded by Commissioner Crapps
and carried.
After discussion on action taken by the Sanford Industrial Commission, Commissioner
Higginbotham moved to approve the establishing of a new and second secretarial-bookkeeper
position under the Sanford Airport budget at a salary schedule of $85.00 per week, and the
purchase of an additional typewriter, and to cover same, the transfer of Airport funds, as
follows:
MINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida ~ J,uly ,!ti at 8: 00 P.M. 19 69
DCrr~ ~OW OFFICE SUPPLY COMPANY
99
and, further, that said motion include that the officials of the Sanford Industrial Commis-
sion Sanford Airport be notified that by direction of the City Commission that effective this
date all employees, new and filling of any present positions that become vacant, must conform
to the City of Sanford's pay schedule and classification plan unless otherwise approved by
the City Commission.
After consideration and on motion of Commissioner Higginbotham, seconded by Commis-
sioner Roberts and carried, the Contract of Don E. RatheD, Director, Sanford Industrial
Commission-Sanford Airport, was approved for a renewal period of six months to the date of
January l~, 1970.
On recommendation of the Sanford Industrial Commission, Commissioner Crapps moved
to appoint Warren E. Knowles, as a citizen of the City of Sanford, as the ninth member to
serve on said board. Seconded by Commissioner Wilson and carried.
A discussion was next held on site and layout plans as submitted by the Sanford
Housing Authority covering proposed federal housing for low-income and elderly families and
consideration given to a request that a Resolution be adopted pledgingthat certain streets,
and
alleys, and easements would be vacated/closed. Said sites located as follows:
project 16-5 - Low Rent - West Side
Area from Third to Sixth Streets, and
Area from Mulberry to Avocado Avenues
Project 16-6 - Elderl7 - East Side
Area from Third Street to south of Fifth Street, and
Area between Chapman Avenue and east of Locust Avenue
After consideration of the large amount of paving to be done by the City, Commissioner Roberts
moved that the City Manager be instructed to meet with the ExecutiVe Director of Sanford
Housing Authority and the Architect regarding a more unified layout on the west side project
with the possibility of the City closing additional streets and thereby eliminating a large
portion of the street paving, and to then resubmit said information to the City Commission
for further consideration of the projects. Seconded by Commissioner Crapps and carried.
Consideration was next given to a new state law, ef£ective July l, 1969, requiring
all cities to pay the State a $1.00 fee per court case, exeception of parking violations, in
support of the FlOrida Police Academy and setting up an additional dollar fee for law enforce-
ment education of local officers, thereby increasing court costs or court fines an additional
$2.00. The City Manager recommended either the establishing of an ordinance to collect the
additional assessment or that the entire fine structure be revised. '
After discussion, Commissioner Crapps moved that the Municipal Judge be advised of
the requirements set forth in the new state law as passed by the Florida Legislature.
Seconded by Commissioner Roberts and carried.
After consideration, Commissioner Roberts moved that the proposed names submitted
for an appointment to a Charter Revision Committee be tabled. Seconded by Commissioner
Higginbotham and carried.
On motion of Commissioner Higginbotham, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and
carried, minutes of June l0 and June 25, 1969, were approved.
riO0 .: MI N U T E S
City Commission, Sanford, Florida July 14 at 8: 00 P. 'M. 19 69
DOT~.~uOW OFFICE SUPPLY COMPANY
On motion of Commissioner Higginbotham, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and
carried, current vouchers and payrolls were next approved as evidenced by General Fund Florid~
State Bank Vouchers Nos. 14336 through 14550; Sanford Atlantic National Bank General Fund
Vouchers Nos. 803 through 852; Florida State Bank Water and Sewer Revenue Fund Vouchers Nos.
401 through 414; United State Bank of Seminole Renewal and Replacement Fund Voucher No. 46.
After consideration and on recommendation of the City Manager, Commissioner
Higginbotham moved to authorize the transfer of funds in the-amount of $20,000.00 from the
operating Zoo Account No. 4374, Relocation of Zoo, to Account No. C 300, Public Projects
Appropriated Surplus-Zoo, to hold as a reserve. Seconded by Commissioner Wilson and carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
MAYOR