REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

January 18, 2000

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on January 18, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

Chairman Wilbur Dean

Vice Chairman Sammy Yearty

Comm. Don Foley

Comm. Frank Davis

Comm. Lilly Rooks

 Also present were:

County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp

Clerk of Court - Douglas M. McKoy

County Administrator - William C. Cobb

 The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.. The invocation was given by Mr. Barney Cannon followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

EXPENDITURES

 Comm. Rooks moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 FUND                                                              AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 22965-23241

 GENERAL FUND                                     $186,648.39

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                              35,809.79

 MEDIATION                                                         300.00

 COURT SERVICES                                        9,025.38

 E911 COMMUNICATIONS                                  81.63

 LANDFILL & RECYCLING                           51,710.07

 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND                   634.99

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE          15,905.53

 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION                        22,932.43

 CDBG GRANT                                                 4,000.00

 UTILITIES FUND                                              2,395.77

                                                        TOTAL $329,443.98

 MINUTES

Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 4, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 HEALTH

Mr. Fred Evirs thanked the county for resolving the dog problem in their neighborhood. Mr. Evirs said the junk and debris in the area is becoming a nuisance and asked for assistance to resolve the problem. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Fred Moody to investigate the complaint and see if any action can be taken.

 TAX ROLL

Mr. Donald Calloway inquired if the additional homestead exemption approved by constitutional amendment is going to be implemented in the county. Mr. Calloway said he understood the City of Otter Creek had voted to approve the additional homestead exemption for senior citizens.

Mr. Francis Akins, Property Appraiser, explained when the voters approved the constitutional amendment legislation did not include how to administer the amendment or how to determine adjusted income. Mr. Akins added it is unclear of the impact to the county nor is there any record of residents who are over 65 years of age with an annual income of $20,000.00. Mr. Akins said the amendment will be reviewed by the legislature this year.

 HOLIDAYS

Mr. Billy Cobb reported the union has provided written agreement for the Christmas holidays to be Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, 2000 instead of the Friday preceding Christmas. Mr. Cobb added the 4th of July is on a Tuesday when the regular meeting is scheduled and an alternative meeting date is needed. Chairman Dean with the consensus of the board said the regular meeting would be held Wednesday, July 5, 2000 and to advertise with proper notice. Comm. Davis moved to accept the Holiday schedule as presented. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Mr. Rob Corbitt recommended a review of the ordinance pertaining to drive way connections. Mr. Corbitt said with more road paving improved drive way connections of asphalt or concrete may be needed and the regulations amended. Chairman Dean requested Comm. Rooks to review drive way connections with the Plat Review Committee.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one time basis:

NE 46th Street in Williston Highlands, Unit 11, trim, mow and grade using four (4) loads of rock.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SW 77th Place in Coastal Oaks, using three (3) loads of rock and grade.

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one time basis.. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Justin Watson recommended the acceptance of the following in the maintenance system:

SE Buckhead Road located near Inglis with 22 residents.

Comm. Yearty moved to approve the acceptance of SE Buckhead Road in to the maintenance system subject to Georgia Pacific deeding the right of way from their property. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 VETERAN’S OFFICE

Mr. Leo Flynn submitted his resignation effective March 3, 2000. Chairman Dean commended Mr. Flynn for the assistance he has provided as Veteran’s Service Officer.

 LIBRARY

Mr. Larry White said the open house on January 24, 2000 at the Chiefland Library would entail a display of the computers by the Gates Corporation.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. White presented the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Agreement for the initial grant funds of $55,000.00 from the state library system. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the contract and sign the grant application. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. White presented an interlocal agreement for Reciprocal Borrowing between Alachua County Library District and Levy County Public Library System for consideration. Mr. White explained this agreement would allow residents from either county to utilize the library system. Mr. White added this would allow Levy County residents access to over 500,000 items in the Alachua County Library District at no charge. Comm. Davis moved to approve the interlocal agreement with the Alachua County Library District subject to review of the document by the county attorney. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 LIBRARY

Mr. White recommended participating in the Florida Libraries of Promise program. Mr. White explained a certificate would be received from the state reflecting each of the libraries support of the Libraries of Promise program to allow children access to the valuable resources in the library. Mr. White said there is no cost to join the program and by being a participant it will enhance grant applications for library funds. Comm. Rooks moved to submit the Libraries of Promise Pledge Form for each of the libraries. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 GRANTS

Mr. White said a grant application recently received is due for submission on January 28, 2000 for a literacy grant of $25,000.00. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the grant application and authorize the chairman to sign subject to review and approval by the county attorney. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 LIBRARY

Mr. White reported the billing problems with BellSouth have been corrected and the readjustments will save approximately $1,000.00.

Comm. Yearty said the total budget for the library system is $285,500.00 inclusive of $3,500 budgeted for travel, workshops and education. Comm. Yearty added that Mr. White needs five (5) credits to complete his Ph.D. and it will cost approximately $1,400.00 to complete the credits. Comm. Yearty explained there are sufficient funds for training and education and he recommends paying the tuition and the Library Board supported the request. Comm. Yearty moved to pay up to $1,400.00 for the tuition of Mr. White to complete his Ph.D. degree. Comm. Davis seconded. Mr. Douglas McKoy suggested a policy be adopted to pay college tuition for individuals to prevent any appearance of discrimination if this is construed as a fringe benefit. Comm. Yearty said training/education has been paid for county agents and correctional officers, however, he would accept a ruling on the action by the county attorney. MOTION TABLED PENDING RULING BY COUNTY ATTORNEY.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Ms. Opal Darby requested maintenance on a one (1) time basis for:

NE 85th Street, with approximately 14 residents, located in University Estates.

Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ANIMAL CONTROL

Ms. Sandy McClung said she is unable to walk in her neighborhood of North-South Estates due to loose dogs and requested assistance in resolving the problem. Ms. McClung said she is also having a problem with her neighbors shooting bottle rockets into her yard where she breeds and raises AKC Doberman Pinchers. Chairman Dean referred her problem with the dogs to Animal Control. Sheriff Glass said he would meet with Ms. McClung and try to resolve the other complaints.

 BIDS

Ms. Heather Alexander opened the following bids for a bulldozer at 10:00 a.m. as advertised:

Highland Tractor Co. $124,000.00

Ring Power Corporation $132,057.00

Chairman Dean appointed Kelly Jerrels, Justin Watson, Wayne Hardee, Billy Cobb and Comm. Foley to review the bids and to make a recommendation.

 PLANNING, COUNTY

Ms. Krista Kelly said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has a grant available for $10,000.00 to pursue projects on intergovernmental coordination outlined in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) and comprehensive plan amendments. Ms. Kelly said she has informally contacted the mayor of Fanning Springs and the city manager of Chiefland to tentatively discuss the possibility of utilizing the grant funds to design a master plan for the corridor between Chiefland and Fanning Springs to encompass annexation plans, infrastructure for conformity of the area, and promote economic development through out this area.

Ms. Kelly added she would be attending a conference on February 21, 2000 at Central Florida Community College (CFCC) in reference of the two proposals for revamping growth management issues through the Comprehensive Land Use plans.

 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Mrs. Paula Lane said there will be a free training by the National Weather Service on February 3, 2000 in Cedar Key to promote volunteer networks for "sky warn class" use to mitigate property damage from severe storms.

 GRANTS

Mrs. Carol McQueen reported Service Area #3, SE 201st Street (Morris Avenue) is completed and Service Area #2, SW 60th Street (Rosewood area) is 98 percent completed. Mrs. McQueen added Service Area #1, NE 105th Avenue (Bronson area) will be completed on scheduled and the contractor has submitted a pay request for $348,073.74 with $248,073.74 being paid by the CDBG funds and $100,000.00 from the county road department funds which has been reviewed and approved by the engineer. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the pay request. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. McQueen said the Community Action Task Force (CATF) will meet January 19, 2000 to discuss available programs and will then be submitting their recommendations.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mrs. McQueen explained there are some large trees on NE 105th Avenue at the crest of a hill which does not allow for minimum width standards. Mrs. McQueen said a review of the site with Mr. Justin Watson and Mr. Monty Whitehurst and after a review of all available options indicate the trees need to be removed to meet all safety standards. Comm. Foley moved to remove the trees to maintain a safe roadway in accordance with recommended standards. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHERIFF

Sheriff Glass requested approval of the 1999 grant report for the Projected Generated Income. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the report and authorize the Chairman to sign. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Sheriff Glass requested approval of the quarterly report for Projected Generated Income. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the report. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 BIDS

Mr. Billy Cobb reported the committee is recommending the purchase of the John Deere bulldozer from Highlands Tractor Co for $95,000.00 including a five (5) year buy- back option for $91,000.00. Mr. Cobb said a review of the two (2) bids including the buy back options and trade-ins placed Highlands Tractor Co. as the lowest bidder. Comm. Foley moved to accept the low bid from Highlands Tractor Co. to purchase a bulldozer for the road department. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented for approval the Lime Stabilization and Wastewater Residual Disposal Agreement with Florida Septic, Inc. for waste water disposal at the jail. Comm. Davis moved to renew the agreement. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ORDINANCES

Mr. Beauchamp said the public hearing for the proposed mud bogging ordinance will be scheduled and advertised.

 SUITS

Mr. Beauchamp reported oral arguments have been scheduled for the zoning issue with the Henry and Rilla White Foundation and the class action suit by Mr. William Rees.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Justin Watson presented the following for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:

NE 92nd Place located in University Estates, requiring four (4) loads of rock, with a 50' dedicated right of way.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the request on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Comm. Rooks moved to place NW 74th Avenue, NW 73rd Terrace, NW 73rd Avenue, NW 72nd Terrace and part of NW 74th Terrace located in Whitted Estates to the paving list for 1.25 miles serving 74 homes and with an average traffic count of 225 vehicles per day. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Rooks recommended considering LCR 485 for placement on the paving list. Comm. Rooks explained there is 976 feet of roadway to be paved with eight (8) residents and a day care center on the road. Comm. Rooks moved to place LCR 485 on the paving list. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Davis recommended placing the unpaved portion of LCR 502 on the paving list. Comm. Davis said there is 3150 feet of unpaved roadway and will provide a connection between SR 121 and US 27 Alternate Comm. Davis moved to place the unpaved portion of LCR 502 on the paving list. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 WATER CONTROL & WATER BOARDS

Mr. Jerry Scarborough of Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) explained they are in discussions with Georgia Pacific for the acquisition of conservation easements. Mr. Charlie Houder of SRWMD said the proposal is to protect 70,000 acres of timber land and will eventually allow for conservation easements or fee purchase in cooperation with other state agencies for the Waccassa Basin, Goethe State Forest, Devil’s Hammock, Manatee Springs State Park, Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge to protect the natural resources. Mr. Houder explained the use of a conservation easement allows the land to be retained in private ownership, remaining on the tax base and allowing the owner to continue to utilize the property while protecting sensitive wetland areas and water resources and the land continuing in silvaculture instead of housing developments and remaining in large tracts and is a perpetual partnership after considerable discussion.

Mr. Douglas McKoy inquired about the use of herbicides and the destroying of hardwood trees with their use. Mr. McKoy stated his opposition to the use of herbicides and the impact they have on the hammock and coastal marsh grasses. Mr. Scarborough said that any consideration to the reduction in the use of herbicides would be up to the management of the timber company. Mr. Phil Parker, Georgia Pacific Representative, said the company would continue to use herbicides. Comm. Rooks moved to support the concept of conservation easements with SWRMD and Georgia Pacific . Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Scarborough reported the negotiations on the Thompson property will be reopened for possible purchase of the land.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Comm. Yearty recommended the establishment of a public affairs/intergovernmental affairs office to assist in the establishment, operation and coordination of programs and project objectives. Comm. Yearty the position would be responsible to the Board and County Administrator and duties would include investigation and research for proposed and existing projects, existing and impending legislative activities, explore grant opportunities and act as a liaison for public and professional functions. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the concept to create the position and Comm. Foley and Mr. Cobb to outline the qualifications for the job description. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Dean presented the Committees for 2000.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court