REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

May 2, 2000

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on May 2, 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 Sheriff Ted Glass followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

EXPENDITURES

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

 FUND                                                              AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 24590-24802

 GENERAL FUND                                     $789,534.80

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                              42,590.09

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE               18,120.58

 PERM MOSQUITO                                          5,800.00

 MEDIATION                                                         100.00

 COURT SERVICES                                        8,817.60

 LANDFILL                                                      17,173.57

 COURT FACILITIES                                           266.88

 FLORIDA POWER                                             352.29

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES          9,700.86

 LOCAL LAW ENF BLK GRANT                    1,193.88

 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION                               85.95

 CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRUST                             672.01

 ADDITIONAL REVENUE                             95,496.00

 UTILITIES FUND                                            11,383.41

                                                    TOTAL $1,001,287.50

 MINUTES

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 18, 2000. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 AGENCIES

Mr. Lannie Cardona presented a recommendation of projects to be considered through the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council’s Economic Development Plan. Mr. Cardona explained the projects were reviewed and revised to omit any duplication of projects submitted by area municipalities. Mr. Cardona said if an item is on the list and grant funds become available then application may be made without a delay of submitting the project to the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council Board. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the submission of the projects for the Overall Economic Development Plan. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COMMISSIONERS

Mrs. Leona C. Field of Citrus County requested the establishment of procedures to control the private pyrotechnic educational display held in Inglis at the area commonly referred to as the Bluegrass Festival grounds. Mrs. Field said the fireworks began at 11:00 a.m. and continued until 11:00 p.m. on April 15th and April 16th. Comm. Yearty responded this is a private event on private property and the noise ordinance excludes firework displays. Comm. Yearty said he would investigate the complaints and make a recommendation prior to the display being held next year.

 STATE AGENCIES

Ms. Heather Alexander advised the Division of Forestry and the Management Plan Advisory Group for the Goethe State Forest will hold a public meeting on May 2 and May 3, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. for public comment on the forest management.

 PERMITS

Mr. Rick Hale requested a special permit to sponsor a mud bogging event May 26 to May 29, 2000. Mr. Hale said preparations have been made for security, working on traffic control and designated camp sites. Mr. Hale said events causing excessive noise would cease at 9:00 p.m. Comm. Davis explained the process for a special permit takes approximately 90 days to allow for staff review and public hearings. Mr. Billy Cobb explained he provided Mr. Hale with a copy of the ordinance outlining requirements for festivals and the information needs to be submitted and presented to the board.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Chairman Dean introduced Mr. Will S. Kendrick candidate for the Florida House of Representatives District 10.

Mr. Walt McJordan said tourism is important and is growing in Cedar Key with increased home sales, greater demand for services, and a tight job market and commends Mr. Cardona for the work he has done through the Development Authority.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Troy Burrell and Mr. Charles Shumate requested placement of SE 181st Court near the County Line Road on the paving list. Comm. Yearty explained there is a criteria to be met for the road paving priority list. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Kelly Jerrells to inspect the condition of the road and bring it up to standard.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Buddy Leaptrot, funeral director with Hiers Funeral Home requested a rotation system be instituted for the removal of a deceased person. Sheriff Glass asked Mr. Leaptrot to contact his office and arrangements would be made. Comm. Yearty reminded Sheriff Glass to include Carnegie Funeral Home on the rotation list.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Ms. Alexander presented the agreements for fire protection from the City of Williston Volunteer Fire Department, Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department and Rainbow Lakes Fire Department. Ms. Alexander explained South Levy Volunteer Fire Department has made a change in name to Inglis Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the changes made by Morriston/Montbrook Volunteer Fire Department were acceptable. Comm. Davis moved to approve the fire agreements subject to the correct name being shown for South Levy Volunteer Fire Department. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Alexander said Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. has submitted an application for an opening on their Board of Director’s for an at-large seat. Ms. Alexander said the term begins July 1, 2000 and they are requesting a recommendation of a resident with an interest in mental health or substance abuse services.

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow requested approval to install time clocks in each station. Mr. Beddow explained a test program has been in operation at the Bronson station and appears to be successful. Mr. Beddow said a contract with a firm located in Gainesville will install the machines and service the time clocks for each station at $38.00 per month. Mr. Beddow explained the Standard’s of Operation (SOP’s) have been updated to include employee use of time clocks. Mr. Beauchamp said this would fall within a management policy. Mr. Douglas McKoy recommended a review of the time sheets generated by the firm to possibly reduce a duplication of work in processing time sheets. Chairman Dean acknowledged full consent of the Board to allow Mr. Beddow to have time clocks installed at the EMS stations.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

NE 52nd Street in Green Highland Park requiring three (3) loads of rock and graded.

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

 LIBRARY

Mr. Larry White advised of a bill being presented to the legislature requiring certain software to be used for Internet filtering. Mr. White explained the current software being used in our library system would not be in compliance if the bill is passed and would cost approximately $1,000.00 to change the software. Mr. White said WebSense is currently used by a majority of the library systems throughout the state and is not on the approved list and if passed this could possibly be an unpaid mandate.

Mr. White recognized and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mrs. Alison Ramos of Yankeetown for the contributions she has made as a member of the Library Board. Comm. Yearty commended Mrs. Ramos on the support she has given to the library system.

 SHERIFF

Sheriff Ted Glass requested authorization to purchase a x-ray machine to replace the inoperable one located in the judicial side of the court house. Sheriff Glass explained there are a limited number of suppliers for this type of equipment and the x-ray machine may be purchase for approximately $20,000.00 including the trade-in of the old machine. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the purchase of the x-ray machine. Comm. Davis seconded. Chairman Dean explained the expenditure would be funded by the second grant for Court Facilities and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:

Dawn Barefield, 4702 Riverside Drive, Yankeetown, River Forest Lot 7, for $6,200.00 for the purchase of an existing home.

Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Johnny A. and Nita A. Martin, Lot 7, The Oaks, Chiefland, for $9,500.00to purchase an existing home.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 GRANTS

Mrs. McQueen said they are resurveying the proposed Service Areas try to attempt to increase the points for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

 ZONING

Comm. Davis reported the committee met on the Road Stabilization Policy to make recommendation for the roads in the Diversified Subdivision and the other subdivisions with road systems not up to standards. Comm. Davis said the recommendation of the committee was for any roads pushed prior to adopting the new policy would be acceptable as long as they meet previously established criteria and water management policies. Comm. Davis said any new roads would be brought up to the standards of the new policy. Chairman Dean said he had concerns about the roads now accepted that do not meet current policy standards of being traversable up to the point of the last permit issued and the extension of the road being brought up to the new policy for road stabilization. Comm. Davis said an affidavit is signed by a land owner when obtaining a permit that the county is not responsible for the maintenance of the road and it is a "buyer beware" market.

Mr. J. P. Lorie disagreed with the establishment of the new road stabilization policy affecting roads he has previously had cleared following the old policy. Mr. Lorie recommended instituting a MSBU that would tax the property owners to pay for the road improvements. Mr. Lorie indicated he would be proceeding through legal channels on his objection to the Road Stabilization Policy approved on April 4, 2000. Comm. Foley moved to accept the recommendation of the committee for any roads pushed prior to adopting the new policy on April 4, 2000 would be acceptable as long as they meet the criteria previously established and water management policies and any new roads would be brought up to the standards of the recently approved Road Stabilization Policy. Comm. Davis seconded. Mr. Tony Parker said he objected to the Road Stabilization Policy approved on April 4, 2000 and another solution should be explored. Chairman Dean explained it was unfair for all of the taxpayers to subsidize a road system in a development. Mr. Charles Green said he did not want to subsidize roads in a development that were not up to county standards and it should be the developer’s responsibility and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Davis said the Road Department is preparing a survey of the roads.

 SCHOOLS

Mr. Tom Watson said he had a concern of leftover food being served at the Yankeetown School and the water quality in Yankeetown. Chairman Dean advised Mr. Watson to contact the School Board and the Health Department as the county had no control on his inquiries.

BIDS

Mr. Billy Cobb requested authorization to advertise for a four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle for Mr. Fred Moody. Mr. Cobb said the vehicle currently being used by Mr. Moody is not in sound mechanical conditions and has frequent breakdowns. Mr. Cobb said a budget amendment will be necessary for the purchase. Comm. Foley moved to advertise for bids on a sports utility vehicle for code enforcement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ZONING

Mr. Andy Hapshell of West Rainbow Lakes Estates appeared for a hardship variance hearing. Chairman Dean recommended continuing the hearing to May 16, 2000 due to the absence of Mr. Rob Corbitt. Comm. Davis moved to continue the hardship hearing to the regular meeting on May 16, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 TAX COLLECTOR

Mr. Greg Beauchamp advised the Tax Collector has inquired if Tax Deed Warning letters of impending tax deed applications should be sent. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Beauchamp to notify the tax collector in writing to proceed with the process.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Beauchamp presented a request from Ms. Lydia Mikell Quinn to be appointed to the conflict attorney list. Comm. Davis moved to approve Ms. Quinn for the conflict attorney list. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beauchamp said the leachate hauling bids were reviewed and Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) has advised they are able to be the sole hauler. Mr. Beauchamp explained two (2) haulers have been used in the past when the bids have been the same. Mr. Beauchamp added the bid submitted by Mr. Dean was higher than from GRU and Mr. Dean advised he could not adjust his rate. Comm. Foley moved to approve the leachate hauling contract with GRU. Comm. Davis seconded. Chairman Dean advised he had previously filed a conflict of interest and did not vote and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. Beauchamp said he would be preparing a draft policy concerning county vehicles used by employees to meet Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifications for considering the vehicle use as additional income.

 COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Beauchamp recommended establishing a policy on the use of recreational funds disbursed through out the county. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Beauchamp obtain a consensus from the Board on how they wish to disburse the funds and to prepare a draft policy.

 MSTUs

Mr. Douglas McKoy advised there have been subdivisions approved for MSTU’s and not implemented and recommended having the county attorney contact the auditor and prepare a procedure for collecting on the MSTU’s. Comm. Davis advised in the development of the MSTU’s the ordinance is written only allowing maintenance on the roads and inquiries are being made by residents on a process to allow the paving of some of the roads and recommends reviewing the ordinance and prepare a policy to allow the paving of roads. Chairman Dean said in some of the MSTU’s the funds are not being depleted by maintenance and residents in those MSTU’s would like to be able to utilize the funds to pave the roads and the current ordinance does not allow this process. Mr. Beauchamp said changes in costs to the MSTU’s are handled by resolution and addressed prior to approving a new budget year.

 MUNICIPALITIES

Comm. Foley requested Mr. Cobb to respond to the City of Chiefland inquiry for coordinating an effort to locate a site for emergency operations.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Chairman Dean recommended placing NE 61st Place in Lake Johnson Estates on the paving list. Chairman Dean said there are 28 residences and a traffic count of 259 vehicles per day. Comm. Davis moved to approve placing NE 61st Place on the paving list. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 UTILITIES

Mr. McKoy advise the foreclosure on the Manatee Utilities has concluded and Capital City Bank will transfer the property to county ownership for $10,900.00. Comm. Davis moved to approve the purchase of the property from Capital City Bank for $10,900.00. Comm. Foley seconded. Mr. McKoy reported an individual had taken over Springside water system and may be interested in purchasing Manatee Utilities and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SALARIES AND WAGES

Mr. Cobb presented a personnel request for an increase in salary for:

Heather Alexander, recommendation to increase from $8.41 per hour to $9.81 per hour.

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the salary increase for Heather Alexander. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 AGENCIES

Chairman Dean advised the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council is recommending a $.40 per capita assessment. Chairman Dean advise this is the amount that has been paid for the past several years. Comm. Davis moved to approve the $.40 per capita assessment. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COUNTY LAND

Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Lee Mills to provide a recommendation on closing or selling a piece of the property located at the Cedar Key Airport. Mr. Mills advised that consultants have studied the clear zones and the airport traffic and he would not recommend restricting the property further. Comm. Yearty stated on the advice of the engineer and the master plan of the airport the sale of any airport property should not be considered. Comm. Rooks requested Mr. Mills to check the right of way at the airport.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Chairman Dean opened the interviews for the Public Affairs Director position for the following applicants:

Frederick Rummage -is a resident of Cedar Key and a member of the Florida Bar Association. Mr. Rummage advised he had been in the General Assembly of Maryland holding various chairmanships. Mr Rummage said he has served as Assistant to Administrator of National Association of Electric Companies, Executive Director and counsel for National Foundation - March of Dimes for Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and as a special investigator for Army Intelligence. Mr. Rummage added he has a B.S. Degree and J. D. Degree. Mr. Rummage explained he has a working knowledge of budgets and grants.

Martin Proctor - a resident of Levy County currently working as a court specialist for the Eighth Judicial Circuit as a court coordinator for pro se litigation cases. Mr. Proctor said he has a B.A. in governmental affairs and a J.D. Mr. Proctor advised he has experience with preparing and maintaining budgets and in applying for grants. Mr. Proctor said he was previously in private practice and also worked with the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Administrator’s Office in Marion county.

Danielle Judd - a resident of Chiefland currently employed as a budget/management analyst with the Alachua County BOCC. Ms. Judd advised she has extensive grant skills from previous positions with the City of Miami Beach and her current position. Ms. Judd advised she understands the importance of fiscal policies to maintain fund balances for budgets and has knowledge of the process to work with legislative representatives.

Jennie Lynn Hudson-Lane - a resident of Chiefland with a degree is sociology. Ms. Hudson-Lane said she experience with working on budgets and some knowledge of grants from her current and previous employment. Ms. Hudson-Lane explained she is responsible for portions of information to complete a grant application. Ms. Hudson-Lane said she has prepared policies and procedures to be used by employees.

Steven D. Tyson - is currently employed with the Transportation Department of the Levy County School Board. Mr. Tyson advised he has worked with budgets for the Transportation Department and is experienced on monitoring cost effectiveness. Mr. Tyson he tries to instill leadership qualities in his dealings with fellow employees.

Dennis McGill - is a resident of Yankeetown and is retired from the United States Army. Mr. McGill said his last tour of duty was with the Inspector General’s Office in Korea and was responsible for investigating complaints on government contracts and to make recommendations on his findings. Mr. McGill said he has experience with large budgets for government contracts and evaluating cost effectiveness. Mr. McGill he has written policies and procedures and provided to local commanders for their use.

Chairman Dean requested individual ballots be submitted with the name of the candidate for first and second position and signed by the individual commissioner. Mr. Beauchamp read the result of the initial ballot:

Comm. Davis - Proctor/Rummage

Comm. Foley - Rummage/Proctor

Comm. Yearty - Rummage/Proctor

Comm. Dean - McGill/Judd

Comm. Rooks McGill(veteran’s preference)/Rummage

Mr. Beauchamp read the ballots for the second round:

Comm. Davis - Rummage

Comm. Yearty - Rummage

Comm. Foley - Rummage

Comm. Dean - McGill

Comm. Rooks - McGill(veteran’s preference)

Chairman Dean requested Mr. Beauchamp and Mr. Cobb to discuss the terms of employment with Mr. Frederick Rummage and to advise if he would accept the position at the next regular meeting. Mr. Beauchamp clarified that if the position is refused by Mr. Rummage then Mr. McGill would be the next applicant offered the position or the position could be advertised.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court