REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
May 16, 2000
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on May 16, 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. Davis moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 24803-25013
GENERAL FUND $207,445.77
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 4,997.76
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 18,115.00
LIBRARY 9,643.28
MEDIATION 100.00
COURT SERVICES 43,102.73
911 110.24
LANDFILL 50,586.51
COURT FACILITIES 485.75
FLORIDA POWER 186.38
EMS 30,823.84
LOCAL LAW ENF BLK GRANT 467.94
FIRE CONTROL 52,314.31
COMMUNICATIONS 25,455.35
ADDITIONAL REVENUE 236.73
UTILITIES FUND 1,037.48
TOTAL $445,109.07
MINUTES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 2, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AUDITS
Ms. Martha Garcia-Baker presented the annual audit and advised the audit opinion was unqualified. Ms. Garcia-Baker explained this is the highest opinion allowed and was given for the six (6) audits which included the constitutional officers. Ms. Garcia-Baker recommended continuing to monitor the budget and expenditures. Ms. Garcia-Baker said their current contract continues through 2000.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona introduced Mr. Mickey Thomason OGT Regional Manager with the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails. Mr. Thomason explained he was seeking a letter of support endorsing the application for grant funds to continue the expansion of the Cross Florida Greenway in the Inglis area. Mr. Thomason said the current 2000-2001 budget includes $700,000.00 for the planning and construction of trail/trailhead facilities for Inglis Island now in public ownership and continuing to improve present facilities. Mr. Thomason added the Corp of Engineers is preparing a recommendation for utilizing the Inglis lock for pedestrian and support vehicle traffic. Comm. Yearty moved to endorse the project with a letter of support and for Mr. Lannie Cardona to be the coordinator from the county to work with Mr. Thomason. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Billy Cobb to prepare the letter of support.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Tim Browning, Assistant State Attorney presented a request for additional office space in the area recently used by Building and Zoning. Mr. Browning explained the State’s Attorney’s office has increased staff from eight (8) employees to fifteen (15) employees since they initially occupied the office and additional space is seriously needed. Mr. Browning said Court Administration has recommended utilizing some of the space for court reporters and this would allow efficient utilization of the space. Comm. Yearty advised he was aware of the space problem and advised Mr. Browning that the Space Committee would review the request and make recommendations to the Board.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Loan Agreement for consideration:
Angie L. Brewer, Lot 11, Block B, Williston Highlands Unit 2, 15791 NE 14th Place, Williston for $9,500.00 for the purchase of a home.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Loan Agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mrs. Jan Chesser said Court Administration was recommending the placement of the court reporters in a portion of the office area between the Public Defender’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office and locating the Hearing Officer, Mrs. Sherree Lancaster in the court house. Chairman Dean asked for Mr. Browning to be the liaison for presenting the requests of space to the Space Committee to eliminate conflicting proposals.
AIRPORT
Mr. Walt McJordan requested access to property at the Cedar Key Airport that was rescinded seven (7) years ago similar to access provided for others. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Greg Beauchamp and a commissioner meet with Mr. McJordan to discuss the options available and make a recommendation.
PERMITS
Mr. Rick Hale inquired if a decision could be made for the mud bogging event he has planned for May 26, 2000 to May 29, 2000 at Lake Stafford. Mr. Hale said he has contacted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for paramedics and arranged for law enforcement coverage. Mr. Cobb said he has not been presented with any written information pertaining to EMS or law enforcement coverage and had advised the information needed to be presented as a package. Mr. Bill Beddow advised he had informed Mr. Hale EMS would charge $150.00 per day for coverage if the event was approved by the Board. Mr. Beauchamp said without a complete package submitted it would be difficult to make a decision. Comm. Yearty explained that an ordinance was enacted as a result of previous events and Mr. Hale should proceed through the process for a special exception as required by the ordinance which could not be completed by the end of the month.
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Mr. Bobby Peeta of Monterey Boats said he wanted to submit an application for tax abatement of the ad valorem taxes in the agreement he reached with the City of Williston when he located his business in the county. Mr. Peeta said Monterey Boats had established 300 jobs and they had agreed for an abatement of one (1) year for every ten (10) positions created up to ten (10) years. Mr. Francis Akins explained the application requires the request to be filed by March 1st and that Chapter 196.012 F.S. which allows the tax abatement will sunset next year unless renewed by the Legislature. Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Beauchamp to review the request prior to any action taken to determine if the filing date could be waived. Mr. Beauchamp advised he would review the request and the conditions presented and make a recommendation.
Mr. Brooks Holloway of the City of Williston advised they were not aware of the March 1st filing date and did not provide the information to Mr. Peeta and had recommended the tax abatement of the ad valorem taxes for ten (10) years to encourage Monterey Boats locating in Williston.
BIDS
Mr. Jim Jones advised only one (1) bid was received for the air conditioning system in the old court room. Mr. Jones explained the engineering firm Coburn & Associates submitted an addendum to the bidders of the original advertised bid explaining the changes to the bid specifications and Environtemp was the only bidder to respond for the straight cool system. Mr. Coburn read the bid submitted by Environtemp.
Straight Cool System with heat strip $54,879.00
Installation of heat pump with system $2,517.00
Total $57,396.00
Mr. Coburn explained the bid allowed for four (4) thermostats to control the air conditioning in the court room and if a heat pump was included it would allow the environment in the court room to be controlled independently. Mr. McKoy said a state grant of $100,000.00 had been received for court facilities and $50,000.00 had been budgeted to upgrade the heating and air conditioning in the old court room and the upstairs area of the court house where the Family/Civil Department and 911 Addressing is located. Mr. McKoy said the original bids exceeded the budgeted amount which created the need to revise the specifications of the project. Mr. McKoy explained Chief Judge Cates has approved the concept of the proposal to install the cooling system in the old court room but funds must be committed for expenditure by June 1, 2000 and also a proposed budget for the second grant amount of $100,000.00. Mr. McKoy said the Chief Judge would have to approve the adjustment to the budget to include the heat pump with the cooling system but was certain this adjustment would be approved. Comm. Davis moved to accept the quote submitted to install the cooling system in the old court room and include the heat pump for a cost of $57,396.00 and allow the commitment of the funds prior to June 1, 2000. Mr. Jones advised the electrical work would be done in-house and there would be some additional cost. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Ms. Jill Dobbs advised the 4-H youth are ready to proceed with the installation of the irrigation system and landscaping at the Agriculture Center and was requesting a match of $100.00 received from the 4-H Foundation and approval for county employees to assist in the installation of the irrigation system. Ms. Dobbs explained USDA would be supplying the plants and they would be native plants with constant green and color year round. Comm. Davis moved to approve allowing county employees to assist in the installation of the irrigation project and to contribute $100.00 as matching funds. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Billy Cobb presented a Certificate of Correction of Non Ad- Valorem Assessment for:
Lavone Robinson, Lebanon with a request to amend from six (6) units to five (5) units.
Mr. Cobb said an inspection of the assessment found the request was valid. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Cobb presented an addendum to the Conceptual Improvement Agreement with Florida Communities Trust changing the boundary lines between Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Devil’s Hammock project. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SCHOOLS
Mr. Cobb said the Levy County School Board has submitted a request for equipment and materials for paving projects at Joyce Bullock Elementary School and Bronson Elementary School to be done during August. Mr. Cobb said the school board will pay for materials and labor. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Kelly Jerrels to review the projects and to report on the amount of materials and labor needed.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the agreements fire service with the City of Fanning Springs and the City of Cedar Key for approval. Mrs. Martin explained the original agreement sent to Cedar Key listed the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department and had been corrected to the City of Cedar Key. Comm. Davis moved to approve the agreements. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson recommended placing LCR 206 on the paving list. Mr. Watson explained the portion is 8/10 of a mile on the south side of the new ball park in Chiefland with dedicated right of way and will complete the paving of the road. Comm. Rooks moved to approve placing that portion of LCR 206 on the paving list as recommended. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Ms. Krista Kelly requested approval of the contract to Urban Research for the consultation work relating to the US 19 access corridor. Ms. Kelly advised this is administratively necessary and is exempt from a bidding process. Comm Davis moved to approve the contract for the research of the US 19 access corridor. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Ms. Kelly said the Planning Board has recommended transmittal of two (2) large scale amendments for the comprehensive plan and requests scheduling a public hearing on June 6, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. for review of the amendments.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Glass presented a compliance letter for the Edward Byrne Grant Funds as required by the agreement which approves distribution of $96,212.00 to be used to support the drug task force. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of compliance. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mr. Ted McFetridge advised the amended budgets for the state grant for use on court facilities must be submitted by June 1, 2000. Mr. McKoy requested authorization to draft a budget request for the second year appropriation of $100,000.00 reflecting $20,000.00 for the purchase of a x-ray machine for court security and $80,000.00 allocated for further court house construction and development. Mr. McKoy said prisoner housing is a problem and the construction of a holding cell is being considered. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Clerk of Court, Mr. McKoy to draft a budget agreement for the state court grant of $100,000.00 with a breakdown of $20,000.00 for a x-ray machine and $80,000.00 for future construction and development. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Beauchamp submitted a draft policy for Employee Use of Employer Furnished Transportation for review. Mr. Beauchamp said Ms. Garcia-Baker, county auditor had reviewed the policy and gave a verbal authorization on it complying with Internal Revenue Service specifications. Chairman Dean advised the policy will be reviewed and addressed at the next regular meeting.
COUNTY LAND
Mr. Beauchamp said a request has been made about the proposed use of county land adjacent to property being sold at the Cedar Key airport. Mr. Beauchamp advised a letter has been prepared informing the potential buyer the property is currently designated as clear space for the Cedar Key airport and there are no plans to change the current use but there is no guarantee the county may change the use of the land at a later date. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the letter and to allow the Chairman to sign. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Beauchamp said a request has been made to correct a right of way on a piece of property which was originally on two (2) deeds and resulted in two (2) right of ways. Mr. Beauchamp said he is verifying the facts and will be preparing a deed to correct the 50' right of way. Comm. Davis moved to approve the preparation of the deed if all information provided is correct. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp said the contracts have been submitted for the repaving of LCR 347 by White Construction, LCR 326 by Whitehurst & Sons and LCR 337 by PaveRite and are in order pending receipt of the bonds. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the execution of the contracts pending receipt of all proper documentation. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Beauchamp read a resolution supporting the protection of the clamming industry by the purchase of Cedar Key Plantation, the Andrews Tract, the Thompson Tract and any other tracts in the area by Suwannee River Water Management District or other governmental agencies to prevent large scale development which may harm the clamming industry. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the resolution. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY LAND
Comm. Yearty recommended the Road Department inspect and prepare a report on the feasibility of placing a bridge over the Waccassa River in the Devil’s Hammock tract to facilitate access to Phase 2. Comm. Yearty said current weather conditions would allow accessibility for construction of the bridge.
SALARY AND WAGES
Comm. Foley advised a correction was needed on the salary of the following employee at the Road Department:
Dana Lanham, Maintenance Worker I at $7.4696 per hour to $7.7684 per hour.
Comm. Foley said when Mr. Lanham was hired his salary was incorrect and this is to correct the oversight retroactively to November 1, 1999.
Comm. Foley moved to amend Dana Lanham salary to $7.7684 per hour effective November 1, 1999. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MSTUs
Comm. Davis recommended reviewing the ordinance for MSTU’s researching the possibility of a process to have certain roads paved which meet designated criteria or to consider ways to assist landowners located within MSTU’s in having their roads paved. Comm. Davis explained the current ordinance only allows for maintenance.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Beauchamp reported Mr. Frederick Rummage has accepted the position as Public Affairs Director beginning Monday, May 22, 2000 at an annual salary of $36,000.00 with an understanding that the annual salary would be increased to $38,000.00 in six (6) months and a county vehicle would be provided with the position. Comm Foley moved to confirm the hiring of Mr. Frederick Rummage upon the terms agreed. Comm. Rooks seconded. Mr. McKoy advised he would research the budget to determine funding for the position and vehicle and the MOTION CARRIED.
LEGISLATIVE
Mr. McKoy advised receipt of correspondence from Senator George Kirkpatrick with information of a grant match program to become available 2005-2006 for county road projects.
INSURANCE
Comm. Rooks said she has requested Mr. Rummage to research and report on the legislative implementation of the county joining the state health care plan.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court