REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

August 8, 2000

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 8, 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 Douglas M. McKoy followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

EXPENDITURES

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

 FUND                                                              AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 25919 - 26149

 GENERAL FUND                                     $695,217.03

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                           222,364.53

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE                 8,735.00

 LIBRARY                                                           9,225.52

 PERMANENT MOSQUITO CONTROL      12,375.00

 MEDIATION                                                         100.00

 LOCAL LAW                                                       459.97

 COURT SERVICES                                      20,070.98

 911                                                                    5,816.62

 LANDFILL                                                      60,458.18

 FLORIDA POWER                                             393.21

 EMS                                                                14,595.24

 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION                             352.96

 FIRE CONTROL                                            10,392.61

 JUDICIAL GRANT                                               624.31

 COMMUNICATIONS                                          775.00

 UTILITIES                                                          4,240.33

                                                    TOTAL $1,066,196.49

MINUTES

Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 18, 2000 and the special meeting of July 26, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Thomas Riddle asked for a hand rail to be installed from the handicap parking in the rear of the courthouse to the existing hand rail. Mr. Billy Cobb said the courthouse meets the requirements for the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Cobb said he will review the request with Mr. Jim Jones to determine if it is feasible to install a handrail in that location.

 HOUSING AUTHORITY

Mr. Gordon Jernigan of the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority said their housing program is designed for the first time home buyer at a moderate income level and has a good credit rating. Ms. Jennie Wise of William R. Hough & Co., said the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority was established in 1980 and has a successful history of issuing bonds to provide low interest mortgage loans for qualified first time home buyers who meet the program requirements. Mr. Jernigan said there would be no expense to the county as the program would be through the lenders, realtors and builders.

Mr. Ralph Cellon of Morgan, Keegan and Co. said the Bay County Housing Authority was authorized in March, 2000 to operate and will provide low interest mortgages for qualified first time home buyers. Mr. Cellon said the program works with local lenders who support the program and meet the requirements to be a participating lender . Mr. Cellon said the two (2) programs are very similar and Morgan, Keegan and Co. has national experience in underwriting housing assistance programs. Mr. Cellon explained the larger the pool of participating counties the lower the interest rate available for home buyers. Mr. Cellon said a TEFRA (Tax Equalization and Fiscal Responsibility Act) hearing would be required to allow the public to know about the program and to authorize the operation of the Bay County Housing Authority in another jurisdiction.

Comm. Yearty said the program would benefit citizens who are not eligible for the SHIP program but are unable to obtain a standard mortgage and would be a service to the citizens. Comm. Yearty moved to accept the Bay County Housing Authority program with Morgan, Keegan and Co. and to schedule a TEFRA (Tax Equalization and Fiscal Responsibility Act Hearing and adopt a resolution supporting that action. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 FESTIVALS

Mr. Mark Westbrook said the Fanning Springs Southern Gospel Celebration will be held October 14, 2000 at the Fanning Springs State Park. Mr. Westbrook said the intent is to raise money for the non-profit organizations in the tri-county area. Mr Westbrook said businesses in Dixie and Levy county are supporting the Gospel Celebration. Mr. Westbrook said he is trying to establish a food bank and distributes food throughout the area. Comm. Rooks advised Mr. Westbrook there are agencies throughout the county disbursing food and would arrange for Mr. Westbrook to have contact with them.

 LEGISLATIVE

Senator Richard Mitchell provided a review of the legislative session. Senator Mitchell said there were revisions to the Florida Retirement System with pension reform, allowing for an employee to be vested in six (6) years and adjustments for employees with special risk retirement. Senator Mitchell said a small county transportation program will be available, and that the legislature will continue working on the health insurance plan to allow the participation of counties, municipalities, and small schools in the state health insurance program, clarification on jurisdiction for child abuse and child protection cases, obtained funding to assist tobacco farmers for their economic loss and to develop alternative crops and the possibility of the discontinuation of work inmate crews from the Department of Corrections. Senator Mitchell asked for issues of local concern be provided to him so that he can address those concerns with the legislative delegation and the legislature.

Chairman Dean said the loss of inmate work crews at the recycling center, clearing litter from roadsides, and their work preparing the schools for the school term would cause an economic hardship. Chairman Dean said local concerns of a white water rafting project on the Withlacoochee spillway need to be addressed by state agencies.

Comm. Foley said another issue is Highway 40 in Levy county. Comm. Foley said that is the only portion of road that is not a state highway and the county must maintain that portion of road.

Comm. Yearty said a resolution has been approved by the county, the Town of Inglis and Yankeetown supporting a bike path on Highway 40. Comm. Yearty said a bike committee has been formed and the county engineer has reviewed the site and their findings and design may be beneficial to the state on this project. Comm. Yearty said the project is now on the Five (5) year plan for the Department of Transportation (DOT) but this issue is top priority for the county. Mr. Douglas McKoy said this is a safety issue and possibly the project can be moved to an earlier construction date and set in two (2) phases beginning with the area going to the school.

Comm Rooks said another difficulty is grants which require matching funds and do not allow for in-kind services as a match. Comm. Rooks said the rural counties need some leniency in order to avail themselves for these grants.

Comm. Rooks added that transportation for the disadvantage has had a decrease in their budget and service has been reduced causing a hardship for the disadvantage and senior citizens. Comm. Rooks said instead of cutting the funding for this program it needs to be reviewed and more efficient service should be provided.

Mr. McKoy said fund going to local governments need serious consideration to the affect that may impact with the inception of Article V for funding of the court system by the state. Mr. McKoy said a negative impact on the county could result with the loss of revenue from the fines and forfeitures and serious consideration should be given about the use of these funds.

Comm. Yearty said one of the agreements when the women’s prison work camp was approved was the work force would be used in the community and consideration needs to be given to that agreement, and the inmates of the forestry youth camp also are used on projects such as in the coastal area for the eradication of the Brazilian pepper plant.

Comm. Yearty said the health insurance issue is important for small counties and municipalities.

Mr. Barney Cannon said there has been discussion to extend the payments in lieu of taxes for the properties going into public ownership and this is an important issue with the large amount of acreage in public ownership.

 ANIMAL CONTROL

Ms. Tonya Hunt said she was concerned with animal control and dog fights east of Williston. Ms. Hunt said she has found dogs being used for bait in the dog fights and is concerned that dogs are being taken from the drop off facility as it is unmanned and there does not appear to be any controls. Ms. Hunt said she also thought there should be advertising for the adoption of animals and coordinating with local veterinarians to obtain their support to provide medical treatment at a reasonable cost. Ms. Hunt said a larger facility was needed to keep the healthy animals separate from the sick animals and also there should be staff at the office to respond to telephone calls and personal inquiries.

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow presented the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the operation of the Advanced Life Support System for approval. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 LANDFILL

Mr. Wayne Hardee presented an Invitation to Bid for a new 2000 full size ½ ton pick -up truck to be used at the recycling plant to replace a 1980 pickup. Mr. Hardee said there were funds remaining in the current budget for the purchase. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Invitation to Bid for a new 2000 full size ½ ton pick-up truck for the recycling plant. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Hardee said no action will be taken on the scales at the landfill currently.

 SALARIES AND WAGES

Mr. Kelly Jerrels submitted a request for a salary increase for:

Ray Porter, classified as a Master Mechanic, has received certification in Automotive Service Excellence as a Master Auto Technicianas of June 30, 2000 and is eligible for the annual increase of $500.00, adjusting the salary from $9.8765 to $10.1169 per hour.

Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase for Ray Porter. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

NE 120th Street (Tisdale Road) requiring three (3) loads of rock and grading.

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

Comm. Foley said controls are needed on requests for maintenance on a one time basis to control expenditures. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Jerrels to report the cost of the project on a request for maintenance on a one time basis when presented for approval.

 LIBRARY

Mr. Larry White said there are now approximately 5000 library card holders an increase from 2000 library card holders since the inception of the library system in October, 1999. Mr. White said there is a growth of community support and patrons are using the library systems. Mr. White said there are now 19 stations available at the libraries for Internet access.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. White submitted reciprocal borrowing agreements from Citrus County Library System, Marion County Library System, Three Rivers Regional Library System and Central Florida Community College Learning Resources/Library. Comm Davis moved to approve the reciprocal borrowing agreements with approval of the attorney. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 GRANTS

Mr. White presented a Library Services and Technology Act Grant Agreement for "LeVELOCITY" in the amount of $155,240.00 which will allow for the automation of the library check out system and the Development Grant Year 2 Agreement for $55,000.00. Comm. Yearty moved to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the two (2) grant agreements. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 LIBRARY

Mr. White said he would be meeting with the City Commission of Cedar Key to discuss developing a new library.

 PLANNING, COUNTY

Ms. Krista Kelly said the consultant for the urban transportation research is prepared to make a report and requests scheduling a workshop on Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at 1:00 p.m.. Ms. Kelly said the study is on the access management plan for the corridor between Chiefland and Fanning Springs. Ms. Kelly said the Planning Commission will have a workshop with the municipalities that evening.

 AGENCIES

Mr. Fred Rummage said Mr. Jerry Scarborough of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) has requested an endorsement supporting the purchase of approximately 280 acres of land from Georgia Pacific Corporation located in the Gulf Hammock area on that portion of the Wekiva River known locally as 47 runs. Comm. Yearty moved to endorse the purchase of land by SRWMD. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Rummage said the Library Advisory Board has requested the approval of a resolution establishing the Library Advisory Board and their responsibilities. Comm. Yearty said the Advisory Board is an important part of the Library system and their duties and responsibilities should be outlined.

 HOUSING AUTHORITY

Mr. McKoy recommended scheduling the TEFRA (Tax Equalization and Fiscal Responsibility Act) Hearing for accepting the Bay County Housing Authority on August 22, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. Chairman Dean confirmed the public hearing and that the Clerk of Court will handle the advertising.

 SHIP

Mr. McKoy presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for:

Cheryl A. Jones, Lot 73, Block 10, Fannin Springs Annex, for $8,735.00.

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

 ROAD CLOSING

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said Glendon C. McNair has submitted a request for a road closing in the Morriston area. Mr. Beauchamp said the legal description needs clarification and the application fee has been paid. Comm. Davis moved to approve the resolution to advertise for a road closing as requested by Glendon C. McNair pending clarification of the legal description. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 INSURANCE

Mr. Beauchamp submitted a Request to Participate in the Group Life Only (GLO) Trust form, UC 430 received from Union Central Life Insurance Company for execution. Mr. Beauchamp said Union Central Life Insurance Company has assumed Royal Maccabees who has handled the group life insurance coverage and this form must be executed to continue the group life coverage. Comm. Davis moved to approve execution of the form. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 FIRE DISTRICTS

Comm. Davis said the special assessment funds for fire service may only be used by the fire departments and there is a surplus of $35,000.00 which he recommends being distributed among the fire departments as recommended by the Fire Advisory Board. Comm. Davis moved to authorize the disbursement of the surplus funds of $35,000.00 to the fire departments as recommended by the Fire Advisory Board. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 HEALTH

Comm. Davis asked Mr. Rummage to investigate a program being utilized in Gilchrist county providing assistance in obtaining prescription drugs.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Comm. Foley said the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a program called "County Incentive Grant Program" designed to be used by local transportation facilities for improvements or to relieve congestion on the highway system. Comm. Foley said the grant would require a 35% match contribution if awarded. Comm Foley said Mr. Justin Watson of the Road Department has made a recommendation to submit LCR C-32 and LCR C464 East for the grant application. Comm. Foley moved to submit LCR C-32 and LCR C464 East on the grant application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 BIDS

Comm. Foley said the Invitation to Bid for supplies used by the Road Department need to be advertised for the ensuing fiscal year. Comm. Foley moved to approve the Invitation to Bid for supplies used by the Road and Bridge Department. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 AGENCIES

Chairman Dean said VISIT FLORIDA has requested the appointment of a contact to receive information for the promotion of tourism. Comm. Davis moved to appoint Lannie Cardona. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 APPOINTMENTS

Chairman Dean said North Central Florida Health Planning Council, Inc. has requested an appointment for the Board of Directors. Comm. Yearty moved to reappoint Ms. Eugenia Ahmed. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court