REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
September 19, 2000
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 19, 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 Comm. Foley 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: 26568-26792
GENERAL FUND $217,736.38
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 46,907.38
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 21,140.00
LIBRARY 5,144.55
COURT SERVICES 13,887.36
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 188.17
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 83,880.81
COURT FACILITIES 1,247.96
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 601.24
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 14,290.19
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 302.05
FIRE CONTROL 22,260.00
JUDICIAL GRANT 3,691.71
UTILITIES FUND 1,119.19
TOTAL $432,396.99
MINUTES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 5, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX ROLL
Mr. Russell Lowell said he was concerned that no action has been taken on the amendment to the state constitution allowing the instituting an additional $25,000.00 homestead exemption for qualified senior citizens. Comm. Davis said the issue has been under consideration and without pertinent information on the impact to the county no action had been considered. Comm Davis said sufficient analysis has been received to allow action. Comm. Davis moved to authorize the county attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp, to proceed with the process for adopting an ordinance to allow an additional $25,000.00 exemption for qualified senior citizens. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Beauchamp said the initial public hearing will be scheduled the first regular meeting in November, 2000.
ELECTIONS
Mr. Dave Bibby said he was recommending a change to single member districts for county commission. Mr. Bibby asked for this to be placed on the ballot to allow the voters to decide. Mr. Bibby said he would undertake a petition drive to place this on the ballot if no action was taken. Chairman Dean said redistricting would be done next year and would like to have single districts discussed at the same time. Comm. Rooks said the last redistricting allowed for equal representation of residents by each commissioner.
LANDFILL
Mr. Newcomb Wasson said a resource recovery bond was available that would indemnify the county if a vendor using the landfill failed to pay for their use of the landfill. Mr. Wasson explained a procedure would need to be instituted on when action was to be taken on an unpaid bill. Mr. Wasson said an Irrevocable Letter of Credit could also be used to protect the county from having a large unpaid bill from a vendor. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Greg Beauchamp, Mr Billy Cobb, Mr. Wayne Hardee and Mr. Wasson to review current policy and to prepare a recommendation for consideration.
INSURANCE
Mr. Wasson said he had verified that Healthplan Southeast had paid the outstanding hospital bill presented by Mrs. Charlene Kennedy.
AMBULANCE
Mr. Billy Cobb presented a Certificate of Need from Liberty Ambulance for approval. Mr. Cobb explained that Liberty Ambulance handles only intra facility transfers unless a request is made for additional assistance from the county. Comm. Davis moved to approve the Certificate of Need for Liberty Ambulance. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Glass requested a budget amendment for $78,355.00. Sheriff Glass said the funds are received from other sources and this is to reflect the receipt and disbursement of those funds. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the budget amendment of $78,355.00. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Ms. Paula Lane submitted an Emergency Declaration for approval for damages incurred from Hurricane Gordon. Comm. Davis moved to approve the Emergency Declaration. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Mr. Larry White requested authorization to submit a grant application for state aid. Mr. White said the grant would be approximately $112,000.00. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the grant application and authorize the Chairman to sign upon completion of the application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. White said upon review of the interlocal agreements for the local libraries he found they will expire on September 30, 2000 and is in the process of modifying the agreements to allow them to be self renewing unless one of the parties wish to terminate the agreement. Mr. White requested approval of the interlocal agreements upon review by the county attorney. Comm. Davis moved to approve the interlocal agreements for the local libraries upon review by the county attorney. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. White said a recommendation has been made to appoint Chris McDaniels to the Library Advisory Board. Comm. Yearty moved to appoint Chris McDaniels as a member of the Library Advisory Board. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said Comm. Rooks had corresponded with Mr. Paul Johnson, Superintendent of Schools for Levy county concerning property located at the corner of LCR 318 for use as an Emergency Medical Services station. Mr. Beauchamp said the school board has offered to lease up to one acre for a term of 20 years at $10.00 with the school board retaining the option to renew on five (5) year intervals after the initial 20 years. Mr. Beauchamp said the school board has requested the survey and the lease agreement be prepared by the county to be presented to the school board. Chairman Dean explained the current location does not have space for expansion and additional space is needed to serve the community. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the county engineer to survey the property. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Beauchamp presented a proclamation from Levy County’s Association for Family and Community Education for promoting National Family and Community Education week with a campaign for "Make A Date With Your Family." Mr. Beauchamp said they are requesting the week of October 8 through October 14, 2000 be proclaimed as National Family Community Education Week. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for the proclamation and recognize October 8 through October 14, 2000 as National Family Community Education Week. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Beauchamp presented the request to authorize the Tax Collector, Mr. Donald Richburg to act as agent of the board for the preparation of the Non-ad Valorem Special Assessment Roll. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate for Non-ad Valorem Special Assessment Roll and authorize the Chairman to sign the request for the Tax Collector to act as agent of the Board. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Beauchamp said Mr. Fred Rummage had submitted his resignation as Public Affairs Director to Comm. Yearty. Comm. Yearty moved to accept the letter of resignation and to compensate Mr. Rummage through the end of September. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired if a reason was given for the resignation. Mr. Beauchamp said there was no reason provided in the letter of resignation but there had been some personality conflicts with administration and a designation of administrative duties needed to be determined when Mr. Rummage resigned.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Comm. Foley said the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 5 Year Work Plan needs to be reviewed for transmittal to the state.
Comm. Foley said the Transportation Enhancement Program has been received and needs to be reviewed and returned to the Department of Transportation (DOT) prior to October 1, 2000.
SALARY AND WAGES
Comm. Foley presented the following requests for salary increases at the Road and Bridge Department:
Casey Duquette, Surveyor/Signs/Permits, an increase to $10.7915 from $10.1132 per hour, with no change in classification.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Roy Williams, Equipment Operator II, increase to $10.1132 per hour from $9.7974, with no change in classification.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Kelly Sheppard, Equipment Operator II, an increase to $10.1132 per hour from $9.7976,with no change in classification.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Tim Horne, Equipment Operator III, an increase to $10.3024 per hour from $9.8120, with no change in classification.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Donna Shipp, increase to $10.3026 per hour from $9.81 per hour.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Frances Eastman, Administrative Assistant, an increase to $10.4760 per hour from $10.1289.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Clinton Studstill, Equipment Operator II, increase to $10.1132 per hour from $9.3160 per hour, with no change in classification.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for salary increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Dean explained the $500.00 salary increase for receiving additional certifications apply to union employees. Chairman Dean said department heads salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.
BIDS
Comm. Foley said only one (1) bid was received for asphalt and slag and he recommends rejecting the bid and reissuing the Invitation to Bid. Comm. Foley moved to reject the one (1) bid received for asphalt and slag materials and reissue the Invitation to Bid. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley said the bids received for sign materials fluctuate for different items and recommends accepting the low bids from each of the companies for the various signage materials needed. Comm. Foley moved to accept the low bids from each of the vendors for the items they presented the low bid on. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley said three (3) bids were received for sod and the low bidder was Benny Jerrels. Comm. Foley moved to accept the low bid from Benny Jerrels. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley said Gulf Atlantic was the low bidder for culvert pipe. Comm. Foley moved to accept the low bid from Gulf Atlantic. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley said the bids received for safety items varied from each vendor for specific items. Comm. Foley moved to accept the low bid for safety items from the vendors providing the low bid for that item. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley reported there were no bids received for guard rails. Comm. Foley moved to purchase the guard rails on an as needed basis on the state bid contract. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm Foley explained the Road Department has been on a program with Lubrication Engineers for approximately two (2) years and even though the cost of the oil is higher it already is showing a savings in the longevity of the oil in the equipment. Comm. Foley said it does require changes of the oil filters but oil changes are going from 60,000 to 70,000 miles without oil changes. Comm. Foley moved to continue the program with Lubrication Engineers. Comm. Davis seconded MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements for consideration:
Tracie Payne, Lot 9 & 12, Blk 4, G. W. Willis Addition, 234 S. W. 1st Street, Williston, for $8.640.00.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Wanda Flanders Jackson, Lot 8, Southern Heights Subdivision, 510 S. E. 5th Avenue, Chiefland, for $12,500.00.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen presented two (2) contracts for sale for the two homes located in Chiefland built for the SHIP program. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the contracts for sale. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD CLOSING
Mr. Beauchamp read the resolution for a proposed road closing at:
That portion of SE 123 Terrace lying between Lot 5, Block R and Lot 1, Block Q, FOXGROVE subdivision, as per plat in the public records of Levy County, Florida.
Said lands situate, lying and being in Levy County, Florida.
Mr. Justin Watson said the road has never been cleared and it does not land lock any other owners and there has been no opposition presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the resolution for the road closing. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Thomas E. Skinner, Jr. presented the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement to establish the Citrus, Levy, Marion Regional Workforce Development Board. Mr. Skinner said the agreement has been drafted to meet board membership representation to coincide with the legislative action of Workforce Innovation Act of 2000 (WIA 2000). Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Chairman Dean said a request for maintenance on NE 125th Avenue located in Diversified Subdivision has been made. Chairman Dean said the road is impassable but there is not any public right of way. Mr. Watson said the road is not dedicated to the public and no maintenance can be done.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Chairman Dean reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of a public hearing of the US 19 Corridor Management Plan. Ms. Krista Kelly said there would be an over view of the initial evaluations from the consultant, Ms. Christine Williams with the Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida (CUTR). Ms. Williams said access management provides guides for spacing designs of driveways, property access, signal spacing and corner clearances to reduce traffic congestion. Ms. Williams said this study has been an effort of joint cooperation with the county, the cities of Chiefland and Fanning Springs and FDOT to work on the corridor of US 19 between Chiefland and Fanning Springs to address access management in the corridor.
BUDGET
Comm. Davis moved to schedule the TRIM hearing on Monday, September 27, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Comm. Yearty said the Library Advisory Board has requested a resolution establishing the Advisory Board and how it will operate. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the resolution with the changes as reflected from the initial draft copies. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Watson presented a request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis for the following:
Cedar Key Heights, Section A, SW 122nd Court, from Shiloh Road to SW 70th Avenue, 25 feet dedicated right of way, grading only, estimated cost $69.84.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Watson said the 2000-2001 Florida Department of Transportation 5 Year Plan has been prepared and listed in priority order. Mr. Watson said the priority order needs to be reviewed and approved for submission to DOT. Comm. Foley moved to place the installation of sidewalk (ISTEA) from SE 6th Terrace to SW 10th Street on SR 345 and the installation of various sidewalks at previously approved locations on the Enhancement List also. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Yearty recommended placing this sidewalk in the first position of the Enhancement Program as funding has been committed for the bike path on CR 40 from West Town limits of Inglis to the South Levy Recreational Park. Comm. Rooks moved to place a request for a sidewalk from on CR 345 from SW 60th Street to the Shiloh Road on the 5 Year Plan. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. Comm. Yearty said he was concerned that Item #17 for a bike path would involve a number of environmental problems. Comm. Rooks moved to delete Item #17 from the 5 Year Plan. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson said the Transportation Enhancement Program needs a priority ranking and must be submitted to DOT by October 1, 2000. Comm. Foley said the recommendation was to delete all items listed that have a "no" eligibility and to move all of the pending eligibility listings to the end of the list. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the chairman to sign the transmittal letter for the Enhancement Program Eligibility for fiscal year 2000-2001 in the discussed priority level. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Ms. Kelly said the special meeting called to order at 2:30 p.m. was for the sole purpose to discuss Devil’s Hammock Phase I for recreational site improvements. Ms. Kelly said a grant of $50,000.00 has been proposed and the funding will be used for engineering designs and construction of an elevated board walk, observation deck and small dock. Ms. Kelly said a resolution is required adding the Devil’s Hammock acquisition to the Capital Improvement element of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Parks and Recreation projects. Comm. Yearty moved to proceed with the grant application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Davis moved to adopt the resolution to include Devil’s Hammock in the Capital Improvements plan. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Yearty asked Ms. Kelly and Mr. Cobb to contact the school board to discuss the purchase of Blue Springs.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Chairman Dean asked Comm. Foley to review the rate structure that has been submitted for Emergency Medical Service ambulance employees.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court