REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

December 19, 2000

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on December 19, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

Chairman Sammy Yearty

Vice Chairman Don Foley

Comm. Danny Stevens

Comm. Tony Parker

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

 FUND                                                              AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 27890 - 28098

 GENERAL FUND                                         $199,759.96

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                              27,614.52

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE               81,867.19

 LIBRARY                                                           7,395.97

 MEDIATION                                                         100.00

 COURT SERVICES                                      19,401.17

 LANDFILL & RECYCLING                           54,483.96

 SPECIAL LAW                                                2,897.85

 COURT FACILITIES                                             68.96

 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND                   827.90

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE          16,667.16

 JUDICIAL GRANT                                           6,467.50

 DRUG TASK FORCE                                     1,403.64

 UTILITIES FUND                                                 428.74

 FIRE CONTROL                                            30,000.00

                                                        TOTAL $449,384.52

 MINUTES

Comm. Foley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 5, 2000. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 JUDICIAL

Judge Joseph Smith said the recently elected constitutional officers will be sworn in on Tuesday, January 2, 2001 and was requesting the time of the regularly scheduled commission meeting be changed to 10:00 a.m. to allow for a reception after the swearing in service. Chairman Yearty said the commission would change the time of the meeting to 10:00 a.m. and it would be properly advertised.

 UTILITIES

Mr. Lannie Cardona introduced Mr. Mike Harbour, Community Relations Manager for Progress Energy. Mr. Harbour said Florida Power and Carolina Power had recently merged and the utility is called Progress Energy. Mr. Harbour extended an invitation to the commissioners and staff to tour the energy complex in Crystal River. Mr. Harbour said Progress Energy planned to continue working with the community.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Tim Heath explained he was requesting the abandonment of the Northeast entrance to LCR 110 (NE 40th Street) from US Highway 27A. Mr. Heath said the landowners were in agreement with the request as it does not landlock any of the property. Mr. Heath explained the current connection could cause a safety hazard and his firm would install markers and signage in accordance with Department of Transportation standards. Comm. Stevens moved to approve a resolution to advertise for the closing and abandonment of LCR 110 (NE 40th Street) as proposed. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Justin Watson to personally contact all three landowners concerning the closing.

 AGENCIES

Mrs. Carol McQueen said One Stop Employer Connection would make a presentation and recommended hiring an employee from the WAGES program. Mrs. McQueen explained if a WAGES candidate was hired the county would be eligible for 25 points on the next Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application if the proper criteria was met. Mrs. McQueen said it was necessary to hire a candidate from the WAGES program to stay competitive in the grant process.

Ms. Audrey Hoehn said she was the Business Liaison Specialist serving Levy County and was available to provide any assistance needed. Ms. Carol Armbruster presented a slide presentation and explained the history and benefits available for employers and employees from One Stop Employer Connection. Ms. Hoehn said this is a partnership among several agencies to provide employment services, training, job placement and other federally and state funded benefits for welfare recipients to assist them in finding gainful employment. Ms. Armbruster explained the many benefits and incentives available to employers who hire a WAGES candidate.

 LIBRARY

Mrs. Toni Collins presented the 2000-2001 Annual Plan of Services goals and objectives for the library system. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the goals and objectives as presented. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Collins explained Part One of the E-rate grant application to apply for discounted telecommunication services for the six (6) libraries were submitted on December 14th, 2000 and the dead line for Part Two is due January 19th, 2001. Mrs. Collins said the E-rate grant application must be submitted on an annual basis.

Mrs. Collins presented a request to renew the maintenance agreements for the photocopiers in the libraries. Mrs. Collins said the cost of the maintenance agreements has been provided for in the budget. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the maintenance agreements. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Collins said a maintenance agreement is needed for computer equipment in the libraries. Mrs. Collins explained a general maintenance agreement would protect the investment in the equipment and would avert general problems with the systems. Mrs. Collins recommended an annual maintenance contract with CIS Consulting for $4,305.00. Mrs. Collins said the library system will be receiving $15,190.30 from Marion County representing the reimbursement for telecommunication discounts for FY 1999-2000 and recommended designating those funds for the purchase, replacement and maintenance of the library system’s computer equipment. Comm. Stevens moved to approve a maintenance agreement with CIS Consulting. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Collins said a proposed time line has been prepared for the automation project to be completed no later the September 30, 2001. Mrs. Collins said Dr. Elaine Yontz, a Library Advisory board member with the expertise and experience in records cataloging will be assisting in the automation project.

Mrs. Collins said two (2) applications for Library Director have been received and recommended extending the deadline to January 31, 2001. Comm. Rooks moved to extend the deadline for the position of Library Director to January 31, 2001. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHERIFF

Mrs. Collins on behalf of Crimestoppers of Levy County, Florida, Inc. presented a plaque to Sheriff Ted Glass for the support he has provided in making the program successful.

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow reported that notification has been received awarding the grant for $98,000.00 which will allow for the purchase of two (2) ambulances. Mr. Beddow said the grant will be for $88,200.00 and require match funds of $19,600.00.

Mr. Beddow said Mr. Lee Mills had completed the survey for the property to be leased by the school board for the Williston ambulance station.

Mr. Beddow reported they were continuing to work on the union contract for the Emergency Medical Service employees. Mr. Beauchamp said the current union has voluntarily agreed to allow the employees to change to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) but procedures must be followed to complete the transfer. Mr. Billy Cobb said notices will be posted at all ambulance stations, Mr. Beddow’s office and the court house.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

Located in University Estates, NE 95th Avenue from NE 90th Street to NE 80th Lane and extending maintenance to NE 80th Street, requiring 60 loads of limerock and grading for an estimated cost of $9,336.00, with 13 homes and for a distance of one (1) mile.

Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm Foley seconded. Comm. Stevens said the road is in poor shape and is used by a number of residents in University Estates and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley recommended Mr. Kelly Jerrells, Mr. Sammy Pruitt and a commissioner review the cost of mining limerock by the county and the current charge of $2.00 per yard. Comm. Parker said he would review the costs with Mr. Jerrells and Mr. Pruitt.

Located in Oak Ridge Estates, NE 117th Terrace, requiring 40 loads of limerock, grading, with a 60 feet right of way for a distance of one (1) mile, with 16 homes, for an estimated cost of $6,224.00.

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

Mr. Watson presented the following request for road maintenance:

LCR 345 known as Palm Street located in the City of Inglis, servicing 20 houses, for a distance of .5, needs resurfacing due to poor condition.

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request to resurface LCR 345 known as Palm Street. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Riverside Drive, apron at Parsons Memorial Presbyterian Church in Yankeetown.

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request for an apron off of Riverside Drive at Parson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHERIFF

Sheriff Ted Glass expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from the Commissioners during his twelve (12) years as Sheriff. Chairman Yearty thanked Sheriff Glass for the service he has provided to the citizens and the smooth transition of office to Sheriff-elect Johnny Smith.

Mr. David Bibby said the Sheriff had provided good service to the citizens of the county. Mrs. McQueen commended Sheriff Glass on his service to the municipalities.

 LEASES AND RENTALS

Mr. Beauchamp submitted the lease agreement with the Levy County School Board for the parcel of land located in Williston for the ambulance station. Mr. Beauchamp said the lease will be for twenty (20) years at $10.00 and can be renegotiated at the end of the lease. Mr. Beauchamp explained the county would assume all liability and its use is for the sole purpose of constructing and operating an ambulance service facility. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the lease agreement. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 MSTUs

Mr. Beauchamp said the Road Department has compiled a list of all the subdivisions located within the county and he recommends allowing Mr. Ken Van Assenderp, attorney for the Tax Collector, to review and prepare the process for amending the ordinance for the MSTUs and other special assessments as he is a specialist in tax law. Comm. Foley moved to approve a review of the MSTUs and special assessments by Mr. Ken Van Assenderp. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHIP

Mrs. McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:

Wigberto Rivera Merced for the purchase of a home on Block 8, Lots 2 and 3, Green Highlands Park for $9,500.00.

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

Wanda C. Brown, 10900 block NE SR 24, Lot 1, Block 63, University Oaks, for the purchase of a home, for $10,000.00.

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

Russell S. McIntire and Jennifer M. McIntire for the purchase of a home located that part of SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Section 15, Township 11 South, Range 14 East, lying Easterly of the A.C.L. Railroad right of way (now abandoned) for $9,407.20.

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

Mrs. McQueen explained that a client who had rehabilitation home repairs done has developed drainage problems as a result of the repairs which were unforseen when the work was completed. Mrs. McQueen said sewer gases have begun to seep into the home creating a hazard for the health and welfare of the client and recommended approval for emergency home repairs to correct the drainage problem. Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for emergency home repairs. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS

Mr. Jimmy Brooks of Southwest Florida Water Management District said there is a serious drought in the area and they were working with local governments to encourage water conservation.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. David Bibby inquired into the process of how a citizen could address an item on the agenda or brought before the Board. Chairman Yearty said the current agenda allows for any citizen to express their opinion on any item discussed and are recognized in order to allow them to discuss any item they may have to bring before the Board.

Mr. Freddie Shaw requested notification to the public when the MSTUs are discussed. Chairman Yearty said there would be properly advertised public hearings.

 BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Billy Cobb reported the Maintenance Department is remodeling the sally port to allow additional space for the Property Appraiser’s office.

Chairman Yearty said Mr. Will Kendrick, State Representative had requested ADA accessible space for an office in the court house. Chairman Yearty said the space committee had met and they recommended moving the Veteran’s Service Officer to the space remaining vacated by the Development Department and to allow Mr. Kendrick to use the office in the lobby. Comm. Foley moved to accept the recommendation of the space committee. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Chairman Yearty said Mr. Robert Partin had indicated that he had a building for sale on U.S. Highway 27A which possibly could be used as a multipurpose building with renovation. Mr. Cobb said the building had been inspected and it would allow for storage, parking and growth with an asking price of $345,000.00. Mr. Cobb said the appraisal by the Property Appraiser’s office was less and it would require $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 to renovate the building to allow its use for climate control storage. Comm. Foley said negotiations are currently proceeding for ten (10) acres of land at the Road Department and it was his understanding that there had been discussions for a storage facility at that site and was not in favor of considering this purchase. Comm. Rooks said a review of the growth needs is needed prior to any action. Mr. Fred Moody said Mr. Frank Davis had prepared a study for storage and was available for review. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Cobb and Mr. Moody to meet with Mr. Partin and inform him the county would not be interested in the purchase of the property at this time.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Chairman Yearty recommended advertising for the position of County Administrator. Chairman Yearty explained the County Administrator needed to have expertise with unions and legislative matters and would recommend advertising for the position. Comm. Foley moved to approve the advertising of the position of County Administrator and authorize Mr. Beauchamp to prepare the advertisement. Comm. Stevens seconded. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Beauchamp to have the job description prepared and sent to each commissioner prior to January 2, 2001 to allow for it to be published the first week of January in the local papers and other governmental publications and the MOTION CARRIED.

 APPOINTMENTS

Chairman Yearty recommended the appointment of Mr. Thaddeus Barber, Jr. to replace Mr. Campbell on the Board of Adjustment. Comm. Foley moved to approve the appointment of Thaddeus Barber, Jr.. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 PROPERTY APPRAISER

Mrs. Mary Golding said the stairs accessing the Map Room in the Property Appraiser’s office are creating a dangerous situation and asked if some remedy can be found to allow better access to the Map Room. Chairman Yearty said there will be a workshop to further discuss space needs.

 APPOINTMENTS

Comm. Rooks moved to reappoint Mr. Dennis Andrews to the Board of Adjustment. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Rooks said a suggestion had been made to add two (2) at-large seats to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment.

 911 ADDRESSING

Chairman Yearty said Mr. John McCathrin would not be employed at the Sheriff’s Office as 911 Addressing coordinator and recommended offering the position for the county 911 Addressing coordinator to him. Comm. Foley moved to offer the position of 911 Addressing coordinator to Mr. McCathrin. Comm. Rooks seconded. Chairman Yearty said he would present the offer to Mr. McCathrin and also negotiate the salary for the position. Comm. Stevens recommended discussing the position with Sheriff-elect Johnny Smith to determine if his replacement in the position held by Mr. McCathrin could also be the 911 Addressing coordinator for the county and the MOTION CARRIED.

 TAX ROLL

Mr. Beauchamp presented the List of Lands Available for Taxes from the tax deed sales of December 11, 2000 and December 18, 2000 as prepared by Mrs. Patty Galyean, Deputy Clerk.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Ms. Heather Alexander submitted the agreements for fire protection from Rainbow Lakes Fire Department, Rosewood Volunteer Fire Department, Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department, Morriston/Montbrook Volunteer Fire Department, Williston Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Yankeetown Volunteer Fire Department and City of Fanning Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the fire protection agreements. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court