REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

February 20, 2001

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on February 20, 2001 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:

Clerk of Court - Danny J. Shipp

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

 FUND                                                        AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 28723 - 28969

 

 GENERAL FUND                                  $214, 864.22

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                       42,078.54

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE        30,255.00

 911                                                                 300.00

 LIBRARY                                                     3,322.79

 MEDIATION                                                     50.00

 COURT SERVICES                                38,314.39

 LANDFILL                                                67,399.89

 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND         1,026.39

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE    26,984.28

 FIRE CONTROL                                      38,123.84

 JUDICIAL GRANT                                   11,157.76

 JUVENILE JUSTICE                                    234.41

 BOND DEBT SERVICE                       194,575.00

 UTILITIES FUND                                        7,336.60

 

                                                  TOTAL $676,023.11

 

 MINUTES

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2001. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

  BIDS

Comm. Foley reported the committee had reviewed the bids submitted for the excavator and the front end loader and recommended accepting the bid from Highland Tractor Company with the buy back options. Comm. Foley explained this was not the lowest bid but the bids from Highland Tractor Company met all specifications and they have an established record. Comm. Foley said several bidders provided demonstrations of their equipment. Comm. Foley said the low bid did not meet all of the specifications after careful review. Comm. Foley moved to accept the bid from Highland Tractor Company for the front end loader and the excavator. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 AGENCIES

Mr. Lannie Cardona said a request has been received from EnterpriseFlorida concerning an amendment to the EDTF application for roadwork on CR 341 and CR 214 for the cost of the road work. Mr. Cardona explained he had contacted Mills Engineering and they have reviewed the estimate and recommended the estimate be increased to $446,602.00 for total construction costs based on recent difficulties with shoulder work on CR 347. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the amendment to the EDTF application. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. Charles Gilbert said the wording for his request to be on the agenda had been amended from his submission and thought the wording should have been placed on the agenda as submitted.

Mr. Gilbert said he had concerns on the salary approved for Mr. John McCathrin at a previous meeting and the circumstances of his employment. Chairman Yearty explained the intent was to hire Mr. McCathrin as the administrator of the 911 Addressing system and then after additional information was received action was taken to rescind the employment of Mr. McCathrin. Chairman Yearty said Mr. McCathrin was hired and due a salary for the term of his employment. Comm. Foley said the intent was to hire Mr. McCathrin with the salary to be negotiated and then action was taken at a later meeting to rescind his employment. Sheriff Smith responded to inquiries, that there were problems with the operations of the computer system at the Sheriff’s Office and he hired Mr. Mike West to replace Mr. McCathrin.

 FIRE DISTRICTS

Mr. Roger Crossman said the Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild, Inc. is requesting to hold their Pyrotechnic program March 8, 2001 to March 11, 2001 at the Withlacoochee Bluegrass Campground and is requesting a waiver of any county imposed fire band for the two (2) nights of Friday, March 9, 2001 and Saturday, March 10, 2001. Mr. Crossman explained, as Fire Chief of South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue, they support the request for a waiver to allow the pyrotechnic display which is only for guild members and is not opened to the public. Mr. Crossman said the South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue will provide a minimum of three (3) fire trucks with a minimum of three (3) fire fighters and will be on-site during all stages of the shooting and will sufficiently wet the area to moisten any foliage in the fall out area and the Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (FPAG) will provide their own professional safety personnel. Mr. Crossman said FPAG will train the South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue for the "Shooter Certification Safety Course." Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Crossman to publicize the event to allow residents proper notice. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request to waive a fire ban for the FPAG pyrotechnic program March 8 to March, 11, 2001 at the Withlacoochee Bluegrass Campground. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Crossman said South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue has been operating on a budget which is not meeting all the necessary expenditures and asked for consideration of increasing the budget. Comm. Rooks moved to approve an additional $5,000.00 to the South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue for this fiscal year of 2000-2001. Comm. Stevens seconded. Comm. Foley said he was concerned if there were ample funds to provide additional funding to other fire departments if requested. Comm. Foley added the current budget was based on the recommendations of the Fire Advisory Board. Mr. Danny Shipp, Clerk of Court, said there is approximately $30,000.00 that could be utilized if an emergency purchase is not necessary. Comm. Rooks explained South Levy Volunteer Fire and Rescue is the lowest funded fire department. Chairman Yearty requested Comm. Rooks to attend the Fire Advisory Board next meeting and report on the method of distribution of funding for the fire departments budgets and the MOTION CARRIED.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Ms. Heather Alexander presented the funding agreement for the provision of mental health and addiction services with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. for approval. Chairman Yearty explained staff had met with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. and recommended renewing the contract. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the contract with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 PERMITS

Ms. Alexander submitted the permit request with the permit fee from Mrs. Margaret Knight to hold the Spring Withlacoochee Bluegrass Jamboree from March 30, 2001 to April 1, 2001 at the Withlacoochee Bluegrass campground in accordance with all guidelines. Comm. Foley moved to approve the permit. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Ms. Alexander presented the 2000-2001 inter local agreement with South Levy Volunteer Fire Department for their budget allocation of $12,000.00. Comm. Parker moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SALARY AND WAGES

Mr. Billy Cobb presented the following salary increase:

Major Stroupe, Veterans Service Officer, increase from $8.894 per hour to $11.0576 per hour, effective February 26, 2001.

Mr. Cobb said the work load has increased for the Veterans Service Officer. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ZONING

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented a plat addition to "Orange Hill Cemetery" described as:

A parcel of land located in the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 2, Township 13S, Range 18E, said parcel contains 2.7 acres more or less.

Mr. Corbitt explained the "Orange Hill Cemetery" was established prior to current zoning regulations and this was a Fourth Addition to the plat already recorded. Comm. Foley moved to approve the plat addition to the "Orange Hill Cemetery." Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHIP

Mr. Dick Tummond presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:

Zina B. Green and Joseph E. Braddy, Northeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 17, Township 12 South, Range 17 East, Levy County, Florida, 723 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bronson, in the amount of $4,000.00.

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

Muhammad A. Coleman, Fox Run, Lot 8, 2710 N. E. 167th Avenue, Williston, in the amount of $6,150.00.

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

 BIDS

Mr. Bill Beddow said the committee reviewed the software bids submitted for EMS run reports and billing and of the two (2) bids received the recommendation was to accept the bid from Toomay Technologies, Inc. as the other bidder, Sweet Computer Services did not meet all bid specifications. Comm. Rooks moved to accept the bid of Toomay Technologies, Inc.. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beddow said the committee reviewed the bids for the two (2) chassis and two (2) remounts and recommended accepting the bid from Innovative Coachworks as they met all specifications, would rewire the rescue boxes, had the units in stock and included an additional two (2) years guarantee. Comm. Rooks moved to accept the bid from Innovative Coachworks. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

  EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Beddow said the process has been completed for the EMS station in Williston and an architect is needed to design the building and recommended proceeding through Mills Engineering to allow the architect who designed the EOC building to provide the building plans. Comm. Rooks moved to approve Mills Engineering to provide the design plans for the EMS building in Williston. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for road maintenance:

C-323 (S. E. 8th Street) resurfacing of 5127 feet (1 mile) with dedicated right of way of 75'.

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request to resurface C-323. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

NE 50th Place (Vista Road) in B & R S/D, Unit 6, to allow garbage pick up by county inmates, has dedicated right of way but is not in maintenance system.

Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for garbage pick up by county inmates. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

NE 88th Lane, beginning at NE 118th Terrace and ending at NE 125th Avenue located in University Estates, for a distance of .05 miles with a 50' right of way for grading only at an estimated cost of $67.00.

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

NE 100th Avenue, beginning at NE 83rd Lane for 600' on NE 100th Avenue, located in University Estates, application of rock for an estimated cost of $1,200.00.

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

Mr. Watson submitted the following request for placement on the paving list:

SE 193rd Avenue (LCR 387) and SE 194th Court (LCR 567) located in Small Farms, at a distance of 0.5 miles each, with 50' dedicated right of way.

Comm. Parker moved to place SE 193rd Avenue and SE 194th Court on the paving list. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ATTORNEY, COUNTY AND STATE

Mr. Billy Cobb presented a request for an appointment to the conflict attorney list:

Maritza T. Arroyo

Comm. Foley moved to approve the appointment of Maritzo T. Arroyo to the conflict attorney list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Rooks advised there will be a guest speaker for a public workshop on Tuesday, March 6, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. for discussion of charter government.

Comm. Stevens inquired on the status of the Devil’s Hammock purchase. Mr. Cobb said no official action has been taken for Phase 2 or Phase 3 by Florida Communities Trust and it will be pending until their board meeting and negotiations may be with the Suwannee River Water Management District.

Chairman Yearty explained there has been 39 applications received for the position of County Administrator and recommended the appointment of a committee to review the applications and to submit ten (10) applicants for review. Chairman Yearty said the committee would review the applications and submit their recommendations and any commissioner could review the applications if they thought another applicant should be considered, but this would allow a smooth review process. Chairman Yearty appointed Comm. Stevens, Mr. Fred Moody, Ms. Krista Kelly and Mrs. Susan Haines to review the applications. Mr. Barney Cannon suggested ranking all applicants for review. Chairman Yearty responded the submission of the ten (10) applicants would allow for an in depth review of these prospects for the position. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the committee to review the applications for County Administrator and to submit ten (10) applicants for consideration by the Board. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Leo Flynn recommended the use of lapel microphones for better audio in the County Commission meeting room.

 COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Stevens said the committee would set a tentative date to have ten (10) applicants for review at the March 6, 2001 meeting.

 VETERAN’S OFFICE

Mr. Major Stroupe reported that veteran contacts have been increasing and eligibility verification for VA pensions are due on March 1, 2001. Mr. Stroupe said a warning has been issued concerning a financial scam that is offering lump sum payments in exchange for monthly disability checks or pensions and this is prohibited by federal law.

Mr. Stroupe explained the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act has extended the ending date of the VA Home Loan Guaranty program through September 30, 2007 to allow National Guard and Reserve members to apply, if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Mr. Stroupe added the VA is reviewing claims that were denied as "not well grounded" as a result of the Morton vs West decision but recommended any veteran that had a claim denied for "not well grounded" to contact the VA and request a review.

Mr. Stroupe said notice had been received that any Vietnam service veteran who has been diagnosed with Adult Diabetes Type II is encouraged to file a claim.

Mr. Stroupe added the French Government is presenting certificates to WWII veterans who participated in the liberation of France between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945.

Mr. Stroupe reported he met with Dr. Elwood Headley, Director of North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Service and Special Assistant Nancy Reissener and presented a brief outline of the special needs of the veteran’s in our rural area and discussed the possibility of establishing a VA out-based clinic.

Mr. Stroupe said the next quarterly Veteran’s Service Officer training will be conducted February 27, 2001 at Lake City VAMC and the Annual Certification Training Program for County Veteran Service Officers will be May 6, 2001 to May 11, 2001 in Palm Coast.

 INSURANCE

Mrs. Mary Jane Stalvey said she has had problems with Healthplan Southeast paying bills and has now been notified by her daughter’s treating physician that they will no longer accept Healthplan Southeast. Mrs. Stalvey requested a review into the health insurance coverages available and the needs of the employees. Mrs. Stalvey said employees may be willing to pay more in premiums or accept different deductibles for more options on coverage. Comm. Rooks said inquiries should commence on health insurance coverages to allow for a review of benefits and costs to better meet the needs of the employees rather than waiting until the expiration of the contract. Comm. Parker said he has been reviewing the benefits provided in the health coverage. Comm. Parker said Healthplan Southeast needed to address the complaints on unpaid bills and the unavailability of physicians.

Chairman Yearty convened the public workshop scheduled for 1:30p.m.

 BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Kelly Jerrels said remodeling the inspection building at the Road Department and moving the sign shop would cost approximately the same as constructing a 30' x 40' office building for the Road Department not including Landfill, Mosquito Control, and Animal Control. Comm. Parker explained consideration was needed for future expansion of these departments and recommended considering moving the entire facility to the acreage already owned near the landfill. Mr. Benny Jerrels said a 60'x 200' building could be erected, including office space for approximately $150,000.00 and would provide more space than currently available. Comm. Parker emphasized the need to consider expansion and costs for the future. Comm. Rooks said one concern is the location of the land near the land fill and if it may be needed in the future for the landfill. Comm. Foley said the cost factor could be tremendous to relocate the entire facilities of the Road, Landfill, Animal Control, Mosquito Control and Parks and Recreation departments. Comm. Parker recommended a review on the needs of the Sheriff Office, Court House, Road Department and other departments and obtain a cost analysis. Comm. Rooks said the rat infestation at the Road Department needs to be addressed immediately for the health and safety of the employees.

 MUNICIPALITIES

Mr. Lee Mills said the Town of Bronson is planning to install a sewer treatment facility and a consultation provided by the Suwannee River Water Management District recommended as an option the utilization the treatment system at the jail with an interlocal agreement. Mr. Mills explained the Town of Bronson was working on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to install the sewer treatment facility and if an agreement was reached, it would include expanding the treatment facility at the jail and allow initially for the connection of the Court House, the schools and commercial businesses with additional phases to connect dense residential areas and the less populated areas. Chairman Yearty said the county did not oppose the concept but would need guarantees that the growth needs of the county would be met.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

 

                                                                                                W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court