REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
March 6, 2001
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on March 6, 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:
County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp
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. Justin Watson 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: 28970 - 29198
GENERAL FUND $739,106.51
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 29,320.53
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 2,932.57
LIBRARY 3,937.09
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 906.02
COURT SERVICES 10,330.18
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 23,169.25
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 1,620.61
COURT FACILITIES 128.52
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 428.98
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 9,294.84
LOCAL LAW ENF. TRUST 405.58
FIRE CONTROL 365.00
JUDICIAL GRANT 45.45
UTILITIES FUND 1,902.76
TOTAL $822,893.89
MINUTES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2001 and the special meeting of February 28, 2001. Mrs. Susan Haines said the minutes of February 20, 2001 were corrected to reflect NE 50th Place (Vista Road) in B&R S/D in place of NE 50th Lane as stated in the meeting. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona advised the Williston representative for the Tri-County Tourism Development has resigned due to health reasons and the Williston Chamber of Commerce has nominated Mr. Peter Zettler for the position. Comm. Stevens advised Mr. Zettler has a business in Williston but is not a resident of Levy county. Comm. Rooks said several members are not residents but are members of the Chamber in their area. Comm. Stevens moved to appoint Mr. Peter Zettler as the representative for Williston on the Tri-County Tourism Development. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Mr. Trace Milam of the Gardner Group said he had discussed the outstanding medical issue concerning Mary Jane Stalvey with Comm. Parker and wanted to explain what has occurred with the health insurance over the past several years. Comm. Parker said no one agent has been requested to handle the county health insurance and recommends having staff research and pursue health insurance coverage for county employees.
Mr. Milam made recommendations to consider if another broker is contacted to arrange health insurance coverage.
Comm. Stevens said the county is trying to find ways to save and to provide adequate health insurance coverage.
Mr. Milam explained he would need three (3) months lead time to review and obtain quotes for health insurance coverage prior to the August 1st renewal date.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Theodore Fowler said the residents of MT 202 (NW 71st Avenue) in Meadow Lane were requesting the road to be paved. Mr. Fowler explained the dust can not be controlled from dry conditions and vehicles traveling to fast.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said MT 202 (NW 71st Avenue) is in an MSTU and certain procedures must be followed. Mr. Beauchamp said the roads in the MSTU’s are being reviewed and reevaluated and residents requesting paving of their roads would be assessed for the additional costs and currently the assessment is for maintenance only.
Sheriff Smith said he would request the Patrol Division to patrol the area more frequently to attempt to resolve the speeding problem.
INSURANCE
Comm. Parker said he appreciated the cooperation provided by Mr. Milam and was trying to obtain better health insurance for county employees and would like staff to deal directly with insurance carriers to obtain health insurance quotes. Comm. Parker moved to have staff review the health insurance coverage and proceed with obtaining bids without a broker. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. C. W. Gilbert said he was inquiring into Mr. Greg Beauchamp failing to secure a building permit on the Security Title office that he has part ownership in. Mr. Gilbert commented on Mr. Beauchamp’s duties and actions as county attorney and possible conflicts of interest.
Mr. Rob Corbitt said Mr. Doug McKoy of Security Title had made an application for a permit and was advised to submit a plan on the construction work. Mr. Corbitt said after discussing the permit application with Mr. McKoy, he requested the proposed work be opened to allow an inspection of the building due to age. Mr. Corbitt explained Mr. McKoy had a conflict and had not come by Building and Zoning to pick up the permit which was going to be approved. Mr. Corbitt said a "stop order" was issued for approximately one (1) hour and original applications are on file.
Mr. Beauchamp responded to Mr. Gilbert with explanations for each item discussed.
AGENCIES
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin said Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council is requesting a letter of support for continued Economic Development District Activities. Comm. Stevens moved to send a letter of support. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mrs. Martin presented a management agreement from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the management of submerged lands at New Clay Landing for another ten (10) years. Mrs. Martin explained it is a renewal of the management agreement currently in use. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the management agreement. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Otis Green said the dust from the unpaved roads in East Williston are creating problems and again requested a resolution to the problem. Mr. Green said there is an area going to the school that needs a sidewalk as the children are walking in the road. Pastor Charles Williams, Jr. of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church supported Mr. Green’s request stating he had a 94 year old parishioner having problems with the dust from the limerock roads. Mr. Justin Watson reported the problem has been investigated and Mr. Green was going to attempt to secure the right-of-ways for one of the roads. Mr. Watson said one of the roads by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church does not have the 50 feet of right-of-way available and there is a concern about water drainage. Comm. Stevens said he will investigate the problem.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Mr. Mark Dunmore, Sr. inquired on plans for development in the Levyville area. Chairman Yearty recommended Mr. Dunmore speak with Ms. Krista Kelly, the County Planner.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petition:
Petition No. HAVA 1-01 - Misty Wilkerson, petitioning the board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order to care for her mother, Donna Dodson on a parcel of land located in a tract in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 34, Township 10S, Range 15E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains six (6) acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential "A/RR" zone. The street address is 16951 NW 20th Avenue.
Mr. Corbitt said the petition was in order and all proper documentation had been submitted. Ms. Misty Wilkerson said her mother needs some one to look after her and she is the only close family member. Chairman Yearty called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Foley moved to approve the petition for a Hardship Variance. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Wilkerson asked if the $150.00 fee could be waived for the Hardship Variance as her mother’s only source of income is from Social Security. Chairman Yearty requested Comm. Foley to review the request and to report on his findings.
HEALTH
Ms. Edith Orsini, Executive Director for North Central Florida Health Planning Council, Inc. reported on a grant program currently being implemented through the Health Department for minority residents with diabetes who need assistance coping with the disease. Ms. Orsini said the KidCare program is available for children up to age 18 and provides health care. Ms. Orsini said the Healthy Start program provides prenatal care for mothers and for infants to age three (3). Ms. Orsini explained there is a program for HIV Aids patients providing services which include housing assistance.
Ms. Orsini said several bills are currently being sponsored in the House and Senate affecting programs currently available, including costs of pharmaceuticals for the elderly.
Ms. Orsini said transportation is not provided in these programs, but some programs under Medicaid offer transportation or a transportation voucher.
Mrs. Renata Cannon asked why the grant for the diabetes program was for minorities only. Ms. Orsini said the grant was written this way and after discussions with Ms. Barbara Locke of the Levy County Health Department the service will be provided to anyone eligible with diabetes.
APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Orsini said there is a vacancy on the board from Ms. Eugenia Ahmed’s resignation. Chairman Yearty said Comm. Rooks would accept the position. Comm. Foley moved to appoint Comm. Rooks to the board of North Central Florida Health Planning Council, Inc.. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Mrs. Toni Collins submitted the bid proposals received for the automation system for the library system. Mrs. Collins explained the proposals had to meet specific requirements and a Library Automation Consultant reviewed and ranked the bid proposals. Mrs. Collins said the top two (2) vendors who met the bid specifications were:
The Library Corporation $62,238.00
SIRSI $61,371.00
Mrs. Collins explained the Automation Review Committee recommended the SIRSI system as it appeared to be the most compatible and was in use in the Alachua County Library System and the Three Rivers Library System where we have reciprocal borrowing agreements. Mrs. Collins said the committee checked with these library systems and received favorable reports of the SIRSI system. Mrs. Collins said the bids were advertised for the project based on the requirements and not necessarily the lowest bid. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the SIRSI bid. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Collins requested authorization to proceed with the hiring a contract employee to coordinate a summer reading program for pre-school to third grade children at all of the branches. Mrs. Collins said the need to proceed with the hiring of the individual allows for the program to proceed and the new library director will be able to focus on the installation of the automation system. Mrs. Collins said the librarians have been consulted and were in agreement to the proposal and she recommended allowing the librarians to interview the applicants. Mrs. Collins said there is a strong network of volunteers to work with the summer reading program. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the hiring of a contract employee to coordinate the summer reading program with the librarians as the screening committee. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Smith said over crowding at the jail is a problem and the capacity limit for the number of inmates housed has been reached. Sheriff Smith said he has provided three charts reflecting county and inmate population statistics through 2005. Sheriff Smith said the kitchen and laundry facilities are sufficient to provide for an additional pod, but the medical facility and the chow hall are already past capacity. Sheriff Smith said costs could be offset for construction of another pod by housing federal inmates and would defray costs for the tax payer and still provide ample housing space for county inmates.
Mr. Beauchamp said vendors will need to know the financing as this will affect bid proposals. Chairman Yearty advised Sheriff Smith to speak with vendors to obtain estimates on costs and designs with the understanding the project will be advertised for bids.
Comm. Foley recommended contacting the local legislators for funding of jail facilities and court house facilities.
Sheriff Smith explained the roof on the jail pod is in severe need of repair. Sheriff Smith said the shingles are brittle and blowing off. Sheriff Smith said he obtained estimates for repairs from the following contractors:
Strickland Roofing $24,750.00
Mac Johnson Roofing $25,575.00
Kennedy Roofing $18,658.33
Sheriff Smith said the roof is very spongy when walked upon and if there is a rainy season leaking will be a problem.
Mr. Ron Grant inquired if there was a 20-year warranty on the shingles.
Chairman Yearty said if there is a maintenance problem creating additional damages then the repairs should be done to prevent further damage.
Comm. Parker moved to accept the low bid from Kennedy Roofing for $18,658.00 due to the roof at the jail requiring emergency repairs. Comm. Stevens seconded. Sheriff Smith said he would contribute what his budget would allow and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley recommending contacting the previous vendor, Ajax Construction to obtain a pro-rata cost for the shingles under the warranty.
Ms. Kathy Willcutts requested approval to submit the VOCA (Victim of Crime Act) grant for Victims Services through the Sheriff’s Office. Ms. Willcutts explained the grant was for $56,414.00 with a match of $14,104.00. Ms. Willcutts said the match could be in-kind services, such as volunteer services or mileage. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the grant application. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DISTRICTS
Comm. Stevens said contact had been received from Mrs. Murphy concerning the fireworks at the pyrotechnic display and the times allowed for testing. Mr. Roger Crossman of South Levy Fire and Rescue said he had contacted Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Fields and assured them on the safety and containment of the display. Mr. Crossman said he will request the guild to discontinue the pyrotechnic display at 10:00 p.m..
Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired who would be responsible for damages if there was a fire caused by the display. Mr. Billy Cobb said the state is responsible for the levying of fines.
TAX ROLL
Mr. Billy Cobb presented the following Certificate of Corrections of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:
Steven K. Bloom, remove MSTU, property should not have been assessed with this road maintenance in Williston Highlands as the petitioner does not live on this road.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Michelle Rodriguez, mobile home was removed April, 1999. Metal shed (8' x 10") on property does not have water or electricity.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY LAND
Mr. Cobb said Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) has inspected the property adjacent to the Road Department and have advised it would not be feasible to expand the Road Department facility on this land. Comm. Foley moved to abandon the attempt to purchase the property adjacent to the Road Department. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Bill Beddow said a release form is needed to release the grant funds for the two (2) rescue units. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the release form. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Beddow said a stipulation maintenance plan was prepared on the maintenance and use of the rescue units and recommended incorporating the information into a five (5) year plan for Emergency Medical Services.
Mr. Beddow reported Mr. Lee Mills has contacted the architect and plans are being prepared for the Williston EMS station.
Mr. Beddow explained there is not a paramedic in Yankeetown and expenses are increasing from housing a paramedic in a motel which is the normal procedure for a replacement. Mr. Beddow requested authorization to look for a temporary place to house a paramedic. Comm. Rooks advised Mr. Beddow to check into available options and report on his findings.
Mr. Beddow reported the grant funds to purchase the Lifepack 12 Monitor have been received.
Mr. Beddow said notification was been received on the availability of helicopter services from Tampa General that will service the southern part of the county and will be based at the Inverness airport.
Mr. Ron Grant recommended placing a mobile home on the property at the Sheriff sub station if room was available for temporary housing of a paramedic. Chairman Yearty said there is county owned land closer to the populated areas that could be considered.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for placement on the paving list:
LCR 474 known as NW 109th Court, located in Suwannee River Springs No. 2, for a distance of 0.5 miles, with 24 houses and a 50' dedicated right-of-way.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the placement of LCR 474 on the paving list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LCR 473 known as NW 108th Terrace (Indian Trail) located in Suwannee River Springs No. 1, for a distance of 0.5 miles, with 25 houses and a 50' dedicated right-of-way.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the placement of LCR 473 on the paving list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson presented the following request for resurfacing:
LCR 102 known as NE 60th Street beginning at C-337 continuing through to C-241(NE 150th Avenue) for a distance of seven (7) miles.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the request to resurface LCR 102 as described. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Foley recommended applying for grant funds to assist in the resurfacing project.
C-40 East beginning at US 19 and continuing through to the end of the city limits for a distance of two (2) miles.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request to resurface C-40 East as described. Comm. Parker seconded. Mr. Watson said the road will require a leveling course and a surface course and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson presented the following request for placement on the priority paving list:
LCR 207 known as NW Old Fanning Road from LCR 209 (NW 147th Place) to LCR 208 (NW 140th Street) to be placed on the priority list, for paving, when LCR 207 from LCR 218 to LCR 211 is paved.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request to place LCR 207 on the paving list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson presented the following request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 85th Street from NE 105th Avenue and NE 110th Avenue located in University Estates for grading onlywith a 50' dedicated right-of-way.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Watson said Jenkins Painting has sent notice of increasing their rates for solid striping from $224.00 per mile to $250.00 per mile and for skip striping from $125.00 per mile to $138.00 per mile. Mr. Watson said there have not been any invitation for bids requested and the last increase from Jenkins Painting was in 1998. Chairman Yearty said it needs to be determined if there are other vendors who do road striping and advertise an invitation to bid.
WORKSHOP
Chairman Yearty opened the workshop for discussions on the expansion of the Road and Bridge Department, a presentation on Charter Government and interviews for Library Director.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Sammy Pruitt said a 40 x 60 metal building for offices of the Road and Bridge Department, Mosquito Control, Parks and Recreation, Landfill and Animal Control could be constructed for approximately $60,000.00 and the finishing work done in house. Comm. Foley said the metal buildings appeared to be reasonably priced.
Mr. Pruitt said a 80' x 172' building could be built for approximately $125,000.00 and would allow for a larger building to be used for the sign and paint shop and warehouse. Mr. Pruitt explained it would cost approximately $250,000.00 to move the tanks and buildings to the location adjacent to the landfill. Chairman Yearty said approximately $150,000.00 was received from the state for the purchase of right-of-way and the tower for the expansion of US 27A and was placed in the General Fund. Comm. Foley said the present site of the Road Department could be utilized by the Construction and Maintenance Department and with some remodeling could provide storage space for the records of elected officials who are expending approximately $2,000.00 per month for storage.
Mr. Pruitt said the site adjacent to the landfill would allow for the construction of turning lanes and two (2) entrances.
Comm. Rooks explained she was concerned about moving the Road and Bridge Department and the other departments to this site when it may be needed for the landfill. Comm. Rooks said consideration is the impact of traffic on LCR 335 should be considered.
Mr. Wayne Hardee said there is approximately 107 acres that are not permitted as part of the landfill.
Chairman Yearty requested the concerns be submitted to Mr. Kelly Jerrels and Mr. Pruitt and a workshop will be held at the next regular meeting.
COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Rooks introduced Mr. C. Allen Watts, Esquire who was invited to discuss the process for charter government.
Mr. Watts said he had been counsel to five (5) counties who had a charter study and some enacted charter government and some failed. Mr. Watts explained some charters committees are appointed by the board through a resolution or may be by the legislative delegation if the issue is pursued by petition. Mr. Watts said most charters have been written to handle the day to day management and have not impacted the form of government. Mr. Watts said a majority of the people in Florida reside where there is some form of charter government but it is not the majority of the counties. Mr. Watts added constitutional officers are not necessarily affected. Mr. Watts said the cost to form a charter committee and proceed with the steps to place the issue on the ballot could run from $10,000.00 to $50,000.00. Mr. Watts explained the compilation of a charter commission and its duties. Mr. Francis Akins said it appeared this would be another level of government when people are calling for less government. Mr. Barney Cannon inquired on the cost of having a special election. Mr. Watts said generally it is timed to correspond with a general election. Mrs. Connie Asbell explained a special election could cost $20,000.00. Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired on the process to remove a charter if it did not function properly and explained there did not appear a need for change. Mr. Watts said this would be addressed in the charter and is also in Article 8 of the Constitution. Mr. Scott Lippman inquired if additional revenue sources would be available as a charter government.
Mr. David Bibby inquired into initiating a petition. Mr. Watt said the sponsor of the petition would be accountable as a committee and be responsible for all proper reports being filed with the Supervisor of Elections and for the wording of the item on the ballot.
Mr. Arthur Maruna said he failed to see the advantage of expending funds to change the present system and it fail in an election.
Mrs. Sheila Rees inquired if any counties who operate as a charter government were comparable in population to Levy county.
LIBRARY
Mrs. Toni Collins said the screening committee for Library Director recommended consideration of the two (2) applicants present for interview:
Ms. Sarah "Sally" Jane explained her experience working in libraries and would work towards expanding and improving services. Ms. Jane said she was familiar with writing grants and automation would be a high priority. Ms. Jane added that having a centralized reference system would be important and exploring the possibility of book vans to reach residents unable to come to the libraries.
Mr. Thomas Reitz presented his experience in library systems and would work to maintain staff communications, making the community aware of what the library system had to offer, pursue funding and allow for circulation of materials within the library system. Mr. Reitz said he was capable of working with an automation vendor for the installation of the automation system. Mr. Reitz explained he was enthused by the position of Library Director and would explore services currently offered and explore opportunities to increase and improve services and organize a central reference center. Mr. Reitz said he was familiar with grant writing.
Chairman Yearty explained the screening committee comprised of Janice Coupe, Librarian, Cedar Key Public Library, Rob Crane, member, Library Advisory Board, Marlea Merriman, member, Library Advisory Board and Dr. Elaine Yontz, member, Library Advisory Board had recommended Mr. Thomas Reitz as their first selection and Ms. Sarah "Sally" Jane as the second selection.
Comm. Foley moved to offer the position of Library Director to Mr. Thomas Reitz for an annual salary of $37,000.00 and with completion of a satisfactory six (6) month probationary period to increase the annual salary to $38,000.00. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty requested Mrs. Collins to notify the applicants of the action taken.
MSTUs
Mr. Greg Beauchamp reported he has discussed with Mr. Ken Van Assenderp the MSTU’s and the requirements to place new plats in the system, revise assessments and maintenance and recommends scheduling a workshop in April for Mr. Van Assenderp to attend and provide further information on MSTUs.
UNION
Mr. Beauchamp said the Emergency Medical Service employees have formed with a different union and have a different bargaining group. Mr. Beauchamp explained they have requested that they would like to start preliminary negotiations. Comm. Rooks explained there are issues to be addressed within the contract and would recommend commencing preliminary negotiations.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Beauchamp presented a draft job description for the position of county administrator. Comm. Stevens said the duties would include but not be limited to the items in the job description. Chairman Yearty said he was concerned with the county administrator being responsible for hiring all employees without the Department Head recommending the employee. Comm. Parker said his understanding was the Department Head would recommend an applicant for a position and be responsible for job performance, with the administrator responsible for the proper procedures being followed in the hiring process.
Mr. Beauchamp said the administrator would have the final say if the applicant was not qualified for the position. Mr. Beauchamp said he would redraft the description to reflect the results of the discussion.
Comm. Stevens said the selection committee recommended commencing interview from Monday, March 12, 2001 to Wednesday, March 14, 2001. Comm. Stevens said interviews would be scheduled on Tuesday, March 13, 2001 and Wednesday, March 14, 2001 and advertised by public notice.
Comm. Stevens explained the intent was to have a County Administrator hired shortly and asked Mr. Billy Cobb if he would submit his resignation. Mr. Cobb said he would resign from the position of County Administrator and would like to remain in the employ of the county.
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Mrs. Mary Golding inquired on the status of the remodeling to increase space in the Property Appraiser’s office. Mrs. Golding said there were concerns on accessibility for the handicapped. Chairman Yearty request Mr. Cobb to contact Mr. Francis Akins and Mr. Jim Jones to ascertain the status of remodeling and the availability of additional space in the interim.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Dave Bibby requested the issue of charter government be placed on the next agenda for adoption of a resolution to appoint a charter commission.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court