REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

June 19, 2001

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on June 19, 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 - George A. Lambka

 

 The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.. The invocation was given by Mr. George Lambka 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: 30579 - 30800

 

 GENERAL FUND                               $340,569.20

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                       63,310.06

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE        22,700.00

 LIBRARY                                                        954.71

 COURT SERVICES                               17,334.43

 LANDFILL                                                58,078.25

 COURT FACILITIES                                     823.86

 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND         1,180.95

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE    13,157.78

 LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT     13,927.50

 UTILITIES FUND                                           748.57

 

                                                  TOTAL $532,785.31

 

 MINUTES

Comm. Parker moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 5, 2001. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 AUDITS

Ms. Martha Garcia-Baker presented the financial statements and independent auditor’s report as of September 30, 2000 prepared by Davis Monk & Company. Ms. Garcia-Baker explained all reports were "unqualified," the highest rating available. Comm. Rooks moved to accept the audit report. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 INSURANCE

Mr. George Lambka reported the renewal bid was received from Healthplan Southeast and discussions had been held concerning the coverages and renewal premiums. Mr. Lambka said AvMed advised they would not submit a bid due to the current loss experience. Mr. Lambka explained several more bids are being solicited including from the Florida Association of Counties and he will be reporting on the results.

 ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Mr. Lambka reported the following options to be considered for NE 105th Street:

       

    1. Undeveloped roadway (not allowed under current Land Development Regulations).
    2. Compacted roadway (unpaved and acceptable under current Land Development Regulations).
    3. Asphalt.

Mr. Lambka explained Loncala, Inc. agreed to donate the 50 feet right-of-way easement and cooperation has been received from Florida Power Corp. and Sprint telephone. Mr. Lambka said the Southwest Water Management District has agreed to the project and would reduce permitting fees. Mr. Lambka said the cost to install a compacted road would be in excess of $104,000.00.

Comm. Rooks said there are five (5) residences in the area and a church which has a membership of approximately 200 to 250 people with an adjacent cemetery. Comm. Rooks added the project could possibly be done in phases. Comm. Parker moved to approve building a compacted roadway for NE 105th Street with Loncala, Inc. donating the 50 feet of right-of-way and consideration to construct the road in phases. Comm. Rooks seconded.

Comm. Foley explained there could be legal precedents set or an action in direct opposition of previous established policies and the matter should be decided by action in civil court. Comm. Rooks, Comm. Stevens and Comm. Parker voted YES and Comm. Foley and Chairman Yearty voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Lambka reported the following projects currently planned in East Williston and would be submitted for publication. Sidewalk improvement thru the DOT Enhancement Program includes C-331A beginning point; NE 4th Avenue to NE 41st Place, installation on both sides of the road.

    1. Sidewalk at SE 4th Street, located on the west side of the street, beginning at East Noble Avenue and ending at C-316 (NE 30th Street) for a distance of 4,991 feet.
    2. Sidewalk at NW 2nd Avenue, located on the south side of the street, beginning at NW Main Street and ending at the city limits a distance of 3,250 feet.
    3. Resurfacing CR 323 from US 27 to LCR 316.
    4. Resurfacing LCR 518 over 1 1/4 miles.
    5. CR 513, CR 514, CR 515 included in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and are on the future paving list.

 UNION

Mr. Lambka explained the committee had met with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) for union negotiations and the Clerk of Court or his designee should be included on the committee. Comm. Rooks moved to include a fiscal officer for negotiations with union representatives of IAFF. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Lambka said negotiations need to commence for Local #630. Chairman Yearty appointed Comm. Stevens, Mr. Greg Beauchamp, Mr. Lambka, Mr. Fred Moody and a fiscal officer designated by the Clerk of Court.

 SALARY AND WAGES

Mr. Lambka presented a personnel recommendation for the following:

Tina Horne, increase of $.50 per hour retroactive to October 1, 2000 as the employee is entitled to the increase and has increased responsibilities.

Comm. Foley requested deferring action until he could review the personnel action forms as Chairman of the Personnel Committee.

 LIBRARY

Mr. Lambka advised Pamela Goff had been hired as the Library Administrative Assistant II with a salary of $21,658.00. Comm. Stevens expressed concern on current county employees in comparative positions who are just at this salary range and recommended the starting salary be at the lower end of the recommended salary range and adjusted at the end of the probationary period.

Mr. Wayne Janney inquired into the job description for the Library Administrative Assistant II and the job description for the recently hired Library Director, Mr. Tom Reitz.

Mr. Reitz explained the Administrative Assistant would match records, cataloging, central processing and handle office operations to allow him to supervise library personnel and plan library operations.

Mr. Janney said he was concerned about hiring an additional employee for the Library with similar a job description to the Library Director and the auditor has advised more money was being expended than being received into county funds. Chairman Yearty explained the position had been approved and recommended Comm. Foley review the proposed salary and provide a recommendation.

Mr. Dean Hooker said the Library system was a cultural asset.

 COUNTY AGENT

Mr. Lambka reported the Temporary County Courtesy 4-H Agent I held by Stacey Ellison has been transferred to a permanent status effective June 16, 2001. Mr. Lambka explained this position is fully funded by the University of Florida and Mr. Albert Fuller concurred with the action.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Lambka explained the Road Department had responded to Mr. Chapin’s complaints on the road conditions in Steeple Chase Farms.

 APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Heather Alexander advised the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council was recommending the following appointments to the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board:

Private for Profit Transportation Provider Representative: Don Gauthier, voting member.

School Board Representative: Jeff Davis, alternate member replacing Clifton V. Norris.

Alternate Mr. George Lambka.

Comm. Parker moved to approve the appointments to the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 TAX COLLECTOR

Ms. Alexander presented the Recapitulation report for all Errors, Insolvencies, Double Assessments and Discounts on the Assessment Roll for the 2000 fiscal year. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Recapitulation report. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Ms. Paula Edwards said there will be Damage Assessment Training held at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and invitations to participate have been sent to the municipalities and County Departments.

Ms. Edwards reported the state division of Emergency Management will be evaluating shelters from July 16 to July 27, 2001. Ms. Edwards explained they will be evaluating schools, churches or community centers that can be used for emergency shelters.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Justin Watson said the contract and agreement for the Small County Outreach Program needed to be submitted for acceptance prior to August. Comm. Foley explained the grant required a 25 percent match using in-kind services or cash payment and a determination of the method for the match must be decided. Comm. Rooks said a determination of in-kind services was needed and a decision on how they would be used.

 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Watson presented the following requests for resurfacing.

LCR 583 located in New York Subdivision for a distance of 0.23 miles (1,210 feet) for an estimated cost of $7,865.00.

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the resurfacing project of LCR 583 and for it to be done while the road projects at LCR 323 and LCR 518 are being done. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

LCR 510 and LCR 511 located in East Williston for a distance of 0.33 miles. LCR 510 for 900' and LCR 511 for 875', for an estimated cost of $11,537.50.

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the resurfacing of LCR 510 and LCR 511 and for the project to be commenced while LCR 518 and C-323 are being resurfaced. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

LCR 234 (NW 4th Avenue) for a distance of 0.56 miles (2,977 feet)to be resurfaced during summer break for the elementary school for an estimated cost of $19,350.50.

Comm. Foley moved to approve the resurfacing of LCR 234. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. John King inquired if the road paving project east of LCR 341 was a county project. Mr. Watson advised this was a private project.

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Ron Grant inquired on the status of the Emergency Medical Services station in Williston. Mr. Bill Beddow said the engineering report from Lee Mills is pending and upon receipt of the report there will be additional information available.

 SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Mrs. Connie Asbell advised that election reforms mandated changes in voting equipment and included funding of $7,500.00 per precinct in the mandate.

Mr. John McLaurin of Global Election Systems demonstrated the AccuVoteoptical scan tabulator and how the ballots would be designed and used. Mr. McLaurin explained the votes would be tabulated at the precincts as the votes were cast and there would still be a paper record.

Mrs. Asbell said they were also considering the purchase of a touch screen which would meet the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired in to the security of the equipment and the privacy to the voter.

Mr. McLaurin demonstrated the various security functions of the AccuVote and how the issues of privacy and simplicity are handled.

Mrs. Asbell said she would be presenting the amount of funding necessary to meet the state mandated changes in the voting process.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. C. W. Gilbert expressed concern on zoning procedures and if public officials are benefitting with increased property values; waste of county resources, and retribution against employees who may disagree with the administration.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. George Lambka recognized Mr. Jim Jones for his contribution to the community.

Mr. Jones said the girl’s softball teams from Williston, Chiefland and Bronson placed first and second in the District League and would be attending the state regionals. Mr. Jones said the community support was greatly appreciated.

 SCHOOLS

Mr. Dave Bibby said he would like to designate a Student Government Week for the school year of 2001-2002. Mr. Bibby explained he wanted to involve the students in the local government process and allow them to work with each of the constitutional officers and commissioners during that week.

Mrs. Linda Fugate said there are students who are already working through out the courthouse.

Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Lambka to meet with Mr. Bibby and to prepare a proposal.

 AGENCIES

Mr. Richard Bicknell of SC Services & Associates, Inc. explained his agency will collect fines for unpaid traffic and felony cases. Mr. Bicknell said collections are made on a contingency basis and the full fine is returned to the Clerk of Court and their agency places a collection fee of up to 40% on the amount collected. Mr. Bicknell said no action is taken to recover traffic fines until the driver’s license has been suspended. Mr. Bicknell added their firm is currently serving 21 counties in Florida and Georgia.

Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Bicknell to discuss his service with Mr. Danny Shipp, Clerk of Court.

 ZONING

Mr. Willie Battles said the Intimacy House Prayer Outreach was requesting a zoning change for property on CR 323 to develop further church and community expansion.

Ms. Sharon Battles explained they have organized Intimacy Economic Development, Inc. and are proposing a recreation youth camp, camp ground and residential area for elderly and low income families and are currently seeking state and federal grants.

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the request needs to follow proper procedures through the Development Department and County Planner for proper zoning changes. Mr. Beauchamp said an application should be completed outlining the proposal and then the proper public hearings will be held.

Ms. Krista Kelly said the land is currently industrial and the proposal may require a comprehensive plan amendment.

 MUNICIPALITIES

Williston Police Chief Daniel Davis requested authorization to expend approximately $4,000.00 to purchase new portable radios. Chief Davis said the Williston Police Department in the last eight (8) months have written about $8,500.00 in traffic citations and a portion of the fine collected is placed in the Intergovernmental Radio Fund.

Sheriff Johnny Smith said he had discussed the request with Chief Davis and did not have any objections.

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request to expend approximately $4,000.00 for the purchase of radios by the Williston Police Department. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHIP

Comm. Rooks moved to allow for discussion and action on the Deferred Payment Loan Agreements presented by Mrs. Carol McQueen as non-agenda items. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:

Melissa S. Screws for $12,000.00 to purchase a home located at 16491 N. E. 25th Lane, Lot 18, Quail Run, Williston.

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

Lavon Deifendeifer for $7,700.00 to purchase a home located at Lots 13, 14, 15 and 16, Block 4, Williston Heights, Williston.

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

 AGENCIES

Mr. Michael Moehlman, Executive Director of the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council requested approval of the per capita dues rate for the fiscal year of 2001-2002 at $.40. Mr. Moehlman explained there is a possibility of a rebate on the per capita dues after the budget and audit reports are completed. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the $.40 per capita dues for the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council with rebates being remitted at the end of the year. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COUNTY LAND

Mr. Wayne Janney requested equal access to county land currently being camped and hunted on adjacent to the Gulf Hammock Hunt Club and Wacassa State Preserve. Mr. Janney said county land should be available for use by any resident. Chairman Yearty said hunting is not allowed on the land and it should be posted. Chairman Yearty explained the property had been purchased to provide access to flora and fauna for students and there are restrictions on how the property may be used.

Comm. Rooks said she would like to establish hiking and biking trails if the state would allow access through the Wacassa Bay Preserve.

Chairman Yearty said a management plan is being established in conjunction with Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) to allow access to the Devil’s Hammock property for various recreational activities.

Chairman Yearty said county land could be walked on but was not open to hunting or fishing. Mr. Beauchamp explained there is no game management plan established to allow hunting or fishing on county land.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Beauchamp explained the contract with County Probation Services expires July 1, 2001 and is recommending the agreement be extended one (1) year to allow for preparation to advertise for bids. Mr. Beauchamp said the contract is for five (5) years. Comm. Stevens moved to extend the contract with County Probation Services, Inc. for one (1) year. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Edward Johnson said certified letters had been sent to the residents along LCR 117 proposing the donation of right-of-way to allow for the paving of the road. Mr. Johnson explained he would like to see Alachua County cooperate with the project.

Mr. Justin Watson explained he has a meeting scheduled with Mr. Ernie Taylor of Alachua County Public Works Department but they have not expressed any interest in assisting in the paving project. Mr. Watson said a engineering survey revealed the road lies entirely in Levy County.

Mr. Beauchamp said an interlocal agreement would allow for expenditure of funds if it was necessary to pave in Alachua County.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Al Carnegie, President NAACP explained the organization was to protect the equal rights for everyone and appreciates the cooperation received from the community.

Mr. Carnegie said there will be a student government class for improving leadership and recommends Mr. Bibby contacting Ms. Arrington to arrange for participation by the students tp establish a Student Government Week. Mr. Carnegie added that Michael Warner was the state representative from Levy County and was able to spend a day with Governor Jeb Bush.

Mrs. Mary Golding expressed thanks for the placement of students in the government offices for the summer and recommend this action being expanded to the local municipalities.

 COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Comm. Parker expressed concern on qualified employees applying for positions within the county and not being interviewed. Comm. Parker moved to establish a policy to be incorporated into the Policy and Procedures to interview all qualified county employees who apply for an in-house position. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Parker said the department head would be responsible and accountable for the determination that the employee was qualified for the position.

 ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Foley said the policy for road maintenance and resurfacing needs to be reviewed for discussion at the next regular meeting.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                     W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court