REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 7, 2001
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 7, 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 George Lambka 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: 31207- 31449
GENERAL FUND $1,098,015.70
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 108,955.69
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 26,720.00
LIBRARY 5,684.20
PERM MOSQUITO CONTROL 7,955.00
MEDIATION 100.00
COURT SERVICES 10,215.06
911 15,000.00
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 82,021.66
COURT FACILITIES 897.69
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 572.04
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 15,717.04
LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 17,487.70
FIRE CONTROL 26,883.50
JUDICIAL GRANT 375.00
COMMUNICATIONS 3,853.56
UTILITIES 605.36
MSTU - HEATHERWOOD 222.56
MSTU - JORDAN ESTATES 337.11
MSTU - OAK MANOR 571.29
MSTU - CANNON HOMESITES 196.41
MSTU - STARTING POINT 6,178.73
MSTU - WILL HIGHLANDS 5 25,534.77
MSTU - WILL HIGHLANDS 7 17,554.77
MSTU - WILL HIGHLANDS 12 21,822.41
MSTU - RALEIGH OAKS 965.05
MSTU - FAWNWOOD ESTATES 1,108.46
MSTU - DOE RUN 1,125.72
MSTU - SUNSHINE ESTATES 1 813.56
MSTU - SUWANNEE MEADOWS 455.64
MSTU - N STAR RANCHETTE 523.75
MSTU - SPANISH TRACE 644.94
MSTU - SPANISH TRACE 1 2,683.39
MSTU - ARROWHEAD ACRES 225.47
MSTU - KING B RANCHETTE 1 299.68
MSTU - LONG POND LANDING 242.79
MSTU - LONG POND LAND 1 744.04
MSTU - LONG POND LAND 2 413.41
MSTU - WHISPERING OAKS 2 1,615.26
MSTU - CEDAR PINES 2 381.22
MSTU - COUNTRYSIDE ESTATES 475.19
MSTU - COUNTRY WALK ESTATES 2 442.21
MSTU - EMERALD FOREST 1,171.41
MSTU - SHADY ACRES 495.57
MSTU - LOUMAR ESTATES 227.09
MSTU - ENCHANTED FOREST 586.89
MSTU - KINGS HILL 674.00
MSTU - DEERE RIVER ESTATES 196.33
MSTU - MEADOWLAND ESTATES 2 144.27
MSTU - WACASASSA RIVER ACRES 2,469.65
MSTU - SUNSHINE ESTATES 3 522.92
MSTU - MEADOWVIEW ESTATES 297.25
MSTU - QUAIL RUN UNIT 2 93.79
MSTU - RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES 1,404.59
MSTU - RIDGE VIEW 173.68
MSTU - SUMNER PLACE 634.44
MSTU - ARROWOOD 102.72
MSTU - CEDAR PINES UNIT 3 620.36
MSTU - GREEN HILLS 2,271.99
MSTU - KING RANCH 1 614.77
MSTU - TRIPLE CROWN FARM 1 3,565.85
MSTU - TRIPLE CROWN FARM 3 3,351.48
MSTU - TRIPLE CROWN FARM 2 6,898.89
MSTU - PINE MEADOWS 1,288.79
MSTU - SUMNER PLACE 2 1,010.60
MSTU - LONG POND OAKS 288.45
MSTU - CHIEFLAND WOODS 2 PHS 1 261.92
MSTU - STEEPLECHASE FARM 13,561.75
MSTU - LANGLEY ESTATES 215.44
MSTU - N CHIEFLAND ESTATES 782.30
MSTU - LONG POND PARADISE 102.72
MSTU - FARMS A WILLISTON 2 1,750.03
TOTAL $1,552,416.97
MINUTES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 17, 2001. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. George Lambka advised of a press release concerning the threat of the West Nile Virus/Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the protective measures that need to be taken by the public. Mr. Lambka said the Health Department will continue providing information.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Lambka presented the contract with Elrod Auctions for the disposal of surplus equipment. Mr. Lambka said the auctioneer would receive 15 percent of the first $500.00 received on an item and 10 percent on the remainder.
Comm. Stevens inquired if a no sale could be placed on a piece of equipment if the bid was not sufficient. Mr. Lambka explained a minimum bid could be placed on an item prior to the auction commencing. Mr. Lambka said the list of items to be sold would be presented at the next regular meeting. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the contract to auction surplus equipment with Elrod Auctions on a one time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Lambka advised Mr. Matt Johnson had been hired as Code Enforcement officer and recommended an annual salary of $25,000.00. Comm. Stevens moved to approve an annual salary of $25,000.00 for the Code Enforcement Officer position. Comm. Parker seconded. Mr. Lambka said Mr. Johnson was ready to begin employment immediately and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mr. Lambka recommended adoption of a tentative 9 mils millage rate for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Comm. Parker moved to adopt the millage rate of 9 mils. Comm. Stevens inquired if this included a roll back. Chairman Yearty said there should be a different millage rate for the Health Department and the rates would be tentatively adopted which would allow for it to be reduced if needed and NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
SHERIFF
Mr. Lambka explained there is a critical need for housing the Drug Task Force at the Sheriff’s Office and recommended purchasing a 24 x 36 building to house the employees. Mr. Lambka said the building was 12 years old and would last approximately an additional 7 to 10 years, was a commercial grade building, with a gauge steel roof and aluminum siding. Mr. Lambka said the cost would be $16,500.00 for the structure and it would require an additional $3,000.00 for a total set up could be completed in two (2) days.
Sheriff Smith explained the current building is in very poor condition with a leaking roof and it is housing expensive equipment and is unsafe for the employees. Sheriff Smith explained there were not sufficient funds in the Fines and Forfeiture accounts as those funds had been used to purchase four (4) vehicles. Mr. Lambka said there was money that could come from the Sheriff’s budget and the County’s budget. Comm. Parker moved to purchase the building for the Drug Task Force on an emergency basis, due to the leaking roof possible damage to electronic equipment and the safety of the employees. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Lambka requested authorization to purchase recording equipment for the 911 system from the Sheriff’s and County’s budget. Mr. Lambka said the current recorder has been repaired and new equipment could be purchased for approximately $16,500.00.
Sheriff Smith said the recorder records all telephone calls into the 911 lines and all of the radio traffic for the deputies. Comm. Parker moved to advertise for bids for a recorder for the 911 system. Comm. Rooks seconded. Comm. Stevens requested a review of the 911 funds to determine if they could be used for the purchase and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Justin Watson reported LCR 117 is currently third on the paving priority list and there has been difficulty in obtaining sufficient right of way. Mr. Watson explained the residents have been contacted with a request to give a 60' right of way, as Mr. Ernie Taylor with Alachua county has advised they county would not assist in any way with the paving of the road. Mr. Watson said Suwannee River Water Management has given verbal approval to permit the road on a 40' right of way but written confirmation has not been received. Chairman Yearty explained the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has minimum guidelines with certain standards for road construction and it does not legally prohibit the construction of a road that does not meet those standards. Chairman Yearty said constructing the road below the minimum standards could increase the liability exposure.
Mr. Watson said the maintenance on LCR 117 has exceeded $20,807.00 with 98 homes, road count of 507 trips a day, a bus route with six (6) stops and one (1) handicapped bus stop.
Mr. Edward Johnson inquired why Alachua county would not provide the 40' right of way. Mr. Greg Beauchamp explained Levy county can not expend any funds into another county and Alachua county would have to expend funds for road construction costs on their portion of the road. Comm. Stevens said Alachua county was not interested in expending funds to pave the road nor enter into an interlocal agreement.
Mr. Jay Herring said the dust on the road reduces visibility and the condition of the road has created difficulties for rescue service to respond.
Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Beauchamp, Mr. Watson and Mr. Lambka to arrange to be on the agenda at the next regular commission meeting in Alachua county to address the issue. Comm. Parker moved to proceed with the road paving project upon receipt of written confirmation from the water management to allow the lesser right of way as this is an exceptional condition. Comm. Rooks seconded. Comm. Parker, Comm. Foley, Chairman Yearty, Comm. Rooks voted YES, Comm. Stevens voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Larry Rice recommended placing a gravel surface instead of a limerock surface.
Mrs. Renata Cannon said the county commissioners of Alachua county should be addressed on this issue and not just discussions with staff.
Mrs. Peggy Young expressed concern of high speed traffic on the road and the lack of law enforcement.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Watson presented the following request for acceptance into the maintenance system:
All roads in Bronze-Sun Acres consisting of NE 102nd Avenue (Bitter Blue Road); NE 102nd Place (Floratam Street); NE 109th Avenue (Bahia Drive); NE 100th Lane (Bitter Blue Road) and NE 104th Street (Bermuda Lane), 5 property owners, 3 in agreement, 1 with limitations and 1 no response.
Mr. Fred Treffinger said he did not object to taking the road into the maintenance system but he did not want to have a special taxing district for road paving and indicated the loaded semi trucks using the roads were causing damage. Comm. Parker moved to accept the Bronze-Sun Acres roads into the maintenance system with the exception of Lots 4,5,6 of Block E where sufficient right of way was not provided. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson presented the following request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 69th Place located in Bronson Heights for grading only at an estimated cost of $67.00, beginning at NE 101st Court and continuing to NE 99th Court.
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 direction:
NE 140th Avenue (LCR 104), project was to secure right of way, 11 property owners with three (3) agreeing to provide right of way, one (1) not agreeing and seven (7) with no response.
Comm. Stevens moved to delete NE 140th Avenue (LCR 104) from the paving list. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Mr. Watson requested authorization to advertise for bids for road materials for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Comm. Parker moved to approve the request to advertise for bids for road materials for the ensuing fiscal year. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Watson presented the renewal contract for the Interagency/Public Works Agreement with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) for inmate labor. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the contract and authorize the chairman to sign the agreement. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Watson advised the Holy Family Catholic Church had requested the paving of NE 172nd Court (LCR 173) agreeing to donate the additional 25' lane width the length of their property. Mr. Watson explained there are only two (2) homes in Williston Highlands Unit 9 served by this road and except for days during church attendance the traffic count does not meet the minimum traffic count. Mr. Watson said after further review of the project he would propose removing the milling and replacing it with rock.
Mr. Paul Droney said there are retirees who attend services at the church and the four lanes of US 27 A has caused the use of NE 172nd Court for access and paving would be a solution. Mr. Droney explained that after further discussions on what would be involved to pave the road the full length, the church would request the road to be paved only to their entrance.
Comm. Stevens discussed setting a precedence on paving a road that does not meet the house count, removal of trees, permitting through Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), removing the milling and replacing with limerock. Comm. Stevens moved to table any action until the next regular meeting. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SCHOOLS
Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a non-agenda item requested by the Levy County School Board. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks said Mr. Cliff Norris has requested the installation of a right turn lane on SR 24 intersecting with LCR 345. Comm. Rooks explained they are placing an 85 passenger bus on the Cedar Key/Rosewood route and they can not maneuver the bus on the Forest Tower Road. Comm. Rooks added there is an increase safety hazard with the bus turning onto LCR 345 without a turning lane as it requires the bus to cross lanes to make the turn. Comm. Rooks said Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has agreed to the permitting if the county constructs the turn lane. Comm. Rooks moved to approve contacting the county engineer to review and provide his recommendations for constructing the right turn lane. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petitions for consideration:
Petition NO. HA VA 6-01 –James Groell, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order for his daughter-in-law, Susan Sturgill to care for him on a parcel of land located in part of the E ½ of the W ½ of the NE 1/4 of Section 27, Township 11S, Range 14E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 15 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR” zone.
Chairman Yearty called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Rooks said there was an apparent hardship and the medical reports supported the request. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the petition for the hardship variance. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. HA VA 7-01 -- Sharon Ondrick, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order to care for her mother and father, Charles and Delores Cowan, on a parcel of land located in Oak Ridge Estates, Unit 1, Lot 3, Block M, in Section 24, Township 12S, Range 17E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 1.68 acres more or less and is located within a Rural Residential “RR” zone.
Mr. Corbitt said the medical documentation supports the request for the hardship variance. Chairman Yearty called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Parker moved to approve the petition for the hardship variance. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Corbitt presented the following petition for a Change of Zoning:
Petition No. CZ 2-01 – David Ruttinger, petitioning the Board for a Change of Zoning to C-2 to allow for a retail sales store, on a parcel of land located in the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 south of SR 40, said parcel containing 2.26 acres more or less and the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and the W 15' of vacated street adjoining east side of the above described parcel in Section 4, Township 16S, Range 17E, said parcel contains 2.98 acres more or less, both lying within Levy County. Existing land use being commercial. The Planning Commission recommends approval with the following conditions:
1. Maximum number of 30 sites.
2. Any increase will require Board approval.
Mr. Foster Perry representing adjacent landowners William and Debra Boxsmith said they were concerned about a change in environmental surroundings, increase of traffic and “spot” zoning. Mr. Corbitt explained the current use of the property is commercial and the area is in a commercial node. Mr. David Ruttinger explained he would be reducing the current noise level with a store and RV park instead of operating a saw mill which is the current use of the property. Comm. Parker moved to approve the petition for the change of zoning with the Planning Commission recommendation for the conditions to allow a maximum of 30 sites and any increase be subject to Board approval. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. PP-00250 – John Pettit petitioning the Board for a Preliminary Plat of “Chiefland Sky Ranch,” a subdivision located on the W ½ of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 (Parcel No. 01137) and the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 (Parcel No. 01137-001) both in Section 36, Township 12S, Range 14E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 50 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR” zone.
Mr. Corbitt said opposition to the preliminary plat had been presented with concerns of increased air traffic from the adjacent air strip. Mr. Corbitt explained the plat complied with existing Land Development Regulations.
Mr. John Pettit said he was developing a subdivision consisting of five (5) ten (10) acre lots adjacent to an air strip owned by Mr. Pitts. Mr. Pettit said individual agreements would have to be reached by the buyer and Mr. Pitts to use the air strip and that he did not have any ownership in the air strip.
Mr. Rufus Meriwether said the surrounding landowners primary concern was an increase in aircraft but did not oppose the subdivision if there were restrictions on the number of aircraft per dwelling and aircraft used for parts were stored out of sight.
Mr. Pettit explained he had discussed with Mr. Pitts alternate take offs to reduce noise and maintain safe air craft operations. Mr. Pettit said the air traffic would be minimal. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the preliminary plat for “Chiefland Sky Ranch” subject to deed restrictions being submitted with the final plat. Comm. Stevens seconded.
Ms. Sandy Fink expressed concern on the safe operation of the air strip.
Ms. Tina Blumbaum said noise was a concern for residents and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona explained the Florida Association of Counties introduced a pilot program to foster economic development in rural counties and Dixie, Levy and Gilchrist counties formed a Tourism Development board to promote economic development through tourism in the tri-county area.
Mr. Doug King, Chairman of the Nature Coast Business Development Council encouraged support to provide match funds for a grant that would continue to assist in economic development using natural resources to provide the basic infrastructure.
Ms. Vivian Zaricki, Project Director of the County Rural Development Project (CoRD) said they provided technical assistance to small counties and the cooperation of the tri-county was a factor in the providing the grant to establish the Tourism Development Board and to pursue economic development of tourism.
Mrs. Carol McQueen said Tri-County Tourist Development Board is requesting matching funds of $5,000.00 from each county to allow application for a staffing grant to hire a full time person to pursue grants and marketing strategies that may increase revenue from tourism in the tri-county area. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for $5,000.00 in matching funds for the staffing grant to Tri-County Tourist Development Board for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD CLOSING
Mr. Greg Beauchamp read the resolution for the closing of the following roads:
Unnamed non-constructed roads of Fugate’s Addition No. 1 and No. 2 Parcel No. 06316 and Parcel No. 06315, SW 1/4 of Section 18, Township 13 South, Range 19 East, Williston, Florida.
Mr. Beauchamp said the notice had been properly advertised. Chairman Yearty called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the resolution for the vacation, abandoning and closing of the unnamed non-constructed roads of Fugate’s Addition No. 1 and No. 2. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. C. W. Gilbert commended the Board of County Commissioners for maintaining their procedure of opening the regular meetings with a prayer and the Pledge to the Flag.
BIDS
Ms. Heather Alexander opened the following bid responses for the two (2) ground water monitoring wells for the Solid Waste Department.
Geoengineering & Testing
Universal Engineering Services
Huss Drilling, Inc.
Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Wayne Hardee, Mr. Lee Mills, Mr. Fred Moody and Comm. Parker to review the bids and to provide their recommendations at the next regular meeting.
APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Fred Moody said the Affirmative Action program needed to appoint a replacement for the Equal Opportunity Employment Officer since the retirement of Mrs. Margie Davis and recommended appointing Mrs. Jacqueline Martin. Comm. Parker moved to appoint Mrs. Jacqueline Martin as the Affirmative Action director. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Bill Beddow presented the Emergency Medical Services Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity that must be filed with the state to obtain permission to operate. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Beddow reported completion and submission to the state on the three (3) deficiencies found during the State Inspection.
RECYCLING
Mr. Wayne Hardee requested approval for the signing of the Invitation to Bid to purchase a fork lift.
Comm. Stevens moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Invitation to Bid. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Ms. Alexander presented a budget amendment request by Connie Asbell, Supervisor Elections for unforseen expenses from the General Election and complying with state law on the recounting of ballots. Ms. Alexander said the total budget amendment request was for $5,914.00 with $2,000.00 to be from the Contingency Fund and the balance of $3,914.00 from the General Fund. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the budget amendment of $5,914.00 for the Supervisor of Elections. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD
Mr. Danny Shipp said Levy Association of Retarded Citizens(LARC) has requested permission to use the old voting precinct located at their facility for a thrift shop. Mr. Shipp explained the building is no longer used as a voting precinct or for commodity distributions. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the use of the old precinct building by LARC for a thrift shop. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AUDITS
Mr. Shipp said the committee comprised of the constitutional officers and Mr. Lambka recommended the acceptance of Davis and Monk as auditors. Comm. Parker moved to accept the committee’s recommendation of Davis and Monk as the auditors. Comm. Stevens seconded. Mr. Beauchamp advised a letter of engagement was needed from Davis and Monk and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Shipp said they would arrange to have them attend the next regular meeting to negotiate their fees.
BUDGET
Mr. Shipp recommended scheduling the public hearings for the budget process on September 10, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. and September 17, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.. Comm. Parker moved to approve the schedule for the public hearings. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Shipp explained the tentative millage rate of 9 mils needed adoption. Comm Parker moved to adopt a tentative millage rate of 9 mils which includes the allocation to the Health Department. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Ms. McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:
Christie L. Little, Lot 7, Cherry Point Subdivision, Unit 2, 1014 N. E. 4th Avenue, Williston, for $9,500.00 to purchase a home .
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Christie L. Little. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
James and Jennifer Sanders, Epperson Heights Subdivision, Block 1, Lot 12, Williston, for $5,500.00 to purchase a home.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for James and Jennifer Sanders. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. McQueen said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) performed a site visit and advised funding of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) does not appear to be forthcoming. Mrs. McQueen explained the current standing of the application and the possibilities of obtaining funding.
AGENCIES
Ms. Sylvia Schenk said the American Red Cross was requesting authorization to place an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to provide disaster assistance. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the storage and use of the American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Bill Hunt requested funding assistance for the Victims of Violent Crimes Support Center as a new service serving Levy and Gilchrist counties to provide long term assistance for victims of violent crimes. Mr. Hunt explained the services that would be provided and indicated they wanted to be ready to begin operations October 1, 2001. Chairman Yearty requested Sheriff Smith and Mr. Lambka to review the request with Mr. Hunt and services currently being provided by the Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney and then Mr. Hunt should submit his proposal for budget review.
BUDGET
Chairman Yearty advised a budget workshop would be scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 1:00 p.m..
COUNTY LAND
Mr. Beauchamp reported the committee reviewed escheated lands and recommended adopting a policy allowing acceptance of the first bid received to allow return of the lands to the tax roll. Comm. Rooks moved to discuss the non-agenda issue of escheated lands. Comm. Parker seconded.
Mr. Barney Cannon said the amount of the bid should be what is owed the county. Comm. Rooks explained the lands are currently not on the tax rolls and if someone is interested in obtaining the land accepting the first bid on a “first come, first serve” basis returns the property to the tax rolls. Comm. Rooks said it is a process that takes approximately seven (7) years and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the policy to accept bids for escheated lands to be first come, first serve on the dated time stamp. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Stevens recommended enacting the policy on October 1, 2001 to allow sufficient notice to the public.
MSTUs
Mr. Beauchamp requested approval for staff consisting of Mr. Lambka, the county engineer, the planning department and including the Clerk of Court to attend a round table workshop in Tallahassee with the consultants. Mr. Beauchamp said this would inform staff on the procedure prior to commencing with public hearings. Chairman Yearty said there was no objection from the Board.
UNION
Mr. Beauchamp reported union negotiations have commenced with Local #630 and will have initial negotiations with the EMS/Paramedic union.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Comm. Stevens expressed concern that the County Administrator authorized the use of county road equipment on S. W. 62nd Avenue after the Board ruled on July 17, 2001 that no action would be taken on S. W. 62nd Avenue. Comm. Stevens said he had been advised road equipment was moved from Fanning Springs to LCR 542 on July 25, 2001 and the Road Department was doing sign work, survey work and continuing to move additional equipment in direct contradiction of Board action. Comm. Stevens moved to terminate Mr. Lambka, County Administrator for insubordination in sending road equipment to work on S. W. 62nd Avenue in contradiction of the action by the Board. Comm. Stevens said Comm. Foley directed the equipment to be removed from the site.
Chairman Yearty indicated members of the Board of Adjustment had advised it was their intent for White Construction to pave the road and they did not address the issue of the condition of the base. Chairman Yearty said a letter clarifying the intent of the Board of Adjustment had been requested from the Chairman, Mr. Dennis Andrews.
Comm. Foley said the special exception could have been approved without any conditions and the county will benefit with the paving of the road. Comm. Foley said the issue was confused with the Board of Adjustment’s statement to pave to county specifications with no indication if this included the base.
Comm. Rooks said if this was a county maintained road then it is the county’s responsibility to make sure there is adequate rock in place but the action should be by Board decision.
Comm. Stevens moved to amend placing Mr. Lambka on administrative leave for insubordination and to extend the probationary period an additional 120 days. Comm. Parker seconded.
Comm. Parker explained his concerns on road work being done after being directed not to take any action on the road and with the county administrator sending equipment to the site. Comm. Parker said an employee had notified him that they were in the process of preparing the road.
Mr. Lambka said he had directed a roller and grader to the site to prepare a survey and clear right of way and he had telephoned for the work to cease and had notified Mr. White of White Construction that no further work would be done. Mr. Lambka explained there was confusion on the intent of the Board of Adjustment advising they did not intend for White Construction to prepare the base when they approved the special exception on the condition that the road be paved to county specifications. Mr. Lambka advised Mr. Dennis Andrews had submitted a letter with the Board of Adjustment’s position.
Comm. Stevens move to amend to place Mr. Lambka on administrative leave for seven (7) days for insubordination and extend the probationary period for an additional 120 days. Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Stevens, Comm. Rooks and Comm. Parker voted YES, Comm. Foley and Chairman Yearty voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED.
MUNICIPALITIES
Comm. Stevens advised the City of Williston was requesting approval to bill insurance companies for fire services. Comm. Stevens indicated a conflict of interest as an employee of the city. Mr. Bill Beddow said billing of insurance companies was done a number of years ago and was ceased when the insurance companies indicated the volunteer fire departments had support through taxes.
Mr. Mark Moore said the volunteer fire departments are underfunded and recommended supporting the request. Mr. Beauchamp said the insurance companies would determine if they would pay the billing or deny the request.
Mr. Newcomb Wasson explained there is a provision in most property policies that allows up to $250.00 when a homeowner is billed for fire services.
Mr. Ron Grant recommended reviewing the allocations of funds to the volunteer fire departments if billing for services is commenced to allow a more equal distribution.
Chairman Yearty called for a consensus of the Board and no objection was presented.
APPOINTMENTS
Comm. Foley moved to reappoint Mr. John Hart to the Construction Licensing Board. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SALARY AND WAGES
Comm. Foley presented the following personnel actions for salary increases:
Geovanna Pinillos, EMS/Secretary III, reclassify from Secretary II and increase the salary from $8.2828 per hour to $8.9587 per hour.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase effective the next pay period. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Madge Jordan, EMS/Administrative, salary increase from $10.8065 per hour to $11.3065 per hour.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase effective the next pay period. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Donald E. Goode, Development Department, salary increase from $13.9384 per hour to $14.4384 per hourfor completing additional certification for Building Inspector.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase effective the next pay period. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Wayne W. Martin, Development Department, salary increase from $13.9384 per hour to $14.4384 per hour for completing additional certification for Building Inspector.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase effective the next pay period. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS
Comm. Foley moved to reappoint Mr. Richard Hawthorn to the Construction Licensing Board. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTES
Mrs. Susan Haines requested correction of a scrivener’s error for the April 17, 2001 to $495.00 instead of $95.00 as typed referencing family coverage in adjusting health insurance premiums. Comm. Stevens moved to approve correction of the scrivener’s error. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Shipp requested approval to pay the bills incurred for moving equipment to S. W. 62nd Avenue. Comm. Stevens moved to pay the bills incurred of $2,500.00. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Comm. Foley advised the Library Administrative Assistant II, Ms. Jeanine M. Crocco would begin her employment effective August 14, 2001 at $9.00 per hour. Comm. Foley moved to approve a salary of $9.00 per hour. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Mrs. Mary Golden requested approval to expend approximately $2,500.00 for drywall and $1,900.00 for electrical work in additional renovations. Chairman Yearty advised Mrs. Golden to secure estimates for the work and the funding needed to be determined.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired if all special exceptions were heard by the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Mr. Beauchamp explained only major intensive agricultural operations were submitted for final approval.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court