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LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS November 6, 2001 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on November 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 Also present were: Clerk of Court - Danny J. Shipp
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. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. FUND AMOUNT
GENERAL FUND $954,747.16 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 34,500.59 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 38,632.45 LIBRARY FUND 20,916.14 MOSQUITO CONTROL 716.96 MEDIATION FUND 100.00 FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 24,518.45 LANDFILL & RECYCLING 70,707.72 COURT FACILITIES 491.45 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 1,225.75 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 40,781.69 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 33,700.00 FIRE CONTROL 26,261.56 ADD REV BOND 775.00 UTILITIES FUND 1,556.23
TOTAL $1,249,631.15
MINUTES Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 2001 and the special meeting of October 24, 2001. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. SHERIFF Sheriff Johnny Smith advised Justice Benefits, Inc., a public sector consulting firm, has completed the research and documentation to obtain reimbursement for the housing and incarceration of illegal aliens. Sheriff Smith advised the amount of reimbursement is $23,663.00 less the $5,205.86 fee for the consulting firm allowing a net reimbursement to the county of $18.457.14. Sheriff Smith requested approval to retain the funds in the Sheriff’s budget to allow for expansion of the maintenance building for the storage of records, uniforms and supplies. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Sheriff’s request to retain the $18,457.14 to allow for the expansion of his records storage. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. C. W. Gilbert indicated page 2 of the minutes for the regular meeting of October 16, 2001 were incorrect and not in reference to his presentation. Mr. Gilbert commented on the special assessment, and his being stopped by a deputy . Chairman Yearty instructed Mr Fred Moody to accept for the agenda those items properly presented in accordance with the policy adopted and provide assistance for those who request to be on the agenda. PARKS AND RECREATION Mr. Eddie Enright, President of the Vietnam Veterans Gathering of Inglis, FL, Inc., said they are arranging to bring the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute, the Moving Wall to Inglis and are requesting permission for the sale of beer at the South Levy Recreational Park. Mr. Enright explained security will be present while the Moving Wall is on display and would like to have a waiver for the sale of beer. Mr. Enright said Budweiser will be a sponsor and Mayor Risher and Police Chief Mitch Billups are in support of the project. Chairman Yearty said he was concerned with the sale of beer but supported the project. Chairman Yearty advised the event would have to follow the permitting procedures and would need the Sheriff’s approval of the security arrangements. Comm. Rooks said the young Marines from Dunnellon would assist with traffic direction and clean up but there was concern with the sale of beer at the park. Comm. Stevens moved to table any action until the county attorney can review the request and provide an opinion on the sale of beer at a county park. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Chairman Yearty said the request will reheard on November 20, 2001. COUNTY LAND Mr. Fred Moody presented a Deed of Conveyance to Mary R. Golding for the purchase of the following: Lot 2, Block 4, Oak Ridge Estates as shown in O.R. Book 256, Page 768. (Parcel No. 09350-001-00. Cert. No. 2256-90).
Lot 15, Block 44, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 89, Page 385. (Parcel No. 09392-014-00. Cert. No. 2309-90.)
Lot 26, Block 64, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 85, Page 749. (Parcel No. 09412-013-00. Cert. No. 2338-90.)
Lot 23, Block 64, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 85, Page 749. (Parcel No. 09412-020-00. Cert. No. 2340-90.)
Lot 24, Block 64, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 85, Page 749. (Parcel No. 09412-021-00. Cert. No. 2341-90.)
Lot 25, Block 64, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 85, Page 749. (Parcel No. 09412-022-00. Cert. No. 2342-90.)
Lot 6, Block 81, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 124, Page 118. (Parcel No. 09429-005-00. Cert. No. 2379-90.)
Lot 7, Block 81, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 124, Page 118. (Parcel No. 09429-006-00. Cert. No. 2380-90.)
Lot 8, Block 81, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 124, Page 118. (Parcel No. 09429-007-00. Cert. No. 2381-90.)
Lot 9, Block 81, Oak Ridge Estates, as shown in O. R. Book 124, Page 118. (Parcel No. 09429-008-00. Cert. No. 2382-90.)
Mr. Moody explained Mrs. Golding had made a offer of $200.00 per lot and these lots have been on the books for an extended period of time. Mr. Moody said the policy for escheated properties will go into effect November 15, 2001. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Deed of Conveyance to Mary Golding for the described properties. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. TAX COLLECTOR Mr. Moody presented the following Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll: George R. Hoover, Jr. and Kathleen D. Hoover, 4647 Pamela Drive, (River Forrest, Blk. F, Lot 7, & Fraction of 8), Yankeetown, with a request to change the assessment from three (3) dwelling units to one (1) dwelling unit.
Mr. Moody said Mr. Corbitt’s office inspected the property and the recommendation was to make the correction from three (3) dwelling units to two (2) dwelling units. Mr. Moody said the property has a main house, a guest house and a workshop/office. Comm. Parker moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll from three (3) dwelling units to two (2) dwelling units. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Mr. Moody presented the Public Transportation Joint Participation Agreement and resolution with the State of Florida, Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide funding for the Transportation Disadvantage. Mr. Moody said 18% of the funds can be retained for administrative costs and the remainder disbursed to the transportation firm specifying the use of the funds. Mr. Moody said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council assisted in applying for the grant. Comm. Parker moved to approve the Public Transportation Joint Participation Agreement. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. PARKS AND RECREATION Mr. Moody explained the Devil’s Hammock project is expanding and a bulldozer is needed for the work required. Mr. Moody said work will be done for Suwannee River Water Management and they will reimburse for the use of the equipment and manpower. Mr. Moody said quotes have been obtained under the state contract from the following: Ring Power Corporation, D5M PS LGP Caterpillar Tractor, three (3) year financing with three (3) annual installments for a sales price of $124,830.00.
Highland Tractor Company, 700H LT John Deere, three (3) years at no interest for a sales price of $125,000.00.
Chairman Yearty said Mr. Jimmy Jerrels has been building roads in the Devil’s Hammock area and the joint cooperation of Suwannee River Water Management necessitates the need of a full time bulldozer. Chairman Yearty appointed Mr. Jimmy Jerrels, Mr. Kelly Jerrels, Mr. Moody and Comm. Foley to review the quotes and provide a recommendation. ROADS, COUNTY Ms. Heather Alexander presented a contract and resolution for the EDTF grant to provide funding for road construction on county roads for the Biomass Processing Technology, Inc. project. Ms. Alexander said the funding will be used to widen, upgrade and pave LCR 341 and LCR 214. Comm. Parker moved to approve the contract and resolution. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. SALARY AND WAGES Ms. Alexander explained the recommendation for a salary increase for Linda J. Cohan approved on October 16, 2001 was incorrect. Ms. Alexander said the correct salary adjustment is $7.5816 per hour instead of $7.5861 per hour. Comm. Rooks moved to correct the salary adjustment for Linda J. Cohan to $7.5816 per hour. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENTS Ms. Alexander said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council has recommended Ms. Vickie Menasco to replace Ms. Jean Graham as a voting member on the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board as the representative for the Department of Children and Families. Comm. Foley moved to approve the appointment of Ms. Vickie Menasco to the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Ms. Alexander said the Small County Coalition designated representative has been Mr. William Cobb and needs to be amended to Mr. Fred Moody. Comm. Rooks explained two (2) commissioners and a designated staff contact are allowed as representatives. Comm. Parker moved to approve Mr. Fred Moody as Staff Liaison, Comm. Rooks and Comm. Parker as county representatives on the Small County Coalition. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Ms. Paula Edwards said there is a EMPA competitive trust fund grant available if application is submitted. Ms. Edwards said the Small Business Administrative “SBA” loans are available for small businesses affected by the terrorists attacks and HazMat Response Kits have been provided throughout the county. Comm. Rooks recommended Ms. Edwards pursue the EMPA competitive trust fund grant. Mr. Lannie Cardona said the economic injury disaster loans are available to businesses who have had a direct economic impact from the destruction of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Mr. Cardona said the Small Business Administration will make the determination of eligibility for the loans. COUNTY FIRE CHIEF Mr. Mark Moore presented the fire protection agreement contracts from Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department and Inglis Volunteer Fire Department d/b/a South Levy Fire and Rescue for approval. Mr. Moore explained the contracts and changes were discussed on October 16, 2001 and were ready for approval. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the fire agreements with Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department and South Levy Fire and Rescue. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Moore recommended appointing Mr. Rick Lombardo as the Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Moore said this would not be a paid position and would allow a more efficient operation of the volunteer fire departments. Comm. Stevens moved to appoint Mr. Rick Lombardo as Deputy Fire Chief. Comm. Parker seconded. Mr. Moore explained the Fire Advisory Board did not object to this position and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Stevens moved to discuss a non-agenda item concerning the County Fire Chief. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Moore said he is unable to accept the $1.00 per year salary due to the terms of his federal retirement and requests the County Fire Chief position be a volunteer position with no salary. Comm. Stevens moved to rescind the previously approved salary of $1.00 per year and the County Fire Chief will be a volunteer position. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. COMMISSIONERS Mr. Kurt Spitzer presented maps showing the Existing Plan Districts and a proposed redistricting map in accordance with the census information reflecting the county’s population. Mr. Spitzer explained the redistricting process is simpler with the election process being at-large instead of single member districts. Mr. Spitzer said several districts exceeded the allowable 5% of over and under for calculating the population and have been adjusted. Mr. Spitzer explained the intent is not to split neighborhoods or cities by the redistricting. Mr. Spitzer explained he would be presenting the information to the School Board and reminded the dead line for acceptance of the new redistricting maps would be December 31, 2001. Chairman Yearty requested the recommended map be reviewed and coordinate with the School Board for further action. ROAD MAINTENANCE Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis: NE 120th Street, located in Diversified Subdivision, for grading only, beginning at NE 80th Avenue (C-337) and continuing to the beginning of NE 75th Avenue.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. SE 186th Avenue located in Gilmore Acres, for grading only, beginning at C-326 to the end of the roadway of SE 186th Avenue, for an estimated cost of $150.00.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. NE 137th Court, Sunny Ridge & Suncoast Estates, requiring five (5) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $1,500.00, beginning at NE 60th Street (LCR 102) and continuing to NE 70th Street (LCR 1111).
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 a request for an interlocal agreement with the City of Newberry, for maintenance of SW 296th Street in Alachua County. Mr. Watson explained the road connects NE 70th Terrace and NE 69th Terrace and recommended entering into the agreement for maintenance of SW 296th Street and allowing the City of Newberry to be billed for the maintenance costs. Mr. Suggs, explained the City of Newberry must travel ten (10) miles to maintain the road and it would be a benefit to the citizens of Newberry if the interlocal agreement was approved. Comm. Foley moved to approve the interlocal agreement with the City of Newberry and provide maintenance on SW 296th Street located in Alachua County and the City of Newberry will reimburse for the maintenance costs. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Watson presented a request for the resurfacing of the following roads: Park Avenue located in the City of Chiefland for a distance of 1.25 miles beginning at C-341 and continuing thru to US 27 Alternate.
Comm. Rooks said Park Avenue traverses directly in front of the new US Post Office and recommended the paving be completed prior to the opening in December. Comm. Rooks moved to resurface that portion of Park Avenue from C-341 to US 19-98 and complete the portion from US 19-98 to US 27 Alternate when the construction on US 27 Alternate is completed. Comm. Stevens seconded. Mr. Earl Cannon said previous freeze damage to Park Avenue has damaged the asphalt. Mr. Kelly Jerrels said it would be more economical to resurface the entire road while the equipment is at the location. Comm. Rooks amended her action to resurface Park Avenue from C-341 to US 27 Alternate on a priority basis. Comm. Stevens amended the second and the MOTION CARRIED. Chairman Yearty explained Park Avenue is within the city limits of Chiefland but is a county maintained road as are roads in other municipalities. NE 128th Terrace (LCR 1069) located in Forest Park Unit 1, with 21 houses, 5161' feet for paving.
Comm. Parker moved to place NE 128th Terrace on the paving list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Watson to inspect the condition of LCR 464 and report on his findings at the next regular meeting. SHIP Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following requests for Deferred Payment Loan Agreements: James and Julia Loubet, Lot 7 and 9 and east ½ of Lot 5, Block 23, Chiefland, for $5,657.00 to purchase a home.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for James and Julia Loubet. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Sasha S. Meeks, Lot 6 & 7, Block 33, DdBk 701, DdPg 541, 216 SE 2nd Avenue, parcel identification #05698-000-00 for $9,500.00.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Sasha S. Meeks. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS Mrs. McQueen said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is attempting to locate additional funding for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and encouraged department heads to consider hiring a WAGES employee as this allows for an additional 25 points on the grant application. Mrs. McQueen explained the grants are extremely competitive and the current grant cycle was missed by less than ½ a point. INSURANCE Mrs. McQueen said HealthPlan Southeast still has not paid some of her medical bills and she is receiving notices they will be submitted to a collection agency. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Moody to contact HealthPlan Southeast and determine why medical bills have not be paid for employees still having problems. CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD Mr. Danny Shipp advised the county auction held on October 13, 2001 netted the county $53,339.92 and was a success. Mr. Shipp recommended placing the funds into the Road Department budget as the majority of the equipment sold was from the Road Department. Mr. Shipp said a drag line did not reach the minimum bid and he needs to be advised on how to dispose of it. Mr. Moody said it could be advertised for quotes, held for use as a trade in, or any other way so designated. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Shipp, Mr. Moody and Mr. Kelly Jerrels prepare a recommendation for review. Mr. Moody commended Wayne Williams and Donna Cicale for their efforts to inventory county property and Mr. George Lambka for presenting the idea of holding an auction with an independent auctioneer. Mr. Moody said Mr. Elrod has advised he would return for additional auctions if requested. Mr. Shipp said there is $3,645.80 in unpaid water bills from Manatee Springs and University Oaks Water Utilities. Mr. Shipp explained the bills range from 1998 to May, 2001. Comm. Stevens moved to write-off the unpaid water bills of $3,645.80. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Shipp said water service will be disconnected if there is non-payment of the service. Mr. Shipp recommended implementing a purchase order policy providing a three (3) month blanket order for vendors used in day to day operations. Mr. Shipp said the operating expenditures for the (3) month blanket purchase order was computed from the prior history of expenditures for each department. Mr. Shipp said the policy would allow a purchase order for purchases up to $2,500.00, Board approval for purchases up to $5,000.00, Board approval and three (3) written quotes for purchases up to $10,000.00 and purchases over $10,000.00 would require Board approval and sealed bids. Mr. Shipp explained this will allow for day to day operations and efficient monitoring of expenditures. Comm. Parker moved to institute the purchase order policy proposed by the Clerk, Mr. Shipp. Comm. Stevens seconded. Mr. Tom Reitz said the policy should allow for an override. Mr. Shipp said an individual could be appointed for purchases of an emergency nature. Comm. Stevens said the blanket purchase order allows for day to day operations and would not affect department operations. Mr. Wayne Hardee said the department heads needed to discuss the proposal with the committee and a commissioner. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Shipp to schedule a meeting with Mr. Moody, the Department heads, and Chairman Yearty to review the proposal for the blanket purchase orders. Comm. Stevens rescinded his motion and Comm. Parker rescinded his second. EQUIPMENT Comm. Foley said the committee reviewed the quotes for the bulldozer and recommended purchasing the bulldozer from Ring Power Corp.. Comm. Foley moved to purchase the bulldozer from Ring Power Corp. for $124,830.00 on the three (3) year payment plan. Comm. Stevens seconded. Comm. Stevens inquired if the purchase of a new bulldozer was a necessary expense. Chairman Yearty said Mr. Jimmy Jerrels had been unable to locate a used bulldozer and there will be replanting of pine trees, road clearing and including work in the Suwannee Water Management District’s property. Mr. Moody explained Suwannee Water Management District does not purchase equipment and will reimburse for personnel and use of equipment and the MOTION CARRIED. COUNTY EMPLOYEES Comm. Foley recommended the following personnel action: Grace Benton, Development Department, title change from Administrative Assistant III, Grade 24, Step 3 to Office Manager/Supervisor Building & Zoning Department.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the title change for Grace Benton. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. SALARY AND WAGES Comm. Foley recommended the following salary increase: Marilyn H. Simmons, County Agents Office, pay raise and promotion from Rank II to Rank III agent, with an increase of $800.00 annually.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase and promotion for Marilyn H. Simmons. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Foley presented the proposed salary increases for Department Heads[1]. Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increases for Department Heads effective October 1, 2001. Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Stevens said employees received a 5% increase and recommended the Department Heads salary increases be consistent with the union agreement and the 5% increase. Mrs. Sandy Fink said the salary increase is twice as much as retirees are receiving and with a financial shortfall proposed there should be a cutback. Comm. Foley, Comm. Parker and Chairman Yearty voted YES. Comm. Rooks and Comm. Stevens voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED. [1]Department Head Salaries 11/6/01 ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT Mrs. Donna Shipp presented the Invitation to Bid for the Computerized Digital Graphic Cutting System for computerized traffic sign graphics. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Invitation to Bid. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mrs. Shipp explained the grant awarded for this Traffic Signs graphic system will produce a final product in-house and allow for more graphics and colors. APPOINTMENTS Comm. Rooks moved to appoint Mr. Perry Lamar York to the Library Advisory Board. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. PROPERTY APPRAISER Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a non-agenda item concerning the Property Appraiser’s office. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Rooks said action was taken on August 21, 2001 concerning remodeling work in the Property Appraiser’s office. Comm. Rooks moved to install drywall, paint and perform the electrical work and not replace the windows as per the action on August 21, 2001. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS Comm. Rooks advised the Suwannee River Water Management District will hold its November Governing Board meeting in Chiefland at the Tommy Usher Building on November 8, 2001. ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT Comm. Rooks requested delaying action on the Road Policies until clarification of the impact to roads in secondary subdivisions. FIRE DISTRICTS Comm. Stevens said the Fire Advisory Board was inquiring if the $100,000.00 provided in the fiscal budget was a loan or was it going to be added to the budget on an annual basis. Comm. Rooks said the Fire Advisory Board was advised this would be a one time increase and any additional increases would be derived from fire assessments. Mr. Moore said state funding from the forestry grants have been frozen and the smaller fire departments have been financially impacted. COMMISSIONERS Comm. Stevens moved to discuss a non-agenda item concerning the Cedar Key Plantation. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Stevens said the moratorium on Cedar Key Plantation would be expiring and did it need to be extended. Comm. Rooks said it appears the City of Cedar Key will not be discussing the issue further until December, 2001. Comm. Stevens moved to extend the moratorium on Cedar Key Plantation until December 19, 2001. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. MINUTES Mrs. Susan Haines said the paragraph on page 2 of the October 16, 2001 referred to Mr. Gilbert’s comments pertaining to an employee in the Maintenance/Construction Department. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Freddie Shaw discussed the scripture quoted during the October 16, 2001 regular meeting, the hiring of a convicted felon, conflict of interest by the county attorney, the Building & Zoning Department, Commissioner’s actions, and road policies and maintenance. CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Mr. Lannie Cardona said the action approving the contract agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation approved for the Biomass project needs to be rescinded and the contract reviewed for further clarification. Comm. Parker moved to rescind the approval of the contract with the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Biomass project until further review by the county attorney. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. COUNTY FIRE CHIEF Chairman Yearty requested Comm. Stevens to meet with Mr. Moore and review funding available for the fire departments. MISCELLANEOUS Mrs. Sandy Fink inquired if there was a concern with the nuclear power plant in Crystal River refusing federal protection. Chairman Yearty requested Ms. Edwards to review the inquiry and advise on her findings. Ms. Haines advised a Hunger Luncheon is being sponsored by the Clerk of Court for The Children’s Table of Bronson to assist in providing food baskets for residents will be held Friday, November 9, 2001.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court
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