REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

December 18, 2001

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on December 18, 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

 

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

FUND                                                               AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS:   33150 - 33358

 

GENERAL FUND                                     $888,924.03

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                             53,342.35

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE               34,500.00

LIBRARY FUND                                               1,979.12

MEDIATION FUND                                             200.00

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND                       41,304.38

LANDFILL & RECYCLING                           61,729.28

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND             212.25

COURT FACILITIES                                         2,126.48

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND               1,424.54

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE          25,953.76

FIRE CONTROL                                               7,206.83

DRUG TASK FORCE                                      5,751.30

UTILITIES FUND                                               5,509.94

 

TOTAL                                                    $1,130,164.26

 

 MINUTES

Comm.  Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 4, 2001.  Comm. Parker  seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the following bids for a track type tractor to be used at Devil’s Hammock.

    Highland Tractor Company $115,799.00

    Two & Three Year Finance Option $115,799.00

    Ring Power Corporation $110,836.00

    Two Year Finance Option $57,050.00 - annually

    Three Year Finance Option $38,920.00 - annually

 

Chairman Yearty appointed Comm. Foley, Mr. Kelly Jerrells, and Mr. Fred Moody to review the bids and report on their findings.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Mr. Virgil Settle requested an extension of six (6) months for the Sycamore Acres Subdivision. Mr. Settle said approval has been received from Southwest Water Management District. Mr. Rob Corbitt explained the construction plans are being reviewed and does not oppose the request for an extension of time.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve a six (6) month extension for Sycamore Acres. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

MSTUs

Mr. John King said he attended the meeting concerning the proposed ordinance to expand county special taxation powers and was concerned there were not any Commissioners in attendance.

Mr. Greg Beauchamp explained the meeting was for staff and the consultants and was not an advertised meeting for the Board of County Commissioners.  Mr. Beauchamp said the meeting was to address the methodology to be used to develop a master ordinance for all of the special exceptions and introduce staff contacts to the consultants.

COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Kurt Spitzer submitted proposed Plan 1B for the redistricting of Commission districts. Mr. Spitzer explained the changes  met population requirements and division lines were natural and man-made boundaries. Mr. Spitzer said the proposed plan would be co-terminus with the School Board districts.

Mrs. Sandy Fink said she was concerned with a one (1) block separation within the City of Chiefland. Mr. Spitzer clarified the blocks for the redistricting were census blocks as prepared by the 2000 census report and did not divide the City of Chiefland.  Comm. Parker moved to adopt the Plan 1B map for the redistricting of Commission districts. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ZONING

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the proposed ordinance to adopt a Local Wind Speed Map. Mr. Corbitt explained the proposed ordinance was originally scheduled to be heard at public hearing on January 8, 2002. Mr. Corbitt said notice was  received from the Florida Building Commission advising they would provide the map if the local government failed to have a Local Wind Speed Map adopted prior to January 1, 2002 and it  be effective sixty (60) days after the adoption of a Local Wind Speed Map. Mr. Corbitt said the map reflects the areas for 110 miles per hour and 120 miles per hour wind gusts and there will be additional construction designs required in these areas, with the greatest affect in the wind-borne debris region for construction costs.

Comm. Rooks said failure to adopt a Local Wind Speed Map prior to January 1, 2002 would allow the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to dictate the map and it may not be favorable to the citizens.

Comm. Parker said he was concerned about the impact to building costs for residents.

Mrs. Renate Cannon said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) may not consider the needs of the consumer and the proposed map is more favorable for the citizens.

Mr. C. W. Gilbert inquired how the proposed map compared with surrounding counties.

Mr. Corbitt said the map reflects continuous contours as coordinated by  state mapping and the contours would continue through other jurisdictions.

Comm. Rooks moved to recommend adoption of the Local Wind Speed Map presented  under the emergency powers, to address locally the needs of the citizens and not allow the state to designate a Local Wind Speed Map, prior to the deadline  effective January 1, 2002.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beauchamp read the proposed ordinance for the record.

Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the ordinance adopting a Local Wind Speed Map under emergency powers.  Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Corbitt  acknolwedged the assistance of the Property Appraiser, Mr. Francis Akins and Mr. Randy Rutter in preparing the proposed map.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Comm. Rooks said SW 55th Street, SW 100th Avenue and SW 52nd Street had been presented for inclusion in the maintenance system contingent on receiving dedicated right of ways. Comm. Rooks explained  right of way have not been obtained from a land owner at the end of the road and from a land owner, Mr. Wayne Harrells.  Comm. Rooks said  dangerous situations have arisen limiting fire and rescue personnel emergency access  due to the poor condition of the roads. Mr. Justin Watson said the 60 feet right of way has been obtained from all residents except Mr. Harrells.  Mr. Watson said it still allows a 30 feet right of way at that section.  Comm. Rooks said  an exception was made in BronzeSun Acres when one land owner did not provide a dedicated right of way and this is a similar situation. Comm. Rooks moved to accept SW 55th Street, SW 100th Avenue, and SW 52nd Street into the maintenance system with receipt of the dedicated right of ways excepting Mr. Wayne Harrells.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Comm. Rooks requested Mr. Wayne Hardee to meet with Mr. Ken Daniels and co-ordinate work on the bathrooms located on the dock at Cedar Key as there have been numerous complaints logged.

BUDGET

Mr. Francis Akins requested a budget amendment of $10,759.00 to adjust his employees salaries to the five (5%) percent increase approved for all other county employees.  Mr. Akins explained his budget was approved by the Department of Revenue reflecting a 2.5% increase and then the county granted the 5% increase.  Comm Foley moved to approve Mr. Akins request for a budget amendment to the Property Appraiser’s Office.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PROPERTY APPRAISER

Mrs. Mary Golding said work is proceeding in the office and  requested approval  of the proposed quote from OEC Business Interiors to bring the office into compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and to better serve the elderly and other citizens who come to the Property Appraiser’s office for service.  Mrs. Golding explained the purchase of the office furniture will allow for more open access and the Tangible Department will move into a private area.  Mrs. Golding said the quote is for $16,783.02.  Mr. Fred Moody said the quote is per state contract discounts.  Comm. Rooks moved to discuss the non-agenda item concerning bringing the Property Appraiser’s office into ADA compliance.  Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.   Comm. Rook moved to approve the request and accept the quote of $16,783.02 from OEC Business Interiors.  Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Rooks said Mr. Shipp will need to advise on the funding source.  Mrs. Golding said the quote was discussed with Mr.  Shipp on December 17, 2001 and the MOTION CARRIED.

SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements for consideration:

Walter V. Schaffer, South 210 feet of West 315 feet of SW 1/4 of NW 1/4. OR Book 757, Page 757, Levy County, for $15,000.00 to purchase a home.

Comm. Parker moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreements.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Hallie A. Sheffield, 515 SE 4th Avenue, for $15,000.00 to purchase a home.

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

CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD

Mrs. Ann Moody said a request has been made by employees for direct deposit and this will require additional preparation time for payroll  and Mr. Shipp is requesting moving payday from Tuesday to Friday.  Mrs. Moody explained with the majority of holidays on Monday it creates a problem with a Tuesday payday and preparing for direct deposit. Mrs. Moody said  a calendar is sent to the bank detailing the pay days to allowr them to prepare for the electronic transfers. Chairman Yearty said employees had advised him they would rather have the payday fall on a Thursday.  Mrs. Moody said Mr. Shipp is allowing for a smooth transition and it may not be possible to move the payday from Friday and still allow for correction of any errors. Mr. Fred Moody said the union contract negotiated with the Paramedic’s and EMT’s agrees to provide electronic deposits.  Comm. Parker moved to approve making a Friday payday to allow for direct deposit to employees who request it and if possible with the Finance Departments schedule, amend to Thursday as payday in lieu of Friday. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow presented a resolution for adoption and grant agreement to allow for the acceptance of $8,135.79 to purchase a 12 lead heart monitor.  Mr. Beddow explained this is a grant that was applied for to allow for continue upgrading of equipment on the rescue units.  Mr. Beauchamp read the resolution for the record. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the resolution and grant agreement. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beddow requested approval to upgrade server options for a lap top computer placed into service for the non-emergency transfers assumed from Liberty Ambulance Service.  Mr. Beddow said the cost would be $5,395.00 and is within the budget for Emergency Medical Services.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve the purchase of $5,395.00 for the upgrading of server options to a lap top computer.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beddow said Mr. Dennis Andrews has requested an extension of time  from the City of Chiefland to vacate the trailer that is being proposed for the new location of the Emergency Medical Services until the new complex is constructed in the next three (3) to (5) years.

Mr. Beddow said approval has been received from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for the placement of a single wide mobile unit at the former FHP  station in Inglis subject to certain stipulations to the terms and conditions of the sublease with the Sheriff. Mr. Beddow said Sheriff Johnny Smith was in agreement in placing the mobile home for emergency services.  Comm. Rooks said rescue personnel are responsible from Yankeetown and Inglis to Gulf Hammock and Otter Creek. Mr. Beddow said several options are being reviewed for the housing and a recommendation will be forthcoming.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve locating the Emergency Medical Services station at the Levy County Sheriff’s sub-station (formerly the Florida Highway Patrol station) in Inglis. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Mr. Justin Watson said the bid received for the computerized traffic sign graphic system for $28,128.00 was reviewed and the committee recommended acceptance of the bid. Comm. Parker moved to accept the bid received for the computerized traffic sign graphic system. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCES

Mr. Beauchamp said the moratorium on building permits at Cedar Key Plantation would be expiring December 19, 2001 and recommended co-ordinating with the Health Department and Development Department by ordinance, resolution or interlocal agreement for a applicant to provide development authorization prior to the issuing a septic tank permit. Mr. Beauchamp explained a moratorium is an extraordinary use of power and recommended a resolution or interlocal agreement with the Health Department to continue the protection of the water quality coastal and river regions.  Mr. Beauchamp read the proposed resolution for the record.   Mr. Corbitt said this would not prevent obtaining perk tests, but would delay issuance of a septic tank permit without  approval from the Development Department.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve the resolution concerning the issuance of septic tank permits. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCES

Mr. Beauchamp said county staff met with Mr. Franklin of Mr. Ken Vassendorf’s office on Friday including the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector to discuss the proposed ordinance for special assessments and the procedures that will need to be in place.  Mr. Beauchamp said Mr. Moody had been nominated as co-ordinator for providing information to the consultant.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Comm. Foley moved to discuss a non-agenda item concerning fire agreements. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Mark Moore presented the fire agreements received from Morriston/Montbrook and Gulf Hammock for approval.  Comm. Stevens moved to approve the fire agreements. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.  

COUNTY FIRE CHIEF

Mr. Moore presented the fire response report for the month of November.

LIBRARY

Comm. Foley moved to discuss a non-agenda item concerning the Library Advisory Board.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley moved to appoint Mr. Russell Wells to the Library Advisory Board for the Chiefland area.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SALARY AND WAGES

Comm. Foley presented the following recommendation for a salary increase:

Thomas Mat Johnson, Development Department, a salary increase from $12.6201 per hour to $12.8701 per hour for successfully passing the Level I Code Enforcement examination.

Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase for Thomas Mat Johnson. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Foley requested any changes to the proposed road policy be submitted to Mr. Corbitt to be incorporated into the new proposed policy.

BIDS

Comm. Foley said the committee had reviewed the bids received from Highlands Tractor Company and Ring Power Corporation for the track-type tractor for use in Devil’s Hammock.  Comm. Foley explained the committee recommended acceptance of the bid from Ring Power Corporation at the three (3) year annual payment of $38,920.00 with an interest rate of 4.8% .  Comm. Foley said the cash price was $110,836.00 with the inclusion of a six (60) months/1500 hour new machine warranty; a five (5) year or 7500 hour powertrain warranty.  Comm. Foley moved to accept the bid from Ring Power Corporation on the three (3) year annual payment with the option for early payoff. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Chairman Yearty reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. for the public workshop to discuss and review the Devil’s Hammock Management Plan.

Mr. Bob Heeke, with Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) presented the outline of the Management Plan for Devil’s Hammock and advised it is tentatively planned to have a portion of the area opened to the public by the summer and in conjunction with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) a plan is being prepared  to allow hunting in the southern portion of the property. Mr. Heeke explained this is a cooperative agreement with the county and Suwannee River Water Management District as adjacent land owners to provide a unique  natural recreational area that will allow hunting, hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing, horse riding and camping for groups in a natural wildlife setting.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                     W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court