SPECIAL MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

October 24, 2001

The Special Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on October 24, 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. Tony Parker
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Danny Stevens

Also present were:

County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp
Assistant County Administrator - Fred Moody

Chairman Yearty called the special meeting to order for the purpose of purchasing property contiguous to Devil’s Hammock.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mr. Fred Moody said the acquisition of the property has been a partnership with Suwannee River Water Management, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission and this purchase  is a result of negotiations previously approved  in 1999 and an offer established at $2,200.00 per acre in June, 2000.

Mr. Moody explained this purchase allows for the purchase of Little Blue Springs and surrounding land to allow a northern access to the Devil’s Hammock project.  Mr. Moody said the Levy County School Board is providing a warranty deed for the property under their ownership and the Town of Bronson is being contacted concerning their interest.  Mr. Moody said the agreement with Mony Life Insurance Company, formerly The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, is for $74,976.00 to purchase 34.08 acres with a deposit of $7,498.00 as Earnest Money and the closing must be held by October 31, 2001.

Chairman Yearty explained a grant application has been made by the Planning Department for approximately $86,000.00 and this will be used for the purchase and closing costs.

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the contract requires the buyer to purchase the title insurance and survey.  Mr. Beauchamp explained there is a hunting lease, a trapping lease and an apiary lease and a request should be sent to the seller to terminate or release those leases.

Chairman Yearty recommended the funds be used from the General Revenue Fund and not the budget for Devil’s Hammock and it be replaced when the grant funds are received.

Comm. Foley moved to purchase the 34.08 acres from Mony Life Insurance Company (formerly known as The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York), authorizing the chairman to sign the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement,  closing documents, the Warranty Deed from the Levy County School Board, request the seller to release the leases on the property, and authorize the Clerk of Court to release the Earnest Money of $7,498.00 from the General Fund immediately and the balance of the purchase price to be paid at the closing.  Comm. Stevens seconded.

Mr. Beauchamp said the lease holders are aware of the pending purchase from Canal Forest the managers of the property and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Moody advised he will be attending the Town of Bronson city council meeting concerning obtaining their interest.

Ms. Krista Kelly explained a grant was received from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for $50,000.00 that allowed for boardwalks to be installed and it is being administered by the Suwannee River Water Management District since they are responsible for the permitting.  Ms. Kelly said the partnership with Suwannee River Water Management and Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) is a cooperative agreement and work plans are being established to allow the property to be available for hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding as some of the uses.

Chairman Yearty said the cooperative agreement will allow for an exchange of services, with the county providing the employees and equipment and  Suwannee River Water Management District providing technical assistance for the tracts that comprise the Devil’s Hammock area.  Chairman Yearty explained there is some natural growth returning and future plans need to include replanting some areas,  providing the proper equipment.  Chairman Yearty said a bulldozer  needs to be purchased as one is currently being loaned from the Road and Bridge Department.

Mr. Moody said the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission will manage the property for hunting and have a brochure prepared for next year and hunting will operate on a lottery basis and a first come - first serve basis for local residents.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

                                                           

W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court