REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

June 18, 2002

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on June 18, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners' meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

 

Chairman Tony Parker
Vice Chairman  Danny Stevens
Comm.  Don Foley
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Comm. Lilly Rooks

 Also present were:

County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp
County Coordinator - Fred Moody

 

 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:   35619 - 35814

 

GENERAL FUND                                     $273,324.31

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                             22,026.95

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE               19,180.00

LIBRARY FUND                                             11,723.72

MEDIATION FUND                                             500.00

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND                       40,476.60

LANDFILL & RECYCLING                           57,023.34

COURT FACILITIES                                           312.27

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND                   917.11

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE          75,714.66

FIRE CONTROL                                               6,668.90

ST GRANT - JUVENILE JUSTICE                    101.50

UTILITIES FUND                                             1,752.40

 

TOTAL                                                        $509,721.76

 

MINUTES

Comm. Foley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 4, 2002. Comm.  Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin opened the following bids received for three (3) extended cab pickups for the Road and Bridge Department:

    Scoggins Chevrolet Olds $59,997.00

    White Ford                           $55,465.80

 

Chairman Parker requestED Mr. Fred Moody, Mr. Justin Watson and Mr. Jessie Durrance to review the bids with him and to make a recommendation.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Mr. Ed Piper, Wildlife Rescue of Levy County, Inc. presented a Certificate of Appreciation for the support and compassion provided by the Board of County Commissioners.

INSURANCE

Mr. Al Carnegie, Carnegie Funeral Home, explained they had performed services for the family of Mr. Willie Goff, a county employee, based on information received from Mrs. Jacqueline Martin that he had an insurance policy through the county for $10,000.00 to cover the funeral expenses. Mr. Carnegie said after providing the services they were notified that there was no life insurance coverage for Mr. Goff. Mr. Carnegie requested the county to honor the charges for the services provided by Carnegie Funeral Home and then pursue the question of coverage on the life insurance policy.

Comm Rooks said Mr. Goff had been employed with the county since 1977 and was  disabled in 1996 and retired with his life insurance premiums continuing to be paid. Comm. Rooks explained Carnegie Funeral Home acted in good faith providing the services for Mr. Goff's funeral and recommended obtaining an agreement from Mr. Goff's sister, who is the beneficiary of the policy, to pursue the coverage on the life insurance and reimburse the county if coverage is secured for expended costs and direct the remaining balance to Mr. Goff's beneficiary. Comm. Rooks moved to pay the charges to Carnegie Funeral Home and to pursue reimbursement from the life insurance policy.  Comm. Yearty seconded.

Mr. Greg Beauchamp explained Carnegie Funeral Home had acted on the information that had been provided to them and the county acted on the information they had and it would be a proper expenditure if approved. Mr. Beauchamp said at a minimum there would be a refund of the premiums paid, but may be possible to enforce  coverage and the MOTION CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Joe Mixson introduced Mrs. Ginny Brown-Waite candidate for US House District #5.

Mrs. Brown-Waite said she was encouraged with the citizen attendance.

MUNICIPALITIES

Mr. Jamie Griffin said the Town of Bronson was interested in a partnership to resurface Main Street from US 27 A to Court Street,  with employees of the town assisting county employees and sharing the cost of asphalt.

Mr. Justin Watson explained Main Street is LCR 151 and is a county maintained road within the city limits.

Comm. Foley recommended the request be submitted to the Road Review committee and have a report on the approximate cost for the project with a time schedule in the work plan for road paving.

ORDINANCES

Mr. Griffin presented a proposed ordinance to impose a two (2) percent Tourist Development Tax and requested approval to hold a public hearing for it to be placed on the official ballot.  Mr. Griffin explained there is a proposed budget for 2003-2004 based on information received from the Department of Revenue and the funds would be used for promotional marketing, development and administration costs.

Comm. Rooks explained there is not an infrastructure for "big business" and tourist development will enhance small businesses in the tri-county area. Comm. Rooks said the funds would not be part of the General Revenue and would be designated for tourist development. Comm. Rooks moved to hold a public hearing on August 6, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. to hear the proposed ordinance for a Tourist Development Tax. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Chairman Parker said the committee had reviewed the bids received from Scoggins Chevrolet Olds and White Ford and recommended accepting the low bid for the three (3) extended cab pickups from White Ford in the amount of $55,465.80.  Comm. Stevens moved to accept the low bid from White Ford.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCES

Mrs. Roberta Picard inquired on the status of the review of the Animal Control ordinance, specifically relating to horses.  Mr. Beauchamp said the suggested revisions to the current ordinance are prepared and can be presented in August at a public hearing.

RECYCLING

Mrs. Picard said the county needed an "Earth Day" to be held at least twice a year, in April and November.  Mrs. Picard said the youth needed to be encouraged to be responsible in maintaining a clean environment and this would be an activity to provide interest. Mrs. Picard said it needed to be advertised through out the county.

Chairman Parker explained there is already an amnesty allowed every Monday at the landfill for the disposal of hazardous household waste and any subdivision or group can contact the Landfill Department to arrange for disposal when they hold a special clean up.

Mr. Wayne Hardee said two (2) Amnesty Days were held when grant funds were provided and the current policy allows for every Monday to dispose of household hazardous wealth. Mr. Hardee reported the Waste Tire Disposal recently held collected 2300 tires.

Mrs. Sandy Fink said signs needed to be posted advising it was illegal to dump waste and assess a fine.

Mrs. Koehler said several state agencies promote the clean up of state greenways and trails in October and recommended coordinating with them.

Mr. Fred McKeon said it could be promoted with the Adopt A Highway program and other clean ups.

Chairman Parker directed Mr. Moody to schedule a meeting for Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. with Mr. Wayne Hardee, Mr. Matt Johnson, Mrs. Roberta Picard, Mr. Moody and himself to review the proposal and the options available.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mrs. Opal Darby requested maintenance on NW 85th Street in Forest Hills Subdivision and would like it to be added for permanent maintenance. Comm. Foley said the request would be submitted to the Road Policy Committee for review to determine if it meets the policy guidelines.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mrs. Darby said there was a lack of information on what was occurring at the meetings.

Chairman Parker said everyone was encouraged to attend the meetings and the second meeting of the month, commencing in August would be held at night.  Chairman Parker advised anyone can contact the commissioners.

Mr. Moody said the minutes of the meetings were available on the Internet.

TAX ROLL

Mr. Herb Heesch said the cooperation of the county received at Goethe Forest was appreciated and presented a payment in lieu of taxes for $91,235.89 from the State of Florida.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mr. Moody said Blue Springs Park has been temporarily closed due to low water conditions and recommended requesting assistance from Suwannee River Water Management to clean the spring.  Mr. Moody said the water is not contaminated and has been closed in accordance with Florida Statute for the safety of the citizens.  Comm. Foley moved to authorize Mr. Moody to draft a letter to Suwannee River Water Management requesting their assistance in finding a solution for Blue Springs Park.  Comm. Yearty seconded.

Mrs. Sandy Fink recommended contacting the cave divers who volunteered to assist in the clean up of Fanning Springs and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a non-agenda item.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Moody clarified the bids accepted for the tractors and mower at the regular meeting of June 4, 2002 were as follows:

    Two (2) tractors accepted low bid from Trenton Farm Supply.

    One (1) bat wing mower from Southern Ag and Turf for $1,200.00.

Mr. Moody confirmed the mower was a more powerful  mower and would better suit the needs of the Road Department. Comm. Yearty moved to clarify the acceptance of the bid from Southern Ag and Turf for the bat wing mower. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENTS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council recommended the appointment of Mrs. Donna Lindsey as a voting member to the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board as Citizen User Representative. Comm. Foley moved to approve the appointment of Mrs. Donna Lindsey. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

TAX COLLECTOR

Mrs. Martin presented the recapitulation report submitted by Mrs. Linda Fugate, Tax Collector for the 2001 Assessment Roll reflecting errors, insolvencies, double assessments and discounts.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve the recapitulation report.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BUDGET

Mrs. Martin said meetings for the department budgets are being scheduled.

MOSQUITO CONTROL

Mr. Wayne Hardee submitted the detailed work plan budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003. Mr. Hardee explained the budget must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services annually.  Comm. Foley moved to approve the submission of the tentative work plan budget.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mr. Hardee presented the following grant applications:

    Small County Solid Waste Grant Application

    Solid Waste Recycling and Education Grant Application

    Solid Waste Tire Grant Application

    Litter Control and Prevention Grant Application

 

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the grant applications. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PLANNING, COUNTY

Mrs. Kathy Winburn advised Florida Statutes Section 163.3177 has been amended requiring every county and municipality within a geographic area to enter into an interlocal agreement with the district school board addressing school siting, enrollment forecasting, school capacity, infrastructure and safety needs of schools, using schools as emergency shelters and sharing of facilities for civic purposes.  Mrs. Winburn said the appointment of a representative from the school district as a non-voting member will be required on the Planning Commission.

Mr. Beauchamp said the ordinance will need to be amended for the composite of the Planning Commission and a review can be made when the Land Development Regulations are reviewed for the duties of the Board of Adjustment.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:

    SW 67th Place, grading only for an estimated cost of $67.00.

 

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a request for one (1) time maintenance on a road that was omitted from the agenda. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

    SW 72nd Place, grading only for an estimated cost of $67.00.

Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

    NE 16th Street located in Williston Highland, #14, requiring five (5) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $1,500.00.

 

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the maintenance on a one (1) time basis.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Mr. Watson presented the recommended Five (5) Year Work Plan for the paving of roads with estimated costs of material. Mr. Watson explained the plan currently has three (3) years of work outlined and allows for approximately 12 miles of road to be paved annually. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Road Policy Research Data for the three (3) years presented of the Five (5) Year Work Plan. Comm Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the agreement for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was awarded for last year's grant application.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign all related documents.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SHIP

Mrs. McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement:

    Donna Garnett Jackson, Lot 1, Block 4, Deed Book 780, Page 832, 6250 NE 101st Terrace, Bronson for $8,100.00.

 

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

ORDINANCES

Mr. Beauchamp recommended scheduling the public hearings on the proposed amendments for Animal Control, Escheated Lands, duties of the Board of Adjustment and an At-Large member on the Planning Commission for August 6, 2002 at 10:30 a.m..

UNION

Mr. Beauchamp reported there will be another meeting with the Union representatives concerning the bargaining agreement.

COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Beauchamp recognized Comm. Rooks on her appointment to the select committee for water supply and water related issues.

INSURANCE

Comm. Yearty moved to discuss a non-agenda item. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Yearty explained there is an option available for retiring employees to continue their health insurance coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield as primary coverage, if they assume the payment of the premiums until they are eligible for Medicare and then they would be eligible to continue the coverage as a secondary policy.  Comm. Yearty said currently retiring employees are only eligible for coverage through COBRA for a period of 18 months and then receive Medicare benefits when they become eligible. Comm. Yearty added there would not be any additional cost to the county for the employees to select that option. Comm. Yearty moved to amend the health insurance plan agreement to allow retiring employees the option of continuing their health insurance coverage at their expense. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                         Tony Parker, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court