REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 6, 2002
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 6, 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. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Comm. Don Foley
Also present were:
County Attorney Gregory V. Beauchamp
Clerk of Court Danny J. Shipp
County Coordinator Fred Moody
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.. The invocation was given by Comm. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the following expenditures. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 66217-66500
GENERAL FUND $844,070.50
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 673,163.79
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 11,517.00
LIBRARY FUND 7,191.19
PERMANENT MOSQUITO CONTROL 7,875.00
MEDIATION FUND 200.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 15,878.79
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 77,037.82
COURT FACILITIES 74.25
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 2,848.02
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 14,866.52
FIRE CONTROL FUND 49,349.34
JUDICIAL GRANT 2,650.00
ADDITIONAL REVENUE BOND DEBT 86,100.00
UTILITIES 891.97
TOTAL $1,793,714.19
ROADS, STATE
Ms. Joy Brown presented the Five (5)year work program as follows:
|
Ms. Brown said the list of priorities for projects should be submitted by October, 2002.
AGENCIES
Ms. Janet Osteen explained Life South Community Blood Center is participating in the Five Points of Life bicycle ride that will originate at International Falls, Minnesota and end in Tampa, Florida. Ms. Osteen said the route is through Levy county and there will be media coverage with Perkins State Bank sponsoring a cook out on October 15, 2002. Ms. Osteen said there will be international bicycle riders participating in the ride. Ms. Osteen explained Civitan has recently changed their name to Life South Community Blood Center and invited everyone to visit the Chiefland office and donate blood.
Mr. Michael R. Moehlman said the dues for the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council has been approved at $.40 per capita and reviewed the history of local contributions since 1980 to the Council. Mr. Moehlman explained the dues have not been increased. Comm. Foley moved to approve the dues at $.40 per capita at an annual amount of $1,363.00 for the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council. Comm. seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Sandy Fink said Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council has provided numerous services including DRI review, Technical Assistance, and complaint review.
LEGISLATIVE
Mr. Fred Moody advised Governor Bush and Lieutenant Governor Brogan will be in Chiefland at the Central Florida Community College for a Town Hall meeting.
COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Moody said the Florida Association of Counties has had approved a Voluntary Special Assessment at $.06 per capita for counties with a population of 700,000 or more and $.03 per capita for the remaining counties. Mr. Moody explained it is a voluntary assessment and the Florida Association of Counties is encouraging all counties to participate. Mr. Moody said the membership dues will be $3,891.00 and the special assessment will be $1,054.00. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the payment of the annual membership dues and the Voluntary Special Assessment. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Mr. Moody said the health insurance will be increasing by 14 ½% and needed confirmation if the $58.66 contribution was to continue. Mr. Moody said the employees would be responsible for $46.65 per month of the increase. Comm. Stevens moved to approve continuing the contribution of $58.66. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Moody presented a proclamation designating November 20, 2002 as McDonald's World Children Day.
expressed concern on recognizing an individual business.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp explained a proclamation could be legally approved by the Board. Mr. Jamie Griffin said a company or individual should be recognized when they are making a donation for a full day income.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Jim Jones said there is a rat infestation problem at the Road and Bridge Department. Mr. Jones explained there is a need for duct work, air conditioning and electrical outlets in the office of the Road and Bridge Department. Chairman Parker instructed Mr Jones to obtain estimates and report on his findings. Mr. Jones said the problems need to be addressed but does not prevent employee attendance.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mrs. Paula Kennedy presented the agreement with Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council to conduct the hazardous analysis for $1,229.00 and will be funded by a grant. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the agreement for the hazardous analysis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Kennedy presented the contract for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities program for $5,489.00. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the contract for the commodities program. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Mr. Tom Reitz requested approval to apply for the Library Youth Services grant. Mr. Reitz said the grant is for one (1) year in the amount of $36,000.00. Mr. Reitz said the grant will allow for placement of books in day care facilities and medical waiting rooms and includes the salary, and travel expenses for the employee to present reading programs. Comm Yearty moved to approve the application for the Library Youth Services grant. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Stevens said the employee would need to be informed that the position was funded by a grant and if the grant was not awarded for following years the position would cease to exist. Mr. Reitz explained the program was for a pre-school program.
SHERIFF
Comm. Yearty moved to discuss a non-agenda item. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Major Bobby McCallum requested approval for $40,000.00 from the contingency fund to purchase two (2) patrol cars and for repairs at the jail. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the use of the $40,000.00 from the contingency fund. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mr. Danny Shipp said the tentative millage rate is proposed for 9 mils and the roll back rate will be 8.437 mils generating $9,524.562.00 in revenue. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the tentative millage rate at 9 mils. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Shipp said the TRIM hearings are scheduled for September 16, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. and the final hearing on September 23, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the dates scheduled for the TRIM hearings. Comm.Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following final plat:
Petition No.: FP-00190 -- Joseph Polkowski, Polkowski Surveying, representing Yvonne Scott, petitioning the Board for a Final Plat of "Prosperity Farms," a parcel of and located in Foxwood Farms, Parcel 7, in Section 15, Township 13 South, Range 18 East in Levy County. Said parcel contains 30 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential "A/RR" zone, with a recommendation for approval from the Planning Board.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the final plat for "Prosperity Farms." Comm. and the MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES
Mr. presented the proposed Tourist Development Tax Ordinance to impose a 2% Tourist Development Tax to be placed for acceptance by a majority of the voters on the referendum ballot.
Mr. Lannie Cardona explained the tax would be paid by tourists spending the night in Levy County and the revenue would be used to promote tourism.
Mr. Abraham Blitch presented a letter expressing his opposition to the proposed ordinance.
Mr. John King said the tax did not appear to a good idea.
Mr. Doug King said the county can sell tourism and cannot compete against other counties in development and the advertising would help the small businesses.
Mr. Noel Desmond commented on the use of the funds.
Mrs. Carol McQueen said a tax is controversial and the Tri County Tourism Development Authority is working to make the project successful and improve the local economy.
Mrs. Linda Grant said the "bed taxes"assist in improving the economy of an area.
Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the ordinace to impose a Two (2) percent Tourist Development Tax if approved by the majority of voters on the referendum ballot. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty said the proposed ordinance to amend the voting members on the Planning Commission from five (5) to seven (7) needs to include the statutory requirement to include a non-voting School Board member. Comm. Yearty explained there would be seven (7) members and two (2) alternates who would be residents of the county. Comm. Stevens moved to table any action on the ordinance until budget hearings are completed and advertise notice of the public hearing for the ordinance. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. presented a proposed ordinance to sell and convey esheated lands by an annual auction with a minimum opening bid of $200.00. Mrs. Linda Fugate said procedures and standards need to be established for the conveyance of the lands which have escheated to the county. Comm. Stevens moved to adopt the ordinance. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. presented an ordinance to amend Article XIII, Section 50-729 of the Levy County Code of Ordinance for the removal of some land use decisions pertaining to Special Exceptions from the Board of Adjustment to the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners. Comm. Stevens moved to adopt the ordinance effective October 1, 2002. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty moved to schedule the public hearing for the proposed Mining Ordinance on September 17, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Mr. Justin Watson said the Invitation to Bids need to be advertised for the new fiscal year of 2002-2003. Comm. Stevens moved to advertise the Invitation to Bids for Bridge Guard Rails, Safety Items, Galvanized Culver Pipe, Sign Materials and Oil and Lubricants. Comm. Rooks seconded. Comm. Rooks, Comm. Stevens, Chairman Parker, voted YES. Comm. Foley and Comm. Yearty voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Parker said it has not been determined if there has been a savings with the oil program.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Watson explained the Town of Bronson had requested the resurfacing of Main Street and has approved to fund half of the the costs for materials and provide assistance with man power. Mr. Watson said the estimated cost for materials is $7,500.00 and would like to place the project in this budget year. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the resurfacing project for Main Street in the Town of Bronson on the priority list. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Comm. Stevens presented the Interagency/Public Works agreement with the Levy Forestry Camp and the Road and Bridge Department to provide inmate labor for the Levy County Road Department. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the agreement for inmate labor with Levy Forestry Camp. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis.
NE 86th Lane, University Estates, two (2) loads of rock at an estimated cost of $600.00 and grading for an estimated cost of $67.00
NE 105th Avenue, University Estates, four (4) loads of rock for an estimated cost of $1,200.00.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NE 64th Place and NE 122nd Avenue, Oak Ridge Estates, Unit 1, three (3) loads of rock and graded for an estimated cost of $900.00.
Comm. moved to approve maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NE 69th Place, Bronson Heights Subdivision, one (1) load of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $300.00.
Comm. moved to approve maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NW 128th Place, three (3) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $900.00.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Steens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. presented the Levy County Road Committee recommendations for the roads to be placed on the paving and resurfacing list.
|
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the paving and resurfacing list. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Watson presented the reimbursement agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation for the Small County Road Assistance Program for the road projects for resurfacing CR 326 from CR 337 to Marion County Line for $916,300.00 and CR 322 from US 41 to Marion County Line for $223,300.00. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the reimbursement agreements. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Mrs. Connie Asbell said the legal fees will be $150.00 per hour for her defense as Supervisor of Elections for the suit filed in the Chiefland recall election. Mrs. Asbell said an amendment to her budget is required to pay the attorney fees. Comm. Foley moved to approve a budget amendment for attorney fees incurred by the Supervisor of Elections office on an as-needed basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RECYCLING
Mr. Wayne Hardee presented the Waste Tire Service Agreement with Florida Tire Recycling, Inc. for approval. Comm. Foley moved to approve the Waste Tire Service Agreement with Florida Tire Recycling, Inc.. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Comm. Foley moved to discuss a non-agenda item. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented a Satisfaction of Mortgage for Shawn Coffey and Jennifer Coffey. Comm. Foley moved to approve the Satisfaction of Mortgage. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a non-agenda item. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen presented a Satisfaction of Mortgage for James W. McDonald and Virginia C. McDonald. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Satisfaction of Mortgage. Comm.Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. McQueen recommended adding an amendment to the Procurement Policies and Procedure for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Mrs. McQueen explained the amendment allows for the Board to be the ranking committee or the Board may appoint a ranking committee for the ranking of the Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Comm. Foley moved to approve the amendment to the Procurement Policies and Procedures for Community Development Block Grant Programs and Projects. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen said Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were received from Midtown Associates, Orange Park, Berryma and Heniger, Ocala and Mills Engineering, Bronson and the ranking committee will review the proposals and be submitting their recommendations.
ROAD CLOSINGS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the following resolutions for proposed Road Closings:
Ohio Avenue and State Street and the 25 feet long alley along the Cedar Key Heights, Secction C.
Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the resolution for the road closing and schedule a public hearing . Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Hazel Avenue known as SW 124th Court lying North of Suwannee Boulevard and south of the right of way line of 7th Street lying between Blocks 109 an 110 as shown in the Plat of Cedar Key Heights, Section B.
Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the resolution for the road closing and schedule a public hearing . Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Beauchamp said the public hearings for the road closings will be scheduled for September 3, 2002 at 10:30 a.m..
UNION
Mr. Elliott said negotiations are continuing for the Emergency Medical Services employees.
SALARY AND WAGES
Comm. Foley made the following Personnel recommendations:
Mike Schenk, for a salary increase from $10.5050 to $11.0050 per hour, effective August 12, 2002.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the salary increase. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Keith Reeves, associated with Architect Desig Group explained they have prepared market research and demographics in the area, specifically working with Marion and Alachua counties. Mr. Reeves explained there are state and federal grants and they will assist in identifying grant sources for construction projects. Mr. Reeves said there are sales tax exemptions that can provide considerable saving in construction costs. Mr. Reeves said their services have been provided to counties and municipalites and they have been in business for 31 years.
Mr. Manuel Suarez, associated with DRL Group of Orlando, they have had projects throughout the State of Florida involving civic, governmental and justice projects. Mr. Suarez said they would hold workshops to determine the needs and identify problems. Mr. Suarez said they have assisted in obtaining grants, including grant for historic preservation for the older court houses.
Comm. Rooks said DRL Group of Orlando appeared to have experience in locating grants that preserve historic buildings.
Mr. Moody said he contacted Alachua county and was informed both firms provided excellent long range planning recommendations.
Mr. Shipp explained the two (2) firms would provide an assessment of the needs for space. Mr. Shipp said Architect Design Group assisted with the design for the sally port through a "piggy-back" agreement with Alachua county.
Chairman Parker called for a vote by ballot and Architect Design Group received the majority vote.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Tony Parker, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court