REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

November 5,  2002

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on November 5, 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:

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 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:   67623 - 67841

 

GENERAL FUND                                     $990,016.64

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                             39,029.29

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE                 6,870.00

LIBRARY FUND                                               8,075.32

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND                       92,947.61

LANDFILL & RECYCLING                             5,778.95

COURT FACILITIES                                           152.73

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND                   263.33

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE            5,032.73

FIRE CONTROL                                             14,151.62

UTILITIES FUND                                                 978.99

 

TOTAL                                                    $1,163,297.21

 

MINUTES

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 22, 2002. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

TAX COLLECTOR

Mrs. Linda Fugate requested authorization to retain Board of County Commission funds to meet operating costs for the month of November until additional fees are received.  Mrs. Fugate explained there will be $158,251.53 excess fees to be disbursed to the county.

Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the Tax Collector, Mrs. Linda Fugate to retain excess funds due the Board of County Commission until the November tax distribution.  Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

AGENCIES

Ms. Gwen Cooper said the Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy County School Readiness Coalition has been set up to prepare all children for kindergarten.  Ms. Cooper said they need participating board members to comply with requirements.  Ms. Cooper explained Ms. Nancy Bell Westbury is currently a member of the board as a private citizen and requested approval for her to continue in that capacity.  Comm. Yearty moved to appoint Comm.-elect Nancy Bell to the board member as a private citizen. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Stevens said a request would be made to the local newspapers to report on  the need of participating board members.

JAIL

Major Johnson presented a contract from the Bradford County jail for the housing of Levy County inmates. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the interlocal agreement with Bradford County jail. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Major Johnson explained there are approximately 30 inmates being housed in Bradford County at $42.00 per day.  Major Johnson said it costs $56.00 a day to house the inmates in the Levy County jail due to the need for additional security staff. 

Major Johnson said Mr. Reeves with Architect Design had toured the jail facility and would be providing a proposal in approximately ten (10) days based on the design plans of the Bradford County jail.

COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Parker recognized Comm. Foley.  Comm. Yearty presented Comm. Foley with a plaque for his years of service to the public, his valuable contributions and loyal dedication as a County Commissioner.

PROCLAMATIONS

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

Retired Sgt. Major Sam Wasson presented a proclamation recognizing November 10th to 16th, 2002 as "Veteran's Appreciation Week." Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the proclamation. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. David Bibby said a fixed wing aircraft was needed in the Sheriff's Office and recommended making the purchase a priority.  Chairman Parker said the proceeds of the sale were placed in the General budget and the Sheriff was advised that every effort was going to be made to provide funds for the purchase of a fixed wing aircraft and the proposed budget would be approximately $200,000.00 including the $60,000.00 to purchase the aircraft.

STATE ROADS

Mr. C. W. Gilbert said notification needs to be sent to the State of Florida, Department of Transportation (DOT) concerning the unsafe road condition on the new turnoff that has been designed to access CR 339 from US 27 Alternate. Mr. Gilbert said a deceleration lane was not installed and the access is on a curve and hill. Comm. Rooks requested Mr. Fred Moody to contact the Department of Transportation with the concerns.

RESOLUTIONS

Ms. Heather Alexander presented a resolution recognizing Michael Caleb Mills of Troop #126 for the completion of the requirements for the prestigious Eagle Scout Award presented by the Boy Scouts of America.  Comm. Rooks moved to adopt the resolution honoring Michael Caleb Mills. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Ms. Alexander presented the agreement for professional services with Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council for services provided through fiscal year September 30, 2003. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the agreement.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Alexander said the Small County Coalition has requested the appointment of two (2) County Commissioners and liaison for the one (1) year term. Ms. Alexander said current appointees are Comm. Rooks and Comm. Foley with Mr. Moody as liaison. Comm. Rooks advised she had been recently appointed to the Board of Directors and requested reappointment to the Small County Coalition. Comm. Stevens moved to reappoint Comm. Rooks and appoint Comm.-elect Bell as representatives to the Small County Coalition with Mr. Moody as liaison. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Renate Cannon questioned the appointment of Comm.-elect Bell until she is formally sworn in to office.

Comm. Foley moved to approve the appointments effective November 19, 2002 when Comm.-elect Bell is sworn in to office.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Tom Reitz presented the interlocal agreements with the Town of Bronson, City of Cedar Key, City of Chiefland and the City of Williston for the libraries.  Mr. Reitz explained a lease agreement is being prepared for the Women's Club of Yankeetown. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the agreements with the Town of Bronson, City of Cedar Key, City of Chiefland and the City of Williston.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PLANNING, COUNTY

Mrs. Kathy Winburn requested the scheduling of a workshop on December 3, 2002 to present for review the transportation research prepared by the Center For Transportation Research (CUTR) concerning the US 19 corridor from Chiefland to Fanning Springs. Chairman Parker scheduled the workshop for December 3, 2002 at 1:00 p.m..

Mrs. Kathy Winburn presented a state funded subgrant agreement to assist in offsetting costs involved in facilitating the development and execution of an interlocal agreement for coordinated land use and public school facility planning. Mrs. Winburn explained the state has allocated $8,780.00.  Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mrs. Winburn presented a Wildlife Management Agreement with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to assist with the management and hunting administration in Devil's Hammock. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

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

Mrs. Winburn presented a request for an extension of the agreement with the state from a completion date of November 1, 2002 to November 30, 2002 as the consultant's ending date was November 30, 2002.  Mrs. Winburn said the state has agreed to the modification. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the modification.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

    NE 14th Street, located in Williston Highlands, Unit 14, five (5) loads of rock with grading for an estimated cost of $1,500.00.

 

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

    NE 18th Street, located Williston Highlands, Unit 14, two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $600.00.

 

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

    NE 123rd Avenue, located Williston Highlands, Unit 14, two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $134.00.

 

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

    SE 197th Lane, located in Graceland Shores, ½ hour of grading for an estimated cost of $33.50.

 

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

    SE 188th Terrace, located in Gilmore Acres, one (1) hour of grading for an estimated cost of $67.00.

 

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

Mr. Watson advised the request for SW 129th Avenue, SW 78th Lane and SW 80th Street located in Cedar Key Heights, Section B would not be presented until additional information is obtained.

    SE 39th Court, SE 180th Street and SE 43rd Terrace, located in Deerwood Subdivision, one (1) hour grading at an estimated cost of $67.00.

 

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

    NE 116th Street, located in University Oaks, one (1) load of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $300.00.

 

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

    NE 95th Avenue, University Estates, two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $134.00.

 

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

    SE 186th Avenue, one (1) hour of grading for an estimated cost of $67.00.

 

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

    SE 175th Street, (SE Hudson Road), one (1) hour of grading for an estimated cost of $67.00.

 

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

    NW 105th Court, two (2) loads of rock and one (1) hour of grading for an estimated cost of $675.00.

 

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

    NE 112th Terrace, ½ hour of grading for an estimated cost of $33.50.

 

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

ZONING

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following preliminary plat:

    Petition No. PP-00262 - Mike Pardue representing David Cox, petitioning the Board for a Preliminary Plat of "Bahia Acres," a subdivision located in that part of the SE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 10 South, Range 14 East, in Levy County.  Said parcel contains 14.94 acres more or less and has a land use designation of Low Density Residential "LDR." The Planning Commission recommends approval.

 

Mr. Corbitt said all requests by the plat review committee had been met by the developer.  Mr. Corbitt said Mr. Ed Rich had presented an objection at the Planning Commission meeting and had provided a written objection with concerns on water run off and additional septic systems. Mr. Corbitt said the county engineer is reviewing these concerns. Comm. Foley moved to approve the preliminary plat for "Bahia Acres." Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement:

    Darryl D. and Pricilla Holloway, Lot 19 and 20, Block Suwannee River Heights,  26 NE 5th Street, Chiefland for $6,870.00 to purchase a home.

 

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

GRANTS

Mrs. McQueen said the environmental review and assessment is being prepared for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the neighborhood revitalization grant and bids will be advertised at the end of December, 2002 or early January, 2003.

Mrs. McQueen said the original application for the Pinehurst area was prepared prior to several homes being placed in the area and the grant only applies to the area where the survey was completed.

SALARY AND WAGES

Comm. Yearty said the union agreement had been ratified and a salary increase of 3% was allocated. Comm. Yearty moved to approve a 3% salary increase for Department Heads, retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Comm. Yearty moved to promote Mr. Major Stroupe to the Transportation Department as General Manager with a salary range of $31,500.00 and to continue his duties as Veteran's Service Officer pending the hiring of a replacement. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Yearty recommended advertising for the Veteran's Service Officer position and interviewing the top three (3) applicants after December 2, 2002 for a starting date of January 1, 2003.  Comm. Yearty moved to advertise for the Veteran's Service Officer position and hiring for the commencement of employment on January 1, 2003.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Yearty said there have been some internal management problems in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department and Mr. Bill Beddow has requested to be transferred to another department.  Comm. Yearty said he recommended transferring Mr. Beddow to the Transportation Department as Operations Manager as he is qualified for the position.  Comm. Yearty moved to transfer Mr. Beddow to the Transportation Department as Operations Manager and advertise for the position of Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  Comm. Rooks seconded. Comm. Rooks, Chairman Parker, Comm. Foley, Comm. Yearty voted YES, Comm. Stevens voted NO and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Yearty explained Mr. Stroupe would be the General Manager and Mr. Beddow as Operations Manager would be responsible for reading the grid maps, and providing the routes for the handicapped to be transported.

Comm. Yearty recommended advertising for the Emergency Medical Services Director with interviews of the top three (3) applicants scheduled after December 2, 2002 for placement in the position on January 1, 2003.

PLANNING, COUNTY

Comm. Rooks said there will be a public workshop on November 7, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. regarding Cedar Key Plantation with speakers from the University of Florida, TREEO and Rural Water Association.

MISCELLANEOUS

Comm. Stevens said there will be Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 11, 2002 in Williston.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Comm. Stevens said a request has been made to water management to inspect sites for the Williston EMS Station since there has not been any success with the sites provided by the City of Williston.

Mr. Brett Sandlin said there were two (2) lots outside of the City of Williston that could be purchased and would be a minimal reduction in response time.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Moody advised the Veteran's Day Ceremony will be held at the Linear Park in Williston on November 11, 2002 at 6:00 p.m..

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Comm. Yearty said the plans for the Emergency Medical Services, Road Department and Landfill buildings are being mailed to contractors and will be submitted for Board review.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. C. W. Gilbert recognized Matthew Barber and Jackie Loubet, students at the University of Florida studying government.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                    Tony Parker, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court