REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

November 19, 2002

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on November 19, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners' meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

Chairman Tony Parker
Vice Chairman  Danny Stevens
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm.  Nancy Bell

 Also present were:

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

 

 The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m..  The invocation was given by the Honorable Joseph E. Smith  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:   67842 - 68006

 

 

GENERAL FUND

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE

LIBRARY FUND

MEDIATION

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND

LANDFILL & RECYCLING

SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE

LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT

UTILITIES FUND

 

TOTAL

$331,464.12

28,149.69

22,295.00

4,974.37

200.00

278.12

66,097.54

285.72

813.89

16,268.55

22,170.00

2,235.85

 

$495,232.85

 

MINUTES

Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5, 2002 and the special workshop of November 7, 2002.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Honorable Joseph E. Smith administered the Oath of Office to Comm. Rooks and Comm.-elect Bell.

Comm. Bell said she would be available to serve the citizens and thanked the people who attended the swearing in.

BIDS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the following bids for Animal Control, Construction & Maintenance, and Building & Zoning Departments:

    White Ford, two (2) 1/2 ton pickup trucks $18,488.60 each
                         two (2) 3/4 ton trucks $24,924.68 each

    Scoggins, Chevrolet Olds., 1/2 ton pickup trucks $36,027.56 for two (2)
                                                     3/4 ton trucks $52,284.56 for two (2)

 

Chairman Parker said Mr. Fred Moody, Mr. Jim Jones, Mr. Rob Corbitt and Mr. Wayne Hardee would meet with him to review the bids and make a recommendation.

GRANTS

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

Ms. Marie Wells presented a grant application and resolution to allow for the purchase of a 12 lead monitor. Ms. Wells explained this will allow all rescue units to have the 12 lead monitor. Ms. Wells said the monitor will cost $22,321.20 and the grant will be for $12,029.34 with the matching funds being used from the medical supplies budget. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the resolution and grant application. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ATTORNEY, COUNTY AND STATE

Mr. Greg Beauchamp advised the 6:45 p.m. agenda item had been resolved.

TAX ROLL

Mr. Fred Moody advised a public auction of escheated properties will be held on December 5, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. and will be handled similar to the tax certificate sale.

ROADS, STATE

Mr. Moody said the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had scheduled a meeting to discuss a deceleration lane at CR 339 and US 27 Alt. Mr. Moody advised they had already received complaints concerning the turn off and will have a deceleration lane installed.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Moody explained two (2) quotes were received to prepare the draft designs for the buildings for the Road & Bridge Department administrative building, the landfill transfer station and the Emergency Medical Station in Williston and recommended accepting the low quote of $4,098.24 from Professional Design Associates of Chiefland. Mr. Moody said they would proceed with having the draft designs prepared.

EQUIPMENT

Mr. Moody explained the D-5 Caterpillar tractor being used in Devil's Hammock needs to be upgraded to use a fire plow. Mr. Moody said the Division of Forestry is providing the plow and the tractor will need to have sweeps installed to protect the operator, hydraulic lifts for the plow with additional small upgrades. Mr. Moody said RingPower Corporation has provided a quote of $9,308.19 to perform the upgrades. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the upgrade of the D5M Caterpillar tractor used in Devil's Hammock. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the fire agreements received from Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department, Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Department.  Mrs. Martin explained Fanning Springs Volunteer Fire Department had made some revisions on the agreement and was not being presented for approval until the changes were discussed with them. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the fire agreements with Cedar Key, Fowlers Bluff and the Town of Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Departments.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

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

Mrs. Martin presented the grant-in-aid agreement for child dependency cases. Mrs. Martin said this is a recurring agreement and assists in payment of costs incurred by dependency counsel and will not exceed $18,885.29. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the agreement.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

LIBRARY

Mr. Tom Reitz presented the Annual Plan of Service as required to be eligible for state aid. Mr. Reitz said it is an ambitious plan and should be accomplished within the year. Comm. Bell moved to approve the Annual Plan of Service of the Library system.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Reitz said Mrs. Norene Andrews is retiring from the Bronson Library and extended an invitation to the retirement party on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the library in Bronson.

PLANNING, COUNTY

Mrs. Kathy Winburn explained a public hearing needed to be scheduled to consider two (2) large scale land use amendments. Chairman Parker scheduled the public hearing for Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 6:30 p.m..

ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

    SE 68th Lane and SE 216th Avenue located in Ocala Highlands West, three (3) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $201.00, beginning at SE 212th Avenue and ending at SE 216th Avenue.

 

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

    NE 88th Lane located in University Estates, three (3) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $900.00, beginning at NE 118th Terrace and ending at NE 130th Avenue.

 

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

    NE 10th Street located in Williston Highlands #14, ten (10) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $3,000.00, beginning at NE 19th Street and ending at NE 10th Street.

 

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

    NE 120th Avenue located in Williston Highlands #14, ten (10) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $3,000.00, beginning at NE 19th Street and ending at NE 10th Street.

 

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

TAX ROLL

Mr. Watson presented the following Certificate of Corrections of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:

    Steven K. Bloom, 630 SE SR 121, Williston

    Barbara Crawford, SE SR 121, Williston

 

Mr. Watson explained these two (2) properties are being assessed for road maintenance through a Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) and their property fronts SR 121 and they do not have any of the roads adjoining their properties.  Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Steven K. Bloom and Barbara Crawford.  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROADS, COUNTY

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

Comm. Rooks explained notice had been received by the Road and Bridge Department for prompt and corrective action for the bridge in Cedar Key located on C Street over the Cedar Key Canal.  Comm. Rooks said a response must be submitted within ten (10) days showing compliance or what action is to be taken to comply. Comm. Rooks recommended the bridge be inspected by Mr. Lee Mills, County Engineer and schedule a special meeting to discuss the cost of repairs and action necessary. Chairman Parker said a special meeting would be scheduled for Mr. Mills report on the condition of the bridge.

PARKS AND RECREATION

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

Comm. Yearty said a request has been made for the county engineer to proceed with the permitting process for 800 feet of the bike path in Yankeetown and Inglis from Pamela Drive to the school.  Comm. Yearty explained the residents have raised in excess of $30,000.00 and the Department of Transportation is constructing the bike path to the South Levy Recreational Park.  Comm. Yearty said the permitting process for South West Water Management District would be approximately $2,000.00.  Comm. Bell recommended requesting reimbursement of the $2,000.00 if any of the $30,000.00 in funds raised by the citizens is available from the construction of the bike path.  Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the county engineer, Mr. Mills and the Road Department to proceed with the permitting process for the 800 feet of bike path from Pamela Drive to the school and requesting reimbursement of the $2,000.00 if funds are available. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ZONING

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petitions:

    Petition No. FP-00500 - Steve McMillen, representing Aledia Socarras, petitioning the Board for a Final Plat of "Woodland Farms," a subdivision located in a Tract in the E ½ of the E ½ , a/k/a Foxwood Farms, Lot 10, 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.  The Planning Commission recommends approval.

 

Mr. Corbitt explained the petition met all requirements and had been approved by the Plat Review Committee. Chairman Parker called for opposition and none was presented.  Comm. Stevens moved to approve the final plat for "Woodland Farms."  Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

    Petition No. PP-00263 - Steven McMillen, McMillen Surveying, representing Jody Knight petitioning the Board for a Preliminary Plat of "Good Knight Farms," a subdivision located in Foxwood Farms, Lot 9, 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. The Planning Commission recommends approval.

 

Mr. Corbitt explained the Plat Review Committee approved the preliminary plat. Mr. Corbitt said building codes do not allow construction within 50 feet of the gas line that crosses the property and utility easements have been dedicated along with right of way dedication.  Chairman Parker called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the preliminary plat for "Good Knight Farms." Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Mr. Moody said the committee had reviewed the bids for the trucks and recommended accepting the low bid from Scoggins Chevrolet, Olds. for the two (2) ½ ton pickup trucks at $36,027.56 and the two (2) 3/4 ton trucks from White Ford for $49,849.36. Comm. Yearty moved to accept the recommendation of the committee and purchase the two (2) ½ ton pickups from Scoggins Chevrolet, Olds. and the two (2) 3/4 ton trucks from White Ford.  Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Major Bobby McCallum explained the monies from the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant will be used to purchase a psychological stress analyzer and authorization is being requested to prepay for the purchase which will result in a savings of $1,400.00 on the purchase price.  Major McCallum said the purchase cost will pay for the equipment and training. Major McCallum said the company is located in Alexandria, Virginia and is a reputable company that has provided written confirmation for the savings on the purchase price and will provide a warranty agreement. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the prepayment for the psychological stress analyzer.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BUDGET

Major McCallum said a budget amendment is needed to purchase a software and accounting program for $25,168.75.  Major McCallum explained during budget negotiations it was estimated that approximately $80,000.00 would be returned to the General Revenue fund and current estimates indicate approximately $100,000.00 will be returned. Major McCallum said the accounting package currently being utilized is not compatible with the network server recently installed. Comm. Rooks moved to amend the Sheriff's budget by $25,168.75 for the purchase of the software and accounting program. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

JAIL

Major McCallum said serious problems have arisen with the transporting and housing of prisoners at the Bradford County Jail.  Major McCallum said the costs are higher than expected.

Sheriff Smith said a meeting is scheduled for December 22, 2002 to review the architect proposal for the jail construction. Sheriff Smith explained an unexpected cost is transportation of prisoners to court appearance and medical appointments. Sheriff Smith said the van used for transportation is inoperable and the leasing of a van may be necessary.

Sheriff Smith said a background check is performed on each inmate to determine their ability to cover expenses incurred for medical treatment and the jail is a penal institution and run as such.

SHIP

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

    Luz N. Diaz, to construct a new home located at Lot 7, Block 40, Oak Ridge Estates, according to Plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 3, page 63-1, through 63-7, Public Records of Levy County, for $20,000.00.

 

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

Mrs. McQueen presented a Subordination Agreement for Mr. James A. Mackey who is refinancing his home for a lower interest rate and shorter loan period.  Mrs. McQueen explained Mr. Mackey complies with most of the Subordination Policy with the exception of increasing the loan from $63,000.00 to $64,200.00 and the mortgage payment increasing $8.00 which the increase in the loan amount covers the closing costs.   Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Subordination Agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PROCLAMATIONS

Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented a proclamation recognizing the month of November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Comm. Bell clarified adoption of the resolution did not commit to any fiscal responsibility. Comm. Bell moved to adopt the proclamation recognizing November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ATTORNEY, COUNTY AND STATE

Mr. Beauchamp said additional information has been received concerning the surcharges for Emergency Medical Services assessments and will be reporting as the information becomes available.

Mr. Beauchamp reported there was no new litigation with the exception of some foreclosure cases which require a filing in answer.

COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Rooks said it was appreciated to see the interest in county government by citizens in attendance and to remember the Legislative Delegation would be holding their annual meeting in Levy County and preparations needed to commence to present the requests for needs in the county.

Mr. Moody said Congresswoman-elect Ginny Waite-Brown has contacted his office to inquire projects that need federal funding or assistance that she can address.

Comm. Rooks said the medicaid issue will be addressed by the legislature again this year and citizens need to be aware of the issues.

Comm. Bell said the answers are needed on how the recently passed amendments for the 35 student load and additional exemptions are going to be funded.

Mrs. Renate Cannon said the legislative delegation needs to be addressed with the concerns of the citizens.

JAIL

Sheriff Smith said an inmate slipped and fell and hit his head in a medical cell.  Sheriff Smith said proper procedure was duly followed and the inmate was transported to the hospital for evaluation and eventually transported to the Tampa trauma center where he passed away.  Sheriff Smith said he would present a full report when all information has been amassed.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Comm. Stevens said the City of Williston has extended an offer to donate a parcel of land on the old CSX railroad bed located within the city limits with a reverter clause that the land would return to the city if the county no longer had a use for the land. Comm. Stevens said another option was to purchase two (2) to three (3) parcels outside the city limits. Comm. Stevens said the City of Williston has requested the county assume responsibility for the title search and survey and they would provide in-kind assistance moving dirt and preparing the site.   Comm. Stevens said the site in Williston is located to access city utilities.

Ms. Marie Wells said the original building plans called for four (4) bays and there would need to be sufficient parking to meet the City of Williston building regulations. Comm. Rooks moved to accept the site offered from the City of Williston asking for 2 ½ acres to be set aside and for the county to pay for the title search and survey. Comm. Stevens declared a Conflict of Interest due to his employment with the City of Williston.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                    Tony Parker, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court