REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
January 7, 2003
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on January 7, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners' meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Danny Stevens
Vice Chairman Lilly Rooks
Comm. Tony Parker
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Comm. Nancy Bell
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 Mr. Justin Watson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Chairman Parker called for nominations of Chairman for the 2003 year. Comm. Rooks moved to nominate Comm. Stevens as Chairman. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty nominated Comm. Rooks as Vice-Chair. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 17, 2002 and the special meeting of December 19, 2002. Comm. Parker seconded. Mrs. Susan Haines explained a correction of the vote shown on the draft minutes of December 17, 2002 was needed to reflect Comm. Rooks, Comm. Stevens and Comm. Bell voting YES and Comm. Yearty and Chairman Parker voting NO on the road maintenance on a one (1) time basis of SW 129th Avenue, SW 78th lane and SW 80th Street in Cedar Key Heights, Section B and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. C. W. Gilbert commented on the special meeting to discuss revenue sources scheduled for January 8, 2003 was unnecessary, the wasting of taxpayer funds with the payment of a funeral bill for Mr. Willie Goff, budgeting funds to Central Florida Community Action Agency, and proposed electrical work at the Suwannee River Fair Pavilion listed on the agenda.
Mrs. Sandy Fink responded to Mr. Gilbert's comments.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Tom Liebert said he was opposed to road maintenance on a one (1) time basis on SW 129th Avenue, SW 78th Lane and SW 80th Street located in Cedar Key Heights Subdivision, Section B. Mr. Liebert explained several residents of the area did not want the present environment disturbed with widening and clearing of the road.
Comm. Rooks explained the Road Committee had reviewed the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis from residents in the area and SW 78th Lane is dedicated to the county and the intent is not to change the road but to stabilize the road base and provide for the safety and health of the public.
Mr. Scott McNulty and Mr. A. J. Brown supported the one time maintenance of the roads to allow safer access to their property.
Chairman Stevens noted no action was taken to revise the action taken on December 17, 2002 to provide maintenance on a one (1) time basis on SW 129th Avenue, SW 78th Lane and SW 80th Street.
COMMISSIONERS
Mrs. Renate Cannon advised on the proper positioning of the U. S. flag and requested correct placement of the flag.
ZONING
Ms. Debbie Myer requested reviewing the zoning allowing Rhino Outdoors to operate the shooting range and their hours of operations. Ms. Myers said it was difficult to have family gatherings on weekends without notification from the landowner of special shoots.
Chairman Stevens explained Mr. Morales had complied with all county requirements to obtain the zoning for operating Rhino Outdoors at its present location.
Mr. Jose Morales explained his compliance with the requirements for the special exception he had obtained to operate Rhino Outdoors and he is in an industrial area. Mr. Morales explained Ms. Myers purchased the property after Rhino Outdoors zoning had been approved and it would have been the realtor's responsibility to inform her of the surrounding land uses.
Chairman Stevens requested Mr. Fred Moody, Mr. Rob Corbitt, Mrs. Kathy Winburn and Mr. Mat Johnson to review the complaint and report on their findings.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Freddie Shaw commented on the cost incurred paying off the bond issue, the creation of the Transportation Disadvantage department, use of cell phones by county employees, failure to actively pursue state grants, purchase of vehicles, the retention of county roads within municipalities, and recommended being pro-active in finding ways to save revenue.
STATE AGENCIES
Mr. Edwin McCook, of the Suwannee River Water Management District, presented a $24,313.30 payment in lieu of taxes for publicly owned lands.
Mr. McCook explained there is approximately 160,000 acres owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District with 150,000 acres opened to the public in some manner. Mr. McCook said Devil's Hammock Wildlife Management Area was opened for hunting in 2002 with additional facilities to be provided for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian riding.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Fred Moody presented the following Certificate of Correction(s) of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:
Jason and Dawn Warsing, Parcel ID #03631-000-00, 2451 NE 105th Avenue, Bronson, amending from two (2) units to one (1) unit on the property.
Mr. Moody explained the property had been inspected by the Code Enforcement Officer. Comm. Bell moved to approve the correction to the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
William C. Shigham, Parcel ID #07624-018-00, Fannin Springs Annex, Block 6, Lot 49, removal of one (1) unit from property June, 2002 leaving no units on property.
Mr. Moody said the property has been inspected and the lot is vacant and recommended approving the request for 2003. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the correction to the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Moody advised the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Tommy H. and Lillian Edge was not being presented.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Moody presented a request from the Property Appraiser's Office for $4,466.26 for the last phase of the renovation project previously approved.
Mr. Moody explained additional construction will be needed in one area that has been renovated due to some structural problems.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for $4,466.26. Comm. Bell seconded. Comm. Bell inquired on the requirement for three (3) quotes. Mr. Danny Shipp explained this project was previously approved and OEC Business Interiors had previously been awarded the bid and he would not require an additional bid and the MOTION CARRIED.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
Mr. Moody explained there is one (1) employee in Soil and Water Conservation sharing space rented by USDA and additional work area is needed to meet storage and security needs. Mr. Moody said a work station can be obtained from OEC Business Interiors for $2,634.07 to meet the needs of the position. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request to purchase a work station from OEC Business Interiors for $2,634.07. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SALARY AND WAGES
Mr. Moody presented the following personnel recommendations:
Charles Bedford from Assistant Shop Superintendent/Master Mechanic at $14.09 per hour to Shop Superintendent at $15.40 per hour.
Mr. Moody said Mr. Bedford had assumed the duties of Mr. Sammy Pruitt since August 23, 2002 and will continue to perform the duties of Shop Superintendent and Master Mechanic. Comm. Parker moved to approve the salary increase and reclassification effective on the next pay period. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Moody explained verbal evaluations were being accepted until Department Heads receive proper instruction for written evaluations and the evaluations will be due on anniversary dates.
Benny Jerrels, currently Assistant Director of Landfill, Mosquito Control, Recycling, Parks & Recreation and Animal Control, promote to Director of Landfill and Recycling at current salary.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the promotion of Benny Jerrels to Director of Landfill and Recycling. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Justin Watson, currently Assistant Administrative Road Superintendent to Administrative Road Superintendent.
Kelly Jerrels, currently Road Superintendent to Road Construction Superintendent.
Mr. Moody explained the division for Administrative and Road Construction will allow for a more efficient work flow. Comm. Bell moved to approve Mr. Watson as Administrative Road Superintendent and Mr. Jerrels as Road Construction Superintendent.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Mrs. Kathy Winburn explained the U.S. 19 Corridor Overlay District and associated map series are complete and recommends proceeding to public hearing to amend the Land Development Code to include the access management regulations.
Comm. Rooks requested any action be tabled until the next regular meeting to allow her sufficient time to review the official record of the workshop held to discuss the access management regulations.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 88th Lane located in University Estates, requiring four (4) loads of rock and grading, beginning at NE 105th Avenue and ending at NE 95th Avenue for an estimated cost of $1,200.00.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NE 121st Terrace and NE 106th Street located in Oak Dale Heights, requiring two (2) loads of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $600.00.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SE 66th Street and SE 220th Avenue located in Ocala Highlands West, three (3) loads of rock and four (4) hours grading for an estimated cost of $1,168.00.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NW 84th Street located in Rustling Pines, one (1) hour grading for an estimated cost of $67.00, commencing at C341 and ending at end of the road.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement:
Sheridan E. Claude, 17071 NE 29th Place, Williston for $15,000.00 to purchase a home.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. McQueen said the environmental review for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for neighborhood revitalization has been completed and authorization for funds to be released has been granted. Mrs. McQueen explained the project is in the design phase and Invitation to Bids will be advertised in February or March of 2003.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Mrs. McQueen recommended approving the US 19 Corridor management assessment as a part of the Land Development Regulations.
LIBRARY
Mr. Tom Reitz said the state aid grant has been approved for $79,953.00. Mr. Reitz explained the budget was prepared at $87,106.00 and the difference was $7,153.00. Mr. Reitz said the materials budget will be offset.
BONDS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the resolution for reimbursement of expenditures and costs for preparation of a bond issue. Mr. Beauchamp explained the resolution would allow for certain expenditures to be reimbursed from the bond if approved and a monetary amount for the bond must be a part of the resolution.
Mr. Danny Shipp explained the resolution is necessary to have expenditure reimbursed that are now being incurred in the space analysis and additional costs that will be incurred to set up a bond issue. Mr. Shipp said the amount needs to be sufficient to meet all needs for capital improvements.
Chairman Stevens said the issue would be tabled until the next regular meeting to allow Mr. Beauchamp sufficient time to obtain clarification on the ramifications of placing a limiting amount in the resolution that does not meet capital improvement needs.
SCHOOLS
Mr. Beauchamp said a decision was needed concerning adopting an ordinance pertaining to the Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act on implementing a $3.00 surcharge on all civil traffic infractions to be designated to a driver's education program.
Mr. Shipp explained the Clerk's Office could implement the surcharge by March, 2003. Mr. Shipp said it would cost approximately $600.00 to amend the software program for the traffic citations and would allow for the depletion of the current stock of envelopes and allow for new envelopes to be printed for distribution to law enforcement agencies.
Mrs. Judy Buchanan explained the surcharge would enhance the driver's education program and was not intended to fully fund the program. Mrs. Buchanan said the School Board is committed to instituting a driver's education program and it would be feasible to commence the program for the summer.
Comm. Bell recommended requesting the School Board assist in offsetting the expenses to implement the surcharge.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve advertising for a public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance supporting the Dori Slosberg Driver's Education Safety Act. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ATTORNEY, COUNTY AND STATE
Mr. Beauchamp requested agenda item for the Shiloh Cemetery Property be tabled until further notice.
TAX ROLL
Mr. Beauchamp said the proposed ordinances for the master service assessment have been received from the consulting firm and public hearings need to be held approximately by March 1, 2003. Mr. Beauchamp explained additional clarification has been requested from the consultant as a result of the correspondence received.
FESTIVALS
Comm. Yearty explained the Suwannee River Fair Association is expanding its facility and has requested assistance for the county to supply an electrician and laborer to perform some electrical work. Comm. Yearty moved to approve an electrician and laborer to assist in electrical work for two (2) days at the Suwannee River Fair Association. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Comm. Bell recommended Department Heads review their budgets for the fiscal year and encouraged researching avenues to reduce expenditures.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Moody requested authorization to discuss the qualifications for the Emergency Medical Services Director that was previously tabled at the December 17, 2002 meeting. Comm. Rooks moved to discuss a non-agenda item. Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Bell said the issue should be on the agenda to allow for public input on the proposed qualifications. There was no further action taken.
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Stevens called the workshop to order to discuss water and water treatment systems.
Mr. Troy Hamberger presented a power point presentation on waste water treatment systems and how they are operated. Mr. Hamberger explained the various types of systems that can be used including their impact on the environment and the maintenance requirements for the most efficient operation of a waste water system.
Mr. Barney Cannon, Mrs. Renate Cannon, Mr. Walt McJordan, Mrs. Annette Long and Mrs. Sandy Fink commented concerning the impact of a waste water treatment system being proposed for Cedar Key Plantation, types of systems and their maintenance requirements and the responsibility of the developer.
Mrs. Sue Colson said the impact of a waste water treatment system on the aquaculture in Cedar Key is a major concern for the industry and proper management and monitoring of a waste water treatment system is extremely important.
Chairman Stevens accepted Mrs. Colson's offer of a workshop to review the clamming industry and its economic impact.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Chairman Stevens called the regular meeting to order to proceed with interviews of the applicants for Veteran's Service Officer.
Mr. Luther Davis said he is medically retired from a law enforcement career in the State of California and is currently teaching a Criminal Justice course for the Levy County School Board. Mr. Davis said he is bilingual, retired military and has worked in designing and implementing programs within the corrections system.
Mr. George Hermansen explained he is a Vietnam Veteran and is actively involved with the Marine Corp League, Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW), POW/MIA, American Legion and the DAV. Mr. Hermansen said he is an associate member and is involved with sponsoring a bass tournament for paralyzed veterans, chairs the TOYS FOR TOTS in Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties and has been a service officer for the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corp. League and assisted with the distribution of commodities.
Mr. Hermansen said he was a debit insurance salesman and assisted families filing claims and also was an instructor for new agents. Mr. Hermansen explained he has assisted veterans seeking benefits completing claims forms.
Comm. Bell moved to extend an offer of employment to Mr. George Hermansen for the Veteran's Service Officer position. Comm. Yearty seconded. Chairman Stevens called for a roll call with Comm. Rooks, Comm. Parker, Chairman Stevens, Comm. Bell and Comm. Yearty voting YES and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Hermansen said he would accept the position and thanked the Board for their trust. Mr. Hermansen advised he would be able to commence employment at the will of the Board.
Chairman Stevens requested the paperwork be processed for Mr. Hermansen to begin employment as the Veteran's Service Officer on January 8, 2003.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Danny Stevens, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court