REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
March 4, 2003
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on March 4, 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.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Parker moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Parker moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 18, 2003. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Ms. Heather Alexander opened the following bids for a bucket truck to be used by the Road and Bridge Department.
Telect Southeast $89,578.00
2004 GMC Chassis
Options -
2004 Ford F750XL - $2,490.00
Altec Industries, Inc. $89,955.00
2003 Chevrolet, C7500
Options -
International in lieu of Chevrolet +$3,391.00
Ford in lieu of Chevrolet +$5,703.00
Chairman Stevens requested Comm. Parker, Mr. Fred Moody, Mr. Kelly Jerrels to review the bid specifications and to report on their findings.
COMMISSIONERS
Mrs. Sherry DuPree, representing the Rosewood Heritage Foundation, explained they are proposing constructing a resort in the Rosewood area to provide a facility that will allow people to learn the history of the Rosewood story, black history as well as Florida history. Mrs. DuPree said the project is planning to construct a replica area, have a store, library, picnic area and track area with the project being completed on a schedule of two (2) to four (4) years. Mrs. DuPree explained there have been several sites inspected and the foundation plans to purchase the land and then apply for grants to construct the project. Mrs. DuPree said the Foundation and the Rosewood Forum were requesting vocal support of the proposed project.
Mrs. Mary Golding explained support was needed for the project.
Comm. Parker moved to support the concept of the proposed project for the Rosewood area. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona explained the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council Overall Economic Development Plan (OEDP) has been prepared and the list has been updated for forwarding to the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council. Mr. Cardona said the projects are included in the Public Works Section of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and the projects are intended to help communities achieve sustainable economic growth by developing and expanding new and existing public works and other infrastructure facilities. Mr. Cardona explained this does not commit funding but it will expedite a request for funding. Mr. Cardona said authorization is needed to allow him to submit the list for inclusion in the 2003 plan.
Comm. Rooks explained a group is proposing the creation of a Cedar Key Gulf Trail for a walking and bike trail using the right of way from the Number 4 bridge into the City of Cedar Key. Comm. Rooks said a request has been made for written support of the project. Comm. Rooks moved to provide written support of the project and to include the project in the Overall Economic Development Plan (OEDP) and place it on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Five (5) Year Work Plan. Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Rooks explained the City of Cedar Key has taken action to support the project. Comm. Rooks said the Department of Transportation is reviewing the possibility of including this project with the pending SR 24 project and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cardona said the project could be included, though projects submitted by the county usually were not being pursued by a municipality. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the submission of a written letter to Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council with the proposed items, including the Cedar Key Gulf Trail. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
JAIL
Mr. Fred Moody said he is still reviewing the inmate medical coverage proposal received from Hunt Insurance. Mr. Moody explained Gilchrist County has the inmate health insurance coverage but their jail population is lower and they receive a lower monthly premium. Mr. Moody said contact had been made with Lancaster Correctional Institution and they have a clinic used only for their inmates and also a contract with Shands for emergency situations. Mr. Moody said he will continue to review available options.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Moody said a review of the minutes clarified the purchase of the rescue unit was approved and the purchase price was not $94,000.00 as that bid was not accepted and the purchase was piggy-backed with Escambia County. Mr. Moody said the approval allowed for the purchase of the Horton rescue unit based on the durability and life expectancy of the box for placement on a chassis.
AGENCIES
Dr. Dawn Miller explained the Friends and Volunteers of Refuges (FAVOR) in cooperation with the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges are asking for written support to construct a visitor contact center. Dr. Miller said this project would be important to the eco-tourism of the county and there are federal funds available to finance the construction of a visitor center.
Comm. Rooks moved to submit a letter of support and resolution for the project. Comm. Bell seconded.
Mr. Cardona said the local agencies supporting tourism have submitted letters of support.
Mr. Michael Mitchell, Lower Suwannee Refuge, said the design will allow for a visitor contact station, new office space and a meeting room. Mr. Mitchell explained the US Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to fund the difference to complete the project and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson presented the following request(s) for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 108th Terrace & NE 55th Street located in Black Jack Ridge requiring two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $134.00.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NW 70th Avenue located in US 19 Number 1 Addition for six (6) loads of rock and two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $1,934.00, beginning at NW 13th Lane and ending at NW 138th Place.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Kelly Jerrels reported the committee had reviewed the bids received for the bucket truck and recommended accepting the bid form Altech for $89,955.00. Mr. Jerrels explained the bid met all required specifications and the Road Department has had a favorable service experience with Altech. Comm. Parker moved to accept the bid from Altech for $89,955.00. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Ms. Alexander reported the Chairman Stevens that there have been no other fire contracts received.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petition for a Hardship Variance:
Petition No. Ha. Va. - 1-03 - Mrs. Agnes Armantine Wilson, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order for her daughter, Leca Robinson, to care for her on a parcel of land located in Florian Heights, Unit 3, Lot 3, in Section 31, Township 12 South, Range 17 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 4.78 acres more or less and is located within a Rural Residential "RR" area, the 911 address is 4591 NE 132nd Court.
Mr. Corbitt explained there had been a previous Hardship Variance granted August 22, 1989 to allow Mrs. Wilson to care for her mother, Lecy M. Keller who is now deceased and Mrs. Wilson has provided documentation to support her need for the hardship variance.
Chairman Stevens called for opposition to the petition and none was presented. Comm. Parker moved to approve the hardship variance for Mrs. Agnes Armantine Wilson. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Mr. Corbitt said there have been several applications for barrow pits and it appears the mining ordinance needs to be reviewed to designate a difference in barrow pits and quarries. Chairman Stevens requested Mr. Corbitt and Mrs. Kathy Winburn review the ordinance and submit a proposed draft. Mr. Beauchamp explained a public hearing would need to be held to amend the ordinance.
Mr. Corbitt explained there have been public requests to amend the Lineal Heir Homestead Density Exception Ordinance that allows the division of land to lineal heirs and protect an agricultural operation. Comm. Parker moved to authorize staff to prepare a proposed draft for amending the ordinance and to schedule a public hearing for April 8, 2003. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Winburn explained, in response to Mrs. Renate Cannon's inquiry, the amendment would be to the Land Development Regulations and would not be reviewed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Mr. Beauchamp explained, in response to Mrs. Sandy Fink, the proposed changes would not allow for cluster development.
Mr. Corbitt said there were recommendations for section line dedications that would be included in the proposed draft revision.
MAPS AND PLATS
Mr. Richard Kitwoski explained the deed restrictions for King Ranchettes in Morriston do not allow for mobile homes and have a minimum square footage requirement. Mr. Kitwoski said a parcel has been purchased and a mobile home has been installed on the property in non-compliance of the deed restrictions and is requesting assistance in enforcing the deed restrictions.
Mr. Beauchamp explained the property owners need to seek recourse through a civil action and recommended they secure legal counsel.
Comm. Parker requested Mrs. Winburn review land use regulations and report on any land use classifications that could be applied for conventional dwellings only in an area.
Comm. Rooks recommended the property owners consider forming a Homeowner's Association.
Mrs. Renate Cannon recommended requiring deed restrictions be tied to the issuance of a permit.
Mrs. Sandy Fink said growth is a issue and there may be a need for establishing residential zones for conventional homes and modular homes including the consideration of impact fees to supply all the services needed.
TAX ROLL
Mrs. Susan Haines presented the "Escheated Properties" that have been deeded to the county on February 25, 2003 after remaining on the List of Lands for seven (7) years. Mrs. Haines explained the properties would be included in the public auction of Escheated Lands proposed for May, 2003.
SHIP
Mr. Danny Shipp presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements for consideration:
Kathleen McCabe, Lot 8, Block 8, Town of Williston, Plat Book 1, page 1, Levy County, Florida for $9,500.00 to purchase a home.
Aaron L. Bostick, Williston, Levy County, Florida for $6,200.00 to purchase a home.
Penny McMullen, Lot 2 and 3, Block 5, of G. W Willis Addition, Williston, Levy County, Florida for $9,500.00 to purchase a home.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreements for Kathleen McCabe, Aaron L. Bostick and Penny McMullen. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Shipp presented a subordination agreement for Roderick R. Hiers and Tonya R. Hiers to allow them to refinance their home from a 30 year mortgage to a 15 year mortgage and reduce their interest rate. Mr. Shipp said the request meets the subordination policy requirements. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the subordination agreement. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mr. Shipp presented a non-agenda item pertaining to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Comm. Yearty moved to discuss the non-agenda item. Comm. Parker seconded. Comm. Rooks, Comm. Parker, Chairman Stevens and Comm. Yearty voted YES, Comm. Bell voted NO and the MOTION FAILED.
Mr. Shipp requested the item be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of March 18, 2003.
ATTORNEY, COUNTY AND STATE
Mr. Beauchamp said he will be submitting a draft of the proposed ordinance for the Emergency Medical Services assessments to bring it into compliance as a result of the recent Supreme Court ruling.
Mr. Beauchamp explained the Law Firm of Nabors, Gilbin & Nickerson is preparing a proposal for reviewing and updating the special assessments for fire and road maintenance. Mr. Beauchamp said he will have the proposal prepared for the next regular meeting.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Comm. Rooks requested the agenda items for the proposed interlocal agreement with the Citrus Levy Marion Workforce Consortium and the proposed Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement to Establish the Citrus Levy Marion Regional Workforce Development Board be tabled until the next regular meeting to allow them to be reviewed by the attorney, Mr. Beauchamp.
GRANTS
Chairman Stevens inquired if the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the paving project in Pinehurst is proceeding on schedule. Mr. Shipp said it is currently in the engineering stage and is on schedule.
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Stevens said the interviews for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 beginning at 9:00 a.m..
Chairman Stevens requested if any commissioner who wanted to personally contribute to the purchase of a steer or hog from the Suwannee River Livestock Fair to contact Mr. Moody and he would be in attendance to make the purchase.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Danny Stevens, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court