REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 5, 2003
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 5, 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. Bell moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 22, 2002 and the special budget workshop of July 22, 2003. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LEGISLATIVE
Comm. Rooks presented Representative Will Kendrick a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Small County Coalition for his representative of the small counties.
Mr. Kendrick explained the recent legislative changes and cost shifts and the additional burden being placed on the small counties.
Mr. Kendrick commended Comm. Rooks on her representation of the small counties on the Board of Directors for the Small County Coalition.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Billy Carrecia said a non-transport fee of $35.00 is being recommended for approval. Mr. Carrecia explained the fee would be for calls to 911 and the patient refuses to be transported. Mr. Carrecia said the decision to charge the fee for a call would not be decided by the attendants but by trained staff with established guidelines.
Mr. Carrecia said a non-transport fee would not be charged for someone who came into a station and was not transported and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, STATE
Mr. Joel Glenn presented the Florida Department of Transportation Adopted Five (5) Year Work Program for review.
Mr. Glenn said the project priority list must be submitted no later than October 1, 2003 and appreciated the effort of an earlier submission of the project priority list.
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Stevens called for Mr. Tommy Langford, Gilchrist County Commissioner and no one appeared.
AGENCIES
Mr. Hugh Thomas, Environmental Specialist III, with the Office of Agricultural Water Policy said the Suwannee River Partnership for the Suwannee River Basin is wanting to partnership with local, state and federal organizations and interest groups for the protection of the Suwannee River Basin including the Santa Fe River Basin.
Mr. Thomas explained this a voluntary partnership and not a regulatory program with participation from dairy and poultry farms and row crop farming for irrigation water management and corporations such as Gold Kist, Southeast Milk Producers and the water management districts.
Mr. Thomas presented a video presentation on the partnership with the aims and goals of strengthening agriculture and improve the water quality in the Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basins.
Mr. Beauchamp said the resolution presented was not scheduled for official action.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petitions:
Petition No. PP 1-03 – Croft Land Surveying representing Dolores Joyner, petitioning the Board for Preliminary Plat of “White Estates,” a subdivision located in the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 8, Township 12 South, Range 18 East, Levy County, less and except the East 40 feet thereof for Levy County Road C-241 right-of-way. Said parcel contains 40 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR” zone. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Chairman Stevens called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Parker moved to approve the preliminary plat for “White Estates.” Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. PP 2-03 – Parrish Land Surveying representing D. J. Daube, petitioning the Board for a Preliminary Plat of “Cedars of Fannin,” a subdivision located in a portion of the parent parcel, 00474-000-00, being 27.46 acres in the East 1/2of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and eight (8) acres in the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 in Section 27, Township 10 South, Range 14 East, containing three (3) acres more or less. This parcel is located within a Medium Density Residential “MDR” zoning. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Chairman Stevens called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Bell moved to approve the preliminary plat for “Cedars of Fannin.” Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. FP 3-03 – Steve McMillen representing Wade bullock, petitioning the Board for a Final Plat of “Camellia Plantation,” a subdivision located in the East ½ of the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4, lying and situated South of State Road No. 500 and the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 less and except the West ½ of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 1, Township 13 South, Range 18 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 41.14 acres less right-of-way. This parcel is located within a Medium Density Residential “MDR” zoning.
Chairman Stevens called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the final plat for “Camellia Plantation.” Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition NO. FP 4-03 – Roger Crossman, petitioning the Board for a Final Plat of the “Replat of Peaceful Acres - Tract A,” a subdivision located in Section 34, Township 16 South, Range 17 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains eight (8) acres more or less and is located within a Rural Residential “RR” zone. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Chairman Stevens called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the final plat for “Replat of Peaceful Acres - Tract A.” Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. SE 4-03 – Beryl Bayer, petitioning the Board for a Special exception to allow for a Bed and Breakfast, on a parcel of land located in Steeplechase Farms, Lot 11, Block D, in Section 35, Township 13 South, Range 17 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains five (5) acres more or less. This parcel is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR’ zone. The current street address is 11751 S. E. 16th Lane. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Mr. Corbitt explained there had been opposition presented at the Planning Commission meeting to the proposed special exception request.
Mr. Francis Akins said the property would loss the homestead exemption for that portion of the residence used for commercial purposes. Comm Bell moved to approve the Special Exception to allow a Bed and Breakfast. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
- 1. A “Special Event Permit” shall be obtained prior to special events or competitions open to the public, in order to provide first responders, fire, police, Ems, with notice.
- 2. Permits, approvals or documented exemptions from all affected state agencies shall be provided to the Development Department at the time of the application for building permits. Among these are: Department of Health or DEP for wastewater and potable water; Suwannee River Water Management District for water use permit and storm water or surface water management permit; and the Division of Hotels and Restaurants for transient lodging licensing requirements.
- 3. All improvements and construction shall be completed prior to December 31, 2006, unless the owner/applicant or his assigns request and receive an extension from the Board of County Commissioners.
Petition No. SE-A 2-03 – Alan Aulson, Shell Rock Realty Trust, petitioning the Board for an Amendment to Special Exception No. 5-02 to allow for a “Bed and Breakfast” type club house, three 93) temporary RV sites to accommodate guests, event office, site constructed remote restrooms, five 95) barns with provisions for temporary living and two or more “run-in” shelters, on a parcel of land located in that part of the East ½ of the SW 1/4 and the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 27, Township 13 south, Range 17 East, in Levy County. Lying west of the west right-of-way line of Levy County Road C-337. Said parcel contains 90 acres more or less. This parcel is located within an Forestry/Rural Residential “F/RR” zone. The Planning Commission recommends approval with the following conditions:
Mr. Corbitt said no opposition had been presented. Comm. Bell moved to approve the petition for an amendment to the Special Exception with the recommended conditions. Comm. Parker seconded.
Mrs. Brenda Giles said the development of the Aulson property has been an economic benefit to the surrounding residents and the county and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. DeWayne Yates, Trenton Medical Center, said the request for a Letter of Support from the Trenton Medical Center, Inc. is for an expansion of the pediatric session. Mr. Yates explained the letter of support will assist in securing federal grant funds for the project.
Comm. Yearty said there was a concern on the affect to funding in Levy County if the Letter of Support was provided and there is no objection to the project from the Levy County Health Department or Chiefland Medical Center. Comm. Yearty moved to provide a Letter of Support to the Trenton Medical Center, Inc. for the pediatric expansion project. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the following proposed ordinances at public hearing:
An Ordinance providing for regulation of the type of on-site sewage disposal systems in the coastal zones of Levy County, Florida; providing for aerobic treatment systems; providing for requirement that any failed on-site sewage disposal system be replaced with an aerobic treatment system; providing for date regulation becomes effective; providing for effective date of ordinance.
Mr. Beauchamp explained the proposed ordinance would allow for residential development and protect the clamming and shellfish industry.
Mrs. Sue Colson, Chairman of the Cedar key Aquaculture Association explained they were requesting the systems to be rated as Advanced Secondary Treatment Standards with a BDL for 100 ml and not as an aerobic treatment unit. Mrs. Colson said the developer of Cedar Key Plantation, Mr. Rick Thompson, was in agreement and this type of system provide a high standard that will protect the aquaculture industry.
Mr. Rick Thompson said this is a solution and provides higher standards for the coastal area.
Mr. Stewart Cullen, Cullen and Brown, explained the performance of an Advanced Secondary Treatment Standard and this proposal meets the requirements and needs of the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the shellfish industry and the clamming industry and allows for the property owners in Cedar Key Plantation to utilize their property.
Mr. Beauchamp said the proposed ordinance was written for an aerobic treatment system and the draft needs to be revised. Comm. Rooks moved to delay action until the next regular meeting. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Beauchamp said the public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 7:30 p.m..
Ms. Heather Encinosa of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., presented the proposed ordinance for:
An ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of Levy County, Florida, relating to the imposition of the Communications Services Tax authorized by Chapter 202, Florida Statutes; adopting a Local Communications Services Tax Rate for the unincorporated area of Levy County, Florida; electing not to require and collect permit fees from providers of communications services; electing to adopt an additional Local Communications Service Tax rate in lieu of imposing permit fees; providing that the County Coordinator shall be the county’s authorized designee through written notice to the Florida Department of Revenue; providing for severability and providing an effective date.
Ms. Encinosa explained a maximum of 1.84 percent was allowed and it would require the ordinance be adopted prior to September 1st with an effective date of January 1.
Comm. Rooks said the telephone companies have been collecting the communications service tax from telephone bills within municipalities and in the unincorporated areas, including cell phones and without an adopted ordinance the county is unable to recoup the funds from the Department of Revenue (DOR).
Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the ordinance for the Communications Services Tax. Comm. Rooks seconded.
Chairman Stevens explained the tax is being applied to the current bills and the county is unable to recoup any of this revenue with an ordinance adopted. Chairman Stevens said if permit fees were assessed against communication companies they would incorporate that cost into their charges and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Linda Fugate said access should be obtained to the data base to allow for the collection of the communication tax from the physical address and not by zip code.
Ms. Encinosa presented the proposed ordinance for:
An ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of Levy ?County, Florida; relating to provision of Emergency Medical Services, facilities and programs in Levy County, Florida and the imposition, apportionment and collection of an EMS Tax Assessment; authorizing the imposition and collection of EMS Tax Assessments against property; providing certain definitions including a definition for the term “EMS Tax Assessment”; establishing a procedure for imposing EMS Tax Assessments; providing for the use of EMS Tax Assessment proceeds; providing that EMS Tax Assessments constitute a lien on benefitted property upon adoption of EMS Tax Assessment Roll; providing that the lien for an EMS Tax Assessment collected pursuant to Sections 197.3632 and 197.3635, Florida Statutes, upon perfection shall attach to the property on the prior January 1, the lien date for ad valorem taxes; providing that a perfected lien shall be equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, county, district or municipal taxes and assessments and superior in dignity to all other prior liens, mortgages, titles and claims; imposing interim tax assessments; providing a procedure for collection of EMS Tax Assessments and an alternative collection procedure; providing a mechanism for the imposition of assessments on government property; repealing levy County Ordinances Nos. 86-5 and 90-4 and ratifying all assessments imposed by the county to fund Emergency Medical Services prior to April 16, 2002; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
Ms. Encinosa explained the proposed ordinance is to allow the continued collection of the Emergency Medical Service fees that were previously collected as a special assessment. Ms. Encinosa said this ordinance allows for the tax assessment and collections and allows for the rates to be set by resolution. Ms. Encinosa explained this will not increase the current assessment it allows for the continued collection of the tax. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the ordinance for the EMS Tax Assessments. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Ron Grant requested clarification on the uncollected fees for emergency medical transport and the hiring of an employee to process billings.
Mr. Moody said the position was not advertised specifically for a billing clerk.
ORDINANCES
Ms. Encinosa explained the master ordinance needs to have the methodology for the assessing and collection of assessments updated to allow for the implementation of an assessment or the increase of an assessment without having to recreate an ordinance each time.
Ms. Encinosa said the most common assessments are for roads, capital improvement projects or impact fees for new properties. Ms. Encinosa said the assessments are designated for specific uses and possibly specific time periods. Comm. Yearty moved to contract with the firm of Nabors, Giblin and Nickerson to review and amend the current master ordinance to meet current requirements and methodology for implementing assessments. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMISSIONERS
Ms. Encinosa explained impact fees are charges imposed against new development to fund capital facilities and imposes the cost on new comers rather than the general public to fund the cost of new facilities resulting from their arrival. Ms. Encinosa said a reasonable connection must be demonstrated between the need for additional capital facilities and a reasonable connection between the expenditure of fee proceeds and the benefits accruing to the growth from the fee. Ms. Encinosa said roadway construction, park expansions, public safety, jail and detention center facilities and libraries are some of the capital improvements that may be funded from the use of an impact fee. Ms. Encinosa explained the fees must only be used to fund the capital facilities and not for the operation and maintenance and not exceed the cost of the facilities and expended within a reasonable time period.
Ms. Encinosa explained impact fees may not be used to pledge for bond issues, however, the fees may be used to reduce the debt service and release sales tax funds elsewhere, if those were used to secure the bond issue.
Chairman Stevens requested Mr. Shipp to review the major expenditures impacting the General Fund budget for review in considering the implementation of impact fees to reduce the severe impact on the budget and present it at the next regular meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Ivan Chubb extended and invitation to attend the service on August 10th 2003 being sponsored by the American Legion for veterans.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Katherine Manuel said NE 115th Avenue located in Oak Ridge Estates is heavily traveled and requests the road be considered for paving and to have a speed limit enforcement with children at play signs installed.
Chairman Stevens explained there is a shortfall in the budget and numerous roads not in the maintenance system have been receiving maintenance on a one (1) time basis as a courtesy.
Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Justin Watson to inspect the request and to report on his findings at the next regular meeting.
Comm. Parker said safety is a concern and this area has one of the highest incident rates for requesting emergency assistance.
LANDFILLS
Mr. Jack Hill recommended investigating how Orange County obtains funds for keeping road sides clean.
Mrs. Jacqueline Gilreath said consideration could be given to combining the landfill assessment with a garbage assessment.
COMMISSIONERS
Ms. Lynn Slaughter requested to be removed from the agenda.
Mr. C. W. Gilbert requested to delay his agenda item to the next regular meeting.
Mr. Thomas Harper presented a request to provide “reprocessing” services to the county to review current operations and explore cost reduction, quality improvement and lower operating costs. Mr. Harper explained how his operation was handled his fee would be a percentage based on the resulting savings.
Comm. Parker explained the service provided by Mr. Harper could result in significant savings by establishing a efficient process in the departments.
Comm. Bell said a study would be profitable for the county by providing for a review of personnel, efficiency and services.
Comm. Parker said Mr. Harper would be a consultant and recommended using the Road Department for the initial assessment and there would not be a cost to the county until a savings was realized.
Chairman Stevens said the Department Heads and the County Coordinator should be operating and supervising their Departments for efficiency and services.
Comm. Parker moved to contract with Mr. Harper for his consulting services on a trial basis. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
JAIL
Mr. Bill Rutherford said the design of the jail and administrative space has been completed and a proposed distribution schedule for funds has been prepared. Mr. Rutherford said a selection of a construction manager needs to be selected.
Comm. Yearty explained Sheriff Smith and his staff have assessed the needs and the has considered all of the costs for the construction. Comm. Yearty said he had inspected several jail facilities around the state where Peter Brown was the contractor.
Mr. John Stewart, Peter Brown Construction, explained the would utilize local qualified contractors.
Comm. Yearty moved to authorize Mr. Rutherford to proceed with contracting with Peter Brown Construction as construction manager of the jail construction project. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Moody said Mr. Ed Smith, City Manager of Chiefland has requested their item on the agenda be tabled.
UNION
Mr. Moody said currently there is a retainer with Allen, Norton and Blue for collective bargaining representation. Mr. Moody explained the Florida Public Employers Association only provides recommendations to government entities.
Comm. Yearty explained they recommended going into Executive Session to discuss the union contract and present them with the concerns to be addressed in negotiations. Comm. Yearty moved to contract with Allen, Norton and Blue for collective bargaining representation for the union contract for the Local #630. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Mr. Moody said the swimming parks will close on September 1, 2003 and recommended reviewing user fees for the Parks and Recreation areas prior to their reopening.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Mr. Moody said fees for Animal Control are being reviewed and a recommendation may be available by the next meeting.
EMPLOYEES, COUNTY
Mr. Moody said a survey has been completed concerning a proposed ten (10) hour work day and it resulted in approximately 50 percent for the proposal and 50 percent of the employees wanting to retain the eight (8) hour work day. Comm. Yearty moved to delay action on the proposal until October 1, 2003. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Mr. Moody explained AFLAC has administered the “cafeteria plan” for pretax deductions for insurance since 1993 and the committee reviewed a request to change administrators and are recommending to retain AFLAC as the current plan administrator and request proposals prior to open enrollment next year. Comm. Bell moved to continue with AFLAC as the administrator of the “cafeteria plan.” Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SALARY AND WAGES
Mr. Moody presented a personal recommendation for the following:
George Hermansen, Veteran’s Service Officer, successful completion of six (6) month probationary period, for an increase in salary to $23,500.00.
Comm. Yearty moved to improve the increase in salary by $1,000.00. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin said the City of Williston has requested a joint workshop. Comm. Rooks said two (2) weeks advertising needs to be provided.
Mr. Moody said he would advise the city of the recommended dates and that they are to advertise the meeting.
AGENCIES
Mrs. Martin said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning County has recommended the following appointments to the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board:
Connie Coffman - Florida Department of Transportation, alternate member.
Tom Porter - Florida Department of Children & Families, alternate member.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the appointment of Connie Coffman and Tom Porter. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY FIRE DIRECTOR
Mr. Rick Lombardo said some of the volunteer fire fighters have been training for approximately one and a half (1 ½ ) years as a Hazardous Emergency Response Team (HERT) and has assisted in responding to numerous incident with hazardous materials including Anthrax and methamphetamine labs. Mr. Lombardo requested they be recognized as an entity within the county fire system.
Mr. Lombardo explained there were funds within the fire budget for approximately $4,748.00 and would like to use those funds to purchase equipment for the Hazardous Emergency Response Team. Mr. Lombardo said the Fire Advisory Board did not present an objection to this request. Mr. Lombardo explained the City of Williston and the City of Fanning Springs chose not to participate in HERT and do not participate on the Fire Advisory Board. Mr. Lombardo said the fire departments do cooperate and respond when requested.
Comm. Rooks said there is a concern with disbursing the funds without a full agreement from all members of the Fire Advisory Board.
Mr. Lombardo said the funds have been in the budget since 1996 and the Town of Otter Creek originally designated for the funds were not eligible to receive these funds during that time period.
Comm. Parker moved to officially recognize the Hazardous Emergency Response Team (HERT). Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks recommended identifying the team and bringing a decision from the Fire Advisory Board on disbursing the funds to the Hazardous Emergency Response Team.
Comm. Parker said a report on the non-participation by the City of Williston and the City of Fanning Springs needs to be presented with the decision of the Fire Advisory Board.
Comm. Yearty explained long range planning is needed for the fire departments with the implementation of by-laws, rules and regulations and reviewing the methodology on the disbursement of funds.
Mr. Lombardo provided a roster of the “HERT” members consisting of Rick Lombardo, Wendy Maugh, Lynn Watson, John McDonald, Jerry Horton, Jeff Demaggio, Bob Duncan, Jason Worthington and Dennis Russell.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Rob Corbitt advised the discussion on the Levy County Five (5) Year Work Plan would be discussed at a later meeting.
Mr. Corbitt explained Mr. Justin Watson was requesting authorization to proceed with the invitations to bid for materials and supplies for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Mr. Corbitt said previously the Road and Bridge Department has contracted with Jenkins Painting for road striping up to $10,000.00 and with the implementation of the Bid Policy clarification is needed if a contract price can be obtained or is each project to be submitted for bid.
Comm. Bell said bids need to be obtained for road striping. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the Invitation to Bids be submitted for materials and supplies for the Road Department. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Corbitt said action needs to be taken to place CR 341 on the Five (5) Year Work Plan for resurfacing. Comm. Bell moved to approve CR 341 for resurfacing. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mr. Benny Jerrels presented the Small County Solid Waste Grant for $117,647.00. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the grant application for the Small County Solid Waste Grant with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD
Mr. Danny Shipp explained the bond issue has been completed and funds were secured to complete the security renovations for the court house and requested authorization to proceed with the original plan for a single entrance to secure the court house. Comm. Yearty moved to approve proceeding with the completion of the original plans for increase court house security. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Shipp said $150,000.00 had been secured for completion of the project.
Mr. Shipp requested two (2) budget workshops. Chairman Stevens advised the workshops need to be advertised for Tuesday, August 19, 2003 and Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 10:00 a.m..
SHIP
Mr. Shipp presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:
Kimberly Rose, Libby Heights, Lot, 40, 430 Virginia Street, Bronson for $9,500.00.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Erin and Josh Hansen, G. W. Willis Addition, Block 1, Lots 1 and 2, 306 S. E. 4th Street, Williston for $15,000.00.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Ron Grant inquired if the hiring freeze was still in effect and if Mr. Shipp’s hiring of an employee was a part of this freeze.
Mr. Shipp explained he was a constitutional officer with a separate budget and the employee had been hired prior to hiring freeze being instituted for employee’s under the aegis of the Board of County Commissioners.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp presented the mediation agreements submitted by the Court Administration for court ordered mediation that were tabled at the last meeting. Mr. Beauchamp said these are part of the family mediation program established by the Chief Judge. Comm. Parker moved to approve the mediation contracts presented by Court Administration. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Comm. Bell presented a break down of the current cost of the group hospitalization insurance and the increase for 2003-2004 fiscal year. Comm. Bell explained costs have increased for employees and family coverages and recommended reducing the current contributions.
Comm. Parker recommended pursuing other avenues to reduce expenditures prior to adjusting the contribution to the employees insurance.
Comm. Bell moved to continue paying for the employees health insurance only and make no contribution for family, children or spouse’s coverage. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.
Mr. Moody explained there had been serious problems with securing group health insurance and when the contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield was entered into there were no other companies that would provide quotes. Mr. Moody said loss ratio was high and the current contract will allow for a review of the loss ratio and charges assessed when the three (3) year contract renews.
Chairman Stevens said a review of the current contribution will be reviewed at the budget workshop to determine if any increase in the contribution will be made or if it will remain at the current contribution level.
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Stevens recommended reviewing the current agenda on scheduling and considering setting set times for public hearings and allow other items be handled as they are called. Chairman Stevens said continuing night meetings needs to be reviewed.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Danny Stevens, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court