REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
September 2, 2003
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 2, 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. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Bell moved to approve the minutes of the budget workshop of August 19, 2003, the emergency meeting of August 25, 2003 and the workshop with the City of Williston on August 25, 2003. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the following bids for supplies and materials for the Road and Bridge Department:
Guard rails -
No bids received.
Sod -
J & N Sod Farms, Inc.
DEC Sod
Miscellaneous Supplies -
Resource One, Inc.
Safety Items -
Safety Zone Specialists
Municipal Supply & Sign Company
Direct Safety Company
Universal Sign & Accessories
Safety.com
Sign Materials -
Osbourne Associates, Inc.
Municipal Supply & Sign Company
3M company
Rocal, Inc.
Striping -
Jenkins Painting, Inc.
Universal Signs & Accessories
Colmix & Asphalt -
Central Materials Company
John C. Hipp Equipment Construction Company
Anderson-Columbia Company, Inc.
V. E. Whitehurst & Sons, Inc.
Tony Long Enterprises
Culvert Pipes -
Southern Culvert
Gulf Atlantic Culvert
Metal Culverts, Inc.
Emulsion (Tar) -
Blackledge Emulsions, Inc.
Port-a-Potties -
Jones Plumbing
Motor Oil & Lubricants -
United Fuels
Tri-County Oil Distributors
Rozier’s Oil Company
Lewis Oil Company, Inc.
Chairman Stevens appointed a committee of Comm. Parker, Mr. Fred Moody and Road Department personnel to review the bids and present their findings at the next regular meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
Comm. Rooks explained Mrs. Renate Cannon had requested to be removed from the agenda.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Mr. Ed Piper, Wildlife Rescue of Levy County, Inc., explained they had acquired several large stainless steel cages and were requesting authorization to donate three (3) of the cages to Animal Control. Mr. Piper said the value of the cages was approximately $13,000.00.
Chairman Stevens tanked Mr. Piper for his donation and said they would be well used.
LANDFILLS
Mr. Benny Jerrels requested approval to extend the leachate hauling contract with Dean Trucking for one (1) year without bidding. Mr. Jerrels said this had been discussed with Mr. Dean and he was in agreement. Comm. Yearty moved to extend the leachate hauling contract with Dean Trucking for one (1) year. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Jerrels requested the waste tire contract with Florida Tire Recycling be renewed. Mr. Jerrels explained there are no other vendors available to provide this service. Comm. Yearty moved to renew the waste tire contract with Florida Tire Recyling. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
Mrs. Martin said the Levy County Genealogy Society is requesting authorization to have space provided to allow two (2) to three (3) volunteers to scan photographs for two (2) mornings and (2) afternoons in September and October.
Mr. Danny Shipp said there is on going construction in the lobby at this time. Comm. Yearty moved to provide space for the Genealogy Society to scan photos in the lobby or other space. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DISTRICTS
Mrs. Martin presented the agreement with the Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Comm. Bell moved to approve the agreement with Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mrs. Paula Kennedy presented the Emergency Relief Funding agreement for approval. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Kennedy requested authorization to purchase a new copying machine for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) using funds within their state budget. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the purchase of a copying machine. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Mrs. Kennedy presented resolutions 3-27 and 3-27A for ratification on the Local State of Emergency Declarations. Comm. Rooks moved to ratify the resolutions for the on going state of emergency. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Kennedy presented resolution 3-27B for ratification on the continued Local State of Emergency Declarations. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the resolution. Comm. Parker seconded and MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY FIRE DIRECTOR
Mr. Rick Lombardo said a further review of operating HazMat team was held and it was decided to request assistance from Ocala or Gainesville in emergency situations. Mr. Lombardo requested the transfer of $4,748.00 to the Fire Director’s administration budget to provide for training to all fire departments and the purchase of books for the state mandated 160 hour course. Comm. Parker moved to approve the transfer of funds. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Parker clarified the position’s official title is County Fire Director by previous action of the Board.
LIBRARY
Mr. Tom Reitz presented the renewal agreement for the Levy Library Youth Services Project a grant renewal through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. Mr. Reitz explained the program has been successful and this will fund the second year of the program. Comm. Bell moved to approve the grant renewal agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Reitz request authorization to apply for the State Aid to Libraries grant for funding. Mr. Reitz said the award of the grant will provide between $80,000.00 and $90,000.00 for the operation of the library system. Comm. Bell moved to authorize applying for the State Aid to Libraries grant. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. Kathy Winburn explained the grant received from the Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) for the Devil’s Hammock Phase I Trailhead Improvement at Blue Springs is proceeding and with the assistance of the Suwannee River Water Management District construction will begin in September for walkways, replacement of fencing with wood rails and planting of cypress trees.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mrs. Winburn presented a interlocal agreement for the Public School Facility Planning as mandated by Florida Statute. Mrs. Winburn said the agreement is with the School Board and each municipalities and relates to school site selection, development that could impact school districts and zoning changes. Comm. Bell moved to adopt the interlocal agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Oscar Harris, Executive Director, Central Florida Community Action Agency, explained the programs they are facilitating in Levy County for low income residents. Mr. Harris said a budget request of $15,000.00 has been submitted for the fiscal year of 2003-2004.
Comm. Yearty explained $5,000.00 has been allocated for the current fiscal year and if the agency assumes responsibility for the commodities program additional funding may be available.
APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Lannie Cardona said two (2) vacancies are open on the Levy County Tourist Development Board and they are recommending the appointment of Mr. Doug Maple and Ms. Helen Ciallella for these vacancies. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the appointment of Doug Maple and Helen Ciallella to the Levy County Tourist Development Board. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Cardona said the Nature Coast Development Council has received notice from the auditor on the organization of the Board in terms of oversight of public funding. Mr. Cardona said the Council is recommending the restructuring of the Council Board with five (5) appointments by the County Commission and 4 at large members. Comm. Bell moved to approve the recommended restructuring of the Nature Coast Development Council. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cardona explained the North Central Florida Economic Partnership has been formed through the Governor’s Rural Area of Critical Concern include Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties and Governor Bush recently designated the area to include Baker, Jefferson, Levy and Putnam counties. Mr. Cardona said a financial commitment is required and complete participation. Mr. Cardona said upon receipt of further information from the Partnership a resolution of support may be requested.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
SW 67th Place and SW 132nd Avenue located in Cedar Key Highlands requiring three (3) loads of rock and two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $734.00, beginning at C347 and ending on part of SW 132nd Avenue.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SW 72nd Place located in Coastal Oaks requiring six (6) loads of rock and two (2) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $1,934.00, beginning at C347 and ending at SW 132nd Avenue.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Robert Moeller explained as President of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of Red Belly Day with Lynette Usher Griner as President of the Fanning Springs Citizens Support Organization in conjunction with the Nature Coast Trail Organization is working on a joint project to construct a stage at the Fanning Springs State Park. Mr. Moeller said the design has tentative approval by the state and are soliciting assistance in funding and donations.
Mr. Moeller said cash expenses will be approximately $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 and a request is being made for a contribution of $5,000.00. Comm. Yearty moved to approve a commitment of $5,000.00 for the project. Comm. Bell seconded.
Mr. Moeller explained the funds are needed for expenses incurred that can not be donated and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Heather Encinosa presented the resolution for the final Emergency Medical Services assessment for preliminary rates and notice. Ms. Encinosa said this allows the apportionment to improved parcels and continues at $75.00. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Ms. Sandy Ashley presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement:
Letha M. Bennet, part of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 1, Township 12 South, Range 14 East, Levy County, for $12,500.00, located in the Chiefland area.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Ashley said the annual reports are being completed and will be available to anyone interested.
VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD
Mrs. Susan Haines said the following dates were being recommended for the Value Adjustment Board organizational meeting and hearings.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. - Organizational
Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. - Hearings
Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. - Hearings & Closing
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the written request to the Tax Collector, Mrs. Linda Fugate to authorize the collection of the Non Ad Valorem special assessments. Comm. Bell moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp presented the contract with County Probation Services, Inc. for services provided. Mr. Beauchamp explained Judge Joseph Smith had reviewed the contract and currently was satisfied with the services being provided. Comm. Parker moved to approve the contract with County Probation Services, Inc. for a five (5) year period with an allowance to cease contractual obligations if after 60 days and non-compliance is not corrected after 30 days. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Beauchamp said there has been concern on the handling of an emergency situation. Mr. Beauchamp said the Chairman has the authority to act once a state of emergency has been declared and the current state of emergency has been properly handled.
Comm. Bell said it was a concern on not being advised of actions being taken and inspections by FEMA and some commissioners and not being contacted. Comm. Bell said she questioned the ethics and legalities of these actions.
Mr. Beauchamp said the Chairman declares a state of emergency on the recommendation of staff.
Chairman Stevens explained that he was being provided with all current information and there were emergency situations and the contractor, Grubbs Recovery was contacted for assistance. Chairman Stevens said a contract was previously approved to contract with Grubbs Recovery for their services.
Comm. Rooks said personally contacting Department Heads on a daily basis during an emergency situation to remain informed assists the staff handling the situation. Comm. Rooks said all Department Heads and the County Coordinator are provided with telephone numbers she can be reached at.
Comm. Parker said additional time to review the situation would enable more efficient decisions. Comm. Parker explained Department Heads are able to contact him, however, he recommends the County Coordinator should be informed to respond to Commissioner’s inquiries.
Mr. Moody said it has been discussed to critique the handling of this emergency situation when it has concluded to provide greater efficiency in an emergency.
Mrs. Sandy Fink said she hoped for a prompt response to any type of emergency.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Mrs. Connie Asbell advised the update of the voting precinct improvements for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided at the next regular meeting.
Mrs. Asbell explained the Help America Vote Act requires voter education be conducted with various methods. Mrs. Asbell said there is funding approved for $6,380.80 requiring a local match of $957.12 to offset the expenses of voter education. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the contract and the local match be secured from the Supervisor of Elections budget. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Chairman Stevens called for Mr. Al Joseph Carnegie and there was no response.
Chairman Stevens called for Mr. Joe McDonald and there was no response.
MUNICIPALITIES
Chairman Stevens said the workshop with the City of Williston was productive and recommended reviewing the allocation of fire department funding.
Comm. Yearty recommend a committee to review the funding allocation and the assessments.
Chairman Stevens recommended establishing the committee at the next regular meeting.
GRANTS
Mr. Reitz provided a report of May, 2003 from the Florida Libraries showing Federal library dollars working in Florida and it includes a listing of the Levy Library Youth Services Project.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Chairman Stevens indicated the zoning issue for the Blue Grotto is a zoning change issue.
COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Rooks apologize for not casting a vote at the last regular meeting concerning night meetings. Comm. Rooks said this would be placed on the agenda for another vote.
Comm. Rooks explained shifting of water from rural areas is a topic that is being discussed in Tallahassee and is recommending the adoption of a resolution opposing the transfer of water from Levy County. Comm. Rooks moved to prepare a resolution for review opposing the transfer of water. Comm. Parker seconded.
Mr. Beauchamp explained direction from the Board to prepare the resolution is needed and official action would be taken upon it being presented to the Board.
Comm. Rooks said the legislatures needed to be contacted expressing opposition to transferring water.
Comm. Rooks explained FEMA has identified additional roads in the Rosewood area and the scope of work approved by them should be received shortly. Comm. Rooks recommended allowing staff to obtain quotes within FEMA specifications and present their findings at an emergency meeting. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize staff to proceed with obtaining quotes for the projects identified by FEMA.
Comm. Bell requested any action be tabled for an emergency meeting. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF SECOND.
Mr. Beauchamp explained an emergency meeting can be scheduled to discuss and act on the emergency disaster projects.
Comm. Rooks said there is approximately $35,000.00 of work to be completed for the first project and it is below the $45,000.00 cap established for the first project. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the completion of the initial scope of work established by FEMA and currently being completed by Grubbs Recovery. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks explained the work project should be received from FEMA and an emergency meeting will be needed.
Mr. Mark Johnson said there is a meeting scheduled to discuss mitigation of the damage in Inglis and Yankeetown.
Comm. Rooks said water is being provided using Rosewood Baptist Church as a distribution point.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Danny Stevens, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court