REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
February 17, 2004
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on February 17, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Lilly Rooks
Vice Chairman Sammy Yearty
Comm. Tony Parker
Comm. Danny Stevens
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 Major Bobby McCallum followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 2004. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Edwin McCook presented a check in the amount of $24,486.64 for the annual payment in lieu of taxes from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Dr. Rayanne Giddis, Administrator, Central Florida Community College, said they were presenting a business retention and expansion plan for existing businesses to increase economic development.
Dr. Jim Harvey, Vice-President of Administration & Finance, Central Florida Community College, explained in cooperation with the Withlacoochee Regional Planning council, the Citrus, Levy, Marion Workforce Board and volunteers through out Citrus county they conducted surveys with existing businesses to determine their needs, and sought resolutions to assist the business community in retention and expansion. Dr. Harvey said there was strong representation of volunteers from local businesses and a serious commitment was made to provide businesses with the results of the survey and assistance in providing information to assist in avenues for expanding their businesses.
Mr. Lannie Cardona said adoption of a resolution to pursue this endeavor within the county is being recommended by the Nature Coast Development task force. Comm. parker moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Fred Moody said a proposed workshop for March 2, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. is scheduled to review the GIS booklet.
ROAD CLOSINGS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the request from Herb Platt and Margaret Parrish concerning the bridge abandonment and the closing of CR 313, now known as SE 62nd Place can be tabled until the next meeting as it appears to be resolving.
TAX ROLL
Mr. Fred Moody presented the following Certificate(s) of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:
Daniel M. & Kathryn A. Donegan, 14391 SE 80th Street, Morriston, property divided with mobile home deeded onto new parcel, correction to one (1) parcel. Parcel Account #04626-005-0C.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Angela A. Walker, 17571 NW 68th Terrace, Fanning Springs, one (1) unit is on property and homesteaded, correction from none to one (1) unit. Parcel Account #00463-001-0A.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Chairwoman Rooks thanked Ms. Heather Alexander for her outstanding performance of her duties and assisting the public. Chairwoman Rooks explained Ms. Alexander properly handled public information requests by the newspapers recently.
APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Alexander said Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. has requesting appointing a representative to the Meridian Board to replace Ms. Marie Wells, who has not be able to attend the meetings. Comm. Bell inquired if there were any recommendations and requested additional information be provided at the next regular meeting on the number of meetings to be attended. Ms. Alexander explained eight (8) of twelve (12) meetings must be attended and would obtain any further information requested.
Ms. Alexander said the North Central Florida Health Planning Council, Inc. is requesting the appointment of a representative for the Council’s Board of Director’s. Ms. Alexander said a health care representative could be appointed from recommendations provided by the Board.
PERMITS
Mr. Rob Corbitt said a request has been made for a Special Events Permits (SEP 1-04) by Ms. Louise Stokes, owner and Alan Aulson, for the “Black Prong CDE”, the annual carriage drive at the Black Prong Equestrian Center, beginning February 20th through February 22nd, 2004. Mr. Corbitt said all first responders have acknowledged notification of the event. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Special Events Permit. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Corbitt said a Special Events Permit (SEP 2-04) has been requested by Ms. Helen Koehler, for the “Goethe Benefit Challenge Endurance Ride,” scheduled for December 18, 2004. Mr. Corbitt said acknowledgment has been received from all first responders and proof of insurance has been provided. Comm. Bell moved to approve the Special Events Permit. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES
Mr. Corbitt said a proposed amendment to the ordinance for shoreline protection is being recommended that would require the same standards for the advanced secondary performance based systems to site sewage disposal. Mr. Corbitt said the Health Department has recommended the amendment to have a provision for when improvements and modifications may be required to existing systems.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp advised a public hearing would need to be scheduled to consider adoption of the amendment to the ordinance. Comm. Stevens moved to advertise for a public hearing to consider the adoption of the ordinance. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mrs. Susan Haines said Mrs. Mary Golding has tickets available for the Lincoln Day Dinner on February 20, 2004 at the Tommy Usher Center, sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee.
Mrs. Haines said Mrs. Golding has tickets available for the Black History Month Celebration on February 21, 2004 at the Tommy Usher Pine Land Center with Clovis Watson, Jr., City Manager, Alachua, Florida as guest speaker.
Mrs. Renate Cannon requested clarification of the abbreviation LLC. Comm. Bell responded it meant Limited Liability Corporation.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Mrs. Cannon inquired if any additional information had been received on the dredging of the canal as Shell Mound.
Mr. Wayne Hardee said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has provided a favorable response for obtaining permitting for the project and will proceed with a cost analysis if directed.
MISCELLANEOUS
Ms. Cannon said important issues should be discussed at evening meetings to allow more attendance and was concerned about the public hearing scheduled.
Mr. Fred Moody explained the public hearing was properly advertised and concerns the uniform method of collection of assessments.
COUNTY FIRE DIRECTOR
Mr. Rick Lombardo said the Fire Advisory Board had Chief Casey as a guest speaker and it was informative concerning the educational requirements that are forthcoming.
Mr. Lombardo said the Fire Chiefs have been discussing areas that their budgets can be cut and should be able to return a portion of their budgets.
LIBRARY
Mr. Tom Reitz requested authorization to expend $5,135.00 to purchase a computer server from SIRSI Corporation for the SIRSI-Unicorn automated library system. Comm. Stevens said an increase in state aid will allow for the purchase of this item that was not budgeted for the current fiscal year. Comm. Stevens moved to approve the expenditure of $5,135.00. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 15th Terrace located in Gleason’s Trailer Village, requiring one (1) load of rock and grading for an estimated cost of $300.00, beginning at NE 132 Lane to the intersection.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SE 201st Lane located in Graceland Shores, requiring two (2) loads of rock and one (1) hour of grading for an estimated cost of $667.00, beginning at SE 201st Street to the end of the road.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NW 97th Court located in Jemlands requiring three (3) hours of grading for an estimated cost of $201.00, beginning at NW 55th Street to the end of the road.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson requested delaying any action on the Usher Boat Ramp at Manatee Springs State Park until further discussions are held with Suwannee River Water Management District.
Mr. Lannie Cardona recommended installing additional signs to increase usage and make the boat ramp more available to the public.
TAX ROLL
Mrs. Haines presented the List of Lands Available for Taxes from the Tax Deed Sale on January 26, 20041 that will be available for purchase by the public within 90 days after the sale.
SHIP
Ms. Sandy Ashley presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements.
Mary Ann Lewellyn, Lot 5, Block 8, Deed Book 470, page 099, Levy County, for $9,500.00 to purchase a home in the Williston area.
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ismael Rosado and Nancy Pereyra, Lot 26, Block 9, Williston Highlands Golf and Country Club Estates, Levy County, for $6,500.00 to purchase a home in the Bronson area.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ATTORNEYS, COUNTY AND STATE
Mr. Beauchamp said Maria Rogers has been submitted to be approved for the Conflict Attorney’s List. Comm. Bell moved to approve Ms. Rogers to the Conflict Attorney’s List. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp presented a maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the construction of the sidewalk on CR 40 west of Inglis Town Limits. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Judge Joseph Smith explained the committee for the construction project for the lobby and sally port were recommending long range plans and part of the change order included security glass and to increase the size of the tile. Judge Smith said the court house is a nice facility and the larger tile will add to the appearance in the lobby for people visiting.
Comm. Yearty said the funds for the renovations are from Article V funds and Court Facilities and the Article V funds will be sent to the state July 1, 2004.
Judge Smith explained it is an opportunity to upgrade the appearance of the court house and the funds are not from new taxes.
Mrs. Renate Cannon said she was concerned spending funds for larger tiles.
Comm. Stevens explained the issue was presented as a non-agenda item and as it was not deemed and emergency it was scheduled for the next regular meeting to discuss the change order.
Comm. Parker explained the 18 inch tile would be more durable, longer lasting and with less grout exposure. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the change order. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Beauchamp said proper notice has been published on the proposed intent to adopt a uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments. Mr. Beauchamp explained this is administrative in nature to allow for the proper collection of the non-ad valorem assessments. Mr. Beauchamp said the methodology for the assessments and any proposed increases will be properly advertised and public hearings will be held. Mr. Beauchamp explained it commences with the fiscal year of October 1, 2004 and taxes are not collected until November, 2004 after the tax notices have been mailed. Mr. Beauchamp said a fee schedule has been prepared and submitted for the preparation of the information responding to inquiries by Mrs. Renate Cannon. Comm. Stevens moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. C. W. Gilbert inquired on the removal of the sign presented to the Board for “In God We Trust,” that had previously hung on the wall. Mr. Moody explained a Commissioner had requested the oath of office be displayed and would arrange for the plaque to be replaced on the wall.
Mr. Beauchamp explained the action to limit the liability of Whitehurst & Sons, Inc. in the contract extension approved on February 3, 2004 was to allow the completion of the roadway by the county and limit their responsibility to any faulty workmanship. Mr. Beauchamp said the contract has been extended to allow the work to be completed.
Mr. Gilbert commented on the presentation of the business retention and expansion.
HOSPITAL
Comm. Bell said an option on the purchase of the land by Amerius has been signed and the application for the needs assessment is being written and will be forward to the state agency for approval.
Comm. Bell said a 16 bed hospice facility which will generate 75 to 100 jobs will be in Chiefland.
Comm. Stevens inquired if clarification had been obtained in reference to a news report on TV 20 news that the county was involved with the hospital on more than a conceptual basis.
Mr. Moody said their office had not made any comments and was uncertain on how the information was obtained with the approval of concept by the board after the presentation by Amerius.
COMMISSIONERS
Chairwoman Rooks presented the list of proposed committees for 2004 for review.
Chairwoman Rooks recommended terminating membership in the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) explaining they are not working to benefit the plight of the small county. Chairwoman Rooks explained as a current director on the Board of Director’s the executive board and president of the association have been made aware of the situation. Comm. Stevens moved to terminate membership in the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and request for refund of the unused portion of dues. Comm. Parker seconded.
Chairwoman Rooks said support is not being provided to the small counties and the recommendations from the rural caucus are not receiving support from the leadership. Chairwoman Rooks said the quote by the Executive Director, Mary Kay Carieso concerning their position on the public records policy is a matter of concern. Chairwoman Rooks said the county would still be eligible for the Small County Technical Assistance program and withdrawing will bring attention to the seriousness in the lack of support to the small county.
Comm. Bell said withdrawing would prevent any participation for the certification program, they have assisted with the Policy and Procedures Manual, they provide e-mails and notification of legislative days. Comm. Bell recommended allowing them the opportunity to come and speak before the Board.
Chairwoman Rooks said the Florida Association of Counties is a lobbying organization for all 67 counties and a small county is based on population less than 75,000 and technical assistance is available as it is financed by the state.
Mr. Charlie Kennedy said the dues are $3,935.00 and there are 19 different services that are available and recommended discussing the issues with them further as we would be the only county not a member.
Mrs. Alice Monyei said if there are other commissioner’s in other counties with the same problems then it is a question of why to remain a part of the association and cooperating with other small counties would provide more power.
Chairwoman Rooks said the president of the association is aware of the situation and it can make a difference to recognize a change is needed to get representation for small counties and Comm. Stevens, Comm. Yearty and Chairwoman Rooks voted YES and Comm. Parker and Comm. Bell vote NO and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Bell explained she had great benefit from the certification and education and think this is a grievous mistake.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Lilly Rooks, Board Chair
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court