REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
June 8, 2004
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on June 8, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairwoman Lilly Rooks
Vice Chairman Sammy Yearty
Comm. Tony Parker
Comm. Danny Stevens
Comm. Nancy Bell
Also present were:
County Attorney - Anne Brown
County Coordinator - Fred Moody
The Chairwoman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The invocation was given by Mr. Fred McKeon followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
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MINUTES
Comm. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 4, 2004. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairwoman Rooks requested to table approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 18, 2004 until the next BOCC meeting.
AGENCIES
Mr. Arthur Maruna, Florida Department of Elder Affairs Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) Counselor, presented the statewide, volunteer based program that assists medicare recipients to make informed decisions about their medicare and other health related insurance needs. Mr. Maruna said SHINE volunteers provide individual counseling, community education, outreach and other assistance at any of their SHINE sites, via telephone, and over the internet. Mr. Maruna said there is a SHINE counselor available in Cedar Key the first Monday of every month, and also available in Chiefland, Bronson and Williston the first Wednesday of every month.
MISCELLANEOUS
Comm. Yearty presented Mr. Justin Watson with a Certificate of Appreciation for his 26 years of service with the Levy County Road Department.
Mr. Watson said he appreciated his employment at the Road Department for 26 years and he valued the help afforded to him by the Board during his tenure.
Chairwoman Rooks stated she will miss Mr. Watson as well as his dedication and leadership.
Comm. Bell said she has always been able to rely on Mr. Watson for information and assistance when considering road department issues.
Comm. Parker said he has enjoyed working with Mr. Watson for approximately 14 years and had confidence Mr. Watson always provided knowledgeable information.
Comm. Stevens stated he appreciated the opportunity to work with Mr. Watson and he has gained essential knowledge from Mr. Watson’s experience.
MISCELLANEOUS
Chairwoman Rooks addressed Mr. Charles Gilbert regarding his concerns of the County Commissioners’ involvement of elderly abuse. Chairwoman Rooks informed Mr. Gilbert the Board will not entertain his complaints as these must be directed to the appropriate agencies. Chairwoman Rooks provided Mr. Gilbert with a list of referred agencies and their telephone contact numbers to file his complaints accordingly.
Mr. James Lesperance addressed the Board with concerns of the Horse Hole Creek Mud Bog at Lebanon Station, Florida, operating without proper permits and non-compliance of the special exception regulations. Mr. Lesperance stated the owner of the mud bog, Mr. Robert Wells, had not properly applied for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) permits as well as Department of Health permits as required. Mr. Lesperance stated Code Enforcement and the Building and Zoning offices notified Mr. Wells that he would not be allowed to open the mud bog facility until the proper permits were obtained. Mr. Lesperance stated the special exception required that Mr. Wells use noise reduction devices on the participating vehicles of which he did not comply. Mr. Lesperance said the Sheriff’s Office did not provide the minimum requirement of two (2) officers as specified in the special exception. Mr. Lesperance stated the Code Enforcement Officer fined Mr. Wells for non-compliance of the special exception regulations. Mr. Lesperance requested the Board rescind this special exception.
Atty. Brown stated the Board can schedule a hearing for consideration of rescindment.
Mr. Robert Wells, owner of the Horse Hole Creek Mud Bog, stated he came to the Board previously in order to obtain approval to establish the mud bog. Mr. Wells said he cooperated with Code Enforcement and the Building and Zoning Department to ensure he was applying for the proper permits and following the special exception guidelines. Mr. Wells stated he had scheduled two deputies to assist at the mud bog as required, however, they were canceled by the Sheriff at the last minute. Mr. Wells said during his mud bog operation there were no issues related to noise disturbances. Mr. Wells stated he believes his mud bog business will generate revenue for the County and will be an asset to the community. Mr. Wells stated he had no intention of operating his mud bog facility until all proper permits have been obtained.
Chairwoman Rooks said she received a call from a neighbor, Ms. Sandy Carver, stating she had no concerns with the mud bog facility and felt it was a benefit for the community.
Atty. Brown responded to Comm. Yearty stating after Mr. Wells receives his permits, he should be able to continue his business fulfilling the guidelines of the special exception provided Mr. Wells abides by all of the conditions.
Comm. Yearty stated he does not anticipate the necessity to schedule another hearing or take any action at this time provided Mr. Wells obtains the proper permits and satisfies the special exception guidelines.
Mr. Wells responded to Comm. Bell regarding proper installation of noise reduction devices stating although they are difficult to regulate, he had in fact informed the participants of the requirement.
Mrs. Judy Lesperance stated her complaints regarding noise from the mud bog.
Ms. Amanda Caton stated she attended the Horse Hole Creek Mud Bog where she enjoyed the pleasant entertainment and there was no presence of bothersome noise.
Mrs. Renate Cannon stated from a democracy viewpoint, the Board should hold another public hearing to address these concerns. Mrs. Cannon said she believes Mr. Wells has good intentions, however, he knew he did not have the proper permits but chose to operate the mud bog regardless.
Major McCallum responded to Comm. Bell stating he did not know why the deputies were withdrawn at the last minute, however, they were previously scheduled to work at the mud bog.
Mrs. Faye Wells stated she worked the entrance at the Horse Hole Creek Mud Bog of which several residents from Levy and surrounding counties participated as staff at the entrance as well as during the event . Mrs. Wells stated there were no concerns regarding the noise originating from the mud bog.
Mr. Rob Corbitt addressed the Board stating the fee schedule set for code enforcement fines determined the total amount Mr. Wells had paid. Mr. Corbitt stated the Health Department inspector reported Mr. Wells did have adequate sanitary facilities at the site. Mr. Corbitt stated after Mr. Wells opened the mud bog without proper permits, he was given proper citation by Code Enforcement.
Mr. Jimmy Underwood said he attended the mud bog and further stated it was well organized, fully staffed and safe for the participants as well as the spectators. Mr. Underwood said he did not have any concerns about the noise from the mud bog and furthermore appreciates Mr. Wells providing a place where people can go to safely and legally mud bog.
Chairwoman Rooks addressed Mr. Wells stating he is not to re-open the mud bog until all proper permits have been obtained.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Mr. Lannie Cardona requested Board approval to appoint Justin Landon to represent the City of Williston replacing Jake Cason to serve on the Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Comm. Bell moved to approve the appointment of Justin Landon to represent the City of Williston to serve on the Tourist Development Council (TDC). Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cardona requested approval for the letter of support from the Board to Florida’s Pure Water Wilderness (PWW) for the application of the third Rural Regional Development Grant.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Chairwoman signature of the letter of support from the Board to Florida’s Pure Water Wilderness (PWW) for the application of the third Rural Regional Development Grant. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cardona stated for information purposes, the Tourist Development Tax revenues have increased 83% for the first calendar quarter of 2004 as compared to last year. Mr. Cardona said this $13,000 increase represents approximately $694,000 in gross sales by the accommodations industry in Levy County ultimately creating a positive impact on the County.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petition for a hardship variance:
Petition No. Ha.Va. 5-04 – Robert Burkhardt, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order to care for his father and mother, Carl P. and Helen G. Burkhardt, on a parcel of land located N ½ of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 6, Township 11 South, Range 15 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 18.6 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR” zone, Parcel Identification No. 01496-000-00.
Mr. Corbitt said the hardship was investigated and found to be legitimate with no opposition presented.
Mr. Robert Burkhardt was present to speak in favor of the petition for the hardship variance.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the hardship variance. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Corbitt presented the following petition for consideration:
PETITION NO. FP 2-04 Croft Land Surveying, representing Lawrence Welter, petitioning the Board for a Final Plat of “Hall Place,” a subdivision located in the SE 1/4 of Section 36, Township 13 South, Range 18 East, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 30 acres more or less. This parcel is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential “A/RR” zone. Parcel Identification number 04515-005-00 and 04515-006-00. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Chairwoman Rooks called for opposition and none was presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the final plat. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Mr. Fred McKeon, American Red Cross Community Education Specialist for Levy County, requested Board approval to allow him the use of available office space at the Levy County Forestry office located in the Agriculture Center in Bronson, Florida. Mr. McKeon read a letter from the North Central Florida Chapter American Red Cross Executive Director, Kenneth Lowman, requesting permission from the Board to allow Mr. McKeon use of the identified office space for the American Red Cross.
Ms. Sara Kohan, Levy County Forester, stated the identified office space is currently available and it would be beneficial for Mr. McKeon to use the office for the American Red Cross.
Mr. Moody responded to Comm. Yearty stating even though the State of Florida does lease some office space, the identified office space is not included in a lease. Mr. Moody stated the Board had previously approved the use of a county phone line for the American Red Cross.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the use of the identified office space located at the Levy County Forestry office for the American Red Cross. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TRANSPORTATION
Ms. Desiree Painter requested Board approval of the 2003-2004 Trip and Equipment Grant Amendment to allow for the purchase of computers, other related equipment, two-way radios and installation thereof.
Comm. Parker moved to approve the 2003-2004 Trip and Equipment Grant Amendment. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Painter requested Board approval of the Joint Participation Agreement for the 2004-2005 Rural Area Capital Equipment Support Grant Award to purchase capital equipment, a stretcher van and stretcher bed.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Joint Participation Agreement for the 2004-2005 Rural Area Capital Equipment Support Grant Award. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Mr. Fred Moody requested Board approval to promote Ms. Marie Wells from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Interim Director. Mr. Moody stated this appointment would include the completion of her remaining four (4) months probation and readjustment of her salary thereafter.
Comm. Bell stated she felt it appropriate to advertise the position of EMS Director and conduct interviews with potential candidates including Ms. Wells.
Chairwoman Rooks stated Ms. Wells has done a tremendous job in her current position and would benefit the Levy County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as their Director.
Mr. Ron Grant addressed the Board to speak in favor of the promotion of Ms. Marie Wells as Director.
Comm. Bell said if Ms. Wells is promoted as Director the need to hire someone to assist her with fiscal organization should be recognized.
Comm. Yearty made a motion to approve the promotion of Ms. Marie Wells as the Emergency Medical Services Director with a four (4) month probationary period. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty responded to Mrs. Renate Cannon stating the EMS medical reports do not require patient signature, additionally those reports are filed with the County for medical billing purposes.
Mrs. Sandy Fink made comment regarding seminars available to assist in medical billing processes.
Ms. Jacqueline Martin presented a proposed Sexual Harassment Policy for the Board’s review to bring back for decision at the next BOCC meeting. Ms. Martin stated a mandatory Sexual Harassment Seminar will be held for all County employees and would like the policy to be available for distribution at that time.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Ms. Marie Wells requested to table the update on collection agencies until the agencies’ fees can be researched further.
Ms. Wells requested Board approval of the Mutual Aid Agreement with Tampa General Hospital for use of their helicopters to include Atty. Brown’s revisions.
Atty. Brown read for the record the revisions to the Mutual Aid Agreement with Tampa General Hospital.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with Tampa General Hospital to include the revisions as read. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Wells responded to Comm. Yearty stating Tampa General Hospital is a trauma center and the Inverness helicopter location will provide transportation service to the County as needed.
Ms. Wells responded to Comm. Parker stating effective July 1, 2004 Shands Hospital will be a Level One Trauma Center and any trauma case from Levy County will be transported to that hospital.
Atty. Brown responded to Mrs. Renate Cannon stating Levy County will not be providing Tampa General Hospital any assistance, however, all case information will be forwarded to them when requesting their assistance.
Ms. Wells requested approval to allocate $20,000 from the existing budget to begin purchasing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) State mandated communication system of the Homeland Security Program. Ms. Wells said the State requires implementation of the communication system by December 31, 2004.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the use of $20,000 this fiscal year and allocate $44,290 next fiscal year to continue with the implementation of the communication system. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Wells stated the proposed mutual aid agreements with the Fire Departments will be discussed further at a committee meeting scheduled June 8, 2004 at 7:00 p. m. at the Bronson Town Hall.
Ms. Wells responded to Mrs. Fink stating there is a communication grant available but she is not certain if it is affiliated with homeland security.
Mr. Tom MacFarlane updated the Board regarding the mandatory homeland communication system for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Sheriff’s Office which is currently operating throughout the County.
Mr. MacFarlane addressed questions from Comm. Yearty and Comm. Bell regarding the mandatory homeland security communication system.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Mark Johnson requested Board approval of Modification to the Shelter Retrofit Agreement.
Comm. Bell moved to approve the Modification to the Shelter Retrofit Agreement upon review and approval by Atty. Brown. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE
Mr. Rick Lombardo presented the proposed Standard Operating Guidelines for Fire Departments. Mr. Lombardo stated the guidelines are almost complete, however further revisions are necessary prior to completion. Mr. Lombardo said the protocols of first responders will be discussed at the June 8, 2004 committee meeting and will need to be approved by Dr. McCoy. Mr. Lombardo stated the Fire Board is reviewing the guidelines for any changes and will address any concerns prior to their effective date. Mr. Lombardo addressed questions from the Board concerning the proposed guidelines.
Mr. Lombardo stated the current life insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters is effective only in the event the volunteer is actively fighting a fire. Mr. Lombardo explained the need to consider a new insurance company that offers extensive coverage for volunteer firefighters. Mr. Lombardo addressed questions from the Board regarding other insurance coverage possibilities. Consensus of the Board for Mr. Lombardo to research other insurance companies and bring the information back for review.
Mrs. Renate Cannon stated the State of Florida Department of Insurance may be beneficial when researching other insurance coverage options.
LIBRARY
Mr. Tom Reitz presented for information purposes the Levy County Public Library System has been awarded $38,070.72 in E-Rate communications discounts for the year beginning in July. Mr. Reitz informed this provision affords internet and telephone communications granting an 80% discount.
Mr. Reitz provided distribution of the revised Library System brochure for this year of which donations received from Friends of the County Library groups assisted with the production of the brochures.
PLANNING-COUNTY
Ms. Kathy Winburn requested Board approval of the Interlocal Agreement with the Suwannee River Management District for the Blue Springs Sediment Removal and Septic System Upgrade to improve the water quality and spring flow at the Blue Springs County Park. Ms. Winburn stated Mr. Lee Mills estimated engineering fees would be approximately $3,000 per project.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the Suwannee River Management District for the Blue Springs Sediment Removal and Septic System Upgrade at the Blue Springs Park. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD DEPARTMENT
Mr. Bruce Greenlee presented the Department of Transportation (DOT) Enhancement Prioritized List.
Ms. Teresa Gulledge, with the City of Chiefland, requested the Board move the sidewalk project NW 4th Drive (East side) to NW 11th Avenue; NW 11th Avenue (South side) to US 19/98 which is located in front of Chiefland Middle School, before the Chiefland Train Depot renovation on the priority list. Ms. Gulledge requested the removal of the sidewalk projects NW 4th Drive to NW 12th Drive to State Road 55/ US 19-98 and State Road 345 (North Side); SW 10th Street (West) to State Road 500 (East Chiefland) from the priority list.
Comm. Bell moved to approve amendment of the DOT Enhancement Prioritized list to move ahead of the Chiefland Train Depot renovation the sidewalk project NW 4th Drive (East side) to NW 11th Avenue; NW 11th Avenue (South side) to US 19/98 which is located in front of the Chiefland Middle School and remove sidewalk projects NW 4th Drive to NW 12th Drive to State Road 55/ US 19-98 and State Road 345 (North Side); SW 10th Street (West) to State Road 500 (East Chiefland) from the priority list. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Bruce Greenlee requested Board approval to install an additional culvert at the end of SE 197 Street next to an existing culvert.
Comm. Yearty explained the existing culvert cannot operate adequately unless an additional culvert is installed in order to relieve excessive water during a storm. Comm. Yearty stated an easement declaration; prepared by Atty. Brown, needs to be signed by the property owner for the additional culvert and the only cost to the County would be the culvert and installation.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request to install the additional culvert upon acquiring the proper easement agreement subject to Atty. Brown’s review and approval. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Greenlee presented the following request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
SE 168 Avenue, requiring three (3) loads of limerock and grading for an estimated cost of $900.00, beginning at County Road 326 and ending at SE 23 Street.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SOLID WASTE
Mr. Benny Jerrels requested Board signature to complete the Solid Waste Management Grant Application.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Chairwoman’s signature of the Solid Waste Management Grant Application. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Jerrels stated for information purposes the County owned land adjacent to the County landfill, planted with pines trees, of which Huntsman Tree Supplier Inc. has requested to excavate a portion of the pine trees.
Comm. Bell suggested to allow other suppliers the opportunity to make proposal for excavation of the pine trees.
Mr. Moody stated leasing excavation of the pine trees could be another possibility to generate additional revenue for the County.
Comm. Yearty stated he felt a contract for Huntsman Tree Supplier to dig the pine trees should be submitted to Atty. Brown for review and approval. Comm. Yearty stated he appreciates Mr. Jerrel’s management practices at the County landfill and his diligence in obtaining grants which saves the County revenue.
SHERIFF
Major Bobby McCallum requested Board signature for the Department of Law Enforcement Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program application.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Chairwoman’s signature for the Department of Law Enforcement Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program application. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Major McCallum announced Tuesday, June 15, 2004, operation of the new Courthouse security system will begin and requested everyone’s patience and cooperation while implementing the new system.
Major McCallum responded to Mr. Corbitt stating most meetings will continue to be held at the Courthouse and everyone attending will be required to pass through security. Major McCallum said the Civil Sheriff Office will need prior notification of meetings for security purposes.
SHIP
Ms. Sandy Ashley presented the following three (3) Deferred Payment Loan Agreements:
Brian Cribbs and Hillary Clubb, Lot 12, Quail Run, Unit II, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 7, Page 66, of the Public Records of Levy County, Florida, OR Book 503, Page 662, for $5,780.00 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.
Tera Caldwell, Lot 3, Block 1, Epperson Heights, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 5, of the Public Records of Levy County, Florida, OR Book 617, Page 178, 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.
Joel and Mariely Maldonado, Lot 20, Block 12, Green Highlands Park Subdivision, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 53, of the Public Records of Levy County, Florida, OR Book 502, Page 384, for $15,000.00 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.
Ms. Ashley presented the following Satisfaction of Mortgages for approval:
Francisco and Yesica Aponte of Chiefland paid off amount of $10,000.00.
Comm. Bell moved to authorize the Chairwoman to sign the Satisfaction of Mortgage. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CLERK OF COURT TO THE BOARD
Mrs. Sheila Rees requested Board approval of a budget amendment to allow the use of reserve funds in the amount of $17,225.00 to purchase Universal Power Supply (UPS) equipment for the computers at the Clerk’s office, Property Appraiser’s office and the Eighth Judicial Circuit office.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the use of the reserve funds in the amount of $17,225.00 to purchase the UPS system. Comm. Parker seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Rees responded to Comm. Bell stating the budget did not allow for the purchase of the UPS equipment which created a need to use the reserve. Mrs. Rees stated she could research to see if the budget allowed each office to contribute to the cost of the UPS system.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Atty. Brown requested to table the proposed agreement for legal services with Gregory V. Beauchamp, P. A. until the next BOCC meeting.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of Resolution Number 2004-23 A Resolution Establishing A Process To Disclose Ex-Parte Communications.
Comm. Bell moved to approve Resolution Number 2204-23 A Resolution Establishing A Process To Disclose Ex-Parte Communications. Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Atty. Brown stated she could request the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) to present information to the Board regarding the Cedar Key Airport that may give the County options for increasing revenue.
Atty. Brown stated there is a proposed constitutional amendment being placed on the ballot to raise the amount of homestead exemption. Atty. Brown stated she could prepare a resolution if the Board so directs, in order to address the proposed constitutional amendment.
Atty. Brown responded to Mrs. Cannon stating the amendment to raise the homestead exemption has been sent to the Supreme Court for review, however, no information has been received regarding a decision.
Atty. Brown responded to Mrs. Fink stating the decisions by the Board regarding quasi-judicial matters must be based on the evidence presented at the hearings and not based on information gathered at site visits.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS
Atty. Brown updated the Board at Comm. Parker’s request regarding Mr. Harper’s proposed consulting agreement for operations cost reduction services for the County of which it was determined after research that he is not considered a sole source. Atty. Brown stated the proposal of payment using a percentage of future savings would not be appropriate, rather to request a quote setting an hourly rate or total fee schedule for payment is acceptable.
Chairwoman Rooks said she would like to meet with Atty. Brown to discuss the proposal before making a determination.
Comm. Bell stated Mr. Harper’s proposal is favorable and the Board should pursue this offer in order to generate savings by utilizing his services.
Comm. Parker stated he would like to hear the Board’s opinion on pursuing an operating cost reduction service at the next BOCC meeting.
Comm. Stevens stated the County may be operating at an efficient rate and may not benefit from the operations cost reduction services.
Comm. Parker stated if the County does not generate savings from the proposal there will be no cost to the County.
Comm. Bell stated due to billing systems not being utilized at full capacity, revenues are not being collected appropriately and the County may benefit from this proposal in that aspect.
Comm. Parker said he wants to meet with Atty. Brown to discuss information she has obtained through research of similar consulting agreements and furthermore the Board may be doing the County a disservice if the proposal is not considered.
Comm. Bell responded to Mrs. Fink stating some funding has been received to assist in the cost of implementing the State mandated systems, however, most rural counties such as Levy County receives very little assistance.
Comm. Bell announced there will be a closed hearing for the Tri-County area hospital Friday, June 11, 2004 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Comm. Stevens stated additional information regarding the handicapped parking at the sally port will be presented during the next BOCC meeting. Comm. Stevens said some options being considered for wheelchair access to the Courthouse will be discussed at the next BOCC meeting.
Chairwoman Rooks announced a Hurricane Evacuation Study Workshop will be held June 28, 2004 at 10:00 a. m. at the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council office.
Chairwoman Rooks announced President Bush signed an Executive Order declaring Friday, June 11, 2004 as the National Day of Mourning for the late President Ronald Reagan and requested Mr. Moody and Atty. Brown research to verify if all government offices and courthouses will be closed.
Chairwoman Rooks announced a joint meeting with the Williston City Commission Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 7:00 p. m. at the Williston City Hall.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Lilly Rooks, Board Chair
ATTEST:
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court