REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
February 18, 1997
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on February 18, 1997 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Sammy Yearty
Vice Chairman Don Foley
Comm. Wilbur Dean
Comm. Don Lindsey
Comm. Frank Davis
Also present were:
County Attorney Gregory V. Beauchamp
Clerk of Court Douglas M. McKoy
Administrative Assistant William C. Cobb
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.. The invocation was given by Comm. Dean followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the bills for payment. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the minutes of the February 4, 1997 regular Board meeting. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 6703-6901 (VOID 6702)
GENERAL FUND $198,033.35
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 81,758.02
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 14,100.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 5,209.98
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 13,673.63
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 20,262.66
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 324.62
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 8,409.49
LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 2,128.74
FIRE CONTROL FUND 7,579.78
ST GRANT - JUVENILE JUSTICE 495.81
ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE 214,916.25
TOTAL $566,892.33
BID/LEACHATE HAULING
The bid opening for the leachate hauling contract began at 9:00 a.m. as advertised. There were two (2) bids received.
Crawford Trucking, Inc. -- A charge of $135.00 per load for a twenty (20) mile loaded trip and a charge to another facility at $155.00 per load. If the truck is delayed at the site, after the first hour there will be a $45.00 per hour charge beginning on the second hour.
Dean Trucking -- A charge of $135.00 per load per 6000 gallons transported to Williston. A charge of $155.00 per 6000 gallons transported to Gainesville.
The Chairman appointed a committee composed of Wayne Hardee, Donna Conquest and Comm. Davis to review the bids and report to the Board. The committee reported that both bids would be acceptable if Crawford Trucking, Inc. would delete the portion of the bid which would charge $45.00 per hour for any delays at the pickup site after the first hour. Comm. Davis moved to accept both bids on the recommendation of the committee and final approval by County Attorney, Greg Beauchamp. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Dean abstained from the vote and announced that he would file a Conflict of Interest form.
CEDAR KEY AIRPORT
Mr. C. W. Gilbert informed the Board that he had spoken with many citizens in the county and all felt that the Board had made the correct decision for the future plans of the airport. He commended the Board for the action they had taken and the public response which was obtained to reach the decision.
DRUG FREE WORK PLACE
Mr. Gilbert inquired on the status of the Drug Free Work Place for county employees. He recommended that possibly information could be obtained from the Department of Transportation in Chiefland or from Central Florida Electric Co-op who both have the Drug Free Work Place. Mr. Gilbert had contacted the National Highway Administration concerning the drug testing of employees holding Commercial Driver’s Licenses. He indicated that they handle the audits to enforce the drug testing. Mr. Gilbert cautioned the Board to keep records for these audits. He added that a formal complaint would be a possibility if the Drug Free Work Place was not instituted.
Ms. Juanita Melchior encouraged the Board to proceed with the Drug Free Work Place for the economic benefits to the county. Chairman Yearty advised that the Drug Free Work Place was being actively pursued and would be addressed at public hearings.
PERMIT/BENEFIT CONCERT
Ms. Peggy Young and Mr. David Wyrosdick requested a use permit to hold a Harmony Fest to raise funds to defray medical expenses incurred by Mr. Wyrosdick’s sister, Teresa Bouleware. The benefit is scheduled for April 19 - 20, 1997. The benefit is to be held on Ms. Peggy Young’s property. A project narrative detailing the event has been submitted. Chairman Yearty requested that Mr. Rob Corbitt, Mr. Greg Beauchamp and Major Bobby McCallum with the Sheriff’s Office review the Ordinance and the Permit Request/Response and inform the Board of their recommendation. Major McCallum and Mr. Beauchamp requested that the issue of security personnel be clarified along with other items. Comm. Davis moved to accept the request for the permit conditional on approval by the Sheriff’s Office, County Attorney, Building & Zoning and the Chairman confirming compliance with Ordinance 71-1. The filing fee will be waived except for $50.00. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD/CITIZEN
Mr. Dan McDonald inquired if the Board could assist in clearing the roadway to his home in Rosewood. Mr. McDonald had previously spoken with Comm. Lindsey on the condition of his road. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Skip Hammell speak with Mr. McDonald and further clarify that county funds could not be used on private property. The road would have to be deeded to the public and have a density need before public funds could be utilized for maintenance.
SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT
Ms. Peg McPherson with the Suwannee River Water Management Board gave a presentation on the National Heritage Program. It is being proposed that this designation be pursued for the Suwannee River area which encompasses thirteen (13) counties. Support is being sought from the various levels of government, businesses, civic organizations and the private individual. Ms. McPherson will be making further reports to the Board with additional information concerning the program. The National Heritage Program is to preserve the livelihood, quality of life and heritage of an area.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
The second Public Hearing scheduled for 10:00 a.m. was opened by SHIP Director, Carol McQueen. The presentation of the projects which have been recommended by the Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) were given by Mrs. McQueen. Mr. David Bibby, Vice-Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Task Force informed the Board that much consideration was given by the Task Force on the recommendations being made. The grant application is being made for the improvement of roads in areas which meet the qualifications required for the grant. The recommended priority for road construction is:
Project I -- NE 72nd Street and NE 105th Avenue within University Estates. This paving will benefit 133 people with very low incomes and 113 with low to moderate.
Project II -- SW 60th Street within the Community of Rosewood. This road construction would impact on all of the plats which are landlocked except for access to SW 60th Street.
Project III -- SE 201st Street between SE 110th Avenue and SE 115th Avenue.
Project IV -- SE 195th Place, Inglis. This project will be submitted on a needs basis only. If money is remaining from the grant then this project can be considered.
Mrs. McQueen announced that the total grant funds available would be for $750,000 which would include $60,000 for administration, $90,000 for engineering and $60,000 for street improvements. Mrs. McQueen presented the estimates prepared by the engineer for the road improvements. The county may reduce costs by using in-kind services from the Road Department. The in-kind services will be valued at $150,000. There were no comments received from the public. Chairman Yearty informed the Board to consider that the in-kind work was not in the Road Department’s budget for this year but the Special Construction fund possibly could fund the in kind work. Mrs. McQueen said the grant application must be filed by February 27, 1997 with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The public hearing was adjourned at 10:39 a.m.
Chairman Yearty reconvened the regular meeting of the Board. Comm. Dean moved to accept the recommendations to apply for a Community Development Block Grant using $150,000 in-kind services from the Road Department and to move forward with Department of Community Affairs (DCA) application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Ms. Carol McQueen, SHIP Director presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Mr. Paul J. Jones for $6,000.00. The dwelling is located at Lot 21, Block 12, Green Highland Park, Section 30, Township 12, Range 18. Comm. Davis moved to accept the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen presented a second Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Gene B. Rosenbarger and Cynthia M. Rosenbarger located at 124 S. E. 1st Street, Williston, Florida (Tax PID# 06-13-19-05549-000-00) for $6,000.00. Comm. Lindsey moved to accept the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen reported on the new strategies for the Housing Assistance Plan with the SHIP program has been reviewed by the Florida Housing Financing Agency. Mrs. McQueen said that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) performed a courtesy review of the proposal for the new strategies prior to Board approval and submission to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Comm. Davis moved to approve the new strategies for the Housing Assistance Plan. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
County Attorney, Greg Beauchamp read the resolution approving the Levy County Local Housing Assistance Plan supporting the new strategies. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD CLOSURE
The public hearing for a road closure was opened as advertised. Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney, read the resolution for the vacation, abandoning and closing of a portion of roadway in Levy County, Florida described as follows:
The South 25 feet of the SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 and the South 25 feet of the West ½ of SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 and the North 25 feet of the West ½ of NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 and the North 25 feet of the NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 being in Section 10, Township 12 South, Range 17 East, Levy County, Florida.
Comm. Dean moved to adopt the resolution as read. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES/SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney advised the Board that Marion County has held a public hearing for a special act of the Legislature pertaining to assessments for Rainbow Lakes Estates. Mr. Beauchamp requested authorization to proceed with the advertising of a public hearing for the special act. The public hearing is to be held March 18, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. Comm. Lindsey moved to hold a public hearing concerning Rainbow Lakes Estates. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
The County Attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp requested authorization to advertise for bid proposals from architects for the renovation/construction of the Building and Zoning Department. The proposals are to be directed to Mr. Billy Cobb no later than April 7, 1997 at 5:00 p.m. to be opened April 8, 1997 during the regular Board meeting. Comm. Davis moved to authorize Mr. Beauchamp to proceed with the advertising. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX DEED SALE
Mr. Beauchamp, the County Attorney read the list of five (5) parcel of lands available for purchase by the County within 90 days after the sale. Comm. Foley moved to approve the list of lands. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp informed the Board that an administrative hearing was held on the ordinance commonly referred to as the Fifteen (15) Properties Small Scale Plan Amendments. During the administrative hearing a review revealed that the King property exceeded the 10-acre maximum requirement by 10.9 acres. The White Construction plan which previously had been approved exceeded the requirement by 10.1 acres. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has recommended a continuance of the administrative hearing until March 1997 with an update as to what action the county will be taking. Mr. Beauchamp recommended that the Board authorize him to advertise to repeal, rescind and revoke the two (2) portions of the previously approved ordinance referring to the King property and the White Construction property. Comm. Davis moved to accept the recommendation from Mr. Beauchamp to repeal, rescind and revoke the portions of the ordinance not in compliance. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Foley moved that if the two (2) parties resubmitted new plans, the application fee will be waived. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL
Mr. Billy Cobb advised he had six (6) requests for a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Property Appraiser, Francis Akins has informed the Board that his office is not responsible for granting these requests. The requests are as follows:
Virginia Livingston, 12050 NW 90th Avenue, Chiefland, Florida, 32626
Dr. J. M. Bauer, 1020 North US Hwy. 41, Dunnellon, Florida, 34432-1309
T. J. & Betty F. Storch, 7501 Zebra finch Avenue, Brooksville, Florida 34614-0107
Thomas & Deloris Days, Route 1 Box 4630, Williston, Florida, 32696
Aril R. Castleberry, 4017 N. W. 154th Avenue, Chiefland, Florida, 32626
Ernestine Floyd, 125 N. E. 9th Street, Williston, Florida, 32696
Comm. Dean moved to grant the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment requests. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Board Secretary, Jacqueline Martin read the resolution authorizing the Clerk of Court to transmit landfill closure escrow funds to Levy County State Bank to be invested according to applicable laws of the State of Florida consistent with the needs of Levy County. This authorization includes authority to purchase Certificates of Deposits and continues until revoked by the Board. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Martin informed the Board that a resolution had been prepared along with the contract proposal for the award of funds to Chiefland Child Day Care Center and White Rose Nursery in the amount of $5,756.00. This is the last year that the county will receive these funds from Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Community Services Block Grant. Mrs. Martin has notified the day care centers with this information. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the signing of the contract proposal application and to adopt the resolution. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS
Mrs. Sarah Miller asked the Board if the Road Department had investigated her complaint on the condition of County Road 316 which recently had been paved. The Road Department investigated and found that the work was completed to the bid specifications.
The Board directed the Road Department to inspect County Road 316 and County Road 105 to assure that work has been done to bid specifications.
SMALL SCALE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Mr. Rob Corbitt, Building and Zoning Department presented the Board with recommendations from Mr. Herb Heesch, County Planning Consultant for changes to the Small Scale Plan Amendments Requirements. The revision would allow a 2-step plan allowing small scale plans to go from the Planning Board direct to the Board of County Commissioners or a 4-step plan allowing conceptual approval. The recommendation proposes to streamline the process of small scale plans. Comm. Lindsey moved to continue using the current process for small scale plans and not accept the proposal from Mr. Heesch. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CITIZEN INPUT
Ms. Juanita Melchior requested that the Board consider holding night meetings. She expressed the opinion that this would allow more public participation.
REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ms. Juanita Melchior requested permission for the Republican Executive Committee and the Republican Club be allowed to use the commission meeting room for their meetings. Chairman Yearty directed Ms. Melchior to contact Mr. Billy Cobb or Mrs. Jacqueline Martin to work out a time schedule for their meetings that will not conflict with other meetings already scheduled.
PUBLIC NUDITY ORDINANCE
Ms. Melchior distributed to the Board and County Attorney examples of public nudity ordinances which have been adopted by various municipalities in Florida. She stressed to the Board that an ordinance for public nudity should be addressed by the county before any businesses are established in the county. Chairman Yearty instructed the County Attorney to review the ordinances and furnish the Board with a memorandum.
CASUALTY INSURANCE
Mr. Beauchamp informed the Board that he had received notification from Big Sun Insurance Agency, Inc. that the casualty insurance for the county will expire shortly. There is not time to advertise for bids prior to the insurance policy expiring. The carrier will allow an extension of coverage for 30 days for an additional premium of $2,225.00 or for 45 days additional coverage for an additional premium of $3,200.00. The revised annual premium is $22,426.00 for the casualty coverage. The increase in the coverage is a result of some buildings not being correctly classified. Mr. Beauchamp recommended to renew the policy at the revised annual premium which is an increase of approximately $1,400.00 over last year’s premium. Comm. Foley moved to extend the casualty coverage for twelve (12) months at the premium increase of approximately $1,400.00. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Comm. Foley moved to have a rock and surface treatment on County Road 201 in Chiefland. This road has a dedicated right-of-way to the public. The repair work is to follow the three (3) roads presently on the road construction project list. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AMBULANCE
Comm. Davis made a motion to advertise for an ambulance director. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Billy Cobb and Comm. Davis are to draft a job description and a recommended salary range to present at the next regular meeting.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Sammy Yearty, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court
ATTACHMENT A