REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

March 18, 1997

 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on March 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 Mr. Skip Hammell followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 MINUTES

Comm. Davis moved to accept the minutes as presented. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

EXPENDITURES

The following expenditures were presented for payment.

 FUND                                                              AMOUNT
 CHECK NUMBERS: 7102-7324 (VOID 7101)

 GENERAL FUND                                       $347,715.12

 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND                             232,263.51

 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE                12,000.00

 GRANT FUND                                              181,431.82

 FINE & FORFEITURE FUND                          5,075.33

 EMERGENCY 911                                            5,601.20

 LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND         13,089.60

 LANDFILL & RECYCLING                           23,059.51

 FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND                 2,823.64

 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE             62,997.81

 LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT               2,128.72

 LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRUST           31,112.94

 FIRE CONTROL FUND                                   3,000.00

 DRUG TASK FORCE                                     23,534.70

 ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE                     525.00

 MSTU RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES                 153.76

                                                        TOTAL $946.512.66

Comm. Lindsey moved to authorize payment of the bills as presented. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHERIFF DEPARTMENT/GRANT

Sheriff Ted Glass requested the Board to authorize Chairman Yearty to sign the Certification of Participation for the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant. The grant will be $86,148.00, the matching funds from the county will be $28,716.00 making a total of $114,864.00. Comm. Dean moved to accept the Certification of Participation. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 DRUG TASK FORCE

 Sheriff Glass requested authorization from the Board to purchase six (6) Spectra A3 Series Radio’s for use by the Investigations Unit. The radio’s will cost $1,395.00 each for a total purchase price of $8,370.00. Comm. Lindsey moved to authorize the purchase of the radio’s. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 JUVENILE JUSTICE

Mrs. Ruth Jansen requested that the Board adopt a Proclamation to recognize and proclaim the week of March 24-28, 1997 as Juvenile Justice Week. The Proclamation was read into the record. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the Proclamation. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 HEALTH INSURANCE BID

Board Secretary, Mrs. Jacqueline Martin requested permission to advertise an invitation to bid for the Group Health Insurance Coverage for all participating county employees. The sealed bid proposals will be received by the Board of County Commissioners until 9:00 a.m. on May 20, 1997. Comm. Foley moved to advertise the invitation to bid on the Group Health Insurance Coverage. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 COUNTY CONSULTANT

Mr. Herb Heesch, County Consultant updated the Board on the four (4) public hearings scheduled for the Comprehensive Plan amendments. Chairman Yearty inquired if public hearings would be scheduled in the Cedar Key or Otter Creek. Mr. Heesch said that the Planning Board would await the Board’s direction before scheduling there. The Planning Board scheduled the public hearings in the areas of high urban concentration. The amendments will involve high density development within the county. Mr. Heesch said he had prepared letters for the Chairman’s signature notifying the cities of the location of the public hearings.

 WATER MANAGEMENT

Mr. Heesch said that the Water Management Boards would be meeting on April 20, 1997. He said the Suwannee River Water Management Board will be advising the Board later on the water management plans presently under discussion.

 PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANTS

Mr. Heesch requested Board authorization for Mr. Greg Beauchamp, Mr. Lee Mills and Mr. Heesch to prepare a proposed ordinance for the package treatment plants under the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Chairman Yearty authorized Mr. Heesch’s request to proceed with preparation of the proposed ordinance.

 RESOLUTION

Mr. Billy Cobb received a request from the City of Chiefland to adopt a Resolution to support the design and construction of a pedestrian overpass near the entrance of Chiefland High School crossing US19/98 and Alternate 27 prior to the proposed Alternate 27 four-lane project completion date. Comm. Davis moved to support the City of Chiefland with a Resolution from the Board. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ANIMAL CONTROL

Mr. Cobb advised the Board that by statute the county is required to have a holding pen for stray livestock. Mr. Cobb said the county previously contracted for this service from private individuals but the costs are increasing that it would be more economical for the county to build their own holding pen. Mr. Cobb indicated that there is space available at the landfill site not within the area of future expansion of the landfill. Comm. Davis moved to authorize the construction of the holding pen. Comm. Lindsey seconded and MOTION CARRIED.

 ROAD REPAIR

Mr. Skip Hammell of the Road Department presented the following requests for road repair on a one (1) time basis:

NE 110th Court from NE 62nd Place to C-335

NE 62nd Place from NE 110th Court to NE 112th Terrace

These roads are located in Oak Ridge Estates with dedicated right-of-ways.

NE 110th Avenue from NE 71st Street to NE 80th Street

NE 100th Avenue and NE 77th Place

NE112th Terrace at NE 73rd Lane

These roads are located in University Estates with dedicated right-of-ways.

Comm. Dean moved to repair the roads as requested on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

NW 75th Avenue located in Fannin Springs Annex with dedicated public right-of-way.

Comm. Foley moved to repair on a one (1) time basis as requested. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

NE 157th Court located in Village of Green Thumbswith dedicated public right-of-way.

Comm. Davis moved to repair on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Cedar Drive East located in Key Cedar Heights with a dedicated right-of-way.

Comm. Lindsey moved to repair on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROAD DEPARTMENT

Mr. Skip Hammell requested authorization to advertise for a new utility vehicle instead of an automobile to replace the one he presently drives. Mr. Hammell said that his current county vehicle has in excess of 90,000 miles with hard usage. He said that adequate funds are available in the department’s budget for the new vehicle. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the request to obtain bids for a utility vehicle keeping the cost contained to that of an automobile comparable to the vehicle presently in service. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

  SUWANNEE RIVER YOUTH FAIR

The Board members requested Comm. Davis to purchase a hog on the behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. Comm. Dean informed the public that the purchase by the Board was their personal monies.

 REGIONAL LIBRARY BOARD

Comm. Dean notified the Board that Ms. Harriet Wilson was resigning from the Regional Library Board. It was recommended for Ms. Jane Stauff to replace Ms. Wilson. Comm. Dean moved to appoint Ms. Jane Stauff to the Regional Library Board. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 PERSONNEL/ROAD DEPARTMENT

Comm. Dean made a recommendation to promote Ms. Barbara Byrd from Secretary 2 at $7.6722 per hour to Administrative Assistant 1 at $8.2793 per hour. Ms. Byrd is with the Road Department and has been employed with the county for ten (10) years. Comm. Dean moved to accept the recommendation to promote Ms. Barbara Byrd. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Mary McQuiston for $6,000.00. The property and dwelling is located at Lot 14, Executive Homes Subdivision. Comm. Davis moved to approved the agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. McQueen presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Anna Mae Vanbuskirk in the amount of $6,000.00. The property and dwelling is located at Lot 7, Southern Heights. Comm. Foley moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 BUILDING AND ZONING

Comm. Dean inquired if Mr. Rob Corbitt had obtained any further information concerning recycling abandoned mobile homes in the county. After some discussion, Chairman Yearty requested Comm. Dean meet with Mr. Corbitt to pursue this issue and notify the Board at a later date.

 PERMITS/LANDFILL

Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney advised the Board that the permits for the abandoned landfill sites in Inglis and Williston with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) need to be renewed. Mr. Beauchamp informed the Board that there is a state statute that allows the county to request a reduction in the permit fee if one (1) of five (5) categories are met. The county does meet the requirement that the ad valorem millage rate is greater than eight (8) mills. Comm. Davis moved to allow Chairman Yearty to certify that the county meets a requirement for a reduction of the permit fee on each application. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 CEDAR KEY SEWER & WATER DISTRICT

County Attorney, Mr. Beauchamp received a request from the Mr. Ted Burt requesting support in the form of a letter or resolution from the county to support them in reducing the boundary of the Special Cedar Key Sewer and Water District. Mr. Beauchamp said that the intent is to limit the boundary to the islands, property owned on the mainland by the city and users currently receiving service. Chairman Yearty directed Mr. Beauchamp to notify the Mr. Burt that the Board was requesting a response from the City of Cedar Key. Mr. Billy Cobb, Assistant Administrator is to contact the City of Cedar Key to obtain their position on the proposed change.

 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT/ANIMAL CONTROL

Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney provided a proposed interlocal agreement to be provided to the municipalities within the county on animal control. Mr. Wayne Hardee inquired if a release form would be available for the various cities to sign at the time of pickup. Mr. Beauchamp said that once the interlocal agreement is accepted by the municipalities then a release form will be prepared. Comm. Dean moved to send the proposed interlocal agreement to each municipality for their review and response. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mr. Beauchamp received notice from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP0 the Florida Marine Patrol (FMP) has identified a derelict vessel within the county’s boundary in the Withlacoochee River. The county has the option to assume responsibility to remove the derelict vessel or allow the Florida Marine Patrol to assume the responsibility. Mr. Billy Cobb informed the Board that there is a grant available to the county if they desire to assume the responsibility of removing derelict boats. Chairman Yearty directed Mr. Beauchamp to respond to the Florida Marine Patrol that the county does not intend to removed the vessel.

 PUBLIC HEARING

The public hearing for the proposed amendment for the Special Act pertaining to the Rainbow Lakes Estates was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairman Yearty. The public hearing transpired to allow the residents of the Rainbow Lakes Estates obtain special legislation for the collection and disbursement of the special assessments. Ms. Linnea Jerolmon, Chairman of the Rainbow Lakes Estates Association spoke to the Board in support of the proposed legislation. There was no opposition to the proposed amendment from the public. As no further issues concerning Rainbow Lakes Estates special amendment were brought before the Board at the public hearing, the public hearing was adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

 RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES

Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court addressed the Board on the issues which have occurred in the past at Rainbow Lakes Estates with the division of services in two (2) counties. The $91,523.06 billing received from Marion County for road construction in the area is still in abeyance. Mr. McKoy requested a meeting with Myra Tedder, Administrative Assistant to the Marion Board of County Commission to clarify various charges on the billing. The billing from Marion County will be resolved pending proper documentation of all legitimate charges being provided to the Clerk’s Office. Comm. Lindsey moved to adopt a resolution to support the special amendment addressed in the publice hearing on the special assessments in Rainbow Lakes Estates. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 PLANNING BOARD

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin, Board Secretary advised the Board that Mr. Ollie Lynch needed to be reappointed to the Planning Board. Comm. Foley moved to reappoint Mr. Ollie Lynch to the Planning Board. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROADS

Mr. Greg Galpin of Georgia Pacific has notified the Board that the right-of-way on King Road will be donated to the county with proper documentation. Chairman Yearty informed the Board that there is a subdivision located in the area which rely on King Road for egress and ingress. Comm. Lindsey moved to provide the documentation for the right-of-way on King Road. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 BRONSON YOUTH LEAGUE

Mr. Billy Cobb, Assistant Administrator has received a request from the City of Bronson for assistance in clearing land at the city park for the youth league. Comm. Davis moved to clear the property for the City of Bronson with the understanding that the city will reimburse the county for the cost. The Recreation Department will be responsible for the clearing of the land. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ATSENA OTIE KEY

Mr. Greg Beauchamp has received a Confidentiality Agreement and Conceptual Agreement relating to the purchase of Atsena Otie Key from the Florida Community Trust. The Confidentiality Agreement is to be signed by each Commissioner indicating that there is no personal or beneficial gain from the purchase. The Conceptual Agreement will show a jointly owned and management by the county and the City of Cedar Key. Mr. Beauchamp said that Chairman Yearty and himself would attend the city commission meeting in Cedar Key to present the county’s position on the purchase. Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the Confidentiality Agreement and Conceptual Agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

 ROAD DEPARTMENT/EQUIPMENT

Mr. Jimmy Jerrells of the Road Department addressed the Board concerning the purchase of a drag line for the limerock pit in Gulf Hammock. Mr. Jerrells and Mr. Jessie Ellzey have been inspecting drag lines throughout the state for a replacement at the limerock pit. The Road Department is in need of a larger drag line to operate more efficiently in the excavating of the limerock. Mr. Jerrells said that after inspecting various drag lines that would require excessive expenditure in funds to place in operation, they located a drag line at Gould Machine and Fabrication of Tampa, Florida. The drag line is a used Lima 2400B Dragline which will be delivered, with complete set up and training of the county employees in its operation by Gould Machine. The total cost for delivery and erecting is $273,500.00. Mr. Jerrells requested that the Board bypass the bid policy due to the specialized nature of the equipment. The drag line located at Gould Machine and Fabrication is suitable to the immediate needs that the county has at the limerock pit. Presently, one of the draglines is not in working condition and the cost to repair will be excessive. County Attorney, Greg Beauchamp advised the Board that if complete proper documentation is provided for the drag line accompanied by the documentation of the other drag lines inspected that the Board has the authority to bypass the bid process. Mr. Jerrells stated to the Board that the Road Department was quoted a price of $385,000.00 by Mid State Machine which would require an additional $100,000.00 in repair to become completely operational. Comm. Dean moved to purchase the dragline for $273,500.00 from Gould Machine and Fabrication and bypass the bid process based on the documentation presented by Mr. Jerrells and Mr. Ellzey. The county will make a down payment of $20,000.00 and upon successful delivery and setup the final payment of $253,500.00 will be made. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

Sammy Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court