REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
July 22, 1997
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on July 22, 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. Herb Heesch followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 8788-9000 (VOIDS 8788; 8990)
GENERAL FUND $317,637.12
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 35,427.52
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 63,576.41
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 8,690.67
EMERGENCY 911 5,227.39
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 16,219.19
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 10.00
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 13,214.66
LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 3,202.40
FIRE CONTROL FUND 62,009.50
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUN 734.00
ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 735.00
TOTAL $526,683.86
Comm. Dean moved to approve the expenditures for disbursement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on July 8, 1997. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Ms. Gladys Days asked for support to create a recreation park in the Williston area. Ms. Days said that after she previously addressed the Board several years ago she had been looking for suitable land and has not been able to locate any land which is economically feasible to purchase.
Chairman Yearty responded that there are parks throughout the county which are available for public use owned by the county and that the county offers financial assistance to the various municipalities for their recreation areas. Chairman Yearty asked Comm. Davis to arrange a meeting with Ms. Days and other interested parties from the community and local churches in the Williston area who are exploring the possibility of a recreation park. Comm. Davis said that he had investigated and that there did not appear to be any grants for the purchase of land. Chairman Yearty referred Ms. Days to Mrs. Carol McQueen to discuss what grants may be available.
FESTIVALS
Ms. Candace Khufia introduced herself as from Marion County and associated with the Mahogany Foundation. She said that she is working with Ms. Gladys Days on an outreach program in conjunction with the program Ms. Days is planning during Black History Week honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. Ms. Khufia said that a film festival is being planned to work in conjunction with other activities. She said that the Mahogany Foundation has assisted in several film festivals state-wide. Ms. Khufia asked for a donation of $4,000.00 to assist in the sponsorship of the film festival which is being planned for January 18, 1997. Ms. Khufia said that expectations of attendance will be from 250 people up.
Chairman Yearty said that the county does not sponsor activities on a monetary basis and has an ordinance implemented for festivals. He said that the county may be able to provide in-kind assistance and requested Ms. Khufia and the planners of the festival to contact Mr. Billy Cobb for assistance in requesting the permit for the festival and to arrange to meet with the law enforcement, health department and other county agencies which will need to be aware of the film festival.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Mr. Herb Heesch, County Planner asked for instruction on the commercial nodes which are scattered at various intersections throughout the county. Mr. Heesch said that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has advised that the commercial nodes should be reduced under the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Comm. Dean said that if some of the commercial nodes are deleted at the request of the Department of Community Affairs that the county should consider asking for some concessions on other areas in the plan. Comm. Dean said that he was aware that there may be some over allocation of commercial nodes for future development which should be reviewed.
Mr. Heesch said that the areas not affected by the intra-state arterial roadways may be amended by a small scale amendment if the usage is changed.
Chairman Yearty asked Mr. Heesch to determine which commercial nodes should be reviewed and contact each individual commissioner to review and then arrange for a public workshop including the Planning Commission to determine if any changes should be made in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS
Mr. Jimmy Brooks with Southwest Florida Water Management District asked for consideration by the county for a resolution on the county’s position of "local resources" and to support "local resources first" to be submitted to Representative John Laurent, chairperson of the house committee for water resources. Mr. Brooks said that Lake County and Citrus County had adopted resolutions on "local resources first". Mr. Brooks provided a package with a sample resolution and various information on this issue. Comm. Dean will review the information with County Attorney, Greg Beauchamp and Mr. Billy Cobb, Administrative Assistant and have a recommendation for the regular meeting on August 5, 1997.
Mr. Bill Hull said that water usage for the future should be planned now to prevent costly solutions in the future.
FIRE DISTRICTS
Ms. Carolyn Risher, Town of Inglis mayor said that the fire department had been reestablished and that the town will honor the interlocal agreement with the county. Ms. Risher said that a fire truck will be placed at the home of Fire Captain Mitchie Billups. Ms. Risher said that they have 19 firefighters and are entering into a mutual aid agreement with the City of Dunnellon to enhance the fire protection in the Inglis area. Ms. Risher said that the town would not consider giving up any of the funding they are receiving presently and that the fire department was able to protect the territory in the agreement. Ms. Risher introduced Tom Harold, a town commissioner and the Police and Fire Commissioner for the Town of Inglis.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Robert Partin representing the Town of Bronson asked for in-kind assistance for asphalting the track at the City Park located on CR-24C. Mr. Partin said that the city had received a Community Development Block Grant to upgrade the City Park.
Chairman Yearty asked Mr. Kelly Jerrells with the Road Department to meet with Mr. Partin and to prepare an estimate of the cost for asphalting the track. Mr. Skip Hammell, Mr. Kelly Jerrells, Mr. Jimmy Jerrells, and Comm. Dean will review the requested needs and make a recommendation of the costs to be billed to the city for expenses.
LANDFILLS
Comm. Davis advised that the committee reviewed the bids for the hazardous waste contract and it was recommending acceptance the low bid of $99,374.20 from Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. Comm. Dean said that he would be filing a Conflict of Interest statement as he was related to one of the bidders. Comm. Davis moved to accept the low bid as presented. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass asked that a water tank located at the jail be converted to surplus property. Sheriff Glass said that the City of Williston is in need of a water tank and he will be able to use it for in-kind services at the city airport. He said that the jail is unable to use the water tank. Comm. Davis moved to allow the Sheriff to have the water tank as surplus property to negotiate for services from the City of Williston at the airport. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Kelly Jerrells is to assist the Sheriff Glass in the transporting of the water tank..
COUNTY AGENT
Mr. Billy Cobb, on behalf of Mr. Albert Fuller, requested reimbursement of meals for two (2) volunteers who went to a Shooter’s Sports Workshop in the amount of $37.62 each. Comm. Lindsey moved to reimburse the volunteers for food expenses. Comm Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
County Attorney Greg Beauchamp noted that this was in compliance with the verbal policy agreed upon at the last regular meeting and that a written policy is being drafted indicating that reimbursement of volunteers will be on a case by case basis.
TAX CERTIFICATES
Mr. Billy Cobb, Administrative Assistant read a request for a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Sharon Perkins White. Comm. Dean moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Billy Cobb said that the membership renewal notice and resolution for the Small County Coalition has been received. Mr. Cobb said that the dues are $2,150.00 annually for the membership. Mr. Greg Beauchamp read the resolution for the record. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the resolution and retain membership in the Small County Coalition. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt said that requests have been made by residents in the county to be able to use their own cut lumber for home building construction. Mr. Corbitt said an ordinance would need to be adopted to allow this process as the current ordinance follows the Southern Building Code and requires lumber to be graded and stamped. He said that citizens can have their own cut lumber inspected and graded presently by a lumber inspector in Gainesville. Chairman Yearty asked Mr. Corbitt to draft an ordinance and allow Mr. Greg Beauchamp to review and then schedule a public hearing. Comm. Dean moved to advertise a public hearing on personal cut lumber. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. Carol McQueen said that notification on the approval or denial of the current Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Neighborhood Revitalization (roadways) application at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) should be received.
Mrs. McQueen said that on June 12, 1997 written approval was received on the grant for the Economic Development Grant from Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for the waterline from Inglis to the proposed nursing home The Pines. Mrs. McQueen said that the project needs to be advertised for bids on engineering services and the county has 120 days to respond. Mrs. McQueen asked if a point system or a ranking system should be used in the selection of an engineering firm. Comm Davis moved to continue the process for the Commercial Development Block Grant and use the ranking system for the bid selection. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented four (4) Deferred Payment Loan Agreements for approval.
Jacquelyn Urquart, 32 NW 2nd Street, Williston for $10956.41.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Beverly Hollriegel, Northwood Heights, Lot 26, Levy County for $13,900.00.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Lamar Preston Gay, III, Lot 13, Block E Hammock Estates, Inglis for $10,500.00.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Katrina Cohens, S. W. 2nd Street, Lot 2 Cherry Hill Subdivision, Chiefland for $12,500.00.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell presented two (2) requests for road maintenance on a one time basis for the following:
N. E. 88th Lane from N. E. 120th Avenue to N. E. 127th Court and N. E. 125th Avenue from N. E. 88th Lane to N. E. 80th Street located in University Estates.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the request. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
S. E. 66th Street located in Ocala Highlands West.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the request. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Skip Hammell said that he had received a proposal from Southeastern Chem Treatment on a herbicide program for the roadways. Mr. Hammell said that the county would save at least $50.00 a mile if they considered using an independent contractor for the herbicide program. Mrs. Renata Cannon asked why herbicides would be sprayed on county right-of-way and how was it determined where it would be sprayed. Comm. Dean said that herbicides are used in areas where it is difficult for mowing equipment to reach with consideration to protect the welfare of the public.
Comm. Lindsey moved to advertise for bids on a herbicide program for the roadways to commence at the beginning of the fiscal year. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Skip Hammell said that Georgia Pacific had requested a joint agreement to mine for limerock at specified sites on Georgia Pacific property.. Mr. Hammell said that county equipment would be used at the sites and that the agreement would allow for an equal share of the limerock mined. County Attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp is to review the agreement to ensure the county’s protection. Comm. Lindsey announced that he would file a Conflict of Interest due to business relations with Georgia Pacific. Comm. Dean moved to accept the agreement upon approval by the county attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Mr. Francis Akins, Property Appraiser said that a Road and Street Atlas for 911 addresses is now available for purchase from his office for $30.00.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Mr. Rob Corbitt said that a draft ordinance for homestead density should be prepared for review in the near future.
LANDFILL
Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court said that line items budget amendments transfers were needed as follows:
|
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Douglas McKoy presented the errors and insolvencies for the previous year tax roll from Mr. Donald Richburg, Tax Collector for approval. Comm. Davis moved to approve the recapitulation. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD
Mr. Douglas McKoy said that informal budget preparation would begin next Tuesday and Wednesday with department heads.
COMMISSIONERS
Ms. Susan Helfman from Inglis asked if there was a facility available through the county for holding taekwondo classes for the youth. She said that they need a facility at a low cost to hold the cost of the classes to a minimum. Chairman Yearty said that the county presently does not have any type of facility nor a recreation area for this type of service. It was recommended that Ms. Helfman contact the school board to see if they could be of assistance.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented a voucher for $107.22 to Kevin Cason for proceeds from the sale of cattle that were rounded up by the sheriff’s office earlier in the year. Mr. Beauchamp said that in accordance with Florida Statute the overage after expenses should be returned to Mr. Cason since he had provided an affidavit that he was the owner of the four (4) cows. Comm. Davis moved to approve the voucher for $107.22. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp read a resolution for the record for the Florida Association of Counties Trust allowing amendments to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the resolution. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
County Attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp read for the record the resolution recognizing Mrs. Madalyn McCormick’s years of service for Levy County Road Department. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LEASES AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said that he had informed the City of Cedar Key that the lease for the #4 bridge at Cedar Key would be for a one (1) year period. The lease is for the Aquaculture Clam Nursery and the city had requested the initial lease for three (3) years. Comm. Lindsey moved to sign the lease agreement after the commencement date is clarified. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES
Mr. Greg Beauchamp provided a draft copy of a junk and debris ordinance for review prior to scheduling a public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance.
LIBRARY
Comm. Foley moved to appoint Ms. Arlea Ashford to the Library Board for the Chiefland area. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Comm. Davis said that applications had been received for the advertised position of a County Planner. Chairman Yearty asked the committee consisting of Comm. Davis, Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Rob Corbitt and Mr. Greg Beauchamp to review the applications and to recommend the top three (3) candidates for the position.
STATE AGENCIES
Comm. Dean said that the Withlacoochee Planning Council has requested the five (5) commission boards and planning boards to meet in a joint meeting. He said that they will be notifying the scheduling of the meeting which will need to be advertised.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Dan Harnly of the Justice Group introduced himself and Mr. Will Alexander of Alexander and Associates and presented his credentials for the architectural bid which has been awarded. Mr. Harnly said that he would be able to provide the fee schedule when he has the information on the scope of the building project from the committee. Mr. Harnly said that the county would not incur any costs until the contract is signed.
Mr. Will Alexander said that his firm had handled numerous building projects for government entities and are prepared to offer a fine quality of service for structures that are affordable and functional.
Chairman Yearty asked Comm. Davis, Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Rob Corbitt and Mr. Douglas McKoy to provide the scope of the project to Mr. Harnly and to begin the financial discussions.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Mr. Rob Corbitt said that Mr. Danny Shipp and himself would be attending a Continuing Education course in Valdosta, Georgia. He said that they would be able accrue fourteen (14) hours of Continuing Education credits.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass said that the jail population is rapidly expanding and planning needs to begin on a housing pod. Sheriff Glass said that it was rapidly approaching the time when inmates could possibly be housed in another facility which would be an expensive proposition for the county. Chairman Yearty requested the committee to give this consideration when meeting for the Development Department building project.
WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS
The public workshop by the Suwannee River Water Management District was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Comm. Foley, Chairman Pro-tem.
Mr. Jerry Scarborough of the Suwannee River Water Management District discussed how the water plan was progressing and that the final report would be presented in October, 1997. Mr. Marvin Raulston and Mr. David Hornsby made presentations on the monitoring of the Suwannee River Basin and the effect of the ground water management in the area. They said that the nitrate levels in the lower Suwannee River area have been steadily increasing and that action should begin to protect the Suwannee River basin.
Mr. Hornsby said that studies have been done of the storm water outflow in the City of Cedar Key and that the Department of Environmental Protection is closely involved in attempting to control any major problems occurring.
Mr. Glen Horvarth said that Suwannee River Management District was making assessments of the impact of human activities on the region water quality, the wetlands and the flood prone areas by identifying hot spots and rank pollution problems.
He said that the general agriculture population is working with the District to improve the impact of water usage in the area. He presented projections of different impacts on the water supply in the area with population growth.
Members of the public in attendance had suggestions and inquiries resulting from the information provided in the public workshop.
The final public workshop will be August 19, 1997 and the water plan will be presented for public hearing with a recommendation for adoption.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Sammy Yearty, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court