Levy Minutes 09/16/1997

REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

September 16, 1997

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 16, 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. Douglas M. McKoy followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

EXPENDITURES

Comm. Lindsey moved to approve expenditures for payment as listed below. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 9601-9810 (VOIDS 9601; 9803 )

GENERAL FUND $352,836.61

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 112,246.22

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 73,442.87

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 8,857.81

WAVE 1,862.08

EMERGENCY 911 8,157.46

LANDFILL & RECYCLING 44,811.80

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FND 3,281.66

COURT FACILITIES FUND 3,827.45

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 336.13

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 24,034.26

LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 21,273.11

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 20,060.91

LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE TR 180.04

FIRE CONTROL FUND 2,722.18

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUN 1,696.57

ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 14,865.79

ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE 217,725.42

MSTU-HEATHERWOOD 3,237.19

TOTAL $915,455.56

MINUTES

Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the minutes for the regular meeting on September 2, 1997. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes for the special budget meeting on September 9, 1997. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

AGENCIES

Ms. Linda Sloan with the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council presented the Interlocal Agreement Amendment for approval. Ms. Sloan said they were attempting to resolve the difficulties with the member counties. Ms. Sloan said Hernando County had not agreed to the settlement agreement.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the interlocal agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Sloan said the assessment for 1997-1998 will be based on $.40 per capita. She said the assessment for 1996-1997 which was paid on $.40 per capita will be rolled-back to $.342 and refunded quarterly.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the $.40 assessment for the 1997-1998 fiscal year. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

HEALTH

Mr. Ken McCall with the Levy County Public Health unit presented the renewal contract between Levy County and the State of Florida Department of Health. Mr. McCall said there were minor changes in the contract. He said one change was the procedure for purchasing and the other change requires approval by the Department of Management Insurance Services to approve any private insurance carriers. Mr. McCall said additional funding was added to the contract by the State.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the contract with the Health Department. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

INSURANCE

Comm. Foley said the committee had reviewed the proposals received for the insurance coverage for Workers Compensation, General Liability and other coverages and recommended the acceptance of the package from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Comm. Foley said the package was written for a minimum two year period, with a cancellation requirement of providing one (1) year notice of intent to cancel.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the insurance proposal from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Comm. Dean seconded.

Discussion ensued relative to the notice of cancellation requirement. Mr. Jim Hicks, Director of Public Risk Management said a rescission notice may be given at the inception of coverage, thereby satisfying the notice of cancellation requirement..

Comm. Foley restated his motion to accept the insurance proposal from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and to give notice to cancel at the end of two (2) years. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley said the overall cost of insurance coverage is lower than last year’s coverage.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Foley said the committee had reviewed the bids for materials and Mr. Skip Hammell had presented a summarization of the recommended low bids. Comm. Foley said several vendors were recommended for sign materials and safety items, to allow selection of the lowest price for various materials. Comm. Foley said bids were not received for Freon or for guard rails and Mr. Hammell will contact the State and use their market and prices.

Comm. Foley moved to approve the recommended low bids as presented. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Heather Alexander said a request to transfer $70,000.00 from the Reserve for Contingencies in the Road and Bridge fund to the following line items:

Regular Salaries $30,000.00

Retirement Contribution 15,000.00

Gas, Oil, Etc. 20,000.00

FICA 5,000.00

Comm. Davis moved to authorize the transfer of funds. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ENGINEER

Ms. Heather Alexander, Board Secretary presented the consulting engineer contract with Mills Engineering Company. Ms. Alexander said there were no changes in the contract. Comm. Dean moved to approve the contract. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

EQUIPMENT

Mrs. Heather Alexander, Board Secretary said the fixed assets on inventory had items that needed to be removed or officially transferred to the appropriate department. Comm. Dean said he had reviewed the fixed assets list and the items were in order to delete from the inventory or transfer to the correct department.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the request to transfer or delete the fixed assets. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Chairman Yearty asked Mr. Billy Cobb to reassess the current inventory and to prepare a recommendation for controlling the inventory.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Skip Hammell made a request for one (1) time maintenance for the following:

Freddie Hale S/D road, deeded right-of-way, 3/4 mile long.

Comm. Dean moved to authorize maintenance for a one (1) time basis. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SW 66th Place, Cedar Key Highlands, ½ mile long.

Comm. Lindsey moved to authorize maintenance for a one (1) time basis. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Lindsey asked Mr. Hammell to consider a ditch shovel for the Road and Bridge Department. Comm. Lindsey said the time was rapidly approaching for the need of this equipment within the county.

SAFETY

Mr. Osborne Barker said the grant agreement with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had been received for $101,936.00. Mr. Barker said the agreement had been reviewed by the county attorney. Mr. Beauchamp the work plan needed additional details resolved but approved the overall agreement. Mr. Barker said the work plan would be handled by an amendment to the grant agreement.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the grant agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Osborne Barker said the contract with Florida Power Corporation has been increased to $58,235.00. He said they have also agreed to participate in funding the Emergency Management Services construction project. Comm. Davis moved to approve the contract with Florida Power Corporation. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Osborne Barker said the agreement with Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council for review of the hazardous material as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency has been received and requires approval. Comm. Davis moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PLANNING, COUNTY

Mr. Herb Heesch, Planning Consultant, said the Evaluation and Appraisal Report had been printed and copies disbursed to Planning Commission members and a copy to be submitted to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Mr. Heesch requested authorization to print two (2) additional copies of the document and to purchase four (4) more binders at an estimated cost of $150.00 or less.

Comm. Dean moved to authorize the printing and the purchase of binders. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Heesch said the original printing cost was $300.00 and he would have the additional printing completed with the same firm located in Williston.

Mr. Herb Heesch said the computer disks completed by the University of Florida for the affordable housing had crashed his computer system from defective disks. Mr. Heesch said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council agreed to print the information and should be available by the end of the month. Mr. Heesch said there would not be any responsibility to the county for the problem.

Mr. Heesch said he would begin the transfer of his files and computer disks for an orderly transition to the County Planner scheduled to begin employment the first of October.

LIBRARY

Mr. Billy Cobb said the grant agreement for state aid to libraries needs approval. Mr. Cobb said the state grant will be $67,000.00 for the county.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the grant agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ZONING

Mrs. Velveree Griffis asked if there was a procedure which would activate a mechanism to expedite her request for a waiver of special exception for a riding academy and stable. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said there was no procedure to expedite a special exception request.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mr. Wayne Hardee requested a budget amendment for the Parks Department and for Animal Control. Mr. Hardee said for Animal Control he needs to request $5,000.00 and for Parks Department he needs to request $4,500.00 to complete the end of year. Mr. Hardee said there was no money in the contingency reserve fund and the transfer would be from the General Revenue. Comm. Dean said he had reviewed the current request and that the previous request did not cover all of the expenditures forthcoming.

Comm. Dean moved to authorize the transfer of funds to the Parks Department for $4,500.00 and to Animal Control for $5,000.00. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Billy Cobb said the contract for the hazardous waste analysis study with Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council had been received and needed approval.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the contract. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

AMBULANCE

Mr. Billy Cobb said the Certificate of Need for the ambulance service needs approval as per statutory requirements.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the Certificate of Need. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Billy Cobb presented a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for H. Annette Ray. Mr. Cobb said the property had been inspected and there were no utilities to the lot.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Chairman Yearty said a request had been received for the erection of two (2) signs recognizing the Townsite of Tuckaho and the subdivision of Peaceful Acres.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the request for the two (2) signs. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTIONS

Water Permits

Mr. Greg Beauchamp read a resolution "Request to the Suwannee River Water Management District to Reduce Permit Fees" which allows a reduction in permit fees to $100.00 per permit based on the population.

Comm. Davis moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Fire Assessment

Mr. Greg Beauchamp read the resolution for an increase in "per parcel" assessment for Fire Protection Services.

Comm. Dean moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Emergency Medical Services Assessment

Mr. Beauchamp presented the resolution for an increase in "per parcel" assessment for Emergency Medical Services.

Comm. Davis moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs)

Mr. Beauchamp presented the resolution for the increase of "per parcel" assessment for the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU).

Comm. Lindsey moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCES

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the ordinance for the homestead density is being advertised and will be heard at 10:30 a.m., October 7, 1997.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said he had submitted a suggested process for repayment of special assessment liens for review and response. Chairman Yearty said a workshop would be scheduled to discuss the recommendation.

SUITS

Mr. Beauchamp said the bench trial for the 1994 Value Adjustment Board (VAB) had closed and the case was under judicial advisement.

COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Yearty said they would be appointing the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) shortly.

Fines and Forfeitures

Chairman Yearty said he had discussed with Chief Judge Cates increasing revenues on non-contested traffic violations. He said that Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court was reviewing the information and would be placing a recommendation before the Board.

SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen said the 1994-1995 fiscal year has been closed out. She said the 1995-1996 year has been encumbered or expended. Mrs. McQueen said more people are needed for the Rehab program for the 1996-1997 year to encumber prior to December 1997.

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented four (4) Deferred Payment Loan Agreements as follows:

Peggy Edwards, Lot 3 Cherry Hills S/D, Chiefland, $12,500.00.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mona R. Woodard, Lot 18, Blk 4, Spring Lakes Estates, Williston, $10,000.00.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Robert D. VanKavelaar, B & R S/D Unit #1, Lot 8, Block 7, $7,500.00.

Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Andrew & Zarada Trent, 7031 N. W. 95th Street, Chiefland, $12,500.00.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mrs. Carol McQueen said that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) can be reapplied for in the spring of 1998.

ORDINANCES

Comm. Davis said that the junk and debris draft ordinance has been reviewed and requested a workshop to be scheduled to discuss the ordinance in October.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. Douglas McKoy said the final hearing for approval of the budget may be held on September 29, 1997 if all bills are presented prior to that date. Mr. McKoy added that September 29 and 30 are in the next pay period and if approved the employees would be paid two (2) days and then the next pay period beginning October 1 would be short the two (2) days. Chairman Yearty appointed a committee of Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Douglas McKoy and himself to resolve the issue.

Comm. Davis moved to authorize the pay period at the committees recommendation. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Dean said he had two (2) recommendations for pay increase for employees at the Road & Bridge Department. They are as follows:

Jeannie Gilbert, Administrative Assistant I to Administrative Assistant II to $7.0775 per hour, effective September 15, 1997.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the pay increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Frances Eastman, Administrative Assistant I to Administrative Assistant II to $9.000 per hour, effective September 15, 1997.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the pay increase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Mr. C. W. Gilbert said he had spoken about six (6) months ago on the Drug Free Work Place and wanted to know if it was in force within the county workplace. Mr. Gilbert said he had asked who would be willing to submit to drug tests and three (3) commissioners said yes and two (2) commissioners didn’t. Mr. Gilbert said Comm. Yearty and Comm. Foley did not say they would participate in the drug testing. Comm. Foley said it was his motion which was approved unanimously for all commissioners to the Board be placed in the pool for random drug testing. Mr. Billy Cobb said the Drug Free Work Place was in effect and all new employees must have a drug test and the random testing has not been scheduled by the independent firm who received the contract for the random drug testing. Mr. Cobb said that the county is receiving the reduction in the Workers Compensation rate.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented a Permit and Inspection report reflecting permits issued for a time period of September 1996 to August 1997. Mr. Corbitt said the report did not reflect the permits and inspections for reroofing, electrical upgrades, and other similar construction. Mr. Corbitt said new construction did not break down residential or commercial construction.

COMPUTERS

Mr. Billy Cobb said the review of a county-wide computer system in still progressing.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

Sammy Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court