REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
November 18, 1997
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on November 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. 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. Foley followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment. Comm. Davis moved to approve the expenditures as presented. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 10474-10766 (VOIDS 10474;10488;10552)
GENERAL FUND $679,409.14
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 51,596.60
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 30,486.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 15,205.26
EMERGENCY 911 6,025.06
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 16,008.10
COURT FACILITIES FUND 686.26
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 302.82
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 16,696.98
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 6,914.66
LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE TR 88.41
FIRE CONTROL FUND 163.13
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUN 723.89
ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE 5,591.17
UTILITIES FUND 443.76
MSTU - HEATHERWOOD 984.63
TOTAL $831,325.87
MINUTES
Comm. Foley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on November 4, 1997. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for approval on Jasen P. And Thera J. Nowacki, 2.5 acre tract in SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Levy County, for $10,000.00.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Carol McQueen submitted a Subordination Agreement with Homestar Mortgage Lending Corporation for a SHIP applicant, Verda B. Rheaume whose original mortgage is going into foreclosure to refinance the mortgage. Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney said it is a standard agreement to transfer the mortgage.
Comm. Davis moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Subordinate Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. Carol McQueen said a Citizens Advisory Task Force needs to be appointed to begin the process for applying for the next Community Development Block Grant. Mrs. McQueen said the Task Force appointed should consist of citizens from the low to moderate income spectrum throughout the county. Chairman Yearty asked the Board to consider candidates to be recommended to the Task Force.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Herb Heesch and Mr. Brooks Holloway, City Manager for the City of Williston asked the county to consider amending the zoning ordinance for the density level surrounding the airport. Mr. Holloway said the City of Williston is considering extending the runway at the airport and a waiver of the environmental assessment requirements require documentation that land use controls in high accident potential area are adequate and do not allow high-density development.
Comm. Davis moved to advertise for a hearing to consider amending the county’s zoning ordinance. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. David Suro said Team Florida Cycling is requesting permission to hold a bicycle race in March, 1998. Mr. Suro said it would be a 25-mile race beginning on CR 337 south of Bronson. Chairman Yearty appointed a committee of Mrs. Krista Kelly, Mr. Rob Corbitt, Mr. Bill Beddow, Mr. Skip Hammell, Mr. Billy Cobb, Sheriff Ted Glass and himself to review the request for the bicycle race.
COUNTY LAND
Mrs. Lynetta Griner said some of the local landowners who have land adjoining the Florida Greenways are concerned about maps which have been created showing the public and private lands in the green way area for the Department of Environmental Protection. Mrs. Griner said they had requested that their land be deleted from the maps and found they did not have access to the data which was being required to delete their lands from these maps. Mrs. Griner said there is concern based on a state statute which indicates lands and waters designated as Greenways and trails would deny local government control of the land in their area. Mr. Francis Akins, Property Appraiser said their office does not have the capability to provide the data to the Department of Environmental Protection in the form they request to remove county owned land from the maps. Comm. Dean said the burden should not be placed on private land owners and it takes away private right. Comm. Dean moved to draft a resolution to cover private and county land being removed from the maps until an understanding of the ramifications of being placed on the map is provided to the county and to authorize Chairman Yearty to sign the resolution. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Ms. Sherry Rodriguez asked for support of "Gifts for Foster Children" in the tri-county area. Ms. Rodriguez said they have been asking for donations for the foster children to provide at least three (3) gifts at Christmas and a Christmas party for the children. Chairman Yearty said this was not allocated for in the budget, however, Mr. Billy Cobb would arrange for her to speak to the various departments and ask for volunteer assistance.
WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS
Mr. Billy Cobb said a request had been received from Suwannee River Water Management District requesting an appointment to a land review team being established. Chairman Yearty volunteered and asked Mr. Billy Cobb and Mrs. Krista Kelly to be prepared to attend any meetings.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Billy Cobb said the Town of Yankeetown has asked assistance in obtaining a special act with the Florida Legislature to obtain jurisdiction over that half of the Withlacoochee River which adjoins Yankeetown’s corporate limits. Mr. Cobb said he recommended the county hold a public hearing on the issue after the Town of Yankeetown and the Town of Inglis have held public hearings.
EQUIPMENT
Ms. Jacqueline Martin said there were items to be deleted from the Fixed Assets and removed from the active inventory and auctioned at the sale scheduled for Monday, November 24, 1997. Comm. Davis moved to approve the items from fixed assets as shown on Attachment 1. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Ms. Jacqueline Martin asked for authorization to prepare an invitation to bid for commercial property insurance coverage which expires March 1, 1998. Comm. Foley moved to advertise the invitation to bid. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty asked Comm. Foley, Mr. Greg Beauchamp and Mr. Billy Cobb to meet and discuss the health insurance for the county.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Ms. Jacqueline Martin said the interlocal agreements for the building code enforcement services have been received from the Town of Bronson, Town of Yankeetown, Town of Inglis, and the Town of Otter Creek. Comm. Dean moved to approve the interlocal agreements. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Martin said the interlocal agreements for providing a landfill and a means of collection and disposal of garbage had been received from the Town of Bronson, City of Fanning Springs, City of Williston, Town of Yankeetown, Town of Inglis, City of Cedar Key, and the Town of Otter Creek. Ms. Martin said it was her understanding the City of Chiefland had approved the interlocal agreement on November 17, 1997 and would be submitting it to the county. Ms. Jacqueline Martin said the interlocal agreements providing ambulance and emergency medical services have been received from the Town of Bronson, City of Fanning Springs, Town of Yankeetown, Town of Inglis, City of Cedar Key, City of Williston, and the Town of Otter Creek.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the interlocal agreements for the landfill, ambulance and emergency medical services and include the City of Chiefland agreement when it is received. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass asked for Chairman Yearty to sign the fiscal 1997 Law Enforcement Block Grant application for funding of $32, 462.00 for a school resource officer. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Sheriff Ted Glass said the annual federal certification for federal funds received from drug forfeitures and other forfeitures needed to be approved. Sheriff Glass said $46,487.00 will be received from the federal forfeiture fund. Comm. Dean moved to approved the federal certification. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Sheriff Glass said approval was needed for an expenditure of $7,200.00 from the federal forfeiture fund for the lease of an airport hangar to house the helicopter at the Williston Airport. Comm. Davis moved to authorize the request for expenditure. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Sheriff Ted Glass asked for authorization to expend $18,395.00 to provide equipment for the helicopter to make it available for night work. The funds should be expended from the federal forfeiture fund. Sheriff Glass said preparation quotes were obtained from three sources. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the expenditure. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Sheriff Glass said the 911 coordinator needed to purchase three (3) instant playback device for each dispatch position. Sheriff Glass said they were able to negotiate the cost of the equipment from $11,850.00 to $9,139.00. Comm. Dean moved to approve the purchase and directed Sheriff Glass to provide documentation of the purchase. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. William Hull inquired if the county was preparing for the year 2000 with the computer software. Sheriff Glass said there was one software program in his department left to be upgraded. Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court said his department was prepared.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Skip Hammell asked for authorization to advertise for an invitation to bid for the tractor and mowers as requested at the regular meeting of November 4, 1997. Comm. Davis moved to advertise the invitation to bid for the equipment. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell presented the following for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 100th Street in University Estates from NE 105th Avenue to 500' east, 1 flat bed of rock to fill holes, with dedicated right-of-way; and NE 85th Street from NE 118th Terrace to NE 120th Avenue in University Estates, six (6) loads of rock and 1/8 mile long with 50' deeded right-of-way.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Skip Hammell said CR 161 is prepared to be paved and is requesting to pave 1/4 mile of NE 101st Terrace (CR 1083) in The Pines Subdivision. Mr. Hammell said the pavement is thin and breaking, Mr. Hammell said the work would consist of the new pavement of 664' (0.12 miles) and 639' (0.12 miles) of resurfacing and would bring that portion of road into compliance. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the request for resurfacing. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Hammell asked for the road paving priority schedule for the fiscal year be reviewed and to advise if any changes are needed.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Osborne Barker said the Comprehensive Emergency Plan which is state mandated needs to be updated as the current plan is lacking criteria now required. Mr. Barker said if a review was called the county would not be found in compliance. Mr. Osborne Barker asked for authorization to contract with Richard E. Moore Enterprises of Altamonte Springs to bring the Emergency Plan into compliance. Mr. Barker said he had a letter of agreement from Richard E. Moore Enterprises to do the work for $8,000.00 with an anticipated starting date of November 17, 1997. The contract would be paid on a schedule with completion scheduled within 120 days from the start up date. Comm. Davis moved to approve the contract with Richard E. Moore Enterprises to bring the Comprehensive Emergency Plan into compliance. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD CLOSING
The Public Hearing for two road closures opened at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the public hearing advertised for the petition filed by Rick and Ginger Cook request had an error in the advertisement and will need to be advertised again. Mr. Beauchamp recommended the public hearing be scheduled for December 16, 1997.
The public hearing for the petition filed by John and Marjorie Waple for a road closure as follows:
That certain 16.5 foot alley lying between Lots 17 & 18, Block 12 and Lots 41 & 42, Block 12, of Fannin Springs Annex, as recorded in Plat Book 3, Page 31, of the Public Records of Levy County, Florida.
There was no objection to the closure of the alley from the public. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the resolution to close the alley. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Davis moved to advertise the road closure of the portion of Hilda Road as requested by the Rick & Ginger Cook be continued to December 16, 1997 regular meeting. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Comm. Davis said the committee has met concerning the Levy County Development Authority and has expressed concern on the status of the activities in promoting economic development and job growth. Comm. Davis said the goal of the committee is to continue promoting economic development and job growth for the county. Comm. Davis said the committee had concerns that the Levy County Development Authority and the Levy County Economic Council be clearly shown as separate entities, with separate board members and separate directors. Comm. Davis said the committee was recommending appointing an interim director for the Authority at the present time and to look for a full time director for the Authority. Comm. Davis said he has requested the current board members of the Authority to contact him and advise before December 2, 1997 if they wish to remain active board members. Comm. Davis said the committee is not asking for any resignations of the current board members and would respect their opinions on the reorganization of the Authority board. Comm. Foley asked if the committee would consider adding additional positions to the Authority board. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the Florida State statutes would be reviewed to see if additional positions could be created. Mrs. Krista Kelly, County Planner, said it was her understanding that there had to be a minimum of five (5) members on the Authority board. Comm. Davis moved to be the designated contact person for the Authority board members to contact him if they wish to remain on the Authority board and assist with reorganizing the function of the Authority, clarifying the role of the Authority in conjunction with the Economic Council, a private organization, and to proceed with appointing an interim director to the Authority. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Chairman Yearty said Mr. Billy Cobb would be the contact person for the county until the interim director is appointed.
Comm. Davis said it was his understanding that there were some outstanding invoices for the Levy County Development Authority and he had agreed with Mr. Hugh Alexander to pay the invoices. Comm. Davis said a request was received from the Authority for $7,000.00 on October 15, 1997 from Mr. George Sandora indicating it was his understanding that funding of the Authority would continue and this was a request for the monthly funding for October and November. Mr. George Sandora said the Authority still has outstanding monthly bills and it was his understanding that the funding would continue for ninety (90) days. Mr. Sandora said in the past a check had been disbursed monthly from the clerk’s office for the Authority to disburse the funds from their account. Comm. Dean moved to pay the $7,000.00 for the monthly payments of $3,500.00 for October and November. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Comm. Davis said he had reviewed the plans for the construction of the 4-H Building which has been budgeted for $45,000.00. Comm. Davis said the tentative plans are for a 42 x 100 building which would have an enclosed storage room with restroom facilities. Comm. Davis said construction of the structure can be done for $35,000.00. Comm. Davis moved to proceed with construction of the 4-H building for $35,000.00. Comm. Dean seconded and asked for quotes to be obtained on all portions of the construction and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Comm. Dean moved to recommend Mr. Harry Couey with the Road Department for an increase from $10.0241 to $10.4881 at the same classification. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Dean moved to recommend Ms. Arnette Eddins, Maintenance Worker I, $7.1823 to Equipment Operator II, $8.6132, a change in classification to the position she has been handling. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Dean moved to recommend Mr. William Stalvey from $9.0583 to $9.6554 at the same classification. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Comm. Dean said the renewal contract for the County Attorney is for a 4% increase from last year for a monthly payment of $4,800.00 or an annual amount of $57,600.00. Comm. Dean moved to approve the renewal of the contract with Mr. Greg Beauchamp as County Attorney effective October 1, 1997. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Comm. Dean said Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney is meeting with Mr. Donald Richburg, Tax Collector on the Value Adjustment Board and requested they review the MSTUs.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said he is awaiting directions from the board to proceed with refunding the special assessments. Comm. Foley requested this be placed on the agenda for December 2, 1997.
ORDINANCES
Chairman Yearty asked Ms. Krista Kelly and Mr. Greg Beauchamp to have the revision of the Junk and Debris Ordinance prepared for action to be taken to advertise the proposed ordinance at the next regular meeting.
CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD
Mr. Douglas McKoy, said the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida Association of Court Clerks had met with the Constitutional Revision Local Government Committee appointed by the Governor and had submitted a proposal for Article V funding to the Constitutional Revision Commission. Mr. McKoy said the proposal was filed by Commissioner Allan Sundberg and Commissioner Steve Zack with the Judicial Committee of the Constitutional Revision Commission which had previously been endorsed by both the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the Florida Association of Court Clerks (FACC). Mr. McKoy said Commissioner Sundberg contacted Mary Kay Cariseo, Deputy Director of the FAC and requested a draft proposal be submitted that was in direct conflict and contradiction with the previous recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Local Government which had been agreed upon by FAC and FACC. Mr. McKoy asked for a letter to be sent to the Florida Association of Counties opposing this type of conduct and opposing any changes to the previous agreement reached by FAC and FACC. Comm. Dean moved to direct correspondence to FAC in opposition of this action. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty asked Mr. McKoy to obtain the new revenue material for traffic court for the next regular meeting.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
W. S. Yearty, III, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court