REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
December 16, 1997
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on December 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 Sheriff Ted Glass followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment. Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the expenditures presented. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 10939- 11157 (VOIDS 10953;10941 )
GENERAL FUND $243,070.35
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 42,383.44
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 34,520.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 11,689.76
EMERGENCY 911 14,586.16
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 8,629.31
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 4,795.33
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 2,581.25
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 72,724.18
LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 4,866.71
LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE TR 25,109.57
FIRE CONTROL FUND 2,773.31
DRUG TASK FORCE 8,999.00
ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 336.25
ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE 90.00
UTILITIES FUND 29.14
MSTU-RAINBOW LAKES ESTATE 3,346.01
TOTAL $480,529.77
MINUTES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 2, 1997. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass said an emergency situation has occurred with the auxiliary power unit located at the Gulf Hammock tower. Sheriff Glass said the unit has failed and he has been advised by Ring Power the unit is not worth repairing. Sheriff Glass said original parts are no longer available for the unit and to repair the unit would be approximately $2,000.00. Sheriff Glass said a quote had been obtained from Ring Power for $6,400.00 to replace the unit and he recommended replacing the unit. Mr. Billy Cobb said funding could be provided out of the Intergovernment Communication Fund. Sheriff Glass said he did not find any statutes which would not allow the use of the funds. Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney said the quoted price was below the $10,000.00 bid requirement and the purchase could be made on the quote presented.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the expenditure of funds to purchase a new auxiliary power unit. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the bid opening scheduled for 9:00 a.m. would need to be postponed as changes in the specifications advertised for the roof of the Emergency Management Services building were needed. Mr. Beauchamp recommended the one (1) bid received not be opened and the request for new bids be advertised with the correct specifications.
Comm. Davis moved to return the bid unopened and to advertise the invitation to bid with the corrected specifications to be opened at the regular meeting on January 6, 1998. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreements with a recommendation for approval:
Shirleen Booth, Lots 5,6,19 & 20, Block C, Rosewood Park Unit 1, Cedar Key, for $11,000.00.
Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Janice M. Frison, Lot 1, Block 15, J. B. Epperson Addition, Williston, $15,000.00
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. McQueen said the funds for moderate incomes for 1997-1998 have been expended and only a small amount of funds are available in the low and very low for the purchase assistance program. Mrs. McQueen said funds are still available for the rehabilitation program. Mrs. McQueen recommended redefining the criteria used for allocating funds in the purchase assistance program.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
Mr. Billy Cobb said the Medical Examiner Commission has sent a ballot to be completed and returned concerning the reappointment of Dr. Hamilton as Medical Examiner. Mr. Cobb said Dr. Hamilton’s term expires in July and the Florida State Code requires a statement recommending his reappointment to the Governor.
Comm. Dean moved to allow the Chairman to sign the ballot recommending the reappointment of Dr. Hamilton. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Billy Cobb presented the following Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for consideration:
Vernon & Dottie McGee, Gulf Hammock, vacant land.
Comm. Davis moved to approved the Certification of Correction. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ray & Rose Gann, Williston, previously rented to two (2) different people, main house and garage apartment now rented as one unit to one occupant.
Mr. Billy Cobb said this property is listed on the tax roll as two parcels with improvements on each parcel. Mr. Cobb said there is not a tracking system to determine when the units are rented to one occupant or two occupants.
Comm. Dean moved to deny the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Reba Roverson & Juanita Hudson, Chiefland, house vacant for one year, water and electric connected for maintenance only.
Comm. Foley said the home is vacant, for sale and garbage service has been discontinued. Comm. Foley moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Lindsey seconded for discussion. Comm. Dean said the property is being sold as an improved parcel and when sold it would be subject to ambulance and landfill non-ad valorem assessments. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said vacancy is not a controlling factor for correcting non-ad valorem assessments if the property is improved and available. Mr. Beauchamp said there is not a tracking system to determine when the property is occupied. Comm Foley voted aye with Comm. Lindsey, Comm. Davis, Comm. Dean and Chairman Yearty voting nay and the MOTION FAILED.
Robert & Janet L. Litzinger, Judson, one (1) bedroom mobile home used as guest quarters, all utilities connected to one meter for primary and secondary residence.
Comm. Dean moved to deny the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Steve L. Bingaman, Chiefland, one (1) mobile home on five (5) acres being assessed for two (2) units.
Mr. Billy Cobb said the request had been investigated and there is only one improvement on the one parcel. Comm. Foley moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Cobb to verify all requests received and if necessary to request a committee to review the requests for Certificate of Corrections of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell submitted the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
S. W. 103rd Terrace in Rosewood Park, dedicated right-of-way.
Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
N. W. 76th Terrace in Circle K Ranch, ½ mile long, 50' dedicated right-of-way, four (4) loads of rock.
Comm. Foley moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Skip Hammell submitted the following requests for placement in the road department maintenance system.
Paved extension of Palmer Drive in Williston Highlands Golf & County Club Estates, 1265' (0.24 mile) long, 50' dedicated right-of-way, asphalt paved.
N.E. 10th Street in Williston Highlands Golf & Country Club Estates, 50' dedicated right-of-way, 0.24 mile long, asphalt paved.
Comm. Davis moved to accept into the maintenance system. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Remaining portion of Dolphin Drive (S.W. 108th Avenue) in Cedarhaven Estates, 50' dedicated right-of-way, 0.08 mile (421') long, 3 houses, 2 loads rock & grade.
Comm. Lindsey moved to accept into the maintenance system. Comm. Dean seconded and discussion ensued. Chairman Yearty said he was not in favor of accepting a road into the system which did not meet county specifications. Mr. Hammell said this portion of road in Cedarhaven Estates is the only part not already a part of the maintenance system. Chairman Yearty voted nay and the MOTION CARRIED.
MSTUs
Comm. Foley said a letter received from Rose C. Bradford concerning the MSTU special assessments in Rainbow Lakes Estates needed a response. Mr. Billy Cobb said he would be responding to all letters received concerning the special assessments.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Mr. Wayne Hardee requested approval to order Malathion for Mosquito Control. Mr. Hardee said the cost would increase in the spring and it was more economical to purchase the Malathion now. Mr. Hardee said the cost would exceed $10,000.00, however, there was no other distributor to purchase the chemical from.
Comm. Dean moved to allow the purchase without advertising for bids since no other distributors are available to provide the chemical. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD & BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Chairman Yearty said the heavily traveled entrance road at Ocala Highlands West needs to be widened. Chairman Yearty asked Comm. Dean and Mr. Skip Hammell to investigate and determine if additional right-of-way could be obtained to widen the road.
Comm. Lindsey asked Mr. Skip Hammell to investigate a problem on S. W. 77th Place for damage from the heavy rains which has caused flooding in the area.
CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said he had discussed the renewal agreement for Meridian Behavioral Healthcare with their representatives. Mr. Beauchamp said the contract agreement for $57,000.00 would not cover some additional services, such as suicide watches at the Levy County Jail and certain evaluations and would be billed separately due to a loss of funding from Medicaid and the State. Mr. Beauchamp said the services offered were necessary to the citizens of the county which must be provided and the revised contract agreement was still favorable.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the contract. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SUITS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney said he had received a memorandum from the Administrative Hearing Officer of the Human Relations Commission on the suit filed by Mrs. Sarah Miller alleging discrimination as a county employee. Mr. Beauchamp said an order would be forthcoming, but a memorandum on the findings from the Administrative Hearing Officer indicated no discrimination and recommended dismissing the petition. Mr. Beauchamp said a order would be forthcoming from the Human Relations Commission outlining the findings.
INSURANCE
Chairman Yearty said he was aware of the complaints and problems with Ultramedix who is providing health coverage for county employees. Chairman Yearty said at the present the county is still working with Ultramedix and attempting to resolve the problems as they occur. Chairman Yearty said a difficulty would arise in providing coverage for all employees and their dependents if the contract was changed mid-term. Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Greg Beauchamp and Mr. Billy Cobb to continue monitoring the situation and to keep the Board apprised of any problems. Mr. Cobb said a meeting has been scheduled with the representatives of Ultramedix and Department Heads should direct all employees to bring any complaints to his attention. Chairman Yearty said the county would continue to abide by its contract at the present time.
Mrs. Renata Cannon said anyone having complaints about a health insurance provider could contact the Department of Insurance or Health Care Administration in Tallahassee with their complaints.
GRANTS
Chairman Yearty opened the first public hearing at 10:30 a.m. for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Mrs. Carol McQueen said the public hearing is part of the process in applying for a grant to improve infrastructure within the county. Mrs. McQueen said the Community Action Task Force (CATF) should be appointed and would make recommendations on their findings of areas of need within the county. Mrs. McQueen said the role of the task force is to encourage residents of low and moderate incomes to provide input for selecting a project, and assist in overseeing the project as necessary.
Chairman Yearty read for the record the Citizens Advisory Task Force appointed for the 1998 CDBG Program as follows:
Mr. Frank Schuler, Bronson; Mr. John H. Donaldson, Chiefland; Mr. Cliff Norris, Bronson; Mr. Walt McJordan, Cedar Key; Mr. Doug King, Chiefland; Mr. George Stephens, Inglis; Mr. Kenneth Griffith, Williston; Mr. Hugh Alexander, Chiefland..
Mrs. McQueen said compliance must meet one of the national objectives for CDBG: 1. Meet the 51% of low and moderate income criteria; 2. To eliminate or prevent slums or blights; 3. Is an emergency and there are no other funds available. Mrs. McQueen said the four (4) types of grants available are: 1. Housing; 2. Commercial Revitalization; 3. Economic Development; 4. Neighborhood Revitalization and if the grant application is approved the county would be eligible for up to $700,000.00 for the project selected. Mrs. McQueen opened the floor to public comments.
Mrs. Renata Cannon suggested addressing the issue of receiverships on the private water systems. Mrs. McQueen said that would be a viable option to consider.
Mr. Bernard Woods inquired if the grants had any impact on the road construction of US27A. Mrs. McQueen said the construction on a state or federal highway was not consider for this type of grant. Mr. Woods inquired if the funds could be used for construction of ball fields like the one being constructed in Rosewood. Chairman Yearty said the school board was constructing the ball park for the school system.
Chairman Yearty said the consensus of the board would like to see the improvement of utilities and roads.
Chairman Yearty adjourned the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting.
Comm. Davis moved to proceed with the grant application process for a Community Development Block Grant. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Warren Pelt said he would like to know if any assistance could be provided to him and two of his sons. Chairman Yearty asked Mrs. Carol McQueen to arrange to meet with Mr. Pelt and to see if he qualifies for any assistance that may be available.
ORDINANCES
Chairman Yearty opened the Fair Housing Workshop at 10:30 a.m. Mrs. Carol McQueen said in accordance with federal laws notice of the Fair Housing Ordinance instituted by Levy County should be announced annually for the public to be made aware of their recourse for acts of discrimination in housing. Mrs. McQueen provided a copy of the agenda and Levy County Ordinance 90-5 to the public at the workshop. Chairman Yearty closed the public workshop on Fair Housing.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court said the constitutional revision being recommended by the Florida Association of Counties is becoming a large county vs. small county issue. Mr. McKoy said the county realized $68,000.00 last year from fines and forfeitures which could be retained for other uses. Mr. McKoy said with the increase of a $20.00 surcharge approved by the Board the county could realize in excess of $100,000.00 annually. Mr. McKoy recommended a Resolution opposing Amended Proposal 31 and Amended Proposal 55 which would disburse the fines and forfeitures directly to the state in the year 2004 and would not be retained by the county.
Comm. Davis moved to adopt the resolution opposing Amended Proposal 31 and 55. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMPUTERS
Mr. Douglas McKoy said Department heads and staff had met with the computer firm who was preparing a quote for upgrading the county system. Mr. McKoy said the hardware presently used by the county was unacceptable to the program and the estimated cost for a new system was approximately $300,000.00. Mr. McKoy said he would recommend the Department heads to submit in writing their needs for additional personal computers and printers in each department and he would proceed with obtaining quotes for new equipment. Chairman Yearty advised Mr. Donald Richburg to discuss with Mr. McKoy concerning his eligibility for additional computers in the Tax Collector’s Office.
Comm. Davis moved to authorize the Clerk to proceed with obtaining quotes for additional computers and printers for the various departments. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
AGENCIES
Comm. Davis moved to recommend the appointment of Mr. Terry Smith and Mr. Jimmy Cason as additional members to the Levy County Development Authority board for a total board of seven (7) members. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Yearty made the appointments to the Development Authority board.
COMMITTEES
Chairman Yearty said he would appoint a Safety Committee to confer with the Department of Transportation for equipment and future projects. Chairman Yearty appointed the following to the Safety committee:
Comm. Foley, Chairman; Sheriff Ted Glass, Mr. Skip Hammell, Mr. Earl Cannon, Mr. Osburn Barker, Mr. Bill Beddow, Mr. Brooks Holloway, Mrs. Carol McQueen and Mrs. Krista Kelly.
ROAD CLOSING
Mr. Greg Beauchamp opened the public hearing for the road closing requested by Ricky and Ginger Cooke advertised for 10:30 a.m. Mr. Beauchamp read the resolution for the vacation, abandoning and closing of that portion of Hilda Road located in Cedar Key Mobilehome Village described as:
Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot 1, Block "B" of the above said subdivision, run South 34E-21'26" East a distance of 48.67 feet: thence run South 89E-38'-14" East a distance of 645.90 feet; thence run North 00E-21'-46" East a distance of 40 feet: thence run North 89E-38'-14" West a distance of 673.61 feet more or less to the Point of Beginning.
Mr. Beauchamp said all proper fees had been paid and it had been properly advertised. Chairman Yearty asked for any opposition and none was presented.
Comm. Lindsey moved to adopt the resolution for the road closure. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Comm. Foley asked about the status of refunding the special assessments on unimproved parcels. Comm. Dean said he has had discussions with the Clerk of Court, Mr. McKoy and would be reporting the recommendations at 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