REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
February 3, 1998
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on February 3, 1998 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Don Foley
Vice Chairman Don Lindsey
Comm. Wilbur Dean
Comm. Sammy Yearty
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. Dean followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
The following expenditures were presented for payment. Comm. Dean moved to approve the expenditures as presented for payment. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 11553-11730 (VOIDS 11553;11719)
GENERAL FUND 606,714.18
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 69,320.15
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 13,785.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 6,859.26
EMERGENCY 911 5,404.41
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 6,186.92
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 4,623.43
COURT FACILITIES FUND 260.98
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 485.50
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 5,000.08
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 14,389.05
ADD REV BOND DEBT SERVICE 90.00
UTILITIES FUND 25.50
TOTAL $733,144.46
MINUTES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes for the regular meeting of January 6, 1998. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin, Board Secretary opened the bids for the leachate hauling contracts. Mrs. Martin read the bids as follows:
Gainesville Regional Utilities $3.45 per load per mile transported.
Dean Trucking, $155.00 per 6000 gallons per load to Gainesville, $135.00 per 6000 gallons per load to Williston. There is no change from current contract.
Chairman Foley appointed Comm. Yearty, Mr. Wayne Hardee, Mr. Benny Jerrels and Mr. Billy Cobb to review the bids and to make a recommendation on their findings.
Comm. Yearty said the bids had been reviewed and Gainesville Regional Utilities can do the leachate hauling at a reduced price. Comm. Yearty said Gainesville Regional Utilities and Dean Trucking have agreed to $125.00 per load and the committee recommends accepting both contractors, dividing the loads equally between them. Comm. Yearty moved to accept both contractors for the leachate hauling at $125.00 per load. Comm. Lindsey seconded. Comm. Dean announced he would file a conflict of interest form since he is a relative of the owner of Dean Trucking but does not have any interest in the company. MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Mrs. Jennifer Shuster said tickets are available on a drawing to be held Saturday, February 14, 1998 for a 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck. Mrs. Shuster said the raffle is being held to raise funds for the South Levy Park. Mrs. Shuster said the citizens appreciate the support received for the construction of the park.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Bill Beddow said difficulties are occurring with the Emergency Medical Services radio frequency interfering with the Sheriff’s office transmission due to the proximity of the Emergency Medical Services tower with the Sheriff’s office. Mr. Beddow said quotes have been obtained to allow the moving of the Emergency Medical Services transmitter to the WKTK tower in Otter Creek for $10,122.00. Mr. Beddow said it will take three (3) to four (4) months to complete the installation and this cost is from several contractors to handle portions of the installation. Mr. Beddow said Sheriff Ted Glass was in that the move will resolve the transmission difficulties the Sheriff’s office has been experiencing. Mr. Beddow said the new transmitter would allow his staff to be in constant contact with each other. Comm. Dean moved to approve the installation in Otter Creek on the WKTK tower. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Bill Beddow requested authorization to make application for a grant to assist in the purchase of two (2) rescue units and for the Cedar Key station. Mr. Beddow said grants are not being awarded for facilities often but application should be made. Comm. Dean moved to authorize application for the grants. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty said the private firm now providing Emergency Medical services to Cedar Key has indicated they will turn their rescue vehicles over to the county upon the installation of the Advance Life Support station. Comm. Yearty said presently the county has not been able to locate a suitable facility for the station. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize Mr. Bill Beddow to proceed with attempting to locate a suitable facility for the Advance Life Support station. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DISTRICTS
Mr. Bill Beddow said the Fire Department contracts with the municipalities in the county needed to be approved and signed. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize Chairman Foley to sign the fire contracts. Comm. Lindsey seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SALARIES AND WAGES
Mr. Skip Hammell asked for a review of the process for determining over time pay for Road Department employees for weeks including a holiday. Comm. Yearty said it was his understanding the salaries and determination of type of pay is addressed in the union contract. Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney said the issue of salaries is addressed by the union contract and he would review the contract and make a report at the next regular meeting.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Osborn Barker said the contract for work by Envirotemp, Inc. on the Emergency Operations Center needed to be approved. Mr. Barker said quotes had been obtained for the construction work and Envirotemp, Inc. bid of $9,740.00 was the lowest. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the contract. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Billy Cobb said problems had developed with citizens requesting a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment on properties having uninhabitable dwellings on the property but utilities were still available on the property. Mr. Cobb said a policy needed to be instituted to address this since the Property Appraiser’s considered the property improved and not subject to an adjustment of the Non-Ad Valorem Easement Roll. Mr. Cobb presented the following Certificates of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for consideration:
James and Georgia Wolschleger, property has four (4) uninhabitable mobile homes on the property which have not been removed, property is considered an improved parcel in accordance with the Property Appraiser’s standards.
Comm. Dean moved to deny the request for a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Caesar and Virginia Jimenez, 8490 N.E. 176th Avenue, Williston, dwelling could be habitable and is considered an improved parcel.
Comm. Davis moved to deny the request for Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Elizabeth Duffied, 11791 NE SR 24, Archer, second mobile home on property has been sold but not removed.
Comm. Dean moved to deny the request for Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Jeff Chaney, Fowlers Bluff, vacant mobile home on improved property.
Comm. Lindsey moved to deny the request for Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mary Lee Blake, Chiefland, second building demolished and removed from property in 1995.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mr. Billy Cobb said a budget amendment for the Planning Department was needed for $21,150.00. Mr. Cobb said this amendment was a result of equipment needed to establish the office for the County Planner and secretary. Mr. Cobb said this would also include contributing 50% of the cost for a copier to be used by the Planning Department and Building and Zoning Department. Comm. Davis moved to approve the budget amendment. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING AND ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt read the following petitions for a hardship variance:
Petition NO. VA-00363 - Darlene Johnson, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order to care for her son (Scott Johnson), on a parcel of land located in Manatee Farms Estates, Unit 1, Lot 59, Block A, in Section 21, Township 11S, Range 14E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 6 acres more or less and is located within a Rural Residential "RR" zone.
Mrs. Darlene Johnson requested support of the request. There was no opposition presented to the request. Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the request for a hardship variance. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. VA-00364 - Lucinda and Lon Smith, petitioning the board for a Hardship Variance to allow a second dwelling in order for their son (Richard Smith) to care for them, on a parcel of land located in Rustling Pines, Lot 7, Block D, in Section 11, Township 12S, Range 14E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 2.5 acres more or less and is located within a Rural Residential "RR" zone.
Mr. Lon Smith asked for support of the request for a hardship variance. There was no opposition. Comm. Lindsey moved to approve the variance. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. PP-00237 - Pardue Land Surveying representing James Lybass, petitioning the Board for a Preliminary Plat of "Great Oaks," a subdivision located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 in Section 20, Township 13S, Range 19E and in the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 in Section 21, Township 13S, Range 19E in Levy County. Said parcel contains 80 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential "A/RR" zone.
Mr. Michael Pardue said a variance was being requested on the block length for the preliminary plat.
Petition NO. VA-00362 - Pardue Land Surveying representing James Lybass, petitioning the Board for a Variance from Chapter 71 Subdivision Regulations, Article 4 Design Standards, Section 4.02 (Block Lengths) and Section 4.07 (Street System Layout), Subsection (L) 50' right-of-way dedication of the section line, on a parcel of land located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 in Section 20, Township 13S, Range 19E and the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 in Section 21, Township 13S, Range 19E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 80 acres more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential "A/RR" zone.
Mr. Rob Corbitt said the plat review committee had reviewed the request for the Preliminary Plat and Variance and recommended approval. Mr. Corbitt said the County Engineer and the Road Department had reviewed the request and were in agreement. Mr. Corbitt said there had been no opposition received for the Preliminary Plat and Variance. Comm. Davis moved to approve the petition for the Preliminary Plat. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Davis moved to approve the petition for variance. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. CU 97-2 - Archie Eiland/Port Inglis Realty, Inc., petitioning the Board for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Taxidermy Shop, on a parcel of land located on Lot 9, Bluebird Hill Subdivision, in Section 7, Township 16S, Range 16E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 1.82 acres more or less and is located within a Forestry/Rural Residential "F/RR" zone.
Mrs. Krista Kelly said the parcel is partially developed and the Conditional Use Permit is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for rural development. Mrs. Kelly said no opposition had been received to the petition. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the City of Chiefland had requested the counties support on four (4) laning CR 345 inside the corporate city limits by the Department of Transportation as a special need in conjunction with the widening of US 27A (SR500). Mr. Beauchamp read the resolution into the record. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the resolution as read. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD CLOSING
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said a public hearing will be held at the next regular meeting for a road closing and has been properly advertised.
ORDINANCE
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the public hearing for the Junk and Debris Ordinance would be held at the next regular meeting and has been properly advertised.
UTILITIES
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the water tanks for the Manatee Water system have been order. Mr. Beauchamp said a procedure is being developed for the billing process, hook-up and rules for users of the system.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said Mr. Frank Woodard, current receiver for University Oaks Water System has not been able to meet certain obligations for the operation of the water system. Mr. Beauchamp said he was proceeding to petition the Circuit Court to appoint the county as receiver. Comm. Davis said he was aware the water testing companies had not been paid and the users of the system needed to have the problem resolved on who controls the water system.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the Notice of Refund of Special Assessments is prepared and ready for publication. Mr. Beauchamp said the committee recommends refunds for the Special Assessment be made for the tax years 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989 and the refunds will be made from the Special Construction Account.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mrs. Carmen Proctor said the roads where she resides off of CR 345 are still under water and the residents need assistance. Comm. Yearty said they were aware of the severity of the problem, however, the roads are privately owned and State and Federal laws prohibit public funds being used to do any repairs or maintenance. Mrs. Proctor said the residents are in the process of securing deeds from the landowners to dedicate the right-of-way to the public. Comm. Dean said until all of the right-of-ways are dedicated to the public no action can be taken with public funds.
INSURANCE
Mr. Newcomb Wasson introduced Ms. Tracy Pettitt and Ms. Pam Crum who are associated with Ultra Medix. Ms. Pam Crum said she is the hospital contractor for Ultra Medix and an agreement has been reached with North Florida Regional Hospital which should provide better services for the county employees medical plan. Comm. Lindsey said he had problems with treatment he received from Shands Hospital and inquired whether or not Ultra Medix was resolving the difficulties encountered by employees since their coverage plan was accepted. Ms. Tracy Pettit said all complaints were being referred directly to her and she was attempting to resolve them. Mr. Billy Cobb said an immense amount of time was being spent on complaints of service from the employees who have met difficulties with locating physicians who will accept Ultra Medix and with pharmacies who will accept them. Comm. Dean said he recommended the insurance committee to begin to investigate the possibility of obtaining a different health insurance provider since the level of service being provided is not what the county expected when they accepted Ultra Medix as a health insurance provider. Comm. Lindsey said he has received complaints and was concerned on the procedure used by Ultra Medix authorizing prescription drugs. Chairman Foley said the insurance committee would review the complaints and the level of service received and would make a recommendation to the Board.
Comm. Yearty said he would recommend the county contract with an insurance consultant to review all of the policies carried by the county. Comm. Yearty said the policies needed to be reviewed and coverage adjusted as needed for the benefit of the county.
ZONING
Mr. Paul Droney said he was concerned about the 160 acre borrow pit the Board of Adjustment was to consider for a special exception at their next meeting. Mr. Droney asked if the Board would consider placing a fee on each truck using the pit to allow the county to realize some benefit if the special exception for the borrow pit is approved by the Board of Adjustment. No action was taken by the Board.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement:
Benjamin B. Sto Domingo, 335 S. W. 7th Avenue, Williston for $12,500.00.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Don Foley, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court