REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 4, 1998
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 4, 1998 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Don Foley
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
Comm. Dean moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 14290-14543 (VOIDS 14292;14293 )
GENERAL FUND $748,514.63
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 52,297.20
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 8,960.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 7,856.29
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 151.07
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 8,401.38
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 3,134.83
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 17,955.72
LOCAL LAW ENF BLOCK GRANT 6,038.57
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 3,120.05
FIRE CONTROL FUND 16,656.77
ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 6.00
UTILITIES FUND 5,077.39
TOTAL $878,169.90
MINUTES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 21, 1998 and the special meeting of July 17, 1998. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Bill Beddow said he would like to recognize Mr. Jim Foran and Mr. Brett Sandlin, Paramedics with the Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Beddow said David A. Meurer, M.D. with the Division of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida wrote to acknowledge the highest quality prehospital care for accident victim Ms. Randi Winkel performed by Mr. Foran and Mr. Sandlin. Mr. Beddow said it was a honor to be able to recognize the excellent work performed by all the employees with Emergency Medical Services. Chairman Foley said the board and citizens appreciated the quality of service they rendered.
ROAD, COUNTY
Ms. Dawn Clary and Ms. Ruth Rupert representatives of the Inglis/Yankeetown Bike committee appeared before the board to request funding for a bike path and widening of Highway 40 between Inglis and Yankeetown. Ms. Rupert gave a slide presentation showing the area of concern. Mrs. Clary said the Town of Inglis and the Town of Yankeetown were directing correspondence from the respective councils to make the same request for the safety of the citizens. Comm. Yearty said he has contacted State Representative, Jane Gale Boyd to request legislative assistance to return responsibility for maintenance of Highway 40 to the Florida Department of Transportation. Comm. Yearty said this portion of Highway 40 is the only part across the state which is county owned and he is recommending the state resume maintenance of the road. Comm. Yearty said Inglis and Yankeetown need to notify the board of their joint efforts in obtaining funding for the widening of Highway 40 and for the addition of a bike path.
ROADS, STATE
Mr. Rob Ayers, Regional Planning Administrator for the Department of Transportation said he is presenting the tentative Five Year Work Program for the county. Mr. Ayers provided a schedule of projects:
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Mr. Ayers said other projects funded through the Department of Transportation include the transportation for the disadvantaged and projects for aviation at the Williston Municipal Airport. Mr. Ayers said he was also requesting the submission of other projects to place on the schedule no later than October 1, 1998.
Mr. Ayers said of the fourteen (14) projects submitted last year, ten (10) of the projects were funded including bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation work, sidewalks and the Nature Coast Greenway funded by ISTEA.
Mr. Ayers said he was providing copies of the 2020 Florida Transportation Plan providing a summary of the strategic plan for 1998 to 2006. He added that recent federal legislation may provide more federal funding into the state but is not aware if any funds will be available at a county level. Mr. Ayers added that Mr. Ken Morefield has received a promotion and Mr. Huey Hawkins is the new District II Secretary.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Comm. Yearty recognized Mr. Richard A. "Ollie" Lynch for his service on the Planning Commission and for his contributions to the county by serving on the School Board and other civic and local responsibilities. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt a resolution recognizing Mr. Lynch’s years of service to the county. Comm. Dean seconded and Comm. Yearty read the resolution into the record and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Yearty presented the resolution to Mr. Lynch.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petitions for consideration:
Petition No. CU 98-1; Roger S. Webb, petitioning the board for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a fertilizer packaging plant, on a parcel of land located in the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 28, Township 13S, Range 19E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 1 acre more or less and is located within an Agriculture/Rural Residential "A/RR" zone.
Mr. Roger Webb said his operation has strict guidelines imposed by the pharmaceutical company, federal and state regulations. Chairman Foley asked if there was any opposition to the petition and none was presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the recommendation to allow the conditional use permit. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Petition No. CZ 00438; Barbara Box, petitioning the Board for a Change of Zoning from Rural Residential "RR" to C-3, on a parcel of land located in an unrecorded subdivision known as Levy Sales Corporation, Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 1, in Section 21, township 12S, Range 17E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 1.41 acres more or less.
Mrs. Barbara Box said she has a small manufacturing company which makes the plastic rods for levlor blinds. Mrs. Sharon Carter said she resides directly across from the property and is in favor of the change in zoning. Mr. Corbitt said Mr. Dale Taylor who is an adjacent property owner has registered his opposition to the proposed petition. Comm. Dean moved to approve the petition for the change in zoning. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Billy Cobb said the renewal contract with the Small County Coalition is expiring and he recommends renewing the contract. Comm. Yearty moved to renew the agreement with the Small County Coalition. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY AGENT
Mr. Billy Cobb said the Cooperative Extension office is requesting authorization to exchange the bus used by 4-H group. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the bus exchange. Comm. Davis seconded and Comm. Yearty said to remove the old bus from the maintenance program and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell requested authorization to close CR 339 crossing the Waccassa River to clean out the debris and growth under the bridge. Mr. Hammell said the road would need to be closed approximately two (2) days. The Board agreed to authorize the road closure with proper notification being made.
Mr. Skip Hammell presented a request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis for the following:
N.E. 117th Terrace in Oak Ridge Estates at the intersections of N.E. 63rd Place, N.E. 65th Lane and N.E. 67th Place, 50' dedicated right-of-way.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Skip Hammell said he was requesting authorization to advertise the "invitations to bid" for road material for the ensuing year. Comm. Dean moved to approve the authorization to advertise the invitations for bids. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LANDFILLS
Mr. Wayne Hardee presented the following grant agreements for approval:
Waste Tire Grant Agreement $14,224.00
Small County Grant Agreement $50,000.00
Litter Control & Prevention Grant Agreement $17,241.00
Recycling & Education Grant Agreement $75,298.00
Comm. Dean moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the grant agreements in approval of acceptance. Comm. Davis seconded and MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Wayne Hardee said the 3/4 ton truck purchased with a recycling grant is being used by the Maintenance and Construction Department. Mr. Hardee said the truck is no longer used by the Landfill and he would agree to allowing the purchase of the truck for the Maintenance and Construction Department. Mr. Hardee said he had obtain confirmation the truck must be purchased legally at a fair price by another department since grant funds were used to purchase the vehicle originally. Comm. Davis said he had obtained three (3) estimates on the value of the truck and received one for $1,800.00 and two for $1,500.00. Comm. Davis said he would recommend the Maintenance and Construction Department purchase the 3/4 ton truck from the Landfill Department for $1,500 since it is equipped for use by the Water Department. Comm. Yearty moved to purchase the truck for $1,500.00. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass said he has received a memorandum from Hunt Insurance Group concerning the Public Official Bond for the Sheriff and deputies. Sheriff Glass said consideration needed to be given to determine if each deputy needed to be individually bonded and the requirements by statute. Mr. Greg Beauchamp, County Attorney said he would review the information and report on his findings.
LEASES AND RENTALS
Sheriff Glass said the Florida Highway Patrol has indicated the Inglis patrol station is now available for lease and is in agreement to allow the county to lease the building from the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Sheriff Glass said he has wanted to place a field office in the south end of the county for a number of years. Sheriff Glass said the building would allow for a field office for the Sheriff and also allow usage by other county agencies. Sheriff Glass said the Florida Highway Patrol is requesting an annual administration fee of $300.00, assume a sublease held by the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for a period of 50 years and maintain the premises. Sheriff Glass said there is minimum maintenance required to begin occupancy of the building and would provide an inmate workforce for the painting and grounds. Sheriff Glass said an air-conditioning unit would need to be purchased and the county would be required to provide property insurance. Comm. Yearty moved to accept the sublease agreement for an annual administration fee of $300.00 to establish a satellite office for the sheriff and other county agencies. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Glass said the federal grant application has been submitted for technical development of the sheriff office computer system to become year 2000 compatible and is concerned the grant may not be approved. Sheriff Glass said funding will be critical to become year 2000 compatible.
Sheriff Glass said the grant application for the Victim’s Advocate program has been approved for $33,000.00 and he is now awaiting for disbursement begin the program.
Sheriff Glass said a communications audit by the Public Service Commission (PSC) was recently completed on the 911 system and no deficiencies were found and the sheriff and telephone company received acknowledgment of providing 100 percent of service.
GRANTS
Mrs. Carol McQueen said the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for road improvements was approved and plans are proceeding according to schedule.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen said she had reviewed the request by Ms. Colleen Jowers for a subordination agreement and determined the loan agreement had been approved by the bank without the subordination agreement.
Mrs. McQueen said a request for a subordination agreement has been received from Mr. Timothy Bushway and Mrs. Anita D. Bushway. Mrs. McQueen said the mortgage holder will reduce the interest rate from 9.5 percent to 7.0 percent and the request meets the policy guidelines established for a subordination agreement. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the subordination agreement. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
UNION
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the opening session for union negotiations had begun and the negotiating committee will be providing progress reports.
COUNTY LAND
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said a request has been made to purchase Lot 21, located in Jemlands, a unrecorded subdivision for $350.00. Mr. Beauchamp said this is the amount of taxes owed on the property. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the sale of Lot 21, Jemlands. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said he recommended a workshop to determine a policy for tracts of land being subdivided with 20 acres or more. Mr. Beauchamp said it appears that one interpretation of the Land Development Regulations allows the subdividing into 20 acre tracts and not having to build roads for access.
LANDFILL
Mrs. Renata Cannon asked for the status at the landfill if HAL Industries is not going to be transporting waste for disposal. Comm. Dean said studies are revealing that there may not be an impact and currently HAL Industries is still transporting their waste collection for disposal.
BUDGET
Mr. Douglas McKoy said the budget has been presented and TRIM hearings now need to be scheduled to adopt a tentative millage rate. Mr. McKoy said the budget will balance with the millage rate at 9.0 mills. Mr. McKoy said he would recommend the first TRIM hearing be held on September 14, 1998 to present the budget and adopt a millage rate and the final hearing on September 28, 1998. Mr. McKoy said the acceptance of the 9.0 mills would be a 3.16 percent increase in taxes. Comm. Dean moved to tentatively adopt a millage rate of 9.0 mills and schedule the TRIM hearings on September 14, 1998 and September 28, 1998. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
UTILITIES
Mr. Douglas McKoy said the water rate for the Manatee Springs Water System needs to be readdressed. Mr. McKoy said the residents have met with representatives for the water system concerning their high water bills. Mr. McKoy said the residents are aware the county has made considerable improvements to the water system but are objecting to the current rate schedule. Mr. McKoy said it is recommended to place the rate as follows:
Base Monthly Rate $25.00
Surcharge for improvements $10.00
Excess of 8000 gallons used $1.00 per gallon
Comm. Davis moved to accept the recommendation to adjust the water rates for the Manatee Water System. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. McKoy said Mr. Jimmy Jones and the Construction and Maintenance Department has been performing an outstanding job at the University Oaks Water System. Comm. Davis said a policy needs to be developed for installation of meters, hook-up fees and a fee for installation of water lines over a certain distance.
ROAD CLOSING
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said a request by Larry and Linda Henderson for a road closing was to be heard at a public hearing to be scheduled for this meeting. Mr. Beauchamp said the advertisement was not properly run and the public hearing will be scheduled for September 8, 1998 at 10:30 a.m. if the proposed resolution is adopted. Mr. Beauchamp read the resolution for the record for that:
That certain portion of a 50 foot road right of way lying along the South line of the SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of Section 27, Township 12 South, Range 18 East.
JUDICIAL
Comm. Yearty said a request for additional space from Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court has been made to utilize the office space previously held by Emergency Medical Services. Comm. Yearty said a recommendation has been made to relocate the Criminal Felony, Misdemeanor Divisions, Family Law and Civil Divisions to enhance courthouse security. Comm. Davis moved to approve the space allocation. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Comm. Yearty said he was recommending 5 Mile Pond Road be placed on the paving priority list. Comm. Yearty said there have been numerous serious accidents on this road. Mr. Skip Hammell said he has not been able to secure all of the right of way for the unpaved portion. Comm. Yearty moved to place 5 Mile Pond Road on the paving priority list. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Comm. Yearty said the new ambulance station being placed in Cedar key is not in the water district. Comm. Yearty asked Mr. Bill Beddow and Mr. Billy Cobb to attend the next water district meeting and request the ambulance station be included in the water system.
ORDINANCES
Comm. Davis requested discussion on the proposed revision of the Occupational Licenses Ordinance be postponed for further study by the board and public.
TAX ROLL
Mr. Billy Cobb said he is sending a letter to the Tax Collector, Donald Richburg, requesting the removal of the water systems from the tax roll for personal property and advalorem special assessments.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Comm. Dean said a recommendation has been made to moved Mr. Sammy Pruitt from Master Mechanic at $10.5998 to Shop Superintendent at $12.25 per hour. Comm. Dean moved to approve the recommendation for the change in position for Mr. Sammy Pruitt. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Chairman Foley said he has appointed the following for budget review negotiations:
Road Department & County Agent: Don Foley, Billy Cobb, Freddy Moody
Animal Control, Emergency Management & Supervisor of Elections: Don Lindsey, Billy Cobb, Freddy Moody
Landfill-Recycling & Mosquito Control: Wilbur Dean, Billy Cobb, Freddy Moody
Ambulance, Building & Zoning, Sheriff: Frank Davis, Billy Cobb, Freddy Moody
Planning, Construction/Maintenance, Clerk: Sammy Yearty, Billy Cobb, Freddy Moody
MUNICIPALITIES
Chairman Foley said the City of Chiefland has made a request to increase the recreation budget amount of $500.00 to $5,000.00 annually. Chairman Foley said they have also requested an increase for the ambulance station to $300.00 from $200.00 monthly. Chairman Foley said the City of Chiefland does pay the utilities for the station. Comm. Dean moved to accept the increase to $300.00 monthly for the ambulance station which includes utilities. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. There was no action taken on the request to increase the recreation funding. Mr. Barney Cannon said he recommended requesting the City of Chiefland to provide a factual basis for requesting the additional funding.
BUDGET
Mr. Terry Witt with the Chiefland Citizen made a request to have the budget discussions held open for public attendance. Mr. Witt said the budget process previously used with the full board as the budget committee allowed more public attendance. Chairman Foley said Mr. Witt could attend any of the budget discussions held.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Don Foley, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court