REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
September 22, 1998
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 22, 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 Mr. Douglas McKoy followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 15322-15545 (VOIDS 15324; 15335 )
GENERAL FUND $128,790.43
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 34,338.03
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 48,684.20
PERMANENT MOSQUITO CONTROL 9,420.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 7,558.18
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 5,417.27
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 38,437.73
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 4,126.15
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 10,195.93
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 16,096.73
FIRE CONTROL FUND 4,478.76
ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 48.00
UTILITIES FUND 467.49
TOTAL $346,968.99
MINUTES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 8, 1998. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD & BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Comm. Yearty said he has discussed the problems with the quality of the oil which has been used for the equipment at the Road Department. Comm. Yearty said he was recommending allowing Mr. Sammy Pruitt, Shop Foreman to purchase several different types of oils for the equipment and perform efficiency tests on the equipment for the next year. Mr. Pruitt said he was planning on purchasing four (4) brands of oil in various weights and velocity to determine the most efficient oil to use for the equipment. Comm. Dean said the oil purchase would not exceed the bid policy of $10,000.00 since the current budget is $7,200.00 and pursuing a test program possibly would reduce the amount of oil used in the equipment and also increase the longevity of the county equipment. Comm. Yearty moved to waive the bid policy and allow the purchase of a variety of oil to run a test period of one (1) year on county equipment. Comm. Lindsey seconded and Mr. Puritt said he would be preparing records on the findings of the tests. Mr. Pruitt said the company had notified them that the sludge in the oil barrel was fine but did come and pick up the unused oil and the MOTION CARRIED.
STATE AGENCIES
Mr. Jerry Scarborough of the Suwannee River Water Management District said the Levy County Water Plan was prepared and ready for distribution. Mr. Scarborough said through the joint effort of Levy County, Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Suwannee River Water Management District protection of water resources will continue through the plan. Mr. Marvin Raulston of the Suwannee River Water Management District said public meetings had been held and the concerns of water use in the county had been addressed. Mr. Raulston said a major change is goal #2 of the water plan to Assure an adequate supply of clean water for current and future uses in Levy County, protect the water needs of natural systems, and prevent the transfer of water out of Levy County. Mr. Terry Johnson with Southwest Florida Water Management District said he believes the water plan will allow the two (2) water districts and the county to work together to preserve water resources in the county.
HEALTH
Mr. Ken Hollister said he was presenting the budget for the Health Department. Mr. Hollister said there have been no changes from last year’s budget. Comm. Dean moved to approve the budget for the health department and approve the chairman signing the contract. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Mr. Steve Maddox with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said recent restructuring of the agency is requiring an additional 715 square feet of office space at the Agriculture Center where they lease office space. Mr. Maddox said the local USDA office ranks 2nd or 3rd in the state for the volume of assistance provided to area farmers. Comm. Yearty said the space committee will meet with Mr. Maddox and review the requirements prescribed by USDA for the additional office space.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Billy Cobb said the following requests had been made for a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:
Annette Mills, P O Box 105, Morriston, remove single wide mobile home from property January, 1998, only one mobile home on property at the present time.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll.
Arthur and Judy C. Allen, 7151 N. W. 156th Street, Chiefland, Florida, requesting assessment for one (1) dwelling as second dwelling is for a hardship variance provided for parents.
Comm. Yearty moved to deny the request for the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem which would not be consistent with current county procedure. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Comm. Yearty said he was recommending approval of the request from the Levy County Development Authority for a $42,000.00 budget allocation for the ensuing fiscal year and to allow the $28,000.00 budget for the 1997-1998 fiscal year to be brought forward on a one (1) time basis and not be considered an increase in the budget. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the budget request of $42,000.00 and to bring forward the unused portion of the 1997-1998 budget of $28,000.00. Comm. Lindsey seconded and Comm. Davis said the budget will need to be carefully reviewed to determine if the Authority will have funds to operate next year and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Mrs. Julia Sieg said on behalf of the Marion-Levy Public Library System (MLPLS) she was requesting approval to submit the State Aid to Libraries Grant Application for the 1998-1998 fiscal year. Mrs. Sieg said the request would be for $67,000.00 and is based on a percentage on the dollar set by the legislature. Mrs. Sieg said this money is used directly for Levy County and lobbying efforts will begin to request an increase of the funding levels. Comm. Yearty moved to participate in the grant application process and to authorize the chairman to sign the application. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Ms. Sonia Argenio said she was presenting a Rural Application Form for a Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community grant. Ms. Argenio said the grant application is based on the 1990 census and certain criteria must be met to be eligible to submit an application. Ms. Argenio said based on the information obtained from the 1990 census the Williston and Chiefland areas are the only two census zones eligible to apply for the Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community grant. Ms. Argenio said this is a federal grant sponsored by the USDA and will be awarded to only five (5) communities within the United States. Ms. Argenio said if the application was approved $4,000,000.00 per year for the next ten (10) years would be awarded. Ms. Argenio said chances were very slim in receiving these funds but if the community was not designated an Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community then the USDA would designate that community as a "Champion Community" which would allow consideration for many other benefits and provide preference points in project funding decisions and grants. Ms. Argenio said she has prepared the grant application for the East Williston area but the Chiefland area could also be included in the application. Ms. Argenio said approval of submission of the grant application would not commit the county to accept funding if approved. Comm. Yearty after much discussion concerning the grant application moved to be a nominee for the empowerment grant and the county named as the applicant or lead implementing entity. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, STATE
Mr. Otis Green of Williston said the intersection of US 27A and CR 318 needs to have further consideration on ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians in the area. Mr. Green said representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review the engineering design of the intersection. Mr. Green also said he was requesting consideration for the paving and improvement of streets in East Williston. Comm. Yearty asked Mr. Greg Beauchamp to write the legislative delegation expressing the county’s concern of the engineering design at the US 27A/CR 318 intersection in Williston.
SALARY AND WAGES
Mr. Billy Cobb said a recommendation has been made to reclassify and promote Mr. Roberto Febles from Maintenance II, Step 1 worker to Building Trades I, Step 5 with an increase of salary to $8.4399 per hour. Mr. Cobb said Mr. Febles is doing all of the electrical work in the county buildings and most of the construction projects. Mr. Cobb said Mr. Febles has been able to examine problems with the air conditioning which has resulted in a savings of time and money in having repairs made. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the recommendation for Mr. Roberto Febles. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
STATE AGENCIES
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin, Board Secretary said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks will conduct a public workshop on the current status of the management plans for Fanning Springs and Nature Coast Greenway on Wednesday, October 14, 1998, 7:00 p.m. at the Chiefland City Hall. Chairman Foley said he would be attending the workshop.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin said the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Advanced Life Support services needs to be approved for September 22, 1998 to September 30, 1999. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Martin said the 1998-1999 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) county Grant Application needed to be submitted for renewal. Mrs. Martin said the grant will not exceed $11,896.05 and will be used to upgrade the heart monitor. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the chairman to sign the grant application for the funding. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Martin read the prepared resolution for the application for an award of funds for the Emergency Medical Services in the amount of $11,896.05. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
WATER CONTROL AND WATER BOARDS
Mrs. Martin said the resolution requesting the reduction of permit fees to the Suwannee River Water Management District for counties with a population of 50,000. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the resolution for the reduction of permit fees to the Suwannee River Water Management District. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BONDS
Mrs. Martin said the bond renewal for Chairman Foley needed to be approved. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the surety bond for the chairman. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin said a request to increase the budget of the county administrator by $10,000.00 from contingencies, for the salaries of three (3) new employees and two (2) temporary employees.
Mrs. Martin said a transfer of $85,000.00 from the Contingencies to General Operations budget was also needed. Comm. Dean moved to approve the transfers in the budget. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court said the Maintenance Department and the Board of County Commissioners budgets needed a number of line item transfers to balance their respective budgets. Mr. McKoy presented the appropriate amendment requests. Comm. Dean moved to approve the transfers as presented. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. McKoy recommended a meeting to be scheduled on September 30, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. to close out the 1997-1998 fiscal year. Comm. Dean moved to advertise for a meeting on September 30, 1998 for any business which may need to come before the Board. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Bill Beddow said one of the rescue units is in critical condition and needs to be replaced. Mr. Beddow said a 1999 chassis and remounting would be $48,400.00. Mr. Beddow said only one firm located in Alabama handles the remounting due to the style of the box. Mr. Beddow said funds are available for purchasing the chassis and the remounting. Comm. Davis moved to waive the bid process since there are no other available vendors and approve the purchase of the 1999 Ford chassis and the remount. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD & BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Skip Hammell said the committee reviewed the bids awards received for the ensuing fiscal year for the Road Department and make the recommendations as follows:
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Comm. Dean asked what would be done to obtain guard rails. Mr. Skip Hammell said guard rails will be obtained through the state bid process. Comm. Dean moved to accept the recommendation of the committee for the bid awards. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell said the following requests had been made for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
SE 196th Avenue (Central Parkway) located in Sunshine Acres, 50' dedicated right of way, six (6) loads of rock.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NE 120th Terrace in Sunny Highlands, 50' dedicated right of way, ½ mile long, four (4) loads of rock.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMUNICATIONS
Sgt. Tom McFarland with the Sheriff Office said the cost comparisons for the county communications systems has been obtained. Mr. McFarland said Midland had presented a quote for a system which would be more than adequate for the years to come and inexpensively upgraded. Mr. McFarland said contact had been made to determine if any funding would be available for the upgrade which will be required by 2002 and was advised that no additional funding would be made available other than grants already in existence for communications.
Chairman Foley requested Mr. Douglas McKoy, Comm. Davis, Mr. Greg Beauchamp, Mr. Billy Cobb, Sheriff Ted Glass or his representative to obtain figures for the costs and financing of the communications system and have the information prepared for the next regular meeting.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Osburn Barker said the following agreements need to be approved after review by the County Attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp::
EMPA Trust Fund increase to $105,000.00
Florida Power Grant increase to $90,888.00, encompasses the new position.
USDA Tefap Program, Emergency Feeding Assistance Program for commodities.
Comm. Davis moved to approve the agreements pending review by the county attorney, Mr. Greg Beauchamp and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreements. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, STATE
Mr. Noel Desmond said he had contacted State Representative Jane Gayle Boyd concerning a safety check of the intersection of US 27A and 331 and was advised that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would be placing counters at the intersection. Comm. Davis said his concern was more of a safety hazard with log trucks using the entire roadway entering and turning in the intersection.
UNIONS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said union negotiations are proceeding but does not expect to have them completed by the expiration of the contract term. Mr. Beauchamp said a wage proposal had been presented and negotiations are proceeding and attempts to reach an agreement are continuing.
GRANTS
Ms. Sonia Argenio said she would offer her services without compensation to explore various grants available to the county departments. Ms. Argenio said if department heads would advise her of their needs she would explore availability of grants.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Don Foley, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court