REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
March 16, 19 99
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on March 16, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Frank Davis
Vice Chairman Wilbur Dean
Comm. Don Foley
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Also present were:
County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp
Clerk of Court - Douglas M. McKoy
County Administrator - 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
Comm. Dean moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 18323-18546 (VOIDS 18325-18328)
GENERAL FUND $278,302.69
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 55,899.95
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 20,560.00
PERMANENT MOSQUITO CONTROL 898.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 1,578.98
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 5,414.29
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 14,632.79
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 253.33
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 18,143.04
FIRE CONTROL FUND 3,347.66
ST GRANT-JUVENILE JUSTICE 127.60
UTILITIES FUND 1,199.47
TOTAL $400,357.80
MINUTES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 16, 1999 and the special meeting of February 23, 1999. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
JUDGE
Comm. Rooks as Chairman of Juvenile Justice presented a certificate for Youth Achievement to Marcina Clemons recognizing the improvements she has made in her life. Comm. Rooks presented the certificate and said a $50.00 savings bond would also be awarded.
SOIL AND WATER
Mr. Joe Mixson requested April 25, 1999 through May 2, 1999 be recognized as Soil and Water Stewardship Week. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the proclamation recognizing Soil and Water Stewardship Week. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Billy Cobb said the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council has requested the appointment of two (2) members to the Regional Economic Development Committee. Mr. Cobb said it was recommended to appoint Mr. Lannie Cardona and Ms. Krista Kelly. Comm. Yearty moved to appoint Mr. Cardona and Ms. Kelly to the Committee. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Cobb presented the agreements with South Levy Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. and the Town of Inglis Fire Department for approval of the 1998-99 fiscal year. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the agreements for the volunteer fire departments. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Cobb said the Certificate of Correction for Non Ad Valorem Assessment on parcel Number 01537-001-00 assessed to Mr. Niven Swilley which was previously denied needs to readdressed. Mr. Cobb said the request was not for a reimbursement but to remove the lien placed against the property for non payment of the assessment. Mr. Cobb said an investigation of the circumstances revealed the assessment was improperly applied as it was not an improved parcel and the lien needs to be removed. Comm. Dean moved to remove the lien from the parcel owned by Mr. Niven Swilley. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cobb said parcel number 6707-1 assessed to Jesse F. Stamper had a lien improperly placed for non payment of the special assessment. Mr. Cobb said an investigation revealed the parcel was unimproved and not subject to the special assessment and it was recommended removing the lien. Comm. Dean moved to remove the lien from the parcel owned by Mr. Jesse F. Stamper. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Cobb said the Town of Bronson has requested a portion of LCR C-24(Picnic Street) at the recreation park closed for Saturday, March 20, 1999 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for a carnival to kick off of their recreational program. Comm. Dean moved to allow the Town of Bronson to close LCR C-24 as requested for the carnival. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY PROPERTY
Ms. Jacqueline Martin, Board Secretary presented a "List of Items for Sale" to be disposed of at public auction. Ms. Martin said approval was being requested to advertise a public auction on April 9, 1999 at the Inspection Station adjacent to the Road Department. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the advertisement for public auction on April 9, 1999. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Skip Hammell presented the following request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 102nd Court from NE 90th Street to NE 92nd Place using five (5) loads of limerock with a 50' right of way.
Comm. Dean moved to approve maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Hammell said a request to place the following into the maintenance system:
All roads in Suwannee River Highlands consisting of 2.11 miles with 52 houses and dedicated right of ways.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request to accept into the maintenance system. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Jimmie Jerrels said he has inspected the work needed at the Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department and the project will require 4 to 6 tons of asphalt and 2 loads of limerock for the addition they are building to house a fire truck. Mr. Jerrels said if approved he will arrange to do the work when the equipment is already in the area. Comm. Rooks moved to allow the Road Department to assist the Fowlers Bluff Volunteer Fire Department with the paving project. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Jerrels requested authorization to secure quotes to determine if is would be economical to purchase a 3 wheel roller instead of renting a roller each time one is needed. Mr. Jerrels said the need for a 3 wheel roller is increasing with the number of paving jobs being done by the Road Department. Mr. Jerrels said they would be looking for a roller with 50 to 400 hours on it. Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court advised Mr. Jerrels to secure a quote on a new roller and to secure at least three (3) quotes for used rollers.
SHERIFF
Sheriff Ted Glass submitted a grant application for the Levy County DUI Enforcement Project. Sheriff Glass said the grant is for $26,000.00 and does not require matching funds. Sheriff Glass said car video systems will be purchased to enhance case preparations of DUI cases. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the grant application. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Sheriff Glass said bills will be submitted directly to the Board for approval of payment.
Sheriff Glass said his office is still exploring possible sources of funding to pay for the large medical bills incurred by inmates at the jail.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Osborn Barker said a planned hazard material exercise is planned on Saturday, March 27, 1999. Mr. Barker said the exercise will be held in conjunction with the local emergency planning council, local fire departments, Levy County Sheriff Office, Emergency Medical Services, Division of Forestry, Department of Transportation, Florida Gas Transmission and representatives from Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Barker presented an amended contract for the Local Mitigation Agreement received from the State of Florida. Mr. Barker explained the State has not provided necessary technical information on the original time schedule and are asking for a modification of the contract. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the contract upon the recommendation for approval from the county attorney. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Barker said the Levy County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) will be scheduled on the next regular meeting agenda to consider for adoption.
GRANTS
Mr. Barker said a grant is becoming available from the Florida Warning and Information Network providing up to $100,000.00 for mobile home parks which have a community building for their residents. Mr. Barker said the grant will be for retrofitting the building to make it hurricane safe so it may be used as a shelter in the event of an emergency.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mr. Barker said the tri-county meeting is scheduled for April 12, 1999 with Mr. Joe Myers, State Director of EMS in Fanning Springs with a confirmation that Gilchrist county will be in attendance. Mr. Barker said a confirmation has not yet been received from Dixie county on their attendance. Mr. Barker said he invites all of the commissioners to attend if possible.
SHIP
Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for consideration:
Loyda Santiago Gil for construction of a new home located Lot 17, Block 39, Oak Ridge Estates, Levy County for $8,460.00
Comm. Dean moved to approve the deferred payment loan agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
GRANTS
Mrs. McQueen said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had a monitoring visit for the road construction project under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for neighborhood revitalization. Mrs. McQueen said the project is proceeding in a timely fashion.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Otis Green of Williston asked for an inspection of the roads in East Williston to consider placement on the paving list. Mr. Green said NE 12th Street and NE 3rd Place need serious consideration for paving to reduce dust from the school buses. Mr. Skip Hammell said the county has been unable to obtain easements for right of ways from some property owners to allow paving. Comm. Davis said he will review the area with Mr. Green.
LIBRARY
Mrs. Toni Collins presented a proclamation recognizing April 11-17, 1999 as National Library Week. Mrs. Collins said a luncheon will be held at the Levy County Quilt Museum on April 9, 1999 to kick-off the week.
Mrs. Collins said the library board has formed five (5) subcommittees as follows:
Ms. Marlea Merriman - grants;
Mr. Ron Crane - -library facilities;
Ms. Allison Ramos - long range planning;
Mr. Ted Wilkins - library services;
Mrs. Collins - budget.
Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the proclamation recognizing April 11-17, 1999 as National Library Week. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
HEALTH
Ms. Paula Kiger made a presentation of the Florida Healthy Kids and Florida KidCare Program for children uninsured with health care coverage. Ms. Kiger said arrangements are being made to find an insurer licensed in Levy County to initiate the program. Mr. F. L. Matthews inquired if children could receive services in a county which already has the program until the program is operating. Mr. Douglas McKoy recommended contacting the school board to present the program and determine if they would assist in funding the program. Ms. Kiger said there are an automatic 500 spaces provided for children and any spaces over will have to be funded at the local level with the number of spaces needed to determined in advance for determination of the premium.
ORDINANCES
Chairman Davis called to order the public hearing for the repeal of the occupational license ordinance as advertised. Mr. Greg Beauchamp read the proposed ordinance for the repeal of the occupational license requirement to be effective September 30, 1999 at 12:00 a.m. Mr. Beauchamp said the ordinance would repeal Levy County Ordinances 72-2 and 88-3 in their entirety. Chairman Davis called for opposition and none was heard. Comm. Dean moved to approve the ordinance to repeal the occupational license ordinance. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BONDS
Comm. Dean said Mr. Ralph Cellon of Raymond James, Inc. has been in contact with Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk to the Board and has suggested that due to lower interest rates, the county is in position to save a considerable amount of money by refinancing a portion of the Series 1992 Courthouse Addition Bonds. Comm. Dean said a savings of over $360,000.00 may be available and recommends a review to consider taking advantage of the proposed refinancing of the bonds. Mr. Douglas McKoy said he will arrange for Mr. Cellon to appear at the next regular meeting to discuss options available to the county.
RESOLUTIONS
Comm. Rooks said a copy of a resolution prepared by Wakulla County concerning the interpretation of the type of nets which may be used by commercial fishermen has been received with a request to adopt a similar resolution. Comm. Rooks recommended a resolution be prepared requesting the interpretation of net size be clarified at a state level and be presented at the next regular meeting.
Mr. Greg Beauchamp read the proposed resolution opposing the acquisition of a large tract of land in Gulf Hammock, (identified as Project No. 991201-38-1) under the CARL Program for consideration. Mr. Beauchamp said the resolution opposes the land acquisition but supports conservation of the land. Comm. Rook moved to approve the resolution as read into the record. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY LAND
Mr. Beauchamp said the closing on the First Federal building is pending upon the representatives from First Federal notifying the county that they are prepared for the closing.
CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD
Mr. Douglas McKoy said a report has been made of lands being timbered near the Wacassassa River in violation of a county ordinance. Chairman Davis requested Ms. Krista Kelly to review the complaint with Mr. Greg Beauchamp.
GRANTS
Mr. Douglas McKoy requested approval of a grant application for funding for the court system in the amount of $100,000.00. Mr. McKoy said the space committee has met and discussed using the funds to replace the air conditioning in Court Room A, convert the unused sally port into a holding cell, provide a cover over the judicial entrance, additional repair and refurnishing of the court reporter room and refinishing the furniture in Court Room A. Mr. McKoy said approval of the grant funds would allow the grant funding to be available for the next four (4) years and would allow for some of the funds to be set aside for construction of additional court space. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the chairman to sign the letter and grant application. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMPUTERS
Mrs. Renata Cannon inquired on the compatibility of the computer systems used by the county for the Year 2000. Sheriff Glass said the Sheriff Office system enhancement is proceeding according to schedule and the telephone and the teletype are Y2K compatible. Mr. McKoy said the clerk’s office and other county offices are compatible or are in the process of replacing software to upgrade the systems. Mr. McKoy said the hardware will be compliant for the other departments to meet the needs of Y2K.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Frank Davis, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court