REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
July 20, 19 99
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on July 20, 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. Dean followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 20325-20577 (VOIDS 20325; 20570 )
GENERAL FUND $358,278.33
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 26,742.49
LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 50,252.00
MEDIATION FUND 100.00
FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 12,772.51
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 6,822.36
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 31,548.83
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 5,760.05
FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 364.33
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 42,496.13
FIRE CONTROL FUND 42,245.50
CDBG GRANT FUND 111.84
UTILITIES FUND 1,481.67
TOTAL $580,851.98
MINUTES
Comm. Dean moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 6, 1999. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Comm. Yearty presented the job description for the Director of Library Services for the Levy County Public Library System. Comm. Yearty said the salary range will be from $32,000.00 to $34,000.00 and the requirements are based on the guidelines established by the State of Florida library system. Comm. Yearty suggested he and the Library Board act as the screening committee to recommend the final candidates. Comm. Yearty moved to advertise the position of Library Director. Comm. Dean seconded. Comm. Yearty said the position would be a Department Head reporting directly to the Board and the MOTION CARRIED.
LEGISLATIVE
Senator Richard Mitchell requested submission of any projects for the Senate be sent to his office as soon as possible. Senator Mitchell said the Governor has requested the projects be submitted to the appropriate state agencies for inclusion with their budget requests. Senator Mitchell said he wanted an opportunity to lobby the Governor with the requests and to discuss the requests with the applicable state agencies. Comm. Yearty said there were several projects which were not approved last year that will be resubmitted and a letter is being prepared to provide this information. Comm. Yearty said he would like the bike path in Inglis and Yankeetown and resurfacing of Highway 40 be reconsidered. Comm. Rooks said she would like to have the transportation for medically needy be considered. Comm. Davis said he would like the 4-H program vetoed last year be resubmitted. Comm. Dean said he would like to maintain the grants currently provided for recycling education programs and the additional landfill grants. Comm. Dean said the grants are necessary for the recycling programs to exist in small counties.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Senator Mitchell said a meeting for Emergency Medical Services directors will be held in Live Oak and will provide an opportunity to apply for federal dollars which may be used for EMS facilities, training and equipment.
RECREATION
Mayor Whitney "Stoney" Smith said the City of Chiefland was requesting financial assistance for the recreation programs in Chiefland. Mayor Smith said the majority of children utilizing the youth baseball, football, soccer and cheerleading programs are not residents of the city. Mayor Smith asked for a contribution of $6.00 per child to support the recreational programs. Comm. Dean said recreational programs for the youth are supported mainly with in kind services. Chairman Davis said consideration must be given to all of the recreational programs recognized through out the county. Mr. Douglas McKoy said requests have been received from other recreational organizations and will be reviewed during the budget process. Mr. Earl Cannon, City Manager of Chiefland said a survey sent to other recreational organizations in the county reflects there are 2069 youth actively participating in programs.
Chairman Davis requested Comm. Foley to be involved with the budget process for the recreational programs funded by the county.
MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Billy Cobb said a request has been made by the City of Chiefland to cut the road for placing a water line at the intersection of SW 25th Avenue and Quail Run instead of jack and bore which is more costly. Mr. Cobb said the city will repair the intersection upon completing the installation of the water line. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the city to cut the road for placement of the water line. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks said she was concerned about sidewalk facilities from Buie Park to CR345 and along CR 345 to US19. Comm. Rooks said the municipality needs to make the application request for the sidewalks. Mr. Cannon said current ISTEA funding is already committed to the greenways project and does not know of any other funding. Comm. Rooks said the county would assist the city in locating any available funding.
WATER WAYS
Ms. Becky Sanford said the Suwannee River Cruisers Boat Club was requesting support to have a no wake zone from Usher’s property above the bridge west to the marina,( formerly The Suwannee Belle) only on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September. Ms. Sanford said the support of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties is needed to draft an ordinance or resolution for submission to the State. Ms. Sanford said the Florida Freshwater Fish and Game Commission (FFF&GC) can then proceed with assisting to establish enforcement of a no wake zone. Ms. Sanford said the FFF&GC supports the no wake zone. Mr. Toby Weeks of the FFF&GC said the Department of Environmental Protection is requesting a hold harmless agreement from all of the counties to release them from liability for neglect, placement and operation of markers. Comm. Yearty said he is concerned about who is responsible for water ways. Comm. Yearty said it has been difficult to determine which agency has control as no state agency will accept responsibility but directs what can or can not be done on the waterways stating the markers in the Wacassassa River as an example. Comm. Dean moved to authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution approving a no wake zone. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said an ordinance would be needed and he would not recommend the acceptance of a hold harmless agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded. Comm. Yearty said he was concerned about Fanning Springs position of a no wake zone. Comm. Yearty said he also wants to know who is responsible and on what basis, since the water management indicates that they control all submerged lands. Comm. Dean and Comm. Rooks voted yes, Comm. Yearty, Comm. Foley and Comm. Davis voted no and the MOTION FAILED.
ZONING
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented the following petition for consideration:
Petition NO. VA-00388 - George Wood, petitioning the Board for a Hardship variance to allow a second dwelling in order to care for a friend (Gail Bingham), on a parcel of land located in the West 738.19 feet of the North 619.44 feet of the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 10, Township 11S, Range 14E, in Levy County. Said parcel contains 10.5 acres more or less and is located within Rural Residential "RR" zone.
Mr. Corbitt said all appropriate documents have been submitted to support the hardship variance and no opposition has been received. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the hardship variance. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Wayne Janney addressed the issue of having the agenda and minutes published in the Levy County Journal. Mr. Billy Cobb said they had obtained estimates for printing the minutes in all of the newspapers within the county and it would run approximately $1,000.00 every two (2) weeks. Mr. Cobb said it would be difficult to publish an agenda as it is left open until the day before the meeting and citizens are allowed to address the board without being on the agenda. Comm. Dean said he did not agree in having a closed agenda and felt any citizen should be able to appear before the board. Comm. Davis said a lot of information is not available for the agenda until just prior to the meeting. Mr. Cobb said the minutes of a meeting would not be available until after approval at the next regular meeting. Comm. Foley recommended having copies of the approved minutes available at the County Commission office.
SCHOOLS
Mr. Cobb said the School Board of Levy County has requested assistance in moving the Bronson High School Football Field. Mr. Cobb said the request is for 15 tandem loads of dirt to level the south end zone of the new location and also to pave the new parking lot at Hilltop School requiring re-grading and rolling the existing rock and approximately 1,000 square yards of asphalt. Comm. Dean moved to approve the request with the Road Department being reimbursed by the school board for their incurred costs. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LIBRARY
Mr. Cobb presented an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Marion County for the transfer of the library employees from the City of Ocala to Marion County for the Marion-Levy Public Library System. Mr. Cobb said this has been approved and the amendment is to allow the employees to participate in the state retirement system. Mr. Beauchamp said the agreement will not affect the establishment of the Levy County Library System at the end of the agreement period commencing in October. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the interlocal agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Cobb presented for approval the Certificate of Need for Liberty Ambulance Service to continue furnishing intra facility transport of patients for transfer from hospital to hospital or from a nursing home to hospital. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate of Need. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Cobb presented for approval a resolution with the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council to apply for a grant for the Transportation of the Disadvantage. Comm. Dean moved to sign the resolution for the grant application. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
INSURANCE
Mr. Cobb said consideration for approval on the amount to be contributed for the family coverage supplement. Mr. Cobb said the contribution amount would be $10.39 an increase of $6.85 from last year. Mr. Cobb said the total supplemental contribution on insurance coverage would be $16,478.54. Comm. Rooks moved to approve funding the increase for insurance coverage. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET
Mr. Douglas McKoy presented the proposed budget on requested expenditures for $37,694.619.00 in response to receiving the assessment from the property appraiser for the certification of values. Mr. McKoy said the initial review of the budget has been held with Comm. Dean and meetings with Department Heads will be commencing to discuss departmental budget requests.
INSURANCE
Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the application to obtain the Worker’s Compensation credit for a Drug Free Work Place. Mrs. Martin said application must be made on an annual basis. Comm. Foley moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the application. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Martin said notification had been received from Mr. Trace Milam that the prescription copay for the renewal coverage with Healthplan Southeast needs to be corrected as follows:
- generic drugs will increase from $5.00 to $7.00; brand drugs from $9.00 to $14.00.
LANDFILL
Mr. Wayne Hardee presented the Department of Corrections Interagency/Public Works agreement for inmate work crews at the recycling center. Mr. Hardee said the only change in the agreement is it does not require the county to provide inmates transportation. Comm. Dean moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Dean said it would be of assistance if more inmates could be provided for the recycling program.
Mr. Hardee said hauling of solid waste to New River has commenced and in order to haul three (3) loads a day an additional tractor and trailer is needed. Comm. Dean said a review of the budget reflects there will be some line item transfers at the end of the year but the current budget will accommodate the purchase. Comm. Dean said if the tractor and trailer is purchased on this year’s budget it will allow a piggyback bid with Alachua County which is cost effective for the county. Comm. Dean moved to approve the purchase of a piggyback bid with Alachua County for the purchase of a tractor and trailer. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Kelly Jerrels presented the Florida Department of Corrections Interagency/Public Works Agreement for inmate labor for the Road Department. Mr. Jerrels said the agreement was the same as last year. Comm. Dean moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Jerrels presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:
NE 55th Street between NE 137th Terrace and NE 139th Avenue located in Country Estates, with a dedicated right of way and for two (2) loads of rock and grade.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
NE 83rd Place between NE 113th Avenue and NE 110th Avenue located in Forest Park 2, for 10 - 12 loads of rock and grade.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SE 66th Street between LCR 584 and SE 220th Avenue, located in Ocala Highland West for two (2) loads of rock and grade.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SW 123rd Terrace between old 6th Street and SW 80th Street located in Cedar Key Heights for five (5) loads of rock and grade.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Fix corners on SW 73rd Place located in Cedar Key Heights with two (2) loads of dirt.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMODITY PROGRAM
Ms. Paula Lane, Interim Director of Emergency Management Services said the Children’s Table director Mr. Bill Brown said they would consider handling the USDA Commodity Program if the Road Department employees and storage shed would be available for their use. Comm. Davis said the shed is not in the best repair at the present. Mr. Billy Cobb said he would like to review the offer and report on his findings. Comm. Rooks said the Children’s Table could incorporate the commodities program into their program of providing food for needy families.
SHERIFF
Mr. Bobby McCallum said the control station transceiver for the Sheriff’s Channel One repeater has failed and is beyond repair. Mr. McCallum said a transceiver has been borrowed from a radio shop to keep Channel One operating pending quotes being obtained. Mr. McCallum presented the following quotes:
Relm/Bendix-King, Model #WHCD104B for $1,860.00 providing50 Watt, 4 Channel, Synthesized (programmable) with a one (1) year warranty.
Ericsson/GE, Model ORION for $2,310.00 providing 50 Watt, 7 Channel, Synthesized, with a one (1) year warranty.
Motorola, Model MTR2000 for $2,685.00 providing 50 Watt, 2 Channel, Crystal Controlled, with a two (2) year warranty.
Kenwood, Model TKB-720 for $1,600.00 providing 50 Watt, 9 Channel, Synthesized, with a two (2) year warranty.
Mr. McCallum said they were requesting authorization to purchase the transceiver at the lowest quote on the Kenwood TKB-720 for $1,600.00. Mr. McCallum said the Emergency Medical Services transceiver was also purchased in 1968 and replacement needs to be considered. Comm. Dean moved to approve the purchase of the transceiver for $1,600.00 from the intergovernmental communications fund. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Greg Beauchamp requested documentation to support the quotes be provided.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Billy Cobb said Sprint Communications is proceeding with preparations to construct their tower in the Bronson area providing tower space for the county’s communications.
Mr. McCallum said legislation recently passed for the wireless communications act will require additional equipment for 911 when additional information is made available.
BONDS
Mr. Greg Beauchamp said notice has been received on the Deputy Sheriff Blanket Bond coverage for sworn deputies. Mr. Beauchamp said approval for the continuation of the bond is needed or approval of an ordinance would be needed to discontinue the bond. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the bond application for the Deputy Sheriff Blanket Bond. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
SHIP
Mr. Beauchamp presented a subordination agreement for Charles and Evelyn Harris, Sr. of Chiefland. Mr. Beauchamp said the agreement has been reviewed and meets the policy requirements set by the county for subordination agreements. Mr. Beauchamp said First Mortgage Corporation of America would be the primary mortgage holder. Comm. Dean moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp said Mr. Ted Burt has filed, on behalf of the owners of Ellie’s Restaurant, for a review by a Special Master concerning the denial by the Board of Adjustment on their request for a Special Exception. Mr. Beauchamp said this process is now available instead of proceeding directly to a lawsuit. Mr. Beauchamp said the Special Master would be agreed on by both parties.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Comm. Yearty said the space committee has reviewed the requirements for the First Federal Building to house Building and Zoning, the Planning Department and 911 Addressing and is recommending to proceed as follows:
Removal of partition walls, insulation and counters; Replace ceiling tiles and renovate the grid system, heating and air conditioning duct work and electrical work for the conference room; adapting the restroom to handicap accessible; painting; carpeting (excluding the area for the Building & Zoning Department and the Planning Department); telephone connections; fire and security; installation of work stations for a total cost of $41,434.00. Comm. Yearty said the projects have been divided and only the work stations exceed the bid requirements and will either be bid out or quotes secured with the proper documentation due to the limited number of companies who provide work stations for offices. Comm. Yearty said a majority of the work can be done by the Construction Department. Comm. Yearty moved to proceed with the renovation proposal for the First Federal building. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS
Comm. Yearty moved to appoint Mrs. E. P. Ahmed as representative on the North Florida Health Care Council. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Comm. Rooks recommended considering codification of the county ordinances. Comm. Rooks said the basic cost is $9,500.00 and would provide a complete breakdown of each department, the current ordinances and ordinances no longer under state guidelines.
Chairman Davis asked Comm. Rooks, Mr. Freddy Moody, Mr. Greg Beauchamp, and Mr. Billy Cobb to review the proposal and to report their findings.
SALARY AND WAGES
Comm. Foley said Mr. Wayne Hardee has requested the same employee be paid full holiday pay for 8 hours at the landfill on the pay period of the Memorial Day holiday has the same conditions for the pay period over the Fourth of July holiday. Comm. Dean said this is the same situation and the employee is scheduled to work two (2) hours only on Monday and will allow him to accrue 6 hours of overtime pay. Mr. Hardee said, in response to Comm. Rooks inquiry, that he had changed the schedule to prevent a reoccurrence. Comm. Foley moved to authorize payment of an 8 hour holiday and overtime accrued for hours in excess of the 40 hour week in accordance with the procedure previously used. Comm. Yearty seconded. Comm. Foley, Comm. Rooks, Comm. Davis, Comm. Foley vote yes, Comm. Dean voted no and the MOTION CARRIED. Comm. Rooks said the Holiday Schedule is adopted in advance and should be considered when preparing work schedules. Mr. Beauchamp said the union representative and employee need to agree to prevent any disagreements of the union contract but recommend not scheduling for holidays when the landfill can be closed for a holiday.
Comm. Dean presented the following recommendations for an increase in salary:
Chuck Cook, Building Trades, currently earning $9.43 per hour; recommending an increase to $9.93 per hour.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the recommendation. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Justin Watson, Road Department, currently earning $12.60 per hour; recommending an increase to $13.10 per hour.
Comm. Dean moved to approve the recommendation. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Dean said the increase for Mr. Watson is for additional duties assumed until the budget review of salaries for the new fiscal year.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Comm. Dean said he recommended getting quotes for the drywall at the Agriculture Center and relieving the in-house work crew. Comm. Dean said the Construction Department is handling numerous jobs and are falling behind on projects in the court house. Chairman Davis said quotes are being obtained on the drywall and for installation of vinyl siding at the Agriculture Center. Chairman Davis said the quotes for the vinyl siding are for discussion. Chairman Davis said the Clerk of Court, Mr. McKoy was provided with an itemized list of quotes obtained for work on the Agriculture Center. Chairman Davis added the new lease agreement will pay for almost all of the renovation work being done and we are required to meet federal and state requirements for handicap accessibility.
AGENCIES
Chairman Davis said Crime Stoppers, Inc. Of Levy County has asked for a letter notifying the Attorney General’s office that they are the official entity for Levy County and will allow them to apply for the funds held in the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of recognition. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
LANDFILL
Comm. Dean advised in response to an inquiry by Renata Cannon, that the solid waste placed through recycling is sold to a dealer providing the highest quote. Comm. Dean said the funds received through the sale of recycled waste is returned to the Landfill budget.
SALARIES AND WAGES
Comm. Yearty moved to approve an increase in salary for Kelly Jerrels at $.50 per hour and will review his annual salary for the additional duties assumed at the budget review. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Frank Davis, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court