Levy Minutes 09/21/1999

REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

September 21, 19 99

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 21, 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: 21339- 21356

GENERAL FUND $48,573.36

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 96,458.92

MEDIATION 200.00

FINE & FORFEITURE FUND 5,249.68

E911 COMMUNICATIONS 50,213.73

LANDFILL & RECYCLING 112,426.46

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 512.70

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 610.29

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 11,843.10

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 5,724.08

JUDICIAL GRANT 7,000.00

UTILITIES FUND 337.02

TOTAL $339,149.34

MINUTES

Comm. Foley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 7, 1999. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Jim Jones presented a proposal from Coburn & Associates, Inc., Consulting Engineers concerning the renovation of the air conditioning equipment servicing the old court room and Traffic Department. Mr. Jones said the contract will provide the HVAC and Electrical Construction Documents and Specifications for securing bids including contract administration and site visits during construction. Mr. Jones said Coburn and Associates are familiar with the problems associated with the air conditioning system and are a local firm. Chairman Davis said it is difficult to obtain a mechanical engineer to provide this service for the scope of the proposed construction. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the contract with Coburn and Associates for their engineering services. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

HEALTH

Mr. Jones said the roof on the addition to the Health Department is beginning to buckle and corrective action needs to be taken. Mr. Rob Corbitt reported he inspected the roof and it appears when the roofing was done the plywood was wet or bad. Mr. Jones recommended applying a metal roof on the Health Department building for long term maintenance and could be done for approximately $1,700.00 or repairs to the damaged portion could be done for less than $1,000.00. Comm. Yearty moved to repair the Health Department roof with metal roofing. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mrs. Deanna Dobbins presented a proclamation recognizing the month of October, 1999 at Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the proclamation. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

WATER WAYS

Mrs. Bett Campbell said she was concerned with plans for constructing a hydro electric plant at the Inglis spillway dam and the effects of salt water intrusion on local wells and the noise level from its construction. Mr. Greg Beauchamp said the County Planner, Ms. Krista Kelly would be testifying at a hearing on Thursday, September 23, 1999 concerning the county’s position and did not recommend any action at this time.

TAX ROLL

Comm. Yearty said Mr. Dennis Andrews is having his property located at the Number 4 Bridge appraised and needs confirmation the property was vested as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the 1980's. Mr. Beauchamp said the property was vested as a PUD and this has been confirmed by a review of maps and drawings presented to the Board by the previous owner, Dr. David Woods. Comm. Dean moved to approve the Chairman to sign a letter confirming the property being vested as a PUD. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD CLOSING

Chairman Davis opened the public hearing at 10:00 a.m. for the following road closings:

The north thirty feet (30')of that certain fifty feet (50') road lying south and adjacent to Lot 1, Block "C", STEEPLECHASE FARMS as per Plat in Plat Book 8, Page 37, Public Records of Levy County, Florida.

Mrs. Beryl Baer and Mrs. Helen Kohler residents of Steeplechase spoke in favor of the road closing expressing the benefit to be obtained by making the area a non-motorized road way by only allowing emergency service vehicles and trail access to the Goethe Forest. Mr. Herb Heesch, Division of Forestry (DOF) said the proposed road closing meets the future plans of the management of Goethe Forest and abuts an area where motorized vehicles are not allowed. Chairman Davis inquired to any opposition to the road closing and none was presented. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the resolution allowing the road closing as described. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Yearty moved to designate the twenty feet (20') roadway for non-motorized vehicles except emergency vehicles. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

All that portion of NE 113th Terrace (formerly Dakota Drive) and all that portion of NE 115th Court (formerly Ducknell Drive) from their southern end running north to the point of intersection with NE 107th Place, all lying and being in University Oaks Subdivision, as per plat in public record of Levy County, Florida.

Mr. Paul Droney said he was requesting the road closings to consolidate the property he owns and said the roads serve no useful purpose for any other residents in the area. Mr. Droney said the residents of University Oaks Subdivision support the closing of the roads. Chairman Davis asked for any opposition to the road closing and none was presented. Comm. Dean moved to approve the road closings. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mr. Wayne Hardee said application was being made for a grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) to restore the river bank and boat ramp at the Waccasassa Park and Boat Ramp in the amount of $50,000.00.

Mrs. Carol McQueen explained it would be a 100% grant and would allow for improvement of the bathroom facilities, installation of picnic tables with bar-be-que grills, upgrading the boat ramp, repairs to the existing dock and installation of a floating dock. Mrs. McQueen said a resolution needed to be adopted updating the Capital Improvement Schedule to include the Waccasassa Park and Boat Ramp improvement project and naming a committee to review the proposed project and submit their recommendations. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the resolution updating the Capital Improvement Schedule to include the Waccasassa Park and Boat Ramp improvement project. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Chairman Davis confirmed the appointment of Mr. Bobby Joe Daniels, Mr. Kenny Griffiths, Mr. Tony Weeks and Ms. Debra Gore to the committee. Comm. Foley said he would be providing a recommendation for appointment to the committee.

Mrs. McQueen said the Nature Coast State Recreational Trail Coordinating Committee will be holding an "Grand Opening" on Saturday, October 30, 1999 at Fanning Springs Park and Recreation area.

TAX ROLLS

Mr. Billy Cobb presented a Certificate of Correction of Non-ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Alice M. Dyess of 7452 SE 160th Avenue, Morriston, Florida. Mr. Cobb said the assessment is for three (3) dwellings and there is actually one (1) single-wide mobile home occupied by the son and then a double-wide mobile home attached to a frame dwelling. Comm. Dean moved to approve the Certificate of Correction. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Cobb presented the annual agreement with Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council for services needed through September 30, 2000. Comm. Dean moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Cobb submitted the Letter of Agreement with Gainesville Automated Flight Service Station who provides information to pilots if there are any difficulties at the George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key. Comm. Dean moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin presented the resolution requesting the Suwannee River Water Management District to reduce permit processing fees. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the resolution. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Mrs. Martin said the meeting to close the fiscal year of 1998-1999 is scheduled for September 30, 1999 at 10:00 a.m.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow requested approval of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to provide Advanced Life Support services to the citizens. Comm. Dean moved to approve the Certificate of Need. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mr. Bill Beddow presented the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) County Grant application and resolution for approval. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the grant application and resolution. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Mr. Beddow requested authorization to issue an Invitation to Bid for an air compressor to be used to refill the air tanks for the county fire departments. Mr. Beddow said the Fire Advisory Board was recommending this purchase and will be making a decision on where the compressor will be housed to provide the most accessibility. Comm. Dean moved to approve the Invitation to Bid. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD CLOSING

Mr. Rob Corbitt presented a proposed Procedure and Review for Road Closings Application. Mr. Corbitt said the procedure outlines the requirements for the applicant and the process each department will follow. Comm. Dean moved to adopt the application and procedure for Road Closings. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Mr. Justin Watson presented the following requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis:

Oak Ridge Estates, NE 67th Lane between NE 101st Court and NE 104th Court, requiring five (5) loads of limerock and grading, with 50' dedicated right of way.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SE 168th Avenue off of C-326, needs grading with dedicated right of way.

Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Rooks said a review of the procedure of handling requests for maintenance on a one (1) time basis may be needed. Chairman Davis requested Comm. Foley to review the current policy and to report on his findings.

IMPACT FEES

Ms. Krista Kelly presented a contract to hire Dr. James Nicholas as a consultant to prepare a proposal for impact fee schedules for Roads, Public Safety, Libraries, and Parks and Recreation. Ms. Kelly explained the study would gather data for analysis and provide the cost effectiveness and benefit for each impact fee schedule and Dr. Nicholas would participate in three (3) meetings. Ms. Kelly said the data gathered would need to be updated annually and could be done through the Planning Department. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the contract with Dr. James Nicholas to study impact fees. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Mrs. Paula Lane said a letter of appreciation was received from Joseph E. Myers, Director of the State of Florida Emergency Management for the efforts extended during Hurricane Floyd. Mrs. Lane provided a breakdown of the shelters which were opened and the number of people served at the shelters during Hurricane Floyd.

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Greg Beauchamp said it has been recognized that the controversy surrounding the location of the Post Office in Chiefland has generated concern and he was requested to prepare a resolution in support of the location selected by the Chiefland City Commission known as the "Drummond Property". Comm. Foley said it appeared the majority of the citizens located outside of Chiefland and within the city limits preferred that location. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the resolution for locating the Post Office in Chiefland at the "Drummond Property" site. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Rooks said Rails-to-Trails Conservancy of Florida has appropriated funding to develop a memorial for the Rosewood Massacre. Comm. Rooks said in conjunction with Mr. Lannie Cardona of the Levy County Development Authority they have prepared a recommendation for a Rosewood Historic Trail and Community Center as a memorial. Mr. Cardona said the Park Service has contributed $25,000.00 for the conceptual stage. Mr. Cardona and Comm. Rooks indicated that additional planning and citizen input were scheduled in the future for the project and no further action was taken.

BUDGET

Comm. Foley said the Road and Bridge Department needed the following line item transfers for their budget to complete the current fiscal year:

Professional Service/Demolition - Increase $43,700.00

Contingency - Decrease $70,000.00

Repair of Equipment - Increase $15,000.00

Office Supplies - Increase $1,000.00

Gas, Oil & Lube - Increase $10,000.00

Books/Publications - Increase $300.00

Comm. Foley moved to approve the line item transfers. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Comm. Foley saidthe committee had reviewed the bids received for the Road and Bridge Department supplies for the ensuing year and make the following recommendations:

Safety Items - quoted on specific items from each supplier and recommends purchasing from each supplier with the lowest cost.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the low quote by item from several different suppliers as scheduled. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Sign Materials - recommends purchasing from each supplier with the lowest cost.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the low quote by item from the three (3) suppliers who submitted bids. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Culverts - recommends purchasing from each supplier on specific pipes.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the low quote per item. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Asphalt/Slag - recommends accepting the single bid.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the only bid submitted. Comm. Dean seconded and explained contact had been made with other asphalt plants and they did not submit a bid and the MOTION CARRIED.

Liquid Asphalt - recommend accepting only bid submitted.

Comm. Foley moved to accept the bid for Liquid Asphalt. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Bridge Guardrails - no bids received.

Comm. Foley said the committee recommended contacting the Florida Department of Transportation if bridge guardrails are needed, for their suppliers and not advertise for bids.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Foley presented a priority list for future projects utilizing ISTEA funds which needs to be submitted by October 1, 1999. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the priority list as recommended. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley presented a priority list for road paving projects Comm. Dean explained any project which exceeds $3,500.00 is placed on the paving list including resurfacing projects. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the Road Paving Priority Schedule as presented. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley said funding is available through a Small County Coalition grant to pave LCR326, LCR337, and LCR347 and recommends when all information is received from the State to bid the projects out.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. Douglas McKoy said when the county offices were closed for Hurricane Floyd on September 15, 1999 the outside crews were called to work and he proposed providing the employee the choice of an additional eight (8) hours of compensation or a day off. Mr. Kelly Jerrels said he would discuss the recommendation with the employees and for employees opting for a day off he would arrange the schedules to reduce the impact on the Road Department work force. Comm. Yearty moved to instruct employees on the option of a day off or eight (8) hours of additional compensation with the time off being used prior to January 1, 2000. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENTS

Mr. McKoy said the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 1999 and appointments need to be made for the Board consisting of three (3) commissioners and two (2) school board members. Chairman Davis appointed Comm. Foley, Comm. Dean and himself to serve on the VAB.

BUDGET

Mr. McKoy said a budget amendment in the General Fund is needed for the current fiscal year. Mr. McKoy request that Reserve for Contingency be reduced by $62,610.00 and the line item for transfers be increased by $62,610.00. Comm. Dean moved to approve the transfer of the line item. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

TAX CERTIFICATES

Mr. Greg Beauchamp submitted the List of Lands Available for Taxes from the tax deed sale of September 13, 1999.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mrs. Jacqueline Martin submitted the interlocal agreements to provide library services for the City of Williston, Town of Bronson, Town of Cedar Key and Yankeetown Woman’s Club for approval. Mrs. Martin said the City of Chiefland would be returning their signed agreement after their City Commission hearing on September 27, 1999. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the interlocal agreements and authorizing the Chairman to sign the agreements for Williston, Bronson, Cedar Key, Yankeetown and Chiefland. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mrs. Martin submitted for approval the 1999-2000 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the grant application for State Aid to Libraries. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

LIBRARY

Mrs. Martin presented the Levy County Public Library System Long Range Service Plan for 1999-2004. Comm. Dean moved to approve the plan. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Toni Collins said the Library Advisory Board recommended the Board of County Commissioners be designated as the Governing Body of the Levy County Library System. Comm. Dean moved to appoint the Board of County Commissioners as governing board of the Library. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Ted Wilkins provided an update of the progress of forming the independent library system and was proceeding on schedule for assumption of the library system on October 1, 1999.

Mr. Wilkins introduced the applicant for Library Director Ms. Lucy J. Harrison. Mr. Wilkins said Ms. Harrison was extremely qualified for the position but could not accept less than $40,000.00 for the position which had been advertised at $34,000.00. Comm. Yearty moved to offer the position of Library Director to Ms. Harrison at $40,000.00 per year. Comm. Rooks seconded after an interview of the candidate and her qualifications and the MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Collins said the Gates Foundation has a grant providing free computers to schools and libraries based on low income school lunches and the Levy County Library System will be receiving eleven (11) computers.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Comm. Foley said NE 212th Court is a county maintained road except for 420 feet. Comm. Foley moved to accept the additional 420 feet of NE 212th Court into the maintenance system. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ZONING

Mr. Rob Corbitt said a field inspection of the five-year cycle application by the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined it will increase the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) to a Class 8 which will allow a 10 percent premium discount. Mr. Corbitt said the recertification needs to be approved and the next field inspection will be in five (5) years. Comm. Dean moved to approve the recertification. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Davis requested Mr. Beauchamp to review the amendment allowing an additional $25,000 homestead exemption for persons 65 years of age or older with a limited income and to advise on time requirements for enactment at the local level.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Comm. Yearty said the Space Committee recommends allocating the office formerly occupied by the Withlacoochee Regional Workforce to the Clerk of Court for the Criminal and Traffic Division. Comm. Yearty moved to allocate the space as recommended. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Comm. Foley said the Nature Coast Trail committee is hosting the grand opening of the Nature Coast Trail and is soliciting donations. Comm. Yearty moved to contribute $500.00 to the committee for the grand opening. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Comm. Dean said future consideration of adding two (2) additional graders and possibly two (2) employees at the Road Department in the new fiscal year. Comm. Yearty commended the progress of future planning and record keeping.

ORDINANCES

Chairman Davis opened the public workshop for the proposed Noise Ordinance and recognized Ms. Krista Kelly to review the proposed ordinance. Ms. Kelly said the committee had reviewed a number of noise ordinances from various governments and the intent is to focus on nuisance noises in the Municipal Service Districts (MSD) and platted subdivisions for residential development. Sheriff Glass said the ordinance would assist his officers on complaints received on an individual basis. Ms. Kelly explained consideration for agriculture and forestry and their incidental activities were placed into the proposed ordinance. Mr. Barney Cannon, Mrs. Renata Cannon and Mr. Ron Grant commented on sections of the noise ordinance. Mr. Beauchamp said the public hearing will be advertised for Tuesday November, 2, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

Frank Davis, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court