Levy Minutes 12/07/1999

REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

December 7, 19 99

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on December 7, 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. Foley moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 22380-22619

GENERAL FUND $836,091.67

ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 21,940.07

LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE 16,000.00

LIBRARY FUND 3,288.55

COURT SERVICES 13,076.40

E911 COMMUNICATIONS 11,254.31

LANDFILL & RECYCLING 8,288.64

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 1,412.17

FLORIDA POWER GRANT FUND 192.50

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 11,828.62

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 479.23

FIRE CONTROL 21,270.00

JUDICIAL GRANT 6,000.00

CDBG GRANT FUND 7,000.00

COMMUNICATIONS 6,627.00

JUVENILE JUSTICE 69.71

UTILITIES FUND 787.71

TOTAL $965,606.58

MINUTES

Comm. Foley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 16, 1999 and the special meeting of November 16, 1999. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Bob Whitman, President of the Cedar Key Garden Club with Mr. Leon Drake and Ms. Mary Stone, thanked the county for the donation of $1,500.00 to assist in the eradication of the Brazilian Pepper Plant in Cedar Key

Ms. Mary Stone said they are receiving assistance from various sources for the eradication and are educating the citizens on the harm this plant is causing to the island. Ms. Stone said they are using the Number #4 Bridge as the boundary line. Comm. Yearty said the Cedar Key Garden Club will be purchasing herbicides with the donation and submitting a voucher for payment. Mr. Albert Fuller said the Brazilian Pepper plant threatens the Black Mangrove which supports sea life in the coastal area.

BIDS

Ms. Jacqueline Martin opened the submitted bids as advertised for vehicles for the following departments:

Library - Sports Utility Vehicle

White Ford $21,725.25

Scoggins Chevrolet $22,069.90

Planning Department - 4 wheel drive Sports Utility Vehicle

White Ford $23,379.25

Scoggins Chevrolet $23,879.90

Building & Zoning - pickup truck

White Ford $16,741.00

Scoggins Chevrolet $17,805.16

Agriculture Center - van

Scoggins Chevrolet $24,673.62

Alternate 6.5 V-8 diesel engine $26,616.18

White Ford $23,223.80

Chairman Davis appointed the following to review the bids and specifications:

Agriculture Center - Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Freddy Moody and Mr. Albert Fuller.

Building & Zoning Department - Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Freddy Moody and Mr. Rob Corbitt.

Planning Department - Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Freddy Moody, Ms. Krista Kelly and Mr. Rob Corbitt.

Library - Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Freddy Moody and Mr. Larry White.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Jim Jones said Ms. Barbara Locke is requesting a custodial worker for the Health Department. Mr. Jones said Ms. Locke inquired if the county wanted to provide the employee with the Health Department funding the position. Chairman Yearty said the county maintains ownership of the building and provides for maintenance to the building but he does not recommended providing an employee for a state office. Comm. Yearty moved to deny the request for the provision of a janitorial position at the Health Department. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Jones said Ms. Locke also requested if the county would assume responsibility for changing the light bulbs and replacing air conditioning filters at the Health Department. Comm. Yearty said that should be the responsibility of the custodian and only structural problems should be maintained by the county. Comm. Dean said this would interfere with maintenance at the Court House.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Mr. Mike Pardue representing Mr. Steve McLeod for Oak Meadows Subdivision said he was requesting an extension of the preliminary plat for an additional six (6) months. Mr. Pardue said funding for road construction is not completed. Mr. Rob Corbitt said there is not a problem with granting an extension. Comm. Yearty moved to approve a six (6) month extension for the preliminary plat of Oak Meadows Subdivision. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

WATER CONTROL & WATER BOARDS

Mr. James McCain with Cedar Key Water District said they were requesting authorization to make seventeen (17) road cuts to connect residents to the central sewer system. Mr. McCain said to jack and bore the road would add an additional $40,000.00 to the cost of the sewer system. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the seventeen (17) road cuts for the sewer connections upon completion of a hold harmless agreement and coordination with the Road Department. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

BIDS

Mr. Billy Cobb reported the committees had reviewed the bids and recommended acceptance of all four (4) low bids submitted by White Ford. Comm. Dean moved to accept the low bids submitted by White Ford for the four (4) vehicles for the Library Director, Agriculture Extension Office, Planning Department and Building & Zoning Department. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

SHIP

Mrs. Carol McQueen presented the following Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for consideration:

Derek M. and Melanie A. Austin - Lot 1 Block 67 Williston Highlands Golf and Country Club to purchase a new home for $10,000.00.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

GRANTS

Mrs. McQueen reported road construction for Service Area #3 - S. E. 201st Street (Morris Avenue) is completed except for the striping, Service Area #2 - S. W. 60th Street in Rosewood has been cleared and paving should be completed in the near future and Service Area #1 - N. E. 105th Avenue the clearing has begun and it should be completed within the next three (3) to four (4) weeks. Mrs. McQueen said the road projects through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for neighborhood revitalization should be completed on schedule.

SHIP

Mrs. McQueen explained the SHIP program prepares a Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) setting qualifiers for the strategies for Assistance for Purchasing Housing, Emergency Home Repair available only to homeowners 62 years and older and Rehabilitation Housing Repair for very low, low and moderate income families. Mrs. McQueen said a request has been made for Rehabilitation Housing repair by an individual who has five (5) handicapped individuals residing in her home and for whom she provides assisted living services. Mrs. McQueen said she contacted the state to determine if they approved of assistance being provided through the SHIP program and was advised that they did not have any adverse reasons for not providing the assistance. Comm. Dean moved to approve the request for assistance of Rehabilitation housing upon personal inspection and review by Mrs. McQueen and Mr. Dick Tummond that this is a bonafide request and need for assistance. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. McQueen explained the SHIP program receives approximately $350,000.00 annually and allocations are distributed for closings costs for new home purchases, rehabilitation repairs, emergency repairs and administrative costs.

TAX ROLL

Mr. Billy Cobb presented the following Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll:

Janice K. and Carlton Kirton, 11651 N.E. 91st Court, Bronson to correct the assessment for two (2) dwellings on the property to one (1) dwelling. The second building does not have any plumbing and is only used for storage.

Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Melvin G. and Malita Ann Freese, 710 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bronson to correct the assessment to one (1) dwelling. Second unit was uninhabitable and has been removed from the property.

Comm. Dean moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Williston Peanuts, Inc., Williston - three (3) commercial parcels with three (3) commercial buildings on each parcel and is requesting parcel number 05896-00 and 05900-00 be considered as one (1) parcel with 05895-000-00.

Comm. Dean moved to deny the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

PERMITS

Mr. Billy Cobb said Florida Pyrotechnics Art Guild, Inc. is requesting a permit to hold their fireworks seminar at Lake Rosseau on April 15 and April 16, 1999. Mr. Cobb said they advised the fire department will be available for their firework displays. Mr. Cobb said additional advertising of the event is needed to inform the public on the seminar to eliminate calls made to the Sheriff’s Office and the Commissioner’s office. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the request with the understanding that any bans by the Division of Forestry will be upheld and with the same conditions imposed last year. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Cobb said a notice has been received for part time census takers for the Census 2000 and anyone interested should contact the Commissioner’s Office.

HEALTH

Mr. Cobb said the Small County Coalition has provided notice of pending legislation by Senator Mitchell and Representative Spratt to provide local governments with the option of participating in the State Group Health Insurance Program. Comm. Rooks said we need to notify Senator Mitchell’s office of our interest for this additional option of health insurance coverage for county employees.

WATER CONTROL & WATER BOARDS

Mr. Cobb said the Suwannee River Water Management District will hold its Governing Board meeting in Chiefland on December 9, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. at the Tommy Usher Building.

ROADS, STATE

Mr. Justin Watson said there is concern on the truck traffic entering SR 121 at the Williston Airport and Williston Feed and Seed and would like authorization to request the Department of Transportation (DOT) to place signs advising trucks are entering the highway. Comm. Foley moved to authorize requesting the placement of signs on SR 121 for the truck traffic. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

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

S.E. 67th Place in Ocala Highlands West using five (5) or six (6) loads of rock and grading.

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

S.E. 68th Lane in Ocala Highlands West, five (5) loads of rock and grading.

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

LIBRARY

Mr. Larry White, Library Director, said all of the branch libraries have had the photocopiers and faxes installed and were ready for public access. Mr. White added the computers from the Gates grant would arrive in January and will provide two (2) computers for each location with the Internet being in operation by late January or February. Mr. White said the first installment of state funding will be arriving and a further report will be made at that time. Mr. White explained there had been a problem with the e-rate and BellSouth billings but this has been corrected. Comm. Yearty said Mr. White was instrumental in preventing the loss of a portion of the e-rate and recouped an additional amount from late charges and taxes on the BellSouth billings.

TAX CERTIFICATES

Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the List of Lands Available for Taxes for tax deed sales on November 15, 1999 and November 29, 1999 submitted by Mrs. Patty Galyean, Deputy Clerk.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Beauchamp presented an agreement with Dr. Donald L. McCoy, Jr. for the Medical Director Services to be effective December 11, 1999. Mr. Beauchamp said the agreement allows for a sum of $20,000.00 annually to be paid in monthly installments with increases of 4% in succeeding years beginning October, 2000. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the agreement. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

UTILITIES

Mr. Beauchamp said a receiver has been appointed for Springside Utilities.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

Mr. Beauchamp said the amendment to the agreement for an extension of time on Phase I of the Devil’s Hammock purchase has been received and needs approval. Comm. Dean moved to grant the extension requested by the state for Phase I of the Devil’s Hammock purchase. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Krista Kelly explained time frames have been established for a site plan to be submitted by January, 2002 and environmental assessments also to begin in 2002.

Mr. Beauchamp reported the Exercise of the Option and grant award agreement has been received with a check list on what must be accomplished concerning the purchase total costs. Mr. Beauchamp said a cost of $46.50 must be paid for recording the grant award agreement. Comm. Yearty moved to authorize the Chairman to sign and to approve the agreement upon complete review by legal counsel. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beauchamp presented for approval the conceptual agreement and confidentiality agreement submitted by Florida Communities Trust to initiate the process for Phase II of the Devil’s Hammock purchase. Mr. Beauchamp said the agreement must be submitted by January 14, 2000. Comm. Yearty moved to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreements to initiate Phase II of the Devil’s Hammock purchase after review by legal counsel. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Beauchamp presented for approval the contract with Mr. Frank Cox of Micronexus, Inc. for computer consulting services for the Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Beauchamp said the contract is for $3,000.00 to be paid in monthly payments. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the agreement and to authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

UTILITIES

Mr. Beauchamp reported that there is an outstanding bill from Central Florida Electric Co-op from University Oaks water system abandoned by Mr. Frank Woodard. Mr. Beauchamp said upon the abandonment of the utility he requested Central Florida Electric Co-op to continue providing electrical service to prevent a disruption in service to the water system customers with no commitment from the county on the unpaid balance incurred by Mr. Woodard. Mr. Beauchamp said he has been notified the charges were $8,000.00 and Central Florida Electric Co-op has agreed to reduce the billing to $4,000.00 if the county will assume responsibility for that amount. Comm. Yearty moved to approve paying $4,000.00 to Central Florida Electric Co-op for electrical services provided to University Oaks water system upon submission of a proper billing. Comm. Dean seconded. Comm. Dean said he was concerned on setting a precedence with other abandoned utility systems. Mr. Beauchamp said paying for the use of electricity used by the utility would not set a precedence.

Mr. Beauchamp said there is still an outstanding mortgage on the Manatee Utility System with Capital City Bank. Mr. Beauchamp said Capital City Bank will begin foreclosing proceedings on the utility to resolve title to the property. Mr. Beauchamp added that a proposal for a property trade has been made to the mortgagee for the University Oaks system. Mr. Douglas McKoy said Manatee Utility is almost self-supporting and clearing the title will allow for the sale of the utility to an interested buyer and the MOTION CARRIED.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Mr. Beauchamp said clarification for the payment of sick leave for an unmarried parent with a child needs to be established and a proposal prepared for amending the union contract. Chairman Davis requested Mr. Beauchamp and Mr. Billy Cobb to review the current sick leave procedures and present a recommendation.

ORDINANCES

Mr. Beauchamp said the public hearing concerning the mud bogging ordinance will be scheduled for Tuesday, January 4, 2000.

COUNTY LAND

Mr. Beauchamp said the deed to convey the right of way from Mr. James Willis has been prepared and is ready for his signature and presentation of the payment of $600.00.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE

Comm. Foley recognized Mr. Freddy Moody and acknowledged the receipt of a commendation from Mr. Chris J. Roeder of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the assistance Mr. Moody provided for a cleaner, healthier environment and a better quality of life for all who visit or live in Levy County.

JUDICIAL

Mr. Douglas McKoy said the final quarterly billing has been received from the Court Administration and the finance office is preparing to pay the final amount of the approved budget of $8,782.21. Mr. McKoy said the final quarterly billing received is for $25,451.95 based on the amount of the budget submitted by the Court Administration but not approved in the county budget. Comm. Dean commented that we should not expend beyond our budget without an explanation of the expenditures by the Court Administration. Mr. McKoy said he will be presenting a schedule provided by Chief Judge Cates including the request for additional allocation of space by the court.

ROADS, COUNTY

Mr. Beauchamp said the executed copy of the contracts to proceed with the resurfacing of CR 326 from Waccassa River to US 19; CR 347 from CR 326 to CR 330; and CR 337 from CR 336 to SR 121 have been received from the Department of Transportation (DOT) providing an ending date of November 18, 2000. Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Justin Watson to advise the county engineer to commence with the engineering studies to allow sufficient time for Invitation to Bids to be advertised and the projects to be completed within the described time period.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

Frank Davis, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court