REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 18, 2016
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on October 18, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners meeting room with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman John Meeks
Comm. Rock Meeks
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Mike Joyner
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – Fred Moody
Danny J. Shipp – Clerk of Court
Chairman John Meeks called the Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. Comm. Rock Meeks gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER | 125321-125450 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 1,328,438.75 |
| ROAD | 48,387.16 |
| SHIP | 10,200.00 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 5,010.00 |
| MOSQUITO CONTROL | 169.66 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 13,314.37 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 415.17 |
| EMS | 28,436.23 |
| FIRE | 65,304.98 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 4,114.51 |
| UTILITIES | 1,376.46 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE | 2,313.37 |
| ADD COURT COSTS | 254.33 |
| LANDFILL | 64.70 |
| TOTAL | $ 1,507,799.69 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on August 16, 2016 were presented for Board approval.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on August 16, 2016 with corrections/changes as stated. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bill Henderson and Barney Bennette, Planning and Environmental Management Office
Mr. Bennette presented the Florida Department of Transportation’s county work program priorities to the Board.
Mr. Henderson spoke regarding a planned bridge replacement on CR339 and the possibility of re-aligning the road in the process.
PUBLIC HEARING – PLANNING
Shenley Neely, Planning
Request approval by Levy County Board of County Commissioners to recommend transmittal of the County’s proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, as recommended by the Levy County Planning Commission.
Ms. Neely requested Board approval to recommend transmittal of the County’s proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, as recommended by the Levy County Planning Commission.
Comm. Rooks requested language be added to page 6, Coastal Management Element, Infrastructure, on Policy 1.1 to add the word “drainage”.
Ms. Neely stated this could be added.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak regarding this item.
Those who spoke were: Dana Sheffield.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve the transmittal of the County’s proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan with changes as stated. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
RUBIN ROTHSCHILD
- Request to pave area in front of cluster of mail boxes. (North West 140th Street and 76th Avenue)
Mr. Rothschild requested paving in front of the cluster of mail boxes located at NW 140th Street and 76th Avenue.
Mr. Rothschild also requested improved grading and repair of potholes and ruts on NW 87th Avenue.
Comm. John Meeks stated the Road Department is working toward a solution for the problem with the area at the mail boxes and the road in question.
NATURE COAST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
David Pieklik, Executive Director
Mr. Pieklik requested Board approval of a proposed letter of support of the upcoming legislative session for priorities endorsed by the North Florida Economic Development Partnership. It was requested to confirm FAC, FLC, and other groups are on board with this, which was approved at the October 4, 2016 Board Meeting.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the proposed letter of support as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
NON-AGENDA ITEM/PARKS & RECREATION
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to hear a non-agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Matt Weldon spoke to the Board regarding quotes for repairs of the handicap ramp at the Big Dock in Cedar Key as a result of storm damage from Hermine. The two (2) quotes received were from:
Billy Stanley Marine Products $6,500 (repair including materials and labor)
Gator Docks $7,040 (replacement of ramp, not installed)
Comm. Joyner made a motion to use Stanley Marine Products for repair of the handicap ramp at the Big Dock in Cedar Key as requested upon verification this vendor is properly licensed and insured. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
- Request approval to waive tipping fees for City of Fanning Springs cleanup day October 22, 2016.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval for tipping fees to be waived for the City of Fanning Springs for their cleanup day scheduled for October 22, 2016.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve waiving tipping fees as requested for the City of Fanning Springs. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to declare attached County inventory surplus and dispose at auction October 29, 2016.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval to declare the list of County inventory surplus as provided and to dispose at the auction scheduled on October 29, 2016.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the County inventory surplus list as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to write off water utility unpaid bills from 2014.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval to write off the unpaid water utility bills from 2014 in the amount of $1,050.96 for University Oaks and $307.70 for Manatee Utilities.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to Table this item. Second was made by Comm. Joyner. Discussion followed.
Comm. Rooks rescinded her motion and made a new motion to approve writing off the unpaid water utility bills from 2014 as presented with the amendment of checking into filing liens against those leaving their accounts unpaid. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval of revised 2017 County Holidays.
Mr. Moody presented and requested Board approval of the revised 2017 County Holidays list.
New Year’s Day (observed) Friday, January 1, 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 16, 2017
President’s Day Monday, February 20, 2017
Good Friday Friday, April 14, 2017
Memorial Day Monday, May 29, 2017
Independence Day Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Labor Day Monday, September 4, 2017
Veteran’s Day (observed) Friday, November 10, 2017
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23, 2017 &
Friday, November 24, 2017
Christmas Monday, December 25, 2017 &
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the above holiday schedule as presented including the addition of President’s Day. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
There was discussion by the Commissioners regarding changing dates of some Regular meetings. It was suggested to have one of the two meetings held each month to be an evening meeting and recommendations would be brought back to present to the Board for consideration.
- Request approval and signature of contract between Levy County Board of County Commissioners and Meridian.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval and signature on the contract between Levy County BOCC and Meridian for the fiscal year 2016/2017 in the amount of $75,000 to be distributed quarterly.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the contract and signature with Meridian as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
ASSISTANT TO THE COUNTY COORDINATOR
Wilbur Dean requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-067 supporting the designation of the Suwannee River in Levy County, Florida as a National Water Trail.
Questions were asked by Comm. Rooks and answered by Ms. Sparks. Comm. Rooks stated she was in favor of there being some Town meetings to hear community input before making a decision.
Ms. Sparks assured everyone this designation is for the sole purpose of adding the Suwannee River to the National Water Trail list and stated she would be glad to present this information to the public at a Town meeting. Ms. Sparks agreed to work with Mr. Dean and Comm. Rooks to determine a date and time for a Town meeting.
Audience members speaking regarding this item were: Toni Collins and Renate Cannon.
Mr. Dean introduced the applicant for the Levy County Extension Director and Livestock Agent position, Ed Jennings. Dr. Eric Simone, UF Extension Agent also spoke to the Board and stated a 4-H Director had been recently hired, Genevive Mendoza.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to accept Ed Jennings as the Levy County Ag. Extension Director and Livestock Agent. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
LANDFILL
Benny Jerrels, Director
Request approval of Resolution 2016-50, authorizing Chair to sign application for “Consolidated Small County Solid Waste Management Grant” and appointing the Director of Solid Waste as authorized representative under the grant.
Mr. Jerrels requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-50, authorizing the Chairman to sign the application for the “Consolidated Small County Solid Waste Management Grant” in the amount of $90,909.00 and appointing the Director of Solid Waste as authorized representative under the grant. Mr. Jerrels stated this year’s grant is the same as last fiscal year.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-50 and to appoint the Director of Solid Waste as authorized representative as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
SHIP
- Marlon Gayle requested Board approval of the Subordination Agreement for Edgardo and Luz Manalastas, SHIP Purchase Assistance, Case PA #417.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the Subordination Agreement on Case # PA 417 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Marlon Gayle request Board approval of a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Saretta Appling, PA #538 for an existing unit in Williston, FL in the amount of $10,200.00.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement, PA# 538 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PLANNING
Shenley Neely, Planning Director, requested Board approval to appoint Mr. Vaughn Lee as the Alternate Planning Commissioner for the Levy County Planning Commission, the County’s Local Planning Agency (LPA).
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Vaughn Lee as the Alternate Planning Commissioner for the Levy County Planning Commission as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
John MacDonald, Director
- Mr. MacDonald requested Board approval of Emergency Declaration 2016-068 to rescind all hurricane Hermine Emergency Declarations.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve Emergency Declaration 2016-068 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Mr. MacDonald requested Board approval to ratify Emergency Declaration 2016-069.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to ratify Emergency Declaration 2016-069 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Mr. MacDonald requested Board approval of Emergency Declaration 2016-070 to rescind Hurricane Matthew Local State of Emergency Declaration 2016-069.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve Emergency Declaration 2016-070 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
James Harrell, Director requested Board approval and the Chairman’s signature on the Levy County Department of Public Safety (EMS) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN). Mr. Harrell explained this certificate is necessary for renewal of the County Advanced Life Support (ALS) license renewal and to continue operating as an ALS provider.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve with the Chairman’s signature, the Levy County Department of Public Safety (EMS) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
The meeting recessed at 10:57 A.M.
The meeting reconvened at 11:08 A.M.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Daren Remington gave a summary of the proposal to have AT&T provide internet connections to all County Departments to be centralized at the courthouse which he would maintain.
Questions were asked by Comm. Joyner, Comm. Rooks and Comm. John Meeks concerning cost and accessibility.
Questions from members of the audience were asked by Toni Collins, Robert Jordan, Renate Cannon and Michael Whiting.
After discussion, it was requested for Mr. Remington to bring a full contract with attachments to Atty. Brown for review before they will consider approving.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Bast Brown presented and requested the Board consider accepting a settlement offer on Estate of Gaylia Kay McLeod of 50% of the bill of $1,143.79 for ambulance services. She explained the Board has the option of accepting the offer, declining the offer, or making a counter offer for a larger settlement amount.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to counter offer at 75%. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Audience member Robert Jordan spoke regarding this item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Renate Cannon requested clarification of the Clerk’s budget increase being done as a non-agenda item at the last budget meeting.
Mr. Shipp explained this was requested at the first budget meeting and was not voted on until the last meeting.
Toni Collins requested the meeting agendas be made available online by the Friday before each meeting.
Mayor Weiss announced the South Levy Marketplace will be celebrating its 1-year Anniversary this Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Dana Sheffield gave updated information regarding the Fanning Springs City Council elections.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Joyner announced the LARC Ride to Provide event will be this Saturday beginning at 8:00 A.M. The Haven Hospice event is this Friday evening and the Morriston Baptist Church Fish Fry and Gospel Sing will be on Saturday afternoon beginning at 5:00 P.M.
Comm. Rooks stated she is still working on flood issues in the Cedar Key area.
Comm. Rock Meeks announced on Friday, October 21st & 22nd a Haunted House at the location of the Central Florida Electric Coop. building in Chiefland will open. There will be a Trunk of Treat event in Chiefland on the 29th. A fund-raising horse ride in Goethe Forest benefiting Breast Cancer research will also take place Saturday, the 22nd. Lunch is provided with registration and there will be raffles.
Comm. Rock Meeks announced on Friday, October 28th there will be a Retirement party for Sheila Rees at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Bronson. The FFA Alumni Fish Fry will also be on the 28th beginning at 6:00 P.M. in Chiefland.
Comm. John Meeks announced the Kirby Farm “Lost Railroad” event begins this weekend in Williston and will run through Halloween.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 12:27 P.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, John Meeks