REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 21, 2014
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on October 21, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners meeting room of the Levy County Courthouse with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Ryan Bell
Comm. John Meeks
Comm. Danny Stevens
Comm. Mike Joyner
Comm. Chad Johnson
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Administrator – Fred Moody
Comm. Bell called the Meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. Comm. Johnson gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Comm. Meeks.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER | 117450-117617 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 725,656.53 |
| ROAD | 80,602.19 |
| SHIP | 147.61 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 929.85 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 40,498.61 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 1,004.87 |
| PROGRESS ENERGY | 744.36 |
| EMS | 43,610.77 |
| FIRE | 102,664.24 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 4,774.65 |
| CDBG | 26,114.90 |
| UTILITIES | 1,574.07 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE | 12,208.14 |
| ADD COURT COSTS | 2,665.69 |
| CAPITAL PROJECTS | 1,160.03 |
| LANDFILL | 65,028.77 |
| TOTAL | $ 1,109,385.28 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Public Hearing on September 22, 2014.
The minutes for the Public Hearing held on September 22, 2014 were presented for Board approval.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the minutes for the Public Hearing held on September 22, 2014 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
NON-AGENDA ITEM/ROAD DEPARTMENT
Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval to hear a non-agenda item.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to hear a non-agenda item concerning an alternate proposal to mill CR40. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES. Comm. Johnson votes NO.
Mr. Greenlee spoke of the resurfacing project of CR 40E in Inglis and called Andrew Carswell of Mills Engineering to speak to the Board. Mr. Carswell stated D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. have made an alternate construction proposal in an effort to alleviate some of the ongoing issues with this roadway. D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. proposes to add milling, up to 1 ½” to remove most of the existing cracking and help reduce the quantity and size of any future reflective cracking.
Atty. Brown stated due the change in the scope of work she would recommend re-bidding if a new scope of work could be written up quickly. She stated amending the original contract would open the Board up to challenges.
William Bachschmidt of D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. spoke to the Board explaining the proposed changes to the contract.
Comm. Stevens stated he had concerns for this change in the contract. He is in favor delaying this project and asking for a change order from the State.
Renate Cannon stated she supported Comm. Stevens’ position regarding the contract.
After discussion, Comm. Joyner made a motion to follow the new scope of work without re-bidding. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES. Comm. Stevens votes No.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tammy Jones, Supervisor of Elections reported to the Board they had been approved for grant funds for the purchase of new voting equipment and $10,808 will be returned to the Board from this recent purchase.
Mrs. Jones announced early voting is open and encouraged everyone to come out to vote.
Mr. Bachschmidt of DAB Construction requested the load limit signs on CR40 in Inglis be changed to reflect the correct weight limit for a culvert at the county line stating the commerce of Inglis is widely affected by this load limit amount. He requested an Ordinance be adopted by the Board and signs be taken down as the load limit is no longer 10 tons and a 13 mile detour for delivery trucks.
LEVY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Robert McCallum
Discuss sexual offender/predator housing situation in Levy County.
Sheriff McCallum spoke to the Board requesting authorization for Atty. Brown to inquire into what can be done regarding a sexual offender/predator housing situation in Williston.
Dawn Bease, a neighbor of the residence spoke to the Board expressing her concerns of the housing situation.
Richard Lipman also spoke in favor of something being done regarding this situation.
The Commissioners agreed by consensus to have Atty. Brown research the County’s options regarding this situation.
CITY OF CHIEFLAND
Betty Walker, Vice Mayor
Mary Ellzey, City Manager
Update on Chiefland ALS Non-Transport.
Mary Ellzey spoke to the Board stating Chiefland is ready to move forward with the legal analysis study and will pay 100% of this study.
Betty Walker stated she is looking forward to working with the County regarding the ALS Non-Transport. She also invited everyone to attend the LARC “Ride to Provide” event coming up this Saturday where there will be all you can eat fish dinners for $10.
Comm. Meeks made a motion in which upon the final signing of documents for the City of Chiefland ALS and all obligations have been met, the county would reimburse them for the cost of the study. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the votes were as follows:
Yes No
Comm. Meeks Comm. Stevens
Comm. Johnson Comm. Joyner
Comm. Bell
The MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Letter of Agreement with Nabors, Giblin. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
- Request approval to adopt Proclamation 2014-56, recognizing the month of November 2014 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month as requested by Ms. Alison Strother.
Mr. Moody requested on behalf of Ms. Alison Strother, Board approval to adopt Proclamation 2014-56, recognizing the month of November, 2014 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to adopt Proclamation 2014-56 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Discuss Levy and Dixie County Oysterman Meeting.
Mr. Moody gave information to the Board regarding a workshop of the Oystermen in Levy and Dixie County planned for Thursday, October 23rd at 3:00 P.M. to be held at the Dixie County EOC.
ANIMAL SERVICES
David Weatherford, Director
Request approval to advertise and hire a full time staff veterinarian.
Mr. Weatherford requested Board approval to advertise and hire a full time staff veterinarian.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve advertising for a full time staff veterinarian as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES. Comm. Johnson votes No.
Ann Larkins stated she would like to see the County provide a “cat room” for the cats housed at Animal Services rather than keeping them in crates during the winter.
Crystal Bell spoke to the Board stating if a “cat room” were provided, the animals would need to be spayed/neutered or separated to prevent breeding.
Deb Infantine spoke in favor of hiring a full time veterinarian.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
- Request Board approval to purchase equipment for the department.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase the following equipment for the department:
Four (4) Physio-Control LifePak 1000 AED’s with approval to trade-in 3 (three) obsolete AED’s
Two (2) Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC’s)
Four (4) Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SBCA’s)
Eleven (11) face-pieces for new members
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the above listed purchases for the Department of Public Safety as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to purchase a command module.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase a command module for the replacement administration vehicle previously approved at the October 4, 2014 meeting. The command module will be purchased from Odyssey Specialty Vehicles in the amount of $5,633.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the purchase of a command module for the replacement administration vehicle as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request Board approval to purchase a custom, all terrain responder (ATR) UTV.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase a custom, all terrain responder (ATR) UTV. The bids received are as follows:
Quality Emergency Vehicles $18,000
All Terrain Responder $32,962
ETR, LLC $44,000
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the purchase of a custom, all terrain responder (ATR) UTV from Quality Emergency Vehicles, the low bidder as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to purchase fire hose under the Florida Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant guidelines.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase fire hose under the Florida Forest Service Volunteer Assistance Grant guidelines. This is a 50/50 grant in which the county receives a 50% reimbursement after the purchase has been made. The bids received are as follows:
NAFECO $11,943.64
Municipal Equipment Company, LLC $12,612.00
Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc. $14,733.60
Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus $14,070.80
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the purchase of fire hose from NAFECO, the low bidder as requested. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request Board’s approval to accept a donation of an E-One Fire Engine and a Chevrolet Tahoe from Marion County Fire Rescue.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to accept the donation of an E-One Fire Engine and a Chevrolet Tahoe from Marion County Fire Rescue. The Fire Engine will replace an older model Fire Engine for use primarily as a training unit and the Chevrolet Tahoe will replace a 1988 SUV currently used by LCDPS logistics.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to accept the donation of an E-One Fire Engine and a Chevrolet Tahoe from Marion County Fire Rescue as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request Board approval and Chairman’s signature on the Termination Agreement between ZOLL Data Systems and Levy County.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval and Chairman’s signature on the Termination Agreement between ZOLL Data Systems and Levy County.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve with the Chairman’s signature on the Termination Agreement between Zoll Data Systems and Levy County as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval and Chairman’s signature on the License Agreement between American Tower Management, LLC and Levy County.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval and Chairman’s signature on the License Agreement between American Tower Management, LLC and Levy County.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve with Chairman’s signature on the License Agreement between American Tower Management, LLC and Levy County. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Bast Brown
- Request Board consideration on a settlement offer on Second Mortgage for Robert J. Harris, Jr., and if accepted, authorize execution of Satisfaction of Mortgage contingent on receipt of settlement funds.
Atty. Brown requested Board consideration on a settlement offer of $500 regarding a Second Mortgage for Robert J. Harris, Jr., and if accepted, authorize execution of a Satisfaction of Mortgage contingent on receipt of settlement funds.
After discussion, Comm. Meeks made a motion to make a counter offer of $1,500 and if the amount is accepted authorize execution of a Satisfaction of Mortgage upon receipt of funds. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval of Settlement Agreement and General Release of Briggs v Board of County Commissioners of Levy County, et al, Case No. 1:14-cv-00016-MW-CRG (N.D. Fla).
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of a Settlement Agreement and General Release of Briggs v Board of County Commissioners of Levy County, et al, Case No. 1:14-cv-0016-MW-CRG (N.D. Fla.) in the amount of $75,000. This Settlement Agreement will settle litigation filed by a former employee against the County and against another employee. Funds to pay the settlement amount will be provided entirely by the County’s excess insurance carrier.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Settlement Agreement and General Release as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval of Resolution 2014-58 supporting the University of Florida’s RESTORE Act application.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of Resolution 2014-58 supporting the University of Florida’s RESTORE Act application.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution 2014-58 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Renate Cannon spoke to the Board requesting information on the All Terrain Responder (ATR) UTV vehicle approved for the Department of Public Safety.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Johnson reminded everyone of the Levy County Education Foundation Wild Beast Feast coming up this Saturday at the Etheridge Cracker House near Williston.
Comm. Joyner reminded everyone of the Morriston Baptist Church Fall Festival coming up this Saturday.
Comm. Meeks reminded everyone of the LARC “Ride to Provide” event this Saturday.
NON-AGENDA ITEM
Comm. Bell asked the Board to consider making a motion to hear a non-agenda item concerning the appointment of a Commissioner to the RESTORE Act.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to hear a non-agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to appoint Comm. Meeks to the RESTORE Act through the end of the year in place of Comm. Bell. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Reminder: FDOT Public Information Meeting regarding Cedar Key Bridge Replacements October 27, 2014 from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., at the Cedar Key Community Center, 809 6th Street, Cedar Key, FL.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:41 A.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
___________________________________ ______________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, Ryan Bell