REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on November 17, 2015 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. Danny Stevens
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Mike Joyner
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – Fred Moody
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. Stevens made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER | 121661-121843 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 1,182,806.23 |
| ROAD | 53,598.95 |
| SHIP | 27,866.00 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 1,605.20 |
| MOSQUITO CONTROL | 210.37 |
| COURT TECH/CRIM PREV | 16,202.20 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 26,340.12 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 15.00 |
| EMS | 42,380.17 |
| FIRE | 12,336.71 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 3,889.24 |
| UTILITIES | 1,838.30 |
| ADD COURT COSTS | 4,760.72 |
| LANDFILL | 67,895.82 |
| TOTAL | $ 1,441,745.03 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Special Board meeting held on September 30, 2015 were presented for Board approval.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the minutes for the Special Board meeting held on September 30, 2015 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Patricia Flynn spoke to the Board regarding the condition of SE 185th Avenue in Whispering Oaks. She and Maureen Kelsey spoke of the excessive dust, poor drainage speeding of vehicles and ATV’s on the road and requested the road be paved. They encouraged the Board to move the paving of this road up from 20th on the paving list.
Comm. John Meeks stated they are not able to move the road up on the paving list, but he can speak to Sheriff McCallum regarding the excessive speeding of vehicles and use of ATV’s on the roadway.
PUBLIC HEARING
Bill Hammond, Development Director
Requesting approval of PP 15-01, West Point Acres, a subdivision consisting of four one (1) acre residential lots.
Atty. Brown swore in members of the audience wishing to speak regarding the Petition.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was any ex-parte communication by any of the Commissioners. There were none.
Mr. Hammond requested Board approval of PP 15-01 West Point Acres, a subdivision consisting of four one (1) acre residential lots.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was anyone wishing to speak for or against the Petition as presented. There were none.
Com. Joyner made a motion to approve PP15-01 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Kathryn Frank
Presentation of findings and recommendations from a recently completed research project conducted by UF with funding by Florida Sea Grant: Reimagining the Form of Rural Coastal Communities in Response to the Sea Level Rise.
Ms. Frank gave a presentation to the Board on the findings and recommendations from a recently completed research project conducted by UF with funding by Florida Sea Grant: Reimagining the Form of Rural Coastal Communities in Response to Sea Level Rise. Ms. Frank stated the geographic areas of concern for the Board included Rosewood-Sumner, as well as the unincorporated areas of Cedar Key.
Comments were made by Toni Collins and Renate Cannon regarding the presentation.
TOWN OF INGLIS AND YANKEETOWN
Helen Ciallella
Request approval for the Towns of Inglis and Yankeetown to plant Crepe Myrtles down the Levy County right of way, HWY 40 East (Town of Inglis line to the General Store of Yankeetown) secured funding for this project will be from FDOT.
Wilbur Dean requested Board approval on behalf of Helen Ciallella for the Towns of Inglis and Yankeetown to plant Crepe Myrtles down the Levy County right of way, HWY 40 East (Town of Inglis line to the General Store of Yankeetown).
The Commissioners expressed concerns for maintenance of the roadway once the crepe myrtles are in place. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed by consensus to have Atty. Brown prepare an Agreement between the Town of Inglis, Town of Yankeetown and Levy County defining the roadway maintenance responsibilities.
CHIEFLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ryan Watson
Request approval to temporarily close County streets in the City of Chiefland, West Park Avenue (from 2nd Street to CR 341) and CR 341 (from West Park Avenue to NW 11th Avenue) for the Rudolph Run 5K on December 12th as part of the Chiefland Christmas Festival.
Mr. Watson requested Board approval to temporarily close West Park Avenue (from 2nd Street to CR 341) and from CR 341 North to NW 11th Avenue in Chiefland for the Rudolph Run 5K on December 12th not to exceed two (2) hours, as part of the Chiefland Christmas Festival.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the temporary road closure of West Park Avenue as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
CRIME STOPPERS OF LEVY COUNTY, INC.
Paula Sprague
Request Chair’s signature on a letter to the Office of the Attorney General in support of Crime Stoppers of Levy County, Inc.
Comm. John Meeks requested on behalf of Mrs. Sprague Board approval of the Chairman’s signature on a letter to the Office of the Attorney General in support of Crime Stoppers of Levy County, Inc.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Chairman’s signature on a letter to the Office of the Attorney General as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
INGLIS RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE
Lisa Flanders
Request approval to close/block a portion of HWY 40 West to accommodate the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.
Ms. Flanders requested Board approval to close/block a portion of HWY 40 West to accommodate the Inglis Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the road closure for a portion of HWY 40 West as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
A.Request approval of the letter between Levy County School Board and Levy County Board of County Commission to enter an agreement for the purpose of picking up and transferring four (4) loads of clay from Frostproof to Chiefland. The School Board of Levy County will be reimbursing or resupplying the County’s fuel for transportation.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval of the letter between Levy County School Board and Levy County Board of County Commission to enter an agreement for the purpose of picking up and transferring four (4) loads of clay from Frostproof to Chiefland. The School Board will reimburse or resupply the County’s fuel for transportation.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the letter between the Levy County School Board and Levy County Board of County Commission entering into an agreement as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Request approval of the Letter of Support for North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) for the Regional Rural Development Grant.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval of the Letter of Support for the North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) for the Regional Rural Development Grant.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the Letter of Support as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mr. Moody reminded the Board of the Impact Fee Workshop scheduled for December 8th at 11:00 A.M., following the Regular Board meeting.
LEVY COUNTY TRANSIT
Connie Conley, General Manager
- Request approval of FDOT Florida Statewide Drug & Alcohol Testing Service Contract #BE054.
Ms. Conley requested Board approval of the FDOT Florida Statewide Drug & Alcohol Testing Service Contract #BE054. The contract is effective from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 and the rates are as follows:
Urine Drug Test $32.25
Breath Alcohol $29.95
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the FDOT Florida Statewide Drug & Alcohol Testing Service Contract #BE054 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to purchase a bus in the amount of $73,259.00 to be reimbursed 100%, under the Board approved Shirley Conroy Rural Area Capital Assistance Program Grant.
Ms. Conley requested Board approval to purchase a bus in the amount of $73,259 to be reimbursed at 100%, under the Board approved Shirley Conroy Rural Area Capital Assistance Program Grant.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the purchase of a bus as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
SHIP
Shenley Neely, Planning Director
Request a motion to approve a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Bradley Parker, PA #530 for an existing unit in Chiefland, FL.
Ms. Neely requested Board approval of a Deferred Payment Loan Agreement for Bradley Parker, PA #530 in the amount of $13,950 for an existing unit in Chiefland, FL.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
- Requesting approval to purchase seven (7) modems for heart monitors from Physio Control for $5,003.20. The Department is also requesting approval to accept reimbursement for the modems from UF Health Shands Hospital ($2,501.60) and North Florida Regional Medical Center ($2,501.60).
Chief Knowles reported to the Board of a State Inspection done on November 2nd of the Department of Public Safety and sated they received an outstanding report and there were no deficiencies.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase seven (7) modems for heart monitors from Physio Control in the amount of $5,003.20. The Department is also requesting approval to accept reimbursement for the modems from UF Health Shands Hospital ($2,501.60) and North Florida Regional Medical Center ($2,501.60).
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the purchase of the seven (7) modems and acceptance of the reimbursement from UF Health Shands Hospital and North Florida Regional Medical Center as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Requesting approval to purchase the following Capital Equipment:
One (1) 2016 Ford F-450 Chassis from Coggins Ford in Jacksonville, FL, $38,650.44
One (1) Light Rescue Module from Emergency Tactical Vehicles in Sanford, FL, $104,581.00.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval to purchase the above listed Capital Equipment items. Charlie Bedford also spoke to the Board regarding the quality and durability of the Ford chassis.
Members of the audience who commented on this item were: Renate Cannon, Kay Gaither, Terry Witt, Dana Sheffield, Jimmy Jones.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the purchases as requested by Chief Knowles. Second was made by Comm. Joyner. The votes were as follows:
Yes No
Comm. Joyner Comm. Rock Meeks
Comm. John Meeks Comm. Rooks
Comm. Stevens
The MOTION CARRIES.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Bast Brown
- Authorize Chair to execute and submit comments to Consent Decree in U.S. v BP Exploration and Production, et al., Civil No 10-4536 (E.D. La.)(centralized in MDL 2179: In Re: Oil Spill by the Oil Rig “Deepwater Horizon” in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010.), based on comments prepared for submission by Bay County and by the Gulf Consortium, as recommended by the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval for the Chairman to execute and submit comments to Consent Decree as stated above. Based on the $5.5 billion settlement in the Consent Decree, Levy County’s share of the Pot 1 would amount to approximately $2,998,380.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to authorize the Chairman to execute and submit comments to Consent Decree as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval of Contract for Professional Services between State Attorney and Levy County for prosecution of County Ordinances.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of the Contract for Professional Services between the State Attorney and Levy County for the prosecution of County Ordinances. The fee according to statute will be $250 initially and $50 per hour for their administrative costs.
Toni Collins commented regarding County Ordinances and whether this contract allows the State Attorney to prosecute individuals leaving political signs out long after an election.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the Contract for Professional Services between the State Attorney and Levy County as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Gaither thanked Comm. Rooks for attending the Chiefland Veteran’s Day Parade as she was the only Commissioner to attend
Renate Cannon questioned why Chief Knowles would not be the Chairman for the committee he formed. Atty. Brown responded to the inquiry.
Comments were also made by Toni Collins, Ron Grant and Terry Witt.
Toni Collins announced the Levy County Historical Society will be sponsoring a Florida Authors and Books Festival on Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M. at the Cedar Key RV Resort in Sumner.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Joyner commented on the earlier statement made regarding few Commissioners attending a Veteran’s Day parade stating there were many other events taking place on the same day making it impossible for all Commissioners to attend each event.
Comm. Rooks announced there will be a pie auction taking place in Cedar Key on November 23rd at 6:00 P.M. to benefit the Cedar Key Junior Class.
Comm. Stevens stated he had attended the Veteran’s Day Memorial in Williston with Comm. Joyner.
Comm. John Meeks read to everyone a letter to Mr. Moody from Bruce Greenlee announcing his resignation from the Road Department.
Comm. John Meeks announced several of the upcoming events in the area:
- Inglis and Yankeetown will have their annual Seafood/Arts Festival and Quilt Show on November 21st and 22nd.
- November 21st Two Hawk Hammock Aquatic Dream in Williston will be open from 12:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- November 27th is the kick off weekend at Kirby Farms of the Christmas Express and will continue through December.
- November 27th Cedar Key will have their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
- December 5th the Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce will present their Annual Festival of Lights and Boat Parade. December 5th is also date for the Light up Williston Festival and Parade.
- The Sons of AmVets will be hosting their annual Wreaths Across America program on December 12th at the Rosemary Cemetery in Bronson beginning at 12:00 P.M. John Meeks stated there are 192 Cemetery’s involved with this project this year.
- On December 12th is the Chiefland Christmas Festival and Parade; the Cedar Key Christmas in the Park Festival and the Inglis Christmas Parade.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:46 A.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, John Meeks