REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JUNE 23, 2015
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on June 23, 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:
Danny J. Shipp – Clerk of Court
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – Fred Moody
Chairman John Meeks called the Meeting to order at 9:04 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 | 119991-120227 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 201,250.66 |
| ROAD | 449,538.53 |
| SHIP | 23,097.00 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 58,900.08 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 25,113.97 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 96.50 |
| EMS | 73,669.98 |
| FIRE | 24,966.25 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 16,865.10 |
| UTILITIES | 5,432.49 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE | 54.42 |
| COMMUNICATION | 15,923.34 |
| ADD COURT COSTS | 637.62 |
| CAPITAL PROJECTS | 190.00 |
| LANDFILL | 79,431.38 |
| TOTAL | $ 975,167.32 |
| EFT PAYMENT | $ 31,726.29 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Regular Board Meetings held on May 5, 2015 and May 19, 2015 were presented for Board approval.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on May 5, 2015 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on May 19, 2015 with corrections as stated. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Comm. John Meeks, Chairman
A. Presenting Proclamation 2015-18 recognizing the Chiefland High School Varsity Softball Team as the 2015 FHSAA Class IA State Champions, holding the title for 2 years.
Comm. John Meeks read Proclamation 2015-18 into public record and congratulated the Chiefland High School Varsity Softball Team on their recent accomplishment of winning the 2015 FHSAA Class IA State Championship, holding the title for 2 years.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve Proclamation 2015-18 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Presenting Proclamation 2015-21 recognizing the Williston High School Varsity Baseball Team as the 2015 FHSAA Class IA State Champions, holding the title for 2 years.
Comm. John Meeks read Proclamation 2015-21 into public record and congratulated the Williston High School Varsity Baseball Team on their recent accomplishment of winning the 2015 FHSAA Class IA State Championship, holding the title for 2 years.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve Proclamation 2015-21 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
The meeting recessed at 9:12 A.M.
The meeting reconvened at 9:18 A.M.
C. Presenting Certification of Appreciation.
Comm. Rooks presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mark Johnson for his years of service as the Emergency Management Director.
YANKEETOWN/INGLIS HEALTHY COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Helen Ciallella, President Withlacoochee Gulf Area Chamber.
Presenting and explaining the Healthy Community Initiative Program that has been implemented in Inglis and Yankeetown.
Helen Ciallella, Withlacochee Gulf Area Chamber President spoke to the Board explaining the Healthy Community Initiative Program which has been implemented in Inglis and Yankeetown. She stated the two communities are working together to improve the area and provide programs to assist residents.
Marilyn Ladner also spoke to the Board explaining how ideas for the various community projects came about. She introduced several individuals involved in the projects in attendance.
MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, INC.
Margarita Labarta, PH.D, President and CEO
Presenting prior year service report for the Levy County residents. Requesting an increase in funding for 2016.
Mrs. Labarta spoke to the Board and presented their prior year service report for Levy County residents. Mrs. Labarta stated they would be asking for an increase in the County’s funding for them in the upcoming budget discussions.
CARRER SOURCE
Rusty Skinner, Citrus/Levy/Marion
Requesting approval of the revised Inter-Local Agreement and Resolution 2015-26.
Mr. Skinner presented and requested Board approval of the revised Inter-Local Agreement and Resolution 2015-06.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the revised Inter-Local Agreement and Resolution 2015-06 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
NATURE COAST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
David Pieklik, Director
A. Recap of Big Bend economic analysis report presentation in Dixie County.
Mr. Pieklik gave a recap of the Big Bend economic analysis report presentation in Dixie County. The Big Bend meeting presented several potential projects which could impact the county/region.
B. Presentation on proposed formula for REV grants incentive program.
Mr. Pieklik gave a presentation to the Board on the proposed formula for the REV (Recaptured Enhanced Value) grants incentive program. Marilyn Ladner also spoke to the Board.
REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
JT Lander, Chief Compliance Officer
An informational presentation on current hospital changes, upgrades and expenditures.
Mr. Lander gave an update to the Board on current hospital changes, upgrades and expenditures.
CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM, LLC
Martha Garcia-Baker made a presentation of the 2014 Audit to the Board.
The meeting recessed at 10:51 A.M.
The meeting reconvened at 10:59 A.M.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
A. Approval from the Board on the Memorandum of Agreement for the River Cost Share Agreement.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval of the Memorandum of Agreement for the River Cost Share Agreement for the Levy County University Oaks Water System Improvement Project. The total project cost will be $156,390. And the District reimbursable amount is not to exceed $151,390.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Request approval to appoint John MacDonald Interim Emergency Management Director, with salary adjustments.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval to appoint John MacDonald as the Interim Emergency Management Director, with salary adjustments. The annual salary would be adjusted to $51,500.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to appoint John MacDonald as the Interim Emergency Management Director, with salary adjustments as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
COUNTY AGENT
Albert Fuller, Director
Request approval and signature on a consent letter for the use of the Agricultural Center property for maintaining European honey bee colonies.
Mr. Fuller requested Board approval and the Chairman’s signature on a consent letter for the use of the Agricultural Center property for maintaining European honey bee colonies. This will allow educational opportunities for 4-H members, county school children and the general public in learning about honey bees and their importance in agriculture and the ecosystem. Mr. Fuller stated Kathy Johnson is a 4-H volunteer and will be tending to the bees.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the Chairman’s signature on a consent letter for the use of the Agricultural Center property for maintaining European honey bee colonies as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Carol McQueen, Director
Request approval of contract for another six (terms in a 4 week period) with 3 Clear Channel Outdoor billboards along I-75 for $9,636.00. One billboard facing North and 2 billboards facing South prior to Levy County road exits.
Mrs. McQueen requested Board approval of a contract for another six (terms in a 4 week period) with 3 Clear Channel Outdoor billboards along I-75 for $9,636.00. The contract will run from July 7, 2015 through December 19, 2015.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the contract with Clear Channel Outdoor as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
John MacDonald
Requesting approval of the Board to make a purchase of 10 Flame-Sim Incident Command Software Seats, using the funds from EMPG Grant.
Mr. MacDonald requested Board approval for the purchase of 10 Flame-Sim Incident Command Software Seats in the amount of $17,990. This purchase will be made using EMPG Grant funds.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve the purchase of 10 Flame-Sim Incident Command Software Seats as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
LEVY COUNTY TRANSIT
Connie Conley, General Manager
Requesting approval of the Board to submit Transportation Disadvantaged Trip & Equipment Trip & Equipment Grant Application.
Mrs. Conley requested Board approval to submit the Transportation Disadvantaged Trip & Equipment & Equipment Grant Application in the amount of $405,290. This is a 90/10 grant used for medical trips for those meeting the 125% poverty level.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve submitting the Transportation Disadvantaged Trip & Equipment & Equipment Grant Application as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
LIBRARY
Lisa Brasher, Director
Requesting approval of the Autographic invoice amount.
Ms. Brasher requested Board approval for renewal of the automated circulation software from Autographics in the amount of $6,561.38. This software is required in order for the Library to be eligible for State Aid to Libraries.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the invoice from Autographics for automated circulation software as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
Requesting approval from the Board and signature of the Chairman on the Technical Service Support Agreement between Physio Control and Levy County.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval and Chairman’s signature on the Technical Service Support Agreement between Physio Control and Levy County in the amount of $3,214.00. The agreement will provide and warrant repairs and preventable maintenance for two (2) of the heart monitors place for use on LCDPS apparatus.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Technical Service Support Agreement with the Chairman’s signature as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
ROAD DEPARTMENT
Bruce Greenlee, Administrative Road Superintendent
A. Requesting approval to pave NE 127 Ct. (LCR 1073). – TABLED –
B. Requesting permission of the Board to approve Austin Powder Company to blast for Gulf Hammock rock pit.
Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval of Austin Powder Company to blast for the Gulf Hammock rock pit. This was the only bid and the quoted price was $21,353.67.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Austin Powder Company for blasting at the Gulf Hammock rock pit as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
C. Requesting permission of the Board to approve Florida Department of Environmental Protection Guidance for Storm Debris Staging Area Guidance.
Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Guidance for Establishment, Operation and Closure of Disaster Debris Management Sites with or without Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Drills.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Florida DEP Guidance for Storm Debris Staging Area Guidance as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
NON-AGENDA ITEM
Atty. Brown requested the Board hear a Non-Agenda item.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to hear a Non-Agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Atty. Brown stated there had been a complaint filed in Federal court, the American Atheists vs. Levy County. She stated Levy County had not yet been served yet but requested the Board approve an agreement with Liberty Counsel for legal representation in anticipation of service. The agreement states there will be no charge for attorney fees or costs except if the Board retains any other attorney or cancels with Liberty Counsel.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the agreement with Liberty Counsel as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mrs. Cannon questioned the status of the North Florida Broadband Authority.
Comm. John Meeks stated the North Florida Broadband Authority is currently in negotiations with a private sector company who will be taking over their assets and network.
Sheriff McCallum presented a check to the Board from the Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $84,300. The money is a result of a contract the Sheriff’s Department has with the Levy County School Board used to offset the salaries for two (2) School Resource Officers. The funds will go back into the Sheriff’s budget.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Joyner reported the request for a traffic study at the intersection of CR 326 and SR 121 had been done by the Florida Department of Transportation. The outcome of this study is there will be no action taken at this time.
Comm. Rooks reported she had attended the FAC Conference last week. She stated Chairman John Meeks was elected to the FAC Board of Directors for District 5.
Comm. Stevens stated Mrs. Jones, Supervisor of Elections had approached him with a request for Commissioners to serve on the Canvassing Board for the Presidential Preference. He suggested he and Comm. John Meeks serve as a member and alternate along with the Judge and Mrs. Jones. When the elections come up next year for the Primary and General election, then others can serve.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to appoint Comm. Stevens and Comm. John Meeks as member and alternate to the Canvassing Board for the Presidential Preference as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to re-appoint Jerry Orenchak to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, District. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. John Meeks reported of the First Annual Blueberry Festival held this past Saturday in Bronson and stated it was well attended.
Comm. John Meeks stated he had received his advanced County Commissioner Certificate at the FAC Conference he had attended last week. He stated in addition to being elected to the District 5 seat, he was appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Growth Management, Agriculture and Environment Committee.
Comm. John Meeks stated he had attended a recent Gulf Consortium Meeting. There is another meeting for regional plans to begin work on disseminating the “pot 3” money scheduled for August 26th.
The meeting recessed at 11:58 A.M.
The meeting reconvened at 1:37 P.M.
2015-2016 BUDGET WORKSHOP
The following Elected Officials presented their proposed budgets to the Board:
Clerk of Court, Danny Shipp
Mr. Shipp stated his budget shows an increase of $30,000 due to insurance and retirement increases and a 3% raise for employees.
Sheriff Robert McCallum
Sheriff McCallum stated his total budget request is $11,631,548. This is an increase of $294,000 from last year’s budget due to mandated costs such as health insurance and retirement. This budget also reflects a 4% raise for employees.
Supervisor of Elections, Tammy Jones
Mrs. Jones stated the Supervisor of Elections budget is increased from the prior year’s budget due to an additional election, health insurance and retirement, employee raises and additional expense to make the voting equipment more secure. Mrs. Jones stated a new building to store the voting equipment would cost around $200,000 to construct.
Property Appraiser, Osborn Barker
Comm. John Meeks stated the Property Appraiser’s requested budget is $1,070 less than last year.
The following County Agency presented a budget to the Board:
Nature Coast Business Development
David Pieklik presented the proposed budget for Nature Coast Business Development stating there is a small increase due to health insurance, retirement and salary increase. Mr. Pieklik stated there is a one-time cost of $25,000 included in the budget for an industry cost or analysis.
The following Departments presented their proposed budgets to the Board:
Animal Services, David Weatherford
Mr. Weatherford stated the budget for the Animal Services Department reflected an increase of $2,409.
Agriculture Extension Office, Albert Fuller
Mr. Fuller stated the budget for the Agriculture Extension Office reflected an increase of $43,100 for the following:
$2,500 for the purchase of a commercial oven to prepare meals for children attending day camps during the summer.
$9,000 for a storage building for items such as tables and chairs.
$4,500 for three (3) desktop computers.
$30,000 for a new tractor with two (2) implements (mower and disc) for agriculture demonstrations and research.
Board Office, Fred Moody
Mr. Moody stated the increase for the Board insurance went up this year by 2.3% overall. The budget request for the Board office this year is $299,000, a $60,000 reduction from last year’s request.
Construction/Maintenance/Water, Jimmy Jones
Mr. Jones stated the budget for the Construction/Maintenance Department reflects an increase for the purchase of a small dump-truck for use by the Water Department, a cleaning van. The total increase for the Maintenance budget is $154,601 which includes the equipment purchase of $107,580.
Mr. Jones stated there is an increase in the Water Department budget for the purchase of a mini-trackhoe in the amount of $37,000. The total increase for the equipment line for University Oaks is $35,625 and $11,875 for Manatee Utilities. The total budget increase for University Oaks is $120,195 and the total increase for Manatee Utilities is $44,578.
Development Department, Bill Hammond
Mr. Hammond stated the budget request for the Development Department is $602,000, which is close to last year’s amount.
Emergency Management, John MacDonald
Mr. MacDonald stated the budget request for the Emergency Management Department reflects an increase to hire two additional employees. The total salary amount of $70,337 will be the increase and Mr. MacDonald stated he is researching how a portion of this can be funded through grant money.
Grants/RESTORE
Fred Moody spoke regarding the budget for the Grants/RESTORE Department and stated this is a new department and there is currently one (1) salary being paid from this budget
Legal, Atty. Brown
Atty. Brown stated the budget request for the Legal Department is increased $7,000 due to an increase for insurance, retirement and salary increases.
Library, Lisa Brasher
Ms. Brasher stated the budget request for the Library Department reflects an increase of $53,420. Included in this amount is $35,000 for the purchase of a new vehicle.
Parks & Recreation/Mosquito Control, Matt Weldon
Mr. Weldon stated the budget request for the Parks Department $314,252, which is reduced by $28,795 from last year’s budget.
Mr. Weldon stated he is requesting an increase in the Mosquito Control budget for the purchase of two (2) new spray trucks. The total increase for this department is $17,400. The total budget request for the Mosquito Control Department is $283,625.
Planning Department/SHIP, Shenley Neely
Ms. Neely stated the budget request for the Planning Department is reduced from last year.
Ms. Neely stated the SHIP budget reflects no increase.
Public Safety, David Knowles
Chief Knowles stated the budget request for EMS reflects an overall increase of $569,252.
Chief Knowles stated the budget request for the Fire Department is contingent upon the decision by the Board of how much to budget for the City Fire Departments.
Road & Bridge, Bruce Greenlee
Mr. Greenlee stated there is money budgeted for capital purchases for Road Department equipment.
Soil & Water, Wilbur Dean
Mr. Dean stated the budget request for the Soil & Water Department is the same as last year.
Veteran’s Services, Robert Lowyns
Mr. Lowyns stated there is an increase in the budget request for the Veteran’s Services Department in the amount of $2,863 as a result of increases in insurance, retirement and salary increases.
Tourist Development, Carol McQueen
Mrs. McQueen stated the budget for the Tourist Development Department is increased only due to increases in insurance, retirement and salary increases, however, the Tourist Development budget is funded by the Tourist Development Tax Ordinance and not from the General Fund.
Note: Municipal Fire Departments Workshop scheduled for July 7, 2015 at 11:00 A.M.
Mrs. McQueen informed the Board the cost for the Clear Channel contract sign stated earlier did not include illumination. Illumination of the sign would greatly increase the cost. Mrs. McQueen stated the sign will not be illuminated and the amount is $700 per period.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to amend the contract with the change as stated by Mrs. McQueen. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Stevens requested Mr. Moody send a letter to each department instructing them to limit their requests for increases in their budgets and prioritize their needs.
Comm. John Meeks recommended each of the Commissioners consult with their assigned departments to discuss their budgets.
Mrs. Rees spoke to the Board stating the General Revenue fund alone using the estimated cash forward and estimated revenues vs. the budget presented with all department requests is out of balance by $1.6 million. Listed below are the other funds which are also out of balance:
General Revenue -$1,600,000
Road Department -$ 337,000
EMS -$ 659,000
Fire -$ 8,000
Mrs. Rees requested each Commissioner schedule some time to come to her office and discuss the budgets with Mr. Shipp and Mr. Moody.
Mr. Moody stated there is one date confirmed to adopt the Assessments. It is Monday, September 14th at 6:00 P.M.
The meeting recessed at 4:11 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING
County Attorney, Anne Bast Brown
A. Request permission from the Board to conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Ordinance 2015-06 for local implementation of year-round water conservation measures and temporary water shortage restrictions recognizing related rules of the Suwannee River Water Management.
Atty. Brown requested Board permission to conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Ordinance 2015-06 for local implementation of year-round water conservation measures and temporary water shortage restrictions recognizing related rules of the Suwannee River Water Management.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against the Ordinance as presented.
Questions were asked by Renate Cannon.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2015-06 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Concur with Interagency Agreement between Southwest Florida Water Management District and Suwannee River Water Management District and authorize Chair to sign.
Atty. Brown requested the Board concur with the Interagency Agreement between the Southwest Florida Water management District and the Suwannee River Water Management District and authorize the Chairman to sign.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to concur with the Interagency Agreement as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
C. Conduct a Public Hearing and adopt Ordinance 2015-07 for restrictions regarding sexual offenders/predators.
Atty. Brown requested a Public Hearing be conducted and adoption of Ordinance 2015-07 for restrictions regarding sexual offenders/predators. The Ordinance title was then read into public record and Atty. Brown explained the provisions of the Ordinance.
Atty. Brown thanked Shenley Neely and staff at the Planning Department for their assistance with the mapping for this Ordinance.
Sheriff McCallum spoke to the Board regarding the efforts which went into getting the Ordinance to this point. Sheriff McCallum also stated there are currently 187 offenders/predators registered in Levy County. Of this number, 21 are registered predators. There are 3 registered predators living in the house in Williston which had been identified earlier as housing large numbers of sexual offenders/predators along with 7 other offenders. Of the ten (10) in this one (1) home, two (2) were sentenced, convicted or have any connection in Levy County. Sheriff McCallum stated the number of offenders/predators living in Levy County is three times the national average.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against the Ordinance as presented.
Those who spoke are listed below:
For Against
Dawn Bies Vanessa Thomas
Renate Cannon
Comm. Joyner made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2015-07 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:27 P.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, John Meeks