REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 4, 2014
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on March 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM 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. Mike Joyner
Comm. Danny Stevens
Comm. Chad Johnson
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – 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 |
114675-114823 |
| FUND |
AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE |
1,351,017.17 |
| ROAD |
147,176.28 |
| TRANSPORTATION |
38,338.27 |
| 911 |
11,082.25 |
| COURT FACILITIES |
2,299.00 |
| PROGRESS ENERGY |
1,370.85 |
| EMS |
314,941.63 |
| FIRE |
32,256.80 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT |
2,666.48 |
| CDBG |
6,363.80 |
| UTILITIES |
3,063.19 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE |
215.00 |
| COMMUNICATION |
1,297.82 |
| CAPITAL PROJECTS |
21,793.08 |
| LANDFILL |
88,081.84 |
| TOTAL | $ 2,021,963.46 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Regular Meetings held on February 4, 2014 and February 18, 2014 were presented for Board approval
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting held on February 4, 2014 with correction. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular meeting held on February 18, 2014 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Recognition and appreciation to Lynetta Usher Griner for outstanding achievement serving as President of the Florida Forestry Association and being named as the 2013 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
Comm. Bell recognized Lynetta Usher Griner for her outstanding achievement serving as President of the Florida Forestry Association and being named the 2013 Woman of the year in Agriculture. She is currently the owner/operator of Usher Land & Timber, Inc. and was selected as the Outstanding Logger of the Year on State, Regional and National levels. Comm. Bell also read a list of her many other accomplishments to the audience.
Mrs. Usher-Griner spoke briefly thanking the Board for the recognition and emphasizing the importance of Forestry in Florida as well as encouraging everyone to use Forest products.
PUBLIC HEARING
Bill Hammond, Development Director
Request approval of Order to Approve or Order to Deny for the Conditional Use Permit Application for the Withlacoochee Bluegrass Festival, Petition Number CUP 1-14.
Atty. Brown administered swearing in of those in the audience wishing to speak for or against the Conditional Use Permit Application being presented.
Comm. Bell asked if any of the Commissioners had ex-parte communication with the petitioner. There were none.
Mr. Hammond presented and requested Board approval of the Order to Approve or Order to Deny the Conditional Use Permit Application for the Withlacoochee Bluegrass Festival, Petition Number CUP 1-14 by the petitioner, Michael T. Roth. Mr. Hammond stated the requested use is to hold a Bluegrass Festival twice a year. The Planning Board recommended several conditions of approval.
Mr. Roth spoke to the Board briefly regarding the deed to the property.
Comm. Bell asked if there was anyone wishing to speak for or against the Conditional Use Application.
Renate Cannon and Terry Witt spoke from the audience.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Order to Approve with conditions as recommended by Mr. Hammond and the Planning Board as well as changes to the Order to Approve, to be made by Atty. Brown. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
LEVY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Bobby McCallum
- Request approval to expend $7,414.80 from State Forfeiture Funds for furnishings for the Drug Task Force Building.
Sheriff McCallum requested Board approval for the purchase of eight (8) desks and eight (8) desk chairs for the offices within the Drug Task Force building using State Forfeiture Funds in the amount of $7,414.80 from OEC Business Interiors.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve using State Forfeiture Funds for the purchase as requested by Sheriff McCallum. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request Board approval to appropriate $104,000 to match the Florida Department of Law Enforcement $300,000 grant to replace the current Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software. – TABLED –
SABAL TRAIL TRANSMISSION
Brian Fahrenthold, Director of Governmental Affairs
Pipeline project presentation.
Mr. Fahrenthold gave a presentation to the Board about the Sabal Trail Transmission, an underground gas pipeline which will run through part of Levy County. The proposed project schedule gives a target in-service date of May, 2017. Sabal Trail is a joint venture between Spectra Energy Corporation and Nextera, which is the parent company of Florida Power and Light. He introduced Susan Waller, who also spoke to the Board.
Questions were asked by Brian Bolves, Renate Cannon and James Harris. They were answered by Mr. Fahrenthold.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
Dr. Kathryn Frank, Assistant Professor
Planning for Sea Level presentation, a project funded by the Florida Sea Grant.
Dr. Kathryn Frank gave a presentation to the Board regarding a project called “Planning for Coastal Change”. The project has provided data and analysis of potential sea level changes, and identified possible strategies for adaptation.
The meeting recessed at 11:10 A.M.
The meeting reconvened at 11:22 A.M.
NON-AGENDA ITEM – ROAD DEPARTMENT
Bruce Greenlee requested the Board hear a non-agenda item.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to hear a non-agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES. Comm. Johnson voted NO.
Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval to advertise for bids for rock pit blasting.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to allow Mr. Greenlee to request bids for rock pit blasting. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mr. Greenlee informed the Board of concerns he has for some of the Road Department equipment and the need for replacement. He stated he will be bringing in information at a later date for the purchase of equipment.
ISU JALLAD INSURANCE
Jonathan Jallad, Vice President of Business Development
Present and introduce Jallad Insurance Services and Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust.
Jonathan Jallad made a presentation to the Board explaining the services provided by Jallad Insurance Services and Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust. He introduced Tom Holdsworth and Kurt Haymond, who spoke also.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Steve Holmes, Executive Director
Present Medicaid Managed Care changes.
Steve Holmes presented Medicaid Managed Care changes to the Board. These changes scheduled to begin on May 1st and will affect the Levy County Transit Department.
Connie Conley also spoke to the Board explaining how these changes will affect the individuals who utilize the services provided by the Transit Department through Medicaid.
NON-AGENDA ITEM – GSE ENGINEERING
Comm. Meeks made a motion to hear a non-agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Jay Northquist of GSE Engineering spoke to the Board regarding the septic tank issue with the Tarafa Project. He gave a 90% probability of their preliminary design plan working. Development of the plans should begin next week once they consult with Tommy McQueen at the Levy County Health Department.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Bill Hammond, Director
Request budget amendment.
Mr. Hammond requested Board approval of a budget amendment for the following unforeseen non-budgeted items:
Advertisement Expenses $2,668.76
Copy Machine Replacement $4,553.00
Building/Code Enforcement Program – Bid over budgeted allowance of $5,000
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve a single budget amendment to cover unforeseen expenses as requested by Mr. Hammond. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
- Request Board approval for the MOU language for the IAFF Local 4069 Contract, Article 19.
Mr. Knowles requested Board approval for the MOU language for the IAFF Local 4069 Contract, Article 19. The MOU clarifies the process LCDPS members will take for clearance by the Medical Director.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the MOU language for the IAFF Local 4069 Contract, Article 19 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request Board approval for a First Amendment to License Agreement with American Tower, LLC to Licensor Contract Number 00384531. American Tower Site in Gulf Hammock.
Mr. Knowles requested Board approval for a First Amendment to the License Agreement with American Tower, LLC to Licensor Contract Number 00384531 for the American Tower Site in Gulf Hammock. This agreement is a modification for the final installed equipment configuration pursuant to Exhibit A-1.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the First Amendment to the License Agreement with American Tower, LLC as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Carol McQueen, Director
Request approval of recommendations from the January 30, 2014 Levy County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting for three appointments to the Tourist Development Council, effective today’s date.
Mrs. McQueen requested Board approval of recommendations from the January 30, 2014 Levy County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting for four (4) appointments to the Tourist Development Council, effective today’s date. She had left off one of the Re-Appointments, so there are four instead of three to approve. The recommendations are as follows:
Vacant Accommodation Seat Janet Blackwell, Manager of Seahorse Landing Condos, Cedar Key
Re-appointment At-Large Seat Captain Rick LeFiles of Osprey Guides, Inglis/Yankeetown
Re-appointment Accommodation Seat Helen Ciallella, Manager of B’s Marina and Campground, Yankeetown
Re-appointment Government Seat Teresa Barron, City of Chiefland
Comm. Meeks made a motion to appoint and re-appoint the above listed members to the TDC as recommended. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mrs. McQueen informed the Board of some upcoming events:
1st Annual Kirby Family Farm Nature Coast Civil War Re-enactment in Williston, this weekend
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in Cedar Key, April 12th & 13th
Levy County Fair, April 10th – 13th
Nature Coast Challenge, kayak fishing tournament in Yankeetown, April 26th
Wild Hog Kayak and Canoe Race, April 26th
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Bast Brown
Request approval on County Deed granting former Raleigh voting precinct property to successors in interest of original grantors to fulfill the reverter provisions in the original deed to the County.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of a County Deed granting former Raleigh voting precinct property to successors in interest of original grantors to fulfill the reverter provisions in the original deed to the County. The deed presented transfers the County’s interest to Whitehurst Cattle Company.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the County Deed as presented by Atty. Brown. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Catherine Gertner of Bronson spoke to the Board regarding a hidden driveway and asked if there could be a connecting road added for safety.
Comm. Bell advised Ms. Gertner to speak with Mr. Moody at the Board office or Mr. Greenlee at the Road Department to have the situation addressed.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Johnson informed everyone the Wild Hog Canoe Race is coming up April 26th. The Suwannee River Livestock Fair is coming up and is already underway beginning on March 1st. The Poultry, Rabbit, Dairy Cow and Horse entry’s will begin March 6th; the Swine and Steer entry’s will begin March 14th ending with the sale on March 19th.
Comm. Joyner announced the Morriston Baptist Church will be holding the annual Beast Feast on Saturday, March 8th. Archery competition will begin at 12:00 P.M., speaking and meal will begin at 4:00 P.M.
Comm. Meeks reported the Food Fest hosted by the Bronson Alumni FFA was a huge success. He also reported there will be no Broadband meeting this month.
Comm. Bell
Request motion to approve Agreement between Levy County, the City of Chiefland and Levy-Gilchrist-Suwannee County Housing Authority for the paving of SW 2nd Avenue, located within the municipal limits of the City of Chiefland.
Comm. Bell stated after the Housing Authority has provided $5,000 for the resurfacing project and after the use of City equipment for the resurfacing project, the County will provide any additional materials, equipment and labor necessary to resurface the applicable portion of SW 2nd Avenue. According to the quote provided, the total cost would be around $7,000.
Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the Agreement as presented. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES. Comm. Stevens voted NO.
The Commissioners agreed to reschedule the Special Events/Public Event Permitting Workshop following the April 8th regular meeting.
Dana Sheffield spoke regarding the County auction held the previous weekend. He also commended the Board for not getting involved in things when it is not necessary.
The meeting recessed at 12:43 P.M.
The meeting reconvened 6:30 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING – UNIVERSITY OAKS WATER RATES
Mr. Moody presented to the Board the current and proposed water rates for University Oaks water utilities. Mr. Moody also presented Resolution 2014-07 which will put into effect the schedule affixing water rates, fees and charges for customers of the University Oaks water system operated by Levy County. Presently, the base rate is $8.88 per month plus $1.99 per 1,000 gallons of water used. There are currently 126 customers on the University Oaks water system. The proposed water rates are listed below:
Base Rate $12.38 + $3.97 per 1,000 gallons used
Base Rate $17.76 + $3.00 per 1,000 gallons used
Comm. Bell asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against the proposed rates. There were none.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve Resolution 2014-07 adopting the base water rate of $12.38 plus $3.97 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month as presented. Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
Upon recommendation by Atty. Brown, Comm. Meeks amended his motion to include the effective date of April 1, 2014. Second was amended by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:47 P.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, Ryan Bell