LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 22, 2013
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on October 22, 2013 at 9:00 AM in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Ryan Bell
Comm. John Meeks
Comm. Mike Joyner
Comm. Danny Stevens
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – Fred Moody
Comm. Bell called the Meeting to order at 9:02 A.M. Comm. Joyner 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. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER |
113246-113398 |
| FUND |
AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE |
236,389.15 |
| ROAD |
64,963.31 |
| SHIP |
252.97 |
| PAL LIBRARY |
23,585.22 |
| TRANSPORTATION |
36,687.99 |
| COURT FACILITIES |
249.90 |
| PROGRESS ENERGY |
634.79 |
| EMS |
58,425.78 |
| FIRE |
40,038.29 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT |
9,388.03 |
| CDBG |
300.00 |
| UTILITIES |
1,713.49 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE |
450.00 |
| COMMUNICATION |
3,339.35 |
| ADD COURT COSTS |
1,941.78 |
| CAPITAL PROJECTS |
14,669.50 |
| LANDFILL |
74,602.76 |
| TOTAL | $ 567,632.31 |
MINUTES
The minutes for meetings of the Board of County Commissioners as listed below were presented to the Board for approval:
Regular Meeting October 8, 2013 Regular Meeting September 17, 2013
Public Hearing September 16, 2013 Special Meeting September 30, 2013
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Regular Board Meeting on October 8,2013, with changes. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Public Hearing on September 16, 2013, the Regular Meeting on September 17, 2013 and the Special Meeting on September 30, 2013 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
- Request authorization for the Director to electronically sign for submission of the State Farm Safety Grant application.
Mr. Knowles requested Board approval for the Director to electronically sign for submission of the State Farm Safety Grant application in the amount of $10,779.89. Mr. Knowles stated this is a 100% grant with no match and will be used for dual vision vehicle cameras with monitoring and tracking capabilities.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Public Safety Director to electronically sign for submission of the State Farm Safety Grant application as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Request approval to purchase two (2) new Type III Ambulance units from Emergency Tactical Rescue Vehicles in Sanford, FL, manufactured by American Emergency Vehicles.
Mr. Knowles requested Board approval to purchase two (2) new Type III Ambulance units from Emergency Tactical Rescue Vehicles in Sanford, FL manufactured by American Emergency Vehicles using the Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract Bid for a total of $254,762.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the purchase of two (2) new Type III Ambulances as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Requesting approval from the Board and the Chairman’s signature on the Government Entity Tower License Agreement between Pinnacle Towers LLC, and Levy County.
Mr. Knowles requested Board approval and the Chairman’s signature on the Government Entity Tower License Agreement between Pinnacle Towers LLC, and Levy County. The agreement will allow Levy County to utilize the Crowne Castle tower facility in Chiefland.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Chairman’s signature on the Government Entity Tower License Agreement as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ivan Chubb announced the 4th Annual Veterans Day Parade will be in Cedar Key November 11th at 11:00 A.M. Parade line-up will start at 10:00 A.M.
UNITED STATES WAR DOG ASSOCIATION
Barbara Snow, Director
Recognition to honor “Honey” the Wonder Dog. She is a medical service dog assigned to Michael Gaither.
Mrs. Snow made a presentation to the Board honoring all Hero dogs who help keep us safe, secure, free and provide assistance to Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress and to especially honor “Honey” who has received two (2) National awards.
Mrs. Snow also informed the Board a Volunteer Program is being implemented in schools to educate children about service dogs.
VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS POST #5625
Mike Grimes, Commander
Request the approval of Proclamation 2013-53 recognizing Veterans Appreciation Week, November 10-16, 2013.
Mrs. Haines spoke to the Board on behalf of Mr. Grimes and requested approval of Proclamation 2013-53, recognizing Veterans Appreciation Week, November 10-16, 2013.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Proclamation 2013-53 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mrs. Haines stated the VFW Post #5625 and its Auxiliaries asks all Levy County citizens to remember all our veterans who have bravely served our country and those men and women currently on active duty in service to our country.
LEVY COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
Linda Fugate, Tax Collector
Request to retain $125,000 of Operating Expenses.
Mrs. Fugate requested Board approval to retain $125,000 of Operating Expenses until fees start to come in from yearly taxes.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Tax Collector’s office to retain $125,000 of Operating Expenses as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
TOWN OF BRONSON
Kelli Brettel, Clerk
Request approval for three (3) Easements for the Town of Bronson’s commercial sewer expansion project. Parcel numbers, 0329-00-000, 03304-00-000, 06568-00-000.
Ms. Brettel requested Board approval for three (3) Easements for the Town of Bronson’s commercial sewer expansion project. The Town of Bronson has been given a USDA loan in the amount of $2.8 million for this project.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the three (3) Easements for the Town of Bronson as requested. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
David Abramowitz, Northeast Regional Managing Director
Presentation regarding the closing of the DCF lobby in Chiefland effective March, 2014.
Mr. Abramowitz spoke to the Board informing them of the closing of the Florida Department of Children & Families’ walk-in lobby in Chiefland effective March, 2014. DCF has established an ACCESS Community Partner network which is available to facilitate individual’s application for ACCESS benefits. There will still be walk-in sites providing public computer. The sites will be at churches, Workforce Connection and other facilities with volunteers available to assist individuals with applications.
FOREST PARK III PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
David Marshall, Vice President
Request to obtain road signs for private roads maintained by Forest Park III POA, Inc.
Mr. Marshall spoke to the Board on behalf of Forest Park, III Property Owners Association, Inc. requesting assistance with the cost of new road signs for the community. They would also like to change the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph in the subdivision for safety.
Mr. Greenlee provided a quote for the cost of signs made by the Road Department in the amount of $1,619.55.
The Board agreed by consensus to provide signs for Forest Park III POA, Inc. at the county’s cost.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
Update and direction on Aqui Property.
Mr. Moody provided an update to the Board on the Aqui property and to request direction regarding the possibility of purchasing the property.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to proceed with the acquisition of the Aqui property. Second was made by Comm. Stevens upon the condition of all information regarding the purchase of the property undergo review of Atty. Brown. The MOTION CARRIES.
Mr. Moody reminded everyone the Legislative Delegation will be next Tuesday, October 29th at 9:00 A.M. at the Dogan Cobb Municipal Building in Bronson.
CORRESPONDENCE
Satori Days
- Request approval to appoint Eileen Senecal to the WellFlorida Council in the consumer category to represent Levy County.
Ms. Days requested Board approval to appoint Eileen Senecal to the WellFlorida Council in the consumer category to represent Levy County.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to appoint Eileen Senecal to the WellFlorida Council as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- On behalf of Catholic Charities Gainesville, requesting Board approval to sign a Certification of Local Government approval for Nonprofit Organizations regarding an Emergency Shelter Grant through the Department of Children and Families. – TABLED –
ROAD DEPARTMENT
Bruce Greenlee, Administrative Road Superintendent
Request permission to purchase three (3) trucks for the Road Department. – TABLED –
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Carol McQueen, Director
Request approval for Amendment to the agreement with Heliconia Press to produce a Kayak Fishing TV Show in Yankeetown that was passed on September 3, 2013. Amendment will extend the production time for the TV Kayak Fishing Show to be produced.
Mrs. McQueen requested Board approval for Amendment to the Agreement with Heliconia Press to produce a Kayak Fishing TV Show in Yankeetown. The Amendment will change the production date and distribution of the two (2) episodes. Production of the two (2) episodes will take place between November 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve the Amendment to the Agreement with Heleconia Press as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Bast Brown
- Request approval of Resolution 2013-51 certifying that the County meets the criteria for reduction of Department of Environmental Protection and Water Management District fees.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of Resolution 2013-51 allowing the reduction of permit processing fees with the Water Management Districts and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Resolution 2013-51 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Discussion and decision on Resolution 2013-52, establishing an agenda and public participation policy for meetings of the Board of County Commissioners.
Atty. Brown requested discussion by the Board and a decision on Resolution 2013-52, establishing an agenda and public participation policy for meetings of the Board of County Commissioners.
Comm. Stevens stated he would like to change the wording on Page 2, item number 6 from “the Chair of the Board having the final authority to determine the appropriate Board meeting agenda on which to place any proposed item” to read “the County Coordinator will have the final authority to determine the appropriate Board meeting agenda on which to place any proposed agenda item. The other change is on Page 7, item s) adding the wording “or a majority of the Board” after “The Chair or Vice-Chair”.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve Resolution 2013-52 with the revisions as stated. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Discussion and direction regarding settlement of outstanding jail liens when presented to County Attorney.
Atty. Brown requested discussion and direction from the Board regarding settlement of outstanding jail liens when presented to County Attorney.
After discussion, Comm. Meeks made a motion to authorize Atty. Brown to bring no settlement offers for jail liens to the Board and to direct all requests for settlement of outstanding jail liens to the Board office for review before being placed on an agenda to present their request to the Board. If approved by the Board, Atty. Brown would then prepare necessary documents to be recorded. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Discussion and decision regarding comments on the U.S. Department of the Treasury draft rules implementing the RESTORE Act (“Treasury Rules”) including authorizing County Attorney to submit a request for an extension to the deadline for comments on the Treasury rules and, if necessary, to submit comments based on comments from other counties and the Gulf Consortium.
Atty. Brown requested discussion ad a decision regarding comments on the U.S. Department of the Treasury draft rules implementing the RESTORE Act. Atty. Brown also requested Board authorization for her to request an extension to the deadline for comments on the Treasury rules and, if necessary, to submit comments based on comments from other counties and the Gulf Consortium.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to grant authorization as requested by Atty. Brown. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Joyner reminded everyone of the three (3) events taking place this Saturday:
- LARC – Ride to Provide Event
- Morriston Baptist Church – Feed the Community Event
- Levy County Education Foundation – Beast Feast
Comm. Meeks reported the private business partner, Affinity accepted the North Florida Broadband contract. Comm. Meeks also reported the BHS Homecoming parade will be at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday. He invited everyone to come to the Homecoming football game on Friday night.
Comm. Bell
- Request appointment for a Value Adjustment Board alternate member from the Levy County Board of County Commissioners.
Comm. Bell requested the appointment of one of the Commissioners to serve as an alternate member to the Value Adjustment Board.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to appoint Comm. Meeks as an alternate member to the Value Adjustment Board for the Board of County Commissioners. Second was made by Comm. Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Bell stated there is a VAB meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 8:30 A.M.
- Request the approval for the Value Adjustment Board Business Representative selected by the School Board of Levy County.
Comm. Bell requested Board approval of Natalie Thomas, the Business Representative selected by the School Board of Levy County.
Comm. Meeks made a motion to approve Natalie Thomas to the Value Adjustment Board as Business Representative. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Bell reminded the Commissioners the special presentation on Sunshine Laws, Public Records and Ethics Issues start at 1:00 P.M. today and will be presented by Atty. Brown.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:12 A.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OFCOUNTYCOMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY,FL
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, Ryan Bell