REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 4, 2016
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on October 4, 2016 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
Danny J. Shipp – Clerk of Court
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. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER | 125280-125320 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 1,207,510.12 |
| ROAD | 14,373.38 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 190.32 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 67.00 |
| 911 | 13,563.83 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 80.00 |
| EMS | 338.10 |
| FIRE | 1,544.51 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 26.25 |
| UTILITIES | 46,292.10 |
| TOTAL | $ 1,283,985.61 |
PUBLIC COMMENT
Renate Cannon requested an explanation from Mr. Shipp for his absence at the September evening Board meeting when a budget increase was approved for his office.
Mr. Shipp responded he had a family illness and a representative from his Finance Department, Jared Blanton presented the budget to the Board including the request for an increase to the Clerk’s budget. Mr. Shipp also stated his request for an increase to his budget to cover increases to insurance, retirement and a 3% raise for employees was requested with his original budget request prior to this meeting.
Dana Sheffield stated the City election for the vacant seat on the Fanning Springs City Council is going on today for those living in this area.
PUBLIC HEARING – ROAD DEPARTMENT
Alice LaLonde, Administrative Office Manager
Request adoption of Resolution 2016-045 approving or denying the petition to vacate, abandon, and close portions of SE 110th Terrace, and SE 4th Street, located in Levy Ranchettes, as requested by petitioner, Larry Myers.
Mrs. LaLonde requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-045 approving or denying the petition submitted by Larry Myers to vacate, abandon and close portions of SE 110th Terrace and SE 4th Street in Levy Ranchettes, The Plat Review Committee voted against the road vacating due to the interruption of continuous flow of the traffic pattern through the subdivision and the Superintendents are in agreement with the Plat Review Committee.
Comm. Rooks asked if anyone in the subdivision was in favor of the road closure.
Mrs. LaLonde answered only the petitioner. All other residents were against the road closure.
Mrs. LaLonde stated the Road Department has offered to fill in a section of the road within the area requested for closure with rock to make it easier for vehicles to pass through since it is very sandy and soft causing some vehicles to become stuck.
Mr. Myers spoke to the Board stating his reasons for the request for road closure.
Those in the audience speaking regarding the road closure were:
FOR AGAINST
Mike Myers Edward Suor
Suzanne Suor
Linda Winkle
After discussion, Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-045 denying the petition presented. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
ROAD DEPARTMENT
Alice LaLonde, Administrative Office Manager
- Request approval of Resolution 2016-051 authorizing the execution of a Transfer and Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for the replacement of Bridge #340010 (from Gulf Blvd. to Daughtry Bayou).
Mrs. LaLonde requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-051 authorization the execution of a Transfer and Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for the replacement of Bridge #340010 from Gulf Blvd. to Daughtry Bayou in Cedar Key.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-051 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
2. Request approval of Resolution 2016-065 authorizing the execution of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for replacement of Bridge #340011 on CR 346 at Lewis Pass in Levy County, FL.
Mrs. LaLonde requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-065 authorizing the execution of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for replacement of Bridge #340011 on CR 346 at Lewis Pass in Cedar Key.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-065 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. John Meeks asked Mrs. LaLonde of the condition of Airport Road in Cedar Key after damages from Hurricane Hermine.
Mrs. LaLonde stated they are waiting until after meeting with FEMA Representatives before proceeding with any work on this road as it may qualify to be completely re-constructed.
NATURE COAST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
David Pieklik, Executive Direcctor
A. Provide a brief activities and accomplishments presentation for the period of August-October, 2016.
Mr. Pieklik provided a brief summary of activities and accomplishments to the Board for the period of August-October, 2016.
Renate Cannon inquired of the status of the Chiefland Hospital.
Mr. Pieklik answered he has been informed this project is still ongoing.
B. Request approval of a proposed letter of support of the upcoming Legislative Session for priorities endorsed by the North Florida Economic Development Partnership.
Mr. Pieklik requested Board approval of a proposed letter of support of the upcoming Legislative Session for priorities endorsed by the North Florida Economic Development Partnership.
After discussion of concerns by the Commissioners, it was agreed to TABLE this item until the next meeting.
Mr. Pieklik will look into the items of concern and bring back information at the next meeting.
C. Request approval of the annual Agreement between the Board of Development Council for fiscal year 2016-17.
Mr. Pieklik requested Board approval of the annual Agreement between Levy County and Nature Coast Business Development Council, Inc. for fiscal year 2016-2017 in which the County has budgeted the sum of $59,975.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the Agreement between Levy County and Nature Coast Business Development Council, Inc. as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
BARBARA SNOW
Ms. Snow, Volunteer Director for Levy County representing the Southern Chapter of the United States War Dog Association requested Board approval for placement of a shadow box in the Courthouse lobby to represent War Dogs, Veterans, and to honor U.S. War Dog Association based in Levy County, Chapter 2. She presented the Commissioners with a photo of the shadow box with its dimensions and stated there is no cost to the County as it had been donated. Ms. Snow asked if the item is approved, a presentation be scheduled on the next regular meeting date of the Commissioners.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the request to place a shadow box in the Courthouse lobby as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
A. Request approval of 2017 County Holidays.
Mr. Moody presented the list of 2017 County Holidays to the Board for their approval.
After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to make a decision on the 2017 County Holidays at the next regular Board meeting after Mr. Moody looks into the possibility of setting the two (2) days for Christmas at Monday, December 25th & Tuesday, December 26th, 2017, rather than the proposed days of Friday, December 22nd and Monday, December 25th.
B. Request approval of Resolution 2016-061 certifying Levy County meets the criteria for reduction of Department of Environmental Protection and Water Management District fees.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval of Resolution 2016-061 certifying Levy County meets the criteria for reduction of Department of Environmental Protection and Water Management District fees.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-061 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
LANDFILL
Benny Jerrels, Director
Request approval of purchase of used 826 Caterpillar Compactor utilizing Small County Consolidated Grant funds.
Mr. Jerrels requested Board approval to use Small County Consolidated Grant funds to purchase a used 826 Caterpillar Compactor in the amount of $14,000.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve the purchase of a used 826 Caterpillar Compactor as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Matt Weldon, Director
Request ratification of the Annual State Assistance Agreement with Levy County Board of Commissioners on behalf of Levy County Mosquito Control.
Mr. Weldon requested the Board ratify the Annual State Assistance Agreement for 2016-2017 for financial assistance with the County’s Arthropod/Mosquito Control Program with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Mr. Weldon stated the County receives approximately $32,438.00 from the State annually.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to ratify and approve the Annual State Assistance Agreement as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mr. Weldon stated, at this time, there have been no mosquitos carrying the zika virus in our area.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
John MacDonald, Director
Request ratification of Hurricane Hermine 2016-066 Local State of Emergency Declaration.
Mr. MacDonald requested ratification of Emergency Declaration 2016-066 for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hermine. Mr. MacDonald stated since the Governor had declared the County eligible for FEMA assistance, this would be the last Emergency Declaration from this storm.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to ratify Emergency Declaration 2016-066 as requested. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
Mr. MacDonald provided information regarding Hurricane Matthew stating Levy County could see a 30% chance of Tropical Storm winds as it appears to be on a path to impact the East side of the State.
Mr. MacDonald also stated there are FEMA sites which will be open soon in Levy county for people to stop in to receive information regarding assistance from storm damage as a result of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hermine.
IT
Darin Remington, Director
Discuss County internet proposal. – TABLED –
PUBLIC COMMENT
Felicity Beach asked if 114th in Steeplechase will be re-paved soon.
Mrs. LaLonde stated this is the first road on the paving list and prep-work should begin by the end of the month.
Mayor Weiss announced the South Levy Marketplace will be open October 22nd and this is their 1-year anniversary.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Joyner reminded everyone of the LARC Ride to Provide event coming up on October 22nd followed by the Haven Hospice “Fall on the Farm” event beginning at 5:30 P.M. The Morriston Baptist Church is having a fish-fry event followed by a gospel sing on October 29th. Comm. Joyner stated the Levy County Beast Feast was a success and there was a large crowd in attendance.
Comm. Joyner requested all Commissioners wear pink at the next meeting in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness going on for the month of October.
Comm. Rooks stated she is still dealing with flooding issues from Hermine in the Cedar Key area.
Comm. John Meeks stated the Levy County Delegation meeting is on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Dogan Cobb Building in Bronson.
Comm. John Meeks stated he had attended a SWIM (Surface Water Improvement and Management) meeting with the Suwannee River Water Management District last Wednesday to discuss their SWIM plan as they were seeking input from the local governments.
Comm. John Meeks stated there was a large attendance for the Peanut Festival held this past weekend in Williston.
Other events coming up in the month of October:
Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at U-Pick Lane
Farmers Market in Chiefland October 8th and 22nd
Lost Railroad at Kirby Family Farm in Williston October 7th-29th
A Country Circus at Two Hawk Hammock Ranch October 1st
Cedar Key Seafood Festival October 15th and 16th
Comm. John Meeks read into record a letter of resignation/retirement of Mr. Moody, effective December 23rd.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:45 A.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, John Meeks