REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

APRIL 19, 2011

 

 

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on April 19, 2011 at 9:00 AM in the Levy County Board ofCountyCommissionersmeeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

 

Chairman Danny Stevens

Comm. Marsha Drew

Comm. Ryan Bell

Comm.ChadJohnson

            Also present were:

Clerk of Court – Danny J. Shipp

CountyAttorney– Anne Bast Brown

CountyCoordinator– Fred Moody

Assistant to theCountyCoordinator– Dick Tummond

 

 

Chairman Stevens called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  Bruce Greenlee gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

EXPENDITURES

 

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

 

 

 

MINUTES

 

Approval of minutes for the Regular Board Meeting held April 5, 2011.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Board meeting held April 5, 2011 as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DANNY STEVENS, CHAIRMAN

 

A.    Certificate of Recognition for Mr. Bill Brown of The Children’s Table.

 

Comm. Stevens presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Brown on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners for his work with The Children’s Table.  Mr. Brown spoke of his recent trip toWashingtonD.C.where he was a finalist for a Congressional Medal of Honor.  He stated he is a representative of the many people who have volunteered over the years and recognized Chelsea Twombley and her mother, Cheryl Twombley for their help and dedication to The Children’s Table.

 

 

LEVY COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

 

Carol McQueen

A.    Requests Board approve recommendation by the Tourist Development Council.

 

Mrs. McQueen stated the Tourist Development Council met on March 29^th and are requesting Board approval to continue using the existing advertising grant award program for 2011-2012 cycle, and beginning with the 2012-2013 cycle to have developed an advertising and marketing plan incorporating grant award funds into a Levy County Advertising Marketing Plan to include event promotion.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the new program direction as stated by Mrs. McQueen.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

LEVY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

 

Major Evan Sullivan

A.    Request to amend budget.

 

Major Sullivan spoke on behalf of Sheriff Smith and requested Board approval to move the remaining budgeted salary for this year from two positions from the Corrections side to Communications in the amount of $41,157.18.  The two positions are a Corrections Assistant and the other is a Corrections Officer.  Major Sullivan stated the salary amount being moved will be for hiring two new dispatchers.

Major Sheffield stated the numbers of inmates have been lower than in the past, averaging around 160 so they are not utilizing the new pod to house inmates.  If the number of inmates were to reach 170, they would need to shift some over to the new pod.  This would require more staff.

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve the transfer of funds as requested to hire two new dispatchers.  Second was made by Comm. Drew and the MOTION CARRIES.

Comm. Stevens requested Major Sheffield to keep the Board abreast with updates on inmate population.

 

 

Major Mike Sheffield

A.    Inmate Subsistence Fee/F.S. 951.033

 

Major Sheffield requested Board approval for the Sheriff’s Department to charge a $20 subsistence fee & $1 per day fee to inmates after first appearance if they are not released.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the $20 initial subsistence fee and $1 per day fee as requested.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

TOWN OF INGLIS

 

George O’Bier, Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer

A.    Request from Town ofInglisto waive fees for disposal of solid waste at sanitary landfill.

 

George O’Bier introduces Mayor Williams, the new mayor of Inglis.

Mr. O’Bier requested the Board to allow fees to be waived for solid waste disposal for the Town ofInglis.  Mr. O’Bier explained the Town ofInglishas been granted permission to tear town and remove several old abandoned structures in Town as a part of a beautification program.

Comm. Stevens stated if the Board chooses to go this route, it would be in the County and the Landfills best interest to handle this on a case by case basis.  He also suggested the Town ofInglisconsider using a construction and demolition company.

RodHastingsstated there is a great expense to the county to dispose of house debris and suggested a construction and demolition company as they charge a reasonable fee per load.

 

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

 

COUNTY COORDINATOR

 

Fred Moody

A.    Update on EMS Director position.

 

Mr. Moody gave an update to the Board on the EMS Director position.  He stated if the Board wanted to restructure the position, now would be the time to do so.  He suggested combining the position as a Fire Coordinator and EMS Director as an Emergency Services Director or Safety Director requiring some certifications of EMSand Fire.  Mr. Moody requested from the Board a job description to present for advertising at the May 3^rd meeting.

Terri NesSmith spoke from the audience.

The Board members agreed to review the current job description and make any additions or changes to bring a definite job description to advertise at the May 3^rd meeting.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Heather Lombardo

A.    Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Homeland Security,Levy County,Floridaand Employee Relations, Inc. for participation in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

 

Mrs. Lombardo requests Board approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Homeland Security,Levy County,Floridaand Employee Relations, Inc. for participation in the Employment Eligibility Verication Program (E-Verify).  Mrs. Lombardo explained E-Verify is a program used to electronically confirm an employee’s eligibility to work in theUnited Statesafter completion of the Employee Eligibility Verification form.  Employee Relations, Inc. completes background checks on all prospective employees and volunteers.  The verifications are to be done on new employees only for a $3.50 fee for each prospective employee.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

 

Rob Corbitt, Director

A.    Present proposed Ordinance for Special Events.

 

Mr. Corbitt requested comments from the Board on the draft Ordinance for Special Events and read the proposed Ordinance into record.

Discussion followed by the Commissioners concerning various items in the Ordinance.

 

 

B.    Request for Board of Adjustment Appointments.

 

Mr. Corbitt requested the Board appoint the following individuals to the Board of Adjustments:

 

Linda Jane Cramer

D. Andrew Carswell

William M. Conquest

 

 

C.    Request for Licensing Board Appointment.

 

Mr. Corbitt requested appointing Thomas J. Inman to the Licensing Board.

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve the appointments to the Board of Adjustments and to the Licensing Board as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

LEVY COUNTY TRANSIT

 

Desiree Painter, General Manager

A.    Request approval for amendment #1 of the US Section 5317 Joint Participation Agreement.

 

Connie Conley requested on behalf of Ms. Painter Board approval for Amendment #1 of the US Section 5317 Joint Participation Agreement.  Ms. Conley stated this grant provides an additional $30,000 and is a 50/50 grant.  The amendment will allow for additional service to accommodate the disabled population inLevyCountyon weekends.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve Amendment #1 of the US Section 5317 Joint Participation Agreement as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:54 A.M.

 

The meeting reconvened at 11:08 A.M.

 

 

PLANNING

 

Shenley Neely, Planner

A.    Re-appointment of Planning Commission member whose term is expiring in April, 2011.  (Vaughn Lee from District 1).

 

Ms. Neely stated the term for Vaughn Lee, the Planning Commissioner from District 1 is expiring in April, 2011 and requested Board approval to reappointment for another 4-year term.

Comm. Drew made a motion to reappoint Vaughn Lee to the Planning Commission as requested.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

ROAD DEPARTMENT

 

Bruce Greenlee, Administrative Road Superintendent

A.    Request approval to advertise Road Closing for SE 216 Terr. & SE 59 Lane in Ocala Highlands West.  (Mike & Diane Joyner)

 

Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval to advertise a hearing for a Road Closing for SE 216 Terr. And SE 59^th Lane in Ocala Highlands West as requested by Mike and Diane Joyner on May 17^th at 9:00 A.M.

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve Resolution 2011-15 to advertise for the road closing as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

B.    Request Board action for North Florida Broadband Authority request.

 

Mr. Greenlee stated the North Florida Broadband Authority would like to place a storage shed on the secure compound of the Levy County Road Department and presented a Hold Harmless Agreement for approval.

Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve the Agreement as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Drew and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

C.    Levy County Road Department would like to apply for the following grants:

 

1.  SCOP-C40A    (from US 19/98 to C40)

2.  SCOP-C326     (from C347 to end of road)

3.  SCRAP-C40E  (from US 19/98 toMarionCountyLine)

4.  SCRAP-C464   (from US 121 to SR 41)

5.  CIGP-C345      (from Alt 27 to US 19/98)

6.  CIGP-C347      (from US 19/98 to Alt 27)

Mr. Greenlee requested Board approval for above listed grant projects with one change.  Mr. Greenlee stated he had contacted Katrina Sadler at DOT and was given permission to combine C345 and C347 as one project, allowing the County to submit for an additional County Incentive Grant.  Mr. Greenlee stated he would like to take the SCRAP-C464 project and switch it to a County Incentive Grant as it meets the requirements and select another candidate project for the SCRAP grant.

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve the grant applications with the change as presented by Mr. Greenlee.  Second was made by Comm. Drew and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

SOLID WASTE

 

Benny Jerrels, Director

 

A.    Requests permission to increase contract with Clean Harbors by 3% (three percent).

 

RodHastingsrequested on behalf of Benny Jerrels Board approval to increase the contract with Clean Harbors by 3%.  Mr. Hastings stated the increase is for the cost of fuel.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the increase with Clean Harbors as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS

 

Comm. Johnson attended the Broadband Authority meeting and reported Chiefland will be one of the first sites.

 

Comm. Drew requested Board approval of Proclamation 2011-16, recognizing May 21 through May 27, 2011 as “Safe Boating Week” and read the Proclamation into record.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

Comm. Bell announced the opening of a new business on theSuwanneeRiveron the Fowler’s Bluff side.  He stated it is the old Treasure Camp.

 

Atty. Brown gave an update on the oil spill claim deadline.

 

Comm. Stevens gave information to the Commissioners for their review regarding selection of the different departments for each Commissioner to work with.  The Commissioners agreed to review the list and report back at the next Board meeting.

 

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:28 P.M.

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                                            BOARD OFCOUNTYCOMMISSIONERS

LEVY COUNTY,FL

 

 

____________________________________                                    ____________________________________

Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp                                                          Chairman, Danny Stevens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

APRIL 5, 2011

 

 

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on April 5, 2011 at 9:00 AM in the Levy County Board ofCountyCommissionersmeeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

 

Chairman Danny Stevens

Comm. Marsha Drew

Comm. Ryan Bell

Comm.ChadJohnson

            Also present were:

Clerk of Court – Danny J. Shipp

CountyAttorney– Anne Bast Brown

CountyCoordinator– Fred Moody

Assistant to theCountyCoordinator– Dick Tummond

 

 

Chairman Stevens called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  Bruce Greenlee gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

EXPENDITURES

 

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINUTES

 

Approval of minutes for the Public Hearing held March 8, 2011 and the Regular Board Meeting held March 22, 2011.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the minutes for the Public Hearing held March 8, 2011 and the Regular Board meeting held March 22, 2011 with corrections.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

 

 

ZONING

 

Rob Corbitt, Director

A.    Hardship Variance

 

Mr. Corbitt requested Board approval of Petition No. Ha.Va. 1-11, a Hardship Variance for Linda Cunningham.

Comm. Stevens asked if there was any ex-parte communication from any of the Commissioners.  There was none.

Comm. Stevens asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against the petition.

Mr. Scott spoke in favor of the petition stating the petitioner is his mother in law.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve Petition No. Ha.Va. 1-11 as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

Atty. Brown swore in anyone wishing to speak for or against the petitions presented.

 

B.     Final Plat, “Crane Acres”

 

Mr. Corbitt presented and requested Board approval of Petition No. FP 4-10, Final Plat of “Crane Acres.”

Comm. Stevens asked if there was any ex-parte communication from any of the Commissioners.  There was none.

Comm. Stevens asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against the petition.  There was none.

Comm. Johnson made a motion to approve Petition No. FP 4-10, Final Plat of “Crane Acres” as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

Bruce Greenlee, Administrative Superintendent

A.    Resolution 2011-08, Approving a Petition to Vacate, Abandon, and Close Portions of Roads inBronsonHeightsSubdivision.

 

Mr. Greenlee requested approval of Resolution 2011-08, a petition to vacate, abandon and close portions of roads in Bronson Heights Subdivision.

Comm. Stevens asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against the petition.

Rex Paramore asked if 92^nd Court would remain open.

Comm. Stevens responded 92^nd Court would remain open.

Comm. Bell made a motion to approve Resolution 2011-08 as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Drew and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

VFW

 

Ivan Chubb

A.    Award forCountyEmployee.

 

Mr. Chubb presented an award from the VFW to Willie Barnes of the Levy County Sheriff’s Department.

 

B.     Proposed Proclamation 2011-11 “Because We Care” Day.

 

Mr. Chubb requested approval of Proclamation 2011-11, “Because We Care” Day.  Atty. Brown read the Proclamation into record.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve Proclamation 2011-11 as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

C.     Letter of Thanks.

 

Mr. Chubb presented a letter of thanks to the Board from the local Veterans.

 

Mr. Chubb also let everyone know of the Memorial Day Services planned for Sunday May 29^th and Monday May 30^th in Cedar Key.

 

COMMISSIONER MARSHA DREW

 

A.    Certificate of Appreciation.

 

Comm. Drew thanked Mr. Barney and Mrs. Renate Cannon for their service and dedication toLevyCounty.  She then presented a Certificate of Appreciation to them.

 

 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 

Jordan Greeen

A.    Tentative Five Year Work Program.

 

Mr. Green gave a presentation to the Board and discussed the Department of Transportation’s five year work program.  He stated each year he comes to meet with theCountyCommissionto solicit for work program priorities, projects the Commission would like to see DOT undertake inLevyCounty.

Mr. Green went over the work program timeline the DOT will use.  He stated they are requesting LevyCountysubmit their letter of work program projects by May 15^th.

 

 

LEVY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

Barbara Locke, Swain Strickland

A.    Proposed Resolution 2011-15, Establishing a Health Care Citizens Advisory Board

 

Barbara Locke introduced Swain Strickland, who works in Health Promotion and Education at the Health Department.  She requested approval of Resolution 2011-15, establishing a Health Care Citizens Advisory Board which would consist of 17 members.  The Advisory Board would provide access to the Health Care Community; help the Commissioners to identify some gaps in the health care services ofLevyCounty; research funding sources to enhance current health care services.

The Commissioners questioned if a board consisting of less than 17 members would work better.  They had concerns of the 9 members necessary to have a quorum.

After discussion, Mrs. Locke agreed to come back to the next meeting with a definite number of members for the advisory board.

 

 

CLERK OF COURT

 

Danny J. Shipp

A.    Report on School Board Proposal and Space Committee Meeting.

 

Mr. Shipp spoke to the Board in reference to purchasing the old BronsonHigh Schoolproperty for Courthouse expansion.   He stated the Space Committee met on March 15^th and presented information on the property available from the School Board and price.  Mr. Shipp asked the Board to make a decision to either move forward with the school property purchase or seek other accommodations.

The consensus of the Board was to pass on the school property acquisition and to look into other property options.

 

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

 

PLANNING

 

Shenley Neely, Director

A.    Request the Board Schedule a Public Meeting to Hear a ProposedSmallScaleLandUse Amendment for May 3, 2011. – TABLED –

 

Rob Corbitt requested the Board set a Public Hearing for Tarmac on May 3, 2011 at 6:30 P.M. in Courtroom A.  The Board agreed to set a Public Hearing on the date and time requested.

 

B.     Letter of Support for the Town ofBronson.

Ms. Neely requested a letter of support for the Town ofBronson’s proposal to expand the Town’s existing sewer collection system.

Comm. Bell made a motion to send a letter of support to the Town ofBronsonas requested.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Carol McQueen stated the 47th Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival held this past weekend was a success.  She then shared with everyone a few upcoming events to take place inLevyCounty:

 

LevyCountyFair begins April 7^th –April 10th

Garden Festival atFanningSpringsState Parkthis weekend

Wild Hog Canoe Race on April 30^th benefiting LARC

 

 

COUNTY COORDINATOR

 

Fred Moody

A.   EMSTax Assessment Proposal

 

Mr. Moody presented the Proposal from Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson for professional services for the EMS Tax Assessment program.  The fee for professional services from Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson will be $13,800 and the fee for GSG’s scope of services is $25,000.

Mr. Moody stated there are three options the Board could choose from for the scope of services:

 

1.      Update the existing methodology by incorporating the tiers used in the Fire Assessment methodology as opposed to square foot rates for non-residential properties.

2.      Update the existing methodology by incorporating more discrete property use categories based onEMScall data.

3.      Develop a new methodology using occupancy factors to create fore discrete property use categories (similar to methodology used for County’sEMSimpact fee program).

 

After discussion among the commissioners, it was agreed to leave the EMS Tax Assessment as is and not have another study done at this time.

 

 

SHIP/WATER

 

Dick Tummond

A.    Satisfaction of Mortgage.

 

Mr. Tummond requested Board approval of the Satisfaction of Mortgage for Mary Simmons in the amount of $4,600 in Purchase Assistance.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve the Satisfaction of Mortgage as presented.  Second was made by Comm. Johnson and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

B.     CDBG

 

1.      Request Approval to Advertise for Proposals to Provide Administration Services for CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant.

 

Mr. Tummond requested approval to advertise for proposals to provide administration services for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant.

Comm. Drew made a motion to approve advertising for proposals as requested.  Second was made by Comm. Bell and the MOTION CARRIES.

 

2.      Request  Board to Appoint a Committee to Review, Evaluate and Rank Applicants and Submit Back to the Board at a Subsequent Meeting.

 

Mr. Tummond requested the Board appoint a Committee to review, evaluate and rank applicants.

Comm. Stevens suggested appointing Danny Shipp, Fred Moody andDick Tummondto the Committee.  All agreed to these appointments.

 

 

The meeting recessed at 10:50

 

The meeting reconvened at 11:00 A.M.

 

 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS

 

Comm. Drew stated she went to Legislative Day inTallahassee.  Some of what she learned was two entities, the Veterans and the Elder Affairs would not be cut but the Transportation Disadvantaged will be cut by 7%.  Comm. Drew stated she along with Mr. Moody and Donna Capps toured theAlachuaCountyDispatchCenterand saw how they are using technology to streamline their system.

 

Comm. Bell stated there will be a Greenways & Trails meeting this Thursday at 10:00 A.M. in Fanning Springs.  Comm. Bell also let everyone know CLM Workforce is still in need of representation.

 

Comm. Johnson reported the Suwannee River Fair was a success, having $615,000 in sales this year.

Comm. Johnson stated coming up this Sunday at the Levy County Fair there will be a Trashy Art Can Sale.  The cans are painted by different school organizations and the proceeds will go back to the schools.

Comm. Johnson stated he had also attended Legislative Day and spoke of House Bill 5005 which deals with deregulation of several different industries.

 

 

COMMISSIONERS’ ROUND TABLE

 

A.    Open Discussion on Projects Underway or Items that Commissioners Feel Need to be Addressed.

 

Comm. Drew stated she had requested the round table so the commissioners could discuss openly topics with each other.

 

Comm. Bell stated he is working with Atty. Brown to present a Special Events Ordinance to address some concerns with festivals.

 

Comm. Bell is checking into utilizing a work crew from the Jail.

 

Comm. Bell shared his thoughts on how they could organize working with each department to prevent double work.

Comm. Bell stated he is in favor of a department liaison for the commissioners to work with in each department on budget matters.

Comm. Stevens stated this is how it was done with the departments when he first was elected as a Commissioner and was in favor of it then as well as now.

Comm. Johnson stated he is in favor of a liaison and going back through the county administrator and does not like having a commissioner “over” individual departments.

 

Comm. Drew discussed ideas for Fire andEMSand a Fire/EMS consolidation as a future consideration.

Mr. Moody stated there are vacancies from people retiring or leaving, two retired recently, and just this week Royce Barber and Trish Seibold have resigned fromEMS.  They will be trying to fill these open positions from within.

Comm. Drew spoke about the current phone system and she was interested in having a single phone system for the Board in an effort to lower the cost of phone lines and is also trying to work with one company for all office machines for the County.  Discussion followed of new technology available which could reduce the number of phone lines needed and lower the total cost.

 

Comm. Drew brought up the idea of moving offices from rented office space to County owned office space not currently being used to reduce the cost of rent.

 

Comm. Drew discussed the need for an application and selection policy for selecting the different Boards within the County, as currently there is not one.

Rob Corbitt stated the Board of Adjustments is down to two members and will soon need at least one other member in order to function.

The Licensing Board currently has only three members.

Comm. Stevens advised Mr. Corbitt to put this item on the next agenda to fill the vacancy on the Board of Adjustments Board.

Comm. Drew stated she is interested in having a County grant writer; an employee incentive program; using an intranet service for the County.

 

Comm. Drew asked about Atty. Brown’s contract with the Board.  Atty. Brown answered her contract comes up for renewal every year on October 1^st.

 

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 12:19 P.M.

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                                             BOARD OFCOUNTYCOMMISSIONERS

LEVY COUNTY,FL

 

 

____________________________________                                    ____________________________________

Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp                                                          Chairman, Danny Stevens