The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners held their regular Board meeting on December 5, 2005, with Chairman Maxie Lawhon presiding.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved with the addition of the Shell Point Beach Pavilion site issue and the15 minute Economic Development Council and Teacher Recruitment video presentation.  Commissioner Kessler asked that these items be presented last.

Commissioner Langston asked that the Shell Point issue and the video be presented first so that the presenters and attendees who were interested in the Shell Point issue could leave afterwards if they so wished.

Panacea is requesting a temporary road closing during their Panacea Christmas Boat Parade on December 17th.  The Board has also been asked to participate in the parade.

Commissioner Brimner stated that the Wakulla County African American Heritage Observance Parade will be held on February 18th and the Board has been asked to participate.

Commissioner Brimner made a motion to approve the agenda; second Langston.  Passed 5 - 0.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ITEMS

The Sheriff's Office requested the purchase of a canine to replace a retiring dog with funds from the Narcotics Trust Fund. 

Kessler motion to approve; Langston second.  Passed 5 - 0.

Medical expenses for animals at the CHAT Animal Shelter are becoming a burden.  The Sheriff's Office requested a workshop be held to discuss the medical expenses that are being incurred.

Kessler motion to approve; second Langston.  Passed 5 - 0.  Workshop date is December 19th at 5:00 p.m.

The Sheriff's Office also asked that people not go to sites affected by the December 5 tornado, in particular Harry Morrison Road and Ivan Church area, unless completely necessary.

Commissoner Brimner complimented the deputies and 911 operators for a job well done.  Commissioner Lawhon added that Talquin Electric and Florida Power were also to be commended.

Pavilion Site at Shell Point Beach

Click here for a complete article on this issue.

Karen Wells, Alan Freeland and Robert Seidler Presentation of Teacher Recruitment Video

Alan Freeland stated that the Economic Development Council has discussed how we can provide a clear message to the community and to those who might wish to join our community about what kind of community we have here and what kind of community we want to have in the future.  He added that the EDC has completed a video promoting Wakulla County, and that they have now partnered with the Wakulla School System to produce a Teacher Recruitment Video.  Karen Wells, Director of Risk Management for the Wakulla County School System, gave input on how to make the video a teacher recruitment tool.  Local businesses funded the video.

Superintendent David Miller spoke, saying that the video speaks a lot about our natural resources.  He added that our most important resource is our children, and we want the best teachers we can get to teach our children.

Karen Wells stated that the number one priority for the school system this year is teacher recruitment.  She added that the state is anticipating a need for 32,000 teachers next year, and that our universities will only be graduating around 5000.  She commented that the quality of education is the teacher that's in the classroom.  Wells has shown the recruitment video at Flagler, FSU, TCC, University of West Florida, and other community service organizations.  She said that people walk away with a positive image of Wakulla County after viewing the video.

After viewing the video, Commissioners Langston, Vause and Lawhon thanked Wells for making the presentation.

  CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Wakulla County citizen John Trice asked why the county is not having an audit done.  He said he had been asked by other citizens to come before the Board and request that the issue be brought back up and that an audit be performed.  He added that an ex-commissioner had shown up at the last Board meeting saying he didn't want the audit, which led Trice to believe that he was "scared something might show up that happenbed on his watch."

Wakulla County resident Jimmie Doyle expressed a concern that the county is continuing to approve items that "perpetuate a sprawling development pattern and is not giving any regard to the concentration within appropriate urbanizing areas."  She expressed a concern over the impact on groundwater, transportation and school facilities.  She asked that the Board please follow local and state rules and regulations.  She also asked the Board to reconsider having an audit performed.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Solid Waste Disposal Expansion

County Planner Parrish Barwick requested approval from the Board to switch from a compactor box disposal system to an open top container disposal system.  The Class 3 landfill, which is used for construction debris and yard waste debris, has run out of space and has essentially been shut down.  Class 3 garbage is now being combined with Class 1 garbage (household garbage), and the current compactor box system can not handle the Class 3 garbage.  It puts too much of a strain on the compactor box itself. 

According to Barwick, an open top container system would be more cost efficient for the county, especially as the amount of household garbage generated in Wakulla County increases over time.  Said Barwick, "It will get us away from a mechanical operation and prepare us for the future.  If we don’t change our operation, the compactor box operation is going to continue to become less efficient." 

Chairman Maxie Lawhon asked if going to an open top container system would cut down on personnel at the landfill.

Barwick responded that it should, as dual spotters will not be needed to separate Class 1 from Class 3 garbage.

Randy Merritt stated that no jobs would be lost, however.  Employees would simply be placed elsewhere.

Commissioner Kessler asked if  there is any way we could recycle any of the construction debris?

Randy Merritt responded that the county could, but it would be expensive to get into, and he was not sure if we have enough construction in Wakulla County to warrant it.

Kessler asked about possibly recycling on a regional basis, as in combining our construction waste with that of neighboring counties.

Merritt responded that it might be a possibility if the county had a big enough landfill to handle it.

Comissioner Brimner made a motion to give authority to our engineering firm engineer to amend the permit application to go to an open top container so that we can get the landfill permitted to use that system.

Barwick said he will then continue to work on the different structures that have to be built and will bring those items back before the Board.  He remarked that it will be a large capital outlay up front for the building of the necessary structure and the purchase of the trailers.

Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion.  Passed 5 - 0.

Kessler asked staff to proceed with looking at markets for recycling our goods to sell and to see what markets are out there.  He also asked that the county look for some kind of regional solution where we can move to a more efficient landfill.

Otter Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion

Barwick stated that the county's wastewater treatment facility  is currently running at 50 % of capacity, and that the county has already acquired land near the current treatment facility to expand when necessary.  He added that the county has recently amended the permit to allow for the addition of capacity to the facility, which puts us in a good position to stay ahead of the curve. 

An RFQ has been advertised to look at engineering firms to prepare a plan for expanding our current wastewater treatment facility.  Barwick asked that the Board set up a committee to review the submittals that have already been turned in so that we can have an engineering firm on board to expand when that times comes.

Langston made a motion to designate a committee to review submittals of engineering firms.  Vause seconded the motion.

Wakulla County resident Ron Piesecky stated that the Wakulla County Citizens Infrastructure Advisory Committee, of which he is chairman,  would be happy to take on the job of reviewing submittals.

Wakulla County citizen Paul Johnson commented that he was very encouraged to see the Board and county move forward with this.  He encouraged the Board to look at the quality of what is coming out of the plant, and not just the quantity.  He also encouraged the Board to go to an Advanced Waste Treatment facility which would strip out the nutrients before they get into the county groundwater and into our marine environment.

Commissioner Vause asked if we could convert our existing plant to an Advanced Waste Treatment facility.

Randy Merritt responded that our current facility meets the requirements for Advanced Waste Treatment even though it is not permitted as one; it actually meets the standard now.  He explained that Mr. Johnson was asking that the county make it mandated that we go to Advanced Waste Treatment for a new facility. 

Barwick noted that the county has typically always had a commissioner on the committee reviewing the RFQ’s.

Discussion followed between Commissioner Kessler, Barwick and Merritt about the financing of the sewer system.

A committee was appointed consisting of Commissioner Kessler, Parrish Barwick and Randy Merritt.

Commissioner Langston's motion passed 5 - 0.

Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry

An annual report has been submitted of activities by the State Forestry Division for the protection of approximately 146,896 acres for which the county’s assessment was $4,406.88 from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. 

Their internal mechanism requires that they show what they provide for the funds we provide them.  The commissioners simply needed to be made aware of this information.

Panacea Sewer Expansion Proposal

The majority of Panacea Park and Mineral Springs communities have been served with central sewer service.  The remaining areas without central service are under demand for
construction and will place numerous septic tanks into an extremely sensitive area of Wakulla County.  Staff is presenting a proposal to extend central sewer service into these areas in an attempt to provide service to an area that is permitted for construction and will be built.  County Planner Parrish Barwick  requested approval to move forward with permitting the expansion preparing for construction. 

Said Barwick, "This is a very sensitive area of the county, and there is a need to provide sewer there.  The Panacea Park and Mineral Springs areas are being stressed with new home construction.  The affordable homes are locating in areas where the lots are very small.  We would like to put in a low pressure sewer system, fund it, place the pipes, and have it ready so that when the homes are constructed there will not be a request for a septic tank at the health department.  Instead there will be a low pressure system that will hook into the sewer system and  will be treated at our facility".  Barwick estimated the cost for both areas to be approximately $180,000.  He added that this system is not gravity, but low pressure.  The homeowners would have to deal with a pump, and some entity would have to agree to maintain those pumps.  It would put the county in the business of maintaining pump systems, and a methodology would have to be established to ensure that we can pay for pumps, replace pumps,  and have them repaired. 

Barwick recommended that the county operate the system so that it pays for itself; it would not be a free service.

Kessler asked if there was a way to assess the vacant lots now so that each one of those lots shares in the burden of the county's expense for putting in the low pressure system as well as the financing.

Barwick responded that yes, the county can assess those lots if it chooses to do so.  He added that there is also an access fee and a tap fee that goes with every new construction and at this time a low pressure tap fee is $500 dollars and the access charge is $1000. 

Commissioner Brimner made a motion to ask staff to move forward with getting the personnel to permit a low pressure system in the Panacea area.  Langston seconded the motion.

Kessler asked if this would have to go out for bidding.

Barwick resonded that it does.

Kessler asked how much the permitting process would cost.

Barwick stated that until you come up with a project it is almost impossible to know the price for that project.  He estimated that it would probably be close to $200,000, and the cost of engineering is usually 10% of the cost of the project.

The motion passed 5 – 0.

Fiscal Year ending 2004-2005 Budget Amendments

Barwick noted that there were several budgets that need to be approved because money is being moved from one account to the other over the $10,000 level.  He added that when budget amendments are made at the end of the year, they need to be looked at and approved  and on public record.
 

Commissioner Vause made a motion to approve the budget amendments.  Langston seconded the motion.  Passed 5 - 0.

PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS

Temporary Road Closing for Christmas in Panacea Boat Parade

Motion to approve:  Brimner
Second:  Vause
Passed 5 - 0.

Rezoning Application:                    R05-45
Rezone a 4.0+/- acre parcel of land from from AG(Agriculture) to
C-2(General Commercial). This property is located east of the intersection
of Crawfordville Hwy and Lonnie Raker Road, next to Glenda’s BP
Station.
Marvin McKenzie , applicant

Motion to approve:   Vause
Second:  Langston
Failed 3 - 2

Rezoning Application:                    R05-47
Rezone a 9.4+/- acre parcel of land from RR-1(Rural Residential), to PUD
(Planned Unit Development),
This property is located at the intersection of Shadeville Hwy and
Lacy Park, in Crawfordville
Helen T. and Albert Strickland, applicant
Varnum & Associates, agent

Motion to approve:  Langston
Second:  Brimner
Passed 5 - 0.

Preliminary Plat Application                PP05-15
Create a 44-lot Planned Unit Development, on a 9.4+/- acre parcel.
This property is located at the intersection of Shadeville Hwy and Lacy
Park, in Crawfordville.
Helen T. and Albert Strickland, applicant
Varnum and Associates, agent

Motion to approve:  Vause
Second:  Langston
Pass 3 - 2; Kessler and Brimner opposed.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application:        CP05-24
Redesignate the Future Land Use, on a 3.67+/- acre parcel from Urban 1
to Urban 2. This property is located on the south side of Shadeville Hwy,
across from Trice Lane, west of the apartment project.
Pam and Terry Hodges, applicant

Motion to approve:  Vause
Second:  Langston
Passed 4 - 1; Kessler opposed.

RezoningApplication:                R05-48
Rezone a 3.67+/- acre parcel from RR-1(Rural Residential) to R-3
(Multifamily Residential). This property is located on the South side of
Shadeville Hwy across from Trice Lane, west of apartment project.
Pam and Terry Hodges, applicant

Motion to approve:  Langston
Second:  Vause
Passed 5 - 0.

RezoningApplication:                R05-49
Rezone a 6.89+/- acre parcel from RR-5(Rural Residential) to C-2(General
Commercial).  This property is located at the south side of Coastal Hwy,
Between Wakulla High School and the Golf Coarse, next to the Wakulla
Presbyterian Church.
James A. and Patricia Durham, applicant

Motion to approve:  Vause
Second:  Langston
Failed 3 - 2.

Variance Application:                 V05-04
Variance to allow for Angelo’s Restaurant to be rebuilt in the same location
as it stood before, located at 5 Mashes Sands Road.
Angelo Patrandis, applicant

Motion to approve; motion seconded.  Passed 5 - 0.

Short Form Subdivision                SFFP05-01
Signature hearing in front of the Board of County Commissioners
Construct a Short Form Subdivision, to be known as Hardwood
Hammocks, on a 257.57+/- acre parcel.
This property is located north of River Plantation Road and east of River
Plantation Subdivision.
Ronald F. and Susan L. McKaye, applicant
Paula Knowles, Area Realty, agent

Motion to approve:  Langston
Second:  Kessler
Passed 5 - 0.

Family Enclave Agreement
A Family Enclave Agreement between Wakulla County and Cynthia Staten
Williams to allow her brother, Donnie D. Staten, Jr. to reside in a second
dwelling on her property. Mr. Staten is fully disabled, with multiple health
 issues and is in need of assistance and should live close by. This property is
located at 68 Eli Court.
Cynthia Staten Williams, applicant

Motion to approve:  Kessler
Second:  Vause
Passed 5 - 0.

Family Enclave Agreement
A Family Enclave Agreement between Wakulla County and Mitchell A. and
Sheila M. Baranowski, to allow Mrs. Baranowski’s mother, Doris M.
Jodarski to reside in a second dwelling on their property. Mrs. Jodarski has
suffered from a stroke and cancer and is in need of assistance.
Mitchell A. and Sheila M. Baranowski, applicant

Motion to approve:  Kessler
Second:  Brimner
Passed 5 - 0.

COMMISSIONER'S ITEMS

Commissioner Kessler

Enterprise Zone – The BOCC has voted to continue (renew) its enterprise
zone.  This zone has special incentives INTENDED to ATTRACT
businesses into designated areas of the county.  Wakulla County has
designated and obtained several areas as enterprise zones.  One area is in
the northeast sector known as the “Industrial Park.”  Another area is much
of Route 319 (Crawfordville Highway) and Route 98 (excluding the cities of
St. Marks and Sopchoppy), Wakulla County does not need to entice
businesses to locate on Route 319 and Route 98.  Our citizens have clearly
expressed their desire to slow the growth in your county.  They do not want
the ugly strip mall growth that is happening on these roads.
A motion will be made to limit Wakulla Counties Enterprise Zone to the
northeast sector (Industrial Park).  The motion will this end the enterprise
designation for Routes 319 and 98.

Commissioner Kessler changed his motion and asked for a workshop to be held to discuss the issue of the enterprise zone locations.

Second:  Brimner
Passed 5 - 0.  Workshop set for December 19th at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioner Brimner

Reminded Commissioners of parades on December 17th and February 18th and encourage commissioners to attend.

COUNTY ATTORNEY ITEMS

Request For Proposal - Impact Fees – During the October 7, 2005 Board
Meeting staff was directed to return a proposed impact fee RFP for additional
review of the Board.  This task is being completed to allow the BOCC a final
view of the proposed advertisement and to approve specific language in a
public meeting before the RFP is advertised.

Motion to approve:  Brimner
Second:  Langston
Passed 5 - 0.

Request for Attorney Fees on Nelson Case
Mowrey requested the Board approve his request to bill the Clerk of the Court for half of the attorney's fees incurred since 1995 on the Randolph Nelson case regarding the collection of MSBUs.

Motion to approve:  Vause
Second:  Langston
Passed 5 - 0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Board Meeting, November 21 ,2005
Minutes approved; motion made and seconded.  Passed 5 - 0.

Meeting adjourned.

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