THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2006 LEVY COUNTY JOURNAL AROUND LEVY COUNTY Page 17 ee eee B City Commissioners considered a preliminary plat approval sought by Mike Fowler to create Park West Subdivision along SW 2 Street and SW 2 Avenue. Concérns were raised over the small lot sizes, number of+ homes and the resulting quality of life. Commissioner Teal Pomeroy said, “It looks like these houses are going to be stacked on top of each other. Seventeen houses 20 feet apart—that’s shotgun housing. I’m worried about the quality of life.” Several commissioners also noted the problem of flooding at one corner of the area. The request was denied. Financial advisor W.P. Weathers of Gardnyr Michael Capital, Inc. provided an update of the debt capacity analysis his firm completed for the city in 2005. The analysis was conducted to determine whether the city would be harmed by taking on further debt for the water and sewer expansion project. The city debt on Sept. 30, 2005 was $1,412,696, or $676 per capita. Weathers said, “The city’s debt is very low. Any debt load of less than $1,000 per capita is low.” Weathers based his assessment on Standard and Poor averages. Operating water and sewer system revenues for 2005 totaled $961,836 and expenses at $603,871, leaving $357,965 available for debt service. Weathers said, “These figures show excellent planning in rate adjustments to cover costs for the project.” A first reading was made of an involuntary annexation of approximately 949 acres running north of Chiefland just outside current city limits along. Highway 19- 98. Twenty landowners with = a total acreage of 899.64 consented to the annexation and 13 opposed. The next step in the annexation process will be to hold a public hearing. A second reading must be made and the ordinance voted on by city residents before the annexation can occur. A first reading was made of a measure designed to cancel the requirement that an ordinance be read in full before commission members can vote on it. The current city procedure goes above what is required by Florida Statute. The reading was approved. The commission voted unanimously to change the current health insurance plan due to a drastic cost increase. Under the new plan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield will remain the provider for city employees; however, — the HMO plan will be replaced with a PPO. The new HMO would have cost the city nearly $42,000 more than the current plan, while the PPO plan will result in an increase of $10,430. ‘Approval was given to Harry Hopwood of the Tri-County Marine Corps League to use Tommy Usher Community Center Thursday, . Dec. 14 to . distribute Christmas toys to children in the annual Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. Lt. Anderson of Chiefland Police Department presented a request to extend the interlocal agreement for school crossing guards for the 2006 — ’07 school year. Mayor Barron raised the concern that the afternoon crossing guard time of 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. meant a guard is posted 45 minutes before the end of school and only 15 minutes afterward. She was -advised that the Commission could ‘merely ‘vote::to: extend WC O kee CY Low Rates « Easy Terms Personal & Commercial Auto Insurance Home ° Life > Commercial Rapid Tax Returns "Guaranteed Lowest Down Payment" "Your Trusted Friend" (352) 486-7007 151 East Hathaway Ave - Bronson ’ Commissioner the’ the agreement, and that the timeframe was a school board matter. The extension was approved. Fire Chief David Burnett’s request to post an announcement seeking disaster recovery services was approved. He also announced a public presentation on the five-year plan on fire services would be made Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and that a first reading to set rates would be made Sept. 12. AS requested by Rollin Hudson, City Attorney Norm Fugate brought forward the commissioners’ retirement plan. Under the current plan, vesture is attained after six years are completed. Commissioner Hudson stated that this means that when a commissioner does not serve at least three consecutive terms, the money in the fund goes to the state. In a separate matter, City Attorney Fugate presented a request to raise his legal fees ' to the city from $150 per hour to $185 per hour for regular services, and from $200 ‘to $250 for litigation. He is. not proposing to change the fees charged for attendance at the two regular city commission meetings or for incidental consultation privileges. Commission members tabled this discussion until the next meeting. Fugate’s contract expires next month. Mayor Barron updated members. on train depot activities. “I’d like to see a committee formed with older residents—I mean that in a good way—who could give us photos and things. We have lots of decisions to be made.” Barron appointed ton: Fri. Sana ae Saturday 9am - 4pm $10 East Thrasher Bronson (352) 486-0063 Prices as low as: 50 ¢ sq. ft. Wall Tile 99 ¢ sq. ft Floor Tile “be Poreoain te ve Cerami “@ Marble: = _ *Granite» Informed Focused installer Recommendations KEEP PROVEN LEADERSHIP Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Nancy Bell Democrat for County Commissioner, District 2 Continued from front Rollin: Hudson to head the committee. Commissioner Alice Monyei provided an update on Eddie Buie Park renovation ‘activities. “Edward Nelson, the nephew of Eddie Buie, is designing the sign. He works for the state as a graphic designer in Tallahassee. And the sign will be built by other Buie family members, Jay Young and Frank Buie.” There will be an official park opening { 1d;00 a.m. In other ‘actions taken by the commission: ° Commissioners voted unanimously to ‘close some roads inthe North Chiefland Subdivision Closure of 6, 7, 8, and 9 Streets between County Road 320 and. 3 Avenue will allow activities consistent with medical offices as mentioned in the comprehensive plan. e James Weeks received approval on his request for rezoning of five acres from agricultural to residential. e A resolution was passed allowing closure of 10-foot easement running east to west from NW 13. Street to NW 14 Street between NW 13 Avenue and NW 14 Journal photo by Miriam Blitch MS. NEWTON’ S CLASS at Chiefland Elementary read a book titled “The Kissing Hand” It is a story about a little raccoon named Chester, who was anxious about leaving home and going to school. So, Chester mother shares a family secret with him. So, she kisses him on the paw and tells him to press the kiss to his cheek when ever he missed her. Logan Hatch is showing off her kissing hand. HBOCC: Recreation Department on a six-month trial basis. Continued from front Avenue. e City staff members * accepted or approved applications for a number of grants are considering vendors including $26,500 for the county’s libraries and more than for hurricane shutters to be $84,000 for Emergency Management Services. installed at city hall. * agreed to discontinue the study for occupational licenses in the county. Commissioners believed there are too many un- answered questions regarding the licenses and the county’s — municipalities. Other agenda items that were not acted upon include “a request by James. Hudson for a rezoning, and a request to place speed bumps along NW 6 Street. eo ~ TRIE-COUNTY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Bennitt Patterson "Care for the Entire Family" Featuring: sro ibaA aisdmtan: DEES Contractor Discounts - Setting Materials | Tools Largest Selection Around Unbeatable Prices Family Atmosphere H Available on’ LocStion! X-Rays, Physical’ Therapy & "°°" 17"! Licensed Massage Therapist (MM000761 2) OFFICE HOURS Monday / Wednesday / Friday 9 a.m.- Noon &2 p.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m.-.12:30 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m.- Noon & 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. Most Insurance Accepted: * Most HMO’'s and PPO's * Major Medical * Medicare/Medicaid * Personal Injury/Auto eaidebes «Workers' Compensation ~ Walk-Ins Welcome ~ 341 Chiefland Regional Tri-County Shopping Center Chiropractic US 19 pi] 493-1540 2220 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland (Across from Wal-Mart Super Center) - Wal-Mart eS Supercenter | [haga Decisive Dedicated Top pictures: Nancy Bell presents check to.Head Start program on behalf of | Chiefland Kiwanis. “1 Below, carrying the | torch and lighting the § flame for a recent Cancer Society Relay: § For Life | have devoted myself fully to public service in our county and community for over twenty-six years. My experiences have been extensive and include work through local civic clubs, church and public office. In each of these opportunities, | have learned increasingly about the truly special qualities of Levy County, our people, our bus- inesses, our fields and forests, our coastline, and the environmental fortune to be found here. Democrat Dist. 2