MINUTES
Of the Meeting of the
Citrus Springs Advisory Council
1570 W. Citrus Springs Boulevard
Citrus Springs, FL 34434
June 2, 2004

Chairman Bob Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Invocation was given by Pat Hipner, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Sue Rexford then called the Roll. All Board members were present. Chairman Johnson introduced Mr. Dan Tvenstrup, Construction Coordinator, Department of Public Works, and Liaison to the Council.

Chairman Johnson welcomed 112 Citrus Springs residents to the meeting. He also welcomed past Chairman of the MSBU Board, Mr. Peter Monteleone and former Board Member, Mr. Clyde MacKenzie.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2004
Chairman Johnson asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of May 5, 2004. Mr. Mehl said on page 4 of 5 under Street lighting should read” recurring yearly cost of $618.96”. John Fitzpatrick made a motion to accept the minutes of May 5, 2004, as corrected, which was seconded by Ann Julio. Motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Tvenstrup if he would update the group on the law suit brought by Mr. James Ownby, against the County, the County Property Appraiser, the County Tax Collector and the Citrus Springs Municipal Services Benefit Unit. Mr. Tvenstrup said the County was served with papers 15 days ago and it has 20 days to respond. The law firm of Fowler & White is handling this matter for the County. The County will be filing papers on June 9, 2004 at the courthouse. A copy of these papers will be available through the County Attorney’s office.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

• Mrs. Norma Rourke asked if the Appellate Court would be the same court hearing this case as in Marion County. Mr. Tvenstrup replied yes.
   

• Mr. Glen Robertson asked in the future could the number of people at these meetings be included in the Minutes of the MSBU. Chairman Johnson replied that if possible, the number would be included starting with tonight’s meeting.
   

• Mr. Tom Smith asked if the MSBU Board has thought about putting aside money for the lawsuit. Also why can’t the MSBU pay for the lighting of the tennis courts? Chairman Johnson said the Florida 5th District Court of Appeals has said the MSBU cannot use funds on this project. Mr. Smith asked if we lose this case who would reimburse the citizens of Citrus Springs? Chairman Johnson said possibly the County.
   

• A member of the audience said we need to get clarification from the County Attorney as to what we can use the MSBU funds for. Chairman Johnson said the County Attorney has already answered that question.

FINANCIAL REPORT- Bob Johnson

Chairman Johnson gave the Financial Report. A copy of which is attached and made part of these minutes.

• Dr. Buelke asked if the non-profit businesses are being assessed indiscriminately. Chairman Johnson said all properties in Citrus Springs are being assessed.

COMMUNITY CENTER REPORT- Jessica Sanderson

Ms. Sanderson said that due to all of the changes that are going on and under the umbrella of uncertainty, she did not have a report. She said that she has heard that the County would be taking over the Community Center on July 1st, although nothing has been confirmed on this issue. She said all season ticket packages have been cancelled and refunds are being sent. All rentals are on hold at this time until new rates have been decided upon. She thanked the MSBU Board and the citizens of Citrus Springs for all their support during her tenure here. Chairman Johnson thanked her and said everyone appreciated the job she has done.


REPORTS FROM POINT PERSONS

Mowing- John Fitzpatrick

• Mr. Fitzpatrick asked Mr. Bill Gilmer, Gilmer Lawn Service, about the mowing schedule. Mr. Gilmer said everything is back on schedule. The fountain has been sprayed and weeded. He will be sending a weekly schedule, via fax to the Community Center, which will allow the Board to know which areas he will be working on.
   

• Mr. Fitzpatrick said he has met with the new Code Enforcement officer, Mr. Jerry Carr, who came here to view various illegal dumping sites. He is working with the sheriff’s office to determine who is responsible. When the people are located they will be prosecuted. Mr. Fitzpatrick said in the past two months, 25 sites have been cleaned up.

Fire Hydrants –Glen Mehl

• Mr. Mehl said he is working with Citrus County Fire Chief Sloan. They are reviewing where Fire Hydrants are needed.
   

• Chairman Johnson said 20 new fire hydrants will be installed this fiscal year at a cost of $3,125 each.

Street Lighting-Glenn Mehl

• Mr. Mehl said 53 streetlights have been repaired since November 2003.

Beautification of Boulevards- Ann Julio

• Ms. Julio said we’re hoping to use the same contractor that will be doing the work for the Beverly Hills MSBU with their beautification project. Mr. Tvenstrup said there is a meeting next Monday to review the contractor’s plans.

Fountain- Bob Johnson

• Chairman Johnson said the board has approved hiring C & D Engineering to make modifications to the fountain and enhance the appearance of the main entrance on both sides of US 41.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Johnson reviewed the proposed MSBU budget.

• He said that $27,723 of the proposed budget was for the new County employee who will be reporting directly to Mr. Tvenstrup.
   

• He said that the Board presented a Capital Improvement Plan to the County and some items were removed as a result of the lawsuit, including the Community Center. The Board now has $600,000 to use for capital improvements. He suggested the following projects:
      -road resurfacing
      -directional signs
      -Boulevard beautification
      -fire protection
      -streetlights
      -main entrance
      -storm drains lowered or refurbished
   

• He asked Pat Hipner if she would meet with Larry Brock, Director of Road Maintenance to discuss the road resurfacing, and prioritize a listing of the streets that need to be done.
   

• He asked the attendees in the audience if they thought the $25 assessment fee for resident property owners and the $20 assessment for non-resident property owners should be reduced or remain as is. A show of hands was called for and there was overwhelming support to keep the assessment amounts of $20 and $25. No one dissented.
   

• A discussion followed regarding road resurfacing:
  
  Chairman Johnson said that if this budget is approved then road resurfacing could be accelerated. Mr. Monteleone said that when the County took over road maintenance in Citrus Springs that none of the roads met County standards but merely met an acceptable standard. The cost would have been several million dollars to pave the 402 miles of roads in Citrus Springs to the stricter County standard. Former board member Doris Holdread expressed her opinion that the County had not completed its part of the agreement. She said, “Before we spend our funds helping the County pave them, this should be addressed”. She said, “When the County took over the roads they were also to include lowering the storm drains and that was never done”.
   

Ann Julio said she has received a job description for the new County employee. As it is similar to the Parks Maintenance worker’s job, it will need to be customized. Chairman Johnson said we will review it at the next meeting.

Chairman Johnson called for a special meeting on Wednesday June 9, 2004 at 6:00p.m.to discuss the proposed fiscal year 04/05 budget, and to firm up the projects that have been discussed here.

Chairman Johnson asked for a motion to adjourn. Pat Hipner made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Glen Mehl. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment was at 8:50 p.m. Next meeting will be on June 9, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in Building A.

 

Respectfully submitted
Sue Rexford
Recording Secretary