City Manager Ron Williams talks to the city council about the needed sewer line repair on Ohio Ave. N.

LIVE OAK — The Live Oak City Council approved repairing a sewer line break as well as drainage improvements at its April meeting.

A sewer line break at 903 Ohio Ave. N has been an ongoing problem for the city, and the council approved a bid of $87,376.20 to Curt’s Construction at the April 9 meeting to repair the break. Andy Townsend, the city’s Public Works Director, said approximately 100 feet of line needs repairing.

“(It’s been) problemsome because we’ve had to literally use manual and some mechanical efforts in keeping that line open,” City Manager Ron Williams said, adding the project has been sent out to bid several times previously, but the bids received were deemed too high.

“It’s a project, that in all fairness, is a bit overdue.”

Williams said the repair will be a benefit for the city in not only getting service restored but also in reducing cost of the upkeep of the problem area.

“We need to fix it,” he told the council before it unanimously approved the project.

Williams also said the city had looked into replacing a longer section of the line but decided the repair of the damaged area was the best direction to take.

The council also approved a cost share agreement with the Suwannee River Water Management District for a drainage improvement project on McNulty Street. The project will be completed in conjunction with a previously approved project on Scriven Avenue. The two projects together cost $327,315 although Williams and Finance Director Joanne Luther said the city’s portion will only be $44,632 with the SRWMD paying for the majority of the project.

The project calls for relocating the Irvin Avenue well to the northern stormwater management facility at McNulty Street from the southern facility.

The bottoms of the stormwater ponds will also be regraded during the project to help increase storage space at the site.
Williams said the project was previously bid but the contractor didn’t proceed with the project.

Ordinances approved

The council also unanimously approved the first reading of four ordinances. The first two were in regards to the land use classification and zoning on 10.01 acres of property off 72nd Trace for a land acquisition by Keith Gordon, of Gordon Tractor. The property was split between county and city with the property being completely annexed into the city in February.

The ordinances allow for the property to be classified as Commercial (City) with the zoning of Commercial-Intensive (City).

Also approved were the LDR changes for 0.364 acres on Irvin Ave. SW into stormwater from Residential medium density and 0.25 acres on Pinewood Drive into Commercial from Educational.

North Central Florida Planning Council Day

Mayor Frank Davis issued a proclamation declaring May 7 as North Central Florida Planning Council Day in recognition of the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Twelve counties are members of the Council, including Suwannee County, and the City of Live Oak is one of 13 member cities. The city joined the Council in September 1976 with Davis serving as the city’s representative.

NCFPC Executive Director Scott Koons provided an oversight of the organization’s accomplishments and mission to the city council.

Howell recognized for service

Lauren Howell was recognized by Davis for her service to the city as Special Magistrate for code enforcement.

Howell is retiring after serving in the position since 2012.

“Thank you so much, it’s been an honor,” Howell said. “I’m going to miss you guys.”

Water Conservation Month

Williams said the Suwannee River Water Management District asked for the city’s support and participation in declaring April as Water Conservation Month.

Williams said he wanted the council to endorse the measure as a show of support to the endeavor and to the numerous other municipalities taking part.

“It’s a bit ceremonial, but it’s important that we participate as a city in these efforts,” Williams said, adding the SRWMD has been supportive of the city’s projects in making upgrades in certain environmental areas.