AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HELD IN AND FOR GADSDEN COUNTY, FLORIDA ON MAY 17, 2011 AT 9:00 A.M., THE FOLLOWING PROCEEDINGS WERE HAD, VIZ.

Present: Sherrie Taylor, Chairperson, District 5

Gene Morgan, Vice-Chair, District 3

Eugene Lamb, District 1

Doug Croley, District 2

Brenda Holt, District 4

Nicholas Thomas, Clerk

Deborah Minnis, County Attorney

Arthur Lawson, Interim County Administrator

Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

Add to Awards, Presentation and Appearances: Recognition of the Fourth Grade FCAT Scores in Gretna Elementary Public Schools in Gadsden County

Add to General Business as 16A: Budget Workshop Calendar Croley/Morgan 5 – 0

Move Citizen Bill of Rights to 16B :Holt/Croley 5 – 0

Croley/Holt to approve Agenda 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

A1.	Recognition of 4^th Grade Gretna Elementary School - 100% passing the writing assessment FCAT test Chair Taylor read plaque into the record. Recognition of Administration of School Board – Teachers, Principals and Staff Superintendent Reginald James addressed the board and thanked them for honoring the students. Gretna is now “A” Status. Student Principal remarks
1.	Overview of Gadsden Art’s Recent Growth and Major Project for the Coming Year Grace Malloy
2.	Gadsden Express Update Anthony Matheny made a presentation of the success of the Gadsden Express. Commissioner Lamb’s remarks Commissioner Croley’s remarks – constantly advocating this program – federal funding no longer available. Need to expand the program and possibly increase fees. Chair Taylor’s remarks – directed Mr. Lawson to talk with city managers of Chattahoochee and Havana to see if they are willing to help with cost on expanding service - request resolution of support from them to present to CRTPA - Each commissioner should approach the municipalities within their district for financial contribution. Commissioner Morgan’s remarks regarding new stops. Leave decisions up to Gadsden Express. Mr. Lawson was directed to agenda the proposed new stop at the hospital for the next meeting. Also have dialogue with Capital Regional Medical Center to make them aware that this is being considered.
3.	Update on Tourism Marketing Activities and New Tourism Website by Ron Sachs Communications, Inc. Mr. Ron Sachs addressed the board. Lisa Garcia, Vice President made PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Croley’s remarks - Quincy Reunited on Facebook could be resource for Ron Sachs Commissioner Morgan – this firm has received recognition nationwide. Encouraged commissioner to visit the website. Would like to see a Kiosk in every municipality of the county. Commissioner Holt’s remarks – changing the website – Chair Taylor – appreciate being able to see a product delivered. What we need to do is to determine how we can measure this investment to see how well this is working to bring people to the county – charged to TDC Jeff Dupree, Chair of TDC explained the funding source. Ron Sachs summary remarks.
CLERK’S AGENDA
4.	Presentation of County Finance and County Clerk Issues Clerk Thomas mentioned the pension reform bill requiring 3% pension employee contribution. Commissioner Croley –
CONSENT AGENDA Holt/Lamb 5 – 0 approve
5.	Approval of Minutes March 15, 2011 April 5, 2011 February 1, 2011 Correction
6.	Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills Accounts Payables Dated: May 6, 2011 May 13, 2011 Payroll Dated: May 5, 2011
7.	Approval of All Commissioners’ Travel to Florida Association of Counties Summer Conference in Orange County on June 21 – 24, 2011
8.	Approval to Vacate and Easement Located on the Monte Bradwell Property, 18360 Blue Star Highway (TAX PARCEL No. 3-10-2N-4W-0000-00134-0100) In 2009, Monty Bradwell proposed to build Bradwell Huddle House, a restaurant just east of his other business on U.S. 90 west of Quincy. He approached the County to apply for CDBG grant to build the roadway and water and sewer lines to the site of the restaurant. The county did apply for the grant and it was awarded. As part of the grant process, the county used some of the grant proceeds to purchase an easement from Mr. Bradwell in order to maintain the infrastructure. Due to the nation wide economic crisis during that time, Mr. Bradwell was unable to timely secure the financing he needed to complete the project within the timeframe set forth in the grant. Therefore, the funds were returned to the state and the grant was closed out. Mr. Bradwell repaid the county $21,000 for the payment of the easement right-of-way. He has recently petitioned the county to return the easement to him since the project did not move forward.
9.	Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Lien for Ebony McKinney
10.	Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contracts for Roosevelt Harvin and Ruthie Smith
Consent Items pulled for Discussion None.
Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non Agenda Items
GENERAL BUSINESS
11.	Selection of Candidate Projects for the County Incentive Grand Program (CIPG) Public Works Director Charles Chapman addressed the board explaining the CIGP. Preble Rish engineer addressed the board to answer their questions. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) currently has funding available under the County Incentive Grant Program (CIGP). The County Commission must approve the project selected to include in the application. FDOT requested that each county submit only one project which must connect to a State Highway System and relieve traffic from the State Highway System Road. Preble Rish and the Public Works Staff submitted a list of the roadways which fits the criteria. · Commerce Lane – District 1 · Scottland Road – District 1 · Dogtown Road – District 2 · Salter Road – District 2 · Telogia Creek Road – District 3 · CR269/Bonnie Hill (From US 90 to the Railroad switch yard overpass) District 3 · Ben Bostick Road (From US 90 to Interstate 10 Overpass) – District 4 · Atlanta Street – District 4 · Strong Road – District 5 · McCall Bridge Road (From Pat Thomas Parkway to Bear Creek Road) District 5 There will be no fiscal impact and Public Work will administer the project through a Joint Participation Agreement with the FDOT. Holt/Lamb Ben Bostick Road as the project road 5 – 0 Keep eyes on Commerce Lane.
12.	Approval to Award the Paving of the Cairo Concord Road Resurfacing to Peavy and Son Construction Company, Inc. At the February 2, 2010, the board approved a Joint Participation Agreement with FDOT for the resurfacing of the Cairo Concord Road with funding from the County Incentive Grant Program. Staff had the project designed and solicited bids. Four bids were received for the project. The low bidder was Peavy and Son Construction for $419,114.51. Since the Grant for this road was funded at $363,636.36, therefore the quantities of the initial bid needed to be reduced. At that time Peavy agreed to resurface the road to $363,636.36. Staff recommended awarding the project to Peavy and Son Construction Company, Inc. Holt/Lamb 5 – 0 approve
13.	Approval of CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization grant application for the Rosedale Community Water (RWA) System Improvements In 2009, Rosedale Water System received 11 deficiencies from Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). To date, they have satisfied 8 of the deficiencies and worked to improve the water system. Since the water system serves many low-income and elderly families, it is essential to minimize the amount on the loan associated with the water system improvements and upgrades. The intention of obtaining CDBG funding is to assist the RWA in keeping their water charges at a minimum. Morgan/Lamb approve 5 – 0
14.	Approval to Negotiate the Renewal of the Engineering Services Contract with Preble-Rish, Inc. This agenda item seeks board approval to negotiate the renewal of the engineering services contract with Preble-Rish, Inc. for an additional year or an extended period of time as designated by the board to provide engineering services for the county. Lamb/Holt approve for 3 year contract 4 – 1 (Taylor opposed.)
15.	Approval to Negotiate the Renewal of the Legal Services Agreement with the Law Firm of Ausley and McMullen as the County Attorney The current contract with Ausley and McMullen will expire on May 30, 2011. Based on the terms of the contract, the contract may be renewed, extended or modified only by written agreement executed by both parties. This contract is at the will of the board and may be terminated by either party. Lamb/Croley negotiate three year contract; bring back the contract for formal approval. Holt opposed to three year agreement. Staff to bring back comparative figures when contract comes back. Vote was 5 – 0 to negotiate.
16.	Approval of Salary for Interim County Administrator On April 5, 2011, the board terminated the services of the previous county administrator and appointed Arthur Lawson, Sr. to be the interim administrator. Currently, Mr. Lawson is serving in several capacities. He serves as the assistant county administrator as well as supervising the Human Resources functions, management services and procurement services. Mr. Lawson’s current biweekly salary is $3,638.46 with the added benefits of monthly health insurance of $392.45 and life insurance of $2.85. It was requested that Mr. Lawson’s salary be increased to $3846.16 biweekly while is serving as the interim administrator. The increase should be made retroactive to April 6, 2011. Benefits would remain the same. Lamb/Croley - motion to approve up $6,000 then revert back when permanent administrator is hired. Croley questioned the length of the increase. Vote 5 - 0
16A.	Budget Calendar Discussion
16B.	Citizens Growth Management Bill of Rights Commissioner Holt asked to have workshops to learn what is in the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code. She also asked to put this ordinance on the ballot for citizens vote. Opposed to the super majority vote requirement. She asked the board to put a referendum on the next agenda for discussion. Sam Palmer – Public Comments – Wants the Citizens Bill of Rights repealed and put it on the ballot as referendum and let citizens decide. Pastor John Battles 43 Lucille Berry Lane– Public Comments – opposed to the super majority vote. There is intentional malice by that requirement. It is wrong. Ed Allen, Lake Talquin, supports the Cit Commissioner Lamb – there are some good things in it. The average citizen doesn’t understand it. The opposition comes from requiring the super majority vote. Want to remove the super majority vote out of the ordinance. Commissioner Croley – question to Attorney Minnis – Commissioner Morgan Commissioner Taylor – Motion by Holt/Lamb to agenda the Bill of Rights at the next meeting to see if it can be placed on the ballot for referendum. 3 – 2 (Croley/Morgan)
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S AGENDA
17.	Update on Board Requests Mounting of T.V. Monitors in the Chambers - $1700 Summer Youth Program - have accepted applications Want a follow up report about where the children are being placed for summer work.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA
18.	Update on Various Legal Issues Public Safety Council - will be emailing info out Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Management will be on next agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
19a.	Commissioner Lamb, District 1 No report.
19b.	Commissioner Croley, District 2 CRTPA met on Monday Tallahassee City Hall – lighting for I-10 interchanges – resolutions were signed and submitted to DOT. Workplans for long term (depending on funding) great deal of financial benefit for Gadsden County. Just depends on how the revenue flows.
19c.	Commissioner Holt, District 4 Need a grant coordinator or grant writer - Grant Application for Restoration of Friendship Park Economic Development Discussion of Citizens’ Bill of Rights
19d.	Commissioner Morgan, District 3 Budget Calendar – put on the website
19e.	Commissioner Taylor, Chair, District 5 Discussion of Future Meetings with Municipalities (Individually) Regarding Lobbying Services covering: Goals and Objective, Growth and Development, Public Safety and Health Issues RiverChase Living Facility – Motion to recognize them Morgan/Holt 4 – 0 (Lamb Not present.)
RECEIPT AND FILE AGENDA
20a.	Letter from Mike McDaniel, Chief Of Comprehensive Planning, at the DCA accepting the reasons as sufficient cause and granted Gadsden County the six month extension as requested to adopt the EAR
20b.	Letter from CRTPA informing Gadsden County that Governor Scott approved the expansion of the planning boundaries and the membership of the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency to include all of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties.
20c.	Lease agreement between Gadsden Hospital, Inc and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc. for Anesthesia Machine, Model Ohmeda Excel 210SE Serial Number AMAZ 00686 (extension until February 2012)
20d.	Letter from Town of Havana in response to federal regulations for them to communicate periodically regarding their systems’s purpose, reliability, associated hazards, and damage prevention, as well as emergency preparedness measures.
20e.	Grant Number 2009-JAGC-GADS-1-T7-104 Agreement 4 – Sheriff’s Office Area Drug Task Force 09 the budget was approved subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the agreement.

ADJOURNMENT

THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD, UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE CHAIR DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:50 A.M.

Sherrie Taylor, Chairperson

ATTEST:

Muriel Straughn, Deputy Clerk