AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS HELD IN AND FOR GADSDEN COUNTY, FLORIDA ON DECEMBER 20, 2011 AT
9:00 A.M., THE FOLLOWING PROCEEDINGWAS HAD, VIZ.
PRESENT: Sherrie Taylor, Chair, District
5
Gene
Morgan, Vice-Chair, District 3
Eugene
Lamb, District 1
Doug
Croley, District 2
Brenda
A. Holt, District 4
Nicholas
Thomas, Clerk
Deborah
Minnis, County Attorney
Arthur
Lawson, Interim County Administrator
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call
Chair Taylor called the meeting to order then opened with a
prayer.She then led in pledging
allegiance to the U.S. flag.
Deputy Clerk, Beryl Wood called the roll and documented attendance as
noted above.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA AND
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – Morgan/ Holt 5-0
AWARDS,
PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
1.
Ron Sachs Communications Presentation(Ron Sachs, President and CEO)
Ron Sachs addressed the Board. He discussed areas
where he has helped the County. He
Discussed Public Relations issues. He has decided to
end a long relationship with Gadsden,
As of January 2012 my firm will no longer represent
Gadsden County. He mentioned the
Sales Tax for Healthcare that they helped spearhead.
We are gifted a Crisis Manager
I am used to dealing with challenge situations we
will not be working with Gadsden
County. He discussed the items that
they have achieved for Gadsden County.
He discussed a Community Retreat for the TDC, you
need unity, you lack a vision. We
have not wasted your funds. My has often felt your
bite. We are hired for crisis
management. He said they lack unity, they need a
shared vision. You need to promote
yourself in a positive light. He said they represent
National Solar, FAMU. He said that he was proud to have the opportunity
to serve the citizens of Gadsden County. He asked that they have a
special events.
Commissioner Croley said that he
appreciates the work of Ron Sachs.
Commissioner Holt concurred with
the work of Ron Sachs and the Hospital Work.
Commissioner Morgan thanked Mr.
Sachs for working with Gadsden County.
Commissioner Taylor commented that
at the last Commission meeting they worked together
Said that they have to be able to
work together and agree to disagree and still work together
At the end of the day. She said
that end the month of January you will have see positive
Insight from this Board. She
thanked Ron Sachs for his work and wished him the very best.
Community Wide Events that bring
people to Gadsden County. Tomato, Coke, Hidden
Treasure Festivals that draw
people to Gadsden County.
2.
Pat Thomas Insurance
Presentation – John Pat Thomas , Vice President
John Pat Thomas, Florida League of
Cities who you partner with for insurance. They are
Paying dividends. He presented the
Board with a check in the amount $37,406.00 check
Chair Taylor said that they
willdecide where the funds should
be placed she asked that
It be brought back to the Board at
a later date.
3.
Future Site of the Gadsden County Law Enforcement Youth
Community Center Presentation
Morris Young, Sheriff of Gadsden
County addressed the Board concerning the future site of the
Gadsden County Law Enforcement
Youth Community Center. He asked that the Board take a
Proactive approach in making a
request to the Board of County Commissioner’s to look at putting
Youth first. The education and
development of Gadsden County youth should not be sacrificed as a
A way of reducing budgets. Our
youth must be our main priority today and always in order for
Gadsden County to have a balance
in growth and development. He said that the Sheriff’s Office
Is planning to join two
organizations that are recognized nationally as the most productive youth
Program in the Country (National
Police Athletic League(PAL) & Celebrate Life International (CLI).
The Sheriff would like to meet
with all non-profit organizations that provide services to youth wit
Gadsden County and have them
maintain their current identity but join forces strategically to
Levy funds through foundations,
local, state & federal government and the business community.
Through one of the Gadsden County
Sheriff’s Office business partners (Graves Williams), the
Sheriff has been introduced to Mr.
Jay Taylor the owner of North Florida Tomatoes Inc. The
North Florida Tomatoes warehouse
is located off Highway 90 west and Ben Bostic Road behind
The Piggly Wiggly shopping plaza.
Mr. Taylor has agreed to give the Sheriff’s Office the 34 acre
Property which includes a 73,774
square foot modular metal building and 2 large portable building at a
cost of $1.00 per year. The future plan is to donate the property to the
Gadsden County Sheriff’s
Office. He said they are asking
for approval for the Sheriff Office to continue moving forward with
Plans for the future site and
operation of the Gadsden County Law Enforcement Youth Community
Center. He discussed faith based
re-entry program.
Captain Robert Barkley addressed
the Board in support of this program with the vision for our
Youth of Gadsden County.
Dr. Beverly Nash, Consultant for
Sheriff’s Department she addressed the Board with the
Vision for the Sheriff’s
Department.She then discussed the
mission: Partnering with our
Community, empowering our youth to
achieve and make positive choices.
Sheriff Young ended the
presentation by asking the Chair to have staff assemble and help
them by a small county surtax. He
asked them to look at it and they will also take to the
Legislative and they will seek
funds from all levels.
Questions:
Commissioner Holt commended the
Sheriff for a great vision she added that job training
Should be added. (Dave and
Buster’s in ATL she encouraged the Sheriff to look into). What’s
Cost and how long is lease.
Sheriff Young replied that they
have partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to help with
jobs. The lease is available for
100 years. Commissioner Croley when you referenced Mr.
Williams, what Williams?
Sheriff – Grave Williams
Croley – it’s a money issue, we
already support Boys & Girls Club.
Sheriff – It’s not helping with
Boys & Girls Club.
Commissioner Lamb stated it was a
great concept and vision, you have my support. This
Program is for the whole County.
Commissioner Morgan applauded the
Sheriff’s effort and Mr. Williams for helping. The word
Parent is missing from program,
please look for ways to involve parents, extended family
Please encourage parent
participation. Education is also greatly needed. The program is
Positive for our County. Boys
& Girls in Chattahoochee is great and positive gains have come
From the program in that Community
if done right it does work. He asked for clarity in lease
Or buying building, not in favor
of owning an additional building, cost, up keep.
Chair Taylor stated that all
Commissioner have brought fine points. I agree with Commissioner
Morgan, Holt on education. The
funding that you have sited here, we will have to have legal
Look at it.We will have to make an agreement to
have County Staff work with you. We will
Have to give direction. She spoke
of her program Children Are our Future, I have worked
With children all my life, we must
invest in our children. We will do our job as a body and
Follow law, to find right path to
take. If it can be done you have our support and you are
Doing a great job.
Motion : Lamb/ Holt – to have Board direct County Administrator
to organize staff to work
With Sheriff.
Question Croley – I support your
concept, I look at business fact, monies are an issues, is
Staff looking at this objectively.
Chair Taylor asking to help, but
follow law.
Motion Carries
Motion: 1 cent sales tax to see legally can we do it, have
Attorney researchHolt/ Lamb 5 -0
Motion: Holt/ Lamb 4-1(Morgan)– to have other funding sources
Morgan changed vote now 5-0 (he has clarity of the motion)
Jim Corder mentioned that it will
not cost tax payers – the Sheriff’s Reentry Program.
CLERK OF COURTS
5.
Presentation of County Finance and County Clerk Issues (
Nicholas Thomas Clerk of Courts)
Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court
addressed the Board on Fiscal Report 2011. General Fund
Balance 4 million dollars, which
is great. Transportation fund had a good year. Library Services
Money from State was down. EMS
collected about a1.7 million, you
will probably have to
Transfer monies to EMS. He
cautioned the Board not to be
Commissioner Morgan said that the
Auditor’s say that we should have around 5-8 million
Dollars.
Clerk Thomas stated that it would
be hard to get at 8 million with all your other obligations.
5 million is great, 8 million
unrealistic.
Morgan – What is your primary
concern.
Thomas – There is a lot of need,
do we have enough money to get done what we need to
Get done, pleased with fiscal
year, EMS concern, Jail Repairs concerns.
Morgan – Property Appraiser – Ad
Valorem Tax Dollars will be lower, I think we should
Focus on need.
Thomas – could bea potential problem, County Government
have been fortunate in the
State of Florida. State Revenue
that they haven’t significant cuts.
Commissioner Morgan – what does
this cover? Fund 112 county transportation what can be
Paid.
Thomas – He discussed the period
it covered. Yes it can, all transportation needs.
Commissioner Holt not in favor of
raising funds for EMS.See if
there are things they need to
Fix.
Thomas let me clarify, the first
time in budget that county didn’t subsided from General Fund
For EMS.
Chair Taylor County has a surplus.
We should highlight this we have a surplus. Good News.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items 8, 10were pulled for discussion.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISIONER LAMB ,
THE BOARD VOTED 5 – 0, BY VOICE VOTE, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
BELOW.
6.
Approval of Minutes
August
23, 2011 Special Joint Meeting with Tourist Development Council
September
20, 2011 Regular Meeting
7.
Ratification of Approval to Pay the County Bills
Accounts
Payables Dated: December
9, 2011
December
16, 2011
Payroll
Dated: December
15, 2011
7.
Approval of Chair’s Signature for Special Assessment Liens and
Rehabilitation Contracts – State Housing Initiative
8.
Acknowledgement of Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) Grant in the Amount of $94,050 for 2009 Hospital
Renovations (Arthur Lawson, Interim County Administrator and Michael
Glazer, Assistant County Attorney) - pulled
Commissioner Morgan
Connie McClendon – It had
expiration date
Commissioner Holt what are they
going to do with it.
Chair Taylor have staff to look at
mandate to see what we can do with dollars.
McClendon – we need to hurry.
Croley – Air Condition is
Motion: Holt/Lamb 5-0 for approval
9.
Approval to Accept the 2011-2012 Mutual Aid Operations Plan
between Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida
Forest Service and Gadsden County Fire Departments and the Annual
Forestry Report and Operating Plan (Tommy Baker, EMS Director and Andre
Walker, Fire Coordinator/Paramedic)
10. Approval to Accept The FY 2011 Preliminary 4th
Quarter Report. (pulled)
Commissioner Morgan questioned
Public Works.
Mr.Price they had a number of
savings with equipment and payroll.
Commissioner Morgan thanked Public
Works for all that have done.
Chair Taylor also thanked them.
Commissioner Holt let’s get work
done.
Mr. Chapman noted that they do not
pave roads without Board of consent. We monitor
Work up intake.
Motion: Morgan/ Croley5-0
Items Pulled for
Discussion
Citizens
Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items(3 minute limit)
Marion
Lasley – 5 Dante Court – National Solar Update
Chair Taylor it will come up under
Commissioner Items.
Public
Hearings - None
General Business
12.Approval of Financial Support for the
Shuttle (Edward Waters, General Manager, Big Bend Transit, Inc.)
Mr. Lawson said the request is for
$49,130.00 to assist with the Shuttle. Mr. Waters addressed the
Board it is regarding the Shuttle
that operates within the City of Quincy. Funding will expire March
2012.He noted that it was a very
successful project. He added that they have asked the City of
Quincy and they table the issue. He
asked the County to assist in the funding for the
Commissioner Morgan thanked Mr.
Waters for their effort. He mentioned other transportation
Needs for other municipalities and
he could not support.
Commissioner Holt does it support
outlaying areas. I think we need to show service to whole County.
Mr. Waters said they have it set up
for door to door services(coordinate services- transportation
Disadvantage.
Croley asked for clarification on
door to door services. How much is fare? He thought the Express
Service would better serve Gadsden
outlaying areas
Mr. Waters fare is 50 cents.
Commissioner Lamb focusing on
Gadsden Express
Vinetta Anderson – that felt
strongly that they do quality service in your County. The coordinated
service brings people in and then they get on the local shuttle. It
provides for residence in County,
That stay in Gadsden County.
Chair Taylor commented that it is
connector that works and they depend on it. Mr. Lawson how
Much do we have in Contingency Fund?
I would hate to see them take this away. In favor
Mr. Price $175,000.00 (Contingency
Fund)
Commissioner Lamb they can use the
Gadsden Express, then move around Quincy in the Shuttle.
Commissioner Holt no problem with
agenda this item, but also look for other funding sources.
Croley – What is cost and shortfall.
$7,500 a month to operate.
Chair Taylor asked when will it
expire.
Mr. Lawson 2013.
Chair Taylor have said
that they would like to see this tabled and asked for a motion.
Motion
to table Holt/ Lamb to meeting in January 3, 2012 meeting 5-0
13.Discussion and Consideration for
Approval of Additional Funding for State Lobbying Services (Gene Morgan,
Commissioner)
Commissioner Morgan addressed the
Board concerning Legislative Issues. He mentioned areassuch as Corrections for Closures Florida
State Hospital (Corrections). To $10,000 to $25,000, he is asking for an
additional $15,000. He asked the Board to fund this at a 100%, to increase
lobbying contract to $25,000.
Commissioner Lamb – I would like to
see it bid out. I hate to hand pick someone. In support of
Funding.
Chair Taylor – We want to protect
FSH,We are a member of FAC, we pay
$5,000. How can we go
Forward.
Minnis – I would look into contract,
time is of essence to term a contract.
Lawson – you have already signed
contract, you would have to rescind contract.
Holt- we have contract in place
let’s go forward. Let’s all lobby together Board, City and School
Board have a united effort and have
Mr. Dooling coordinate.
Croley appreciate your feelings
Commissioner Morgan. Where are the other folks, Jackson, Liberty County
they need to be in same fold. We do have $5,000 going to the same firm. We
can’t stand alone on this. Not in support.
Morgan – the other counties don’t
have as much in stake as we do in Gadsden County. We have made
Much progress.
Lamb – We are we giving additional
funds for lobbying services.
Morgan – yes, you make it number 1
priority and to do it you need funds.
Chair Taylor -It already a contract in place for
$10,000. Let’s move forward
Motion:Morgan/Lamb
to approve 3-2 to (opposed Taylor/Croley)
14. Request by Angie
Raines for a Waiver to the Variance Process/Fees in Seeking Relief from
Provisions of a Previously – Approved Immediate Family Exception (Anthony
Matheny, Planning and Community Development Director)
Mr. Matheny addressed the Board.
Angie Raines would like to sell property and the immediate Family
Exception does not allow for that
she would like a waiver.
Commissioner Lamb spoke in favor.
Motion to support: Lamb/Holt
Commissioner Croley who asked for
this to be put on the agenda. When property was conveyed was
There a deed restriction that says
the property must be sold back to family member. I never supported this
because of this reason, if the Board takes action you would still be held
up.
Angie Todd Raines, 87 Hidden Valley
Trial Havana, FL – spoke in support of waiver. It is a total personal
issue.
Matheny – I do believe there is a
deed restriction.
Croley – she needs to clear up deed
restriction. This Board can not remove deed restriction.
Chair Taylor this should have been
waived out, before it gets here. There are laws in place that
Prohibit us. I think you need to go
back and look at closely and we can’t move forward.
Minnis -Yes, me Raines it is little bit more
complicated. The situation is the deed needs to be correct.
As County Attorney I can’t advise
you, but you should seek legal advice. It’s a multiple process. It will not
correct deed.
Motion: Chair Taylor to withdraw
motion Lamb/Holt 5-0
Motion to Table: Morgan/Holt –
motion removed
Chair Taylor talk to Administrator
and if it needs to be agenda and now you have clear direction to move
forward.
15.Approval of Resolution Number 2011-046
and Sun Trust Documents for Financing of Renovations to the Property
Appraiser/Tax Collector Building (Material to be Provided) (Arthur Lawson,
Interim County Administrator)
Mr. Lawson stated that the documents
are needed for signatures. He stated that we have reviewed
And pass resolution before the
holidays. We will bring in the first meeting in January in Contract
Motion
for approval Croley/Holt4-0
(Commissioner Lamb stepped out)
Mr. Lawson stated he needed the
forms signed by allow Commissioners before they depart.
County
Administrator
Citizen
Advisory Committee
Mr. Matheny needs Advisory
Committee, one person for each district. We have Kimberly-Horn we
Need to make sure we have adequate
representation. He asked Board members to come up with name.
Chair Taylor asked for particulars
such as meeting dates and what is involved.
Mr. Lawson stated they can email
particulars.
Holt – We need Committee. Insupport
Morgan – I think it should be
brought to P& Z Board.
Chair Taylor let ‘s agenda and have
formal discussion.
16.Update on Board Request (Arthur Lawson,
Interim County Administrator)
County
Attorney
17.Update on Various Legal Issues (Deborah
Minnis, County Attorney) - None
Discussion
Items by Commissioners
18.
ØCommissioner Lamb, District 1 –
Resurfacing Roads in the Lake Yvette Area (None)
ØCommissioner Croley, District 2 –
Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to
Commission District Two and Gadsden County – Merry Christmas,Creek Entertainment Congratulations to
City ofGretna and Commissioner
Holt. Commissioner Lamb congratulations on opening of Park.
ØCommissioner Holt, District 4 – County
Concerns: Gretna outstanding job Creek Entertainment, revenue coming into
County. When referendum passes you will look additional avenues. Sheriff’s
presentation was great. Let ‘s look at variance fees, should be looked at
careful.
ØCommissioner Morgan, Vice Chairman,
District 3 –Merry Christmas, I want to thank Mr. Lawson for all his hard
work.Law firm, Ms. Minnis he
thanked her. Item 13 re agenda for
next meeting Motion to re agenda: Morgan/Croley 2-2 motion died Holt,
Taylor opposed. Ron Sachs he asked the Board to hear and take into
consideration what he said, it would make us better as a Board
ØCommissioner Taylor, Chairperson,
District 5 – National Solar schedule meeting.
Minnis – Time wise we
can’t move forward. We need to put ordinance in place, we not be authorized
can’t release yet. March Meeting, Public Hearing Meeting.
Chair Taylor looks like first
meeting in March for National Solar. She asked the Manager not schedule to
many items on that March date.
Minnis – clarification on
emailing to her. She said that would be brought back.
Chair Taylor welcomed new EMS
Director, Tommy Baker.
Chair Taylor said that the
Board owns the Senior Citizen
Building Parking lot issues. She asked the Board for a motion.
Motion: Croley/Holt 4-0 to
look at parking lot (paving) and washing of the Building.
Question: Morgan – will you bring back costs.
Mr. Lawson – I don’t know how much it will be, soit will have to brought back.
Workforce Plus, Kimberly Moore please have agenda in future
date. I did contact them with concerns that I have.
Motion: Taylor/ Croley 4-0 to
have Workforce Plus added to agenda.
CW Roberts – 1st meeting in January.
Chair Taylor discussed all
the positive highlights from this meeting, Sheriff, Check from Pat Thomas,
Surplus in General Fund, not having to support EMS next year. She asked
everyone to have a Merry Christmas.
Motion
to Adjourn: 12:15pm
Receipt
and File
19.
For the Record: Gadsden County
Citizens Planning and Zoning Bill of Rights Meeting