Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA & MEETING NOTES
Regular Public Meeting
April 3, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Present: Sherrie
Taylor, Chair, District 5
Gene Morgan,
Vice-Chair, District 3
Eugene Lamb,
District 1
Doug Croley,
District 2
Brenda Holt,
District 4
Nicholas Thomas,
Clerk of Courts
Deborah Minnis,
County Attorney
Arthur Lawson,
Interim County Administrator
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call
Chair Taylor called the meeting to
order at 6:00 p.m. then led in an invocation and the pledge of allegiance to
the U.S. flag. She then called for all
cell phones to be silenced and requested all speakers to file a “Speakers
Request Form” with the clerk.
The roll was called by Deputy Clerk,
Beryl Wood and attendance was recorded as noted above.
Amendments and Approval of
Agenda Croley/ Morgan 5-0
Chair
Taylor instructed Clerk to change her vote to no concerning the work done at the Tax Collector’s
Office concerning the cabinets, which were voted upon at the last meeting,
3/20/2012 –BCC Meeting. She added she
would bring it up official under her items.
Attorney Minnis appropriate just to
change vote on particular item.
Add Item:
Hardship Variances –
Atty. Minnis – has it gone before
P&Z?
Mr. Lawson – yes it has, but the
claimant wasn’t allowed to.
Chair Taylor – It should be agenda.
Allow 3 minutes under Public Comment and you can place under your agenda.
Awards, Presentations and Appearances
Clerk of Courts
1. Cash-In-Bank
Report – Presented Report- Snapshot of Cash Position.
(Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of the Courts)
Chair Taylor questioned the negative
signs.
Clerk Thomas commented all, but one are
reimbursement grants.
Commissioner Morgan inquired about the
Audit for 2011.
Clerk Thomas said we have preliminary
draft and they will schedule meeting in the next couple of weeks before the
next BCC meeting and there were no major issues.
2. Presentation of County Finance and County Clerk Issues
(Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of the Courts)
No
other issues were reported.
Consent Croley/Morgan (pulled item 9) 5-0
3. Approval
of Minutes – February 21, 2012 – Regular Meeting
4. Ratification
of Approval to Pay County Bills
5. Signature for Corrected HGAC
Inter-local Contract for Cooperative Purchasing
(Tommy
Baker, EMS Director)
Statement of Issue:
This
item seeks Board approval for the Chairperson to sign the corrected Inter-local
Contract for Cooperative Purchasing
with HGAC.
Background:
This
contract was approved at the February 21, 2012 County Commission meeting. The original
agreement included the name Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners – Gadsden EMS. When the original was received
by HGAC, they advised that the agreement
must be in the name of Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners only. The purpose of this agenda items is to
correct this error and insure that a properly signed
corrected original document is made part of the official record. The date of approval
listed on the corrected copy is February 21, 2012, the original date of
approval.
6. Approval to Write-Off of EMS
Accounts
(Tommy
Baker, EMS Director)
Statement of Issue:
The County Auditor recommends
each year that bad debit accounts are submitted for write –off in order to clear our books on EMS
accounts, and to assure that the billing office
is working on current accounts that are collectable.
Background:
The attached write-off totaling
$513,392.02 includes bad address, private pay with no insurance, patients with a balance after their insurance has paid,
and deceased with no estate. The remainder of the write-off includes
uncollectible accounts where collection costs
would exceed the amount of recovery. The
County Auditor recommends each year
these accounts are submitted for write-off in order to clear our EMS books.
This will ensure our billing office is
working on currents accounts that are collectable. In compliance
with HIPAA requirements, account records are on file for inspection in the EMS Billing Office with only the
account number and account balance listed.
7. Approval of Task Order Number
2012-095 Authorizing Preble-Rish Engineering to Perform Engineering Services for the High Bluff Florida
Boating Improvement Project
(Charles
Chapman, Public Works Director/Robert Presnell, Administrative Coordinator)
Statement of Issue:
This item seeks Gadsden County
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approval of Task Order NO. 2012-095 authorizing Preble-Rish Engineering as the
County Engineer to perform
engineering services for improvements at High Bluff Landing.
Background:
On November 2, 2010 the Board
approved Resolution No. 2010-045 and authorized staff to seek funding through the boating improvement program
to renovate the existing boat ramp and
facilities at High Bluff Landing on Lake Talquin. Staff received the proposed Grant Agreement in November 2011. The proposed Engineering services are required to survey, design and permit the
proposed parking area and drainage improvements.
Fiscal Impact:
The $7, 882.80 fee for the
engineering services to complete this project will be funded by the Florida Boating Improvement
Grant (77.87%) and the County (22.17).
8. Approval of Lease Agreement with BFN
Operations LLC., for the Friendship Park Property
(Charles Chapman, Public Works Director/Robert
Presnell, Administrative Coordinator)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks Board
approval to enter into a lease agreement between Gadsden County and BFN Operation LLC., for the current
location of Friendship Park. Staff also requests approval for the
Chairperson to sign the Lease Agreement.
Background:
On October 6, 1983, Gadsden
County entered into a 25 year Lease Agreement with Culbro Corporation for two acres of land to build a park in
the Friendship Community. The
Lease was for a 25 year period and expired on October 6, 2008. In 2011, staff started negotiations with the new owners to enter into a new
agreement for the existing park
property for another 25 years.
Fiscal Impacts:
None
9. Approval
of Gadsden County Adopt a Road Program (Charles Chapman, Public Works Director) Item Pulled by Commissioner
Morgan for discussion. Motion: Morgan/Croley/5-0 PULLED FOR
DISCUSSION
Commissioner
Morgan asked what overall costs are and do we have organizations that are
willing to participate.
Mr. Lawson
stated it wouldn’t cost much more than what has been indicated. He said it depends on the amount of groups
that participate.
Commissioner
Croley asked is this what the State does.
Mr. Lawson
stated it is patterned by the FDOT.
Commissioner
Holt stated insurance problems, liabilities, children getting parents’
permission. No problem moving forward.
Chair
Taylor stated for a point of clarity this will be organizations.
Statement of Issue:
This
agenda item seeks Board approval to establish a new Adopt a Road (AAR) Program.
Background:
On
January 17, 2012, the Board requested staff to develop and bring back and Adopt
a Road program for
consideration.
Analysis:
Staff
has developed the Gadsden County Adopt a Road program utilizing Florida Department of Transportation
guidelines for the Adopt a Highway program.
A copy of the
Adopt a Road service agreement, program guidelines, safety practices, and
reporting forms are included
as Attachment A.
Fiscal Impact:
Full
analysis is unavailable at this time; no current participants are on file. Sample expenses:
Road
Sign, Post and Install: $300.00 each (one sign per road)
Safety
Vests: $10.00
each/$120.00 per dozen
Litter
Grabbers: $35.00
each/$420.00 per dozen
Total
program estimate to start up with one AAR group: $840.00-$1,000.00
Items Pulled for Discussion
Item 9 was pulled as noted above.
Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (3 minute limit)
Ø Michael Sutch, 327 Fields Rd, Havana, FL – Requesting lot 12 of Westwood Farms be split or divided in half. In
order to accommodate his son who needs additional assistance from him for
independent living.
Chair Taylor
instructed Mr. Rogers to set appointment with the Administrator and he will try
to handle between yourself and staff. If
it can’t be handled then it would come back before the Board if necessary.
Ø James Rogers, 7092
Juniper Creek Rd, Quincy, FL – Representing the Ingram Group, LLC- Permit cost for Weatherization, highest for surrounding counties. Waive
cost for weatherization fees. He
suggested a committee that would involve Construction Industry.
Chair
Taylor commented the fees are under review.
She advised him to meet with staff, County Administrator about his
request before week’s end.
Commissioner
Croley cautioned Chair Taylor about remarks, about communication held with
public.
Chair
Taylor restated process.
Ø Christina Cannon,
649 S. Shelfer Street, Quincy, FL - Housing Issue – She commented she purchased an acre
land and she would like to build home.
She asked for variances.
Commissioner
Holt she is in made district- She said it’s a County Ordinance that says she
can’t have home placed on 1 acre of land.
She noted Health Department has no problem. She commented it was very time-sensitive.
Commissioner
Croley – time sensitive, mounted system where is it the Ordinance.
Mr. Matheny
- Said it is in Ordinance and it requires 3 acres.
Chair
Taylor because it’s a time sensitive issue, we will give clear direction and we
will stretch for discussion.
Mr. Matheny
– It’s a tuff situation, property was sub-divided. She needs mounted
system. I have sent Administrator,
Environmental Person and then meet and see if this is something we can make
exception on.
Chair Taylor stated Mr. Matheny is doing Yeoman’s
job and keep dialogue up to reach resolution.
Public Hearings
10. Public Hearing - Approval of Resolution
Number 2012-005 and Budget Amendments to the
FY11/12 Budget to Redistribute Fund 130 Discretionary Sales Surtax funds
(Connie McLendon, Finance Director)
Connie McLendon,
Finance Director, Clerk of Courts discussed the Approval of Resolution
Number 2012-005 and Budget Amendments to the FY11/12 budget to redistribute Fund 130
Discretionary Sales Surtax Funds.
Statement
of Issue:
This agenda item seeks the Board
of County Commissioners (BOCC) approval of resolution
#2012-005 and budget amendments to the FY 2011/12 budget to redistribute Fund 130 Discretionary Sales Surtax Funds.
Background:
Recent changes in Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles requires the County close Fund 130 and set up accounts in
several funds to record the Discretionary Sales Surtax Funds directly instead of running the funds through a
separate fund.
Analysis:
As a result of these changes,
the Discretionary Sales Surtax funds will be split according to the ordinance of record, and
placed directly into the proper fund.
Fiscal
Impact:
By processing the attached
budget amendments, there is no fiscal impact to the budget. Staff is simply setting up the budget
according to the direction of the auditors.
Public Comment
Chair Taylor announced Public Hearing and asked for comments and there
was no response.
Commissioner Croley what is 301. He asked that additional info be added
for understanding.
Clerk Thomas it is being put back. Governmental Accounting Rules, all
expenditures are the same.
Motion:
Croley/ Holt 5-0
11. Public Hearing – Approval of
Resolution Number 2012-013 and Budget Amendment to the FY 11/12 Budget to Re-appropriate Fund 313 –
Public Works – Dodger Ball Park Road
(Connie McLendon, Finance Director)
Connie McLendon, Finance
Director addressed Board.
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks the Board
of County Commissioners (BOCC) approval of resolution
#2012-013 and budget amendment to the FY 2011/12 to re-appropriate fund 313-Public Works – Dodger Ball Park Road.
Background:
It is requested that the funds
be re-appropriated from FY10/11 to FY11/12 for Fund 313- Public Works – Dodger Ball Park Road match grant.
Analysis:
The $358,912.33 is the amount
remaining in FY11 for the Dodger Ball Road match grant.
Fiscal Impact:
By processing the attached
budget amendment, funds will be re-appropriated to the FY 2011/2012 budget for the Dodger Ball
Park Road match grant.
Public Comment
Chair Taylor announced Public Hearing and
asked for Public Comment and there was no response.
Clerk Thomas it sets up funds.
Motion: Morgan/ Lamb 5-0
12. Public Hearing
– Approval of Resolution Number 2012-014 and Budget Amendments to the FY 11/12 Budget to Move the Budget
for the Property Appraiser from the General
Fund to Property Appraiser Fund 128 (Connie McLendon, Finance Director)
Statement of
Issue:
This agenda item
seeks the Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) approval of resolution
#2012-014 and budget amendments to the FY 2011/12 budget to move the budget for the Property Appraiser from the
General Fund to Property Appraiser Fund 128.
Background:
It is requested
that the budget for the Property Appraiser approved by the Department of Revenue be moved from the
General Fund to its own fund – Fund 128 Property Appraiser, For FY 12, several expenditures that Gadsden County
pay will stay in the General Fund
Department.
Analysis:
The Property
Appraiser requested the Department of Finance during the fall of 2011 to handle the accounting of his
budget. In order to accurately handle
this task, a separate fund was set up
by the Finance Department – Fund 128.
Fiscal
Impact:
By processing the
attached budget amendments, budgeted funds for the Property Appraiser will move from the General Fund
to Fund 128. The overall total budget remains unchanged.
Public Comment:
Chair Taylor announced Public Hearing and
asked for public comment and there was no response.
Motion: Croley/ Lamb 5-0
13. Public Hearing – Approval to Award the
Dodger Ball Road Park Bid, Budget Amendment
and Authorize the Chairperson to Execute All Documents
(Charles
Chapman, Public Works Director)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item
seeks Board approval to award the Dodger Ball Park Road resurfacing contract to the recommended
vendor. Also, this items seeks approval
and execution of the
corresponding budget amendment as required by the Government Finance Officer Association Audit (GFOA) standards and the
Contractors agreement, Notice of Award and
Notice to Proceed for the resurfacing of Dodger Ball Park Road.
Background:
On July 22, 2011
the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued the Notice to Proceed to the Interim County
Administrator authorizing the County to move forward with the Cr 159-A (Dodger Ball Park Road) County
Incentive Grant Program (CIGP) project.
Through contract number AQD01 the FDOT awarded the County $364,378.00 for the resurfacing of Dodger Ball Park
Road from Attapulgus Highway to Salem Road.
Analysis:
Competitive bids
were opened on Friday, March 2, 2012 for the Dodger Ball Road resurfacing project. Capital Asphalt is the low bid received with
a total estimate at $408,432.77. The detailed bid tab is provided as
Attachment A.
Fiscal
Impact:
The grant awarded
budget for this project is $364,378.00.
After design, engineering, and
permitting the remaining amount of the funds for the project is approximately $308,000.00. The received and potentially awarded low bid
is $408,432.77. The Finance Department for accounting
purposes requires that a budget amendment be completed
to reflect the awarded contract amount for each capital project. The budget amendment
will require the addition of $100,432.77.
Funds are available in the Public Works
Reserves and are restricted to this type of project. Staff does not anticipate having to use all of these funds by
employing several cost savings measures through working with the awarded contractor during
construction.
Public
Comment
Chair Taylor announced Public Hearing and
asked for public comment and there was no response.
Justin Ford, Project Manager for Preble- Rish
Mark Mitchell, Gadsden Asphalt- He confirmed they do employ Gadsden residents.
Commissioner Holt – how many people from
Gadsden County that are working. She
suggested it become part of the RFP.
Commissioner Croley – I share concerns of
other Commissioners. He said what is
concerned him is this going to Bonded Job.
Are we getting the same that others are bidding of.
Ford- Same problem will be delivered.
Clerk Thomas – the Budgeted Amendment is
attached in Item 11 it is adequate. He noted the one attach is not needed.
Motion: Croley/ Lamb
Questions:
Chair Taylor – the amount that was awarded
FDOT does not cover entire project. She
asked what was the difference.
Commissioner Holt inquired about entire amount
for project.
McLendon -County Standards what you agreed
upon. We have to budgeted.
Clerk will have money left over, you
accomplished it in 11.
Commissioner Holt would like for it all to be
together and we need to identify the fund.
Chair Taylor asked had the road had work done
previously.
Ford -said yes a small portion.
Motion to approve bid for Capital Asphalt: Croley/ Lamb 5-0
General Business
14. Grants
– Approval of Resolution Number 2012-008 and Carry Forward Budget Amendments for FY 2012 (Connie McLendon, Finance
Director)
Clerk Thomas commented Audit is over, time to get in place, we have
numbers to carry forward in
the New Year.
Commissioner Morgan asked are we able to approve without Audit.
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks BOCC
approval of FY 2012 Carry Forward Budget Amendment.
Background:
This process provides a method
for the Board to establish budgetary authority for new awarded grants and re-establish budgetary authority for
grants that overlap multiple fiscal
years. The process, via approval of
budget amendments, allow for funding for specific
grants approval in current and previous fiscal years to be appropriated or re- appropriated in the current fiscal
year to support the continuation of these respective grants.
Analysis:
The process must be implemented
by the Board of County Commissioners via the corresponding
budget amendments in accordance with the Florida Statutes.
Fiscal Impact:
All grants will only receive
funding that has been approved in FY 2012 or previously approved by the Board, unless specifically outlined by County
staff.
Motion:
Morgan/Croley 5-0
Commissioner Holt questioned the Budget Director, Jeff Price presence.
15. Applicant’s
Request to Hold First of Two Public Hearing Required for Gadsden County to Apply for Florida Department of Community
Affairs 2011 CDBG Economic Development
Grant (Anthony Matheny, Planning and Community Development Director/Auburn
Ford, Ford Construction LLC)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item
presents a request by Mr. Auburn Ford on behalf of Mr. Charlie Harris to the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) to hold the first two Public Hearings required for Gadsden County to submit a
grant application to the Florida Department of Community
Affairs (FDCA), under the CDBG Program for the Gussie’s Garden Assisted Living Care Facility. The grant would fund infrastructure
improvements at the site.
Background:
A conceptual plan
for Gussie’s Garden Inn ACLF was approved by the Gadsden County BOCC on March 1, 2005. Mr. Harris is the owner of Sirrah Mini
Storage located about a quarter of a
mile west of the City of Quincy, city limits on U.S. 90. He is converting the building into an Assisted Living Facility which will house
forty-eight (48) clients and create
eleven (11) low-moderate income jobs.
The site is now serviced by septic.
The facility will be
required to hook to City of Quincy sewage.
This connection requirement will
cause an undue financial hardship on Mr. Harris and therefore he is requesting County staff to pursue a CBDG
Economic Development grant to provide the infrastructure
to his business. This infrastructure
improvement may also benefit future development
in the area. This is the applicant’s
third request for the County to apply for CDBG
funding for infrastructure improvements for Gussie’s Garden Assisted Living Facility. Previous requests for funding for this same project
were denied by the Department
of Community Affairs (now the Department of Economic Opportunity).
Analysis:
Grant funding will
be utilized for infrastructure improvements at the existing Sirrah Mini Storage site located off of Highway 90
West. Improvements shall include the installation of sewer lines, lighting and paving of access roads. The project will result in approximately 11 additional
full-time employment opportunities for Gadsden County residents.
Additionally, the completion of the Assisted Living Facility project
will have a significant
financial and economic impact on the community.
Fiscal Impact:
If funded, the infrastructure improvement will
be paid 100% from grants. There will be staff
time devoted to the grant application process, which may involve the county selecting
a consultant to apply for the grant. He
said they have addressed ad and it has been corrected, just need to have Public
Hearing.
Auburn Ford addressed Board. He said they have corrected the deficiency
major notice of public hearing. They are
requiring us to hold the Public Hearing again, the 2nd one.
Discussion
by the Board
Chair Taylor asked for update and resolution
at this point. She asked opinion of Attorney.
Commissioner Croley commented it is the 3rd time, still have
funds for fiscal year 2011. He said he
not in favor of holding up other applicants that may want to apply.
Attorney Minnis said it is her opinion; they are treating 2nd
Public Hearing as the 1st Hearing, Task Force. He needs to go back
and do 2nd Public Hearing. He
is asking to redo 2nd Public Hearing. You are not approving Project, just allowing
him to have Public Hearing.
Mr.
Lawson’s concern if it goes forward
Commissioner
Croley - Is this a reimbursable grant.
Mr. Ford
said funding must be forthcoming within 60 days, Business Owner is on hook.
Chair
Taylor asked for discussion.
Holt –
Waiting to see what Federal Government says. If you don’t do this with someone
it will be hard to get funds. We can
have cut-off date, meet payroll. How far
did we fall back, because we sent funds back?
We need sewer lines in the ground.
Lamb – Cautioned
he is not comfortable. He asked was this
a private vendor.
Morgan – I
think the comments you here are because we want good projects. He commented the
letter of Capital City intent of funding.
Holt – Proposed
Plan. He has window if he doesn’t get
finance, we can cut project off. She
asked that they look at this project.
She motion for approval, seconded by Morgan.
Lamb – if
everything goes well, it’s like Gadsden County being the Co-signer, his concern
was private company. He asked was it
fair to be placed in this position. He
said he was not comfortable.
Chair
Taylor thanked Board for dialogue and asked for a letter from the Bank.
Motion for Approval: Holt/Morgan -to have 2nd
Public Hearing 5-0
16. Approval
of CentreLearn Solutions Agreement for EMS Training (Tommy Baker, EMS Director)
Statement of Issue:
Gadsden EMS conducts bi-monthly 2
hour mandatory In-Service training required by our
Medical Director. Our average cost for
salary and wages for this training is $1,200.00
per session. This item seeks approval
for an on-line training system to meet these
requirements and reduce the number of onsite trainings resulting in a more cost
efficient method of
meeting training requirements. Under
this system, employees will be
able to complete many of the trainings while on duty, reducing overtime and
salary costs for onsite
training. This system allows us to
create our own content for training specific
to our medical protocols and allows us access to 285 courses that CentreLearn currently has online.
Background:
Gadsden County Emergency Medical
Service is an Advanced Life Support provider and as such is required by our Medical Director to assure
that personnel meet minimum training
requirements and that personnel receive training specific to our medical protocols.
Analysis:
Approval required for
Chairperson’s signature on the CentreLearn Solutions Agreement to start the process to offer on-line
courses to reduce our costs of onsite training.
Fiscal Impact:
The fee for this service is
$48.00 per employee per year. We
currently have 50 employees
on staff for an estimated total of $2,400.00 per year. Additional employees and participants will be added at the rate of $48.00 per
person. This pricing is a ‘piggy- back” on the Orange County
Florida EMS bid price (contract #Y10-108-GJ), valid through 12/10/2012. This is $10.00 per employee less than the
standard pricing for this service. This contact pricing will be valid
through April of 2013. We are currently
spending approximately $7,200.00 per year
in salary and wages for bi-monthly training and project that through this service we can reduce this cost by
a minimum of 50%.
Motion for Approval Croley/Lamb
Question:
Taylor - Do
we have agreement in place.
Baker –
Multi-Year,
Holt – Questioned
Life’s in jeopardy, level of training,
Baker –
Specific to protocol
Motion for Approval Croley/Lamb 5-0
17. Approval
of Matching Funds for the Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant for High Bluff Landing (Charles Chapman, Public Works Director/Robert Presnell, Administrative Coordinator)
Statement of Issue:
This
agenda item seeks Board approval to use Boating Improvement Fund Balance (Fund 178) for a portion of the required
County match for the High Bluff Boating Improvement Project.
Background:
On November 2, 2010 The Board
approved Resolution No. 2010-045 and authorized staff to seek funding through the Boating Improvement Program
to renovate the boat landing
pavilion, parking area, and fishing facilities located at High Bluff Landing.
This program is a matching grant
program and is used specifically to aid in the development and renovation of boating and fishing
facilities. The Grant was awarded to the County for the project and on December 6, 2011 the Board
approved the agreement.
Analysis:
Staff requests approval to use
up to $14,000 in fund balance out of the Boating Improvement (Fund 178). This fund is restricted to boat launching
facilities and other boating
improvement projects and currently has a balance of $170,533. Costs for Neighborhood
Services staff time, administers the project is allowable for the grant match and
will be used to reduce the required cash match form the Boating Improvement fund balance.
Financial
Impacts:
The $51,908 Florida Boating
Improvement Grant will fund the majority of the $66,660 project. The 22% required matching funds %14, 692, will be from
fund balance in the Boating
Improvement Fund (Fund 178) and credit for Neighborhood Services staff time spent on the project.
Motion
for Approval: Croley/ Holt 5-0
18. Consideration of Request by the
Community and Economic Development Organization of Gadsden County Inc. for the Disposition of Property
on Martin Luther King Boulevard in
Quincy (Robert Presnell, Administrative
Coordinator)
Mr. Presnell commented he did
research on item. He said there was no
appraisal done.
Mrs. Millie Forehand, Executive Director CEDO, she said they own the
land and they paid less than $11,000 an acre.
Chair Taylor asked what was purpose of Land.
Commissioner Lamb no problem with the land, but would like to receive
something for land.
Morgan – do we have any other cost to land beside purchase?
Taylor – No problem with Growth and Development, Have Administrator
look at cost.
Holt – mentioned property that was given away at lake on McCall Bridge
Road. County paid turn around. Those where things that were done with public
dollars. You can’t do without looking at
value. You can’t do for one what you won’t do for another.
Chair Taylor – we need to clarify what Commissioner Holt. The Turnaround, who paid the funds? She
recalled the owner paid. She clarified the owner gave $5,000 and explained the
process.
Mr. Lawson said he was not prepared to discuss this issue.
Holt – Property belongs to Citizen’s.
Croley - Is this surplus property, are there any plans for property. If
this is surplus property – has realtor be involved. He said the appropriate thing would be is to
turn over to Realtor.
Lawson – no plans for property.
Chair Taylor – vote to donate or allow yielding to Realtor.
Motion to Approve for Option 1Holt – Motion dies for lack of second.
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks Board
direction on a request from the Community and Economic Development Organization of Gadsden County Inc. for the
transfer of 3.03 acres of land that
the County owns on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Quincy to that organization.
Background:
On April 17, 2007 the Board of
County Commissioners approved funding to begin operations
of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Quincy and Chattahoochee.
October 1, 2077, the
Chattahoochee Boys and Girls Club opened for business.
During the March 31, 2008 BOCC
budget workshop, the construction of site built permanent facilities for the Boys and Girls Clubs in
Chattahoochee and Quincy were indentified.
June 17, 2008, the BOCC approved
the funding for the Boys and Girls facility constructions
project as part of their FY2009 Budget Priorities.
On September 16, 2008, Gadsden
County purchased the 3.03 acre property located on Martin Luther King Blvd. for $122,523.90.
On February 22, 2012, the
Interim County Administrator received a letter from Mrs. Mille Forehand, Executive Director of the
Community and Economic Development Organization
of Gadsden County Inc. This letter was a
formal request for the county to transfer
ownership of 3.03 acres of property to that organization. The property under consideration is a 3.0 acre tract located off Martin Luther King
Boulevard in Quincy.
Analysis:
The BOCC on November 3, 2088
approved a funding agreement to the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend to construct a permanent site built
facility. This facility was not built and the County has no current plans to
develop the property.
Staff acknowledges the property
is ideally located in reference to the local library, schools, neighborhoods and city parks. Furthermore, the site is adjacent to Pat
Thomas Parkway, which serves
as a major thoroughfare for Quincy and Gadsden County residents.
Staff as directed had researched
the possibility of selling the property in the past, but the current economy has affected
real estate prices to the extent that the County could not recoup the initial investment.
The property is currently valued
at $10,605 on the tax roll. Although a
new appraisal has not been done, a
larger adjacent tract (20 acres) recently sold for approximately $11,000 per acre.
Financial Impacts:
The County purchased the
property on September 16, 2008 for $122,523.
Staff estimates a
current value of $33,000 based on recent sales in the area.
Motion: Croley/
Morgan 5-0 have Staff to look at cost, have it go through Realtor and make
contact with interested parties. (Motion carries)
19. National
Solar Update (Material to be Provided)
(Deborah
Minnis, County Attorney/David Weiss, Assistant County Attorney)
Attorney Minnis has revised National
Solar Draft. You have to submit application, Ordinance and Agreement that must
be delivered. She commented contact is in place on both ends. She said they are
still in negotiation stage. Send concerns to National Solar.
Marion Lasley, 5 Dante Court, National
Solar Update – She said she was extremely impressed with this document that the
Attorney’s had prepared.
David Gardner, He said he received
letter from National Solar highlighting keypoints. He said he felt the County was ready to move
on & send contract.
Commissioner Croley – Question
commented 1 on email. He asked was this the business model for Gadsden County
to be competitive.
Commissioner Morgan – He thanked Mrs.
Lasley for acknowledging the Attorney Firm.
He said he felt it was moving properly and adequate. He asked that the Commission consider meeting
the requirements.
Gardner – Very important pieces of
contract, could take Gadsden out of the game.
Holt – Did you check with other Counties. She questioned research. She referenced 4.5 page 7 of Agreement. She asked that the information to be emailed
from Hardee and Liberty.
Gardner – He did. Liberty and Hardee
Counties.
Attorney Minnis we have not sent draft
to National Solar.
Morgan – I’m asking that you make
changes they have sent and forward.
Motion: Morgan/ Croley forward economic
agreement with changes made
Question
Holt – No problem with 10 years, just
asking for clarity.
Croley – we need to meet need, so we
want lose project.
Gardner – Chamber is pushing for
abatement except in special circumstances , we need to make sure it is a level
playing field.
Taylor – referenced one county is
paying 80%. She said she doesn’t see
model. The County walks away with
nothing, nothing in agreement that guarantees jobs to Gadsden Residents, but it
does benefit the School System.
Gardner – total 9 million per farm per
20 year period. Will have a huge impact with employment.
Lamb – will support, but has caution.
Lasley –verify 20-50Megawatts is
reasonable range. Has anybody checked
with Talquin or someone why 50 is it good or bad? Section 3.1
Section 4.2 - National Solar pay for
the cost or Board will pay for land use changes.
4.5- Cash Grant – Rebate on building
Fees, I would like something put in there that says the study must be done or
we don’t have to pay for it. She said it
reads that we pay whether they do or not.
Building Fees- Based on percentage
value of project. How many we are giving up by capping things for the
project. You can’t afford to do their
business for them.
Counties other counties – Abatement
relates to their budgets.
Lamb – not in compliance with all the
request of National Solar.
Holt – address the Building Inspection
Fees.
Atty. – You don’t have any mount. Can’t
give a hard number, Capped fees at a certain amount.
Motion Morgan/Croley 5-0 – to have changes 2from National Solar
included in the draft and send to National Solar with recommended changes
County Administrator
20. Update
on Board Requests
(Arthur Lawson, Interim County
Administrator)
Medicaid
Bill – Governor did sign bill. ACHA will meet with Counties, so we have to wait
to see what the law says to move forward on backpayments. He said it will have a tremendous impact.
2012-2013
Budget - departments will send in there by April 13. Tentative Budget Calendar after raw numbers
are placed together. Information for
County Attorney
21. Update
on Various Legal Issues
(Deborah
Minnis, County Attorney)
No items.
Code Enforcement Ordinance –
Commissioner Croley
Atty. Minnis – We are working forward
on document. She commented they are doing rearranging. 1st meeting
in June
Discussion Items by Commissioners
22.
Commissioner
Lamb, District 1 –
Ø Cautioned what is said to Citizens to protect County. Policies are in
place.
Ø Spending – Mentioned cuts that are about to effect the County. Department Heads have been asked to trim by
10%. He said he was not in support of Layoff’s in the County. Ways & Means
to support County
Commissioner Croley, District 2
Ø CRTPA Report – $88,000,000; Quincy Bypass - $14,000,000.00 everything
is on track and should start in 2013. Little River Bridge Work, Resurfacing on
I-10. Advocated for Lights around
interchange, acknowledged Delores Madison, City of Midway – Do want we can for
the Quincy Express, nothing for Shuttle.
Focus is to get them (people) to work. Filed with the Clerk’s Office.
Chair Taylor asked for breakdown for $88,000,000.00.
Commissioner Croley – it is referenced and broke down in book.
Ø Port St. Joe – inlet port
Commissioner Holt, District 4
Ø Gretna Exchange
Ø Friendship Park – thanked Robert Presnell for work.
Ø Comprehensive Plan work needs to be done.
Ø Buyer Beware of Property
Ø Agenda Process
Ø CDBG – getting someone on Board for grant writing process.
Ø RFP – address County Employees, to ensure they are residents of the
County.
Mr. Lawson stated my local preference could be done
such as neighboring Counties have done. We need to look at information
Motion:
Holt/ Lamb to add local preference to add to Agenda;
Question:
Morgan – Have you experienced where less people
respond to RFP than normal in Quincy.
Lawson – depends on type of project that you bid.
Croley – you have to meet
Federal Requirement.
Motion 5-0 (Motion Carries)
Ø Crossroad Academy – Travon Martin (the dignity of the kids) with very
little supervision.
Ø Redistricting – I’m apart of lawsuit, notified info
Commissioner Morgan, Vice Chairman,
District 3 - No Concerns
Commissioner Taylor, Chairperson, District 5
Ø Note on Cabinetry from March 20,2012 BCC
Meeting, Tax Collector – Vote No(Change of Vote)
Ø Redistricting – To vote up or down, please bring
back.
Ø Leave for Manager –Process for Travel, does not
Ø Senior Citizen’s Parking Lot Update – We are
waiting on second quote.
Clyde
Collins concerns with Asphalt. Ready to present to Board.
Ø CW Roberts Activity – what is process going
forward.
Atty.
Minnis suggested it be placed on the agenda for discussion.
Motion
Taylor/Lamb for discussion CW Roberts Activity – 5-0(Motion Carries0
Ø Proclamation – what to do with them.
Atty.
Minnis – to declare if it some person’s day, I think it should have Board approval.
It was County – Wide.
Taylor
– Whatever language we need to stay in between
Croley
– Resolution, Commissioner can do with their name; if it represents Board it
needs to come before Board.
Atty.
– Proclamation are more assertiveness.
Ø Summer Employment – limited summer employment
to find funding sources
Motion: Taylor/ Holt for discussion to see
what’s available 3-2 for discussion (Opposed Croley/Morgan) motion carries.
Ø Legislative Delegation – Reached out County
Lobbyist – as soon as we get date update(Lawson – Medicaid, etc.)
Ø Budget Reductions 10% per staff – devise plan
to save 1-2 million dollars.
Holt
– 10% cut for Constitutional Officers.
Motion to Adjourn @ 9:44pm
Receipt and File
April Meeting(s)
-
April 17, 2012, Regular Meeting, 9:00 a.m.