Board of
County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA & MEETING NOTES
Regular Public Meeting
May 15, 2012
9:00 a.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
Charles
Chapman, Acting 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
There were no
amendments to the agenda. Motion for approval: Holt/Lamb 5-0
Awards, Presentations and Appearances
1. Presentation - Summarizing the 2011 Activities at the North Florida
Medical Group (Jessie Furlow
Center) (Jorge Martinez, Center Manager/Jeff
Lawson, Development Director, North Florida Medical Group)
Jorge Martinez, Center Manager presented the Patient Demographics for
2011 for the North Florida Medical Group.
Commissioner praised Mr. Martinez and the NFMG for all the work they
provided. He inquired about the migrant
status.
Mr. Martinez we do not ask if they are illegal or legal status.
Commissioner Holt asked
was there anything they could do to increase services if they receive grant
money.
Mr. Martinez stated
if they Board would continue to support through letters of support.
Chair Taylor
thanked Mr. Martinez & NFMG for their report
Clerk of Courts
2. Presentation of County Finance and County
Clerk Issues (Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of
the Courts)
Clerk Thomas cautioned don’t balance your budget with general fund
balance. Account for all of your expenses.
He gave for example – Medicaid Lawsuit mistake if you fail to account for
them. He said there would be no sweeping
of State Revenue Funds – can’t do that here. Revenue – can’t fudge revenue,
must stay conservative with revenue funds.
Commissioner Holt commented the State has raided every fund they
can. She said the intent is what they
are going after.
Commissioner Lamb inquired about the Special Revenue Funds.
Clerk Thomas reiterated it is there for a specific reason.
Commissioner Morgan agreed with the Clerk.
Chair Taylor asked about unrestricted funds, they do have option to
move around some of those funds.
Clerk Thomas stated yes, just a slippery slope.
Consent Motion:Croley/Morgan 5-0
3. Ratification
of Approval to Pay County Bills
4. Proclamation
Honoring the Invaluable Service of Bishop McKinley Young
(Commissioner
Sherrie Taylor, Chairperson)
5. Approval of Commissioner Holt’s, Commissioner Lamb’s,
Commissioner Croley’s, Commissioner Morgan’s and Commissioner
Taylor’s Travel to the Florida Association of Counties’ 2012
Annual Conference
(Brenda
Holt, Commissioner, Eugene Lamb, Commissioner, Douglas Croley, Commissioner, Gene Morgan, Commissioner and
Sherrie Taylor, Commissioner)
6. Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation
Contract- State Housing
Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program
(Phyllis Moore, SHIP Administrator/Clyde
Collins, Building Official)
7. Approval
of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens-State Housing Initiative Partnership and Florida Home Opportunity
Program (SHIP/FHOP)
(Phyllis
Moore, SHIP Administrator/Clyde Collins, Building Official)
8. Request
Approval of Steritech Pest Control Renewal Agreement
(Clyde
Collins, Building Official)
Items Pulled for Discussion - None
Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items
(3 minute limit)
There was no
citizen’s requesting to be heard.
Public Hearings
There was no public
hearings.
General Business
9. Consultant Selection for Planning and Grant Writing Services(Anthony Matheny, Planning and Community Development
Director)
Statement of Issue:
The Board of County
Commissioners (Board) is asked to consider the selection of one or more consultants to assist the County
with a variety of planning and grant writing tasks.
Motion: Croley/
Morgan – move option 1
Commissioner Holt asked how does the two fit in.
Mr. Matheny stated the groups aren’t swayed.
Chair Taylor questioned the Ear –Amendment; they
fact that we need people to come back before us to let us know where grants
are. It is a benefit for them to write
salaries in.
Commissioner Lamb asked how you will deal with 2
firms.
Mr. Matheny stated once they meet with his staff
from both firms and then it would be presented to the Board. Staff will make recommendation first.
Motion:
to approve Option 1: Croley/Morgan 5-0
10. Approval of Change Order to the Property Appraiser/Tax Collector’s
Office Project (Clyde
Collins, Building Official)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda items
seeks Board approval for a change order request to upgrade the customer service counters in the Property
Appraiser’s office, exterior guttering on the building
and fascia wood rot, storm water piping on the north side of the building and
installing push
button access control locks.
Background:
Upgrades to the Property Appraiser’s office and
repairs to the exterior of the building were not originally included in the Tax
Collector’s Office Renovation Project in an attempt to hold down the overall
project costs. These upgrades would be
consistent with the upgrades in the Tax Collector’s Offices and would allow
both customer service areas in the facility to match. The upgrades to the
exterior of the building would further enhance the appearance of the building.
Analysis:
The change order request consists of upgrading the
customer service counters, exterior guttering on the building and fascia wood
rot, storm water piping on the north side of the building and installing push
button access control locks for two rear tenant doors. The cost for the additional work is $22,0342.12.
Fiscal
Impact
Re-facing the Property Appraiser customer service
counters would allow both customer service areas in the facility to match. Installing gutters and downspouts and solving
the storm water problem in the parking lot would definitely enhance the
appearance of the building. Adding push
button access control locks to the two rear tenant doors would increase
security for the tenants without blocking the rear fire exit for the public.
Motion to approve:
Lamb/Morgan -$22,034.12
Commissioner Holt asked what would happen to the
budgeted amount, if they have an overage.
Charles Chapman – it would have to bring back to
the Board with a budget amendment to place money back in reserve or to
reallocate funds to a different project.
Commissioner Morgan – Stated this is a line of
credit; it’s not money that goes back into fund balance. Spoke in support.
Commissioner Croley – interest rate so low, there
is penalty if you don’t use the full amount.
Clerk Thomas - $400,000 interest rate was like 1%. There is counter language if you don’t use
the full amount.
Chair Taylor I’ve never been if favor of Change
Orders they comprise bid process.
However, in the development of the specs, procurement department needs
to be in order. Problem is with the
procurement policy. This behavior must
stop. In support of the additions/facelift.
Commissioner Lamb stated he saw no problem with it.
Motion
to approve: Lamb/Morgan 3-2 (opposed Holt, Taylor) Motion carries
11. Approval
of Bid Award to North Florida Construction for the Chattahoochee Landfill Repairs (Charles Chapman,
Public Works Director/Robert Presnell, Administrative
Coordinator)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks Board approval to award
North Florida Construction the bid for the
Chattahoochee Landfill repair project. Staff also request authorization for the
Chairperson to sign all contract
documents.
Commissioner Croley pointed out item ties in with
item 12; why didn’t you reduce scope and rebid the whole project.
Chapman- that can be a option if the Board directs.
Both options are allowed in procurement policy.
Croley – justify why should we do it that way.
Chapman – delay 3-4 weeks.
Morgan – Looking across different items, is different in total cost.
Justin Ford, Preble Rish; He said they have received several calls
whether they can bid on site. I can’t tell you why the bid so low.
Morgan – I don’t understand
process; why don’t rebid.
Chapman – preference is the
option 1; but it is Board direction.
Holt – The bid process on the
next item goes down.
Croley - Is this a bonded job; Deletion what kind of impact does it
have on the scope of the project.
Chapman – yes
Ford
Croley/Taylor – I move that item is re-bid on item 11/amend to not
approve item 1
Holt – any talk with North Florida Construction.
Ford – they basically agreed they would scale back that’s why they came
up with this amount.
Holt – asked Attorney her opinion.
Attorney Minnis - It’s my understanding you have option to reject all
bids.
Motion to not approve: Croley/Taylor 4-1
(Commissioner Lamb opposed motion)
12. Approval of Change Order Number 1 to the Contract with North Florida
Construction for the
Chattahoochee Landfill Repairs (Charles Chapman, Public Works Director/Robert Presnell, Administrative Coordinator)
Motion to not approve item 12 Croley/ Morgan 5-0
Statement of Issue:
This agenda items seeks Board
approval for Change Order # 1 to the contract with North Florida Construction Inc. for the
Chattahoochee Landfill Repair Project in the amount of $48,990.25. Staff
also requests approval for the Chairperson to execute the Change Order.
13. Approval
of License Agreements for Wireless Communication Equipment Facilities with the Florida Rural Broadband
Alliance LLC (Charles Chapman, Public Works Director)
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item seeks Board approval to enter into
three (3) separate license agreements for wireless communication equipment
facilities on county-owned property with the Florida Rural Broadband Alliance,
LLC (FRBA). The result of the license
agreement will be the construction of wireless communication facilities and the
benefit to the county is the resulting revenue share from the FRBA network
equity base.
Rick Markham, Executive Director for Opportunity
Florida, addressed the Board. we need to come up with $10,000 in kind. It would
be a monthly income of $2,050.00 per month. You will bring high speed internet
into Gadsden County.
Croley – problems with tower on the east.
Markham – It’s back up.
Croley – Asked Attorney Minnis had she looked over
agreement.
Attorney Minnis - No I have not.
Morgan/Lamb
– to approve Option 1
Croley – Don’t see this as a wise option without
opinion of County Attorney.
Taylor – there is not a contract written; she asked
Attorney Minnis
Amendment
to the Motion - Approve to Council approval
or recommendation for changes 5-00
14. Approval of Resolution Number 2012-018 and
Budget Amendment for Gadsden Soil and
Water Conservation District (GSWCD) Contribution (Jeff Price, Senior Management
and Budget Analyst)
Motion to approve: Croley/ Lamb 5-0
Statement of Issue:
This agenda items seeks BOCC approval of a resolution and a budget
amendment for Gadsden Soil and Water Conservation District Contribution in the
amount of $19,797.00. The agreement was
approved by the Board at the February 7, 2012 meeting.
15. National Solar Update (Deborah Minnis,
County Attorney/David Weiss, Assistant County
Attorney)
Attorney Minnis – We have received information back from National
Solar, I will go over changes to the last version of the Agreement and get it
to the Commissioners (copies).
Holt – Increase in mega-watts how it affects adjacent property owners.
She also spoke on the eminent domain issue she asked for literature.
Morgan - Suggestion was to agenda item at next meeting, so we can have
information before us so they can take action.
Attorney – I can get document coded & back to you.
Question- Croley – concern citizens have eminent domain with high
voltage lines across property owners. He cautioned abusing the property owners.
Taylor – everything we put down they sent back; eminent domain concerns
me;
Lamb stated they should have caution and concern all questions should
be answered before voting.
Motion: Morgan/Lamb – Discussion and action
at next meeting 5-0 to approve.
County Administrator
16. Update on Board Requests
(Arthur Lawson, Interim
County Administrator)
South – Side, May
28, 2012 – Veteran’s Service Announcement
County Attorney
None
17. Update
on Various Legal Issues (Deborah Minnis, County Attorney)
Commissioner Croley
– asked Chapman about the Highbridge Road Bridge, we are trying to get support
for this.
Chapman –we are
trying to identify the problem. We are
applying for FDOT funds to help with repair of the bridge; we are engaging
All efforts and it
does need to be address.
Croley – districts
1 & 5; CRTPA would need a letter of support from the Board.
BASF
Email received on
BASF – about County Road 65 also known as at the Attapulgus Highway in Quincy safety
issue. He said Anthony Fedd is requesting
assistance with safety concerns for workers along that highway in front of BASF.
Scotland Road
Stripping – He asked could it be tied in with Dodger Ball Park Road.
Chapman – we have
addressed, currently it is $40,000 for stripping we are attempting to get
better prices.
Salem Road Culprit
Replacement – to rebuild Salem road all the way to Georgia Line, getting
project done for $50,000. They have had to close a portion of the road.
Croley -Attorney
Minnis – what is status on Emergency Agreement
Attorney Minnis -
Agreement should be finalized soon.
Taylor – mentioned
the bridges, because there were more that needed repair, she asked it comes
back asap.
Holt – inquired
about invoice.
Clerk Thomas – yes,
they are audited.
Discussion Items by Commissioners
18.
Commissioner Lamb, District 1 – County Concerns
·
Concern – Hwy
159(Scotland Road Stripping) -$40,000
Commissioner Croley, District 2 –
Report and Discussion on Public
Issues and Concerns Pertaining
to Commission District Two and Gadsden County
·
Lights on I-10 –May
17 meeting will be here
·
Planning & Zoning make
provision of Quincy Bypass – talked about
·
BASF Letter –
placed in correspondence for Clerk’s Office
Commissioner Holt, District 4 – County Concerns
·
Contracts –
questioned the Attorney on briefing the agenda package(Basic Contract of the
County Attorney)
Attorney Minnis I do assignments that are asked by the Administrator or
the Board.
·
Zoning Issues – Ear
Report (Comprehensive Plan) Workshop
·
What are roles of Internet
Cafes – are they suppose to pay sales tax; the ones in the County. Do we have
role. She asked Mr. Chapman to look
into.
Holt/ Lamb -Motion to have staff research on internet cafes in county
5-0.
·
Sidewalks – is
there anything out there.
Chapman – CRTPA is asking for schools and mentioned it is a key piece
with the Planning and Zoning Department- referenced meeting today.
·
Appointees for
Planning & Zoning – when are they up.
Commissioner Morgan, Vice Chairman, District 3 – District 3 Concerns
·
Lighting at
interstates (Gretna Exchange – Safety issue)
·
Commissioner Lamb
reappointment to the TCC Board
·
Clerk’s Report –
importance of message
·
Letter of Support
of Receipt in File –OMH Funding
Chair Taylor commented the Chair had authorization to write letter for
support.
Commissioner Taylor, Chairperson, District
5 – No Items
Money is still there; funds have not been earmarked
Motion to Adjourn @
11:04 am
Receipt and File
19.
For the Record: Letter of Support for the Minority Alliance
for Advocating Community Awareness
and Action, Inc. (MAACA)
June Meeting(s)
- June 1, 2012, Regular Meeting,
6:00 p.m.
- June 19, 2012, Regular
Meeting, (Canceled)