Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA
Regular Public Meeting
April 16, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Present: Doug Croley-District 2, Chairman
Eric Hinson-District 1, Vice-Chairman
Gene Morgan-District 3
Brenda Holt-District 4
Sherrie Taylor-District 5
Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court
Deborah Minnis, County Attorney
Robert Powell, County Administrator
Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk
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INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL Chair Croley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Chair Croley asked everyone to stand for prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
Chair Croley asked for cooperation in moving forward with a lengthy agenda.
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA Pull Item 4. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH ITEM 4 BEING PULLED.
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
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Clerk of Court
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1. |
County Finance and County Clerk Issues Clerk Thomas had nothing to report. |
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CONSENT UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
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2. |
Approval of Minutes -March 19, 2013 – Regular Meeting
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3. |
Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
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Item pulled
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5. |
Approval of the Emergency Management Inter-Local Agreement between the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Croley asked if there were any citizens wishing to speak.
Forrest D. Freeland, 289 Mockingbird Road, Chattahoochee, FL stated there were three complaints he had: · There was a property on Hardaway Road that was in deplorable condition and asked the Board to look into the matter. · On County Road 65-D, part of the road was painted and another part not painted and was a danger. · Years ago, commissioners promised no unpaved roads in the county-his road was not paved yet.
Chair Croley asked Mr. Presnell to contact Mr. Freeland and look into the matter.
Glenda Norvell, 3817 Tallavana Trail, Havana, FL appeared before the Board to tell the Board thank you and let them know of the appreciation of their support last year for their support for Literacy Volunteers of Gadsden County last year.
Mrs. Mary Smith, 3137 Atwater Road, Chattahoochee, FL, stated she had a problem with elected officials that once elected, they should work for everyone, not just some of the people. She asked that everyone work together, everybody needed shelter, clothes, food. She informed the Board that she had problems with children in her neighborhood destroying her property.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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6. |
Public Hearing-First Reading-Transmittal of Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments to Policy 1.1.5(B) Rural Residential and Policy 1.1.5(C) – (CPA-2013-01) Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. Chair Croley asked if there were any citizens requested to speak and there was no-one.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, THERE WAS DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Taylor asked where the number on the acreage came from and Mr. Presnell explained.
THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA ITEM.
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7. |
Public Hearing-Second Reading-Ordinance to Amend Section 6600 – Immediate Family Exceptions (IFE) of the Gadsden County Land Development Code (LDC) to allow the sale of IFE Residences Mr. Presnell stated this was the second reading for this item.
Chair Croley called for any citizens who wished to speak and there were none.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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8. |
Extension of Hospital Lease/County Use of Sale Tax and Trust Proceeds This item seeks Board approval of the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement between Gadsden County, Gadsden Hospital, Inc. (“GHI”) and Capital Regional Medical Center (“CRMC”) Michael Glazer, Assistant County Attorney, appeared before the Board and stated the first item was a hospital lease agreement and had 2 sections: · Extension of the Initial Term · Opportunity to Retain Hospital Trust Income
Initial term-10 years Currently County pays approximately $140,000/yr 50% of half-cent tax revenue after debt service
Mr. Glazer stated there was no risk to County, Maximum exposure is no more than at present, potential benefit to having trust income available for future hospital needs.
The agreement has been approved by GHI and they recommended approval of the first amendment to the lease agreement.
Commissioner Holt asked questions.
Commissioner Hinson asked Mr. Glazer to explain Section 4.5 and why beds were never opened.
Mr. Glazer stated it was never their intent to open the 4 beds, but having beds on the license protected the license.
Commissioner Hinson stated he had spoken with Mr. Glazer on Monday.
Chair Croley said it was time to move forward.
Commissioner Taylor had questions.
Craig McMillan, Chairman, Gadsden Hospital, Inc. appeared before the Board to help answer questions posed by the Board.
Clerk Thomas spoke to help clear up questions.
Craig McMillian spoke to the Board.
Clerk Thomas spoke to the Board again.
Commissioner Morgan stated they had been presented a turbulent time-this provides stability and gives the County the opportunity to build on success.
Commissioner Holt reiterated the $125,000/ year with EMS. She added the County should own the license so if they came to close, a director could be hired to keep the hospital open.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM. COMMISSIONER HOLT OPPOSED.
Hinson said he had questions and concerns after the vote.
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9. |
Development of Physician Office Space in the Hospital This item seeks Board approval of a non-binding Letter of Intent to develop physician office space in Capital Regional Medical Center-Gadsden Memorial Campus and the project creates greater potential for increasing the availability of physician services in Gadsden County. Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Mr. Glazer stated this was to move forward with improved services at the hospital and have space for physicians. He added that CRMC was requesting County to pay approximately $155,000 for construction; CRMC would furnish equipment-approximately $25,000, CRMC pays $1000/month rent. He added that initially Court approved $4 Million; they only spent approximately $3.315 Million. He suggested they go back to Court to seek approval to use remaining $685,000 for this and other hospital projects. He added it was recommended by staff and GHI to: approve letter of intent and authorize admin and legal counsel to seek court approval for use of trust funds.
Commissioner Morgan had questions.
Chair Croley said for the record, he asked Craig McMillan to come forward and give his blessing on this matter. He stated this was the best position they could be in and they were in favor of it.
Commissioner Morgan asked questions.
Clerk Thomas stated like Mr. McMillan, he was a defender of the trust, however, there wasn’t just one project and they could be looking at a lot of money.
Commissioner Morgan said he understood Clerk Thomas’ line of thought, but he thought using fund balance was smarter than going into the corpus of the trust.
Chair Croley stated he had listened to the hospital board, he has supported them in the past and they have done what needed to be done to bring medical care to the citizens of the County.
Commissioner Holt had comments.
Commissioner Morgan spoke and asked Mr. Glazer if remodeling was included and Mr. Glazer said it was not-to protect the integrity of the trust. He added it was important to remember in this County, we would not make money or break even, we would lose money. He said that smart decisions had been made.
Commissioner Taylor spoke and agreed with Morgan and Holt, said if they approved money to come out of reserves would save lawyer fees going to Court. She’s of mindset to take money out of reserve, identify funding source.
Commissioner Holt had comments.
Commissioner Hinson stated he had opportunity to walk through the building and a lot of work needed to be done.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY CHAIR CROLEY TO APPROVE THE LETTER OF INTENT AS ORIGINALLY RECOMMENDED, THERE WAS DISCUSSION BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN.
Commissioner Morgan had a question.
THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE. COMMISSIONERS MORGAN, TAYLOR AND HOLT OPPOSED. MOTION FAILED.
Commissioner Taylor asked to try to move this forward.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON TO APPROVE THE ITEM AND LOOK FOR FUNDING SOURCE, PARTICIPATION FROM CRMC TO RECOUP THE COSTS UP TO $170,000 AND NOT INCLUDE FURNITURE, THERE WAS DISCUSSION BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN.
There was more discussion among the Board.
Commissioner Taylor said county was meeting what the hospital was asking for, just using different funding source.
Commissioner Morgan said critically important to provide best possible services to the citizens and added $175 was drop in bucket. Take next step and see if works. His opinion this was not
Brian Cook, CEO, CRMC, appeared before the board to answer questions the Board had.
Commissioner Taylor withdrew motion and Hinson withdrew second.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO TABLE THIS ITEM.
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10. |
Roadway Assessment Program – Quail Roost Road and Ames Barineau Road Sandi Melgarejo, Government Services Group, Inc., appeared before the Board and stated in December the Board hired GSC to investigate recovering costs regarding Special Assessments for the paving of the roads. She added they had developed a methodology to apportion the roadway improvement costs to the benefitted property owners that could be collected.
Commissioner Morgan asked of the 13 parcels identified, how many parcels had a change in ownership since the onset of this matter. His opinion was to let this matter go, legal fees could cost more than what could potentially be collected.
Chair Croley asked what would happen in the future if they decided to waive the fees.
Commissioner Hinson asked questions.
Clerk Thomas explained this was carried as a liability on the books. She explained Ames-Barineau was figured differently.
Commissioner Holt stated the citizens agreed to pay and the county paved the roads on a good-faith effort and this was taxpayers’ money that was used and she said it was “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware”.
Commissioner Hinson had comments.
Commissioner Holt said no deeds were recorded but this was signed off on in good faith.
Commissioner Morgan’s opinion was not to proceed.
Commissioner Taylor said it was difficult to collect from the new owners that had no idea this money was owed. She said she was willing to go after the ones that agreed to pay at the time of the paving.
Mrs. Minnis reiterated what Ms. Melgarejo had previously stated.
Chair Croley stated trying to go forward under these circumstances would cause a quagmire.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN TO APPROVE OPTION TWO AND WRITE OFF THE AMOUNT OWED, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE. COMMISSIONER HOLT OPPOSED.
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11. |
Approval of Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (CRTPA) Interlocal Agreement Mr. Presnell introduced the item.
Harry Reed, III, Executive Director, stated had commitment from CRTPA board to not let the by-pass die.
Chair Croley asked him to give Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Hinson updates on Highbridge Road.
Commissioner Taylor stated Highbridge was more known for fatalities because of being extremely narrow among other issues and problems with the road.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN TO APPROVE THE INTER-LOCAL AGREEMENT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.
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12. |
Transportation Agreement between the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners, City of Quincy and Big Bend Transit, Inc. to Provide the Quincy Shuttle Bus Service Mr. Presnell introduced the next item and said was an agreement between the County and Big Bend Transit.
Commissioner Morgan stepped out Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE. CHAIR CROLEY AND COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
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13. |
Request Approval to Resurface the Gadsden County Tax Collector/Property Appraiser Parking Lot Mr. Presnell introduced the item.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN TO APPROVE THE REQUEST, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.
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Request Approval to Fund a 2013 Summer Youth Employment Program Mr. Presnell introduced the item.
Commissioner Taylor said this was an opportunity to put 50 kids to work, learn a trade and get them off the street and she asked that they increase this to 100 kids.
Croley asked if the amounts of the kids doubled, where the money would come from.
Commissioner Taylor stated the age group was 14-18.
Commissioner Holt stated her concern was the selection but no problem with the number of kids.
Mr. Presnell stated he was comfortable with 50 kids.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON TO APPROVE THE FUNDING OF THE SUMMER PROGRAM FOR 50 CHILDREN, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE. COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
Mr. Presnell asked if it was Board direction was for him to administer the program.
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Redistricting Discussion Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated they were running out of time if there were to be changes made.
Mrs. Minnis explained it was the recommendation to approve option 1 to have Mr. Spitzer “crunch the numbers”.
Commissioner Holt stated they were closer than they have been and didn’t see the need for re-districting.
Commissioner Hinson asked who Mr. Spitzer was and Mrs. Minnis explained he was an individual she found through recommendations of the Florida Association Counties.
Commissioner Morgan said important to remember the right thing to do was to make sure the citizens were represented.
Commissioner Hinson stated he did not want to be in a rush to make decisions of this magnitude.
Commissioner Morgan stated it was time to do it, nothing would be accomplished by waiting.
Commissioner Taylor stated the laws clearly state this needed to be entertained. She asked to enter into the record a Population of Gadsden County, Florida census report that she provided. She asked that Mrs. Knight’s appearance and discussion from some months ago be also made a part of the record.
Mrs. Minnis explained there was a She put on the record again that this was the Board’s vote.
Commissioner Morgan stated it was a disservice to the County not to gather the proper information and
Commissioner Holt said she had not seen data to support the redistricting.
Commissioner Croley stated Florida Statutes supported the redistricting and that hiring an expert to crunch the numbers was the right thing to do.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT TO APPROVE OPTION TWO TO REJECT REDISTRICTING, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE. CHAIR CROLEY AND COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
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Approval and Selection of 2013 Transportation Grants Projects Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Justin Ford, Preble-Rish, Inc. appeared before the Board.
Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture.
Commissioner Morgan returned.
Mr. Presnell stated would rather go for roads that the grant was obtainable for.
Chair Croley asked about Bettstown Road and said in looking at paving only it was the worst on the list, Justin agreed Bettstown was the worst road of all.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT TO ALLOW THE ADMINISTRATOR TO FIND THE BEST 4 ROADS AND GIVE THE CHAIR AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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17. |
Updates on Board Requests Mr. Presnell informed the board the credit card machine was up and running and usage was approximately 25%.
Budget workshop date May 23rd and looking at 18th and May 21st for workshops and retreats. |
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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18. |
Update on Various Legal Issues The County Attorney had nothing to report.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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19. |
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Commissioner Taylor, District 5 Commissioner Taylor had nothing to report.
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Commissioner Holt, District 4 CRMC Commissioner Holt stated that concerning CRMC, there should have been a workshop because others knew about the issues but the Board did not know ahead of time.
Summer Employment Program Wanted to make sure that the Administrator would try to obtain more funding to be able to employ 75 kids.
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Commissioner Morgan, District 3 Commissioner Morgan had nothing to report.
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Commissioner Hinson, Vice Chairman, District 1 Commissioner Hinson wanted to thank everyone and stated he thought they were moving in the right direction.
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Commissioner Croley, Chairman, District 2
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RECEIPT AND FILE
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20. |
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a. |
For the Record: FY 2012-2013 Contract between the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Health for Operation of the Gadsden County Health Department
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b. |
For the Record: Letter from East Gadsden High School Regarding Appreciation for the Donation of Hospital Equipment
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May Meeting(s) -May 7, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m. -May 21, 2013, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Adjourned at 9:20. |
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