BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

GADSDEN COUNTY, FLORIDA

AGENDA

REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

JULY 2, 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

                                David Weiss, Assistant County Attorney

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

 

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL

   Chair Croley called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

  Add one item to agenda

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

8a.          A Resolution Authorizing the City of Chattahoochee’s Participation in the Florida Main Street                 Program

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

   None

CLERK OF COURTS

 

1.

County Finance and County Clerk Issues

   Briefly mentioned new retirement rates that will take effect.  Commissioner Holt said she could not retire again so she saved the County money.

CONSENT

  Commissioner Morgan asked to pull Item 8a.

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

2.

Approval of Minutes

                -April 2, 2013 Emergency Management Workshop/Meeting

                -April 16, 2013 Enterprise Zone Workshop/Meeting

                -May 21, 2013 Regular Meeting

                -June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting

 

3.

Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills

 

4.

Approval of Participation in the Application Process for the FFY-2013 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

 

5.

Approval to Commit the Existing County Building and Site Utilized by the Gadsden County Health Department for Renovation/Construction Funding through Possible Legislative Funding

 

6.

Approval of Public Works Mosquito Control Budget FY 2013-2014

 

7.

Approval of the Workforce Plus 2012 and 2011 Audit and 2013-14 Proposed Budget

 

8.

Request Approval of Grant Funds from The Department of Elder Affairs and the Increase to the 2012-13 Law Enforcement Appropriation for Keeping Seniors Safe (KISS) Program

 

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

 

8a.

   A Resolution Authorizing the City of Chattahoochee’s Participation in the Florida Main Street Program

Commissioner Morgan wanted to introduce Pamela Medley to the Board and stated she had been instrumental in spearheading the program.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

   Ms. Paisley Pryor, 352 Ashton Court, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and said this was a follow-up from the last meeting concerning misuse of land.  Chair asked Mr. Presnell to give update.  He stated shortly after meeting they met with citizens in area and found number of things.  Landowner did come in and said he represented would be used for practice field for soccer.  They went out during one of the events and observed events.  Stated this required a Type II review, would need to have a Citizens Bill of Rights meeting.

 

Chair Croley stated this will be brought up for further decision and things were moving forward.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

9.

Public Hearing-Request to Use Law Enforcement Educational Funds (LEEF) for the Rural County Summit Training

Morris Young, Sheriff

    Mr. Presnell introduced item.

 

Major Shawn Wood appeared before the Board and stated this was a safety summit and stated what was significant was speakers are coming from small towns. 

 

Croley called for public comments and there were none.

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

10.

Privatization of Mowing Services Pilot Project – District 5

Robert Presnell, County Administrator/Curtis Young, Interim Public Works Director

  Mr. Presnell introduced the item and stated they were proposing to try privatization mowing in District 5 to see how works.

 

Morgan had few questions-overall projective-Mr. Presnell stated was cost savings.  Looking to improve quality.  Mr. Presnell-overall-strictly for mowing services.

 

Mr. Presnell-hope to see substantial savings-just asking to test the waters.

 

Commissioner Holt-is someone doing this & what did numbers look like.  Against privatization and not for it without data.

 

Commissioner Morgan- see what another company could do-wants to see better quality-see what could be done in addition to mowing.

 

Chair Croley asked number of acres in District 5 to be mowed. No problem but problem – just heard this commission did not want to consider privatization of probation in earlier workshop but interested in this.

 

Commissioner Hinson-personally feel same way but over last 6 weeks, his district complemented what good job they were doing.  Citizens don’t care not enough tractors, they want yard mowed.

 

Mr. Presnell-have looked at this in the past and numbers came in higher.

 

Commissioner Holt-if that company can bring it and do it, so be it, but give department chance to correct.

 

Commissioner Taylor-has listened to all concerns-had issues with grass being cut and trash being cut up with it.  Idea was to get local company to cut one district to try to help get other districts cut sooner.  Only 2 guarantees in this life-paying taxes and dying. 

 

Chair Croley-when bid out in past, the Board never saw bids.

 

Chair Croley-wants to know cost per acre of mowing.

 

Commissioner Morgan-Mr. Presnell looking for efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

 

Mr. Presnell said there will be requirements.

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY CHAIR CROLEY, BEFORE VOTE COULD BE CALLED COMMISSIONER HOLT CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.

 

THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.  COMMISSIONER HINSON OPPOSED.

 

11.

Department of Homeland Security Grant for Training and Exercise Contract Number:13-DS-97-02-03-01 (CFDA# 97.067)

Major Shawn Wood, Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office

  Mr. Presnell introduced the item.

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.

 

12.

Approval of Volunteer Fire Department Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements

Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements between Gadsden County, FL and Concord, Chattahoochee, Greensboro, Gretna, Havana, Mt. Pleasant, Robertsville/St. John, Sycamore and Wetumpka Volunteer Fire Departments.

  Includes all with exception of Midway because they need to act on it and it will be brought back at later date.  Approve tonight and contingent availability of state funding.

 

Commissioner Morgan-why change from 2 years to 3-if Midway needs to wait why approve tonight

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, BEFORE VOTE COULD BE CALLED COMMISSIONER HOLT CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was discussion among the Board.

 

THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO TABLE THIS ITEM.

 

13.

Award of Construction for the Local Program Project-Florida Department of Transportation-Salem Road (CR 159)

   Mr. Presnell introduced the item.

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

 

14.

UPDATE ON BOARD REQUESTS

  Mr. Presnell stated during the auditing there were concerns with EMS.  Has been addressed.

 

Budget workshop scheduled for July 25th.

 

Commissioner Taylor stated she saw that citizens stayed concerning the soccer field and things it needs to be addressed quickly. 

 

Chair Croley- Mr. Presnell needs to make decision on what to do.

 

Commissioner Holt-in public meeting, can’t discuss without everyone having opportunity to be present.

 

Commissioner Morgan-applaud in cost saving ideas.  Concerning upset landowners, would want to know when would be fixed.  Mr. Presnell-looking at all options.

 

Chair Croley-hearing from commission and appreciates support and make sure timely decision made.  Locks at jail-mandatory walk through is next week.

 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

 

15.

UPDATE ON VARIOUS LEGAL ISSUES

  Recess for private attorney-client session.

 

16.

RECESS BOCC MEETING AND RECONVENE FOR A PRIVATE ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION

Sumos Uno, Inc. v. City of Midway, FL and Gadsden County, FL

 

17.

RECONVENE THE BOCC MEETING

   Meeting reconvened.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

 

18.

Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County

 

 

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR-DISTRICT 5

   We’ve been asking for a streamline process to brand this county that only couple steps to bring your business here.

 

Mr. Presnell-will need to workshop because have serious questions.

 

Citizens Bill of Rights

Afraid this is hurting, certainly hadn’t helped-running businesses away.

Motion to have staff draft up proposal/second

There are components she agrees to but has problem because what businesses have not come because of that Bill.

 

Commissioner Hinson-how would judge overturn? 

 

Mr. Presnell-have already had conversation with county attorney-Mr. Weiss-what would cause of action be-you would have to sue yourself.

 

Commissioner Hinson-that’s reason why thinking if bring to judge, what could judge change-put on ballot and let be voted on.

 

Commissioner Taylor-need to get rid of it because hindering economic development from coming to this area.

 

Chair Croley used Country Boys as example that Citizens Bill of Rights works.

 

Commissioner Holt-whether we can win in court or not-bottom line-it’s hurting people

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE. MOTION FAILED.

 

 

COMMISSIONER HOLT-DISTRICT 4

  Development part very important-economic development must be addressed.  Another option citizens bring lawsuit to change bill of rights. 

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS.

 

 Need engineering company that could write grants-look at that-wants report back from group as to what’s out there.

 

 

COMMISSIONER MORGAN-DISTRICT 3

  We have two departments without department heads-what to do-Mr. Presnell-After budget can look at it. 

 

UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE. MOTION FAILED.

 

Motion to agenda to look at current probation office and privatize services/Croley 3-2 motion failed.

 

 

COMMISSIONER HINSON, VICE CHAIRMAN-DISTRICT 2

  Is anyway can advertise for director of public works-would like to see permanent person in position.

 

Was at meeting on collaboration of schools and was discussion of county taking charge of school to promote economic development.  Engage superintendent to get school for $1.00.

 

Stated this was awesome board, told Mr. Presnell he had heard compliments on his staff.

 

 

COMMISSIONER CROLEY, CHAIRMAN-DISTRICT 1

  Budget workshop on July 25th, could it be moved to next week because he and Commissioner Hinson will be out of town at conference.

 

UPON MOTION OF chair croley AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS AND SCHEDULE WORKSHOP FOR AUGUST 1ST..

 

 

CRTPA Meeting

Mentioned funding projects-lights and improvements, bridge situation, very positive about getting help.

 

Health Insurance

Last year due to questions being asked-saved $184,000.  CHP current plan 6% increase. Asked Mr. Presnell to look at costs of paying full coverage for employee and employee pay for family members.

 

FAC Conference

Attended economic development meeting – need site supportive of future development.

 

P&Z

Reduce fees-sometimes too high for what citizens apply on

Streamline-too cumbersome-make more user friendly

Proper site plan

 

Stated he Appreciate everyone here,

 

RECEIPT AND FILE

 

19.

Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce March 2013 Economic Development Report

 

JULY MEETING(S)

                -July 16, 2013-Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

                -July 25, 2013-Budget Workshop, 4:00 p.m.

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Adjourned 9:14 p.m.