Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA

Regular Public Meeting

July 16, 2013

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Doug Croley-District 2, Chair

                                Eric Hinson-District 1, Vice Chair

                                Gene Morgan-District 3

                                Brenda Holt-District 4 (arrived late)

                                Sherrie Taylor-District 5 (arrived late)

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Deborah Minnis, 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 6:02 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the U. S. Flag.  A silent roll call was done by Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA   Add 14a to the agenda:                 Request Approval of Shawn Wood as the Emergency Management Director UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 3-0 TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
1.	2013 Legislative Consultant Report Chris Doolan, Chris Doolin and Associates, appeared before the board to give an end of session report.
CLERK OF COURTS
2.	County Finance and County Clerk Issues  Clerk Thomas introduced Rhonda Woodward as the newest member of the financial team.
CONSENT UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRINTED. (ITEMS 3-6)
3.	Approval of Minutes                 -May 23, 2013 Budget Workshop
4.	Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
5.	Approval of Local Agency Program (LAP) Supplemental Agreement for Shady Rest Road Paved Shoulders Project
6.	Approval of an Information Technology (IT) Disaster Recovery Plan for The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD
	Sam Palmer, 1225 Berry Street, Quincy, FL, appeared before the Board concerning the Citizens Bill of Rights.  He stated he was representing himself along with a group of citizens that had expressed concerns regarding the Bill of Rights.
	Auburn Ford, City Manager of Midway, 95 Rozena Loop, Havana, FL, appeared before the Board concerning the EMT truck that was promised to the City of Midway and he wanted to remind the Board of the previous commitment.
	Anthony Thomas, 159 Strong Road, Quincy, FL, he piggy-backed Mr. Palmer’s request that the Commissioners address the Citizens Bill of Rights.  He stated if he wanted to do anything, i.e., go to movies, go swimming, go skating, get a job, he has to go to Tallahassee and didn’t thing the Commissioners has served the citizens well.  He said that the Commissioners had an opportunity if they would reach closure to make this a fantastic place to stay and asked that everyone come together and make Gadsden County a better place.
	Michael Dorian, 145 Alligator Run, Quincy, FL, represented Gadsden United and Company, appeared before the Board and stated he thought the Citizen Bill of Rights needed to be kept, while it might need to be re-worked and re-worded .
	Joanie Bradwell, 644 George Street, Quincy, FL, she appeared before the Board and stated she had applied for a position as Special Coordinator and was told that the position was closed, but was told by Lonyell Black the job would be advertised.  She stated while she was well qualified, she never was afforded an opportunity to interview for the position.  When she inquired why she was not afforded the opportunity to interview, she was told they were looking for something specific.  She appeared before the Board to inquire as to what “specific” they were looking for to fill that position.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.	Board Approval of SunTrust Bank’s Loan Proposal and Ordinance 2013-007 to Refinance the Balance of the County’s $8,850,000 2003 Gas Tax Loan Currently with The Florida League of Cities  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated they were seeking Board approval for refinancing of the above loan. Jim Gollahon appeared before the Board to further discuss the refinancing. Chair Croley called for any comments from the public and there was none. Commissioner Holt asked if there was anything that would cause them to not qualify. Commissioner Morgan stated this was a fixed rate. Chair Croley asked him to break down the closing costs. Mrs. Minnis stated for the record a correction in the numbering of the Ordinance and stated it should be 2013-007. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE LOAN PROPOSAL.
8.	Consideration and Approval/Denial of Sicamu, Inc. (Spray Quimica) Site Plan and New Use Request in Industrial Land Use District (SE-2013-002)  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated the Citizens Bill of Rights meeting had been held on June 16, 2013 and had been through Planning and Zoning and was before the Board for their consideration. Chair Croley asked if there were any citizens who wished to speak for or against the item. Michael Dorian appeared before the Board with questions.  He asked if the red signs were posted before the meeting. Jill Jeglie, Interim Planning and Community Development Director, stated signs were posted and could have been knocked down before the meeting because of the weather. Mr. Dorian stated a citizen noted signs were NOT posted and asked that this be pulled and re-noticed properly.  He added that notification was given to surrounding property owners but not given to people that work in medical facilities. Ms. Jeglie stated they had notified all property owners according to state statutes and Gadsden County Ordinances, but they had no way of obtaining names of who lived in the assisted living facility temporarily so statute requirements had been met. Karen Bass, 407 E. 9^th Avenue, Havana, FL, appeared before the Board representing the company and stated she was available for any questions. Commissioner Taylor said her concerns had not changed concerning the aerosol company and having the chemicals in that area concerned her. Commissioner Holt stated Mr. Dorian brought up a very good point with the residents in the apartments. Commissioner Morgan stated there seemed to be two issues: proper notification and potential safety concerns.  He stated there was no industry in the county nor one that would ever come here that had no safety issues.  He stated there was a buffer from the previous business that was located at that site. Mr. Presnell stated he could not commit to what Mr. Matheny had or had not done while in the County’s employ. Commissioner Taylor commented Ms. Jeglie stated the Florida Statutes, but there were 4 complexes in the area and she felt like notice did not get out properly to everyone.  She asked that it be sent back to Planning and Zoning to be properly noticed.  Chair Croley spoke on the Citizens Bill of Rights and said Commissioner raised a good point with the notification. Ms. Bass stepped forward to explain the steps taken to properly notify the surrounding residents.  Chief Scott Haire, City of Quincy Fire Chief, appeared before the Board and stated he had concerns as well when he heard about the proposed business and read into the record a portion of his report.  Chief Haire stated that a lot of his issues had been addressed by Mr. Pons.  He stated with the assurance of the proposed safety plan, he saw no problem. Commissioner Hinson asked if the Health Department had been contacted. Mr. Presnell stated if the Board approved this, they would have to come in and apply, what the Board was seeing was conceptual plans. Commissioner Taylor asked if P&Z had voted and approved this request and had several questions she asked of Chief Haire and Ms. Jeglie.  She stated as bad as the area needed jobs, it was her opinion that this go back to P&Z. Commissioner Holt stated her main concern was location.  She stated the volatile nature of the chemicals had to be looked at in case there was an explosion and if there was, where would the people go in the area. Ed Allen, P&Z member, appeared before the Board and said according to the citizen Bill of Rights there was to be 2 meetings and to date there had only been one meeting held. Chair Croley said they would need to draw the discussion to a close. David Gardner, Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Board and stated they certainly wanted to follow proper procedures.  Mr. Dorian asked to respond to some of the comments made and said there were plenty of industrial sites available in the area that would not be next to neighborhoods.  Commissioner Hinson had comments. Commissioner Taylor asked if this could be tabled, be properly noticed, get some conceptual ideas. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT TO TABLE THE MATTER FOR READVERTISMENT AND RENOTICE, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN THERE WAS DISCUSSION AMONG THE BOARD. Ms. Jeglie said her understanding was it could be remanded back to the P&Z. Ms. Minnis asked to amend the motion. Commissioner Taylor withdrew her motion and Commissioner Holt withdrew her second. UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO REMAND BACK TO P&Z FOR PROPER STEPS TO BE TAKEN. Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
9.	Final Reading-Request to Adopt by Ordinance Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments to Policy 1.1.5(B) Rural Residential and Policy 1.1.5(C) Agricultural- (CPA-2013-01)  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated this was the final hearing and pertained to clarifying and updating the Gadsden County Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting.  Mrs. Minnis corrected the Ordinance Number to 2013-008 for the record UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
GENERAL BUSINESS
10.	Approval to Sell Three Stryker Cribs to Capital Regional Medical Center  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated was for approval to sell three beds. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THIS MATTER.
11.	Request Board Approval to Award Bid No. 13-05 For The Partial Reroof at The Gadsden County Courthouse and Authorize the Chairman to Execute the Contract and Request Board Approval for the Additional Interior Renovations and 3^rd Floor Renovations  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and explained the reason for the renovations being separated was to be able to bid out to local bidders.  Commissioner Taylor stated she had concerns with the difference in the bid amounts and stated she would not support change orders. Commissioner Hinson asked if the jobs were advertised in the newspapers. Commissioner Morgan asked if the attorney had any concerns with the way the jobs were bid out. Commissioner Holt stated she would like the jobs put out there. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THIS MATTER.
12.	Approval of the Construction, Engineering and Inspection Services to Reynolds, Smith & Hills CS, Inc. for the Local Agency Program Project-Florida Department of Transportation-Salem Road (C.R. 159)   Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THIS MATTER.
13.	Approval of Millage Rate for TRIM Notification and Set the Date, Time and Place for the Public Hearings to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2013-14 Gadsden County Budget   Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 TO APPROVE THIS MATTER. HOLT OPPOSED.
14.	Discussion of the Emergency Management Inter-Local Agreement between The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. SHAWN WOOD, 312 Marion Street, Chattahoochee, FL appeared before the Board to answer questions. Commissioner Hinson stated he had attended the Emergency Management conference Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Taylor returned at this juncture of the meeting. Chair Croley stated the main thing they were attempting was to get the emergency management plan done. Commissioner Taylor stated she could not remember what changes were made and what issues held this up for so long.  Ms. Minnis said the entire agreement was a new product. Commissioner Morgan said Major Wood had commented about having a healthy fund budget for local disasters.
14a	Request Approval of Shawn Wood as the Emergency Management Director   Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated this was to request approval of Shawn Wood as the Emergency Management Director. Commissioner Taylor had questions she asked of Major Wood. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 TO APPROVE THIS MATTER. COMMISSIONER TAYLOR OPPOSED.
15.	Approval and Execution of Resolution 2013-012 and a Subscription Agreement Granting Florida PACE Funding Agency the Authority to Offer Voluntary Financing to Gadsden County Property Owners for Qualifying Improvements to their Home or Business  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item David Ash, Mark Lawson, and Lisa Miller, appeared before the Board to answer questions the Board might have. Commissioner Taylor said she had problems because if they gave them the ok, they had no control over the matter. Commissioner Morgan had comments regarding this issue. Commissioner Taylor had comments. Mr. Ash addressed questions the Board had and stated people who were eligible for this program were people who were responsible and had paid their bills. Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting. COMMISSIONER MORGAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE, MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT FOR COMMERCIAL AND JUMBO LOAN PROJECTS, THE BOARD 4-1 VOTED TO APPROVE THIS MATTER.  COMMISSIONER TAYLOR OPPOSED.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
16.	Update on Board Requests  Mr. Presnell mentioned a thank you card received from kids that attended 4-H camp in Madison County. Senator Montford The Senator will host a grand opening of his office in the CEDO Building on Thursday 5-7:00 p.m. Soccer field Activities at the soccer field does require a Type II review and notification has been sent to landowner. Mowing Chair Croley asked about the rounds that were made on mowing and made a suggestion for the Administrator’s consideration.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
17.	Update on Various Legal Issues  Nothing to report.
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
18.	Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
	Commissioner Taylor, District 5 Citizens Bill of Rights Asked Ms. Minnis if the Citizens Bill of Rights could be put on a referendum.
	Commissioner Holt, District 4 Ordinance Numbers Commissioner Holt asked about the mix-up in ordinance numbers and the reason for the correction.  It was explained, due to inadvertence, a duplicate number was issued and this was to correct the matter on record. Citizens Bill of Rights Regarding possibility of putting on ballot, when research done, would like to see state statutes that match her opinions before she comes to meeting. Attorney Billing Would like to see what attorney’s billing is per month from now until December and asked to have information emailed to her.
	Commissioner Morgan, District 3   Nothing to report.
	Commissioner Hinson, Vice Chairman, District 1  Commissioner Hinson asked if Mr. Presnell was able to get costs for EMS personnel. Mr. Presnell informed him it takes 6 to cover 24 hour shift and would cost $252,000.  Said would not have to buy truck-would rotate spare truck in. Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
	Commissioner Doug Croley, Chairman, District 2 Rural County Summit Chair Croley and Mr. Presnell attended and was really good conference.
RECEIPT AND FILE
19.	June 14, 2013 Letter from Florida Department of Health (EMS Matching Grant)
20.	Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Report (June 2013)
21.	Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Service Center Activity Report (April-June 2013)
August Meeting(s)                 -August 1, 2013 (Budget Workshop at 4:00 p.m.)                 -August 6, 2013 (Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.)                 -August 20, 2013 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION TO ADJOURN   Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.