Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA NOTES

Regular Public Meeting

September 3, 2013

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Doug Croley, Chair-District 5

                                Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair- District 1

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Brenda Holt, District 4``

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                David Weiss, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

 

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL

   Chair called the meeting to order and asked everyone to stand

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

None

  Holt/Hinson 5-0

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

 

1.

Wisdom Adult Day Care Services, LLC

(Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice Chairman, District 1/Latasha Davis, Owner/Director)

  Latasha Davis, 1747 FL-GA Highway, Havana, FL 32333 appeared before the Board and thanked them for their participation in the ribbon cutting they held and presented them with a Thank You plaque.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated he had visited the site and it was unbelievable and was a wonderful place.  He added that approximately 70 people appeared at the ribbon-cutting along with Mr. Thomas and himself.

 

2.

American Cancer Society 2014 Quincy Relay for Life

(Cheron Thornton, Community Representative, II)

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Cheron Thornton, 2619 Centennial Blvd, Suite 101, Tallahassee, FL 32308 appeared before the Board and stated there would only be one Relay for Life in Gadsden County and it was being renamed Relay for Life of Gadsden County and she hoped the County would support the event.

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Presnell to prepare a Resolution regarding this and Mr. Presnell added the County would have a team this year.

 

3.

Briefing on SR 12 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study

(Ray La Fontaine, FDOT District 3, Environmental Management Office)

  Mr. Presnell introduced the 

Ray La Fontaine 607 Highway 90, Chipley, FL, DOT District III, Project Manager, appeared before the Board to explain the above item.

 

Ryan Wetherall, 2615 Centennial Blvd, Tallahassee, FL32308, and explained this was taking the item to the next step from Kimley-Horn. 

 

Chair Croley asked if there were any comments.

 

Commissioner Taylor asked how the roads were selected and Mr. Weatherall explained the feasibilities study that had been performed.

 

Matt Thro, 302 N. Main Street, Havana, FL, appeared before the Board and informed the Town Council has passed a resolution and asked that the Board support it as well, it would

 

Ed Bass, 407 E. 9th Avenue, Havana, FL, Bike Path, and said it was his opinion this would be a great opportunity and added everyday there were several by

 

Jim Kellum, 104 N. Main Street, Havana, President of  and added as a merchant they were trying to get people to come shop and/or eat in Havana and in the past has traveled on Highway 12 when there have been many bicyclists on the road.

 

Jack McLean, 404 Madison Street, Quincy, FL appeared and reminded the Board that the City of Quincy and Commissioners had adopted a Resolution in support of the Bike Lane and commended the Commissioners for working with the engineers in coming up with this.

 

CLERK OF COURTS

 

4.

County Finance and County Clerk Issues

  Clerk Thomas stated he hoped the email sent to them helped clarify his comments from the previous meeting.

 

CONSENT

  Hinson-pull 11

Morgan Item 9

Morgan/Hinson 5-0 with exception of 9 & 11.

 

5.

Approval of Minutes

                -August 1, 2013 Budget Workshop

                -August 6, 2013 Regular Meeting

 

6.

Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills

 

7.

Approval of the 2013-2014 Mutual Aid Operations Plan Between Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service and Gadsden County Fire Departments and the 2012-2013 Annual Forestry Report and Operating Plan

The Board seeks approval of the 2013-2014 Division of Forestry Mutual Aid Operation Plan between Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Forest Service and Gadsden County Fire Departments.  Staff also seeks approval of the 2012-2013 Annual County Commissioners Report between Florida Forest Service and Gadsden County, which details all the events from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.  The details are for burning permits, wildfires, and land management.

 

8.

Approval of New Road Names (Comfort Creek Trail and Dawson Court)

 

9.

Approval of SimplexGrinnell Service Agreement Contract

This agenda item seeks Board approval to continue the service agreements with SimplexGrinnell for the Annual Fire Alarm Detection at the Gadsden County Jail, Gadsden County Courthouse, Guy A. Race Judicial Complex and the Gadsden County Sheriff Department and request the Board to authorize the Chairman to execute the contracts.

 

10.

Approval to Dispose of Surplus Electronic Equipment

This agenda item seeks Board approval to dispose of surplus electronic equipment that is obsolete, damaged and has no useful value.

 

11.

Approval of Library Strategic Long-Range Plan for FY 2013-2018

 

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

 

9.

Approval of SimplexGrinnell Service Agreement Contract

  Commissioner Morgan asked Mr. Presnell if the total was around $10-12,000 fee and was it an annual fee.

 

Morgan/Hinson 5-0

11.

Approval of Library Strategic Long-Range Plan for FY 2013-2018

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Dr. Carolyn Poole, Library Director, 732 Pat Thomas Parkway, Quincy, FL  32351 appeared before the Board.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked if this could be work shopped to address the services of the Library.

 

Chair Croley asked that Commissioner Hinson addressed this during his time to speak.

 

Commissioner Holt mentioned comment cards to help improve services.

 

Commissioner Morgan stated he appreciated the efforts put forth in the item and stated he recalled earlier in the year there had been a county-wide workshop held.

 

Dr. Poole said this needed to be approved before they could apply for any state aid program, they would be glad to incorporate any changes and could be amended at that time. 

 

Commissioner Hinson stated there was a meeting in two weeks and asked if a workshop could be held next week before the already scheduled workshop to discuss this matter because of the need.

 

Chair Croley said Commissioner Hinson could address this during his time to speak.

 

Mr. Presnell said some things had been addressed as far as their hours of operation, etc.

 

Mrs. Emily Rowan, 1200 Little Sycamore Road, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and said she asked to speak because she thought they might breeze through the items and wanted to let them know there were people that had work shopped this since last November and asked that they review the strategic Plan and that it was very good and very important and stated what a joy it had been working there.  She added the strategic plan was adopted to be able to apply for state grants.  She introduced some of the members present to please stand as their names were called.  She asked that they please read the plan if they have not done so.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated this Board was committed to the Library and was supportive of what the library was doing.

 

Commissioner Holt said she appreciated what everyone in the communities had done in support of the library.  She mentioned the evaluation cards and said Dr. Poole needed to know the comments first before they get to anyone else; the cards would give a lot of opportunity.

 

Hinson/Holt 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)

 

 

Ed Bass, 407 E. 9th Avenue, Havana, FL, Bike Path

 

Karen Bass, 407 E. 9th Avenue, Havana, FL, available to speak on behalf of Sicamu

 

Lewis Ward, PO Box 188, Havana, FL, Lewis Creek proposal

 

Emily Rowan, 1200 Little Sycamore Road, Library Strategic Long-Rang Plan

 

Jim Kellum, 104 N. Main Street, Havana, Bike Trail

 

Matt Thro, 302 N. Main Street, Havana, FL, Item 15,

 

Matt Thro, 302 N. Main Street, Havana, FL, Item 3

 

Chris Breedlove, 25 High Street, Quincy, FL, asking for relief for Mrs. Leona Breedlove regarding housing public grants.  Came to voice his opinion about the SHIP program and the homeless community and stated his Mother was Leona Breedlove and his problem his mother was trying to get a grant to get her house built but passed away before it was done.  He said the place at one time was a bar/restaurant with the home in the rear.  He asked why she was denied the benefit of the grant when the money was being passed out.  He added that the library system was a good thing.  He added this was his first public appearance.  He asked where he stood regarding the SHIP grant.

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Presnell to reach out to him to explain how the program worked and asked that he give his contact information to Jill Jiglie.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

12.

Public Hearing-Approval of Budget Amendments and Resolution 2013-019 for Funding of the Jail Locks

This agenda item seeks Board approval of Resolution 2013-019 and authorization for the County Administrator, Finance Director and Senior Management and Budget Analyst to complete and execute budget amendments #13-0061 and #13-0062.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.  He stated the bids came in high and asked to put this with

 

Chair Croley stated this was a public hearing and asked if there was anyone present that wished to speak for or against the item.  There were none.

 

Holt/Hinson 5-0

 

13.

Public Hearing-Grant Application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Construction of an Agriculture Education and Promotion Facility

The agenda item seeks Board approval for an application to be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for funding to construct an Agriculture Education and Promotion Facility; and approval of Resolution 2013-013 certifying that the proposed facility serves a public purpose.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Chair Croley stated this would enable to get funding for a new center.

 

Chair Croley stated this was a public hearing and asked if there was anyone present that wished to speak for or against the item.  There were none.

 

Holt/Hinson-Discussion from Gene

 

Commissioner Morgan thought was great was applying for the grant but had questions.

 

Dr. Henry Grant, County Extension Director, 2140 West Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL  32351 appeared before the Board.

 

Commissioner Morgan asked if the County was required to match dollar for dollar the funding of the project.  Dr. Grant stated the value of the property would be used and the match came to 125%.

 

Commissioner Morgan asked how they should be planning for the match.  He added he expected the new building would be much more efficient than the old building.

 

Chair Croley applauded Dr. Grant for his support in the ag business and it was very important, especially to 4-H

Morgan/Holt 5-0

 

14.

Public Hearing-Consideration of Resolution 2013-013 to Name an Un-named Creek “Lewis Creek” as Requested by Lewis A. Ward and Required by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

Lewis Ward, PO Box 188, Havana, FL appeared before the Board.  He stated he was born near the creek and all his life it had been called “Lewis Creek”.  When DOT redid the bridge, he found out there was no name for the creek.  In inquiring to having the creek named, he discovered the process and the Board had to give their blessing to have it named officially.

 

Chair Croley asked if there was any other citizen asked to speak and there were none.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated he had his reservations and did some extensive research.  He said some of the older citizens recalled “back in the day” the water had been clear.  He stated he thought they needed to look into getting the water clear again.

 

Hinson/Holt 5-0

 

15.

Public Hearing (Quasi-Judicial)- Hearing to Consider the Sicamu, Inc. Class II Site Plan for Change of Use Request (SP-2013-06).

*At the July 16, 2013 meeting, the BOCC remanded the Sicamu, Inc. application request back to the Planning Commission for consideration to correct a public notice error and to incorporate fire safety changes.  At the August 15, 2013 meeting, the PC voted (9-1) to approve the Sicamu, Inc. Site Plan with Change of Use.  In accordance with Subsection 7501, ‘Public Hearing Requirements’ public notices were mailed to property owners within 1000 feet and notices were posted in three local papers.  As directed by the BOCC, public hearing notices were hand delivered to rental (residential) and business properties in proximity to the site.*

   Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Chair Croley informed everyone this was a quasi-judicial hearing and everyone that wished to speak would need to be sworn in by the Deputy Clerk.

 

Jill Jeglie, Interim Planning and Comm. Development Director, appeared before the Board to explain the background of this matter.  She informed the Board when they made their application, they would have engineer plans, etc. at that time and explained the different reviews they would have to go through.

 

Chair Croley asked that Mr. Pons or his applicant to please come forward.

 

Mr. Pons, 1066 Strong Road, Quincy, FL, appeared before the Board.  He was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk and stated he was caught by surprise on making a statement because there were so many controls and added that the product they would make was not toxic and not damaging. 

 

Matt Thro, Councilman, City of Havana, appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk.  He stated Mr. Pons was willing to come into the community, bring business and employ citizens.  He added he wished it could be in Havana but was very excited he wanted to bring the business to this area.

 

Karen Bass, 407 East 9th Ave., Havana, FL, stated the construction alone would start employing people.

 

Allen Harrod, stated he worked at the Printing House and felt like they were good for the community and hated to see it close down and have to move out.  He added the Pons’ were good people.

 

Mayor Keith Dowdell, City of Quincy, said he had never met Mr. Pons but his staff has worked extensive hours to ensure the safety of the plant and Mr. Pons has done everything necessary.

 

Jack McLean, City Manager, appeared before the Board to speak on behalf of the City of Quincy and said they have had an opportunity the meet with the owner in a regulatory capacity and have found them to display an attitude to be willing to do whatever necessary to have this business located here.  He added he could tell them they would rest assured

 

Chief Scott Hairs, Local Fire Chief, City of Quincy and Gadsden County, and stated he had set down with Mr. Pons to discuss the aspects of the dangers of the plant.  He added, without naming, there were several businesses that posed risks in the City and County and listed the risks.  He stated, after meeting with Mr. Pons, he was comfortable with the project.

 

Ed Bass, 407 E. 9th Avenue, Havana, appeared before the Board and stated he owned the Subway restaurant in Havana.  He stated daily he averages 5-6 applications daily and asked that they please not turn this man away.

 

Chair Croley asked the Commissioners to disclose if there had been any ex-parte conversations concerning this item.

 

Commissioner Holt yes

 

Commissioner Morgan yes

 

Commissioner Taylor yes

 

Commissioner Hinson said he had met with Mr. Pons, his Wife and Mrs. Bass.

 

Chair Croley added that he had met Mr. Pons and was contacted Mr. Mike Dorian who was opposed to this project.   Chair Croley asked if anyone had questions regarding any of the testimony.

 

Commissioner Taylor asked EPA, City of Quincy, Fire Marshall, Gadsden County Building Code and Permit, Local Commercial Planning, FDEP, Solid Waste Program Review, State Emergency Response Program, Tier II, EPA, Air permitting review,    Commissioner Taylor thanked the Planning Department for their review of this item.  She asked if anyone spoke in favor and Jill stated Mr. Palm owned 72 acres in the area and was in favor of this business.  She said the jobs were not $30,000 jobs but would be minimum wage jobs.  She stated Mr. Pons had no intent to become a resident of the County and she was not sure that his son intended to move to the area.  She asked the Commissioners did they want a company that had to have all the reviews necessary to come here and be located in front of a retirement facility.  She added she would like to see this type of business move into an industrial park.  Commissioner Taylor said when she asked Mr. Pons what they would do with the containers once they were emptied and Mr. Pons couldn’t answer her question.  She stated this county had more cardiovascular disease, diabetes, per capita than any other area.  She said she was against the location of the business, not the gentleman or the business.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked Mr. Presnell to read aloud question 3 and the response.  He then stated he was in a peculiar situation and stated his brother was in the same type business.  He stated he had talked to a lot of individuals and he was assured it was a safe business, but at the same time, you wanted to make sure the Commissioner who represented the district had all of their questions answered.

 

Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.

 

Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting.

 

He added he was playing it by ear tonight, but he felt in his heart, his brother makes these same type products and they are purchased.  He added he wanted to see jobs and added that while they didn’t have a home here, his son planned on being here.

 

Commissioner Holt asked if she could call Mr. Pons forward for questions and asked what would happen with the containers that held the product.  He stated there was a company that would purchase the contained and take them off.  He said the drums could be filled with their product and be sold as institutional products.  Commissioner Holt said she felt like they were concerned that there would be stockpiling going on.  She added she was concerned but Mr. Pons as reassured her of her concerns.

 

Mr. Pons said they were coming to Gadsden County, but his son has had surgery and why not here now and the process started in 2012 and shared Commissioner Taylor’s concerns regarding the location.  He stated he had met with the seller of the building that before they closed the building, the Board would approve of the business.  He stated they had looked for other buildings in Gadsden County that would fit their needs and had been unable to locate such and this building was perfect.  They were committed to being a member of Gadsden County and hiring citizens of the county.

 

Commissioner Holt stated she was interested in the job factor, but was concerned about the community.  She added she was in favor of this being approved tonight.  She added she respected Commissioner Taylor’s opinion.

 

Commissioner Morgan said this issue came before the Board previously.

 

Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.

 

He added that once the issues were addressed by Chief Haire they felt more comfortable.  He said that he continued to support Mr. Pons efforts and appreciated the fact that he considered Gadsden County.

 

Commissioner Taylor stated she would like to have the last say-so because it was her district.

 

Commissioner Holt returned.

 

Chair Croley said there was some confusion at the last meeting because of questions of the proper signage and notification to the public.  He added that Commissioner Holt was correct in the process of the Citizens Bill of Rights that they only had to mail a postcard to the surrounding public and the process does not require the tenants and residents to be contacted personally.  He also understood that some of the people opposed passed out flyers on their own and was not present tonight.  He added he was satisfied that requirements had been met.  He stated in his line of business, he was pretty well informed on the dangers of the ingredients.    He added he dealt a lot with agricultural facilities and had the opportunity to visit the site of the explosion in West, Texas.  He said the industrial facility was different from that type facility and did not see it to be a great peril to the community.  He said the last question was, does it make sense commercially.  When you find a facility that fits and no-one comes to raise valid opposition, it   He stated to Commissioner Taylor when a commissioner had qualms regarding something in their district, he tried to respect it.

 

Commissioner Taylor stated first of all, she heard everyone and knew pretty much the direction this was going tonight.  She asked them to remember when asked about the disposal of the product, an adequate answer was not given.  She said this was not a good thing to go in that area.  She said Mr. Presnell read about the amount of combustible waste on site at one time.  She stated to Mr. Croley that she appreciated his    She asked them to remember the things that had happened before.  She wanted to go on record that this was not a good industry to go in that area.  She asked them to remember there were 30 jobs coming and she thought that was a stretch.  She said that sometimes they have to say no, this was not a good business to go in the area, it was their job and responsibility.  She said she was willing to guarantee there would not be 30 jobs, there would not be 1.5 Million revenue and this would come back to haunt them.

 

Chair Croley called for the vote.

 

Morgan/Hinson before vote Hinson called for discussion.  He asked if there were any other questions that would need to be answered. 

 

Mr. Pons asked if they thought they would grow too large, if so, there were building codes and they could not build anything more without it being approved.

 

Chair Croley called for the vote 4-1.  Commissioner Taylor was the opposing vote with the comment “You stomp out weeds.”

 

Chair Croley called a 5 minute recess.

 

Chair Croley reconvened the meeting.

 

16.

Approval to Confirm Appointment of Public Works Director

The agenda item seeks Board confirmation of the employment of Curtis Young as the new Public Works Director.

  Mr. Presnell introduced this item and said this was a story.  

 

Chair Croley said that he thought everyone knew Mr. Young and knew the benefit of his services.

 

Hinson/Holt 5-0

 

Chair Croley asked him to state for the record his name and address and make a brief statement.

 

Curtis Young, 164 Delores Madison Drive, Midway, FL, appeared before the Board and made some statements concerning his love for the job.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated when he was elected and met Mr. Young, he was a person that had respect from the community and whatever they could do to support his endeavors, let them know.

 

17.

Approval of the Original Volunteer Fire Department Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements

This agenda item seeks Board approval of the original Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements between the County and the Concord, Chattahoochee, Greensboro, Gretna, Havana, Midway, Mt. Pleasant, Robertsville/St. Johns, Sycamore and Wetumpka Volunteer Fire Departments.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.  He said they renewed the agreements with changes, there were some concerns with the changes, and this was the original agreements first looked at and the County Attorney approved it.

 

Chair Croley asked what the major difference in the changes and asked if the previous vote would need to be rescinded.

 

Mr. Weiss stated there were a number of things, issues to respect of liability, the term of the contract, he wanted to add general contractual standard language and the entities who were entering into the agreements, and the contracts were signed by fire chiefs and not signed by people who had authority.

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Presnell if he was satisfied and he was.

 

Commissioner Hinson said it would not take but a split second, if the Chair signed to give permission,…

 

Mr. Presnell called Andre Walker to come forward.

 

Andre Walker, 404 West Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL, appeared before the Board.

 

Commissioner Holt asked if they could approve with the contingency for the changes.

 

Commissioner Morgan said the thing to remember about the fire contracts, they had come a long way, where the issue at hand is, this was not done the right way.  The attorney came back with legitimate concerns that protects the county and municipalities, he added they should approve this, there was a 6 month opt out phrase.  Approve this and address issues and concerns.

 

Commissioner Holt said had no problem in approving tonight, didn’t take special meeting or any council.

 

Mr. Presnell said cities operated different from counties.

 

Mr. Walker said in some instances, the Chief was the President because of the size of the department.

 

Commissioner Hinson said he agreed with what they were saying, but the Attorney had issues and they needed to make sure their ducks were in a row.

 

Mr. Presnell said they would double check each agreement and if one needed to be amended, it would be.

 

Taylor with changes/Holt 5-0

 

 

 

18.

Approval to Award Bid 13-11 for the Jail Locks and Hardware Replacement Project

This agenda item seeks Board approval to award Bid No.  13-11 to C.A. Owens & Associates, Inc. to replace the jail locks at the Gadsden County Jail and to allow the Chairman to execute the contract.  The construction consists of approximately 36 cell devices and 35 corridor and vestibule devices.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Holt/Hinson-Hinson called for discussion.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked how many companies were qualified to work on this.

 

Clyde Collins, Building Official for Gadsden County, appeared before the Board, and stated there were not that many companies that did this.

 

Commissioner Taylor asked if this was well-spent money, with it being over-populated, the boiler, is this a good investment because there were issues there and asked if they were fixing something that was fruitless.

 

Chair Croley said in all the years, they have discussed this issue, but if you look at the building, the building is solid and good progress was being made on the needed repairs. 

 

Mr. Presnell said steps had been taken to correct problem issues, this was a big expenditure.

 

Chair Croley said there had been two meetings across the spectrum and everyone had confirmed by vote to fix the issues. 

 

Mr. Presnell said “You hear it’s in terrible shape,

 

Commissioner Hinson said, for the record, Clemons, Rutherford and Associates, when was that bid out.  Mr. Presnell stated before his time.

 

Commissioner Hinson said they do all the schools also and was curious, when he was with the Board,

 

Commissioner Taylor asked if Mr. Lawson could confirm when this item was approved.

 

Mr. Lawson said CRA had been on Board since 2006 or 2007.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked if they were paid monthly.

 

Mr. Lawson said they only invoiced for services rendered.

 

Commissioner Hinson said he knew they were paying almost $500,000, and how much was being paid to the architect firm. 

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Lawson to recall the Sherriff’s office was very pro on behalf of this company and this was a big liability to this county.

 

Commissioner Taylor said the point of the matter was the last job of CRA and was it bid out and Mr. Lawson said not that particular job, this was reactivating the project. 

 

Commissioner Taylor said this was a separate job by nature and this job should have gone out for bid.  Mr. Lawson said the standard was it would go out for bid at $25,001.

 

Commissioner Holt said in December, 2008, they had federal lobbyists to look at the project and there were going to be two courtrooms,    She added in one case, they shook the door and it came open.  They must have locks in place and if it cost $1 Million, it’s better.

 

Commissioner Morgan said couple things to consider, #1, whatever facility they use, have to make it safe, real issue is having affected game plan to have most effective plan, Wanted to make sure have safe environment for everyone. 

 

Commissioner Morgan asked the difference in the bids.

 

Chair Croley said after the bid is awarded, they are required to post a performance bond.

 

Commissioner Taylor said she heard Commissioner Morgan when he said they needed to look at the overall picture.  She added she was of the opinion the locks were a bandage on the problem.  She said she was voting for this tonight because the building

 

Holt/Hinson 5-0

 

 

 

19.

Replacement/Appointment of Member(s) to the Gadsden County Tourist Development Council

This item seeks Board appointment to two new members.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Chair Croley said Commissioner Holt had someone she would like to recommend in the Gretna area, a Mr. Clarence Jackson, and it was a one year term. 

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Lee Garner to come forward.

 

Lee Garner, Chairman, TDC, appeared before the Board and said they had no other recommendations other than the gentleman at the Comfort Inn in Midway.

 

Mr. Garner said he had no problem with Mr. Peter coming back onboard, the TDC was meeting on the 16th.

 

Commissioner Morgan said he had no problem but would put them out of compliance with the State Statute.

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Weiss to read what the composition of the Board must be. 

 

Mr. Garner said he always had been a tax collector and there were 4 on the board.

 

Commissioner Morgan stated with them not being under a timeline, to wait and ensure things were done the right way.

 

Holt/Hinson 4-1 Commissioner Morgan opposed.

 

 

20.

Approval of Financial Support for the Quincy CRA Labor Day Weekend Celebration and Concert

This item seeks financial support of $9,000 for the Quincy CRA Labor Day Weekend Celebration and Concert.

  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.

 

Commissioner Holt said the City of Quincy requested $9,000 and TDC approved $5,000.  She added she was at this event and it was very good.

 

Jack McLean, City Manager, said actually Mainstreet Director was the one that made the request. 

 

Commissioner Morgan said this came before the TDC Board and they have the ability to approve $5,000. 

 

Chair Croley asked if the TDC was supportive but didn’t have the ability to approve…

 

Commissioner Morgan said there were certain guidelines they have to fall under and if they give $9,000 to one event, there would be other events to come before them to ask for support.  He added Chattahoochee was going through the steps to become a Mainstreet City.

 

Commissioner Taylor tended to agree with Commissioner Morgan and listening outside of City Hall, she was willing to go with the approved amount of $5,000, but for the first time tonight, she agreed with Commissioner Morgan.

 

Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.

 

Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting.

 

Commissioner Holt said the events should be funded and the TDC must follow the procedure all the time.

 

Holt/ Commissioner Hinson had a question.

 

Commissioner Hinson said he was a fighter for all the communities and the difference here was when all the hotels were sold out, that was a good thing.  Commissioner Hinson said if this was not approved, he would end his economic development support.  Commissioner Hinson seconded.  3-2 Morgan/Taylor no

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

 

21.

Update on Board Requests

  Mr. Presnell said he had sent out an email regarding continuing education and was a conference in Tampa if they were interested.

 

Bill Nelson staff in town this Thursday.

 

Work camp meeting with Judge, State attorney, putting together plan for board approval, more details to come.

 

Governor Rick Scott’s assistant called and Mr. Presnell and Olivia went over and met with the Governor and First Lady and had dinner.

 

Ms. Phyllis Moore received an award for 34 years of service.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

 

22.

Update on Various Legal Issues

  Nothing unless questions.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

 

23.

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

 

 

Commissioner Taylor, District 5

  Commissioner Taylor said tonight said tonight was one of the nights when she received a shellacking  and they needed to respect what happened in other’s district.

 

 

Commissioner Holt, District 4

  Commissioner Holt said she learned one thing from her, asked the Administrator to price per mile for scraping and numbers.

 

Wants to look into TDC-don’t want to get sued.  Really needs to be workshopped.

 

Chair asked her to write up her concerns, let attorney review and get back.

 

Industrial Board need to be looked at-only board that could borrow money.

 

 

Commissioner Morgan, District 3

  Commissioner Morgan asked how the agenda was compiled and Chair Croley said generally put together by Administrator and sent to Croley for review. 

 

Mr. Presnell said there were things that had to be done to run the government.

 

Morgan said he knew was tough job and suggested having less items on agenda because when it gets late into the evening.

 

 

 

Commissioner Hinson, Vice Chair, District 1

  Commissioner Hinson said Quincy Music Theater was having a function with jazz music.

 

Library-making sure assessable, hours convenient, right books,

 

Thanked new Public Works Director, thanked everyone.

 

 

Commissioner Croley, Chairman, District 2

 

RECEIPT AND FILE

 

September Meeting(s)

                -September 10, 2013 (1st Budget at 6:00 p.m.)

                -September 17, 2013 (Regular Public Meeting at 6:00 p.m.)

                September 23, 2013 (Final Budget Hearing at 6:00 p.m.)

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Adjourned 10:11 p.m.