Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA

Regular Public Meeting

October 1, 2013

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Doug Croley, Chair-District 2

                                Eric Hinson, Vice Chair-District 1

                                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 6:00 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Deputy Clerk, Marcella Blocker, took a silent roll call.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Add 6-A- Extend the Tax Roll period UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO ADD ITEM 6-A TO THE AGENDA. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO MOVE AGENDA ITEM 12 TO 6-B. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
CLERK OF COURTS
1.	County Finance and County Clerk Issues  Nothing to Report.
CONSENT UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
2.	Approval of Minutes                 -August 20, 2013
3.	Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
4.	Approval of Annual Contract between Gadsden County and the Florida Department of Health for the Operation of the Gadsden County Health Department
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS  None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.	Public Hearing-Escambia County Housing Finance Authority-Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program for First Time HomeBuyers  Mr. Presnell said this item had been before the Board many times. C.J. Pipkins, Escambia County Housing Authority, appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk.  Chair Croley asked if there was anyone who wished to speak for or against the item and there was no-one. Commissioner Holt had questions. Chair Croley asked that Ms. Pipkins gather the requested information to be provided to the Commissioners. Commissioner Morgan asked questions. Chair Croley asked about the foreclosure rates and the values of the re-sales. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE FOR OPTION 1.
GENERAL BUSINESS
6.	Approval to Confirm the Appointment of the Planning and Community Development Director This agenda item seeks Board confirmation of the employment of Allara Gutcher as the new Planning and Community Development Director.  Arthur Lawson appeared before the Board to give a background of Ms. Gutcher and highly recommended their approval.  Allara Gutcher appeared before the Board. Commissioner Taylor said one thing had been the ability to “turn dirt quickly” and asked that a streamlined process be developed to encourage businesses to come to Gadsden County. Commissioner Morgan said this was a great opportunity and said for some reason it seemed to be difficult for companies to do business with Gadsden County.  Commissioner Holt said she would have a tough time herding the Commissioners into looking into the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Presnell said Ms. Gutcher brings to the plate that she was able to change the comprehensive plan and it could be done in-house and would not have to hire consultants to do so. Commissioner Taylor suggested that after she was in for 30-45 days that she appear before the Board again with changes to the Comp. Plan. Chair Croley said he agreed with the other commissioners and the Codes were not correct, the Land Use Map were not in good order, but disagreed that the County was difficult to do business with.  UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF MS. GUTCHER.
6-A.	Extension of 2013 Tax Roll Pursuant to Section 197.323 F.S. Dale Summerford, Gadsden County Tax Collector, appeared before the Board and asked that they approve this and the attached Resolution. Chair Croley said he did not like to amend the agenda that had not been in the public for seven days but understood the importance of this matter. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.
6B.	Selection of Economic Development Services for Gadsden County  (Item 12) Dr. Henry Grant, Secretary for the Gadsden Development Council, appeared before the Board and said the biggest problem was they had done visioning and planning for 13 years and had no money. Mr. Presnell asked County, School Board, Workforce Plus, Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Talquin, Focus, TDS. Chair Croley asked if there were any questions. Commissioner Morgan asked if Dr. Grant had been on the Board the entire 13 years-yes.  Not here to say have the experience but collectively there is experience. Chair Croley said out of fairness to Dr. Grant, he asked if this was the “Jackson County model” for economic development. Dr. Grant said yes and that was the actions they had taken. Mr. Presnell said they have all made a commitment from each of the municipalities to contribute funding. Commissioner Holt said ready to vote. Commissioner Morgan said if different than before why dated for 2000.  Dr. Grant said the packet was just for f information. Antonio Jefferson, City of Gretna, appeared before the Board and stated their plan was relevant, members are members that represent the entire community and that now the cities were willing to put their “money where their mouth was”.    Have great plan, lot of people, no money. Jack Peacock, Volunteer Chairman Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce, appeared to petition for the continuance of the economic development contract for the County.  Commissioners had no questions for Mr. Peacock. Commissioner Hinson said was glad Dr. Grant gave history of Council. Commissioner Morgan wanted to point out: they are all in agreement in what want to do.  Fact is in last 5 years, the Chamber has been successful in delivering what they were to deliver.  The Chamber has been underestimated.  We hurt ourselves by asking questions at the wrong time and how they dictate who business hires, etc. Chair Croley said idea of economic development very important to everyone.  The importance of the municipalities being involved very important.  Commissioner Taylor said trying to think of correct department Governor developed-DEO-they need to be at table, need to have balanced Board, move forward with something new, different. Commissioner Morgan asked the Administrator the levels of relationship with municipalities and made motion for Economic Development arm of Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce.   Died for lack of second. Chair Croley reminded that no-one implied the municipalities did not want to get involved. Commissioner Holt said knew Economic Council was interested in because who would wait 13 years for funding.   Move accept Economic Develop Council/Taylor 4-1-Morgan opposed. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO ACCEPT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL. Mr. Presnell said Chamber was voting member of Board and would have input. Mr. Peacock asked to address comments made by Commissioner Hinson. Chair Croley said on behalf of the Board and County said they would be remised if did not thank them for their efforts in keeping things in a positive way.
7.	Approval of the Appointment of Peter Patel to the Gadsden County Tourist Development Council UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
8.	Approval of the Small County Outreach Program Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and Resolution #2013-018 for the Widening and Resurfacing of Lewis This isLane This is a SCOP project. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
9.	Approval of Interlocal Agreements with Local Municipalities and the Gadsden County School Board for Road Maintenance and Special Projects Activities  Mr. Presnell said this was a new, revised agreement. Commissioner Morgan said a lot of things have changed and asked that they highlight changes and asked if quality services could be provided without losing money. Mr. Weiss said changes were in language not in responsibility.   Chair Croley asked questions regarding the billing rate. Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.  CHAIR CROLEY OPPOSED.
10.	Approval of Revised Fuel Services Interlocal Agreement  Mr. Presnell said similar agreement.  Chair Croley asked how current everyone was-current. Commissioner Morgan asked if good based on history.  If Sheriff left no impact, would not have money for fuel but would not have usage also. Holt/motion  for .10 cent. Morgan consider 2 rates-10 cents if timely pay and if not current pay .20 cents to encourage them to pay on-time. Chair said motion on floor unless Holt wishes to amend.  Croley seconded. Holt asked what number for Sheriff to stay. Holt withdrew motion. Commissioner Morgan asked if 5 cents per gallon covers costs/expenses. Taylor said did not want to lose Sheriff, Morgan-motion .07 cents per gallon if past 45 days goes to .20 cents per gallon. Croley second. 3-2 Hinson, Holt, Taylor opposed.  Motion failed UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE .6¢/GALLON.  COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
11.	Approval of Real Estate Sales Contract with Capital City Bank for the Acquisition of a New EMS Facility This item seeks Board approval of a Contract with Capital City Bank to purchase the Thomas Motor Cars property.  Commissioner Morgan moved approval.  Hinson strongly supported this item until someone opened his eyes.  Could build brand new facility and cannot support this. Commissioner Taylor not at juncture could get building but thought could get whole lot less without retrofit building. Mr. Presnell said did have reservations early on and asked Tommy Baker to come before the Board. Tommy Baker appeared before the Board and said a new building would cost approximately $1 Million. Commissioner Hinson said even being a grant was still taxpayer dollars and could not support this, appreciated the vision but do not want to spend money don’t need to spend. Chair Croley called for second, seconded, applauded Administrator for bring this before the Board. Commissioner Holt asked if could receive grant to renovate part of hospital and use old bomb shelter. Chair Croley said with Affordable HealthCare Act that took effect today, may not be option. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY CHAIR CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 BY VOICE VOTE.  MOTION FAILED.  COMMISSIONERS HOLT, HINSON AND TAYLOR OPPOSED.
12.	Selection of Economic Development Services for Gadsden County
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
13.	Update on Board Requests  Memos sent out regarding ethics training.   Commissioner Hinson said had been hearing lot of concerns regarding Havana Heights and problem was they closed out area folks could drive in, potholes all over, new person owns building and seniors having hard time parking, getting medicine and having to park far away.  Clyde Collins appeared before the Board to inform the Board new electric panels were going in, resurfacing parking, Chair Croley asked that the contractor be contacted to see if something could be worked out. Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture. Commissioner Morgan asked questions and Mr. Weiss was not sure of answer, thought meant employee and not contracted. Chair Croley said this State had one of the highest of public official fraud. Commissioner Holt returned at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Holt asked why be placed on a Board that could cause conflict of interest for Board.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
14.	Update on Various Legal Issues  Legislature enacted dual public employment with State if gains for commissioner.
15.	Recess BOCC Meeting and Reconvene for a Private Attorney-Client Session Audio/Video paused for private attorney-client meeting.
16.	Reconvene the BOCC Meeting Meeting resumed at 8:55 p.m.
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
17.	Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
	Commissioner Taylor, District 5  Plan and Growth Adoption when coming back Mowing-has RFP been issued-yes-no bids. Possibly rebid in Spring. Last meeting looking at repaving projects through SCOP-High Bridge Road-has so many fatalities-wants to make sure on list-it is.
	Commissioner Holt, District 4  Commissioner Holt agreed about High Bridge Road and agreed very dangerous. Economic Development-look at urban around counties and comes from that.  Look at planning for step-down to help new employee in P&Z.
	Commissioner Morgan, District 3  Thanked folks that help to put together everything for the meetings. Asked about tree limbs on Bonnie Hill Road and asked about trimming. Asked to agenda senior services issues and how to funds, where centers are, how they differ and how to move forward. Said Commissioner Hinson made comment on how to have deeper investment in Chamber with economic development.
	Commissioner Hinson, Vice Chairman, District 1  Thanked staff for being helpful and Board for working hard. Bainbridge College-wanted to see what could be done to embrace everyone, added Chipola College and asked that they be allowed to make short presentation. Economic Development-add to agenda as to what form should be taken with participation.
	Commissioner Croley, Chairman, District 2  High Bridge Road-bridge is on list- have asked that safety history of road be provided to CRTPA for improvements to be made. Now seeing $16 Million project being kicked off at Little River, Shady Rest Road and several other roads. Asked Administrator about canopy roads and urged commissioners to consider remaining canopy roads and offer protection of them. Commissioner Hinson said this might rub people wrong way but had to say it, issue with pay raise increase, can’t do-budget been adopted.
RECEIPT AND FILE
18.	August 12, 2013 Letter from Quincy-Gadsden Airport Authority
OCTOBER MEETING(S)                 -October 15, 2013-Regular Public Meeting 6:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER MEETING(S)                 -November 5, 2013 –Regular Public Meeting 6:00 p.m.                 -November 19, 2013-Regular Public Meeting 6:00 p.m.
MOTION TO ADJOURN Adjourned 9:18 p.m.