Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA

Regular Public Meeting

December 3, 2013

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Eric F. Hinson, Chair, District 1

                                Brenda Holt, Vice Chair, District 4

                                Doug Croley, District 2

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Deborah Minnis, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL   Chair Hinson called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. He then asked everyone to rise for the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.  A silent roll call was taken by Marcella Blocker.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Mr. Presnell added Item 10 and said Items 16 and 17 would e pulled UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO ADD ITEM 10-A AND PULL ITEMS 16 AND 17. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES  Chair Hinson introduced some guests tonight, a student and an Art Teacher from East Gadsden, who drew the Board during the meeting.
1.	Pat Thomas Insurance Presentation John Pat Thomas, Pat Thomas and Associates Insurance, appeared before the Board and presented a check in the amount of $38,816 for a premium return and it represented that the property trust was profitable.
CLERK OF COURTS
2.	County Finance and County Clerk Issues  Clerk Thomas had previously forwarded a financial report to the Board and explained the general fund balance and analysis.  Commissioner Morgan asked if the fund balance was unrestricted balance and asked the Board their opinion of taking a portion of the balance and set aside as an emergency fund.  Clerk Thomas liked the idea. Commissioner Taylor commented that the fund balance was designed for emergency use.  Does not want to restrict funding because there were restrictions in place already. Commissioner Croley commented if they adhere to the budget that is set, they will achieve what Commissioner Morgan and Commissioner Taylor are talking about. Commissioner Holt agreed the budget was already set, but needs to be a plan on how to make money grow.
CONSENT UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRINTED.
3.	Approval of Minutes
4.	Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
5.	Approval of Proclamation Declaring the Month of November “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Gadsden County
6.	Approval of Resolution Honoring the 100^th Anniversary of the Gadsden County Courthouse
7.	Approval to Accept the FY 2013 Preliminary 4^th Quarter Report
8.	Approval to Accept the FY 2014/15 Proposed Budget Calendar
9.	Approval of  2014 County Commission Meeting Calendar
10.	Approval of Contractual Agreement Between Centurylink and Gadsden County
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS  None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
GENERAL BUSINESS
11.	Somos Uno, Inc. v. City of Midway and Gadsden County/High Bluff Court Quitclaim Deed to City of Midway  Chair Hinson introduced the above item and Mr. Presnell explained this was the last order of business with the settlement agreement regarding the lawsuit. UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, COMMISSIONER CROLEY CALLED FOR DISCUSSION. Commissioner Croley asked the attorney if the deed had been obtained from the other party and Mr. Weiss stated yes. THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TOO APPROVE THE ABOVE ITEM. Commissioner Holt said when annexation takes place, Board needs to be involved. Commissioner Taylor asked if they had any authorization or legal right to take part in such. Commissioner Holt said it has been done with two other cities.
12.	Community Organizations-Budget Procedures for Requesting Funding  Mr. Presnell introduced above item. Commissioner Taylor asked the Administrator about the application packet. Jeff Price appeared before the Board to explain the process and he and Mr. Presnell said this would streamline everything. There was more discussion among the Board regarding this matter. UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE OPTION ONE.
13.	Gadsden County Development Council Support Services Contract  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and added the correct total should be $75,000 as opposed to the $70,000 reflected in the attachment. Commissioner Holt stated there needed to be a plan in place. Commissioner Taylor if fund both agencies for economic development, may send out mixed messages.  Jobs not being developed.  Two entities trying to fund with neither having plan not functional and not smart spending.  Commissioner Morgan asked to consider different approach and try to maximize return on investment.  Commissioner Croley asked if this money was in the budget-no.  He then asked had there been a formal request from Gadsden County Development-Mr. Presnell said no.  Commissioner Croley said a decision was made by majority of Board and may have to re-evaluate at later date. Premature to consider without input from Development Council.  Need to govern ourselves by sticking to the budget and would like to see this postponed until later date. David Gardner, 222 West Sharon Street, Quincy, FL, appeared before the Board and said they had continued to work for the benefit of the County. Chair Hinson had previously mentioned a retreat and stated he thought a retreat was necessary to further discuss this along with other matters. Commissioner Morgan made a motion to approve-died for lack of second. Commissioner Croley moved to table until receive report from Gadsden Community Development-Chair Hinson seconded Commissioner Holt had comments-give economic development council time to get with Chamber. Commissioner Taylor-true focus needs to be to make a solid plan and stick with budget. Commissioner Morgan asked the title of Ms. Kirkland and what she was being paid for.  Mr. Presnell said her business was Beth Kirkland and Associates and she has agreed to develop a plan, attend meetings, and work with stakeholders.  Commissioner Morgan asked how much time and expertise would be got if not paid-none.  How much time and expertise would be received from develop arm of Chamber is don’t invest in their value? Commissioner Croley stated he appreciated comments from Commissioner Morgan and seemed logical that the Chamber get together with Council and develop plan, better everyone would be when that happens. Commissioner Holt reason can’t support to table, not coming from people hired. Commissioner Croley amend motion to withdraw that it be tabled to it be deferred. Commissioner Taylor deny at this time but move forward for stakeholders to get with Chamber and Council Commissioner Morgan-without funding Chamber will have no reason to work. Board voted 4-1-Commissioner Morgan opposed.
14.	Discussion of County Commissioners’ Travel Policy  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and said the Assistant County Manager had polled surrounding counties on their policies. Commissioner Morgan-sound policy and would like to keep it in place. Clerk explained we go by the Board’s policy and if no-one approves, once line item is expended, won’t cut check until amended. Commissioner Croley agreed with Commissioner Morgan it’s a good policy and has worked well. Commissioner Holt said it has been both ways and then moved to where Chair signed off on when others traveling and Vice Chair signed off when Chair traveling.  Reason for change so public wouldn’t know when traveling and advertise fact that home might be vacant-safety issue. Commissioner Taylor agreed with Commissioners Croley and Morgan however information needed to be limited that public received. Chair Hinson said-personally we are only county with this policy Commissioner Morgan-outside of agendaed information,what problem with policy-none.  Does the general public have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent.  Keep policy in place Taylor-motion to keep policy but limit information that could compromise their security/Morgan second COMMISSIONER TAYLOR MADE A MOTION AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, THERE WAS DISCUSSION CALLED FOR BY COMMISSIONER HOLT. Employees approval for travel does not come before the Board, why should commissioners, treat Board like the employees Chair Hinson called for the vote 4-1 Chair Hinson opposed.
15.	Approval of Contract with Capital City Bank to Purchase a New EMS Facility  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. Commissioner Morgan moved approval Commissioner Taylor called for discussion and wanted to make sure there would be no costs to the County, no tanks in the ground  and the retrofitting of the building would be covered by the grant and no costs to the County COMMISSIONER MORGAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AND COMMISSIONER CROLEY SECONDED.  BEFORE THE VOTE WA TAKEN, COMMISSIONER HOLT CALLED FOR DISCUSSION. Commissioner Holt called for discussion- said tanks removed-what about contamination Mr. Presnell said inspection of site had been done. Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Tommy Baker, EMS Director, appeared before the Board to answer questions. Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Croley said there was a form of insurance that would provide a long term effect-seller or county could purchase and there was a very niche market to protect buyer if pollution was discovered.  Commissioner Croley informed the Board of insurance that was available to protect buyers/sellers. Commissioner Holt-seller or company needed to buy, not buyer Walter McPherson, President, Capital City Bank, appeared before the Board and explained the Board hired a professional that inspected the property and gave a clean inspection. Sterling Bryant, Capital City Bank, appeared before the Board and stated the Bank had an independent environmental evaluation done in 2009 when the property was foreclosed on and it came back clean-phase 1 Commissioner Holt- can’t vote for it because of safety issue Mr. Bryant pointed out the site not on any DEP list for red flags for contamination. Chair Hinson called for vote 4-1-Commissioner Holt opposed.
16.	Amendment of Chapter 66, Article II, Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) by Adoption of Ordinance 2013-009  Item Pulled
17.	Appointment of Members to the Gadsden County Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) & Adoption of Resolution 2013-031  Item Pulled
18.	Approval of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Contract Modification #1 with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)-Canty Lane Disaster Recovery  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and said it was for an extension on CDBG grant. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
19.	Update on Board Requests  Mr. Presnell reminded everyone of the upcoming courthouse celebration scheduled for Friday, December 6th at 3:00 p.m. and the Christmas celebration at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Taylor returned at this juncture of the meeting. Comments regarding budget, are fully aware building fund not sustaining itself and aware need to watch dollars.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
20.	Update on Various Legal Issues  Nothing to report Commissioner Croley asked if progress made how to handle code enforcement and how to replenish funds expended. Attorney-code enforcement procedure very outlined by statute and doesn’t mean will get money back immediately and may never get money back.  Can foreclose lien not aware of other procedures/special assessments that could be enforced for return. Commissioner Croley asked do liens cover all property owned by offender.  Mr. Weiss responded yes and if interest accrue-yes-covered by statute
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
21.	Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
	Commissioner Taylor, District 5  Grants for parks- asked that it be placed agenda for further discussion UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO HAVE THIS MATTER PLACED ON THE AGENDA. Sidewalks Started initiative, no funding, keep ears to ground and watch for grants-need survey to determine areas where sidewalks could be used-most needed with heavy foot traffic. Commissioner Croley shared a safety program Community Traffic Safety Team-many areas in county been asking for sidewalks for children traveling to school.   Encouraged commission to send a representative to show where sidewalks are needed. Commissioner Taylor-don’t limit to just the one source-so many areas needed sidewalks aside from school areas. Mr. Presnell said pedestrian traffic qualify-schools help. Private Roads When coming back-Will be on next agenda Economic Council What municipalities contributing-meeting is Tuesday-will get back with board. Still lot of unanswered questions-need to meet board and have unanswered questions answered.  Meeting to finalize contract with Beth Kirkland, plan to move forward and develop plan and then have them appear on regular basis to update board. Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Change in Seating Arrangement for Board Before the start of the meeting, Chair Hinson changed the seating arrangement of the Commissioners and was faced with dissatisfaction from Commissioner Taylor. Commissioner Taylor thought should have been addressed ahead of time-should have received call before meeting.  If preach fairness and respect, show it. Commissioner Holt returned at this juncture of the meeting.
	Commissioner Morgan, District 3  Commissioner Morgan stated he was embarrassed at how meeting got started tonight, should be addressed in private. Said new TDC appointment needs to be made and Chair needs to make appointment.
	Commissioner Croley, District 2  Don’t want to get bogged down with details of where everyone sits – move onward and upward. Commissioner Morgan left the meeting. Want to continue to ask commission to please get him lists of roads and projects that commission could formally approve to take to CRTPA-needs to be connector roads that he could advocate for to get state and federal funding. First phase of by-pass moving along-three things needed-make sure area around have limited access Environmental concerns-no parking and fishing off bridges Economic development-need to keep limited access-review with Growth Management and made sure county doing what needs to do Chair Hinson asked that the Board take a picture with the guests and they had finished their drawings.  He then asked them to step to the podium and introduce themselves. Andre Barnes, Art teacher, East Gadsden High School, appeared before the Board. Devonte King, 16 years old art student at East Gadsden High School, appeared before the Board. Mrs. Wade, teacher at East Gadsden High School appeared before the Board.
	Commissioner Holt, Vice Chairman, District 4  Commissioner Holt-asked about paving bond-mentioned doing smaller bond with less payments and could be paid in less time. Economic Development CDBG-look into economic development Policy and procedure that chairman runs meeting and hoped can be taken care of.
	Commissioner Hinson, Chair, District 1  Grandmother always told him could catch more flies with honey than vinegar-as Commissioner you represent your district, he is reflection of parents and grandmother. Didn’t want to make scene tonight-all here to work together Maybe partner with schools to get lighting at
RECEIPT AND FILE                 -A. November 5, 2013 letter from Florida Department of Revenue (Maximum Millage Levy                                 Calculation Final Discharge                 -B. November 5, 2013 Letter from Florida Department of Revenue (TRIM Certification)                 -C. Clerk’s Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Changes in Fund Balance-Budget & Actual                           (FYE 09/30/2013)                 -D. July 2013 to September 2013 Electronic Report from the Clerks of Court operations                                           Corporation
DECEMBER MEETING(S)                 -December 17, 2013, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
MOTION TO ADJOURN      Adjourned 8:46 p.m.