Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA
Regular Public Meeting
December 17, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Present: Eric 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
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INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL Chair called meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence in honor of Nelson Mandela, who recently passed and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. A silent roll call was taken by the Deputy Clerk.
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVED THE AGENDA AS WRITTEN.
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES Chair Hinson said he had one award and the Board recognized Robert Presnell for 15 years of service to the County.
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CLERK OF COURT
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1. |
County Finance and County Clerk Issues Mr. Thomas corrected one statement made at the last meeting and commented at the last meeting he was asked how much was budgeted for the 2014 reserve for contingency and the amount should be $50,000 instead of $200,000 and the second part of the question concerned spending and if the $50,000 is spent within the general fund only requires a budget amendment and if money is spent from the reserves or cash balances, it requires a public hearing.
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CONSENT UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
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2. |
Approval of Minutes -November 19, 2013 |
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3. |
Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
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4. |
Approval of Resolution for New Chairman’s Facsimile Stamp
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD
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Larry Ganus, 2174 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, FL #6 Communication Towers |
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Larry Ganus, 2174 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, FL #7 Family Exemptions |
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Larry Ganus, 2174 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, FL#10 Accepting Existing Non-Maintained Roads |
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Emily Rowan, 1200 Little Sycamore Road, Quincy, FL-None-Library Commission, appeared before the Board to give a short snapshot of the county libraries. She passed out a copy of the Gadsden County crossword puzzle prepared by Andie Blount, a library staff member.
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Diane Sheffield, 1291 Tallavana Trail, Immediate Family Exemption |
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Wayne Hawthorne, 804 Frank Smith Road, Quincy #6 |
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Bob Prather 924 Frank Smith Road, #6 |
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Michael Dorian, Alligator Run, #6 & #7 |
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Marion Lasley, 5 Dante Court, Quincy, FL #6 & # 7 |
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David Trauchand, 28 Blue Heron Ct., Havana, #6 |
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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5. |
Public Hearing-Amendment of Chapter 66, Article II, Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) by Adoption of Ordinance 2013-009 Mr. Presnell introduced this item and said the only change was amending the number of members.
Commissioner Croley-question-exhibit A followed by Exhibit A-why
Allara Gutcher, Director of Planning and Community Development, appeared before the Board and explained one showed revised and one was final.
Phyllis Moore appeared before the Board to further explain things.
Commissioner Taylor asked if a new board would be selected.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.
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6. |
Public Hearing-Amendment of Chapter 5, Development Standards; Section 5800, Communication Towers Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and stated not asking to move forward with item but P&Z had questions and asked for workshop.
Michael Dorian, 145 Alligator Run, Quincy, FL, appeared before the Board concerning the item and was sworn in by the deputy clerk. Was in favor of workshops regarding this matter.
Ed Allen, appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk and also said he was in support of workshops of this item.
Commissioner Morgan pointed put this was not a quasi-judicial hearing and citizens did not need to be sworn in.
Wayne Hawthorne, 804 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, appeared before the Board
Marion Lasley, 5 Dante Court, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and was in favor of workshops concerning this item.
Anthony Arnold, 28852 Blue Star Highway, appeared before the board and stated he was on the original board and very much in favor of a workshop.
Larry Ganus, 2174 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and said the P&Z intent to table the motion and somehow the word “table” was left out of the motion and encouraged the Board to remand it back to P&Z for their decision.
Commissioner Morgan asked if Allara could step back to the podium to address questions he had.
Commissioner Croley stated he was of the opinion the process worked well and had a question for Ms. Gutcher. He asked if the County had a master cellular service plan, where there were dark areas. First process to see where dark spots are in county. Before change regulations, what prompted?
Mr. Presnell said they had been reviewing current codes and simply asking them to allow this to go back to P&Z to address.
Commissioner Holt said felt should be joint workshop with P&Z and County Commission
Commissioner Taylor agreed with Mr. Ganus to remand this back to P&Z for them to gather more information and then meet jointly.
COMMISSIONER TAYLOR MADE MOTION TO SEND BACK TO PLANNING AND ZONING AND MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY TO NOT ADOPT ORDINANCE 2013-011 AND DO NOT SEND BACK TO PLANNING AND ZONING, BEFORE THE BOARD VOTED, COMMISSIONER HOLT CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Holt called for questions needs to be work shopped.
Chair Hinson asked Mr. Presnell purpose for bringing back for workshop. Mr. Presnell said their recommendation was for Board to instruct staff to go back and have workshop with all interested parties.
CHAIR CALLED FOR VOTE. BOARD VOTED 2-3. COMMISSIONERS HOLT, TAYLOR AND HINSON OPPOSED. MOTION FAILED.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 TO APPROVE OPTION TWO. COMMISSIONERS CROLEY AND MORGAN OPPOSED. MOTION PASSED.
Commissioner Croley asked for point of clarification-does not change-just sends back to P&Z for workshop.
Commissioner Taylor stated P&Z may send back different item and to say contents be the same is not right.
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7. |
Public Hearing-Amendment of Chapter 6, Subdivision of Land, Section 6000, Establishment for Subdivision of Land, Subsection 6600, Family Exemption Mr. Presnell said final public hearing regarding this item.
Michael Dorian, 145 Alligator Run, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and stated go back to one subdivision per families-more could cause urban sprawl and threaten aquifer. Thinks needs to be workshopped and move slowly.
Diane Sheffield, 1291 Tallavana Trail, Havana, FL served on P&Z for long time Way they set things up not way it has worked out. Don’t go backwards, move forward.
Ed Allen, appeared before the Board and said ordinance sunsetted several years ago and decided to let Anthony Arnold, 28852 Blue Star Highway was on P&Z at time this was discussed. Encouraged Board to workshop.
Marion Lasley, 5 Dante Court, said agreed with everything the previous board members said.
Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Said foresee problems if this is not planned out well.
Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting
She added she noticed minutes not included in packet and stated should be in future. Not in favor of proposal and asked that they deny it.
David Trauchand, 28 Blue Heron Ct., Havana reason no minutes they did not meet in December to approve November meeting. Proposal for homestead turned down by P&Z-felt too many problems with this.
Larry Ganus, 2174 Frank Smith Road, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and said issue had been around as long as he’s been on commission- winding up 9th year. All based on fact this state law still in comp plan-planning commission approved Felt personally this was a detriment-didn’t move to country to live with people at front door. Encourage Board to not approve item.
Commissioner Croley said since he’s been commissioner has seen problem with this and this is not workable. Thinks bad idea to go back to way things were.
Commissioner Holt said people are crying now because they own 9 acres of land and can’t put residence on it. Two sides to this. Represent all the people not one or two.
Commissioner Morgan said valid argument for both sides but what has heard consistently don’t think best solution to address those that needs help. Do not support it. Asked problem with EAR amendments.
Mr. Presnell said they started working on EAR amendments when Allara started work. She came forward to give explanation.
Commissioner Taylor said listening to comments about urban sprawl, her issue no more land being made but population is growing. We need smart growth for county. Asked if something could be put into play to protect property owner.
Mr. Presnell said after three years there was no restriction.
Commissioner Taylor asked how to control clusters-in favor of smart growth and development.
Mr. Presnell said this was 3 acre tracts, not ½ acre.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, BEFORE THE BOARD VOTED COMMISSIONER MORGAN CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.
5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO
Morgan asked if super or simple majority-simple.
Mr. Weiss said text amendment and required simple majority vote.
Chair Hinson commented he thought an intense workshop was needed
Mr. Weiss said way ordinance written
CHAIR HINSON CALLED FOR THE VOTE. THE BOARD VOTED 3-2. COMMISSIONERS MORGAN AND CROLEY OPPOSED.
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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8. |
Appointment of Members to the Gadsden County Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) & Adoption of Resolution 2013-031 Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Commissioner Morgan moved approval.
Commissioner Taylor looked at some of applicants and some are from out of town and asked if they didn’t want local representation.
Phyllis Moore appeared before the board and said they advertised asking for applicants.
Commissioner Taylor said not trying to abate process just wants to make sure equal representation.
Commissioner Morgan said always good when have 7 active people who want to serve. Agree with Commissioner Taylor in having representation from each district.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, BEFORE THE BOARD VOTED, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY POINTED OUT THE BOARD NEEDED TO APPROVE MEMBERS.
Allara appeared before the board and discussed the criteria of the appointed member
Phyllis Moore appeared before the board to give the list of the needed members.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE BOARD MEMBERS. COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2013-031
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9. |
Approval of Reappointments/Appointments to the Apalachee Regional Planning Council UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.
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10. |
Accepting Existing Non-Maintained Roads Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and said looking for roads that were 100% maintainable.
Commissioner Taylor asked Mr. Presnell about the dirt roads and if they would be paved-no. Living on dirt roads with Florida roads-unbearable.
Commissioner Croley said DOT not cooperating with millings-willing to sell.
Commissioner Taylor said county was 2-3 years out from paying off paving bond.
Larry Ganus appeared before the board and asked to speak because he had lived on a dirt road for 20 years. 2.6 miles of dirt road and property owners association charges Thinks County owes them, they pay taxes and get hardly no service out of county-maintains road himself.
Commissioner Holt said took beating with suggested $10 Million, if had done $25 Million, would have paved all dirt roads.
Chair Hinson said not talking about paving-just maintaining.
Commissioner Croley said supposed to have procedure in place to maintain road. Expressed we were part of 4 other counties on maintaining roads-not keeping up present roads-need to keep up but do it in correct manner.
Commissioner Taylor –we are spending $900,000/year on debt Asked that they take bond and look at increasing, lower amount of payment.
Commissioner Morgan said fact going on private property not issue, but concern was current financial position to road department. In weak financial position in that department and does not understand how taking on more debt Asked if maintaining roads if would decrease or increase or keep same-increase. Raising expenses year after year and decreased revenue year after year.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR TO APPROVE OPTION TWO, BEFORE THE BOARD VOTED THERE WAS A CALL FOR DISCUSSION.
5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO Holt approve option 2 accept dirt road, pay survey, deeds to county/Taylor second Mr. Presnell
Commissioner Morgan asked if made good business sense
Commissioner Croley said Mr. Ganus suggested citizens be involved.
CHAIR HINSON CALLED FOR VOTE. THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE. COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
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Vendor Performance Evaluation (Legacy Marketing) from the TDC and Continuation of Service Mr. Presnell introduced next item.
Commissioner Croley stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Taylor said not heartburn either way. Said for future reference, whoever contracting with needs to show actual impact. Had things going on that no matter who was marketing, would have drawn people to our county.
Matt Thro, 302 North Main Street, Havana, FL appeared before the Board and said was very thrilled to have Ms. Gutcher a part of council.
Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
(Two videos prepared by the marketing company played.)
Commissioner Taylor returned at the juncture.
Commissioner Croley returned.
Commissioner Holt had questions for the marketing company. 1st video being shown on Gadsden website; second video is part of video freeroll collection they want to target specific market and cost was $20,000.
Commissioner Morgan stepped out.
Commissioner Morgan returned.
Legacy stated had been at every event they knew about with exception of Fantasia concert.
Commissioner Holt cannot see difference in what contracted for and what was outside of contract.
Commissioner Taylor said heard was overwhelmingly approved to be fair need at least year to prove things. Thought could be more well-rounded with diversity of people
Commissioner Holt asked status of kiosks-not in their contract and personally did not like-suggested mobile app since most folks used mobile phones. She asked about the billboards-located in Marianna and Madison.
Chair Hinson said when have retreat, need to identify what Gadsden County about.
Commissioner Morgan and had been board representative on TDC (and pointed out Chair needed to appoint new person next meeting). Said Commissioner Holt mentioned kiosks and he had supported that some time ago. Need to brand county.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER HOLT OPPOSED.
Commissioner Croley said about sick of hearing about TDC. If looking for a “brand” for the county, said most everyone he talks to talks about hunting and fishing.
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12. |
Approval of Gadsden County Enterprise Zone Boundary Amendment Resolution Mr. Presnell introduced above item and said was expansion of Enterprise Zone.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION
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Joshua L. & Sarah E. Rudd, Parcel ID No. 3-11-2N-3W-0000-00222-03000/Code Enforcement Mr. Presnell introduced above item and pointed out was typo on Agenda request-County Administrator’s recommendation was Option 1.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE ITEM.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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14. |
Update on Board Requests Mr. Presnell said had few items:
Transportation Loan currently have and expansion, ran quick numbers since last meeting, using $15 Million as example 15 years at rate of 2.75% annual payment $1.7 Million-using current payment of $700,000 still need to generate .5¢ fuel tax to generate remainder of payment. No way to do at this time without paying on existing $4 Million owed or generating increase gas tax.
City Contributions to Gadsden Development Council Greensboro $1500. Havana $2500 Gretna $5000 Quincy $10,000 Midway $3000 Don’t have Chattahoochee’s
Tree Trimming Ball in Talquin’s court, they are working on it.
Canty Lane Ground breaking is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Affordable Care Workshop Scheduled for January 15th Will be sending out information January 15th 12:00-2:00
LAP/Safety Projects List being put together and will be forwarded to him for safety projects
Bus Stop Information Public Works Director working on lighting and bus stop information
Sidewalks Community Traffic Safety Team got approval from DOT for Martin Luther King to Highway 90.
FRDAP To apply for this money, you have to have land owned or tied up for 30 years.
Beautification Commissioner Croley said sitting with several thousand dollars for beautification and asked status. Consultant working on changing language-when finish, go to DOT for approval and can be re-bid. Commissioner Croley pointed out $100,000 being sat on.
Disposing Surplus County Property Asked progress of disposing surplus county property
Courthouse During ceremony standing water on courthouse grounds and want to find out where from.
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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15. |
Update on Various Legal Issues Nothing to report. Wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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16. |
Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
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Commissioner Taylor Asked Mr. Presnell if in line for RFP for professional services and asked for it in writing when so can keep abreast.
Said Allara seemed to be with it, wanted to know her goal on updating comp plan. Mr. Presnell said going through it section by section.
Mr. Presnell said will have a land use change to bring before the board soon with business looking to relocate to Gadsden County.
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Commissioner Morgan Wanted to say for record completed ethics course and provided a Certificate of Completion
TDC Needs to be new TDC appointment made
RFP’s Asked about Mr. Presnell’s contract as well as other professional contracts and if information would be sent so they could consider when they are looking at other contracts.
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Commissioner Croley Would like to ask that they agenda a discussion to build new building for sheriff in front of jail.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO HAVE DISCUSSION ITEM FOR NEW BUILDING FOR SHERIFF PLACED ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION.
Cellular workshop Interested in getting plan in place instead of each company building tower.
Commissioner Holt said still part of comp plan and hoped could come hour earlier and workshop sometime.
EDT costs Asked status
Agricultural Multi-purpose Facility Board approved new facility for multi-purpose facility and gave budget request and had budget request form from Senator Montford office that had been completed.
Community Control Communities should make decisions of what they want in their neighborhoods.
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas
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Commissioner Holt Workshops Requested information for workshops to start at 5:00
Enterprise Zone Property owners and businesses need to know what their rights are
Affordable Health Care Glad he brought up.
Sheriff’s facility In favor of and need to look at benefits, if any, of ICE program
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Commissioner Hinson Retreat Have been discussing retreat, maybe could meet on an odd Tuesday and meet here or place of their choice. Commissioner Holt said Mr. Presnell could poll everyone
Said when with school Board, they had staffing plan, not sure how done here.
Palm Trees maybe could throw palm trees off interstate, something to consider
TDC Commissioner Holt volunteered for TDC
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Receipt and File a. November 25, 2013 letter from Florida Department of Health (Award of State EMS County Grant ID Code C2020 for $12,754) b. Interlocal Agreement with Gadsden County School Board for Road Maintenance and Special Project Activities (October 1, 2013 Board Meeting-note additional schools added) c. |
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January Meeting(s) -January 7, 2014, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m. -January 21, 2014, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. |
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