Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

AGENDA

Regular Public Meeting

February 4, 2014

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Eric Hinson, Chair, District 1

                                Brenda Holt, Vice-Chair, District 4

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Michael J. Glazer, Assistant County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

Absent:                                Doug Croley, District 2

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL  Chair Hinson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for a silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.  A silent roll call was done by Marcella Blocker.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS WRITTEN.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
1.	Presentation From The American Red Cross Capital Area Chapter Sharon Tyler, CEO for Area Chapter of American Red Cross, appeared before the Board and said real proud of what Red Cross does when a disaster occurs. She shared some of the things they had done for the benefit of Gadsden County. Commissioner Taylor said she had also come in contact with families that had suffered house fires and asked how they calculated their funding and if more assistance could be given, more than 2 days in a motel/hotel, etc.  Ms. Tyler said they can help with lodging for 1-3 days, they help cloth and feed; they evaluate what the needs are.  Jacar McCloud, appeared before the board and said there was a standard they use; a case worker interviews them and evaluates the situation. Ms. Tyler said they work with their sister agencies. Commissioner Taylor said she wanted to share facts, she appreciated what they do.
CLERK OF COURTS
2.	County Finance and County Clerk Issues a. Tax Deed Applications – 2013  Clerk Thomas said he wanted to take a few minutes and bring attention to the tax certificates and explained the process to the Board.  Commissioner Morgan asked if this has been an issue in the past-not had this many properties in the past.  If anything need to consider from an action standpoint. Commissioner Holt said reason for some of problems was lack of jobs.
CONSENT UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS WRITTEN
3.	Approval of Minutes a. September 3, 2013, Regular Meeting b. November 5, 2013, Regular Meeting
4.	Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills
5.	Write-Off of EMS Accounts & Approval of Resolution 2014-004
6.	Approval and Signature(s) for Satisfaction of Special Assessment Lien(s) State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program/Gadsden County Emergency Repairs (ER) Program
7.	Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contract – State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program or Gadsden County Emergency Repair (ER) Program
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS  None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
GENERAL BUSINESS
8.	Appointment of Board Members of Gadsden Hospital, Inc.  Mr. Presnell deferred this item to Mr. Glazer, Assistant County Attorney.  Due to fact that level of activity has diminished significantly, GHI Board does not meet regularly and presently have no specific tasks.  Currently 7 members.  Bylaws allow between 7-11 members. Commissioner Morgan asked if physician needed to be appointed-only if county operated hospital, but county does not operate hospital. Commissioner Holt said roll-over bothered her how to re-write by-laws to address changes.  Her concern is progress of hospital. Commissioner Taylor agreed more needed to be done as far as beds.   Maybe ask local physicians if interested in serving on board.  Need flexibility. Chair Hinson said had been approached by interested folks COMMISSIONER MORGAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OPTION ONE AND DIRECT ADMINISTRATOR TO BRING BACK NOMINEES TO FILL OTHER TWO POSITIONS AND WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR.  BEFORE VOTE WAS TAKEN, COMMISSIONER HOLT CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.  Commissioner Holt wants to see program moving. CHAIR HINSON CALLED FOR THE VOTE.  THE BOARD VOTED 3-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.  COMMISSIONER HOLT OPPOSED. Mr. Glazer gave a quick update of the different specialists coming to the hospital. Commissioner Holt asked if plans to open beds; asked about match money coming back to Gadsden County Commissioner Taylor said since specialists coming over, need to have conversation about opening 4 beds, directed Mr. Glazer to arrange meeting-have it placed on agenda.
9.	Approval to Apply for Matching Grant from Florida Department of Health for Cardiac Monitors  Mr. Presnell introduced the above item. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
County Administrator
10.	Update on Board Requests  closed on 2 new fire trucks today February 18^th workshop (road workshop) AT 5:00 P.M. Had inquiry about naming by-pass.  Commissioner Holt said was recommendation to name eastern end for Julia Woodward and southern end for Willie Ruth Williams. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 3-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE NAMING EASTERN END OF BY-PASS FOR JULIA WOODWARD AND SOUTHERN END FOR WILLIE RUTH WILLIAMS.  COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
11.	Update on Various Legal Issues  Nothing to report
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
12.	Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
	Commissioner Taylor, District 5  Asked Mr. Presnell status of RFP-all completed; first is for legal services and RFP’s will be staggered. Arthur Lawson appeared before the Board said RFP for legal would go out and would like to have time to evaluate situation. Commissioner Taylor said they had discussed streamlining, yet to have workshop.  Have been successful in making language changes. Have been focusing on EAR amendments.  Until majority of board agrees, won’t make a lot of progress. Presnell said had contacted other counties in FL and only 1 had adopted super majority vote and it concerns wetlands. Said she made paper regarding locks, talked with jailer and had conversation with Cooks Brothers.  Made motion to look at jail, have presentation.  Mr. Presnell said had met with Sheriff, Hayes Woodward about adding capacity with a pod.  Corrected Commissioner Taylor on jail report. Mr. Presnell-plan to bring before the board in near future. Will have report within next week. Jail has road crew, more opportunity there than we know, maybe have them take care of roads in district where privatization was discussed; take look at canteen money and doing things internal with it
	Commissioner Morgan, District 3  Respond to couple of things brought up in this meeting, not aware of negative impact regarding citizen bill of rights and had received award from State for implementing that. Jail-biggest issue, when talking about jail, made for 160 inmates and currently running 200+.  Add pod, will have increase in inmates.  When get serious enough to generate revenues for facility; tried to get discussion going, no serious interests.  Great suggestion, at right time, to have parties come to table to discuss.
	Commissioner Croley, District 2
	Commissioner Holt, Vice-Chairman, District 4  On 18^th of this month, Jimmy Carter will be speaking at Bainbridge Junior College, asked  if any interest in moving next Board meeting to 17^th.  UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO MOVE THE NEXT MEETING TO MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17^TH AT 6:00 P.M. AND THE WORKSHOP AT 5:00 P.M. Went to school board meeting today, concerns regarding high school students finishing the corrections program at Law Enforcement Academy, problems arising between school board and cadet program. Commissioner Taylor asked what problems were. UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR, THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO SEND RESOLUTION TO TCC AND SCHOOL BOARD IN SUPPORT OF PROGRAM AND FOR THE CHAIR TO SIGN. Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this junction of meeting. By-laws of GHI-need more progressive people, bring roll-over back before board. Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture. Code Enforcement-received call from 86 year old regarding tearing down dilapidated home, she asked Commissioner Holt if inmates could tear down or if fire department could use it for training. Asked Board if could take trip to Escambia County Jail to see what they do to generate money.  They have fish ponds, have cows, horticulture, welding, portable saw mill, culinary arts at facility, had trailers set up in apartments.   We need to look at committee to institute them becoming self-sufficient.  Mr. Presnell said the work program they created with the probation department is working very well, they are providing service. Citizens Bill of rights, people saying too tough to come in.
	Commissioner Hinson, Chairman, District 1
RECEIPT AND FILE
13.
A.	Resolution 2014-003 Recognizing the Dedicated Service of Mrs. Linda Jones (Presented at the January 21, 2014 Board Meeting)
B.	Certificate of Appreciation for Dr. Greg Winter, DVM (Winter Animal Hospital-Havana, FL)
C.	January 10, 2014 Order from Chief Judge Francis (Alternate Canvassing Board Member Appointment)
D.	January 14, 2014 Letter from Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (Florida CDBG Program DRI Contract No.: 12DB-P5-02-30-01-k 65 (DREF) Modification Number 1
E.	Clerks of Court Operations Corporation SFY1213 Report
FEBRUARY MEETING(S):                 -February 18, 2014, Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
MARCH MEETING(S):                 -March 4, 2014, Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.                 -March 18, 2014, Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
MOTION TO ADJOURN Meeting adjourned 7:55 p.m.