Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA
Regular Public Meeting
November 18, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Present: Brenda Holt, Chair, District 4
Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1
Dr. Anthony O. ”Dr. V” Viegbesie, District 2
Gene Morgan, District 3
Sherrie Taylor, District 5
Robert Presnell, County Administrator
David Weiss, County Attorney
Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk
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INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL Chair Hinson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He said a prayer and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA Pull Item 16, Add Item 26A-Discussion of Boards , move 25 to 10A
Commissioner Morgan asked if Item 21 “Approval to Renew the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc.” needed to be pulled because of the 120 day provision if not going to renew or automatically renews for 5 years. Mr. Arthur Lawson stepped forward and explained the procedures.
Commissioner Morgan said it could stay in and be approved.
Holt/Morgan 5-0 |
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
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1. |
Election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman Mr. Presnell said historically they make nominations for Chair.
Dr. V nominated Commissioner Holt; Commissioner Morgan nominated Commissioner Taylor, she declined 5-0 for Chair Holt
Chair Holt nominated Eric Hinson, Dr V second and Commissioner Morgan nominated Sherrie Taylor, Dr. V second
Board voted 3-2 for Commissioner Hinson as vice.
Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
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2. |
Proclamation Honoring National Home Care Month Vice Chair Hinson presented the Proclamation to Shannon Griffin on behalf of home health care.
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CLERK OF COURTS
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CONSENT Morgan/V 4-0 |
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3. |
Approval of Minutes a. September 2, 2014 Regular Meeting b. September 11, 2014 Budget Hearing c. October 28, 2014 Joint Workshop and Information Fair (GBOCC & GCDC)
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4. |
Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contract-State Housing Initiative Partnership “SHIP” Program
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5. |
Approval of Physio Control Technical Support Agreement for Cardiac Monitoring Equipment
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6. |
Approval of Library Annual Plan of Service 2014-2015
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7. |
Approval and Execution of 2014 E911 State Grant Application
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8. |
Approval of 2015 Holiday Schedule
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9. |
Approval of the 2015 County Commission Meeting Calendar
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10. |
Approval to Accept the FY 2015-2016 Proposed Budget Calendar
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10A |
Approval of Commissioner Hinson’s Travel to the 2014 Sayfie Review Florida Leaders Summit
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minute Limit)
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Robert Copeland, 802 2nd Street, Quincy, FL 32351 possible program replacement for Boys and Girls Club. Agreed to wait until item appeared on agenda.
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Minister Alphonso Figgers, 215 N. Chalk Street, Quincy, FL Shaw’s Addition on Crime Watch and Community Action Committee, Donation for Christmas Baskets for Senior Citizens and Handicapped, asked for donations for baskets.
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Sam Palmer, 1225 Berry Street, Quincy, FL Citizen Bill of Rights, saw where BOCC allocated money for economic development and if Bill of Rights not disposed of,
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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11. |
PUBLIC HEARING-Adoption of Ordinance 2014-007 Amending the Gadsden County BOCC Procurement Policy to provide for a local preference in bid awards, to permit the utilization of contracts of other public entities on the same terms and conditions if the contract was competitively bid, and to permit bid awards to the next lowest bidder after rescission of the low bid without a new solicitation; providing for repealer, severability, and modifications that may arise from consideration at public hearing, and providing for an effective date. Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Mr. Weiss explained the Ordinance.
Chair Holt asked if there were any comments and there were none.
Dr. Viegbesie said looking at it from economist point of view it insulated to the local businesses not exposing them to competition, competition breeds quality and insulation breeds mediocrity in product provision and didn’t understand if this was insulation of local businesses from outside local area or competitive. If latter is case, good idea, if not the industry or local business being insulated from outside competition.
Mr. Weiss said his provision would be for the latter and would allow for competition.
Commissioner Hinson said when he had chance to talk with citizens was in favor
Commissioner Morgan said was wise for Board to consider any type of policy that would enhance local businesses, but was concerned not clear enough of intent and afraid would open up to legal issues. He asked the Administrator and County Attorney their “take” on the ordinance.
Mr. Weiss said if followed way presented, would not open up legal issues.
Mr. Presnell said the concern was it may start off well, but may limit competition.
Chair Holt said had seen it both ways, not much to bid on currently, no growth.
Holt made motion to approve.
Hinson had comments-not enough information to change policy around.
Motion died for lack of second
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12. |
PUBLIC HEARING-Approval of Close-Out Budget Amendments for FY 2014 Mr. Presnell introduced above item.
Holt asked if public comments-none.
Holt asked next year for close-out amendments look at items to see what transfers would be and would like to address maybe 30 minutes before meeting in workshop.
Morgan/V 4-0
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13. |
PUBLIC HEARING-Approval of Budget Amendments for FY 2015 Mr. Presnell introduced above item. Have request from Property Appraiser to add position for field Appraiser and because item was tabled whatever decision made needs to be contingent on approval of Item 14.
Mr. Weiss said motion needed to be for approval, but contingent on approval of Item 14
V motion contingent to approval of Item 14/Morgan second
Chair Holt failed to get public comment, motion and second rescinded
James Anderson asked what position was to be filled.
Clay Vanlandingham explained position
Dr. V-approval of this item contingent on approval of Item 14/ Morgan second Board voted 4-0 Passed
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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14. |
Reinstatement of Field Appraiser Position Morgan/Hinson 4-0
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15. |
Write-Off of EMS Accounts Mr. Presnell introduced above item. Morgan/V 4-0
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17. |
Approval and Execution of Every Toddler Has a Story: Supporting Emergent Literacy Through a Family Writing Initiative Grants Agreements Morgan/Hinson 4-0
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18. |
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, Inc. for FY 2014/2015 |
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Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Commissioner Taylor returned.
Robert Copeland appeared before the Board.
Morgan asked questions.
Morgan/Hinson
Taylor had questions. Not in agreement of funding because participation not there at different school sites.
Morgan said have seen benefits of Chattahoochee club.
Hinson said plenty of students at Havana.
Holt said interested in all students
4-1 Taylor opposed
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19. |
Approval of Resolution 2014-022 to Support the Continuation of the Rural Areas of Opportunity and the Enterprise Zones Program, Specifically for the Region Served by Opportunity Florida Mr. Presnell introduced above item.
Morgan/V 5-0
Chair Holt explained this needed to be supported heavily and if item sunsets, dead.
Dr. V asked what effort was made in past to inform citizens of advantages of program, said lot of incentives.
Holt said he was totally correct and now if sunsets, will be gone.
James Anderson, appeared before the board and asked if motion carried on previous item-Boys and Girls Club-yes.
Lillian Johnson, Havana, FL appeared before the Board and asked where zone was in Havana.
Robert Gonzales, 115 East 8th Avenue, Havana, FL purchased building in Havana, ready for new businesses, willing to work with new tenants and want them to understand small business is engine to the economy.
Emily Rowan, 1200 Little Sycamore Road, said she had never been allowed to speak without filling out a form and of changing rules, please notify people form no longer necessary and asked that they go back to old rules and forms being filled out, more organized meetings.
Chair Holt explained the forms were for non-agenda items, but citizens could speak on agenda items.
Mrs. Rowan said she was not aware of that and had attended almost every P&Z meeting and never knew about Enterprise Zone.
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20. |
Approval to Sell a Parcel of County Property Mr. Presnell introduced above item. Several properties were listed with realtor and offer was made.
Mr. Weiss said FL Statutes 125.135 said required be publicly bid.
Item pulled.
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21. |
Approval to Renew the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. Mr. Presnell introduced.
Hinson/Morgan
Taylor abstained because Waste Pro had done lot in community and worked with some of the organizations she affiliates with.
4-0 |
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22. |
Appointment of Gadsden County Representative to the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency Mr. Presnell introduced item
Holt nominated Dr. V
5-0
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23. |
Appointment to the Apalachee Regional Planning Council-Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board Holt nominated Hinson/V 5-0
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24. |
Consideration of State Lobbying Services for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Mr. Presnell introduced above item.
Taylor wanted to discuss before motion made.
Hinson said give Doolan $10,000 continue contract, but ask board for $20,000 for second person to handle specific projects for Gadsden County and wanted to separate items instead of them working jointly.
Dr. V asked what firm had done for item and commission and if lobbyists made arrangements with legislative session of legislative items and wants to require from firm for prepared list and provide conductive service.
Morgan said very valid concern and have had legislative agenda and time to meet. Have had agreement for past 3 years and been pleased. Asked board to consider bring item back at next meeting.
Holt said under time constraint, no time to play.
Hinson made motion to pay Doolan $10,000 and hire Lawson and Associates for specific projects and pay them $20,000
Mr. Weiss said $10,000 in budget currently and in order to entertain needs to be budget amendment.
Dr. V-what he was expressing was not bringing in district representative here, meant bring lobbyist, not sure what kind of services current firm brings.
Morgan said address what was on agenda, hope will stay with one firm, and move forward
Holt-maybe solution-Doolan has agreed to join with Lawson and Associates
Mr. Presnell explained they could vote on both tonight, contract with Doolin, expanding scope of contract with Doolin to include Lawson and stay under $25,000, OK.
Commissioner Taylor said like Mrs. Rowan had said, getting away from normal way of doing things.
Morgan stepped out
Taylor said getting away with general way they do business.
Morgan returned.
Taylor said if separate contracts, how one is $10,000 and other is $25,000. By law, should approve this item on agenda tonight and bring additional item at later agenda.
Morgan agreed with Taylor’s last comment. $25,000 not lot of money to have budgeted for lobbyists.
Holt said agreed to move item.
Hinson said Doolan doing excellent job, give Lawson and Associates specific projects, go with $10,000 to Doolin and $20,000 to Lawson.
Chair Holt asked if Mr. Arthur Lawson come step forward.
Mr. Lawson stepped forward, said if two contracts over threshold, would have to be bid, can only do one tonight, if do another, would have to be advertised. Can do $25,000 tonight, but commission decision as to whether item was properly agendaed tonight.
Mr. Weiss said procurement policy did allow to go to $25,000, if went above $10,000, need to get informal quotes.
Dr. V said in looking at letter from Doolan, Doolan bringing on board Al Lawson to work as a team. Now commission wanting to give additional money and did not realize County had that much money to give away.
Sheriff Young asked if letter from Doolan and Associates could be read.
Chair Holt read the letter.
Commissioner Taylor said they were asking for additional $25,000, Make this item $25,000 and move to next meeting and have opportunity to entertain and have it properly advertised.
Linda Dixon, 4332 Attapulgus Highway, Quincy, FL wanted clarity- understood additional $15,000, not two separate entities, not talking $10,000 here and $20,000 there-talking about $25,000 for both lobbyists.
Holt motion for approval of $25,000 for Doolan and to include Lawson to contract
Motion died for lack of second.
Hinson motion for $15,000 for Lawson, $10,000 for Doolan.
Taylor asked if he agreed for Lawson’s contract to come back at next meeting
Hinson made motion to approve contract tonight for Doolan for $10,000, put Lawson on agenda in next two weeks for $15,000/Taylor second
Hinson rescinded motion and Taylor rescinded second
Hinson amended motion approve Doolan contract/Morgan 4-1 Taylor opposed.
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Moved to Item 10A
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26. |
Approval of Revisions to the County’s Travel Policy Mr. Presnell said item sought Board approval to County’s travel policy as relates to approval of commissioners’ travel requests.
Hinson/Holt
Morgan asked why changing policy so public understands
Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Holt said in past Chairman approved and Vice approved for Chair
Morgan said has proven to be helpful, along with other policies that were put into place in 2009 and has helped to improve financial position.
3-1 Morgan opposed |
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26A |
Discussion of the Boards Policy for Press Releases and Press Conferences Mr. Presnell introduced item.
Commissioner Morgan thanked for allowing item to be added. Currently no policy or guideline for press releases or press conferences established and had instance last week concerning economic development and Gadsden County being open for business. Was not properly vetted through commission to see if message and venue and did not show respect for board. Was evident agitated at press conference and he was angry.
Taylor returned.
Dr V out
Morgan/Hinson 4-0
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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27. |
Update on Various Board Issues Requested economic development workshop prior to next meeting on December 2nd.
Dr. V returned
Dr. V suggested workshop with each body, let them market themselves showing what they have and have not & see how each pans out.
Hinson stepped out.
Taylor wants to hear from them and make sure getting best bang for buck.
Morgan said they had received quarterly reports over the past few years. Contract expired with GCDC.
Hinson returned.
Economic Development workshop December 2nd at 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Presnell said next item was legislative priorities workshop and get ready for delegation meeting
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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28. |
Update on Various Legal Issues Nothing |
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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29. |
Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
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Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1 Thanked the Board for everything, congratulated Dr. V, congratulated Holt and thanked staff for making impossible possible. Thanked Chamber and GCDC and everyone involved in press release. Said also Dr. Nesmith was in audience.
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Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, PhD, District 2 Began by expressing appreciation of welcome and warmth received and sees true need for unity of purpose. Hopes as continue to work together, take individual out of discussion process.
Proposed 1) add to agenda, revisit Citizen Growth Planning and Management bill 2) executive branch (staff) be available to attend conferences to be able to help execute policies
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Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3 Congratulated Holt on election of Chair and Dr. V for joining.
Congratulated Shawn Wood and Emergency Management-tornado touched down in Sycamore and response was great.
Felt need to focus on better planning on agenda items
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Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4 On ambulance with deficit with EMS, ambulance sits at hospital. Teacher passed out at Carter Parramore, one ambulance in Tallahassee, one on run, ambulance at hospital contracted to CRMC. Missing ambulance and needs to be fixed.
In transport of patients, if picked up, taken straight into ER, if CRMC files we can’t file for transport.
Emergency Management – asked if Chair was notified and was not. EM was supposed to call because State looks at Commissioners for anything that happens in county.
$640,000, when brought up $500,000 was for new business
Sidebars are needed when things happen
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Commissioner Sherrie Taylor, District 5 Saw where EMS had deficit because unable to collect unpaid services.
Thought CRMC was capitalizing off some of the dollars and since services being used to bring services bring to table and have talk with them
$400,000 set aside for ED, thought press conference little premature because nothing outlined yet
Allara working on strategy
Set trend for meeting, audience can feel when tension and collaboration and asked, going forward read each item, research and move forward with respect. Also keep sidebars to minimum.
Commissioner Hinson said received today that SBA sought nominations for Small Businesses of the Year.
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RECEIPT AND FILE
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30. |
a. October 15, 2014 Gadsden County Health Department Quarterly Progress Report for ½¢ Sales Tax Prevention and Education Program
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b. October 20, 2014 Letter from Gadsden County Health Department (Variance Report-10/2013-9/2014)
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c. October 8, 2014 City of Midway Community Coffee Annexation Ordinance 2014-10
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
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31. |
December 2, 2014 – Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. December 18, 2014 – Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Adjourned at 9:10 p.m. |
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