Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
AGENDA
Regular Public Meeting
March 18, 2014
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
Michael J. Glazer, Assistant 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 then asked everyone to stand for a silent prayer and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. A silent roll call was taken by Marcella Blocker.
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Presnell said he would like to pull Item 3 and it would be added at a later date and add Item16A - Discussion of Potential Regulation of Internet Cafes by Adopting a County Ordinance.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
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1. |
Proclamation Honoring the Life of Mr. Harry K. Holt Mr. Presnell said there was a Proclamation honoring former Commissioner Harry Holt, who had recently passed away.
Chair Hinson asked the family members to come forward and read the Proclamation aloud and then presented it to the family.
Commissioner Holt had a few words to say concerning former Commissioner Holt.
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2. |
Gadsden Arts Center Programs and Operations Grace Robinson, Director of Gadsden Arts Center, appeared before the Board and gave a brief presentation regarding the Art Center and the upcoming exhibit “Masterworks on the Move: American Paintings from Wesleyan College” that is presented in memory of Julia Munroe Woodward.
Commissioner Morgan said there was a building on the grounds of Florida State Hospital that had served as an arsenal and is in the works to become a museum.
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4. |
Presentation of Fiscal Year 2013 Audit Report Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Mr. Ron Whitesides, Purvis Gray and Company, appeared before the Board to give a presentation of the County audit and gave a brief overview of the audit to the Board.
Commissioner Croley said the previous and present administration should be applauded. Had questions-current liabilities increased-why?
Croley asked him to explain the employee retirement benefits.
Commissioner Holt said we are doing good to have money in the bank and her concern was economic development and asked what might could be done to help improve economic development.
Commissioner Morgan congratulated them on spearheading presenting the information in a timely manner. He asked, with them representing other municipalities, he had mentioned in the past moving funds to another account in case monies were needed quickly in case of emergencies, and asked how that could be accomplished.
He said a number of cities and counties do have an account with monies set aside.
Commissioner Morgan asked if the full audit would be posted on the County’s website-yes.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 TO ACCEPT THE AUDIT AS PRESENTED.
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CLERK OF COURTS Nothing to report.
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CONSENT Commissioner Taylor asked to pull Items 7 & 8.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, COMMISIONER TAYLOR ASKED TO PULL ITEMS 7 & 8.
Commissioner Taylor asked to pull items 7 & 8.
Commissioner Croley amended his motion to approve the agenda minus Item 7 & 8.
THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA MINUS ITEMS 7 & 8.
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5. |
Approval of Minutes -February 4, 2014 Regular Meeting
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6. |
Approval to Renew the Services Contract with Solutions EAP
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9. |
Approval and Signature on the Spring 2014 E911 Rural County Grant Application for Software Subscription/Evergreen and MapSAG Maintenance
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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7. |
Approval of the Design Services Contract to Preble-Rish, Inc. for the Local Agency Program (LAP) City of Chattahoochee-Cairo Street Project
Commissioner Taylor asked for more detail concerning these 2 items. Short sections of sidewalk within Chattahoochee with grant money.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.
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8. |
Approval of Design Services Contract to Preble-Rish, Inc. for the Local Agency Program (LAP) City of Chattahoochee-McDonald Avenue Project
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
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Willie Scott, 26 Shaw Lane, Quincy, FL 32352, appeared before the Board and said his concern was regarding Scottown Community. He said after the St. John Park was dedicated, they should have been in line to receive the next park in the Scottown Community. He told the Board they needed tables and park items. He said there was a meeting scheduled for the second Tuesday in April at a church on Charlie Harris Loop and asked the Board to attend the meeting.
Commissioner Croley encouraged the Board to support this effort, it would be utilized by residents in District 4 and District 2.
Mr. Presnell said there had been a meeting and they were able to secure money to add a pavilion to give room for 4 more tables, grills are to be installed and able to take care of some other things in the area.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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10. |
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Midway to Provide Building Inspection and Permitting Services Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, BEFORE VOTE WAS TAKEN COMMISSIONER TAYLOR HAD QUESTIONS.
Commissioner Taylor asked thought this was previously approved-was pulled off agenda.
Commissioner Croley stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
CHAIR HINSON CALLED FOR THE VOTE AND THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.
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11. |
Request for County Attorney to Attend all Tourist Development Council Meetings Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, BEFORE VOTE WAS TAKEN COMMISSIONER TAYLOR HAD QUESTIONS.
Commissioner Taylor asked about costs that would be incurred.
Commissioner Croley returned at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Morgan said this should have been done before, approve it and then look at it in 6 months.
Commissioner Taylor asked to get costs more concrete.
Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture.
CHAIR HINSON CALLED FOR THE VOTE AND THE BOARD VOTED 3-1. CHAIR HINSON OPPOSED.
Commissioner Holt returned at this juncture of the meeting.
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12. |
2013 New Probation Programs Update Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Martha Chancey, Probation Division Manager, appeared before the Board to give an update of the programs.
Commissioner Morgan congratulated Ms. Chancey on the improvements in the Department.
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13. |
Request for Monetary Support for the 2014 Relay for Life of Gadsden-American Cancer Society Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and said approximately $1600 has been raised to date.
Commissioner Croley asked if they were asking for donations individually or with taxpayers’ money.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALLY, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, COMMISSIONER TAYLOR CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Taylor said she would like to see the Board to something from the Board to show the community they were willing to stand along with the survivors to help fight cancer.
Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Holt returned at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Croley said he agreed to support the effort by the staff and willing to put money in individually and asked that they set an amount individually to give.
Commissioner Morgan said his wife was a breast cancer survivor and supported everything Relay for Life offered, but did not think right approach to use taxpayer dollars to support this, but rather show support individually.
Commissioner Holt said a dollar amount was not specified.
Mr. Presnell said figures thrown out was $1000 and $2500, but would take any amount.
There was more discussion among the Board.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CROLEY, THE BOARD VOTED 4-1 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE GIVING $900.00 TO RELAY FOR LIFE. COMMISSIONER MORGAN OPPOSED.
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14. |
Request for Monetary Assistance with the FCAT Rally scheduled for April 5, 2014 Mr. Presnell introduced the above item and said was for rally on Courthouse grounds for kids before the FCAT. Will have events, food entertainment to help prepare kids for test.
Commissioner Morgan asked where info came from and asked why Board asked to give funds.
Commissioner Taylor said the idea was to have 2 weeks of stress-fee for children and Superintendent thought maybe bus children in for event, entertainment to help support children.
Commissioner Morgan said had nothing against the event, just was against support coming from the County.
Commissioner Morgan stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Morgan returned at this juncture of the meeting.
Commissioner Holt said in past she has put own money into her school, but was not in favor because has had phone calls from constituents not in favor of this because they did not have kids in school system.
There was more discussion among the Board.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 3-2 TO APPROVE THIS ITEM. COMMISSIONER MORGAN AND COMMISSIONER CROLEY OPPOSED.
Commissioner Holt said would like to hear back from School Board on economic development plan for Havana school.
Commissioner Croley said had never heard of giving a party for children who are about to take a test, have heard of giving a party after the tests, not before.
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15. |
Marcellete Akins King & Alton Baker; Parcel ID No. 2-15-3N-4W-0000-00134-2300/Code Enforcement Mr. Presnell introduced item and said another code enforcement clean-up item.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN, COMMISSIONER TAYLOR CALLED FOR DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Taylor asked questions regarding costs.
THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE OPTION ONE.
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16. |
Shedric Woods/Winston Woods/James Pindleton; Parcel ID No.: 2-26-3N-2W-0210-0000C-0120/Code Enforcement Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE FOR OPTION ONE.
There was board discussion following the vote.
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16A |
Discussion of Potential Regulation of Internet Cafes by Adopting a County Ordinance Mr. Presnell introduced the above item.
Commissioner Morgan said his initial concern was the cafes popping up around the country and has become aware of how it could take advantage of the citizens of the county.
Commissioner Holt said she asked that this be placed on the agenda because she had been asked questions regarding the possibility of collecting sales tax regarding internet access.
The attorney said no sales tax on internet access.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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17. |
Update on Board Requests Mr. Presnell reminded everyone of joint workshop scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. with P&Z and David Theriaque.
Commissioners Hinson and Commissioner Taylor not able to make it.
Brought to Board’s attention contract with Big Bend Transit expires April 30th.
Informed Board had received 7 responses regarding RFP for legal counsel.
Commissioner Croley said last time done, 1 commissioner was present along with Mr. Lawson and representative from clerk’s office, all proposals taken, and qualified applicants brought to Board for decision.
Arthur Lawson approached to Board to explain how was done in past.
Commissioner Croley said Administrator, Mr. Lawson should be on committee.
Commissioner Holt suggested Mr. Lawson be in charge and he choose 2 other people to assist.
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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18. |
Update on Various Legal Issues Nothing to report.
Commissioner Taylor asked where ordinance was for private roads-Attorney said in the works.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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19. |
Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission Districts and Gadsden County
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Commissioner Taylor, District 5 Commissioner Taylor said need to look into putting in minimum of 4-5 rooms in hospital because what was told to citizens and wants to have discussion.
Said funding source for emergency housing repair and quite few people that need help and would like to consider putting few more dollars into helping.
Commissioner Holt asked when budget workshops would start.
Added she would be out on March 20th.
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Commissioner Morgan, District 3 Nothing to report
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Commissioner Croley, District 2 CRTPA Mr. Reed acknowledged sidewalk in Gretna in works for 2015.
TDC Said vacancy on TDC for bed tax collector and suggested looking at Lynn Badger who has bought Nicholson Farm house and asked that she be contacted to be representative.
UPON MOTION OF COMMISSIONER CROLEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THE BOARD VOTED 5-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO SEE IF MS. BADGER QUALIFIES TO SERVE ON BOARD OF IF COMEONE ELSE IN AREA QUALIFIES.
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Commissioner Holt, Vice Chair, District 4 TDC Emergency Management doing another program around June/July and requesting there be activities during that time to capture money in this area from persons attending.
Social Security Local office to close and had meeting at Senior Citizen Center. Asked Board if ok to present to them use of part of the hospital.
Commissioner Morgan asked if a lot of business could be done over the phone or internet.
Commissioner Holt said problem was the sick and/or elderly have hard time understanding what was said or access to internet.
Commissioner Croley said his opinion hospital route not way to go.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Morgan asked if she was looking for support from board – yes.
Commissioner Taylor suggested talking to the City-they offer reduction in utilities.
Senior Day at Capitol is next Wednesday and good time to be heard regarding this matter.
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Commissioner Hinson, Chairman, District 1 Congratulated staff for raising $1600 for Relay for Life.
Commissioner Taylor also congratulated Administrator and Clerk for clean audit.
Chair Hinson visited amphitheater and was unbelievable.
Brought up RFP’s – ads out for engineering and auditors. |
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RECEIPT AND FILE
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20. |
a. February 19, 2014 letter to Representative Alan B. Williams (Closing of the Social Security Administration Quincy Office) b. February 19, 2014 letter to Senator Bill Montford (Closing of the Social Security Administration Quincy Office) c. February 20, 2014 Letter from the City of Quincy (Voluntary Annexation of the University of FL (IFAS) Property)
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UPCOMING MEETINGS -April 1, 2014 - Regular Meeting -April 15, 2014 – Regular Meeting
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. |
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