Gadsden Legislative Delegation Meeting

Board of County Commissioners

AGENDA

January 26, 2015

Present:               Brenda A. 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

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                David Weiss, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

CALL TO ORDER  Representative Williams called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dr. Viegbesie.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
	Rev. Charles Morris, New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
INTRODUCTION OF DELEGATION MEMBERS  Senator Montford said a few words and introduced his staff members.  Representative Williams then had a few words to say.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
	A.  The Legislative Session begins March 3, 2015.  He announced in 2016, session will start in February.
	B.  Citizens who wish to address the delegation are requested to fill out an appearance card.   He said they were going in reverse order and taking p
APPEARANCES
	A.   County Commissioners – Brenda Holt, Chairman  Commissioner Brenda Holt said she had been watching the committee meetings. 1) Secure Funding for New Agricultural Education and Promotion Facility Grant 2) 2) Provide Funding for Critical Infrastructure and Municipal Water Projects 3) Mitigate Impact of Change in the County Medicaid Cost Share Formula 4) Protect Revenue Sharing and Funding for High Priority Programs 5) Economic Development She also spoke on Gretna’s Creek Entertainment. Representative Williams agreed that economic development was the key to the lifeblood of the county.
	B.  Constitutional Officers-                 Sheriff-Morris Young                 Clerk of Court-Nicholas Thomas                 Tax Collector-W. Dale Summerford                 Property Appraiser-Clay Vanlandingham                 Supervisor of Elections-Shirley Knight   Representative
	C.  Superintendent of Schools-Reginald James
	D. City Commissioners City of Quincy                 City of Chattahoochee                 Town of Greensboro                 City of Gretna                 Town of Havana                 City of Midway Representative Williams asked if anyone was present from the cities that wished to speak. Clarence Jackson, City of Gretna, Commissioner, spoke. Antonio Jefferson, City Manager, City of Gretna, spoke. Howard McKinnon, Town Manager, Town of Havana, said 20 years ago Havana drilled water supply and wanted to solicit support for getting them in compliance. Dot Inman-Johnson, City Manager, City of Midway, appeared and said there would be a proposal from Midway for central sewer project and said Midway was fastest growing city in Gadsden County.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY Beth Kirkland, appeared and said was so exciting that at top of both agenda packets was Rural Economic development.  Senator Montford said there had been a lot of discussion concerning the port in Port St. Joe. Rev. Charles Morris appeared and said there were concerns-some issues- 1) billions of $$ returned from Medicaid & if possible to get funds returned to State. 2) Public education 3) Stand Your Ground Law-
CLOSING REMARKS  Representative Williams recognized Mr. Presnell, Mr. Lawson and Mr. Martinez. Saturday, Art gala is this weekend. Senator Al Lawson spoke and hoped the Sheriff would be here and knew he would like to speak in regard to project he was working on.  Said would be working with Chris Doolin on Legislative Day. Chris Doolin spoke and said a lot of what was heard tonight was because of collaboration.  Representative Williams thanked the BOCC for hosting them.   He said it had been an honor to represent Gadsden County, as he was about to “term out”.
ADJOURN Adjourned at 7:03 p.m.