Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
Regular Public Meeting
September 15, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Present: Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Chair, District 2
Brenda Holt, Vice Chair, District 4
Eric Hinson, District 1 – appeared remotely
Gene Morgan, District 3 – appeared remotely
Sherrie Taylor, District 5 – arrived late
Henry G. Grant, Interim County Administrator
Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court
Clayton Knowles, County Attorney
Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk
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INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair welcomed everyone to meeting and called it to order at 6:02 p.m.; asked everyone to bow in moment of silence and then led in Pledge of Allegiance |
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA Pull 7, 12, 13
Taylor arrived at 6:04 p.m.
Holt/Morgan
5-0
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
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CONSENT
Holt/Morgan
Morgan pull 3 & 4
5-0
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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1. |
Approval of the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Annual Report
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2. |
Approval and Signature(s) for Satisfaction of Special Assessment Lien State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Housing Rehabilitation Program or Emergency (ER) Program
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Pulled for Discussion
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Pulled for Discussion
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5. |
Gadsden County Public Works Department Warehouse Bid Award
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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3. |
Appointment to the Circuit 2 Alliance Community Action Team (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla)
Need to be specific on who approving
Holt approve Hinson/Morgan 5-0
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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4. |
Commission Appointment/Reappointment to the Inmate Commissary and Welfare Funds Committee
Holt Morgan appoint/Hinson 5-0
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Due to COVID-19 and the efforts of Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners to continue the practice of social distancing, Commissioners want to continue to hear from citizens under the Citizens Requesting to be Heard section of the agenda.
If citizens have any questions, comments or concerns, please email CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov and anticipate receiving a response within 48 hours.
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Dana Oaks, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE approve the construction of a new Verizon tower. I cannot sit in my living room and get good reception on my Verizon iPhone. I have to go out on our back deck.
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Kelly Russell, I am in favor of the proposed Verizon tower on Hwy 12. I live at Lake Tallavana and cannot get a reliable signal from any carrier. I require an internet booster to use my cellphone. When the power goes out I do not have any service which is a safety issue. I hope you approve this vital link to our area. Thank you.
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Dale Fuller, Realtor I am writing to request your approval of the Antietam/Verizon tower on SR 12. I moved to Lake Tallavana in 2012 and service was good but is no longer.
I am a realtor and not being able to say that there is good cell service is a detriment to selling real estate in this area of Havana.
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Bill Wert Please vote for the new cell tower. The service in the Reston subdivision is terrible. We are lucky to get one bar. Vote yes.
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Judy Ashley I have lived in the Lake Tallavana area for the past year. The cell coverage in this area is pitiful! While I’m not sure what the variances entail, having better cell coverage would be greatly appreciated. Verizon usually has the best coverage anywhere in the country, but around here…I’m lucky to see one bar on my phone. Dropped calls can be extremely annoying, too.
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Sandra Hopkins Please consider voting in favor of the new cell tower on SR 12. We are in great need of reliable internet service and with the increase usage of the existing system a new tower would be a great help. Thank you for your service and please help us get some assistance.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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6. |
Public Hearing-Quasi-Judicial-Antietam Wireless Services, LLC, SR 12, Havana Highway Communications Tower Conceptual/Preliminary Site Plan (SP-2020-04) with two Deviations Dr. Grant introduced the above item and gave a brief description.
Ms. Quigley appeared before the Board and gave
Dana Oaks, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE approve the construction of a new Verizon tower. I cannot sit in my living room and get good reception on my Verizon iPhone. I have to go out on our back deck.
Kelly Russell, I am in favor of the proposed Verizon tower on Hwy 12. I live at Lake Tallavana and cannot get a reliable signal from any carrier. I require an internet booster to use my cellphone. When the power goes out I do not have any service which is a safety issue. I hope you approve this vital link to our area. Thank you.
Dale Fuller, Realtor I am writing to request your approval of the Antietam/Verizon tower on SR 12. I moved to Lake Tallavana in 2012 and service was good but is no longer.
I am a realtor and not being able to say that there is good cell service is a detriment to selling real estate in this area of Havana.
Bill Wert Please vote for the new cell tower. The service in the Reston subdivision is terrible. We are lucky to get one bar. Vote yes.
Judy Ashley I have lived in the Lake Tallavana area for the past year. The cell coverage in this area is pitiful! While I’m not sure what the variances entail, having better cell coverage would be greatly appreciated. Verizon usually has the best coverage anywhere in the country, but around here…I’m lucky to see one bar on my phone. Dropped calls can be extremely annoying, too.
Sandra Hopkins Please consider voting in favor of the new cell tower on SR 12. We are in great need of reliable internet service and with the increase usage of the existing system a new tower would be a great help. Thank you for your service and please help us get some assistance.
Don Stewart,
Lelani Osmin
Holt motion to approve/Morgan
COMMISSIONER HINSON y COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
5-0
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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Item pulled
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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8. |
Approval of Contractual Agreement between CenturyLink and Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners Grant introduced above item
Holt asked if received contract. Grant said received it this afternoon and emailed to all Commissioners. Holt said the need to have contracts to review.
Holt motion to table until Friday/V
Hinson said he and Morgan would not be able to see information if put on screen. Hinson said based on prior history, couple of years ago, approved something and should not have, maybe should bring this item back. Morgan agreed with Hinson and Commissioner Holt. Bring it back Friday.
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
5-0
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9. |
Approval for the North Florida Rural Health Corp to Utilize the Chattahoochee Massey Building Grant introduced above item
Morgan said no problem with item, at right time move to approve and include in lease square footage for senior citizens/V second and was his only concern
Holt asked if they were on Zoom-yes-Asked if response-not problem-planned on leaving current area they were using
Hinson said visited space couple of years ago and asked if seniors still using building-yes. Said was heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael and didn’t know was being used. Morgan said was using up and until hurricane and will resume once building is repaired.
V said was using backside and one other room. Hinson said in January, where were they located-that building. Morgan clarified situation. Hinson said healthcare helps seniors as well and would be great to have conversation and if have additional space, would be helpful.
Morgan said had lengthy conversation with people involved. Lot of services they will be providing will be needed by seniors and will have plenty of space for both to utilize.
Holt wanted to move item. Reason need to go ahead and get them in, don’t want to lose them to another location Holt said still have to have restrictions and need to look at that when comes to renovations.
Knowles asked lease pay State now may be zero, then they pay zero. Hinson said charge $1000.
Taylor asked-going to allow agency to utilize county facility without any agreement in place, no requirement, no hold harmless…Holt said would be coming back
Knowles said when bring lease back for approval, will have hold harmless, etc. in place and if changes want to make can do so at that time.
Taylor said asinine to have agreement without charging anything. Moving too fast, too quick. Thinks need to bring back. Taylor said to entertain on Friday.
Holt said if Morgan could amend motion to say contingent upon lease agreement. Morgan said appreciate conversation. Said approving can utilizing building in partnership with North Florida Rural Health and approving to move forward to bring lease back.
Hinson said thought had opportunity to talk to group and wanted to disclose it in case did so.
COMMISSIONER HINSON y COMMISSIONER TAYLOR n COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
4-1
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10. |
Approval of the Annual Contract between the Gadsden County BOCC and the Florida Department of Health for the Operations of the Gadsden County Health Department Grant introduced above item.
Morgan/Holt
COMMISSIONER HINSON y COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
5-0
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11. |
Release of Sublease Number 3517-01 Grant introduced above item.
Morgan/Holt
COMMISSIONER HINSON y COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y 5-0
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Pulled
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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Pulled
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR COMMISSIONER HOLT COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE
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14. |
Temporary Relocation of Havana EMS Crew Grant introduced above item
Holt asked to hear from Chief. Holt asked who owned mobile home-County. Holt said if had known was in such bad shape, could have taken care of it. She asked about moving to fire station. He said most sound and logistical move could come up with-good option. Holt said did not have problem with it as long as gives them access to Tallahassee. She said next time this needs to come to the Board so it can be taken care of-they need to know and could budget better.
Hinson said talked about this couple of weeks ago & all said were not moving. Heard rumblings about this in February. If staff had known about this and Board was responsible, staff did not come to the Board about this issue. Then said last week was not moving. Sounds like insubordination. Would take staff less than couple of days to find modular home to put in place. Could use CARES Act money and do this. To him, putting Town of Havana at risk. Could easily
V said also leaning on side of Hinson. Wanted on record to find way to keep Havana EMS within City of Havana. Need to resolve this problem. V asked how much longer Chief thought he could convince staff to continue using building-90 days? Find a way to have organizational harmony
Holt said solution may be to look at 6-month rental in Havana that would suffice and find property that could build on that would be permanent place-not modular home that will tear up.
Morgan said understood comments, have had several conversations. If move to Dogtown, adding 8 minutes to each call time. Had several conversations with Town Council, Maddox, etc-concerned with EMS folks. All have looked to try to find appropriate location and have found nothing. Think if could move in mobile home for time being, Havana looking to build new facility, problem will resolve itself. Wanted to hear from EMS director.
V asked Maddox what they could do-direction they could give to staff-how long could he work with his staff until they found permanent solution.
Maddox said worked with City Manager in Havana in looking for rental property in Havana and could not find anything. Holt said would help them look.
Hinson said tried to give staff – don’t want that recommendation at all, that’s what they do-they find spots-will make sure is quick and fast. Staff won’t. Got CARES money-can buy a modular home instead of leasing and move that onto property until get ready to build. If going to invest $200,000, County should own the property.
V said no matter what, staff will be doing it. Will work on finding place. Suggesting tabling item for now.
Holt said mobile home depreciates value of property, need to look at long term. Willing to help look-put something there that will be permanent-not something that will fall apart 10-15 years. Need someplace to move now.
Morgan said did not disagree but need today a microwave solution to a crockpot problem. Town of Havana actively looked along with several others and no problem with replacing trailer there, then go forward and building new facility.
Hinson said where moving to as well. Give direction to purchase modular home or rent-purchase be great and also, think this why communication so important. When Howard was here, talked to Hinson first; made sure Hinson knew and fought together
Taylor motion to get mobile home/Hinson
Holt asked if they could please say modular home
Morgan asked they put dollar amount on it-like up to $75,000-Taylor said so moved.
Grant asked where would put it-Morgan said put where is now. Grant said will have to move in couple of months because that is spot where putting new police station.
Holt said not addressed to put it. V said can buy home and buy property. Taylor called question.
Morgan said just spoke with Town of Havana and good with putting it behind library.
COMMISSIONER HINSON y COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
5-0
Holt said to ask staff to take care of this as soon as possible.
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CLERK OF COURT
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15. |
Updates Clerk said did not have specific report but was available for questions.
Taylor asked about remainder of CARES Act money-have not received any more.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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16. |
Updates Hoped all received letter from Sheriff Young-need to move SS Office from Sheriff office by October 30. Can move to Gretna into part of post office and City willing to enter into agreement.
Holt said when read memo and spoke to one of staff, think need to see if space at Senior Citizens Center because they use SS Office more than anyone else.
Grant said was first place use and with space utilizing, no space County saw could use.
Holt said wanted to look at it.
Taylor said should have never gone to Sheriff’s Office. Taylor said Sheriff building and Health Department belong to County.
V said hearing staff needs to be aggressive in looking at places for it to go.
Taylor asked for it to come back once explored no later than 3rd Tuesday in October.
Hinson said sense of urgency, health department ideal location; thought senior citizens but told won’t work
Taylor moved approve to place on agenda after having time to advertise/Hinson second
Knowles said can jut direct staff
Taylor withdrew motion/Hinson withdrew
September 28-October 29 Bulky items pick-up and schedule will be printed in newspapers
Should have received email from insurance company on remaining insurance funds.
Reminded last budget public hearing Monday, September 21
Interviews will be Wednesday and Thursday starting at 5
Taylor asked about
Morgan said noticed excitement in Grant’s voice about interviews
Holt said at last meeting, asked about evaluation of Massey building-
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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17. |
Updates Major Wood contacted regarding State of Emergency of Hurricane Sally. Requested the County put their own State of Emergency in place
Shade meeting
Holt asked if only day could look at it-Knowles said did not look at other dates other than regular meetings.
Taylor said 2 cases-be heard same day-yes-same counsel-how much time? If expeditious, 1 hour-so schedule 2 hours.
V said October 20th
Expand on Governor’s State of Emergency? Holt do we need to advertise? Already in state of emergency. V asked if possible to make amendment to current resolution and add paragraph. Knowles said cleaner to have separate.
Taylor agreed with what everyone saying, language should be in computation with EM Director – in agreement with moving forward. Knowles said will email to everyone an ratify it.
Holt said vote on it, willing to work on it. Morgan said had no problem with moving in that direction if attorney ok.
Holt move approval and attorney/Taylor
Morgan said could not hear-yes will draft tonight
COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN y CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
4-0
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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18. |
Report and Discussion of Public Issues
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Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1
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Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3 1 item regarding relocation of monument-6-month window-gives until December to comply and asked for update.
Grant said followed up on what Taylor asked; contacted City of Quincy about relocating in cemetery and refused to give anything in writing.
Taylor said portions that belong to Eastern or County- please look if portions that belong to anyone other than City of Quincy and contact them
V said Taylor seemed to know more about cemetery-contact her and she said more than willing to help
Holt said mentioned before was going to make statements-need to have someone locally to help when Grant gone.
Motion to hire Ed Dixon as County Manager-died for lack of second
Taylor asked if have reached out to Integrity or whomever holding 75% of CARES funds. Grant said be here Friday.
Holt said to Grant, before start looking at what-bring what required on applications so make sure on right track of what required by Federal Government
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Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4
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Commissioner Sherrie Taylor Vice-Chair, District 5
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Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Chair, District 2 V suggested cancel November 3rd meeting because
Holt/V COMMISSIONER HINSON COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y COMMISSIONER HOLT y COMMISSIONER MORGAN CHAIR VIEGBESIE y
3-0
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Receipt and File
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Adjourn at 8:11 p.m. |
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