INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Chair Viegbesie welcomed everyone to the meeting and called it to order at 6:02 p.m.   Asked everyone to bow heads for moment of silence and led in Pledge of Allegiance.

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

  Pull Item 7; Morgan asked they pull Item 11-adequate information missing; Taylor objected to pulling Item 7, said they need to entertain reason why so many dying in Gadsden County; V said that why pulling item to gather more info and can discuss later.  V said Sheriff asked to pull.  Taylor said if they planned to use CARES Act money for this, can’t be used for recruitment and retention plan.  Hinson asked why County Administrator wanting to pull item.  V said it was at request of Sheriff.  Hinson said would hate to pull when having such mass shootings in County.  V asked attorney for opinion-can vote up or down. 

Chair called for vote with 7 & 11 being pulled

COMMISSIONER HINSON  y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR n

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

4-1

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

Special Recognition of Sherrie D. Taylor, District 5 Commissioner

  V said have token of appreciation and recognition; stepped to the front and read aloud the plaque and then presented it to her.

She had a few words to say. 

  Holt said to Taylor she appreciated what she had done

  Hinson thanked her for her efforts to the citizens of District 5 and the County.  Think she should get credit for roads and being passionate for kids in Gadsden County; Social Security Administration; heart with the kids

  Morgan said remembered when both was sworn in, she has a genuine interest for the County.  

Phoenix Claims Consulting

  Dr. Grant introduced above item.

  Mark D. Glover, PCA, appeared before the Board.  Have worked on behalf of policyholders and have settled thousands of claims. 

Ryan ? gave overview of company.  Most experienced disaster recovery company in area. 

Mark said they work with public sector and have been selected by various government agencies.

Primary issues:

1.       Costs projections

2.       Cat response; post storm duties

Chris ? said want to discuss the heart and soul-after disaster- by hiring 3^rd party consultants, ultimately get increased recovery response. 

Chris said not that anyone did anything wrong, just didn’t know what they didn’t know.

Mark said in closing, work 100% contingency; no costs to County.  Will have experts to get exactly what owed.

V thanked them for the presentation.

CONSENT

  Morgan/Holt

COMMISSIONER HINSON

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR

COMMISSIONER HOLT

COMMISSIONER MORGAN

CHAIR VIEGBESIE

5-0

1.

Ratification Memo

2.

a.       July 7, 2020-Regular Meeting

b.      July 17, 2020-Emergency Meeting

c.       July 23, 2020-Second Budget Workshop

d.      August 4, 2020-Regular Meeting

e.       August 5, 2020-Special Workshop/Special Meeting

f.        August 7, 2020-Emergency Meeting

g.       August 12, 2020-Special CARES Act Meeting

h.      August 14, 2020-Emergency Meeting

i.        September 1, 2020-Regular Meeting

j.        September 8, 2020-FY 2020/2021 Budget Workshop

k.       September 10, 2020-First Budget Public Hearing

l.        September 21, 2020-Final Budget Public Hearing

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

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.

  V said did not have any emails and said if anyone wanted to speak, should notify County Administrator ahead of time and follow guidelines.

  Morgan asked to verify that staff checked email box and Grant said yes 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

3.

Public Hearing-Legislative-Adoption of Land Development Code Amendments, Section 5611.F, Streets, Driveways, and Access Management

  Grant introduced item and called Diane Quigley up.

  Diane Quigley appeared before the Board and explained the item.

Went before Planning-voted 6-1 to approve.

  V announced was a public hearing and asked if anyone had anything to say and there was no-one.

  Morgan said spoke at length with Planning Department and had no issue and at proper time will move for approval.

Morgan motion/V second

  Holt asked if not busy road, how would that affect-will still be allowed

  Hinson has couple of heartburns on this item.  Can’t support it today; wish could have workshops so can have conversations regarding matters.  Won’t support this tonight.

V called for vote.

COMMISSIONER HINSON n

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT n

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 3-2

4.

Public Hearing-Legislative-Adoption of the Capital Improvements Schedule for Fiscal Years 2020/21 – 2024/25 (LSPA 2020-02)

  Grant introduced above item.  

  Jill Reeves appeared before the Board and explained. 

Recommendations are to: adopt; not adopt; Board direction

Was recommended unanimously for approval

V asked if anyone wished to speak and there was no-one.

  Holt asked how long has worked for County-14 years-we should have had a workshop on these-haven’t put any input on these.

  Taylor said based on what Jill saying, simply submitting report on projects intend to do; can amend down road.  When chance, wants to move approval/V second for discussion.

Taylor motion to approve/V second for discussion

  Hinson said brought up broadband years ago, trying to figure out now if will be addressed.  Said Item on agenda just small-still having people work from home.  What on list made sense months ago, things have changed since then. 

  V said this item deals with transportation

Jill explained this was for capital projects that impact service.  County can have workplan but what adopting today is for projects that affect adoptive level of service; transportation, schools and parks.

   V said don’t have representative on CRTPA and because of such, lose votes

  Holt asked deadline-hoped to have in by end of month.

Chair called for vote

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 5-0

5.

Public Hearing-Legislative-Jett Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment (LSPA 2020-01)

   Grant introduced above item.

   Jill appeared before Board and gave explanation of item.

She said Elva Peppers was appearing remotely for any questions the Commission might have.

Jill gave options

  V announced public hearing and asked if there were any comments and

Elva Peppers asked to speak.

  Elva introduced the project and said was family land; owners are heirs to property; purpose is to

  Morgan said spoke with Planning and will move approval at appropriate time/Taylor second

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 5-0

GENERAL BUSINESS

6.

Mutual Aid Operations Plan Agreement between Gadsden County Fire Department and Florida Forest Service

Taylor approve/Morgan

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

5-0

7.

Budget Amendment Request for the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment and Retention Plan

Item Pulled at request of Sheriff

8.

Approval of AshBritt, Inc. and Ceres Environmental Services for Emergency Debris Management Services

  Grant introduced above item

  Taylor approval/Holt second with question

  Holt asked if any companies

  Knowles said contracts were expired and need to choose who would be prime if select both.

  Hinson said with pause, think end conversation and bring back-have problem with local and minority participation.  He would love to interview and talk with these vendors and don’t feel local contractors got this.

  V said his comment is language-way is, is for approval to retain in case of disaster. 

  Taylor said when had last company, had approved prior to emergency.  Have to do tonight, been approved based on scoring process; what needs to happen, when attorney goes into negotiation, need to put caveat locals get consideration for local subcontractors.

  Holt said liked idea when say retain.  We were only 1 of 3 counties in state that had retained debris removal companies before disaster struck. 

  Knowles said caveat in contract for minority contractor consideration; Holt asked about local and he was unsure. 

Taylor said ready to approve this, can always amend.

  Morgan said had no problem approving because this was if services were needed.

  Holt asked if just retaining; Knowles explained would be retaining and not have to pay unless task order issued.

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 5-0

9.

County EMS Award Grant

Taylor/Morgan

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

5-0

10.

Bid No. 20-17 REBID Results/Gadsden County Broadband Services

Taylor-motion died for lack of second

  Hinson said was unable to hear anything and asked what happened

Hinson said will second

Hinson made motion to approve/Taylor second

  V said have concerns and heartburns with this-has to do with scope-in his opinion project too broad.  School Board plan for re-opening has hotspots set up in their plan. Must properly address federal code requirements;

Company is asking for $1,765,000 to provide hotspots to citizens-feels this is in violation of federal statute.  Will not support

  Hinson said that was his opinion, not concrete evidence – fact is when look at Federal Communications Commission, gives different-right if said to someone in California, might believe him but argument was almost laughable.  When put 5G or wifi or hotspot, that whole area considered having those connections.  What he saying is right and not right. 

Holt stepped out at 8:06 p.m.

  Hinson asked if V had personal problem with this because never heard him speak so vehemently about something before.

Holt returned at 8:07 p.m.

   Hinson said feel sorry for companies like Peavy; nursery in Havana because have no internet service; have to drive to Tallahassee.

  V said he asked him personal question, not against broadband but against this because ethical violation of ?  If this amount was in guidelines, would support it because knows it is needed.  Opposing because does not meet federal guidelines.  Hinson asked Administrator or attorney, have they ever bid for this item before.  Yes, twice.  Hinson said did what could as board and everything was done legal and everything was done right way.  How can you go to jail for doing what is right?  Only hiccup, Chair is about to cost county ton of money.  This is lawsuit waiting to happen, went through it twice.  Need three votes-lets move Gadsden County forward.

  Morgan said he understood passionate conversation and shares concerns that was shared.  This will cost long-term costs that this County cannot afford.  Not willing to support at this time.

  V said re-advertised and may be violation of code ? Concerned with costs that is different regulation.  Entering his concerns on record.  Other things that can do to get broadband to county.  Can explore USDA Rural Broadband funding grants.  If concerned with price, maybe Administrator can come back with lower price.  If need to negotiate, do that and move on.

  Holt said Human Resources do background.  She asked for meeting in July, talked with manager and was told did not want to meet.  Ready to vote.  Did not vote for Motorola, voted for competitor.

  Morgan asked attorney, if from legal standpoint, any concerns?  Have talked with Integrity, concerns with Single Audit Act.  Would like clarity from Board, only allocated $900,000 and wondered where other $800,000 would come from. 

Morgan said hoped Board would listen to what attorney had to say.

  Taylor said would go around Board and sum up what was said.  Chair concerned with amount of money, agree.  Holt and Hinson wants to get this going and agree.  Main concern was only one bidder and felt would best protect Board if was re-bid.  All concurred.  Said once bid comes back, need to move forward because done procurement process.  Do believe Administrator along with attorney needs to meet with firm and negotiate.  Reason for $1.7 Million bid from company, originally when bid put out, netted $1.7, number came from Board.  As went through process, broadband lost, as went through process, did not change numbers.  If school Board has provided hotspots, not as many needed and would make lower.    Ready to vote.

Chair called for vote and still concerned.

  Taylor asked attorney, was disclosed at previous meeting, she said she knew vendor but did not gain from this.

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN n

CHAIR VIEGBESIE n

Passed 3-2

  Holt said in looking at contract, make sure concerns addressed.

11.

Discussion Volunteer Fire Department Annual Payment

Item pulled

12.

Approval of Moratorium on Hiring, Terminating, and Salary Increases of Staff

  Grant introduced above item.

  Taylor motion to approve

Taylor said in one-year, individual left almost $1 Million and have concerns with PIO. 

Motion died for lack of second

13.

Approval of Souls to Polls Event and 5F Farm Event Center for Use of Premises for Soccer

  Grant introduced above item.

  V said as long as plan submitted adhered to CDC requirements, ensures citizens safety

Hinson asked if any reason all three and not vote separately on these items.  Only thing have problem is with soccer. 

  Taylor said with regards to soccer, need to send same rules as football. 

Taylor motion with conditions-do what football team doing/Holt second

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

5-0

14.

Approval of Granicus Website/Gov Delivery Software Proposal No. Q-106806

Taylor motion to approve/Holt

  Holt asked if this was a bidded item, not sure.  Was not bidded item according to Steele.  Previous provider was not able to provide needed services. 

Taylor withdrew her motion-does not follow procurement process.

  Kembrew Jackson appeared remotely and said what was before them was already approved with CARES Act funds.  May have received some prior with hurricane alert, was first portion that was prior approved.  Reason seeing second time, agreement needs signature.  Provides all things that have been requested around the dais.   This will support SHIP, animal control, mosquito services, etc. 

  Taylor asked

V stepped out at 8:50 p.m.

Taylor said even though CARES Act, requires procurement process.  Have problem with giving out contract without being properly bidded.  Kembrew said could make argument this is sole source.  Withdrew statement.  Taylor said not sole sourced, anyone could provide bells and whistles.

  Knowles agreed needed to be bid out.

  Morgan said original contract did not provide with ongoing services.    

  Holt said company already providing service.  Knowles said not sure have contract.

Holt wanted to make sure have opportunity to provide services IT thinks need. 

V asked if need to table, Taylor said so moved/V second

COMMISSIONER HINSON y

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN n

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 4-1

15.

Approval of the Employee Agreement for the Gadsden County Administrator

  Grant introduced above item.

  Morgan encouraged Board to consider comments made earlier-need to have salary range and since hiring someone and this would be new experience, if offered what previous made at $105,000

  Holt asked for information to be displayed from previous administrators. 

  First was Marlon Brown-started at $84,900

Johnny Williams started at $

Presnell started at

Jackson started and ended with $105,000 and did not see Mr. Hall’s.

If going to do that, think starting range at $100,000 and did not know what increments could offer.     

  V said

  Hinson said look at Section 1a-when first looked-term for period of 5 years unless terminated earlier in accordance with terms of agreement.  Think salary should be more, need to be competitive. 

  V said felt salary was little too much; need permanent County Administrator.  Recommend staff to have conversation with Mr. Elias to negotiate salary.  Asked if will of Board to give staff permission to counter with Mr. Elias and bring another contract back.  Need to create opportunity for dialogue. 

  Hinson said in all fairness, wished administration would give an average of what other counties our size makes; have City Manager making more than County Administrator.  Have Sheriff making more than County Administrator was laughable. Feel 2 years would be better, 5 hard to swallow.

  V said would like to consider performance evaluation; need to incorporate into contract.  Wanted it added to contract.

  Holt said Elias may decide too much to be bothered with.  Agree with two years. 

  V said would like to entertain a motion.

V said his opinion was for HR and attorney to negotiate contract.  Taylor said no.

  Knowles asked if Board would be inclined to

  Taylor said this where Gadsden showing true colors.  Contract proposing tonight, understand attorney proposed.  Said know.  Taylor said think need to approve contractual agreement and work out terms.  Can put cap on salary.  Given fact won’t have another meeting, encourage Board to have emergency meeting.  Asked if Hinson was still on-line-yes.  She asked a

Hinson said didn’t know him personally, seen him at church and speak.  Think sometimes lose it all.  Think should go $2500 more on salary, three years.  Don’t want to discuss anything less for salary. 

  Holt said looking at experience, benefits, salary, supposed to be negotiating for these things.   Say 2 years, because if had been Administrator before, could have something.  If offer contract and he accepts later,   Asked if any other things need to look at.  Elias wants to keep leave, term hearing 3 years, vehicle give to every administrator, insurance, conference training;

Holt said think need opportunity to re-negotiate with Elias. 

  Morgan said listened to conversation-approach from Elias’ point of view-want some sort of stability structured in contract.  Gives unique strength being local coming in.  Will have opportunity-think start at $105,000, have him groom asst administrator a

Morgan moved 5-year agreement, starting $105,000 base salary with opportunity to increase with performance and bi-annual performance evaluation/Taylor second

V asked for clarity, is that directive giving to HR and attorney-can be added to emergency meeting on Friday.  Can bring back on Friday to vote up or down.

COMMISSIONER HINSON n

COMMISSIONER TAYLOR y

COMMISSIONER HOLT y

COMMISSIONER MORGAN y

CHAIR VIEGBESIE y

Passed 4-1

  Holt said was hoping to have negotiations going on.

  Hinson said reason said, can’t nickel and dime people all their life-reason said $
127,500-$130,000 and why voted against-thought should be more money.

16.

Dewberry Task Order for the Havana EMS Site

Presented proposal for new site plan for new EMS station to be located in Havana. 

Hinson – y

Taylor y

Holt y

Morgan y

V y

CLERK OF COURT

17.

Updates

  Clerk said for their info earlier today, emailed an accounting of CARES Act $ spent so far.  $1.8 has been disbursed

V stepped out 9:35 p.m.

Have not received round 2 money

Also SHIP CARES money-received $240,000 and today $103,000 been disbursed.

  Taylor asked if checks been given out to residents and businesses.  Clerk said yes, tabs on chart provide information.  Still waiting on other 20% that have not received yet-

V returned at 9:38

  Holt said will meet with Integrity Thursday at a workshop

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

17.

Updates

  Workshop on 22^nd, HUD application need to identity projects

  Taylor said asked if Public Work employees could receive same as EMS being essential employee-no

  V said his understanding was, money that going to categories attorney spoke of, goes to employer, not workers.  Knowles said would research and have answer Thursday.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

18.

 Updates

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

19.

Report and Discussion of Public Issues

Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1

  Received text earlier from Pastor, 2020 Voters Rally to be Saturday, October 24^th, marching to vote from 12 pm – 3 pm-requesting BOCC give permission to use County Courthouse that day. Have filed with Planning & Zoning the Courthouse grounds application & have insurance.

  Holt said have added to Friday’s meeting.  Turn in paperwork to Administrator and can address Friday.

Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3

Nothing

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

Nothing

Commissioner Sherrie Taylor Vice-Chair, District 5

No comments

Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Chair, District 2

Receipt and File

UPCOMING MEETINGS

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 9:51 pm