Board of County Commissioners
Emergency Meeting
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
6:00 p.m.
Present: Brenda Holt, Chair, District 4
Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Vice Chair, District 2
Eric Hinson, District 1
Kimblin NeSmith, District 3
Ronterious “Ron” Green, District 5
Edward J. Dixon, County Administrator
Clayton Knowles, County Attorney
Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Holt welcomed everyone, asked for moment of silence and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance
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Amendments and Approval of Agenda
Green/V 5-0
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD (3-Minute Limit) Due to COVID-19 and the efforts of the 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. The Board of County Commissioners would like to thank everyone for their patience and flexibility during this time. Commissioner Green read aloud the COVID-19 statement.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
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PUBLIC HEARING-State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Small Cities Program Public Hearing #1 Mr. Dixon introduced the above item. This is a cost reimbursement item, meaning the monies had to be spent and would then be reimbursed.
Sheree Keeler, The Integrity Group, appeared before the Board and gave an overview of this item.
She explained it was a requirement of the CDBG requirement for a public hearing. Purpose of program is to provide funding opportunity for small cities and counties statewide to: Prepare for, prevent, or respond to the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Grant cycle opened February 1, 2021; pre-application due March 15, 2021 and final application is due anticipated Summer 2021-pending DEO announcement. No match requirement.
Eligible applicants:
Eligible Activities: must have direct and indirect effect. Direct are costs directly associated with coronavirus prevention, preparation
Examples of Eligible Activities: Buildings and Improvements
Assistance to business
Public Services
Planning
Pre-application Requirements Requiring being attached to application. Have to have duplication of Benefits Policy to ensure not double-dipping.
LMI Tracts and Block Numbers (Low and Moderate Income)
Urgent Need definition
Citizen Participation-want to make sure citizens have opportunity to know about program.
Construction-want to make sure not subject to federal requirements. Have to make sure zoning is adequate.
Looking at readiness to proceed; LMI Impact; COVID-19 Economic Impact to Community; Applicants Experience, Past Performance and Organizational Capacity; Need and Justification-project outcome must address the needs identified; cost reasonableness and feasibility of Project.
One project being looked at was Stevens School and making it a COVID shelter. Requirements are Gadsden County not have resources to construct facility; does not have available low-to-moderate income housing that can be dedicated to LMI or homeless COVID positive individuals; hotels/motels that are willing to provide rooms for COVID individuals.
Green said was excited about this opportunity.
Asked if was ready. Dixon said this meeting was part of that.
V made recommendation and said felt was very good thing.
Hinson added to what V said. Asked interest rate. Dixon said consultation rate is $17,785; if don’t get it don’t pay it. He asked going rate in neighboring counties.
Dixon said was not sure.
Hinson asked what 8% was-Dixon said administrative fees can charge.
NeSmith asked amount of money asking for.
Look at page 32-broken down
Dixon said 2 distinct things; writing grant and presenting grant and management of grant.
Hinson said who would be person that got $50,000; staff or another company.
Dixon said hoped was moving to in-house management of grants when can.
Holt said this has been something been trying to do for past 3-4 years; was good idea but would need to go after more funding. Also, economic development grants that can be gotten. Great project.
Holt asked if Dixon
Green approval option 1/
V stated had not asked for comments from public and there were none.
Green restated motion/Holt second 5-0
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Adjourned at 6:40 p.m. |
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