Board of County Commissioners

Pre-BOCC Meeting Workshop

March 16, 2021

4:30 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 welcomed everyone to the pre-meeting workshop, asked for a moment of silence and then led in the Pledge

 

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 NeSmith read the COVID-19 statement aloud for the Chair.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

1.

Review and Discuss the March 16, 2021 Regular BOCC Meeting Agenda

Dixon introduced the items on the Consent Agenda and Chair Holt asked if there were any questions.  NeSmith asked if they were in the regular Board meeting.  Holt explained they were reviewing the agenda before the regular 6:00 p.m. to get clarity before that meeting.

 

V asked if they were going to be having the pre-meetings to review the agenda, what was purpose of having individual meetings with Administrator and taking up their time to ask questions that he would normally bring department heads to them to explain.

 

Holt said pre-meeting not just for commissioners, was advertised to public and public could also ask questions on items.  If they have questions would still give administrator and staff opportunity to bring to 6:00 meeting.

 

Green said pre-meeting was great but concurred with V in reference to this was time consuming as well.  If do in private and citizens had questions, could always contact commissioners and ask questions and could go back and answer their questions.  Was under impression was here just for workshop.

 

Holt said was workshop but not normally what happens.  Normally come into 4:30 meeting; anything needed to know, any documentations, they have aides because have larger county.  Not just for them but main reason.  Good to have workshop but if can’t make it, not regular meeting and understandable. 

 

Dixon said also need to add item 4a-Approval of Ashbritt, Inc. for Emergency Debris Management Services.

 

Knowles said also add Governor’s Executive Order regarding fines on masks.

 

Hinson said had reservations regarding Ashbritt.  Think item needs to be advertised properly.

 

Knowles explained was brought back in October and had already been voted on-only thing changed was to add where Hinson and Taylor wanted in terms of minority participation and local involvement.  Already been bid, RFP’d, 2 companies selected and had hard copies at last meeting.  Offered to answer questions.

 

Hinson said had same reservations last meeting and should be advertised-not about getting hard copy, citizens should have chance to ask questions.  Cannot support item that may be catastrophic to County.

 

Holt asked Knowles to address changes that Hinson and Taylor wanted in contract.

 

Knowles started to explain and Hinson interrupted and said not about explaining, problem he had was bringing item to Board 5 minutes before agenda last time and now again.  Citizens not had chance to see it beforehand.

 

Holt asked if contract addressed concerns that commissioners had and Knowles said yes.  He said original contract were minority participation. Knowles also explained not new item, was before them in October just never executed because of items Hinson and Taylor wanted added about minority participation and local utilization had to be added.  Other reason bringing, do not have debris removal contractor and wanted to make sure get contract signed because do not want to be caught once hurricane season starts.

 

Holt said commissioner’s concern was about it being added to agenda today and way added last time.  Knowles explained was brining back and adding provisions that were previously asked to be added.

 

Dixon said would be added to next agenda.

 

 

Oak Grove Substation Special Exception and Conceptual and Preliminary Site Plan

  Dixon explained 2 items, asking for special exception and running concurrently.

 

  Jill explained

 

  V stepped out 4:51 pm

 

 

Approval for Adopt-A-Road Agreement with M.R. Moore Chapter #21 for Pt. Milligan Road

   Dixon introduced item.

 

 

CR 65 (Attapulgus Hwy) SCOP Supplemental Agreement

  Dixon introduced item.

 

 

Approval of the 5F Music Event

  Dixon said was scheduled to take place in May and have scaled back significantly with COVID and agreed to abide by CDC regulations.  Have tried to be good partner with County and have agreed to everything County has asked of them for event.

 

Holt said would be good time to bring events policy back so can look at what might need to be answered with comes to events in County.

 

Dixon stated tomorrow was Legislative Day at Capitol with Assn. of Counties and on 23rd was second part of Board retreat from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

 

2.

Gadsden County Development Council Report to the Board of County Commissioners to include grand funding ROI, site readiness, talent development, and business engagement strategies resulting in business growth and attraction

  Dixon introduced above item.

 

  Antonio Jefferson, Chair of GCDC, appeared before the Board.  Thanked Board for their commitment over the years and gave background of things over the years.

 

  V returned at 4:58 p.m.

 

  Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director, appeared before the Board and gave an update of the accomplishments over the years.

 

  Holt said GCDC was established by the Board of County Commissioners. 

 

  V commented and suggested to the 2 new commissioners, this was very vital economic development partner.  Cannot make money if don’t spend money and need to look at putting “life blood” into real economic development.  Need to work with GCDC

 

  Holt said this was needed again.  Need hospitality.  On infrastructure part, everything needs to be looked at, electricity, gas, sewer; whatever is not there, need to have idea about going after funding.  Hoped could have about 10 more of these meetings.

 

  Jefferson said one issue happening in legislature is Senate Bill 982 and House bill 6071 and asked them to please pass.

  

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Adjourned at 5:59 p.m.

 

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