CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

**Chair started meeting without Deputy Clerk present, had a moment of silence and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag **

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

  Dixon asked to add 5a, 5b and 6a

  V asked to pull 5a and 5b for discussion.

V motion to approve with changes/NeSmith 5-0

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

  Dixon introduced CARES 2 program.  Expect it to come down mid-late May, should be $8.9 Million, not received any Treasury direction on money, but understand will come in 2 piles, 1^st in May and second ½ in March 2022.  Laid out program to start June 1^st. First 30 days, host workshops county-wide to inform and pre-qualify citizens for all programs created by board.  In pre-qualifying hope to get anyone that applied for any program ready and pre-qualified to be submitted for funding in that program.  In 2^nd 60 days, will be open to receive apps from all funded programs; qualified apps will be processed to be funded, will continue stations around county manned for continued help and referral.

1.

Presentation of Cares 2 Program

  Karen Wells, 373 East Jefferson Street-wanted to find out about money from first draw-down-has to been depleted or is there more money available.  Wells asked if sense of urgency to help the people? 

Dixon said knew $1.3 Million looked nice, but asked

Holt said will have workshops on this.

  Hinson said for record, he brought this up in workshop, money was intended for people and small businesses.  Asked Board 2 weeks ago to put on Agenda and not on there tonight.

  Green said was good to hear from community.  Asked Chair if could schedule date now while talking about it.

  Holt said look at calendars

Dixon said was back-room stuff that required time.  Part of problem was did not staff up properly in previous.  Want to solve as many problems as can. 

  Holt said going to have to do, lot stalled in system and several times had to get legal opinions.  Need to workshop it and work some of problems out.

  Wells said she was able to get it rather quickly but had to help them do their job. 

  Hinson said if not mistaken,

  Holt stepped out 6:25 p.m.

  Hinson said paid people almost $1 Million; no problem with Integrity,     

  Holt returned 6:26

Hinson said brought them here, very professional, listed how much County has paid them.  Only thing that gives him heartburn

  Holt said going to workshop this 

  V said this was something he intended when amending agenda.  Suggested they move Item 14 to under Presentations

  V motion to move under presentation/Hinson second 5-0

14.

2021 Summer Youth Program

  Dixon introduced item and Ms. Kim Moore, TCC Workforce Development appeared before the Board.

  Ms. Moore gave a synopsis.

  Dixon said want to build a robust program, can give deeper and more depth with this program.  Hopes to make this go year-round, not just summer.

  V commended Dixon for vision; 3 legged stool, partnership

This is pilot number that can grow; participants,

  Moore explained program, while training will receive stipend, once working will receive salary. 

  V said when vet youth, asked they adopt ? model. 

  Green thanked her for presentation, hoped she could talk about stipend.  He worked summer program when he was in high school.  Main question was timeframe-do they think this could be launched in next few weeks.  Kim said they could do this.

  NeSmith echoed what heard from other commissioners.  Moving in different direction and establishing relationships. 

  Hinson said this was one of things he asked to be brought to Board. Wanted 125 jobs.  Janice Maxwell passed away couple of day ago. 

  Holt said want to have people trained on industrial communication.  

CONSENT

  V asked to pull 5a and 5b just to explain.

   V/NeSmith 5-0

1.

Ratification Memo

2.

Approval of Minutes

·         February 2, 2021 – Workshop

·         March 2, 2021 – Regular Meeting

·         March 10, 2021 – Emergency Meeting

·         March 29, 2021 – Emergency Meeting

4.

Support Letter for Congressional Legislation

5.

Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contract – SHIP

5a.

Approval of Federal Legislative Community Projects Request to be Submitted for Gadsden County

  Dixon said this was for approval of Federal Legislative Projects

Hinson approve/ 5-0

5b.

Approval of Support Letter for Gadsden Senior Services

  Dixon explained

Hinson/V 5-0

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

5a.

Approval of Federal Legislative Community Projects Request to be Submitted for Gadsden County

5b.

Approval of Federal Legislative Community Projects Request to be Submitted for Gadsden County

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.

  NeSmith read aloud the Statement.

  Holt said had couple to read and will make it brief.  Chambers now open to public and people can now appear in person.

  Dr. Joe Parramore appeared before the Board regarding the Greensboro Fire Department.  Ongoing problems with Town of Greensboro and Fire Department have reached an impasse.  Town shown unwilling to continue conversation with fire fighters.  Because of recent events, ISO Fire ratings now have potential of rising.   Is clear that the existing contract exists.  Fire fighters still serving community through other departments.  The volunteers are now known as Greensboro Volunteer Fire Fighters, Inc. 

   Danny Hunter appeared before the Board.  Last time appeared before Board was Assistant Volunteer Fire Fighter.  Request is simple and stand to gain nothing.  His desire this body can broker a resolution to this problem.

  Holt thanked them for comments.  Asked Dixon if something they could look into

  Dixon said have contacted Greensboro and they stand by agreement and Board does have contract with them.  Have always known small towns use funds an was not used strictly for fire.

  Green asked what financial stipend was.  $31,000 annual.  Green asked if could be put on Agenda.

  Stanley Sims appeared before the Board regarding CARES Act. 

  Hinson said will make a motion at the end to allow him to make presentation.  Holt said will have workshop that will be open to the public.

  Hinson said in reality, been following him over years and his courage of fighting good fight.  Want to put him on Agenda for his company to present to Board

  Green stepped out 7:36 p.m.                                                                                                           

  She read aloud Don Stewart’s email.

  Green returned at 7:39 p.m.

  She read aloud statement from Don Stewart regarding Citizens to be Heard.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

6.

Discussion and Approval of the Extension of the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) with the Recent Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)

NeSmith/V  5-0

6a.

Approval of Response Letter to the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Regarding a Repeat Audit Finding

  Dixon introduced

V/Green 5-0

7.

Resolution in Support for St. Hebron Road Sidewalk Project

  Dixon introduced

V/NeSmith 5-0

8.

Approval of Work Authorization Agreement 2021-020 for Grant Program Consulting Services

  Dixon introduced

Hinson/Green 5-0

9.

COVID-19 Loss of Life Memorial

  Dixon said seeks direction on Loss of Life Memorial

  V asked if just for construction of memorial; up to $20,000.

  Hinson said did not want recognition because loss could be too soon. 

Holt explained this was to recognize number of people that have passed away from COVID.

  Holt explained discussion she had with Administrator.

  V said thought was wonderful idea.  Moved spend up to $20,000 for memorial and Administrator come back with specific plan/Green second  5-0

10.

Discussion and Action on Dental Equipment Owned by Gadsden County

  Dixon introduced above item.  They are non-profit and equipment can be given to them

  NeSmith wanted to make sure there were no plans they were aware of any plans for future.

  Holt said have to recruit doctors and dentists in that area.  Equipment already being used and was old.

  
Green said had no problem with donation part but wanted to know value.

  Hinson said from what told, chairs worth over several hundred dollars.

  V asked if did something with Neighborhood Medical ion Havana 

V moved to adopt option 1-motion died for lack of second

  Hinson said thought had 4, once do that opens can of worms.   Dixon said they were only dental center.

Holt said will get numbers and bring it back.

V motion to table/NeSmith 5-0

11.

Approval of the Non-Profit/Human Services Funding Agreements and Interlocal Agreement for Human Senior Services

  Dixon introduced a

  Hinson/Green V question

Approving item for honoring request for Chattahoochee that County give up sovereign immunity.  No approving as they are. 

Hinson withdrew motion.

  V motion to approve with BOCC retaining soverign immunity onall contracts/
Green 5-0

12.

Approval of the Temporary Road Closures Pursuant to Completion of the Railroad Crossing Replacement on SR 267 (North Adams Street/Bainbridge Hwy) 550’ North of Dezell Street

  Dixon introduced above item

   Green/V 5-0

13.

Approval of Code Enforcement Lien Satisfaction

  Dixon introduced

V/NeSmith 5-0

14.

2021 Summer Youth Program

Moved under Presentations

15.

FCI Contract Addendum

  Dixon introduced item and said attorney would be bringing item.  Apologized wasn’t done earlier.

  Just received revised language from FCI late this afternoon.  Name of corporation has been corrected.  Added definitions,

Was removal of surety bond language; waived overage

W-9 forms to be prepared by County; gives Dixon capability to shut things down without coming back to Board.  Happy to answer questions.

  Hinson said highlighted on original-why asking for W-9 forms-Holt said because getting something of value. Hinson said why W-9’s.

  Brown said believed this agreement does accurately reflect concerns-are few minor things that need to be changed; timing of payment on devices that have been delivered.

  Knowles said was multiple sections that dealt with payment.

  For devices already delivered, have 

  Hinson said if both attorneys agree, think should move forward.

  Dixon said disappointed took so long, don’t have staff and not budgeted.  Will meet obligations.

  Holt asked if she followed along with County Attorney-yes, did he answer question or concerns-primary concern was raised at last meeting.  There is some concern in amount of time will take to verify what has already been delivered. 

  Bishop Green appeared before Board.  Sounds like don’t need to say anything tonight because both sides have worked on this.  Think because FCI has worked in good faith, continue to service some of those devices that were delivered, and as much as they have given, 15 days not lot.  There are more important issues to address. 

  Holt read Don Stewart’s email regarding the contract. 

  V thanked County for this work in progress; however, his concern was and also received calls from citizens.  Were concerns item was agendaed without addendum being available

Other, how many devices is FCI saying delivered, and how many ?  Some citizens said completed application for devices on-line and have not received devices.  Has County validated that these items have been delivered? 

  Holt said was sure was watching, verification process has not taken place yet and will be no payment until verification is made, in a timely manner. 

  NeSmith had several questions for Ms. Brown and Knowles.  How was 20% derived as opposed to all of them.  He and Figgers got together and 20 % was what parties agreed on.    

NeSmith said they just received this and was a marked-up copy.  Would like to see a final draft.  Thanked Ms. Brown in working with County Attorney in advancing this.  Noticed some of paperwork did not have complete information such as ID and last names.  Is it the position of FCI, how many   NeSmith said how many devices distributed, have they been verified.  Brown said Bebe could address.  Her understanding that information included had IME number and

  Bebe appeared before Board.  NeSmith asked if items in notebook was reflection of items that have been distributed.  Yes.  Based on NeSmith’s review, quite few of documents had missing information.  NeSmith said at some point this will be audited and need to verify every document as opposed to 20%. 

  Holt said to him each one has a packet and hopefully information they want to know anyway.  There is phone numbers and Commissioners can call.

  Bebe said they agreed to give full access to data base.

NeSmith wanted to make sure 20% language is removed.  He wanted to verify every device.

  V said think information referring to is more detailed.  He received information late this afternoon.  13-14 folders.  Digital is easier to verify.  Think work in process. 

  Holt asked attorney if Board wanted some kind of-will take out 20%.  If need clean copy, make motion to approve and

  Hinson disclosed have had conversations with Figgers. 

V stepped out

  NeSmith motion to remove language from 20% to verify 100% /Hinson second  4-0

  NeSmith asked if any other issues with contract.  There are a lot of strikethroughs.

  Brown asked what Board’s typical process of submitting payment to Clerk.

V returned at 8:34 p.m.

  Knowles said no reason to be held up more than 30 days. 

  V asked administrator to send digital information that was mailed to him for it to be sent to rest of commissioners.

  Holt said they took vote   

CLERK OF COURT

16.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

17.

Updates

  Dixon implored all of Commissioners to try to slow down little.  Realistically having trouble keeping up.  Hard to do quality in timeframe they are putting on them. 

In October 2020 Board awarded contract to Motorola and previously approved purchase of >>>> radio equipment.   At time was indicated to Board that the entire amount was put in budget and now find out only

Will be bringing options, already have contracts out there, will be working with Motorola.  As they find, will be bringing back to Board. 

  Holt asked if someone in place to prevent this-that’s Ms. Daniels.  Holt said if need help in that department, need to get them help.  Know need positions now as opposed to later. 

  Hinson asked if that was a change order-not a change order, was an error.  Should have been brought back to Board immediately. 

  V said that was an error in staff not requesting budget amendment-no was presented to Board money was in budget but was not in budget.  V then said new lot coming at Administrator and staff,

Asked when will meet grant writer just hired-was on Zoom but has left meeting already.

  Last issue, can have meeting on May 4^th at 4:30 for CARES Act 2.

  Green asked if that would be the only thing on Agenda-made suggestion they make that only item.  Holt asked if that enough time and Dixon said no.  Green asked if could hold on different day from meeting.  

  V said good news was on 4^th he was wide open and could make meeting earlier if need to. 

  Holt asked if was interactive place on website so people could leave messages.  socialmedia@gadsdencountyfl.gov

Dixon said nothing set in stone, throwing things against wall and hopes some catches fire.  Holt said other constitutionals got funding, never funded this. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

18

 Updates

  Knowles said received letter asking to join opioid litigation and asked for direction.

  Holt asked what Board wanted-agenda it.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

19.

Report and Discussion of Public Issues

Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1

  Hinson said had 3 things-asked them to put on agenda 125 jobs for summer youth; $1.3 Million for ½ to go to residents and ½ to small business; Emergency housing assistance program-knew got funding for hurricane but asked it be out on agenda to help people. Told new commissioners was actually a really nice guy. 

  Dixon said he doesn’t make the agenda, the Chairman does.  Secondly, he does what Board says do.  If motion made, goes on the agenda. 

  Holt said reason hear Administrator say that, that was way originally was done.  Need at least one or 2 going over stuff when it comes. 

  Hinson said from his understanding in past, if Board makes decision if want something on agenda and no opposing side, it goes on.  Holt said not way it works. 

  V said if understand directly, County Administrator is one that determines what goes on Agenda and works in conjunction with Chair to make sure not overloaded.  His understanding they can suggest an item and determining load of agenda depends when goes on. 

  Holt said back to history, Board members changed and it changed the policy.  Must have process in place. 

  Told Attorney it needed to be looked into as he was Parliamentarian.

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, District 3

  NeSmith said have work coming because have vision.  Asked to place on Agenda they need to start planning for 200-year anniversary.  Need to revisit strategic plan at some point.

Dixon said already appointed ? and issued assignments. 

Alluded to very important issue-is there policy and procedure in place-need workshop

  Moving in new direction with all partnerships

Congratulated V on his award. 

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

   to Save time , has concerns and will get with Ms. Quigley

Want to make sure when citizens come, they hear and address, such as issues with Greensboro. 

Need to make sure put a handle on things they are passionate about.

Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, District 2

  V said to Green, two items wanted to mention 1) to Attorney, maybe need to have a workshop on Robert’s Rules so know when to talk and when to be recognized.  2) Concern just heard with Greensboro Fire Service-not something should marginalize that service.  Yes, do give them money and if now say will no longer have fire service.  Citizens of Greensboro are citizens of County.  When came on presented a bona fide fire service.  Maybe at budget time that money should go to volunteers.  Asked they not drop ball.

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt said need to start with who have contract with.

Policy and procedure good idea. 

Celebration for County good idea. 

Looked at meeting with each Board in different municipalities to work together. 

If any information, have farmers in the County and one part of money is $5 Million. 

  V said meeting with municipalities should be with governmental body. 

Receipt and File

UPCOMING MEETINGS

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Adjourned 9:30 p.m.