CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Mr. Dixon called the meeting to order, asked for moment of silence and then led in Pledge of Allegiance.

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.

PUBLIC HEARING:

GENERAL BUSINESS

1.

Discussion of Ordinance 2002-004 (Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners)

  Knowles said would be constructive to go through the policies and procedures and then come back for questions.  He explained the rules were Board rules and they could change them. 

NeSmith asked if any penalties for leaving meeting-Knowles said did not know of any penalty

  Holt said Ethics attorney said problems they have is people leaving during a vote

  V said with regards to emergency, does not have to be emergency, could

  Knowles said hearing changed tweak is “other than to call a recess until member returns”.

  Green asked if possible, with whoever is Chair, to put in order who speaks next. 

  Dixon said heard V say, think will find that each Chair runs meeting quite differently.      

  Holt said thought needed to tighten up on decorum.

  Holt said once Law Enforcement is called, they will remove you from building.  Need to know if disruptive, for safety of everyone,

  NeSmith asked if timeframe for Commissioners on speaking.  Holt said at one time had rule-thinks 2-3 minutes and 1-2 minutes for rebuttal. 

  V said should be vote to adjourn meeting, only time not is when there might be emergency. 

  Dixon said #5 says can call to order any member who violates any of these procedures, subject to a majority vote on a motion to appeal. 

  V said for example, Green waving authority, don’t want to come to point

Knowles said can clarity, should be majority of Board.  Knowles said motion and second to remove the member from that meeting for majority of meeting.    V said once they calm down, should be allowed to return.  Green said should be discretion of Chair. 

  Holt said still citizens waiting to have their business taken care of.

  Knowles said under Rules of Debate-read 3-

  V said Item B (Page 4)-if supported documents not available, item should be removed to prevent lack of transparency.  Knowles said Item J
(Page 5) With consent of Commission as a whole, matters may be placed on Agenda by any member of the Commission, the manager or by the County Attorney.  Did they want to reconcile to clarify.    NeSmith said felt did need to come up with way.  Holt said these items are also emailed to commissioners  Knowles suggested if fiscal impact, keep under certain amount.      V said since policy said…hearing what commissioners expressed

Holt said Chairman has to be responsible for agenda.  Need to have someone responsible for final agenda.  NeSmith asked if that was written, Holt said should. 

  Dixon said as thought, time constraints in getting on agenda is not so much to get to newspaper but getting research done. 

  NeSmith asked if was reasonable that “all support information for

Same rule that applies it be sent to commission requires it to be uploaded.   

2.

Review and Discuss the May 18, 2021 Regular BOCC Meeting Agenda

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 5:42 p.m.