CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Chair Viegbesie welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., asked Pastor Mark Moore to give the Invocation and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

  Mr. Dixon said he would like to add 19a Approval of Concert in Chattahoochee; 19b Request to Amend Holiday Schedule and pull Item 18 for review and to schedule a workshop.

NeSmith/Green 5-0

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

1.

Presentation Regarding the National Healthcare Conference for the Homeless

  Pat Smith, Pat’s Pantry made a presentation regarding the above conference.

  Commissioner Green thanked her for all her hard work.  He said they had conversation several months ago regarding homelessness and would love to sit with her and discuss further.

  Think need some type infrastructure and County could play a part in helping with this.  First time in history of County, County has resources and can do something.  $ can come from a bond and also have Stevens School building. 

  V said whatever could be done for this cause was something that needs to be done.  

CONSENT

  Holt/NeSmith

  Hinson asked if attorney has looked at all items and was told yes. 

Chair called for vote 5-0

2.

Ratification Memo

3.

Approval of Minutes

·         November 29, 2021 Special Meeting

·         May 3, 2022 – Regular Meeting

4.

Approval of Funding from the Gadsden County Law Enforcement Education Fund for Training to Attend the Avalon’s August Schools on Civil Process 2022

5.

Public Officials Bond Review

6.

Approval of Satisfaction of Special Assessment Liens

7.

Approval of I.F.W. Security, LLC Transition of Management and Ownership to Isaac Security, LLC

8.

Approval of the Amendment of the 2021-2026 Mutual Aid Operations Plan between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, and Gadsden County Fire Service

9.

Approval of the 2023 Small County Consolidated Waste Grant Application with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Anyone wishing to speak on agenda items or non-agenda items should schedule or notify the County Administrator’s Office before attending the meeting and will be asked to follow the Gadsden County Public Meetings Citizens Access Guidelines.  Also, public comment for Commission meetings can be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov until noon on June 7, 2022.  Comments submitted after the deadline but prior to the meeting will be added to the official record, but the County cannot guarantee that Commissioners and staff will have adequate time to review comments prior to the meeting.

  Commissioner Hinson read aloud the above statement.

Darrin Taylor, Esq., 215 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL  Item 13

Brian P. Schreiber, Item 13

   Michael A. Long, 94 Houston Road, Introduction/Project appeared before the Board.  Has a passion for the County.  In Hardaway would like to build a 55+ community of shipping container homes. 

   Gary Murray, Woodberry Road appeared before the Board regarding Woodberry Road.  Paid $90 last month to have road scraped and has not been scraped yet.  Been in terrible shape for 20+ years.

  Holt said she has been working on this for a long time and has paid for the road to be scraped 4 different times.  She explained the procedure.  Mr. Murray said with all due respect, they have been working on this road for over 20 years and nothing has been done.  Holt said the process has not been that long. 

  Dixon said those names have been given to the attorney so they can sign off on one of the steps of the process. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

10.

Public Hearing: Second Public Hearing for Public Comments and Input as Required for Grant Application Submittal to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

  Ms. Daniels stepped in for Mr. Dixon and introduced the above item.

  Justin Stiell appeared before the Board and said this was the second required public hearing and asked if there was anyone in the audience that wished to speak regarding this matter wither in favor or opposition and there was no-one.

  Holt/Green 5-0

11.

Public Hearing: Legislative-Havana RV Park Special Exception Use (SE 2022-01)

  Ms. Daniels introduced the above item and said it was for approval of a Special Exception Use for Recreational Vehicle Park. 

  Justin Stiell appeared before the Board and explained.

Chair Viegbesie announced it was a public hearing and asked any comments, there was none.

  Hinson asked if there was any heartburn on approving this. 

  Green said his antenna went up when stated there were issues that needed to be worked out. 

  Justin said they look at everything and have identified square footage of camp site.  Once they provide the surveyed site plan, these issues will be worked out.

   Stiell explained options the Commissioners could vote on. 

  Hinson asked why sewer system and Stiell explained. 

  NeSmith had questions regarding the options, they can approve the park but was not approving the project-yes.  Stiell said before they spend money for engineer, they want to make sure Board willing to approve

  Hinson motion to approve option 1/Green 5-0

12.

Public Hearing: Legislative- Pat’s Grocery Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment (SSPA 2021-03)

  V said Patels were clients of Clayton and he needed to recuse himself and Opal McKinney-Williams was appearing via Zoom.   

  Stiell explained the above item.  This is to bring the convenience store into Rural Residential conformity and then they could make upgrades to store.

Chair announced was a public hearing and asked if there were any comments.

  Holt said this was contested during Planning and Zoning.  Mr. Stiell said there was one person.  Holt said Planning voted to deny.  Stiell said person was concerned this might become an arcade site and since then have been informed by applicant would not be happening. 

  Green asked impact would have on rural community. 

  Hinson echoed what was said earlier and looked at recommendation of Planning being 0-7.  Was interested if could send back to Planning and have them review again?  Was not comfortable voting on it.

  NeSmith echoed previous comments and have same concerns.

Stiell said commissioner heard possibility of being gaming arcade and that was never issue.

  Green asked, if possible, for this to go back to Planning so could be better explained to them?  Has that Board been informed this would not be an arcade? 

7:24 Mr. Dixon returned

  Stiell explained the options, if they give direction to send back to Planning, that is what would happen.  She said if arcades were a concern, that was no concern because arcades were illegal in the State of Florida. 

  NeSmith asked Attorney McKinney-Williams if was legally permissible for this to go back to Planning, yes.

  V said was told one reason for this change was because Dollar General coming next door.  He said he had no problem in moving this forward. 

  Dixon said he hit the point he was going to make.  Not allowing the zoning would not allow them to do better and compete. 

  Holt said Administrator said what she was going to say.  This will be a store, what it is.  If it is non-conforming, he could not fix up the store. 

  Hinson said was looking at the scenario, rural area, people have invested in their property and this could impact citizens and their property. 

  NeSmith asked if they had representatives here, yes.

  Green said wanted to be as clear as could, arcade comment came from somewhere and was glad they were here for clarification.  Wanted assurance.

  Elva Peppers, Florida Environmental Services appeared before the Board.  Gave history on project, was built in 1944; and was present before any neighbors in area.  If land-use is not changed, there will be no major improvements and would be a detriment to business owners. 

  Green thanked her for clarity and as a business owner would not want to prohibit any improvements and feel little less tense now. 

  Peppers said as far as the noticing to property owners, they began process approximately 1 year ago.  Had to join and separate property to obtain size needed.  She said was a lot of notification.

  NeSmith asked about rebuttal and Stiell did not believe there was a chance for rebuttal.

  Hinson asked intent of owners.  Stiell said they want to move to commercial use, currently is not zoned that way.

  Hinson said if want to expand services, he moved they approve/NeSmith second

  Holt said in order for him to expand,

Chair called for vote.  5-0

13.

Public Hearing: Quasi-Judicial-Midway Business Park (DA 2021-01) consideration of Ordinance 2021-012 amending the Gadsden Station Development of Regional Impact and approval of the Midway Business Park Development Agreement consistent with Chapter 163 Florida Statutes

V stepped out 7:47

  Dixon introduced above item.

  Stiell appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk.  He explained the item.  DRI has been around since late 80’s.  Developer looking to remove DRI but maintain development of property. 

  Green announced was public comments

  Darrin Taylor appeared before the Board and was sworn in.  He explained what they were doing.  Infrastructure was all in place and was shovel-ready.  He said not asking for any more development, they were asking to cap.

V returned at 7:55 p.m.

Not asking to reduce any obligations.  Have 2 agenda items, DRI amendment and seeking a 163 Agreement. 

  Hinson asked pros and cons of the DRI. 

  Stiell said DRI process was established prior to comp planning.  Now have another guiding plan for development growth.  State no longer requires DRI and by removing, can say have development agreement,,,

  Hinson asked if have information in packet.  He asked attorney pros and cons.

  Knowles said Midway has annexed a majority of the property and this was more of ease of use. 

  Hinson said it was conflicting because GCDC brought this to them. 

  Dixon said then it was development regional impact and DRI gave single way for everyone to operate.  Since, the State has done away with DRI in terms to govern this project.

  V said his issue was to make it clearer, the parcel being considered was in County jurisdiction, correct. 

  NeSmith asked if would enhance ability for development-yes.

  Holt said everything would come out on Brickyard Road, need development and need to make sure traffic moves smoothly.

  Hinson made motion to approve option 1/V second  5-0    

GENERAL BUSINESS

14.

Approval of Resolution 2022-015; Leveraging of SHIP Funds for CDBG Application and Resolution 2022-016; Chairman or Designee Signature Authorization

  Dixon introduced above item

Holt/NeSmith

Holt amended motion for options 1 & 2/NeSmith 5-0

15.

Massey Building Lease 4845 Amendment One

  Dixon introduced above item

Holt/V

  Hinson asked what changed made, no real changes-staff changes at State and new staff required documents to be redone.

  Knowles explained amendment allowed sublease of property. 

Hinson asked changes to lease and Knowles explained. 

  Holt said that space was County space and did not belong to anyone. 

  Chair called for the vote.  5-0 

16.

Approval of the USDA Lease Agreement

  Dixon introduced above item

  NeSmith asked services provided changes?  In previous agreement did not provide full custodian services. 

Green/Hinson 5-0

17.

Johnson Controls Proposal and Service Agreement

  Dixon introduced above item

Hinson/V 5-0

18.

Approval of Revisions to the County’s Procurement Policy

19.

Approval of the Cochran Road Professional Agreement

 Dixon introduced above item. 

NeSmith/V 5-0

19a

Approval of Billy Dean/Dean & Company, Inc. Contract/ Weather Works Insurance, Indemnification Agreement, Rhema Sounds Agreement and other Contingencies for the 4^th of July Event in Chattahoochee, FL

  Dixon introduced above item.  Have agreed to become full partners with Chattahoochee and expect a great crowd.  Is Chattahoochee’s program and have agreed to partner with them.  Feel great opportunity to showcase Gadsden County. 

  Green felt great opportunity.  Said Greensboro was also doing fireworks, in support of this, is this something that can be moved around on a yearly basis so County can come together collectively. 

  Hinson felt personally was wonderful idea.  His concern was the $47,854.99.  He said just imagine putting this into housing or furnishing someone a ramp.  Use this $ and give each commissioner $10,000 to fix needed houses.  Chattahoochee will be just fine and has funding. 

  V said his only concern was this could package this as a Gadsden County 4^th of July celebration and move tit o different areas over the years and increase tourism.

  Holt said was looking at economic development little differently.  Will need to partner with towns and looking at long-term.  Need to vote-4^th of July next month.  Need to encourage vendors.

  Green said agreed with everything said but would like Administrator to give explanation on housing and what working towards.  Have things in place that will solidify getting roofs done. 

  Dixon said had Town Hall at New Direction last night.  Housing was particular choice and Sonya Burns and Mr. Stiell laid out plans.  Are meeting needs in reference to contractors working. 

  Hinson said they did great job in past.  Each commissioner received $1.7 Million in past to resurface road.  Have houses that need to be fixed today. 

  Green stepped out 8:48 p.m.

Hinson said did not think they were prioritizing.  Last year Chattahoochee wanted a fire truck for $150,000, did not give them fire truck now giving them $47,000. 

  Green returned 8:49 p.m.

  NeSmith said regarding vendors, there will be vendors and will be local vendors at event.  More successful program is, more successful will be for vendors. 

Commissioner NeSmith made motion for option 1 and Commissioner Green made the second.  Board voted 4-1 by voice vote to approve.  Commissioner Hinson opposed.

19b

Approval to Amend the 2022 Holiday Schedule

  Dixon said had scheduled Friday as Juneteenth, changed to Monday

Holt/NeSmith 5-0

CLERK OF COURT

20.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

21.

Updates

  Dixon requested Proclamation for Probation

Holt/V 5-0

Dixon said Keys to New Home tour will be Wednesday; Saturday June 11^th will have Housing fair; Saturday, June 18^th Annual Hurricane fair at WalMart;

  V said in month of July, approved cancellation due to conference trips that conflict with meetings.  Now, none are issue and since have so much to do, requested they reinstate meetings for month of July, July 6^th and 19^th.  

  Hinson said was not about them, but gives staff chance to spend time with family for summer.  V said heard and looked at August and that is election month.  V said there was a second meeting in June and can discuss then. 

  Green said he felt needed to make decision tonight so could make preparation.  Administrator could speak on behalf of impact on staff.

  Dixon said it was important to staff and he asked for this last year because they have routine and that does not change.  It gives them an opportunity to power-down, not only the meeting but to get things done without adding a meeting.   It does allow top staff time to be away when there are no meetings scheduled. 

  V said they are the ones that deal directly with the citizens and will address this in policy workshop in August.   

COUNTY ATTORNEY

22.

 Updates

  Knowles said have letter received Breach of Broadband Agreement and wanted to make them aware of potential litigation. 

Will have probate meeting Saturday that starts in Chambers and moves to Courthouse regarding heir property. 

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

23.

Report and Discussion of Public Issues

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt asked when have County meetings, please provide minutes to Commissioner from that area.  Said 1/3 – 2/3 law is good law.  If have workers on private property doing work, someone going to jail. 

Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1

  Hinson said COVID is real and is back.  Encouraged community to not take this lightly.

  Received letter where citizen expressed frustration in locating property in Gadsden County that had high-speed internet.

  County funds received from State-would like community to hear-asked Dixon to expound on it. 

  Dixon said what that was, the Government funding of CDBG grants that was requested.  Dixon read allotments for cities and County. 

  Asked to see all the great things that have received last year and this year. 

  Was approached by family member from Figgers Foundation and they talked about things done to support citizens of the County.  Asked to do a Proclamation for Figgers Foundation/Green second 5-0

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, District 3

  NeSmith said received accommodation with regards to County administrator this morning and read it aloud regarding animal control. 

  Have first workshop regarding economic development that is being scheduled and is very important. 

Use word Proclamation for everything and other cities use different titles, such as Certificate of…

This is Kidney Awareness Week. 

Love Where You Live and is goal they have adopted. Want to make sure County partners with State of Florida and want to make sure state property is maintained properly. 

  Generally, have to watch Tallahassee news station to get local news, why don’t we have local new station in the County? 

  Met with Administrator and covered a number of topics. 

Commissioner Ronterious Green, Vice Chair, District 5

  Green thanked Dixon, Steel and Burns for productive town hall meeting yesterday.  Thanked Public Works for grass being cut in his district. 

Would like to have rules and regulations on abandoned houses. 

One thing that grasped his attention tonight was the notification of public hearings.  Would like to find more transparent way to get notification out. 

  Lights at Park-received calls in reference to park in Shiloh-there are no lights because park opened dusk to dawn but if had lights would help eliminate illegal activities going on

Commissioner Anthony O. Viegbesie, Chair, District 2

  Motion for proclamation for Pastor Lewisa Thomas retiring August 13^th /NeSmith 5-0

Passed info around regarding money that came to the County and personally thanked Ron DeSantis and thanked him for not vetoing any Gadsden County projects. 

 Amazon warehouse-made appeal to media, Priority News, if would look into complete and thorough investigation as to why Gadsden County lost to Leon County and publish in paper 

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 10:00 p.m