CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Chair Green called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m., Isaiah A. Telusca, Crossroads Academy Charter School of Business Senior, gave the Invocation and Darian Johnson, Crossroads Academy Charter School Pre-K student, led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   Mr. Dixon requested to pull Item 10 from agenda. Tabled until proper time.

Commissioner Hinson appeared at 6:05 pm.

Holt/NeSmith 4-0

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

1.

Update on Workforce Labor Data

  Jim McShane, CareerSource, appeared before the Board to give an update.  He introduced the Board to the new staff while waiting for the PowerPoint to load.

Ariel Stewart appeared, introduced herself and told a little of what she does at the Center.  He then introduced John Hershey and he spoke also.

  Mr. McShane re-appeared before the Board and presented his PowerPoint.

  Chair Green asked how he made the determination on which careers best fit the county? Mr. McShane said it is made by what jobs are posted in the county. Jobs are tracked by DEO. Can only spend federal money on jobs that are in high demand. Commissioner Nesmith asked what is the time period? Mr. McShane said July 1^st, 2021-June 30, 2022.

Commissioner Hinson asked for the number and the website.

Mr. McShane said the online services are www.careersourcecapitalregion.com. Toll-free number is 1-844-CAREER1.

 Commissioner Holt stated for him to explain the reach act. Federal or State? Mr. McShane said it is state. She said he will be involved with the new Economic Development director.

CONSENT

  Holt/NeSmith 4-0

2.

Ratification Memo

3.

Approval of Minutes

·         September 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

·         September 19, 2022 Final Budget Hearing

·         September 27, 2022 Regular Meeting

4.

Approval and Execution of an Interlocal Agreement with the Gadsden County School Board for Sheltering

5.

Approval and Acceptance of the FY 2021/2022 Audit Findings from Purvis & Gray

6.

Ratification of Support Letter for Commissioner NeSmith to Apply to Serve on the NACo Board of Directors

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 November 1, 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.

  Chair Green real aloud the above statement.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

7.

Approval to Award Bid No. 22-07 for Security Services

  Mr. Dixon introduced the above item. He said while it is not the lowest bid it is the current contractor. They feel he has provided great service to them.

Hinson/Holt 

NeSmith question: He asked how are the recommendations received? Mr. Dixon said excellent.

Board voted 4-0

8.

Gadsden County Elder Affairs and Services Department

  Mr. Dixon introduced above item. He said it seeks his approval to partner with the newly formed foundation, Gadsden Seniors, and to direct administrative to respond to an RFP was issued by the office of Area Aging. Approve the position of coordinator position in the Elder Affairs and services department.  

Holt/NeSmith with question

  Commissioner NeSmith asked if been a process of drafting the documentation for the new organization?  Mr. Dixon said they are engaged. Commissioner Nesmith also wanted to make sure their counsel was a part of the conversation.

  Commissioner Hinson said had opportunity to look over this and talked to several people in community. If they dissolve GSS Null & Void in every contract, found out not transferrable, will have to re-apply for aid, re-apply to be a Medicaid provider. Will have to apply for all state licenses that GSS holds.

  Mr. Dixon said will be working with GSS in transition to make as easy as possible. GSS has voted to partner with the County in transition. Chair Green said there will be some things they would have to apply for.   

Commissioner Hinson read aloud the first paragraph in the Analysis section. “The final phase of Gadsden Senior Services, Inc. (GSS)….”

  Mr. Dixon said their Board has voted to work with the County Commissioners. The DOH documents are not what’s up right now. They will be up next year.

  Commissioner Hinson asked about the ages for billable services. 

  Attorney Knowles said this was a separate 501(3)c from the County.  Foundation not owned and maintained by County. 

  Chair Green said could not answer his questions because they were not a part of the Board.  They were trying to move away from problems that happened in the past.

Commissioner Hinson asked difference in the parties-both acting in partnership with the BOCC.

Chair Green called for the vote.  3-1 Commissioner Hinson opposed.

9.

Approval of the Economic Development Proposal

  Mr. Dixon introduced the above item and stated it was presented to the Board for approval

Commissioner NeSmith motion option 3/Hinson second.

  Commissioner NeSmith had questions.  Would like for it to read “working in direct collaboration with the County Administrator”

Have to look long-term.  Important that Board have direct line to this director.   

Chair Green said understood his point the first time he presented it and was direction they all want to go.  Want to make sure not involving themselves in day-to-day operations.  Need this position filled. 

  Commissioner Holt said in this situation will have ED person under Administrator and explained why.  Was safety net. 

  Chair Green said did not believe was meant that they actually work, every project would come before the Board anyway. 

  Commissioner NeSmith said there was reservations about aides and was working out great. 

  Chair Green understands and Commissioner NeSmith wants them to have direct contract without having to ask permission to speak with them. 

  Commissioner Holt said don’t need P&Z director, EMS, Road and Bridge, etc. because they could report to the Board. 

  Mr. Dixon said with the Board hiring someone commits them to a public process and when non-disclosure process, would not be able to discuss it with them. 

  Commissioner Holt said was glad he brought that up and confidentiality very important.

  Commissioner Hinson said when look at facts is that you look at engineering as well.

  Commissioner NeSmith motion to approve position description under general guidance with County Administrator for ED director and authorize CA to advertise the position, approve the draft Economic Development plan for Gadsden County and authorize the chairman to sign, and approve the ordinance/Commissioner Hinson second.

Chair Green question to the attorney is there a legal way to do this? Attorney Knowles said yes, they will change ordinance to reflect the language that Commissioner Nesmith said.

Chair Green called for vote 3-1 Commissioner Holt opposed.

10.

Approval of the Non-Profits Funding Proposal

Item pulled

11.

Approval to Award RFP No. 22-03 Federal Lobbyist Services

  Mr. Dixon introduced above item.

  Commissioner Hinson said had heartburn based on CA and changed positions.  If can bring funding to the table, good.

Commissioner Hinson motion to approve Ballard/Commissioner Holt second 4-0

12.

Approval to Award FRQ No. 22-01 Professional Services-Engineers/Engineering

  Mr. Dixon introduced above item and said two firms selected-AE Engineering, Inc. and Alday-Howell Engineering, Inc.  Will come in-house and will cut 60-90 days off timeline.

Commissioner Holt/Commissioner NeSmith

Commissioner Hinson question

  Commissioner Hinson said with firm used, did youmas job. How often do women and minorities get opportunity at this? 

Chair Green called for vote. 4-0

13.

Approval of Settlement Agreement

  Attorney Knowles said have spoken with each Commissioner individually and carrier has decided this is case that need to be resolved. Aid could not have an executive session to discuss this in private due to no court reporter.

Commissioner Holt/Commissioner NeSmith second with question

  Commissioner NeSmith asked if handout any different from in book? Chair Green said no.

Chair Green called for vote.  4-0

CLERK OF COURT

15.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

16.

Updates

  Mr. Dixon said they have to do much more sooner and in more places.

They had dedication of new ambulances earlier today. Will be entering into contract with Palm Beach County that will be helping out with long-term donation of general items. As found out, ordering date for new ones is 2-3 years out. 

They are beginning the planning for the 200th anniversary for the County. 

Christmas coming up, have committee looking at situation at Courthouse and working with cities and municipalities. 

Again kicking off Black History Month and hoping for more County emphasis. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

17.

 Updates

  Attorney Knowles said had great turn-out for workshop.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

18.

Report and Discussion of Public Issues

Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1

  Commissioner Hinson said talked with several people concerning food cards and City of Quincy gave $100 to help with utilities. Have funding for food cards that could help with Thanksgiving and Christmas and need to think about it and come up with plan on how could address that issue. 

Had shooting across from FSU campus and 1 person died. Have lot of shootings in area. Need to be bold and look at social infrastructure to help out. Need community Center on both sides of County.

  Chair Green stepped out at 7:53 p.m.

  Commissioner Hinson said when he was young, he could have been that guy. He said east and west sides of county are desperate. Right now, they have money to do it and people are dying.    

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Commissioner Holt said Dollar General in St. John is looking very nice. Hope to have ribbon cutting on November 12^th.

Said did not thank Housing Department, they were ones that came up with issue with deeds.  After Hurricane Michael, they were coming up with issues on deeds.

When looking at election coming up, wanted to thank everyone for being civil. Need to make sure everyone votes. 

  Commissioner Holt asked that people that were not on bottom tier to get paid, is there a step-up plan?  Mr. Dixon said working on that. 

Asked attorney about final information found out about census. Attorney Knowles said sent information by email to commissioners.  

Commissioner Holt asked Attorney Knowles to bring back up policies and procedures since he was Parliamentarian to help cut time down and keep things moving.

  Chair Green said in reference to time, it does need to get handled.

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Vice Chair, District 3

  Commissioner NeSmith thanked Commissioners for bringing to his attention some items he failed to mention. Thanked Administrator and County Attorney for Heirs Workshop, was packed crowd.  

Thanked everyone for making sure the Dollar General building was a nice building. 

  Commissioner Holt stepped out at 8:12 p.m.

Congratulated Mrs. Evans of Oak Grove area, on the 12^th will be returning 100 years young. 

Thanked Administrator and Lee for maintaining quality health care in District 3.

  Mr. Dixon thanked the City of Quincy, heavy equipment machines went down and they said yes to request to help Public Works with bulky items pick-up.

Commissioner Ronterious Green, Chair, District 5

  Chair Green asking if have date for striping because never got answer. Mr. Dixon said culled list and came out over $70,000 more than what budgeted.   

  Chair Green said been brought to his attention that County owns over 200 properties in County and not sure what policy have in place in re-selling or using properties. Want to pay some attention to properties already owned. Asked how to go about and what process for funding for SHIP Program. 

Commissioner Holt returned at 8:20 p.m.

  Mr. Dixon said to the list, have been working on it and have gathered list over past few months. Want to go through list and look at property to figure out what looks like and if usable.  Chair Green said see number of 221, Mr. Dixon said he had the short list.

  Commissioner Holt said that would be good workshop because property lost every day because of taxes. Chair Green asked for project updates by next meeting. 

He asked if he knows when they are expecting more funding? Mr. Dixon said pinging now, Chair Green said should workshop.   

  Chair Green said Trunk or Treat was phenomenal event last night. 

  Commissioner Hinson said got caught up talking about the killing crimes, but wanted to say was at Town of Havana and they had a Trunk or Treat there as well. 

  Chair Green said Relay for Life is last weekend in August and asked if County had team.  Ms. Steele said have had in past. 

Chair Green motion that BOCC are actively involved in Gadsden County relay for life/Commissioner NeSmith, carried 4-0.

Commissioner Holt asked said there were other fundraisers, normally give money individually from Board but members themselves. 

Chair Green asked for proclamation for Sigma Gamma Row that will be celebrating their 100^th year anniversary on November 12^th/Commissioner Hinson second, carried 4-0.

Chair Green said this is Custodial Week and thanked for all they do.

Greenlight moment: “If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow. All of us go through something in life, whatever it is that you are going through, make sure you are growing through.”

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 8:34 p.m.