Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair NeSmith asked everyone to silence their devices, asked Commissioner Green to give the Invocation and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Dixon asked to pull item 6 & 16, Hinson asked about items 4 & 5 and why not under General Business, Clayton said if he would like to pull for discussion, they could but did not matter if on Consent or General Business.  Dixon asked to add Item 16a-Donations for Black History

Knowles asked to add 6b-Settlement Agreement

Holt/Green 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

CONSENT

  Holt/Green 5-0

1.

Ratification Memo

2.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       February 1, 2023 Workshop

b.      February 7, 2023 BOCC Meeting

c.       February 8, 2023 Workshop

d.      February 21, 2023 BOCC Meeting

3.

Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contracts-SHIP

4.

Ratification of Approval to Confirm the Director of Human Resources

5.

Ratification of Approval to Confirm the Director of Elderly Affairs

6.

Approval of Lease Agreements for Tenants located at the Recently Purchased Property (2426 Pat Thomas Parkway, Quincy, FL)

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners welcomes and encourages public participation at all meetings of the Board. Citizens are free to speak for up to three (3) minutes on non-agenda items. Public comments and participation are also encouraged for items on the agenda.  Additionally, if you are unable to attend a meeting in person, comments from the Public can also be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov until noon on the date of the meeting. 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.  Citizens are further encouraged to participate via Zoom using the credentials on the County’s website. The Board’s meetings are also broadcast live on the Board’s Facebook page.

Mr. Dixon read aloud the above statement.

Chair NeSmith read aloud the above statement.

  Timmy Dyke, 244 NE Barley Ct., Lee, FL-Ability 1^st Wheel Chair ramp program

Appeared before the Board and spoke on behalf of Ability 1^st Wheel Chair
ramps.  Has more money to spend in Gadsden County and asked for volunteers to build ramps in the County.  Hope is to make strides in Gadsden and Wakulla County. 

  Green said he has directed people to him and was a way for people to give back to the community.

  Hinson said he would contact One Gadsden Foundation to get help from them.

  Bibi Ramos, 525 N MLK Jr., Blvd., Tallahassee, FL – NWF Health Network

Appeared before the Board on behalf of NWF Network and explained what they did.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

7.

Attapulgus Highway-Bid Award

  Dixon introduced the above item and said it was to award CW Roberts the resurfacing project in amount of $3,476,959.90.  No fiscal impact, FDOT SCOP agreement

Holt/Hinson 5-0

8.

Attapulgus Highway Supplemental Agreement

  Dixon introduced the above item, supplemental agreement, SCOP in amount of $3,836,791.00

Holt/Green Hinson had questions

 
Hinson said they had bid something out and it was never completed.  Dixon asked what company and Hinson said CW Roberts.  Dixon will look into that matter.

5-0

9.

Attapulgus Highway-CEI Agreement

  Dixon introduced above item and for approval of negotiated rates and agreement fir CEI-AE Engineering, Inc.  SCOP project in amount of $3,836,791.00

Green/Holt

Green asked to also note said no fiscal impact to the County.

5-0

10.

Iron Bridge Road Safety Improvement-Bid Award

  Dixon introduced above item and is in the amount of $581,934.80

Hinson motion to approve for discussion/Holt

Hinson asked if could give citizens brief synopsis.  Dixon said will include upgraded guardrail and shoulders.  Was LAP agreement funded through FDOT in amount of $655,311.

Board voted 5-0 by voice vote.

11.

Ralph Strong Road Sidewalk Project-Bid Award

  Dixon introduced above item and is a LAP agreement for Strong Road in amount of $887,200.32.

Green/Holt 5-0

12.

Approval of Resolution 2023-007 Grant Budget Amendments for FY 2023

  Dixon introduced above item. 

Simpkins asked about Fund 194-Georgette said this was ARPA fund and $50,000 was for a new Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.  It initially was placed in the wrong fund.

Holt said understood new Commissioner questions, not explained well on description.

Holt/ Green 5-0

13.

Creation of the Gadsden County Elder Affairs Department

  Dixon introduced and said for approval to create Gadsden County Elderly Affairs Department to be managed by Director and take over all senior services over the County.  Prior was Elder Affairs person housed in Manager’s Office-as move forward know now need Department.  Create Elderly Affairs Department and move majority of people under County in a Grant situation.  Gives best handle and opportunity.  Majority of funding remain with BOCC, most of employees to become county employees, direct service workers will remain under non-profit, GSS, mainly for licensing purpose.  At point to be determined by BOCC, will be transferred to County control.  Understand RFP out and in crunch time and time to get it.  Believe have everything in place.

  NeSmith said just receiving the budget and Commissioners have not had chance to review-Dixon said was same as in book. 

NeSmith asked if discussed title-Dixon not happy with “Elderly”. 

Green said at this point, trying to get this approved and can come back to naming of organization at another time.

Green/Holt 5-0

14.

Approval of the Agreement between BOCC and the Gadsden County Senior Citizen Foundation, Inc.

  Green said have been talking about having non-profit issues and have talked about meetings and what non-profits can help. Last meeting Clerk was here and stated had funds could give to other human services – have had several constituents call and met about other Foundation that offers senior services.  Is it ok to make motion, can do now or wait until his comments.

  Knowles asked if can shift funding to other organization-yes.  Knowles-might be budget question-don’t think procedurally there’s problem but if move money, do resolution like did earlier.  Motion might be to direct CA to bring that resolution back at next meeting and vote there.

  Dixon introduced above item.  Covers monitoring and gives authority to end contract and ability to monitor anything Foundation does.  One goal is to sell Senior services and fundraise for them.  Will not have staff that belongs to Services but will have ability to help with program.  Asked they approve contract. 

NeSmith asked about fiscal impact- Dixon said -$40,000.  Using Foundation to deliver services in different way than able to do.

  Green asked if in addition to what have already agreed to give to foundation.   Dixon said within budget the $475,000.

Holt/Green 5-0

15.

Discussion and Direction Regarding the Gadsden County Indigent Burial Policy

   Dixon introduced above item.

   Knowles said was brought about because there are certain conditions and this would codify things

Legally must take custody of bodies and families can apply to indigent care program  goal is to meet statutory mandate.

  Green said would be very complicated policy-biggest concern is how to manage

  Holt said Green said most of what she was going to say.

  Knowles said law bit unclear.  Said essentially, folks that die in county and have no family that claims body, county responsible for burial.

  Green said in order for them to get to funeral home, they have to be claimed. 

  Holt asked when look at length of time unclaimed boy may be there, if not claimed look at policy

  Knowles said statute provides

  Green said to help with Holt, previous policies

  Dixon said Sheriff has obligation to search for, County has obligation    First step is always cremation

  Simpkins said point already addressed, wanted to make sure are clear in policy

  Holt motion to approve draft policy Holt/Simpkins 5-0

16.

Approval of the Contract with Dewberry for the CDBG-CV Engineering Services

Pulled

16a.

Approval of Donations for the Black History Month Celebrations

 Dixon introduced-donations given during Black History Month and Clerk’s Office asked for Board approval. 

  Green asked if within amount that was budgeted.  Dixon said tried to stay within budget.  Green asked if all have been paid-Dixon said some paid and some have not been paid

  Simpkins asked if Cities contributed to any costs.  Simpkins said they have to do things in a business manner. 

  Green said transparency very important.  Have to have lined up before now so would know, need to take care of vendors, not their fault. 

  Holt said need to stand by what they say.  Tourist Development Council has set aside money in the past for events.  Needs to be paid in timely manner. 

  Simpkins said request they have list Foundation Scholarship, etc. 

  Dixon said to get people paid, Clerk asked it be brought before the Board.

  Simpkins said if approve, if other items being held up, how does this affect…

  Georgette said this was what they wished to bring before the Board and was not vendors that provided goods and services.  It was going to individual groups

  Simpkins asked Daniels-actual vendors for actual services, some been paid

Dixon said all payment inclusive are being held up.

  NeSmith said was confused-

  Daniels said these were more in line for donations and not goods and services County received.   Until approved by Board, no other payments will be made regarding

  Hinson said was not donation-was vendors.  If Board budgeted $60,000 and spent $71,000, is a budget issue. 
Seems everything touched, is overspent.  Can’t run county as renegade. 

  Dixon said line item has $180,000 and includes Christmas, Veterans’ Day…

  Hinson said it was stated $60,000

  Green said they could stay here for 30-40 minutes but whether overbudgeted, misbudgeted, should be paid.

Green motion to pay/Holt  

  Simpkins said when looking and see FAMU Foundation Scholarship Clerk may think was donation-needs to be laid out what was being provided-looks like giving donations to them.  Are stewards of citizens money.  Make sure being totally transparent.

  Dixon said they will present to each of them the notes that were presented to Clerk.

  Hinson said believed in paying people.  Some things just can’t do. It’s irresponsible.  Questions should be asked when stated spent $60,000 and ends up being $71,000.

  Green said when made motion was not finished.  Not that he wants to rush through, but these things already taken place.  Transparency has to be there, should not have happened.

  Holt said ready to move on but Black History Month was in February and was not one question Commissioners could have not asked-absolutely nothing gained by doing this in public.  Do after meeting.

  Simpkins said she was not throwing any innuendos.  When took office said would be transparent-if do not have information, cannot ask questions until was given information-received just before meeting.  Meets with Dixon on regular basis.

  Hinson said just received list few minutes ago.  When stated could have called and asked questions, not so because did not have information.

Chair called for vote 5-0

16b.

Approval of Settlement Offer

  Knowles said this was shade meeting had roughly 2 weeks ago, was ambulance roll-over. 
Holt/Green  5-0

CLERK OF COURT

17.

Updates

Nothing

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

18.

Updates

   Upcoming Rural ….Days

COUNTY ATTORNEY

19.

Updates

Nothing

  Hinson said called him today and asked about internet cafes/slot machine places are illegal.  There are municipalities and counties that have enacted own ordinance to forbid it.  Hinson said was FS 849.80. 

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

20.

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

  Simpkins said on Friday at 4:00 will have bridge renaming ceremony in Jamieson

Was ? Rave? Grant applied for-no

Is public works an economics assistance grant that can be used for acquisition of land and…something need to take look at

Webinar on April 5^th

Been noticing people putting household goods on side of road-Dixon said bulky item pickup coming.  If have
Wastepro can call them for bulk items to be picked up

  Simpkins said collaboration with municipalities very important and need to continue. 

  Was disheartened when found out contract with USDA would not be renewed.  Have to take look at contracts.  Need back on schedule strategic meeting and economic development and workshop with GCDC. 

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt spoke with Ms. Walker about situation when went by ambulance to hospital-was discharged and then ambulance

  Simpkins out 8:10 

Hope to sit with CRMC and look at contract.

  When Simpkins was speaking, had written in notes meeting with municipalities.  In past met with them and had joint workshops

  Know fiscally restrained, and worried about what going on in legislature and what bills will be passed. 

  Simpkins returned 8:13

  38 Fiscally constrained counties

  Thanked everyone for moving pretty good.  People watching and when watching ask why arguing

  NeSmith asked where they were with Grants Department – Dixon said can’t apply for every grant

  Holt said in order to have good grant department have to have good grant coordinator.  Budget coming up. 

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

   Green said if anyone from Reed Street Community watching, please contact him

May 20^th Shiloh community having Emancipation

Day

  Ellen Powell library having …

  Asked about ditches being cleaned, especially Shiloh and Spooner Road-old trash clogging

  Updates on positions and if filled, PW Director,

Dixon said interviews for Public Works, Grants have not found anyone that meets needs of office, starting to not only advertise but to recruit.

  Had opportunity again to speak people that utilize Wellness center and if can do anything to help, thinks need to do so.  Believe it is necessity

Made motion to ask Administrator to put on agenda to give $45,000 to Wellness/Simpkins second

Holt asked if Wellness could still apply for same money we applied for.

Dixon said did not know how would affect us, what message it would send.

  Green said did not the Clerk state was funding-Dixon said have funding Green said his urgency was both programs having same funding issues, gave $60,000 to GSS and asked if could be brought back

  Holt said was not debating-because AAA making that decision, may…

Only reason not called Elder Affairs

  Simpkins said prior, the request was made so not setting precedence as relates to non-profits as whole because dealing with seniors.

  Holt said if going to choose one or the other, when looking at giving out funding, it’s absolute. 
If set up Foundation then Wellness then competitor.

  Greens aid understood possibility of comment made,

  Green asked for vote, Hinson said did not have to have vote to place on agenda. 

Chair called for vote  5-0

Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1

  Hinson said went to Legislative day last week-need infrastructure workshop-too much money

Need Housing workshop and need to start having budget workshops soon. 

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Chair, District 3

  2022 was great but 2023 will be outstanding.  Was pleased to see new nets on bb goal at
Rosedale Park. 

  Holt said this year received $55 Million in the County for infrastructure.  Got to have staff to take are of money.

  NeSmith said he spoke with Director of HR and was asked to inform have another 2 weeks on cycle and if don’t receive enough traction, will bring back and see if need tweaking. 

  Simpkins said why said need to look at organizational chart, who have, what specialties, need to do yesterday. 

  Hinson said she’s been bringing up every week and have not had workshop.

  Hinson asked for list of all accomplishments

Need to be aggressive now.

  Simpkins stepped out 8:50

  Green said taught 2 people last week how to play pickle ball and helps

  Simpkins returned 8:52

  Said to Hinson and Simpkins,

  Talked about new government complex with 52 acres just purchased, need to be talked about. 

  Green stepped out 8:54 

Have a wellness center, gym, walking trail at new building.  Have café so can have meals prepared to take home.

  Hinson said what he was saying was right, use ARPA money and would not affect general fund.

  Green returned 8:58 p.m.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned 8:59 pm