Call To Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

 Simpkins called the workshop to order at 4:03 pm. Simpkins led into a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (3-minute limit)

 The Gadsden County Planning Board 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.

 Attorney read aloud the above statement. 

General Business

1.       Welcome and Introduction (Chairman Kimblin E. NeSmith)

2.       Overview (Edward J. Dixon, County Administrator)

 Ms. Daniels provided overview on what they would be discussing

3.       Discussion of Emergency Repair Rules and Guidelines (Sonya Burns, Housing Director)

 Ms. Burns appeared before the Board.   

 Emergency Repairs: related to health, physical safety

 Burns read the income eligibility criteria

 Simpkins asked if it could be a household of one

 Burns read through the inspection process

 Burns talked about the GC SHIP program.

 Burns explained what SHIP funds could be used for.

 Burns talked about funding – BOCC Maximum Award Amount $20,000

 Burns stated only did loans not grants

 Burns stated ER and SHIP program are 2 years

 Burns explained how to apply for program

 Burns discussed denial letters. Denied if applicant has heir property, Missing docs, Incomplete App, Mobile homes built before 1994, not primary residence, no responses from applicant after 3 attempts.    

 Burns discussed the average costs

Roof - $11,000 w/o bad decking, rafters

13,000 to 16,000 with bad decking and/or additional damage

Windows Replacement Standard

 Average septic cost

Septic Lid Replacement $700

Pump out $375

Holt appeared at 4:25 pm

 Green asked about warrant for houses that have been refurbished.

 Burns stated the county has one year warranty.

 Simpkins asked about advertising     

NeSmith appeared at 4:45 pm.

 Daniels stated they could take a look at marketing

 Holt stated if they are doing marketing for housing, to put it in budget

  Daniels stated they would need to look at housing budget to see funding that is available.  

  Simpkins stated they have upped their funding for marketing and advertising 

Simpkins stepped out at 5:10 pm.

4.       Discussion of Bonds (JoLinda L. Herring, Attorney at Bryant Miller Olive Law)

 JoLinda Herring, Attorney from Bryant Miller Olive Law, appeared before the Board to discuss bonds. 

 Herring explained a Municipal Bond.

 Herring explained the 3 types of bonds.

 Herring explained Revenue Bond.

 Herring explained Conduit Bond.

 Authority of issuing bonds

 Herring mentioned Federal Tax Law.

 Herring discussed the decision or need to finance/borrow.

 Herring discussed the process for issuing a bond.

 Finance Team:

·         Issuer

·         County Attorney

·         Company Borrower (if conduit bond)

·         Financial Advisor

·         Bond Counsel

·         Disclosure Counsel

·         Underwriter or Bank

·         Underwriters Counsel or Bank’s Counsel

 Herring discussed pre-issuance considerations.

 Herring went through the principal documents.

 Herring discussed the post-issuance.

Chair asked if currently have bonds. Asked if Herring worked on those bonds. Herring stated yes.

 Holt asked about interest rate

Holt stepped out at 5:42 pm

 Simpkins asked what type of bond was the Road and Hospital Bond 

 Herring stated both were revenue bonds

 Attorney asked Herring to explain interest rate

 Chair verified they currently only have 2 bonds

 Chair asked when hospital bond ends

 Daniels stated a few years more. Herring stated close to 10 years.

 Chair asked about Road Improvement Bond  

 Daniels stated will find out how much longer they have with Road Bond

 Simpkins asked Daniels about annual payment on those bonds

 Daniels stated Hospital Bond is around $645,000 annually. Could not remember for Road Bond           

Motion to Adjourn

Adjourned at 6:02 p.m.