Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair called meeting to order at 6:00 pm, Commissioner Hinson asked for a moment of silence. Chair led into pledge of allegiance.  

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Dixon requested to pull Item 6

Green/Hinson 4-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

1.

TMH EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Presentation

  Dixon said had a presentation presented by Becky Maas, Human Resource Director.  She said they recently switched to TMH and they were local. 

  Bob Carton, EAP Director appeared before the Board and said EAP was available to all employees of Gadsden County at no cost to the person.   

Ms. Maas said she left brochures on the dais for the Commissioners.  There has already been participation in the program.

Mr. Dixon said this was a wonderful program that would be free for the employees and their families.

CONSENT

  Green/NeSmith 4-0

2

Ratification Memo

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.org 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.

  Chair NeSmith read the above statement aloud.

John Dunn, 819 Shady Rest, Havana, FL - regarding the Havana Trail

  Holt appeared at 6:13 pm

Mr. Dunn appeared before the Board regarding the Havana Trail.  He wanted to know if the County Commission would agree to maintain the trail, mowing and blowing off the apron.  

  Hinson said this was a program that was started by the BOCC. 

Chair said he would put Mr. Dunn in touch with the Administrator.

  Green asked the estimated costs for maintenance and Mr. Dunn said it would be between 1/3 or ¼ of what Wakulla pays for the St. Marks Trail.

  Holt asked the funding mechanism for maintaining the trail and asked if there was any state or federal funding that other trails may use and he did not.  Mr. Dunn said the main thing the County would have to do was mow and blow.   

  Simpkins said the Board needed to maintain the trail and Iron Bridge was a county road that Public Works maintains and the Chair said yes.  She said that was something they should be doing anyway.

Mr. Tracey Bentley, Talquin Electric Coop –

  Chair said he had opportunity to attend ribbon cuttings in Wakulla, Liberty County and in Hinson community.

  Mr. Bentley said in regards to the solar farms, they do smaller scale utility farms and was clean energy.  They get a 20-year price rate on it and the price will not change for 20 years. 

  Holt asked if there would be any reduction in rates because of solar.  Because their solar price, would not be doing subscriptions would roll into energy. 

  Mr. Dixon asked him to tell how he provides energy.  Mr. Bentley said they did not have generation and transmission. 

Mike Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road,

  Mr. Watson said he knew there was a lot of roads in Gadsden County that needs to be paved.  He said it needed to be taken into consideration on how much that road was used.  He suggested they form a committee from each district to meet to see which roads needed to be paved and in what order.

Gary Murray, Woodberry Road- He asked for the status on that road.  He said they need lights on that road also.  He asked for clarification today because he has heard different things.

  Holt said Mr. Knowles was looking at the survey.  Mr. Dixon said they were looking at the survey and Mr. Knowles said they requested a meeting and asked for records that they have not received yet.  Can make better assertation once they receive that.

Chair NeSmith asked he meet with Mr. Charles Hayes.

  Holt said she would like for them to give Murray all the facts so he would not have to wonder where they were with this matter.  

Mr. Dixon asked Mr. Hayes to come forward and said they have completed the survey and Mr. Hayes and the Attorney was now getting together regarding the property.  He further explained this was a dirt road that the County has looked into accepting it into the County system.

  Knowles said there was a statute that provides if the County maintains that road for 7 years, it is available to become property of the County got to have records that available to take under that statute.

Holt asked if records not available, what options do they have.

Dixon said the survey would allow them to compare with names to make sure have everyone’s permission.

   Derrick Elias appeared before the Board and wanted to speak with them concerning safety.  Every day where Robert F. Monroe is located, people engressing and egressing is atrocious.  Has seen law enforcement that, some on their own time, patrolling.  He asked the County to take the lead and possibly put up a light that would fully function at certain times of the day before and after school and then be a caution light at other times.

  Hinson asked CA to comment

  Holt stepped out 6:56 pm

  Dixon said they have actually sent deputies out and has spoken with the Head Master and flashing lights have been installed.  He said the best thing would be to have anyone exiting to go right and not cross over to Lanier Road to avoid accidents. 

  Hinson asked for a light there to stop or have a caution light.  Do not want to wait until someone dies.  He also mentioned it was a state road.

  Holt returned 7:00

  Dixon asked about a legislative request to fund auxiliary road to be built.

  Green asked the last response from DOT when they reached out to them.  Dixon said they have done studies and continue to do studies.  Lights are last thing they want to do because it stops traffic.      

  Simpkins stepped out 7:02

  Holt said she heard interest expressed about another entrance being put in.

  Stacy Copeland appeared before the Board. 

  Simpkins returned 7:04

  She said she was small business owner, licensed massage therapist, 310 W. Washington

Street, Chattahoochee.   She said she appeared couple of years ago trying to get funding and her building needs work.  She asked if they have any funds to help small businesses with repairs. 

  Green stepped out 7:07

  NeSmith said they now have an economic development director that encompasses every level of businesses.

  Dixon asked if Chattahoochee had a CRA and NeSmith said he did not think so.  

  Hinson said every year they host different programs and resources at County Courtyard square and asked her to get in contact with him. 

  Hinson said American Rescue Plan gave money to cities and check with Chattahoochee to see if they received money because it has to be spent by 2024.

  Simpkins said Franklin shared a Black Business Loan Program and the criteria is not as strenuous as other programs.  She said she was not interested in loans, could not afford that.

  Holt said to get with Mr. Presnell and see the availability of state funding.    

  Green returned 7:15

PUBLIC HEARINGS

3.

Public Hearing-Approval of Resolution 2023-027 and Year End Budget Amendments #1 for FY 2022-2023

   NeSmith announced this was a Public Hearing.

  Mr. Dixon said it seeks approval for Resolution 2023-027 to complete and execute all budget amendments necessary to maintain a balanced budget.

  NeSmith asked if anyone wished to speak and there was no-one.

  Hinson approve/Holt 5-0

GENERAL BUSINESS

4.

Approval of Agreement with Shelter Luv

  Dixon introduced above item. Means to manage record keeping of animals.

  Holt asked why $2.00 and not $5.00-that what they charge. 

  Green asked if approve, can they come back and increase or do it now.

Green/Holt 5-0

5.

Approval of Resolution 2023-024 Grant Budget Amendments for FY 2023

  Dixon introduced item. 

Holt/Green

  Green said he spoke with Housing in reference to Housing, any idea how many houses – Dixon stated he will get one based on past performance.

Chair called for vote 5-0

6.

Approval of Resilient Florida Program Planning Grant Awards (Materials to be Provided)

Item Pulled

7.

Approval of Proposal and Service Agreement with Johnson Controls

  Dixon introduced above item

Holt/Hinson 5-0

8.

Approval of AE COM, Inc. Task Orders for LAP Multi-Projects CEI

  Dixon introduced above item. 

Green/Holt 5-0

9.

Approval of Local Agency Program Supplemental Agreement for Iron Bridge Road and Strong Road

  Dixon introduced above item.

Green/Holt

  Hinson asked CA to explain these projects. 

  Dixon said attempt to make roads safer. 

  Curtis said asked for lighting and have not heard back if approved.  Moving forward with project.

Chair called for vote 5-0

10.

Approval of State Funded Grant Agreement (SCOP) for Fairbanks Ferry Road-2^nd Phase

  Dixon introduced

Holt/Hinson

  Hinson said first time, road widened, will that be included in the second phase?

   Curtis re-appeared and said requested for shoulders to be widened.

Chair called for vote.  5-0

11.

Approval of State Funded Grant Agreement (SCOP) for Hardaway Highway

  Dixon introduced above item.

Holt/NeSmith 5-0

12.

Approval of State-Funded Grant Supplemental Agreement for Attapulgus Highway

  Dixon introduced item.  Amount of resurfacing being reduced

Simpkins/Holt 5-0

13.

Approval of CEI Agreement with AE Engineering, Inc. for Attapulgus Highway

  Dixon introduced above item.

Holt/NeSmith

  Hinson asked if standard.  Dixon said all laid out in process.

  Simpkins said in last meeting asked for item to be tabled and reason was engineer was listed for same project and asked if norma procedure for them to charge for both CEI and paying additional fees for same project?

Simpkins asked for clarification.  She wanted to know if normal to pay CEI and then paying additional fees they incur.

  Curtis said engineer charging for CEI would be charged for inspection and charge separate fee for that.

  She asked normal as relates to engineers and building as relates to previous task order.  Curtis said anything they do, they bill for it.

  Dixon said any vendor has right to charge for services they provide.

  Green asked previous company-Dewberry. 

  Hinson said not sure which company and if met them or not, but did comparison to Dewberry and think on average,

  Dixon said costs are tightly controlled by DOT.  Dewberry served as CEI on many projects. 

  Holt said have had charges on front-end and back-end. 

Chair called for vote 5-0

14.

Approval of Bid Award and Construction Agreement with Roberts and Roberts, Inc. for Attapulgus Highway

  Dixon introduced above item. 

Holt/Hinson 5-0

15.

Approval of Mosquito Control Certified Budget and Detailed Work Plan Budget FY 2023-2024

  Dixon introduced above item.

  Simpkins asked if have mosquito control now?  Dixon said real answer is no but hired someone with substantial knowledge but not licensed in Florida.  Have to pass test.  Even though have no employee in place still responsible for providing service to citizens.  If going to take while, need to find company.

  Green asked with process in place, how long before able to provide services?  Dixon said depends on who work with. 

  Hinson asked how long been without operator?  About 1 year.  Hinson said need to market because could be serious situation, have wild hogs all over place and mosquitos carry disease. 

  Dixon said position advertised and filled

  Holt said two-edged sword-don’t want to overdo. 

  Hinson said maybe look at how much paying.  Also, now citizens have to call Public Works for spraying. 

  Green said certified person would know where and where not to spray.

Chair called for vote 5-0

Hinson said also to educate community.

16.

Approval of Settlement Agreement, Waiver and Release with Cynthia Roberts and Mas Allen Roberts

  Mr. Knowles said this was the settlement agreement they had from the Shade meeting.

Hinson/Holt 5-0

CLERK OF COURT

17.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

18.

Updates

  Dixon said have before them the calendar with dates been able to confirm.  Legislative agenda for next year due next month.  If have any ideas for programs, let them know.  Have sent notices to cities.  Initial meeting in calendar. 

  Have Strategic Planning meeting.  Governor asked to come over for ground-breaking ceremony on 24^th.  Fire service October 26^th. 

Need workshop for Indigent Tax; Library, HCA hospital

  Hinson said have Integrity and hired someone dealing with infrastructure and need to hear from them every 2 months or quarterly. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

19.

Updates

  Nothing

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

20.

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

  Simpkins asked if laid out-have had individuals present to Board addressing different issues and requests.  When went into budget, did not address any of issues, housing and assistance with housing.  Have had non-profits come forward and have organizations assisting constituents and have funding and would have additional funding is County stepped in and have not taken look at that.  Would like for them to address.  Was in Juvenile Court last week and have serious problem in County.  Courtroom was full of young people.  Had parent call and ask about drug programs for youth, have programs for adults. 

She asked if legislative priorities written by staff; would like to know prior to 10^th what they are since not having Board discussion regarding that.  See on calendar Bicentennial gala and have not seen any advertisement or tickets being sold.  Asked who selling and layout for that. 

  In words of Chair and One Gadsden, there is a divide.  County working in silo.  Received calls from different municipalities and told lack of trust and that serious problem.   Hearing it from members, council members and need to be addressed.  Was elected by people of District 2 and will do it with integrity.

Received invoices and spent $280 for a flyer.  That’s a problem.  Supposed to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money.  Have problem – waste of taxpayer dollars and needs to be stopped.  Asked attorney reason for if put RFP out and it not reach dais and not come to Board for approval.  Knowles said practice that all contracts come before Board.  His experience is Board awards RFPs and RFQs.  She said should have come on January 3^rd and did not see where any challenge to bid.  Received email from Clerks’ office in regard to contracts and fact that RFP put out, met on it, and bid was won.  Asked why never came to Board.

  Dixon said did not know what RFP referring to.  She said Graphic Design, sent out and when came out.  He said any time any questions like that, prefer to not answer in public but seems to have been coming for a while.  What she saw was bidders for graphic service.  Did not see internal  …  Challenges was made by guy who had bid previously and now who holds contract now said was biased. 

  Simpkins said was aware was put out twice, second time not formal challenge put in.  

  Dixon said in order to be fair, both parties

  Simpkins did not want him to assume he spoke with Assistant Administrator.  She said she wanted the respect, been trying to maintain composure and, she respects Administrator and expects same from him.  Because do not see eye to eye.

  NeSmith said in his role as Chair, provide respect to everyone and give ample opportunity to speak.  Will not allow anyone to be disrespectful to anyone.

  She asked them to be fiscally responsible with funds and $280 for each flyer to be made and that is ridiculous. 

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt asked about the flyer.

  Dixon said did not know and would check with Ms. Daniels.  Have a contract with someone that does that, have tried to be careful with what goes out, the professional has a fee.  If concerns, will go out for bid.  At some point, that fee was agreed to.  

  Holt said reason asked, because when do make accusations, need to be verified one way or another. If specific concerns, workshopping everyone to death, one thing to remember, have small staff, need to be      When comes to contracts, have to follow process and if something that needs to be brought to Board, bring to Board.  If can sit down and get economic development, those are things not addressing.  Need to concentrate on that. 

  Have not done job fair in so long.  Need to look at what companies can bring in to suit region.  Do have legislative delegation coming and what going to ask them.  Need to talk about this.  If Leon County had one, could we get residual off that? 

  Going to have to address items between them and the Clerks’ Office.  NeSmith said he and Administrator started taking action.

  Dixon said if they would, appreciate support, but did not think this helps.  If give him and Chair opportunity, would appreciate not going to that level.  Holt said have no problem with a conversation, but what saying, these things more immediate.  Look at conversation but at certain point, have to take action.  Not unusual to have confrontations in meetings.  If put that cam compassion with other elected officials.  She and Clerk have bumped heads in past. 

  Said not doing bad job but on economic development, kids need jobs, need ED plan.  Need to get on bus and go to Columbus, MS and see what she talking about.    

  NeSmith said all had input as to which workshops wanted. 

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

  Green said have had very interesting conversation with ED director and encouraged everyone to do same.  Have someone who will listen to their concerns. 

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and need to encourage everyone to get tested.  Thanked Administration for getting packets in timely manner. 

Sent Administrator pictures as relates to Shiloh Church but not sure is County property and not sure have had time to

  Dixon said he has not as of yet gotten back with him with any information.

  Asked for follow-up on Serenity Land-have not info yet.

  He asked if possible for him to take ride through District 5 with Public Works-have roads that are holding water in road during rainy season. 

  He asked for updates as related to Boys and Girls Club.  Have met with parties and had very interesting talks. 

  Had opportunity to visit 2 senior centers this week.  Had guests there giving vital information regarding wills and the center was packed. 

  Asked while back about Social Security services and did not have building in Gadsden County, what doing?

Mr. Dixon said reviewing all options with Social Security.  They believe Zoom services they giving…

  TJ Lewis said been researching on 2 projects in Havana and Chattahoochee total is $6 Million.

  Dixon said put that in with Building Inspector and will have answer tomorrow.

  Thanked Simpkins for bringing up matter regarding kids.  It’s not problem just for Board but County as whole. 

  Dixon said meant to say, in given what Board directed and they are hearing, have begun re-creation of Public Service Coordinating committee made up of Judge, , State Attorney, Public Defender,…Looking at how to set up Board and infuse with money for program.  2 programs out that there been in touch with an looking at reviving

  Homecoming for high school Friday and parade at 4:00 and asked for participation.

Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1

  Hinson said wasn’t going to say anything, but “idle mind is devil’s workshop”.   Need to make sure kids in vocational training 8^th, 9^th, 10^th grade. 

  Holt stepped out 9:14

  Hinson stated had 240 People in jail and put in place a work program.  Dixon said that was the program they are looking to supersize. 

  He said he voted against going to Mississippi because was dealing with COVID at time.  Another place they need to go to is St. Petersburg.

  Holt returned 9:17

  He asked Chairman to look into how much money received for opioids in County. 

  Havana Carver Heights/Havana Projects did not allow residents to drive in, put chains to prevent.  Now have bars around facility so kids can’t play outside. 

  Hinson stated on October 7 One Gadsden Foundation partnering with school board member Cathy Johnson. Will be at old Havana High School. Second Harvest

  Thanked Gadsden County Athletic Hall of Fame and said appreciated his coaches.   

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Chair, District 3

  Received package from Robbie Jones and asked if something wanted to present? 

Robbie Jones appeared before the Board to speak on wild hogs.  October is Peanut Butter challenge Month. 

  Had meeting with USDA and IFAS regarding trapping pigs and would be more advantageous to partner with them-will bring trapper to handle traps and will euthanize them.  20% of wild hogs carry different diseases.  Need to be taken to respected processing facility to make sure no disease. 

  Green asked if estimate cost on services-between $100-200,000.  Green asked if any grant funding for anywhere?  Robbie said last farm bill

He asked if something they could ask from legislature-Dixon said did not see why not.   

  Hinson said also weas told legislature put lot of interest in killing bears.  Down his parents’ road, had about 20 hogs. 

  NeSmith asked commissioners to submit names for Parks and Rec boards.  

  Gadsden Hospital, Inc. has several vacancies. 

Holt left at 9:35 pm

  Hinson said thought Board dissolved Gadsden Hospital, Inc.  Need to look at contract first before start talking about this.

  Chair stated Summer Youth Program need to start working on that now and not wait until Spring.  Was understaffed.  Need to organize program now-quantity does not

  Said youth been in crisis for very long time. 

  Non-profits-need to have workshop. 

  Thanked Administrator, Staff and Ms. Fryson for help with cleaning supplies in Chattahoochee. 

  Green wanted to make sure when have workshop, going to have to have different categories for non-profits.  There are some that have a 501c3 and don’t want to do anything.

  Green said green light moment:

 “One of the marvelous things in our community is that it enables us to welcome and help people…”

RECEIPT AND FILE

21.

Florida Commerce: State Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Competitive Florida Partnership Grant

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned 9:58