Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair called meeting to order and welcomed everyone.  Asked Hinson for Invocation and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Dixon asked to amend-addition of Item 18a-Approval of Gadsden County Legislative

Holt/Hinson 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

CONSENT

  Green/Holt 5-0

1.

Ratification Memo

2.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       August 8, 2023 Workshop

b.      August 23, 2023 Housing & Bond Workshop

c.       September 5, 2023 BCC Meeting

d.      September 6, 2023 Intergovernmental Workshop

e.       September 12, 2023 Budget Hearing

f.        September 18, 2023 Budget Workshop

g.       September 19, BCC Meeting

3.

Approval of the Annual Contract between the GC BOCC and the Florida Department of Health for the operations of the Gadsden County Health Department

4.

Approval of Required Training for Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office TeamOne SWAT Operator

5.

Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contract-State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) and Gadsden Emergency Repair Program

6.

Approval of Appointment to the CareerSource Capital Region Board

7.

Approval of FY 2024 SC408 Small County Consolidate Waste Grant Agreement with Florida Department of Environmental Protection

8.

Approval of Barineau Road over Willacoochee Creek Bridge Rehabilitation Agreement

9.

Approval of CR 161A Dogtown Road Widening and Resurfacing Agreement

10.

Approval of Bunker Gear Purchase

11.

Approval of Agreement between Lexipool, LLC and Gadsden County Emergency Management Services

12.

Approval of Board of County Commissioners 2024 Holiday Schedule

13.

Consideration and approval of a Resolution in Support of the Florida Department of Transportation Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail (SUN Trail) Grant application for the proposed Tallahassee to Havana Multi-Use Trail Project Design and authorization for the County to be the Willing Manager

14.

Consideration and approval of a Resolution in Support of the Florida Department of Transportation Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail (SUN Trail) Grant application for the proposed US 90 West Multi-Use Trail Project for a feasibility study and agreement for the County to be the Willing Manager

15.

Approval to Accept Grant Award from Department of Financial Services

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.

   Mr. Dixon read the above statement aloud.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

16.

Approval of Resolution 2023-033 Grant Budget Amendments for FY 2023

  Dixon introduced above item and said was for approval of Grant Budget Amendments.

Green/Holt 5-0

17.

Approval of CRTPA Appointments

  Dixon introduced above item.  NeSmith asked Hinson if he would allow him to continue as designee and Hinson agreed.

Holt motion for NeSmith to serve as primary representative on CRTPA/Green second 5-0

18.

Approval of County Administrator Contract

  Dixon introduced the above item.

Knowles said on Section 3 the second paragraph would be removed but he could serve on prior approved boards of non-profits.

NeSmith said he made sure they were looking at a contract for the position and not the person.

There were comments from Commissioner Green concerning the amount of the salary and it was stated that Ms. Maas was the one that suggested the amount after reviewing County Administrator salaries from seven other counties.  She said $148,000 was the average of the salaries.

  Simpkins said with the salary, have to look at the benefits also.  When look at some of the compared counties such as Key West, that is totally different ballgame and they have a much higher budget than Gadsden County.  Did not think they should be in average.

Maas said when originally given assignment, reached out to FAC.  They assemble information every other year and did not have current year’s data. Included because similar population but their budget is much higher than ours.

  Holt said she even called some counties and did not know that some administrators were making more than ours and they were in the county.  Has no problem for paying for the work, has a problem when work not done.

  NeSmith said had issue with automatic roll-over with contract-no administrator would allow the contract to expire without it coming before the Board.

  Simpkins said it was their responsibility to read the contracts and be aware of when the contracts expire as they only had two employees, the Administrator and the Attorney.

  Holt said this was a contract

  Green said they need to take the automatic renewal out but keep the 90 days. 

  Knowles asked for clarification.

  Holt said their only concern was getting the position filled if they had to. 

  Dixon said he could only presume the statement was about stability and making a smooth transition.

  Hinson said he thought, not only with County Administrator, the Administrator should give 6 months’ notice when contracts expire. 

  Green wanted to make sure they understood that 90 days was for contractual renewal, the Administrator works at the will of the Board.

  Holt said was ready to vote.  When it comes to contracts, that the legal side. 

  Simpkins said her concern was dealing with Section 9.  NeSmith said they were going through each section.

  Hinson said if not mistaken, that was why have Human Resources.  Their job is to do that and they have to entrust they will be trustworthy and do their job.

  Green concurred and agreed with Hinson as related to Human Resources.    

  Simpkins said when looking at termination conditions and severance pay; agreeing to pay a full year if they terminate

  Ms. Maas reappeared before the Board. 

  Dixon said Green alluded to earlier, this is high risk employment opportunity.

  Hinson said he thought if everyone ok with 20 weeks severance, they could bring this back again.

  Holt said Greens suggestion was to remove 6 months and would move for approval.

Holt motion to approve contract with removal of additional 6 months and change of 6 months notification and Green second

  Ms. Maas said this was existing language. 

  Derrick Elias, 233 Cheeseborough Avenue, Quincy, appeared before the Board.  He said it appeared that they might want to table this for right now and get the changes in place so they knew what they were voting on.  He asked what the current salary was for the Administrator.

  Ms. Maas appeared said current annual salary was $105,000. 

  Mr. Elias said what they were voting on was increase to $140,000.  Does the position warrant $140,000 or does the person warrant $140,000. 

  NeSmith said with regard to the Counties they used, three years ago they used surrounding counties and now they were using Counties in southwest Florida.

  Ms. Maas reappeared before the Board.  She said they went to the FAC report that is done every other year and tried to get as close as could. She said the County Administrator’s salary has been lower

  Green said he believed the City of Quincy was $115,000, the City of Midway is $121,000 and Gretna was $105,000.  He added this was city managers compared to county administrator.  Felt trying to be fair to the position as a whole.

Maas said had budgeted for that and City of Quincy was $120,000. 

  Mr. Elias said was not here to fight against the contract, three years ago when they went through same process, their rationale was totally different.  He said portion in contract where they wanted administrator to give 6 months’ notice, if they do not give that, what was their recourse.  He asked what the budget was that was approved for the position. 

NeSmith said not looking to be punitive, was looking to be notified.

 Ms. Daniels appeared before the Board and said they were unsure what the negotiated contract would be so included a figure of $150,000 for the purpose of the budget.

 Elias said he thought it would be prudent for them to have a completed contract before them before they voted. 

 Holt put motion in to remove 6 months additional leave time, 20 weeks of severance pay and ½ unused sick leave/Green second

  Simpkins said for the record, as relates to contract, has problem with increase of $135,000 and with the counties that were chosen to compare.

  Green said when they have a commissioner say they have a problem with a number, how can they go negotiate a number.

Holt said to vote up or down.

  Hinson asked for clarification of motion

  Holt said motion is approve contract, 20 weeks’ severance pay, 480 unused annual and ½ unused sick leave, and inclusion of 6 months’ notice from Administrator.

  Knowles said the number of hours was unique to the individual, the ½ of unused sick was ¼ of unused sick and he was offered ½; 480 was statutory.  Not entitled to severance pay if fired.

  Simpkins asked if total compensation package would be.

  Maas said in dollars and could provide later, did not bring calculator with her.

  Hinson said for future reference, they need to be prepared.  When was with School Board, had figures in front of them.

Chair called for vote  4-1  Simpkins opposed.      

18a.

Review and Approval of the 2024 Gadsden County Legislative Priorities

  Dixon said have review and approve of legislative priorities.

  Hinson said thought would be fair to Board to have meeting to bring ideas in.  Think need to go after infrastructure.

  NeSmith said he would like to approach this and have had opportunity to meet with Administrator and was in support of these items.  This was not exclusive.

  Hinson said whatever coming from Board is what they would look at. 

  Simpkins stepped out 7:39.

  Hinson said thought needed to shorten list to few projects that could get and go after certain projects. 

  Green said he also had chance to speak with Administrator and was $7 Million of infrastructure and would like Hinson to have chance to meet with Administrator.  Did they have to vote tonight on this?

  Simpkins returned 7:41

  Dixon said earliest due date is November 1^st and do not meet before that date.  Do need to be on page together and as things come through from cities, will knock things off and narrow list. 

  Green said was good to have a start but wanted to make sure every commissioner had opportunity to speak with Administrator before submittal.

  Hinson said has been talking back and forth with Administrator forever.  They need to meet and hold a conversation collectively. 

  NeSmith said they have to have this to legislative delegation by 11/1.  Can call special meeting.  He asked Hinson if he could provide list.  If work with cities, come together as one.

  Simpkins said they have a meeting on the 26^th for fire services, could they come earlier by an hour and meet with municipalities.

  Hinson said needed more time than hour.

   NeSmith asked if 2 hours enough time.  

  Dixon said the City of Greensboro asked they include their City Hall and Fire Station to the County’s submissions.

  Hinson asked why not have meeting Monday.  The fire meeting will be very intense and why not meet Monday.

  Holt said back to timeline, they scheduled meetings before every meeting and commissioners did not show up. 

  NeSmith asked what was convenient to Board. 

  Hinson said to meet on Monday, 30^th.

  Holt said they could add on to it after being submitted.

  NeSmith said to schedule for this Monday.

  Holt stepped out 7:56 pm

  Green asked Hinson how about when bring this and go through it, then can say yea or nay

  Simpkins said November 14^th at 5:00 is deadline. 

  NeSmith said to Daniels they wanted to have special meeting on Monday at 4:00.

CLERK OF COURT

19.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

20.

Updates

  Daniels said nothing from Administrator, he stepped out.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

21.

Updates

  Nothing unless questions

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

22.

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

  Simpkins said this month is Breast Cancer Awareness and need to recognize survivors and encourage women to get mammograms.

Was glad to see work start on the railroad on Shady Rest Road

Would like them to take look at back door services for Waste Pro for some of citizens that cannot get to road

Wanted to make sure was still working on parks.

Also, on Saturday October 21^st, DJ Trucker will be holding a trail ride again.  

Listening to sermon on Sunday, “when isolated you’re missing out on what others may have to offer, so it’s important for us to work together”.

  Hinson said need to schedule meeting with Waste Pro and address their issues.

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt said next Saturday will be Robertsville Day.

Would like to be put on next agenda the Attorney contract and it be brought up for vote.

Items 12 and 13 in favor of but if employees were to take care of that, may need to hire more people.

Hope to get together with Star Metro on providing transportation, especially to Amazon in Tallahassee.

  Made sure she told some people to be careful when driving.  Had lady asked for County to pay for car because she ran over board in road.

Was invited to White House to do presentation on Thursday and asked what else the needed.

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

  Green thanked Simpkins for mentioning Breast Cancer and wanted to mention the 8^th annual breast cancer walk from Piggly Wiggly to the Courthouse.

  He said he would like if the Board would consider being in FAMU’s parade.

  Drake Acres-could they get striping or have Public Works look at road. 

  Thanked Public Works for work done on Shiloh Road-can’t read road sign.

  Asked about Trunk or Treat-Daniels said Board would be participating on one held at Ward’s Lot.

  Simpkins requested there is a Trunk or Trat taking place in Havana as well and wanted to make sure was represented. 

Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1

  Hinson echoed what Simpkins said, need presence there.

  Mentioned Deacon Madry passed away, called him the “praying guy”.

  Echoed what Simpkins and Green said and felt they should have a “Pink Ou Day” in the County for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Chair, District 3

  NeSmith needs support for Marcus Green/ Green second 5-0

  Recognized Chris Daniels and Col. Collins with the Sheriff’s Department in the audience.

  Hinson said had opportunity to call young man up, started doing business, building homes and wanted to recognize Shontell Rittman/Green second 5-0

  Love Where you Live active in District 3, will be picking up bulky items the 16^th – 19^th. 

  Congratulated Brenda Holt who will be representing Gadsden County in Washington, DC.

  Attorney reminded him of claims and legal issues.  Have had number of claims and legal issues last couple of years.  There is something called risk management and they need to know where issues coming from. 

  Summer Youth Program-cannot wait until February or March to start talking about it. 

  Holt said forgot to mention, couple weeks ago few groups were given money, other thing is, Simpkins mentioned this, on Saturday the County will make money on taxes on gas from concert and they are not sponsoring it as a commission.  They should be a sponsor.

  NeSmith asked if reason County was not working with him.

  Holt said County needs to make sure they approach him.

She said if they are having event, thinks they should give $20,000/Simpkins second.

  NeSmith said have been consistent, his position is they have no policy or procedure in place.

  Simpkins stepped out 8:36 pm

  NeSmith said was all for economic development but was being consistent.

  Simpkins returned 8:37

  Holt said not talking about non-profit, they will be getting gas taxes and bed tax from event.

She asked Ms. Steele about monies in TDC for marketing and grant funds.  Steele said have marketing dollars that can be used for event, but need to make sure they use County’s branding.  Holt asked amount of marketing dollars and Steele said usually it is $5,000 but board has ability to instruct TDC to spend a different amount and take from different line item.  She said reason asking was, they’re trying to figure out how to get tourist development in County.

  Hinson said couple weeks ago, had Pumpkin Fest in Havana and they were approved because knew value they brought into community.  Think gave $25,000.

  Daniels said that funding was in line of an event they sponsored with other cities.          

  Holt said motion was for $25,000 for DJ Trucker Trail Ride/Simpkins second.

Green said this not for non-profit organization.  Is for event individual has done before and brought in lot of money for County.  This is a group that they need to invest in, have provided for County.

  Simpkins said this was different when talking about guidelines for non-profits, this is bringing in funds for the County.  Hotels were sold out, people had to stay in Jackson County.  This event will generate funds for the County.  

  Holt said have to disclose he is distant relative of hers. 

  Hinson said have heard of Billy Dean, he had event in Chattahoochee, and after that Chattahoochee got $37,000 because NeSmith brought it up.

Chair called for vote.  Board voted 5-0

  Holt said if they want to settle the problem, set up policies and procedures.

  Green Light moment-Simpkins did great job

“Strength of team is each individual member or organization is strength of each member is the team”

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned 8:51 pm