CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Chair started meeting 4:04 pm. Green provided invocation. Chair led into pledge of allegiance

 CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD (3-Minute Limit)

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.

Chair read aloud the above statement.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1.       Welcome

Chair thanked everyone for attending.

2.       Introductions and Background of Fire Services

  Dixon thanked everyone.

Dixon stated going thru contracts, just an understanding of where they are going. It is an open and honest discussion on how to move forward.

  Dixon stated will start with Unincorporated Volunteer Fire Departments.

Rosters will receive $20.00 per fire response

  Grant Pool will be created by County to use when only a reimbursable grant match is required.

  County will create policy that allow al GC BOCC employees who are active on an Unincorp Vol Fire Dpmnt to utilize admin leave in event of fire response should it affect normal day to day employment. 

   County will provide monthly trainings to fire departments

 County will provide a uniform, assertive campaign to recruit

Will require both UVFD and MVFD to host community engagements and/or outreach programs in the unincorporated coverage area represented by them 2 times per year.

  Dixon went on to City of Quincy Fire Department 

Dixon stated plan on having contracts next few weeks. Any feedback would be appreciated.

3.       Introductions and Background of Fire Services

    Chair stated this was a working doc. Need input from them. It is about unity. This is only a rec and a start to this.

  Green stated would like to hear from other departments like Chief before giving input. Been advocating for volunteers.

  Holt stated she looks at funding source.   How much can they pull from state/federal gov

  Holt also mentioned inventory. 

  Chair went on to speakers that wanted to speak

Missing incentives for fire departments

  Danny Hunt, Fire Chief Gretna, hoped to collaborate. Cities have been working together, presented plan to Board in July.

  Chief Baker City of Quincy Fire, stated there is details needed to be worked out.

  Town Manager gave a brief statement.

 Holt asked if have insurance now. Town Manager said yes.

  Nixon stated a lot of details need to be worked out. Recommends to deal with the timelier issues now. Concerns regarding liability.

  Dr. Grant thanked Administrator for putting this together. Looked forward to working with them. Mentioned that the increased funding for Midway looks great

  Fire Chief of Gretna provided presentation. 

How do they pay for it? Potentially looking at special fire assessment

  Chief Hunt stated ISO is more of report card of ability to deliver services.

  Chief Hood asked which cities are part of this plan. Without fire assessment, how do they plan on funding plan presented

  Leaving funding up to elected officials    

4.       Board Direction

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourned at 5:44 p.m.