Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair welcomed everyone and called meeting to Order at 6:00 pm, asked Green to give
Invocation, and then led in Pledge of Allegiance.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Mr. Dixon asked that Item 22 be pulled as that issue is not ready and has been an offer from the City of Quincy and also pull Item 12a that was recently added because it has some information in the item that needs to be cleaned up.  Commissioner Green asked when they could expect to see this item and Mr. Dixon said it would be brought to them as soon as.

Green/Simpkins 5-0

1.

Reorganization of the Board

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

  Holt nominated Green as chair/Simpkins second 5-0

Holt nominated Simpkins as Vice/Green second 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

2.

Recognition of Marcus Green

Commissioner NeSmith read aloud the Recognition, it was presented to him and he had a few words to say.

CONSENT

  Holt motion to approve/ NeSmith second

Hinson had question

Hinson asked if anything that would impact budget-yes, but not big but will bring in money.

Hinson asked to pull Item 13 motion/NeSmith second

Dixon said Item 13 seeks to clean up scrivener’s error.

Holt rescinded motion and NeSmith rescinded second

HOLT MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED/NESMITH SECOND 5-0

3.

Ratification Memos

a.       October 17, 2023

b.      November 7, 2023

4.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       September 19, 2023 Final Budget Hearing

b.      October 3, 2023 Regular Meeting

c.       October 9, 2023 Strategic Planning Meeting

d.      October 17, 2023 BOCC Meeting

e.       October 23, 2023 Special Meeting

f.        October 26, 2023 Fire Emergency Services

g.       October 30, 2023 Emergency Meeting

5.

Approval of Digitech, LLC for PEMT and MCO Supplemental Payment Program Services

6.

Approval of Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy and Plan

7.

Approval to Renew the Mico Information Products (MIP) Fund Accounting Software for the Elderly Affairs Department

8.

Approval of a Resolution Ratifying Staff Submission of a Grant Application to the Florida Department of Commerce’s Rural Infrastructure Fund Seeking Funds for Design Plans to Improve and Expand the Pat Thomas Eco-Tourism Park

9.

Approval of Plan of Finance Resolution 2023-040 concerning Financing of an affordable multifamily residential rental apartment by the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority

10.

Approval to accept proposed funding agreement #F0116 from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Phase Two of the construction of the Emergency Operations Center and Public Safety Complex

11.

Approval to accept the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance Grant #A0405 and the Emergency Management Performance Grant #G0487 Agreements

12.

Approval for the Finance Office to process payments for invoices

12a.

Approval of Artist Performance Agreements for the Bicentennial R & B Concert

Item Pulled

13.

Approval of Massey Building Lease Amendment

14.

Approval of Settlement Agreement with Jeremiah Lee

15.

Approval of the Gadsden County Public Library System Strategic Plan 2023-2028

16.

Approval of the Gadsden County Public Library System Annual Plan 2023-2024

17.

Approval of Mutual Aid Agreements between Gadsden County and Neighboring Counties

18.

Approval for the Sheriff’s Office to spend miscellaneous revenue sent directly to the Sheriff’s Office

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

13.

Approval of Massey Building Lease Amendment

Explained this was to correct scrivener’s error

Hinson motion to approve/NeSmith 5-0

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.

  Simpkins read aloud above statement.

Mike Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road, Quincy, FL – Sycamore Road

  Said was fortunate to have Simpkins ride Sycamore Road with him yesterday to see how rough the road was.

  Hinson apologized and said he has largest district in County

 Gary Bates, Sycamore Road, Quincy, FL – Sycamore Road

   He and wife rive road in personal vehicles and on motorcycle. 

Chris Moultry, Chattahoochee Mayor, Clinic in Chattahoochee

   Appeared before the Board concerning their clinic and had opportunity to visit the other clinic the County is trying to get started. 

  NeSmith said this issue came to his attention while at conference.  He had opportunity to speak with CEO of North Florida Rural Med and

  Holt said spoke with Congressman Lawson today and also spoke with CHP today. 

  Kyle Kwick, Representative of North Florida Rural Health, was on ZOOM and spoke before the Board.   Are 100% able

  Dr. Thompson spoke and said have presented paperwork to CHP to be primary provider and thanked Commissioner Holt for her help in getting that through.

Avis Woods, 719 Strom Road, Quincy, FL – Sawdust Community

   Appeared before the Board in reference to her organization.  Asked to have place to get kids off street and build up community park but do not have building.  School Board donated building and asked the BOCC have building pulled to park for the benefit of the kids in the area.

  NeSmith thanked her for attending and wanted to clarify the presentation from Woods.  School Board has approved a portable behind Greensboro Elementary and there are additional expenses that were not expected. 

  Dixon said when looked at numbers to move, there was no plumbing in it and thought it might be cost efficient to look into new building as opposed to moving old building.

Tracey Stallworth

   Appeared before Board and said on November 16^th, pastor was killed protecting internet cafes and asked if they were legal and his wife has said her life will never be the same.

  Hinson said he has brought this up the last couple of years and asked for Attorney to respond.

  Knowles said internet cafes were illegal by state law and the Sheriff and Police Department are responsible for policing.

  Holt said she met this week with gentleman from Gaming Department and law enforcement because of incident that happened.  Can write ordinance for County that they not be allowed in County.

  Dixon said because they do not have business licenses, they have no way to know because most call themselves an arcade.  He said Sheriff’s Office is working with gaming Commissioner to better enforce this. 

  Hinson said when something illegal, not going to advocate for something that trumps what State already says is illegal.

  Knowles said it was Florida Statute 849 and read a portion of it aloud.  

  Holt said she was instructed by someone with Gaming Commission to do Ordinance and then could invoke fines per computer that is in establishment.

  Hinson said he brought documentation and asked Commissioner Holt to provide documentation they instructed to do so. 

Bonnie Francis,

  Appeared before Board and requested they schedule a workshop concerning contracts

PUBLIC HEARINGS

19.

Public Hearing-Approval of Resolution 2023-038 and Year End Budget Amendments #2 for FY 2022-2023

  Dixon introduced above item and was for approval of attached budget amendments to cover expenditures in several departments, budgeted and unbudgeted.

  Georgette Daniels appeared before the Board and explained several issues that have been explained.

  Chair asked if anyone in audience wished to speak and there was no-one.

  NeSmith asked about page 10 of 12 and questioned overtime.  Dixon explained that was for EMS.

  Holt motion and second by NeSmith of option 1- 5-0

20.

Public Hearing-Quasi-Judicial-Dupont Road Well Improvements

  Justin Stiell appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk and gave an explanation.

  Anthony Holley appeared before the Board and was sworn in by the Deputy Clerk.

  Chair asked if any members that wished to speak and there was no-one and no-one was on-line.

  Holt asked how far from US 90 and Holley said roughly 4-5 miles.  She asked about fire hydrants and he said they would run from Dover Road to Dupont Road and down Highway 90.

  Hinson said this was serious issue in District 1 and part of District 2.  Said at first had reservations but not can be prepared in Midway and surrounding area.

  NeSmith thanked Mr. Tracy with Talquin as he has done everything he stated he would.

  Hinson motion to approve/Holt second 5-0 

21.

Public Hearing-Approval of Ordinance No.: 2023-07 Amending Chapter 2 of the Code of Laws of Gadsden County, FL, by Amending Section 2-141 and 2-142 Relating to Expenditures for Miscellaneous Purposes

  Dixon introduced above item and explained item.  Asked the Board update the Ordinance from limit of $500.00 to $5,000 without Board approval.

 Knowles read a portion of the Ordinance.

  Hinson said they give up to $35,000 to County Administrator and in Clerk’s opinion, this supersedes his authority.  Hinson said if they plan ahead, they could plan on a lot of the items needed.  If know certain item coming up, approve it ahead of time.

  Green stated were looking at Ordinance that was 17 years old.

  Holt said was extremely old and when new company comes to town, will have to take them to lunch.  There are things they will need to do to be competitive with other areas.  $500.00 not enough.  You have to prepare for progress.  Did not think $5,000 was enough.    

  Simpkins said $500.00 was a low amount but was on the side they meet 2 a month and have to do better at planning.  Could go with $2000 because some of the activities came up suddenly and was their fault.  Can go with $2000 not $5000.

  NeSmith Asked Board policy on receipts.

  Knowles said when Administrator makes expenditures, shall be presented to Board and has not been codified and quarterly reports have not been done.

  NeSmith said they do not get monthly reports and they are responsible for requesting the reports.  He asked if any reports have been produced regarding the $35,000.

  Daniels said there has not been expenditures made that the Board has not approved that have reached the $35,000 thresh hold.

  NeSmith asked when they voted for new thresh hold.  Knowles said would look.

  Daniels said it was her understanding things in the report should be anything the Administrator spent that was not approved by the Board but under his authority.

  Daniels explained they have events that come up between regularly scheduled meetings that they have issues with spending, such as the special meeting at Tri-Eagle and the groundbreaking they had for the new Emergency Operations Center.

  Hinson said they meet twice a month and not serious issue; knew about Tri-Eagle 3-4 weeks in advance and they provided non-alcoholic drinks. 

  NeSmith said he concurred with Holt and Simpkins was outdated Ordinance but need quarterly report.

  Holt said in events held so far, what was largest event?  Daniels said may have spent, Hinson said $3600.  Hinson said was ok with $5000.  Holt said put in next agenda

  Holt motion to approve $5000/Hinson Second.

Simpkins asked for clarification

  Green asked to amend motion to add quarterly reports.

  NeSmith said he could support

Previous motion rescinded

  Holt amended to include monthly report of all activities/Hinson second 5-0

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

22.

Request for Board Direction Regarding the Purchase of Gadsden County Parcel ID# 3-11-2N-4W-0000-00431-0100 pursuant to Gadsden County Code of Ordinances Section 2-113

Item Pulled

23.

Discussion and Board Direction on Gadsden County Legal Services

  Dixon introduced above item.

  Holt said she brought because wanted contract to be advertised and put up for bid.  Just as citizen stated, want workshop.  She asked if it required a certain number of days for notification and Knowles said no, serve at pleasure of Board.

  NeSmith said he concurred with Holt and County in different space than was 2-3 years ago.

  Simpkins said would be taking look in workshop as relates to salary, would contract be available regarding to salary and would comparison be done with like counties as was done with Administrator. 

  Green said Mass was heavily involved with research and gathering information.

  Holt said she brought this up because wanted to look at all types of documentation and was citizens in audience and have since left and she assured them she would ask for workshop.

  Hinson said need to keep Administrator because of stability and asked if has nightmare last night to change from deliverables to stability.      

  Green said was just asking for dialogue and this was workshop being requested.

  NeSmith said contract ends March 1, 2024 and have opportunity to make adjustments.  Want to move forward with what before them.

  Green said have agreed to workshop

24.

Approval to lease property located at 2162 Pat Thomas Parkway

  Dixon introduced above item.

  Meeks appeared before the Board and said Victor’s Garage presented proposal to lease at
$2100.00 and previous tenant was paying $2423.37.

  NeSmith asked if this company was the same service and Meeks said yes, was auto repairs.

  Hinson felt before doing, need to advertise to give everyone opportunity because someone else may want opportunity.

  Green asked if breaking any rules if do not advertise? 

  Knowles said both points well taken; was up to the Board, was their property.  Think in the clear but if have heartburn, could put out feeler and felt no problem if wanted to approve tonight

Hinson made motion to approve but there was more discussion.

  Holt said should be fair

  NeSmith asked how they came to know building was available. 

  Meeks said sign down and no activity going on at building.

  Dixon said they had no problem with stating these properties for rent.

  Green said thought would be proper

  Dixon said if would support, he would withdraw and table.

  NeSmith said need process.

  Green asked if Staff could work on this. 

  Green said Administrator has asked to table

Simpkins motion to table/NeSmith 5-0    

25.

Approval to lease property located at 2426A Pat Thomas Parkway Barn

Tabled

CLERK OF COURT

26.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

27.

Updates

  Dixon said they approved additional holidays for employees

2) was fortunate and Hinson led the way in the employee Thanksgiving dinner at Mount Pleasant Lodge and food was great and good time had by all.

  Hinson said noticed have regular Board meeting on 12/19 and did they want to have meeting prior to that.

  Dixon said also have issue with January 2^nd. 

  Knowles said to Hinson’s point, Code said for meetings directly after holiday, Code permits

  Hinson said to just move to third meeting.

  Holt asked if keeping two in December and was told no.  She said if keep both meetings in December and cancel first meeting in January.

  NeSmith said was comfortable with 5^th and 19^th of December and not meeting first meeting in January.

  Holt motion to cancel regular meeting on January 2, 2024/NeSmith second 5-0

COUNTY ATTORNEY

28.

Updates

  Nothing to report

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

29.

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

4^th   Ditto on prayers too family of one affected by incident in Havana and condolences to family that lost loved on in accident on Old Federal Road.

  Said job well done to Bicentennial Gala and ones that worked on it.

  Would like to be informed when meeting is canceled and not just receive notice.

  Was able to attend dedication at Quincy Airport taxiway and asked that ED Director meet with airport director because opportunities are there.

  Asked if there were t-shirts for “Love Where you Live” if there is a road adopted for them to wear when cleaning and had t-shirts for staff but not provided to ones cleaning roads.  Contact Public Works for green vests when cleaning roads.

  Asked about process for flashing light.  Curtis said will get with Andre on that.

  Wild hogs-Midway did something regarding this-have people that have seen bears and want some type of education.

  Raises-where at?

  Talked previously about CHP-clinic in Chattahoochee putting in application but also have emergency clinic in Quincy but they do not have contract with CHP.

  Need to have conversation with HCA and CHP-motion/NeSmith 5-0

  Request Recognition for Mary and Anthony Matthews/Green 5-0

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

3^rd   Holt said on Summer Youth, do not need to keep hiring same students over and over, not giving opportunity to new students. 

  Want an Ordinance brought on gaming.  Col. Collins will get his notes to them from meeting.  Need to have Ordinance in place.  Not trying to supersede State Statute, trying to work under it. 

  Holt motion to bring draft Ordinance regarding internet cafes/NeSmith second with discussion.

  Hinson said could have ordinance for drug house that is illegal, why put pressure on them that they cannot control.  If send Code Enforcement into illegal place and something happens, County held liable because they know it is illegal.

  Green called for vote 4-1 Hinson opposed

  Holt said was sorry to hear about Roselyn Carter.

  Requested again they visit development sites in Mississippi and any other areas Board members want to visit/NeSmith second  5-0      

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

5^th   Thanked everyone for opportunity to serve as Chair.

  Had citizens come few weeks ago about roads and asked if that has happened regarding Serenity Lane.  Have they met yet and Curtis said have spoken with them and need more millings to fix potholes.  Reached out to contractor to help them out.  Green said also Ray Road.

  Green said appreciate all veterans and thanked Michael Jackson for job well done.

December 1^st is Quincy’s Christmas Parade and County participating. 

  Still need solution for wild hogs.

  Asked for update on Stephens School.  Dixon said thought was out of environmental assessment phase and was almost ready to start.  Design portion complete but cannot move forward until receive release of State funds.

  The role being called daily, always see names that are being called.  As role being called, wante to challenge to make every day Thanksgiving.

Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1

1^st    Continue to pray for families that was affected last week at internet café and hopefully can come to some type of conclusion.

Luncheon was warming and encouraging.  Gave shout-out to Public Works Department; Facilities and Rod.

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Chair, District 3

2^nd   NeSmith sent condolences to family that lost loved one in Havana area. 

Have new aide and introduced Curt Bradwell as his new legislative aide.

  Said Bradwell brought concerns before being aide concerning Providence Road and have been provided updates by Dixon and Curtis Young.

  Curtis Young appeared before the Board and said would be resurfaced between Juniper Road to State Road 65 and should be finished with design phase by mid-January.   Will come back to the Board after design phase completed.

  Congratulated Ms. Fryson on her presentation and was outstanding. 

  Have met with Administrator and talked about moving “Love Where You Leave” to next level.  No reason County should not be spotless and would like to move to a trash zero tolerance policy. 

  Need to start now on summer youth program.  Need to bring on additional staff to talk with parents and students.  Need plan now. 

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned 9:17 pm