Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair Green called the meeting to Order at 6:00 pm, asked the audience to silence their phones, asked the Commissioners to please stay on point.  He said the Invocation and led in the Pledge

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

   Dixon added 22a-Redistricting for discussion-Green asked to not make it an agenda item and discuss it in his comments.

Holt/Simpkins 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

1.

Florida Association of Counties Trust (FACT) Presentation

  Becky Maas appeared before the Board and introduced Denise Vogulshang and she explained the benefits and the program.

CONSENT

  Holt/NeSmith

NeSmith asked to pull 4, 13 & 17 for discussion

Voted 5-0

2.

Ratification Memo

3.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       November 21, 2023 Regular BOCC Meeting

4.

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

5.

Approval of Change Order #01 for Iron Bridge Road Improvements

6.

Approval of the E911 2023 Fall Rural County Grant Agreement for Eventide NexLog DX Voice Recorder Annual Support, Warranty and Maintenance

7.

Approval of the E911 2023 Fall Rural County Grant Agreement for E911 System and MapFlex Annual Support and Maintenance

8.

Approval of the Judiciary Inquiry System (JIS) Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Access Certification Statement

9.

Approval of Bid Award for WA Woodham Building Elevator Modernization

10.

Approval of the Florida Department of Health, County Matching Grant Application for Gadsden County Emergency Services

11.

Approval of the FY 2024-25 Proposed Budget Calendar

12.

Approval of Request to Receive Reimbursement from the FL Division of Emergency Management for Hurricane Idalia

13.

Approval of Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office/Blue Line Solutions Automated School Zone Traffic Enforcement

14.

Approval of the Resolution for the New Chairperson Facsimile Stamp

15.

Approval of the Agreement for Geographical Information System (GIS) Services with the Apalachicola Regional Planning Council (ARPC)

16.

Approval of Agreement for the Gadsden County Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment with the Apalachicola Regional Planning Council (ARPC)

17.

Approval of Allocation of remaining funds for American Rescue Plan (ARPA)

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

4.

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

  NeSmith asked if had process. Dixon stated yes, attorney established a system.

  Holt asked to get the skinny on the contracts. Knowles explained.

Holt motion to approve all three items pulled/NeSmith second

Chair called for vote. 5-0

13.

Approval of Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office/Blue Line Solutions Automated School Zone Traffic Enforcement

   NeSmith asked if everyone had opportunity to see program and ask questions.

  Green stated each of them should have had an opportunity to speak with law enforcement

17.

Approval of Allocation of remaining funds for American Rescue Plan (ARPA)

Holt said not enough economic development, need jobs. 

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. 

Chrissy Shorter-Arnold, 30 Stillwater Lane Havana, FL

   Appeared before board and wanted to speak on literacy and suicide prevention. Received great feedback while before the Board but have not heard anything from Board. She said the Board’s float was cute but heard it cost $35,000 to build. She came to the source to find out the facts.

  Holt asked if she had met with Administrator earlier and she said no, she left her book but can be available. Have had several of programs before and time to have again. Put in with federal lobbyists several years ago, commission changed and they got rid of lobbyists.

  Dixon said met with Sheriff and had lunch at jail.  He’s very big proponent of re-entry. Got ask-in of $40-50 Million. As to the float, maybe spent $2500.

Gekettia Harris, 122 North Cleveland Street Quincy, Fl

   Gave her time to Chrissy

   Kate MacFall, 1206 Walton Drive Tallahassee, FL

Works with Humane Society of the United States.  She mentioned that Allan Meeks was first person to take an interest in animal services. Here to assist and support in important way.

  Kafui Ablordeppey, Quincy Music Theater, 850-591-8923, 118 East Washington Street, Quincy, FL

Sits on Board of Quincy Music Theater. Looking forward to more opportunities to work with Board and Community.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

18.

Public Hearing (Legislative)-Consideration of Ordinance 2023-06 (LDR 2023-01), amending Chapter 5, Development Standards of the Gadsden County Land Development Code by revising Section 5100. Residential Standards, and Subsection 5101, Residential Uses, and adding Subsection 5108, Accessory Dwelling Units

  Dixon introduced the above item and explained it was amending Chapter 5 of GC Land Development Code.

  Justin Stiell appeared before the Board and stated it was for addition of accessory dwelling units in the County.

Green asked if anyone wished to make a comment.

   NeSmith asked him to repeat last statement.  He said it was to establish policy and procedures.

  Will have to be a site-built home, mobile homes not allowed.

  Simpkins asked if applied to Ag1 and Ag2- Stiell said does not yet allow, only to rural residential or urban service area land  

   Green asked will of Board.

Hinson/NeSmith 5-0

19.

Public Hearing: Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-08, An Ordinance Ordering and Providing For The Holding Of A Referendum Of The Qualified Electors Residing in Gadsden County To Be Held On November 5, 2024, On The Question Of Approving A Half-Cent School Capital Outlay Sales Surtax As Levied By The Gadsden County School Board Pursuant To FL Statutes Section 212.055(6); Directing The Clerk To Provide Notices To State Government; Authorizing Certain Incidental Actions, Providing For Severability, And Providing An Effective Date.

  Dixon introduced above item and said it seeks Board adoption of ordinance with places on the November 5, 2024 Ballot a referendum of the qualified electors of Gadsden County on the question of approving a half-cent school capital outlay sales surtax. This will allow for this to go on the ballot.

  Holt asked Knowles to send copy of ordinance and he explained was in packet.

  Dr. Jackson, Vice Superintendent of School Board member appeared before Board and spoke and reiterated the Board was not voting to raise the taxes. If voted on by public, tax will go to benefit existing schools.

Holt/NeSmith 5-0

GENERAL BUSINESS

20.

Consideration of approval of Task Order for the Design of the Emergency Medical Services Facility on Joe Adams Road

  Dixon introduced above item

Holt/Hinson 5-0

21.

Consideration of Joshua Ray’s appointment to the Gadsden County Board of Planning Commission

  Dixon introduced

Simpkins/Holt 5-0

22.

Approval to Award RFP No. 23-08 Emergency Debris Monitoring Services

  Dixon introduced above item

Holt/Simpkins

  NeSmith asked administrator if funds would come from budget already approved-yes

5-0

CLERK OF COURT

23.

Updates

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

24.

Updates

  Dixon said was brought to his attention this weekend the Board has not redistricted.  Has been stated some districts are more than 40% out of compliance and there are those that may sue to make happen. Have until sometime in February to complete cause. He recommended they have a joint meeting with School Board because their lines mimic the County’s lines and take opportunity to draw their own lines. If do nothing, lines may be redrawn and not by them.

  Green asked if had data.

Dixon said Havana and Midway was growing and those districts have gotten bigger faster than others. According to law, 10% off is indicator and one district is almost 40% off.

  Holt said talked to 2-3 different people asking questions and they could take opportunity to get into controversial chance to redistrict. Need to see if can work with school board to get this done.

  NeSmith said had number of questions. He asked if they followed the census or was there another entity that supplied the numbers. Dixon said generally follow census.

  Knowles said statute is 124.01 and requires they look at districts, has been in past do so in odd years. Suggested to move forward with meeting with school board, have an action workshop.

  Dixon suggested to reach out to groups. Was not aware law had passed to allow 270 days into new year to do redistricting. He asked they make a motion and carry for a workshop.

Holt motion to give administrator power to move forward with a workshop for re-districting/NeSmith 5-0

Dixon reminded them of employee get together at 6:00 pm.  Thanked them for their participation

COUNTY ATTORNEY

25.

Updates

  Will be sending few contracts for county attorney with other counties

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

26.

Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice-Chair, District 1

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, Chair, District 3

  NeSmith said still have hurricane sign on Courthouse square, it will be tended to.

  Simpkins stepped out

  NeSmith asked about debris and unwanted items on ground continue to exist in many areas.  Thanked staff for contacting State

  Simpkins returned 7:24

  Leslie said next phase of plan is to bring in cities and municipalities. Already working on it.

  Hopefully all Commissioners have had chance to meet with Administrator to discuss Human Resource Department.

  Congratulated all FAMU fans and congratulated Coash Willie Simmons on the National Championship.

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt said need program in place where people should be ticketed if caught throwing trash out. Seem to be moving backwards in process.

  Green stepped out 7:33

  Other Boards need to take training FACT lady mentioned

  Green returned 7:35

  Holt said “Ms. Vivian” in Robertsville would be happy if animal control came and got every dog in Robertsville.

  NeSmith returned 7:38

  Holt said property still being annexed out and roads not being included.

  Asked question about contracts with event-need to get pan in place.  What needs to be done that they are not doing.  Need to make sure everyone paid on time.

  NeSmith thanked Holt for making point-think once conversations take place with administrator things will move quickly

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

  Have talked about workshops and redistricting will be top priority.  Need to make sure workshops are scheduled, need to have CHP workshopped and have conversation with them to see how can be better partner.

Holt mentioned homeless problem last meeting.  She has started receiving calls and not sure if Rec center is open.  Need to look at and see who can partner with to provide services to citizens that cannot get to Leon County.

  Policy-is there an actual policy for procurement? Daniels said policy is on County’s website.

  Announced on January 1^st, will be doing third annual New Years Day brunch and asked Board for partnership for chairs, tent and tables.

NeSmith motion to utilize equipment for brunch/Holt passed 4-0

  Echoed NeSmith in the congratulations to Coach Willie Simmons.

Commissioner Ronterious Green, District 5

  Green thanked everyone for a productive meeting and for all hard work everyone is doing.

Annual golf cart parade was canceled and rescheduled for December 30^th and will be holiday parade

There is a major problem on Joe Adams and Strong Road and don’t want catastrophe to happen.

  Holt said did have engineers and do work with FDOT, can request they look at it.

  Simpkins asked if tomorrow or Thursday for Seniors-
Daniels said Thursday 11-1 at Rec Center.

Simpkins asked if once website is up and running, will there still be Zoom available? Steele stated no. She asked how would constituents participate and Steele stated they can submit requests through email to be heard.

Chair provided Greenlight moment:

“The best part of this time of the year are the memories that we should be making, and if you are missing a loved one during this season, please remember the fond memories that were created that will allow them to forever live within your hearts.

Chair Green wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Meeting adjourned 7:59