Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair Green called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, welcomed everyone, Simpkins gave Invocation and then led in Pledge.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Holt/Simpkins 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.

Janet Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road,

  Ms. Watson appeared before the Board and requested to give her 3 minutes to Mike Watson.

Mike Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road

  Appeared before the Board.  Said Members of the House of Representatives gets 5 minutes and asked they consider increasing the time to 5 minutes. He said he has been trying to find out who picked what roads to be paved.  The Administrator said at the last meeting DOT was the one.

  Gekettia Harris, 122 N. Cleveland Street, Quincy, FL

Gave her 3 minutes to Chrissy Shorter-Arnold

Chrissy Shorter-Arnold

  Has tried to pull up Commissioner Hinson’s Facebook page to find she has been blocked. Being a public official, it is not ethical to block or censor someone. Having her lawyer file lawsuit tomorrow and intends to find out when she was blocked, etc.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1.

Public Hearing-Approval of Ordinance 2024-01

  Dixon introduced the above item. Have had number of workshops.

Mr. Spitzer appeared before the Board. Map 1a.2 has better spread.

Green announced was a public hearing and asked if there were any comments from the public and there was no-one.

He asked if the Commissioners had any comments.

  Hinson said he noticed they have to take away 2000+/- constituents from his district and did not want to lose any. Has been challenging to accept that. Was strange to him the Hinson community would be carved out. Understands something has to be done but hard to give up any of his constituents.

  Green said was tough decision to make. Wanted to look at it as a positive that the County was growing.

  Holt said as stated before, she liked the “D” map but did not like losing any of her district either.

  Holt motion to approve map “D” for redistricting/NeSmith second with comment.  He said as stated, growth is a good thing. If continue to provide things for citizens, will continue to grow.  Will have another census in 6 years.

Chair called for vote.  4-1 Hinson opposed.    

Green asked the Deputy Clerk enter copy of boundary description into record.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 6:26 pm