Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Simpkins called meeting to order at 6pm. Invocation provided by Reverand. Ms. Jordan led into Pledge.

Hinson appeared at 6:01 pm

Holt appeared at 6:02 pm

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Dixon pulled item 1 & 2; Bishop not available

   Pulled item 7, incomplete

   Item 13 pulled except for Quincy fire contract

Hinson/Holt 4-0 

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

1.         Recognition of Bishop Willie Lamb, Sr.
(Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners)

2.         Recognition of Presiding Elder Tan Moss
(Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners)

Items pulled

CONSENT

  NeSmith asked to pull Item 12 and Hinson asked for 13 to be pulled

Holt/ NeSmith 4-0

  3.

Ratification Memo

  4.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

             a.  January 8, 2024, Redistricting Workshop #1

            b.  January 10, 2024, Emergency Meeting (FINN)

            c.  January 16, 2024, Redistricting Workshop #2

            d.  January 16, 2024, Regular BOCC Meeting     

  5.

Approval to Repair and Update the Fire Sprinkler System at the W. A. Woodham Building

  6.

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

  7.

Approval of Task Work Order (Design -Survey) - Barineau Road Over Willachoochee Creek Bridge Rehabilitation

Item pulled

  8.

Approval of Task Work Order (Design -Survey) - Fairbanks Ferry (2nd Phase)

  9.

Approval for the Finance Office to Process Payment for Holiday Outdoor Décor

  10.

Approval of Agreement with The Integrity Group to Provide Professional Emergency Management Contractual Services on a Continuing Services Basis

  11.

Approval to Award RFP No. 24-01 Graphic Design Services

  12.

Approval to upgrade an aging fleet through a Lease Program with Enterprise Fleet Management

Item pulled for discussion

  13.

Approval of Fire Department’s Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements

Item pulled for discussion

Items Pulled for Discussion

  12.

Approval to upgrade an aging fleet through a Lease Program with Enterprise Fleet Management

  NeSmith asked if any concerns that they still had. Dixon stated no

Chair appeared at 6:08 pm.

 Simpkins asked about the vehicles they were selling and if they were allowed to sell vehicles that may have been purchased via grant  

 Attorney stated yes if they own them and have the title.

NeSmith/Holt 5-0

  13.          

Approval of Fire Department’s Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements

  Dixon stated asked to pull item 13. Had discussion about nonprofits and insurance

   Had convos with City of Havana 

  One of the fixes he will propose to them is to take everyone up to $49-50k.  Will bring back in 2 weeks.

  Hinson stated spoke with Havana Town Manager and CA. Asked to pull this and have workshop with town of Havana.

  Simpkins wanted to make sure they meet with each of the volunteer fire dept to ensure each of their concerns are met.

  Hinson would like to schedule workshop with Town of Havana. 

  Holt stated need to work out concerns.

  Chair stated everyone would need to come to the table for a workshop.     

  Green asked the timeframe and Attorney stated with exception of Havana, 180 days since Nov 1. 

  Simpkins stated would like for CA to meet with each fire dept. before workshop

   Hinson stated only person has heartburn, Town of Havana.

  Dixon stated will schedule workshop

  Holt motion to do workshop with all fire dept. and CA will provide all concerns before their workshop/ NeSmith with discussion 5-0

  Hinson stated needed to have meeting separate with the Board.

  Chair suggested for each commissioner to meet with CA.

  NeSmith asked how many contracts with fire dept. Attorney stated 12.

  NeSmith asked how long been contracting with the 12 depts. Holt stated they had those contracts already        

  Hinson made motion to have workshop prior to workshop with fire depts./Simpkins 4-1

  Simpkins made motion to approve Havana contract

  Attorney stated contract was the same

  Holt stated they cannot approve something that Attorney said is the same if they do not have contract in front of them   

  Simpkins stated it was sent to them. They were the ones who dropped the ball.

  Chair stated that Attorney said they could approve contract but they maybe should not 

  Dixon stated Quincy would like for them to approve their contract

Holt motion to approve Quincy Fire contract/ NeSmith 5-0   

Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (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 on the County’s website at www.gadsdencountyfl.gov.  

  NeSmith read the above statement aloud. 

Brian Small, 144 Williams St Havana, FL

  Wanted to go over the redistricting and its effects

  Would like county to reconsider redistricting

Sherrie Taylor 217 W Clark St Quincy, FL

   Ms. Taylor appeared and stated she was asked by the Chair to go before them and give overview of what they used the funding for from the county.

  Thanked them for $45k. Passed out invoices

  Chair stated this was one of those to put into perspective

Sonja Wilson Lewis & Carolyn Ford, 420 Shiloh Rd

   Here tonight on behalf of the future builders’ club of America.

  Requested financial assistance $7500 for Vegas trip. Stated the trip was not for entertainment and the kids will be in workshops.  

  Chair stated they have done outstanding job. Would like to make exception to give them money

  Hinson thanked them for moving forward. Thanked the leaders for exposing the kids

Chair stated they will bring this up later in the meeting regarding the $7500 request.

Public Hearings

  14.

Public Hearing: Approval of Resolution 2024-002 Budget Amendment for FY 2023-2024

  Dixon presented above item.

  Daniels stated this item seeks approval of Res. 2024-002.

  Stated there were 3 amendments.   

Holt/NeSmith 5-0

General Business

Clerk of Court

Updates

County Administrator

  Dixon stated they had rural day. 

County Attorney

Updates

Discussion Items by Commissioners

Commissioner Eric F. Hinson, District 1

  Hinson made motion to recognize Tyrone Davis.

  Chair stated they requested proclamation for him and to check on thoughts on that and maybe a different approach. 

  Hinson asked what was the budget now for the Future Builders of America

  Lewis stated $23k, need to raise $8500

  Chair asked what they were building. A member of the club stated they were making a blueprint of a mansion in Utah. 

NeSmith returned at 7:13 pm.  

Commissioner Kimblin E. Nesmith, J.D., District 3

   Mentioned trash to CA and stated there was relocating of that issue

  Hinson asked CA about Summer Youth Program. CA stated developing new plan 

Commissioner Brenda A. Holt, District 4

  Holt asked about workshop for non-profit before Feb. 24

  Hinson stated will give $1,000 to the Future Builders of America

  Holt brought up telemarketers 

Vice-Chair Alonzetta Simpkins, District 2

  Simpkins made motion to approve Havana Fire contract/Hinson

Simpkins withdrew motion and Hinson rescinded his second.

  Simpkins mentioned lighting and cameras.

  Simpkins asked where they were with the salary schedule. Dixon stated has meeting on Friday.

  Simpkins mentioned the bridge dedication

  Hinson mentioned striping. Dixon stated have completed the striping that they have funded.

  Young stated have task order to put together and will be brought in the next meeting.        

Chair Ronterious Green, District 5

  Chair thanked Young for ramp at Lake Talquin

 Chair mentioned Health Coordinator.   

  Chair asked about Steven School

   Chair mentioned sidewalks and stated Spooner Rd needed sidewalk

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned meeting 8:07 p.m.