Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

 Chair Green called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and Pastor Hannah provided the Invocation. Chair Green then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.

Commissioner Holt appeared at 6:03 p.m.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

 Mr. Dixon stated Agenda item 1 needed to be pulled as Mr. Harris was under the weather. He added Item 13a Approval of Consulting Agreement for Generations Changers International

Hinson asked how 13a impacts general funds.

Holt stated 13a needs to be discussed today

    Holt/ NeSmith

5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

1.

Recognition of Charlie Harris

Item pulled; Mr. Harris was not available.

CONSENT

  Simpkins pulled for discussion item 4 and had a question for item 7

Hinson asked to pull item 11

2.

Ratification Memo

3.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       April 2, 2024, Regular Meeting

4.

Approval of a 10-year Sublease Agreement for 680 Maple Street, Chattahoochee, FL – North Florida Rural Health Corp

Item pulled for discussion.

5.

Approval of the Florida Department of Commerce Agreement #P0478 Providing the County with State Funding for the reassessment and update of the Gadsden County Economic Development Plan

6.

Approval of Clinical Rotation Agreement with RC Health Services

7.

Approval of the City of Gretna Interlocal Agreement for Human Services

8.

Approval to Submit Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Application to Purchase and Install Generator at the Special Needs Shelter (Hospital Location)

9.

Approval to Submit Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Application to Purchase and Install Generator at the Robertsville Fire Station

10.

Approval to Submit Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Application to Purchase and Install Generator at the EMS Facility (Joe Adam Road Location)

11.

Approval of Marketing Funds for Crappie Tournament on Lake Talquin

Item pulled for discussion.

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

4.

Approval of a 10-year Sublease Agreement for 680 Maple Street, Chattahoochee, FL – North Florida Rural Health Corp

   Dixon stated board offered 10 yr lease.

   County attorney stated the concern was giving a lease that was so long to the lessee

  NeSmith asked if they built the building 

  Simpkins asked why lease was not prepared by county attorney 

  county attorney stated he reviewed lease and was ok with it 

   County attorney stated thinks should change the title; that was why they have scrivener’s error.

  NeSmith asked about title change that attorney mentioned

  County Attorney stated what they needed to change

  Hinson stated he heard a lot of “I don’t know”; need to table this and talk more about it

Nobody knows who owns what.

  Holt stated building belonged to state of FL; called the state and asked to use the facility for healthcare.

   Simpkins asked if normally do 10 yr. leases

  Attorney stated 10 yrs. was what Board was comfortable with 2 years ago

NeSmith/Holt

5-0

11.

Approval of Marketing Funds for Crappie Tournament on Lake Talquin

  Dixon presented above 

  Hinson stated approving money quick for parties but when asked for $25k for fire protection, they say no.

  Hinson asked reason why Clerk added this item; Chair stated they deal with things other boards do not when it comes down to Clerk; Clerk was not here to answer.

Holt/ 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.

  Chair read aloud the above statement.

Tony Hannah, P.O. Box 481 Quincy, Florida

  Mr. Hannah appeared. Wanted to introduce himself. Started career with DBPR and worked at AHCA. Retired at DOH. Stated will come back with reports

Mike Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road

  Mr. Watson appeared and complained about Sycamore Road. Was informed if kept complaining, the County would reduce purchases from Quincy Auto Parts, which is where he works.

  Chair stated they did not operate like that and he has every opportunity to come to meetings to speak as a citizen. Stated Mr. Watson needs to file a complaint and speak with the County Attorney.

  NeSmith stated it was not something the Board tolerated.

  Holt stated it was his right to come to meetings.  

PUBLIC HEARINGS

GENERAL BUSINESS

12.

Approval of the Florida Department of Commerce Agreement HL-222 Providing the County with State Funding for the Design and Construction of a Boys and Girls Club

  Dixon presented above. 

  Hinson asked if leasing; thought it was best to purchase. 

  CA stated long term lease is as good as ownership

Hinson asked where would it be; CA stated MLK track field.

NeSmith/ Green 5-0

13.

Board Direction Regarding Reimbursement for Delinquency Fees from Department of Management Services, Division of Retirement

  Dixon presented above. Hinson and Holt in FRS system as dual. Both left system and usually the leaving entity would notify FRS. The entity was not notified of those 2 commissioners were leaving the system. Clerk’s office paid $162k; it took away their strategy. Stated Clerk did not have the authority. Letter came in from FRS about having a hearing if they wanted to.

  County Attorney stated Hinson and Holt both dually employed through…

Once those 2 employees left, school board needed to notify county so county could notify FRS.

When FRS audited, discovered underpayment in amount of $165k; In December 2023, set up meeting with FRS. They are responsible for payment

  Holt stated in 2012 they were notified by her. The concern is that FRS could not find it in their records. Took them long time to find error. Clerk did not have right to pay this without notifying the Board.

  Chair stated argument that did not need to be had. Payment was already made

  Simpkins stated has seen emails from the Clerk. There has been requests for direction from the Clerk. There was back and forth with Ms. Maas and clerk’s office. The request for the letter was made by the clerk and was never done on their end. The Clerk did make them aware of this in October.

  CA stated they have been back and forth with clerk about whose job this was. Wanted opportunity to talk to FRS about it. They were working this situation; it is the boards obligation to pay this bill, not the Clerk.   

Holt/ NeSmith

4-0

13a.

Approval of the Consulting Agreement for Generation Changers International, LLC

  Dixon presented above. Fee is $3k for Mr. Osbourne to speak.

  Chair asked if there were people willing to make contributions; thought the amount was steep from where the speaker was coming from which is GA.

  Holt stated 3k was nothing with what Judge Garner puts up with.

  Simpkins stated Judge Gardner was funding this, need to pay 3k

Simpkins/ Holt

5-0                 

14.

Clerk of Court

No Updates.

15.

County Administrator

  Dixon stated public works and EMS request proclamation; may 19-25 is public works week. Hinson/NeSmith 5-0

  Youth resource fair on May 18 and first budget workshop on May 23 at 4p.m.

 Recognizing Shamonda Moy as new parks and rec director.

Ms. Moy appeared before the Board and introduced herself.

16.

County Attorney

  Knowles stated Holt asked about public roads and annexation and he provided info on it.

   Looking at ordinance regarding special purpose. Clerk has presented info. Will be bringing things back.

17.

Discussion Items by Commissioners

Commissioner Eric F. Hinson, District 1

  Congratulated former Comm. Euguene Lamb inducted into  

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

  NeSmith stated Happy Nurses Week and Teachers Appreciation Week

  Asked CA on update for Lincoln Dr repairs. Dixon stated it was engineering thing, will get update tmrw

  Mentioned summer youth program

Commissioner Brenda A. Holt, District 4

  Holt stated trying to find way to improve flow of invoices from commission to the clerk.

  County attorney stated good to have workshop with clerk to discuss creation of a policy

  Stated treasure hunt was great 

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, Vice-Chair, District 2

  Thanked Ms. Venisee for collab at Grant workshop

  Mentioned light at Shady Rest Road; has been out for a while. 

  Jameson Road; received concerns from citizens

  Mentioned Scott Town Park 

  Mentioned email from Clerk about utilities.

  Attorney stated contacted Mr. Nixon. Nixon requesting that they allow him 2 years to cover; now that they have appropriate info, can draft letters and move forward with demanding receipt of 13k. hopefully next meeting will have item on this to discuss a path forward.

  Asked the attorney if HR trumps Legal.

  Attorney stated commissioners could ask for any document they want.

Commissioner Ronterious Green, Chair, District 5

  Thanked Simpkins and Holt for serving community with events over the weekend.

 Thanked Deputy Peterson   

  requested motion to recognize Pat Durden 

Simpkins/Hinson 5-0

   Request for proclamation for Dr. Henry Grant

Simpkins/ NeSmith 5-0

 Congratulated all graduates.

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned meeting at 8:49