Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair called meeting to order at 6 p.m. Rev. Flowers provided invocation and Chair led into Pledge of Allegiance.   

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

  Dixon had amendments:

Request to be added under Awards, Presentations and Appearances:

1a. Proclamation Honoring the 50th Anniversary for Gadsden County Senior Services

Request to be added under Consent:

18a. Approval of Gadsden County Bicentennial Cycling Event Agreement with TopView Sports

Dixon stated item 3 will be pulled.

Holt/ NeSmith 5-0

Awards, Presentations and Appearances

1.

Proclamation National Homeownership Month

  Dixon presented.

  Housing staff appeared to accept proclamation.

  Simpkins read proclamation

  Ms. Burns gave her thanks

1a.

Proclamation Honoring the 50^th Anniversary for Gadsden County Senior Services

  Green presented proclamation

2.

Recognition of Arnita Green

  NeSmith presented proclamation

  Ms. Green spoke and gave her thanks.

3.

Recognition of Rev. and Mrs. William Hinson

Pulled

4.

Presentation by the Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC) of progress to develop the Gadsden County Economic Development & Resiliency Plan

  Dixon presented item

  Lewis introduced and gave background

NeSmith stepped out 6:21 p.m.

  Stated GC selected ARPC to lead GC with planning activities required under Competitive FL Partnership Grant and to provide coordination and admin support services to GC

NeSmith returned at 6:23 p.m.

  Caroline Smith and Ms. Valdes appeared and went through project update for Economic Development & Resiliency Plan

  Valdes went through community survey results

  Smith went through the next steps of the plan

  Chair stated this will be a long journey and would not happen overnight

  Holt stated glad they looked in GA; need to look at matches for infrastructure

5.

Presentation by Purvis and Gray of Gadsden County 09/30/2023 Audited Financial Statements

   Ryan Tucker went through auditor’s report

  went through entities and their findings

  Sheriff’s books and records were not closed and ready for audit until Feb 2024.

  Tucker went through financial highlights

  went through county-wide expenses – total program expenses $56,304,872 for 2023

  Tucker mentioned the federal and state grant activity - 50 grants combined totaling $12 million  

  Tucker went through capital asset activity and long-term debt activity

   Hinson asked about general funds – what was the number needed to look at in reserve

  Tucker stated minimum of 2 months in reserve

  Simpkins asked about the findings for 2022 – if not corrected what was their time frame?

  Tucker stated correspondence will go to sheriff’s office – board did not really have to do anything.

  Holt mentioned indigent care tax to open hospital or recruit another hospital company

Stated to look at what they voted to do with the tax.

  Hinson stated once they send letter what were the ramifications

  Tucker stated it would take a while to get that far and was pretty fair.

Hinson motion to approve item/ Holt 5-0

CONSENT

Chair asked for motion

  Simpkins asked about 18a

  Hinson asked about debris services

   Hinson asked for brief synopsis on Items 8, 9

  NeSmith pulled item 16 for discussion

 Holt motion to approve with exception of item 18a and item 16/ NeSmith 5-0

6.

Ratification Memo

7.

BOCC Meeting/Workshop Minutes:

a.       May 07, 2024, Regular BOCC Meeting

b.       May 11, 2024, Emergency Meeting

8.

Approval of Supplemental Agreement for Iron Bridge Road

9.

Approval of the GA Food Service Agreement with Gadsden County Elderly Affairs

10.

Approval to Accept the Florida E911 Rural County Grant Program Agreement to Replace the Current 911 Call Handling System with Motorola VESTA 911 Call Handling System

11.

Approval of Modification #3 to the State-Funded Small County Emergency Operations

12.

Approval of the Agreement for Gadsden County Emergency Debris Removal Services with Crowder Gulf

13.

Approval of the Agreement for Gadsden County Emergency Debris Removal Services with DRC Emergency Services

14.

Approval of the Agreement for Gadsden County Emergency Debris Monitoring Services with Tetra Tech, Inc.

15.

Approval of the Agreement for Gadsden County Emergency Debris Monitoring Services with Thompson Consulting Services

16.

Approval for an Emergency Purchase of Two Air Condition Units for the Simon Scott Building

17.

Approval to Apply for the Healthy Kids Initiative Funding Provided by Play & Park Structures for Shiloh Park, St. John Park, Sawdust Park, and Fantana Trail Park

18.

Approval of the Florida Council on Aging Partnership Memorandum of Understanding with Gadsden County Elderly Affairs

18a.

Approval of Gadsden County Bicentennial Cycling Event Agreement with TopView Sports

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

8.

Approval of Supplemental Agreement for Iron Bridge Road

  Dixon stated they asked the state for increased funding for Iron Bridge Rd.

Funded $662, 540. Need additional money due to increases in budget.

9.

Approval of the GA Food Service Agreement with Gadsden County Elderly Affairs

   Latoya Fryson appeared and gave explanation on item. She stated this was an annual agreement. Provides meals to site.

16.

Approval for an Emergency Purchase of Two Air Condition Units for the Simon Scott Building

  NeSmith asked about condition on units at Havana and Chattahoochee  

   Dixon state Massey building units were refreshed. Doing work in Havana to building. 0

Emergency because seniors are meeting there now.

Holt/ NeSmith 5-0

18a.

Approval of Gadsden County Bicentennial Cycling Event Agreement with TopView Sports

  Dixon presented item.

  Chair asked if this was already included in budget

  Mr. Hayes appeared and stated yes. They currently had 31 interested bicyclers.  Cycle route will run thru Quincy to Havana and back.

  Hinson stated need to continue to widen roads for bikers

  Simpkins asked about what was left in budget.

  Hayes stated had enough money to cover this, believed they had 17k left in that line item.

 Simpkins stated when she looked at that line item, she saw about 9k left.

  Hayes stated not sure of exact number it showed but they made sure there was enough money.

  Simpkins stated not seeing the 15k that was left for that. She had received info from the Clerk’s office.

   Chair asked if there were diff. forms or docs. and Mr. Hayes stated no.

  Simpkins asked if this was coming from TDC and Chair stated this was under GC BOCC.

  Chair stated this could wipe all funds out and could not support it. Have maximized funds they could spend.

 Holt stated the difference in 9k and 15k did not bother her. She stated couple thousand people would go and would get tourism. Need to offer something to get them back. Had funds in TDC to help with this.

  Holt asked if still doing gospel concert and Chair stated not with this funding they were not.  

  Chair stated wanted to make sure there were accurate numbers

  Hinson mentioned public-private partnerships

Asked where they would be riding and Hayes stated from Havana to Quincy

  Hayes stated it would be an all-day race, they will get here on Saturday afternoon

   Simpkins stated 9k available in that fund that she received from Clerk’s office.

Simpkins stated Holt mentioned about transferring funds from TDC – if they were going to do that then fine. Need to make sure the funding is there.

  Holt stated agreed with Simpkins on funding; had no problem voting on it.

  Simpkins stated this event is on June 23. Need to do better job at planning in advance.

  NeSmith asked attorney what happens if it storms and attorney stated they would re-schedule the event.

  Hinson asked when they came up with this idea and Hayes stated couple months ago.

  Chair stated courthouse square did not look the way it looks now several years ago.

     Looking at Clerk’s report, chair stated he can move to approve.

Green/Holt 4-1

Simpkins opposed.

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.

Mike Watson, 2793 Sycamore Road

  Watson appeared to discuss Sycamore Road. Invited commissioners to ride the road.

Tricia Brooks, 605 Chinquapin Rd. Monticello, FL

  Brooks appeared to discuss Champs Chance. 

Daniella Flores, 924 W Pensacola St. Tallahassee, FL

  Flores appeared and is a coordinator at Champs Chance. Provided background on Champs Chance.

Simpkins stepped out at 8 p.m.

Alicia Bopp, 376 Milton St. Quincy, FL 32351

  Ms. Bopp appeared before the Board to discuss Champs Chance. Went through background of what they do for the dogs. Have adopted over 200 dogs. Looking at properties but funding was their issue. Stated the neighbors have yelled at their volunteers. Mentioned water contamination issue. Thanked Commissioner Green for coming out to visit and asked Commissioner Hinson for a conversation on property in his district.

Kate Macfall, 1206 Walton Dr. Tallahassee, FL

  Macfall appeared. Stated need new location for GC Animal services. Wants the board to accept grant. Asked commissioners to visit animal services.

  Dixon stated was aware of grant. Trying to find out long term effects.

  Simpkins asked about funding for that grant.  

  Macfall stated she knew of funds.

  Simpkins stated she would like to see requirements of that grant.

Daniel Read, 445 Lonradi St.

  Reed appeared and talked about Champs Chance as well.

Brittani Bradwell, 2962 McCall Bridge Rd

  Ms. Bradwell appeared and stated she was unable to get a home at this time. Currently pending with Clayton Homes.

  Dixon stated this was one of those cases where their laws and rules were impacting her.

Asked Mr. Morris to appear and Mr. Attorney stated should not discuss this.

  Dixon stated Planning has not ruled on this yet.

  Attorney stated she was entitled to due process with planning & zoning. Anything they say today could be used against them.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

19.

Public Hearing – Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-02: School Zones Speed Detection System

  Dixon stated this was presented by the sheriff’s dept. due to alarming number of traffic speeders in school zones. This item was to approve ordinance for automated traffic enforcement instruments inside school zones within county.

  Attorney stated the Sherrif’s Dept. was on board with this Ordinance. If approved it would allow devices to be placed and program to start.

   Holt wanted to make sure was school safety program

Hinson asked if includes day care centers and Dixon stated just schools.

No comments from audience

Holt/NeSmith 5-0  

GENERAL BUSINESS

20.

Approval of Lease Agreement for St. Hebron Park

NO MATERIALS PROVIDED TO CLERK

  Dixon seeks approval from Board-request approval.

Simpkins/Holt 5-0

CLERK OF COURT

21.

Updates

No updates.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

22.

Updates

  Dixon stated Commissioner Simpkins will be guest speaker for Women’s Veterans Day Recognition on June 12.

  Requested proclamation for Probation Week

Holt/ NeSmith 5-0

COUNTY ATTORNEY

23.

Updates

No updates.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

24.

Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1

  Hinson mentioned neighborhood health.

  Attorney stated contacted director; their attorney will draft a lease.

  Hinson mentioned property; riding around a store in Midway. Road is bumpy and if county was responsible, they should look into that.

  Hinson asked about Havana Senior vans

  Dixon stated thought they could get it through lease; insurance policy took it thru the roof.

  Hinson stated would like to schedule meeting with Fire Dept.

  Dixon stated they were going to start talking with members of nonprofit about contract

  Look into a library in Midway.

Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith, J.D., District 3

Green stepped out at 8:28 p.m.

  NeSmith stated they have a gap b/w school ending and summer youth starts.

Green returned at 8:30 p.m.

  Burroughs appeared. Stated have 318 in program. Working with CareerSource and they have 90 applicants. Technical College was ready to go with the students.

  NeSmith stated priority was taking care of their youth.

  Hinson stated need as many 14 yr olds

  NeSmith asked about welcoming signs. Chair stated signs needed updates.

  Ms. Steele stated signs were being developed.

  Thanked them for work done on Hardaway Hwy

  NeSmith stated other counties have grooves in middle of roads and asked if that could be incorporated.

  Young stated they could apply that to the grant

Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4

  Holt mentioned upkeep of parks like Friendship Park. If any destruction on parks, need to try to enforce the time limits on parks and call the police.

  Mentioned guidelines for proclamations, had people ask her if there were any. 

  Received call about renting space at hospital. Need Attorney to look into that.

  Holt stated was in favor of county owned fire station and needed to look into cost of funding it.

  Holt mentioned striping and reflectors on roads

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins, Vice-Chair, District 2

 Simpkins stated need striping on Jaimeson Road and Post Plant Road.

  Dixon stated reached out to other counties; hopefully one or two counites could come in and do the striping

  Simpkins asked about lighting. 

  Dixon stated reached out to CRIPTA and DOT for feasibility study. 

  Simpkins asked about Robertsville being staffed and Dixon stated yes. Simpkins asked to get rating on that. 

  Simpkins stated need to take a look at where the overage was taking place with budget amount.

  Simpkins stated should be a process for County vehicles. They are not personal items so should be running like a gov. entity. Information should be readily available as to who has what vehicles. Would like for Econ. Director to be focusing on econ. development.

  Simpkins mentioned Scott Town Park and wanted to make sure it was included.

  Young appeared and stated they do regular maintenance on that park.

  Simpkins stated east Quincy did not really have anything and asked if they could start looking into that.

   Holt asked why didn’t attorney write lease agreement for property.  Dixon stated working on timeframe and wanted to help attorney out.

  Hinson asked if system in place for county vehicles

  Dixon stated submitted listing to Clerk’s office. Every new car they buy has a gps tracker on it.

  Hinson stated need infrastructure. Need econ. director to go after funds.

Holt stepped out at 8:58 p.m.

Commissioner Ronterious Green, Chair, District 5

  Chair mentioned Code Enforcement. They were having several issues in County with this.

Asked how they were staffed with that and how they were meeting requests.

  Dixon stated just hired a new Code Enforcement officer.   

  Liked the idea of recognizing new businesses. Should consider this quarterly.

  Chair asked to get emailed the guidelines for proclamations

  Hinson stated if Board wants to recognize someone, they should just do it.

  Chair mentioned job availability and asked where they were with being fully staffed.

  Dixon stated he believed they were fully staffed. Just hired new health and human services coordinator. Burroghs stated they will start on the 25^th.

  Chair thanked park director and citizens with the upkeeping of Shiloh Park      

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Chair adjourned meeting at 9:14 p.m.