Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair welcomed everyone

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD (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 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 above statement

General Business

1.

Introduction

·         Commissioner Angela Sapp, Mayor

gave brief synopsis, introduced everyone with City; announced City Manager Robert Nixon was not present due to death in family

·         Commissioner Ronterious Green, Chairman, introduced County Commissioners

·         Cari Thro, Board Chair of Boys and Girls Club-looking forward to continued conversation

·         Edward Dixon, County Administrator, introduced County staff

·         Robert Nixon, City Manager

·         Kacy Dennis, DEO/President of Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend-super excited to be here

2.

Presentations

·         Gadsden County

Dixon thanked everyone he has worked with

 5:45 Green stepped out

Dixon continued and said this was opportunity to talk. Know situations they need to be aware of.

  5:49 Green returned

  5:50 pm Holt arrived

·         Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend

·         City of Quincy

Dixon went through presentation

Location is MLK and as Grant stated, best place for this, a historical place, provides much needed space in right place in terms of 10 acres and County’s ability to lease from City for 30 years. Shows level of partnership that plan to be here for next 30 years and make investment in this spot for next 3- years. Aware Boys and Girls Club have requirements and want to meet those requirements. County prepared to provide certain services in this situation, cleaning, etc. that will not take away from the program. In his mind, Jackson Heights remains opportunity to enhance whatever they do at MLK. Showed renderings that were presented by Boys and Girls Club on how some buildings could look.

  Sapp asked about lease, if have been seen yet. Dixon said was on County’s agenda for next meeting. Sapp said will be for $1 a year and County maintains facility and road. Dixon said yes.

  Simpkins asked if any additional expectations other than upkeep of property. Sapp said had not seen lease yet.

  Simpkins said being awarded $3.6 Million and being realistic on what able to do, will they be able to fulfil pool from start? Dixon said this things County would like to see. Dixon said do not know what in $3.6M because Board had not decided but this is things would like to see. Is everything would like to see happen is part of design phase.

Daniel Lewi from Boys and Girls Club asked from liability standpoint for the Club, would they be covering track and pool in addition to, what is their money going to?

  Green said everything not going to happen in first phase.    

  Simpkins said wanted to make sure County was not over-committing.

Dixon said his understanding was agreement would jointly go forward.

  Holt said her questions were pretty much answered Need palm cards when approaching and asking for more money.

  Dixon said in building emergency ops center and ? , we’re approaching like getting money.

  Dr. Woods said trying to understand-first lease-have lease but don’t know what in lease?

Where phases set up at beginning or just now discussing-just now discussing. Do not remember talking about phases and what may be phased in somewhere else?

  Green said when talking about funding and working together that is legislative funding

  Dr. Wood understands difference in funding but did not want illusion about pool. When trying to get land, those constitutions were not had. People surprised and with talking about liability with pool.

  Grant said there have been conversations not had, pool, etc. Wants everyone to know city commissioners have not been privy to lease-want to work together

  Dixon asked to step back-when went after money, went to city-at no point did the City, the city said exactly what he said. Waiting for the City to provide County with lease agreement. Will get money based on what design is. If not enough money, will go after it.

  Holt said was under impression why here today, to discuss what want in and not in.

  Sapp said felt they were at disadvantage, was not given any directions and nothing before them.

  Holt said this was Had not talked to anyone really about this.

  Sapp said have to have pool because got rid of pool to be able to build new school.

  Dixon said expect to have number of community leaders, have not designed anything 

  Dixon said have asked architect to bring renderings.

  Denise Fletcher said are in surrounding communities-was $3.6 Million awarded specifically to Boys and Girls Club? Dixon said to County for B&G Club.

  Simpkins said her concern was people in unincorporated areas will have a voice.

  Dixon said with B&G club, when meeting with kids, ask what they want in club.

  Green said would like to take model

  Dixon said this meeting was a start to conversations, not that anyone had agreed on anything.

  Reason question came up about lease, it was stated would be ready by Friday ..

  Dennis had quick video of what B&G Club offering.

Went into quick presentation of what they offer. Currently in Chattahoochee, …

All about having safer childhoods.

  6:40 NeSmith stepped out

  Dennis continued…#2 Good character and citizenship 

#3 Healthy lifestyles

  6:42 NeSmith returned

Was able to award 4 sponsorships

  Green asked what next step.

  Simpkins asked Dennis-been in extensive conversation

  6:47 Hinson arrived

  Simpkins continued-in Havana, those numbers not very high, won’t increase until they provide after-school programs. Target population not within walking distance. What can be put into place

  Holt said when came up about transportation-may can talk with school board for them to look for infrastructure funds. Mention Golden Triangle. Poor people have hard time paying attention or doing anything when poor.

  Sapp said was good, productive meeting and look forward to moving forward.

  Dixon said next step tack order to come before Board and will begin layout all 

  Sapp adjourn/Holt  second 6:58