1.

Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

    Chair called meeting to order at 5 p.m. Bishop Green led into Invocation and Chair led into Pledge of Allegiance.  

   4.

Amendments to the Agenda

    Chair stated to amend agenda, pull item 7.c

  Chair motion to remove item 7.c/ Holt 5-0 

   5.

Approval of Agenda

   Holt/ Green 5-0

   6.

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.

   Chair read aloud the above statement.

Bishop Willie Green, 296 Bradwell Road Quincy, FL 32351

  Bishop Green appeared.  Stated he was not against Baptiste just against the timing of it.

Green appeared at 5:24 p.m.

  Asked what terms of contract was breached with previous county attorney; Baptiste advised the board to not respond to that

  Bishop asked what other advantages county would receive from having Baptiste serve as interim as opposed to previous attorney

  Baptiste stated monthly allowance was different and he is billed at $175 an hour

75$ an hour for paralegal work.

  Bishop asked how would he compensate the lack of experience as county attorney; Baptiste stated they have repped counties but has not served in a fixed capacity.

Dorothy Thomas, 586 Shiloh Rd. Quincy, FL

Charles Morris, 23201 Blue Hwy

  Mr. Morris appeared.

Tracey Stallworth, 1339 P.O. Box Quincy, FL

  Stallworth appeared before the board and asked Baptiste what guarantee does he have that he would not let things slip

  Baptiste stated his firm was accustomed to responding to deadlines. He is always watching deadlines and he did not attempt to miss any deadlines.

  Stallworth asked if Baptiste had any contact with Commissioners before being in this position; Baptiste stated no, he was unaware they were going to make motion for him being interim county administrator.

  Stallworth asked if he was going to be firm on what he was going to charge; Baptiste stated they do not fight with clients regarding bills, they can address any issues.

Sherri Taylor

   7.

General Business

  7.a

Interim County Attorney Legal Services Agreement

  Holt asked about firm and Baptiste provided overview of his law firm

  Holt asked about contract law

  Baptiste stated Thornton Williams did amazing job with the transition

  Wood wanted Baptiste to be the Attorney for the whole board.

   Baptiste stated he serves at the pleasure of the board; reached out to each commissioner

  Holt asked if he intended to apply for permanent position; Baptiste stated he does intend to

  Holt mentioned long-term contract with hospital and getting out of it; they have a couple of cases detrimental to the county.

  Holt stated they have several ordinances needing to be rewritten and asked if he was experience; Baptiste stated yes

  Simpkins motion to approve contract/ Green 5-0

  7.b

Interim County Administrator’s Agreement

  Baptiste stated he handed them an amended contract; he stated the certain changes that were done  

  Green stated has questions for interim county administrator

  Baptiste mentioned that on section 3c…; if Stiell took a different position in county, he would not get the severance pay.

  Green asked Stiell to give background of himself and what his intentions are

  Stiell gave a background on his career.

   Green stated would be a disadvantage for other applicants if he decided to apply for permanent position; wanted to make sure they would be fair

  Stiell stated would be interested in applying for permanent position for county administrator.

  Wood stated he has not heard anything bad about Stiell; wanted to make sure he will work with all 5 commissioners.

  Green stated was very concerned about their staff; wanted to make sure Stiell had them in their best interest.    

   Stiell stated he had knowledge of dealing with staff and hoped Commissioners would give courtesy to go to him directly before staff.

  Green suggested 10 weeks of pay instead of 20 

   Stallworth appeared and stated the morale was horrible here; asked Stiell how he could boost morale.

  Stiell stated some stability would help; would need to meet with staff first to see what is needed

  Green motion to consider 10 weeks’ pay/ Holt

  Baptiste stated Simpkins could make a friendly amendment

  Simpkins stated it would give Stiell time and finance if they go with 20 weeks; it was a fair timeframe

  Simpkins amended motion to 20 weeks’ pay

  Green stated would not accept amendment; 20 weeks was a little steep

  Holt asked if interim only worked for a week, would he get the whole 20 weeks

  Baptiste stated ….

  Holt stated if he only worked for a day, he would be paid for the 20 weeks without cause

  Simpkins asked if need to add in motion upon start of permanent admin

  Green asked if they pay severance package after 60 days even if position is not offered.

  Wood mentioned 15 weeks’ pay

   Baptiste mentioned time limit and needs motion if want to continue to talk about it.

  Baptiste stated for Gren to respond to Woods 15 week; Green stated would accept the 15 weeks

Green motion for 15 weeks’ pay/ Holt 5-0

  Green stated need to entertain salary piece; thought it should start at 105k

Green motion for salary for interim start at 105k/ Holt

  Simpkins stated with previous interim, they …

Stated 140k was appropriate. They stated it was the person not the position

   Holt stated this was interim not permanent; would not offer 140k

  Baptiste stated has not had chance to review ordinance; agreement effective Feb. 25, issues can be addressed prior to the effective date.

  Baptiste advised for motion to be called.

   Green motion for salary for interim start at 105k/ Holt 2-3

Motion failed

  Wood motion for 140k/ Simpkins 

Withdrew motion

  Baptiste stated to make motion to approve contract and give attorney ability to make revisions  

  Holt motion for 110k/ Green 2-3

Motion failed  

  Baptiste stated he intended to review all ordinances

  Simpkins motion to approve agreement with exception of 4d/ Hinson

  Baptiste stated if they choose to allow Stiell to use county vehicle, would have to come back to clarify what restrictions they want. Asked to modify motion to include…

   Simpkins amended motion to accept interim agreement subject to revisions by interim county attorney/ Hinson 5-0

  Green stated they need direction on process of selecting permanent county administrator.

  Baptiste stated board should establish criteria for county administrator; not on agenda and asked for it be placed on next special meeting. 

  Green wanted clarity it would be on next agenda, specifically the advisory board. 

  Baptiste stated Morris has day to day operations of county until Feb 21 as assistant county administrator

Wood stepped out at 7:01 p.m. and returned at 7:02 p.m.

  7.c

Funding Request for Gadsden Wellness Senior Services

Item pulled.

  8.

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned meeting at 7:03 p.m.