Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Scott requested workshop instead of meeting due to no quorum

  Chair acknowledged that this be a workshop and asked Stallworth to led into  

 Chair called meeting to order and led into Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Introduction of Members – Roll call

 Clerk did roll call.

Amendments and Approval of Agenda

CONSENT

4.1

Approval of Minutes:  July 11, 2024

  Sherman motion to approve with correction of spelling of chair’s name on page 3/ Roberts 6-0 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

6.1. Repealing the prohibition of serving alcohol near a church, school, and playground; adding the provision for certain restaurants to sell or deliver alcohol in sealed to go containers pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 561.20(2)(a)(4).  (Quasi-Judicial Hearing). (Ord 2025-01).

  Scott provided overview

   Roberts asked if anyone was trying to move business within – Scott stated would refer that question to econ develop.

  Sherman asked if they were just having discussion due to it being workshop – Chair stated yes, but can bring any concerns to Scott’s attention

   Chair asked if could present ordinance that would address in case-by-case scenario

  Webster mentioned a variance

  Scott stated could do revision for a variance

    Sherman mentioned having no community input

  Stallworth mentioned young man killed recently and alcohol was served at the location – need to look at those things

  Roosevelt Morris, Interim County Administrator, appeared before the board. He stated because of what is in place, businesses could not be placed on Pat Thomas Pkwy.  Staff is seeking businesses to come in and they have 3 committed ones, which are affected by the current ordinance.

Janice Harris, 220 Midway, FL

   Harris appeared before the board and mentioned the 3 businesses that Morris talked about. She stated they do not want liquor stores next to churches and asked if they could have a medium, 300 or 500 feet? Also mentioned variance.

  Morris stated they could start with zero feet for churches; this board can recommend to BOCC.

   Webster stated could be exposed to liability if doing this case by case.

  Roberts stated could be have issues doing it case by case.

  Chair asked if 300 ft would be better – Morris stated he did not think it would be allowed.

  Stallworth mentioned creating citizen advisory committee; they need to think about the future. Gadsden county needs to grow and these ordinances are old. Did not want pastors to think they are losing power. 

  Morris stated not forcing the zero feet; they can make recommendations.

  Chair asked if could call community meeting before next meeting – Morris stated can have public meeting to hear from citizens.

  Stallworth asked about lists of churches – Morris stated can ask staff of map showing churches in next meeting

  Sherman thought this was a good plan, he asked if already had input from a meeting

  Stallworth stated yes

  Attorney Webster stated Sherman could discuss thoughts and be reflected in minutes.

   Sherman stated he supported the discussions, agreed with community input, and interested in hearing about distance parameters instead of feet.  

  Morris stated no variance if just wanting to change distance of feet

Sherman rephrased to alternate measurement instead of variance.

  Morris stated will measure potential properties

  Morris asked if would like community mtg at planning meeting and Chair stated yes.

Sherman stepped out at 6:57 p.m.

  Stallworth asked if other counties have zero feet ordinance

   Roberts stated this was going property line to property line not door to door.

Sherman returned at 6:59 p.m.

  Harris appeared before the board and asked if that was statute to do property line to property line – Morris stated that was their proposal.

6.2. Amending the Land Development Code by amending Section 5003 General Standards, to remove the County time restriction for legal non-conforming residential use, legal non-conforming non-residential, legal non-conforming residential use, legal non-conforming non-residential structure. (Quasi-Judicial Hearing). (Ord.2025-02). 

  Scott provided overview

  Roberts clarified if they were removing timeline

  Morris stated staff gets hit weekly with residential

  Chair mentioned inconsistency and asked about that; Mr. Scott appeared before the board.

  Scott stated got accessory dwelling units adopted

  Baptiste appeared before the board.

Chair requesting that they address IFV, parcel size, number of parcels, and relax language

Relax 3-acre requirement, number of parcels, and relax language so they did not need to immediately build.     

General Business

7.1. Planning Directors Comments

No comments from Mr. Scott.

  Morris stated every month they want to meet with planning commission.

7.2. Planning Commissioner’s Comments

  Williams stated he was pleased with the new administration

  Stallworth stated moving forward, reaching quorum would be appreciated.

  Youman stated was happy about changing if he could give property to his daughter.

  Roberts stated this was his first workshop; suggested to do workshops first so everyone can understand items before voting. 

Sherman stated

Chair thanked Commissioners for being mindful; requested to schedule workshops before meetings. Also thanked Mr. Scott and staff for answering questions and having this workshop.  She thanked both attorneys for being there.

Motion to Adjourn

 Chair adjourned workshop at 7:37 p.m.

Roberts/ Sherman 6-0

The next regularly scheduled meeting is June 12. 2025, at 6:00 p.m.