Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Bouie stated this will start as a workshop due to no quorum. Stallworth led into invocation and Roberts led into the Pledge of Allegiance.

 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.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

(Workshop)

5.1.

Public Hearing (Legislative) – Consideration of Ordinance 2025-01 (CPA 2025-01). Revising the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, Chapter Six of the Gadsden County Code of Ordinances. 

  Beau Scott appeared to provide a review. 

  Stallworth asked to re-state concerns that citizens had. Scott stated pastors were concerned with proximity and safety.

  Randy Ross, 2660 Frank Smith Rd. Quincy, FL   

          Ross appeared before the board and stated they were shocked by this proposal.

     William Farr, 564 Middle Creek Rd. Quincy, FL 

         Farr appeared before the board and stated they should keep people from alcohol rather than encouraging it.

  Leroy McMillan appeared before the board and stated not one pastor would be satisfied with the 500 feet.

  Stallworth stated

  Appeared before the board.

  Gary Freeman, 504 Plantation Dr. Havana, FL

         Freeman appeared to speak against this ordinance being passed.

  Bouie asked attorney if any way to have variance…

  Baptiste stated may not be practical; they looked at area variances in other counties

  Bouie stated was against having no distance between church and alcohol establishment

  Roberts asked about distance

  Jimenez asked about it being a commercial area

  Bouie asked if they are currently saturated with alcohol establishment limit         

  Jimenez asked if one license per 7500 ppl; 6 licenses? Baptiste stated has not verified numbers but it sounds right.

  Baptiste stated seal to go container is not something they could break up.

  Jimenez asked if identified potential affected properties outside of city limits. Baptiste stated has not seen formal list of potential growth areas

  Nolan Coon,   

         Coon appeared and stated this ordinance could open a door to be lightened later on. He stated restaurants do not bring in a lot of economic development to the county. Asked for them to consider bringing in an industry.

  Ross appeared again.

  Farr appeared again.

  Brianna Carter, 37 Smith Lane Chattahoochee, FL    

          Asked if they could make a count of who is in opposition.

  Baptiste stated there is a sign in sheet they could sign. Asked for them to stand to count who is in opposition.

  40 citizens opposed this ordinance.   

  Leroy McMillan appeared.

  Roberts stated this was about location in regards to businesses, but he understood where everyone was coming from.

  George Wagner,

         Wagner appeared in opposition of alcohol ordinance.

5.2.

Public Hearing (Legislative) – Consideration of Ordinance 2025-02 (CPA 2025-02). Revising Gadsden County Land Development Code, Chapter Five, Subsection 5003.

 Baptiste requested to pull item 5.2.

Planning Commissioner’s Comments

  Williams stated 3^rd time speaking on this issue; shocked to see many people in the audience. Agreed with the citizens but it is true they need to create business in the county.

  Jimenez stated there was a lot of clarity in this workshop.

  Stallworth stated there are a lot of churches in this county. Building owners are looking for tenants.

  Sherman would like to request agenda item be updated; they did have opportunity to speak with community. Would like to preserve record of comments.

  Roberts stated to keep open mind on this. Some concerns may or may not be met.   

  Chair thanked everyone and stated it was important for them to voice their opinion.   

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 7:42 p.m.