Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, FL

AGENDA

Regular Meeting

January 15, 2013

6:00 p.m.

 

Present:               Doug Croley-District 2, Chairman

                                Eric Hinson-District 1, Vice-Chair

                                Gene Morgan-District 3

                                Sherrie Taylor-District 4

                                Brenda Holt-District 5

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk

                                Debra Minnis, County Attorney

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

 

Absent:                                Gene Morgan, District 3- Absent

 

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL

   Chair Croley called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and requested that all speakers who wished to address the Commission file a “Speaker Request Form” with the Clerk.

 

Chair Croley extended heartfelt condolences to Arthur Lawson and his family on the loss of their Mother.

 

He then opened the meeting with a silent prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag.

AMENDMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRINTED.

 

1.

Brownfields Update

  Roger Register, Project Manager, Cardno TBE, Tallahassee, FL, appeared before the Board and gave an update of the Brownfield grant that was awarded by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture.

Commissioner Taylor returned at this juncture.

 

He mentioned the EPA Brownfield’s loan fund grant and felt this was a great opportunity for the County to leverage the assessment grant that the County was awarded and possibly apply for an EPA revolving loan fund grant in the next cycle.  He also mentioned other opportunities, both state and federal, that might be available for the County and said he would be working with staff concerning that.

 

Commissioner Croley asked questions concerning the clean-up procedures.

 

CLERK OF COURTS

   Muriel Straughn stated the Clerk would like to make the items part of the record and Chair Croley asked if there were any questions.

2.

Cash-in-Bank Report

  Commissioner Holt had comments.

3.

Debt Management

 

4.

Presentation of County Finance and County Clerk Issues

 

CONSENT

 UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRINTED.  (ITEMS 5-12)

 

5.

Ratification of Approval to Pay County Bills

 

6.

Approval and Signature(s) for Satisfaction of Special Assessment Lien(s) State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program

 

7.

Approval of Signatures for Special Assessment Liens and Rehabilitation Contracts-State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP) and BOCC Emergency Repair Program

 

8.

Approval of New Appointment to Library Commission

 

9.

Approval of CSX Railroad Invoice for Repairs to Brickyard Road Crossing

 

10.

Approval to Appoint Commissioner Gene Morgan as BOCC Representative and Commissioner Eric Hinson as Alternate to the Tourist Development Council (TDC)

 

11.

Approval of Appointments to Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC)

 

12.

Approval of Physio Control Technical Support Agreement for Cardiac Monitoring Equipment

 

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

 

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

  There were no citizens that requested to be heard.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

13.

Public Hearing-Approval of Budget Amendment Request to Authorize Expenditure of the Courthouse Facilities Reserve and Anticipated Fund FY 12 to Replace the Roof of the Gadsden County Main Courthouse

   Grant Slayden, Court Administrator, Second Judicial Circuit, appeared before the Board on behalf of Chief Judge Charles A. Francis.  Mr. Slayden stated this was a budget amendment for $326,295 to repair roof leaks, main courtroom infrastructure upgrades in the courtroom, replace carpeting, and $12,000 for Public Defenders Office for minor work.

 

Nancy Daniels, Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit, appeared before the Board concerning the need to replace ceiling tiles that have mold growing in them.  She asked that the more serious repairs be done at this time and wait on the cosmetic repairs until a later time.

 

Nina Moody, Chief Assistant Public Defender, appeared before the Board and echoed what Ms. Daniels had stated before the Board.

 

Commissioner Holt had comments. 

 

Chair Croley had questions he asked of Mr. Slayden.

 

Commissioner Hinson had comments.

 

Commissioner Taylor had comments and asked Mr. Clyde Collins to come forward.  She asked Mr. Collins if both facilities could be covered for that amount of money.  He stated the roof had been repaired over the Public Defender’s Office. 

 

Mr. Presnell commented he had not been aware of the extent of the damage in their office. 

 

Commissioner Taylor stated it could be a health issue for the County and items needed to be prioritized and addressed.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked how the $12,000 figure was obtained and Mr. Collins replied that an architect looked at things.  Commissioner Hinson further stated that the mold issue needed to be addressed quickly.

 

Commissioner Holt asked the Public Defender how many offices were in their building and Ms. Daniels responded 10 or 11.  Commissioner Holt stated a new building could be built for the price of repair.

 

Chair Croley asked that they return to the budget agenda item and called for a motion.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE BUDGET AMENDMENT AS STATED.

 

Mr. Presnell said he would visit the Public Defender’s Office.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

14.

Cost Sharing Agreement between the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida, Gadsden County and the Five Other Counties in the Second Judicial Circuit for a Circuit-Wide Integrated Computer System

   Grant Slayden, Court Administrator, Second Judicial Circuit, appeared before the Board.  He stated he was looking at a cost sharing agreement with the counties in the Second Judicial Circuit and asked for the Board’s support at this time.  He stated it had been mandated that the Courts go to e-filing in the criminal and civil offices and they were looking to purchase a viewer to be able to look at documents that would be e-filed with the Court system.

 

Commissioner Taylor asked if they were going to ask for additional monies, what they would be willing to give up being able to remain within their budget.

 

Commissioner Holt had questions and comments. 

 

Chair Croley asked about the purchase of the required hardware and if it would be shared between the counties.

 

Commissioner Taylor asked what would happen if one or more counties opted out.  Mr. Slayden responded the pro rata would reduce.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE.

 

15.

Approval to Renew Service Contract with AllCol Technologies, Inc.

  UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HOLT THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE SERVICE CONTRACT.

 

16.

Approval to Extend the Contract for County Auditing Services with Purvis, Gray and Company of Tallahassee, FL

  Chair Croley introduced the item and Mr. Presnell further explained the item.

 

Commissioner Taylor stated it was a sole source item and this should be a properly bidden item.

 

Attorney Minnis stated that this service did not need to be bid on each year.  The Board could enter into an agreement and extend the agreement each year.

 

Chair Croley asked Mr. Lawson to clarify how these items are normally handled.  Mr. Lawson explained it was bid on in 2010 and there was a provision the contract could be extended for 2 terms and the procurement policy allowed for that.

 

Commissioner Holt asked Mr. Lawson when the contract would be up and he responded at the end of the 2012 audit.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated there were plenty competent individuals that were graduates of FSU, Florida, FAMU and asked that this be bid out.

 

Chair Croley said Commissioner Taylor raised good points about bidding out, that Commissioner Holt made good points.

 

Commissioner Holt made a motion to table this until the next meeting but died for lack of second.

 

Commissioner Taylor said she was right but audits were time sensitive and needed to move forward.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT FOR ONE YEAR AND REQUIRE IT TO BE BID OUT AFTER THE ONE YEAR.

 

Commissioner Hinson stated his only hesitation was if someone was not doing their job.

 

Chair Croley asked that it be made clear to Clerk Thomas that, in the future, a representative should be present when these types of items are presented.

17.

Approval of Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement for Salem Road Paved Shoulders Project

   Mr. Presnell stated this was the safety enhancement project for Salem Road that had been previously voted on. 

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT.

 

18.

Approval of Interlocal Agreement between Gadsden County and the City of Gretna and Authorize Chairperson to Execute

  Mr. Presnell introduced the item and stated the Grant had been obtained to fix storm water issues that were in Gretna.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT.

 

19.

Planning Commission Member Appointments

  Mr. Presnell stated some members terms were expiring at the end of this month.  Mr. Matheny stated in District 1, Ronny Butler expressed desire to not return, but the rest expressed desire to return at their commissioner’s approval.

 

Commissioner Holt stated she wanted to appoint Edward J. Dixon in place of Mr. Rudd, whose term has not ended yet.

 

Attorney Minnis said her suggestion would be to bring this up at the next agenda to allow Mr. Rudd a chance to speak.

 

Chair Croley asked Commissioner Hinson if there was a replacement and he responded that he wanted to put William Chukes on.

 

 Commissioner Taylor wanted to retain Mr. Allen and Mrs. Robinson in District 5.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HINSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE ITEM 19 WITH THE ADDITION OF WILLIAM CHUKES AND REAPPOINTING THE OTHER MEMBERS.

 

20.

Notice of Intent of the Property Appraiser to Enter into a Contract for Cell Tower Valuation

  Mr. Presnell stated he and Clay Vanlandingham met with a contractor that specialized in evaluating cell towers and associated equipment.

 

Clay Vanlandingham, Gadsden County Property Appraiser, appeared before the Board and stated he was seeking Board approval to join into a contract with Cell Tower Solutions to re-evaluate the cell towers in Gadsden County.  He stated this would be a significant increase in cell tower evaluations and would naturally result in more ad valorum tax dollars.

 

Commissioner Taylor moved for approval.

 

Chair Croley said he understood what was being attempted and asked if the cell tower was tangible personal property and what made the towers different from other tangible items. 

 

Commissioner Holt asked the Property Appraiser if he was looking at towers on private property and he stated yes. 

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TAYLOR THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT.

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

 

21.

Update on Board Requests

  Mr. Presnell asked to schedule a workshop date for February, preferably the 21st.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked if the workshop could be held at 4:30 on a Tuesday before the meeting.

 

Commissioner Taylor stated she would rather come in early before the meeting rather than hold the meeting on a Thursday.

 

Commissioner Hinson proposed to meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 4:30.

 

Revenue workshop was scheduled for February 19th at 4:30.

 

Commissioner Hinson asked to reschedule the Board Retreat after his commissioner training in March.

 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

 

22.

Update on Various Legal Issues

  Recently received email from National Solar and they are investigating a site and moving forward.

 

Chair Croley asked progress on re-districting since this was odd year and could staff get information and was something to be addressed in near future.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

 

23.

Commissioner Morgan, District 3-District Concerns

 

 

Commissioner Holt, District 4-County Concerns

  Commissioner Holt asked about the debt service item submitted by the Clerk and wanted to look at counties comparable to Gadsden and regarding the County auditing, she asked what categories they were auditing and looking at.

 

She added it was very interesting information provided from Brownfields concerning grants.

 

She further added that concerning the Planning and Zoning appointment process-when new person is proposed it’s not done ahead of time, a person serves at will of the board. 

 

A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HINSON TO AGENDA REPLACEMENT OF WILLARD RUDD ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD.  THE MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN BEFORE THE VOTE. 

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO MAKE A PLANNING AND ZONING MEMBER CHANGE IN DISTRICT 4 AT THIS MEETING.

 

UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOLT AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON THE BOARD VOTED 4-0 BY VOICE VOTE TO REPLACE PLANNING AND ZONING MEMBER WILLARD RUDD WITH EDWARD J. DIXON.

 

 

Commissioner Taylor, District 5-No Items

 

 

Commissioner Hinson, Vice Chairman, District 1 – County Concerns

  Commissioner Hinson acknowledged Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and asked the Commissioners to commit to eating twice a month at local restaurants and help support local business.

 

 

Commissioner Croley, Chairman, District 2-Report and Discussion on Public Issues and Concerns Pertaining to Commission District Two and Gadsden County

  Chair Croley commented on having the redistricting of districts placed on the agenda at the appropriate meeting time.  He also stated that emails had been received from FHP concerning High Bridge Road and improvements.

RECEIPT AND FILE

 

24.

a.            For the Record: Letter from the Division of Emergency Management Regarding CEMP                 Compliance

b.            For the Record: Letter from Waste Pro Regarding Franchise Agreement

c.             For the Record: Letter to Division of Historical Resources Regarding Restoration Grant

 

 

February Meeting(s)

                -February 5, 2013, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

                -February 19, 2013, Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

   Meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.