Board of County Commissioners
Gadsden County, Florida
Regular Public Meeting
November 7, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Present: Sherrie Taylor, Chair, District 5
Eric Hinson, Vice Chair, District 1-arrived late
Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, District 2
Gene Morgan, District 3
Brenda Holt, District 4
Dee Jackson, Interim County Administrator
David Weiss, County Attorney
Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk
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INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., asked everyone to mute their phones, stand for Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
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AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA Pulled items 5, 6, 20, amended contract for item 15 Holt/V 4-0
Dr. V took moment to recognize some people in audience.
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AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
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CLERK OF COURT Nothing to report
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CONSENT Holt/V 4-0
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1. |
Approval of Minutes a. August 1, 2017-Regular Meeting b. August 15, 2017-Regular Meeting
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2. |
Ratification Memo
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3. |
Approval of the 2018 Holiday Schedule
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4. |
Approval to Accept the FY 2018-2019 Budget Calendar
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ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
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Linda Hinson, 78 Bell Road, Havana, FL - problem with neighbors’ dog-appeared before the Board Has worked with Clyde Collins, Anthony Powell, Wade with Animal Control, problem with dog peeing on her door, car, workers’ tool boxes, trapped dog, then dog given back to neighbor and problem not resolved.
Commissioner Hinson arrived at this juncture of meeting
Chair Taylor advised her since not agendaed item, could not be discussed tonight, asked her to leave phone number and Interim Administrator would be in touch with her regarding this.
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Dorothy Smith, 814 Dodger Ball Park Road, -Item 7
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Betty Atkins, 8440 Salem Road, Item 7
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Charles Morris, 23201 Blue Star Highway, Quincy, Trunks of Treats
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Patricia Kenon, 1160 Dodger Ball Park Road, Item 7
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Marionette Bryant, 207 Charlie Harris Loop, Quincy, paved road – have 10 acre plot-St. John’s Church beside Hutchinson Ferry-individuals paid for land but County won’t let but 4 people move onto land until paved-asked if something could be worked out with County so could get into own homes
Holt said she needed to talk with Manager and Road and Bridge to see what could be done-start process
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Barbara Pople, 506 N. Jackson Street, GCDC Funding and contract-item 21
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Develin Brown, 540 Quincy FL – attends senior citizens program in Chattahoochee and Quincy-not enough there to stimulate their minds, bodies, spirit-asked County Commission consider adding more funds at next budget to be able to do more to stimulate
Commissioner Holt stepped out
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Pulled
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Pulled
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7. |
PUBLIC HEARING- Adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-008, An Ordinance of the BOCC of Gadsden County, FL amending Section 74-1 of the Gadsden County Code of Ordinances, to include parks and recreational facilities maintenance and improvements as an authorized use of the discretionary sales surtax proceeds levied pursuant to Section 212.055(3), Florida Statutes, providing for repeal; severability, inclusion in the correction of scrivener’s errors; and providing for an effective date. Mrs. Jackson introduced the above Public Hearing-requires super majority vote Dr. V said good for county
v motion to adopt/Hinson
Morgan asked if will entertain comments from commissioners-yes
Morgan said anytime talk about changing existing ordinances, especially as important as this, need to have discussion, matter of prioritizing for citizens roads, bridges, etc that all benefit from-asked if Administrator could call Public Works Director up for questions.
Curtis Young appeared before the Board.
Morgan suggested to look at another way to fund parks, proceeds were to be used for water and sewer.
V said ordinance before them, fund would have nothing to do with budget money-money that comes from grants-money comes from grant that already approved
Morgan made very clear not insinuating that-is fact will be taking $ for major change-roads, bridges more important that funding parks
Taylor asked Jackson for clarity based on information
Herb Chancy appeared before the Board-said just learned of this item this afternoon.
David Weiss said at last meeting, Board approved award of grant Dr. V referred to-in order to get, County had to match and County able to do in-kind match-approval of grant award contingent on amendment to ordinance regarding discretionary sales tax.
Morgan said what doing, making historic changes to ordinance to fund one park from grant. $200,000-looking at bike path, walking trail, may be other grants in future that would not require match money-if do it, opening Pandora’s box taking money away from other major issues-not minor change to ordinance.
Taylor asked Administrator-hear Commissioner say may be alternatives-want to serve community-Jackson said definitely other grants,
Hinson said why support because Gadsden County have aged community and need to support health
Holt said Morgan’s point was ordinance originally for jail, then opened it up for road and bridge, after date ran out, Board had option-does require super-majority vote. Holt asked if had in-kind for services match-yes-cap amount and do in-kind
Hinson said he appreciated Morgan and Holt’s concerns-communities lacking parks-not enough in community-parks don’t cost that much money-people donate land-put people first-got to be bold-get grants-put few dollars in-need as many as we can
Holt said not debating-trying to give options because need 4 votes-going to have to make decisions-keep millage rate where is or wants to make sure project moves forward and not lose $200,000
Morgan said one way to be innovative is rather than needing more money, prioritize what money have-put lot of money into Eugene Lamb Park, Pat Thomas Park, Rosedale-want to make sure maintain them. If someone’s house catches fire
Hinson said both right, need more than one park in district-parks not that much, acting like a lot but really not-need to make sure spread out-can find 4-5 places that can use parks and rec
Dr. V called the question
Hinson said knew place Chair wanted to have park-if kill this-have Public Works can do work already
Fred Harris, 1050 Solomon Dairy Road, Quincy, FL been listening-great perspective-make ordinance change and have it sunset provision-no long term concern
Taylor said was 1 of 2 that did not see this moving forward because have to look at County as whole-when took office, sworn to public safety
Holt asked Weiss if able to approve and put sunset in place
Taylor said trying to think ahead-can be sunset-motion on floor-needs to be amended
V amended motion/ Hinson amended second
Morgan said if do what they talking about-have others come wanting to do very same thing-depends on what put into sunset
Taylor said probably voting no-need to craft language
Chair called for vote-3-2-Morgan. Taylor no-
Taylor told Jackson at next meeting to have legal terminology down-bring back with clarity
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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8. |
Advanced Training for SWAT Operation Mrs. Jackson introduced above item
Morgan/V 4-0
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9. |
Approval of Local Agency Program (LAP) Supplemental Agreement for Design of the Adams Street Sidewalk Mrs. Jackson introduced above item V/Morgan 4-0
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10. |
Approval of Change Order #1 to Increase Funding for the Atlanta Street Sidewalk Project Mrs. Jackson introduced above item V option 1/Morgan 3-1 Taylor no
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11. |
Approval of Mosquito Control Agreement with Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Mrs. Jackson introduced above item Morgan option 1/V 4-0
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12. |
Approval to Bid (17-26) to Clarke Mosquito Control Products, Inc. Jackson introduced above item V option 1/Morgan 4-0
Holt returned
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13. |
Approval of the Security Force Southeast LLC Contract Mrs. Jackson introduced above item
V approval/Morgan 5-0
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14. |
Approval of Translator/Interpreter Contract for the Probation Department Mrs. Jackson introduced item
V approval of contract/Morgan Hinson question
Why before Board when under $5,000-because of contract-all contracts come before the Board
Chair called vote 5-0
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15. |
Approval to Renew the Contract for State Lobbying Services (Chris Doolin and Associates) for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Jackson introduced above item-Amended contract instead of $10,000-amending to $20,000
Holt in favor of services-$50,000 and split between two firms (next agenda item)-need to bid out but now not time to do it
V said would support amendment to contract-$15,000 for Lawson will give total of $35,000-at budget time next year address increase to bump amount up to $50,000
Morgan said understood importance of quality lobbyists for county, been fortunate for services and also have services with Assn of Counties,- recommended between 2 firms
Holt said did not think necessary-if want to bring more money home to county, been fortunate, have specific problems and need people that will go after money
V said just heard from member of senior citizen community of importance of funding for seniors
Morgan said understood value of lobbyists-if they were not interested, they would not present with contract – trying to get best bang with taxpayers money
Holt said V said-subcommittees meeting now-need to approve increase in funding-
Taylor said have gone through budgeting process-$10,000 ear-marked- not $20,000-lobbyist should have had respect to come over and address need for additional funding-explained County belonged to Florida Association of Counties (FAC), he gets $ from FAC to lobby for county-concerns her when asking for additional money after budget set
V moved for approval of amended contract of $20,000/Holt second Hinson, Taylor Morgan no-Motion failed
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16. |
Approval to Renew the Contract for State Lobbying Services (Lawson and Associates) for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Mrs. Jackson introduced above item
V motion for approval –died for lack of second
Hinson moved to increase $20,000 for firm-motion died for lack of second
Holt talked with Lawson-asked what his firm offered specifically that Doolin did not-Doolin good at putting in receivers,
Morgan asked them to thing-legislative session has not formally started-budget already set for this year, think this item should be carried as presented
Morgan option 1/Holt V said his motion was same
Taylor called for vote 5-0
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17. |
Consideration to Amend the Gadsden County Sublease with QPD for WA Woodham Justice Center Mrs. Jackson introduced above item
V asked if action item or was for direction to go into discussion with possibility of amending sublease with QPD
Morgan said this originated at his request-when first drown up was to be temporary move-there were costs and county was only one participating in costs of repairs
V stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
Morgan asked this be brought back-wanted amendments but none on this agenda request
Brad Johnson appeared before the Board-
V returned
Taylor said maybe needed workshop discussion with City
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18. |
Approval to accept the 2017-2018 Mutual Aid Operations Plan between Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service and Gadsden County Fire Departments and the 2016-2017 Annual Forestry Report and Operating Plan Mrs. Jackson introduced item
Holt/V 5-0
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19. |
Approval to Award Bid No. 17-22 for Pest Control to Rudd’s Pest Control Mrs. Jackson introduced above
V/Holt
Morgan stepped out
Invitation sent to Paul’s Pest Control, bid not received
Morgan returned
Chair called for vote 5-0
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Pulled
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21. |
Economic Development Professional Services Contract Mrs. Jackson introduced above item
V said item that should be approved-imperative that have
Morgan said taking different approach-regarding overall economic development game-plan-just had 4 hour retreat-hoped Board would have opportunity to present what they felt model should look like-no problem with 2 year or 3 year contract-helps in moving forward-no problem with County have office of Economic Development-have empty space-don’t think should move too quickly-need to workshop and discuss how should be done
V said his take was there were businesses that were currently talking-this is train that was in motion and don’t have time to stop before start again-see no reason not to vote on contract-need to vote up or down and let other stakeholders know viable
V motion to approve/Holt
Deputy Clerk pointed out there was a speaker request form
Holt said reason doing now-Gulf County coming up with project-asked if someone could speak on behalf of that
V wanted to make clear with his position-not opposing workshop but will not support holding contract at bay waiting for workshop
Antonio Jefferson, appeared before the Board-Chair of GCDC-Holt asked what projects working on that could give short synopsis – meeting
Barbara Pople, 506 N. Jackson Street, Quincy, appeared before the Board and asked it be approved and not interrupt the businesses
Jim McShane appeared before the Board-been before the Board multiple times, thinks needs to be passed-if not can’t wait another month and will have to stop what they were doing-they are attracting jobs to the County
Fred Harris, 1050 Solomon Dairy Road, relatively new to community, has organic farm and has opened Damfinos restaurant. Think need both-have space
Hinson said was on school board years ago and was on Planning and Zoning-asked last year gave GCDC $160,000 and $40,000
Jeff Price appeared before the Board-GCDC received $160,000 and Chamber received $80,000-previous year
Rob Nixon appeared before the Board-did contract with GCDC for small business retention at $40,000 and with Gadsden County Chamber with Small Business Service Center
Chair called for vote 3-2 Taylor, Morgan opposed
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22. |
Proposal Submission from the Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Service Center Jackson introduced above item Morgan recommended approve proposal/V second with question
V asked if $80,000 in budget-yes
Hinson asked-in order to move forward-if not give money to anyone-if give to Chamber-got to be 100% in-GCDC got to give Chamber respect
Morgan amended motion to 2 year agreement
Holt asked David Gardner
Weiss said proposal
Chair called for the vote at $80,000 5-0
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23. |
Board Direction on County Auditing Services Jackson introduced above item
Holt motion to bid out- died lack of second
Morgan said regarding auditing services-touches on all constitutional officers-
Morgan motion option one to extend by one year/V second4-1 Holt opposed
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24. |
Board Direction on County Legal Services Jackson introduced V said when read agenda item-with transition currently having in County need continuity-have Interim County Administrator that’s not very grounded
V motion to extend 1 year option 1/Morgan second
Holt said if not interim manager would request contract be bid-she’s asked several times for legal opinion with attachments, contracts when presented and placed on agenda need to be thoroughly reviewed before placed on agenda – if granted to law firm for another year she is requesting this be remedied
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
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25. |
Update on Various Board Requests Dee thanked all staff for being present
Met with DEO yesterday-will be able to assist with economic development
Staff will be observing Thanksgiving this Thursday – invited commissioners
Working on date for follow-up for economic development retreat
Thanked Commissioners for opportunity to serve
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COUNTY ATTORNEY
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26. |
Update on Various Legal Issues Thanked commission for extension of contract and will work on issues identified
Holt thanked him for that comment
Hinson said they talked today about City of Midway and annexations and contractions-news reporter asked his input on what he could do-could he talk to them or get back with them
V asked if city was created by referendum, could municipality be dissolved by referendum as well-may take research before he could answer
Weiss said would be happy to look into it
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DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
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27. |
Report and Discussion of Public Issues
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Commissioner Brenda A. Holt, District 4 Holt said she was sure they received email from Clerk and provided copies in case had not seen it
Morgan stepped out
Not going to discuss this in this meeting but she addressed comments in email-item was pulled from tonight’s agenda and will be brought back-felt need to address since so opinionated – written without supported evidence
Morgan returned
Holt said roads had been worked on for while
Taylor said she heard what Holt interested in was outside City of Gretna
Weiss said his understanding way funds were to be used-City of Gretna applied for CDGC grant-requirement for $150,000 cash match-Holt proposed to use road bond money as cash match-some roads within city limit and some outside-can’t use county funds to pave roads inside municipality-Would not be following procurement policy using
Holt said when look at roads talked about-they were county roads, never annexed into city-when approached former manager he said roads could be paved-Jefferson applied for grant- could have been cleared up with phone call
Holt said she called attorney and he said can’t pave streets within city
Taylor supported Finance Department
Holt said there was no request from her to use those funds for match
Holt then said her other item-she’s been asking Board to look at State procurement process for travel for gas funding-reason came up-if in town looking for Shell or Gulf station-should not put employees where they are traveling and looking for specific station in place not familiar with and wants its remedied-something already in policy-says employees traveling on county business has option of per diem rate-would like this addressed
Holt motion to put in place-died for lack of second
Hinson curious-when use personal car charged mileage-she
V said he now understood what she was saying-rented car-used county credit card to get gas-sometimes card doesn’t have money in it-
Morgan said there was a county-issued credit card-he’s always purchased gas and got reimbursed
Holt said process easily taken care of-if take care of it and make one option
Taylor said their decision was ultimate decision-they can state their problems and he can rectify
Brad Johnson appeared before the Board-Holt said in travel policy
Holt said apply state policy to Board also
Taylor said need to get Clerk over to discuss this matter.
Holt said other item-would like to allow Manager to add Stevens school project to funding-Taylor concurred but asked to be mindful of what committee asking for
Offered Joel Sampson continuing services contract and asked to offer to other vendors.
Hinson stepped out at this juncture
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Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, District 2 Thanked Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, neighboring counties for search for missing boy in Lake Talquin
Hinson returned
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Commissioner Eric Hinson, Vice Chair, District 1 Thanked Board for everything
Taylor said she reached out to Public Defender’s Office-have people in jail and horrific conditions
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Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3 Morgan said earlier they dealt with lobbying contract and did not agree to increase with Doolin’s contract and technically have no contract-asked they reach out
Need to figure out way to tighten up meetings
Taylor concurred they could reach out
Holt said need to know by Friday
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Commissioner Sherrie D. Taylor, Chair, District 5
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Receipt and File
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28. |
Death Resolutions Letter from City of Quincy Florida Department of Health-Gadsden Quarterly Progress Report for ½ Cent Sale Tax Prevention
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
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November 21, 2017-Regular Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
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MOTION TO ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m. |
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