Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

Regular Public Meeting

August 7, 2018

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Brenda Holt, Chair, District 4

                                Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Vice Chair, District 2

                                Eric Hinson, District 1

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Dee Jackson, Interim County Administrator

                                David Weiss, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Chair Holt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence and then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Chair Holt asked if there were any amendments to the Agenda. UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MORGAN TO ADD THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION TO THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HINSON, THE BOARD VOTED 2-3 BY VOICE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER VIEGBESIE, COMMISSIONER TAYLOR AND CHAIR HOLT OPPOSED.  MOTION FAILED. V approval/Taylor 4-1 Morgan opposed
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
1.	Recognition of the Havana Northside High School Mega Class Reunion Committee  Chair Holt asked that the representatives of the Havana Northside High School Mega Class Reunion Committee to come forward and Commissioner Hinson had a few words to say, read aloud the Resolution and it was presented to the individuals, Cametra Gibson-Bryant, Gabriel Showers, Dr., Paula Strawter, Mildred Clemons Youmans and Mary Miller.  They then posed for pictures.
2.	Havana History & Heritage Society Museum Nell Cunningham, Havana History & Heritage Society Museum, appeared before the Board and made a presentation and Donna Warlick appeared before the Board and had a few words to say regarding the exhibits. Commissioner Viegbesie said he had visited the Museum and was a very interesting museum. Commissioner Morgan said he had also been there and toured the Museum and thanked everyone for keeping them informed as things have progressed with the Museum. Commissioner Hinson said he had an opportunity to talk with the committee and spoke of the “good, bad and the ugly” of the history.
3.	LUCA Presentation  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Richard Fetchick, Economic Development, ARPC, appeared before the Board and had a few words to say. Sarah Hibbard, GIS, ARPC, appeared before the Board and had a few words to say.  She said approximately 40 new addresses were found and were submitted to the Census Bureau.  Commissioner Viegbesie commended LUCA in working with Assistant County Administrator, Brad Johnson, in completing this matter.  Found more people in the County and will mean more money in funding for the County.
CONSENT  Morgan/V 5-0
4.	Ratification Memo
5.	Approval of Minutes a. July 3, 2018 Regular Meeting b. July 17, 2018 Regular Meeting
6.	EEO Policy
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
	Sam Palmer, 1225 Berry Street, Quincy, FL-Citizens’ Rights Sam Palmer appeared before the Board and said was here on behalf of NAACP and DEC (Democratic Executive Committee).  He said a list came out from the County for delinquent taxes with approximately 1,000 people on the list.  Spoke with lady, confirmed approximately 1,000 on list and they would be updating periodically.  She made comparison that another County only had 150 on list.  Was told people have lost land and houses and NAACP and DEC felt it needed to be addressed.  Took the initiative, talked with an Attorney and Shirley Knight.  Took 5 weeks to do an initiative of 3,000 people in County.  When people heard what was going on, they were eager to sign initiative because did not realize what going on.  Under Ordinance 2010-005 Commissioners have authority for land use and jobs, people told them had 23 acres of land and could put 1 house on and nothing else but pay taxes.  1 guy has 5 acres and 3 daughters and wanted to put trailer there for daughter and could not do it.  Said heard comments from all over regarding people being unable to place houses on their property when they wanted to.  Did initiative and had time frame had to abide by.  All County required to do is make sure language correct and sent to Mrs. Knight.  Felt the County Commission should have taken the initiative and done something regarding this because they had authority with stroke of pen to make changes that citizens wanted,  Here to inform they met timeframe was given and has to be back to Supervisor of Elections by August 28^th to go on November ballot. Chair Holt said this would need to be on the next agenda in order to meet 28^th deadline and could be voted on them. Commissioner Hinson said he was questioned at Church and he told them he would let them know what their (NAACP and DEC) position was. Commissioner Morgan interjected and said they should not have an open discussion regarding a matter that was not on the Agenda. Commissioner Hinson asked if he could answer the question. Chair Holt said he could get with Mr. Palmer on it and they could move on. Mr. Palmer said they disagreed with was... Commissioner Morgan interjected again and said point of order. Chair Holt said he was finishing his presentation and (the Board) was not discussing. Mr. Palmer continued and said the NAACP and the DEC had problems with was Ag 1, 2, and 3 where only 1 house could go on the land and they feel they should be able to do 1 house per acre.  All can happen now is pay taxes.  Also feel instead of BOCC having 4-1 vote should be 3-2 vote for land use and businesses coming into county. Willie Neal appeared before Board echoed Mr. Palmer.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
GENERAL BUSINESS
7.	Approval of the Contract with Con-Techs Health & Safety to Provide Pre-Employment, Post-Accident, and Random Drug and Alcohol Screening Services and Training Services  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Mr. Weiss said he thought they wanted to table this item because the Contractor had questions and the current agreement did not expire until September 30, 2018.  Chair Holt asked what questions-regarding insurance.  Mrs. Jackson said they did not have insurance last year as well. Mr. Weiss said if the will of the Board, readvertise or can try to work out between now and next meeting the insurance issue. V asked what media was used in the advertising-all three newspapers-Commissioner Viegbesie said with that, asked that the Attorney and service provider try to work out issues so there would not be a void. Chair Holt said if they were advertising in the three papers, maybe they needed to move outside the County. Hinson to table/V 4-1 Morgan opposed
8.	Approval of the Extension Contract with Dear Oaks EAP  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. V asked if Dear Oaks had been providing the service for 25 years, was this renewable for one year without bidding and was the company local.  Mrs. Jackson said the company was out of the County and the contract had not been for 25 years. V option 1/Holt Hinson question Hinson asked if this was bid or RFP-was a bid process but this extension of last year and was significantly lowest bidder.  Jackson said County pleased with company and wanted to extend contract, was not bid-last year was Invitation to Bid. 5-0
9.	Approval of Fire Department Interlocal Fire and Rescue Service Agreements  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Hinson motion to approve/V  Morgan question Morgan asked about any changes and included all Volunteer Departments with the exception of Quincy-correct. Andre Walker, Interim EMS Chief, appeared before the Board. Morgan asked if this would be extending the current Agreements and Mr. Walker explained. Commissioner Taylor said she heard they were still working on issues and she wanted to make sure there was restrictive funds there for repairs. Chair called for vote 5-0
10.	Approval to Re-issue FY16 Funds that were returned to the County from Carver Heights Senior Citizens  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item and gave a brief description. Commissioner V move approve option 1/Hinson 5-0
11.	Discussion on Ordinance for Gadsden County Planning Commission  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Chair Holt said there had been a problem with attendance. Commissioner Viegbesie said one of the commissioners was a representative of District Two and recommended option 2 and said he would be speaking with the individual. Chair Holt said she hoped there would be funding for the Planning Commissioners. V motion for workshop/Hinson question-who workshop with-V said this Board Morgan said he felt important to have each County Commissioner choose 2 from their district so would be balanced Holt said felt should be done by intellectual levels and ability and willingness to serve and address did not matter-could give to next meeting and workshop-table? V motion to table/Hinson  Morgan question Chair called for vote 5-0
12.	Consideration of Approval to Extend Legislative Advocacy & Public Relations Services Agreement  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Chair Holt said good lobbyist important and felt this item should be funded better-no ability like Orange County because don’t have the money. Morgan asked if they were discussing this contract and Mrs. Jackson said yes.  Morgan said with that motion for option 2 Hinson said not fair for them to be crucified and not be able to speak on their behalf and they should be afforded a chance. Morgan said there was a motion on the floor-failed for lack of second. Chair asked for another motion Hinson move to table until first meeting in September to have them appear.  Morgan said this was 3^rd item they have tabled tonight and they need to make decisions. Hinson moved to table/Taylor second 4-1 Morgan opposed
13.	Pest Control Services Extension  Jackson introduced item Morgan motion to table (laughter) /Hinson second Chair said had to address-Morgan withdrew motion and Hinson withdrew second V option 1/Hinson 5-0
14.	Value Adjustment Board  Mrs. Jackson V moved to appoint the two current Board members and reappoint Gaye Steffen/Taylor 5-0
15.	Placement of Veteran’s Memorial Monument  Mrs. Jackson introduced the above item. Mrs. Jackson said this was designed by the County Architect and  Commissioner Viegbesie had comments that people thought this was regarding the moving of the Confederate Monument and that was wrong information and the one being moved was the one on the back (Southside) of the Courthouse. Commissioner Hinson said he spoke with someone at the Courthouse years ago regarding this and Havana has a fountain and that would bring more people to it and would be great to incorporate that and Chair Holt said it would be beautification.  Commissioner Viegbesie said that could be improvement to come with it. V motion to approve option 1 and authorize Chair to sign/Morgan 5-0 Hinson asked how water could be liability-Chair Holt said she agreed with water and beautification but was discussion for another day. Taylor said she spoke with few veterans and they were concerned if this was it or if there could be a building where they could host meetings.  Commissioner Viegbesie said from his perspective, this was not it and was something he would support.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
16.	Updates  Mrs. Jackson gave updates: Budget workshop August 14^th Celebration and Dedication of Barack Obama Boulevard August 16th on South Atlanta Street and Martin Luther King Request made by GHI Board for them to meet with Commission-asked thoughts-Holt said yes. Request for Board to meet with school Board-yes Taylor asked what meeting about-Holt said when talked to Sheriff and Superintendent they were interested in school safety issue-Taylor asked if they were asking to meet to request assistance with funding to assist with safety on campuses-yes-Holt said they had met – Taylor asked if knew how much asking for-Jackson said requesting $500,000-Taylor said concerned her and did not want to put herself in dim light with school board and felt if had meeting was saying could help & know don’t have funding to meet obligation-said if sit down they think possibility of getting funding and time wasted – Holt said told them they were taxing authority and could do their own tax but was not her call and why said to meet.  Chair said she and Mrs. Jackson had already met with staff of School Board and Sheriff’s Department and School Board feels County responsible to provide safety. Taylor said correct when representing Board have to be careful Morgan recommended in new fiscal year after through budget cycle, have Administrator and key staff meet with Superintendent and key staff and put together concise agenda, select dates and come together for productive meeting. Holt felt should meet and nothing wrong with telling School Board no-they have their budget and are a taxing authority and they can request and vote to do ½ cent sales tax. Taylor stepped out at this juncture of meeting. Holt said they were taxing authority and was option and mentioned it to some there.  New statute out regarding safety in schools and needs to be brought to Board so they can see if responsible or not. Taylor returned at this juncture of the meeting. Holt said if doesn’t happen, gives appearance don’t want to help Taylor stepped back out Hinson said he was wondering when issues come to Board such as this, Administrator and Staff inform them beforehand before discussing Holt said before it went to Governor it did not involve the Counties and was no reason to move forward Taylor returned Hinson said money was given to school and asked what percentage of money came from the County to the School Board.  Jackson said they pay Sheriff and Hinson said still coming through BOCC-Hinson said BOCC pays Sheriff and in turn pay them.  Hinson said before meeting with School Board, the County needed to have their house in order.  Schedule workshop.  Hinson said do before next meeting on 14^th-Weiss said need to be advertised first-have to be in two weeks.  Hinson said to do at regular board meeting. Morgan asked if they were talking about one specific agenda item to discuss and potential meeting with SB or to discuss issues-Holt said to be put on Agenda-Morgan encouraged to let Administrator and key staff work this out prior and would be more productive Taylor stepped out Weiss said in the meantime, will make sure everyone had a copy of the Statute and they could contact him with questions. Hinson asked how much funding the State gave the School Board and Holt said it would be in the package. Jackson said request to lease space at hospital, GHI onboard, who-Eye Associates, Thyroid, Lighthouse. Morgan asked if needed to be agendaed-yes. Request from Viegbesie, introduced Olivia Smith-said few words.
CLERK OF COURT
17.	Updates
COUNTY ATTORNEY
18.	Updates  Nothing to report Canvassing Board-request from Supervisor to request alternate Taylor returned Weiss said needed to have alternate and could not be anyone actively involved in campaigns and if all were actively involved, would have to find someone else-Said statute specific to candidates V said canvassing Board did not have to be elected official and could be County Administrator- Holt motion Jackson alternate/V second Holt withdrew motion and V withdrew second V motion to approve Administrator and Assistant as alternat-5-0
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
19.	Report and Discussion of Public Issues
	Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1  Thanked Board for great meeting. FAMU be in Quincy Saturday and doing Back to School Book bag Drive at Corry field. Morgan stepped out They talked about student assistant and said he was only person that had student assistant Hinson asked Commissioners if they had hired student assistants-no Thanked them for honoring Mega reunion in Havana Morgan returned Hinson asked Morgan if he had hired student assistant or intern-no V stepped out Hinson asked how much money was remaining in budget this year for assistants. Thanked staff for giving money back to Havana Senior Citizens
	Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3   Nothing
	Commissioner Sherrie Taylor, District 5  Request for Proclamation for Cora Lee Brown Williams/Holt 4-0 She asked attorney about petitioners that appeared before them if he had had a chance to review the language and she would like to have a discussion with him.
	Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Vice-Chair, District 2  Commended staff for enlightened update
	Commissioner Brenda Holt, Chair, District 4  16^th dedication for Barack Obama Blvd at 5:30 Went to Hoover event last week and was round table discussion with owners of Four Star Freight and Hoovers and said intellectual deficit  was problem with hiring Have to work with school system for position for diesel mechanic instructor and possible grant to assist with position Hinson announced there was a gentleman in Havana that passed away and served on some of the Board-Don Vickers-passed away yesterday and extended condolences to his family Motion for Resolution/V 5-0
Receipt and File 20.          Letter from Duke Energy
UPCOMING MEETINGS
MOTION TO ADJOURN  Adjourned at 8:00