Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

Regular Public Meeting

November 5, 2019

6:00 p.m.

Present:               Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, Chair, District 2

                                Sherrie Taylor, Vice Chair, District 5

                                Eric Hinson, District 2

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Brenda Holt, District 4

                                Arthur Lawson, Interim County Administrator

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                David Weiss, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   Chair called meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and asked everyone to silence their phones.  Asked everyone to stand for Invocation and Pledge.
AMENDMENTS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Lawson asked to pull 9, 12 & 13 off Consent Agenda and will come back later. Taylor asked to pull 7 for discussion Morgan asked if Agenda been adopted-no-Interim requesting items to be pulled Holt motion to approve with changes/Taylor second 5-0
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES
	None
CONSENT  Holt approval of consent with changes/Morgan 5-0
1.	Ratification Memo
2.	Approval of the Security Force Southeast, LLC Contract Extension
3.	Approval of Minutes a. August 20-Special Meeting b. September 3, 2019-Regular Meeting
4.	Approval of the 2020 Holiday Schedule
5.	Approval of the FY 2020/2021 Proposed Budget Calendar
6.	Approval of the 2020 BOCC Meeting Calendar
7.	Approval of the Non-Profit/Human Services Funding Agreement for FY2019/2020 between the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, Inc. and the BOCC Item Pulled for Discussion
8.	Approval of the Non-Profit/Human Services Funding Agreements and Interlocal Agreements for Senior Services for Gadsden County Seniors for FY2019/2020
9.	Gadsden County Jail-Fire Protection
10.	Cooks Landing Road Resurfacing Project (Construction) SCOP Agreement
11.	Selection and Approval of the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Housing Rehabilitation Specialist
12.	Termination of Billing Services Agreement
13.	Agreement for Billing Services between Gadsden County, FL and EMS Management and Consultants, Inc.
ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
7.	Approval of the Non-Profit/Human Services Funding Agreement for FY2019/2020 between the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, Inc. and the BOCC  Taylor said understood and asked Clerk and County Admin to ensure money would be used for all three sites and if could not do with reduced funding, would come back to Board.  Yes would go to all three. V said had discussion with Club and no one site should be shut down or deprived of services. Weiss clarified that not in agreement Hinson said had same conversation – submitted letter for the record that Havana and Quincy will be suspended until further notice. Mr. Lawson said if this was going to happen, the Board should have been notified before a letter went to the parents V made motion to pull this item Hinson said he wondered if they were trying to send an inconspicuous message to the Board.  Commissioner Morgan appeared at this juncture of the meeting (he previously was appearing by phone).  Holt suggested to withdraw the motion and second on the Consent Agenda. Taylor asked for Attorney to look into this and said to the Clerk to get the Boys and Girls Club here to clarify before one dime was spent. Holt motion to table/Hinson second 5-0
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
	Gary Murray, 108 S. Shadow Street, Quincy, FL-Woodberry Road – appeared before the Board- Asked BOCC help him to adopt the road and maintain it, pull ditches  V said there was an Ordinance that put in place adoption of roads and asked him to schedule an appointment with the Interim Administrator concerning this matter. Weiss said Holt told him to get with Manager and she, him and Mr. Hall will get together and discuss it and go over the process.
	Linda Barkley, 530 –re: adoption of road process- She said if they remembered, ordinance sunsetted in 2014.  She said if she was clear, what they were supposed to be doing was scheduling workshop first.  She said she has done what they instructed the previous gentleman to do and she was then directed back to the BOCC.  She asked they to hold the workshop they originally stated they would do.  Taylor said when comes to her comments she will ask for the workshop.  Holt said she and Barkley have had conversation and she instructed her to contact Administrator and Public Works.  Will get there.
	Veronica Davis, speaking for her Mother. Been waiting 10 years-heard tonight about road sign and changing from blue to green
PUBLIC HEARINGS
14.	PUBLIC HEARING-Adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-014, An Ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of Gadsden County, FL granting subject to conditions, for up to 10 years, an economic development ad valorem tax exemption pursuant to Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, and the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Ordinance to Coastal Plywood Company for the assessed value of the net increase in the tangible personal property acquired to facilitate the expansion of its existing business and the establishment of new jobs in Gadsden County; Approving a written tax exemption agreement; providing for repeal, severability, modifications  Lawson introduced above item. Weiss said they have Ordinance on books that authorizes Board to grant Ad Valorem tax exemptions under certain conditions.  This company is proposing to purchase and acquire and install equipment that will enhance production and will hire employees and pay above average wage in Gadsden County. V announced this was a public hearing and asked if there was anyone who wished to speak either in opposition or support of this matter.  Brad Richardson, Finance Manager, Coastal, appeared before the Board.  At time Mill was built, used equipment was used. Have grown to 320 full-time employees.  Technology has grown and need to upgrade equipment.  Have a plan to invest $20 Million +/- in new equipment and he explained the equipment.   Bryan Bates, CFO, Coastal, echoed colleagues sentiments.  Coastal Plywood is proud member of Gadsden community and will continue to work with the County.   Michael Dooner, Southern Forestry appeared before the Board and echoed what has already been said.  He said mill was critical to environment of the County.   Beth Cicchetti, GCDC, appeared before the Board and said this was brought to them through Enterprise Florida.  As required, have worked with Property Appraisers’ Office to prepare packet  Taylor said heard amounts, asked attorney if had chance to look over item.  She said she did not comprehend it.  Coastal is very good community partner and wants to keep them that way.  She asked what impact it had on future.  Weiss said Ordinance said they work with Property Appraiser to determine amount of Taylor asked them to show where in 2021 where dollars will be generated  Holt acknowledged that she met with Bates and Richardson and they discussed jobs, background checks, etc., had couple of questions for Cicchetti.  Asked amount of taxes roughly paid-roughly $250,000.  From what understand, will continue to pay what paying, but not new taxes on new equipment.  Hinson said get questions about jobs and know they hire.   Morgan said as relates to local economic strategy, most important thing to every ten years, way look, also spoken to Coastal, have to ask self, if proven industry that was good partner for County, would you offer incentives to have company come to county and would think so.  Asked if enhancements would be expansion to plant and was told would not increase actual footprint of plant.  Have no issue with this.  V said also have spoken with them and asked questions and was most impressed with new equipment and lived not too far from area and hears saws.  Was in support of item. Taylor said sounds like everyone made contact with company except her and was offended and not going to support (laughing).       V asked again if any comments from audience and there was none Hinson approve/Holt 5-0
GENERAL BUSINESS
15.	Economic Development Professional Services Contract-Gadsden County Development Council  Lawson introduced above item-seeking Board direction and approval of funds allocated-also pointed out was for lump sum figure-typically in past was quarterly.  Taylor said in workshop, need to tag on with funds, deliverables.  Need to have list of items.  Holt said can see what they do with Coastal and Hoover.  Think need to work with GCDC on sites to look for development and get certified.   Morgan said what GCDC brings to table is important-don’t understand why need to make single payment-make quarterly installment as have always done.  Also need to remember financial condition of County.  Holt asked if Cicchetti could explain the request.  She said the request was to serve as a match they were working on through EDO and was explained in packet.  Explained have cut marketing and going after grants to fil the gaps.  Morgan asked timeframe of match-November 22^nd.   Holt asked amount of grant requested-$300,000 max—Holt said did not see problem. Holt asked how much able to apply for  Hinson said heard everyone and all makes so much sense.  Suggested give $15,000, $15,000 and then $30,000 for this year.  Morgan encouraged them to stick with quarterly payments.  Taylor said if was looking at 50% Taylor motion increments of $15,000/Morgan second with question-talking strictly with GCDC-Taylor said motion is for what on agenda/Morgan second Holt question for Cicchetti-will that work-will send invoice for first $15,000, in December will send second invoice.  Hinson asked if they were only ones funding-no-getting funding from all municipalities.  Hinson said would like to request amendment of motion.  $20,000; $20,000, $20,000.  Taylor refused to amend Chair called for vote 5-0  Holt asked for Administrator to give Letter of Support.
CLERK OF COURT
16.	Updates  Clerk said forwarded an email from Finance Director regarding approval of Dispatch Center-issue is it encompasses more than Fire, it’s mostly Law Enforcement, Sheriff, Police Department, EMS.  All funding is in Fire fund balance.  Upon review, Finance Director feels have been encumbered and need to amend the Ordinance to make payment from Ordinance as budgeted. V said read email and asked if Attorney and Clerk wanted to work on appropriate language. Holt said also include Finance Director.  Morgan asked Clerk if this was his recommendation-yes.  Clerk said could be one time thing coming from Fund Balance and not impact ongoing revenue that being disbursed to two funds.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
17.	Updates  Reminders-11/8-bid opening for legal services Will get reminder of Veterans’ celebration on 11/11 at 11:00 a.m. Building Department workshop 11/19 at 4:00 p.m. Wanted to get availability for GHI/BCC joint meeting week of November 25^th or 26^th Holt said to include amendment in next meeting in case if needed. Taylor said to try to nail down a date-second week of December Holt said to put extension in packet just in case.  Also to hold during regular meeting and make sure publicized more. Hinson said reason to have public meeting and then have another public meeting to vote, have input. Taylor said have had 3-4 meetings on contract, gone through it, made suggestions, to continue to kick can down road unfair to citizens.  Why prolong other than try to derail this whole thing.  Holt said extension needed to be in next agenda as safety mechanism.  V said did not see why could not be on Agenda.  Hope can finalize current contract and approval.   V thanked Interim for his diligence and for coming out of retirement and helping the past few months.  Taylor asked for workshop for GCDC and Chamber for deliverables – Morgan asked if they would be separate or together-she said together.  She asked for workshop for private roads.  Affordable Housing- She asked why waiting so long on meeting for Planning and workshop on permits.  SHIP funds one thing never understand-like a maze.  Nothing ever done-hear pots of money.  Thinks Summer program need to go back on Agenda.   Morgan echoed what great job Lawson did.    Regarding specific comments on workshop for Chamber and GCDC-encouraged them to schedule individual workshops for them. V said on that same note, felt having separate would be better. Taylor left at 8:01 p.m. Holt disagreed-want them to work together.  Morgan agreed.  Holt felt more productive together.   Holt said regarding CBOR-on step-own process, if looking at industrial, goes heavy to light, then to Ag… V said CBOR needed a workshop by itself.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
18.	Updates  Weiss echoed sentiments Taylor returned at 8:06 p.m. With respect to CBOR, when went to Planning, they wanted workshop with BOCC and understood in the works.
DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS
19.	Report and Discussion of Public Issues
	Commissioner Eric Hinson, District 1  Hinson echoed what Taylor said about roads Morgan left at 8:09 p.m. V stepped out at 8:09 p.m. Along with Planning, want to look at permits; SHIP haven’t had issues, his citizens said been doing decent job; ; Summer Youth employment-Emergency Housing-want on next Agenda along with Summer Youth.  Friday while at Gadsden County High School, one girl came to him and asked if he could help her find job.  V returned at 8:12 p.m. Lawson and Associates-don’t want to miss the boat-funded them last couple of years-almost too late.  Want on next agenda and pay $25,000 Uncle Melvin Hinson passed away and asked for Resolution.  V suggested he call and give Administrator information.
	Commissioner Gene Morgan, District 3
	Commissioner Brenda Holt, District 4  Holt-Grant writer-have funds for that and need to get one to go after funding for some of these requests. Need to get with Manager and Finance Department on line items on workshops before get there.  Agreed with Hinson and said Lawson called her and wanted if have opportunity, request information on some funding. As for Lawson and Associates, need person to approach and need to go after funding.  Need to have specific person that is assigned. Thanked Mr. Lawson.
	Commissioner Sherrie Taylor Vice-Chair, District 5
	Commissioner Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie,, Chair, District 2
Receipt and File
20.	a. FDOH-Gadsden’s Quarterly Progress Report for ½ Cent Sales Tax Prevention and Education Program b. October 3, 2019-Quincy CRA #1 c. October 3, 2019-Havana Downtown Redevelopment d. October 3, 2019*Midway CRA 2011
UPCOMING MEETINGS
MOTION TO ADJOURN  Adjourned at 8:21 p.m.