Water rate increases within Liberty County were discussed. Rates would increase in tiers based on water usage.

Transcription

1 ? THRUSDAY, AUGUST 10,2017 4:30 PM EST PUBLIC HEARING The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dexter Barber. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Dexter Barber, James Sanders, Dewayne Branch, Jim Johnson, Scott Phillips, Attorney Robin Myers, Clerk Kathleen Brown and Deputy Clerk Mason Kever. Prayer was led by Commissioner Barber. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Sanders. Water rate increases within Liberty County were discussed. Rates would increase in tiers based on water usage. Chairman Barber requested audience and board concerns. Commissioner Branch discussed the need for the increase based on the Florida Rural Water Association Recommendation and the USDA study. The Florida Rural Water Association performed a rate study on the Liberty County water systems in May The findings were that the water rates are insufficient to cover expenses, debt service, and reserves. Betty Richards Keith addressed the Board with concerns about how the additional cost would affect seniors on limited fixed income in the community. She asked the Board to consider all those on fixed incomes throughout the county. Ms. Keith voiced her concerns on the County's procedures for the non-paying customers. Commissioner Sanders heard and understood the concerns on Ms. Keith. Sanders discussed all the circumstances that lead the county to its current financial constraints. Commissioner Sanders discussed the current procedures for non-paying customers. Commissioner Branch discussed budget constraints and how they are requiring changes within the county. Branch expressed concerns that his relatives would be affected by this change as well and hoped to be able to implement changes in the future that would help seniors. Commissioner Johnson asked what IMs. Keith's water bill averaged monthly, which was approximately $ Commissioner Johnson requested that the county any of her late fees from the past that resulted from water leaks. Commissioner Phillips noted that individuals on private wells are averaging approximately $20 per month on electricity, and that he did not want to take tax dollars from those on private wells to pay for public wells. There were no further Board and audience concerns or comments. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. 'THRUSDAY, AUGUST 10,2017 5:00 PlVl EST WORKSHOP WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD

2 .....,... I _ The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dexter Barber. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Dexter Barber, James Sanders, Dewayne Branch, Jim Johnson, Scott Phillips, Attorney Robin Myers, Clerk Kathleen Brown and Deputy Clerk Mason Kever. School Board Members: Roger Reddick, Kyle Peddie, Tina Tharpe, James Flowers, Darrell Hayes, and School Superintendent David Summers Prayer was led by Commissioner Johnson. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Branch. ; The Board of County Commissioners and School Board met to discuss the relocation of the Maxwell Harrell Pliblic Library that is sitting near the front door of the new 18 million dollar Liberty County High School Project. Superintendent Summers made the suggestion for a new site for the Public Library. He suggested the schools old administrative building located on Highway 12 North. Superintendent Summers presented a report of demolition showing that the building had very low levels of asbestos. Commissioner Johnson was interested to know the cost of demolishing the building. Johnson also mentioned that Mark Plumber was willing to work out a price with the county I on property near the dollar store. Board member Roger Reddick asked about using the property on 12 North as a county park as well as library area. Attorney Myers addressed the legal concerns of the location of the existing library associated with its proximity of the new school. It was discussed by the school aboard and commission that sex offenders were a concern when considering a location of the library. Commissioner Sanders stated that he did not want sex offenders anywhere near the children of Liberty County. Sanders was in agreement for moving the library but was unsure of the new location. It was noted in the meeting that that part of the school funding included $75,000 to move the library and $25,000 to fix and set up the library at the new location. Commissioner Phillips felt that the County should respect the library and the library name, and continue to honor Maxwell Harrell for his contributions to the County. A location on Highway 12 seemed like a logical location choice to Commissioner Phillips, as the road was name after Maxwell Harrell. 11 Superintendent Summers noted that the entire 40-acre block would be utilized for the new school. ~ ~ Peddie l e wanted all to consider placing the library in close access to the school and community. A member of the audience asked that the library be close to the populated areas of Bristol allowing those without transportation a short walk. Open discussion continued between the School Board and Commissioners. Board member James Flowers suggested the possibility of the Chamber of Commerce land close to the red light. L

3 Commissioner Branch commented that is was difficult for the Board to expend money. when the county is already working with a tight budget. Branch was a supporter of the library but it must be within the county's budget.. Greg, the school architect with CRA discussed the school construction time line. The building could be phased in to work around the library's relocation, but decisions should be made quickly to get the project underway. Commissioner Sanders mentioned that he was extremely excited for the new school and its benefit to the children of Liberty County. Greg mentioned that the school building schedule could be phased in, giving us time to seek revenues from the next legislative session. Commissioner Sanders mentioned moving or using the old emergency management center for the library. Board member Reddick stated the $100,000 could also be used for remodeling a new building. Robin, with the regional library system asked that the library staff be considered with making changes to the library. They could provide valuable information to assist with a new location. Various comments were made stating the library needed to be moved as it sat where the front doors of the school would be located. Branch suggested having someone from each Board and library staff work together and help communications move forward. Johnson suggested using the current library building, but move it to a new location. Commissioner Branch stated he would like the library location on Highway 12. Attorney Myers discussed the Maxwell Harrell Trust. Kyle Peddie suggested meeting in 2 weeks with the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, Board of Commissioner, the library system, and the general public to further discussion. Tina Tharpe suggested land owners in the area be in attendance as they may be willing to sell or donate land for the library. Clerk Kathy Brown will schedule a meeting for all parties to be present. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Sanders, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. THRUSDAY, AUGUST 10, :QQ PM EST REGULAR MEETING The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dexter Barber. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Dexter Barber, James Sanders, Dewayne Branch, Jim Johnson, Scott Phillips, Attorney Robin Myers, Clerk Kathleen Brown and Deputy Clerk Mason Kever. Prayer was led by Commissioner Branch. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Phillips.

4 Cil.! (1, AUDIENCE CONCERNS: Sheriff White expressed concerned with traffic speeding down Conyers Road to bypass the Tolar school zone. Sheriff White suggested placing two speed humps to slow down traffic. Motion to agenda speed humps on Conyers Road by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. BOARD CONCERNS: Commissioner Phillips advised the Board that a request had been made to place a sign below Orange designating the area to be known as "Lewis". This will be discussed on the next agenda September 7,2017. Commissioner Johnson requested that Regular Board meeting be scheduled for 7:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM. Motion to agenda 7:00 PM regular board meetings by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. Lisa Shuler and Deborah Sisk, with Capital Health Plan, discussed~ount~ renewal rate increase of 3.95% Commissioner Johnson stated that he felt the board should absorb the health insurance increase because County employees have not received a raise in years. Motion for the County to absorb the employee portion of the health insurance increase by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. Motion to renew insurance with Capital Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. Emergency Management has donated 12 digital speed check signs to be placed throughout the County. The Board requested that the Sheriff and Benny Jacobs assist with using these signs throughout the County. County auditor, Chris Moran, discussed fiscal year audit. The September 30, 2016 was filed with the state on June 30,2017. Moran, walked the Board through several key components of the audit, of which were the County balance sheet and the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances. Moran stated that in audit year 15-16, the County performed better than anticipated in its proposed budget. Motion to approve Opportunity Florida dues for $ by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. Chad Taylor and Joe Crozier with Riparian Stakeholders addressed the Board. They discussed the organization's purpose and requested funding during the next fiscal year for $5,000 to $2,500. Taylor and Crozier discussed the sustainable water management plan for the ACF Basin Management area. Commissioner Johnson commented on water levels and restrictions from Georgia. Motion to approve $2,500 to Riparian Stakeholders for fiscal year by Commissioner Johnson. Motion died for lack of a second. Marcial Green, with Talquin Electric Cooperative introduced herself to the Board. Ms. Green is serving as a point of contact for Talquin. Talquin is interested in collaborating with local counties for provide better services for its customers.

5 Commissioner Johnson expressed concerns with right of way restrictions by National Forest land. Talquin Electric faces similar challenges. Brian Eddins discussed fire truck transfers to amongst county fire departments. Hosford Fire Station received and will use the newer Pierce fire truck; the Hosford fire truck will go to Estiffanulga, and Estiffanulga fire truck will go to Sumatra; Motion for approval by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. Mr. Eddins advised the Board that they are in need of a fire station building in Sumatra. The Board instructed him to make sure to add the insurance. Motion to bid out and purchase radios for the fire department by Commissioner Sanders second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. Winter Collins and Jordan Wahlquist addressed the Board. Winder Collins, with Panhandle Community Outreach is seeking out grants to benefit Liberty County in various capacities. Ms. Collins is coordinating and collaborating with residents of the County and is uncovering needs to address. Her business is located in downtown Bristol. Collins requested letters of support for Community Wellness Counseling Support Services, which provides support for mental health needs. Jordan Wahlquist also requested letters of support for her business, Communication Station, which provides Speech Pathology, services for the county's residents. Motion to approve letters of Support to Capital Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield for Winter Collins and Jordan Wahlquist by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. Mr. Smithwick and Mr. Robbins, representing Pancare requested Board approval for a Letter of Support to become a Capital Health Care provider. Motion to approve letter of support to Capital Health Plan and Florida Blue for Pancare by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. Ann Kincaid, with Transit addressed the Board. Transit is having consistent and major problems with lightning strikes. Kincaid feels this is due to the radio antenna behind the building. Fairpoint has attempted to fix the problem numerous times with no success. Kincaid suggested using cell phones in all vehicles instead of radios, with phones assigned to each person, not each car. Motion to allow transit employees to each have a cell phone instead of using radios by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. Motion to approve expenditure of $5, to the Sheriff for Title Ill search and rescue money by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. The Board discussed the 2020 Census Local Update of Census Addresses Operation (LUCA). Stephen Ford discussed this with the Board and will work on LUCA Census Hosford Water Well #3 Project bids discussed: 1) Dowdy Plumbing Corporation at $328, ) North Florida Construction at $550, Justin Ford with Dewberry discussed the bids. Both bids were greater than the remaining grant funds of approximately $195, Ford suggested that the Board table the bids and allow him to work with water management and see if more money could become available. Motion to table the bids by Commissioner Sanders, second by Commissioner Johnson and carried.

6 The Board discussed the support of passing aresolution against texting and driving. Motion to adopt resolution #17-08, to support no texting while driving was made by commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner ~ranch'arid carried. Commissioner Branch discussed with the Board the Emergency Services Zones and E911 Maps. Stephen Ford, 911 Director and John Summers with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office also addressed the Board. Commissioner Branch recommended changing the zones to meet fire standards helping to improve the County IS0 rating. Brian Eddins to assist with zoning. Eddins recommended that the closest'department be called to respond first to fires, followed by the next closest department. The Board asked that the maps be reassigned then present the map back to the Board for approval. Commissioner Branch discussed the agreement between St. Joe and the Board on the culvert installation on SR 65. He had concerns that the Road Department had not applied for the permit and the County had to pay the County.Planner $ an hour to get this done. The permit has been sent to the Department of Transportation but instructed the Road and Bridge Department to install the culvert as soon as th;! permit is approved. The agreement for St. Joe to deed the County four acres off Turkey Creek Road for the culvert installation needs to be drafted. Commissioner Johnson agreed with Commissioner Branch. Motion to approve Ordinance # new water rates based off the Florida Rural Water rate Study; 0 to 3000 gal at $20.00 base rate, Next 2000 gal at $4.27 per 1000 gal, Next 3000 gal at $4.48 per 1000 gal, Next 7000 gal at $4.71 per 1000 gal; by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. The Board discussed the need to increase the County Probation Fees. Motion to approve increasing County Probation fees from $40 to $50 per month beginning September IS', ' 2017 was made by Commissioner Sanders, second by Commissioner Johnson and carried. Michael Clark requested a donation of $1,000 to Liberty Community Health Care. Commissioner Sanders offered his time and energy to assist the Health Department, but mentioned limitations from the county due to budget restraints. Clark also mentioned a hot water line leak at the health clinic and requested assistance. Johnny Eubanks requested the Board approve the submission of the DEO Grant Application for a turn lane on SR 65 & FR 103. Work needs to be done-on SR65 and Forest Road 103. Road access must be created through Forest ~oad 103. A company is in the process of purchasing an 85 acre track of land. lklotion to approve grant.application submission was made by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. This could provide the County with 70 new jobs and approximately $3 million in wages. Commissioner Sanders requested Mr. Eubanks check on the State Forest Service and the Federal Forest Service cutting timber in the National Forest. Mr. Eubanks will check on this and report back to the Board. Commissioner Sanders made a motion for the Road Department to install speed humps and signs on Conyers Road, second by Commissioner Branch, after discussion on how the citizens would feel about this. Sheriff White advised the Board that citizens have requested this. Phillips and Johnson voted "Yes1'. Motion carried. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to hold regular Commissioner Meetings at 7 PNI EST instead of 6 PNI EST, second by Commissioner Phillips, Commissioner Branch voted "No", Commissioner Sanders voted "No", and Chairman Barber voted "No". Commissioner Branch commented that he felt there would be no better attendance if the meeting started at 7:00 PM EST than at 6:00 PM EST...

7 Clerk Brown addressed the board. Bentley Bluff toilets were backed up. Chairman Barber stated he would call Derek Jackson right away and have him take a look. There are limbs hanging from the cedar trees by the courthouse that look like they will fall soon. The Board discussed calling Berry Fant or Greg Willis to see about tree pruning. There was also a need to trim a tree by the new record storage vault. The water fountain in the courthouse lobby by the Judge's office is running constantly. Motion to move the unused water fountain at the Senior Citizens center to replace the water fountain by the Judge's chambers by Commissioner Phillips, second by Commissioner Branch and carried. Motion to approve Amendments #3 for the following Projects: 1) Hosford Water System Upgrades Phase 1; 2) Standby Generator for Hosford & Telogia Water System, extension to March 31,2018 was made by Commissioner Sanders, second by Commissioner Branch and carried. 'The door and toilet had been vandalized and broken at the Sumatra Voting Precinct. The Board stated that there is no need to repair at this time since the FRDAP Grant Project for Sumatra Park will begin soon and the repairs can be made then. The language in the City Interlocal Agreements for both the Sixth Cent Local Option Gas Tax and the % Cents Sales Tax was discussed for Board approval. The Board agreed with the language and the City collection 15% of the Sixth Cent Local Option Gas Tax and 20% of the newly adopted fire tax. The Board discussed the leak at the Hosford Library roof. No action was taken. The Board decided not to budget for the Florida Chamber of Commerce dues because of budgetary constraints. Motion to approve travel expenses for Ann Kincaid for $ and Monica Welles for $ by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Sanders, Commissioner Branch voted "no" due to the use of a personal vehicle instead of a county vehicle which created extra cost, Commissioner Phillips voted "yes" as long as there was a clear and needed reason to use a personal car instead of a county car. Fees paid to local funeral homes for transportation services of deceased individuals to the medical examiner's office were discussed. These fees come to the County if the Sheriff's office is required to call for deceased transport in the event that the family does not make the decision. Motion to table Adams funeral Home bill until more information is obtained about the process for payment for transportation to the medical examiners office by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Sanders and carried. ' Discussion about the waiver of Dixie Flowers garbage bill late fees and bills charged after Flowers move from her residence. Notice to the county is required if a resident moves. Before any waivers are granted verification must be obtained that the resident made notice that they were moving. A waiver could be applied if it was county error. The Liberty County High School Homecoming Parade Route was discussed to be held on Friday, October 13,2017 from 10 AM - 11 AM EST. Motion made to approve the parade route by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Branch and carried. A budget workshop was scheduled for Thursday August 17,2017 at 6:00 PM EST.

8 .it' ;....'. *.',.i,'. Motion to approve minut&'for 07/06/17,07/21/17, and 07/'27/17 by Commissioner Sanders, second by Commissioner Branchand ca<ried....,-,, I. :. - >, Motion to pay the bills by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. JULY 7,2017 -AUGUST 10,2017 Warrant List:,, Warrant numbers: Payroll General Ship Weatherization None Bank.EFT Payments: JULY 7,2017 -AUGUST 10, Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Branch, second by Commissioner Phillips and carried. : 4 Dexter Barber, Chairman > LXL&, - Kathleen E. Brown, Clerk 0 /...