BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 26. 1996

The Board of County Commissioners of Leon County, Florida, met in regular session with Chairman Host presiding. Those in attendance were Commissioners Yordon, Joanos, Maloy, Thaell, Sauls and Proctor. Also in attendance were County Attorney Herb Thiele, County Administrator Parwez Alam, Deputy Clerk Bill Bogan, Jr., and Secretary Sandra C. O'Neal.

The meeting opened with Invocation provided by Reverend Ray followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag lead by the Honorable Dave Lang, Clerk of the Circuit Court.

REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

Chairman Host gave a brief presentation regarding his Chairmanship over the past year and extended commendations to County staff, the City Commission, the universities, other various agencies, his fellow Commissioners, and his family for their support. Chairman Host mentioned some of the accomplishments of the Board: County Parks/Recreations Program, commitment to lakes restoration, in-house grant writer, development MIS Strategic Plan, enhanced Leon County Home Page (Internet), renovating the Old Jail for the Sheriff Administrative Complex and new offices for Mosquito and Animal Control, establishing quarterly meetings with Constitutional/Judicial Officers, federal dollars for flood relief, transitioning JTPA into the new Workforce Council, initiating Site Specific Zoning, and receiving Florida Annual Greenways.

Chairman Host stated that he plans to resolve the issue of citing of the Northeast High School and requested that this matter be placed on the agenda at the next meeting. Chairman Host stated that he will propose that the County withdrawn the County's Comprehensive Plan amendment and notify the School Board so they can move forward.

Commissioner Yordon, on behalf of the Board, presented a plaque to Chairman Host representing a tree to be planted in his honor at the Northeast Branch Library, and a second plaque acknowledging his leadership as Chairman over the past year. A pair of cuff links with the County emblem was also given to the Chairman.

Clerk of the Circuit Court, Dave Lang, assumed the Chair and called for nominations for Chairmanship of the Board of County Commissioners for the upcoming year.

Commissioner Joanos moved to nominate Commissioner Yordon as Chairman of the Board. Commissioner Host seconded the motion. The Clerk called for further nominations. Commissioner Maloy moved that nominations for Chairmanship be closed. The motion on the floor to nominate Commissioner Yordon as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Leon County, Florida, carried unanimously.

The Clerk called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Host moved and was duly seconded by Commissioner Maloy to nominate Commissioner Joanos as Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Thaell stated that in the spirit of tolerance and understanding, he moves to close nominations for Vice-Chairmanship. The motion on the floor to nominate Commissioner Joanos as Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Leon County, Florida, carried unanimously.

Chief Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, Honorable Judge N. Sanders Sauls administered the Oath of Office to Chairman Yordon.

Chairman Yordon expressed appreciation to the Board members for their support. He acknowledged family members and friends in the audience and thanked them for their dedication. The Chairman briefly spoke of the nomination process for Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board and indicated that in past years, certain commissioners who were thought to be in line for Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship were not always nominated, and that this is no reflection on a commissioner. Chairman Yordon stated that the upcoming year would be consensus-building and noted that there would be efforts to create a healthy work environment for employees in the future. He emphasized the importance of government providing services to the public in the best efficient manner possible and that he plans to further those efforts.

The Board recessed at 5:55 p.m. for refreshments, and reconvened at 6:30 p.m.





CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Host moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Joanos and carried unanimously, to approve the following Consent Agenda.

1. BILLS AND VOUCHERS

The Board approved the County bills and authorized the Chairman and the Clerk to issue the proper warrants: $1,143,004.83

2. MINUTES APPROVAL

The Board approved the Minutes of September 17, 1996, Regular Meeting.

3. RENEWAL OF WORKER'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE AGREEMENT

The Board continued the contractual relationship for workers' compensation Third Party and Reinsurance Agreement to Commercial Risk Management.

4. DEEDS TO AMTRAK PROPERTY

On May 21, 1996, the Board approved a termination agreement with the City of Tallahassee for division of the Amtrak property. This property consists of 5.69 acres of land and three buildings, which are jointly owned and operated by the City and County. These are located at 918 Railroad Avenue.

The Board approved the deeds, accepted the environmental test results, and approved the establishment of an operating budget in which the County share of enterprise fund will be deposited and used for improvements to the property; and in which rent revenues will be used for the continued operation and maintenance of property upon assumption by the Board.

5. ANNUAL STATUS REPORT FOR THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Mr. Charles Wright, Director of the Tourist Development Council, appeared and gave a presentation on the annual report of accomplishments and activities of the Tourist Development Council.

Mr. Wright introduced the team that represents tourism in Leon County: Karen Moore and Carol Uzzell, advertising agency; Sherrie Murphy, Tony Collins, Rick Hatcher, Convention and Business Bureau; Kaye Strong, Tourist Development Council. Mr. Wright presented a brief video showing various activities available in Tallahassee, and circulated a brochure showing cultural history, including a map of Tallahassee.

Mr. Wright stated that over the past year, the Council has worked to create a new slogan for the area entitled "Preserving the Past and Creating the Future." He explained that a survey was taken to obtain various viewpoints on the slogan.

Commissioner Host moved to approve the TDC status report, approve the slogan, and to approve installing County line signs (with the slogan) on every road that leads into Leon County, with a cost of approximately $10,000. Mr. Wright advised that the TDC would pay one-half ($5,000) of the cost.

Commissioner Proctor stated that some Tallahasseans do not wish to preserve some of the history of this City and suggested that this slogan be tested.

Commissioner Host amended his motion to accept the status report of the TDC and continue the slogan and sign issue until December 10, 1996. Commissioner Joanos seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

6. SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE INVESTMENT OVERSITE COMMITTEE (IOC)

Mr. Derrell Williams, Chairman of the IOC, appeared and made a brief presentation regarding the second and third quarterly reports.

Commissioner Joanos moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Maloy and carried unanimously, to accept both reports as presented.

7. REQUEST FOR WASTE TIRE GRANT FUNDS BY EMANUEL JONES

The Board requested staff to investigate possible grant funding for disposal of waste tires from Mr. Emanuel Jones.


Commissioner Joanos moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Host and carried unanimously, to utilize waste tire grant funds in the amount of $3,323 to offset the cost of disposing of Mr. Jones's waste tires. See attached agenda request regarding history of this issue:

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Mr. Alice Thompson, 2222 Monahan, appeared and referred to various issues as described:

Hoped to see Commissioner Thaell appointed as Vice-Chairman next year; referred to the proposed County "slogan" (Item 5) and stated that she thought the proposed slogan "Preserving the past, creating the future" implied to physical preservation of the County rather than having historical and social implications. Ms. Thompson indicated that "Ensuring the Future" would be a more appropriate slogan.

Mrs. Thompson also encouraged the new Commissioners to review past Records of the Board and requested that they carefully consider new developments and not allow urban sprawl; preserve wetlands and greenways of the County. She also urged the Board to not place a time limit on speakers addressing the Board.

b. Mrs. Vicki Cureton appeared representing approximately six associations located in the outlying areas of Leon County (Lake Bradford to Lake Miccosukee). She welcomed the new Commissioners and explained that a network has been formed to monitor activities taking place in the County. Mrs. Cureton thanked Commissioner Thaell for his support for citizens in the community.

c. Mrs. Deborah Newhall, 1518 Rankin Avenue, referred to the new Chairmanship and stated that she feels that the southwest part of the County is being excluded from the leadership process. She suggested limiting the Chairperson position to those Commissioners that serve at large.

Mrs. Newhall urged the Board to represent the community and not just certain segments when making decisions for uses of property. She stated that the southwest section has many undesirable uses; jail, sewage plant, prison, sand pits, airport.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSIONER HOST

a. Reported of correspondence received from DCA regarding the proposed Northeast High School site.

Commissioner Host recommended that the Board withdrew the amendment from DCA and suggested this item be placed on the December 10 agenda. The Board concurred that it be placed on the agenda.

b. Referred to the City's setback ordinance and requested that the issue be placed on a future agenda. The Board concurred.

c. Reported that he visited Orlando last week and saw the "West Orange Trail" which is an activity center that has brought diverse areas of the community together. The County Administrator has additional information available. Commissioner Host advised that he also reviewed the Orlando lake quality management program which monitors the quality of improvement of each of their lakes and provides quarterly reports. He explained that he has asked the County Administrator to speak with the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) regarding provision of a technical, scientific report of lakes in this area. The County Administrator advised that the SAC has been discussing this project and that a status report will be provided in January.

COMMISSIONER THAELL

Offered congratulations to the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

COMMISSIONER SAULS

Thanked the County Administrator and staff for their assistance, and congratulated the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Sauls advised Mrs. Deborah Newhall that she represents District 2 and will be working towards certain goals for that district.

COMMISSIONER PROCTOR

a. Advised that he toured the Boot Camp and the Jail, and discussed the curriculum with the Sheriff. Commissioner Proctor encouraged the Board to take careful review of the situation.

b. Advised that there was no orientation regarding appointment of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Chairman Yordon responded by stating that there is no policy or procedure regarding this issue, and there is no rotation process for appointment.




COMMISSIONER MALOY

a. Reported that last Friday he attended a meeting hosted by Leon County for minority and women business owners. Commissioner Maloy stated that they were able to meet County staff so they could view their goods and services available. He complimented MBE staff and other departments for their efforts, which proved successful.

b. Advised that the Florida Association of Counties, Legislative Conference was held last week and reported that participation was very good.

c. Wished FAMU and FSU the best in their upcoming games.

COMMISSIONER JOANOS

a. Reported that he received a letter from Director Cook, Health Care Administration, in response to an earlier letter which was sent by the Board regarding the County's share of reimbursement of Medicaid payments. The State responded by indicating that Florida Statutes do not allow authority for the state to refund those dollars. Commissioner Joanos recommended that the County Attorney review this issue, continue working with the Florida Association of Counties on this issue, and take whatever measures are necessary since it does involve a substantial amount of County funds (taxpayer dollars). The Chairman requested that the County Attorney and the County Administrator review this issue. Commissioner Thaell suggested that the Indigent Task Force review this issue or at least be made aware of the problem.

CHAIRMAN YORDON

a. Requested support for adoption of a resolution for "The Public Right to Know in the Children's Environmental Protection Act." The Board concurred.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

APPROVED:___________________

Gary Yordon

Chairman

ATTEST:



________________________________

Clerk of the Circuit Court