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withdrawn the County's Comprehensive Plan amendment and notify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