BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER

LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 20, 2001

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

Invocation was provided by Monsignor Crawford of St. Thomas Moore Co-Cathedral followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Cliff Thaell.

SELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN FOR 2000/2001

Chairman Dan Winchester called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Leon County, Florida.

Commissioner Grippa moved, duly seconded and carried unanimously, to nominate Commissioner Jane Sauls as the Vice Chair.

For the record, Commissioner Proctor asked about the procedure for selecting a Chairman in November, noting that the ongoing investigation of Commissioner Maloy may not be completed. County Attorney Thiele explained that Chairman Winchester is serving out the unexpired portion of the term of chairmanship, similar to passing the gavel for a conflict of interest, and in November of 2001, Commissioner Winchester would be eligible to receive the nomination for Chairman if the Board so desires. In November, during reorganization of the Board, Commissioner Winchester would automatically be placed back in the status of vice-chairman.

Chairman Winchester expressed, for the record, that the Board should, at this time, set aside any differences that they have and work towards consensus building and get back to addressing County business. He stated that the Commission would continue to adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order Revised and would discuss this issue at the end of the meeting. He reported that the FDLE investigation would not be discussed since it was inappropriate to do so unless the County Attorney brings forth an update and Board action is necessary. Chairman Winchester showed the large gavel that his grandfather left him, noting its symbolic nature in getting along with business.

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

Leanne Jowers, Chairman of the Water Resources Committee, presented the committee’s 2000 Annual Report (see attached) and read the attached letter regarding Lake Lafayette:

CONSENT

Commissioner Maloy moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Sauls and carried unanimously, to approve the following Consent agenda with the exception of Item 10, which was addressed as described below.

  1. BILLS AND VOUCHERS
  2. The Board approved the County bills and authorized the Chairman and the Clerk to issue the proper warrants: $877,813.35

  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR: JANUARY 9, 2001 AND JANUARY 16, 2001
  4. The Board approved the Minutes.

  5. APPROVAL OF FY 1999/2000 FINAL YEAR-END BUDGET AMENDMENTS
  6. For FY1999/00, the year-end audit process indicates that a small number of accounts have been either over expended or erroneously coded. The Finance Department has identified those accounts to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for action through budget amendment. This method is the customary process to close-out the fiscal year.

    The Board approved Option 1: approve the attached budget amendment:

  7. APPROVAL OF BUDGET TRANSFER FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
  8. This item seeks Board approval for a budget transfer from the "Legal Reserve" account for the professional service fees for outside legal work administered by the County Attorney’s Office. Approximately $400,000 was budgeted during FY2000/2001 budget preparation period, with $205,00 actually being placed in the budget line item and an additional $195,000 being placed in a "legal reserve" account.

    The Board approved Option 1: approved the attached budget amendment:

  9. ACCEPTANCE OF STATUS REPORT ON LAKE MUNSON RESTORATION PROJECT
  10. The following outlines some of the accomplishments listed in the agenda item regarding the Lake Munson Restoration Project: due to the efforts of Phoenix Construction Services, Inc. (PCS) and the extreme drought, construction has proceeded rapidly. PCS excavated the 25-acre Lake Henrietta treatment facility and continues to stabilize the berm between Munson Slough and Lake Henrietta. 171,000 cubic yards of landfill cover material was hauled and stockpiled at the County’s Solid Waste Facility, generating $600,000 in revenues for the lake restoration project. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) lists the Lake Munson Restoration Project as one of their priorities for continued participation, and funds are programmed for the in-lake restoration effort to follow the upstream component

    The Board approved Option 1: accept the status report.

  11. APPROVAL FOR ALFORD ARM GREENWAY SUBLEASE AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL TO FORMALLY NAME THE PROPERTY AFTER MR. J.R. ALFORD
  12. This item seeks Board authorization to execute a sublease agreement between Leon County and the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) for the 876.6 acre property known as the Alford Arm Greenway; and approve to formally name the property after its previous owner, Mr. J.R. Alford. The State Division of Lands in the fall of 2000 purchased the Alford Arm. In November 2000, the property was leased to the OGT. Previously, on June 30, 1998, the Board took action and agreed to manage the land should it become acquired by the State.

    The Board approved Option 1: execute the sublease agreement between the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, and Leon County, Florida for a period of fifty years at an annual administrative fee of $300; direct staff to proceed with the preparation of the required management plan for submittal to OGT; formally identify the property as the J.R. Alford Greenway; and proceed with all Leon County requirements as stated in the sublease agreement.

  13. APPROVAL FOR BYRNE GRANT – JUVENILE ASSESSMENT AND RECEIVING CENTER (JARC) FUNDING AND THE CIVIL CITATION PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET AMENDMENT
  14. The 2000-2001 Byrne Drug Control and System Improvement Grant was approved for submittal at the regular Board meeting of June 13, 2000. The grant included a request for funding for the JARC and the Juvenile Civil Citation Program. Under this proposal, it was agreed that the County would supply one-half of the required 25% match for the programs. This item seeks Board approval of the contracts with the City as well as the approval of the required match of $22,708, which will come from the funds set aside for grant matching purposes.

    The Board approved Options 1 and 2: 1) approve the JARC contract and the attached budget amendment; and 2) approve the Juvenile Civil Citation contract and the attached budget amendment (see attached):

  15. APPROVAL FOR ADDITION OF HOLIDAYS TO THE 2001 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AND ANNUAL REVIEW OF SCHEDULE TO COORDINATE WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
  16. This item seeks Board approval to amend Policy 00-3, "Holidays," and seeks Board approval of an annual review of the holiday schedule in coordination with the Constitutional Officers and the City of Tallahassee. This proposal requests that the Board amend the holiday schedule for 2001, as well as review the schedule each year in an effort to coordinate the holiday schedule for local government. The Constitutional Officers believe that the coordination of holidays would best serve the citizens of Leon County if all local government workdays were uniform.

    The Board approved Options 1 and 2: 1) approve the addition of Christmas Eve day (12/24/2001) and Good Friday (04/13/2001) to the Board’s Holiday Schedule for 2001, thereby amending Policy 00-3; and 2) authorize the Chairman to meet annually with the Constitutional Officers and the Mayor of Tallahassee to review the holiday schedule.

  17. APPROVAL TO SUBMIT 2001 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) APPLICATION AND REQUEST TO SCHEDULE TWO REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 AT 6 P.M. AND TUESDAY MARCH 20, 2001 AT 6 P.M.
  18. This item seeks Board approval to participate in the 2001 CDBG application process, and to schedule the two required public hearings for this process for Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 6 p.m.

    The Board approved Option 1: authorize staff to prepare grant applications, schedule and advertise public hearings for Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 6 p.m. and March 20, 2001 at 6 p.m., in anticipation of submitting a 2001 CDBG application.

  19. APPROVAL FOR A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE COUNTY ADOPTED AREAS OF THE SOUTHERN STRATEGY AREA AS A "LOCALLY DESIGNATED TARGETED AREA" MAKING THE AREA ELIGIBLE FOR REDUCED MORTGAGE RATES UNDER THE FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION (FHFC) FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM
  20. Commissioner Proctor pulled this item to note the importance of this for the residents in the Southern Strategy and requested Shelley Murphy, from Housing and Human Services to clarify this agenda request. Ms. Murphy explained that if this area is designated as a "Locally designated target area" it would allow homebuyers who wish to buy in that area to tap into Florida Housing Finance’s single family bond money, which is currently at four and one-half percent. The area needs to be "locally designated" because it is not one of the HUD’s census tracts where other bond money is available. She further advised that the City passed this item in November, and the two housing departments are trying to compliment each other throughout the Southern Strategy, and it further opens the market for buyers.

    Commissioner Proctor moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Sauls, and carried unanimously, to approve Option 1: adopt the attached Resolution (R01- ) identifying the County adopted areas of the SSA as a "Locally Designated Targeted Area" for purposes of making the areas eligible for the reduced mortgage rates under the FHFC First Time Homebuyer Program:

    Commissioner Rackleff emphasized the importance of homeownership for the Southside, noting that it does much to improve the quality of life and the financial situation for residents.

  21. APPROVAL FOR AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT #00CO284 BETWEEN LEON COUNTY AND THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE PERTAINING TO THE RATE PAID TO LEON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES FOR THE FAMILY VISITATION PROGRAM
  22. This item seeks Board approval for an amendment to contract #00C0284, between the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, by changing the rate paid to Leon County Sheriff’s deputies for providing on-site sworn law enforcement personnel during scheduled supervised visitation sessions conducted through the Family Visitation Program. At the request of the City of Tallahassee, approval is sought to amend Paragraph 3 of the contract to reflect an increase in salary paid to Leon County Sheriff’s deputies at a rate not to exceed $25 per hour.

    The Board approved Option 1: approve the Amendment to the Agreement.

    CITIZENS TO BE HEARD – 3-MINUTE TIME FRAME

    Reverend William Foutz, 5504 North Meridian Road, distributed to the Board an easement document he received from Talquin Electric that concerns granting a right-of-way easement to Talquin on Popov Drive in the Paramore Community, and requested assistance in reviewing the document. He indicated that normally, a request would be made to the residents for a right -of-way easement and that Talquin cannot actually grant an easement to someone. The Board directed the County Attorney’s Office to assist Reverend Foutz, and if necessary bring it back to the Board. Commissioner Winchester requested a response from staff on this issue by the next Board meeting, February 27, 2001. Commissioner Proctor suggested that amenities such as cable, fiber optic, electricity be reviewed as it relates to the easement being conveyed to Reverend Foutz, suggesting that such entities should be paying to come across the subject property.

    GENERAL BUSINESS

  23. STATUS OF PARK HILL COURT IMPROVEMENTS
  24. This item outlines the status of the Park Hill Court improvements as requested by the Board at the January 30, 2001 meeting, at the request of Mrs. Dorothy Spence. Several residents had requested improvements to this road in an earlier Board meeting. At that particular meeting, staff indicated that it was included in the Unpaved Road Stabilization Program that was being developed. A workshop was conducted on the program on January 16, 2001 and the Board ratified its actions to establish the Unpaved Road Stabilization Program, noting that Park Hill Court is the fourth-ranked road on the list. This means that the road will be chemically stabilized using a tree lignin based product (Roadbind or Timbind) within the next three months.

    The following speakers appeared on this item:

    James Thompson, Parkhill Road, stated that he came before the Board with a petition a few months ago and expressed, at that time, that eight residents on the road and members of the church want the road paved. He offered to provide an easement for a holding pond if flooding appears to be a problem. Mr. Thompson pointed out that residents would not let the County grade the road, so it has not been maintained and is getting progressively narrower, and that he was in favor of improvements to the road.

    Margaret Ronald, Parkhill Road, expressed concerns about the effects of paving the road and noted that some residents who signed the petition do not use the road on a daily basis. Other concerns listed were the speed of traffic, flooding near the church, water runoff from road construction, and preservation of Patriarch Oaks. Ms. Ronald advised that she would not want the road paved if it resulted in high-speed traffic and contamination of the aquifer.

    Staff recommended that the road not be paved because the road is narrow and the County has no right-of-way access to expand the width of the road. Jesse Sasser from the Public Works Department explained the stabilization process, advising that once the chemical is applied, the road would not need to be graded as much.

    Isabelle Blakey, 4901 Chaires Crossroad, advised that she owns a house on Parkhill Road, that the name of the road is Parkhill (one word) and should be listed as "road" rather than "court." She expressed support for the stabilization process but voiced concern regarding the historical character of the road and the importance of maintaining the Patriarch Oaks. Further, she read a quote from a letter written by Beth LaCivita, pertaining to the historical character of the road and the community, which was recently placed on the National Historic Register.

    Jesse Sasser clarified that the width of the road would be maintained in the process, that residents’ property and trees would be undisturbed in the course of reconstruction.

    Seneca Holland, 9265 Parkhill Road, recalled a story about Parkhill Road in "100 years of Footprints," and stated that the Road should not be changed.

    Frank Govett, 1529 Hill-n-Dale, advised that the church was supposed to put in a holding pond and that Mr. Thompson had volunteered to help with the runoff problem. He voiced concern regarding the life expectancy of the chemical treatment, and stated that he did not want to see any further runoff problems created on the road.

    Dorothy Spence, 7982 Chaires Crossroad, expressed concerns regarding the width of the road, noting that there is a document in the Courthouse records that contains the records on the original width of the roadway. She requested that the County check the document to obtain the correct width of the road.

    Commissioner Grippa clarified that the road is not planned for paving, but for stabilization, and the improvements to the road would enhance the community. Staff reiterated that there would be no adverse affects from the chemical stabilizer or environmental problems ensued.

    Commissioner Grippa moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Proctor and carried unanimously, to direct staff to perform the chemical stabilization on Parkhill Road as scheduled. Commissioner Thaell proposed an amendment, accepted by the maker of the motion, to direct staff to bring back an analysis on the permitting of the church and flooding the issue.

    County Administrator Alam explained that it would take about 3-4 months to begin the stabilization process, and the roads listed are part of a two-year project.

    Staff explained that there is a flood plain in the area but they are not sure that the roadbed is in a flood plain.

    PUBLIC HEARINGS

  25. PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDING SECTION 10-208 FOR PERVIOUS PAVEMENT FOR PRE-EXISTING UNSTABILIZED ROADS
  26. Pursuant to legal advertisement, a public hearing was conducted on an amendment to Section 10-208 in Leon County's Land Development Code for Pervious Pavement for pre-existing unstabilized roads. A workshop was conducted on Unstabilized Roads and January 16 and the Board ratified the workshop action on January 30, 2001. If the ordinance were approved, it would allow staff to treat certain roads without having to go through the permitting process. It was noted that there are existing unstabilized roads which cause sedimentation in surface waters and degrade water quality. Stabilization of these roads, even without code compliant stormwater treatment, would improve the water quality and be environmentally beneficial.

    George Lewis, N. Gadsden Street, expressed his concern regarding line 31, sub-paragraph "d," on page 6 of the ordinance pertaining to a prohibition in using an OGCM (open grade cold mix) and requested clarification of the language.

    Commissioner Proctor suggested deleting the last sentence of the paragraph in question. Staff noted that the sentence was added based on information in the workshop in that the Board wanted additional emphasis that OGCM would not be used as an across the board replacement for full pavement of a road. County Attorney Thiele explained that the intent of the provision was really a follow-up to stormwater studies the Board authorized which indicated that one of the biggest problems with water quality in the lakes of the County was runoff from dirt roads. This provision would allow the use of a surfacing material that is not pavement, because the pavement has other problems, which is additional pervious surface, but would restrict the amount of siltation that would occur. It was Staff’s opinion that this provision would open up the ability to use OGCM in limited situations, and that the sentence is a relief mechanism rather than a burden. Mr. Thiele stated that if it is the intent of the Board to allow the County to use OGCM without the right-of-way, then the sentence should be eliminated.

    Following further discussion, Commissioner Thaell moved, seconded by Commissioner Sauls, and carried 6-1 (Commissioner Proctor voted in opposition), to adopt the proposed ordinance as amended, striking the last sentence of section "d," on page 6, beginning on line 30 of the ordinance, deleting the following language: "Where sufficient right-of-way exists, or can be obtained, to construct stormwater treatment facilities, Open Grade Cold Mix Asphalt shall not be utilized."

    Staff explained that the ordinance would not change the priority list (item #12, Attachment #1), that the ordinance makes the permitting process exempt for some of the roads, and would not have an effect on the priority of each road on the list. See attached Leon County Ordinance Number 01-03:

  27. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LEON COUNTY QUALITY DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
  28. Pursuant to legal advertisement, a public hearing was conducted on the proposed Leon County Quality Development Ordinance. A workshop on this issue was conducted on March 21, 2000 and there were also five community-based meetings held to explain the proposed ordinance and to receive comments and suggestions, and target group meetings were conducted. The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to encourage the development and construction of projects that exceed the County’s current minimum land development code requirements, and to promote and generally further the implementation of the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The Board ratified direction from staff on April 11, 2000.

    George Lewis, 203 N. Gadsden Street #6, advised that he has been involved in the process and pointed out areas in the ordinance, which he felt should be more specific. He cited an example on page 3 of Attachment #2, line 19 pertaining to the "anticipated wages at or above the median wage for the County." According to Mr. Lewis, the language should be specific as to the total average wage and the year to which it refers. He also suggested being specific on references to publications outside the ordinance such as the reference to the "HUD" document on page 5 - it should specify the volume and the year.

    Commissioner Proctor raised concerns regarding the provisions relating to the Southern Strategy Area and South City and suggested that the ordinance be tabled until this issue is addressed as well as concerns addressed by Mr. Lewis.

    Commissioner Proctor moved to table the ordinance. County Attorney Thiele requested clarification on the motion, noting that if the Board wishes to table the ordinance, it would have to be re-advertised, but if the Board continues it, they would not have to do so.

    Commissioner Proctor then moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Maloy, and carried unanimously, to continue this public hearing to Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 6 p.m., to give staff time to review the ordinance in reference to the concerns raised by George Lewis.

    Commissioner Rackleff referenced page 4 of the ordinance regarding pedestrian oriented features and it appears to reference only the building of new infrastructure and ignores development in areas where there is existing pedestrian infrastructure such as Rainbow Acres. He suggested adding language to include development of existing pedestrian infrastructure.

  29. FIRST AND ONLY PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ADDRESS THE EFFECT OF CHALLENGES TO DEVELOPMENT ORDERS
  30. Pursuant to legal advertisement, a public hearing was conducted on the proposed ordinance to explicitly set forth that challenges to development orders that will act as a stay with regard to the expiration of a development order. Since a challenge of a development order can easily take longer than the normal "life expectancy"of the development order challenged, an applicant granted a development order is at risk that the development order may expire, unless the challenge acts as a stay with regard to the expiration of the development order. This has been the consistent position of the County Attorney’s Office and this is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

    George Lewis, 203 North Gadsden Street #6, appeared and expressed concern that there were no minimum number of days listed in the ordinance and suggested a minimum number of days be added to line 22, page 1.

    Following some discussion, Commissioner Grippa moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Thaell, and carried unanimously, to approve Option 1: conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt the attached Leon County Ordinance Number 01-04:

  31. FIRST AND ONLY PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ALLOW A LICENSE OF WAY AS AN ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF LEGAL ACCESS IN LIMITED SITUATIONS

Pursuant to legal advertisement, a public hearing was conducted on a proposed ordinance to allow a license of way to be an acceptable means of providing legal access to a property being developed. The ordinance provides for guidance in determining when a license of way could be recognized as legal access as required by Section 10-1527 of the Code of Laws. A license would not be sufficient if the property it is to serve would be a platted subdivision. Staff advised that the County Attorney’s Office had worked with Mr. Lewis in the development of this ordinance.

George Lewis, 203 North Gadsden Street #6, stated that he has taken a pro bono case involving the proposed ordinance. He suggested making some changes to the ordinance: 1) repeal requirement of "testing" their access to property); 2) reduce the level of requirement; or 3) if all use is denied, then buy the property (inverse condemnation). He indicated that the change may not resolve the issue, but it would still put the burden on the property owner to obtain the licenses of way (and a licenses of way can be revoked). Mr. Lewis indicated that the County has built a pattern of not issuing a permit if a person cannot get to their property by legal access and that is the pattern that has been built into the Comprehensive Plan and ordinances.

County Attorney Thiele explained that situations like those of Mr. Lewis's client occur infrequently and this is the only one thus far that the County has not been able to work out in some other fashion. This is the first landowner that the County has encountered who utilized a roadway across the property to access the property for 30 years where the property owner was not willing to acknowledge that the other party had established an easement. As explained by Mr. Thiele, the proposed ordinance would give the County another tool to work out this type of situation.

Commissioner Proctor expressed concern that this would put the County in the middle of disputes with private property owners.

Commissioner Sauls moved, duly seconded by Commissioner Grippa, and carried 6-1 (Commissioner Proctor voted in opposition), to approve Option 1: conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt the attached Leon County Ordinance Number 01-05:

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

Requested direction from the Board on the scheduling/rescheduling of upcoming workshops. The Board directed staff to reschedule the Indigent Health Care Workshop for Tuesday, April 24, 2001 from 2-4 p.m.; to schedule a Budget Workshop for Tuesday, April 17, 2001 from 1:30-4:00 p.m.; to schedule a Workshop on the MGT M/WBE Report for Tuesday, March 20, 2001 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. (which was added during the Commissioner Discussion portion of the meeting); and to leave the Sexual Harassment Training Workshop on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Lila Richardson, 3017 Baron Lane, requested financial assistance for the cleanup of Crown Ridge neighborhood. She stated that there should be a contract identifying the items homeowners are responsible for in their neighborhoods such as roads. Further, she expressed opposition to apartments being built adjacent to her neighborhood, and would oppose construction of any road through her neighborhood to the apartments. Ms. Richardson requested that a fence be constructed to separate the apartments from the neighborhood. As a suggestion, Commissioner Rackleff recommended the neighborhoods apply to the City for annexation, which would allow for services such as sewer and water. Ms. Richardson indicated that she did not wish to be located in the City. Commissioner Proctor directed staff to check into the issues regarding the development and provide a report to the Board on the status.

DISCUSSION ITEMS BY COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSIONER THAELL

  1. Reported of his discussions with the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the legislative delegation on franchise fees for utility rights-of-way for non-charter counties and advised that he is proposing an amendment rather than filing a bill. Commissioner Thaell requested the Board direct the County’s lobbying team to support FAC’s position regarding the Unified Communications Tax Simplification bill and the issues that affect counties. Commissioner Grippa expressed his concerns the individuals filing the bills are often someone who is neither on the committee nor in a leadership position. Staff advised that Collier County has authorized their County Attorney to seek to declare the Telecommunications Tax bill unconstitutional because of the right-of-way issue. The County Attorney’s Office is looking into similar actions and will keep the Board posted on these issues.

Chairman Winchester requested information on the County filing an economic incentive bill to target the cuts made by the Governor. Staff explained that the County is working with the Governor’s Office on these issues and that no one is certain of the Governor's plan at this time. Commissioner Grippa suggested looking into obtaining an Enterprise Zone.

COMMISSIONER GRIPPA

  1. Asked the County Attorney if discussion items at the end of the meeting, with no agenda material and public notice, could be considered in violation of the Sunshine Law and the County Attorney clarified that it would not.
  2. Referred to the Tax Watch recommendations on the County’s budget and directed staff to address this issue at the next budget workshop.

COMMISSIONER SAULS

Requested a workshop on Robert’s Rules of Order, Parliamentary Procedures, and the Board concurred.

CHAIRMAN WINCHESTER

  1. Referred to a petition from neighbors on Jackson View Drive requesting a clean up of Lake Jackson and circulated the information to the County Administrator.
  2. Provided an update on the safety issue with the buses at Chaires Elementary School, and advised that a solution was being worked out to re-route the buses and vehicular traffic. Staff advised that they were attempting to resolve the funding issue and other details.
  3. Referred to a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Lee regarding the Historical Tax Exemption and noted that the current exemption covers downtown business properties. Chairman Winchester requested that staff determine whether there is an option to exempt residential properties and to bring information back to the Board.

COMMISSIONER PROCTOR

  1. Reiterated his request of January 23, 2001 regarding new chairs for the dais, and staff noted that an agenda item was being prepared and would come back soon.
  2. Requested adoption of a Resolution for Dr. Frederick Humphries to commemorate his sixteen years of service to the community as FAMU’s President.
  3. Requested a Resolution for Tallahassee Community College for outstanding leadership in commemorating African American History Month.
  4. Expressed concern that a workshop had not been scheduled on the M/WBE Report from MGT. Staff advised that the report with recommendations had been provided to the Board. It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a workshop on the MGT M/WBE Report for Tuesday, March 20, 2001 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  5. Suggested that the Board arrange a tour of the Southside Schools.
  6. Requested that staff investigate the creation of a Leon County Corporation to bid on State work to be privatized, and to bring it back to the Board for consideration. Commissioner Grippa asked if it would be legal to do this and the County Attorney indicated that it would. Commissioner Rackleff remarked that this was a creative idea, and suggested sharing or exchanging services with neighboring counties. As long as the County is not competing with private industries, Commissioner Grippa indicated that he would support this effort.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

 

APPROVED:_____________________________

Daniel R. Winchester

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

______________________

Clerk of the Circuit Court