[0:07] County commissioners, and an election day as well. Please to have you all here with us this morning, quite a crowd.

[0:16] We're going to open up this morning with an indication. We'll follow that up by the pledge of allegiance.

[0:21] And we're going to ask Commissioner Alec Paul Nixon, also a pastor at Central Baptist Church, if he would come and lead us.

[0:29] This will probably be your first opportunity and want to make it come whenever we need somebody to stand in with Graham Fountain head now.

[0:35] So you and Carolyn be able to switch off

[0:38] pinch it and for us.

[0:39] But if you'll open this up this morning,

[0:41] we would appreciate it.

[0:42] Wendy, please pray with me.

[0:46] Grace, this God, thank you for the time you give us.

[0:48] God, thank you for the opportunity to come together

[0:51] and take part in local government.

[0:53] God, thank you that we get the opportunity

[0:55] to honor four men who trust you and love you.

[1:00] And God, we thank you so much for their work,

[1:03] for their ministry and for the work you've given them in our county.

[1:07] Lord, bless this commission as the handle of your business today.

[1:12] God bless our county as we move in such a direction to honor you more.

[1:16] Be with us in Jesus name, amen.

[1:19] Thank you.

[1:20] Join us in the pledge.

[1:22] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

[1:28] One issue under God, and a visible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:41] All right.

[1:42] We will start our business with the county administrators update.

[1:47] Mr. Hofsted.

[1:48] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, commissioners.

[1:49] I have three items and I'll try and be brief this morning.

[1:52] I just wanted to update the board.

[1:54] I've talked to you all individually about the medical examiner's contract for district 1.

[1:59] I believe we have reached terms with Dr. Diana Aleski.

[2:03] That will go before the medical examiner's commission, I believe, on the 7th of this month for confirmation and we should be sitting in a new medical examiner very soon.

[2:13] Also, I just wanted to let the board know that we closed on the first beach access property with Destin this week, so that is taking care of.

[2:22] And lastly, we received guidance from Gulf Islands National Seasure regarding Crab Island and a commercial use activity type of permitting program that will take place out there.

[2:35] We've sent that to you individually by email so you have that, but it looks like they are taking a position on the commercial activity crab on it.

[2:42] And with that Mr. Chairman, that's all I have for now. Reserve my final comments for the meeting, please.

[2:47] All right.

[2:49] Thank you.

[2:49] And the Sir Shahar County Attorney's Office.

[2:54] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[2:55] We have one agenda item today, and we are seeking approval to authorize the County

[3:00] Attorney's Office to institute legal action necessary to enforce the terms of an

[3:05] lease agreement with MD Hanger LLC.

[3:09] There are current Hanger lease tenant.

[3:11] They've been conducting unauthorized suppleasing activities without seeking board approval.

[3:16] We've put them on notice, back in July, we've coordinated a few meetings, phone calls, correspondence with them, but they are currently still

[3:25] have failed to cure their breach. And so we are asking for authority to institute legal action as a third and fourth in terms of the lease agreement.

[3:40] No. Anything further on that, are you ready for questions?

[3:45] No, I'm available for questions.

[3:46] Okay, commissioners, any questions or discussion on that item?

[3:50] I'd just like to hear from Mr. stage, and he's joined us on a video.

[3:56] Mr. stage, if you have anything you'd like to add to that, please do so.

[4:03] I appreciate that. Thank you. Good morning, Chairman Commissioners.

[4:07] Mrs. Hustler, just like that, we're trying to hold the requirements within the lease agreement.

[4:15] and the tenant has not been helpful through the process.

[4:23] So unfortunately this is the next step requesting board action.

[4:32] Do you have any other questions?

[4:34] I need a motion or how do you want to proceed?

[4:37] Well, unless there's any other questions we can certainly entertain action on this.

[4:42] Let's see, it's in Commissioner Wein's district.

[4:44] I don't know if he or you would be more inclined.

[4:47] I was actually emotionally towards him since it's a district so.

[4:51] So, she was nudging you.

[4:52] Okay, I'll take the nudge.

[4:55] I'll move that the board authorize the county attorney to institute legal action as in that

[5:00] necessary to enforce the terms of the lease agreement.

[5:04] All right.

[5:05] So we have a motion in a second.

[5:07] Any further discussion on that item?

[5:09] Commissioners.

[5:10] All right.

[5:10] Those in favor please signal by saying aye.

[5:12] Aye.

[5:13] And those opposed.

[5:14] That passes unanimously.

[5:16] So, Mr. Shah, you've got the authority to move forward, and as always I'm sure you'll keep the board well informed of status.

[5:23] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[5:24] Thank you.

[5:27] All right.

[5:28] Mr. Peacock, anything from the clerk's office this morning?

[5:30] Nothing, Mr. Chairman.

[5:32] Other than just to recognize all the great friends and public safety there here today.

[5:38] Great.

[5:38] Glad to see you, but here today.

[5:42] Thank you.

[5:43] All right.

[5:44] That'll bring us to our first public comment portion of the meeting.

[5:47] We will allow a public comment portion or continue public comments at the end as well.

[5:54] So I'd ask for during this period of time, if you're here and want to speak, please

[5:58] try to limit your comments now to three minutes or less.

[6:01] We'll give you additional time at the end if you need more.

[6:05] I have one speaker card.

[6:07] If you have not filled one out but wish to speak, we can recognize you simply by a you raise

[6:13] in your hand letting me know you'll be called on a lot to speak.

[6:15] But we'll start with our speaker cards.

[6:17] The first is Mr. Ted Corkerin, here from the Fort Wombie Chamber.

[6:24] Thank you.

[6:24] I want Ted Corkerin to have the four Wombie Chamber Congress.

[6:26] We have a church in Runsom.

[6:27] They have the nice little mouth, whereas Oachamor is coming.

[6:30] They shall submit every time they're ready to have a conference.

[6:33] And then Shane, who you phone call me up.

[6:34] The desk there, you share the conference.

[6:35] You're here today.

[6:36] Hey Ted. You're microphone.

[6:39] We know you're loud, but everybody in TV land needs to hear you.

[6:42] Could you introduce me again then so I could do it correctly?

[6:47] Hello, everyone.

[6:48] Ted Corcoran, I would be happy to have the four-wall main chamber of commerce.

[6:51] With me as Trisha Brunson, I would be happy to have the National Valparaiso Chamber

[6:55] of Commerce, Megan Schultz.

[6:56] I would be happy to have the Crescerary Chamber of Commerce, and Shane Moody from the

[6:58] Descererary Chamber of Commerce who could not be here today.

[7:01] All four of the Oakland City Chamber of Commerceers are in full support of item number eight

[7:05] department, Business A, Craig Coffee Administrator Services, the request for the consideration

[7:09] of Business COVID Designation Program, which we will call Oklahoma County COVID Compliant Business

[7:16] Partner Certification Program, and I share that with you as during the discussion of that.

[7:20] If you need any additional questions, we're available to pop up, push the button accordingly

[7:24] to speak, and answer appropriate questions. Thank you.

[7:30] Thank you, sir. Any other members of the public wishing to address the board this morning? Just raise your hand. You'll be called on. All right, I don't see anyone indicating they want to speak. So we will close the first public comment. Oh, I got some hands. Yes, sir. Come on forward.

[7:48] And if you'll do as a favor and just state your name and address for the record.

[7:52] My name is John Perry, I'm with Rockin' Tacos on Oklahoma's Island at the boardwalk, and we're trying to get a ordinance passed to allow that the public will no longer be able to feed any type of predatory birds on Oklahoma's county property.

[8:11] We'd like to see that and we've got a couple of folks that hang out on the beach feed birds all day every day.

[8:19] become a very big nuisance to my business, we've got birds attacking people on the deck while

[8:27] they're eating, stealing food, that becomes my job to replace the food that they've

[8:33] lived.

[8:33] Well, that's a capital offense.

[8:34] Stay on that food.

[8:35] That's correct.

[8:36] It costs me a million.

[8:37] You know, I know they stole my one time.

[8:40] That's right.

[8:40] He's been there once.

[8:41] One French fry.

[8:44] Don't forget in the man in between a man is French fry, right?

[8:47] So we'd like to see this thing move forward.

[8:50] It's just like I said, it's become a real big nuisance for us.

[8:53] And we'd like to have your vote for that today.

[8:56] All right.

[8:57] I appreciate that.

[8:58] And I don't know, Mr. Shari, you may be able to speak to it.

[9:00] There may be some things in place that already prohibit that.

[9:03] I'm sure from the, you know, the state perspective,

[9:07] you're, you know, at least for protected species.

[9:09] You're probably not supposed to do being engaging in that activity.

[9:12] I don't know.

[9:13] You said predatory birds, but is it more of a position?

[9:15] Seagulls.

[9:16] Pigeons and Seagulls.

[9:17] So, December, really.

[9:19] Yeah, I mean, you know, even the little baby ventures

[9:21] are sometimes a problem, but the problems are,

[9:24] you know, scaring customers off,

[9:25] and I'm, you know, starting to lose business

[9:27] because of because people have, you know, fear of birds.

[9:31] It's right.

[9:31] You can't really match your place.

[9:32] Right. Yeah, and it's just become a big time problem.

[9:36] This is my district, I'm aware of this problem.

[9:38] This is up to date me and maybe others in this room.

[9:41] Remember Alfred Hitchcock's, the birds.

[9:44] It's that bad.

[9:45] It's really bad and this happened before an uptown station many years ago before we renovated it

[9:50] There was a woman and she's probably deceased now that fed the birds and I mean it made a terrible mess all over cars and everything

[9:56] So I think this is very warranted. I appreciate y'all bringing this to my attention

[10:00] And I'm very much in favour of it

[10:03] Thank you.

[10:04] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[10:05] Your correct FWC has some provisions under their regulations, but on consent agenda item 24

[10:13] Or we have a request to schedule a public hearing for the November 17th meeting for the board

[10:20] to consider a wildlife feeding ordinance that prohibits feeding wildlife in all county parks,

[10:26] county properties.

[10:29] Oh, so it goes broader than this concern.

[10:31] Okay.

[10:32] That's something we can talk about later than, but at least it would cover this.

[10:37] All right, so, you know, it sounds like that's in the work certainly of valid concern.

[10:41] Um, you know, it's always surprising when you see people feeding chips to seagulls on the

[10:46] on the beach and then they get upset when the seagulls give it back to them.

[10:50] Absolutely.

[10:51] Absolutely.

[10:52] They say that's good luck, but I don't believe it.

[10:55] Somebody else can have that luck correct.

[10:57] I don't believe it.

[10:59] Yeah.

[10:59] Right.

[11:00] All right.

[11:00] Very good.

[11:01] Well, we appreciate you coming forward on this one.

[11:03] Thank you.

[11:05] All right.

[11:05] Any other member of the public?

[11:08] Yes, sir.

[11:08] I'm

[11:16] a friskass fee for $3,000 in the boardwalk as well.

[11:19] I just want to reaffirm what he said though.

[11:22] It's not just that, it's what I paid to have my restaurant clean.

[11:27] I have two restaurants on the boardwalk.

[11:29] It's anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 a month just to make sure that my restaurants

[11:34] are sanitary for customers and guests alike.

[11:37] So I just want to reaffirm.

[11:39] It is definitely something that needs to be addressed.

[11:42] It is that bad, so I just want to make sure

[11:47] That's it?

[11:48] All right, very good.

[11:49] Appreciate that.

[11:51] We'll have to during the public hearing.

[11:54] I'm sure we'll design this ordinance to be a fact.

[11:56] We don't mind of some young boy throws a chip or something.

[12:00] This is not just feeding turtles.

[12:02] This is much more than that.

[12:04] I mean, because it's almost like a hazard.

[12:06] It is a hazard.

[12:07] No doubt, Commissioner.

[12:08] And I think you make a very good point.

[12:10] Of course, this is just to set the public hearing.

[12:13] And all of this will have the opportunity, except for Graham and Kelly, I guess, to work with staff on this before it comes back.

[12:20] We can always call them and give a work with you to make sure you get it right in there, not Kelly.

[12:25] You mean we could still anticipate hearing your opinion?

[12:27] Yeah, absolutely.

[12:30] No doubt.

[12:31] But yeah, I think Commissioner Kachel may have brought up a good point, and, you know, some all certainly reach out to staff about that,

[12:38] you know, maybe we need to look at focus on this property in this area where we know there's restaurant.

[12:42] and vendors and this isn't, you know, I think her point, you know, if somebody goes down to one of

[12:48] the parks and throws a bright chrome to a duck, who wants to, we're not looking to find five-year-old kids for that.

[12:54] I think it's her point, so maybe we can just make sure we get there.

[12:59] But

[13:10] what I think would be helpful because this is a real problem, we'll present video of what's going on.

[13:17] and you guys will get the credit on your level.

[13:19] No, certainly, certainly, what you're describing

[13:23] needs to be stopped, it's an issue that's not fair

[13:27] to the citizens or your businesses.

[13:34] See, Sheriff Ashley already knew it was illegal.

[13:39] But, unfortunately we have people that break the rules

[13:40] only,

[13:44] it's all right.

[13:45] So anyway, we'll take a look at that as we go forward.

[13:49] Any other member of the public wishing

[13:50] to address the board this morning.

[13:54] All right, I don't see any hands this time,

[13:55] so we will close this first public comment

[13:58] portion of the meeting.

[14:00] And we will move to our consent agenda.

[14:03] I believe Commissioner Fountain has requested

[14:05] that items 14 and 15 be pulled from the consent agenda

[14:10] for separate discussion.

[14:12] Is there any other item from the consent agenda

[14:15] than any of them?

[14:15] I'd like to pull 16, please.

[14:18] All right.

[14:19] So, Commissioner Ketchel would also like to remove 16 for separate discussion, any other

[14:25] item that any commissioner would like to remove from the consent agenda as well.

[14:28] If not, I will entertain a motion regarding the consent agenda, the last items, 14, 15, and

[14:36] 16.

[14:38] All right.

[14:38] We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Boyles, is there a second?

[14:43] Second?

[14:43] Any second by Commissioner Ketchel.

[14:45] For the discussion, all right, those in favor please single by saying aye, and those opposed.

[14:52] All right, the consent agenda passes unanimously less 14, 15, and 16.

[14:57] Mr. Fountain will recognize you with regard to.

[15:02] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and commissioners, and good morning to everybody. Again, welcome to all of our public safety and loan

[15:10] enforcement people are here. We appreciate y'all coming today. I want to begin by just saying that I think

[15:19] fix and to leave the board, the thing I will probably miss the most, even though there would be a lot of things.

[15:24] I miss primarily the people that work here at the county, but one of the things that I will

[15:30] probably miss the most is being able to take a snapshot or a point in time and look back

[15:40] and recognize people that have impacted our county and our history in a great way.

[15:49] We joke back and forth sometimes with my distinguished friend on the left that sometimes

[15:54] we honor people before they die, and I guess there's always a risk at that, and sometimes

[15:59] we try not to do that, but there are certain times in certain people that come across

[16:05] our path that influence greatly how we live and the quality of life that we have, the

[16:13] safe environment that we live in and the safe schools that the kids go to and recognize

[16:18] and then why there's still with us is something that I have enjoyed and I will miss and I hope

[16:27] that I feel certain that this board will continue to do that when it's warranted and it's

[16:32] something of a great scale that is important to our community. First I just want to recognize

[16:39] in addition I won't call all the sheriff's department. People here I think everybody knows them,

[16:43] We're very honored to have our superintendent of schools,

[16:49] Marcus Chambers with us here this morning and also the mayor.

[16:52] J. B. Widdner here and they wanted to come and be here today

[16:55] for this and we thank y'all for coming.

[16:59] So it's just an honor for me to present two resolutions,

[17:05] honoring two men that it goes without saying they're both very,

[17:10] dear pretty much lifetime now as long as we know each other, friends, but more importantly

[17:16] men that certainly shake my career and a lot of the careers of some of the people in this

[17:24] room, both of them. One of them will certainly my balls in my friend. The other one has been a

[17:31] dear friend and a coworker and at one time I was his balls. I enjoyed promoting him and seeing him

[17:38] move up through the ranks when I was at the Sheriff's Office before the Sheriff Gilbert and I left.

[17:43] And that's of course our current Sheriff.

[17:47] Sheriff Gilbert got a lot of us in this room, our starts.

[17:52] But more importantly, having control of an agency for 16 years, during a time of unprecedented growth,

[18:01] where we went from, I think when I started under Frankie Meals, we had something like 39 deputies.

[18:07] and it grew very quickly under Sheriff Gilbert and then you all know what's happened

[18:12] under Sheriff Ashley. It is really grown but I'm I'm honored to present this

[18:17] resolution today. I'm going and also let me introduce Sheriff Ashley has got

[18:24] Laney. Laney is his better half and she even though she doesn't appear to do it

[18:29] she does wear the bridges and the family. They're very tall bridges and Laney

[18:35] You've done very well with Larry since you put that hook into him way back when, and you've

[18:41] done very well.

[18:41] And we're very honored to have Jennifer and Polly, Sheriff, Larry Gilbert and Connie's

[18:47] daughters here with us today.

[18:48] And Sheriff Gilbert is, Sheriff, are you on the Zoom?

[18:53] I don't see you face, but Dan, if you got them, were you can pull them in or,

[19:03] okay.

[19:04] Good morning, Sheriff Gilbert.

[19:07] How are you doing today?

[19:10] Good.

[19:11] A little chilly up here in the mountains.

[19:13] Yes, they're up in North Georgia in the Helen.

[19:16] Beautiful place.

[19:17] Well, we're glad you could be with us today.

[19:19] So I'm going to begin.

[19:21] And I will read and move the first resolution.

[19:25] If you all would bear with me because I want to read this into the record.

[19:30] Resolution number 20-165.

[19:33] Resolution of the Oakland Board of County Commission's recognizing the contributions of Sheriff Larry Gilbert,

[19:40] the Oakland County, the State of Florida, and the Public Safety Community,

[19:43] Designating the Oakland County Emergency Operations Center,

[19:47] and joint 911 Communications Center at the Northwest Florida,

[19:53] Northwest Florida State College as the Sheriff Larry Gilbert Emergency Operations Center in providing an effective date.

[20:00] Whereas retired Oakley's the County Sheriff, Larry Gilbert graduated from Florida State University

[20:05] with his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the State of Florida Police Academy,

[20:11] the State Fire College, Florida Banking School, and the Florida Sheriff's School.

[20:16] And whereas he served four years as an investigator with the State Farm Arts was office in Oakley's

[20:21] the County of Northwest Florida investigating fires,

[20:24] Arson's explosive bomb violations, various frauds involving insurance and organized fraud,

[20:30] working hand in hand with a local fire community emergency management officials and

[20:34] worked as a bank executive for over nine years in the local financial community.

[20:40] And we're going to share what was elected at Oakwood County Sheriff in 1980, and we'll continue

[20:45] to serve for 16 years in the post, bringing the agency from a small organization to a medium

[20:52] size agency embracing new technologies, investigative techniques, and law enforcement operations,

[20:59] adding new units such as Beats Petro, K9 units, aviation, joint narcotics, task force

[21:05] and school resource officers in the countywide high schools, innovative jail facilities,

[21:10] a county work farm, and a state of art, computer-ated dispatch, CAD.

[21:16] And we're as dear in his first term of office, he served on the board of directors of the Florida

[21:21] chair association and help create and manage the FSA self-insurance fund, providing risk services

[21:27] and insurance payments for property and casualty claims throughout the state, as well as

[21:31] organizing the FSA mutual aid task force that provided chair step to use the respond over

[21:37] the state of Florida dear and declared emergencies.

[21:40] And whereas he led the efforts in managing countywide emergencies dear in his first term of office,

[21:45] or during his term of office, including hurricanes, floods, forest fires, aircraft, crashes,

[21:51] chemical, toxic spills, and established the first post-Turkane Andrew consolidated on-site

[21:58] ESF-16 Joint Operations Center during Hurricane Opal in 1995, providing a central law enforcement

[22:06] in public safety command and control center, professional state, county, and city leaders

[22:11] to manage emergency operations in Oakland City County.

[22:15] And in this one, some of y'all in this room will remember,

[22:18] and he procured his family's road construction company

[22:21] to repair the lost roadway on how we 98 on Oakland Island

[22:25] even before the state and federal government were able

[22:28] to mobilize their assets.

[22:30] And that was a, that was a game changer for us, and we thank the neighbors, family for that.

[22:36] And we're asked, Sheriff Gilbert, create the first joint dispatch center in the Shalom Mark County,

[22:41] a courthouse annex, merging Sheriff dispatch centers, EMS, and civil defense function, and implemented a state-of-the-art computer data dispatch and records management system.

[22:52] And, again, the testing of an experimental vehicle tracking system designed and built by

[22:58] eggplant air force base engineers way before ABL technology was even on the market for law enforcement.

[23:05] And, allowing dispatchers to see each deputy's vehicle while I don't patrol, thereby enhancing

[23:10] officer safety and increasing response times due to efficiency.

[23:16] And, whereas, Sheriff Gilbert's tenure in state and county law enforcement, contribute greatly

[23:21] to the advancement of the field of public safety and law enforcement management in the state.

[23:26] And he was instrumental in bringing the overall operations of Oakland County Sheriff's Office

[23:30] into the new century by providing cutting-edge technology and operations and at a reasonable

[23:36] cost of the county taxpayers.

[23:38] He founded many programs and processes that have been expanded and built upon over the last 25

[23:43] years by his successors.

[23:45] And his innovations are celebrated as foundational in protecting lives and property.

[23:50] We're as the U.S. County Board of County Commissioners, Desires now to honor

[23:53] Sheriff Leary Gilbert, for his honorable and historical service to the County State and

[23:58] public safety community by designating the U.S. County Emergency Operations and 911

[24:03] Center located on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Knoxville as the

[24:09] Sheriff Leary Gilbert Emergency Operations Center.

[24:12] Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commission of U.S.

[24:20] County

[24:20] and the Oakley's County Board of County Commission,

[24:22] she might recognize Sheriff Gilbert's historical community service

[24:26] in public safety contributions.

[24:28] And our staff is directed to place appropriate external building

[24:32] markers and internal plaques, and portrait, et cetera.

[24:35] Today's the next designation, which we'll be done in a later time,

[24:38] of course, and make such public ceremonies as appropriate.

[24:42] Do we adopted this third day of November 2020

[24:46] and Mr. Chairman with that, I would move approval of this resolution.

[24:54] I'll take it, Mr. Chair.

[24:56] All right, very good.

[24:57] So there's a motion by Commissioner Powell with a second by Commissioner Wines to approve this resolution honoring Sheriff Gilbert for his services to Oklahoma's Accounting and its citizens.

[25:07] Further discussion.

[25:09] Commissioner Chairman, Mr. Chairman, this is going to come with a surprise to all y'all,

[25:12] but Commissioner Powell actually writes those resolutions himself.

[25:15] And

[25:19] there's no word or page on it.

[25:23] I'm fortunate.

[25:25] Sure, I don't know.

[25:26] I don't know that we've ever had the chance to really talk much.

[25:28] I was a bit young.

[25:30] I think when you wrapped up your law enforcement career here in Oklahoma's Accounting,

[25:33] but certainly appreciate your service.

[25:35] You've, I think, had the benefit of not having to see some of the back and forth of this board

[25:39] in the last year or so over the naming and dedication of various county facilities.

[25:45] There's been some spirited debate.

[25:46] I had convinced this board to put a rule in place that restricted our naming of facilities for folks who were still living, and then we have

[25:55] soundly ignored that rule ever since, and so I give up by as I quite quit. I don't know.

[26:02] We're just going to go with it, because we've got another one following on the heels of this one, as I can see from Sheriff Ashley, he is still very much alive today.

[26:11] I think these are good things in the appropriate circumstance and given the two circumstances

[26:19] today, I will throw my vote in to make sure that these supermajority as is required by our role

[26:24] is available for adoption.

[26:27] Thank you, sir.

[26:28] All right.

[26:29] Commissioners, anything further?

[26:31] Mr. Wise.

[26:32] Yes.

[26:32] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[26:33] Sheriff, I want to invite you next time you're down here on a nice warm day, let's go

[26:39] fishing like we used to do years ago, and thank you for all your service

[26:43] locally scanning. Good to see you. Thank you.

[26:50] Anything further? All right, those

[26:52] in favor, please signal by saying aye. Aye. Aye. And those opposed. That passes

[26:58] unanimously.

[27:06] And Mr. Chairman, if there's no objections before I ask

[27:09] Pauli and Jennifer to come up and receive this and make pictures on behalf of the sheriff.

[27:16] Sheriff Gilbert will let you have them out for just a minute if you'd like to say a few words from the great city of Helen George.

[27:27] I would love to, I'd really overwhelmed at this, but I might say thank you deeply honored.

[27:39] Mossic says has been attributed to the people that I've had around me, and as you've

[27:49] already mentioned, many of you are there, and I could not be who I am today without all

[27:58] people that I had. And of course, you Graham, share of Ashley, JDP Car, very all for Joe

[28:07] Hunter, many, many people attributed to our success. And without them, we would not have

[28:18] been able to manage it. I'd also like to thank my wife, Connie, and our children. They kind

[28:26] made me really who I am. And again, thank you for this honor and God bless. Thank you.

[28:35] Thank you.

[28:41] Mr. Chairman, you all want to walk down or you all want us to get in front of you,

[28:44] how do you want to do the picture? Depending on how many people are here. We just have to

[28:50] for Sheriff Gilbert's two dollars. Okay. Chris, did you get a picture of his better if we come

[28:54] down or up on the dies.

[30:22] Again, Sheriff Gilbert, thank you for your service and we sure appreciate you. Enjoy your time up there in Georgia.

[30:30] Thank you very much. Wish I could be there, would you?

[30:35] Mr. Fallon?

[30:36] I believe, Chairman.

[30:37] I'm 15 as yours as well.

[30:42] As I said earlier, I'm very honored to do this.

[30:45] It brings back old memories when I have Sheriff Gilbert and Sheriff Ashley in the same room,

[30:51] because I recall very vividly the day

[30:54] that we were sitting around in the office

[30:58] and the sheriff says, I'm meeting or playing golf

[31:03] with this guy who is dating Laney Lee.

[31:08] We may want to hire him, of course.

[31:10] And I said, well, if he's married into the Lee family,

[31:12] you know we go hiring.

[31:14] So that's all, that's all family.

[31:16] But we had a big discussion about, and he said,

[31:19] Yeah, he's a big old guy too, you know, and Mr.

[31:26] Ashley, you have, you have been a great, great person to hire here, and being raised in South Alabama didn't hurt your bed either, and you were definitely fit in well, and we're very honored to do this for you today.

[31:44] Even though you didn't want it. Sheriff Ashley is well both the sheriff said, we're not you know, we're not we're not we're not we're not good enough for this

[31:54] And I I said when I totally disagree I said y'all have impacted us greatly so I want to read through resolution a 20-166

[32:03] Is a resolution by board of county commissioners to recognize the contributions of Sheriff Lair Ashley Douglas of county or state and the enhancements to education and training in the public safety community

[32:15] by designating the sheriff's firing range and crests to you as the Sheriff Larry Ashley

[32:20] Public Safety Training Complex and providing for an effective date.

[32:25] Whereas Oakley's County Sheriff Larry Ashley began his career at Oakley's County Sheriff's

[32:30] office at 1990 under Sheriff Larry Gilbert administration and we go on to serve in various

[32:35] roles in the agency through through 2009 including the Deputy Sheriff K9 Street Crimes Officer

[32:43] investigator, Lieutenant Captain Major and Chief Deputy, and have

[32:48] been served in every area of operation and administration,

[32:51] Darren, three administrations, Gilbert Morris, and Spooner,

[32:57] prior to being elected Chair for Vocalist Accounting on November 2, 2010,

[33:01] where he served over 30 years with distinction and will be retiring out of the

[33:06] Sheriff's Office in January of 2021.

[33:10] And whereas Sheriff of Larry Ashley received his bachelor's degree in

[33:13] Emerald Justice from University of Southern Mississippi is Master's degree in Public Administration

[33:18] from Troy University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Florida State Law

[33:23] and Force Academy, Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute and has been a stalwart

[33:28] proponent of police professionalism, education and training during his entire career.

[33:35] And we're as an elected chair if he began upgrading the training function at the Sheriff's

[33:39] office to include increasing internal in-service training programs, command staff leadership training,

[33:46] and making national schools like the FBI National Academy, Florida Criminal Justice Executive

[33:51] Institute, senior leadership school, chief executive program, and supervisor of your academy

[33:56] top priorities for his agency.

[33:59] And we're as sheriff Ashley's recognized as a state leader in education, training policy,

[34:09] and

[34:09] to include a member of the Governor's Stanger Ground and Citizen Safety Committees, the

[34:15] Commissioner on the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, board member of the Florida

[34:20] Sheriff's Association and Commissioner to the Governor's Marjorie Stomman Douglas School Safety

[34:25] Commission and was awarded the highest honor from the Florida Senate for weeding out criminal

[34:30] activities orchestrated by a corrupt former sheriff. And whereas he has made his goal as sheriff

[34:38] to protect our school children by adding school resource officers to all schools, including

[34:43] elementary and private schools, increasing the number of SROs at larger schools.

[34:49] He has worked with the Board of County Commission to fund safety and security enhancements

[34:53] in county schools to provide a safe and wholesome learning environment.

[34:58] And we're as Sheriff Larry Ashley took over the old fraternal over police fire and range

[35:01] in crisis view at a time of needed repairs and capital projects and over a team year period

[35:06] added firing range capacity. Portable classrooms were providing additional training courses

[35:13] for local state and federal law enforcement officers and citizen-based training courses,

[35:18] such as unarmed self-defense, concealed farms, permits, and citizen police academies.

[35:23] And whereas he partnered with the Oakland County and the Fort Walmeets Chamber of Commerce

[35:28] to provide public outreach about the capital needs for public safety training and became

[35:32] And one of the most visible faces in the pro-local option,

[35:37] certax, ballot initiative, and assisted greatly in the passage of the measure that would provide

[35:42] millions of dollars to public safety projects,

[35:44] like upgrading the sheriff's range.

[35:47] And whereas the Eclipse County Board of County Commissioner's desires to honor sheriff

[35:50] Lair Ashley, for his honorable and historical service to the County State and Public

[35:55] Safety community, by designation of Sheriff's Fire and Range and Grace of the Sheriff Lairy,

[35:59] public safety training complex. And we wish

[36:03] Sheriff Lair Ashley, great help and

[36:05] happiness in his retirement. He's

[36:08] sheriff. Therefore, be it resolved that

[36:09] the board finds all the results

[36:11] true and correct, and the board will

[36:12] recognize a Sheriff Ashley's community

[36:15] service by designating the sheriff's

[36:18] firing range and Chris V. is a sheriff

[36:20] Ashley public safety training

[36:22] complex. And county staff is here

[36:24] about directed to fix external

[36:28] building markers and plaques and photographs, et cetera,

[36:31] during a public dedication ceremony.

[36:34] A duly adopted about board of County Commission

[36:36] is on the third day.

[36:37] And Mr. Chairman and Commissioners, it's a great honor

[36:40] that I move this resolution also for approval.

[36:44] All right, Commissioner Fountain has an emotion

[36:47] to approve the resolution.

[36:48] Do we have a second?

[36:49] It'll be my honor to second.

[36:50] Good, Mr. Keshell, with a second.

[36:52] I'd like to say a few words.

[36:55] We've honored two great men here this morning, Larry Gilbert,

[36:57] and his family that I think the world of his daughter and I've worked together for years and social work.

[37:03] We have many, very strong social work strong.

[37:07] And now we come to Larry Ashley.

[37:10] The admiration I have for this mighty man of God is I can hardly put it into words.

[37:14] There's nobody else in this county that I probably admire as much as you, honestly.

[37:19] You're a wonderful husband, you're an exemplary father.

[37:23] You came to this position and you brought so much, you brought Steve Undershare.

[37:31] The whole team of men that surround us and take care of us and have always felt so safe since you've been at Oakley's

[37:38] Accounting as the sheriff. We don't thank our men and women enough for all that you do to keep our community the way it is.

[37:48] The school resource office that you brought into the schools, what are different sets made for the children, because they can see that you all are good friends of them,

[37:57] and you help them in so many ways, the physical fitness that you ask your men and women

[38:02] to be a part of that change the culture within the Sheriff's Office, and it's such

[38:09] a personal loss for me that you're not going to be there, but I know we'll Chris Cross

[38:13] in other ways, many of you don't know, but we did radio together for many years, you

[38:18] know, Christian radio, and so that's how we got to know each other. And when he encouraged

[38:22] me to run for this office, I was like, no, I don't want to part to this, I like the

[38:26] social worker, but thank you for encouraging me to do this. I've enjoyed these six years here.

[38:32] Anyway, it's my honor to recognize you in this way today. I wish we could do more. Thank you for

[38:37] all that you've given to our community. All these years of service 31 years from my heart to your heart.

[38:45] Missors, further comments or discussion? All right, pressure wants?

[38:51] It's my last who brought you. I'm going to give me a chance.

[38:55] Larry, in my view, you've been a pillar of strike for Oklahoma's accounting and more ways

[38:59] than just been recognized today. We appreciate you. You've made and kept Oklahoma's accounting

[39:06] a place where we want to live and are proud to live. You've had a big hand in at a heavy

[39:11] hand. And so thank you for all you've been for the accounting and appreciate your friendship.

[39:19] Goodmishers. Well, Sheriff, I'll just say certainly it's with a great honor that we get to do

[39:24] today certainly appreciate the opportunity of I've had to work with you. It's been really,

[39:30] you know, just a real, real blessing. And so I appreciate that, appreciate your family,

[39:35] I know that, you know, in service such as yours and all your officers, the families are contributing

[39:40] just as much as the officer. So we do appreciate that. With that, commissioners, those in favor,

[39:46] please sit with us saying aye. Aye. Aye. And those opposed. That passes unanimously.

[40:06] Mr. Chairman, if there's no objections, let's do one with Laney and Larry, and then if y'all

[40:13] give us just a moment and let the sheriff's department people come and let's do one with them

[40:18] as well so they can have that. Sounds good playing.

[42:40] Order two.

[42:43] Well, first let me say thank you for not doing this posthumously.

[42:47] But I was here and able to just be so moved by the comments and it's always tough when

[42:59] you're leaving a business and having so much history here at the Sheriff's Office,

[43:05] it's other than my wife and children, it's the best thing that God's ever bluffing with

[43:09] the ability to do is to be in this community and be in this Sheriff's Office and the men and women

[43:14] over the last 30 years that I've had to honor working with Sheriff Gilbert.

[43:19] Thank you for believing in me and hiring me, even though you were a better golfer at the time.

[43:27] Graham, your guidance or friendship.

[43:30] This board has done so much in the time that I've been here for this community.

[43:36] And I'm just overwhelmed with what has happened in just the last ten years, the things that

[43:46] we've been able to accomplish with the courthouses and training centers and for our community

[43:50] for the next 50, 60 years, and it's for the community.

[43:56] And if you think about training, we've lost four officers in the last ten years to be in

[44:05] scenarios around the country and in Florida, where our schoolchildren are the target of violence

[44:10] and terrorist, and we as as many women and law enforcement are asked to do a lot to combat

[44:20] that, to give ourselves better chances, and I think even then this day in ages civil discourse

[44:26] trying to get people young people to come in this business is difficult. But they also want

[44:33] But when you hire somebody, they don't want to spend the next 20, 30 years sitting on a milk crate at a 2 by 4 desk, they want to have the technology and the professionalism that comes along with a career.

[44:49] And I think that's what we've provided for our troops and for our citizens, because that's who benefits from everything we do.

[44:57] And that is a great credit to the minimum of the sheriff's.

[45:00] Office in the past and in now in a great credit to you for your vision on what the future holds.

[45:08] And I'm just proud for my children that, one day, both my sons learned how to shoot at range.

[45:14] Learn how to shoot on the move, learn how to defend themselves and a lot of other things.

[45:19] And I'm just proud one day that they'll be able to see that they're up there and know that we have a small part in this history.

[45:26] We love this county, we love you, and thank you so much.

[45:29] All

[45:43] right, Commissioner Ketrol, you asked to have an un-16er for further discussion, so I'll recognize you.

[45:50] Congressman Gates asked me to bring forward the resolution for appreciation of the administration's extension of the oil and gas moratorium.

[46:00] Many of you may not realize that in 2006, then President George W. Bush signed into law, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006,

[46:11] which, among other things, vans, oil and gas exploration within 125 miles off the floor

[46:17] at a coastline. This is essential for our mission. And we were very blessed to be able to

[46:26] to get an extension from our President. And there's a few people I need to thank that are in

[46:31] this room, even. Of course, Congressman Gates for his work on it, Gordy for now, General for

[46:36] Now, former Commander at England and the Defense Support Initiative group, and also the

[46:42] EDC Director Nathan Sparks and his team for all the work they did to make this happen.

[46:47] And the four chambers, each of you went to Washington and worked to get this extension.

[46:53] So I'm going to take a few minutes and read this resolution.

[46:55] I did not write it, but so, but I really want to thank, whereas Donald Trump, who

[47:03] becoming the 45th President of the United States of America has consistently championed

[47:09] our brave service members and the noble cause they defend keeping us safe. And whereas

[47:14] President Trump has re-oriented American foreign policy towards a brighter and more American

[47:21] future. And whereas President Trump has reinvestered, revitalized, and rebuilt the American

[47:28] military to be the most lethal in our nation's history.

[47:31] And whereas Florida's first congressional district recognizes the lengths, the President

[47:36] Trump has gone to safeguard America's future, despite daily and unfair attacks from

[47:42] adversaries.

[47:43] And whereas President Trump recognizes the outside role, the state of Florida, and its first

[47:49] congressional district play in our national defense.

[47:52] And whereas President Trump recognizes the urgency of extending the moratorium on oil and

[47:57] asset activity in the Eastern Gulf, which is essential for continued development of the American

[48:04] military's combat mission and thus safeguarding our military readiness, both now and the

[48:10] future, and whereas these vital military activities must be conducted without interference

[48:16] as they are crucial to building a more robust national defense.

[48:21] Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Ogilisa County, Florida,

[48:26] The Board hereby extends our genuine appreciation for President Donald Trump, who has ensured

[48:33] the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, remains free from oil and gas drilling and exploration, and

[48:39] thereby guarantees that it will remain a vital asset for the testing, training and

[48:44] evaluation and readiness of the United States Armed Forces.

[48:48] God bless President Trump for this.

[48:51] This is duly adopted, hopefully today I bring it forward for a vote for this resolution to pass.

[48:58] Chairman, I'll give that a second.

[49:00] All right.

[49:01] We have a motion to approve the Resolution by Commission.

[49:03] I'll just second by Commission.

[49:06] Further discussion?

[49:08] I know.

[49:10] A lot of people think that sometimes these resolutions, especially in issues like this, are useless,

[49:18] or maybe their superfluous to the job we do, but I think they're very, very important.

[49:26] If y'all recall just in this last election, this drilling offshore was an issue with one

[49:32] of our commissioners, and one of our races with an opponent that used to be against it,

[49:38] and was trying to get the drilling back in the Gulf Coast, and I think you all saw how that

[49:44] down. I think people in our community and Northwest Florida appreciate our natural resources

[49:51] to the extent and they appreciate the fact that the military needs to keep a good presence.

[49:57] Commissioner Cachol, as you said before, in the Gulf for their testing operations and

[50:04] making a strong point to constantly remind people that we don't need to let our guard down

[50:09] because Congress and the Executive Office of the President and the State Legislature, this thing comes up every six or seven months.

[50:18] Somebody's back up trying to drill again.

[50:21] So we definitely need to thank the President and everybody else in Congressman Gates.

[50:25] You know, we've done resolutions here, what I think two or three times, it's not been here.

[50:30] So we need to keep state diligent because we need to protect our tourism industry, we need to protect this place that we call home

[50:38] where we enjoy the gun from the bay and the birds and not the ones that are attacking us

[50:42] like in birds, but the other birds, we enjoy everything about the place that we live

[50:48] and we very much enjoy having, you know, the largest military installation in the world here

[50:55] in this county which thrives on the use of the gun. So I think it's very important.

[51:00] Well, and I have to agree with you if I could have a moment here. This is an executive order.

[51:05] this is not a legislative order.

[51:07] We still have a Congress that needs to enact this.

[51:10] If the military mission ever left here

[51:12] and went to say China Lake, this place would look

[51:15] like Potter'sville, and it's a wonderful life.

[51:18] I mean, we have to fight to keep this mission here.

[51:21] It is crucial for Eggland Air Force Base.

[51:23] I can't say it enough.

[51:26] And the Commander, the Command staff, all agree.

[51:28] So we need to thank our Congressman when we see him.

[51:31] We need to make sure that we encourage anybody

[51:35] that we can to vote for this. I certainly will continue to support this legislatively, but that's

[51:40] how crucial the vote is today, because if this goes differently today than we hope it goes,

[51:45] at least I hope it'll make a huge difference in eggland air force base.

[51:50] We're going to be victorious. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[51:53] Thank you. Commissioners, any further on this? All right. Those in favor please signal

[52:00] by saying aye, those opposed.

[52:04] That passes unanimously.

[52:07] All right, that concludes the consent agenda.

[52:11] As we're passed on a clock, we can begin our public hearing, which has been scheduled to

[52:16] start at 9 a.m. or soon thereafter, as we can get to it.

[52:21] It's Dr. Autry.

[52:22] Good morning.

[52:23] Good morning, Jason Autry Public Works.

[52:25] There's one public hearing for your consideration today.

[52:27] It's a request from JRW Investments.

[52:30] So, LLC, to vacate a portions of rights of way that are in the whole area. This is a plat that was approved in January

[52:38] 1 of 1927. Needless to say, as 93 years has passed by, there has been some change in the area, and they're looking to revitalize the location.

[52:47] This is generally located around the school, over in the whole area, is where these rights of way are in general. There has not been a clarification or a statement from the applicant in terms of what they intend to do with the property long term.

[52:58] However, the rights of way to pose impediments to future development of the partial

[53:03] save request that we've received no complaints or calls from citizens regarding their

[53:08] request and are available for any questions should you have them?

[53:14] Commissioner, is any questions in the strategy before we open up the public comment portion

[53:19] of hearing?

[53:21] All right, as this is a scheduled public hearing, any citizen wishing to speak on this matter

[53:29] will be recognized just raise your hand and I'll call on you.

[53:33] Does there any member of the public wishing to address this matter of product before public

[53:38] hearing?

[53:40] All right.

[53:40] I see no one indicating a desire to speak, so we'll close the public comment portion of

[53:46] the public hearing.

[53:47] We'll bring it back to the board for further action and Mr. Boyle looks like this is

[53:52] in your district.

[53:53] Yes, sir.

[53:53] Chairman, I did as you would call from the public to explain to him what was happening

[53:58] and they were absolutely fine with it.

[54:00] I'm always a fan of if we have right away

[54:02] that we're not making use of,

[54:04] we don't have any future potential use of

[54:06] and the county can avoid the responsibility

[54:08] of having to maintain a roadway that's not needed

[54:11] and I'm certainly for supporting that effort.

[54:14] And I think that's what we have in this situation.

[54:16] And so with that, I will make the motion to approve.

[54:22] All right, we have a motion by Commissioner Boyles to approve.

[54:25] And Mr. Chairman, I will give a second to that motion.

[54:27] All right, the second-by-commissioner found further discussion commissioners on this item.

[54:32] All right.

[54:32] Those in favor please signal by saying aye.

[54:33] Aye.

[54:34] And those opposed.

[54:36] That passes unanimously.

[54:37] Thank you.

[54:38] All right.

[54:42] We'll turn now to the Department of Business.

[54:45] Looks like we have our first item with Mr. Coffee administrative services.

[54:50] With an item sponsored by Commissioner Boyle.

[54:53] So I don't know if you or Commissioner Boyle is one of the two if you want to.

[54:56] Lead off with it.

[54:57] Yes, sir, if I can, I'll go over briefly a few points about the program and what it's designed to do.

[55:04] It is modeled after the Florida Restaurant and Logging Association program and similar programs throughout Florida,

[55:10] specifically we looked at Clay County.

[55:13] As you heard earlier, all four chambers are looking to participate, and this is funded with CARES funding.

[55:20] This is a voluntary program, and what does, is, encourages businesses to continue to be built.

[55:29] Village it.

[55:30] Thank you.

[55:31] Village it in the fight against COVID.

[55:33] We know this is going to still be around even after the vaccines available.

[55:38] And what it basically entails is that they meet the checklist and follow certain protocols

[55:44] that they'll be recognized as making an effort to protect public and their employees against

[55:49] COVID.

[55:50] It's just a way to recognize a positive behavior out there, it's another way that county

[55:54] can encourage good behavior without mandating or creating rules or ordinances, and it's

[56:00] a completely voluntary program again.

[56:06] Commissioner Boyle, did you have anything you want to add?

[56:09] Well, I'll just, yes, sir, I did a great response to this item.

[56:11] It was brought to my attention, seemed like a great way to both support our businesses as

[56:17] they're, you know, we are a tourism-based economy here, a substantial portion of our economy is and

[56:23] so anything that we can do to distribute best practices to the businesses that are in our community

[56:28] to keep both our visitors and our residents safer. I think is a good thing and then certainly

[56:34] very mindful of supporting our chambers. Our chambers have been, you know, advocates for

[56:40] policies of this board and really continue to serve as a great conduit between us and the business

[56:45] community and I think that makes a stronger community because of it and so I'm fully in support

[56:51] of this program using, you know, CARES Act dollars so these are dollars that are obviously

[56:56] not coming out of the counties general revenue and so with that Mr. Chairman I'll make a motion

[57:01] to approve. All right, commissioners, is there a second?

[57:06] Oh, second. Okay, a second by Commissioner Fountain. Further discussion, commissioners on this

[57:10] Chairman, if I'm not, I guess it's Kelly and I are on our last, as he called it,

[57:16] her arms, one song or whatever while I go, I just want to thank the Chamber's team since

[57:20] we have all here today for taking the role that you have taken the last few years in the community.

[57:29] It's definitely on the rise, it's been a lot more than it has been in most of my life,

[57:36] as far as getting involved with the communities, because when you have the community, you have

[57:39] your businesses that are your members, and y'all have been great ambassadors, and I hope

[57:45] this program will also let you be great ambassadors to people and do some good as we go

[57:53] through this whole COVID thing, and let's hope one day we won't need this kind of program,

[57:57] but thank you very much.

[58:00] commissioners for the discussion?

[58:04] I just have a question.

[58:07] Is this design, because I couldn't tell from the background

[58:10] board, is this design where the program protocol

[58:13] would be brought back for approval by the board?

[58:15] Or is this just an agreement to find it?

[58:17] And once we want to vote today if we approve it,

[58:20] then we are out of that process.

[58:23] Once you approve it today, we're out of that process.

[58:26] The, I will tell you the criteria is being modeled after the restaurant lodging association protocols.

[58:33] I didn't want to get us in the, in the middle of that and there is guidance and stuff out there between, again, the other counties in the state and the restaurant lodging association.

[58:41] So there is, there is models to follow.

[58:44] And we have passed as part of the request, chambers to lead that and to teach that and to handle whole program.

[58:51] So we don't have any burden on the staff.

[58:54] And then a follow-up question on that, and then will the ultimate certification

[58:58] documentation in any way indicate that the business has been approved by the county

[59:04] government?

[59:07] No, I think the documentation is going to demonstrate that they met some kind of best

[59:11] practices checklist, and that they'll be named on their website, that's the extent of it.

[59:18] but it'll be a best practices of whom is my question. Will it be just the chambers or

[59:27] some other organization or I guess I'm getting at it or people are going to look and see

[59:32] this business has a little sticker that has the Oculus Accounting seal on it and says it's got best practices

[59:38] but the neighbor next door doesn't or is it going to be just the chamber designations

[59:44] and our emblem in Sydney will not be on that.

[59:48] I'm not anticipating use of our emblem or seal.

[59:51] I'm a program, I'm anticipating them coming up.

[59:53] We specifically will acquire them to come up with a sticker or seal that they use for the program.

[1:00:00] And when you say, will require it, who's going to approve that? Staff?

[1:00:05] I wasn't going to get into the weeds, and we're approval of the sticker.

[1:00:08] They'll come up with something that's a COVID-avass practices certified or something like that.

[1:00:14] And I'm not trying to be point on my questions, but I think sometimes, you know, the details matter,

[1:00:19] and the matter for me, because I'll be honest with you, I actually had some angst and putting this on the agenda,

[1:00:25] but certainly with Commissioner Boyle's sponsoring, I agree to do that.

[1:00:28] And I'll start by saying that if we were going to task anybody to do this, I think our chambers are well situated to do that.

[1:00:38] We worked with our chambers for many, many things I support our chambers.

[1:00:42] I'm privately, I'm a member of two of them.

[1:00:46] And so, not with my official public position, but in my private business life.

[1:00:53] And so I recognize the value the chambers bring back to our systems and our local businesses.

[1:00:58] Dealing with this COVID issue is actually one that I find to be very,

[1:01:04] if there's a device of issue, that's probably one in our nation and our community.

[1:01:11] It divides families, it divides neighbors, it divides parents and children, sometimes it divides husbands and wives.

[1:01:23] For many things I've observed, and I'm by no means a doctor, COVID has done more damage

[1:01:29] socially than it has done medically in our nation.

[1:01:34] And so I am highly reluctant to fuel this ongoing COVID paranoia that is starting to develop.

[1:01:46] It's certainly something that we have to be recognized

[1:01:49] that are most vulnerable, must be protected from.

[1:01:52] And we certainly need to be supporting the implementation

[1:01:58] of vaccines, therapeutics, and things like that.

[1:02:02] But I guess my biggest concern is, if I don't know what this looks

[1:02:07] like, from a perspective, it will go on the door.

[1:02:12] And so this company has gone through a process.

[1:02:15] Maybe the company next door says, well, I really don't exactly believe everything I see on ABC News.

[1:02:20] I don't think I need to do that.

[1:02:22] And so, do we disproportionately advantage on businesses of another using dollars that flow through

[1:02:29] a close to county?

[1:02:31] That's the biggest concern I have.

[1:02:32] I'm not saying that there's necessarily right or wrong.

[1:02:34] Certainly we've gone to the extent of putting out documentation or requiring businesses to put out

[1:02:39] documentation.

[1:02:40] Yes.

[1:02:41] The designate what their practices are and I supported that and I think you know, it was a good compromise

[1:02:48] That I think in a ship will actually kind of spearheaded that compromise position to say let let our citizens know

[1:02:54] What's going on? I guess the difference here is that program that we previously

[1:02:59] Passed didn't didn't say

[1:03:01] That you know somebody was approved with their protocol or not approved with it called they just asked

[1:03:06] We just asked them to host it here. I guess we're getting into a different position

[1:03:10] we're saying, what is appropriate protocol and what is not?

[1:03:13] Well, if I don't know what the protocol is, how do I know whether or not it's something

[1:03:18] we would want to submit?

[1:03:19] It's just part of why I asked why, you know, how the, how the, the emblem and the signal

[1:03:26] would look because it's certainly one thing to get a private organization approval versus

[1:03:30] government approval.

[1:03:33] So, that's what we were trying to walk that fine line between, you know, being conservative,

[1:03:37] of not mandating and make it voluntary and still addressing COVID, but not going being overzealous

[1:03:44] of any enforcement.

[1:03:45] So we're trying to keep with that same thing, realizing we're caught between both sides of

[1:03:51] that issue.

[1:03:53] So Mr. Chairman, that's from me.

[1:03:55] I appreciate, I think, valic concerns, Mr. Chairman, I'm frankly, I don't know if I thought

[1:03:59] about it exactly in that lens, but I think there are legitimate concerns.

[1:04:03] So I would offer a couple of kind of modifications to the pitting motions on the floor

[1:04:07] or maybe to satisfy some, if not all, I would offer an amendment that specifically says

[1:04:12] that the counties, low bill or insignia will not be used, and that to clarify that it

[1:04:19] is the chambers collectively will be responsible for arriving at what the agreed upon protocols

[1:04:26] for certification R, and that the chambers are clarifying the chambers are in fact responsible

[1:04:33] than for making that designation and handing out those stickers, and that it will be without any

[1:04:38] statement as to Oakley's Accounting Government's approval or certification.

[1:04:44] I really looked at us as being a funding role, supporting all using those COVID dollars,

[1:04:50] and did not intend to create a process for the county would be in any way viewed as the one

[1:04:55] who was certifying or declaring or in any other way kind of putting our seal behind any business

[1:05:02] practices or any businesses choice not to follow those practices to to your point.

[1:05:08] So if there's no objection, I'll offer those amendments to the motion, Mr. Chairman.

[1:05:15] I think I did the second. I'll second those amendments or the amended motion.

[1:05:22] And then, Mr. Christopher Ketchel.

[1:05:24] Well, so I was looking on the website for the Florida Restron Association.

[1:05:30] and they have a emblem that would be the perfect emblem.

[1:05:34] If the restaurant association wants to get behind this,

[1:05:37] you know, I've come to the place my own life

[1:05:39] where it's personal responsibility.

[1:05:41] I don't frequent restaurants that I don't see people wearing masks

[1:05:44] and washing hands and taking care of things.

[1:05:47] And where I can't sit outside, that's my personal choice.

[1:05:50] I wear a mask, many people in this room are not wearing a mask.

[1:05:53] I mean, yes, what you have to do in this COVID thing,

[1:05:55] because you can't police the world.

[1:05:58] And I think that's what you're trying to say as well, that, you know, it's not really, the

[1:06:03] last thing I want to do is put government in the middle of this.

[1:06:06] So I like where you're going with this, and I would ask that if the chambers decide they

[1:06:11] want to take this on, you're kind of on the spot, we could table it and bring it back.

[1:06:15] That's another thought.

[1:06:16] And then find out if the Florida Association wants to come up with an emblem or if they have

[1:06:20] come up with an emblem, I don't know the answer to that.

[1:06:22] Well, would you be comfortable with the amendment as proposed by Commissioner Boyles to keep moving today?

[1:06:29] So.

[1:06:30] I think that's accepted as a friendly amendment.

[1:06:34] And Commissioner Wines.

[1:06:35] I would just say that even before the amendment, which I'll support,

[1:06:41] I have most confidence in the four chambers there.

[1:06:44] They're all in the best interest of everybody.

[1:06:46] And I can't see them putting the board in a bad light.

[1:06:48] So I would be against table and let's move on.

[1:06:51] Yeah, commissioner's anything further. All right. So what I'll say then is I appreciate the

[1:06:58] So

[1:07:00] Yes, Mr. Clerk.

[1:07:02] Real briefly Mr. Chair.

[1:07:03] I'll show you vote.

[1:07:06] I don't vote but I didn't want to tell you that

[1:07:09] The IGN of the finance farmers been on the calls with the county staff as they built this

[1:07:16] This is one of these components

[1:07:18] And we have every confidence in the leadership of the chambers to implement the program because obviously it is government dollars going into this program that we are responsible for.

[1:07:30] And so I just want to make sure that you understand we are engaged in watching, and I've got constant. So long as I think that I'm sure the chambers don't want to get in the middle of that little political issue that you're talking about as well.

[1:07:42] So I think so long as it is an objective kind of measurement, and anybody's eligible to acquire that certification, I think that we certainly will be fine, and certainly the people who need to be watching the system are doing that this time.

[1:07:58] So good point just because the action we're taking is going to have to, your, your office is going to be responsible for looking at how the checks get written.

[1:08:07] So the way that this has been reformulated and you're comfortable that you'll be able to, to look at what we're passing and be able to do your, your,

[1:08:17] in a sterile function?

[1:08:19] Absolutely. We've got every confidence in the staff of the chambers to be open and forthcoming

[1:08:23] about that as we're looking through spot checking processes as well as the staff.

[1:08:28] We've been involved from day one and it has been reviewed very close.

[1:08:32] Excellent.

[1:08:34] So, and that kind of goes to my point, maybe we're reinventing a wheel that's already

[1:08:39] being invented.

[1:08:39] If the Florida Association of Restaurants put this forward, they may already have their

[1:08:44] housekeeping seal of approval and we don't have to easy. I'm sure that the chambers will work with

[1:08:50] them to figure that out. Well, so that's another, that's another special interest group that

[1:08:54] probably sometimes line with the chambers and sometimes maybe not be. I've been, I've been on

[1:08:59] both sides. I've been friends with that association and I've been on the opposite side of them. They're

[1:09:04] just, I mean they're like anybody, I mean they've got their group in them, but I think our chambers

[1:09:08] could probably best understand the aptitude and where our community stands on this.

[1:09:15] If you're okay, I think is the motion was stated.

[1:09:19] We'd probably be delegating them that discretion, at least that's how I understood it.

[1:09:27] So I'll say then, I appreciate the offer to compromise.

[1:09:33] I can go along with that because while I might not have wanted to even get into this at all,

[1:09:39] necessarily. I certainly recognize there's benefit to making your points, having some

[1:09:45] concessions on the other side, and meeting somewhere in the middle, which I think this

[1:09:48] is what this does. As I said before, if we were going to turn it over to anybody, I trust

[1:09:53] our four chambers, they do a lot for our community, you know, they do a lot for our small

[1:09:58] business owners, and they do a lot for our citizens, and so I think they're well situated

[1:10:03] to handle that. And I think going forward that that'll be good. As long as it's crystal clear,

[1:10:10] this is an agreement that says your business is okay, this is not. Which that's not going to be

[1:10:15] what this is. I can certainly live with it and support it. And I think it's a Commissioner

[1:10:22] Ketchels Point. In a lot of ways, it seems like the path forward is one where we allow people

[1:10:27] make their choices, and to determine the level of safety protocols that they feel personally

[1:10:34] are appropriate for them, and to take them, you know, versus, you know, I've heard

[1:10:40] lots of incidents as where people get kind of accustomed by somebody at the grocery store

[1:10:44] or something, and you know, and some sort of quasi, you know, militant fashion about, you

[1:10:49] know, you don't have to mask on, or you didn't, you got to close to somebody else, and,

[1:10:55] you know, of course, those things are bad for our community, but when people

[1:10:57] simply evaluate their own responsibility, which this should help do. I think you can maybe get

[1:11:04] to the right place. So all the long way to say, and that with the compromise on the table,

[1:11:10] I can support this. So, permission is anything further, or if we beat this around enough.

[1:11:16] All right. Those in favor please signal by saying aye. Aye.

[1:11:20] Aye. And those opposed. That passes unanimously. So, thank you.

[1:11:34] All right. Mr. Parker.

[1:11:40] Good morning. Good morning, Chairman.

[1:11:42] I'm counting commissioners to our own parker transit division.

[1:11:46] For your consideration this morning, the transit division requests the solar source

[1:11:50] purchase would SPX corporation do a business as a gym fair in the amount of $634,716.

[1:11:59] The county's current fair box system for transit is almost 11 years old.

[1:12:03] In fair condition, it cannot be updated with the latest technology.

[1:12:06] As part of the eight million dollars care spending transit received, it was identified and

[1:12:11] opportunity to move our system from a stand-of-fair system to a modern electronic system.

[1:12:16] Oguz County purchased it and acquired the current Fairbox system in data system in 2010.

[1:12:23] The current system has reached its minimal asset useful life of 10 years as defined by FTA.

[1:12:29] The Odyssey Fairbox and data system currently operated by the county's transit system does not allow

[1:12:34] for new technology to be added for accessible functionality features for customers and the

[1:12:40] transit system.

[1:12:41] The proposed fast-fair revolutionary Fairbox and data system has new technology and use

[1:12:47] friendly features, customers, excuse me, use a feature for customers and patrons.

[1:12:52] These features include faster boarding processing, various corn and currency fairbox acceptance,

[1:12:58] smart card, capability, smart card, dispenser, and transit fair program acceptance.

[1:13:05] The Capital Investment and Acquisition of a new GenFair electronic fair box collection system

[1:13:10] will include vehicle electronic fair boxes, stationary vault, facility data system, training,

[1:13:16] extended warranty, and technical supports.

[1:13:20] GenFair serves as the sole source supplier of this requested equipment and their related

[1:13:24] Portsonservice are compatible and interchangeable with existing fanbox and data system operated by EC writer.

[1:13:31] Upon BCC approval, roll out the system is forecasted for approximately under 20 days with an estimated start of date of April 21, 2021.

[1:13:41] That's for your consideration this morning.

[1:13:44] All right.

[1:13:45] Commissioners, for the questions, Commissioner Kachel, I think you're well engaged in the transit issues.

[1:13:51] Mr. Parker, you continue to do a great job on move for approval on this.

[1:13:55] Thank you, you've expressed it very well, it's exactly outdated and we need to update it and

[1:14:00] thanks for all that you've done to, it's just been a delayed, it's not to have all the complaints

[1:14:05] that we used to have.

[1:14:06] Just about that.

[1:14:07] All right.

[1:14:07] There's a motion to approve by Commissioner Cattellon.

[1:14:10] Mr. Chairman, I'm very happy to second it and did I wrong for all the good work you're

[1:14:16] doing, isn't it?

[1:14:17] I'll second the motion.

[1:14:18] Thank you.

[1:14:18] All right.

[1:14:19] So, it's a motion in a second on the floor to approve.

[1:14:24] Commissioner's further discussion.

[1:14:27] All right, those in favor, please sign up by saying aye.

[1:14:30] Those opposed.

[1:14:31] That passage unanimously.

[1:14:33] Thank you, sir.

[1:14:36] Mr. Latrell, water and sewer.

[1:14:38] Are you in the background?

[1:14:41] All right.

[1:14:54] Jeff Latrell, water and sewer director.

[1:14:56] Good morning, Mr. Chairman.

[1:14:58] Morning.

[1:14:59] Your water and sewer.

[1:15:00] Senator Parkman is one item for your consideration this morning. Although I would like to briefly make

[1:15:05] that contact with Commissioner Boos and speak about there was an item on the consent agenda for

[1:15:13] Polymer.

[1:15:16] Oh, I saw it. I just figured this board was no longer willing to tolerate further discussion

[1:15:22] about things such as Poup Oliver. I felt like I'd got all the play out of that one. I could

[1:15:26] Mr. Literal, but thanks for the opportunity to slide it in there.

[1:15:31] Anyway, we are requesting approval to authorize the Chairman to execute task of where

[1:15:35] six with Gulf Coast underground, not to exceed 966,690 dollars in 75 cents for the rehabilitation

[1:15:43] of gravity sewer lines and manholes throughout the OCW service area.

[1:15:48] This is where we are proactively addressing aging infrastructure issues.

[1:15:53] we have a lot of vitrified clay lines. Those are obsolete. They're old, they're leaky.

[1:16:00] And this cured in place, lining. It's what we call trenchless construction. You don't have

[1:16:06] to dig up the street. You don't have to dig up stuff. The liners are placed inside the

[1:16:14] lines. And you wind up with basically a brand new line without having to dig up half the

[1:16:24] The commissioners, a question to Mr. O'Trail on this?

[1:16:28] Mr. Chairman, no, no questions. I will know super cool technology. You know, they literally

[1:16:33] enroll this sock inside these lines and then they, you, you, you air it up and I think

[1:16:38] it's something, if there's something to akin to like a, I guess, my, my, like, fiberglass

[1:16:43] almost the way it sets up.

[1:16:45] Yeah, anyhow, super, super cool technology that no one except works like us would care

[1:16:50] But it's a much more cost effective way to kind of get some additional life out of that existing infrastructure, and I think it's a worth allowing staff to continue on this annual program that they have created to

[1:17:02] Trying to keep costs low, and yet still have good reliable service that doesn't leak sewage into our into our groundwater, which is also a side benefit obviously, so motion to approve.

[1:17:13] I'll be glad to second it and I think it's I think it's pretty neat and I'm not a doork

[1:17:18] But at least I'm on this stuff

[1:17:20] But I think it's I think it's interesting because it buys us another 50 years

[1:17:25] Is that right about 50 years?

[1:17:28] Between commissioner boils and commissioner occasionally sounds like we're talking about a stint for your sewer system

[1:17:33] I was thinking I thought I thought it was fascinating

[1:17:35] I read about this and Mr. Haft at school and open it up and get you more time. So good to know

[1:17:42] All right

[1:17:43] So we have a motion to approve by Commissioner Boyles and a second by Commissioner

[1:17:49] Catcher.

[1:17:50] Do we have further discussion?

[1:17:52] All right.

[1:17:53] Doesn't favorably signal by saying aye.

[1:17:55] Aye.

[1:17:55] And those opposed.

[1:17:57] All right.

[1:17:57] That passage unanimously.

[1:17:59] Thank you.

[1:18:02] All right.

[1:18:03] Mr. Autry.

[1:18:05] You are item one of six.

[1:18:07] It will appear to be a very spending director today.

[1:18:12] I'm trying to be in competition with the consent agenda in terms of

[1:18:15] but unfortunately I have a lot, so that's right.

[1:18:18] Yeah, public works, those have six items for consideration to be able to get through them as

[1:18:21] efficiently as I can.

[1:18:23] The first one is a request from staff to look at some potential modifications to the policy

[1:18:28] for the MSB using MSB to use.

[1:18:31] During the budget process, Commissioner Wolves are brought up the need to see if we could

[1:18:34] find a way to become a little bit more nimble with this, and we've got some ideas that are

[1:18:38] out there.

[1:18:39] The biggest one that we would like to move forward with in this conversation is focused

[1:18:42] on roadway improvements.

[1:18:44] If you recall, the current policy allows us to use paving, as our hot mix asphalt, as our improved method from a dirt road to a paved road, there is a substantial cost that's associated with that.

[1:18:55] Recently, we've made a shift in our own maintenance program, where instead of paving dirt roads, we will do a limerock base with a chip seal cap on it, and we've seen great success with that move so far.

[1:19:07] In fact, through Hurricane Sally, the roads that we had performed that method of treatment

[1:19:12] on, we received very minimal damage, meanwhile our clay roads were just torn to pieces.

[1:19:17] So we feel it is a very positive opportunity that's there.

[1:19:21] We do have some concerns because where we have done lime rock with chip seals in a more

[1:19:25] rural setting, where it's more linear driving as opposed to turn off.

[1:19:28] So we're curious to see how it can function in neighborhood setting.

[1:19:32] What we've done is we've identified a small segment that has got existing houses and a cold

[1:19:36] on it that we are going to do a test program to see how this fairs.

[1:19:40] If it is successful, we see it as an opportunity to dramatically reduce the cost of the citizens

[1:19:45] to get an improved structure and then long-term reduce the maintenance cost that the county

[1:19:49] has as well.

[1:19:50] So, we see it as a very positive opportunity, but we want to make sure that we put this as a

[1:19:55] viable option inside of our policy and we want to be completely transparent with your approach

[1:19:59] on that.

[1:19:59] That is why we're up here seeking some direction day and I'm sure Commissioner Boyz will have

[1:20:03] more to add to this.

[1:20:05] Mr. Chairman, thank you.

[1:20:07] Yes, a couple of additional thoughts building on what Jason just talked about.

[1:20:13] The request today is merely to authorize staff to bring back a set of changes.

[1:20:18] There's nothing officially gets done today if I'm understanding the process correctly.

[1:20:21] That's an ordinance of require, I think, that process.

[1:20:26] There's a process that Jason has focused on, which is,

[1:20:29] you know, the line rock with the chip seal stabilization.

[1:20:32] We have encountered a number of places where even a more basic level of stabilization

[1:20:37] may be necessary, and so what I'm working with staff, I help to make some suggested changes

[1:20:45] to this initial agenda item, which actually will allow them to kind of put a compliment or

[1:20:51] a range of additional tools in the toolbox when we go into an area and we're trying to

[1:20:56] that was an MSTU and MSTU and so today, one of them that I wanted to highlight, we've actually

[1:21:01] got some folks in the back of the room today, that are here from the Sundance Way part of

[1:21:07] the world for commissioners who haven't had the privilege of benefiting Sundance Way, that's

[1:21:12] over in the whole area, kind of immediately north of Yellow River, and it is, I think it would

[1:21:21] not be unfair to say literally one of the worst roads in Oklahoma,

[1:21:25] to County, and Ms. McNough, who's standing in the back of the room,

[1:21:28] actually had brought some pictures with her today.

[1:21:30] So I've got those and I'll just pass those down, let the commission take a look.

[1:21:34] This is not a county maintained road, it never has been, and it is one that is,

[1:21:40] it's never even really been a road, I think that's probably an unfair characterization.

[1:21:44] It's more of a trail, and yet through the years, because there were a bunch of,

[1:21:49] there was an unplated subdivision that was built

[1:21:51] in my area back in the 70s and simply by virtually the fact

[1:21:54] that they carved it up and they sold a bunch of lots.

[1:21:56] Over the years, there's a surprising number of houses

[1:21:58] that have been built.

[1:21:59] The huge primary access is now down this road.

[1:22:01] This road is so bad that the post office

[1:22:04] will not provide mail service down this road.

[1:22:06] And so they actually built a set of boxes out

[1:22:09] at Log Lake Road or the post office will deliver mail.

[1:22:12] These folks can get a service as basic as mail service

[1:22:16] down that road.

[1:22:16] side note, they do get trash purists, though I hear the trucks get stuck frequently.

[1:22:22] And so, in talking with these citizens, we, you know, they're looking for, again, a potential.

[1:22:30] Officially, a very basic level of improvement that would just allow for emergency access. And so, I've got, we didn't put it all on the agenda item today, but I've got information specifically about Sundance from the fire department from our EMS, from the sheriff's office, indicating challenges and inability at times to get emergency response vehicles into houses that are in that neighborhood, in the event of emergency, and the information we get back in the sheriff's office was literally, you know, the first response vehicle getting stopped.

[1:23:00] trying to get in there to make an emergency call, and that creates a second-level problem

[1:23:05] where the follow-on vehicles have to get around the vehicle that's stuck in this very

[1:23:10] narrow and trectorous roadways that's trying to get in there to provide service.

[1:23:16] And so what the effort that we're, if this board will agree today, to start the process of

[1:23:20] amending this MSB, you simply to broaden out the range of tools that are available will potentially give

[1:23:27] folks that like the folks from the back of the room today, the opportunity to get some basic level

[1:23:32] of stabilization that would allow for emergency access.

[1:23:35] And I want to kind of remind us that under this policy, it's the folks that live on the road

[1:23:41] that will be assessed in order to pay for these level of improvements.

[1:23:45] And there's an expectation that if we are not putting in two lanes of hot mix asphalt,

[1:23:50] that these roads are not going to then become a continuing county maintenance obligation.

[1:23:55] So, the citizens will have to understand that in exchange for an agreement to do a level of service or improvement that is less than a fully engineered hot mix roadway that the cost of continuing maintenance will be borne by that MSBU.

[1:24:13] And so, I think it's a very akin to a street light MSB at that point where the continuing cost of operation will be paid by the residents.

[1:24:23] really what the county becomes in that instance then is not a funder, but a facilitator of helping

[1:24:29] these citizens help themselves. And this is not going to work everywhere, but it will work in places

[1:24:35] like Sundance where you have an engaged community and you've got a few champions that are willing

[1:24:40] to willing to push. And so, you know, Mr. Chairman with that, I'll ask for approval. The only thing

[1:24:45] I would ask for, maybe out of order is if Mr. McKenna wanted to speak to that, I don't know if she

[1:24:48] does or not, or if they just want to wave and support. But if so, if Mr. Chairman would allow that

[1:24:52] of order just a few words about that community and they're efforts to organize and get a safe

[1:24:57] passable roadway. Thank you, sir. All right. So we have a motion to approve and this is just on the

[1:25:04] movement board with these policy revisions. Correct. We'll come back to this board all right in the form of

[1:25:10] and I don't even know that I need a motion. We just need the consensus to before with this and then we

[1:25:15] can come back with any objections, commission. Either way, it doesn't matter. I don't have an objection

[1:25:19] But I have a question of legal.

[1:25:21] Okay.

[1:25:22] I think we got to have a vote on this.

[1:25:24] I do.

[1:25:24] I have to do.

[1:25:25] Well, I think it's good.

[1:25:27] I'm assuming the commissioner bowls is moving it.

[1:25:29] I'll second it and I'm going to do have a question.

[1:25:35] For Miss Hotshihara.

[1:25:37] Is there any liability that would attach if we have the second tier program?

[1:25:46] because it's not going to be adopted and taken into regular county use and maintenance.

[1:25:52] So it really won't ever, I think what Nathan St. is, it's never going to be really a county road.

[1:25:57] There's going to be a second tier that you just get it fixed well enough for emergency vehicles.

[1:26:02] Is that correct? Do my understanding that correctly?

[1:26:05] Initially, the only thing I would add to that, Mr. Fountain, is that what this would do over time

[1:26:11] as additional improvements are made,

[1:26:13] the neighborhood may be able to then get in striking distance

[1:26:16] so that actually getting to a full hot mix,

[1:26:19] two line road, then could be meet standard and be accepted.

[1:26:23] And as you're putting down base,

[1:26:25] you're chipping away at that cost over time.

[1:26:28] The problem is that if you take a road like Sundance

[1:26:30] and you say, okay, the cost to bring it

[1:26:32] to two line hot mix roadway is so enormous

[1:26:36] that it's kind of overwhelming

[1:26:38] and everyone just steps away from it.

[1:26:39] So short-term yes, long-term if it's done right, I think there is the potential that

[1:26:44] in five to 15 years they could get to that point where they actually could get it accepted.

[1:26:48] Right, it's helping prepping for the future.

[1:26:50] I guess my only concern is because this is getting into some new matter of law as you know

[1:26:55] when we take it as a county road or even use and maintenance, there does come some live

[1:27:00] buildings of certain things that happen on the road and whether it was fixed right and all

[1:27:04] that even if it's just dirt and temporary stuff that if we do this, does that give us

[1:27:11] a same liability or will it not be a liability, even though we went fixed it?

[1:27:17] Thank you for that question.

[1:27:17] We have worked closely with just a notary in evaluating this new alternate paving process.

[1:27:24] We feel comfortable that it does not expose the county to any further liability.

[1:27:28] We'll make sure it's a completely voluntary program, all of the documents or agreements

[1:27:34] ordinances in place will make sure that the county is not, the county, as Commissioner

[1:27:40] Bullis said, is facilitating the process, but it's not taking any ownership of the roads

[1:27:45] and so that'll be made clear in all of the documents.

[1:27:48] Okay.

[1:27:49] Thank you, Lance.

[1:27:49] I'm all supported.

[1:27:51] All right.

[1:27:51] So, commissioners, is it preference to move forward with a motion?

[1:27:55] All right.

[1:27:56] I think my constituents know that we're taking action and we're moving forward.

[1:28:00] All right.

[1:28:00] So we have a motion and a second on the floor.

[1:28:03] I just like to say that I like this.

[1:28:05] It's very creative.

[1:28:07] I like where it's going.

[1:28:08] It's a way to help.

[1:28:10] There's very, you know, country roads.

[1:28:13] Or it's not even a road really as I look at the pictures.

[1:28:16] But I like where this is going because it helps the county.

[1:28:19] Get to a place where we can eventually pay these roads.

[1:28:22] So, good solution to Mr. Entry and to you.

[1:28:27] And Commissioner Nixon for your Commissioner

[1:28:29] Elect Nixon for the sake of you, you know,

[1:28:31] there's two or three of them in the east side

[1:28:33] at an east county that might be rare for this as well.

[1:28:37] So if this works out good, they won't use it.

[1:28:41] All right, very good.

[1:28:42] Further discussion commissioners.

[1:28:44] All right, those in favor, oh, Mr. Wands?

[1:28:47] No, I'm getting ready to go.

[1:28:48] All right, those in favor please send them by saying aye.

[1:28:51] All right.

[1:28:51] And those opposed, that passes unanimously.

[1:28:55] Thank you.

[1:28:56] Second out of consideration is a task order with HDR ink.

[1:29:00] This is for a partnership project that we have with Eggland Air Force Base.

[1:29:04] It's the West Area Development Plan.

[1:29:06] This is a contract that we had advertised through a selection process that involved County

[1:29:11] staff, Eggland staff, and the EDC.

[1:29:14] Selected HDR perform this study.

[1:29:17] Eggland is working on their next-gen program and they're looking for the

[1:29:20] simplified. This weighs that they can look forward to grow in the future. This is funded through

[1:29:26] the escrow account that is based off of Air Force lease fees. So this is not out of county

[1:29:30] coffers. This is one of those that Eglon is going to fund to move forward with this study.

[1:29:35] And the bad pun intended here is to create a roadmap for the development of the Western area

[1:29:40] of Eglon Air Force Base, which includes a likely potential, if not likely, realignment of state

[1:29:45] 85 to improve traffic flow, access into the base potential development or growth inside

[1:29:50] and outside the fence.

[1:29:52] Eglon is very excited on this partnership and to see this move forward, so it is with

[1:29:58] great honor that I request approval of this.

[1:30:08] All right, Commissioner Kittles, move to approve is there a second.

[1:30:15] So this is a very much needed, I wish we could do it in five years.

[1:30:21] We need to really, there's some problems with the exit out of Keto Bayou onto Lewis Turner.

[1:30:31] This will also allow for smoother flow of traffic, but probably Jason and I will be retired before we see this happen

[1:30:39] because I've never seen anything move as slow as DOD, but that said, at some point I'd

[1:30:46] like to just say to the commission that I'd like to bring Brooke McLean up here too,

[1:30:53] he's looking at developing a whole parcel over there, victory village. There's a lot

[1:30:57] happening in the Piquito Bayu area, and these roadways are much needed, and hopefully we can

[1:31:03] begin to see some progress however slow. I mean, the base looks, I don't know if you've all

[1:31:07] on the base lately but those buildings are like 1940s. I mean they're just so old and the

[1:31:13] only reason tendels get anything news because they were blown away by Hurricane 5 and I don't

[1:31:16] see that happening here and I don't want it to but I honestly don't know where this next gen

[1:31:21] it's moving so slow. It's frustrating to Jason and I've been in so many meetings.

[1:31:26] Anybody know? Still I want to move forward.

[1:31:28] All right commissioners further discussion on on this item. All right.

[1:31:35] Those in favor, we have a motion a second, like Mr. Cachel and Commissioner Fountain.

[1:31:41] I believe, I don't know it's right. All right. So those in favor please signal by saying aye.

[1:31:46] Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. And those opposed. All right. That passes unanimously.

[1:31:51] Next time for consideration is post design engineering services for the Southwest Presby Pass.

[1:31:58] Next meeting, we will be bringing to you the contract for the award of the contract.

[1:32:02] the construction for the Southwest District bypass.

[1:32:05] This project has some pretty unique facets.

[1:32:08] It's a joint city county.

[1:32:09] We touch state roads, county roads, city roads.

[1:32:12] We touch an interchange, it's yet to be built.

[1:32:14] And so it is, it is undoubted that we are going to run into some needs for some

[1:32:17] design services.

[1:32:18] Once we get into construction, this is to address those needs.

[1:32:22] It is with the firm that has helped us as the program manager HDR Inc.

[1:32:26] And we are in support of this tasking request.

[1:32:28] All right.

[1:32:30] Second.

[1:32:31] Motion by Commissioner Boyle's

[1:32:33] approved.

[1:32:33] Second by Commissioner Fountain for their discussion.

[1:32:36] All right.

[1:32:37] Doesn't favorably signal by saying aye.

[1:32:39] Those opposed.

[1:32:40] Item three passes unanimously.

[1:32:42] All right.

[1:32:43] Thank you.

[1:32:44] The next items are related to surtext projects.

[1:32:46] We moved into the new fiscal year.

[1:32:48] We had a meeting with the surtext advisory committee.

[1:32:50] And there are several projects that we are looking to move forward.

[1:32:52] These were all unanimously supported for recommendation for funding.

[1:32:56] The first is for the Highway 2 bridge and roadway improvement design project we actually had to break it up into phases because the length of the roadway is so long

[1:33:04] This is to do the design work before the basically the western portion of it up and up to and including the bridge to state road of 189 to the yellow river bridge

[1:33:13] We have identified that a million dollars of need will get us going on the design probably cover the design whatever is not spent will be back into the coffers and be available for the construction element of this project

[1:33:23] Again, this was presented to the advisory committee on October 14th with the Union Espresso support for allocating $1 million towards this project.

[1:33:35] It looks like this spans two districts.

[1:33:37] Yeah, but he's distracted.

[1:33:39] I'll take it Mr. Chairman motion to approve.

[1:33:41] We should call it like friendship, bridge or something when it's done.

[1:33:44] You know, joining in the two territories where you think Paul will work on that.

[1:33:49] I'm looking at Graham like it matters, but I should have been looking back there at Paul.

[1:33:53] All right, so it's a motion you approve by Commissioner Wolves.

[1:33:57] We have a second.

[1:33:58] Second by Commissioner Founding.

[1:34:00] Further discussion.

[1:34:02] All right, those are favorably signal by saying aye.

[1:34:04] Those opposed.

[1:34:05] That passes unanimously.

[1:34:07] Item number five.

[1:34:08] Next one, also a certax project is funding for the construction element of the Lake

[1:34:13] terrain stormwater improvement project.

[1:34:15] This is one that we've been working on for many years.

[1:34:16] If you recall, we had done phase one, which was a pipe replacement project

[1:34:20] without the Lake Marine subdivision.

[1:34:22] This is an effort to mitigate or

[1:34:24] attenuate the flow that goes into that system.

[1:34:27] It's a further improved stormwater

[1:34:28] situations out there.

[1:34:30] It's not only for the Lake Marine subdivision,

[1:34:32] but it's also for the golf course,

[1:34:34] the shallow point subdivision in

[1:34:35] for the houses that are a long country

[1:34:37] cliff drive on the north side of this.

[1:34:39] A lot of runoff comes from

[1:34:40] England. This will improve that process.

[1:34:42] Again, we did receive unanimous

[1:34:44] support to allocate the million dollars from

[1:34:48] We are just for the quick update. We are wrapping up the design documents.

[1:34:53] We'll hang up that we've got to work with some property owners on some acquisitions and easements.

[1:34:58] But we fully expect to be in construction with this by late spring of 2021.

[1:35:03] So we see this going into construction very soon.

[1:35:05] All right. Thank you.

[1:35:07] Yeah, so I'll make a motion for approval and just add that my predecessor worked on this.

[1:35:11] So this has been in the works for 10 years because of certax.

[1:35:14] We now have the money can be forward.

[1:35:16] All right.

[1:35:17] Is there a second?

[1:35:20] All right, so emotional approval by commissioner casual second of commissioner boils further discussion

[1:35:25] All right, those in favor please signal by saying aye

[1:35:28] Those are posed

[1:35:29] All right, that passage unanimously

[1:35:31] All right, you're final item.

[1:35:33] Last one year, sir text project if you read through the context of this, you'll see that it was one that we moved up and that was only because as we allocated out the sir text project list over the ten years

[1:35:44] This is one that was identified in the future year.

[1:35:46] However, we've seen favorable revenues from the sales tax, the surtext, and the

[1:35:54] school has decided to update the YMCA facility to their new location if you drive past

[1:35:59] or you'll see there's intense construction going on.

[1:36:02] And what they have asked was, hey, we're putting this work in here.

[1:36:04] Can we improve this intersection which we planned on doing any

[1:36:06] how and our answer was, we certainly believe that that is a worthwhile

[1:36:10] expenditure of surtext dollars to move this up for something.

[1:36:13] We knew we needed plus it will enhance the effort the school was putting in.

[1:36:16] It's for improvements at the intersection of hospital road and the most turner boulevard

[1:36:19] that intersection has always been a little clunky to say the least.

[1:36:23] And we would like to move this forward.

[1:36:25] We've allocated a half million dollars.

[1:36:26] This is for all of the work to be done at that location.

[1:36:29] Again, it was unanimously supported by the Sir Tax Advisory Committee.

[1:36:33] I do want to point out that in consent there was a budget transfer that talked about

[1:36:36] the Sir Tax Dollars.

[1:36:37] These three projects represent those dollar total.

[1:36:40] So this is moving, I mean, to the different categories

[1:36:43] so that we can keep track of where funding is put

[1:36:45] for the certat.

[1:36:47] All right, very good.

[1:36:49] I should boil this in your district.

[1:36:51] Yes, sir.

[1:36:52] It sure is.

[1:36:53] The question really is, what is not in my district?

[1:36:57] Of whose island?

[1:37:00] No, no, no, no, no, no.

[1:37:01] I don't know where county, but I kind of think it is.

[1:37:04] But it could be.

[1:37:06] I think we Gerry Manders soon don't.

[1:37:12] Now we're all going to be in trouble.

[1:37:14] I'm going to be going.

[1:37:15] No, so I didn't want to know actually what I like about this is, you know,

[1:37:19] because of the school's request, as I understood the agenda,

[1:37:22] and they're actually going to manage the construction project,

[1:37:25] and it'll be under warranty, and then ultimately we'll just take it.

[1:37:31] And what that means to me is, you know, notice we've got a lot going on with these sales tax dollars, lots of projects to run, lots of things to build. That's great. This is one we get to get done sooner. And frankly, with less effort from the county, it gets the benefit to the public as a whole that much faster. And because of the way that partnership is coming together, I think it ultimately less expense to the taxpayers. So I would consider that a win, and I'll make the motion to approve.

[1:37:56] All right. Motion to approve by Commissioner Boyles. Do we have a second?

[1:38:02] Second. All right. Second by Commissioner Katchel. Further discussion. All right. Those are favorably single by say aye.

[1:38:10] Aye. Those opposed. That's as unanimously.

[1:38:13] Mr. Chairman, can I go back and ask Jason a follow-up question on item number four on how way to?

[1:38:21] And we still get in the indicators from F.D. that they may

[1:38:25] do some matching funds or assist us in that reconstruction of the bridge.

[1:38:30] That has a support from DOT for

[1:38:33] Office of Surprojects has certainly cooled in the past six to nine months,

[1:38:38] but we are in constant contact with them and let them know that that is the one that we would

[1:38:41] certainly like to move forward with if funds are available that got a funding issue.

[1:38:46] Right. We certainly are top priority is to make sure that we keep the interchange

[1:38:50] on, it looks breached on, and this is one of those for office and dollars.

[1:38:55] Absolutely. Thank you.

[1:39:02] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Schraucher.

[1:39:04] All right. That brings us to old business.

[1:39:09] Our first item regarding the

[1:39:11] purchase and sale of the Shoal River, Mr. Hofsted, we introduced that.

[1:39:16] I'll lead it out. Mr. Chairman, commissioners, these two items are specific to the

[1:39:23] we've been discussing with us more for the past year in the acquisition of up to 623 acres.

[1:39:29] We have Mr. Stewart on the line with Neighbors Giddling, also Alex Fisher from Neighbors

[1:39:35] Giddling, and our financial advisor, Mark Galvin, from Hilltop Securities.

[1:39:40] So I will give the hand off to Greg Stewart and he will run the board through the explanation

[1:39:45] of these two items in the ultimate acquisition of up to 623 acres for development.

[1:39:58] Greg, you're muted.

[1:40:00] You're muted.

[1:40:01] I'm mute.

[1:40:07] I won't have a target break.

[1:40:09] Before you was a proposed purchase and sale agreement for property of the Scholar River

[1:40:16] Ranch, just a board recalls that in December 2017, an option agreement was entered into,

[1:40:23] with the owners of the Scholar River Ranch property, which is the Hall of Man, where a charitable foundation.

[1:40:29] At that time, the total amount of property under the option was approximately 1600 acres.

[1:40:36] In June of this year, the board directed staff to exercise the option on two parcels

[1:40:43] of about approximately 628 acres.

[1:40:48] We did our due diligence, we had the environmental search, we did the survey, we did the title

[1:40:55] review and a October, we exercise the option on those two portions of the subject property.

[1:41:06] Subsequently, we had discussions with the seller that they had requested if we could

[1:41:13] make some adjustments to some of the properties that we were acquiring, so it would not

[1:41:18] cut off access to other property that they have.

[1:41:22] We were able to work through those issues with the seller.

[1:41:26] So the purchase agreement that is before the board,

[1:41:29] it will be for a total of just under,

[1:41:34] I believe, 600 acres.

[1:41:37] The total price that will be paid under the methodology

[1:41:41] that was contained within the option of agreement

[1:41:44] will be $2,218,521 in 78 cents.

[1:41:51] We did, when we did the adjustments, we were closely with the economic development council and public works and determined that the adjustments that we made would not impact on the economic development potential of these properties.

[1:42:09] So at this point in time, we would, and, and the seller has executed the purchase and sale agreement.

[1:42:15] We received that, I believe, on Friday.

[1:42:18] So at this point, we would ask the board to consider the approval of the purchase and sale agreement,

[1:42:24] and also to authorize the chairman to sign any documents necessary to close on the property.

[1:42:32] Our current intent, the next item, which Mr. Fisher and Mr. Galvin can talk a little more detail, would be the approval of the financing, approximately November 12th or 13th.

[1:42:47] We would look to close on the property of the Shoal River, probably the day after we close on the loan.

[1:42:55] And at that point, any questions I can answer will be more than happy to.

[1:43:03] I don't have any questions but Mr. Chairman, I'm very very happy to make a motion that we approve of this agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign the appropriate documents and I just want to say to Nathan Sparks and certainly our legal team and Greg and everybody that's worked on this. This has been going on for a long while and we're finally bringing it in for a landing that hasn't been the easiest thing to deal with folks and out of state.

[1:43:31] people in what not, but I have full faith that as I leave that Nathan

[1:43:38] Mr. Sparks that y'all are really doing a lot of good things and we hopefully

[1:43:43] we're going to be landing some great industry at that location and that this is

[1:43:49] something that our children and our children's children and this county down

[1:43:54] the pack will benefit from as far as jobs and economic improvements to our

[1:44:00] community, so Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion that we approve of the agreement and all

[1:44:04] the rise you decide on the documents.

[1:44:06] All right.

[1:44:07] Do we have a second?

[1:44:09] Mr. Chairman, I'll second.

[1:44:11] The only thing I'll note, this is, you know, well done by everybody, a lot of work.

[1:44:16] You know, this is basically, this was our backstop alternative.

[1:44:19] The great preference would have been that we had found that entity that was going to come in and

[1:44:25] create, you know, good, clean, high wage jobs and assigned this option to them.

[1:44:29] So let's not lose side of the fact that this is not, you know, this is not mission accomplished.

[1:44:34] So let's not see any banners to that effect.

[1:44:36] This is, now we've got it, let's find a way to make use of it for the benefit of the taxpayers who are paying for it at this point in time.

[1:44:43] Because that's what will ultimately define success or fail your on on this little adventure.

[1:44:51] So we have a motion to approve by Commissioner Fowell, the second by Commissioner Boyle's.

[1:44:56] Commissioner, for the discussion, all right, those favor-pleasional buses.

[1:45:01] All right. Those opposed. All right. That passes unanimously.

[1:45:07] All right. Mr. Chairman, you need a separate motion now for the bank.

[1:45:10] Yeah, we're going to have to address, I think, the bank loan second. That was just for the, uh, purchase and sale agreement.

[1:45:18] And Mr. Chairman, if I turn it over to Mr. Galvin to kind of do the introduction of the loan and set up the agenda item. That'd be okay.

[1:45:27] All right, let's get out then. Good morning. Just wanted to say that I'm looking

[1:45:34] I haven't enjoyed working with the county and allowed the commissioners on the board.

[1:45:39] And it's going to be sad not that they're not going to be there but I've been

[1:45:43] enjoyed working with them over the years and we shouldn't have left. What we have in front of

[1:45:48] you right now is two documents. One is the resolution that authorized the issuance

[1:45:53] up to 265. As you recall, back in October 6th, we ended up presenting a presentation to you, showing

[1:46:03] the different options that were available. We had selected the Bank Trueest Bank, and we're

[1:46:11] looking at a 15-year amputation at 2.49%. The loan goes out to 12.1.25. So at this point,

[1:46:23] with the approval of the commission, about the loan agreement and the resolution, then

[1:46:30] we'll move forward to a closing either on the 12th or 13th.

[1:46:38] Commissioner, is any questions or action on that?

[1:46:41] Mr. Trevor, I'll make a motion that we approve.

[1:46:44] All right, that's an motion to approve by Commissioner Fountain.

[1:46:46] Do we have a second?

[1:46:50] And the second by Commissioner Boyles, Commissioner's further discussion regarding this

[1:46:56] long associated with the purchase onshore river.

[1:47:00] All right.

[1:47:01] Seeing anybody indicating that, those in favor please sign up by saying aye.

[1:47:08] And those opposed, that will pass unanimously as well.

[1:47:14] All right.

[1:47:15] Thank you.

[1:47:16] Mr. Storm, Mr. Galvin.

[1:47:17] Appreciate you all being here with us by Zoom.

[1:47:21] Okay.

[1:47:22] Thank you.

[1:47:24] All right.

[1:47:24] That brings us to the conclusion of regular business into our commissioners, and then at commissioner boils.

[1:47:35] As always, I'm proud to be here.

[1:47:39] I think we have one more meeting at least a brief beginning of the meeting with our two commissioners that are leaving the dias here soon.

[1:47:48] And so I'm sure we'll have opportunities for you know, flowers and goodbyes and all of that.

[1:47:53] But I did want to just, you know, take a moment here last full meeting, last meeting and

[1:47:58] press few and again say, say thanks fellas, it's been a heck of a lot of fun.

[1:48:04] I've enjoyed working with you, you know, Commissioner Fowl for the last four years, Commissioner

[1:48:08] Wines for the last eight years and really grinded through some of the tough stuff there

[1:48:14] for that first couple of years on our first term.

[1:48:17] You know, we certainly come from different places and yet I feel like it was a good mix.

[1:48:22] And we got a lot of good stuff done, and most of that wouldn't happen without your steady hand.

[1:48:29] So anyhow fellas, I've really, really enjoyed it.

[1:48:31] We're going to miss you up here.

[1:48:34] Commissioner Wines.

[1:48:36] Thank you for that.

[1:48:37] Commissioner Bulls.

[1:48:38] I'd like to thank my colleagues for being cooperative and having many of y'all knew what a damn

[1:48:44] fad was when I came up here.

[1:48:47] So they've given me the y'all to give me the benefit at times, and I've tried to reciprocate.

[1:48:52] I think we may some progress. Most of all, I want to thank the people of Oakley's County for allowing me to be a small part of this team Oakley's for the past eight years. Thank you. That's all. Very good. Commissioner Fountain.

[1:49:06] Well, thank you commissioner Bowlson to commissioner Wines and it's been, it's been an honor serving in this position.

[1:49:15] citizens, I've served over 40 years, the citizens of the state and

[1:49:20] county and different places, but I'll say that this has been a very

[1:49:26] interesting and rewarding experience. I do very much appreciate each and

[1:49:32] every one of you on this board because I'll reiterate what Commissioner

[1:49:38] Bull said, you know, we all bring different pieces and different

[1:49:42] experiences to the table and no commissioner.

[1:49:48] Wines until you and Alex explained it to me, I didn't know a

[1:49:52] fad from a cad. I knew what a cad was, but I didn't know what a

[1:49:55] fad was. I seen him, but I didn't know what to call them.

[1:49:59] So I've learned a lot in that regard, but an unocommissioned

[1:50:05] Wines can speak to this even more because he's been here

[1:50:08] and longer, but we've got more done since I've been here than I

[1:50:11] really ever planned. I always had it planned, but that I imagined we could get done. A lot

[1:50:18] of things lined up. I can't take credit myself. I have to give credit to us having a great

[1:50:26] great staff for all of y'all sitting out there here and all of the staff members and employees

[1:50:32] that might see this later on the video or whatever. I just want to thank y'all for work and

[1:50:39] very, very hard, you know, there's always a perception in the public that whether you work

[1:50:46] for the state or the county, there's city that most everybody doesn't work that hard,

[1:50:51] and I found that to be in my career, to be not true, that just like probably any product

[1:50:57] business, you may have 5 or 10 percent that may don't work as hard as the rest of them,

[1:51:03] but our employees have worked very, very hard

[1:51:08] and been very attentive to me

[1:51:10] and even more importantly, my constituents.

[1:51:15] And as Mr. Nixon and Mr. Ponder will find out,

[1:51:20] very shortly, constituency services

[1:51:23] are not just a legislative term terminology.

[1:51:27] We have a lot of that ourselves.

[1:51:29] The only difference is we don't have anybody working for

[1:51:31] that actually gets to do that force.

[1:51:35] We depend directly on our administrative assistant and John and his staff to basically do it.

[1:51:43] Whereas a lot of counties on either side of us have a legislative evade that gets to do a lot

[1:51:49] of the constituency services.

[1:51:51] But that's one of the things I've enjoyed, is actually getting the phone calls and having

[1:51:55] the meetings at the coffee shops and listening to people, complying sometimes.

[1:52:02] sometimes just propose solutions or problems that we need to work on.

[1:52:08] So it's been very, it's been very, very good.

[1:52:11] I'd be honest with you, until about a week ago,

[1:52:16] felt like that I was going to breathe through this,

[1:52:18] and it just, it just be a lot of stress off of me.

[1:52:21] And it is giving to be a lot of stress off of me.

[1:52:23] But as I started packing things up all the walls and working on my desk,

[1:52:28] which I'm not totally through Nathan, but I'm almost through.

[1:52:31] So he can play out musical chairs and whatnot. I'm starting to realize the fact that I'm leaving and it's a little bit emotional, not because I'm missing the calls at night in the bad emails that we get in this job, but because of the people that I've been, I had the pleasure to work with both here on this board and our staff and our employees here, but I'm not going very, very far.

[1:53:00] So I'll be here and all I'll say is if I ever can still be of assistance in any of these things,

[1:53:07] y'all know I'm a phone call away and I just do have a few folks around that I can call on from

[1:53:13] time to time and I will never stop working for the people or this organization in the future until they

[1:53:27] and I send off a fun way to make it fun.

[1:53:30] But name something after you?

[1:53:32] That's right, name something after me, but whatever.

[1:53:35] But thank you all very much, Dean.

[1:53:38] It's been great.

[1:53:40] It's been great.

[1:53:42] Thank you.

[1:53:44] Commissioner Kachel.

[1:53:46] Well, I have to agree that this has been the most progressive board.

[1:53:50] I've never dreamed we would get so much done

[1:53:52] and starting with the courthouse that we were sitting in.

[1:53:56] It's been just so much fun working with all of you men and I'm just I've been very it's really been one of the highlights of my life

[1:54:04] I'm just really enjoying it

[1:54:05] I'm going to miss the heck out of Graham you're bigger than life your personality is something else and

[1:54:10] I'll be calling Kelly and both of you but Kelly brought so much wisdom and steady hand to this board and with one sentence you say what the rest of us just a couple of little equations

[1:54:21] This one's up here.

[1:54:23] Let's say, in paragraphs and paragraphs, so thank you for all that you both have given

[1:54:27] to a police account.

[1:54:30] Yeah.

[1:54:30] Were they, you know, he knows, he knows that we're in the question.

[1:54:35] Yes, I just want to mention we had the Lazarus Berry, or I can't thank Judy, Lorenz, and

[1:54:41] Kimberly,

[1:54:44] Sam Vettadetto, for the work that they do behind the scenes to all your

[1:54:48] take care of the cremation of these individuals, and it was a huge turnout.

[1:54:53] We had 23 faith communities involved this year, and I expect it to continue to grow.

[1:54:59] I think all the staff that attended almost Commissioner Paul Nixon was there,

[1:55:04] almost Commissioner Mel Ponder was there.

[1:55:07] Thank you both for being there. It was just amazing.

[1:55:11] The last thing I want to say is that a hundred years ago today, not today, but this year,

[1:55:16] women got the right to vote.

[1:55:21] Women have, in the most recent elections,

[1:55:25] shown up in greater, or much greater numbers than men,

[1:55:28] and I predict that that will be the case this year,

[1:55:30] that women will decide this election.

[1:55:33] Did two issues that women care most about

[1:55:35] or on a collision course this year?

[1:55:37] That's what's made this so controversial,

[1:55:38] and that's health and the economy.

[1:55:41] Women care the most about money and budget

[1:55:43] and how they pay for their families.

[1:55:45] They also care very much about the health of their families, and that's been a real tension in our society as we deal with this pandemic and try to figure out how to continue to have the economy move forward.

[1:55:58] So I guess all of us will be glued tonight to our TVs, and hopefully it will be decided tonight.

[1:56:03] Someone said recently that when we vote, I wish they gave us a chip that we could put it in our TVs, our phones, and everything's saying I voted leave me alone.

[1:56:11] It's been horrible, this has been a horrible election year, but this country will continue

[1:56:16] no matter what and we got less America tonight.

[1:56:23] I want to use my commissioner minute to take a few moments to recognize commissioner wines

[1:56:32] and commissioner fountain for their service, Douglas Accounting, Commissioner wines having served

[1:56:39] Now, eight years in this public service office and Commissioner Fountain, four years as a commissioner and many, many more as a public servant and law enforcement and state employee.

[1:56:54] But I'm going to ask you two gentlemen, if you'll come around front and join me, we have a little

[1:57:00] Momento of our appreciation and then we'll have an opportunity for a photo off as well.

[1:57:38] We'll start with Commissioner Wines, you have the seniority here from years of service.

[1:57:44] Oh, come on up.

[1:57:45] Yeah, come on up.

[1:57:46] I forgot to introduce my wife.

[1:57:48] You shouldn't do that.

[1:57:52] You have to take him with you after this, you know.

[1:57:56] Yeah.

[1:57:59] You're like he didn't run you.

[1:58:04] But Commissioner Wines, we have a token of our appreciation

[1:58:09] from your county staff and your fellow commissioners. I'll let you open it. It's a compass.

[1:58:17] It's inscribed, fair winds and following seas, wishing you the very best as you move on.

[1:58:24] No doubt you're not going to be sitting home retire. I'm sure you've got plenty of things to do,

[1:58:29] but certainly putting this chapter behind you as your from your service here in Oklahoma City County.

[1:58:35] So I want to present that to you, sir.

[1:58:40] And I believe you've got your framed photographs of the various boards that you've served with.

[1:58:51] And just a reminder of all those who you've had to do battle with on behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma's accounting.

[1:58:59] So, absolutely.

[1:59:00] Board members, and thank you to the general public.

[1:59:03] It's been a privilege.

[1:59:04] Commissioner, you can certainly have the microphone.

[1:59:06] I've said it though.

[1:59:07] Thank you.

[1:59:08] That's right.

[1:59:12] And Commissioner Fountain, for you, we have a framed O'Close Accounting flag.

[1:59:21] This flag actually flew over the Crestview Gord House on October 29, 2020.

[1:59:28] So it's fresh off the flagpole for you.

[1:59:31] And this is an honor and recognition of your service.

[1:59:35] So we'll present that to you on behalf of the staff and your fellow commissioners.

[1:59:38] Thank you.

[1:59:39] I'm going to put some of your stuff in there.

[1:59:46] Thank you.

[1:59:46] That's double sided.

[1:59:47] That's double sided.

[1:59:48] Oh, that's interesting.

[1:59:51] And there's all the victims of your lies.

[1:59:55] I see that.

[1:59:57] Thank you all again for this and also.

[2:00:00] I forgot when I was given my salilic where I want to go to mention Felicia, and there's a saying that behind every successful man is a good woman and without my wife, we've been together actually, we've been together probably what about 40 years or closed 41, because we dated off through school, high school, and then got married and she's not run me off yet.

[2:00:29] and I think she's going to keep me, but my whole career both in public safety and law enforcement

[2:00:35] and state government and county government, you've been the one that kept me going all the time.

[2:00:41] So I appreciate that and I love you and to all y'all I love y'all too and I appreciate this

[2:00:48] and this is a great gift because I've got many of U.S. and state flags, but I did not have an

[2:01:01] You know, wait right here. We'll get together and do a photo walk Christopher. But again, I just want to reiterate, Commissioner Wines, Commissioner Fountain.

[2:01:09] It's been an honor to serve with both of you. We do appreciate what you've done for Oklahoma's county.

[2:02:00] And Mr. Chair, my commissioner is while you're walking back to your seats. I just want to say,

[2:02:04] On behalf of your over 900 full-time and part-time employees and localists accounting, we thank

[2:02:11] you very much for your service, localists accounting.

[2:02:14] It's been said many times today what has been accomplished in the last six or eight years

[2:02:19] and I will tell you this board has done some significant heavy living on behalf, heavy lifting

[2:02:25] on behalf of the Citizens of Oakland, the county.

[2:02:29] You have built this beautiful courthouse that we're in today.

[2:02:32] you've completed the county administration building,

[2:02:35] you've added on to the Sheriff's Complex with his investigative building.

[2:02:39] You've started PG Adams project.

[2:02:41] We didn't think we'd get underway for another 15 years.

[2:02:44] The acquisitions that show River Ranch,

[2:02:47] just significant accomplishments by this board

[2:02:50] and what you've done in YouTube Commissioners specifically.

[2:02:55] And you know, Commissioner Wein said to me several years ago,

[2:02:58] the truth will stay in the world's own fire.

[2:03:00] And those are definitely worse live by a commissioner fountain, your ability to build relationships and alliances

[2:03:07] has helped this board out tremendously help me out and in my capacities, your county administrator.

[2:03:13] So we thank you again on behalf of your Oakland County employees.

[2:03:18] And after this meeting today, we have some refreshments in the back if you'd like to stick around.

[2:03:22] So that's all I have, Mr. Chairman.

[2:03:24] Thank you.

[2:03:26] And that will bring us now to our final public comment portion of the meeting before we close.

[2:03:32] Is there anyone from the public that would like to address the board?

[2:03:37] Ah, Mr. Sparks.

[2:03:39] One last shot of these two guys.

[2:03:46] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[2:03:47] Nathan Sparks with the Economic Development Council of Vocal, Mr. County.

[2:03:51] I hadn't planned to say anything today and I realized that I am standing between you and some refreshments.

[2:03:56] So I will be brief, but certainly you said it well, one last shot at these guys, and I think

[2:04:01] the world of both Commissioner Wines and Commissioner Falton, we've done some good

[2:04:05] things together, and I was jotting some notes down just a second ago, thinking about the

[2:04:11] past eight years in Commissioner Wines case, and the past four years in Commissioner Falton's

[2:04:15] case.

[2:04:16] And I totaled up 17 companies that have grown in Oakland's county that you've been directly

[2:04:21] involved in that growth with, and I'm sure there are many more 17 companies in a variety

[2:04:26] of sectors, and I'm going to read through them just very quickly, bit wizards, American

[2:04:29] elite molding Fort Walton, machining, G.S. Delato, on point defense technologies, props,

[2:04:35] craft brewery, American elite PPE, which we recently did.

[2:04:39] Beast code, a legent, of course, Tracy led that effort, race chip, suncoats, converters,

[2:04:44] HBI, Vertex, aerospace, and aerospace, Boeing, Lockheed, Martin, the shoe foundation, integrity

[2:04:49] laundry services.

[2:04:51] These are companies that would not have invested in this community, or are chosen to locate in this community where it not for good leadership at the front line.

[2:05:01] And you all have been that, and I couldn't thank you enough for that leadership.

[2:05:04] You know, while we're the organization that has economic development in our name, it really is you all who make that happen.

[2:05:10] With poor leadership, it doesn't happen.

[2:05:11] And so, today is a perfect example with a decision to move forward with Shower River Ranch.

[2:05:16] I know that as a Haiti decision and a lot of effort has gone into that and I've got to take my tip my cap to all those who have lent their expertise to getting that deal done and Commissioner Boyle said it well.

[2:05:26] That's the starting point.

[2:05:28] We're now at a point where we need to go and execute and we intend to do that.

[2:05:31] We're only going to do that with you all with the leadership up here and I have every conference that we're going to get that done.

[2:05:36] But again, gentlemen, thank you.

[2:05:38] Commissioner, why don't you may not know it but you paid me one of the best compliments that I've ever gotten.

[2:05:41] my life you said Nathan you draw a lot of water and coming from you you know for a slightly

[2:05:48] built fellow like me being told I draw a lot of water I took that to heart so thank you so

[2:05:53] much and thank you commissioner found for your leadership that means a lot to the people in

[2:05:56] the South and the county but the people in the North and may not quite understand it as well

[2:06:00] thank you both thank you all right any other member of the public wishing to address the board

[2:06:07] So before we close, all right, see you now, we are adjourned.

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting (North)

Transcript