[0:00] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:08] And Bobby, do we have anybody joining

[0:10] us to do the invocation for us?

[0:12] BOBBY: No, there is not.

[0:15] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[0:16] Then I'm going to ask lean on our sitting Pastor Mixon,

[0:19] if you don't mind.

[0:21] Commissioner, if you would open us up.

[0:23] Then we will follow that up with the Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:26] And, Commissioner Cox, would you be willing to lead us

[0:28] in the Pledge after that?

[0:30] Thank you.

[0:30] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Please join me in prayer.

[0:36] Gracious God, thank you for today.

[0:38] Thank you that your word says this

[0:40] is the day that you have made.

[0:42] Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

[0:45] God, as we come to a day where we

[0:47] choose the next steps of our leaders,

[0:50] I pray that you be with the incumbents, the candidates,

[0:53] as they move throughout the day.

[0:56] And, Lord, as you've moved hearts

[0:58] according to the way you channel water,

[1:02] thank you for leading us the way you do.

[1:05] Allow this meeting to be pleasing to you.

[1:07] Allow the things said to be dealt with

[1:09] according to your will.

[1:11] And, God, continue to fill us with your peace that

[1:15] passes understanding.

[1:15] Continue to surround us with your loving kindness.

[1:18] Lord, thank you for the opportunity

[1:21] that we have to live here, to serve here,

[1:23] and to be able to do your will in these moments.

[1:28] Lord, thank you.

[1:30] In Jesus's name, amen.

[1:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:53] Our first item is recognition of our employees.

[1:55] And Mr. Hofstad, I will turn it over to you.

[2:07] JOHN HOFSTAD: Thank you.

[2:14] And good morning, Mr. Chairman and commissioners.

[2:16] As you know, at certain times during the year,

[2:19] we'd like to gather our employees together

[2:21] for recognition and milestones in their career.

[2:23] And we have several this morning.

[2:25] I've got them spanning from two years of service

[2:28] to 20 years of service.

[2:29] So when I call your name, if you'll come forward,

[2:32] accept your award.

[2:32] Stand here with me and we're going to get a group

[2:35] photo afterwards.

[2:35] First, I'd like to recognize Alexander Ryder.

[2:37] Alexander is the Senior Custodian,

[2:40] facility maintenance--

[2:41] Facilities and Parks Maintenance, and this

[2:43] is his two-year service award.

[2:45] [APPLAUSE]

[2:46] Stand right there.

[2:53] Next, I'd ask Rachel Cole to come forward.

[2:57] Rachel is a Human Resources Supervisor

[3:00] in the human resources department.

[3:02] This is her five-year service award.

[3:04] [APPLAUSE]

[3:04] RACHEL COLE: Thank you.

[3:09] JOHN HOFSTAD: Have another five-year service award.

[3:12] I'd like to ask Rudy Raymundo to come forward.

[3:15] Rudy is a Welder in fleet operations.

[3:17] Again, five-year service award.

[3:18] [APPLAUSE]

[3:19] Have one 10-year service award.

[3:27] I'd like to ask William Barrow to come forward.

[3:30] William is a General Equipment Operator in the Road Division

[3:32] of Public Works.

[3:34] [APPLAUSE]

[3:34] WILLIAM BARROW: Thank you.

[3:39] [APPLAUSE]

[3:39] JOHN HOFSTAD: Have a 20-year service award, Patrick Jones.

[3:45] Patrick is a Supply Technician two in the Engineering Division

[3:49] of Public Works.

[3:50] And, again, a 20-year service award.

[3:51] [APPLAUSE]

[3:52] I have one more 20-year service award, Chuck Larouche.

[4:01] Chuck is a Systems Development and Operations Coordinator

[4:04] in the IT department.

[4:06] [APPLAUSE]

[4:14] SPEAKER 1: You get back a little closer together.

[4:22] And if you would turn your certificate so I can see it,

[4:25] please, that'd be great.

[4:26] Great.

[4:28] OK.

[4:31] There you go.

[4:35] OK, I can see everybody back there.

[4:36] Looks great, guys.

[4:37] OK, here we go.

[4:38] Give me three pictures, if you would please.

[4:40] Ready?

[4:40] 1, 2, 3.

[4:41] Oh, sorry, Shari, Commissioner Hof.

[4:42] 1, 2, 3.

[4:44] OK.

[4:45] Again.

[4:45] 1, 2, 3.

[4:47] OK.

[4:48] And one last one.

[4:49] A little happier, thank you.

[4:52] [LAUGHTER]

[4:52] 1, 2, 3.

[4:54] Congratulations, everybody.

[4:55] [APPLAUSE]

[4:56] JOHN HOFSTAD: Lastly, commissioners,

[5:03] I just also want to recognize Ms Chelsea Sharon.

[5:06] Chelsea is commissioner aide for Commissioner Goodwin.

[5:08] She is left us and has moved on, but we

[5:12] want to recognize her valuable service to the commissioner

[5:15] over the last few years.

[5:17] Thank you.

[5:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you, Mr. Hofstad.

[5:18] Yes, Chelsea--

[5:19] [APPLAUSE]

[5:20] Thank you.

[5:22] Yeah.

[5:22] We will miss Chelsea.

[5:24] She's done a fantastic job serving the constituents

[5:26] in Okaloosa County, but she's got other things

[5:30] that she needs to move on to and we

[5:33] know she'll do very well there.

[5:34] So, thank you.

[5:40] All right, Mr. Hofstad, anything from your office for an update?

[5:50] JOHN HOFSTAD: Yes, sir.

[5:52] Just a couple things.

[5:53] I just want to remind the board, starting next month,

[5:55] we will-- we'll be having afternoon meetings next month,

[5:58] or both our meetings for the month of September.

[6:01] We do that in the month of September

[6:04] because we also have to approve the budget,

[6:06] and that's done through two public hearings.

[6:08] So the first meeting is actually on the third.

[6:11] That is a Thursday.

[6:13] That is our first meeting next month.

[6:15] That's in Crestview.

[6:16] 3 o'clock start time with the BCC,

[6:18] followed by our budget hearing at 5:01.

[6:20] So just want to remind the board of that.

[6:25] Lastly, we've got a change to a public hearing agenda item.

[6:28] I'd like to-- if the chairman would so approve,

[6:31] I'd like to recognize Mr. Autrey.

[6:34] And he will explain the move of item three on the public hearing

[6:37] to consent.

[6:39] MR. AUTREY: As we were reviewing the agenda,

[6:41] we noticed that there is an error.

[6:43] This is actually a request to schedule the public hearing,

[6:45] so there has been no notification

[6:46] or legal advertisement yet.

[6:48] This should be on consent.

[6:50] However, as Mr. Hofstad just pointed out,

[6:52] there's an error in the agenda item as well.

[6:55] The meeting that this is to be scheduled for,

[6:57] which is the September 15 meeting, is a 3 o'clock start.

[7:00] Not an 8:30 start.

[7:02] So the request is to add this to the consent agenda,

[7:05] with the request to advertise for the September 15 meeting

[7:07] at 3:00 o'clock to have to conduct the public hearing.

[7:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[7:12] Very good, commissioners, that as I understand it,

[7:14] it's a public hearing item number three.

[7:16] The request is that we consider that during consent

[7:19] with the modification on the time, as Mr. Autrey suggested.

[7:22] So when we get to consent, if you'll be mindful of that,

[7:26] please.

[7:26] All right, Ms Hoshihara, anything from the county

[7:31] attorney's office?

[7:34] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[7:36] Two quick updates.

[7:37] First being following the board's direction

[7:39] from the last board meeting on that property located

[7:43] at 202 Alden Drive, our office has filed a complaint

[7:46] for temporary and permanent injunctive relief

[7:49] and a motion for temporary injunction that

[7:51] was filed Friday, August 7.

[7:53] The case has been assigned to Judge Stone.

[7:57] All defendants have been served, and we

[7:59] are in the process of setting our motion for hearing,

[8:01] hopefully soon.

[8:02] I do want to take a moment to thank all the neighbors who

[8:06] were interviewed from our office and signed affidavits,

[8:09] as well as the Sheriff's Office, for all

[8:12] of their help in expediting--

[8:13] and a service of the defendants, as well as the clerk's

[8:18] office, for helping to expedite the signing of all

[8:21] of the summons.

[8:25] And, anyways, it was a team effort,

[8:27] and everybody worked very well to fast track this process.

[8:30] And I'll keep updating the board at subsequent meetings.

[8:35] Second matter is that State Park property on Holiday Isle--

[8:39] I'll just as a reminder--

[8:41] Mr. Hofstad and I will be attending the first conflict

[8:44] assessment meeting, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00

[8:46] PM at the Convention Center.

[8:49] It is open to the public and has been noticed,

[8:52] so multiple members of the board-- of this board

[8:55] may attend.

[8:55] Also the second meeting along that process

[8:58] is a joint public meeting of the full city

[9:02] council, the full board of County Commissioners.

[9:04] And where we're looking at tentative dates

[9:06] to schedule that, I emailed you all late yesterday evening.

[9:09] The dates we were looking at are September 2, 3, 9, 10 or 11.

[9:15] If there are any dates that don't work for any of you,

[9:21] if you'll let Mr. Hofstad I know, and we'll--

[9:23] Kimberly Culp, the City Attorney,

[9:28] mentioned to their city council yesterday

[9:29] these dates, and they were good with any of these dates

[9:33] that our board selects, so we will be

[9:34] selecting one of these dates.

[9:37] So if any of them don't work for your schedules,

[9:39] if you'll let us know know.

[9:41] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chairman, I

[9:42] believe they said the 8 they have a meeting that day.

[9:46] Is that correct?

[9:46] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.

[9:47] So they were taking off the 8.

[9:48] Did I say 8?

[9:49] Sorry, September-- sorry, September 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11.

[9:51] Yep.

[9:54] We had the 8 originally, but since they have a city council

[9:57] meeting, then we figured we don't

[9:58] need to do it on that date.

[10:00] So if anyone has scheduling conflicts, if you'll let

[10:02] us know.

[10:03] Otherwise, we will move forward, coordinate with your offices

[10:05] and respond back to the city.

[10:07] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[10:08] Ms Hoshihara, before you leave your update.

[10:10] On your first item to Alden-- just as a reminder

[10:13] for the board--

[10:14] I think that there have been discussion

[10:16] about even though it was in parallel

[10:18] and not in series, this idea of the code enforcement order

[10:22] that was requiring compliance by date certain,

[10:26] wasn't that date today?

[10:27] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes, it was today.

[10:29] I did email code enforcement this morning

[10:31] to ask for an update.

[10:35] I don't--

[10:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And I'll just

[10:37] represent to you that many of the neighbors

[10:39] in the neighborhood are keeping me informed,

[10:41] and the reports I'm getting is that it's not in compliance.

[10:45] So I'm sure you can check on that.

[10:47] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.

[10:48] And we checked last Thursday, and they were not in compliance.

[10:51] And so, yes.

[10:52] So, which would mean, based on the code board's previous order,

[10:56] fines would start accruing.

[10:57] And so, yes, today was the date of compliance.

[11:01] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[11:03] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sorry.

[11:05] May I ask a question?

[11:06] Ms Hoshihara, as to tomorrow's meeting,

[11:08] that when it was scheduled, it had a prior conflicts,

[11:11] are you suggesting we're there in the audience,

[11:16] or is that something that you and Mr. Hofstad

[11:18] feel confident in your updates and it will be livestreamed

[11:22] to be able to review later?

[11:24] LYNN HOSHIHARA: The latter.

[11:25] You are free to attend if you'd like.

[11:28] There's no requirement that you attend by law.

[11:30] Only Mr. Hofstad and Mr. Jones from the city

[11:33] are required to attend.

[11:35] They have both agreed to have their respective attorneys,

[11:38] so Ms Kopp and I will also be in attendance.

[11:42] But there is no requirement that any commissioner be there.

[11:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[11:47] Thank you very much.

[11:48] All right.

[11:49] Mr. Embry, anything from the Clerk's Office?

[11:51] MR. EMBRY: No update from the Clerk's Office.

[11:53] Thank you.

[11:54] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[11:55] Very good.

[11:55] All right.

[11:57] Before we get to the general public comment opportunity

[12:01] of the meeting, I do understand that there are several people

[12:05] here related to a proclamation, celebrating legal services

[12:08] of North Florida and their 50th anniversary.

[12:13] And I think, Commissioner Ketchel,

[12:15] you had a proclamation that you were

[12:18] going to read and move into the record, is that correct?

[12:21] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I do.

[12:23] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So if there's no objection,

[12:24] commissioners, what we'll do is we'll

[12:26] take consent item number two right now

[12:29] to go ahead and address that.

[12:32] But because it's something we'll vote on,

[12:34] I need to make sure there's no public comment directed

[12:38] to that item.

[12:39] So I'm going to open public comment right now,

[12:41] specifically directed to what's agenda as consent item number

[12:44] two.

[12:46] Is there anybody wishing to speak as a public comment?

[12:50] Now, that's not-- those who are here to receive the award,

[12:54] you'll have a separate opportunity,

[12:54] but if general public comments on item two.

[12:57] All right, I see nobody coming forward

[12:59] so we'll close that public comment opportunity.

[13:01] That's not the general public comment opportunity, understand.

[13:04] And Commissioner Ketchel, I'll turn it back over to you

[13:07] for consent item number two.

[13:08] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Thank you.

[13:09] So I'll read the proclamation and then make

[13:12] a motion to have it pass, and then it will be presented.

[13:15] If anybody from legal services wants to say a few words,

[13:17] that would be the correct time.

[13:19] Whereas legal services of North Florida

[13:21] was founded in 1976 and for 50 years

[13:23] has advanced access to justice by providing

[13:27] civil legal assistance to eligible residents

[13:29] across the Florida panhandle, including Okaloosa County who

[13:33] otherwise could not afford representation,

[13:35] and works to ensure that justice is not

[13:39] determined by a person's income, age, disability

[13:41] or circumstances.

[13:43] And whereas, throughout its history,

[13:45] legal services of North Florida has

[13:47] worked to bridge the gap between the courts and the people

[13:51] they serve, providing critical legal help in matters involving

[13:53] housing stability, family safety, public benefits,

[13:56] consumer protection, health care access

[13:59] and other essential civil legal needs,

[14:01] and promoting fairness, stability, and opportunity

[14:05] through legal advocacy, education, and partnership

[14:08] with local governments, courts, human services providers,

[14:11] and the legal community.

[14:14] And whereas legal services of North Florida

[14:16] has made a commitment to serve our veterans,

[14:19] helping them to overcome legal barriers to health safety

[14:21] and financial stability for their families,

[14:24] along with ensuring access to critical benefits.

[14:27] And whereas legal services of North Florida

[14:30] assist survivors of domestic violence

[14:31] in seeking legal protection, and provides advocacy

[14:34] to help children, older adults, and those with disabilities

[14:38] find fine legal solutions, all of which strengthen communities,

[14:42] promotes stability, and upholds the promise of equal justice

[14:45] under law.

[14:47] And whereas legal services of North Florida 50-year legacy

[14:50] reflects the dedication of its attorneys, paralegals, staff,

[14:53] volunteer attorneys, law students,

[14:56] and community supporters whose service has improved the lives

[14:59] of countless individuals and families in Okaloosa County

[15:03] and throughout North Florida.

[15:05] And whereas the 50th anniversary of legal services of North

[15:08] Florida marks a significant milestone,

[15:10] recognizing the organization's long standing commitment

[15:13] to justice, service, and community impact across North

[15:17] Florida.

[15:18] Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Okaloosa County Board

[15:22] of County Commissioners that we do hereby recognize

[15:24] and celebrate the 50th anniversary of legal services

[15:27] of North Florida, and express our appreciation for five

[15:31] decades of services--

[15:33] of service, advocacy, and steadfast commitment

[15:36] to expanding access to civil justice for the residents

[15:40] of Okaloosa County.

[15:44] And encourage residents to recognize and celebrate

[15:46] the organization's 50 years of service and dedication

[15:49] to equal access to justice for all.

[15:52] So with this, we make a motion to pass this,

[15:55] to recognize 50 years of wonderful service

[15:58] to those in our community who are least

[16:00] likely to be able to afford it.

[16:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[16:04] Do we have a second?

[16:05] All right.

[16:05] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I do.

[16:06] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Mixon

[16:06] got the second on that.

[16:09] Those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[16:12] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[16:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[16:13] All right, that passes unanimously.

[16:14] And if we have anybody here to accept this proclamation,

[16:17] please come forward.

[16:19] And if you would like to say a few words,

[16:22] you're certainly welcome to do that.

[16:35] SPEAKER 2: OK.

[16:42] We just want to thank you guys for this opportunity

[16:44] and this recognition.

[16:45] We could not have gotten to 50 years of service

[16:48] without the support of you guys and this entire community.

[16:50] On behalf of our entire staff, we're just really thankful.

[16:53] And we look forward to 50 more years of serving this area.

[16:56] So thank you guys again.

[16:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you very much.

[16:58] And if you guys would stay up here with us, we'll get a photo.

[17:02] Commissioner Ketchel has got the proclamation.

[18:10] All right.

[18:17] That will bring us to our first public comment

[18:19] opportunity of the meeting.

[18:21] I do have a handful of speaker cards.

[18:24] If you're wanting to speak during this opportunity,

[18:27] I would ask that you, please, fill out a card.

[18:30] We have them at the back desk, and they

[18:32] will be brought up to me and I'll call you in order received.

[18:35] As a reminder, we do ask that you try to keep your comments

[18:41] concise to three minutes.

[18:42] If you have more to say, there is a second opportunity,

[18:46] with additional time at the end of the meeting,

[18:48] and you'll be recognized then.

[18:50] The only exception to that--

[18:52] those two opportunities is if you're here

[18:55] to speak on one of the public hearing items, which

[18:57] are under article eight of the agenda,

[19:00] you'll be called up during that item.

[19:04] I only have one card so far that's specifically

[19:07] for a public hearing item.

[19:08] So if you're here to speak on a public hearing item,

[19:11] please indicate that, turn in your card,

[19:12] you'll be called up during the item.

[19:14] Otherwise, your opportunity to speak on agenda items

[19:16] is right now and at the end of the meeting.

[19:19] And we'll recognize you for three minutes

[19:21] during each session, but please do turn in a card.

[19:23] All right.

[19:24] Our first speaker is Tricia Keffer.

[19:29] Just hit the button once.

[19:37] Perfect.

[19:37] TRICIA KEFFER: Hello.

[19:38] Hello.

[19:39] My name is Tricia Keffer.

[19:40] And I'm a resident of Seminole subdivision, which

[19:42] is just outside of Niceville.

[19:44] Today, I am here on an important issue that is affecting Florida.

[19:48] It's the data centers.

[19:50] And I'd like to speak to you more about the human aspect

[19:54] of the data centers.

[19:56] Just a little history, my father is a Vietnam vet.

[19:59] He is 100% disabled.

[20:00] And my mother has health concerns as well.

[20:03] We've lived on Cedar Street since 1979.

[20:05] If a data center were to be placed in our area,

[20:10] it is my understanding from what I

[20:12] have watched on our local affiliates

[20:14] in other areas with data centers,

[20:17] that the noise and the lights can extend out

[20:20] five miles to the point that we're not

[20:23] able to-- that those residents are not able to enjoy

[20:26] their property even outside.

[20:28] They have to buy blackout curtains,

[20:30] and many large areas are forced to sell their property.

[20:33] My street in Seminole, just to give you--

[20:37] it's kind of a salt of the Earth community.

[20:40] A lot of veterans and young military families live there.

[20:42] And, I mean, to force these elderly people to move

[20:48] because we wouldn't be able to enjoy

[20:52] our property outside from the noise generated

[20:53] and the lights would be a tremendous burden.

[20:57] The only person we could sell it to

[21:01] would be probably the data centers,

[21:02] because our property value would be gone.

[21:04] Other counties in our panhandle area

[21:07] are putting language and having conversations about at least

[21:11] a temporary moratorium.

[21:13] I understand that Crestview also just did a resolution.

[21:16] I'm not a legal person.

[21:19] I don't know how you would address that,

[21:21] but I'd like for us all to start having conversation

[21:23] about these data centers before they're proposed in our area

[21:26] to really consider the human aspect,

[21:30] because 5 miles out would take out Seminole, Bluewater,

[21:33] Niceville, Valpy, could take out parts of Eglin

[21:37] with the noise and heat and everything generated from that.

[21:42] So I'm here today to hopefully start a conversation

[21:45] with our county commissioners about at least putting

[21:48] a moratorium for a year so that we can have public comment

[21:53] and conversations about how this could really be hugely

[21:57] detrimental to our community.

[22:00] Thank you.

[22:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[22:03] Our next speaker is Kenneth Fuller.

[22:10] KENNETH FULLER: My name is Kenneth Fuller.

[22:18] And I'm here to talk about the buses.

[22:20] And I'm here also here to talk about last week y'all gave

[22:26] the sheriff for resource officers a lot of money.

[22:33] And y'all didn't tell the people that local agreement between

[22:39] the sheriff and the county commissioner is voluntarily.

[22:43] It is not a law.

[22:46] And it's like you're giving them free money to get yourself out

[22:50] of trouble or something.

[22:51] And Florida statute 106-12 points that the school is

[22:54] responsible for the resource officer themselves,

[23:01] and they can use guardian ad litem and still be under

[23:06] the sheriff.

[23:08] Also, I want to say I'm the ambassador for the buses.

[23:11] And Tracy Stage, he actually is doing a good job with the buses,

[23:15] being on time and all that.

[23:19] I must say that to just be thrown into his hand

[23:22] after the one guy he committed fraud

[23:24] and now we don't have route buses to ride around.

[23:29] And also the McGinnis guy who's the school board attorney,

[23:34] he is using his attorney tricks.

[23:42] He is also-- the school board is supposed

[23:46] to reimburse the sheriff, but the law statute

[23:51] said that they don't have to reimburse the sheriff

[23:55] for the resource officers.

[23:56] And he could be pocketing that money, and he got friends and--

[24:00] he got friends that is part of the agreement,

[24:05] and all that kind of stuff.

[24:08] And also-- let me see.

[24:10] Oh, yeah.

[24:14] Hey, during the Civil War, all right,

[24:16] they got a thing called house niggers,

[24:20] and so it was against the law for Blacks to read and write.

[24:24] So what the North did, they planted the reason

[24:27] why they call them house nigger, because they

[24:29] got the work in house and they thought they were funny.

[24:32] So they planted them in the houses,

[24:33] and so the Southern generals didn't

[24:35] think the Blacks could read the war plans,

[24:39] and they taught them how to read the war

[24:41] plan so when the Southern generals was out hanging out,

[24:43] the Blacks would be able to read the war plans

[24:47] and go back and tell the North.

[24:49] And that was one of the tricks that they

[24:51] used-- that was one of the tricks

[24:52] that they used on the South, to find out their plans of what

[24:56] they going to do.

[24:58] Also, Abraham Lincoln, he would kill five days

[25:00] after the Civil War.

[25:03] And that's when the Secret Service was started,

[25:05] because of Abraham Lincoln.

[25:08] And I still didn't get them what I was really

[25:11] trying because I'm not good, but hey, that's enough.

[25:15] But, anyway, as Tracy says, he doing a pretty good job.

[25:19] OK.

[25:20] Thank you.

[25:21] [LAUGHTER]

[25:22] [APPLAUSE]

[25:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[25:27] Steve Perry.

[25:35] STEVE PERRY: Good morning, commissioners.

[25:43] Good morning, Chairman Goodwin, Commissioner Mixon

[25:45] and Administrator Hofstetter.

[25:47] A chance to say hello to you earlier today, so.

[25:50] I know you know why I'm here and what I'm going to speak about,

[25:54] but what I'm going to speak about today--

[25:55] I don't have a prepared speech for this portion,

[25:57] but I'm going to talk about, again, one of the subjects

[26:00] I said I'm going to repeat every time I'm here.

[26:02] And that's diver safety and the safety of your tourism

[26:04] that you're trying to encourage with the sinking of the SS

[26:08] United States as an artificial reef.

[26:09] And, again, we've talked about this briefly.

[26:12] I don't know if you've actually procured a hyperbolic chamber,

[26:15] or what you've done to ensure the safety of your divers

[26:20] and everything.

[26:21] There's plenty of stuff available at different times,

[26:23] but, again, it's complicated.

[26:25] And with this location site being 22 miles offshore,

[26:28] you're going to require the US Coast guard

[26:31] to do all the stuff you have.

[26:33] I haven't done the research to see on every wreck you have

[26:37] when you say you've sunk large wrecks, but they're all boats.

[26:41] And I don't think you've had any divers

[26:43] die on the skipping sue or the manta ray,

[26:45] or anything like that.

[26:47] There haven't been divers deaths on the Oriskany.

[26:49] There have been divers deaths on the Van der Berg

[26:52] down in Key West.

[26:52] There have been divers deaths on the Spiegel Grove off Key Largo.

[26:55] These large ships do encourage and result in divers death

[26:58] that you will not see on these small boats that you've done,

[27:02] or the chicken coops, the tetrahedrons, and all

[27:03] the other things you've sunk, which

[27:06] are good for artificial reefs.

[27:08] I'm not against artificial reefs.

[27:09] It's wonderful.

[27:10] Unfortunately, mother nature did not create a natural environment

[27:13] off your shores for the creation of marine life.

[27:16] It's basically the Sahara Desert under the sea.

[27:19] So this is a good thing.

[27:22] However, the SS United States is the wrong asset

[27:24] to use to encourage that and to increase that.

[27:26] And I've indicated this to you about other ships

[27:29] that would be large and open.

[27:32] But the most serious thing that I want to bring up to you

[27:35] is the fact that you're sinking this in shallow waters

[27:39] to encourage people that should never go inside a wreck,

[27:41] to go inside this reef as a possibility.

[27:46] I've been, over the last couple of months,

[27:50] to literally every dive shop from Alabama shores to Pensacola

[27:53] and Panama City, probably at least a dozen.

[27:56] And I won't name them, but one of your local dive shops

[27:59] here is actually advertising $300 to tank dive on the United

[28:01] States.

[28:02] And they were the only ones that were completely nasty to me

[28:05] when I went in to ask their professional opinions.

[28:08] All the other dive shops were extremely cooperative,

[28:10] understanding.

[28:11] Yes, we can't fix stupid.

[28:14] If people are going to do stupid things on their diving

[28:17] and go inside something, we can't stop that.

[28:19] But you don't have anything off your shores

[28:21] currently that people can go inside and get lost and trapped

[28:25] and die.

[28:27] You only have small boats, which is

[28:29] impossible to get lost inside.

[28:31] I'm not a wreck diver, but no one

[28:33] should be going inside this wreck

[28:34] unless they're certified as a technical diver or a wreck

[28:37] diver.

[28:37] And on October 1 when you approved

[28:39] the purchase back in 2024, you had to dive operator said,

[28:42] I can have someone dive in on this vessel in four days.

[28:47] Four days is not the necessary training

[28:49] for recreational diving, let alone on a reef

[28:52] the size of the SS United States.

[28:55] Thank you.

[28:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[28:57] Next speaker, Jenny Fields.

[28:59] OK.

[29:04] Dave Deitch.

[29:06] DAVE DEITCH: Good morning.

[29:11] Dave Deitch, Nashville City Manager.

[29:12] Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, Mr. Robertson,

[29:13] I appreciate the time this morning.

[29:16] I just wanted to come before you and thank you

[29:19] for the amazing partnership between the county

[29:20] and the city this year, whether it's

[29:23] the leadership you displayed and the hard work of the public

[29:28] works team to install a new multi-use trail.

[29:31] Chris and Chelle and her team, her co compliance team,

[29:35] helping us clean up Niceville.

[29:37] Of course, the wonderful, amazing partnership

[29:40] that the county and the city has with Megs Park and all

[29:44] the hard work that Mr. Hofstad and Mr. Bitterman, Michelle

[29:48] Gartman, and so many others have displayed this year,

[29:52] those projects are going to enhance the quality of life

[29:56] of our residents.

[29:57] And so I just wanted to publicly thank all of you

[30:00] for your dedication, your leadership, and your service

[30:01] to the residents of Niceville for your efforts

[30:04] to enhance the quality of life of our residents,

[30:06] because there's so many projects that are going on right

[30:10] now that are due in part--

[30:11] or to your leadership, and all the hard work of the staff here.

[30:15] So I just I'm very appreciative--

[30:16] I know the mayor is, the city council is--

[30:19] of all the efforts that the county

[30:21] has demonstrated this year.

[30:23] The reason I'm here is the Surtax projected project

[30:27] list for next year.

[30:28] There are a number of projects in Niceville on that list,

[30:32] and I'm here to respectfully request that you,

[30:35] please, give strong consideration to all of them.

[30:38] They will continue to enhance the quality of life

[30:40] of our residents, and we look forward

[30:42] to continuing to partner with the county and the county's team

[30:45] to bring these projects to fruition.

[30:48] As a demonstration of my good faith,

[30:51] we have our budget workshops this week as well,

[30:53] and one of those projects that is on that list

[30:56] is already being proposed for funding.

[30:56] And so we would love to partner--

[31:00] to continue to partner with the county on all these projects,

[31:04] and many other things in the future, I hope.

[31:07] So, again, I do respectfully request

[31:09] that you give strong consideration to the projects

[31:12] that are on that list.

[31:13] Thank you.

[31:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[31:14] Trish Rowe.

[31:17] TRISH ROWE: Good morning.

[31:23] I'm following behind Tricia Keffer.

[31:25] My concern is NDAs for data centers.

[31:28] County commissioners should be very cautious about signing NDAs

[31:32] with hyperscale data center developers, especially

[31:34] a broad NDA.

[31:37] I'm sure your attorney knows all this.

[31:39] A broad NDA can let a private developer

[31:41] dictate the level of public transparency

[31:43] around a project that can have enormous public consequences.

[31:46] The project can materially affect the public long

[31:50] before formal vote.

[31:51] Public officials shouldn't be negotiating away transparency

[31:53] that belongs to the public.

[31:56] NDAs can become especially problematic

[31:58] when they cover things that aren't genuinely proprietary.

[32:01] The public may bear risks that the developer doesn't have to.

[32:06] It can undermine public confidence.

[32:08] A county commission can agree to protest-- to protect narrowly

[32:12] defined proprietary information while refusing a blanket NDA.

[32:15] For example, you could say trade secrets

[32:19] and legitimately protected proprietary information

[32:20] remain confidential, but the county

[32:23] will not agree to conceal public policy discussions,

[32:27] infrastructure impacts, proposed incentives, public expenditures,

[32:29] or information that must be disclosed under public records

[32:35] and open meeting laws.

[32:37] Florida's economic development statute specifically

[32:39] establishes circumstances in which certain records concerning

[32:43] a company's plans to locate or expand can be confidential.

[32:48] The statute provides a defined framework and time limits,

[32:52] rather than simply saying, sign an NDA and everything is secret.

[32:56] There's a definite distinction between

[32:58] statutory confidentiality and contractual confidentiality.

[33:00] A county can't necessarily transform otherwise public

[33:05] governmental records into confidential records

[33:08] merely by signing a private agreement with a developer.

[33:12] Florida's attorney general has specifically

[33:14] emphasized that the county must determine

[33:17] whether a particular record actually falls

[33:19] within a statutory exemption.

[33:21] And importantly, an NDA should never

[33:24] be used as a substitute for the public process required

[33:27] for zoning, land use decisions, development agreements, tax

[33:31] incentives, utility commitments, or expenditures

[33:34] of public resources.

[33:37] Preliminary conversations can occur,

[33:40] but final decisions must go through public meetings,

[33:43] legal review, infrastructure analysis, zoning permitting

[33:45] requirements, and commission action in an open meeting.

[33:49] And in my last few seconds, I want

[33:53] to ask, when is Eglin Parkway going to be finished?

[33:55] I mean, that's totally off the subject but, I mean,

[33:59] do you all know or do I have to call the commissioner--

[34:03] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Chairman, may I speak?

[34:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.

[34:05] TRISH ROWE: Do we know?

[34:06] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: So it's slated to be finished 2027.

[34:08] TRISH ROWE: Oh my God.

[34:10] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: But it's Florida Department

[34:11] of Transportation.

[34:11] We do have Scott Bitterman here, if you wanted to add to it.

[34:15] We have contracted it out to CW Roberts,

[34:17] and they're doing a great job.

[34:20] It just takes time.

[34:21] There's a lot of side work that needs

[34:23] to be done that you can't see, necessarily,

[34:24] to make sure that water goes off the roadway and that kind

[34:28] of thing.

[34:29] But they are working on it.

[34:31] It just takes time.

[34:32] TRISH ROWE: I see the equipment.

[34:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And just to clarify, we

[34:35] haven't contracted with CW Roberts.

[34:36] That's the state of Florida.

[34:38] That's not a county road.

[34:39] Right.

[34:40] TRISH ROWE: That's why I was wondering if I should contact

[34:43] Jason or DOT or somebody.

[34:44] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah, they probably

[34:45] have updates on their website too.

[34:47] They're pretty good about that.

[34:49] COMMISSIONER COX: Chairman, if I may, before she walks away.

[34:51] Ms Rowe.

[34:51] TRISH ROWE: Pardon me.

[34:53] COMMISSIONER COX: Ms Rowe, sorry.

[34:54] Just for the public's benefit, because I

[34:56] didn't hear you specify, I wanted

[34:57] to make known to the public that what you're discussing when you

[35:02] say NDA is a non-disclosure agreement, that you

[35:05] don't want the county to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

[35:08] TRISH ROWE: Correct.

[35:09] COMMISSIONER COX: OK.

[35:09] That's it.

[35:09] That's all I had about that.

[35:11] TRISH ROWE: Well, and the developers are coming in

[35:12] and saying that it's a-- what are they calling it?

[35:15] An industrial-- I'm trying-- a tenant.

[35:16] They call them industrial tenant centers.

[35:21] And it's just a way of getting around people

[35:24] saying no data centers.

[35:26] No, it's not a data center.

[35:28] It's an industrial tenant center.

[35:28] So, just please take care of us.

[35:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[35:37] I have no more speaker cards for this public comment opportunity

[35:40] so we're going to close the public comment

[35:43] opportunity of the meeting.

[35:45] Again, if you want to speak on a public hearing item,

[35:48] please turn in a card.

[35:49] You'll be called up during that item.

[35:50] And if you want to speak during the final public comment

[35:53] opportunity, please just turn your card at the back and you'll

[35:55] be called up.

[35:56] That brings us to our consent agenda.

[35:58] Commissioners, we have already addressed

[36:00] consent item number two.

[36:02] And as you'll recall, Mr. Autrey asked

[36:05] us to consider agenda item 8.3 related to the local mitigation

[36:09] strategy, setting up a meeting.

[36:13] And he clarified there was an 8:30 time reference

[36:17] in the agenda pack.

[36:20] It's actually 3:00 PM.

[36:21] So, commissioners, with that in mind, if anybody is--

[36:24] first, does anybody have any other item

[36:28] they would like to pull?

[36:29] If not, then I would entertain a motion for the consent--

[36:33] consent agenda less item two, but with the add of item 8.3.

[36:37] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Make a motion to approve the consent

[36:43] agenda as stated.

[36:44] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Second.

[36:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[36:47] I have a motion by Commissioner Mixon.

[36:48] I think Commissioner Ketchel got that second.

[36:50] Further discussion, those in favor, please signify by saying,

[36:53] aye.

[36:54] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[36:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right,

[36:57] that passes unanimously.

[36:57] That completes the consent agenda.

[36:59] And that brings us to our public hearing items.

[37:03] The first one is a request to hold a public hearing

[37:07] and consider amendments to the Blue Water Bay district

[37:11] ordinance.

[37:12] Who's presenting that?

[37:14] Is that Mr. Coffey?

[37:16] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes, sir.

[37:23] I'd like to open the public hearing, I guess.

[37:26] And just briefly describe what's in the ordinance.

[37:28] The ordinance has very few changes.

[37:30] One, it delegates some of authority instead of to the MSP

[37:33] board back to the Board of County Commissioners

[37:35] for replacing members on the board

[37:36] that the board feels they want to with or without cause,

[37:41] and also appointing new members.

[37:42] And there's an action on today's item

[37:44] under my director's reports to appoint three new members.

[37:47] And I'll talk about that in a little bit.

[37:51] Other than that, it seeks to place some constraints

[37:53] on the financial spending of the MSP funds.

[37:56] The bread and butter, the MSP district is the landscaping,

[37:59] street lighting and irrigation, those kind of things.

[38:01] Outside of that, they have ventured off

[38:06] into doing some parks.

[38:07] They have ventured off into sidewalks at a lower level.

[38:10] And it still allows that authority,

[38:12] but it restricts it to 10% in any one of those items,

[38:15] any particular fiscal year.

[38:15] And other than that, those are the primary changes

[38:18] in the ordinance.

[38:19] And I ask that I seek approval of that today.

[38:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[38:24] Very good.

[38:25] Any questions before we open the public hearing?

[38:27] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yeah.

[38:27] I'm curious, is there a suggested date certain--

[38:30] either District Commissioner or Mr. Coffey, is there--

[38:32] as far as the effect of the ordinance in order to have the--

[38:37] you're suggesting that we approve a public hearing,

[38:40] correct?

[38:43] CRAIG COFFEY: No.

[38:44] I said you hold a public hearing today.

[38:47] Request that you hold the public hearing today and approve.

[38:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's a little ambiguous the way

[38:51] it's stated on the item.

[38:52] This is the public hearing?

[38:54] CRAIG COFFEY: This is the public hearing.

[38:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And it was properly noticed?

[38:57] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.

[38:57] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And it was as a public hearing?

[38:59] CRAIG COFFEY: Correct.

[38:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Is that correct?

[39:00] CRAIG COFFEY: Sorry.

[39:00] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[39:01] Yeah, no, I saw the same thing that you mentioned.

[39:04] COMMISSIONER MIXON: It makes sense with the packet

[39:05] that we hold it today, but the recommendation

[39:07] seems to be a question.

[39:08] CRAIG COFFEY: OK.

[39:09] Sorry.

[39:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[39:11] Any other questions before I open the public comment portion

[39:14] of the public hearing?

[39:16] All right, I'll open that.

[39:18] I have one card.

[39:19] And just based on the city address, it may be this one.

[39:23] Tony, hi.

[39:25] Are you here to speak on this item?

[39:27] OK.

[39:28] Thank you.

[39:29] And just a reminder, if you want to speak

[39:32] on any of these public hearing items, please turn in a card.

[39:34] And if you would, when you indicate the agenda article

[39:36] number, also indicate which particular item, just to make

[39:41] sure I call you at the right time.

[39:44] But please come forward.

[39:45] SPEAKER 3: Thank you, Commissioner--

[39:51] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, Craig.

[39:55] SPEAKER 3: Thank you, Commissioner Palmer,

[39:56] for answering my email this weekend.

[39:58] Thank you, Mr. Coffey, for getting back responding

[40:01] to my email on Monday morning.

[40:04] That your response was greatly appreciated.

[40:05] I've read over the proposed ordinances,

[40:09] and sounds-- everything sounds good to me.

[40:11] The only thing I request is that if you

[40:15] do decide that you need to remove somebody or replace

[40:17] somebody, that they not be somebody who

[40:20] has resigned past or present.

[40:22] That you consider somebody new for the position.

[40:25] And I look forward to serving, hopefully, for the MSBU.

[40:31] And also I was to the understanding

[40:34] it was 30% of the budget that that got changed,

[40:37] that they could do parks.

[40:38] I didn't reread the proposed changes,

[40:39] but I thought that was a little bit more that they could

[40:43] use for that when I read the last iteration of it,

[40:45] but I could be wrong.

[40:48] So--

[40:50] COMMISSIONER PALMER: I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.

[40:54] Can you restate that.

[40:55] I'm sorry, I didn't hear.

[40:57] SPEAKER 3: I was thinking it was 30% that they could

[40:59] use for-- if they were up to 30% of their budgets,

[41:02] if they were partnering for, like,

[41:03] a sidewalk or a public park.

[41:05] COMMISSIONER PALMER: It was a cumulative of 30%, 10% per item.

[41:10] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.

[41:12] It's 10% in each of the categories listed,

[41:15] 30% cumulative.

[41:15] So you have some other issues.

[41:18] And that, essentially, will probably allow $40,000

[41:20] to $50,000 towards one of those items.

[41:23] And I explained in the staff report,

[41:25] it becomes a double taxation issues

[41:27] because you have a park MSBU, so the County, already

[41:30] collects money for those parks, so it

[41:32] would be taxing them twice.

[41:34] So we will try and actually do those out of MSBU

[41:37] if there's a project to be had but it's--

[41:39] SPEAKER 3: OK.

[41:40] Thank you very much.

[41:41] I appreciate you.

[41:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[41:43] And I have no further speaker cards for the public hearing

[41:47] item one so I'll close that public comment opportunity,

[41:49] bring it back to the board for action.

[41:55] Commissioner Palmer, it's your district.

[41:57] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Move to approve.

[41:58] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[41:59] We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer.

[42:02] Commissioner Cox, with a second further discussion.

[42:04] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Mr. Chairman, very quickly.

[42:06] Mr. Coffey, thank you so much for all of your work on this.

[42:10] I know it's been a long time coming.

[42:11] I think this is going to go a long way in helping to improve

[42:14] things, giving the right sort of parameters for the spending

[42:16] and making sure that the MSBU well

[42:23] serves the Bluewater community.

[42:25] So thank you so much for your work on this.

[42:28] Ms, hi.

[42:27] Thank you for your willingness to serve.

[42:29] It's a tough thing to step up and to subject yourself

[42:32] to the voters and to serve the public.

[42:34] And I thank you for your willingness to do so.

[42:39] And thank you for reaching out to me

[42:40] and letting me know of our oversight in the agenda as well.

[42:43] So thank you so much.

[42:45] And that's all I have.

[42:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[42:47] Very good.

[42:47] Further comment, commissioners?

[42:51] Otherwise, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[42:54] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[42:54] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[42:55] All right, that item passes unanimously.

[42:57] That brings us to public hearing item number two, which

[43:01] is a quasi judicial public hearing related to a small scale

[43:05] plan amendment.

[43:07] Yes, please.

[43:10] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Anybody here who's

[43:12] going to speak to this item, which

[43:14] is a request for small scale plan amendment

[43:17] and rezoning presented by Mark Steiner of Choctaw Engineering

[43:21] on behalf of John and Susan Lee, the property owners.

[43:24] If you'll please stand, raise your hand.

[43:26] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And that includes

[43:27] anybody who's a turn in a speaker card

[43:30] to speak on this item.

[43:31] So I have one that's indicated item number

[43:33] two for public hearing.

[43:34] So if you're here for that.

[43:37] Yes, sir.

[43:37] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Do you swear or affirm

[43:38] that the testimony shall give shall

[43:39] be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but?

[43:41] SPEAKER 4: Yes.

[43:41] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank you.

[43:42] Commissioners, now would be the appropriate time

[43:44] to disclose any e-parte communications any of you

[43:46] may have had.

[43:47] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: I've had none.

[43:48] LYNN HOSHIHARA: I see you shaking heads.

[43:50] Thank you very much.

[43:53] SPEAKER 5: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.

[44:01] This is a land use change request.

[44:05] The property is about 2.55 acres.

[44:08] And the applicant is requesting change

[44:12] from suburban residential on the future land use map

[44:16] and to mixed use.

[44:19] And the primary difference between those two categories

[44:23] is that mixed use is a broad development category that

[44:26] can accommodate higher density housing, greater

[44:29] commercial development, institutional uses, recreation,

[44:31] and possibly some light industrial.

[44:35] The density change would be 16 units

[44:39] per acre to 25 units per acre if this Amendment is approved.

[44:43] This is located with inside the urban service--

[44:48] or urban boundary, so that's why you have that density.

[44:52] And it's located on Highway 98, as you can see on your map

[44:56] there.

[44:56] And I'd like to enter the staff report into the record.

[45:00] And any questions you may have, I'm available.

[45:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, any questions

[45:07] before we open this up for public comment?

[45:10] All right.

[45:12] I don't have any, so we'll open the public comment opportunity

[45:15] of the public hearing.

[45:18] I have one card.

[45:19] It's Dan.

[45:21] Is it Park?

[45:22] Don?

[45:24] DON PARK: Yes.

[45:25] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.

[45:29] DON PARK: Good morning.

[45:37] I'll just be brief.

[45:38] I met my wife, and we live adjacent to this property

[45:41] that they're rezoning.

[45:44] We live behind Woodhaven Animal Clinic.

[45:46] And during the presentation, I think

[45:48] Mr. Skinner said this property that they

[45:50] want to change multi-use, he wants

[45:53] to make it zone the same as Woodhaven Animal

[45:57] Clinic and the properties to the East of that.

[46:00] Those properties all border 98 and residential housing.

[46:04] One of them's my house, our house.

[46:09] What we hope to see here is that this other property here is--

[46:14] bought is a residential streets on three sides.

[46:18] And it has been developed up to this point

[46:21] with commercial properties on the front, cell tower,

[46:25] restaurant like a VHF, Veterans of Foreign Wars,

[46:29] and then housing all the way on the back side of the properties.

[46:36] And what we would like to see is that that continue to happen.

[46:39] On the North side of the spruce is complete residential housing.

[46:44] On the South side of spruce, it has six residential houses

[46:48] and their vacant lot.

[46:52] So, just wish to continue with that pattern of residences

[46:55] on the North side and then commercial development

[47:01] on the South side.

[47:06] That's all I had.

[47:08] Thank you very much.

[47:09] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[47:10] All right.

[47:11] I don't have any further speaker cards on this item.

[47:13] Steiner, did you want to speak?

[47:17] MARK STEINER: Mark Steiner, Choctaw Engineering

[47:21] with the agent for the applicant.

[47:23] And just one thing I just wanted to point out,

[47:26] suburban residential is kind of an odd kind of category

[47:28] because in theory, it's really mixed use.

[47:30] And what I mean by that is you can do C1 and C2

[47:34] in suburban residential.

[47:34] Even though it doesn't say that you would think mixed use

[47:37] would be mixed use on some residential

[47:38] would be primarily probably residential.

[47:40] So, right now we're allotted to be able to do three--

[47:44] two of the three zoning--

[47:46] commercial zoning categories as well as residential.

[47:48] So we're really not changing that much,

[47:52] except for the fact that by going to mixed use,

[47:55] we'll able-- it'll allow us to be able to utilize the C-3

[47:58] zoning category because in mixed use,

[47:59] it says if you're adjacent to a arterial roadway,

[48:02] that you can do a C-3 uses.

[48:05] So that's probably the biggest change of the project.

[48:08] And as gentleman just pointed out,

[48:10] we're surrounded on four sides by a road,

[48:13] so we don't butt any residential development directly next to it.

[48:16] And by going to this--

[48:20] and I pointed this out in the last public planning commission

[48:23] meeting is that when you're doing like, let's say,

[48:25] residential, you're very limited in terms of how much buffering

[48:28] requirements there are.

[48:30] Whereas if you go to the commercial aspect of it,

[48:33] there's a lot of aspects in there

[48:34] that you have to buffer underneath the LDC, which

[48:36] will help mitigate any kind of compatibility

[48:39] there is between the residential units

[48:41] behind us and our property.

[48:43] Any questions?

[48:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners,

[48:46] do you have any questions for Mr. Steiner?

[48:49] If not, I just got a quick question.

[48:51] So just to reiterate-- and this is, I think,

[48:53] important for the public to hear--

[48:55] as I understood it, the allowable residential density

[48:58] would actually be reduced by going to mixed use.

[49:03] Is that correct?

[49:04] That's what I thought I heard.

[49:06] MARK STEINER: I do not--

[49:07] no.

[49:07] I think you go from 16 to 25.

[49:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So it's actually going to increase?

[49:11] MARK STEINER: The residential density--

[49:12] the available residential density would go from 16 to 25,

[49:16] correct.

[49:17] But I'll be honest with you, it would be very, very difficult

[49:21] to get to 25 units per acre, unless you

[49:24] did some sort of tall vertical building or something like that.

[49:27] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.

[49:28] And this is probably--

[49:28] I don't know, is this within a height limit area

[49:31] based on its proximity to Hobart or no?

[49:33] Do we know?

[49:34] MARK STEINER: Not that I'm aware of.

[49:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's not within the impact, OK.

[49:37] MARK STEINER: And I don't think that's

[49:38] going to come into play because we're going to probably-- as you

[49:42] can see from the predominant development along Highway 98

[49:44] there, it's one or two story buildings, commercial,

[49:46] pretty consistent.

[49:48] This just happens to be an unusual anomaly

[49:51] because it's like one of the few vacant pieces still out there.

[49:55] But were developed on either side,

[49:56] and it basically is a continuation

[49:58] of that mixed use zoning category that's

[50:00] already to the East of us.

[50:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: No, I see that.

[50:02] So it doesn't create an enclave, I get that.

[50:05] And mixed use is considered a transitional zoning,

[50:07] as I understand it.

[50:09] Kristen, tell me if I'm wrong.

[50:11] So it would-- so a budding mixed use to R-1

[50:13] is a reasonable planning strategy, correct?

[50:15] Because it's considered a transition zoning.

[50:20] One other thing I think would be important to extrapolate on just

[50:26] for the public, just so that everybody knows what this means.

[50:30] And, again, this-- and, again, what I want to point out

[50:33] to the public--

[50:33] I know the commission knows this,

[50:35] you know this-- this is not about what are you

[50:37] going to build, because that's not the question today.

[50:39] The question is, what would it allow

[50:41] you to build that's different than what you could build today?

[50:43] That's the only question.

[50:45] And you mentioned that C3 would be

[50:47] the only thing that got added because you're

[50:50] next to an arterial road.

[50:51] I mean, you're on Highway 98.

[50:52] So, what are the differences between what

[50:55] could be done under C1, C2 on this property,

[51:00] and what does C3 add that's not already there?

[51:03] MARK STEINER: Basically C3 is a higher intensity commercial

[51:06] if you were--

[51:10] in layman's term, it allows some more higher intensity type

[51:13] commercial.

[51:14] I think C1 is like--

[51:16] and actually it's interesting because in mixed use

[51:19] I think you lose C2.

[51:21] And you can do C1 and C3.

[51:24] Anyway, but C1, some of them is just a little more neighborhood

[51:30] type--

[51:32] I think that's the best way I can describe it,

[51:36] neighborhood type commercial and stuff like that.

[51:37] And then some office space and stuff like that,

[51:40] but this allows you to do something a little bit more

[51:43] intense than what you would normally

[51:44] see in a C1 or C2 district.

[51:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[51:46] And then as far as at the development order

[51:49] stage, with a mixed use zone, would that

[51:52] give the opportunity for the applicant and staff

[51:58] to work through specific buffer plans, and things like that?

[52:03] Do we know?

[52:06] MARK STEINER: Not necessarily because

[52:06] of the size of the project.

[52:08] I always say, there is an opportunity always

[52:11] for the public to have input and such,

[52:13] because there will be a sign that's put up,

[52:15] and if they want to contact the staff, and whatever,

[52:17] and stuff like that, but doesn't have

[52:18] to come back before this board for a final approval.

[52:20] But, yeah--

[52:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: No, no, I know it would be a staff level

[52:24] development.

[52:23] MARK STEINER: Yes, yes.

[52:24] OK, yeah.

[52:24] But as far as-- yeah, they could have input as far as--

[52:27] because there's two opportunities at the time

[52:27] in which the development order is applied for and at the time

[52:31] the development order is approved.

[52:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And, Kristen,

[52:32] you might need to come up and speak to this.

[52:36] I'm fine either way.

[52:37] And I'm not against this idea.

[52:39] I understand how it fits in the plan.

[52:40] But because we do have somebody that's concerned with it,

[52:43] I want to flush it out.

[52:44] KRISTEN: Of course.

[52:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: If we go to mixed use

[52:47] and using a C1 or C3 use, or even residential use

[52:51] and split those out if we need, does

[52:55] the LDC have buffering requirements in there?

[52:58] MARK STEINER: Yes.

[53:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[53:02] MARK STEINER: I mean, it would be

[53:08] subject to the same buffering requirements

[53:09] that all C3 uses have-- or any use, any mixed

[53:12] use has for anything.

[53:14] And it really depends on what the type of use

[53:17] is it will dictate the level of buffering because there's

[53:19] kind of like a chart in there.

[53:21] And as you change-- because you can do--

[53:22] mixed use you could do single family residential,

[53:25] you could do a town-home, or something like that.

[53:27] Those wouldn't require any buffering at all.

[53:29] And as the degree increases of the intensity

[53:31] of the development, so would the buffering requirements.

[53:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, yeah.

[53:36] And I think Kristen was back there mentioning

[53:38] it could be probably walls, could be

[53:40] vegetation, some sort of mix between those things.

[53:42] All part of a plan that would be dealt with at the development

[53:46] order stage and the site plan stage, I would assume.

[53:48] MARK STEINER: Yes.

[53:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So I just want

[53:51] to make sure that's clear, because I'm looking at this--

[53:54] and I know we're still in question, we're not in action

[53:57] yet, but I want to make sure we're flushing that out

[53:59] because it appears that it is just an extension of what

[54:02] is already a mixed use plan.

[54:05] And it is on Highway 98.

[54:07] But the weird thing about this-- the way

[54:09] this place is developed out there,

[54:11] you've got R1 all the way up to Highway 98, which is unusual.

[54:15] So it's a little bit of a unique characteristic

[54:19] out there as we try to navigate that.

[54:23] Commissioners, other questions for Mr. Steiner, Mr. Cox?

[54:25] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.

[54:26] Thank you, Chairman.

[54:27] Can you give us some examples of what the C3 opportunities would

[54:31] be there that don't exist now?

[54:34] MARK STEINER: Now you're asking me.

[54:38] I don't know if staff has--

[54:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Appropriate for Kristen.

[54:42] You want to Kristen--

[54:44] COMMISSIONER COX: Michelle, would you mind?

[54:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: If I understand the question,

[54:52] you want to know, within that category, what

[54:54] are the types of things--

[54:56] MARK STEINER: Maybe let me try to bring this

[54:58] into context of just not getting hung up on C3, C2, and C1, OK.

[55:03] Because at the end of the day, you're

[55:06] going to build something on that piece of property.

[55:08] And whether it is C1, C3, or C2, you can basically build out

[55:11] the whole entire piece, they'll probably most likely

[55:14] have some sort of commercial building

[55:17] and a parking lot and a stormwater facility.

[55:19] In all the 30 years I've been doing it,

[55:21] they're pretty much all generic anyway.

[55:22] So I don't think that the specifics of C1, C2, C3

[55:26] really has any relevance on the actual look

[55:30] and feel of the project.

[55:32] It usually has something to do with just the type

[55:35] use that they're actually doing there.

[55:35] Now, there might be some sort of things that the actual use is

[55:39] doing, like maybe say like an automotive repair shop,

[55:41] or something like that, that might be a little bit considered

[55:45] more intense in terms of the actual what's going on,

[55:47] but then the county has regulations

[55:48] that regulate use time, impact, noise,

[55:50] all those kind of things in other parts of the ordinance.

[55:55] So from that standpoint, I don't think if-- depending on how

[55:57] it's developed, whether it's a car dealership or a office

[55:59] building, really doesn't have that much of an impact

[56:05] because we still have to do the same--

[56:07] I'm sorry-- the same type of buffering, same things.

[56:09] And you'll basically be seeing usually

[56:10] like those common elements to the development.

[56:12] COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.

[56:14] But if we're talking about a potential increase in density

[56:17] from 16 to 25, is that--

[56:18] MARK STEINER: That's strictly residential.

[56:22] And I don't think that would affect it either,

[56:25] because if you go down the road probably less than a half

[56:28] a mile, we did a Skylark townhomes, which basically

[56:30] abuts Highway 98 on a similar type of piece of property.

[56:34] And it's just, basically--

[56:35] for a generic term-- a wall of townhomes,

[56:38] but it seems to fit the context of the neighborhood.

[56:42] And, like I said, it would be very

[56:45] hard to get 25 units per acre.

[56:47] I mean, you just can't build-- like, if you were just

[56:49] on a single fixed storey, or two storey single family

[56:51] homes or townhomes, you won't even get anywhere

[56:54] near 25 units per acre.

[56:56] It's mathematically impossible.

[56:56] COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.

[56:57] MICHELLE: To answer the question about the-- so when you go

[57:03] to C3, you're looking at more of your trades being allowed,

[57:07] like construction and warehousing, wholesale trades,

[57:09] that type of thing, which are--

[57:13] typically can have more outdoor impacts.

[57:16] So that's a really big difference

[57:21] between C1 and C2 and C3.

[57:23] COMMISSIONER COX: So more of an industrial aesthetic.

[57:25] MICHELLE: Yeah, it's almost like a light industrial allowance

[57:27] there in C3.

[57:28] So you could have maybe a construction company or heating

[57:32] and air, or some kind of a trade,

[57:36] and some light warehousing, which is a little more

[57:38] intense than C1 and C2.

[57:41] COMMISSIONER COX: Thank you, Michelle.

[57:43] Thank you, Mr. Steiner.

[57:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Other questions on this item?

[57:48] All right.

[57:51] I have no other speaker cards.

[57:53] Anybody else from the applicant wanting

[57:58] to speak before we close the public comment opportunity?

[58:00] Well, I'll give you one minute.

[58:06] I think you only used two of your minutes.

[58:09] Hit the button once.

[58:17] Perfect.

[58:19] SPEAKER 6: It's just about the multi-use.

[58:21] I think what I read in y'all's documentation is that

[58:23] it's supposed to stay with the predominant type of buildings

[58:27] in that area.

[58:33] So predominantly in that area is residential.

[58:35] The other thing, I don't know if they haven't come forward

[58:39] and says what they're going to build in the future.

[58:41] I know that doesn't affect today, but when you live there,

[58:44] you're like, I wonder what's going on here.

[58:48] And that's all I had about that.

[58:49] Thank you.

[58:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.

[58:51] I certainly understand that.

[58:52] OK.

[58:52] Now I'll close the public comment

[58:55] opportunity of the meeting and bring it back to the board.

[58:59] COMMISSIONER MIXON: For consideration, I'd

[59:00] love to hear your thoughts as the District Commissioner,

[59:03] and I'd be glad to make a motion following that.

[59:06] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: That's what

[59:06] I was going to suggest as well.

[59:08] Chairman, it's your district, and I do feel for the resident.

[59:11] If I had a home there, I'd be concerned about lease buffers

[59:14] and the density.

[59:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.

[59:16] I mean, that's really where I am on it.

[59:18] I mean, when you look at the map--

[59:20] and I know we're a little out of order

[59:23] because we don't have a motion, but because I'm the chairman--

[59:25] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I'll make a motion.

[59:27] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[59:28] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure, a motion to approve.

[59:30] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And then a second for discussion.

[59:32] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll second this one.

[59:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So here's my thoughts on it--

[59:35] and I'll probably support it.

[59:37] But my biggest-- the reason I think we should consider it,

[59:41] it is an extenuation of mixed use.

[59:45] And from a planning perspective, mixed use

[59:47] is considered a proper transition zone.

[59:50] Now, whether or not we have mixed

[59:55] use defined in the very best way that we

[59:57] should in our land development code,

[59:59] that's a different question.

[1:00:00] Whether or not we should have additional safeguards in there,

[1:00:03] that's a different question, but mixed use

[1:00:05] is considered transitional.

[1:00:06] So I don't think that approving this

[1:00:08] violates any planning standards, but there

[1:00:11] is that concern about it opening up C3 because it's so much more

[1:00:18] intense.

[1:00:20] So if this was abutted by SR instead of R1,

[1:00:25] it would be less of a concern because it would be probably

[1:00:35] apartments or something next to it.

[1:00:36] These are single family houses.

[1:00:38] Some of them are on Highway 98.

[1:00:40] I mean, to some extent, if you live on in a single family

[1:00:44] house on Highway 98, you're already used to noise.

[1:00:46] You just are.

[1:00:48] It just is what it is.

[1:00:50] So in this situation, I hear what the constituents have said.

[1:00:53] I also have to trust the land development code provisions

[1:00:59] that we have that deal with buffering and mitigation

[1:01:04] to be the gatekeeper at the staff level development order

[1:01:08] step.

[1:01:13] And if Michelle can tell me that at the development order

[1:01:16] step at the staff level, that the staff would

[1:01:20] be keenly watching those buffering and mitigation

[1:01:23] elements that are baked in there,

[1:01:27] then I would be comfortable moving forward.

[1:01:30] And I'm getting a yes so, Michelle,

[1:01:33] can I say on the record, you've said, yes, the development order

[1:01:37] level, even though it will be a staff development order, if it's

[1:01:42] dependent on the intensity you use,

[1:01:44] you'll be strongly watching those buffering and mitigation

[1:01:46] elements that are already in the code?

[1:01:50] MICHELLE: Yes.

[1:01:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:01:51] So with that, I would--

[1:01:53] I'd be in favor of it.

[1:01:56] So, any other comments?

[1:02:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure.

[1:02:01] The reason I was swift to make a motion without having

[1:02:04] to do any further questions or time is for planning purposes.

[1:02:07] This is Highway 98, it's the major East West connector.

[1:02:12] There's not a secondary yet.

[1:02:15] We're working on that.

[1:02:17] Would this zoning fit on the secondary?

[1:02:20] Probably not.

[1:02:20] Does it fit where it is on 98?

[1:02:23] Sure.

[1:02:23] But we're back in the mix of-- just like the Eglin Parkway

[1:02:27] comment a few minutes ago--

[1:02:28] it's not our road, but we have to deal with what we have,

[1:02:32] and that's a major thoroughfare.

[1:02:33] Could you imagine if we were faced with someone

[1:02:36] right now wanting to put a nice community there,

[1:02:38] with all of the houses facing outward to the connecting roads,

[1:02:42] we would be pretty emphatic.

[1:02:45] The state would be pretty emphatic,

[1:02:47] denying driveway permit request.

[1:02:48] There would be a different conversation happening.

[1:02:52] This puts it really where it ought to be for future purposes,

[1:02:55] for the purpose of our future planning.

[1:02:58] And then it's comforting to know that we have a great staff that

[1:03:03] works through the development order process,

[1:03:03] and that's why I moved forward.

[1:03:06] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion, Commissioners?

[1:03:09] All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:03:13] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:03:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[1:03:14] All right.

[1:03:15] That passes unanimously, so thank you.

[1:03:17] Well, that was for--

[1:03:24] it's a small scale.

[1:03:25] It's a future land use map amendment and rezoning.

[1:03:28] I understood, even though I know the future land use

[1:03:32] map is legislative, even though it's on here--

[1:03:34] what?

[1:03:36] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I'll be glad to make the second motion.

[1:03:39] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah, that's fine.

[1:03:40] We have a--

[1:03:40] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: And I'll do the corresponding

[1:03:42] if you wish.

[1:03:43] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:03:44] Further discussion.

[1:03:46] All those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:03:49] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:03:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[1:03:50] All right, thank you.

[1:03:51] And just as a reminder, I mean-- and unless I'm wrong,

[1:03:55] somebody tell me, I think as long as it--

[1:03:57] the plan Amendment portion of it,

[1:03:59] it's not Q-J. It's actually legislative.

[1:04:01] The zoning is the only quasi judicial.

[1:04:05] And I think once we have approved legislatively

[1:04:08] the future land use map change, there's

[1:04:11] not a whole lot of leeway to deny the rezoning.

[1:04:15] So, anyway, sometimes we group them

[1:04:17] together like this and call it all quasi judicial,

[1:04:21] but I don't think it really is.

[1:04:23] So, thanks.

[1:04:24] All right.

[1:04:29] We've already dealt with public hearing item number

[1:04:31] three, which is actually not a public hearing item.

[1:04:34] It just is a consent to set a meeting which has been done.

[1:04:37] That brings us to public hearing item

[1:04:39] number four, related to water and sewer

[1:04:41] sell performance of a construction for a lift station.

[1:04:46] So, Mr. Hackett.

[1:04:48] MR. HACKETT: Yes.

[1:04:49] Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.

[1:04:50] I'm here to request board approval

[1:04:54] to self-perform construction of the West Sunset Drive lift

[1:04:57] station replacement project.

[1:05:01] We estimate that project to be almost $880,000.

[1:05:05] It's an antiquated, bucket style lift station, one of the many

[1:05:10] that we've been trying to replace.

[1:05:13] The new station will have submersible pumps, increased

[1:05:15] capacity, and meet all of our current lift station standards.

[1:05:19] This particular lift station will actually

[1:05:23] be relocated on the other side of the street where it is now.

[1:05:28] We would provide the majority of the labor

[1:05:32] but do intend to contract for wetwell installation.

[1:05:34] The public hearing notice appeared in Northwest Florida

[1:05:39] Daily News, July 16.

[1:05:41] As of yet, we have not received any comments or inquiries

[1:05:46] from the public.

[1:05:47] I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[1:05:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any questions

[1:05:54] before I open the public comment opportunity of this hearing?

[1:05:58] I don't see any.

[1:06:01] I have no cards.

[1:06:02] Anybody here to speak on this item?

[1:06:03] All right.

[1:06:05] I don't see anybody coming forward.

[1:06:06] We'll close the public comment opportunity.

[1:06:07] We will bring this back to the board.

[1:06:11] This isn't my district.

[1:06:14] This is a project that I would say water

[1:06:17] and sewer staff has been working on for quite a while,

[1:06:21] including obtaining land right of way, and it's been a lot.

[1:06:25] And I think that staff got to a very good place

[1:06:31] with the local residents and figuring out

[1:06:32] how to place this where it goes, how to get the easements

[1:06:36] or property rights that were needed,

[1:06:38] all that's been worked out.

[1:06:39] I understand that's not what this is.

[1:06:41] This is just about letting your staff go ahead

[1:06:43] and self-perform it.

[1:06:44] You guys do a great job, so I'm certainly

[1:06:47] going to vote in favor of it if we have a motion and a second.

[1:06:51] COMMISSIONER PALMER: That's right.

[1:06:50] You're still correct on both counts though.

[1:06:53] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.

[1:06:55] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Second.

[1:06:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:06:57] I have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer,

[1:06:59] second by Commissioner Mixon.

[1:07:00] Further discussion, Commissioners?

[1:07:00] All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:07:04] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:07:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[1:07:05] All right, that passes unanimously.

[1:07:07] And you have a second item, public hearing number

[1:07:10] five related to Mariners Lane and Neptune Drive.

[1:07:13] MR. HACKETT: That's correct.

[1:07:17] Round two, I'm here to request board approval

[1:07:20] to self-perform construction of the Mariners Lane and Neptune

[1:07:23] Drive water main upgrade project.

[1:07:27] We maintain 6-inch water mains on both Mariners and Neptune.

[1:07:32] They serve about 45 single family homes.

[1:07:38] These old water mains were inherited from the now dissolved

[1:07:43] seashore village water system, and they're desperately

[1:07:45] in need of replacement.

[1:07:49] This would entail about a half a mile of new 6-inch PVC water

[1:07:54] main installation.

[1:07:57] We estimate the project to be about $450,000.

[1:08:02] We'd like to get started at the end of this year, possibly

[1:08:07] early next year.

[1:08:09] The public hearing notice did appear in Northwest Florida

[1:08:12] Daily News on July 17.

[1:08:14] As of yet, we have not received any comment or any inquiry

[1:08:19] from the public.

[1:08:21] I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[1:08:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, questions.

[1:08:26] Just one clarification, I think I know the answer.

[1:08:30] I was saying it for the public, so I know.

[1:08:34] 6-inch lines, half a million dollars I'm rounding.

[1:08:35] 45 houses sounds like a lot.

[1:08:38] The 6-inches is probably overkill for your pressure,

[1:08:41] but don't you have to have 6 inch to meet fire protection?

[1:08:45] MR. HACKETT: That's correct.

[1:08:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So that's why a 6-inch line is going

[1:08:48] in to serve 45 houses, because you've got to meet that fire

[1:08:52] protection standard, it's my understanding?

[1:08:53] MR. HACKETT: You're right.

[1:08:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:08:55] This is also in my district.

[1:08:59] Well, I guess I better open the public comment

[1:09:01] opportunity of the meeting.

[1:09:02] Anybody from the public want to speak on this item?

[1:09:04] I see nobody coming forward.

[1:09:06] We'll close that.

[1:09:06] Bring it back to the board.

[1:09:09] It's in my district.

[1:09:10] I'm in favor of it.

[1:09:12] I think Mr. Hackett spoke well to it.

[1:09:13] So, Commissioner--

[1:09:15] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll be glad to make

[1:09:17] a motion for approval.

[1:09:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:09:18] So I think I got Commissioner Ketchel with a motion,

[1:09:21] and Commissioner Cox with a second.

[1:09:23] Is that--

[1:09:24] COMMISSIONER COX: Sure.

[1:09:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:09:25] Any further discussion?

[1:09:26] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yeah, just briefly.

[1:09:27] I don't think we pointed out in the last one,

[1:09:32] but there are private businesses that do this work.

[1:09:34] You do operate an enterprise, and we

[1:09:38] are fiscally responsible to oversee

[1:09:41] the entirety of the budget and of Louis County.

[1:09:44] The projects like this one is noted to have a 300,000 plus

[1:09:48] savings, and so it's just great to be innovative in such a way

[1:09:52] that you don't say, oh, we don't have the staff for it,

[1:09:56] or it'll be three years before we can get to it.

[1:09:58] But you push forward as an enterprise

[1:09:59] to see that our opportunity to be fiscally responsible

[1:10:01] is achieved, and our staff continues to press forward

[1:10:05] with great work.

[1:10:07] So thanks, Mr. Hackett.

[1:10:08] MR. HACKETT: Absolutely.

[1:10:09] Thank you.

[1:10:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion?

[1:10:11] All right.

[1:10:13] I think that's a great point that it's not

[1:10:15] as much about having your staff competing with private market.

[1:10:20] There's plenty of private jobs out there to do.

[1:10:24] The one thing I think is very good about the fact

[1:10:26] that you basically have a fully staffed and fully equipped

[1:10:29] construction crew is that when something happens,

[1:10:32] you have the equipment, you have the personnel and the expertise

[1:10:38] to address things that come up on, say, a Sunday afternoon

[1:10:42] if needed.

[1:10:43] And you have people that respond.

[1:10:45] That's not the same in private sector

[1:10:48] if you're trying to call a contractor.

[1:10:49] And if you weren't able to self-perform these jobs,

[1:10:52] you wouldn't be able to keep that construction crew in-house.

[1:10:56] You would have to-- you wouldn't be able to maintain

[1:11:00] that part of your department.

[1:11:01] So I think that's very important.

[1:11:04] You've got them, they serve an emergency function,

[1:11:06] but they've got to have something to do every day.

[1:11:09] And that's exactly what you're doing right now,

[1:11:10] is you're giving them everyday work that

[1:11:12] will serve our citizens, and probably a very favorable value.

[1:11:15] MR. HACKETT: Extremely favorable.

[1:11:19] And if I may, it's also been beneficial

[1:11:22] for some of our brothers and sisters, other municipalities,

[1:11:26] whereby they've contracted with us to perform work,

[1:11:31] and we've been able to save those municipal systems

[1:11:34] a lot of money as well and still cover all of our costs.

[1:11:38] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good, very good.

[1:11:40] So, commissioners, anything further?

[1:11:41] Otherwise, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:11:45] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:11:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right.

[1:11:47] That passes unanimously.

[1:11:48] Thank you, sir.

[1:11:49] MR. HACKETT: Thank you.

[1:11:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:11:51] That brings us to department business.

[1:11:53] And Mr. Bitterman, Public Works Director, I

[1:11:56] believe you're up with the infrastructure surtax list.

[1:12:00] SCOTT BITTERMAN: Yes, sir.

[1:12:06] Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners.

[1:12:09] Scott Bitterman with the Public Works Department.

[1:12:11] The item today from public works is a request

[1:12:15] to approve the 2026 needs list for the infrastructure surtax

[1:12:18] renewal.

[1:12:20] In 2018, Okaloosa County voters approved a referendum

[1:12:23] establishing a 10-year half cent sales surtax for public safety,

[1:12:27] transportation and stormwater projects.

[1:12:30] To build public trust and clearly define

[1:12:35] how revenues would be invested, the county

[1:12:37] published a surtax project needs list prior to that vote.

[1:12:40] All of the projects proposed in 2018

[1:12:43] have either been completed or in active construction or design.

[1:12:46] The renewal of the surtax will be on the November 2026 ballot.

[1:12:52] The list before you are candidates for projects

[1:12:55] for unincorporated Okaloosa County's portion of the surtax

[1:12:58] if the voters choose to renew the program.

[1:13:02] The Surtax Advisory Committee did meet last month,

[1:13:05] and they approved the list.

[1:13:07] And I would recommend a motion to approve the 2026 needs

[1:13:11] list for infrastructure surtax renewal.

[1:13:12] I'd be glad to answer any questions.

[1:13:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:13:17] Commissioners, questions or action on this item.

[1:13:19] COMMISSIONER COX: I just want to thank you guys for the hard work

[1:13:23] that you do on this.

[1:13:24] And to our Surtax Committee who may or may not

[1:13:27] be in the audience today, if you're watching from home,

[1:13:30] just know how much we appreciate the hard work that

[1:13:34] goes into this.

[1:13:35] I'm sure there's quite a bit of time away from families

[1:13:38] spent in this probably under-celebrated positions,

[1:13:40] but we do appreciate it.

[1:13:44] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll make a motion for approval.

[1:13:46] Second, unless you want to, Ms Cox, If you will.

[1:13:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: You've already got it seconded.

[1:13:52] So, Commissioner Ketchel move to approve.

[1:13:53] Commissioner Cox seconded it.

[1:13:55] Further discussion?

[1:13:56] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Yes.

[1:13:57] So, what I wanted to say this is such a timely moment

[1:14:00] because, even with Mr. Hackett before,

[1:14:03] our public has a hard time, and I totally understand it

[1:14:08] because when I first became a commissioner 12 years ago,

[1:14:11] it took me a long time to learn about all the different pots

[1:14:14] of money.

[1:14:14] We have four amazing enterprise funds.

[1:14:16] We're going to hear from one shortly, the airports.

[1:14:19] Then we have the surtax, which is

[1:14:21] on the ballot, which has allowed us to just do phenomenal things.

[1:14:24] I'm so hopeful that the public will approve it

[1:14:27] because without it, I mean, I wouldn't have been

[1:14:30] a commissioner for four years.

[1:14:31] I mean, that would have been it.

[1:14:33] Because people would call and say, would you fix my road?

[1:14:35] Could you do this?

[1:14:36] And I'd have to say, yeah, we'll put you

[1:14:38] on the list as seven years till we can get to that project.

[1:14:41] We're able to do things so quickly now and make

[1:14:42] a difference.

[1:14:42] But as I speak to different audiences,

[1:14:45] they're very confused about the homestead exemption and what

[1:14:49] that will mean.

[1:14:51] Well, why can't you just take the money out

[1:14:53] of tourist development funds?

[1:14:54] Because we can't legally do that.

[1:14:56] So you can't take roads and lifeguards out

[1:14:59] of a different-- we are very limited as to how

[1:15:03] we can use funds.

[1:15:05] So if the homestead exemption would pass,

[1:15:07] heaven help us because we won't have the money

[1:15:11] to do anything to run the systems that we

[1:15:13] have in the county.

[1:15:14] And I know a lot of people don't like to pay taxes.

[1:15:17] Who does?

[1:15:17] Oh yeah, I want to pay taxes-- more taxes.

[1:15:20] But we do a lot with a limited amount.

[1:15:22] And the surtax has been wonderful,

[1:15:25] so I'm hoping that people vote no on homestead and yes

[1:15:29] on surtax.

[1:15:29] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:15:33] Further discussion?

[1:15:34] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yes, sir.

[1:15:35] I just wanted to point out that this is candidate projects,

[1:15:38] and that really we're not committing future boards,

[1:15:41] but we're making more of an informational acceptance.

[1:15:47] Not approving specific projects.

[1:15:49] Those will all come back at different times

[1:15:52] as we move forward with surtax.

[1:15:54] Some of these may even happen within existing surtax,

[1:15:57] or be able to begin with an existing surtax.

[1:16:01] And there may be other things that pop up.

[1:16:03] We don't know what the future will hold.

[1:16:05] But what it does is it points out that as a county,

[1:16:08] we've seen the benefit to what the surtax did,

[1:16:10] and we see the continuation of needs

[1:16:13] that we can go in to accomplish, which

[1:16:16] is very favorable because public works has been able to multiply

[1:16:20] their productivity and their accomplishments

[1:16:23] because of having money to do that.

[1:16:26] It's always easier when there's funds

[1:16:28] to be able to fix those things.

[1:16:30] And so I know that our municipalities are definitely

[1:16:32] in favor of continuing because it gives them the resources

[1:16:34] to do things.

[1:16:36] And so thank you for the work you're doing,

[1:16:38] but just as we all know, there are

[1:16:40] things from this list that can come and go and be

[1:16:44] enhanced and be not utilized at the same time be added to.

[1:16:48] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion?

[1:16:52] Mr. Palmer.

[1:16:53] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Mr. Chairman, thank you.

[1:16:55] And I also wanted to echo that thank you

[1:16:58] to you guys for all the work that you've done,

[1:17:00] and thank you to the committee for all the work

[1:17:02] that they're doing.

[1:17:02] I think this surtax has been a game changer for our community.

[1:17:05] And I just-- when it was first voted on,

[1:17:09] it was a list of promises.

[1:17:12] And I think now, based on the stewardship

[1:17:15] that you guys have shown, you and your team and the Surtax

[1:17:19] Committee has shown we have a list of accomplishments.

[1:17:21] And I just want to thank you for that.

[1:17:24] And so now we have proof to show that you guys are going

[1:17:26] to be good stewards and we are going

[1:17:29] to be good stewards of that money.

[1:17:30] So thank you.

[1:17:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners,

[1:17:31] further discussion on this?

[1:17:34] Well, I'll just say, looking at the list,

[1:17:36] page 8.22 in the packet is-- everything

[1:17:39] on there is a very valid and needed project.

[1:17:44] And I think Commissioner Mixon kind of framed it

[1:17:48] as this is not necessarily-- well, maybe

[1:17:51] in a starting or an aspirational list

[1:17:54] and it's still got to go through the process,

[1:17:56] but there's a couple on there.

[1:17:58] I'll go a little bit further and I'll

[1:17:59] say, like that gap creek stormwater improvements

[1:18:01] on there, that one, that's got to go through.

[1:18:04] And we got to stay on that one.

[1:18:08] There is a huge community push in that whole gap creek drainage

[1:18:13] area, which is enormous.

[1:18:17] And I can tell you, part of its partnership with the city

[1:18:23] because it covers multi jurisdictions,

[1:18:26] but that one is a big one.

[1:18:29] And I know Mr. Bitterman's been working on multiple things.

[1:18:32] I think just recently we voted on some grant funding

[1:18:35] for a study, and I don't want to say,

[1:18:39] that probably over generalizes the impact of what it is.

[1:18:43] It's really a comprehensive planning analysis, I think.

[1:18:45] And then this is just another piece of that component.

[1:18:50] And I know this doesn't get down to the project

[1:18:53] level on this list.

[1:18:54] This is more concept titles.

[1:18:56] But there's a few on here that I think

[1:19:00] we've got to stay pretty focused on

[1:19:02] and make sure they get through, but everything on there

[1:19:06] is obviously an important use.

[1:19:07] So, any further comment?

[1:19:09] All those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:19:13] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:19:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[1:19:14] All right, that passes unanimously.

[1:19:16] Thank you, Mr. Bitterman.

[1:19:17] SCOTT BITTERMAN: Thank you.

[1:19:18] Tracey Stage.

[1:19:19] TRACEY STAGE: Morning, Chairman, Commissioners.

[1:19:25] Tracey Stage, Airports Transit Director.

[1:19:28] Got a couple slides for you this morning.

[1:19:33] And, really, wanted to start it off

[1:19:37] with a it's a big day for us.

[1:19:39] It's been a number of months and we've held to the schedule,

[1:19:43] and today we're delivering to you.

[1:19:44] So I'll go ahead and start if that's OK with you, sir.

[1:19:49] On February 3, this board directed

[1:19:51] Transit to be realigned under the airports department.

[1:19:56] Since then, our team has worked to stabilize the operation,

[1:19:59] correct efficiencies, establish stronger financial and grant

[1:20:03] controls, and develop and competitively

[1:20:06] procure a new service model, entirely new service model.

[1:20:10] Today we are presenting the results

[1:20:16] of that, a leaner, accountable Okaloosa County transit

[1:20:18] system supported by our state and federal partners,

[1:20:22] and operated through the proposed via agreement

[1:20:25] in your agenda packages.

[1:20:28] I would like to--

[1:20:30] briefly joining me today, obviously, my Senior Staff,

[1:20:33] Mr. Higdon, our Transit Manager, Chad, my Deputy Director,

[1:20:38] Allison, our CFO.

[1:20:40] And then Alex Lavoie, COO from Via.

[1:20:43] And Kyle Snyder, VP from Via are joining us.

[1:20:47] And they'll be available for any questions.

[1:20:51] But over the months, this team here,

[1:20:54] and a number of other folks back at the Department,

[1:20:58] worked tirelessly to meet the schedule that we were under.

[1:21:02] So kind of getting into the contract here.

[1:21:06] As far as the requirements go, the proposed contract

[1:21:09] creates a very clear division of responsibilities

[1:21:11] versus a blended model with duplicated costs.

[1:21:14] The contractor is responsible for daily operations, staffing,

[1:21:18] vehicle and facility maintenance, insurance,

[1:21:20] utilities, technology, supplies, customer service,

[1:21:23] and required operational reporting.

[1:21:26] The county remains firmly in control

[1:21:28] of public accountability, executive oversight, contract

[1:21:32] performance, financial controls, grant administration,

[1:21:35] regulatory compliance, assets, risk management, and continuity

[1:21:39] of service.

[1:21:42] In short, the contractor operates the system,

[1:21:44] but the county sets the standards,

[1:21:47] monitors performance, and protects the public's interest.

[1:21:50] So a little familiar to the budget

[1:21:57] presentation specific to Transit, but this

[1:21:59] is a snapshot of our fiscal year '27 cost.

[1:22:03] The estimated operating budget is 4.54 million,

[1:22:08] based on 40,000 revenue hours.

[1:22:11] 84% represents contract costs, and 16% county costs.

[1:22:15] The plan is fully funded through $2.72 million in federal funds

[1:22:22] and $1.82 million in state funds.

[1:22:27] No anticipated general fund impact.

[1:22:30] The transition also highlighted in the slide

[1:22:37] produces an estimated $1.1 million

[1:22:39] in annual cost reductions from the previous service operation.

[1:22:43] And that goes to the model development.

[1:22:47] Five-year outlook on the right hand

[1:22:52] side of the slide, five-year term of the agreement,

[1:22:55] obviously, projected increases in hourly revenue, hourly costs,

[1:22:57] and, obviously, revenue hours as the system continues to grow.

[1:23:04] For the rider-- or the client, I should say,

[1:23:10] the service becomes simple and focused.

[1:23:11] Eligible customers may apply reserve travel from 24 hours

[1:23:14] to 14 days in advance, and receive on-demand Monday through

[1:23:18] Friday service, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

[1:23:21] The purpose is straightforward, connect residents

[1:23:24] to work, education, health care, and essential shopping safely

[1:23:29] and reliably when and where they need it.

[1:23:31] This is more than a contractor change.

[1:23:35] It's a disciplined structure of transit around service,

[1:23:38] compliance, accountability.

[1:23:40] Information as to the staff efforts throughout the IT

[1:23:44] and procurement process are detailed in your agenda package

[1:23:47] on 8.23, from the start to the finish

[1:23:51] of that entire procurement process.

[1:23:54] And before I go into the request, Chairman,

[1:23:58] I have a three-minute video that staff has prepared

[1:24:02] for you and for the public.

[1:24:04] And it's going to be a very helpful tool,

[1:24:07] should this contract be approved,

[1:24:09] to educate the public on the system.

[1:24:12] If it's OK with you, Chairman, I'd

[1:24:14] like to play that video for you all.

[1:24:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: That'd be great, please.

[1:24:16] TRACEY STAGE: Thank you.

[1:24:17] SPEAKER 7: Beginning September 1, 2026,

[1:24:23] Okaloosa County Transit will partner with Via

[1:24:26] to use its innovative technology to deliver three

[1:24:29] coordinated transportation services through the Ride OCT

[1:24:32] platform.

[1:24:34] First, we have the ADA Paratransit

[1:24:36] for eligible individuals with disabilities.

[1:24:38] Next, the transportation disadvantaged service

[1:24:40] for eligible residents who lack access to transportation.

[1:24:44] And lastly, our public on-demand service

[1:24:47] for customers who schedule and pay for individual trips.

[1:24:51] While each service addresses a different need,

[1:24:55] the Transportation Disadvantaged, or TD program,

[1:24:57] remains a central part of our public transportation system.

[1:25:01] Through the TD program, eligible riders

[1:25:03] will gain access to employment, medical appointments, education,

[1:25:06] shopping, and other essential destinations.

[1:25:09] The TD program helps residents stay independent,

[1:25:13] connected to their community, and able to access the services

[1:25:16] and opportunities they rely on.

[1:25:18] Ride OCT call center will be staffed by trained customer

[1:25:22] service ambassadors ready to assist riders, including

[1:25:25] those who may be less comfortable with technology.

[1:25:28] Riders can call to ask questions, get help

[1:25:31] with the application process, schedule a trip,

[1:25:34] confirm pick up details, and receive support

[1:25:36] throughout their experience.

[1:25:38] For riders who prefer technology,

[1:25:40] the mobile application offers another convenient way

[1:25:43] to request trips and receive trip updates.

[1:25:45] In the next section, we will discuss how the service works.

[1:25:49] Step one, get the application.

[1:25:52] A prospective rider may obtain an application online

[1:25:55] by telephone or in person.

[1:25:58] Assistance is available for individuals

[1:25:59] who need help accessing or completing the application.

[1:26:02] Step two, apply.

[1:26:05] The applicant submits the completed application

[1:26:07] and all required information.

[1:26:10] Step three, approval.

[1:26:12] Our eligibility coordinator reviews the application,

[1:26:14] determines the rider's eligibility,

[1:26:16] and notifies the applicant of the decision.

[1:26:19] Approved applicants can begin requesting transportation

[1:26:21] immediately.

[1:26:22] Step four, schedule a ride.

[1:26:25] Service is available Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM

[1:26:28] until 6:00 PM.

[1:26:30] The approved applicant may request a trip using the mobile

[1:26:33] app or by calling 850-833-9168, and speak directly with

[1:26:36] a customer service ambassador.

[1:26:41] Step five, trip confirmed.

[1:26:43] The rider receives the scheduled pickup window

[1:26:46] and other important trip details.

[1:26:47] Step six, driver pickup.

[1:26:50] The driver arrives in an appropriate vehicle

[1:26:53] to transport the rider.

[1:26:54] Accessible vehicles are available to accommodate riders

[1:26:56] with mobility needs.

[1:26:58] Step seven, ride and drop off.

[1:27:01] The rider travels safely to the requested destination.

[1:27:03] Step eight, trip complete.

[1:27:06] The driver notifies dispatch of trip completion

[1:27:09] and continues to the next scheduled pickup

[1:27:11] Ride OCT is partnering with Tidewater Transit, powered

[1:27:15] by Via Software, to connect residents

[1:27:18] with essential people, services, and opportunities.

[1:27:20] With accessible vehicles, responsive customer support,

[1:27:23] and modern scheduling capabilities,

[1:27:26] the new Ride OCT platform is building

[1:27:29] a stronger, more sustainable transportation

[1:27:31] system for our community.

[1:27:33] To learn more, apply for service, or schedule a ride,

[1:27:36] visit www.rideoct.com, or call 850-833-9168.

[1:27:39] Our customer service ambassadors are

[1:27:46] ready to answer your questions and assist you

[1:27:49] throughout the process.

[1:27:50] Welcome aboard.

[1:27:51] TRACEY STAGE: She did it better than I could.

[1:27:56] But, essentially, if the board's happy with this

[1:27:58] and if this contract is approved,

[1:28:01] that's going to go live on the website today.

[1:28:05] We do have a brand new website that Via has put together.

[1:28:08] It's ready to go.

[1:28:10] And this is as simple as it gets.

[1:28:13] It's on-demand service.

[1:28:14] We're there within 30 minutes.

[1:28:16] I appreciate Mr. Fuller's comments this morning.

[1:28:18] He is a happy camper because he used

[1:28:21] to have to walk 30 minutes to go catch a fixed route downtown

[1:28:25] Crestview from his house.

[1:28:27] Now we pick him up at his house.

[1:28:31] So, it's across the board.

[1:28:32] But I can't say enough, working with Via and Tidewater

[1:28:38] and the transparency that they've

[1:28:40] shown through this process, and what

[1:28:43] staff was able to get done for Okaloosa County

[1:28:47] to check off those goals of zero-impact to the general fund,

[1:28:51] saving over $1.1 million, changing the entire model.

[1:28:55] And then turning this service to where

[1:28:59] we have buses that are actually taking people

[1:29:02] where they need to go versus driving around

[1:29:05] and sitting in parking lots.

[1:29:07] So all that's behind us.

[1:29:08] And with that, Chairman, staff requests and recommends approval

[1:29:11] of the contract and related vehicle lease agreement with

[1:29:17] Tidewater Transit LLC for public transportation services for not

[1:29:19] to exceed total $24,656,085.

[1:29:22] And I and my entire team and Via Tidewater

[1:29:29] are here for any questions you have.

[1:29:32] COMMISSIONER COX: All right.

[1:29:33] To approve with discussion.

[1:29:35] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.

[1:29:35] Motion to approve by Commissioner Cox, and a second

[1:29:38] by Commissioner Palmer.

[1:29:39] Commissioner Cox, you had some comments?

[1:29:41] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes, sir.

[1:29:43] Thank you, Chairman.

[1:29:44] I just want to say thank you to each of you.

[1:29:47] I mean, to you, Mr. Sage, congratulations.

[1:29:49] You have turned one of our toughest

[1:29:53] critics and your toughest critic into a fan.

[1:29:55] And that doesn't come without a lot of hard work.

[1:30:00] So to each of you sitting here, including our two new vendors,

[1:30:05] I hope--

[1:30:05] you certainly have my vote.

[1:30:08] This is a lot.

[1:30:10] I mean, to have completely overhauled a transportation

[1:30:11] system that was causing a good bit more than it should have,

[1:30:15] it was rife with trouble from COVID problems

[1:30:21] and administrative issues, and what have you.

[1:30:25] They just are unavoidable when something like a pandemic

[1:30:29] happens.

[1:30:29] Really, to have taken that situation

[1:30:32] and flipped it absolutely to the benefit

[1:30:35] of the citizens of Okaloosa County is quite an undertaking.

[1:30:39] I said that back then, and I continue

[1:30:42] to appreciate the hard work that you've done in the meantime.

[1:30:45] This is a lot.

[1:30:46] I mean, it is a lot.

[1:30:48] I used to build hotels and hospitals

[1:30:49] and I can tell you that, those kinds of undertakings

[1:30:52] are very similar.

[1:30:53] Every single time you have something that's an overhaul,

[1:30:56] it changes everything.

[1:30:58] Just adds that much more work to what you've already been doing.

[1:31:02] And we know you work hard already, so thank you.

[1:31:04] I mean, just the tremendous result

[1:31:06] in this being a zero sum cost to the taxpayer

[1:31:10] is quite incredible.

[1:31:12] So thank you for your hard work on this.

[1:31:15] And you have my vote.

[1:31:16] TRACEY STAGE: All right Mr. Chairman, thank you.

[1:31:18] COMMISSIONER PALMER: I wanted to echo that, thank you so much,

[1:31:21] Mr. Sage.

[1:31:21] Thank you to your entire team for all of the work

[1:31:24] that you've done.

[1:31:25] Turning skeptics into believers is a tough thing to do.

[1:31:28] And I remember when this first was handed to you,

[1:31:31] there was a little bit of trepidation

[1:31:34] in your demeanor, anyways.

[1:31:35] And you've done a fantastic job with this.

[1:31:38] It was a tough thing to take, and people

[1:31:41] feel like you're taking something away from them

[1:31:45] that we've been offering for years,

[1:31:47] but you've turned it into something better.

[1:31:50] So I just wanted to say thank you to you

[1:31:52] and thank you to your entire team.

[1:31:53] I love the $1.1 million in savings.

[1:31:55] And I more than that, I love the zero impact to the general fund

[1:31:59] so thank you.

[1:31:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Ketchel.

[1:32:00] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I just want to say welcome aboard, Kyle

[1:32:04] and Alex.

[1:32:04] It's nice to have you with us.

[1:32:06] This is a great place to live.

[1:32:08] We can all attest to that.

[1:32:09] New York's fine too but you're going to love it here.

[1:32:12] And thank you so very much, Tracey and your whole team,

[1:32:15] for the work that you've put into this--

[1:32:16] I should say, Mr. Stage, sorry--

[1:32:18] for the work that you've put into this.

[1:32:20] And I know that our constituents are looking forward

[1:32:22] to using this convenience.

[1:32:24] And Mr. Fuller was beaming from ear to ear.

[1:32:26] He was so excited about being an ambassador,

[1:32:29] so thank you very much.

[1:32:30] TRACEY STAGE: Yes, ma'am.

[1:32:32] Thank you.

[1:32:32] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further comments, commissioners?

[1:32:33] All right.

[1:32:35] Then I'll just say, I am excited to vote in favor of this

[1:32:39] and approve this contract moving forward.

[1:32:42] Anybody in the general public looks at it and says,

[1:32:46] gosh, you're approving a $24 million contract

[1:32:49] and you're saving money?

[1:32:50] Well, that's what's happening.

[1:32:51] And what's important here is that this whole program has been

[1:32:56] an elusive issue to wrangle in.

[1:33:03] And I've been trying for years, and we've finally gotten there.

[1:33:07] It's been a challenge for the commission,

[1:33:13] it's been a challenge for--

[1:33:15] from a staff level to try to get this thing

[1:33:18] managed where it needs to be.

[1:33:22] And I just appreciate the work that Mr. Hofstad's office

[1:33:25] and Mr. Stage and all his team have done to support us

[1:33:30] in getting to where we are.

[1:33:33] It was a fundamental shift in the way

[1:33:35] we look at public transit in Okaloosa County.

[1:33:38] And killing the fixed route, it may

[1:33:42] have been scary to think about it,

[1:33:46] but it was absolutely necessary.

[1:33:48] And you know what?

[1:33:50] The sky didn't fall.

[1:33:51] In fact, the sky got a lot clearer, a lot more clear sky,

[1:33:55] a lot more transparency in this program

[1:33:57] than we've ever had before.

[1:33:59] The first time since I have sat on this board, that we have

[1:34:04] actually been able to get to a point of saying,

[1:34:09] zero General fund dollars into transit.

[1:34:11] And that's huge.

[1:34:14] And that number has crept up.

[1:34:17] It crept up and was heading towards 300, 000, 400,000,

[1:34:19] half a million dollars last fall.

[1:34:22] And we were on the precipice of another five-year renewal

[1:34:26] of the same nightmare that we've been living.

[1:34:28] And I'm just thankful to, like I said, Mr. Hofstad and his team,

[1:34:34] Mr. Stage and his team, and this board for saying,

[1:34:39] you know what, we're just going to bite the bullet.

[1:34:42] We're going to make the hard decision.

[1:34:43] We're going to overhaul this thing from top to bottom.

[1:34:46] And that's what's happened.

[1:34:47] And now look at how this is going to work.

[1:34:50] On-demand services, makes sense.

[1:34:52] Nobody's going to wait on a bus in Okaloosa County for two

[1:34:57] hours, standing out there in August,

[1:34:59] hoping the bus might show up.

[1:35:02] It's just not practical.

[1:35:04] That's why the buses were running around empty.

[1:35:06] We were just wasting dollars, some general fund dollars,

[1:35:09] some grant dollars, but regardless, dollars.

[1:35:12] And now we're not.

[1:35:14] That's the key.

[1:35:15] When government sees a place where

[1:35:17] there is inefficiency or waste and does nothing, that's wrong.

[1:35:21] But when government sees it, identifies it,

[1:35:24] attacks the problem, and comes up with a solution like this,

[1:35:29] that's exactly what we're supposed to be doing.

[1:35:31] That's exactly what we're supposed to accomplish.

[1:35:34] And, look, this program is going to serve, I think,

[1:35:37] those citizens who need this service better than it ever

[1:35:40] has over the past 25 years, in a way that people

[1:35:44] are going to appreciate it and be able to rely on it.

[1:35:48] And look at the leverage of technology,

[1:35:51] those are things that we begged.

[1:35:53] I know many of us--

[1:35:54] Commissioner Ketchel, you've been up here as long as I have,

[1:35:58] I know we begged for better technology

[1:36:00] integration in that program for so many years.

[1:36:02] Now we can have it, because that's the way that people work.

[1:36:06] And we don't-- it still has the-- call it the analog

[1:36:09] process.

[1:36:10] If people want to call in and get the hard copy paperwork,

[1:36:14] that's still available, but we know that as a reality,

[1:36:17] most of the users are going to leverage that technology,

[1:36:22] be able to use this.

[1:36:24] I love the branding.

[1:36:25] It's clean, it's fresh, it looks good.

[1:36:27] I love the fact that you have gotten rid

[1:36:32] of the dilapidated buses.

[1:36:33] You've reduced our fleet to a tighter, smaller, reliable,

[1:36:36] clean and newer fleet to serve the type of needs

[1:36:41] that our constituents that use this service have.

[1:36:44] Perfect.

[1:36:45] You're taking those grant dollars

[1:36:48] and making them do what they were always supposed to do,

[1:36:52] and I really appreciate that.

[1:36:53] I appreciate that out of your team.

[1:36:55] Mr. Higdon, I know that you got on board with us

[1:36:58] as we were through this transition period.

[1:37:01] And I have all the faith in the world you're

[1:37:05] going to be able to keep us on this track,

[1:37:07] and I'm very excited about it.

[1:37:09] Again, I think this is--

[1:37:10] all the complaints I've gotten over all these years in office

[1:37:14] about transit, wasn't that people hated the idea transit.

[1:37:17] They just hated the approach that we had.

[1:37:20] And now we've changed it.

[1:37:22] This is what we should be doing.

[1:37:24] So thank you.

[1:37:25] Commissioners.

[1:37:25] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I have one more thing.

[1:37:28] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.

[1:37:29] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: As I said on the Transportation Committee

[1:37:32] so many years, we didn't have other alternatives.

[1:37:34] You all may have really done something so innovative

[1:37:39] that let me just suggest that you might take it

[1:37:44] to the Florida Association of Counties as best practices.

[1:37:46] Other counties are looking to fix their transportation system.

[1:37:49] You've done it, I think.

[1:37:52] We're about ready to test it to see,

[1:37:54] but it looks like you have had--

[1:37:56] I haven't had but one complaint, and that was just

[1:37:58] somebody trying to get to Walton County, which was important

[1:38:00] because they work there.

[1:38:01] But what I'm saying is, if this really

[1:38:03] is what I think it's going to be,

[1:38:06] maybe you need to take this on the road-- pun intended--

[1:38:08] literally to other counties.

[1:38:10] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I believe we're going to be a model,

[1:38:14] truly do.

[1:38:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, other comments?

[1:38:17] If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:38:21] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:38:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed--

[1:38:22] that passes unanimously.

[1:38:24] It's a good day.

[1:38:25] Thank you, sir.

[1:38:26] [APPLAUSE]

[1:38:26] TRACEY STAGE: Commissioners, thank you.

[1:38:27] Staff right here, a lot of hard work.

[1:38:30] Thank you very, very much.

[1:38:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:38:36] Our next item under department business,

[1:38:37] Ms. Ore with Housing and SHIP.

[1:38:45] MS ORE: Good morning, Chairman, Commissioners.

[1:38:52] The item I have before you is a revision to the SHIP first time

[1:38:58] home buyers' purchase assistance program policies and guidelines.

[1:39:00] As you know, last year in July, we implemented it,

[1:39:04] and we made some changes to the program that the CDC was doing.

[1:39:08] And after gaining some knowledge and helping

[1:39:09] quite a few households and spending quite a bit of funds,

[1:39:13] and as well as having our inspector general audit and some

[1:39:17] recommendations that came from them, the training

[1:39:18] as well as what's best for our community,

[1:39:21] there are some amendments that have

[1:39:23] been made that I think would best serve our community.

[1:39:26] Most of them are grammatical changes,

[1:39:28] policies that are in place that aren't really

[1:39:31] applicable to our program.

[1:39:32] One of the major changes is introducing a limit threshold

[1:39:35] of 27%, which means that their housing ratio--

[1:39:39] so what they are paying monthly--

[1:39:45] when we award the funds, it will not

[1:39:48] be low-- won't be below 27% of their gross monthly income.

[1:39:51] So, if there are any questions or details

[1:39:56] you would like to know about the program, please ask.

[1:39:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Questions.

[1:39:59] I know Commissioner Mixon, I know you probably

[1:40:01] looked at this pretty deeply.

[1:40:03] If not, I have just one quick question before we take it up.

[1:40:09] It just in layman's terms, does this--

[1:40:10] do the changes you're making better help make sure

[1:40:16] that people are not getting into situations that they

[1:40:19] can't afford?

[1:40:19] In other words, does it better help

[1:40:22] expand the program but at the same time,

[1:40:25] make sure we're not setting people up to fail?

[1:40:27] Because it's always been a big one for me with SHIP.

[1:40:29] I love to help people get into home ownership,

[1:40:30] but I don't want to put them on a path that's not sustainable.

[1:40:34] MS. ORE: Yes, sir.

[1:40:35] I believe the policies that we already

[1:40:36] have in some of our statutory requirements of making sure

[1:40:39] that their housing, monthly payments don't go over

[1:40:41] a certain percentage, those are going to remain the same.

[1:40:47] Those aren't changes that we are making.

[1:40:49] What we are trying to do is limit the amount of funds

[1:40:52] that we are giving out to individuals so

[1:40:53] that we aren't just awarding funds

[1:40:55] that they don't actually need.

[1:40:58] So I wanted to make sure that things are very much

[1:41:01] need-based to reassure you when we are looking

[1:41:02] at the homes and the purchases of our clients,

[1:41:06] we do have, in our policies, that our best practices for them

[1:41:10] not to go over 35% of their gross monthly income.

[1:41:13] If they are to go over that, there is justification

[1:41:17] that it has to be in place.

[1:41:19] And so we are making sure that whatever home they are buying

[1:41:21] is a sustainable purchase for them.

[1:41:22] And not just putting them in the home,

[1:41:25] but looking forward within a year,

[1:41:26] are they going to be able to afford a tax increase,

[1:41:29] are they going to be able to afford insurance changes?

[1:41:31] Making sure that the home-- the quality of the home

[1:41:34] is in its best condition, that things

[1:41:36] aren't going to break down.

[1:41:37] So we're reviewing inspections and we're reviewing,

[1:41:39] making sure that they have insurance,

[1:41:42] whether a warranty is needed before we are even approving

[1:41:45] a purchase to be made, or a closing

[1:41:48] to happen with our funds.

[1:41:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[1:41:50] Thank you for recapping that, no problem.

[1:41:52] COMMISSIONER MIXON: The tax increase

[1:41:53] would be a change to the assessed value,

[1:41:55] with some of our clients going into new homes.

[1:41:57] But I'll tell you, this does put great perimeters

[1:42:00] because the debt to income ratio is being

[1:42:02] monitored like never before.

[1:42:04] And it gives an opportunity for us

[1:42:06] to help folks not move into a spot

[1:42:08] and get too much upfront so that now they're house rich

[1:42:10] or they're house poor, and they're

[1:42:11] focused on not being able to sustain themselves.

[1:42:13] But it gives a pathway to even deeper partnering with folks.

[1:42:17] I know the desire that I had at first

[1:42:22] was to not be in the housing business as a county.

[1:42:24] Kind of felt like it wasn't really our job.

[1:42:26] But we're doing fantastic, streamlining the process where

[1:42:28] we're able to help folks move from not having

[1:42:32] any place to potentially moving into one

[1:42:34] of our county-owned asset rentals that stay full,

[1:42:37] by the way, and then moving from those

[1:42:42] into something-- partnering with our down payment assistance that

[1:42:45] moves into home ownership.

[1:42:47] And all within the scope of the SHIP program.

[1:42:50] Eventually we're going to have to step up

[1:42:53] our ability of walking beside folks

[1:42:54] in those first few years of home ownership,

[1:42:57] not for the purpose of monetary gain on their part,

[1:42:59] for the purpose of stewardship, stability

[1:43:01] so that they can stay homeowners long term.

[1:43:04] And we don't see them go back through a cycle once they see

[1:43:09] that they have equity, and get one of those 5,000 calls a month

[1:43:12] that tell them how much money they'll give them

[1:43:14] for their equity, and then they find themselves needing to sell

[1:43:17] the house in order to afford something else.

[1:43:18] So, this does put us forward further

[1:43:20] to get to the point of seeing folks more successful.

[1:43:24] We've had tremendous success so far with the down payment

[1:43:28] assistance and tremendous success

[1:43:28] with Ms Ore coming into the program

[1:43:31] and helping have a person mediating with banks

[1:43:34] and assisting and training the banks to partner with us.

[1:43:38] And so it's really moving in a great direction

[1:43:41] with the Affordable Housing Advisory Council.

[1:43:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[1:43:45] All right.

[1:43:46] Other discussion, commissioners?

[1:43:47] If not, we do have a motion and a second on this, correct?

[1:43:51] No.

[1:43:53] I remember, did we get a motion?

[1:43:56] No.

[1:43:57] Maybe we didn't.

[1:43:58] Maybe I'm ahead.

[1:43:59] All right.

[1:44:00] We have a motion by Commissioner Mixon,

[1:44:01] second by Commissioner Palmer.

[1:44:03] All right.

[1:44:04] Further discussion.

[1:44:05] Those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:44:08] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:44:08] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Those opposed-- that's unanimous.

[1:44:09] Thank you, Ms Ore.

[1:44:11] MS. ORE: Thank you.

[1:44:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, Mr. Coffey, your first item,

[1:44:14] consideration of two new members for the Blue Water Bay MSBU.

[1:44:21] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[1:44:25] Actually, I'd like to change that item to three new members.

[1:44:28] And what happened was when we put this issue forward,

[1:44:30] we consulted with the website instead of talking with the SOE

[1:44:34] directly.

[1:44:35] And on the website they said there

[1:44:38] was two qualified individuals when

[1:44:39] we had heard there were three, and actually there

[1:44:42] are three when we circled back with them.

[1:44:44] And the third one should be added, Ms Tony High.

[1:44:46] And that would be the third person.

[1:44:49] All three are running for office.

[1:44:50] All three have been verified by the SOE to have qualified.

[1:44:53] And there initially were only two seats up.

[1:44:56] So there are two for one seat and one for another seat,

[1:44:59] but the reality is we have three vacancies

[1:45:01] and we'd like to fill all three vacancies at this time.

[1:45:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:45:05] Commissioner Palmer, this is in your district.

[1:45:07] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Here is a second, but I have questions.

[1:45:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, we

[1:45:14] have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer, seconded

[1:45:15] by Commissioner Mixon.

[1:45:16] Commissioner Mixon, you have some questions.

[1:45:19] COMMISSIONER MIXON: So there's three approved

[1:45:20] by the supervisor of elections?

[1:45:22] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.

[1:45:23] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Are there more than three--

[1:45:24] CRAIG COFFEY: No.

[1:45:25] COMMISSIONER MIXON: --currently seeking this position?

[1:45:26] CRAIG COFFEY: Not that I know of.

[1:45:29] There were candidates that put in for the upcoming election,

[1:45:31] there were only three.

[1:45:33] And all three were qualified.

[1:45:34] But we don't know of any others that

[1:45:36] have contacted me or written us about wanting--

[1:45:39] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Or qualified with the supervisor.

[1:45:41] CRAIG COFFEY: Or qualified with supervisor.

[1:45:43] COMMISSIONER MIXON: When's the last time

[1:45:45] we confirmed with the SOE that there's no more than three--

[1:45:47] CRAIG COFFEY: As of yesterday.

[1:45:48] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Early, late?

[1:45:50] Was there a deadline for qualification?

[1:45:53] They just make a decision knowing that--

[1:45:55] CRAIG COFFEY: The deadline for qualification

[1:45:57] actually had passed because it was

[1:45:58] part of all the normal candidate qualifications,

[1:46:00] and that's why we were surprised it wasn't on the website,

[1:46:04] because we had heard there were three qualifying but we just

[1:46:06] went by the listing.

[1:46:07] COMMISSIONER PALMER: I might be able to add

[1:46:10] a little clarification.

[1:46:10] So Ms High was actually running for-- running unopposed,

[1:46:13] and so that's why the other two would still have been--

[1:46:16] that would have been an election between the other two.

[1:46:19] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: That helps tremendously.

[1:46:21] COMMISSIONER PALMER: So, yeah.

[1:46:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:46:23] All right.

[1:46:25] Further discussion on that item?

[1:46:26] All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:46:29] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:46:30] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right.

[1:46:31] That passes unanimously.

[1:46:32] And I've got to step out for a moment.

[1:46:35] JOHN HOFSTAD: OK, brings us to the next item.

[1:46:40] Mr. Coffey.

[1:46:42] CRAIG COFFEY: The next item is a contract agreement for DAG--

[1:46:45] with DAG Architecture.

[1:46:47] And it comes with two different task orders,

[1:46:50] totaling $1,442,986, plus a contingency amount for up

[1:46:53] to $175,000.

[1:46:57] And I'll talk about the contingency here in a second,

[1:47:00] but this is for all the services related to the expansion design

[1:47:03] work related to a 50,000 square foot addition to the Reagan

[1:47:07] Center, plus additional task order--

[1:47:08] task score two deals with all the parking,

[1:47:13] the drainage on the site, bringing all that up to speed

[1:47:16] and modernizing that for all the different impervious surfaces we

[1:47:19] have, plus pickleball courts.

[1:47:22] All that is in rolled up into this as one item.

[1:47:26] We're happy that it's that, a local firm,

[1:47:29] and a local engineering firm with them.

[1:47:32] Jenkins Engineering is going to be doing the work on this,

[1:47:35] so that's really exciting for us as well.

[1:47:37] It was picked by a special selection committee, which

[1:47:39] we have some private citizens on there,

[1:47:41] as well as some staff, committee of five.

[1:47:43] And it went really smooth.

[1:47:45] And, lastly, the contingency services

[1:47:46] that are in there for two reasons.

[1:47:50] One is up to $100,000.

[1:47:52] If the project comes in higher, it

[1:47:54] does afford a little bit more compensation

[1:47:56] to DAG Architecture, but it limits that.

[1:47:58] So if the contract comes in much, much higher,

[1:48:01] they don't get any more money after that cap.

[1:48:04] The cap of $15 million.

[1:48:05] The second thing is it allows $75,000,

[1:48:07] because there are some services that we're going to encounter

[1:48:11] potentially on the back side of this thing,

[1:48:13] or threshold inspections, or something else.

[1:48:14] It allows us to do some additional things,

[1:48:17] or additional borings if we need to, as part of this process.

[1:48:20] We do plan to hold a charrette at some point.

[1:48:23] When the design gets there, we're

[1:48:26] going to have some renderings and stuff like that.

[1:48:28] So we'll have some additional participation along the way.

[1:48:30] And we're excited to kick off this project

[1:48:32] and get it ready in time for the legislature.

[1:48:36] We hope this is a legislative item for us.

[1:48:38] We have a number of people that are

[1:48:40] willing to lobby on our behalf and help us with this item,

[1:48:43] so we're very excited.

[1:48:44] And this is going to be a game changer for us

[1:48:47] as far as the overall facility, and put us

[1:48:49] in a whole different category in the panhandle

[1:48:51] as far as other facilities that meet this size and scope

[1:48:56] and stuff like that.

[1:48:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:48:57] Thank you, Mr. Coffey.

[1:48:58] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Be glad to make a motion for approval.

[1:49:01] Very excited about this project moving forward.

[1:49:03] I sure hope we can get on the legislative agenda

[1:49:06] and get additional funds, but the whole community

[1:49:08] is so pleased and excited about the work that

[1:49:11] is being accomplished at this fairground project.

[1:49:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, so motion by Commissioner Ketchel,

[1:49:16] second by Commissioner Cox.

[1:49:18] Thank you.

[1:49:19] Any further discussion?

[1:49:20] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.

[1:49:20] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Cox.

[1:49:21] COMMISSIONER COX: I just wanted to say

[1:49:23] that it is such a pleasure to be able to look

[1:49:25] at a contract like this and know that we have somebody like DAG

[1:49:28] Architectural group, founded by Charlie Cleary, a former Florida

[1:49:31] Senator who served our district.

[1:49:34] I mean, nobody more invested in this community than that man.

[1:49:37] And the beautiful projects that he

[1:49:40] has done, both for this county and around the area, certainly

[1:49:43] speak for themselves.

[1:49:45] But it's just so nice to be able to look at an agenda

[1:49:48] and see that we have a local asset here we're able to partner

[1:49:51] with for future development that we know

[1:49:53] will be handled responsibly.

[1:49:55] So, thank you for that.

[1:49:57] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.

[1:49:57] OK.

[1:49:58] Thank you.

[1:49:59] Yes, Commissioner Mixon.

[1:50:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[1:50:01] I appreciate the work they do to continue in the county.

[1:50:06] I'm sure this went through the proper processes.

[1:50:09] Being able to do this, the only thing I miss out

[1:50:13] of the agenda packet is the sharpie and highlight

[1:50:14] rendering that you created.

[1:50:18] CRAIG COFFEY: The copy, that was in the procurement packet that

[1:50:22] went out to the architects and stuff.

[1:50:24] COMMISSIONER MIXON: It definitely

[1:50:25] needs to be page three or so of the packet that comes back

[1:50:29] to us when they finish.

[1:50:30] I would like to suggest that we have

[1:50:32] our sports tourism staff give us some type of overview

[1:50:35] of economic impact of what this future can be

[1:50:39] and how we can see funds recouped.

[1:50:43] I understand we're using tourist development dollars,

[1:50:45] but being able to recoup those funds by bed nights,

[1:50:49] by groups coming in, sports tourism that takes place

[1:50:51] within this new facility, I would

[1:50:54] love to see that in the future given to us

[1:50:57] so that we can continuously be in forward motion.

[1:50:59] This is going to give us a great booklet of paper.

[1:51:05] In order to move that paper into reality,

[1:51:09] we're going to really have to be able to explain ourselves,

[1:51:12] to see what the future would look

[1:51:14] like and some potential projections of numbers,

[1:51:16] and how that would be recouped as an asset owned by the county.

[1:51:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any further discussion?

[1:51:24] All right.

[1:51:27] With that, all those in favor say, aye.

[1:51:29] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:51:30] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any opposed?

[1:51:31] All right.

[1:51:32] Passes.

[1:51:33] So that moves us to our next item,

[1:51:36] the animal control interlocal agreement.

[1:51:38] CRAIG COFFEY: The animal control interlocal, I'd

[1:51:40] like to start off with adding-- asking

[1:51:42] to add an item to the agenda.

[1:51:45] And this is related to animal control as well.

[1:51:48] So we're working two things before I

[1:51:49] get into the interlocal.

[1:51:51] We're working the North end animal control,

[1:51:53] but we're working the South end.

[1:51:55] The item we would like to add as an add on item to the agenda is

[1:51:59] for the purchase of two vehicles,

[1:52:00] and not to exceed $44,000.

[1:52:03] And allowing for advance payment.

[1:52:06] Normally, John, County Administrator,

[1:52:08] can approve the emergency item, but advance payment

[1:52:11] can only be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

[1:52:16] And so that's why we're requesting this.

[1:52:17] The dealerships are at-- they're out

[1:52:19] of-- some of them are out of state,

[1:52:21] and these are complete animal control vehicles.

[1:52:22] And we're buying those to get started

[1:52:25] as a much cheaper alternative for part of our stand up costs.

[1:52:29] But in order to add an item to the agenda,

[1:52:33] it takes a supermajority vote.

[1:52:33] And-- anything that I'm missing, Patrick, on that?

[1:52:36] PATRICK: Good morning.

[1:52:40] Just how we got to that point was we initially

[1:52:43] started with procuring used vehicles, vehicles that we

[1:52:45] were turning for auction.

[1:52:47] And we were able to get three of those that were a lower

[1:52:51] mileage, fantastic F-250.

[1:52:51] However, the animal control slide-in--

[1:52:53] just the portion that will go into the back of those utility

[1:52:57] beds brand new-- is anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000

[1:52:59] as an add on, just for that piece to add into the back

[1:53:03] of the vehicle.

[1:53:03] So with these procurements, these two vehicles not to exceed

[1:53:05] $44,000, we are getting full assembled vehicles with working

[1:53:09] animal control condition spaces in the rear of the vehicle ready

[1:53:13] to go.

[1:53:14] In the time frame that we need to start up the service,

[1:53:18] those brand new units that we would have to have constructed

[1:53:20] are eight to 10 months out.

[1:53:21] So this particular solution allows

[1:53:23] us to move forward with lower amounts of money in the time

[1:53:27] frame needed to start the service that we're

[1:53:28] required to start, so.

[1:53:29] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.

[1:53:31] PATRICK: Yeah.

[1:53:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[1:53:32] And thank you.

[1:53:33] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I have a question, Chairman.

[1:53:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, go ahead.

[1:53:35] Do we not have anything in fleet old enough

[1:53:38] that we can retrofit with?

[1:53:39] CRAIG COFFEY: Yeah, that's what--

[1:53:40] I think that's what Patrick was just alluding to.

[1:53:43] We actually identified three different vehicles

[1:53:44] coming out of water, sewer, and a fourth.

[1:53:46] And part of those vehicles--

[1:53:48] to retrofit those-- they had cargo things

[1:53:50] or they had open normal pickup truck.

[1:53:53] No one had animal control units ready to slide

[1:53:56] in in a timely manner, number one.

[1:53:58] And number two is those units by themselves were almost $20,000

[1:54:01] by themselves.

[1:54:03] When we can buy fully assembled vehicles with air conditioned

[1:54:05] back kennel areas in a timely manner,

[1:54:08] and have them here in essentially two weeks

[1:54:12] that are ready to go.

[1:54:13] OK.

[1:54:14] Yeah.

[1:54:15] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chair, I make

[1:54:16] a motion to walk the item on, but I have

[1:54:18] questions if there's a second.

[1:54:19] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:54:20] We have a motion and a second to walk

[1:54:23] on the item regarding the purchase of the two vehicles.

[1:54:25] All right.

[1:54:27] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Prior to the item being presented and voted

[1:54:29] on, I would like to know the funding source.

[1:54:32] And I'd like to know if that's 44 and no greater than,

[1:54:36] or if that's per vehicle, just for clarity.

[1:54:37] PATRICK: So the funding source, sir,

[1:54:39] we went to the Surtax Committee, voter approved Surtax Committee,

[1:54:42] and got approved capital dollars to go ahead and start

[1:54:45] the service.

[1:54:46] This is from those capital dollars.

[1:54:47] And, additionally, as far as the not to exceed,

[1:54:50] that is the total dollar value, including

[1:54:53] shipping for both vehicles.

[1:54:54] One is $17,500 with shipping and the other one is $25,000 flat,

[1:55:00] including shipping.

[1:55:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.

[1:55:02] Mr. Chair, this just walks the item on.

[1:55:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, let's vote

[1:55:06] on that just, I guess, procedurally, then we can

[1:55:09] actually deal with the item.

[1:55:11] Those in favor of walking on the item about the two vehicles,

[1:55:14] please signify by saying, aye.

[1:55:15] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:55:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Those opposed.

[1:55:16] All right, that passes unanimously.

[1:55:18] So we can now address the item in substance.

[1:55:21] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chair, make a motion

[1:55:22] that we approve the additional two vehicles to the fleet using

[1:55:25] the funding source mentioned.

[1:55:26] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:55:28] We have a motion to approve the request

[1:55:29] to purchase the two vehicles, Commissioner Mixon.

[1:55:31] Commissioner Palmer seconded that.

[1:55:32] Further discussion on that item?

[1:55:35] All right.

[1:55:38] I'll just add then I did have a chance

[1:55:40] to talk with Pat Maddox about this, and I--

[1:55:43] it doesn't surprise me.

[1:55:47] It just reminded me how expensive this venture

[1:55:50] is probably going to get.

[1:55:53] And I know people have had concerns about whether or not

[1:55:57] we're doing what was called animal control lite,

[1:56:02] or we're doing animal control comprehensive,

[1:56:04] or just what we're doing.

[1:56:06] I think the answer is we're doing everything we can

[1:56:09] within the means we have.

[1:56:10] And we're meeting the statute and we're

[1:56:12] meeting our requirements, and we're probably going

[1:56:14] above that to some extent.

[1:56:18] And I'll point out to those who are concerned about that,

[1:56:23] buying the conditioned vehicles is not

[1:56:24] a minimum statutory requirement.

[1:56:26] That's an above and beyond.

[1:56:28] And I think Pat Maddox was able to go out and try to find out

[1:56:33] how to do that within the budget we had,

[1:56:35] and that's what we're talking about.

[1:56:36] So we're trying to do the best version of animal control

[1:56:39] like we can with the resources we have.

[1:56:42] And I'm sure it will continue evolving

[1:56:44] until we get our hands wrapped around it because in my tenure,

[1:56:49] we've never had in-house animal control.

[1:56:51] In fact, I'm not sure anybody sitting up here

[1:56:55] has ever worked with Okaloosa County running its own animal

[1:56:58] control.

[1:56:59] So this is new.

[1:57:00] But in any event--

[1:57:02] any other comments on this?

[1:57:04] If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[1:57:06] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[1:57:07] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.

[1:57:08] All right, that passes unanimously.

[1:57:10] Go buy your two trucks.

[1:57:13] PATRICK: Thank you, sir.

[1:57:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[1:57:15] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.

[1:57:17] Let's talk about the main item now.

[1:57:18] This is very exciting agreement, interlocal agreement

[1:57:20] with the city of Crestview.

[1:57:23] It provides for, essentially, full animal control

[1:57:25] and sheltering services.

[1:57:27] And it's a full partnership between the county and the city.

[1:57:31] They've been great to work with.

[1:57:34] And you talk about minimum animal control lite,

[1:57:36] the city provides actually a much more robust service,

[1:57:39] probably somewhere between full accepting everything and animal

[1:57:42] control lite, which-- and I put it in the packet

[1:57:47] there how they recognize.

[1:57:48] Talk about the agreement a little bit.

[1:57:51] The agreement is-- splits everything 50/50 for the animal

[1:57:53] control services and sheltering.

[1:57:56] Provides us to build a new animal

[1:57:58] control sheltering facility, utilizing

[1:58:00] one of the city's buildings.

[1:58:03] The split would be 65% county, 35% city.

[1:58:05] Realizing the city's contributing the building

[1:58:08] and the land in it's 2020 metal building, about 7500ft.

[1:58:11] They have an amazing service they

[1:58:16] provide with the limited resources they do provide.

[1:58:18] And you talk about trying to match budgets and stuff like

[1:58:22] that, our animal control budget was slated this year to go up

[1:58:25] to about 900,000.

[1:58:26] I anticipate this operationally will probably be in the area

[1:58:30] of around 450,000 when all was said and done.

[1:58:32] Currently, the city spends about $600,000 total in animal control

[1:58:36] services per year, so 50% of that would be 300,000.

[1:58:39] They will have to add some more animal control officers

[1:58:42] and vehicles and stuff like that.

[1:58:45] And that will probably cause that number to go up to 900,000,

[1:58:48] but still it's a benefit to them, benefit to us,

[1:58:51] because we should both be saving money by combining resources.

[1:58:54] Initially, we won't have the shelter in place,

[1:58:57] so we will have animal control lite in the unincorporated area

[1:59:00] up there that eventually grows to match the city's own service

[1:59:03] levels over time once we get these other resources in place.

[1:59:07] And that's personnel, equipment, and the facility itself.

[1:59:09] But I will say that you heard a little bit from Niceville today,

[1:59:15] you've heard from other cities as we partnered

[1:59:18] on park projects and stuff like that, and this is just another.

[1:59:22] Crestview has been a great partner

[1:59:23] to work with on so many issues.

[1:59:25] If you recall, they helped us out most recently

[1:59:27] with the fire services in Dorcas,

[1:59:29] covering a portion of that service territory.

[1:59:32] And, of course, the bypass and everything

[1:59:34] else that we partner with on Crestview.

[1:59:36] Anything else I can describe about the interlocal,

[1:59:39] I'm happy to.

[1:59:42] I put a lot of details in our packet,

[1:59:44] and we'll be happy to answer any questions.

[1:59:46] Oh, and Jessica Levens, the City Manager, is here.

[1:59:49] And she'd like to say a few words to you guys as well.

[1:59:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.

[1:59:54] And we have a motion to approve by Commissioner Mixon,

[1:59:57] second by Commissioner Cox, just so everyone

[2:00:00] is aware of the procedural standpoint we're in.

[2:00:02] So come on forward.

[2:00:05] And I know how I'm going to vote so I feel very favorable this

[2:00:09] is going to work.

[2:00:09] JESSICA LEVENS: Thank you.

[2:00:10] I just wanted to echo what Craig said,

[2:00:12] it's been so great working with the county.

[2:00:14] These partnerships are so important,

[2:00:15] so we get things done efficiently and effectively.

[2:00:18] Our team is very excited.

[2:00:19] Public safety is one of the things

[2:00:22] that we hear the most from our citizens

[2:00:24] about how important that is, and animals

[2:00:25] don't know jurisdiction lines.

[2:00:27] And our team is so passionate about what they do.

[2:00:30] It's really hard when someone brings in an animal

[2:00:32] to find out where it came from.

[2:00:33] Did it walk across the street?

[2:00:35] The city limits in Crestview and the unincorporated county

[2:00:37] are kind of jagged, so we're really

[2:00:39] excited to move forward with this partnership

[2:00:40] and provide all of our citizens in unincorporated

[2:00:42] or incorporated with the best experience possible.

[2:00:45] So, thank you.

[2:00:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[2:00:48] Thank you, Commissioners.

[2:00:49] Commissioner Mixon, anything further?

[2:00:50] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.

[2:00:51] Yes, sir.

[2:00:51] Ms Levens, thanks for the job you're doing.

[2:00:53] Both of our city managers here today, two out of nine,

[2:00:58] y'all are doing fantastic work in the city.

[2:01:00] And you make it easy to partner.

[2:01:02] Some of the things we're being able to do together,

[2:01:04] there's different funding sources

[2:01:05] that are helping that along.

[2:01:07] A lot to do with surtax.

[2:01:09] But it's huge victories to the folks that live here and travel

[2:01:11] through this article that's up, the 2026 trailblazer and animal

[2:01:15] welfare award, Katie Healy.

[2:01:20] What a wonderful opportunity to see

[2:01:23] that we can celebrate together.

[2:01:24] I hope she knows that dog is licking her face,

[2:01:28] but it's great to know that we have folks that

[2:01:30] do have that tender hearted and care and love,

[2:01:32] and that are here and willing to serve.

[2:01:35] I can't wait to see how this continued partnership goes

[2:01:38] with the expansion for the North end of the county.

[2:01:41] I believe the services are going to continue to increase.

[2:01:42] JESSICA LEVENS: Thank you, Commissioner Mixon.

[2:01:43] And just for this group, I did invite Officer Healy

[2:01:46] to come with me today, and she's actually working very

[2:01:49] hard in our shelter right now.

[2:01:51] So she couldn't be with us.

[2:01:52] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.

[2:01:53] Mr. Cox, anything to add?

[2:01:55] COMMISSIONER COX: I'd love to.

[2:01:56] Thank you, Ms Levens.

[2:01:57] Just from a heartfelt standpoint, I mean,

[2:01:59] Katie Healy was responsible for how our family retrieved

[2:02:03] our rescue.

[2:02:05] And it was no small feat.

[2:02:08] Our particular animal had been a family pet in another household,

[2:02:11] and we had to chase her down a little bit.

[2:02:16] And she was a sweet dog, never would hurt a thing,

[2:02:18] but Katie really went above and beyond to implement that,

[2:02:22] to make that happen.

[2:02:26] And there's no question in my mind

[2:02:27] that she does that on a regular basis.

[2:02:29] So having her involved is exactly,

[2:02:31] Mr. Maddox, what I meant a long time ago

[2:02:34] when I said that I had deep concern and appreciation for all

[2:02:38] the animal welfare people that we currently have utilized

[2:02:41] to graft into the fold as we expand our services

[2:02:46] or move our services to a more unified product, particularly

[2:02:49] on the North end.

[2:02:53] So thank you.

[2:02:54] Thank you for the cooperation.

[2:02:55] Thank you for the collaboration.

[2:02:56] And please extend from Commissioner Cox, an extended--

[2:02:58] an intensive thank you to Katie Healy.

[2:03:01] Thank you.

[2:03:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: To commissioners, anything further?

[2:03:04] CRAIG COFFEY: Two items I might just mention.

[2:03:08] Inmates, was the first time we'll have our inmates

[2:03:10] and their proposed to work at this facility.

[2:03:12] They haven't been out in more than a decade,

[2:03:14] so that we're implementing that program hopefully starting

[2:03:16] September 1.

[2:03:17] And that's a big milestone for us on the jail side,

[2:03:20] thanks to the chief.

[2:03:22] He's been working that hard and that should start soon.

[2:03:24] And we have one pickup where a used pickup

[2:03:27] we're proposing to give to them as well as part of this.

[2:03:30] So I forgot to mention those.

[2:03:31] Forgive me, Mr. Chairman.

[2:03:32] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Can I just say something?

[2:03:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.

[2:03:34] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I know you can't see my light down here,

[2:03:36] so I always say it as it.

[2:03:37] That's great for the inmates for so many reasons.

[2:03:39] And it's great for the community to have the inmates engaged.

[2:03:43] Years and years ago, we did so many things with inmates.

[2:03:47] They were allowed to work farming areas.

[2:03:48] And it just-- it's a shame that's all

[2:03:50] disappeared because it's good for them

[2:03:52] to get outside and certainly to hold animals.

[2:03:54] Just it will make a huge difference both ways.

[2:03:57] So thank you for that.

[2:03:58] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[2:04:00] Anything further, commissioners?

[2:04:01] If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.

[2:04:05] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.

[2:04:05] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed--

[2:04:06] that passes unanimously.

[2:04:07] All right.

[2:04:08] Thank you.

[2:04:09] Well, that concludes department business,

[2:04:11] brings us to our one and only old business item, which

[2:04:14] is an informational item regarding the fiscal year

[2:04:17] 27 proposed general fund budget.

[2:04:20] Mr. Hofstad, are you going to lead that off?

[2:04:23] JOHN HOFSTAD: I'll take it, yes, sir.

[2:04:24] Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, this

[2:04:25] is, again, a continuation of a discussion

[2:04:28] that the board had here a month before last, I believe.

[2:04:32] It was as it relates to county services

[2:04:35] and how we group those services.

[2:04:38] I know this comes on the heels of a discussion I've

[2:04:41] had with the board, and it's been a center topic for us

[2:04:45] here of late.

[2:04:47] And that's as it relates to amendment

[2:04:49] three and the potential impacts to our budget going forward,

[2:04:53] should that be successful.

[2:04:55] So, we were tasked with segregating out

[2:04:58] the various services that the board provides into three

[2:05:02] different categories.

[2:05:03] And those mandated services are typically

[2:05:05] services that are required by statutory provision or Florida

[2:05:08] Administrative Code.

[2:05:11] And then you have your general government services

[2:05:14] that are lumped in the middle of the-- middle column you

[2:05:17] see there.

[2:05:17] And those are typically essential services

[2:05:18] that we provide.

[2:05:20] And then the far column to the right, we've identified

[2:05:23] what are considered the quality of life services.

[2:05:26] So, as you'll see, if--

[2:05:29] Nick, can you get all of that on one frame?

[2:05:33] Yeah, there you go.

[2:05:36] Much better.

[2:05:36] And as you see, we have corresponding values

[2:05:39] that go with each of those services

[2:05:43] and the revenue needed to support those level of services

[2:05:46] inside the general fund.

[2:05:49] And as you can see, the mandated services, they

[2:05:52] compile the majority of the expense,

[2:05:54] that we utilize majority of our property tax revenue

[2:05:57] and then we have some state shared revenue and state sales

[2:06:03] tax that go into your general fund.

[2:06:04] But as you might imagine, a lot of the expense associated

[2:06:08] inside that line relates to public safety,

[2:06:10] and what we do in support of the Sheriff's Office,

[2:06:14] our Corrections Department, which is again

[2:06:17] a statutory requirement and burden that's

[2:06:19] placed on the 67 counties to house,

[2:06:22] house inmates predisposition.

[2:06:23] And that's North of 24 million for that service loan.

[2:06:28] And then all the general government services

[2:06:32] that make up county operations as well,

[2:06:35] and then those quality of life services.

[2:06:39] So we wanted to categorize each of those services,

[2:06:41] the corresponding budget figure that

[2:06:43] goes into support of all those various functions,

[2:06:47] and to give you an idea how that break out is cataloged as we

[2:06:52] develop a budget each year.

[2:06:56] So we've talked about potential impacts to amendment three.

[2:06:59] In year one, that's about a $15 million hit to our property tax

[2:07:04] revenue, our general fund revenue.

[2:07:06] Followed in year two by almost $25 million

[2:07:10] hit in our revenues that support all of these various functions.

[2:07:14] So, I wanted to summarize this for you to give you a graphic,

[2:07:20] if that amendment is successful in year two,

[2:07:23] and we've got to cut out $25 million.

[2:07:28] If we just look at your general government

[2:07:30] services and your quality of life services,

[2:07:32] we can't make up that deficit by cutting out

[2:07:36] those levels of service without impacting,

[2:07:38] in some form or fashion, those mandated

[2:07:43] services that we provide as part of our county government.

[2:07:47] So, I wanted to provide this to you for informational purposes.

[2:07:51] Certainly, we welcome any feedback you might have.

[2:07:54] This is a high level view.

[2:07:58] Obviously, we did not go into line item detail

[2:08:00] and break out each line item within your budget.

[2:08:03] We looked at categories of service within the general fund,

[2:08:06] and that is what is provided for you here today.

[2:08:10] So, again, I provided this informational data

[2:08:12] for this board.

[2:08:17] And if you have any further questions,

[2:08:19] we'll do our best to answer those.

[2:08:21] That's all I have, sir.

[2:08:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, I

[2:08:23] know I have some questions.

[2:08:24] Does anybody else have questions on this?

[2:08:26] Ms. Ketchel, do you have some questions?

[2:08:30] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I do, but go ahead, go ahead.

[2:08:32] You might say the same thing I was going to say.

[2:08:35] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Oh.

[2:08:35] Well, so what I wanted to ask, so I see at least three things

[2:08:39] on here that I think historically

[2:08:41] I've viewed as not general fund expenditures,

[2:08:43] but it may be just my--

[2:08:48] so I wanted to bring them up.

[2:08:51] So, beach safety, beach park rangers, and tourism parks--

[2:08:52] I think those were the three I looked at--

[2:08:59] are we saying that those numbers that are shown here

[2:09:02] are coming out of general fund dollars?

[2:09:05] JOHN HOFSTAD: No, sir.

[2:09:06] We're not.

[2:09:07] But what I couldn't do is when I look at, say, a parks

[2:09:10] and facility maintenance budget, that's all encompassing.

[2:09:13] So you have a general fund component of that budget,

[2:09:17] you have an MSTU component of that budget,

[2:09:20] and then you have the TDD takeaway for the beach related

[2:09:24] facilities.

[2:09:25] So we wanted to lump it all together because when

[2:09:28] we look at-- if we had to make significant cuts,

[2:09:32] I would have to look inside the parks and facilities budget

[2:09:36] and say, OK, which of these functions

[2:09:37] are totally general fund supported

[2:09:39] and which are necessary?

[2:09:41] I believe you have some maintenance responsibilities

[2:09:46] to maintain all of the structures we

[2:09:48] have here in the county, but to a lesser extent, is it important

[2:09:52] or is it absolutely necessary that we mow grass every two

[2:09:56] or three weeks, or do we have to scale back

[2:10:00] on that type of operation?

[2:10:01] I would say the same thing for our IT budget and Dan's budget.

[2:10:05] You have certain mandatory requirements

[2:10:07] that are built into county government

[2:10:11] as it relates to security and security inside

[2:10:13] of all your IT functions.

[2:10:16] But do we have to continue with a scheduled

[2:10:19] every other year replacement of PCs and laptops?

[2:10:21] No, we don't necessarily have to do that.

[2:10:25] That's something we could push down the road.

[2:10:27] I would say the same thing with software purchases.

[2:10:29] We purchase software to make the job easier,

[2:10:32] to reduce our manpower requirement in a lot of regards.

[2:10:36] But software comes with an expense.

[2:10:39] You have the upfront expense of acquiring the software,

[2:10:43] then you have an annual maintenance cost.

[2:10:45] So there are various functions within a lot of these budgets

[2:10:48] that if we needed to find a significant level of cut,

[2:10:52] that we would look in all areas of those general fund

[2:10:58] supported activities inside of all of these budgets.

[2:11:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So just to clarify--

[2:11:05] and I think you gave me the answer,

[2:11:07] but I want to make sure because I don't want there

[2:11:09] to be any confusion with our public,

[2:11:11] because the label is proposed general fund budget

[2:11:14] and it's talking about that's the lead.

[2:11:17] So I'm looking specifically like, for instance,

[2:11:19] line item 175, tourist district parks, $3.3 million,

[2:11:22] we're not saying that we're taking $3.3 million

[2:11:29] of property taxes and putting it into tourist parks.

[2:11:33] That's not what this is saying.

[2:11:35] I just don't want anybody to get the wrong idea.

[2:11:37] Same for beach safety.

[2:11:38] That's not what this is saying.

[2:11:40] JOHN HOFSTAD: You're absolutely right.

[2:11:41] And that's why you see that figure carried over to the right

[2:11:45] as a quality of life.

[2:11:47] It is a quality of life service, but it's not a general fund

[2:11:50] impact.

[2:11:50] We're able to offset that with TDD revenue.

[2:11:52] That's one of the few exceptions the state gives us

[2:11:56] with the use of those funds.

[2:11:57] As you well know, they did carve out several years ago and said,

[2:12:00] you can take x amount of percentage,

[2:12:02] and you can fund those activities that support

[2:12:05] tourism inside your community.

[2:12:07] Obviously, beach safety is cornerstone

[2:12:10] to that so that's why we've been able to tap into that funding

[2:12:14] source to offset it.

[2:12:16] You're correct.

[2:12:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.

[2:12:17] Thank you.

[2:12:18] And that's how I understood the information.

[2:12:19] I just didn't want anybody to read it and take away

[2:12:23] the wrong idea.

[2:12:23] JOHN HOFSTAD: That's all right.

[2:12:24] And I would extend that to your reserves.

[2:12:28] There's been some talk, well, you built a healthy reserve,

[2:12:33] we have.

[2:12:35] It's been an effort of this board over the last 10 years

[2:12:39] to build reserves up to the level they are.

[2:12:41] You've come together with an internal management policy

[2:12:44] as it relates to your reserve, and we

[2:12:49] look to meet that each year.

[2:12:51] But as you recall-- and there's some of you sitting up

[2:12:54] here that remember the days back in 2014, 2015,

[2:12:56] we had about a $4 million reserve.

[2:13:00] And that's not sufficient to maintain

[2:13:02] continuity of operations, should we have some type of disaster.

[2:13:07] So, while we have that reserve figure there,

[2:13:10] that's not something I would typically go and continue

[2:13:12] to reduce that reserve and get us back in the same position

[2:13:16] we were 10 years ago.

[2:13:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And that's a great point.

[2:13:19] Unless somebody else has a question on that reserve issue,

[2:13:21] I wanted to tease that out a little bit

[2:13:24] because I think it's important.

[2:13:25] So, I think the way we approach reserves

[2:13:26] is, as I understand it, we've got kind

[2:13:29] of a blend in the reserve fund, a blend between deferred

[2:13:33] maintenance or deferred replacement items

[2:13:36] that we know will be in the future,

[2:13:39] and hedges against unexpected disaster operations.

[2:13:40] So it's these two different purposes.

[2:13:45] And I think what Mr. Hofstad is saying is say, for instance,

[2:13:49] you've been putting away money because you

[2:13:53] know you're going to have to replace

[2:13:55] your roof in a few years, if you start

[2:13:57] using that money to pay your light bill,

[2:13:58] you're going to have a problem.

[2:14:00] And so that's kind of, I think, what he's getting at is, look,

[2:14:04] the reserves aren't just there to look at and feel good about.

[2:14:08] They're there because there's an identified reason to need them.

[2:14:11] Part of which we know because we've planned for these deferred

[2:14:16] maintenance or replacement items,

[2:14:18] we can get a pretty good idea of what those will be.

[2:14:22] And then the others are for the things

[2:14:24] that may never happen, but probably will at some point--

[2:14:27] the storm event, the other type of disasters that happen.

[2:14:32] And even those, even though you never

[2:14:35] know exactly what they're going to cost.

[2:14:38] We've got some pretty good examples of similar counties

[2:14:41] that went through things not so long ago, like our sister

[2:14:46] County Bay, that Hurricane Michael.

[2:14:48] And we know what their burn down was in a real rapid pace.

[2:14:54] And if we don't have a good reserve, I mean,

[2:14:57] we could be out of money very fast.

[2:15:00] And the FEMA backstop isn't instant.

[2:15:02] So, I mean-- and this is for critical things,

[2:15:07] the critical stuff.

[2:15:08] Not the quality of life, not making sure that the swing set

[2:15:11] at the park is perfect.

[2:15:14] It's making sure that you've got public safety still operating--

[2:15:16] sheriff, EMS, public works because they're

[2:15:20] having to clear dangerous thoroughfares and streets,

[2:15:25] things like that.

[2:15:27] So, that's the problem with the reserves.

[2:15:28] And, Commissioner Ketchel, I think

[2:15:31] you and I were here when we started out,

[2:15:34] and we were on paper thin reserves.

[2:15:36] We were lucky there wasn't a disaster.

[2:15:39] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Well, that's exactly right.

[2:15:41] I mean, and we have been fiscally conservative.

[2:15:44] The thing that I want the public to understand

[2:15:46] is we didn't spend the money when we had it.

[2:15:49] We tucked it away because we know

[2:15:51] eventually there will be a storm event

[2:15:53] and we'll need the money to pay FEMA.

[2:15:55] And we understand that.

[2:15:57] And we've been very conservative with our budgeting,

[2:15:59] just as I hope many households in Okaloosa County are.

[2:16:03] And I'd hate to think that this homestead exemption would pass

[2:16:07] and we'd have to decide not to have mosquito control.

[2:16:11] Can you imagine living here without mosquito control?

[2:16:13] Do you know the number one insect that

[2:16:18] kills more people-- although ticks are quickly rising--

[2:16:20] are mosquitoes.

[2:16:22] I mean, it carries chickamauga dengue,

[2:16:24] I mean, all the things that we don't even

[2:16:26] want to think about here, but we're

[2:16:28] so blessed because we have mosquito control.

[2:16:29] I don't want to have to sit here and try to figure out

[2:16:33] what we're going to pay for and what we're not going to pay for.

[2:16:36] Animal control, we're not going to be

[2:16:37] able to do much more for animal control

[2:16:39] even if we could keep it where we are today

[2:16:42] if this homestead exemption goes through.

[2:16:44] It's very frightening, actually, to be a commissioner

[2:16:47] and to see this proposal.

[2:16:49] I've been everywhere I can talking about it.

[2:16:51] I even wrote a couple of newspapers about it.

[2:16:54] Hopefully that will be published here shortly.

[2:16:56] But, anybody, feel free to call my office if you

[2:16:59] have any questions about it.

[2:17:00] It's very concerning to me, especially

[2:17:02] in a county like Okaloosa, we're different.

[2:17:05] I don't know what the other 66 counties have done,

[2:17:08] but this county has been fiscally conservative

[2:17:09] with your dollars, and will continue to be.

[2:17:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, other questions,

[2:17:14] thoughts, comments on this informational item?

[2:17:17] All right.

[2:17:19] If not, I just want to say thanks to Mr. Hofstad

[2:17:22] for pulling this together.

[2:17:22] I think it's good information that we all

[2:17:25] keep at the forefront of our minds

[2:17:26] as we're finishing up our budget cycle here.

[2:17:28] And when we condense it down like this,

[2:17:31] I think it makes it easier for our public

[2:17:34] to get a snapshot of what we're looking at

[2:17:37] and be able to see some of those numbers.

[2:17:40] So thanks for doing that.

[2:17:40] That brings us to the close of business on the agenda.

[2:17:44] We do have a final public comment

[2:17:47] opportunity of the meeting.

[2:17:49] I have one card, and that is Steve Perry.

[2:17:51] So, Mr. Perry, if you'll come forward and provide

[2:17:56] your final comments.

[2:18:02] STEVE PERRY: Before the clock starts, I'd kindly ask--

[2:18:10] I've tried to reduce this down to three minutes,

[2:18:13] and it's about four.

[2:18:14] I drive 1,500 miles every time.

[2:18:16] And last time I wasn't able to hear,

[2:18:18] and I drove from Philadelphia, and that was a 2,000-mile trip.

[2:18:21] So I had to ask for just a little lenience

[2:18:23] to try to get this time in, if it's OK.

[2:18:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: I tell you what,

[2:18:25] you can see if any of the buddy on the board

[2:18:28] wants to grant a minute.

[2:18:28] I think they got to do that by motion.

[2:18:30] If not, try to keep it to three.

[2:18:33] STEVE PERRY: I'll try to keep it as quick as I can.

[2:18:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thanks.

[2:18:35] STEVE PERRY: Thank you.

[2:18:35] Again, you know who I am and everything like that.

[2:18:38] First, I want to congratulate you

[2:18:39] for doing your job, and everything like that.

[2:18:41] It's very important to the Board of County Commissioners

[2:18:44] is very important, and the task you do is very important.

[2:18:47] I attended an FWC meeting last week--

[2:18:49] or sorry, two weeks ago when I wasn't

[2:18:52] able to attend the meeting here two weeks ago.

[2:18:54] And I thought it was a very enlightening

[2:18:56] to speak with the FWC.

[2:18:58] I want to read a little bit related to that speech modified.

[2:19:02] The Florida Fish Wildlife Commission--

[2:19:04] Conservation Commission is committed

[2:19:07] to protecting Florida's marine resources

[2:19:09] through the coastal corridor initiative, which

[2:19:12] is getting started but it's been going on for some time.

[2:19:15] Florida's earned a reputation as the nation's leader

[2:19:17] in artificial reef development, and the framework

[2:19:19] you are creating today, as well as you,

[2:19:22] help shape the artificial reef policy for decades to come.

[2:19:25] As their presentation at that time,

[2:19:28] the framework was to be developed by scientists,

[2:19:31] managers, including public workshops, guide,

[2:19:32] artificial reef placement throughout Florida

[2:19:35] over the next 15 to 20 years.

[2:19:38] I'm here as a member of our private foundation.

[2:19:42] And I want to say over the past 22 months,

[2:19:46] I alongside about a half a dozen of my colleagues,

[2:19:49] have addressed this board nearly 30 times.

[2:19:53] And we've addressed issues related

[2:19:56] to scientific, environmental, historic preservation,

[2:19:58] regulatory issues surrounding this proposed

[2:20:01] development of the SS United States as an artificial reef.

[2:20:04] We've participated in good faith throughout that process

[2:20:07] because we believe these concerns deserve

[2:20:09] careful consideration before possible irreversible

[2:20:11] actions are taken or harm is done, as we've raised.

[2:20:17] Let me begin by saying, again, we support artificial reefing.

[2:20:21] When developed responsibly and guided by sound science,

[2:20:25] artificial reefs provide a tremendous benefit

[2:20:27] to the marine ecosystem, fisheries,

[2:20:30] recreational opportunities, and Florida's coastal economy.

[2:20:32] However, the SS United States is unlike--

[2:20:36] and I'm going to repeat this-- is unlike any artificial reef

[2:20:40] program or project this county or any county in Florida

[2:20:43] has done.

[2:20:44] It's on a scale that is unprecedented.

[2:20:47] She was constructed during an era when zinc chromate

[2:20:51] primer and hexavalent chromium were extensively

[2:20:52] used throughout the ships for corrosion protection.

[2:20:54] Independent laboratory testing commissioned by our organization

[2:20:58] has confirmed the presence of significant concentrations

[2:21:02] of hexavalent chromium aboard the vessel.

[2:21:04] Our concerns are not ours alone.

[2:21:06] The Center for Biological Diversity, Healthy Gulf,

[2:21:08] marine scientist, toxicologist, and environmental experts

[2:21:11] have all raised concerns regarding

[2:21:14] the environmental impacts in introduction

[2:21:16] of these legacy industrial materials

[2:21:18] into Florida's coastal environment.

[2:21:19] One of those experts is Dr. Todd Osborn, Professor, Estuary

[2:21:24] and Aquatic Biogeochemistry at the University of Florida.

[2:21:27] Dr. Osborn holds a PhD in soil and water science,

[2:21:31] with specialization in biogeochemistry,

[2:21:33] and aquatic environments.

[2:21:36] In a recorded statement--

[2:21:38] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, Steve, you got to wrap it up.

[2:21:41] STEVE PERRY: OK.

[2:21:42] Quote-- I don't know if you even saw the thing."

[2:21:45] We didn't submit it directly to you, but it's online.

[2:21:48] I don't know if you saw Dr. Osborne's video presentation.

[2:21:50] It was very enlightening.

[2:21:52] But I would like to read a couple quotes from it.

[2:21:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Well, I know we're out of time for that,

[2:21:56] unless anybody on the commission wants to grant their minute.

[2:21:59] No.

[2:21:59] All right.

[2:22:00] You can email us.

[2:22:02] Thank you.

[2:22:03] I don't have any other speaker cards,

[2:22:08] so I'm going to close the final public comment

[2:22:10] opportunity of the meeting, bring it back

[2:22:12] for the commissioners' minute.

[2:22:13] Commissioner Ketchel.

[2:22:13] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I just want

[2:22:15] to let you all know that November 11 is coming.

[2:22:18] And thanks to Commissioner Chairman Goodman,

[2:22:19] we have the charters of freedom that

[2:22:22] will be unveiled on that day in the Women's Veterans Park.

[2:22:25] I know we're making good progress out

[2:22:27] there because I stay in touch with Mr. Peters every day

[2:22:30] on this, just about, don't I?

[2:22:33] And it's looking good.

[2:22:34] So I hope you all plan to come at 8:30 in the morning,

[2:22:38] November 11.

[2:22:38] It's going to be a really good event.

[2:22:40] And we have Colonel Garrett from--

[2:22:42] Derek from the First Sal Retired speaking.

[2:22:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Excellent.

[2:22:47] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: And also there

[2:22:49] will be a Medal of Honor winner that you all know very well.

[2:22:52] But I don't want to say it here because it's

[2:22:54] going to-- they'll reveal it to this person who just happened

[2:22:56] to be a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton.

[2:22:59] Just saying.

[2:23:00] So I hope you all can come for that.

[2:23:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.

[2:23:04] Commissioner Palmer.

[2:23:06] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Thank you.

[2:23:07] I don't really have anything today, but it is election day

[2:23:10] and I encourage everybody, if you have not voted,

[2:23:12] please go vote.

[2:23:13] Thank you.

[2:23:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.

[2:23:15] Commissioner Mixon.

[2:23:15] All right, Commissioner Cox.

[2:23:19] COMMISSIONER COX: Thank you, Chairman.

[2:23:21] Yes, I'm wearing this remarkably patriotic outfit today

[2:23:24] to encourage you to invest yourself today in voting--

[2:23:30] in celebrating this 250th year of the United States by voting

[2:23:37] in your primaries.

[2:23:40] Those of you who haven't declared a party, that's fine,

[2:23:43] but you're robbed of this day on the ballot a little bit

[2:23:48] in that Florida is a two-party state.

[2:23:50] So everybody who has a clear party

[2:23:54] and has an opportunity to vote today in the elections, please

[2:23:58] do so.

[2:24:00] I mean, these milestones didn't come easily.

[2:24:02] Not everything was achieved in the first part of our 250 years.

[2:24:07] But every milestone that was achieved,

[2:24:12] the 19th amendment as the suffrage amendment that gave

[2:24:15] women the right to vote, our emancipation,

[2:24:19] everything that has happened to date doesn't matter unless you

[2:24:23] get out there and you make your voice heard in the ballot box.

[2:24:27] So please do so.

[2:24:28] That's all I have.

[2:24:38]

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting (South)

Transcript