COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
And Bobby, do we have anybody joining
us to do the invocation for us?
BOBBY: No, there is not.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Then I'm going to ask lean on our sitting Pastor Mixon,
if you don't mind.
Commissioner, if you would open us up.
Then we will follow that up with the Pledge of Allegiance.
And, Commissioner Cox, would you be willing to lead us
in the Pledge after that?
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Please join me in prayer.
Gracious God, thank you for today.
Thank you that your word says this
is the day that you have made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
God, as we come to a day where we
choose the next steps of our leaders,
I pray that you be with the incumbents, the candidates,
as they move throughout the day.
And, Lord, as you've moved hearts
according to the way you channel water,
thank you for leading us the way you do.
Allow this meeting to be pleasing to you.
Allow the things said to be dealt with
according to your will.
And, God, continue to fill us with your peace that
passes understanding.
Continue to surround us with your loving kindness.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity
that we have to live here, to serve here,
and to be able to do your will in these moments.
Lord, thank you.
In Jesus's name, amen.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Our first item is recognition of our employees.
And Mr. Hofstad, I will turn it over to you.
JOHN HOFSTAD: Thank you.
And good morning, Mr. Chairman and commissioners.
As you know, at certain times during the year,
we'd like to gather our employees together
for recognition and milestones in their career.
And we have several this morning.
I've got them spanning from two years of service
to 20 years of service.
So when I call your name, if you'll come forward,
accept your award.
Stand here with me and we're going to get a group
photo afterwards.
First, I'd like to recognize Alexander Ryder.
Alexander is the Senior Custodian,
facility maintenance--
Facilities and Parks Maintenance, and this
is his two-year service award.
[APPLAUSE]
Stand right there.
Next, I'd ask Rachel Cole to come forward.
Rachel is a Human Resources Supervisor
in the human resources department.
This is her five-year service award.
[APPLAUSE]
RACHEL COLE: Thank you.
JOHN HOFSTAD: Have another five-year service award.
I'd like to ask Rudy Raymundo to come forward.
Rudy is a Welder in fleet operations.
Again, five-year service award.
[APPLAUSE]
Have one 10-year service award.
I'd like to ask William Barrow to come forward.
William is a General Equipment Operator in the Road Division
of Public Works.
[APPLAUSE]
WILLIAM BARROW: Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
JOHN HOFSTAD: Have a 20-year service award, Patrick Jones.
Patrick is a Supply Technician two in the Engineering Division
of Public Works.
And, again, a 20-year service award.
[APPLAUSE]
I have one more 20-year service award, Chuck Larouche.
Chuck is a Systems Development and Operations Coordinator
in the IT department.
[APPLAUSE]
SPEAKER 1: You get back a little closer together.
And if you would turn your certificate so I can see it,
please, that'd be great.
Great.
OK.
There you go.
OK, I can see everybody back there.
Looks great, guys.
OK, here we go.
Give me three pictures, if you would please.
Ready?
1, 2, 3.
Oh, sorry, Shari, Commissioner Hof.
1, 2, 3.
OK.
Again.
1, 2, 3.
OK.
And one last one.
A little happier, thank you.
[LAUGHTER]
1, 2, 3.
Congratulations, everybody.
[APPLAUSE]
JOHN HOFSTAD: Lastly, commissioners,
I just also want to recognize Ms Chelsea Sharon.
Chelsea is commissioner aide for Commissioner Goodwin.
She is left us and has moved on, but we
want to recognize her valuable service to the commissioner
over the last few years.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you, Mr. Hofstad.
Yes, Chelsea--
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you.
Yeah.
We will miss Chelsea.
She's done a fantastic job serving the constituents
in Okaloosa County, but she's got other things
that she needs to move on to and we
know she'll do very well there.
So, thank you.
All right, Mr. Hofstad, anything from your office for an update?
JOHN HOFSTAD: Yes, sir.
Just a couple things.
I just want to remind the board, starting next month,
we will-- we'll be having afternoon meetings next month,
or both our meetings for the month of September.
We do that in the month of September
because we also have to approve the budget,
and that's done through two public hearings.
So the first meeting is actually on the third.
That is a Thursday.
That is our first meeting next month.
That's in Crestview.
3 o'clock start time with the BCC,
followed by our budget hearing at 5:01.
So just want to remind the board of that.
Lastly, we've got a change to a public hearing agenda item.
I'd like to-- if the chairman would so approve,
I'd like to recognize Mr. Autrey.
And he will explain the move of item three on the public hearing
to consent.
MR. AUTREY: As we were reviewing the agenda,
we noticed that there is an error.
This is actually a request to schedule the public hearing,
so there has been no notification
or legal advertisement yet.
This should be on consent.
However, as Mr. Hofstad just pointed out,
there's an error in the agenda item as well.
The meeting that this is to be scheduled for,
which is the September 15 meeting, is a 3 o'clock start.
Not an 8:30 start.
So the request is to add this to the consent agenda,
with the request to advertise for the September 15 meeting
at 3:00 o'clock to have to conduct the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Very good, commissioners, that as I understand it,
it's a public hearing item number three.
The request is that we consider that during consent
with the modification on the time, as Mr. Autrey suggested.
So when we get to consent, if you'll be mindful of that,
please.
All right, Ms Hoshihara, anything from the county
attorney's office?
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Two quick updates.
First being following the board's direction
from the last board meeting on that property located
at 202 Alden Drive, our office has filed a complaint
for temporary and permanent injunctive relief
and a motion for temporary injunction that
was filed Friday, August 7.
The case has been assigned to Judge Stone.
All defendants have been served, and we
are in the process of setting our motion for hearing,
hopefully soon.
I do want to take a moment to thank all the neighbors who
were interviewed from our office and signed affidavits,
as well as the Sheriff's Office, for all
of their help in expediting--
and a service of the defendants, as well as the clerk's
office, for helping to expedite the signing of all
of the summons.
And, anyways, it was a team effort,
and everybody worked very well to fast track this process.
And I'll keep updating the board at subsequent meetings.
Second matter is that State Park property on Holiday Isle--
I'll just as a reminder--
Mr. Hofstad and I will be attending the first conflict
assessment meeting, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00
PM at the Convention Center.
It is open to the public and has been noticed,
so multiple members of the board-- of this board
may attend.
Also the second meeting along that process
is a joint public meeting of the full city
council, the full board of County Commissioners.
And where we're looking at tentative dates
to schedule that, I emailed you all late yesterday evening.
The dates we were looking at are September 2, 3, 9, 10 or 11.
If there are any dates that don't work for any of you,
if you'll let Mr. Hofstad I know, and we'll--
Kimberly Culp, the City Attorney,
mentioned to their city council yesterday
these dates, and they were good with any of these dates
that our board selects, so we will be
selecting one of these dates.
So if any of them don't work for your schedules,
if you'll let us know know.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chairman, I
believe they said the 8 they have a meeting that day.
Is that correct?
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.
So they were taking off the 8.
Did I say 8?
Sorry, September-- sorry, September 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11.
Yep.
We had the 8 originally, but since they have a city council
meeting, then we figured we don't
need to do it on that date.
So if anyone has scheduling conflicts, if you'll let
us know.
Otherwise, we will move forward, coordinate with your offices
and respond back to the city.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Ms Hoshihara, before you leave your update.
On your first item to Alden-- just as a reminder
for the board--
I think that there have been discussion
about even though it was in parallel
and not in series, this idea of the code enforcement order
that was requiring compliance by date certain,
wasn't that date today?
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes, it was today.
I did email code enforcement this morning
to ask for an update.
I don't--
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And I'll just
represent to you that many of the neighbors
in the neighborhood are keeping me informed,
and the reports I'm getting is that it's not in compliance.
So I'm sure you can check on that.
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.
And we checked last Thursday, and they were not in compliance.
And so, yes.
So, which would mean, based on the code board's previous order,
fines would start accruing.
And so, yes, today was the date of compliance.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sorry.
May I ask a question?
Ms Hoshihara, as to tomorrow's meeting,
that when it was scheduled, it had a prior conflicts,
are you suggesting we're there in the audience,
or is that something that you and Mr. Hofstad
feel confident in your updates and it will be livestreamed
to be able to review later?
LYNN HOSHIHARA: The latter.
You are free to attend if you'd like.
There's no requirement that you attend by law.
Only Mr. Hofstad and Mr. Jones from the city
are required to attend.
They have both agreed to have their respective attorneys,
so Ms Kopp and I will also be in attendance.
But there is no requirement that any commissioner be there.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Mr. Embry, anything from the Clerk's Office?
MR. EMBRY: No update from the Clerk's Office.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Very good.
All right.
Before we get to the general public comment opportunity
of the meeting, I do understand that there are several people
here related to a proclamation, celebrating legal services
of North Florida and their 50th anniversary.
And I think, Commissioner Ketchel,
you had a proclamation that you were
going to read and move into the record, is that correct?
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I do.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So if there's no objection,
commissioners, what we'll do is we'll
take consent item number two right now
to go ahead and address that.
But because it's something we'll vote on,
I need to make sure there's no public comment directed
to that item.
So I'm going to open public comment right now,
specifically directed to what's agenda as consent item number
two.
Is there anybody wishing to speak as a public comment?
Now, that's not-- those who are here to receive the award,
you'll have a separate opportunity,
but if general public comments on item two.
All right, I see nobody coming forward
so we'll close that public comment opportunity.
That's not the general public comment opportunity, understand.
And Commissioner Ketchel, I'll turn it back over to you
for consent item number two.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Thank you.
So I'll read the proclamation and then make
a motion to have it pass, and then it will be presented.
If anybody from legal services wants to say a few words,
that would be the correct time.
Whereas legal services of North Florida
was founded in 1976 and for 50 years
has advanced access to justice by providing
civil legal assistance to eligible residents
across the Florida panhandle, including Okaloosa County who
otherwise could not afford representation,
and works to ensure that justice is not
determined by a person's income, age, disability
or circumstances.
And whereas, throughout its history,
legal services of North Florida has
worked to bridge the gap between the courts and the people
they serve, providing critical legal help in matters involving
housing stability, family safety, public benefits,
consumer protection, health care access
and other essential civil legal needs,
and promoting fairness, stability, and opportunity
through legal advocacy, education, and partnership
with local governments, courts, human services providers,
and the legal community.
And whereas legal services of North Florida
has made a commitment to serve our veterans,
helping them to overcome legal barriers to health safety
and financial stability for their families,
along with ensuring access to critical benefits.
And whereas legal services of North Florida
assist survivors of domestic violence
in seeking legal protection, and provides advocacy
to help children, older adults, and those with disabilities
find fine legal solutions, all of which strengthen communities,
promotes stability, and upholds the promise of equal justice
under law.
And whereas legal services of North Florida 50-year legacy
reflects the dedication of its attorneys, paralegals, staff,
volunteer attorneys, law students,
and community supporters whose service has improved the lives
of countless individuals and families in Okaloosa County
and throughout North Florida.
And whereas the 50th anniversary of legal services of North
Florida marks a significant milestone,
recognizing the organization's long standing commitment
to justice, service, and community impact across North
Florida.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Okaloosa County Board
of County Commissioners that we do hereby recognize
and celebrate the 50th anniversary of legal services
of North Florida, and express our appreciation for five
decades of services--
of service, advocacy, and steadfast commitment
to expanding access to civil justice for the residents
of Okaloosa County.
And encourage residents to recognize and celebrate
the organization's 50 years of service and dedication
to equal access to justice for all.
So with this, we make a motion to pass this,
to recognize 50 years of wonderful service
to those in our community who are least
likely to be able to afford it.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
Do we have a second?
All right.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: I do.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Mixon
got the second on that.
Those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, that passes unanimously.
And if we have anybody here to accept this proclamation,
please come forward.
And if you would like to say a few words,
you're certainly welcome to do that.
SPEAKER 2: OK.
We just want to thank you guys for this opportunity
and this recognition.
We could not have gotten to 50 years of service
without the support of you guys and this entire community.
On behalf of our entire staff, we're just really thankful.
And we look forward to 50 more years of serving this area.
So thank you guys again.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you very much.
And if you guys would stay up here with us, we'll get a photo.
Commissioner Ketchel has got the proclamation.
All right.
That will bring us to our first public comment
opportunity of the meeting.
I do have a handful of speaker cards.
If you're wanting to speak during this opportunity,
I would ask that you, please, fill out a card.
We have them at the back desk, and they
will be brought up to me and I'll call you in order received.
As a reminder, we do ask that you try to keep your comments
concise to three minutes.
If you have more to say, there is a second opportunity,
with additional time at the end of the meeting,
and you'll be recognized then.
The only exception to that--
those two opportunities is if you're here
to speak on one of the public hearing items, which
are under article eight of the agenda,
you'll be called up during that item.
I only have one card so far that's specifically
for a public hearing item.
So if you're here to speak on a public hearing item,
please indicate that, turn in your card,
you'll be called up during the item.
Otherwise, your opportunity to speak on agenda items
is right now and at the end of the meeting.
And we'll recognize you for three minutes
during each session, but please do turn in a card.
All right.
Our first speaker is Tricia Keffer.
Just hit the button once.
Perfect.
TRICIA KEFFER: Hello.
Hello.
My name is Tricia Keffer.
And I'm a resident of Seminole subdivision, which
is just outside of Niceville.
Today, I am here on an important issue that is affecting Florida.
It's the data centers.
And I'd like to speak to you more about the human aspect
of the data centers.
Just a little history, my father is a Vietnam vet.
He is 100% disabled.
And my mother has health concerns as well.
We've lived on Cedar Street since 1979.
If a data center were to be placed in our area,
it is my understanding from what I
have watched on our local affiliates
in other areas with data centers,
that the noise and the lights can extend out
five miles to the point that we're not
able to-- that those residents are not able to enjoy
their property even outside.
They have to buy blackout curtains,
and many large areas are forced to sell their property.
My street in Seminole, just to give you--
it's kind of a salt of the Earth community.
A lot of veterans and young military families live there.
And, I mean, to force these elderly people to move
because we wouldn't be able to enjoy
our property outside from the noise generated
and the lights would be a tremendous burden.
The only person we could sell it to
would be probably the data centers,
because our property value would be gone.
Other counties in our panhandle area
are putting language and having conversations about at least
a temporary moratorium.
I understand that Crestview also just did a resolution.
I'm not a legal person.
I don't know how you would address that,
but I'd like for us all to start having conversation
about these data centers before they're proposed in our area
to really consider the human aspect,
because 5 miles out would take out Seminole, Bluewater,
Niceville, Valpy, could take out parts of Eglin
with the noise and heat and everything generated from that.
So I'm here today to hopefully start a conversation
with our county commissioners about at least putting
a moratorium for a year so that we can have public comment
and conversations about how this could really be hugely
detrimental to our community.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
Our next speaker is Kenneth Fuller.
KENNETH FULLER: My name is Kenneth Fuller.
And I'm here to talk about the buses.
And I'm here also here to talk about last week y'all gave
the sheriff for resource officers a lot of money.
And y'all didn't tell the people that local agreement between
the sheriff and the county commissioner is voluntarily.
It is not a law.
And it's like you're giving them free money to get yourself out
of trouble or something.
And Florida statute 106-12 points that the school is
responsible for the resource officer themselves,
and they can use guardian ad litem and still be under
the sheriff.
Also, I want to say I'm the ambassador for the buses.
And Tracy Stage, he actually is doing a good job with the buses,
being on time and all that.
I must say that to just be thrown into his hand
after the one guy he committed fraud
and now we don't have route buses to ride around.
And also the McGinnis guy who's the school board attorney,
he is using his attorney tricks.
He is also-- the school board is supposed
to reimburse the sheriff, but the law statute
said that they don't have to reimburse the sheriff
for the resource officers.
And he could be pocketing that money, and he got friends and--
he got friends that is part of the agreement,
and all that kind of stuff.
And also-- let me see.
Oh, yeah.
Hey, during the Civil War, all right,
they got a thing called house niggers,
and so it was against the law for Blacks to read and write.
So what the North did, they planted the reason
why they call them house nigger, because they
got the work in house and they thought they were funny.
So they planted them in the houses,
and so the Southern generals didn't
think the Blacks could read the war plans,
and they taught them how to read the war
plan so when the Southern generals was out hanging out,
the Blacks would be able to read the war plans
and go back and tell the North.
And that was one of the tricks that they
used-- that was one of the tricks
that they used on the South, to find out their plans of what
they going to do.
Also, Abraham Lincoln, he would kill five days
after the Civil War.
And that's when the Secret Service was started,
because of Abraham Lincoln.
And I still didn't get them what I was really
trying because I'm not good, but hey, that's enough.
But, anyway, as Tracy says, he doing a pretty good job.
OK.
Thank you.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Steve Perry.
STEVE PERRY: Good morning, commissioners.
Good morning, Chairman Goodwin, Commissioner Mixon
and Administrator Hofstetter.
A chance to say hello to you earlier today, so.
I know you know why I'm here and what I'm going to speak about,
but what I'm going to speak about today--
I don't have a prepared speech for this portion,
but I'm going to talk about, again, one of the subjects
I said I'm going to repeat every time I'm here.
And that's diver safety and the safety of your tourism
that you're trying to encourage with the sinking of the SS
United States as an artificial reef.
And, again, we've talked about this briefly.
I don't know if you've actually procured a hyperbolic chamber,
or what you've done to ensure the safety of your divers
and everything.
There's plenty of stuff available at different times,
but, again, it's complicated.
And with this location site being 22 miles offshore,
you're going to require the US Coast guard
to do all the stuff you have.
I haven't done the research to see on every wreck you have
when you say you've sunk large wrecks, but they're all boats.
And I don't think you've had any divers
die on the skipping sue or the manta ray,
or anything like that.
There haven't been divers deaths on the Oriskany.
There have been divers deaths on the Van der Berg
down in Key West.
There have been divers deaths on the Spiegel Grove off Key Largo.
These large ships do encourage and result in divers death
that you will not see on these small boats that you've done,
or the chicken coops, the tetrahedrons, and all
the other things you've sunk, which
are good for artificial reefs.
I'm not against artificial reefs.
It's wonderful.
Unfortunately, mother nature did not create a natural environment
off your shores for the creation of marine life.
It's basically the Sahara Desert under the sea.
So this is a good thing.
However, the SS United States is the wrong asset
to use to encourage that and to increase that.
And I've indicated this to you about other ships
that would be large and open.
But the most serious thing that I want to bring up to you
is the fact that you're sinking this in shallow waters
to encourage people that should never go inside a wreck,
to go inside this reef as a possibility.
I've been, over the last couple of months,
to literally every dive shop from Alabama shores to Pensacola
and Panama City, probably at least a dozen.
And I won't name them, but one of your local dive shops
here is actually advertising $300 to tank dive on the United
States.
And they were the only ones that were completely nasty to me
when I went in to ask their professional opinions.
All the other dive shops were extremely cooperative,
understanding.
Yes, we can't fix stupid.
If people are going to do stupid things on their diving
and go inside something, we can't stop that.
But you don't have anything off your shores
currently that people can go inside and get lost and trapped
and die.
You only have small boats, which is
impossible to get lost inside.
I'm not a wreck diver, but no one
should be going inside this wreck
unless they're certified as a technical diver or a wreck
diver.
And on October 1 when you approved
the purchase back in 2024, you had to dive operator said,
I can have someone dive in on this vessel in four days.
Four days is not the necessary training
for recreational diving, let alone on a reef
the size of the SS United States.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Next speaker, Jenny Fields.
OK.
Dave Deitch.
DAVE DEITCH: Good morning.
Dave Deitch, Nashville City Manager.
Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, Mr. Robertson,
I appreciate the time this morning.
I just wanted to come before you and thank you
for the amazing partnership between the county
and the city this year, whether it's
the leadership you displayed and the hard work of the public
works team to install a new multi-use trail.
Chris and Chelle and her team, her co compliance team,
helping us clean up Niceville.
Of course, the wonderful, amazing partnership
that the county and the city has with Megs Park and all
the hard work that Mr. Hofstad and Mr. Bitterman, Michelle
Gartman, and so many others have displayed this year,
those projects are going to enhance the quality of life
of our residents.
And so I just wanted to publicly thank all of you
for your dedication, your leadership, and your service
to the residents of Niceville for your efforts
to enhance the quality of life of our residents,
because there's so many projects that are going on right
now that are due in part--
or to your leadership, and all the hard work of the staff here.
So I just I'm very appreciative--
I know the mayor is, the city council is--
of all the efforts that the county
has demonstrated this year.
The reason I'm here is the Surtax projected project
list for next year.
There are a number of projects in Niceville on that list,
and I'm here to respectfully request that you,
please, give strong consideration to all of them.
They will continue to enhance the quality of life
of our residents, and we look forward
to continuing to partner with the county and the county's team
to bring these projects to fruition.
As a demonstration of my good faith,
we have our budget workshops this week as well,
and one of those projects that is on that list
is already being proposed for funding.
And so we would love to partner--
to continue to partner with the county on all these projects,
and many other things in the future, I hope.
So, again, I do respectfully request
that you give strong consideration to the projects
that are on that list.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
Trish Rowe.
TRISH ROWE: Good morning.
I'm following behind Tricia Keffer.
My concern is NDAs for data centers.
County commissioners should be very cautious about signing NDAs
with hyperscale data center developers, especially
a broad NDA.
I'm sure your attorney knows all this.
A broad NDA can let a private developer
dictate the level of public transparency
around a project that can have enormous public consequences.
The project can materially affect the public long
before formal vote.
Public officials shouldn't be negotiating away transparency
that belongs to the public.
NDAs can become especially problematic
when they cover things that aren't genuinely proprietary.
The public may bear risks that the developer doesn't have to.
It can undermine public confidence.
A county commission can agree to protest-- to protect narrowly
defined proprietary information while refusing a blanket NDA.
For example, you could say trade secrets
and legitimately protected proprietary information
remain confidential, but the county
will not agree to conceal public policy discussions,
infrastructure impacts, proposed incentives, public expenditures,
or information that must be disclosed under public records
and open meeting laws.
Florida's economic development statute specifically
establishes circumstances in which certain records concerning
a company's plans to locate or expand can be confidential.
The statute provides a defined framework and time limits,
rather than simply saying, sign an NDA and everything is secret.
There's a definite distinction between
statutory confidentiality and contractual confidentiality.
A county can't necessarily transform otherwise public
governmental records into confidential records
merely by signing a private agreement with a developer.
Florida's attorney general has specifically
emphasized that the county must determine
whether a particular record actually falls
within a statutory exemption.
And importantly, an NDA should never
be used as a substitute for the public process required
for zoning, land use decisions, development agreements, tax
incentives, utility commitments, or expenditures
of public resources.
Preliminary conversations can occur,
but final decisions must go through public meetings,
legal review, infrastructure analysis, zoning permitting
requirements, and commission action in an open meeting.
And in my last few seconds, I want
to ask, when is Eglin Parkway going to be finished?
I mean, that's totally off the subject but, I mean,
do you all know or do I have to call the commissioner--
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Chairman, may I speak?
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
TRISH ROWE: Do we know?
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: So it's slated to be finished 2027.
TRISH ROWE: Oh my God.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: But it's Florida Department
of Transportation.
We do have Scott Bitterman here, if you wanted to add to it.
We have contracted it out to CW Roberts,
and they're doing a great job.
It just takes time.
There's a lot of side work that needs
to be done that you can't see, necessarily,
to make sure that water goes off the roadway and that kind
of thing.
But they are working on it.
It just takes time.
TRISH ROWE: I see the equipment.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And just to clarify, we
haven't contracted with CW Roberts.
That's the state of Florida.
That's not a county road.
Right.
TRISH ROWE: That's why I was wondering if I should contact
Jason or DOT or somebody.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah, they probably
have updates on their website too.
They're pretty good about that.
COMMISSIONER COX: Chairman, if I may, before she walks away.
Ms Rowe.
TRISH ROWE: Pardon me.
COMMISSIONER COX: Ms Rowe, sorry.
Just for the public's benefit, because I
didn't hear you specify, I wanted
to make known to the public that what you're discussing when you
say NDA is a non-disclosure agreement, that you
don't want the county to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
TRISH ROWE: Correct.
COMMISSIONER COX: OK.
That's it.
That's all I had about that.
TRISH ROWE: Well, and the developers are coming in
and saying that it's a-- what are they calling it?
An industrial-- I'm trying-- a tenant.
They call them industrial tenant centers.
And it's just a way of getting around people
saying no data centers.
No, it's not a data center.
It's an industrial tenant center.
So, just please take care of us.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
I have no more speaker cards for this public comment opportunity
so we're going to close the public comment
opportunity of the meeting.
Again, if you want to speak on a public hearing item,
please turn in a card.
You'll be called up during that item.
And if you want to speak during the final public comment
opportunity, please just turn your card at the back and you'll
be called up.
That brings us to our consent agenda.
Commissioners, we have already addressed
consent item number two.
And as you'll recall, Mr. Autrey asked
us to consider agenda item 8.3 related to the local mitigation
strategy, setting up a meeting.
And he clarified there was an 8:30 time reference
in the agenda pack.
It's actually 3:00 PM.
So, commissioners, with that in mind, if anybody is--
first, does anybody have any other item
they would like to pull?
If not, then I would entertain a motion for the consent--
consent agenda less item two, but with the add of item 8.3.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Make a motion to approve the consent
agenda as stated.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Second.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
I have a motion by Commissioner Mixon.
I think Commissioner Ketchel got that second.
Further discussion, those in favor, please signify by saying,
aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right,
that passes unanimously.
That completes the consent agenda.
And that brings us to our public hearing items.
The first one is a request to hold a public hearing
and consider amendments to the Blue Water Bay district
ordinance.
Who's presenting that?
Is that Mr. Coffey?
CRAIG COFFEY: Yes, sir.
I'd like to open the public hearing, I guess.
And just briefly describe what's in the ordinance.
The ordinance has very few changes.
One, it delegates some of authority instead of to the MSP
board back to the Board of County Commissioners
for replacing members on the board
that the board feels they want to with or without cause,
and also appointing new members.
And there's an action on today's item
under my director's reports to appoint three new members.
And I'll talk about that in a little bit.
Other than that, it seeks to place some constraints
on the financial spending of the MSP funds.
The bread and butter, the MSP district is the landscaping,
street lighting and irrigation, those kind of things.
Outside of that, they have ventured off
into doing some parks.
They have ventured off into sidewalks at a lower level.
And it still allows that authority,
but it restricts it to 10% in any one of those items,
any particular fiscal year.
And other than that, those are the primary changes
in the ordinance.
And I ask that I seek approval of that today.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Very good.
Any questions before we open the public hearing?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yeah.
I'm curious, is there a suggested date certain--
either District Commissioner or Mr. Coffey, is there--
as far as the effect of the ordinance in order to have the--
you're suggesting that we approve a public hearing,
correct?
CRAIG COFFEY: No.
I said you hold a public hearing today.
Request that you hold the public hearing today and approve.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's a little ambiguous the way
it's stated on the item.
This is the public hearing?
CRAIG COFFEY: This is the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And it was properly noticed?
CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And it was as a public hearing?
CRAIG COFFEY: Correct.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Is that correct?
CRAIG COFFEY: Sorry.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Yeah, no, I saw the same thing that you mentioned.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: It makes sense with the packet
that we hold it today, but the recommendation
seems to be a question.
CRAIG COFFEY: OK.
Sorry.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Any other questions before I open the public comment portion
of the public hearing?
All right, I'll open that.
I have one card.
And just based on the city address, it may be this one.
Tony, hi.
Are you here to speak on this item?
OK.
Thank you.
And just a reminder, if you want to speak
on any of these public hearing items, please turn in a card.
And if you would, when you indicate the agenda article
number, also indicate which particular item, just to make
sure I call you at the right time.
But please come forward.
SPEAKER 3: Thank you, Commissioner--
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, Craig.
SPEAKER 3: Thank you, Commissioner Palmer,
for answering my email this weekend.
Thank you, Mr. Coffey, for getting back responding
to my email on Monday morning.
That your response was greatly appreciated.
I've read over the proposed ordinances,
and sounds-- everything sounds good to me.
The only thing I request is that if you
do decide that you need to remove somebody or replace
somebody, that they not be somebody who
has resigned past or present.
That you consider somebody new for the position.
And I look forward to serving, hopefully, for the MSBU.
And also I was to the understanding
it was 30% of the budget that that got changed,
that they could do parks.
I didn't reread the proposed changes,
but I thought that was a little bit more that they could
use for that when I read the last iteration of it,
but I could be wrong.
So--
COMMISSIONER PALMER: I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.
Can you restate that.
I'm sorry, I didn't hear.
SPEAKER 3: I was thinking it was 30% that they could
use for-- if they were up to 30% of their budgets,
if they were partnering for, like,
a sidewalk or a public park.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: It was a cumulative of 30%, 10% per item.
CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
It's 10% in each of the categories listed,
30% cumulative.
So you have some other issues.
And that, essentially, will probably allow $40,000
to $50,000 towards one of those items.
And I explained in the staff report,
it becomes a double taxation issues
because you have a park MSBU, so the County, already
collects money for those parks, so it
would be taxing them twice.
So we will try and actually do those out of MSBU
if there's a project to be had but it's--
SPEAKER 3: OK.
Thank you very much.
I appreciate you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
And I have no further speaker cards for the public hearing
item one so I'll close that public comment opportunity,
bring it back to the board for action.
Commissioner Palmer, it's your district.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: Move to approve.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer.
Commissioner Cox, with a second further discussion.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: Mr. Chairman, very quickly.
Mr. Coffey, thank you so much for all of your work on this.
I know it's been a long time coming.
I think this is going to go a long way in helping to improve
things, giving the right sort of parameters for the spending
and making sure that the MSBU well
serves the Bluewater community.
So thank you so much for your work on this.
Ms, hi.
Thank you for your willingness to serve.
It's a tough thing to step up and to subject yourself
to the voters and to serve the public.
And I thank you for your willingness to do so.
And thank you for reaching out to me
and letting me know of our oversight in the agenda as well.
So thank you so much.
And that's all I have.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Very good.
Further comment, commissioners?
Otherwise, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, that item passes unanimously.
That brings us to public hearing item number two, which
is a quasi judicial public hearing related to a small scale
plan amendment.
Yes, please.
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Anybody here who's
going to speak to this item, which
is a request for small scale plan amendment
and rezoning presented by Mark Steiner of Choctaw Engineering
on behalf of John and Susan Lee, the property owners.
If you'll please stand, raise your hand.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And that includes
anybody who's a turn in a speaker card
to speak on this item.
So I have one that's indicated item number
two for public hearing.
So if you're here for that.
Yes, sir.
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Do you swear or affirm
that the testimony shall give shall
be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but?
SPEAKER 4: Yes.
LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank you.
Commissioners, now would be the appropriate time
to disclose any e-parte communications any of you
may have had.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: I've had none.
LYNN HOSHIHARA: I see you shaking heads.
Thank you very much.
SPEAKER 5: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.
This is a land use change request.
The property is about 2.55 acres.
And the applicant is requesting change
from suburban residential on the future land use map
and to mixed use.
And the primary difference between those two categories
is that mixed use is a broad development category that
can accommodate higher density housing, greater
commercial development, institutional uses, recreation,
and possibly some light industrial.
The density change would be 16 units
per acre to 25 units per acre if this Amendment is approved.
This is located with inside the urban service--
or urban boundary, so that's why you have that density.
And it's located on Highway 98, as you can see on your map
there.
And I'd like to enter the staff report into the record.
And any questions you may have, I'm available.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, any questions
before we open this up for public comment?
All right.
I don't have any, so we'll open the public comment opportunity
of the public hearing.
I have one card.
It's Dan.
Is it Park?
Don?
DON PARK: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.
DON PARK: Good morning.
I'll just be brief.
I met my wife, and we live adjacent to this property
that they're rezoning.
We live behind Woodhaven Animal Clinic.
And during the presentation, I think
Mr. Skinner said this property that they
want to change multi-use, he wants
to make it zone the same as Woodhaven Animal
Clinic and the properties to the East of that.
Those properties all border 98 and residential housing.
One of them's my house, our house.
What we hope to see here is that this other property here is--
bought is a residential streets on three sides.
And it has been developed up to this point
with commercial properties on the front, cell tower,
restaurant like a VHF, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
and then housing all the way on the back side of the properties.
And what we would like to see is that that continue to happen.
On the North side of the spruce is complete residential housing.
On the South side of spruce, it has six residential houses
and their vacant lot.
So, just wish to continue with that pattern of residences
on the North side and then commercial development
on the South side.
That's all I had.
Thank you very much.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
All right.
I don't have any further speaker cards on this item.
Steiner, did you want to speak?
MARK STEINER: Mark Steiner, Choctaw Engineering
with the agent for the applicant.
And just one thing I just wanted to point out,
suburban residential is kind of an odd kind of category
because in theory, it's really mixed use.
And what I mean by that is you can do C1 and C2
in suburban residential.
Even though it doesn't say that you would think mixed use
would be mixed use on some residential
would be primarily probably residential.
So, right now we're allotted to be able to do three--
two of the three zoning--
commercial zoning categories as well as residential.
So we're really not changing that much,
except for the fact that by going to mixed use,
we'll able-- it'll allow us to be able to utilize the C-3
zoning category because in mixed use,
it says if you're adjacent to a arterial roadway,
that you can do a C-3 uses.
So that's probably the biggest change of the project.
And as gentleman just pointed out,
we're surrounded on four sides by a road,
so we don't butt any residential development directly next to it.
And by going to this--
and I pointed this out in the last public planning commission
meeting is that when you're doing like, let's say,
residential, you're very limited in terms of how much buffering
requirements there are.
Whereas if you go to the commercial aspect of it,
there's a lot of aspects in there
that you have to buffer underneath the LDC, which
will help mitigate any kind of compatibility
there is between the residential units
behind us and our property.
Any questions?
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners,
do you have any questions for Mr. Steiner?
If not, I just got a quick question.
So just to reiterate-- and this is, I think,
important for the public to hear--
as I understood it, the allowable residential density
would actually be reduced by going to mixed use.
Is that correct?
That's what I thought I heard.
MARK STEINER: I do not--
no.
I think you go from 16 to 25.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So it's actually going to increase?
MARK STEINER: The residential density--
the available residential density would go from 16 to 25,
correct.
But I'll be honest with you, it would be very, very difficult
to get to 25 units per acre, unless you
did some sort of tall vertical building or something like that.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.
And this is probably--
I don't know, is this within a height limit area
based on its proximity to Hobart or no?
Do we know?
MARK STEINER: Not that I'm aware of.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's not within the impact, OK.
MARK STEINER: And I don't think that's
going to come into play because we're going to probably-- as you
can see from the predominant development along Highway 98
there, it's one or two story buildings, commercial,
pretty consistent.
This just happens to be an unusual anomaly
because it's like one of the few vacant pieces still out there.
But were developed on either side,
and it basically is a continuation
of that mixed use zoning category that's
already to the East of us.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: No, I see that.
So it doesn't create an enclave, I get that.
And mixed use is considered a transitional zoning,
as I understand it.
Kristen, tell me if I'm wrong.
So it would-- so a budding mixed use to R-1
is a reasonable planning strategy, correct?
Because it's considered a transition zoning.
One other thing I think would be important to extrapolate on just
for the public, just so that everybody knows what this means.
And, again, this-- and, again, what I want to point out
to the public--
I know the commission knows this,
you know this-- this is not about what are you
going to build, because that's not the question today.
The question is, what would it allow
you to build that's different than what you could build today?
That's the only question.
And you mentioned that C3 would be
the only thing that got added because you're
next to an arterial road.
I mean, you're on Highway 98.
So, what are the differences between what
could be done under C1, C2 on this property,
and what does C3 add that's not already there?
MARK STEINER: Basically C3 is a higher intensity commercial
if you were--
in layman's term, it allows some more higher intensity type
commercial.
I think C1 is like--
and actually it's interesting because in mixed use
I think you lose C2.
And you can do C1 and C3.
Anyway, but C1, some of them is just a little more neighborhood
type--
I think that's the best way I can describe it,
neighborhood type commercial and stuff like that.
And then some office space and stuff like that,
but this allows you to do something a little bit more
intense than what you would normally
see in a C1 or C2 district.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
And then as far as at the development order
stage, with a mixed use zone, would that
give the opportunity for the applicant and staff
to work through specific buffer plans, and things like that?
Do we know?
MARK STEINER: Not necessarily because
of the size of the project.
I always say, there is an opportunity always
for the public to have input and such,
because there will be a sign that's put up,
and if they want to contact the staff, and whatever,
and stuff like that, but doesn't have
to come back before this board for a final approval.
But, yeah--
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: No, no, I know it would be a staff level
development.
MARK STEINER: Yes, yes.
OK, yeah.
But as far as-- yeah, they could have input as far as--
because there's two opportunities at the time
in which the development order is applied for and at the time
the development order is approved.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And, Kristen,
you might need to come up and speak to this.
I'm fine either way.
And I'm not against this idea.
I understand how it fits in the plan.
But because we do have somebody that's concerned with it,
I want to flush it out.
KRISTEN: Of course.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: If we go to mixed use
and using a C1 or C3 use, or even residential use
and split those out if we need, does
the LDC have buffering requirements in there?
MARK STEINER: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
MARK STEINER: I mean, it would be
subject to the same buffering requirements
that all C3 uses have-- or any use, any mixed
use has for anything.
And it really depends on what the type of use
is it will dictate the level of buffering because there's
kind of like a chart in there.
And as you change-- because you can do--
mixed use you could do single family residential,
you could do a town-home, or something like that.
Those wouldn't require any buffering at all.
And as the degree increases of the intensity
of the development, so would the buffering requirements.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, yeah.
And I think Kristen was back there mentioning
it could be probably walls, could be
vegetation, some sort of mix between those things.
All part of a plan that would be dealt with at the development
order stage and the site plan stage, I would assume.
MARK STEINER: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So I just want
to make sure that's clear, because I'm looking at this--
and I know we're still in question, we're not in action
yet, but I want to make sure we're flushing that out
because it appears that it is just an extension of what
is already a mixed use plan.
And it is on Highway 98.
But the weird thing about this-- the way
this place is developed out there,
you've got R1 all the way up to Highway 98, which is unusual.
So it's a little bit of a unique characteristic
out there as we try to navigate that.
Commissioners, other questions for Mr. Steiner, Mr. Cox?
COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.
Thank you, Chairman.
Can you give us some examples of what the C3 opportunities would
be there that don't exist now?
MARK STEINER: Now you're asking me.
I don't know if staff has--
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Appropriate for Kristen.
You want to Kristen--
COMMISSIONER COX: Michelle, would you mind?
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: If I understand the question,
you want to know, within that category, what
are the types of things--
MARK STEINER: Maybe let me try to bring this
into context of just not getting hung up on C3, C2, and C1, OK.
Because at the end of the day, you're
going to build something on that piece of property.
And whether it is C1, C3, or C2, you can basically build out
the whole entire piece, they'll probably most likely
have some sort of commercial building
and a parking lot and a stormwater facility.
In all the 30 years I've been doing it,
they're pretty much all generic anyway.
So I don't think that the specifics of C1, C2, C3
really has any relevance on the actual look
and feel of the project.
It usually has something to do with just the type
use that they're actually doing there.
Now, there might be some sort of things that the actual use is
doing, like maybe say like an automotive repair shop,
or something like that, that might be a little bit considered
more intense in terms of the actual what's going on,
but then the county has regulations
that regulate use time, impact, noise,
all those kind of things in other parts of the ordinance.
So from that standpoint, I don't think if-- depending on how
it's developed, whether it's a car dealership or a office
building, really doesn't have that much of an impact
because we still have to do the same--
I'm sorry-- the same type of buffering, same things.
And you'll basically be seeing usually
like those common elements to the development.
COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.
But if we're talking about a potential increase in density
from 16 to 25, is that--
MARK STEINER: That's strictly residential.
And I don't think that would affect it either,
because if you go down the road probably less than a half
a mile, we did a Skylark townhomes, which basically
abuts Highway 98 on a similar type of piece of property.
And it's just, basically--
for a generic term-- a wall of townhomes,
but it seems to fit the context of the neighborhood.
And, like I said, it would be very
hard to get 25 units per acre.
I mean, you just can't build-- like, if you were just
on a single fixed storey, or two storey single family
homes or townhomes, you won't even get anywhere
near 25 units per acre.
It's mathematically impossible.
COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.
MICHELLE: To answer the question about the-- so when you go
to C3, you're looking at more of your trades being allowed,
like construction and warehousing, wholesale trades,
that type of thing, which are--
typically can have more outdoor impacts.
So that's a really big difference
between C1 and C2 and C3.
COMMISSIONER COX: So more of an industrial aesthetic.
MICHELLE: Yeah, it's almost like a light industrial allowance
there in C3.
So you could have maybe a construction company or heating
and air, or some kind of a trade,
and some light warehousing, which is a little more
intense than C1 and C2.
COMMISSIONER COX: Thank you, Michelle.
Thank you, Mr. Steiner.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Other questions on this item?
All right.
I have no other speaker cards.
Anybody else from the applicant wanting
to speak before we close the public comment opportunity?
Well, I'll give you one minute.
I think you only used two of your minutes.
Hit the button once.
Perfect.
SPEAKER 6: It's just about the multi-use.
I think what I read in y'all's documentation is that
it's supposed to stay with the predominant type of buildings
in that area.
So predominantly in that area is residential.
The other thing, I don't know if they haven't come forward
and says what they're going to build in the future.
I know that doesn't affect today, but when you live there,
you're like, I wonder what's going on here.
And that's all I had about that.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.
I certainly understand that.
OK.
Now I'll close the public comment
opportunity of the meeting and bring it back to the board.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: For consideration, I'd
love to hear your thoughts as the District Commissioner,
and I'd be glad to make a motion following that.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: That's what
I was going to suggest as well.
Chairman, it's your district, and I do feel for the resident.
If I had a home there, I'd be concerned about lease buffers
and the density.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.
I mean, that's really where I am on it.
I mean, when you look at the map--
and I know we're a little out of order
because we don't have a motion, but because I'm the chairman--
COMMISSIONER MIXON: I'll make a motion.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure, a motion to approve.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And then a second for discussion.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll second this one.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So here's my thoughts on it--
and I'll probably support it.
But my biggest-- the reason I think we should consider it,
it is an extenuation of mixed use.
And from a planning perspective, mixed use
is considered a proper transition zone.
Now, whether or not we have mixed
use defined in the very best way that we
should in our land development code,
that's a different question.
Whether or not we should have additional safeguards in there,
that's a different question, but mixed use
is considered transitional.
So I don't think that approving this
violates any planning standards, but there
is that concern about it opening up C3 because it's so much more
intense.
So if this was abutted by SR instead of R1,
it would be less of a concern because it would be probably
apartments or something next to it.
These are single family houses.
Some of them are on Highway 98.
I mean, to some extent, if you live on in a single family
house on Highway 98, you're already used to noise.
You just are.
It just is what it is.
So in this situation, I hear what the constituents have said.
I also have to trust the land development code provisions
that we have that deal with buffering and mitigation
to be the gatekeeper at the staff level development order
step.
And if Michelle can tell me that at the development order
step at the staff level, that the staff would
be keenly watching those buffering and mitigation
elements that are baked in there,
then I would be comfortable moving forward.
And I'm getting a yes so, Michelle,
can I say on the record, you've said, yes, the development order
level, even though it will be a staff development order, if it's
dependent on the intensity you use,
you'll be strongly watching those buffering and mitigation
elements that are already in the code?
MICHELLE: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
So with that, I would--
I'd be in favor of it.
So, any other comments?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure.
The reason I was swift to make a motion without having
to do any further questions or time is for planning purposes.
This is Highway 98, it's the major East West connector.
There's not a secondary yet.
We're working on that.
Would this zoning fit on the secondary?
Probably not.
Does it fit where it is on 98?
Sure.
But we're back in the mix of-- just like the Eglin Parkway
comment a few minutes ago--
it's not our road, but we have to deal with what we have,
and that's a major thoroughfare.
Could you imagine if we were faced with someone
right now wanting to put a nice community there,
with all of the houses facing outward to the connecting roads,
we would be pretty emphatic.
The state would be pretty emphatic,
denying driveway permit request.
There would be a different conversation happening.
This puts it really where it ought to be for future purposes,
for the purpose of our future planning.
And then it's comforting to know that we have a great staff that
works through the development order process,
and that's why I moved forward.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion, Commissioners?
All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right.
That passes unanimously, so thank you.
Well, that was for--
it's a small scale.
It's a future land use map amendment and rezoning.
I understood, even though I know the future land use
map is legislative, even though it's on here--
what?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: I'll be glad to make the second motion.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah, that's fine.
We have a--
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: And I'll do the corresponding
if you wish.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Further discussion.
All those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, thank you.
And just as a reminder, I mean-- and unless I'm wrong,
somebody tell me, I think as long as it--
the plan Amendment portion of it,
it's not Q-J. It's actually legislative.
The zoning is the only quasi judicial.
And I think once we have approved legislatively
the future land use map change, there's
not a whole lot of leeway to deny the rezoning.
So, anyway, sometimes we group them
together like this and call it all quasi judicial,
but I don't think it really is.
So, thanks.
All right.
We've already dealt with public hearing item number
three, which is actually not a public hearing item.
It just is a consent to set a meeting which has been done.
That brings us to public hearing item
number four, related to water and sewer
sell performance of a construction for a lift station.
So, Mr. Hackett.
MR. HACKETT: Yes.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.
I'm here to request board approval
to self-perform construction of the West Sunset Drive lift
station replacement project.
We estimate that project to be almost $880,000.
It's an antiquated, bucket style lift station, one of the many
that we've been trying to replace.
The new station will have submersible pumps, increased
capacity, and meet all of our current lift station standards.
This particular lift station will actually
be relocated on the other side of the street where it is now.
We would provide the majority of the labor
but do intend to contract for wetwell installation.
The public hearing notice appeared in Northwest Florida
Daily News, July 16.
As of yet, we have not received any comments or inquiries
from the public.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any questions
before I open the public comment opportunity of this hearing?
I don't see any.
I have no cards.
Anybody here to speak on this item?
All right.
I don't see anybody coming forward.
We'll close the public comment opportunity.
We will bring this back to the board.
This isn't my district.
This is a project that I would say water
and sewer staff has been working on for quite a while,
including obtaining land right of way, and it's been a lot.
And I think that staff got to a very good place
with the local residents and figuring out
how to place this where it goes, how to get the easements
or property rights that were needed,
all that's been worked out.
I understand that's not what this is.
This is just about letting your staff go ahead
and self-perform it.
You guys do a great job, so I'm certainly
going to vote in favor of it if we have a motion and a second.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: That's right.
You're still correct on both counts though.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Second.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
I have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer,
second by Commissioner Mixon.
Further discussion, Commissioners?
All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, that passes unanimously.
And you have a second item, public hearing number
five related to Mariners Lane and Neptune Drive.
MR. HACKETT: That's correct.
Round two, I'm here to request board approval
to self-perform construction of the Mariners Lane and Neptune
Drive water main upgrade project.
We maintain 6-inch water mains on both Mariners and Neptune.
They serve about 45 single family homes.
These old water mains were inherited from the now dissolved
seashore village water system, and they're desperately
in need of replacement.
This would entail about a half a mile of new 6-inch PVC water
main installation.
We estimate the project to be about $450,000.
We'd like to get started at the end of this year, possibly
early next year.
The public hearing notice did appear in Northwest Florida
Daily News on July 17.
As of yet, we have not received any comment or any inquiry
from the public.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, questions.
Just one clarification, I think I know the answer.
I was saying it for the public, so I know.
6-inch lines, half a million dollars I'm rounding.
45 houses sounds like a lot.
The 6-inches is probably overkill for your pressure,
but don't you have to have 6 inch to meet fire protection?
MR. HACKETT: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So that's why a 6-inch line is going
in to serve 45 houses, because you've got to meet that fire
protection standard, it's my understanding?
MR. HACKETT: You're right.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
This is also in my district.
Well, I guess I better open the public comment
opportunity of the meeting.
Anybody from the public want to speak on this item?
I see nobody coming forward.
We'll close that.
Bring it back to the board.
It's in my district.
I'm in favor of it.
I think Mr. Hackett spoke well to it.
So, Commissioner--
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll be glad to make
a motion for approval.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
So I think I got Commissioner Ketchel with a motion,
and Commissioner Cox with a second.
Is that--
COMMISSIONER COX: Sure.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Any further discussion?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yeah, just briefly.
I don't think we pointed out in the last one,
but there are private businesses that do this work.
You do operate an enterprise, and we
are fiscally responsible to oversee
the entirety of the budget and of Louis County.
The projects like this one is noted to have a 300,000 plus
savings, and so it's just great to be innovative in such a way
that you don't say, oh, we don't have the staff for it,
or it'll be three years before we can get to it.
But you push forward as an enterprise
to see that our opportunity to be fiscally responsible
is achieved, and our staff continues to press forward
with great work.
So thanks, Mr. Hackett.
MR. HACKETT: Absolutely.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion?
All right.
I think that's a great point that it's not
as much about having your staff competing with private market.
There's plenty of private jobs out there to do.
The one thing I think is very good about the fact
that you basically have a fully staffed and fully equipped
construction crew is that when something happens,
you have the equipment, you have the personnel and the expertise
to address things that come up on, say, a Sunday afternoon
if needed.
And you have people that respond.
That's not the same in private sector
if you're trying to call a contractor.
And if you weren't able to self-perform these jobs,
you wouldn't be able to keep that construction crew in-house.
You would have to-- you wouldn't be able to maintain
that part of your department.
So I think that's very important.
You've got them, they serve an emergency function,
but they've got to have something to do every day.
And that's exactly what you're doing right now,
is you're giving them everyday work that
will serve our citizens, and probably a very favorable value.
MR. HACKETT: Extremely favorable.
And if I may, it's also been beneficial
for some of our brothers and sisters, other municipalities,
whereby they've contracted with us to perform work,
and we've been able to save those municipal systems
a lot of money as well and still cover all of our costs.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good, very good.
So, commissioners, anything further?
Otherwise, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right.
That passes unanimously.
Thank you, sir.
MR. HACKETT: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
That brings us to department business.
And Mr. Bitterman, Public Works Director, I
believe you're up with the infrastructure surtax list.
SCOTT BITTERMAN: Yes, sir.
Good morning, Chairman and Commissioners.
Scott Bitterman with the Public Works Department.
The item today from public works is a request
to approve the 2026 needs list for the infrastructure surtax
renewal.
In 2018, Okaloosa County voters approved a referendum
establishing a 10-year half cent sales surtax for public safety,
transportation and stormwater projects.
To build public trust and clearly define
how revenues would be invested, the county
published a surtax project needs list prior to that vote.
All of the projects proposed in 2018
have either been completed or in active construction or design.
The renewal of the surtax will be on the November 2026 ballot.
The list before you are candidates for projects
for unincorporated Okaloosa County's portion of the surtax
if the voters choose to renew the program.
The Surtax Advisory Committee did meet last month,
and they approved the list.
And I would recommend a motion to approve the 2026 needs
list for infrastructure surtax renewal.
I'd be glad to answer any questions.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Commissioners, questions or action on this item.
COMMISSIONER COX: I just want to thank you guys for the hard work
that you do on this.
And to our Surtax Committee who may or may not
be in the audience today, if you're watching from home,
just know how much we appreciate the hard work that
goes into this.
I'm sure there's quite a bit of time away from families
spent in this probably under-celebrated positions,
but we do appreciate it.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll make a motion for approval.
Second, unless you want to, Ms Cox, If you will.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: You've already got it seconded.
So, Commissioner Ketchel move to approve.
Commissioner Cox seconded it.
Further discussion?
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Yes.
So, what I wanted to say this is such a timely moment
because, even with Mr. Hackett before,
our public has a hard time, and I totally understand it
because when I first became a commissioner 12 years ago,
it took me a long time to learn about all the different pots
of money.
We have four amazing enterprise funds.
We're going to hear from one shortly, the airports.
Then we have the surtax, which is
on the ballot, which has allowed us to just do phenomenal things.
I'm so hopeful that the public will approve it
because without it, I mean, I wouldn't have been
a commissioner for four years.
I mean, that would have been it.
Because people would call and say, would you fix my road?
Could you do this?
And I'd have to say, yeah, we'll put you
on the list as seven years till we can get to that project.
We're able to do things so quickly now and make
a difference.
But as I speak to different audiences,
they're very confused about the homestead exemption and what
that will mean.
Well, why can't you just take the money out
of tourist development funds?
Because we can't legally do that.
So you can't take roads and lifeguards out
of a different-- we are very limited as to how
we can use funds.
So if the homestead exemption would pass,
heaven help us because we won't have the money
to do anything to run the systems that we
have in the county.
And I know a lot of people don't like to pay taxes.
Who does?
Oh yeah, I want to pay taxes-- more taxes.
But we do a lot with a limited amount.
And the surtax has been wonderful,
so I'm hoping that people vote no on homestead and yes
on surtax.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Further discussion?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yes, sir.
I just wanted to point out that this is candidate projects,
and that really we're not committing future boards,
but we're making more of an informational acceptance.
Not approving specific projects.
Those will all come back at different times
as we move forward with surtax.
Some of these may even happen within existing surtax,
or be able to begin with an existing surtax.
And there may be other things that pop up.
We don't know what the future will hold.
But what it does is it points out that as a county,
we've seen the benefit to what the surtax did,
and we see the continuation of needs
that we can go in to accomplish, which
is very favorable because public works has been able to multiply
their productivity and their accomplishments
because of having money to do that.
It's always easier when there's funds
to be able to fix those things.
And so I know that our municipalities are definitely
in favor of continuing because it gives them the resources
to do things.
And so thank you for the work you're doing,
but just as we all know, there are
things from this list that can come and go and be
enhanced and be not utilized at the same time be added to.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further discussion?
Mr. Palmer.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: Mr. Chairman, thank you.
And I also wanted to echo that thank you
to you guys for all the work that you've done,
and thank you to the committee for all the work
that they're doing.
I think this surtax has been a game changer for our community.
And I just-- when it was first voted on,
it was a list of promises.
And I think now, based on the stewardship
that you guys have shown, you and your team and the Surtax
Committee has shown we have a list of accomplishments.
And I just want to thank you for that.
And so now we have proof to show that you guys are going
to be good stewards and we are going
to be good stewards of that money.
So thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners,
further discussion on this?
Well, I'll just say, looking at the list,
page 8.22 in the packet is-- everything
on there is a very valid and needed project.
And I think Commissioner Mixon kind of framed it
as this is not necessarily-- well, maybe
in a starting or an aspirational list
and it's still got to go through the process,
but there's a couple on there.
I'll go a little bit further and I'll
say, like that gap creek stormwater improvements
on there, that one, that's got to go through.
And we got to stay on that one.
There is a huge community push in that whole gap creek drainage
area, which is enormous.
And I can tell you, part of its partnership with the city
because it covers multi jurisdictions,
but that one is a big one.
And I know Mr. Bitterman's been working on multiple things.
I think just recently we voted on some grant funding
for a study, and I don't want to say,
that probably over generalizes the impact of what it is.
It's really a comprehensive planning analysis, I think.
And then this is just another piece of that component.
And I know this doesn't get down to the project
level on this list.
This is more concept titles.
But there's a few on here that I think
we've got to stay pretty focused on
and make sure they get through, but everything on there
is obviously an important use.
So, any further comment?
All those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, that passes unanimously.
Thank you, Mr. Bitterman.
SCOTT BITTERMAN: Thank you.
Tracey Stage.
TRACEY STAGE: Morning, Chairman, Commissioners.
Tracey Stage, Airports Transit Director.
Got a couple slides for you this morning.
And, really, wanted to start it off
with a it's a big day for us.
It's been a number of months and we've held to the schedule,
and today we're delivering to you.
So I'll go ahead and start if that's OK with you, sir.
On February 3, this board directed
Transit to be realigned under the airports department.
Since then, our team has worked to stabilize the operation,
correct efficiencies, establish stronger financial and grant
controls, and develop and competitively
procure a new service model, entirely new service model.
Today we are presenting the results
of that, a leaner, accountable Okaloosa County transit
system supported by our state and federal partners,
and operated through the proposed via agreement
in your agenda packages.
I would like to--
briefly joining me today, obviously, my Senior Staff,
Mr. Higdon, our Transit Manager, Chad, my Deputy Director,
Allison, our CFO.
And then Alex Lavoie, COO from Via.
And Kyle Snyder, VP from Via are joining us.
And they'll be available for any questions.
But over the months, this team here,
and a number of other folks back at the Department,
worked tirelessly to meet the schedule that we were under.
So kind of getting into the contract here.
As far as the requirements go, the proposed contract
creates a very clear division of responsibilities
versus a blended model with duplicated costs.
The contractor is responsible for daily operations, staffing,
vehicle and facility maintenance, insurance,
utilities, technology, supplies, customer service,
and required operational reporting.
The county remains firmly in control
of public accountability, executive oversight, contract
performance, financial controls, grant administration,
regulatory compliance, assets, risk management, and continuity
of service.
In short, the contractor operates the system,
but the county sets the standards,
monitors performance, and protects the public's interest.
So a little familiar to the budget
presentation specific to Transit, but this
is a snapshot of our fiscal year '27 cost.
The estimated operating budget is 4.54 million,
based on 40,000 revenue hours.
84% represents contract costs, and 16% county costs.
The plan is fully funded through $2.72 million in federal funds
and $1.82 million in state funds.
No anticipated general fund impact.
The transition also highlighted in the slide
produces an estimated $1.1 million
in annual cost reductions from the previous service operation.
And that goes to the model development.
Five-year outlook on the right hand
side of the slide, five-year term of the agreement,
obviously, projected increases in hourly revenue, hourly costs,
and, obviously, revenue hours as the system continues to grow.
For the rider-- or the client, I should say,
the service becomes simple and focused.
Eligible customers may apply reserve travel from 24 hours
to 14 days in advance, and receive on-demand Monday through
Friday service, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The purpose is straightforward, connect residents
to work, education, health care, and essential shopping safely
and reliably when and where they need it.
This is more than a contractor change.
It's a disciplined structure of transit around service,
compliance, accountability.
Information as to the staff efforts throughout the IT
and procurement process are detailed in your agenda package
on 8.23, from the start to the finish
of that entire procurement process.
And before I go into the request, Chairman,
I have a three-minute video that staff has prepared
for you and for the public.
And it's going to be a very helpful tool,
should this contract be approved,
to educate the public on the system.
If it's OK with you, Chairman, I'd
like to play that video for you all.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: That'd be great, please.
TRACEY STAGE: Thank you.
SPEAKER 7: Beginning September 1, 2026,
Okaloosa County Transit will partner with Via
to use its innovative technology to deliver three
coordinated transportation services through the Ride OCT
platform.
First, we have the ADA Paratransit
for eligible individuals with disabilities.
Next, the transportation disadvantaged service
for eligible residents who lack access to transportation.
And lastly, our public on-demand service
for customers who schedule and pay for individual trips.
While each service addresses a different need,
the Transportation Disadvantaged, or TD program,
remains a central part of our public transportation system.
Through the TD program, eligible riders
will gain access to employment, medical appointments, education,
shopping, and other essential destinations.
The TD program helps residents stay independent,
connected to their community, and able to access the services
and opportunities they rely on.
Ride OCT call center will be staffed by trained customer
service ambassadors ready to assist riders, including
those who may be less comfortable with technology.
Riders can call to ask questions, get help
with the application process, schedule a trip,
confirm pick up details, and receive support
throughout their experience.
For riders who prefer technology,
the mobile application offers another convenient way
to request trips and receive trip updates.
In the next section, we will discuss how the service works.
Step one, get the application.
A prospective rider may obtain an application online
by telephone or in person.
Assistance is available for individuals
who need help accessing or completing the application.
Step two, apply.
The applicant submits the completed application
and all required information.
Step three, approval.
Our eligibility coordinator reviews the application,
determines the rider's eligibility,
and notifies the applicant of the decision.
Approved applicants can begin requesting transportation
immediately.
Step four, schedule a ride.
Service is available Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM
until 6:00 PM.
The approved applicant may request a trip using the mobile
app or by calling 850-833-9168, and speak directly with
a customer service ambassador.
Step five, trip confirmed.
The rider receives the scheduled pickup window
and other important trip details.
Step six, driver pickup.
The driver arrives in an appropriate vehicle
to transport the rider.
Accessible vehicles are available to accommodate riders
with mobility needs.
Step seven, ride and drop off.
The rider travels safely to the requested destination.
Step eight, trip complete.
The driver notifies dispatch of trip completion
and continues to the next scheduled pickup
Ride OCT is partnering with Tidewater Transit, powered
by Via Software, to connect residents
with essential people, services, and opportunities.
With accessible vehicles, responsive customer support,
and modern scheduling capabilities,
the new Ride OCT platform is building
a stronger, more sustainable transportation
system for our community.
To learn more, apply for service, or schedule a ride,
visit www.rideoct.com, or call 850-833-9168.
Our customer service ambassadors are
ready to answer your questions and assist you
throughout the process.
Welcome aboard.
TRACEY STAGE: She did it better than I could.
But, essentially, if the board's happy with this
and if this contract is approved,
that's going to go live on the website today.
We do have a brand new website that Via has put together.
It's ready to go.
And this is as simple as it gets.
It's on-demand service.
We're there within 30 minutes.
I appreciate Mr. Fuller's comments this morning.
He is a happy camper because he used
to have to walk 30 minutes to go catch a fixed route downtown
Crestview from his house.
Now we pick him up at his house.
So, it's across the board.
But I can't say enough, working with Via and Tidewater
and the transparency that they've
shown through this process, and what
staff was able to get done for Okaloosa County
to check off those goals of zero-impact to the general fund,
saving over $1.1 million, changing the entire model.
And then turning this service to where
we have buses that are actually taking people
where they need to go versus driving around
and sitting in parking lots.
So all that's behind us.
And with that, Chairman, staff requests and recommends approval
of the contract and related vehicle lease agreement with
Tidewater Transit LLC for public transportation services for not
to exceed total $24,656,085.
And I and my entire team and Via Tidewater
are here for any questions you have.
COMMISSIONER COX: All right.
To approve with discussion.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Cox, and a second
by Commissioner Palmer.
Commissioner Cox, you had some comments?
COMMISSIONER COX: Yes, sir.
Thank you, Chairman.
I just want to say thank you to each of you.
I mean, to you, Mr. Sage, congratulations.
You have turned one of our toughest
critics and your toughest critic into a fan.
And that doesn't come without a lot of hard work.
So to each of you sitting here, including our two new vendors,
I hope--
you certainly have my vote.
This is a lot.
I mean, to have completely overhauled a transportation
system that was causing a good bit more than it should have,
it was rife with trouble from COVID problems
and administrative issues, and what have you.
They just are unavoidable when something like a pandemic
happens.
Really, to have taken that situation
and flipped it absolutely to the benefit
of the citizens of Okaloosa County is quite an undertaking.
I said that back then, and I continue
to appreciate the hard work that you've done in the meantime.
This is a lot.
I mean, it is a lot.
I used to build hotels and hospitals
and I can tell you that, those kinds of undertakings
are very similar.
Every single time you have something that's an overhaul,
it changes everything.
Just adds that much more work to what you've already been doing.
And we know you work hard already, so thank you.
I mean, just the tremendous result
in this being a zero sum cost to the taxpayer
is quite incredible.
So thank you for your hard work on this.
And you have my vote.
TRACEY STAGE: All right Mr. Chairman, thank you.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: I wanted to echo that, thank you so much,
Mr. Sage.
Thank you to your entire team for all of the work
that you've done.
Turning skeptics into believers is a tough thing to do.
And I remember when this first was handed to you,
there was a little bit of trepidation
in your demeanor, anyways.
And you've done a fantastic job with this.
It was a tough thing to take, and people
feel like you're taking something away from them
that we've been offering for years,
but you've turned it into something better.
So I just wanted to say thank you to you
and thank you to your entire team.
I love the $1.1 million in savings.
And I more than that, I love the zero impact to the general fund
so thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Ketchel.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I just want to say welcome aboard, Kyle
and Alex.
It's nice to have you with us.
This is a great place to live.
We can all attest to that.
New York's fine too but you're going to love it here.
And thank you so very much, Tracey and your whole team,
for the work that you've put into this--
I should say, Mr. Stage, sorry--
for the work that you've put into this.
And I know that our constituents are looking forward
to using this convenience.
And Mr. Fuller was beaming from ear to ear.
He was so excited about being an ambassador,
so thank you very much.
TRACEY STAGE: Yes, ma'am.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further comments, commissioners?
All right.
Then I'll just say, I am excited to vote in favor of this
and approve this contract moving forward.
Anybody in the general public looks at it and says,
gosh, you're approving a $24 million contract
and you're saving money?
Well, that's what's happening.
And what's important here is that this whole program has been
an elusive issue to wrangle in.
And I've been trying for years, and we've finally gotten there.
It's been a challenge for the commission,
it's been a challenge for--
from a staff level to try to get this thing
managed where it needs to be.
And I just appreciate the work that Mr. Hofstad's office
and Mr. Stage and all his team have done to support us
in getting to where we are.
It was a fundamental shift in the way
we look at public transit in Okaloosa County.
And killing the fixed route, it may
have been scary to think about it,
but it was absolutely necessary.
And you know what?
The sky didn't fall.
In fact, the sky got a lot clearer, a lot more clear sky,
a lot more transparency in this program
than we've ever had before.
The first time since I have sat on this board, that we have
actually been able to get to a point of saying,
zero General fund dollars into transit.
And that's huge.
And that number has crept up.
It crept up and was heading towards 300, 000, 400,000,
half a million dollars last fall.
And we were on the precipice of another five-year renewal
of the same nightmare that we've been living.
And I'm just thankful to, like I said, Mr. Hofstad and his team,
Mr. Stage and his team, and this board for saying,
you know what, we're just going to bite the bullet.
We're going to make the hard decision.
We're going to overhaul this thing from top to bottom.
And that's what's happened.
And now look at how this is going to work.
On-demand services, makes sense.
Nobody's going to wait on a bus in Okaloosa County for two
hours, standing out there in August,
hoping the bus might show up.
It's just not practical.
That's why the buses were running around empty.
We were just wasting dollars, some general fund dollars,
some grant dollars, but regardless, dollars.
And now we're not.
That's the key.
When government sees a place where
there is inefficiency or waste and does nothing, that's wrong.
But when government sees it, identifies it,
attacks the problem, and comes up with a solution like this,
that's exactly what we're supposed to be doing.
That's exactly what we're supposed to accomplish.
And, look, this program is going to serve, I think,
those citizens who need this service better than it ever
has over the past 25 years, in a way that people
are going to appreciate it and be able to rely on it.
And look at the leverage of technology,
those are things that we begged.
I know many of us--
Commissioner Ketchel, you've been up here as long as I have,
I know we begged for better technology
integration in that program for so many years.
Now we can have it, because that's the way that people work.
And we don't-- it still has the-- call it the analog
process.
If people want to call in and get the hard copy paperwork,
that's still available, but we know that as a reality,
most of the users are going to leverage that technology,
be able to use this.
I love the branding.
It's clean, it's fresh, it looks good.
I love the fact that you have gotten rid
of the dilapidated buses.
You've reduced our fleet to a tighter, smaller, reliable,
clean and newer fleet to serve the type of needs
that our constituents that use this service have.
Perfect.
You're taking those grant dollars
and making them do what they were always supposed to do,
and I really appreciate that.
I appreciate that out of your team.
Mr. Higdon, I know that you got on board with us
as we were through this transition period.
And I have all the faith in the world you're
going to be able to keep us on this track,
and I'm very excited about it.
Again, I think this is--
all the complaints I've gotten over all these years in office
about transit, wasn't that people hated the idea transit.
They just hated the approach that we had.
And now we've changed it.
This is what we should be doing.
So thank you.
Commissioners.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I have one more thing.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: As I said on the Transportation Committee
so many years, we didn't have other alternatives.
You all may have really done something so innovative
that let me just suggest that you might take it
to the Florida Association of Counties as best practices.
Other counties are looking to fix their transportation system.
You've done it, I think.
We're about ready to test it to see,
but it looks like you have had--
I haven't had but one complaint, and that was just
somebody trying to get to Walton County, which was important
because they work there.
But what I'm saying is, if this really
is what I think it's going to be,
maybe you need to take this on the road-- pun intended--
literally to other counties.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: I believe we're going to be a model,
truly do.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, other comments?
If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed--
that passes unanimously.
It's a good day.
Thank you, sir.
[APPLAUSE]
TRACEY STAGE: Commissioners, thank you.
Staff right here, a lot of hard work.
Thank you very, very much.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Our next item under department business,
Ms. Ore with Housing and SHIP.
MS ORE: Good morning, Chairman, Commissioners.
The item I have before you is a revision to the SHIP first time
home buyers' purchase assistance program policies and guidelines.
As you know, last year in July, we implemented it,
and we made some changes to the program that the CDC was doing.
And after gaining some knowledge and helping
quite a few households and spending quite a bit of funds,
and as well as having our inspector general audit and some
recommendations that came from them, the training
as well as what's best for our community,
there are some amendments that have
been made that I think would best serve our community.
Most of them are grammatical changes,
policies that are in place that aren't really
applicable to our program.
One of the major changes is introducing a limit threshold
of 27%, which means that their housing ratio--
so what they are paying monthly--
when we award the funds, it will not
be low-- won't be below 27% of their gross monthly income.
So, if there are any questions or details
you would like to know about the program, please ask.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Questions.
I know Commissioner Mixon, I know you probably
looked at this pretty deeply.
If not, I have just one quick question before we take it up.
It just in layman's terms, does this--
do the changes you're making better help make sure
that people are not getting into situations that they
can't afford?
In other words, does it better help
expand the program but at the same time,
make sure we're not setting people up to fail?
Because it's always been a big one for me with SHIP.
I love to help people get into home ownership,
but I don't want to put them on a path that's not sustainable.
MS. ORE: Yes, sir.
I believe the policies that we already
have in some of our statutory requirements of making sure
that their housing, monthly payments don't go over
a certain percentage, those are going to remain the same.
Those aren't changes that we are making.
What we are trying to do is limit the amount of funds
that we are giving out to individuals so
that we aren't just awarding funds
that they don't actually need.
So I wanted to make sure that things are very much
need-based to reassure you when we are looking
at the homes and the purchases of our clients,
we do have, in our policies, that our best practices for them
not to go over 35% of their gross monthly income.
If they are to go over that, there is justification
that it has to be in place.
And so we are making sure that whatever home they are buying
is a sustainable purchase for them.
And not just putting them in the home,
but looking forward within a year,
are they going to be able to afford a tax increase,
are they going to be able to afford insurance changes?
Making sure that the home-- the quality of the home
is in its best condition, that things
aren't going to break down.
So we're reviewing inspections and we're reviewing,
making sure that they have insurance,
whether a warranty is needed before we are even approving
a purchase to be made, or a closing
to happen with our funds.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
Thank you for recapping that, no problem.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: The tax increase
would be a change to the assessed value,
with some of our clients going into new homes.
But I'll tell you, this does put great perimeters
because the debt to income ratio is being
monitored like never before.
And it gives an opportunity for us
to help folks not move into a spot
and get too much upfront so that now they're house rich
or they're house poor, and they're
focused on not being able to sustain themselves.
But it gives a pathway to even deeper partnering with folks.
I know the desire that I had at first
was to not be in the housing business as a county.
Kind of felt like it wasn't really our job.
But we're doing fantastic, streamlining the process where
we're able to help folks move from not having
any place to potentially moving into one
of our county-owned asset rentals that stay full,
by the way, and then moving from those
into something-- partnering with our down payment assistance that
moves into home ownership.
And all within the scope of the SHIP program.
Eventually we're going to have to step up
our ability of walking beside folks
in those first few years of home ownership,
not for the purpose of monetary gain on their part,
for the purpose of stewardship, stability
so that they can stay homeowners long term.
And we don't see them go back through a cycle once they see
that they have equity, and get one of those 5,000 calls a month
that tell them how much money they'll give them
for their equity, and then they find themselves needing to sell
the house in order to afford something else.
So, this does put us forward further
to get to the point of seeing folks more successful.
We've had tremendous success so far with the down payment
assistance and tremendous success
with Ms Ore coming into the program
and helping have a person mediating with banks
and assisting and training the banks to partner with us.
And so it's really moving in a great direction
with the Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
All right.
Other discussion, commissioners?
If not, we do have a motion and a second on this, correct?
No.
I remember, did we get a motion?
No.
Maybe we didn't.
Maybe I'm ahead.
All right.
We have a motion by Commissioner Mixon,
second by Commissioner Palmer.
All right.
Further discussion.
Those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Those opposed-- that's unanimous.
Thank you, Ms Ore.
MS. ORE: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, Mr. Coffey, your first item,
consideration of two new members for the Blue Water Bay MSBU.
CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Actually, I'd like to change that item to three new members.
And what happened was when we put this issue forward,
we consulted with the website instead of talking with the SOE
directly.
And on the website they said there
was two qualified individuals when
we had heard there were three, and actually there
are three when we circled back with them.
And the third one should be added, Ms Tony High.
And that would be the third person.
All three are running for office.
All three have been verified by the SOE to have qualified.
And there initially were only two seats up.
So there are two for one seat and one for another seat,
but the reality is we have three vacancies
and we'd like to fill all three vacancies at this time.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Commissioner Palmer, this is in your district.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Here is a second, but I have questions.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, we
have a motion to approve by Commissioner Palmer, seconded
by Commissioner Mixon.
Commissioner Mixon, you have some questions.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: So there's three approved
by the supervisor of elections?
CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Are there more than three--
CRAIG COFFEY: No.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: --currently seeking this position?
CRAIG COFFEY: Not that I know of.
There were candidates that put in for the upcoming election,
there were only three.
And all three were qualified.
But we don't know of any others that
have contacted me or written us about wanting--
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Or qualified with the supervisor.
CRAIG COFFEY: Or qualified with supervisor.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: When's the last time
we confirmed with the SOE that there's no more than three--
CRAIG COFFEY: As of yesterday.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Early, late?
Was there a deadline for qualification?
They just make a decision knowing that--
CRAIG COFFEY: The deadline for qualification
actually had passed because it was
part of all the normal candidate qualifications,
and that's why we were surprised it wasn't on the website,
because we had heard there were three qualifying but we just
went by the listing.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: I might be able to add
a little clarification.
So Ms High was actually running for-- running unopposed,
and so that's why the other two would still have been--
that would have been an election between the other two.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: That helps tremendously.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: So, yeah.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
All right.
Further discussion on that item?
All right, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed-- all right.
That passes unanimously.
And I've got to step out for a moment.
JOHN HOFSTAD: OK, brings us to the next item.
Mr. Coffey.
CRAIG COFFEY: The next item is a contract agreement for DAG--
with DAG Architecture.
And it comes with two different task orders,
totaling $1,442,986, plus a contingency amount for up
to $175,000.
And I'll talk about the contingency here in a second,
but this is for all the services related to the expansion design
work related to a 50,000 square foot addition to the Reagan
Center, plus additional task order--
task score two deals with all the parking,
the drainage on the site, bringing all that up to speed
and modernizing that for all the different impervious surfaces we
have, plus pickleball courts.
All that is in rolled up into this as one item.
We're happy that it's that, a local firm,
and a local engineering firm with them.
Jenkins Engineering is going to be doing the work on this,
so that's really exciting for us as well.
It was picked by a special selection committee, which
we have some private citizens on there,
as well as some staff, committee of five.
And it went really smooth.
And, lastly, the contingency services
that are in there for two reasons.
One is up to $100,000.
If the project comes in higher, it
does afford a little bit more compensation
to DAG Architecture, but it limits that.
So if the contract comes in much, much higher,
they don't get any more money after that cap.
The cap of $15 million.
The second thing is it allows $75,000,
because there are some services that we're going to encounter
potentially on the back side of this thing,
or threshold inspections, or something else.
It allows us to do some additional things,
or additional borings if we need to, as part of this process.
We do plan to hold a charrette at some point.
When the design gets there, we're
going to have some renderings and stuff like that.
So we'll have some additional participation along the way.
And we're excited to kick off this project
and get it ready in time for the legislature.
We hope this is a legislative item for us.
We have a number of people that are
willing to lobby on our behalf and help us with this item,
so we're very excited.
And this is going to be a game changer for us
as far as the overall facility, and put us
in a whole different category in the panhandle
as far as other facilities that meet this size and scope
and stuff like that.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
Thank you, Mr. Coffey.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Be glad to make a motion for approval.
Very excited about this project moving forward.
I sure hope we can get on the legislative agenda
and get additional funds, but the whole community
is so pleased and excited about the work that
is being accomplished at this fairground project.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, so motion by Commissioner Ketchel,
second by Commissioner Cox.
Thank you.
Any further discussion?
COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioner Cox.
COMMISSIONER COX: I just wanted to say
that it is such a pleasure to be able to look
at a contract like this and know that we have somebody like DAG
Architectural group, founded by Charlie Cleary, a former Florida
Senator who served our district.
I mean, nobody more invested in this community than that man.
And the beautiful projects that he
has done, both for this county and around the area, certainly
speak for themselves.
But it's just so nice to be able to look at an agenda
and see that we have a local asset here we're able to partner
with for future development that we know
will be handled responsibly.
So, thank you for that.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.
OK.
Thank you.
Yes, Commissioner Mixon.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate the work they do to continue in the county.
I'm sure this went through the proper processes.
Being able to do this, the only thing I miss out
of the agenda packet is the sharpie and highlight
rendering that you created.
CRAIG COFFEY: The copy, that was in the procurement packet that
went out to the architects and stuff.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: It definitely
needs to be page three or so of the packet that comes back
to us when they finish.
I would like to suggest that we have
our sports tourism staff give us some type of overview
of economic impact of what this future can be
and how we can see funds recouped.
I understand we're using tourist development dollars,
but being able to recoup those funds by bed nights,
by groups coming in, sports tourism that takes place
within this new facility, I would
love to see that in the future given to us
so that we can continuously be in forward motion.
This is going to give us a great booklet of paper.
In order to move that paper into reality,
we're going to really have to be able to explain ourselves,
to see what the future would look
like and some potential projections of numbers,
and how that would be recouped as an asset owned by the county.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any further discussion?
All right.
With that, all those in favor say, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Any opposed?
All right.
Passes.
So that moves us to our next item,
the animal control interlocal agreement.
CRAIG COFFEY: The animal control interlocal, I'd
like to start off with adding-- asking
to add an item to the agenda.
And this is related to animal control as well.
So we're working two things before I
get into the interlocal.
We're working the North end animal control,
but we're working the South end.
The item we would like to add as an add on item to the agenda is
for the purchase of two vehicles,
and not to exceed $44,000.
And allowing for advance payment.
Normally, John, County Administrator,
can approve the emergency item, but advance payment
can only be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
And so that's why we're requesting this.
The dealerships are at-- they're out
of-- some of them are out of state,
and these are complete animal control vehicles.
And we're buying those to get started
as a much cheaper alternative for part of our stand up costs.
But in order to add an item to the agenda,
it takes a supermajority vote.
And-- anything that I'm missing, Patrick, on that?
PATRICK: Good morning.
Just how we got to that point was we initially
started with procuring used vehicles, vehicles that we
were turning for auction.
And we were able to get three of those that were a lower
mileage, fantastic F-250.
However, the animal control slide-in--
just the portion that will go into the back of those utility
beds brand new-- is anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000
as an add on, just for that piece to add into the back
of the vehicle.
So with these procurements, these two vehicles not to exceed
$44,000, we are getting full assembled vehicles with working
animal control condition spaces in the rear of the vehicle ready
to go.
In the time frame that we need to start up the service,
those brand new units that we would have to have constructed
are eight to 10 months out.
So this particular solution allows
us to move forward with lower amounts of money in the time
frame needed to start the service that we're
required to start, so.
CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.
PATRICK: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
And thank you.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I have a question, Chairman.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, go ahead.
Do we not have anything in fleet old enough
that we can retrofit with?
CRAIG COFFEY: Yeah, that's what--
I think that's what Patrick was just alluding to.
We actually identified three different vehicles
coming out of water, sewer, and a fourth.
And part of those vehicles--
to retrofit those-- they had cargo things
or they had open normal pickup truck.
No one had animal control units ready to slide
in in a timely manner, number one.
And number two is those units by themselves were almost $20,000
by themselves.
When we can buy fully assembled vehicles with air conditioned
back kennel areas in a timely manner,
and have them here in essentially two weeks
that are ready to go.
OK.
Yeah.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chair, I make
a motion to walk the item on, but I have
questions if there's a second.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
We have a motion and a second to walk
on the item regarding the purchase of the two vehicles.
All right.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Prior to the item being presented and voted
on, I would like to know the funding source.
And I'd like to know if that's 44 and no greater than,
or if that's per vehicle, just for clarity.
PATRICK: So the funding source, sir,
we went to the Surtax Committee, voter approved Surtax Committee,
and got approved capital dollars to go ahead and start
the service.
This is from those capital dollars.
And, additionally, as far as the not to exceed,
that is the total dollar value, including
shipping for both vehicles.
One is $17,500 with shipping and the other one is $25,000 flat,
including shipping.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.
Mr. Chair, this just walks the item on.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, let's vote
on that just, I guess, procedurally, then we can
actually deal with the item.
Those in favor of walking on the item about the two vehicles,
please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Those opposed.
All right, that passes unanimously.
So we can now address the item in substance.
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr. Chair, make a motion
that we approve the additional two vehicles to the fleet using
the funding source mentioned.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
We have a motion to approve the request
to purchase the two vehicles, Commissioner Mixon.
Commissioner Palmer seconded that.
Further discussion on that item?
All right.
I'll just add then I did have a chance
to talk with Pat Maddox about this, and I--
it doesn't surprise me.
It just reminded me how expensive this venture
is probably going to get.
And I know people have had concerns about whether or not
we're doing what was called animal control lite,
or we're doing animal control comprehensive,
or just what we're doing.
I think the answer is we're doing everything we can
within the means we have.
And we're meeting the statute and we're
meeting our requirements, and we're probably going
above that to some extent.
And I'll point out to those who are concerned about that,
buying the conditioned vehicles is not
a minimum statutory requirement.
That's an above and beyond.
And I think Pat Maddox was able to go out and try to find out
how to do that within the budget we had,
and that's what we're talking about.
So we're trying to do the best version of animal control
like we can with the resources we have.
And I'm sure it will continue evolving
until we get our hands wrapped around it because in my tenure,
we've never had in-house animal control.
In fact, I'm not sure anybody sitting up here
has ever worked with Okaloosa County running its own animal
control.
So this is new.
But in any event--
any other comments on this?
If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed.
All right, that passes unanimously.
Go buy your two trucks.
PATRICK: Thank you, sir.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.
Let's talk about the main item now.
This is very exciting agreement, interlocal agreement
with the city of Crestview.
It provides for, essentially, full animal control
and sheltering services.
And it's a full partnership between the county and the city.
They've been great to work with.
And you talk about minimum animal control lite,
the city provides actually a much more robust service,
probably somewhere between full accepting everything and animal
control lite, which-- and I put it in the packet
there how they recognize.
Talk about the agreement a little bit.
The agreement is-- splits everything 50/50 for the animal
control services and sheltering.
Provides us to build a new animal
control sheltering facility, utilizing
one of the city's buildings.
The split would be 65% county, 35% city.
Realizing the city's contributing the building
and the land in it's 2020 metal building, about 7500ft.
They have an amazing service they
provide with the limited resources they do provide.
And you talk about trying to match budgets and stuff like
that, our animal control budget was slated this year to go up
to about 900,000.
I anticipate this operationally will probably be in the area
of around 450,000 when all was said and done.
Currently, the city spends about $600,000 total in animal control
services per year, so 50% of that would be 300,000.
They will have to add some more animal control officers
and vehicles and stuff like that.
And that will probably cause that number to go up to 900,000,
but still it's a benefit to them, benefit to us,
because we should both be saving money by combining resources.
Initially, we won't have the shelter in place,
so we will have animal control lite in the unincorporated area
up there that eventually grows to match the city's own service
levels over time once we get these other resources in place.
And that's personnel, equipment, and the facility itself.
But I will say that you heard a little bit from Niceville today,
you've heard from other cities as we partnered
on park projects and stuff like that, and this is just another.
Crestview has been a great partner
to work with on so many issues.
If you recall, they helped us out most recently
with the fire services in Dorcas,
covering a portion of that service territory.
And, of course, the bypass and everything
else that we partner with on Crestview.
Anything else I can describe about the interlocal,
I'm happy to.
I put a lot of details in our packet,
and we'll be happy to answer any questions.
Oh, and Jessica Levens, the City Manager, is here.
And she'd like to say a few words to you guys as well.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
And we have a motion to approve by Commissioner Mixon,
second by Commissioner Cox, just so everyone
is aware of the procedural standpoint we're in.
So come on forward.
And I know how I'm going to vote so I feel very favorable this
is going to work.
JESSICA LEVENS: Thank you.
I just wanted to echo what Craig said,
it's been so great working with the county.
These partnerships are so important,
so we get things done efficiently and effectively.
Our team is very excited.
Public safety is one of the things
that we hear the most from our citizens
about how important that is, and animals
don't know jurisdiction lines.
And our team is so passionate about what they do.
It's really hard when someone brings in an animal
to find out where it came from.
Did it walk across the street?
The city limits in Crestview and the unincorporated county
are kind of jagged, so we're really
excited to move forward with this partnership
and provide all of our citizens in unincorporated
or incorporated with the best experience possible.
So, thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
Thank you, Commissioners.
Commissioner Mixon, anything further?
COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.
Yes, sir.
Ms Levens, thanks for the job you're doing.
Both of our city managers here today, two out of nine,
y'all are doing fantastic work in the city.
And you make it easy to partner.
Some of the things we're being able to do together,
there's different funding sources
that are helping that along.
A lot to do with surtax.
But it's huge victories to the folks that live here and travel
through this article that's up, the 2026 trailblazer and animal
welfare award, Katie Healy.
What a wonderful opportunity to see
that we can celebrate together.
I hope she knows that dog is licking her face,
but it's great to know that we have folks that
do have that tender hearted and care and love,
and that are here and willing to serve.
I can't wait to see how this continued partnership goes
with the expansion for the North end of the county.
I believe the services are going to continue to increase.
JESSICA LEVENS: Thank you, Commissioner Mixon.
And just for this group, I did invite Officer Healy
to come with me today, and she's actually working very
hard in our shelter right now.
So she couldn't be with us.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
Mr. Cox, anything to add?
COMMISSIONER COX: I'd love to.
Thank you, Ms Levens.
Just from a heartfelt standpoint, I mean,
Katie Healy was responsible for how our family retrieved
our rescue.
And it was no small feat.
Our particular animal had been a family pet in another household,
and we had to chase her down a little bit.
And she was a sweet dog, never would hurt a thing,
but Katie really went above and beyond to implement that,
to make that happen.
And there's no question in my mind
that she does that on a regular basis.
So having her involved is exactly,
Mr. Maddox, what I meant a long time ago
when I said that I had deep concern and appreciation for all
the animal welfare people that we currently have utilized
to graft into the fold as we expand our services
or move our services to a more unified product, particularly
on the North end.
So thank you.
Thank you for the cooperation.
Thank you for the collaboration.
And please extend from Commissioner Cox, an extended--
an intensive thank you to Katie Healy.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: To commissioners, anything further?
CRAIG COFFEY: Two items I might just mention.
Inmates, was the first time we'll have our inmates
and their proposed to work at this facility.
They haven't been out in more than a decade,
so that we're implementing that program hopefully starting
September 1.
And that's a big milestone for us on the jail side,
thanks to the chief.
He's been working that hard and that should start soon.
And we have one pickup where a used pickup
we're proposing to give to them as well as part of this.
So I forgot to mention those.
Forgive me, Mr. Chairman.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Can I just say something?
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I know you can't see my light down here,
so I always say it as it.
That's great for the inmates for so many reasons.
And it's great for the community to have the inmates engaged.
Years and years ago, we did so many things with inmates.
They were allowed to work farming areas.
And it just-- it's a shame that's all
disappeared because it's good for them
to get outside and certainly to hold animals.
Just it will make a huge difference both ways.
So thank you for that.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
Anything further, commissioners?
If not, those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And those opposed--
that passes unanimously.
All right.
Thank you.
Well, that concludes department business,
brings us to our one and only old business item, which
is an informational item regarding the fiscal year
27 proposed general fund budget.
Mr. Hofstad, are you going to lead that off?
JOHN HOFSTAD: I'll take it, yes, sir.
Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, this
is, again, a continuation of a discussion
that the board had here a month before last, I believe.
It was as it relates to county services
and how we group those services.
I know this comes on the heels of a discussion I've
had with the board, and it's been a center topic for us
here of late.
And that's as it relates to amendment
three and the potential impacts to our budget going forward,
should that be successful.
So, we were tasked with segregating out
the various services that the board provides into three
different categories.
And those mandated services are typically
services that are required by statutory provision or Florida
Administrative Code.
And then you have your general government services
that are lumped in the middle of the-- middle column you
see there.
And those are typically essential services
that we provide.
And then the far column to the right, we've identified
what are considered the quality of life services.
So, as you'll see, if--
Nick, can you get all of that on one frame?
Yeah, there you go.
Much better.
And as you see, we have corresponding values
that go with each of those services
and the revenue needed to support those level of services
inside the general fund.
And as you can see, the mandated services, they
compile the majority of the expense,
that we utilize majority of our property tax revenue
and then we have some state shared revenue and state sales
tax that go into your general fund.
But as you might imagine, a lot of the expense associated
inside that line relates to public safety,
and what we do in support of the Sheriff's Office,
our Corrections Department, which is again
a statutory requirement and burden that's
placed on the 67 counties to house,
house inmates predisposition.
And that's North of 24 million for that service loan.
And then all the general government services
that make up county operations as well,
and then those quality of life services.
So we wanted to categorize each of those services,
the corresponding budget figure that
goes into support of all those various functions,
and to give you an idea how that break out is cataloged as we
develop a budget each year.
So we've talked about potential impacts to amendment three.
In year one, that's about a $15 million hit to our property tax
revenue, our general fund revenue.
Followed in year two by almost $25 million
hit in our revenues that support all of these various functions.
So, I wanted to summarize this for you to give you a graphic,
if that amendment is successful in year two,
and we've got to cut out $25 million.
If we just look at your general government
services and your quality of life services,
we can't make up that deficit by cutting out
those levels of service without impacting,
in some form or fashion, those mandated
services that we provide as part of our county government.
So, I wanted to provide this to you for informational purposes.
Certainly, we welcome any feedback you might have.
This is a high level view.
Obviously, we did not go into line item detail
and break out each line item within your budget.
We looked at categories of service within the general fund,
and that is what is provided for you here today.
So, again, I provided this informational data
for this board.
And if you have any further questions,
we'll do our best to answer those.
That's all I have, sir.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, I
know I have some questions.
Does anybody else have questions on this?
Ms. Ketchel, do you have some questions?
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I do, but go ahead, go ahead.
You might say the same thing I was going to say.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Oh.
Well, so what I wanted to ask, so I see at least three things
on here that I think historically
I've viewed as not general fund expenditures,
but it may be just my--
so I wanted to bring them up.
So, beach safety, beach park rangers, and tourism parks--
I think those were the three I looked at--
are we saying that those numbers that are shown here
are coming out of general fund dollars?
JOHN HOFSTAD: No, sir.
We're not.
But what I couldn't do is when I look at, say, a parks
and facility maintenance budget, that's all encompassing.
So you have a general fund component of that budget,
you have an MSTU component of that budget,
and then you have the TDD takeaway for the beach related
facilities.
So we wanted to lump it all together because when
we look at-- if we had to make significant cuts,
I would have to look inside the parks and facilities budget
and say, OK, which of these functions
are totally general fund supported
and which are necessary?
I believe you have some maintenance responsibilities
to maintain all of the structures we
have here in the county, but to a lesser extent, is it important
or is it absolutely necessary that we mow grass every two
or three weeks, or do we have to scale back
on that type of operation?
I would say the same thing for our IT budget and Dan's budget.
You have certain mandatory requirements
that are built into county government
as it relates to security and security inside
of all your IT functions.
But do we have to continue with a scheduled
every other year replacement of PCs and laptops?
No, we don't necessarily have to do that.
That's something we could push down the road.
I would say the same thing with software purchases.
We purchase software to make the job easier,
to reduce our manpower requirement in a lot of regards.
But software comes with an expense.
You have the upfront expense of acquiring the software,
then you have an annual maintenance cost.
So there are various functions within a lot of these budgets
that if we needed to find a significant level of cut,
that we would look in all areas of those general fund
supported activities inside of all of these budgets.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So just to clarify--
and I think you gave me the answer,
but I want to make sure because I don't want there
to be any confusion with our public,
because the label is proposed general fund budget
and it's talking about that's the lead.
So I'm looking specifically like, for instance,
line item 175, tourist district parks, $3.3 million,
we're not saying that we're taking $3.3 million
of property taxes and putting it into tourist parks.
That's not what this is saying.
I just don't want anybody to get the wrong idea.
Same for beach safety.
That's not what this is saying.
JOHN HOFSTAD: You're absolutely right.
And that's why you see that figure carried over to the right
as a quality of life.
It is a quality of life service, but it's not a general fund
impact.
We're able to offset that with TDD revenue.
That's one of the few exceptions the state gives us
with the use of those funds.
As you well know, they did carve out several years ago and said,
you can take x amount of percentage,
and you can fund those activities that support
tourism inside your community.
Obviously, beach safety is cornerstone
to that so that's why we've been able to tap into that funding
source to offset it.
You're correct.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.
Thank you.
And that's how I understood the information.
I just didn't want anybody to read it and take away
the wrong idea.
JOHN HOFSTAD: That's all right.
And I would extend that to your reserves.
There's been some talk, well, you built a healthy reserve,
we have.
It's been an effort of this board over the last 10 years
to build reserves up to the level they are.
You've come together with an internal management policy
as it relates to your reserve, and we
look to meet that each year.
But as you recall-- and there's some of you sitting up
here that remember the days back in 2014, 2015,
we had about a $4 million reserve.
And that's not sufficient to maintain
continuity of operations, should we have some type of disaster.
So, while we have that reserve figure there,
that's not something I would typically go and continue
to reduce that reserve and get us back in the same position
we were 10 years ago.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And that's a great point.
Unless somebody else has a question on that reserve issue,
I wanted to tease that out a little bit
because I think it's important.
So, I think the way we approach reserves
is, as I understand it, we've got kind
of a blend in the reserve fund, a blend between deferred
maintenance or deferred replacement items
that we know will be in the future,
and hedges against unexpected disaster operations.
So it's these two different purposes.
And I think what Mr. Hofstad is saying is say, for instance,
you've been putting away money because you
know you're going to have to replace
your roof in a few years, if you start
using that money to pay your light bill,
you're going to have a problem.
And so that's kind of, I think, what he's getting at is, look,
the reserves aren't just there to look at and feel good about.
They're there because there's an identified reason to need them.
Part of which we know because we've planned for these deferred
maintenance or replacement items,
we can get a pretty good idea of what those will be.
And then the others are for the things
that may never happen, but probably will at some point--
the storm event, the other type of disasters that happen.
And even those, even though you never
know exactly what they're going to cost.
We've got some pretty good examples of similar counties
that went through things not so long ago, like our sister
County Bay, that Hurricane Michael.
And we know what their burn down was in a real rapid pace.
And if we don't have a good reserve, I mean,
we could be out of money very fast.
And the FEMA backstop isn't instant.
So, I mean-- and this is for critical things,
the critical stuff.
Not the quality of life, not making sure that the swing set
at the park is perfect.
It's making sure that you've got public safety still operating--
sheriff, EMS, public works because they're
having to clear dangerous thoroughfares and streets,
things like that.
So, that's the problem with the reserves.
And, Commissioner Ketchel, I think
you and I were here when we started out,
and we were on paper thin reserves.
We were lucky there wasn't a disaster.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Well, that's exactly right.
I mean, and we have been fiscally conservative.
The thing that I want the public to understand
is we didn't spend the money when we had it.
We tucked it away because we know
eventually there will be a storm event
and we'll need the money to pay FEMA.
And we understand that.
And we've been very conservative with our budgeting,
just as I hope many households in Okaloosa County are.
And I'd hate to think that this homestead exemption would pass
and we'd have to decide not to have mosquito control.
Can you imagine living here without mosquito control?
Do you know the number one insect that
kills more people-- although ticks are quickly rising--
are mosquitoes.
I mean, it carries chickamauga dengue,
I mean, all the things that we don't even
want to think about here, but we're
so blessed because we have mosquito control.
I don't want to have to sit here and try to figure out
what we're going to pay for and what we're not going to pay for.
Animal control, we're not going to be
able to do much more for animal control
even if we could keep it where we are today
if this homestead exemption goes through.
It's very frightening, actually, to be a commissioner
and to see this proposal.
I've been everywhere I can talking about it.
I even wrote a couple of newspapers about it.
Hopefully that will be published here shortly.
But, anybody, feel free to call my office if you
have any questions about it.
It's very concerning to me, especially
in a county like Okaloosa, we're different.
I don't know what the other 66 counties have done,
but this county has been fiscally conservative
with your dollars, and will continue to be.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Commissioners, other questions,
thoughts, comments on this informational item?
All right.
If not, I just want to say thanks to Mr. Hofstad
for pulling this together.
I think it's good information that we all
keep at the forefront of our minds
as we're finishing up our budget cycle here.
And when we condense it down like this,
I think it makes it easier for our public
to get a snapshot of what we're looking at
and be able to see some of those numbers.
So thanks for doing that.
That brings us to the close of business on the agenda.
We do have a final public comment
opportunity of the meeting.
I have one card, and that is Steve Perry.
So, Mr. Perry, if you'll come forward and provide
your final comments.
STEVE PERRY: Before the clock starts, I'd kindly ask--
I've tried to reduce this down to three minutes,
and it's about four.
I drive 1,500 miles every time.
And last time I wasn't able to hear,
and I drove from Philadelphia, and that was a 2,000-mile trip.
So I had to ask for just a little lenience
to try to get this time in, if it's OK.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: I tell you what,
you can see if any of the buddy on the board
wants to grant a minute.
I think they got to do that by motion.
If not, try to keep it to three.
STEVE PERRY: I'll try to keep it as quick as I can.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thanks.
STEVE PERRY: Thank you.
Again, you know who I am and everything like that.
First, I want to congratulate you
for doing your job, and everything like that.
It's very important to the Board of County Commissioners
is very important, and the task you do is very important.
I attended an FWC meeting last week--
or sorry, two weeks ago when I wasn't
able to attend the meeting here two weeks ago.
And I thought it was a very enlightening
to speak with the FWC.
I want to read a little bit related to that speech modified.
The Florida Fish Wildlife Commission--
Conservation Commission is committed
to protecting Florida's marine resources
through the coastal corridor initiative, which
is getting started but it's been going on for some time.
Florida's earned a reputation as the nation's leader
in artificial reef development, and the framework
you are creating today, as well as you,
help shape the artificial reef policy for decades to come.
As their presentation at that time,
the framework was to be developed by scientists,
managers, including public workshops, guide,
artificial reef placement throughout Florida
over the next 15 to 20 years.
I'm here as a member of our private foundation.
And I want to say over the past 22 months,
I alongside about a half a dozen of my colleagues,
have addressed this board nearly 30 times.
And we've addressed issues related
to scientific, environmental, historic preservation,
regulatory issues surrounding this proposed
development of the SS United States as an artificial reef.
We've participated in good faith throughout that process
because we believe these concerns deserve
careful consideration before possible irreversible
actions are taken or harm is done, as we've raised.
Let me begin by saying, again, we support artificial reefing.
When developed responsibly and guided by sound science,
artificial reefs provide a tremendous benefit
to the marine ecosystem, fisheries,
recreational opportunities, and Florida's coastal economy.
However, the SS United States is unlike--
and I'm going to repeat this-- is unlike any artificial reef
program or project this county or any county in Florida
has done.
It's on a scale that is unprecedented.
She was constructed during an era when zinc chromate
primer and hexavalent chromium were extensively
used throughout the ships for corrosion protection.
Independent laboratory testing commissioned by our organization
has confirmed the presence of significant concentrations
of hexavalent chromium aboard the vessel.
Our concerns are not ours alone.
The Center for Biological Diversity, Healthy Gulf,
marine scientist, toxicologist, and environmental experts
have all raised concerns regarding
the environmental impacts in introduction
of these legacy industrial materials
into Florida's coastal environment.
One of those experts is Dr. Todd Osborn, Professor, Estuary
and Aquatic Biogeochemistry at the University of Florida.
Dr. Osborn holds a PhD in soil and water science,
with specialization in biogeochemistry,
and aquatic environments.
In a recorded statement--
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right, Steve, you got to wrap it up.
STEVE PERRY: OK.
Quote-- I don't know if you even saw the thing."
We didn't submit it directly to you, but it's online.
I don't know if you saw Dr. Osborne's video presentation.
It was very enlightening.
But I would like to read a couple quotes from it.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Well, I know we're out of time for that,
unless anybody on the commission wants to grant their minute.
No.
All right.
You can email us.
Thank you.
I don't have any other speaker cards,
so I'm going to close the final public comment
opportunity of the meeting, bring it back
for the commissioners' minute.
Commissioner Ketchel.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I just want
to let you all know that November 11 is coming.
And thanks to Commissioner Chairman Goodman,
we have the charters of freedom that
will be unveiled on that day in the Women's Veterans Park.
I know we're making good progress out
there because I stay in touch with Mr. Peters every day
on this, just about, don't I?
And it's looking good.
So I hope you all plan to come at 8:30 in the morning,
November 11.
It's going to be a really good event.
And we have Colonel Garrett from--
Derek from the First Sal Retired speaking.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Excellent.
COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: And also there
will be a Medal of Honor winner that you all know very well.
But I don't want to say it here because it's
going to-- they'll reveal it to this person who just happened
to be a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton.
Just saying.
So I hope you all can come for that.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
Commissioner Palmer.
COMMISSIONER PALMER: Thank you.
I don't really have anything today, but it is election day
and I encourage everybody, if you have not voted,
please go vote.
Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
Commissioner Mixon.
All right, Commissioner Cox.
COMMISSIONER COX: Thank you, Chairman.
Yes, I'm wearing this remarkably patriotic outfit today
to encourage you to invest yourself today in voting--
in celebrating this 250th year of the United States by voting
in your primaries.
Those of you who haven't declared a party, that's fine,
but you're robbed of this day on the ballot a little bit
in that Florida is a two-party state.
So everybody who has a clear party
and has an opportunity to vote today in the elections, please
do so.
I mean, these milestones didn't come easily.
Not everything was achieved in the first part of our 250 years.
But every milestone that was achieved,
the 19th amendment as the suffrage amendment that gave
women the right to vote, our emancipation,
everything that has happened to date doesn't matter unless you
get out there and you make your voice heard in the ballot box.
So please do so.
That's all I have.