[0:00] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Invocation
and Pledge of Allegiance.
[0:08] And Bobby, do we
have anybody joining
[0:10] us to do the invocation for us?
[0:12] BOBBY: No, there is not.
[0:15] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[0:16] Then I'm going to ask lean
on our sitting Pastor Mixon,
[0:19] if you don't mind.
[0:21] Commissioner, if you
would open us up.
[0:23] Then we will follow that up
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
[0:26] And, Commissioner Cox, would
you be willing to lead us
[0:28] in the Pledge after that?
[0:30] Thank you.
[0:30] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
Please join me in prayer.
[0:36] Gracious God, thank
you for today.
[0:38] Thank you that
your word says this
[0:40] is the day that you have made.
[0:42] Let us rejoice
and be glad in it.
[0:45] God, as we come
to a day where we
[0:47] choose the next
steps of our leaders,
[0:50] I pray that you be with the
incumbents, the candidates,
[0:53] as they move throughout the day.
[0:56] And, Lord, as
you've moved hearts
[0:58] according to the way
you channel water,
[1:02] thank you for leading
us the way you do.
[1:05] Allow this meeting to
be pleasing to you.
[1:07] Allow the things
said to be dealt with
[1:09] according to your will.
[1:11] And, God, continue to fill
us with your peace that
[1:15] passes understanding.
[1:15] Continue to surround us
with your loving kindness.
[1:18] Lord, thank you
for the opportunity
[1:21] that we have to live
here, to serve here,
[1:23] and to be able to do your
will in these moments.
[1:28] Lord, thank you.
[1:30] In Jesus's name, amen.
[1:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:53] Our first item is
recognition of our employees.
[1:55] And Mr. Hofstad, I will
turn it over to you.
[2:07] JOHN HOFSTAD: Thank you.
[2:14] And good morning, Mr.
Chairman and commissioners.
[2:16] As you know, at certain
times during the year,
[2:19] we'd like to gather
our employees together
[2:21] for recognition and
milestones in their career.
[2:23] And we have several
this morning.
[2:25] I've got them spanning
from two years of service
[2:28] to 20 years of service.
[2:29] So when I call your name,
if you'll come forward,
[2:32] accept your award.
[2:32] Stand here with me and
we're going to get a group
[2:35] photo afterwards.
[2:35] First, I'd like to
recognize Alexander Ryder.
[2:37] Alexander is the
Senior Custodian,
[2:40] facility maintenance--
[2:41] Facilities and Parks
Maintenance, and this
[2:43] is his two-year service award.
[2:45] [APPLAUSE]
[2:46] Stand right there.
[2:53] Next, I'd ask Rachel
Cole to come forward.
[2:57] Rachel is a Human
Resources Supervisor
[3:00] in the human
resources department.
[3:02] This is her five-year
service award.
[3:04] [APPLAUSE]
[3:04] RACHEL COLE: Thank you.
[3:09] JOHN HOFSTAD: Have another
five-year service award.
[3:12] I'd like to ask Rudy
Raymundo to come forward.
[3:15] Rudy is a Welder in
fleet operations.
[3:17] Again, five-year service award.
[3:18] [APPLAUSE]
[3:19] Have one 10-year service award.
[3:27] I'd like to ask William
Barrow to come forward.
[3:30] William is a General Equipment
Operator in the Road Division
[3:32] of Public Works.
[3:34] [APPLAUSE]
[3:34] WILLIAM BARROW: Thank you.
[3:39] [APPLAUSE]
[3:39] JOHN HOFSTAD: Have a 20-year
service award, Patrick Jones.
[3:45] Patrick is a Supply Technician
two in the Engineering Division
[3:49] of Public Works.
[3:50] And, again, a 20-year
service award.
[3:51] [APPLAUSE]
[3:52] I have one more 20-year
service award, Chuck Larouche.
[4:01] Chuck is a Systems Development
and Operations Coordinator
[4:04] in the IT department.
[4:06] [APPLAUSE]
[4:14] SPEAKER 1: You get back
a little closer together.
[4:22] And if you would turn your
certificate so I can see it,
[4:25] please, that'd be great.
[4:26] Great.
[4:28] OK.
[4:31] There you go.
[4:35] OK, I can see
everybody back there.
[4:36] Looks great, guys.
[4:37] OK, here we go.
[4:38] Give me three pictures,
if you would please.
[4:40] Ready?
[4:40] 1, 2, 3.
[4:41] Oh, sorry, Shari,
Commissioner Hof.
[4:42] 1, 2, 3.
[4:44] OK.
[4:45] Again.
[4:45] 1, 2, 3.
[4:47] OK.
[4:48] And one last one.
[4:49] A little happier, thank you.
[4:52] [LAUGHTER]
[4:52] 1, 2, 3.
[4:54] Congratulations, everybody.
[4:55] [APPLAUSE]
[4:56] JOHN HOFSTAD: Lastly,
commissioners,
[5:03] I just also want to
recognize Ms Chelsea Sharon.
[5:06] Chelsea is commissioner aide
for Commissioner Goodwin.
[5:08] She is left us and
has moved on, but we
[5:12] want to recognize her valuable
service to the commissioner
[5:15] over the last few years.
[5:17] Thank you.
[5:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Thank you, Mr. Hofstad.
[5:18] Yes, Chelsea--
[5:19] [APPLAUSE]
[5:20] Thank you.
[5:22] Yeah.
[5:22] We will miss Chelsea.
[5:24] She's done a fantastic job
serving the constituents
[5:26] in Okaloosa County, but
she's got other things
[5:30] that she needs to
move on to and we
[5:33] know she'll do very well there.
[5:34] So, thank you.
[5:40] All right, Mr. Hofstad, anything
from your office for an update?
[5:50] JOHN HOFSTAD: Yes, sir.
[5:52] Just a couple things.
[5:53] I just want to remind the
board, starting next month,
[5:55] we will-- we'll be having
afternoon meetings next month,
[5:58] or both our meetings for
the month of September.
[6:01] We do that in the
month of September
[6:04] because we also have
to approve the budget,
[6:06] and that's done through
two public hearings.
[6:08] So the first meeting is
actually on the third.
[6:11] That is a Thursday.
[6:13] That is our first
meeting next month.
[6:15] That's in Crestview.
[6:16] 3 o'clock start
time with the BCC,
[6:18] followed by our budget
hearing at 5:01.
[6:20] So just want to remind
the board of that.
[6:25] Lastly, we've got a change to
a public hearing agenda item.
[6:28] I'd like to-- if the
chairman would so approve,
[6:31] I'd like to
recognize Mr. Autrey.
[6:34] And he will explain the move of
item three on the public hearing
[6:37] to consent.
[6:39] MR. AUTREY: As we were
reviewing the agenda,
[6:41] we noticed that
there is an error.
[6:43] This is actually a request to
schedule the public hearing,
[6:45] so there has been
no notification
[6:46] or legal advertisement yet.
[6:48] This should be on consent.
[6:50] However, as Mr. Hofstad
just pointed out,
[6:52] there's an error in the
agenda item as well.
[6:55] The meeting that this
is to be scheduled for,
[6:57] which is the September 15
meeting, is a 3 o'clock start.
[7:00] Not an 8:30 start.
[7:02] So the request is to add
this to the consent agenda,
[7:05] with the request to advertise
for the September 15 meeting
[7:07] at 3:00 o'clock to have to
conduct the public hearing.
[7:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[7:12] Very good, commissioners,
that as I understand it,
[7:14] it's a public hearing
item number three.
[7:16] The request is that we
consider that during consent
[7:19] with the modification on the
time, as Mr. Autrey suggested.
[7:22] So when we get to consent,
if you'll be mindful of that,
[7:26] please.
[7:26] All right, Ms Hoshihara,
anything from the county
[7:31] attorney's office?
[7:34] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
[7:36] Two quick updates.
[7:37] First being following
the board's direction
[7:39] from the last board meeting
on that property located
[7:43] at 202 Alden Drive, our
office has filed a complaint
[7:46] for temporary and
permanent injunctive relief
[7:49] and a motion for
temporary injunction that
[7:51] was filed Friday, August 7.
[7:53] The case has been
assigned to Judge Stone.
[7:57] All defendants have
been served, and we
[7:59] are in the process of setting
our motion for hearing,
[8:01] hopefully soon.
[8:02] I do want to take a moment to
thank all the neighbors who
[8:06] were interviewed from our
office and signed affidavits,
[8:09] as well as the Sheriff's
Office, for all
[8:12] of their help in expediting--
[8:13] and a service of the defendants,
as well as the clerk's
[8:18] office, for helping to
expedite the signing of all
[8:21] of the summons.
[8:25] And, anyways, it
was a team effort,
[8:27] and everybody worked very well
to fast track this process.
[8:30] And I'll keep updating the
board at subsequent meetings.
[8:35] Second matter is that State
Park property on Holiday Isle--
[8:39] I'll just as a reminder--
[8:41] Mr. Hofstad and I will be
attending the first conflict
[8:44] assessment meeting, which is
scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00
[8:46] PM at the Convention Center.
[8:49] It is open to the public
and has been noticed,
[8:52] so multiple members of
the board-- of this board
[8:55] may attend.
[8:55] Also the second meeting
along that process
[8:58] is a joint public
meeting of the full city
[9:02] council, the full board
of County Commissioners.
[9:04] And where we're looking
at tentative dates
[9:06] to schedule that, I emailed
you all late yesterday evening.
[9:09] The dates we were looking at
are September 2, 3, 9, 10 or 11.
[9:15] If there are any dates that
don't work for any of you,
[9:21] if you'll let Mr. Hofstad
I know, and we'll--
[9:23] Kimberly Culp,
the City Attorney,
[9:28] mentioned to their
city council yesterday
[9:29] these dates, and they were
good with any of these dates
[9:33] that our board
selects, so we will be
[9:34] selecting one of these dates.
[9:37] So if any of them don't
work for your schedules,
[9:39] if you'll let us know know.
[9:41] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
Mr. Chairman, I
[9:42] believe they said the 8 they
have a meeting that day.
[9:46] Is that correct?
[9:46] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.
[9:47] So they were taking off the 8.
[9:48] Did I say 8?
[9:49] Sorry, September-- sorry,
September 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11.
[9:51] Yep.
[9:54] We had the 8 originally, but
since they have a city council
[9:57] meeting, then we
figured we don't
[9:58] need to do it on that date.
[10:00] So if anyone has scheduling
conflicts, if you'll let
[10:02] us know.
[10:03] Otherwise, we will move forward,
coordinate with your offices
[10:05] and respond back to the city.
[10:07] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[10:08] Ms Hoshihara, before
you leave your update.
[10:10] On your first item to
Alden-- just as a reminder
[10:13] for the board--
[10:14] I think that there
have been discussion
[10:16] about even though
it was in parallel
[10:18] and not in series, this idea
of the code enforcement order
[10:22] that was requiring
compliance by date certain,
[10:26] wasn't that date today?
[10:27] LYNN HOSHIHARA:
Yes, it was today.
[10:29] I did email code
enforcement this morning
[10:31] to ask for an update.
[10:35] I don't--
[10:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And I'll just
[10:37] represent to you that
many of the neighbors
[10:39] in the neighborhood are
keeping me informed,
[10:41] and the reports I'm getting is
that it's not in compliance.
[10:45] So I'm sure you
can check on that.
[10:47] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Yes.
[10:48] And we checked last Thursday,
and they were not in compliance.
[10:51] And so, yes.
[10:52] So, which would mean, based on
the code board's previous order,
[10:56] fines would start accruing.
[10:57] And so, yes, today was
the date of compliance.
[11:01] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[11:03] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sorry.
[11:05] May I ask a question?
[11:06] Ms Hoshihara, as to
tomorrow's meeting,
[11:08] that when it was scheduled,
it had a prior conflicts,
[11:11] are you suggesting we're
there in the audience,
[11:16] or is that something
that you and Mr. Hofstad
[11:18] feel confident in your updates
and it will be livestreamed
[11:22] to be able to review later?
[11:24] LYNN HOSHIHARA: The latter.
[11:25] You are free to
attend if you'd like.
[11:28] There's no requirement
that you attend by law.
[11:30] Only Mr. Hofstad and
Mr. Jones from the city
[11:33] are required to attend.
[11:35] They have both agreed to have
their respective attorneys,
[11:38] so Ms Kopp and I will
also be in attendance.
[11:42] But there is no requirement
that any commissioner be there.
[11:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[11:47] Thank you very much.
[11:48] All right.
[11:49] Mr. Embry, anything
from the Clerk's Office?
[11:51] MR. EMBRY: No update
from the Clerk's Office.
[11:53] Thank you.
[11:54] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[11:55] Very good.
[11:55] All right.
[11:57] Before we get to the general
public comment opportunity
[12:01] of the meeting, I do understand
that there are several people
[12:05] here related to a proclamation,
celebrating legal services
[12:08] of North Florida and
their 50th anniversary.
[12:13] And I think,
Commissioner Ketchel,
[12:15] you had a proclamation
that you were
[12:18] going to read and move into
the record, is that correct?
[12:21] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I do.
[12:23] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So
if there's no objection,
[12:24] commissioners, what
we'll do is we'll
[12:26] take consent item
number two right now
[12:29] to go ahead and address that.
[12:32] But because it's
something we'll vote on,
[12:34] I need to make sure there's
no public comment directed
[12:38] to that item.
[12:39] So I'm going to open
public comment right now,
[12:41] specifically directed to what's
agenda as consent item number
[12:44] two.
[12:46] Is there anybody wishing to
speak as a public comment?
[12:50] Now, that's not-- those who
are here to receive the award,
[12:54] you'll have a
separate opportunity,
[12:54] but if general public
comments on item two.
[12:57] All right, I see
nobody coming forward
[12:59] so we'll close that public
comment opportunity.
[13:01] That's not the general public
comment opportunity, understand.
[13:04] And Commissioner Ketchel,
I'll turn it back over to you
[13:07] for consent item number two.
[13:08] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Thank you.
[13:09] So I'll read the
proclamation and then make
[13:12] a motion to have it pass, and
then it will be presented.
[13:15] If anybody from legal services
wants to say a few words,
[13:17] that would be the correct time.
[13:19] Whereas legal services
of North Florida
[13:21] was founded in 1976
and for 50 years
[13:23] has advanced access to
justice by providing
[13:27] civil legal assistance
to eligible residents
[13:29] across the Florida panhandle,
including Okaloosa County who
[13:33] otherwise could not
afford representation,
[13:35] and works to ensure
that justice is not
[13:39] determined by a person's
income, age, disability
[13:41] or circumstances.
[13:43] And whereas,
throughout its history,
[13:45] legal services of
North Florida has
[13:47] worked to bridge the gap between
the courts and the people
[13:51] they serve, providing critical
legal help in matters involving
[13:53] housing stability, family
safety, public benefits,
[13:56] consumer protection,
health care access
[13:59] and other essential
civil legal needs,
[14:01] and promoting fairness,
stability, and opportunity
[14:05] through legal advocacy,
education, and partnership
[14:08] with local governments, courts,
human services providers,
[14:11] and the legal community.
[14:14] And whereas legal
services of North Florida
[14:16] has made a commitment
to serve our veterans,
[14:19] helping them to overcome legal
barriers to health safety
[14:21] and financial stability
for their families,
[14:24] along with ensuring access
to critical benefits.
[14:27] And whereas legal
services of North Florida
[14:30] assist survivors of
domestic violence
[14:31] in seeking legal protection,
and provides advocacy
[14:34] to help children, older adults,
and those with disabilities
[14:38] find fine legal solutions, all
of which strengthen communities,
[14:42] promotes stability, and upholds
the promise of equal justice
[14:45] under law.
[14:47] And whereas legal services of
North Florida 50-year legacy
[14:50] reflects the dedication of its
attorneys, paralegals, staff,
[14:53] volunteer attorneys,
law students,
[14:56] and community supporters whose
service has improved the lives
[14:59] of countless individuals and
families in Okaloosa County
[15:03] and throughout North Florida.
[15:05] And whereas the 50th anniversary
of legal services of North
[15:08] Florida marks a
significant milestone,
[15:10] recognizing the organization's
long standing commitment
[15:13] to justice, service, and
community impact across North
[15:17] Florida.
[15:18] Now, therefore, be it resolved
by the Okaloosa County Board
[15:22] of County Commissioners
that we do hereby recognize
[15:24] and celebrate the 50th
anniversary of legal services
[15:27] of North Florida, and express
our appreciation for five
[15:31] decades of services--
[15:33] of service, advocacy,
and steadfast commitment
[15:36] to expanding access to civil
justice for the residents
[15:40] of Okaloosa County.
[15:44] And encourage residents
to recognize and celebrate
[15:46] the organization's 50 years
of service and dedication
[15:49] to equal access to
justice for all.
[15:52] So with this, we make
a motion to pass this,
[15:55] to recognize 50 years
of wonderful service
[15:58] to those in our
community who are least
[16:00] likely to be able to afford it.
[16:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[16:04] Do we have a second?
[16:05] All right.
[16:05] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I do.
[16:06] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioner Mixon
[16:06] got the second on that.
[16:09] Those in favor, please
signify by saying, aye.
[16:12] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[16:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[16:13] All right, that
passes unanimously.
[16:14] And if we have anybody here
to accept this proclamation,
[16:17] please come forward.
[16:19] And if you would like
to say a few words,
[16:22] you're certainly
welcome to do that.
[16:35] SPEAKER 2: OK.
[16:42] We just want to thank you
guys for this opportunity
[16:44] and this recognition.
[16:45] We could not have gotten
to 50 years of service
[16:48] without the support of you
guys and this entire community.
[16:50] On behalf of our entire staff,
we're just really thankful.
[16:53] And we look forward to 50 more
years of serving this area.
[16:56] So thank you guys again.
[16:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Thank you very much.
[16:58] And if you guys would stay up
here with us, we'll get a photo.
[17:02] Commissioner Ketchel has
got the proclamation.
[18:10] All right.
[18:17] That will bring us to
our first public comment
[18:19] opportunity of the meeting.
[18:21] I do have a handful
of speaker cards.
[18:24] If you're wanting to speak
during this opportunity,
[18:27] I would ask that you,
please, fill out a card.
[18:30] We have them at the
back desk, and they
[18:32] will be brought up to me and
I'll call you in order received.
[18:35] As a reminder, we do ask that
you try to keep your comments
[18:41] concise to three minutes.
[18:42] If you have more to say,
there is a second opportunity,
[18:46] with additional time at
the end of the meeting,
[18:48] and you'll be recognized then.
[18:50] The only exception to that--
[18:52] those two opportunities
is if you're here
[18:55] to speak on one of the
public hearing items, which
[18:57] are under article
eight of the agenda,
[19:00] you'll be called up
during that item.
[19:04] I only have one card so
far that's specifically
[19:07] for a public hearing item.
[19:08] So if you're here to speak
on a public hearing item,
[19:11] please indicate that,
turn in your card,
[19:12] you'll be called
up during the item.
[19:14] Otherwise, your opportunity
to speak on agenda items
[19:16] is right now and at
the end of the meeting.
[19:19] And we'll recognize
you for three minutes
[19:21] during each session, but
please do turn in a card.
[19:23] All right.
[19:24] Our first speaker
is Tricia Keffer.
[19:29] Just hit the button once.
[19:37] Perfect.
[19:37] TRICIA KEFFER: Hello.
[19:38] Hello.
[19:39] My name is Tricia Keffer.
[19:40] And I'm a resident of
Seminole subdivision, which
[19:42] is just outside of Niceville.
[19:44] Today, I am here on an important
issue that is affecting Florida.
[19:48] It's the data centers.
[19:50] And I'd like to speak to you
more about the human aspect
[19:54] of the data centers.
[19:56] Just a little history, my
father is a Vietnam vet.
[19:59] He is 100% disabled.
[20:00] And my mother has
health concerns as well.
[20:03] We've lived on Cedar
Street since 1979.
[20:05] If a data center were to
be placed in our area,
[20:10] it is my understanding
from what I
[20:12] have watched on our
local affiliates
[20:14] in other areas
with data centers,
[20:17] that the noise and the
lights can extend out
[20:20] five miles to the
point that we're not
[20:23] able to-- that those residents
are not able to enjoy
[20:26] their property even outside.
[20:28] They have to buy
blackout curtains,
[20:30] and many large areas are
forced to sell their property.
[20:33] My street in Seminole,
just to give you--
[20:37] it's kind of a salt of
the Earth community.
[20:40] A lot of veterans and young
military families live there.
[20:42] And, I mean, to force these
elderly people to move
[20:48] because we wouldn't
be able to enjoy
[20:52] our property outside
from the noise generated
[20:53] and the lights would
be a tremendous burden.
[20:57] The only person we
could sell it to
[21:01] would be probably
the data centers,
[21:02] because our property
value would be gone.
[21:04] Other counties in
our panhandle area
[21:07] are putting language and having
conversations about at least
[21:11] a temporary moratorium.
[21:13] I understand that Crestview
also just did a resolution.
[21:16] I'm not a legal person.
[21:19] I don't know how you
would address that,
[21:21] but I'd like for us all to
start having conversation
[21:23] about these data centers before
they're proposed in our area
[21:26] to really consider
the human aspect,
[21:30] because 5 miles out would
take out Seminole, Bluewater,
[21:33] Niceville, Valpy, could
take out parts of Eglin
[21:37] with the noise and heat and
everything generated from that.
[21:42] So I'm here today to
hopefully start a conversation
[21:45] with our county commissioners
about at least putting
[21:48] a moratorium for a year so
that we can have public comment
[21:53] and conversations about how
this could really be hugely
[21:57] detrimental to our community.
[22:00] Thank you.
[22:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[22:03] Our next speaker
is Kenneth Fuller.
[22:10] KENNETH FULLER: My
name is Kenneth Fuller.
[22:18] And I'm here to talk
about the buses.
[22:20] And I'm here also here to talk
about last week y'all gave
[22:26] the sheriff for resource
officers a lot of money.
[22:33] And y'all didn't tell the people
that local agreement between
[22:39] the sheriff and the county
commissioner is voluntarily.
[22:43] It is not a law.
[22:46] And it's like you're giving them
free money to get yourself out
[22:50] of trouble or something.
[22:51] And Florida statute 106-12
points that the school is
[22:54] responsible for the
resource officer themselves,
[23:01] and they can use guardian
ad litem and still be under
[23:06] the sheriff.
[23:08] Also, I want to say I'm the
ambassador for the buses.
[23:11] And Tracy Stage, he actually is
doing a good job with the buses,
[23:15] being on time and all that.
[23:19] I must say that to just
be thrown into his hand
[23:22] after the one guy
he committed fraud
[23:24] and now we don't have
route buses to ride around.
[23:29] And also the McGinnis guy who's
the school board attorney,
[23:34] he is using his attorney tricks.
[23:42] He is also-- the school
board is supposed
[23:46] to reimburse the sheriff,
but the law statute
[23:51] said that they don't have
to reimburse the sheriff
[23:55] for the resource officers.
[23:56] And he could be pocketing that
money, and he got friends and--
[24:00] he got friends that is
part of the agreement,
[24:05] and all that kind of stuff.
[24:08] And also-- let me see.
[24:10] Oh, yeah.
[24:14] Hey, during the
Civil War, all right,
[24:16] they got a thing
called house niggers,
[24:20] and so it was against the law
for Blacks to read and write.
[24:24] So what the North did,
they planted the reason
[24:27] why they call them house
nigger, because they
[24:29] got the work in house and
they thought they were funny.
[24:32] So they planted
them in the houses,
[24:33] and so the Southern
generals didn't
[24:35] think the Blacks could
read the war plans,
[24:39] and they taught them
how to read the war
[24:41] plan so when the Southern
generals was out hanging out,
[24:43] the Blacks would be able
to read the war plans
[24:47] and go back and tell the North.
[24:49] And that was one of
the tricks that they
[24:51] used-- that was
one of the tricks
[24:52] that they used on the South,
to find out their plans of what
[24:56] they going to do.
[24:58] Also, Abraham Lincoln,
he would kill five days
[25:00] after the Civil War.
[25:03] And that's when the Secret
Service was started,
[25:05] because of Abraham Lincoln.
[25:08] And I still didn't get
them what I was really
[25:11] trying because I'm not good,
but hey, that's enough.
[25:15] But, anyway, as Tracy says,
he doing a pretty good job.
[25:19] OK.
[25:20] Thank you.
[25:21] [LAUGHTER]
[25:22] [APPLAUSE]
[25:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[25:27] Steve Perry.
[25:35] STEVE PERRY: Good
morning, commissioners.
[25:43] Good morning, Chairman
Goodwin, Commissioner Mixon
[25:45] and Administrator Hofstetter.
[25:47] A chance to say hello to
you earlier today, so.
[25:50] I know you know why I'm here and
what I'm going to speak about,
[25:54] but what I'm going to
speak about today--
[25:55] I don't have a prepared
speech for this portion,
[25:57] but I'm going to talk about,
again, one of the subjects
[26:00] I said I'm going to repeat
every time I'm here.
[26:02] And that's diver safety and
the safety of your tourism
[26:04] that you're trying to encourage
with the sinking of the SS
[26:08] United States as
an artificial reef.
[26:09] And, again, we've talked
about this briefly.
[26:12] I don't know if you've actually
procured a hyperbolic chamber,
[26:15] or what you've done to ensure
the safety of your divers
[26:20] and everything.
[26:21] There's plenty of stuff
available at different times,
[26:23] but, again, it's complicated.
[26:25] And with this location site
being 22 miles offshore,
[26:28] you're going to require
the US Coast guard
[26:31] to do all the stuff you have.
[26:33] I haven't done the research
to see on every wreck you have
[26:37] when you say you've sunk large
wrecks, but they're all boats.
[26:41] And I don't think
you've had any divers
[26:43] die on the skipping
sue or the manta ray,
[26:45] or anything like that.
[26:47] There haven't been divers
deaths on the Oriskany.
[26:49] There have been divers
deaths on the Van der Berg
[26:52] down in Key West.
[26:52] There have been divers deaths on
the Spiegel Grove off Key Largo.
[26:55] These large ships do encourage
and result in divers death
[26:58] that you will not see on these
small boats that you've done,
[27:02] or the chicken coops,
the tetrahedrons, and all
[27:03] the other things
you've sunk, which
[27:06] are good for artificial reefs.
[27:08] I'm not against
artificial reefs.
[27:09] It's wonderful.
[27:10] Unfortunately, mother nature did
not create a natural environment
[27:13] off your shores for the
creation of marine life.
[27:16] It's basically the Sahara
Desert under the sea.
[27:19] So this is a good thing.
[27:22] However, the SS United
States is the wrong asset
[27:24] to use to encourage that
and to increase that.
[27:26] And I've indicated this
to you about other ships
[27:29] that would be large and open.
[27:32] But the most serious thing
that I want to bring up to you
[27:35] is the fact that you're
sinking this in shallow waters
[27:39] to encourage people that
should never go inside a wreck,
[27:41] to go inside this
reef as a possibility.
[27:46] I've been, over the
last couple of months,
[27:50] to literally every dive shop
from Alabama shores to Pensacola
[27:53] and Panama City, probably
at least a dozen.
[27:56] And I won't name them, but
one of your local dive shops
[27:59] here is actually advertising
$300 to tank dive on the United
[28:01] States.
[28:02] And they were the only ones
that were completely nasty to me
[28:05] when I went in to ask their
professional opinions.
[28:08] All the other dive shops
were extremely cooperative,
[28:10] understanding.
[28:11] Yes, we can't fix stupid.
[28:14] If people are going to do
stupid things on their diving
[28:17] and go inside something,
we can't stop that.
[28:19] But you don't have
anything off your shores
[28:21] currently that people can go
inside and get lost and trapped
[28:25] and die.
[28:27] You only have small
boats, which is
[28:29] impossible to get lost inside.
[28:31] I'm not a wreck
diver, but no one
[28:33] should be going
inside this wreck
[28:34] unless they're certified as
a technical diver or a wreck
[28:37] diver.
[28:37] And on October 1
when you approved
[28:39] the purchase back in 2024,
you had to dive operator said,
[28:42] I can have someone dive in
on this vessel in four days.
[28:47] Four days is not the
necessary training
[28:49] for recreational diving,
let alone on a reef
[28:52] the size of the
SS United States.
[28:55] Thank you.
[28:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[28:57] Next speaker, Jenny Fields.
[28:59] OK.
[29:04] Dave Deitch.
[29:06] DAVE DEITCH: Good morning.
[29:11] Dave Deitch, Nashville
City Manager.
[29:12] Mr. Chairman, Commissioners,
Mr. Robertson,
[29:13] I appreciate the
time this morning.
[29:16] I just wanted to come
before you and thank you
[29:19] for the amazing partnership
between the county
[29:20] and the city this
year, whether it's
[29:23] the leadership you displayed
and the hard work of the public
[29:28] works team to install
a new multi-use trail.
[29:31] Chris and Chelle and her
team, her co compliance team,
[29:35] helping us clean up Niceville.
[29:37] Of course, the wonderful,
amazing partnership
[29:40] that the county and the city
has with Megs Park and all
[29:44] the hard work that Mr. Hofstad
and Mr. Bitterman, Michelle
[29:48] Gartman, and so many others
have displayed this year,
[29:52] those projects are going to
enhance the quality of life
[29:56] of our residents.
[29:57] And so I just wanted to
publicly thank all of you
[30:00] for your dedication, your
leadership, and your service
[30:01] to the residents of
Niceville for your efforts
[30:04] to enhance the quality
of life of our residents,
[30:06] because there's so many
projects that are going on right
[30:10] now that are due in part--
[30:11] or to your leadership, and all
the hard work of the staff here.
[30:15] So I just I'm very
appreciative--
[30:16] I know the mayor is,
the city council is--
[30:19] of all the efforts
that the county
[30:21] has demonstrated this year.
[30:23] The reason I'm here is the
Surtax projected project
[30:27] list for next year.
[30:28] There are a number of projects
in Niceville on that list,
[30:32] and I'm here to respectfully
request that you,
[30:35] please, give strong
consideration to all of them.
[30:38] They will continue to
enhance the quality of life
[30:40] of our residents,
and we look forward
[30:42] to continuing to partner with
the county and the county's team
[30:45] to bring these
projects to fruition.
[30:48] As a demonstration
of my good faith,
[30:51] we have our budget
workshops this week as well,
[30:53] and one of those projects
that is on that list
[30:56] is already being
proposed for funding.
[30:56] And so we would
love to partner--
[31:00] to continue to partner with the
county on all these projects,
[31:04] and many other things
in the future, I hope.
[31:07] So, again, I do
respectfully request
[31:09] that you give strong
consideration to the projects
[31:12] that are on that list.
[31:13] Thank you.
[31:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[31:14] Trish Rowe.
[31:17] TRISH ROWE: Good morning.
[31:23] I'm following behind
Tricia Keffer.
[31:25] My concern is NDAs
for data centers.
[31:28] County commissioners should be
very cautious about signing NDAs
[31:32] with hyperscale data center
developers, especially
[31:34] a broad NDA.
[31:37] I'm sure your attorney
knows all this.
[31:39] A broad NDA can let
a private developer
[31:41] dictate the level of
public transparency
[31:43] around a project that can have
enormous public consequences.
[31:46] The project can materially
affect the public long
[31:50] before formal vote.
[31:51] Public officials shouldn't be
negotiating away transparency
[31:53] that belongs to the public.
[31:56] NDAs can become
especially problematic
[31:58] when they cover things that
aren't genuinely proprietary.
[32:01] The public may bear risks that
the developer doesn't have to.
[32:06] It can undermine
public confidence.
[32:08] A county commission can agree
to protest-- to protect narrowly
[32:12] defined proprietary information
while refusing a blanket NDA.
[32:15] For example, you could
say trade secrets
[32:19] and legitimately protected
proprietary information
[32:20] remain confidential,
but the county
[32:23] will not agree to conceal
public policy discussions,
[32:27] infrastructure impacts, proposed
incentives, public expenditures,
[32:29] or information that must be
disclosed under public records
[32:35] and open meeting laws.
[32:37] Florida's economic development
statute specifically
[32:39] establishes circumstances in
which certain records concerning
[32:43] a company's plans to locate
or expand can be confidential.
[32:48] The statute provides a defined
framework and time limits,
[32:52] rather than simply saying, sign
an NDA and everything is secret.
[32:56] There's a definite
distinction between
[32:58] statutory confidentiality and
contractual confidentiality.
[33:00] A county can't necessarily
transform otherwise public
[33:05] governmental records
into confidential records
[33:08] merely by signing a private
agreement with a developer.
[33:12] Florida's attorney
general has specifically
[33:14] emphasized that the
county must determine
[33:17] whether a particular
record actually falls
[33:19] within a statutory exemption.
[33:21] And importantly,
an NDA should never
[33:24] be used as a substitute for
the public process required
[33:27] for zoning, land use decisions,
development agreements, tax
[33:31] incentives, utility
commitments, or expenditures
[33:34] of public resources.
[33:37] Preliminary
conversations can occur,
[33:40] but final decisions must
go through public meetings,
[33:43] legal review, infrastructure
analysis, zoning permitting
[33:45] requirements, and commission
action in an open meeting.
[33:49] And in my last few
seconds, I want
[33:53] to ask, when is Eglin
Parkway going to be finished?
[33:55] I mean, that's totally off
the subject but, I mean,
[33:59] do you all know or do I have
to call the commissioner--
[34:03] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
Chairman, may I speak?
[34:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
[34:05] TRISH ROWE: Do we know?
[34:06] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: So it's
slated to be finished 2027.
[34:08] TRISH ROWE: Oh my God.
[34:10] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: But
it's Florida Department
[34:11] of Transportation.
[34:11] We do have Scott Bitterman here,
if you wanted to add to it.
[34:15] We have contracted
it out to CW Roberts,
[34:17] and they're doing a great job.
[34:20] It just takes time.
[34:21] There's a lot of
side work that needs
[34:23] to be done that you
can't see, necessarily,
[34:24] to make sure that water goes
off the roadway and that kind
[34:28] of thing.
[34:29] But they are working on it.
[34:31] It just takes time.
[34:32] TRISH ROWE: I see the equipment.
[34:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And just to clarify, we
[34:35] haven't contracted
with CW Roberts.
[34:36] That's the state of Florida.
[34:38] That's not a county road.
[34:39] Right.
[34:40] TRISH ROWE: That's why I was
wondering if I should contact
[34:43] Jason or DOT or somebody.
[34:44] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Yeah, they probably
[34:45] have updates on
their website too.
[34:47] They're pretty good about that.
[34:49] COMMISSIONER COX: Chairman, if
I may, before she walks away.
[34:51] Ms Rowe.
[34:51] TRISH ROWE: Pardon me.
[34:53] COMMISSIONER COX:
Ms Rowe, sorry.
[34:54] Just for the public's
benefit, because I
[34:56] didn't hear you
specify, I wanted
[34:57] to make known to the public that
what you're discussing when you
[35:02] say NDA is a non-disclosure
agreement, that you
[35:05] don't want the county to sign
a non-disclosure agreement.
[35:08] TRISH ROWE: Correct.
[35:09] COMMISSIONER COX: OK.
[35:09] That's it.
[35:09] That's all I had about that.
[35:11] TRISH ROWE: Well, and the
developers are coming in
[35:12] and saying that it's a--
what are they calling it?
[35:15] An industrial-- I'm
trying-- a tenant.
[35:16] They call them industrial
tenant centers.
[35:21] And it's just a way of
getting around people
[35:24] saying no data centers.
[35:26] No, it's not a data center.
[35:28] It's an industrial
tenant center.
[35:28] So, just please take care of us.
[35:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[35:37] I have no more speaker cards for
this public comment opportunity
[35:40] so we're going to close
the public comment
[35:43] opportunity of the meeting.
[35:45] Again, if you want to speak
on a public hearing item,
[35:48] please turn in a card.
[35:49] You'll be called up
during that item.
[35:50] And if you want to speak
during the final public comment
[35:53] opportunity, please just turn
your card at the back and you'll
[35:55] be called up.
[35:56] That brings us to
our consent agenda.
[35:58] Commissioners, we
have already addressed
[36:00] consent item number two.
[36:02] And as you'll recall,
Mr. Autrey asked
[36:05] us to consider agenda item 8.3
related to the local mitigation
[36:09] strategy, setting up a meeting.
[36:13] And he clarified there
was an 8:30 time reference
[36:17] in the agenda pack.
[36:20] It's actually 3:00 PM.
[36:21] So, commissioners, with that
in mind, if anybody is--
[36:24] first, does anybody
have any other item
[36:28] they would like to pull?
[36:29] If not, then I would entertain
a motion for the consent--
[36:33] consent agenda less item two,
but with the add of item 8.3.
[36:37] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Make a
motion to approve the consent
[36:43] agenda as stated.
[36:44] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Second.
[36:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[36:47] I have a motion by
Commissioner Mixon.
[36:48] I think Commissioner
Ketchel got that second.
[36:50] Further discussion, those in
favor, please signify by saying,
[36:53] aye.
[36:54] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[36:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
those opposed-- all right,
[36:57] that passes unanimously.
[36:57] That completes the
consent agenda.
[36:59] And that brings us to
our public hearing items.
[37:03] The first one is a request
to hold a public hearing
[37:07] and consider amendments to
the Blue Water Bay district
[37:11] ordinance.
[37:12] Who's presenting that?
[37:14] Is that Mr. Coffey?
[37:16] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes, sir.
[37:23] I'd like to open the
public hearing, I guess.
[37:26] And just briefly describe
what's in the ordinance.
[37:28] The ordinance has
very few changes.
[37:30] One, it delegates some of
authority instead of to the MSP
[37:33] board back to the Board
of County Commissioners
[37:35] for replacing
members on the board
[37:36] that the board feels they
want to with or without cause,
[37:41] and also appointing new members.
[37:42] And there's an action
on today's item
[37:44] under my director's reports
to appoint three new members.
[37:47] And I'll talk about
that in a little bit.
[37:51] Other than that, it seeks
to place some constraints
[37:53] on the financial spending
of the MSP funds.
[37:56] The bread and butter, the MSP
district is the landscaping,
[37:59] street lighting and irrigation,
those kind of things.
[38:01] Outside of that, they
have ventured off
[38:06] into doing some parks.
[38:07] They have ventured off into
sidewalks at a lower level.
[38:10] And it still allows
that authority,
[38:12] but it restricts it to 10%
in any one of those items,
[38:15] any particular fiscal year.
[38:15] And other than that, those
are the primary changes
[38:18] in the ordinance.
[38:19] And I ask that I seek
approval of that today.
[38:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[38:24] Very good.
[38:25] Any questions before we
open the public hearing?
[38:27] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yeah.
[38:27] I'm curious, is there a
suggested date certain--
[38:30] either District Commissioner
or Mr. Coffey, is there--
[38:32] as far as the effect of the
ordinance in order to have the--
[38:37] you're suggesting that we
approve a public hearing,
[38:40] correct?
[38:43] CRAIG COFFEY: No.
[38:44] I said you hold a
public hearing today.
[38:47] Request that you hold the public
hearing today and approve.
[38:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's
a little ambiguous the way
[38:51] it's stated on the item.
[38:52] This is the public hearing?
[38:54] CRAIG COFFEY: This is
the public hearing.
[38:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
it was properly noticed?
[38:57] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
[38:57] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
it was as a public hearing?
[38:59] CRAIG COFFEY: Correct.
[38:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Is that correct?
[39:00] CRAIG COFFEY: Sorry.
[39:00] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[39:01] Yeah, no, I saw the same
thing that you mentioned.
[39:04] COMMISSIONER MIXON: It
makes sense with the packet
[39:05] that we hold it today,
but the recommendation
[39:07] seems to be a question.
[39:08] CRAIG COFFEY: OK.
[39:09] Sorry.
[39:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[39:11] Any other questions before I
open the public comment portion
[39:14] of the public hearing?
[39:16] All right, I'll open that.
[39:18] I have one card.
[39:19] And just based on the city
address, it may be this one.
[39:23] Tony, hi.
[39:25] Are you here to
speak on this item?
[39:27] OK.
[39:28] Thank you.
[39:29] And just a reminder,
if you want to speak
[39:32] on any of these public hearing
items, please turn in a card.
[39:34] And if you would, when you
indicate the agenda article
[39:36] number, also indicate which
particular item, just to make
[39:41] sure I call you
at the right time.
[39:44] But please come forward.
[39:45] SPEAKER 3: Thank
you, Commissioner--
[39:51] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, Craig.
[39:55] SPEAKER 3: Thank you,
Commissioner Palmer,
[39:56] for answering my
email this weekend.
[39:58] Thank you, Mr. Coffey, for
getting back responding
[40:01] to my email on Monday morning.
[40:04] That your response was
greatly appreciated.
[40:05] I've read over the
proposed ordinances,
[40:09] and sounds-- everything
sounds good to me.
[40:11] The only thing I
request is that if you
[40:15] do decide that you need to
remove somebody or replace
[40:17] somebody, that they
not be somebody who
[40:20] has resigned past or present.
[40:22] That you consider somebody
new for the position.
[40:25] And I look forward to serving,
hopefully, for the MSBU.
[40:31] And also I was to
the understanding
[40:34] it was 30% of the budget
that that got changed,
[40:37] that they could do parks.
[40:38] I didn't reread the
proposed changes,
[40:39] but I thought that was a
little bit more that they could
[40:43] use for that when I read
the last iteration of it,
[40:45] but I could be wrong.
[40:48] So--
[40:50] COMMISSIONER PALMER:
I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.
[40:54] Can you restate that.
[40:55] I'm sorry, I didn't hear.
[40:57] SPEAKER 3: I was thinking
it was 30% that they could
[40:59] use for-- if they were up
to 30% of their budgets,
[41:02] if they were
partnering for, like,
[41:03] a sidewalk or a public park.
[41:05] COMMISSIONER PALMER: It was a
cumulative of 30%, 10% per item.
[41:10] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
[41:12] It's 10% in each of
the categories listed,
[41:15] 30% cumulative.
[41:15] So you have some other issues.
[41:18] And that, essentially,
will probably allow $40,000
[41:20] to $50,000 towards
one of those items.
[41:23] And I explained in
the staff report,
[41:25] it becomes a double
taxation issues
[41:27] because you have a park
MSBU, so the County, already
[41:30] collects money for
those parks, so it
[41:32] would be taxing them twice.
[41:34] So we will try and actually
do those out of MSBU
[41:37] if there's a project
to be had but it's--
[41:39] SPEAKER 3: OK.
[41:40] Thank you very much.
[41:41] I appreciate you.
[41:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[41:43] And I have no further speaker
cards for the public hearing
[41:47] item one so I'll close that
public comment opportunity,
[41:49] bring it back to the
board for action.
[41:55] Commissioner Palmer,
it's your district.
[41:57] COMMISSIONER PALMER:
Move to approve.
[41:58] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[41:59] We have a motion to approve
by Commissioner Palmer.
[42:02] Commissioner Cox, with a
second further discussion.
[42:04] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Mr.
Chairman, very quickly.
[42:06] Mr. Coffey, thank you so much
for all of your work on this.
[42:10] I know it's been a
long time coming.
[42:11] I think this is going to go a
long way in helping to improve
[42:14] things, giving the right sort
of parameters for the spending
[42:16] and making sure
that the MSBU well
[42:23] serves the Bluewater community.
[42:25] So thank you so much
for your work on this.
[42:28] Ms, hi.
[42:27] Thank you for your
willingness to serve.
[42:29] It's a tough thing to step
up and to subject yourself
[42:32] to the voters and
to serve the public.
[42:34] And I thank you for your
willingness to do so.
[42:39] And thank you for
reaching out to me
[42:40] and letting me know of our
oversight in the agenda as well.
[42:43] So thank you so much.
[42:45] And that's all I have.
[42:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[42:47] Very good.
[42:47] Further comment, commissioners?
[42:51] Otherwise, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[42:54] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[42:54] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[42:55] All right, that item
passes unanimously.
[42:57] That brings us to public
hearing item number two, which
[43:01] is a quasi judicial public
hearing related to a small scale
[43:05] plan amendment.
[43:07] Yes, please.
[43:10] LYNN HOSHIHARA:
Anybody here who's
[43:12] going to speak to
this item, which
[43:14] is a request for small
scale plan amendment
[43:17] and rezoning presented by Mark
Steiner of Choctaw Engineering
[43:21] on behalf of John and Susan
Lee, the property owners.
[43:24] If you'll please
stand, raise your hand.
[43:26] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And that includes
[43:27] anybody who's a turn
in a speaker card
[43:30] to speak on this item.
[43:31] So I have one that's
indicated item number
[43:33] two for public hearing.
[43:34] So if you're here for that.
[43:37] Yes, sir.
[43:37] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Do
you swear or affirm
[43:38] that the testimony
shall give shall
[43:39] be the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but?
[43:41] SPEAKER 4: Yes.
[43:41] LYNN HOSHIHARA: Thank you.
[43:42] Commissioners, now would
be the appropriate time
[43:44] to disclose any e-parte
communications any of you
[43:46] may have had.
[43:47] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
I've had none.
[43:48] LYNN HOSHIHARA: I see
you shaking heads.
[43:50] Thank you very much.
[43:53] SPEAKER 5: Good morning,
Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.
[44:01] This is a land use
change request.
[44:05] The property is
about 2.55 acres.
[44:08] And the applicant
is requesting change
[44:12] from suburban residential
on the future land use map
[44:16] and to mixed use.
[44:19] And the primary difference
between those two categories
[44:23] is that mixed use is a broad
development category that
[44:26] can accommodate higher
density housing, greater
[44:29] commercial development,
institutional uses, recreation,
[44:31] and possibly some
light industrial.
[44:35] The density change
would be 16 units
[44:39] per acre to 25 units per acre
if this Amendment is approved.
[44:43] This is located with
inside the urban service--
[44:48] or urban boundary, so that's
why you have that density.
[44:52] And it's located on Highway
98, as you can see on your map
[44:56] there.
[44:56] And I'd like to enter the
staff report into the record.
[45:00] And any questions you
may have, I'm available.
[45:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners, any questions
[45:07] before we open this
up for public comment?
[45:10] All right.
[45:12] I don't have any, so we'll open
the public comment opportunity
[45:15] of the public hearing.
[45:18] I have one card.
[45:19] It's Dan.
[45:21] Is it Park?
[45:22] Don?
[45:24] DON PARK: Yes.
[45:25] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.
[45:29] DON PARK: Good morning.
[45:37] I'll just be brief.
[45:38] I met my wife, and we live
adjacent to this property
[45:41] that they're rezoning.
[45:44] We live behind
Woodhaven Animal Clinic.
[45:46] And during the
presentation, I think
[45:48] Mr. Skinner said this
property that they
[45:50] want to change
multi-use, he wants
[45:53] to make it zone the
same as Woodhaven Animal
[45:57] Clinic and the properties
to the East of that.
[46:00] Those properties all border
98 and residential housing.
[46:04] One of them's my
house, our house.
[46:09] What we hope to see here is that
this other property here is--
[46:14] bought is a residential
streets on three sides.
[46:18] And it has been developed
up to this point
[46:21] with commercial properties
on the front, cell tower,
[46:25] restaurant like a VHF,
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
[46:29] and then housing all the way on
the back side of the properties.
[46:36] And what we would like to see
is that that continue to happen.
[46:39] On the North side of the spruce
is complete residential housing.
[46:44] On the South side of spruce,
it has six residential houses
[46:48] and their vacant lot.
[46:52] So, just wish to continue with
that pattern of residences
[46:55] on the North side and then
commercial development
[47:01] on the South side.
[47:06] That's all I had.
[47:08] Thank you very much.
[47:09] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[47:10] All right.
[47:11] I don't have any further
speaker cards on this item.
[47:13] Steiner, did you want to speak?
[47:17] MARK STEINER: Mark Steiner,
Choctaw Engineering
[47:21] with the agent
for the applicant.
[47:23] And just one thing I
just wanted to point out,
[47:26] suburban residential is kind
of an odd kind of category
[47:28] because in theory,
it's really mixed use.
[47:30] And what I mean by that
is you can do C1 and C2
[47:34] in suburban residential.
[47:34] Even though it doesn't say
that you would think mixed use
[47:37] would be mixed use
on some residential
[47:38] would be primarily
probably residential.
[47:40] So, right now we're allotted
to be able to do three--
[47:44] two of the three zoning--
[47:46] commercial zoning categories
as well as residential.
[47:48] So we're really not
changing that much,
[47:52] except for the fact that
by going to mixed use,
[47:55] we'll able-- it'll allow us
to be able to utilize the C-3
[47:58] zoning category
because in mixed use,
[47:59] it says if you're adjacent
to a arterial roadway,
[48:02] that you can do a C-3 uses.
[48:05] So that's probably the
biggest change of the project.
[48:08] And as gentleman
just pointed out,
[48:10] we're surrounded on
four sides by a road,
[48:13] so we don't butt any residential
development directly next to it.
[48:16] And by going to this--
[48:20] and I pointed this out in the
last public planning commission
[48:23] meeting is that when you're
doing like, let's say,
[48:25] residential, you're very limited
in terms of how much buffering
[48:28] requirements there are.
[48:30] Whereas if you go to the
commercial aspect of it,
[48:33] there's a lot of
aspects in there
[48:34] that you have to buffer
underneath the LDC, which
[48:36] will help mitigate any
kind of compatibility
[48:39] there is between the
residential units
[48:41] behind us and our property.
[48:43] Any questions?
[48:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners,
[48:46] do you have any questions
for Mr. Steiner?
[48:49] If not, I just got
a quick question.
[48:51] So just to reiterate--
and this is, I think,
[48:53] important for the
public to hear--
[48:55] as I understood it, the
allowable residential density
[48:58] would actually be reduced
by going to mixed use.
[49:03] Is that correct?
[49:04] That's what I thought I heard.
[49:06] MARK STEINER: I do not--
[49:07] no.
[49:07] I think you go from 16 to 25.
[49:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So it's
actually going to increase?
[49:11] MARK STEINER: The
residential density--
[49:12] the available residential
density would go from 16 to 25,
[49:16] correct.
[49:17] But I'll be honest with you, it
would be very, very difficult
[49:21] to get to 25 units
per acre, unless you
[49:24] did some sort of tall vertical
building or something like that.
[49:27] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.
[49:28] And this is probably--
[49:28] I don't know, is this
within a height limit area
[49:31] based on its proximity
to Hobart or no?
[49:33] Do we know?
[49:34] MARK STEINER: Not
that I'm aware of.
[49:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: It's
not within the impact, OK.
[49:37] MARK STEINER: And I
don't think that's
[49:38] going to come into play because
we're going to probably-- as you
[49:42] can see from the predominant
development along Highway 98
[49:44] there, it's one or two
story buildings, commercial,
[49:46] pretty consistent.
[49:48] This just happens to
be an unusual anomaly
[49:51] because it's like one of the few
vacant pieces still out there.
[49:55] But were developed
on either side,
[49:56] and it basically
is a continuation
[49:58] of that mixed use
zoning category that's
[50:00] already to the East of us.
[50:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
No, I see that.
[50:02] So it doesn't create
an enclave, I get that.
[50:05] And mixed use is considered
a transitional zoning,
[50:07] as I understand it.
[50:09] Kristen, tell me if I'm wrong.
[50:11] So it would-- so a
budding mixed use to R-1
[50:13] is a reasonable planning
strategy, correct?
[50:15] Because it's considered
a transition zoning.
[50:20] One other thing I think would be
important to extrapolate on just
[50:26] for the public, just so that
everybody knows what this means.
[50:30] And, again, this-- and, again,
what I want to point out
[50:33] to the public--
[50:33] I know the commission
knows this,
[50:35] you know this-- this is
not about what are you
[50:37] going to build, because
that's not the question today.
[50:39] The question is,
what would it allow
[50:41] you to build that's different
than what you could build today?
[50:43] That's the only question.
[50:45] And you mentioned
that C3 would be
[50:47] the only thing that got
added because you're
[50:50] next to an arterial road.
[50:51] I mean, you're on Highway 98.
[50:52] So, what are the
differences between what
[50:55] could be done under C1,
C2 on this property,
[51:00] and what does C3 add
that's not already there?
[51:03] MARK STEINER: Basically C3 is
a higher intensity commercial
[51:06] if you were--
[51:10] in layman's term, it allows
some more higher intensity type
[51:13] commercial.
[51:14] I think C1 is like--
[51:16] and actually it's interesting
because in mixed use
[51:19] I think you lose C2.
[51:21] And you can do C1 and C3.
[51:24] Anyway, but C1, some of them is
just a little more neighborhood
[51:30] type--
[51:32] I think that's the best
way I can describe it,
[51:36] neighborhood type commercial
and stuff like that.
[51:37] And then some office
space and stuff like that,
[51:40] but this allows you to do
something a little bit more
[51:43] intense than what
you would normally
[51:44] see in a C1 or C2 district.
[51:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[51:46] And then as far as at
the development order
[51:49] stage, with a mixed
use zone, would that
[51:52] give the opportunity for
the applicant and staff
[51:58] to work through specific buffer
plans, and things like that?
[52:03] Do we know?
[52:06] MARK STEINER: Not
necessarily because
[52:06] of the size of the project.
[52:08] I always say, there is
an opportunity always
[52:11] for the public to
have input and such,
[52:13] because there will be
a sign that's put up,
[52:15] and if they want to contact
the staff, and whatever,
[52:17] and stuff like that,
but doesn't have
[52:18] to come back before this
board for a final approval.
[52:20] But, yeah--
[52:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: No, no, I
know it would be a staff level
[52:24] development.
[52:23] MARK STEINER: Yes, yes.
[52:24] OK, yeah.
[52:24] But as far as-- yeah, they
could have input as far as--
[52:27] because there's two
opportunities at the time
[52:27] in which the development order
is applied for and at the time
[52:31] the development
order is approved.
[52:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And, Kristen,
[52:32] you might need to come
up and speak to this.
[52:36] I'm fine either way.
[52:37] And I'm not against this idea.
[52:39] I understand how it
fits in the plan.
[52:40] But because we do have somebody
that's concerned with it,
[52:43] I want to flush it out.
[52:44] KRISTEN: Of course.
[52:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
If we go to mixed use
[52:47] and using a C1 or C3 use,
or even residential use
[52:51] and split those out
if we need, does
[52:55] the LDC have buffering
requirements in there?
[52:58] MARK STEINER: Yes.
[53:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[53:02] MARK STEINER: I
mean, it would be
[53:08] subject to the same
buffering requirements
[53:09] that all C3 uses have--
or any use, any mixed
[53:12] use has for anything.
[53:14] And it really depends
on what the type of use
[53:17] is it will dictate the level
of buffering because there's
[53:19] kind of like a chart in there.
[53:21] And as you change--
because you can do--
[53:22] mixed use you could do
single family residential,
[53:25] you could do a town-home,
or something like that.
[53:27] Those wouldn't require
any buffering at all.
[53:29] And as the degree
increases of the intensity
[53:31] of the development, so would
the buffering requirements.
[53:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, yeah.
[53:36] And I think Kristen was
back there mentioning
[53:38] it could be probably
walls, could be
[53:40] vegetation, some sort of
mix between those things.
[53:42] All part of a plan that would
be dealt with at the development
[53:46] order stage and the site
plan stage, I would assume.
[53:48] MARK STEINER: Yes.
[53:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
So I just want
[53:51] to make sure that's clear,
because I'm looking at this--
[53:54] and I know we're still in
question, we're not in action
[53:57] yet, but I want to make
sure we're flushing that out
[53:59] because it appears that it
is just an extension of what
[54:02] is already a mixed use plan.
[54:05] And it is on Highway 98.
[54:07] But the weird thing
about this-- the way
[54:09] this place is
developed out there,
[54:11] you've got R1 all the way up to
Highway 98, which is unusual.
[54:15] So it's a little bit of
a unique characteristic
[54:19] out there as we try
to navigate that.
[54:23] Commissioners, other questions
for Mr. Steiner, Mr. Cox?
[54:25] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.
[54:26] Thank you, Chairman.
[54:27] Can you give us some examples of
what the C3 opportunities would
[54:31] be there that don't exist now?
[54:34] MARK STEINER: Now
you're asking me.
[54:38] I don't know if staff has--
[54:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Appropriate for Kristen.
[54:42] You want to Kristen--
[54:44] COMMISSIONER COX:
Michelle, would you mind?
[54:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: If
I understand the question,
[54:52] you want to know, within
that category, what
[54:54] are the types of things--
[54:56] MARK STEINER: Maybe let
me try to bring this
[54:58] into context of just not getting
hung up on C3, C2, and C1, OK.
[55:03] Because at the end
of the day, you're
[55:06] going to build something
on that piece of property.
[55:08] And whether it is C1, C3, or
C2, you can basically build out
[55:11] the whole entire piece,
they'll probably most likely
[55:14] have some sort of
commercial building
[55:17] and a parking lot and
a stormwater facility.
[55:19] In all the 30 years
I've been doing it,
[55:21] they're pretty much
all generic anyway.
[55:22] So I don't think that the
specifics of C1, C2, C3
[55:26] really has any relevance
on the actual look
[55:30] and feel of the project.
[55:32] It usually has something
to do with just the type
[55:35] use that they're
actually doing there.
[55:35] Now, there might be some sort
of things that the actual use is
[55:39] doing, like maybe say like
an automotive repair shop,
[55:41] or something like that, that
might be a little bit considered
[55:45] more intense in terms of
the actual what's going on,
[55:47] but then the county
has regulations
[55:48] that regulate use
time, impact, noise,
[55:50] all those kind of things in
other parts of the ordinance.
[55:55] So from that standpoint, I don't
think if-- depending on how
[55:57] it's developed, whether it's
a car dealership or a office
[55:59] building, really doesn't
have that much of an impact
[56:05] because we still
have to do the same--
[56:07] I'm sorry-- the same type
of buffering, same things.
[56:09] And you'll basically
be seeing usually
[56:10] like those common elements
to the development.
[56:12] COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.
[56:14] But if we're talking about a
potential increase in density
[56:17] from 16 to 25, is that--
[56:18] MARK STEINER: That's
strictly residential.
[56:22] And I don't think that
would affect it either,
[56:25] because if you go down the
road probably less than a half
[56:28] a mile, we did a Skylark
townhomes, which basically
[56:30] abuts Highway 98 on a similar
type of piece of property.
[56:34] And it's just, basically--
[56:35] for a generic term--
a wall of townhomes,
[56:38] but it seems to fit the
context of the neighborhood.
[56:42] And, like I said,
it would be very
[56:45] hard to get 25 units per acre.
[56:47] I mean, you just can't
build-- like, if you were just
[56:49] on a single fixed storey,
or two storey single family
[56:51] homes or townhomes, you
won't even get anywhere
[56:54] near 25 units per acre.
[56:56] It's mathematically impossible.
[56:56] COMMISSIONER COX: Understood.
[56:57] MICHELLE: To answer the question
about the-- so when you go
[57:03] to C3, you're looking at more
of your trades being allowed,
[57:07] like construction and
warehousing, wholesale trades,
[57:09] that type of thing, which are--
[57:13] typically can have
more outdoor impacts.
[57:16] So that's a really
big difference
[57:21] between C1 and C2 and C3.
[57:23] COMMISSIONER COX: So more
of an industrial aesthetic.
[57:25] MICHELLE: Yeah, it's almost like
a light industrial allowance
[57:27] there in C3.
[57:28] So you could have maybe a
construction company or heating
[57:32] and air, or some
kind of a trade,
[57:36] and some light warehousing,
which is a little more
[57:38] intense than C1 and C2.
[57:41] COMMISSIONER COX:
Thank you, Michelle.
[57:43] Thank you, Mr. Steiner.
[57:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Other
questions on this item?
[57:48] All right.
[57:51] I have no other speaker cards.
[57:53] Anybody else from
the applicant wanting
[57:58] to speak before we close the
public comment opportunity?
[58:00] Well, I'll give you one minute.
[58:06] I think you only used
two of your minutes.
[58:09] Hit the button once.
[58:17] Perfect.
[58:19] SPEAKER 6: It's just
about the multi-use.
[58:21] I think what I read in
y'all's documentation is that
[58:23] it's supposed to stay with the
predominant type of buildings
[58:27] in that area.
[58:33] So predominantly in that
area is residential.
[58:35] The other thing, I don't know
if they haven't come forward
[58:39] and says what they're going
to build in the future.
[58:41] I know that doesn't affect
today, but when you live there,
[58:44] you're like, I wonder
what's going on here.
[58:48] And that's all I had about that.
[58:49] Thank you.
[58:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yes, sir.
[58:51] I certainly understand that.
[58:52] OK.
[58:52] Now I'll close
the public comment
[58:55] opportunity of the meeting and
bring it back to the board.
[58:59] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
For consideration, I'd
[59:00] love to hear your thoughts
as the District Commissioner,
[59:03] and I'd be glad to make
a motion following that.
[59:06] COMMISSIONER
KETCHEL: That's what
[59:06] I was going to suggest as well.
[59:08] Chairman, it's your district,
and I do feel for the resident.
[59:11] If I had a home there, I'd be
concerned about lease buffers
[59:14] and the density.
[59:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Yeah.
[59:16] I mean, that's really
where I am on it.
[59:18] I mean, when you
look at the map--
[59:20] and I know we're a
little out of order
[59:23] because we don't have a motion,
but because I'm the chairman--
[59:25] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
I'll make a motion.
[59:27] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[59:28] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure,
a motion to approve.
[59:30] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
then a second for discussion.
[59:32] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
I'll second this one.
[59:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So
here's my thoughts on it--
[59:35] and I'll probably support it.
[59:37] But my biggest-- the reason I
think we should consider it,
[59:41] it is an extenuation
of mixed use.
[59:45] And from a planning
perspective, mixed use
[59:47] is considered a proper
transition zone.
[59:50] Now, whether or
not we have mixed
[59:55] use defined in the
very best way that we
[59:57] should in our land
development code,
[59:59] that's a different question.
[1:00:00] Whether or not we should have
additional safeguards in there,
[1:00:03] that's a different
question, but mixed use
[1:00:05] is considered transitional.
[1:00:06] So I don't think
that approving this
[1:00:08] violates any planning
standards, but there
[1:00:11] is that concern about it opening
up C3 because it's so much more
[1:00:18] intense.
[1:00:20] So if this was abutted
by SR instead of R1,
[1:00:25] it would be less of a concern
because it would be probably
[1:00:35] apartments or
something next to it.
[1:00:36] These are single family houses.
[1:00:38] Some of them are on Highway 98.
[1:00:40] I mean, to some extent, if
you live on in a single family
[1:00:44] house on Highway 98, you're
already used to noise.
[1:00:46] You just are.
[1:00:48] It just is what it is.
[1:00:50] So in this situation, I hear
what the constituents have said.
[1:00:53] I also have to trust the land
development code provisions
[1:00:59] that we have that deal with
buffering and mitigation
[1:01:04] to be the gatekeeper at the
staff level development order
[1:01:08] step.
[1:01:13] And if Michelle can tell me
that at the development order
[1:01:16] step at the staff level,
that the staff would
[1:01:20] be keenly watching those
buffering and mitigation
[1:01:23] elements that are
baked in there,
[1:01:27] then I would be
comfortable moving forward.
[1:01:30] And I'm getting a
yes so, Michelle,
[1:01:33] can I say on the record, you've
said, yes, the development order
[1:01:37] level, even though it will be a
staff development order, if it's
[1:01:42] dependent on the
intensity you use,
[1:01:44] you'll be strongly watching
those buffering and mitigation
[1:01:46] elements that are
already in the code?
[1:01:50] MICHELLE: Yes.
[1:01:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:01:51] So with that, I would--
[1:01:53] I'd be in favor of it.
[1:01:56] So, any other comments?
[1:02:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Sure.
[1:02:01] The reason I was swift to
make a motion without having
[1:02:04] to do any further questions or
time is for planning purposes.
[1:02:07] This is Highway 98, it's the
major East West connector.
[1:02:12] There's not a secondary yet.
[1:02:15] We're working on that.
[1:02:17] Would this zoning
fit on the secondary?
[1:02:20] Probably not.
[1:02:20] Does it fit where it is on 98?
[1:02:23] Sure.
[1:02:23] But we're back in the mix of--
just like the Eglin Parkway
[1:02:27] comment a few minutes ago--
[1:02:28] it's not our road, but we have
to deal with what we have,
[1:02:32] and that's a major thoroughfare.
[1:02:33] Could you imagine if we
were faced with someone
[1:02:36] right now wanting to put
a nice community there,
[1:02:38] with all of the houses facing
outward to the connecting roads,
[1:02:42] we would be pretty emphatic.
[1:02:45] The state would be
pretty emphatic,
[1:02:47] denying driveway permit request.
[1:02:48] There would be a different
conversation happening.
[1:02:52] This puts it really where it
ought to be for future purposes,
[1:02:55] for the purpose of
our future planning.
[1:02:58] And then it's comforting to know
that we have a great staff that
[1:03:03] works through the
development order process,
[1:03:03] and that's why I moved forward.
[1:03:06] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further
discussion, Commissioners?
[1:03:09] All right, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:03:13] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:03:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[1:03:14] All right.
[1:03:15] That passes unanimously,
so thank you.
[1:03:17] Well, that was for--
[1:03:24] it's a small scale.
[1:03:25] It's a future land use map
amendment and rezoning.
[1:03:28] I understood, even though
I know the future land use
[1:03:32] map is legislative, even
though it's on here--
[1:03:34] what?
[1:03:36] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I'll be
glad to make the second motion.
[1:03:39] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Yeah, that's fine.
[1:03:40] We have a--
[1:03:40] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: And
I'll do the corresponding
[1:03:42] if you wish.
[1:03:43] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:03:44] Further discussion.
[1:03:46] All those in favor, please
signify by saying, aye.
[1:03:49] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:03:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[1:03:50] All right, thank you.
[1:03:51] And just as a reminder, I
mean-- and unless I'm wrong,
[1:03:55] somebody tell me, I
think as long as it--
[1:03:57] the plan Amendment
portion of it,
[1:03:59] it's not Q-J. It's
actually legislative.
[1:04:01] The zoning is the
only quasi judicial.
[1:04:05] And I think once we have
approved legislatively
[1:04:08] the future land use
map change, there's
[1:04:11] not a whole lot of leeway
to deny the rezoning.
[1:04:15] So, anyway, sometimes
we group them
[1:04:17] together like this and
call it all quasi judicial,
[1:04:21] but I don't think it really is.
[1:04:23] So, thanks.
[1:04:24] All right.
[1:04:29] We've already dealt with
public hearing item number
[1:04:31] three, which is actually
not a public hearing item.
[1:04:34] It just is a consent to set a
meeting which has been done.
[1:04:37] That brings us to
public hearing item
[1:04:39] number four, related
to water and sewer
[1:04:41] sell performance of a
construction for a lift station.
[1:04:46] So, Mr. Hackett.
[1:04:48] MR. HACKETT: Yes.
[1:04:49] Good morning, Mr.
Chairman, Commissioners.
[1:04:50] I'm here to request
board approval
[1:04:54] to self-perform construction
of the West Sunset Drive lift
[1:04:57] station replacement project.
[1:05:01] We estimate that project
to be almost $880,000.
[1:05:05] It's an antiquated, bucket style
lift station, one of the many
[1:05:10] that we've been
trying to replace.
[1:05:13] The new station will have
submersible pumps, increased
[1:05:15] capacity, and meet all of our
current lift station standards.
[1:05:19] This particular lift
station will actually
[1:05:23] be relocated on the other side
of the street where it is now.
[1:05:28] We would provide the
majority of the labor
[1:05:32] but do intend to contract
for wetwell installation.
[1:05:34] The public hearing notice
appeared in Northwest Florida
[1:05:39] Daily News, July 16.
[1:05:41] As of yet, we have not received
any comments or inquiries
[1:05:46] from the public.
[1:05:47] I'll be happy to answer
any questions you may have.
[1:05:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Any questions
[1:05:54] before I open the public comment
opportunity of this hearing?
[1:05:58] I don't see any.
[1:06:01] I have no cards.
[1:06:02] Anybody here to
speak on this item?
[1:06:03] All right.
[1:06:05] I don't see anybody
coming forward.
[1:06:06] We'll close the public
comment opportunity.
[1:06:07] We will bring this
back to the board.
[1:06:11] This isn't my district.
[1:06:14] This is a project
that I would say water
[1:06:17] and sewer staff has been
working on for quite a while,
[1:06:21] including obtaining land right
of way, and it's been a lot.
[1:06:25] And I think that staff
got to a very good place
[1:06:31] with the local residents
and figuring out
[1:06:32] how to place this where it
goes, how to get the easements
[1:06:36] or property rights
that were needed,
[1:06:38] all that's been worked out.
[1:06:39] I understand that's
not what this is.
[1:06:41] This is just about letting
your staff go ahead
[1:06:43] and self-perform it.
[1:06:44] You guys do a great
job, so I'm certainly
[1:06:47] going to vote in favor of it if
we have a motion and a second.
[1:06:51] COMMISSIONER PALMER:
That's right.
[1:06:50] You're still correct
on both counts though.
[1:06:53] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.
[1:06:55] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Second.
[1:06:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:06:57] I have a motion to approve
by Commissioner Palmer,
[1:06:59] second by Commissioner Mixon.
[1:07:00] Further discussion,
Commissioners?
[1:07:00] All right, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:07:04] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:07:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[1:07:05] All right, that
passes unanimously.
[1:07:07] And you have a second
item, public hearing number
[1:07:10] five related to Mariners
Lane and Neptune Drive.
[1:07:13] MR. HACKETT: That's correct.
[1:07:17] Round two, I'm here to
request board approval
[1:07:20] to self-perform construction of
the Mariners Lane and Neptune
[1:07:23] Drive water main
upgrade project.
[1:07:27] We maintain 6-inch water mains
on both Mariners and Neptune.
[1:07:32] They serve about 45
single family homes.
[1:07:38] These old water mains were
inherited from the now dissolved
[1:07:43] seashore village water system,
and they're desperately
[1:07:45] in need of replacement.
[1:07:49] This would entail about a half
a mile of new 6-inch PVC water
[1:07:54] main installation.
[1:07:57] We estimate the project
to be about $450,000.
[1:08:02] We'd like to get started at
the end of this year, possibly
[1:08:07] early next year.
[1:08:09] The public hearing notice did
appear in Northwest Florida
[1:08:12] Daily News on July 17.
[1:08:14] As of yet, we have not received
any comment or any inquiry
[1:08:19] from the public.
[1:08:21] I'd be happy to answer any
questions you may have.
[1:08:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners, questions.
[1:08:26] Just one clarification, I
think I know the answer.
[1:08:30] I was saying it for
the public, so I know.
[1:08:34] 6-inch lines, half a million
dollars I'm rounding.
[1:08:35] 45 houses sounds like a lot.
[1:08:38] The 6-inches is probably
overkill for your pressure,
[1:08:41] but don't you have to have 6
inch to meet fire protection?
[1:08:45] MR. HACKETT: That's correct.
[1:08:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: So that's
why a 6-inch line is going
[1:08:48] in to serve 45 houses, because
you've got to meet that fire
[1:08:52] protection standard,
it's my understanding?
[1:08:53] MR. HACKETT: You're right.
[1:08:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:08:55] This is also in my district.
[1:08:59] Well, I guess I better
open the public comment
[1:09:01] opportunity of the meeting.
[1:09:02] Anybody from the public
want to speak on this item?
[1:09:04] I see nobody coming forward.
[1:09:06] We'll close that.
[1:09:06] Bring it back to the board.
[1:09:09] It's in my district.
[1:09:10] I'm in favor of it.
[1:09:12] I think Mr. Hackett
spoke well to it.
[1:09:13] So, Commissioner--
[1:09:15] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
I'll be glad to make
[1:09:17] a motion for approval.
[1:09:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:09:18] So I think I got Commissioner
Ketchel with a motion,
[1:09:21] and Commissioner
Cox with a second.
[1:09:23] Is that--
[1:09:24] COMMISSIONER COX: Sure.
[1:09:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:09:25] Any further discussion?
[1:09:26] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
Yeah, just briefly.
[1:09:27] I don't think we pointed
out in the last one,
[1:09:32] but there are private
businesses that do this work.
[1:09:34] You do operate an
enterprise, and we
[1:09:38] are fiscally
responsible to oversee
[1:09:41] the entirety of the budget
and of Louis County.
[1:09:44] The projects like this one is
noted to have a 300,000 plus
[1:09:48] savings, and so it's just great
to be innovative in such a way
[1:09:52] that you don't say, oh, we
don't have the staff for it,
[1:09:56] or it'll be three years
before we can get to it.
[1:09:58] But you push forward
as an enterprise
[1:09:59] to see that our opportunity
to be fiscally responsible
[1:10:01] is achieved, and our staff
continues to press forward
[1:10:05] with great work.
[1:10:07] So thanks, Mr. Hackett.
[1:10:08] MR. HACKETT: Absolutely.
[1:10:09] Thank you.
[1:10:10] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Further discussion?
[1:10:11] All right.
[1:10:13] I think that's a great
point that it's not
[1:10:15] as much about having your staff
competing with private market.
[1:10:20] There's plenty of private
jobs out there to do.
[1:10:24] The one thing I think is
very good about the fact
[1:10:26] that you basically have a fully
staffed and fully equipped
[1:10:29] construction crew is that
when something happens,
[1:10:32] you have the equipment, you have
the personnel and the expertise
[1:10:38] to address things that come
up on, say, a Sunday afternoon
[1:10:42] if needed.
[1:10:43] And you have people
that respond.
[1:10:45] That's not the same
in private sector
[1:10:48] if you're trying to
call a contractor.
[1:10:49] And if you weren't able to
self-perform these jobs,
[1:10:52] you wouldn't be able to keep
that construction crew in-house.
[1:10:56] You would have to-- you
wouldn't be able to maintain
[1:11:00] that part of your department.
[1:11:01] So I think that's
very important.
[1:11:04] You've got them, they serve
an emergency function,
[1:11:06] but they've got to have
something to do every day.
[1:11:09] And that's exactly what
you're doing right now,
[1:11:10] is you're giving them
everyday work that
[1:11:12] will serve our citizens, and
probably a very favorable value.
[1:11:15] MR. HACKETT:
Extremely favorable.
[1:11:19] And if I may, it's
also been beneficial
[1:11:22] for some of our brothers and
sisters, other municipalities,
[1:11:26] whereby they've contracted
with us to perform work,
[1:11:31] and we've been able to save
those municipal systems
[1:11:34] a lot of money as well and
still cover all of our costs.
[1:11:38] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Very good, very good.
[1:11:40] So, commissioners,
anything further?
[1:11:41] Otherwise, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:11:45] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:11:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
those opposed-- all right.
[1:11:47] That passes unanimously.
[1:11:48] Thank you, sir.
[1:11:49] MR. HACKETT: Thank you.
[1:11:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:11:51] That brings us to
department business.
[1:11:53] And Mr. Bitterman,
Public Works Director, I
[1:11:56] believe you're up with the
infrastructure surtax list.
[1:12:00] SCOTT BITTERMAN: Yes, sir.
[1:12:06] Good morning, Chairman
and Commissioners.
[1:12:09] Scott Bitterman with the
Public Works Department.
[1:12:11] The item today from
public works is a request
[1:12:15] to approve the 2026 needs list
for the infrastructure surtax
[1:12:18] renewal.
[1:12:20] In 2018, Okaloosa County
voters approved a referendum
[1:12:23] establishing a 10-year half cent
sales surtax for public safety,
[1:12:27] transportation and
stormwater projects.
[1:12:30] To build public trust
and clearly define
[1:12:35] how revenues would be
invested, the county
[1:12:37] published a surtax project
needs list prior to that vote.
[1:12:40] All of the projects
proposed in 2018
[1:12:43] have either been completed or in
active construction or design.
[1:12:46] The renewal of the surtax will
be on the November 2026 ballot.
[1:12:52] The list before you are
candidates for projects
[1:12:55] for unincorporated Okaloosa
County's portion of the surtax
[1:12:58] if the voters choose
to renew the program.
[1:13:02] The Surtax Advisory Committee
did meet last month,
[1:13:05] and they approved the list.
[1:13:07] And I would recommend a motion
to approve the 2026 needs
[1:13:11] list for infrastructure
surtax renewal.
[1:13:12] I'd be glad to
answer any questions.
[1:13:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:13:17] Commissioners, questions
or action on this item.
[1:13:19] COMMISSIONER COX: I just want to
thank you guys for the hard work
[1:13:23] that you do on this.
[1:13:24] And to our Surtax Committee
who may or may not
[1:13:27] be in the audience today, if
you're watching from home,
[1:13:30] just know how much we
appreciate the hard work that
[1:13:34] goes into this.
[1:13:35] I'm sure there's quite a bit
of time away from families
[1:13:38] spent in this probably
under-celebrated positions,
[1:13:40] but we do appreciate it.
[1:13:44] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I'll
make a motion for approval.
[1:13:46] Second, unless you want
to, Ms Cox, If you will.
[1:13:50] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: You've
already got it seconded.
[1:13:52] So, Commissioner
Ketchel move to approve.
[1:13:53] Commissioner Cox seconded it.
[1:13:55] Further discussion?
[1:13:56] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Yes.
[1:13:57] So, what I wanted to say
this is such a timely moment
[1:14:00] because, even with
Mr. Hackett before,
[1:14:03] our public has a hard time,
and I totally understand it
[1:14:08] because when I first became
a commissioner 12 years ago,
[1:14:11] it took me a long time to learn
about all the different pots
[1:14:14] of money.
[1:14:14] We have four amazing
enterprise funds.
[1:14:16] We're going to hear from
one shortly, the airports.
[1:14:19] Then we have the
surtax, which is
[1:14:21] on the ballot, which has allowed
us to just do phenomenal things.
[1:14:24] I'm so hopeful that the
public will approve it
[1:14:27] because without it, I
mean, I wouldn't have been
[1:14:30] a commissioner for four years.
[1:14:31] I mean, that would have been it.
[1:14:33] Because people would call and
say, would you fix my road?
[1:14:35] Could you do this?
[1:14:36] And I'd have to say,
yeah, we'll put you
[1:14:38] on the list as seven years till
we can get to that project.
[1:14:41] We're able to do things
so quickly now and make
[1:14:42] a difference.
[1:14:42] But as I speak to
different audiences,
[1:14:45] they're very confused about the
homestead exemption and what
[1:14:49] that will mean.
[1:14:51] Well, why can't you
just take the money out
[1:14:53] of tourist development funds?
[1:14:54] Because we can't
legally do that.
[1:14:56] So you can't take roads
and lifeguards out
[1:14:59] of a different-- we are
very limited as to how
[1:15:03] we can use funds.
[1:15:05] So if the homestead
exemption would pass,
[1:15:07] heaven help us because
we won't have the money
[1:15:11] to do anything to run
the systems that we
[1:15:13] have in the county.
[1:15:14] And I know a lot of people
don't like to pay taxes.
[1:15:17] Who does?
[1:15:17] Oh yeah, I want to pay
taxes-- more taxes.
[1:15:20] But we do a lot with
a limited amount.
[1:15:22] And the surtax has
been wonderful,
[1:15:25] so I'm hoping that people
vote no on homestead and yes
[1:15:29] on surtax.
[1:15:29] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:15:33] Further discussion?
[1:15:34] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Yes, sir.
[1:15:35] I just wanted to point out that
this is candidate projects,
[1:15:38] and that really we're not
committing future boards,
[1:15:41] but we're making more of an
informational acceptance.
[1:15:47] Not approving specific projects.
[1:15:49] Those will all come
back at different times
[1:15:52] as we move forward with surtax.
[1:15:54] Some of these may even happen
within existing surtax,
[1:15:57] or be able to begin
with an existing surtax.
[1:16:01] And there may be other
things that pop up.
[1:16:03] We don't know what
the future will hold.
[1:16:05] But what it does is it
points out that as a county,
[1:16:08] we've seen the benefit
to what the surtax did,
[1:16:10] and we see the
continuation of needs
[1:16:13] that we can go in
to accomplish, which
[1:16:16] is very favorable because public
works has been able to multiply
[1:16:20] their productivity and
their accomplishments
[1:16:23] because of having
money to do that.
[1:16:26] It's always easier
when there's funds
[1:16:28] to be able to fix those things.
[1:16:30] And so I know that our
municipalities are definitely
[1:16:32] in favor of continuing because
it gives them the resources
[1:16:34] to do things.
[1:16:36] And so thank you for
the work you're doing,
[1:16:38] but just as we all
know, there are
[1:16:40] things from this list that
can come and go and be
[1:16:44] enhanced and be not utilized
at the same time be added to.
[1:16:48] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Further discussion?
[1:16:52] Mr. Palmer.
[1:16:53] COMMISSIONER PALMER:
Mr. Chairman, thank you.
[1:16:55] And I also wanted to
echo that thank you
[1:16:58] to you guys for all the
work that you've done,
[1:17:00] and thank you to the
committee for all the work
[1:17:02] that they're doing.
[1:17:02] I think this surtax has been a
game changer for our community.
[1:17:05] And I just-- when it
was first voted on,
[1:17:09] it was a list of promises.
[1:17:12] And I think now, based
on the stewardship
[1:17:15] that you guys have shown, you
and your team and the Surtax
[1:17:19] Committee has shown we have
a list of accomplishments.
[1:17:21] And I just want to
thank you for that.
[1:17:24] And so now we have proof to
show that you guys are going
[1:17:26] to be good stewards
and we are going
[1:17:29] to be good stewards
of that money.
[1:17:30] So thank you.
[1:17:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners,
[1:17:31] further discussion on this?
[1:17:34] Well, I'll just say,
looking at the list,
[1:17:36] page 8.22 in the
packet is-- everything
[1:17:39] on there is a very valid
and needed project.
[1:17:44] And I think Commissioner
Mixon kind of framed it
[1:17:48] as this is not
necessarily-- well, maybe
[1:17:51] in a starting or an
aspirational list
[1:17:54] and it's still got to
go through the process,
[1:17:56] but there's a couple on there.
[1:17:58] I'll go a little
bit further and I'll
[1:17:59] say, like that gap creek
stormwater improvements
[1:18:01] on there, that one,
that's got to go through.
[1:18:04] And we got to stay on that one.
[1:18:08] There is a huge community push
in that whole gap creek drainage
[1:18:13] area, which is enormous.
[1:18:17] And I can tell you, part of
its partnership with the city
[1:18:23] because it covers
multi jurisdictions,
[1:18:26] but that one is a big one.
[1:18:29] And I know Mr. Bitterman's been
working on multiple things.
[1:18:32] I think just recently we
voted on some grant funding
[1:18:35] for a study, and I
don't want to say,
[1:18:39] that probably over generalizes
the impact of what it is.
[1:18:43] It's really a comprehensive
planning analysis, I think.
[1:18:45] And then this is just another
piece of that component.
[1:18:50] And I know this doesn't
get down to the project
[1:18:53] level on this list.
[1:18:54] This is more concept titles.
[1:18:56] But there's a few
on here that I think
[1:19:00] we've got to stay
pretty focused on
[1:19:02] and make sure they get through,
but everything on there
[1:19:06] is obviously an important use.
[1:19:07] So, any further comment?
[1:19:09] All those in favor, please
signify by saying, aye.
[1:19:13] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:19:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[1:19:14] All right, that
passes unanimously.
[1:19:16] Thank you, Mr. Bitterman.
[1:19:17] SCOTT BITTERMAN: Thank you.
[1:19:18] Tracey Stage.
[1:19:19] TRACEY STAGE: Morning,
Chairman, Commissioners.
[1:19:25] Tracey Stage, Airports
Transit Director.
[1:19:28] Got a couple slides
for you this morning.
[1:19:33] And, really, wanted
to start it off
[1:19:37] with a it's a big day for us.
[1:19:39] It's been a number of months
and we've held to the schedule,
[1:19:43] and today we're
delivering to you.
[1:19:44] So I'll go ahead and start
if that's OK with you, sir.
[1:19:49] On February 3,
this board directed
[1:19:51] Transit to be realigned under
the airports department.
[1:19:56] Since then, our team has worked
to stabilize the operation,
[1:19:59] correct efficiencies, establish
stronger financial and grant
[1:20:03] controls, and develop
and competitively
[1:20:06] procure a new service model,
entirely new service model.
[1:20:10] Today we are
presenting the results
[1:20:16] of that, a leaner, accountable
Okaloosa County transit
[1:20:18] system supported by our
state and federal partners,
[1:20:22] and operated through the
proposed via agreement
[1:20:25] in your agenda packages.
[1:20:28] I would like to--
[1:20:30] briefly joining me today,
obviously, my Senior Staff,
[1:20:33] Mr. Higdon, our Transit Manager,
Chad, my Deputy Director,
[1:20:38] Allison, our CFO.
[1:20:40] And then Alex
Lavoie, COO from Via.
[1:20:43] And Kyle Snyder, VP
from Via are joining us.
[1:20:47] And they'll be available
for any questions.
[1:20:51] But over the months,
this team here,
[1:20:54] and a number of other folks
back at the Department,
[1:20:58] worked tirelessly to meet the
schedule that we were under.
[1:21:02] So kind of getting
into the contract here.
[1:21:06] As far as the requirements
go, the proposed contract
[1:21:09] creates a very clear
division of responsibilities
[1:21:11] versus a blended model
with duplicated costs.
[1:21:14] The contractor is responsible
for daily operations, staffing,
[1:21:18] vehicle and facility
maintenance, insurance,
[1:21:20] utilities, technology,
supplies, customer service,
[1:21:23] and required
operational reporting.
[1:21:26] The county remains
firmly in control
[1:21:28] of public accountability,
executive oversight, contract
[1:21:32] performance, financial
controls, grant administration,
[1:21:35] regulatory compliance, assets,
risk management, and continuity
[1:21:39] of service.
[1:21:42] In short, the contractor
operates the system,
[1:21:44] but the county
sets the standards,
[1:21:47] monitors performance, and
protects the public's interest.
[1:21:50] So a little familiar
to the budget
[1:21:57] presentation specific
to Transit, but this
[1:21:59] is a snapshot of our
fiscal year '27 cost.
[1:22:03] The estimated operating
budget is 4.54 million,
[1:22:08] based on 40,000 revenue hours.
[1:22:11] 84% represents contract
costs, and 16% county costs.
[1:22:15] The plan is fully funded through
$2.72 million in federal funds
[1:22:22] and $1.82 million
in state funds.
[1:22:27] No anticipated
general fund impact.
[1:22:30] The transition also
highlighted in the slide
[1:22:37] produces an estimated
$1.1 million
[1:22:39] in annual cost reductions from
the previous service operation.
[1:22:43] And that goes to the
model development.
[1:22:47] Five-year outlook
on the right hand
[1:22:52] side of the slide, five-year
term of the agreement,
[1:22:55] obviously, projected increases
in hourly revenue, hourly costs,
[1:22:57] and, obviously, revenue hours
as the system continues to grow.
[1:23:04] For the rider-- or the
client, I should say,
[1:23:10] the service becomes
simple and focused.
[1:23:11] Eligible customers may apply
reserve travel from 24 hours
[1:23:14] to 14 days in advance, and
receive on-demand Monday through
[1:23:18] Friday service,
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
[1:23:21] The purpose is straightforward,
connect residents
[1:23:24] to work, education, health care,
and essential shopping safely
[1:23:29] and reliably when and
where they need it.
[1:23:31] This is more than a
contractor change.
[1:23:35] It's a disciplined structure
of transit around service,
[1:23:38] compliance, accountability.
[1:23:40] Information as to the staff
efforts throughout the IT
[1:23:44] and procurement process are
detailed in your agenda package
[1:23:47] on 8.23, from the
start to the finish
[1:23:51] of that entire
procurement process.
[1:23:54] And before I go into
the request, Chairman,
[1:23:58] I have a three-minute video
that staff has prepared
[1:24:02] for you and for the public.
[1:24:04] And it's going to be
a very helpful tool,
[1:24:07] should this contract
be approved,
[1:24:09] to educate the
public on the system.
[1:24:12] If it's OK with
you, Chairman, I'd
[1:24:14] like to play that
video for you all.
[1:24:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
That'd be great, please.
[1:24:16] TRACEY STAGE: Thank you.
[1:24:17] SPEAKER 7: Beginning
September 1, 2026,
[1:24:23] Okaloosa County Transit
will partner with Via
[1:24:26] to use its innovative
technology to deliver three
[1:24:29] coordinated transportation
services through the Ride OCT
[1:24:32] platform.
[1:24:34] First, we have the
ADA Paratransit
[1:24:36] for eligible individuals
with disabilities.
[1:24:38] Next, the transportation
disadvantaged service
[1:24:40] for eligible residents who
lack access to transportation.
[1:24:44] And lastly, our public
on-demand service
[1:24:47] for customers who schedule
and pay for individual trips.
[1:24:51] While each service
addresses a different need,
[1:24:55] the Transportation
Disadvantaged, or TD program,
[1:24:57] remains a central part of our
public transportation system.
[1:25:01] Through the TD program,
eligible riders
[1:25:03] will gain access to employment,
medical appointments, education,
[1:25:06] shopping, and other
essential destinations.
[1:25:09] The TD program helps
residents stay independent,
[1:25:13] connected to their community,
and able to access the services
[1:25:16] and opportunities they rely on.
[1:25:18] Ride OCT call center will be
staffed by trained customer
[1:25:22] service ambassadors ready
to assist riders, including
[1:25:25] those who may be less
comfortable with technology.
[1:25:28] Riders can call to ask
questions, get help
[1:25:31] with the application
process, schedule a trip,
[1:25:34] confirm pick up details,
and receive support
[1:25:36] throughout their experience.
[1:25:38] For riders who
prefer technology,
[1:25:40] the mobile application
offers another convenient way
[1:25:43] to request trips and
receive trip updates.
[1:25:45] In the next section, we will
discuss how the service works.
[1:25:49] Step one, get the application.
[1:25:52] A prospective rider may
obtain an application online
[1:25:55] by telephone or in person.
[1:25:58] Assistance is available
for individuals
[1:25:59] who need help accessing or
completing the application.
[1:26:02] Step two, apply.
[1:26:05] The applicant submits
the completed application
[1:26:07] and all required information.
[1:26:10] Step three, approval.
[1:26:12] Our eligibility coordinator
reviews the application,
[1:26:14] determines the
rider's eligibility,
[1:26:16] and notifies the
applicant of the decision.
[1:26:19] Approved applicants can begin
requesting transportation
[1:26:21] immediately.
[1:26:22] Step four, schedule a ride.
[1:26:25] Service is available Monday
through Saturday from 6:00 AM
[1:26:28] until 6:00 PM.
[1:26:30] The approved applicant may
request a trip using the mobile
[1:26:33] app or by calling 850-833-9168,
and speak directly with
[1:26:36] a customer service ambassador.
[1:26:41] Step five, trip confirmed.
[1:26:43] The rider receives the
scheduled pickup window
[1:26:46] and other important
trip details.
[1:26:47] Step six, driver pickup.
[1:26:50] The driver arrives in
an appropriate vehicle
[1:26:53] to transport the rider.
[1:26:54] Accessible vehicles are
available to accommodate riders
[1:26:56] with mobility needs.
[1:26:58] Step seven, ride and drop off.
[1:27:01] The rider travels safely to
the requested destination.
[1:27:03] Step eight, trip complete.
[1:27:06] The driver notifies
dispatch of trip completion
[1:27:09] and continues to the
next scheduled pickup
[1:27:11] Ride OCT is partnering with
Tidewater Transit, powered
[1:27:15] by Via Software, to
connect residents
[1:27:18] with essential people,
services, and opportunities.
[1:27:20] With accessible vehicles,
responsive customer support,
[1:27:23] and modern scheduling
capabilities,
[1:27:26] the new Ride OCT
platform is building
[1:27:29] a stronger, more
sustainable transportation
[1:27:31] system for our community.
[1:27:33] To learn more, apply for
service, or schedule a ride,
[1:27:36] visit www.rideoct.com,
or call 850-833-9168.
[1:27:39] Our customer service
ambassadors are
[1:27:46] ready to answer your
questions and assist you
[1:27:49] throughout the process.
[1:27:50] Welcome aboard.
[1:27:51] TRACEY STAGE: She did
it better than I could.
[1:27:56] But, essentially, if the
board's happy with this
[1:27:58] and if this contract
is approved,
[1:28:01] that's going to go live
on the website today.
[1:28:05] We do have a brand new website
that Via has put together.
[1:28:08] It's ready to go.
[1:28:10] And this is as
simple as it gets.
[1:28:13] It's on-demand service.
[1:28:14] We're there within 30 minutes.
[1:28:16] I appreciate Mr. Fuller's
comments this morning.
[1:28:18] He is a happy camper
because he used
[1:28:21] to have to walk 30 minutes to
go catch a fixed route downtown
[1:28:25] Crestview from his house.
[1:28:27] Now we pick him up at his house.
[1:28:31] So, it's across the board.
[1:28:32] But I can't say enough,
working with Via and Tidewater
[1:28:38] and the transparency
that they've
[1:28:40] shown through this
process, and what
[1:28:43] staff was able to get
done for Okaloosa County
[1:28:47] to check off those goals of
zero-impact to the general fund,
[1:28:51] saving over $1.1 million,
changing the entire model.
[1:28:55] And then turning
this service to where
[1:28:59] we have buses that are
actually taking people
[1:29:02] where they need to go
versus driving around
[1:29:05] and sitting in parking lots.
[1:29:07] So all that's behind us.
[1:29:08] And with that, Chairman, staff
requests and recommends approval
[1:29:11] of the contract and related
vehicle lease agreement with
[1:29:17] Tidewater Transit LLC for public
transportation services for not
[1:29:19] to exceed total $24,656,085.
[1:29:22] And I and my entire
team and Via Tidewater
[1:29:29] are here for any
questions you have.
[1:29:32] COMMISSIONER COX: All right.
[1:29:33] To approve with discussion.
[1:29:35] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.
[1:29:35] Motion to approve by
Commissioner Cox, and a second
[1:29:38] by Commissioner Palmer.
[1:29:39] Commissioner Cox, you
had some comments?
[1:29:41] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes, sir.
[1:29:43] Thank you, Chairman.
[1:29:44] I just want to say thank
you to each of you.
[1:29:47] I mean, to you, Mr.
Sage, congratulations.
[1:29:49] You have turned
one of our toughest
[1:29:53] critics and your toughest
critic into a fan.
[1:29:55] And that doesn't come
without a lot of hard work.
[1:30:00] So to each of you sitting here,
including our two new vendors,
[1:30:05] I hope--
[1:30:05] you certainly have my vote.
[1:30:08] This is a lot.
[1:30:10] I mean, to have completely
overhauled a transportation
[1:30:11] system that was causing a good
bit more than it should have,
[1:30:15] it was rife with trouble
from COVID problems
[1:30:21] and administrative
issues, and what have you.
[1:30:25] They just are unavoidable
when something like a pandemic
[1:30:29] happens.
[1:30:29] Really, to have
taken that situation
[1:30:32] and flipped it
absolutely to the benefit
[1:30:35] of the citizens of Okaloosa
County is quite an undertaking.
[1:30:39] I said that back
then, and I continue
[1:30:42] to appreciate the hard work that
you've done in the meantime.
[1:30:45] This is a lot.
[1:30:46] I mean, it is a lot.
[1:30:48] I used to build
hotels and hospitals
[1:30:49] and I can tell you that,
those kinds of undertakings
[1:30:52] are very similar.
[1:30:53] Every single time you have
something that's an overhaul,
[1:30:56] it changes everything.
[1:30:58] Just adds that much more work to
what you've already been doing.
[1:31:02] And we know you work hard
already, so thank you.
[1:31:04] I mean, just the
tremendous result
[1:31:06] in this being a zero
sum cost to the taxpayer
[1:31:10] is quite incredible.
[1:31:12] So thank you for your
hard work on this.
[1:31:15] And you have my vote.
[1:31:16] TRACEY STAGE: All right
Mr. Chairman, thank you.
[1:31:18] COMMISSIONER PALMER: I wanted
to echo that, thank you so much,
[1:31:21] Mr. Sage.
[1:31:21] Thank you to your entire
team for all of the work
[1:31:24] that you've done.
[1:31:25] Turning skeptics into believers
is a tough thing to do.
[1:31:28] And I remember when this
first was handed to you,
[1:31:31] there was a little
bit of trepidation
[1:31:34] in your demeanor, anyways.
[1:31:35] And you've done a
fantastic job with this.
[1:31:38] It was a tough thing
to take, and people
[1:31:41] feel like you're taking
something away from them
[1:31:45] that we've been
offering for years,
[1:31:47] but you've turned it
into something better.
[1:31:50] So I just wanted to
say thank you to you
[1:31:52] and thank you to
your entire team.
[1:31:53] I love the $1.1
million in savings.
[1:31:55] And I more than that, I love the
zero impact to the general fund
[1:31:59] so thank you.
[1:31:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioner Ketchel.
[1:32:00] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I just
want to say welcome aboard, Kyle
[1:32:04] and Alex.
[1:32:04] It's nice to have you with us.
[1:32:06] This is a great place to live.
[1:32:08] We can all attest to that.
[1:32:09] New York's fine too but
you're going to love it here.
[1:32:12] And thank you so very much,
Tracey and your whole team,
[1:32:15] for the work that
you've put into this--
[1:32:16] I should say, Mr. Stage, sorry--
[1:32:18] for the work that
you've put into this.
[1:32:20] And I know that our
constituents are looking forward
[1:32:22] to using this convenience.
[1:32:24] And Mr. Fuller was
beaming from ear to ear.
[1:32:26] He was so excited about
being an ambassador,
[1:32:29] so thank you very much.
[1:32:30] TRACEY STAGE: Yes, ma'am.
[1:32:32] Thank you.
[1:32:32] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Further
comments, commissioners?
[1:32:33] All right.
[1:32:35] Then I'll just say, I am
excited to vote in favor of this
[1:32:39] and approve this
contract moving forward.
[1:32:42] Anybody in the general
public looks at it and says,
[1:32:46] gosh, you're approving
a $24 million contract
[1:32:49] and you're saving money?
[1:32:50] Well, that's what's happening.
[1:32:51] And what's important here is
that this whole program has been
[1:32:56] an elusive issue to wrangle in.
[1:33:03] And I've been trying for years,
and we've finally gotten there.
[1:33:07] It's been a challenge
for the commission,
[1:33:13] it's been a challenge for--
[1:33:15] from a staff level to
try to get this thing
[1:33:18] managed where it needs to be.
[1:33:22] And I just appreciate the
work that Mr. Hofstad's office
[1:33:25] and Mr. Stage and all his
team have done to support us
[1:33:30] in getting to where we are.
[1:33:33] It was a fundamental
shift in the way
[1:33:35] we look at public transit
in Okaloosa County.
[1:33:38] And killing the
fixed route, it may
[1:33:42] have been scary
to think about it,
[1:33:46] but it was absolutely necessary.
[1:33:48] And you know what?
[1:33:50] The sky didn't fall.
[1:33:51] In fact, the sky got a lot
clearer, a lot more clear sky,
[1:33:55] a lot more transparency
in this program
[1:33:57] than we've ever had before.
[1:33:59] The first time since I have
sat on this board, that we have
[1:34:04] actually been able to
get to a point of saying,
[1:34:09] zero General fund
dollars into transit.
[1:34:11] And that's huge.
[1:34:14] And that number has crept up.
[1:34:17] It crept up and was heading
towards 300, 000, 400,000,
[1:34:19] half a million
dollars last fall.
[1:34:22] And we were on the precipice
of another five-year renewal
[1:34:26] of the same nightmare
that we've been living.
[1:34:28] And I'm just thankful to, like I
said, Mr. Hofstad and his team,
[1:34:34] Mr. Stage and his team,
and this board for saying,
[1:34:39] you know what, we're just
going to bite the bullet.
[1:34:42] We're going to make
the hard decision.
[1:34:43] We're going to overhaul this
thing from top to bottom.
[1:34:46] And that's what's happened.
[1:34:47] And now look at how
this is going to work.
[1:34:50] On-demand services, makes sense.
[1:34:52] Nobody's going to wait on a
bus in Okaloosa County for two
[1:34:57] hours, standing out
there in August,
[1:34:59] hoping the bus might show up.
[1:35:02] It's just not practical.
[1:35:04] That's why the buses were
running around empty.
[1:35:06] We were just wasting dollars,
some general fund dollars,
[1:35:09] some grant dollars, but
regardless, dollars.
[1:35:12] And now we're not.
[1:35:14] That's the key.
[1:35:15] When government
sees a place where
[1:35:17] there is inefficiency or waste
and does nothing, that's wrong.
[1:35:21] But when government
sees it, identifies it,
[1:35:24] attacks the problem, and comes
up with a solution like this,
[1:35:29] that's exactly what we're
supposed to be doing.
[1:35:31] That's exactly what we're
supposed to accomplish.
[1:35:34] And, look, this program is
going to serve, I think,
[1:35:37] those citizens who need this
service better than it ever
[1:35:40] has over the past 25
years, in a way that people
[1:35:44] are going to appreciate it
and be able to rely on it.
[1:35:48] And look at the
leverage of technology,
[1:35:51] those are things that we begged.
[1:35:53] I know many of us--
[1:35:54] Commissioner Ketchel, you've
been up here as long as I have,
[1:35:58] I know we begged for
better technology
[1:36:00] integration in that
program for so many years.
[1:36:02] Now we can have it, because
that's the way that people work.
[1:36:06] And we don't-- it still has
the-- call it the analog
[1:36:09] process.
[1:36:10] If people want to call in and
get the hard copy paperwork,
[1:36:14] that's still available, but
we know that as a reality,
[1:36:17] most of the users are going
to leverage that technology,
[1:36:22] be able to use this.
[1:36:24] I love the branding.
[1:36:25] It's clean, it's
fresh, it looks good.
[1:36:27] I love the fact that
you have gotten rid
[1:36:32] of the dilapidated buses.
[1:36:33] You've reduced our fleet to
a tighter, smaller, reliable,
[1:36:36] clean and newer fleet to
serve the type of needs
[1:36:41] that our constituents that
use this service have.
[1:36:44] Perfect.
[1:36:45] You're taking
those grant dollars
[1:36:48] and making them do what they
were always supposed to do,
[1:36:52] and I really appreciate that.
[1:36:53] I appreciate that
out of your team.
[1:36:55] Mr. Higdon, I know that
you got on board with us
[1:36:58] as we were through
this transition period.
[1:37:01] And I have all the faith
in the world you're
[1:37:05] going to be able to
keep us on this track,
[1:37:07] and I'm very excited about it.
[1:37:09] Again, I think this is--
[1:37:10] all the complaints I've gotten
over all these years in office
[1:37:14] about transit, wasn't that
people hated the idea transit.
[1:37:17] They just hated the
approach that we had.
[1:37:20] And now we've changed it.
[1:37:22] This is what we should be doing.
[1:37:24] So thank you.
[1:37:25] Commissioners.
[1:37:25] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
I have one more thing.
[1:37:28] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
[1:37:29] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: As I said
on the Transportation Committee
[1:37:32] so many years, we didn't
have other alternatives.
[1:37:34] You all may have really
done something so innovative
[1:37:39] that let me just suggest
that you might take it
[1:37:44] to the Florida Association of
Counties as best practices.
[1:37:46] Other counties are looking to
fix their transportation system.
[1:37:49] You've done it, I think.
[1:37:52] We're about ready
to test it to see,
[1:37:54] but it looks like you have had--
[1:37:56] I haven't had but one
complaint, and that was just
[1:37:58] somebody trying to get to Walton
County, which was important
[1:38:00] because they work there.
[1:38:01] But what I'm saying
is, if this really
[1:38:03] is what I think
it's going to be,
[1:38:06] maybe you need to take this
on the road-- pun intended--
[1:38:08] literally to other counties.
[1:38:10] COMMISSIONER MIXON: I believe
we're going to be a model,
[1:38:14] truly do.
[1:38:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners, other comments?
[1:38:17] If not, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:38:21] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:38:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed--
[1:38:22] that passes unanimously.
[1:38:24] It's a good day.
[1:38:25] Thank you, sir.
[1:38:26] [APPLAUSE]
[1:38:26] TRACEY STAGE:
Commissioners, thank you.
[1:38:27] Staff right here,
a lot of hard work.
[1:38:30] Thank you very, very much.
[1:38:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:38:36] Our next item under
department business,
[1:38:37] Ms. Ore with Housing and SHIP.
[1:38:45] MS ORE: Good morning,
Chairman, Commissioners.
[1:38:52] The item I have before you is a
revision to the SHIP first time
[1:38:58] home buyers' purchase assistance
program policies and guidelines.
[1:39:00] As you know, last year in
July, we implemented it,
[1:39:04] and we made some changes to the
program that the CDC was doing.
[1:39:08] And after gaining some
knowledge and helping
[1:39:09] quite a few households and
spending quite a bit of funds,
[1:39:13] and as well as having our
inspector general audit and some
[1:39:17] recommendations that came
from them, the training
[1:39:18] as well as what's best
for our community,
[1:39:21] there are some
amendments that have
[1:39:23] been made that I think would
best serve our community.
[1:39:26] Most of them are
grammatical changes,
[1:39:28] policies that are in
place that aren't really
[1:39:31] applicable to our program.
[1:39:32] One of the major changes is
introducing a limit threshold
[1:39:35] of 27%, which means that
their housing ratio--
[1:39:39] so what they are
paying monthly--
[1:39:45] when we award the
funds, it will not
[1:39:48] be low-- won't be below 27%
of their gross monthly income.
[1:39:51] So, if there are any
questions or details
[1:39:56] you would like to know about
the program, please ask.
[1:39:59] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Questions.
[1:39:59] I know Commissioner
Mixon, I know you probably
[1:40:01] looked at this pretty deeply.
[1:40:03] If not, I have just one quick
question before we take it up.
[1:40:09] It just in layman's
terms, does this--
[1:40:10] do the changes you're
making better help make sure
[1:40:16] that people are not getting
into situations that they
[1:40:19] can't afford?
[1:40:19] In other words,
does it better help
[1:40:22] expand the program
but at the same time,
[1:40:25] make sure we're not
setting people up to fail?
[1:40:27] Because it's always been a
big one for me with SHIP.
[1:40:29] I love to help people
get into home ownership,
[1:40:30] but I don't want to put them on
a path that's not sustainable.
[1:40:34] MS. ORE: Yes, sir.
[1:40:35] I believe the policies
that we already
[1:40:36] have in some of our statutory
requirements of making sure
[1:40:39] that their housing, monthly
payments don't go over
[1:40:41] a certain percentage, those
are going to remain the same.
[1:40:47] Those aren't changes
that we are making.
[1:40:49] What we are trying to do is
limit the amount of funds
[1:40:52] that we are giving
out to individuals so
[1:40:53] that we aren't
just awarding funds
[1:40:55] that they don't actually need.
[1:40:58] So I wanted to make sure
that things are very much
[1:41:01] need-based to reassure
you when we are looking
[1:41:02] at the homes and the
purchases of our clients,
[1:41:06] we do have, in our policies,
that our best practices for them
[1:41:10] not to go over 35% of
their gross monthly income.
[1:41:13] If they are to go over
that, there is justification
[1:41:17] that it has to be in place.
[1:41:19] And so we are making sure that
whatever home they are buying
[1:41:21] is a sustainable
purchase for them.
[1:41:22] And not just putting
them in the home,
[1:41:25] but looking forward
within a year,
[1:41:26] are they going to be able
to afford a tax increase,
[1:41:29] are they going to be able
to afford insurance changes?
[1:41:31] Making sure that the home--
the quality of the home
[1:41:34] is in its best
condition, that things
[1:41:36] aren't going to break down.
[1:41:37] So we're reviewing inspections
and we're reviewing,
[1:41:39] making sure that
they have insurance,
[1:41:42] whether a warranty is needed
before we are even approving
[1:41:45] a purchase to be
made, or a closing
[1:41:48] to happen with our funds.
[1:41:49] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[1:41:50] Thank you for recapping
that, no problem.
[1:41:52] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
The tax increase
[1:41:53] would be a change to
the assessed value,
[1:41:55] with some of our clients
going into new homes.
[1:41:57] But I'll tell you, this
does put great perimeters
[1:42:00] because the debt to
income ratio is being
[1:42:02] monitored like never before.
[1:42:04] And it gives an
opportunity for us
[1:42:06] to help folks not
move into a spot
[1:42:08] and get too much upfront so
that now they're house rich
[1:42:10] or they're house
poor, and they're
[1:42:11] focused on not being able
to sustain themselves.
[1:42:13] But it gives a pathway to even
deeper partnering with folks.
[1:42:17] I know the desire
that I had at first
[1:42:22] was to not be in the housing
business as a county.
[1:42:24] Kind of felt like it
wasn't really our job.
[1:42:26] But we're doing fantastic,
streamlining the process where
[1:42:28] we're able to help folks
move from not having
[1:42:32] any place to potentially
moving into one
[1:42:34] of our county-owned asset
rentals that stay full,
[1:42:37] by the way, and then
moving from those
[1:42:42] into something-- partnering with
our down payment assistance that
[1:42:45] moves into home ownership.
[1:42:47] And all within the scope
of the SHIP program.
[1:42:50] Eventually we're going
to have to step up
[1:42:53] our ability of
walking beside folks
[1:42:54] in those first few
years of home ownership,
[1:42:57] not for the purpose of
monetary gain on their part,
[1:42:59] for the purpose of
stewardship, stability
[1:43:01] so that they can stay
homeowners long term.
[1:43:04] And we don't see them go back
through a cycle once they see
[1:43:09] that they have equity, and get
one of those 5,000 calls a month
[1:43:12] that tell them how much
money they'll give them
[1:43:14] for their equity, and then they
find themselves needing to sell
[1:43:17] the house in order to
afford something else.
[1:43:18] So, this does put
us forward further
[1:43:20] to get to the point of
seeing folks more successful.
[1:43:24] We've had tremendous success
so far with the down payment
[1:43:28] assistance and
tremendous success
[1:43:28] with Ms Ore coming
into the program
[1:43:31] and helping have a person
mediating with banks
[1:43:34] and assisting and training
the banks to partner with us.
[1:43:38] And so it's really moving
in a great direction
[1:43:41] with the Affordable
Housing Advisory Council.
[1:43:42] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[1:43:45] All right.
[1:43:46] Other discussion, commissioners?
[1:43:47] If not, we do have a motion
and a second on this, correct?
[1:43:51] No.
[1:43:53] I remember, did we get a motion?
[1:43:56] No.
[1:43:57] Maybe we didn't.
[1:43:58] Maybe I'm ahead.
[1:43:59] All right.
[1:44:00] We have a motion by
Commissioner Mixon,
[1:44:01] second by Commissioner Palmer.
[1:44:03] All right.
[1:44:04] Further discussion.
[1:44:05] Those in favor, please
signify by saying, aye.
[1:44:08] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:44:08] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Those
opposed-- that's unanimous.
[1:44:09] Thank you, Ms Ore.
[1:44:11] MS. ORE: Thank you.
[1:44:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right,
Mr. Coffey, your first item,
[1:44:14] consideration of two new members
for the Blue Water Bay MSBU.
[1:44:21] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
[1:44:25] Actually, I'd like to change
that item to three new members.
[1:44:28] And what happened was when
we put this issue forward,
[1:44:30] we consulted with the website
instead of talking with the SOE
[1:44:34] directly.
[1:44:35] And on the website
they said there
[1:44:38] was two qualified
individuals when
[1:44:39] we had heard there were
three, and actually there
[1:44:42] are three when we
circled back with them.
[1:44:44] And the third one should
be added, Ms Tony High.
[1:44:46] And that would be
the third person.
[1:44:49] All three are
running for office.
[1:44:50] All three have been verified
by the SOE to have qualified.
[1:44:53] And there initially
were only two seats up.
[1:44:56] So there are two for one seat
and one for another seat,
[1:44:59] but the reality is we
have three vacancies
[1:45:01] and we'd like to fill all
three vacancies at this time.
[1:45:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:45:05] Commissioner Palmer,
this is in your district.
[1:45:07] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Here is a
second, but I have questions.
[1:45:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
All right, we
[1:45:14] have a motion to approve by
Commissioner Palmer, seconded
[1:45:15] by Commissioner Mixon.
[1:45:16] Commissioner Mixon, you
have some questions.
[1:45:19] COMMISSIONER MIXON: So
there's three approved
[1:45:20] by the supervisor of elections?
[1:45:22] CRAIG COFFEY: Yes.
[1:45:23] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Are
there more than three--
[1:45:24] CRAIG COFFEY: No.
[1:45:25] COMMISSIONER MIXON: --currently
seeking this position?
[1:45:26] CRAIG COFFEY: Not
that I know of.
[1:45:29] There were candidates that put
in for the upcoming election,
[1:45:31] there were only three.
[1:45:33] And all three were qualified.
[1:45:34] But we don't know
of any others that
[1:45:36] have contacted me or
written us about wanting--
[1:45:39] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Or
qualified with the supervisor.
[1:45:41] CRAIG COFFEY: Or
qualified with supervisor.
[1:45:43] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
When's the last time
[1:45:45] we confirmed with the SOE that
there's no more than three--
[1:45:47] CRAIG COFFEY: As of yesterday.
[1:45:48] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Early, late?
[1:45:50] Was there a deadline
for qualification?
[1:45:53] They just make a
decision knowing that--
[1:45:55] CRAIG COFFEY: The
deadline for qualification
[1:45:57] actually had passed
because it was
[1:45:58] part of all the normal
candidate qualifications,
[1:46:00] and that's why we were surprised
it wasn't on the website,
[1:46:04] because we had heard there were
three qualifying but we just
[1:46:06] went by the listing.
[1:46:07] COMMISSIONER PALMER:
I might be able to add
[1:46:10] a little clarification.
[1:46:10] So Ms High was actually running
for-- running unopposed,
[1:46:13] and so that's why the other
two would still have been--
[1:46:16] that would have been an
election between the other two.
[1:46:19] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
That helps tremendously.
[1:46:21] COMMISSIONER PALMER: So, yeah.
[1:46:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:46:23] All right.
[1:46:25] Further discussion on that item?
[1:46:26] All right, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:46:29] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:46:30] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: And
those opposed-- all right.
[1:46:31] That passes unanimously.
[1:46:32] And I've got to step
out for a moment.
[1:46:35] JOHN HOFSTAD: OK, brings
us to the next item.
[1:46:40] Mr. Coffey.
[1:46:42] CRAIG COFFEY: The next item is
a contract agreement for DAG--
[1:46:45] with DAG Architecture.
[1:46:47] And it comes with two
different task orders,
[1:46:50] totaling $1,442,986, plus
a contingency amount for up
[1:46:53] to $175,000.
[1:46:57] And I'll talk about the
contingency here in a second,
[1:47:00] but this is for all the services
related to the expansion design
[1:47:03] work related to a 50,000 square
foot addition to the Reagan
[1:47:07] Center, plus
additional task order--
[1:47:08] task score two deals
with all the parking,
[1:47:13] the drainage on the site,
bringing all that up to speed
[1:47:16] and modernizing that for all the
different impervious surfaces we
[1:47:19] have, plus pickleball courts.
[1:47:22] All that is in rolled up
into this as one item.
[1:47:26] We're happy that it's
that, a local firm,
[1:47:29] and a local engineering
firm with them.
[1:47:32] Jenkins Engineering is going
to be doing the work on this,
[1:47:35] so that's really
exciting for us as well.
[1:47:37] It was picked by a special
selection committee, which
[1:47:39] we have some private
citizens on there,
[1:47:41] as well as some staff,
committee of five.
[1:47:43] And it went really smooth.
[1:47:45] And, lastly, the
contingency services
[1:47:46] that are in there
for two reasons.
[1:47:50] One is up to $100,000.
[1:47:52] If the project
comes in higher, it
[1:47:54] does afford a little
bit more compensation
[1:47:56] to DAG Architecture,
but it limits that.
[1:47:58] So if the contract comes
in much, much higher,
[1:48:01] they don't get any more
money after that cap.
[1:48:04] The cap of $15 million.
[1:48:05] The second thing is
it allows $75,000,
[1:48:07] because there are some services
that we're going to encounter
[1:48:11] potentially on the back
side of this thing,
[1:48:13] or threshold inspections,
or something else.
[1:48:14] It allows us to do
some additional things,
[1:48:17] or additional borings if we need
to, as part of this process.
[1:48:20] We do plan to hold a
charrette at some point.
[1:48:23] When the design
gets there, we're
[1:48:26] going to have some renderings
and stuff like that.
[1:48:28] So we'll have some additional
participation along the way.
[1:48:30] And we're excited to
kick off this project
[1:48:32] and get it ready in time
for the legislature.
[1:48:36] We hope this is a
legislative item for us.
[1:48:38] We have a number
of people that are
[1:48:40] willing to lobby on our behalf
and help us with this item,
[1:48:43] so we're very excited.
[1:48:44] And this is going to be
a game changer for us
[1:48:47] as far as the overall
facility, and put us
[1:48:49] in a whole different
category in the panhandle
[1:48:51] as far as other facilities
that meet this size and scope
[1:48:56] and stuff like that.
[1:48:56] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:48:57] Thank you, Mr. Coffey.
[1:48:58] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: Be glad
to make a motion for approval.
[1:49:01] Very excited about this
project moving forward.
[1:49:03] I sure hope we can get
on the legislative agenda
[1:49:06] and get additional funds,
but the whole community
[1:49:08] is so pleased and excited
about the work that
[1:49:11] is being accomplished at
this fairground project.
[1:49:14] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK, so
motion by Commissioner Ketchel,
[1:49:16] second by Commissioner Cox.
[1:49:18] Thank you.
[1:49:19] Any further discussion?
[1:49:20] COMMISSIONER COX: Yes.
[1:49:20] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioner Cox.
[1:49:21] COMMISSIONER COX: I
just wanted to say
[1:49:23] that it is such a pleasure
to be able to look
[1:49:25] at a contract like this and know
that we have somebody like DAG
[1:49:28] Architectural group, founded by
Charlie Cleary, a former Florida
[1:49:31] Senator who served our district.
[1:49:34] I mean, nobody more invested in
this community than that man.
[1:49:37] And the beautiful
projects that he
[1:49:40] has done, both for this county
and around the area, certainly
[1:49:43] speak for themselves.
[1:49:45] But it's just so nice to be
able to look at an agenda
[1:49:48] and see that we have a local
asset here we're able to partner
[1:49:51] with for future
development that we know
[1:49:53] will be handled responsibly.
[1:49:55] So, thank you for that.
[1:49:57] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Great.
[1:49:57] OK.
[1:49:58] Thank you.
[1:49:59] Yes, Commissioner Mixon.
[1:50:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[1:50:01] I appreciate the work they
do to continue in the county.
[1:50:06] I'm sure this went through
the proper processes.
[1:50:09] Being able to do this,
the only thing I miss out
[1:50:13] of the agenda packet is
the sharpie and highlight
[1:50:14] rendering that you created.
[1:50:18] CRAIG COFFEY: The copy, that was
in the procurement packet that
[1:50:22] went out to the
architects and stuff.
[1:50:24] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
It definitely
[1:50:25] needs to be page three or so
of the packet that comes back
[1:50:29] to us when they finish.
[1:50:30] I would like to
suggest that we have
[1:50:32] our sports tourism staff
give us some type of overview
[1:50:35] of economic impact of
what this future can be
[1:50:39] and how we can see
funds recouped.
[1:50:43] I understand we're using
tourist development dollars,
[1:50:45] but being able to recoup
those funds by bed nights,
[1:50:49] by groups coming in, sports
tourism that takes place
[1:50:51] within this new
facility, I would
[1:50:54] love to see that in
the future given to us
[1:50:57] so that we can continuously
be in forward motion.
[1:50:59] This is going to give us
a great booklet of paper.
[1:51:05] In order to move that
paper into reality,
[1:51:09] we're going to really have to
be able to explain ourselves,
[1:51:12] to see what the
future would look
[1:51:14] like and some potential
projections of numbers,
[1:51:16] and how that would be recouped
as an asset owned by the county.
[1:51:21] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Any further discussion?
[1:51:24] All right.
[1:51:27] With that, all those
in favor say, aye.
[1:51:29] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:51:30] COMMISSIONER
GOODWIN: Any opposed?
[1:51:31] All right.
[1:51:32] Passes.
[1:51:33] So that moves us
to our next item,
[1:51:36] the animal control
interlocal agreement.
[1:51:38] CRAIG COFFEY: The animal
control interlocal, I'd
[1:51:40] like to start off
with adding-- asking
[1:51:42] to add an item to the agenda.
[1:51:45] And this is related to
animal control as well.
[1:51:48] So we're working
two things before I
[1:51:49] get into the interlocal.
[1:51:51] We're working the North
end animal control,
[1:51:53] but we're working the South end.
[1:51:55] The item we would like to add as
an add on item to the agenda is
[1:51:59] for the purchase
of two vehicles,
[1:52:00] and not to exceed $44,000.
[1:52:03] And allowing for
advance payment.
[1:52:06] Normally, John,
County Administrator,
[1:52:08] can approve the emergency
item, but advance payment
[1:52:11] can only be approved by the
Board of County Commissioners.
[1:52:16] And so that's why
we're requesting this.
[1:52:17] The dealerships are
at-- they're out
[1:52:19] of-- some of them
are out of state,
[1:52:21] and these are complete
animal control vehicles.
[1:52:22] And we're buying
those to get started
[1:52:25] as a much cheaper alternative
for part of our stand up costs.
[1:52:29] But in order to add
an item to the agenda,
[1:52:33] it takes a supermajority vote.
[1:52:33] And-- anything that I'm
missing, Patrick, on that?
[1:52:36] PATRICK: Good morning.
[1:52:40] Just how we got to that
point was we initially
[1:52:43] started with procuring used
vehicles, vehicles that we
[1:52:45] were turning for auction.
[1:52:47] And we were able to get three
of those that were a lower
[1:52:51] mileage, fantastic F-250.
[1:52:51] However, the animal
control slide-in--
[1:52:53] just the portion that will go
into the back of those utility
[1:52:57] beds brand new-- is anywhere
between $15,000 and $20,000
[1:52:59] as an add on, just for that
piece to add into the back
[1:53:03] of the vehicle.
[1:53:03] So with these procurements,
these two vehicles not to exceed
[1:53:05] $44,000, we are getting full
assembled vehicles with working
[1:53:09] animal control condition spaces
in the rear of the vehicle ready
[1:53:13] to go.
[1:53:14] In the time frame that we
need to start up the service,
[1:53:18] those brand new units that we
would have to have constructed
[1:53:20] are eight to 10 months out.
[1:53:21] So this particular
solution allows
[1:53:23] us to move forward with lower
amounts of money in the time
[1:53:27] frame needed to start
the service that we're
[1:53:28] required to start, so.
[1:53:29] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.
[1:53:31] PATRICK: Yeah.
[1:53:31] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[1:53:32] And thank you.
[1:53:33] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I
have a question, Chairman.
[1:53:34] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Yes, go ahead.
[1:53:35] Do we not have anything
in fleet old enough
[1:53:38] that we can retrofit with?
[1:53:39] CRAIG COFFEY:
Yeah, that's what--
[1:53:40] I think that's what Patrick
was just alluding to.
[1:53:43] We actually identified
three different vehicles
[1:53:44] coming out of water,
sewer, and a fourth.
[1:53:46] And part of those vehicles--
[1:53:48] to retrofit those--
they had cargo things
[1:53:50] or they had open
normal pickup truck.
[1:53:53] No one had animal control
units ready to slide
[1:53:56] in in a timely
manner, number one.
[1:53:58] And number two is those units by
themselves were almost $20,000
[1:54:01] by themselves.
[1:54:03] When we can buy fully assembled
vehicles with air conditioned
[1:54:05] back kennel areas
in a timely manner,
[1:54:08] and have them here in
essentially two weeks
[1:54:12] that are ready to go.
[1:54:13] OK.
[1:54:14] Yeah.
[1:54:15] COMMISSIONER MIXON:
Mr. Chair, I make
[1:54:16] a motion to walk the
item on, but I have
[1:54:18] questions if there's a second.
[1:54:19] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:54:20] We have a motion
and a second to walk
[1:54:23] on the item regarding the
purchase of the two vehicles.
[1:54:25] All right.
[1:54:27] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Prior to the
item being presented and voted
[1:54:29] on, I would like to
know the funding source.
[1:54:32] And I'd like to know if
that's 44 and no greater than,
[1:54:36] or if that's per vehicle,
just for clarity.
[1:54:37] PATRICK: So the
funding source, sir,
[1:54:39] we went to the Surtax Committee,
voter approved Surtax Committee,
[1:54:42] and got approved capital
dollars to go ahead and start
[1:54:45] the service.
[1:54:46] This is from those
capital dollars.
[1:54:47] And, additionally, as
far as the not to exceed,
[1:54:50] that is the total
dollar value, including
[1:54:53] shipping for both vehicles.
[1:54:54] One is $17,500 with shipping and
the other one is $25,000 flat,
[1:55:00] including shipping.
[1:55:00] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.
[1:55:02] Mr. Chair, this just
walks the item on.
[1:55:04] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
All right, let's vote
[1:55:06] on that just, I guess,
procedurally, then we can
[1:55:09] actually deal with the item.
[1:55:11] Those in favor of walking on
the item about the two vehicles,
[1:55:14] please signify by saying, aye.
[1:55:15] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:55:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Those opposed.
[1:55:16] All right, that
passes unanimously.
[1:55:18] So we can now address
the item in substance.
[1:55:21] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Mr.
Chair, make a motion
[1:55:22] that we approve the additional
two vehicles to the fleet using
[1:55:25] the funding source mentioned.
[1:55:26] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:55:28] We have a motion to
approve the request
[1:55:29] to purchase the two
vehicles, Commissioner Mixon.
[1:55:31] Commissioner Palmer
seconded that.
[1:55:32] Further discussion on that item?
[1:55:35] All right.
[1:55:38] I'll just add then
I did have a chance
[1:55:40] to talk with Pat Maddox
about this, and I--
[1:55:43] it doesn't surprise me.
[1:55:47] It just reminded me how
expensive this venture
[1:55:50] is probably going to get.
[1:55:53] And I know people have had
concerns about whether or not
[1:55:57] we're doing what was
called animal control lite,
[1:56:02] or we're doing animal
control comprehensive,
[1:56:04] or just what we're doing.
[1:56:06] I think the answer is we're
doing everything we can
[1:56:09] within the means we have.
[1:56:10] And we're meeting
the statute and we're
[1:56:12] meeting our requirements,
and we're probably going
[1:56:14] above that to some extent.
[1:56:18] And I'll point out to those
who are concerned about that,
[1:56:23] buying the conditioned
vehicles is not
[1:56:24] a minimum statutory requirement.
[1:56:26] That's an above and beyond.
[1:56:28] And I think Pat Maddox was able
to go out and try to find out
[1:56:33] how to do that within
the budget we had,
[1:56:35] and that's what
we're talking about.
[1:56:36] So we're trying to do the
best version of animal control
[1:56:39] like we can with the
resources we have.
[1:56:42] And I'm sure it will
continue evolving
[1:56:44] until we get our hands wrapped
around it because in my tenure,
[1:56:49] we've never had
in-house animal control.
[1:56:51] In fact, I'm not sure
anybody sitting up here
[1:56:55] has ever worked with Okaloosa
County running its own animal
[1:56:58] control.
[1:56:59] So this is new.
[1:57:00] But in any event--
[1:57:02] any other comments on this?
[1:57:04] If not, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[1:57:06] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[1:57:07] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed.
[1:57:08] All right, that
passes unanimously.
[1:57:10] Go buy your two trucks.
[1:57:13] PATRICK: Thank you, sir.
[1:57:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[1:57:15] CRAIG COFFEY: Thank you.
[1:57:17] Let's talk about
the main item now.
[1:57:18] This is very exciting
agreement, interlocal agreement
[1:57:20] with the city of Crestview.
[1:57:23] It provides for, essentially,
full animal control
[1:57:25] and sheltering services.
[1:57:27] And it's a full partnership
between the county and the city.
[1:57:31] They've been great to work with.
[1:57:34] And you talk about minimum
animal control lite,
[1:57:36] the city provides actually
a much more robust service,
[1:57:39] probably somewhere between full
accepting everything and animal
[1:57:42] control lite, which-- and
I put it in the packet
[1:57:47] there how they recognize.
[1:57:48] Talk about the
agreement a little bit.
[1:57:51] The agreement is-- splits
everything 50/50 for the animal
[1:57:53] control services and sheltering.
[1:57:56] Provides us to
build a new animal
[1:57:58] control sheltering
facility, utilizing
[1:58:00] one of the city's buildings.
[1:58:03] The split would be
65% county, 35% city.
[1:58:05] Realizing the city's
contributing the building
[1:58:08] and the land in it's 2020
metal building, about 7500ft.
[1:58:11] They have an
amazing service they
[1:58:16] provide with the limited
resources they do provide.
[1:58:18] And you talk about trying to
match budgets and stuff like
[1:58:22] that, our animal control budget
was slated this year to go up
[1:58:25] to about 900,000.
[1:58:26] I anticipate this operationally
will probably be in the area
[1:58:30] of around 450,000 when
all was said and done.
[1:58:32] Currently, the city spends about
$600,000 total in animal control
[1:58:36] services per year, so 50%
of that would be 300,000.
[1:58:39] They will have to add some
more animal control officers
[1:58:42] and vehicles and
stuff like that.
[1:58:45] And that will probably cause
that number to go up to 900,000,
[1:58:48] but still it's a benefit
to them, benefit to us,
[1:58:51] because we should both be saving
money by combining resources.
[1:58:54] Initially, we won't have
the shelter in place,
[1:58:57] so we will have animal control
lite in the unincorporated area
[1:59:00] up there that eventually grows
to match the city's own service
[1:59:03] levels over time once we get
these other resources in place.
[1:59:07] And that's personnel, equipment,
and the facility itself.
[1:59:09] But I will say that you heard a
little bit from Niceville today,
[1:59:15] you've heard from other
cities as we partnered
[1:59:18] on park projects and stuff like
that, and this is just another.
[1:59:22] Crestview has been
a great partner
[1:59:23] to work with on so many issues.
[1:59:25] If you recall, they helped
us out most recently
[1:59:27] with the fire
services in Dorcas,
[1:59:29] covering a portion of
that service territory.
[1:59:32] And, of course, the
bypass and everything
[1:59:34] else that we partner
with on Crestview.
[1:59:36] Anything else I can describe
about the interlocal,
[1:59:39] I'm happy to.
[1:59:42] I put a lot of
details in our packet,
[1:59:44] and we'll be happy to
answer any questions.
[1:59:46] Oh, and Jessica Levens,
the City Manager, is here.
[1:59:49] And she'd like to say a few
words to you guys as well.
[1:59:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: OK.
[1:59:54] And we have a motion to
approve by Commissioner Mixon,
[1:59:57] second by Commissioner
Cox, just so everyone
[2:00:00] is aware of the procedural
standpoint we're in.
[2:00:02] So come on forward.
[2:00:05] And I know how I'm going to vote
so I feel very favorable this
[2:00:09] is going to work.
[2:00:09] JESSICA LEVENS: Thank you.
[2:00:10] I just wanted to
echo what Craig said,
[2:00:12] it's been so great
working with the county.
[2:00:14] These partnerships
are so important,
[2:00:15] so we get things done
efficiently and effectively.
[2:00:18] Our team is very excited.
[2:00:19] Public safety is
one of the things
[2:00:22] that we hear the most
from our citizens
[2:00:24] about how important
that is, and animals
[2:00:25] don't know jurisdiction lines.
[2:00:27] And our team is so passionate
about what they do.
[2:00:30] It's really hard when
someone brings in an animal
[2:00:32] to find out where it came from.
[2:00:33] Did it walk across the street?
[2:00:35] The city limits in Crestview
and the unincorporated county
[2:00:37] are kind of jagged,
so we're really
[2:00:39] excited to move forward
with this partnership
[2:00:40] and provide all of our
citizens in unincorporated
[2:00:42] or incorporated with the
best experience possible.
[2:00:45] So, thank you.
[2:00:46] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[2:00:48] Thank you, Commissioners.
[2:00:49] Commissioner Mixon,
anything further?
[2:00:50] COMMISSIONER MIXON: Thank you.
[2:00:51] Yes, sir.
[2:00:51] Ms Levens, thanks for
the job you're doing.
[2:00:53] Both of our city managers
here today, two out of nine,
[2:00:58] y'all are doing fantastic
work in the city.
[2:01:00] And you make it easy to partner.
[2:01:02] Some of the things we're
being able to do together,
[2:01:04] there's different
funding sources
[2:01:05] that are helping that along.
[2:01:07] A lot to do with surtax.
[2:01:09] But it's huge victories to the
folks that live here and travel
[2:01:11] through this article that's up,
the 2026 trailblazer and animal
[2:01:15] welfare award, Katie Healy.
[2:01:20] What a wonderful
opportunity to see
[2:01:23] that we can celebrate together.
[2:01:24] I hope she knows that
dog is licking her face,
[2:01:28] but it's great to know
that we have folks that
[2:01:30] do have that tender
hearted and care and love,
[2:01:32] and that are here
and willing to serve.
[2:01:35] I can't wait to see how this
continued partnership goes
[2:01:38] with the expansion for the
North end of the county.
[2:01:41] I believe the services are
going to continue to increase.
[2:01:42] JESSICA LEVENS: Thank
you, Commissioner Mixon.
[2:01:43] And just for this group,
I did invite Officer Healy
[2:01:46] to come with me today, and
she's actually working very
[2:01:49] hard in our shelter right now.
[2:01:51] So she couldn't be with us.
[2:01:52] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thank you.
[2:01:53] Mr. Cox, anything to add?
[2:01:55] COMMISSIONER COX: I'd love to.
[2:01:56] Thank you, Ms Levens.
[2:01:57] Just from a heartfelt
standpoint, I mean,
[2:01:59] Katie Healy was responsible
for how our family retrieved
[2:02:03] our rescue.
[2:02:05] And it was no small feat.
[2:02:08] Our particular animal had been a
family pet in another household,
[2:02:11] and we had to chase
her down a little bit.
[2:02:16] And she was a sweet dog,
never would hurt a thing,
[2:02:18] but Katie really went above
and beyond to implement that,
[2:02:22] to make that happen.
[2:02:26] And there's no
question in my mind
[2:02:27] that she does that
on a regular basis.
[2:02:29] So having her
involved is exactly,
[2:02:31] Mr. Maddox, what I
meant a long time ago
[2:02:34] when I said that I had deep
concern and appreciation for all
[2:02:38] the animal welfare people that
we currently have utilized
[2:02:41] to graft into the fold
as we expand our services
[2:02:46] or move our services to a more
unified product, particularly
[2:02:49] on the North end.
[2:02:53] So thank you.
[2:02:54] Thank you for the cooperation.
[2:02:55] Thank you for the collaboration.
[2:02:56] And please extend from
Commissioner Cox, an extended--
[2:02:58] an intensive thank
you to Katie Healy.
[2:03:01] Thank you.
[2:03:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: To
commissioners, anything further?
[2:03:04] CRAIG COFFEY: Two items
I might just mention.
[2:03:08] Inmates, was the first
time we'll have our inmates
[2:03:10] and their proposed to
work at this facility.
[2:03:12] They haven't been out
in more than a decade,
[2:03:14] so that we're implementing
that program hopefully starting
[2:03:16] September 1.
[2:03:17] And that's a big milestone
for us on the jail side,
[2:03:20] thanks to the chief.
[2:03:22] He's been working that hard
and that should start soon.
[2:03:24] And we have one pickup
where a used pickup
[2:03:27] we're proposing to give to
them as well as part of this.
[2:03:30] So I forgot to mention those.
[2:03:31] Forgive me, Mr. Chairman.
[2:03:32] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
Can I just say something?
[2:03:33] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Sure.
[2:03:34] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I know you
can't see my light down here,
[2:03:36] so I always say it as it.
[2:03:37] That's great for the
inmates for so many reasons.
[2:03:39] And it's great for the community
to have the inmates engaged.
[2:03:43] Years and years ago, we did
so many things with inmates.
[2:03:47] They were allowed to
work farming areas.
[2:03:48] And it just-- it's
a shame that's all
[2:03:50] disappeared because
it's good for them
[2:03:52] to get outside and
certainly to hold animals.
[2:03:54] Just it will make a huge
difference both ways.
[2:03:57] So thank you for that.
[2:03:58] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[2:04:00] Anything further, commissioners?
[2:04:01] If not, those in favor,
please signify by saying, aye.
[2:04:05] COMMISSIONERS: Aye.
[2:04:05] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And those opposed--
[2:04:06] that passes unanimously.
[2:04:07] All right.
[2:04:08] Thank you.
[2:04:09] Well, that concludes
department business,
[2:04:11] brings us to our one and
only old business item, which
[2:04:14] is an informational item
regarding the fiscal year
[2:04:17] 27 proposed general fund budget.
[2:04:20] Mr. Hofstad, are you
going to lead that off?
[2:04:23] JOHN HOFSTAD: I'll
take it, yes, sir.
[2:04:24] Mr. Chairman,
Commissioners, this
[2:04:25] is, again, a continuation
of a discussion
[2:04:28] that the board had here a
month before last, I believe.
[2:04:32] It was as it relates
to county services
[2:04:35] and how we group those services.
[2:04:38] I know this comes on the
heels of a discussion I've
[2:04:41] had with the board, and it's
been a center topic for us
[2:04:45] here of late.
[2:04:47] And that's as it
relates to amendment
[2:04:49] three and the potential impacts
to our budget going forward,
[2:04:53] should that be successful.
[2:04:55] So, we were tasked
with segregating out
[2:04:58] the various services that
the board provides into three
[2:05:02] different categories.
[2:05:03] And those mandated
services are typically
[2:05:05] services that are required by
statutory provision or Florida
[2:05:08] Administrative Code.
[2:05:11] And then you have your
general government services
[2:05:14] that are lumped in the middle
of the-- middle column you
[2:05:17] see there.
[2:05:17] And those are typically
essential services
[2:05:18] that we provide.
[2:05:20] And then the far column to
the right, we've identified
[2:05:23] what are considered the
quality of life services.
[2:05:26] So, as you'll see, if--
[2:05:29] Nick, can you get all
of that on one frame?
[2:05:33] Yeah, there you go.
[2:05:36] Much better.
[2:05:36] And as you see, we have
corresponding values
[2:05:39] that go with each
of those services
[2:05:43] and the revenue needed to
support those level of services
[2:05:46] inside the general fund.
[2:05:49] And as you can see, the
mandated services, they
[2:05:52] compile the majority
of the expense,
[2:05:54] that we utilize majority
of our property tax revenue
[2:05:57] and then we have some state
shared revenue and state sales
[2:06:03] tax that go into
your general fund.
[2:06:04] But as you might imagine, a
lot of the expense associated
[2:06:08] inside that line relates
to public safety,
[2:06:10] and what we do in support
of the Sheriff's Office,
[2:06:14] our Corrections
Department, which is again
[2:06:17] a statutory requirement
and burden that's
[2:06:19] placed on the 67
counties to house,
[2:06:22] house inmates predisposition.
[2:06:23] And that's North of 24
million for that service loan.
[2:06:28] And then all the general
government services
[2:06:32] that make up county
operations as well,
[2:06:35] and then those quality
of life services.
[2:06:39] So we wanted to categorize
each of those services,
[2:06:41] the corresponding
budget figure that
[2:06:43] goes into support of all
those various functions,
[2:06:47] and to give you an idea how that
break out is cataloged as we
[2:06:52] develop a budget each year.
[2:06:56] So we've talked about potential
impacts to amendment three.
[2:06:59] In year one, that's about a $15
million hit to our property tax
[2:07:04] revenue, our general
fund revenue.
[2:07:06] Followed in year two
by almost $25 million
[2:07:10] hit in our revenues that support
all of these various functions.
[2:07:14] So, I wanted to summarize this
for you to give you a graphic,
[2:07:20] if that amendment is
successful in year two,
[2:07:23] and we've got to
cut out $25 million.
[2:07:28] If we just look at
your general government
[2:07:30] services and your
quality of life services,
[2:07:32] we can't make up that
deficit by cutting out
[2:07:36] those levels of service
without impacting,
[2:07:38] in some form or
fashion, those mandated
[2:07:43] services that we provide as
part of our county government.
[2:07:47] So, I wanted to provide this to
you for informational purposes.
[2:07:51] Certainly, we welcome any
feedback you might have.
[2:07:54] This is a high level view.
[2:07:58] Obviously, we did not
go into line item detail
[2:08:00] and break out each line
item within your budget.
[2:08:03] We looked at categories of
service within the general fund,
[2:08:06] and that is what is
provided for you here today.
[2:08:10] So, again, I provided
this informational data
[2:08:12] for this board.
[2:08:17] And if you have any
further questions,
[2:08:19] we'll do our best
to answer those.
[2:08:21] That's all I have, sir.
[2:08:22] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners, I
[2:08:23] know I have some questions.
[2:08:24] Does anybody else have
questions on this?
[2:08:26] Ms. Ketchel, do you
have some questions?
[2:08:30] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL: I
do, but go ahead, go ahead.
[2:08:32] You might say the same
thing I was going to say.
[2:08:35] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Oh.
[2:08:35] Well, so what I wanted to ask,
so I see at least three things
[2:08:39] on here that I
think historically
[2:08:41] I've viewed as not
general fund expenditures,
[2:08:43] but it may be just my--
[2:08:48] so I wanted to bring them up.
[2:08:51] So, beach safety, beach park
rangers, and tourism parks--
[2:08:52] I think those were the
three I looked at--
[2:08:59] are we saying that those
numbers that are shown here
[2:09:02] are coming out of
general fund dollars?
[2:09:05] JOHN HOFSTAD: No, sir.
[2:09:06] We're not.
[2:09:07] But what I couldn't do is
when I look at, say, a parks
[2:09:10] and facility maintenance
budget, that's all encompassing.
[2:09:13] So you have a general fund
component of that budget,
[2:09:17] you have an MSTU
component of that budget,
[2:09:20] and then you have the TDD
takeaway for the beach related
[2:09:24] facilities.
[2:09:25] So we wanted to lump it
all together because when
[2:09:28] we look at-- if we had
to make significant cuts,
[2:09:32] I would have to look inside
the parks and facilities budget
[2:09:36] and say, OK, which
of these functions
[2:09:37] are totally general
fund supported
[2:09:39] and which are necessary?
[2:09:41] I believe you have some
maintenance responsibilities
[2:09:46] to maintain all of
the structures we
[2:09:48] have here in the county, but to
a lesser extent, is it important
[2:09:52] or is it absolutely necessary
that we mow grass every two
[2:09:56] or three weeks, or do
we have to scale back
[2:10:00] on that type of operation?
[2:10:01] I would say the same thing for
our IT budget and Dan's budget.
[2:10:05] You have certain
mandatory requirements
[2:10:07] that are built into
county government
[2:10:11] as it relates to security
and security inside
[2:10:13] of all your IT functions.
[2:10:16] But do we have to
continue with a scheduled
[2:10:19] every other year replacement
of PCs and laptops?
[2:10:21] No, we don't necessarily
have to do that.
[2:10:25] That's something we
could push down the road.
[2:10:27] I would say the same thing
with software purchases.
[2:10:29] We purchase software
to make the job easier,
[2:10:32] to reduce our manpower
requirement in a lot of regards.
[2:10:36] But software comes
with an expense.
[2:10:39] You have the upfront expense
of acquiring the software,
[2:10:43] then you have an annual
maintenance cost.
[2:10:45] So there are various functions
within a lot of these budgets
[2:10:48] that if we needed to find
a significant level of cut,
[2:10:52] that we would look in all
areas of those general fund
[2:10:58] supported activities inside
of all of these budgets.
[2:11:02] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
So just to clarify--
[2:11:05] and I think you
gave me the answer,
[2:11:07] but I want to make sure
because I don't want there
[2:11:09] to be any confusion
with our public,
[2:11:11] because the label is
proposed general fund budget
[2:11:14] and it's talking
about that's the lead.
[2:11:17] So I'm looking specifically
like, for instance,
[2:11:19] line item 175, tourist
district parks, $3.3 million,
[2:11:22] we're not saying that
we're taking $3.3 million
[2:11:29] of property taxes and putting
it into tourist parks.
[2:11:33] That's not what this is saying.
[2:11:35] I just don't want anybody
to get the wrong idea.
[2:11:37] Same for beach safety.
[2:11:38] That's not what this is saying.
[2:11:40] JOHN HOFSTAD: You're
absolutely right.
[2:11:41] And that's why you see that
figure carried over to the right
[2:11:45] as a quality of life.
[2:11:47] It is a quality of life service,
but it's not a general fund
[2:11:50] impact.
[2:11:50] We're able to offset
that with TDD revenue.
[2:11:52] That's one of the few
exceptions the state gives us
[2:11:56] with the use of those funds.
[2:11:57] As you well know, they did carve
out several years ago and said,
[2:12:00] you can take x
amount of percentage,
[2:12:02] and you can fund those
activities that support
[2:12:05] tourism inside your community.
[2:12:07] Obviously, beach
safety is cornerstone
[2:12:10] to that so that's why we've been
able to tap into that funding
[2:12:14] source to offset it.
[2:12:16] You're correct.
[2:12:16] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Perfect.
[2:12:17] Thank you.
[2:12:18] And that's how I
understood the information.
[2:12:19] I just didn't want anybody
to read it and take away
[2:12:23] the wrong idea.
[2:12:23] JOHN HOFSTAD: That's all right.
[2:12:24] And I would extend
that to your reserves.
[2:12:28] There's been some talk, well,
you built a healthy reserve,
[2:12:33] we have.
[2:12:35] It's been an effort of this
board over the last 10 years
[2:12:39] to build reserves up
to the level they are.
[2:12:41] You've come together with an
internal management policy
[2:12:44] as it relates to
your reserve, and we
[2:12:49] look to meet that each year.
[2:12:51] But as you recall-- and
there's some of you sitting up
[2:12:54] here that remember the
days back in 2014, 2015,
[2:12:56] we had about a $4
million reserve.
[2:13:00] And that's not
sufficient to maintain
[2:13:02] continuity of operations, should
we have some type of disaster.
[2:13:07] So, while we have that
reserve figure there,
[2:13:10] that's not something I would
typically go and continue
[2:13:12] to reduce that reserve and get
us back in the same position
[2:13:16] we were 10 years ago.
[2:13:17] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
And that's a great point.
[2:13:19] Unless somebody else has a
question on that reserve issue,
[2:13:21] I wanted to tease
that out a little bit
[2:13:24] because I think it's important.
[2:13:25] So, I think the way
we approach reserves
[2:13:26] is, as I understand
it, we've got kind
[2:13:29] of a blend in the reserve
fund, a blend between deferred
[2:13:33] maintenance or deferred
replacement items
[2:13:36] that we know will
be in the future,
[2:13:39] and hedges against unexpected
disaster operations.
[2:13:40] So it's these two
different purposes.
[2:13:45] And I think what Mr. Hofstad
is saying is say, for instance,
[2:13:49] you've been putting
away money because you
[2:13:53] know you're going
to have to replace
[2:13:55] your roof in a few
years, if you start
[2:13:57] using that money to
pay your light bill,
[2:13:58] you're going to have a problem.
[2:14:00] And so that's kind of, I think,
what he's getting at is, look,
[2:14:04] the reserves aren't just there
to look at and feel good about.
[2:14:08] They're there because there's an
identified reason to need them.
[2:14:11] Part of which we know because
we've planned for these deferred
[2:14:16] maintenance or
replacement items,
[2:14:18] we can get a pretty good
idea of what those will be.
[2:14:22] And then the others
are for the things
[2:14:24] that may never happen, but
probably will at some point--
[2:14:27] the storm event, the other
type of disasters that happen.
[2:14:32] And even those, even
though you never
[2:14:35] know exactly what
they're going to cost.
[2:14:38] We've got some pretty good
examples of similar counties
[2:14:41] that went through things not
so long ago, like our sister
[2:14:46] County Bay, that
Hurricane Michael.
[2:14:48] And we know what their burn
down was in a real rapid pace.
[2:14:54] And if we don't have a
good reserve, I mean,
[2:14:57] we could be out of
money very fast.
[2:15:00] And the FEMA backstop
isn't instant.
[2:15:02] So, I mean-- and this
is for critical things,
[2:15:07] the critical stuff.
[2:15:08] Not the quality of life, not
making sure that the swing set
[2:15:11] at the park is perfect.
[2:15:14] It's making sure that you've got
public safety still operating--
[2:15:16] sheriff, EMS, public
works because they're
[2:15:20] having to clear dangerous
thoroughfares and streets,
[2:15:25] things like that.
[2:15:27] So, that's the problem
with the reserves.
[2:15:28] And, Commissioner
Ketchel, I think
[2:15:31] you and I were here
when we started out,
[2:15:34] and we were on
paper thin reserves.
[2:15:36] We were lucky there
wasn't a disaster.
[2:15:39] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
Well, that's exactly right.
[2:15:41] I mean, and we have been
fiscally conservative.
[2:15:44] The thing that I want
the public to understand
[2:15:46] is we didn't spend the
money when we had it.
[2:15:49] We tucked it away
because we know
[2:15:51] eventually there
will be a storm event
[2:15:53] and we'll need the
money to pay FEMA.
[2:15:55] And we understand that.
[2:15:57] And we've been very
conservative with our budgeting,
[2:15:59] just as I hope many households
in Okaloosa County are.
[2:16:03] And I'd hate to think that this
homestead exemption would pass
[2:16:07] and we'd have to decide not
to have mosquito control.
[2:16:11] Can you imagine living here
without mosquito control?
[2:16:13] Do you know the
number one insect that
[2:16:18] kills more people-- although
ticks are quickly rising--
[2:16:20] are mosquitoes.
[2:16:22] I mean, it carries
chickamauga dengue,
[2:16:24] I mean, all the things
that we don't even
[2:16:26] want to think about
here, but we're
[2:16:28] so blessed because we
have mosquito control.
[2:16:29] I don't want to have to sit
here and try to figure out
[2:16:33] what we're going to pay for and
what we're not going to pay for.
[2:16:36] Animal control,
we're not going to be
[2:16:37] able to do much more
for animal control
[2:16:39] even if we could keep
it where we are today
[2:16:42] if this homestead
exemption goes through.
[2:16:44] It's very frightening,
actually, to be a commissioner
[2:16:47] and to see this proposal.
[2:16:49] I've been everywhere I
can talking about it.
[2:16:51] I even wrote a couple
of newspapers about it.
[2:16:54] Hopefully that will be
published here shortly.
[2:16:56] But, anybody, feel free
to call my office if you
[2:16:59] have any questions about it.
[2:17:00] It's very concerning
to me, especially
[2:17:02] in a county like
Okaloosa, we're different.
[2:17:05] I don't know what the other
66 counties have done,
[2:17:08] but this county has been
fiscally conservative
[2:17:09] with your dollars, and
will continue to be.
[2:17:12] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
Commissioners, other questions,
[2:17:14] thoughts, comments on
this informational item?
[2:17:17] All right.
[2:17:19] If not, I just want to
say thanks to Mr. Hofstad
[2:17:22] for pulling this together.
[2:17:22] I think it's good
information that we all
[2:17:25] keep at the forefront
of our minds
[2:17:26] as we're finishing up
our budget cycle here.
[2:17:28] And when we condense
it down like this,
[2:17:31] I think it makes it
easier for our public
[2:17:34] to get a snapshot of
what we're looking at
[2:17:37] and be able to see
some of those numbers.
[2:17:40] So thanks for doing that.
[2:17:40] That brings us to the close
of business on the agenda.
[2:17:44] We do have a final
public comment
[2:17:47] opportunity of the meeting.
[2:17:49] I have one card, and
that is Steve Perry.
[2:17:51] So, Mr. Perry, if you'll
come forward and provide
[2:17:56] your final comments.
[2:18:02] STEVE PERRY: Before the clock
starts, I'd kindly ask--
[2:18:10] I've tried to reduce this
down to three minutes,
[2:18:13] and it's about four.
[2:18:14] I drive 1,500 miles every time.
[2:18:16] And last time I
wasn't able to hear,
[2:18:18] and I drove from Philadelphia,
and that was a 2,000-mile trip.
[2:18:21] So I had to ask for
just a little lenience
[2:18:23] to try to get this
time in, if it's OK.
[2:18:24] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN:
I tell you what,
[2:18:25] you can see if any of
the buddy on the board
[2:18:28] wants to grant a minute.
[2:18:28] I think they got to
do that by motion.
[2:18:30] If not, try to keep it to three.
[2:18:33] STEVE PERRY: I'll try to
keep it as quick as I can.
[2:18:36] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Thanks.
[2:18:35] STEVE PERRY: Thank you.
[2:18:35] Again, you know who I am
and everything like that.
[2:18:38] First, I want to
congratulate you
[2:18:39] for doing your job, and
everything like that.
[2:18:41] It's very important to the
Board of County Commissioners
[2:18:44] is very important, and the
task you do is very important.
[2:18:47] I attended an FWC
meeting last week--
[2:18:49] or sorry, two weeks
ago when I wasn't
[2:18:52] able to attend the meeting
here two weeks ago.
[2:18:54] And I thought it was
a very enlightening
[2:18:56] to speak with the FWC.
[2:18:58] I want to read a little bit
related to that speech modified.
[2:19:02] The Florida Fish
Wildlife Commission--
[2:19:04] Conservation
Commission is committed
[2:19:07] to protecting Florida's
marine resources
[2:19:09] through the coastal
corridor initiative, which
[2:19:12] is getting started but it's
been going on for some time.
[2:19:15] Florida's earned a reputation
as the nation's leader
[2:19:17] in artificial reef
development, and the framework
[2:19:19] you are creating
today, as well as you,
[2:19:22] help shape the artificial reef
policy for decades to come.
[2:19:25] As their presentation
at that time,
[2:19:28] the framework was to be
developed by scientists,
[2:19:31] managers, including
public workshops, guide,
[2:19:32] artificial reef placement
throughout Florida
[2:19:35] over the next 15 to 20 years.
[2:19:38] I'm here as a member of
our private foundation.
[2:19:42] And I want to say over
the past 22 months,
[2:19:46] I alongside about a half
a dozen of my colleagues,
[2:19:49] have addressed this
board nearly 30 times.
[2:19:53] And we've addressed
issues related
[2:19:56] to scientific, environmental,
historic preservation,
[2:19:58] regulatory issues
surrounding this proposed
[2:20:01] development of the SS United
States as an artificial reef.
[2:20:04] We've participated in good
faith throughout that process
[2:20:07] because we believe
these concerns deserve
[2:20:09] careful consideration
before possible irreversible
[2:20:11] actions are taken or harm
is done, as we've raised.
[2:20:17] Let me begin by saying, again,
we support artificial reefing.
[2:20:21] When developed responsibly
and guided by sound science,
[2:20:25] artificial reefs provide
a tremendous benefit
[2:20:27] to the marine
ecosystem, fisheries,
[2:20:30] recreational opportunities,
and Florida's coastal economy.
[2:20:32] However, the SS United
States is unlike--
[2:20:36] and I'm going to repeat this--
is unlike any artificial reef
[2:20:40] program or project this county
or any county in Florida
[2:20:43] has done.
[2:20:44] It's on a scale that
is unprecedented.
[2:20:47] She was constructed during
an era when zinc chromate
[2:20:51] primer and hexavalent
chromium were extensively
[2:20:52] used throughout the ships
for corrosion protection.
[2:20:54] Independent laboratory testing
commissioned by our organization
[2:20:58] has confirmed the presence
of significant concentrations
[2:21:02] of hexavalent chromium
aboard the vessel.
[2:21:04] Our concerns are not ours alone.
[2:21:06] The Center for Biological
Diversity, Healthy Gulf,
[2:21:08] marine scientist, toxicologist,
and environmental experts
[2:21:11] have all raised
concerns regarding
[2:21:14] the environmental
impacts in introduction
[2:21:16] of these legacy
industrial materials
[2:21:18] into Florida's
coastal environment.
[2:21:19] One of those experts is Dr.
Todd Osborn, Professor, Estuary
[2:21:24] and Aquatic Biogeochemistry
at the University of Florida.
[2:21:27] Dr. Osborn holds a PhD in
soil and water science,
[2:21:31] with specialization
in biogeochemistry,
[2:21:33] and aquatic environments.
[2:21:36] In a recorded statement--
[2:21:38] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right,
Steve, you got to wrap it up.
[2:21:41] STEVE PERRY: OK.
[2:21:42] Quote-- I don't know if
you even saw the thing."
[2:21:45] We didn't submit it directly
to you, but it's online.
[2:21:48] I don't know if you saw Dr.
Osborne's video presentation.
[2:21:50] It was very enlightening.
[2:21:52] But I would like to read
a couple quotes from it.
[2:21:55] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Well, I
know we're out of time for that,
[2:21:56] unless anybody on the commission
wants to grant their minute.
[2:21:59] No.
[2:21:59] All right.
[2:22:00] You can email us.
[2:22:02] Thank you.
[2:22:03] I don't have any
other speaker cards,
[2:22:08] so I'm going to close
the final public comment
[2:22:10] opportunity of the
meeting, bring it back
[2:22:12] for the commissioners' minute.
[2:22:13] Commissioner Ketchel.
[2:22:13] COMMISSIONER
KETCHEL: I just want
[2:22:15] to let you all know that
November 11 is coming.
[2:22:18] And thanks to Commissioner
Chairman Goodman,
[2:22:19] we have the charters
of freedom that
[2:22:22] will be unveiled on that day
in the Women's Veterans Park.
[2:22:25] I know we're making
good progress out
[2:22:27] there because I stay in touch
with Mr. Peters every day
[2:22:30] on this, just about, don't I?
[2:22:33] And it's looking good.
[2:22:34] So I hope you all plan to
come at 8:30 in the morning,
[2:22:38] November 11.
[2:22:38] It's going to be a
really good event.
[2:22:40] And we have Colonel
Garrett from--
[2:22:42] Derek from the First
Sal Retired speaking.
[2:22:45] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Excellent.
[2:22:47] COMMISSIONER KETCHEL:
And also there
[2:22:49] will be a Medal of Honor winner
that you all know very well.
[2:22:52] But I don't want to say
it here because it's
[2:22:54] going to-- they'll reveal it to
this person who just happened
[2:22:56] to be a prisoner of war
at the Hanoi Hilton.
[2:22:59] Just saying.
[2:23:00] So I hope you all
can come for that.
[2:23:03] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: Very good.
[2:23:04] Commissioner Palmer.
[2:23:06] COMMISSIONER PALMER: Thank you.
[2:23:07] I don't really have anything
today, but it is election day
[2:23:10] and I encourage everybody,
if you have not voted,
[2:23:12] please go vote.
[2:23:13] Thank you.
[2:23:13] COMMISSIONER GOODWIN: All right.
[2:23:15] Commissioner Mixon.
[2:23:15] All right, Commissioner Cox.
[2:23:19] COMMISSIONER COX:
Thank you, Chairman.
[2:23:21] Yes, I'm wearing this remarkably
patriotic outfit today
[2:23:24] to encourage you to invest
yourself today in voting--
[2:23:30] in celebrating this 250th year
of the United States by voting
[2:23:37] in your primaries.
[2:23:40] Those of you who haven't
declared a party, that's fine,
[2:23:43] but you're robbed of this day
on the ballot a little bit
[2:23:48] in that Florida is
a two-party state.
[2:23:50] So everybody who
has a clear party
[2:23:54] and has an opportunity to vote
today in the elections, please
[2:23:58] do so.
[2:24:00] I mean, these milestones
didn't come easily.
[2:24:02] Not everything was achieved in
the first part of our 250 years.
[2:24:07] But every milestone
that was achieved,
[2:24:12] the 19th amendment as the
suffrage amendment that gave
[2:24:15] women the right to
vote, our emancipation,
[2:24:19] everything that has happened to
date doesn't matter unless you
[2:24:23] get out there and you make your
voice heard in the ballot box.
[2:24:27] So please do so.
[2:24:28] That's all I have.
[2:24:38]