>> Good morning. Welcome to
the board of County
Commissioners meeting this
morning and we're going to
started out for prayer.
Reverend, the key would you be
so good is to give us
indication and commissioner
good bed? Would you lead to
some salute to the flag plays?
Thank Bow your heads with me.
Father GOD, I love you.
>> And what a great and
beautiful day you have given
us today. And I thank you for
for the opportunity to be
here. Thank you for for the
opportunity to live in this
country in this state. And in
this county lord and father, I
just pray that you preside
today that you would rule and
reign in this place. Well,
that there will be peace in
this place and lord, that
everything that is said and
done Lord by this board by
this commission, by this
people would be honoring and
you we trust you, father, we
trust you. We thank you. Had a
time. Your money, then we
privilege Jesus. Amen.
>> Apparently just over United
States of America one nation
under GOD, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.
>> Okay. MISS We do move along
to employee. Recantation. Yes,
sir. So if you with a system
based course, this is
>> great time. Whenever we get
to recognize our staff. And I
appreciate everyone being here
to support our staff, too. So
the first we're going to start
off. Of course, what we do is
in 5 year increments. So any
employees that have at least 5
years of service, we end going
the 5 year increments. We're
going to be recognizing today.
So for fires, the service,
Garrick Collier, if you will
come forward, please. Not
okay. So we'll move on to
Miriam marry him. Turn off.
All right, come on up. So
Miriam is our administrative
assistant in parks and
recreation in 2018. She worked
as a store manager at Family
Dollar Pahokee. She is also a
certified nursing assistant.
Most importantly, she
treasures her role as a loving
mother and to her baby Girl.
Genesis and a devoted flight.
Her husband, Marion,
congratulations. Thank you.
Next for 5 years we have David
Jay Cups. David is our project
coordinator and cemetery in
parks at it and the facility
maintenance department. He's
from Okeechobee and is a
graduate of Okeechobee High
school. He worked for 7 years
at Walmart on a technician. He
began his career with the
county, has a building
maintenance technician
promoted to project
coordinator for facilities,
maintenance and is now the
project Coordinator for
Cemetery in Parks and is doing
an excellent job. So he looks
forward to serving Okeechobee
community for many more years.
Thank you. 20 years of
service. So we have one
employee, Francisco Rodrigues.
Sprint says yes. Francisco,
it's our road maintenance
technician in the road and
bridge deficient. He has been
in Okeechobee resident for 38
years before working for the
county. He was an agricultural
worker, harvesting tobacco in
orange crops. He has been
operating tractors for the
last 20 years for the road and
bridge department and holds a
municipal safety services
certificate.
25 years of
service quarter of a century.
We have our chief public
safety director put fire Chief
Earl Chief grew up in West
Palm Beach, Florida, and
locate and relocated to
Okeechobee when he started the
8th grade, he began his career
at the Citi Bike. A Chevy Fire
Department is a firefighter
emt before joining a good
County Fire rescue over the
years he has progressed from
firefighter emt to public
safety director fire chief
positions in between chief
holds a bachelor's degree in
public safety administration
and his executive fire officer
certified by the National Fire
Academy. Fun fact about chief
is that he entered the drop
program on JANUARY. I don't
know that that's so much fun
for us ever. But together on
JANUARY first and is excited
for the next chapter in his
life.
You know, you can have
our commissioners.
>> place to store company. Is
always a great day. We can
recognize employees because
they do such a great job in
and then co-workers are here
to We appreciate that so much.
>> So with the move on
proclamations, missed it.
>> Yes, sir. And the first
proclamation is for National
Library would weak, which is
APRIL 6 through the 12th. And
we have our library director
here. It's good to see her.
And that is crest to Keene.
And she has her staff here. So
whereas library spark
creativity, fuel imagination,
inspire, lifelong learning,
offering a space for
individual of all ages can
explore new ideas and be drawn
to the new possibilities and
serve as vibrant community
hub, connecting people with
knowledge, technology and
resources. Why fostering civic
engagement, critical thinking
and lifelong learning
libraries provide free and
equitable access to books,
digital tools and innovative
programming ensuring that all
individuals regardless of
background have the support
they need to learn, connect
and thrive. Libraries, partner
with schools, businesses and
organizations connecting the
dots to maximize resources,
increase efficiency and expand
access to essential services,
strengthening the entire
community and empower job
seekers. Entrepreneuers and
life all learners by providing
access to resources, training
and opportunities that support
career goes growth and
economic success. Libraries,
nurture young minds through
story time steam programs and
literacy initiatives fostering
curiosity and a love of
learning that last a lifetime
and libraries protect the
right to re think and explore
without censorship standing as
companions of intellectual
champions. Excuse me of
intellectual freedom and free
expression. Whereas dedicated
librarians and library workers
provide welcoming spaces that
inspire discovery
collaboration and creativity
for all and libraries.
Librarians and library workers
across the country are joining
together to celebrate National
Library Week and are the thing
drone to the library now,
therefore, be it proclaimed by
Shelby County Board of County
commissioners that they here
by recognize and celebrate
National Library week and
encourage all residents to
visit their library, explore
its resources and celebrate
all the ways that the library
draws us together as a
community.
>> Can I get a motion to
accept the proclamation is
present. So Jen have a motion
commissioner summer second
back. Commissioner Carlo all
in favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed nay motion carries
unanimously. Okay.
Commissioner, good bread.
Microphone of the.
>> Trying to use more rodeo
announcer voice. I've been on
the part library board for 9
years with question to you,
sir. She's always first won
their last win, believe she's
always at the library doing
our She definitely deserves or
the library does, but she
deserves to be the recipient
of its.
>> And I just wanted to say
thank This is for our staff.
Our volunteers, our friends of
the library board and our
commissioners because the
library is the one place that
you can still go to for free.
And you can do yoga in the
library. You can do your taxes
in the library. We have air
conditioning in Wi-Fi that
works. There's so many things
you can do in the library and
it is all because of the
support of the community, the
support of our commissioners
that has been unwavering and
the support of our staff and
volunteers. So thank you.
>> MR. This next think we have
to recipients be issue.
>> We have Toby can noodle.
And a man to right now. Sorry.
And this proclamation for
national Chai child Abuse
Prevention Month, which is
APRIL 2025. Going to come
where you want to come on up
there. Yeah. Whereas strong
families Cray, strong
communities and strong
futures. Children are our most
valuable resource and will
shape the future of Okeechobee
County success, prosperity and
quality of life. And the
federal fiscal year 2024
showed 3.1 million reports to
child Protective Services
providing child abuse ended.
Neglect is a serious problem
affecting every segment of our
community and finding
solutions requires input and
action from everyone child
abuse can have long-term
psychological, emotional and
physical effects that have
lasting consequences. Ends
consequences for victims abuse
and helping people succeed and
hide. This gets children
center have been providing
services to the community for
decades through their
diversified, effective
program, services and
initiatives. Hundreds of the
most phoner go local children,
families and adults have been
able to transform their lives
through education, counseling,
training and employment and
effective child abuse
prevention activities. 6 e
because of the partnerships
created between child welfare
professionals, education,
health community and
faith-based organizations,
businesses, law enforcement
agencies and families. And
whereas communities must make
every effort to promote
programs and activities that
create strong and thriving
children and families in order
to promote the social and
emotional well-being of
children and families in a
safe, stable and nurturing
environment. This prevention
remains the best defense for
our children and families now,
therefore, be it proclaimed by
Okeechobee County Board of
County commissioners that they
hereby designate the month of
APRIL 2025. As Child Abuse
Prevention Month and Cherokee
County. Going to get a motion
to accept the proclamation to
move it. So Motion by
Commissioner Good bridge
second by Commissioner Burrows
all in favor say Aye.
>> All opposed. Say nay.
Motion carries unanimously.
Commissioner Karla.
>> So we have to proclamations
today. We have 1, 4, Toby be
that's going represent helping
people succeed. And one for
Amanda Riedel. Biscuits center
and I I wrote this down a
little while ago. The this
child Abuse Prevention month.
The hype. This cause houses
celebrating there 40th year
1985. They started. There are
501, c. They are provided
450,000 safe Night for
Children and teens. That's
pretty amazing. We want to
thank you for all you guys.
What you do. And for our
community. Thank you very
much.
>> We're going move on to
public comment and for us to
have rigged the Mitten. MISTER
B.
Good morning morning.
>> And I could stand here all
day. And say how disappointed
I am. And the sheriff's
department. But that only have
3 minutes. There is an
innocent woman stand all. Jury
trial. That took up for
herself is to use it
>> MISTER B. Have to stuff.
Can only talk about something.
It comes before us. If you
have a complaint with that,
you might want to get to the
governor's office. Okay.
>> Okay. I can do that.
>> I was pulled over about. Or
5 years ago.
>> By the sheriff's Department
Mishra be again, we have no
jurisdiction over that. Please
keep it a step that we have
jurisdiction over. Okay. What
do you have jurisdiction of
the roads, the bridges, the
library, the playgrounds.
Senior services saying or
services that type of things
we do it they If you have such
a situation and would love to
hear from you.
>> The roads is Tara, thank
you. I just hit a pothole and
it cost me $400. Okay. Okay. I
guess I have nothing else to
save him. Thank you. They
wrote. In very roads.
>> I guess this would be a
senior same senior issue. No
stay even. Put a hit out on
me. The contract on my life,
MR. Rhodes, we have no news or
hastily. You not that. You
know, you have a budget that
runs the show.
>> Played have utilized have
jurisdiction over everything.
Is your second represent time
yet tell you right now they
have been really have a hit on
me. I want something done to
call the Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division cut
right place at the
Second
time. Take him out to.
Give them just a minute to
regroup and get law
enforcement back inside.
We'll
move on. Somebody by the name
hit be. Ok, Mike Taylor. Want
to take my hat off and
>> I'm only going to talk
about things that have
happened in this council
chambers. So I'm guessing that
is under the purview of the
council. Just want to make
sure I don't get kicked out
for something I didn't do. But
anyway, I'm honest. I wrote
something. In a minute. I'm
doing this nicest way. I can.
Little commissioners don't say
a word. I might say something
that you already heard and
it's something I say might
make you I brought a little
being e.
>> Here's your being keys. To
make you glad. All even right
here. If you want to come get
them. What I'm noticing here
is that. Free speech. Like
literally free speech is. Is
something that. People can't.
Grass. You know, for 3
minutes. Just let us speak.
You know, this woman back here
wanted to speak about
something that she's been
going through. And you shut
her down. Completely shut her
down. I'm trying to be really
nice and I'm not seeing
anything.
>> Nor you remember the other
times that I've come here. I
am truly.
>> I just I think this is the
most disgusting thing that
ever seen. And for whatever
attorney.
>> Whether or not on the list
anymore, if that's not
something we have control of
the U.S. You do have this
second warning. I gave you one
the bat. You go through. I do
you can leave or what have you
taken out? Except to you.
Cohen versus Jolla allows me
say came out scout a boater
place. Taliban tone versus
California allows me to say
this doesn't like a phone
place. Take him out. Take him
out of the building place for
the to a lot.
>> Okay. We have Scott Morrow.
>> That's look at and that
wasn't on purpose. I'm trying
do. But before I get that, I
want to thank the community to
come out. Coming up, support
Those that served in this
community. Appreciate I'm so
emotional right now. It's like
I just see my My grandfather.
>> try to address their
grievances with came out. Just
want hurt to noticed. Hurt. I
don't care if this
>> all oath.
>> The person a person best
possible.
>> For coming to this county
Okeechobee. And feeding. Just
to be laced with the Eagles
should be addressed. It.
Because inflated isn't Of drew
him out. Also better yet.
Thanks. Drama. Read that.
>> For teaching me how to
helps the aspirants. The best
>> Would escort him out of the
building? Plays disrupt play
space. Take him out. I don't
that in our and make me
believe that. Please take him
out.
Anyone else for public
comment.
>> I you just don't get it
rather I mean, I've told you
you're the worst tyrant. Every
time this has nothing to come.
You're out of order talk about
something we don't do. Arkush.
One of the 2 were talking
about this chamber and your
attitude and the way you treat
the public is what I want talk
about. This is on home.
Please. You're through. You
later. Later.
>> yourself day.
>> Inman else. Public comment.
A full clothes that I didn't.
I don't want to.
>> MISTER CHAIRMAN, my name
Sean Barie. This is a public
meeting. Ok? I'm trying to go
through this right here
without breaking your rows and
rows of the courtroom. I want
the descent. But I want you to
tell me what I can and can't
say MR. CHAIRMAN. Go through
this a limited time here and
see if that if come across
something I'm not allowed to
say in this public meeting
dissent and you can just tell
okay, because I like to set
the way have constitution
about it. I'm here lawfully.
MR. CHAIRMAN. I'm exercising
my rights under the first 14th
amendments as well as article
one Section 4, 9, 24 the
Florida Constitution. Could
going okay. Okay. Any attempt
to remove me for the content
of my speech is
unconstitutional. Retaliatory
and we'll be conduct dominated
as you're not going to tell us
what we can and can't do.
>> I'm putting on notice. If
you want to talk about
something, we have
jurisdiction over your well,
certainly have your I'm doing
things that the microphone,
please. Your second time.
You're at a border state. You
thank out, please. Has very
nice of you. Anyone else for
public comment. When Michael
Foale? It would pull the
microphone down. We can
replace. Thank you, Bernie.
>> I just want to come and
speak. About Douglas Park
about could absolutely I would
like to say that. Is it a
MISS? Okay. We need to clean
up on the roads. People
couldn't trees and put in a
better role Casey when you're
coming down the road. It's a
mess. I want also address.
Drugs. That 3 months ago from
drugs. You all know what? Over
in the quarters. I think it
stand for something to be
done. And just acts in for
some help. Just a good grade
is out at a commission right?
>> Yes, yes, yes, ma'am. No
But yesterday we were all.
Yes, we're all listening.
Yeah, but I would like talk
with you some time and shirt.
>> Taking over some things
that's going on. We really
need to a bad about that. And
if you have to ship things
down. To get clean up, you
just have to to death. I will
talk with you. You know me. I
know MISTER Delhaize I live
with ms Ley on the hope for
years. And it's a thing to see
all of But all on this great.
We're losing a whole
generation of young people. De
sacs. That to help me, we have
a community made up committee.
We're trying to do things to
help the young people. You
know what like doing the
things trying to help them.
This going off to college.
We're trying to give them some
money to leave with it. We're
trying to get light. At
Friday's this stuff. So they
would have said when they go
off to college. So everybody
in the court isn't that I
would like to see a cleanup.
His house is that got don't
ever will. It's not. I can
explain it all. But I would
like to. Todd Whitman County
commissions. About cleaning it
up. Thank
>> Thank you for so much for
coming in being so civil about
your complaint says the cut.
That's the kind of things that
we take. It takes seriously
and we will work it. And and
the clerk would be more than
happy to give you MR.
Goodman's number in and the
rest of us. You commissioners
also so that thank you so
much. Any further public
comment. Motion to close
public comment. Motion by
Commissioner Burrows second by
commissioner, good bread all
in favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously. Again. I want to
apologize to the people that
we have less people coming
into our community and using
this kind of language. It is
is one of the people that was
he a few minutes ago in very
did a good of recognizing what
tribe they come from. So they
don't have any respect for any
any of our female out. Isn't
apologize to you. So it time
we will move on. You might
want to wait. Wait just a few
minutes before you exit your
way. Welcome to do so. But you
might want to wait to make
sure that everything's cleared
out there. They have a
reputation, out on the
sidewalk and carrying on air
and I'd hate for anybody to
get cold up in that. Okay.
MISS Them. We don't go ahead
with the consent agenda.
>> Yes, sir. And I have no
revisions to the agenda as
well.
>> Motion to accept agenda. We
have motion by commissioner
second that commissioners
Sumner to accept consent of
judge ended with no changes
favor, say Aye. Aye. All
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously. Okay. Misstep.
Thank you for Guidance on the
consent agenda for.
>> Item 5, 1, is the minutes
from our MARCH 20th regular
board meeting. Item b is
warrants in the amount of
1 million, 412,350 dollars and
$0.83. Item c free. No one of
5 for the independent
contractor agreement with
advanced data Processing
incorporated for ambulance
billing. Item d is emergency
home assistance program.
Standard Agreement to with the
area aging area Agency on
Aging in the Mount. A $35,696,
which is an increase of
$10,000 from budget. At 25,696
for the contract term a JULY
first 2024 through JUNE, 30th
2025. And to adopt Resolution
resolution. 25 dash 14
amending the fiscal year. 25
budget and approved budget
amendment. 25 19 in the amount
of $10,000. Item e is the
First Amendment and our local
agreement between the medical
examiner of the 19 circuit
court for the design
permitting and construction
phase of a new medical
examiner facility to be
located on the campus of
Indian River State College in
Fort Pierce. And we with that
wind. Of course, we're one of
4 counties that support the
medical examiner's office.
Item f request for lane
reduction and release a plane
for Sarah from $22,725 to
$3,665. And $0.87 provided.
The amount is paid by 05:00pm
on Monday. MAY 12th or will
will revert back to the
original amount item chief
request for Lane reduction
release of Lien Excel home
Festers l l c. That is
reduction from 35,000 to
$3,731.54. Per again provided
that the amount is paid by
05:00pm Monday. MAY 12th are
referred us back to the
original amount. Item h
request for to schedule a
public hearing for that option
of an ordinance authorizing
trespass from county
facilities and authorizing
that hearing on APRIL 24th
2025 for the adoption or at
least consideration of the
ordinance. For authorizing
trespass from county
facilities. And we have
another. Scheduling item. I
scheduling of a public hearing
on 4/24/2025. For the
amendment of Okeechobee County
Code of Ordinances. Part one
chapter 2 article one division
to rules of decorum and
civility. And that's the
agenda. The consent agenda
item, sir. Any commissioners
have any question about
Nicksin agenda.
>> Motion to accept consent
agenda as presented second, we
have a motion by commissioner.
Barros seconded by
Commissioner Good Bread
commissioner to Carlo. You
probably want stay on this 1,
9, year for the record he will
make standing and you can do
the paperwork if you would,
please. All in favor say Aye.
Aye. All opposed. Nay motion
carries unanimously with
commissioner the caller
standing.
>> And searches for
clarification. I believe he's
just up staying on item. Phi
Xi. See a week it's 5 f o k.
Should we pull that one out
and vote on a separate?
>> Yes, that would would be
the recommended dose action.
So
>> the amendment on the motion
would be 4 to approve consent
agenda items. Except for f.
And will move Affleck. We've
already we've already.
>> We have voted to We didn't
vote at if we get and we did,
ok, we've got to go back and
retract the motion and you've
got to go back somebody on the
prevailing side. But you make
a motion to.
>> Make the motion retract
original motion. Second. We
have a motion and second.
Oliver say Aye, ok, let's
start from scratch. Yes to the
which identity gender with the
exception of which item f
believe, that correct? Mostly
what it is. Yes, there we Yes,
that's right. Motion to accept
the consent agenda with the
exception of item sect.
>> We motion by Commissioner
pro second by Commissioner.
Good bread. In favor say Aye.
Aye. All opposed. Nay motion
carries unanimously.
>> Okay. Let's do one with
Item f with commissioner the
caller standing place. If if I
MAY, if you could just tell if
you could just a clear
conflict. Commissioner Karla.
My daughter, very good. Thank
you. Okay. Motion to approve
for the consent agenda We have
a motion by Commissioner
Burrows second by Commissioner
Sumner with in this one,
commissioner color would be
abstaining on all in favor,
say aye. Aye nay motion
carries unanimously with
stanchion said, ok? Reverend
Hannah. It's so nice to see if
in the face.
>> I'm here to request that we
be able to hold a national day
of prayer on the first
Thursday in MAY, as is our
tradition and on the
courthouse lawn. I think that
is before you.
>> I think we need it. What's
the pleasure of the board? A
move But we do this every year
is a great event that show
proud to be part of it. So we
have a motion by Commissioner
good bread. Second by
Commissioner Burrows all in
favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously. Thank you. Thank
you. Appreciate what you do
for us. Can we take a short
break in this? Make sure that.
Get everybody to their
>> He joined the group. Okay.
We'll call the meeting back.
Daughter. Okay. We're going to
do discussion about the
authorizing trespassed from
county facilities in this
attorney ago. You're going to
take this one. Thank you so
much. MISTER Chair.
>> This with respect to our
discussion for the last over
the last 2 meetings about the
trust pass ordinance. So
basically what provided here
is a memorandum just
discussing the remedies
available the options
available to the county. So in
general trespass warnings are
lawful. They're allowed under
state law to protect and
respond to a threat public
safety and protect the public
welfare. However, when we
issue a trespass warning for a
public facility, we do have to
have safeguards in place to
ensure their due process
rights afforded by the
Constitution. So we we have
some ordinances in place. We
have a public camping
ordinance. We have the parks
and recreation ordinance for
their facilities. But
effectively the goal is to
create this ordinance for all
public facilities. And the key
is to ensure that there's an
appeal process. So if someone
is trespassed that they have
the opportunity to appeal. And
so in keeping with that, we've
provided the Palm Coast City
code which is strong ordinance
that has not been challenge.
And so it's our provision.
It's our recommendation that
we adopt a similar ordinance.
But certainly we want have
discussion last meeting
year-old directed that we
would have it for up to 2
years, which is in alignment
with their ordinance. I have a
question for you that can we
make an open-ended know
sunset.
>> I think that they should
have to come back in and pier
and ask for forgiveness. And
never do this kind of thinking
because if you don't just
sooner said with a dig on his
computer going, come right
back. So is it legal to have
one? But no sunset.
>> We
>> would have to provide an
additional process for.
>> a petition to remove.
>> The trespass warning.
Reason why we provide that
sunset is. Number one. The
protection of due process. And
so that we're not
overburdening staffed by
creating these dual process is
number one for the required
process appeal. Which we do
have to require under the in
order to protect the due
process rights. And by
providing the sunset. Gives us
a nice clean automatic and as
opposed to creating an
additional process where? MAY
have a person come back every
30 days for 2 years. So how
long can we make it lately? So
what we found in a survey
generally is that the 2 years
seems to be a good cap. As far
as the trespass from public
facilities you know, the
there, some jurisdictions that
go longer. There are some that
go shorter. Only there is no
bright line. I think that 2
years is the is in line with
what we see other
jurisdictions doing that. Some
go longer. I. In a survey we
found Wonder Section that was
up to 5 years. I. You I'm not
sure that that is. A best
practice considering that most
are at too. But, you know,
again, it's up to the
direction of the board.
Commissioner.
>> I think from taking a look
at the city of Palm Coast
trespass. I think 2 things are
made. Untreated, interesting
comment was number one, it
hasn't been challenged. It is
pre detailed relative to even
the process for go back go
into court and for the
appellate court. Take a look
at. So I think you and I was
there with with the CHAIRMAN's
coming from on this because,
you know, personally, I'm the
one it talked about getting
this done because I'm tired of
listening to this. This in our
courtroom or in commission
chambers. So I 2 years is a
good, good model for one
reason because I don't want
him to be able to challenge
the process if this hasn't
been challenged as of this
date, then list due process in
accordance with what Palm
Coast done. And I believe
that. Puts us in a safe zone.
And MISTER Chair. On that same
note. If the 2 years runs out
and they were to pull the same
person, pulled the same thing
in, you can simply for an
additional 2 years. Correct?
>> Yes, that's correct. So
that answers at This McKee did
one time one time. And that's
2 years. I stand on my hands.
One time. Every 2 years. It's
base in CHAIRMAN Is that he he
can come in here shoot a bird
you one time. And then we have
another 2 years. You think
they would do I don't know.
I'm just being I'm being
facetious, but the time. But
really me but to his point,
okay, that's exactly what
would happen. So he went on
make he or she would
automatically good. Another 2
years but settled for 3. If
you could get that. We've got
all this PRESIDENT That
doesn't get messed with. So if
it ain't broke, don't Nord
Norge as 5. Well, but not best
practices. Will Smith differs
is what I'm recommending. So
why not go with 3 of 5?
Doesn't get challenged.
>> You should be good. This
re. We can. If that's the will
of the board, you're going to
get 4 and you're just gonna
have to take a bird. You're
going to get 4.
>> And then 6 and question
>> that's just put us off any
longer. We have to change
anything now.
>> No, I mean, this would not
be change. This would be a
change in the way that I've
drafted the ordinance, but not
in a way that the ordinance
title has been drafted. So i
mean, that would be something
that we could. Address between
now and that the date of the
hearing. I thank you.
>> Is the will of the board to
keep it to or to admit it.
Appreciate because you're the
one taken most of this. And
we've set up here and
>> rest of us just sitting
watching are the ones taken.
So I appreciate we want to
come from, but I think good
you. We if we go on here,
that's going to be hasn't
challenge. Let's go with that.
And and I was being facetious.
But you'd be taking over. But
the fact remains that become a
one time and say something
negative in its would just
implement it again. We're done
with it. So you get an
automatic for years. You just
have to take a little. Little
bump. Okay. Okay. Make the
motion to move forward. She
didn't I'm sorry. Are you just
got started? Okay. I'm sure up
no. It's no, no. You can make
the motion. We understand the
directions. So what we're
going to bring this back to
the next meeting.
>> But we just wanted to make
sure that you all were okay
with model because this is
what will be following. You
got any about the appeal and I
were better. Are you
comfortable with it? You know,
this is a
>> when you work to for
somebody has your company a
comfortable all of this?
>> Are you all right? We are.
We cross this appeal process
is very clean. I mean, part of
the reason I think this is a
good ordinance is it is very
clear. You know, it says it
has to be filed in writing
within 10 days. And then, you
know, if it does, it's going
to be the special magistrate
show. It gives the special
magistrate also guidance as
well that this will be by him.
So I think it I think
appellate process is very good
in this ordinance depart. I
don't like about the payment
process is if they don't show
up, you still have to go
through all the motions. So if
you don't show up for small
claims court judge rules in my
favor. So why would you go
through all this process if
they don't show up? They did
written down down ways that
were never 12 where it is down
about have how iffy on appeal.
>> If they don't show up, the
county still has to go through
and present your case, right?
So if if they fail to attend
the magistrate reviews, the
evidence presented and
determines if it was properly
issued or not.
>> So if they can't come the
special magistrate still has
the evidence, which is the
video of the meeting right?
Even if they don't come to
speak why? Why do we get to If
you don't show up in court,
the judge does. It doesn't
make them present the case.
Said nobody's hear you. You
win. So why would we would we
have to county have to go.
Know that. Why would a special
measures said, you know, you
know, it's over. I understand.
I don't think that it's.
>> Particularly going to be
burdensome and that they're
already going to be there. So
we're going to already have
provided this information to
the special magistrate.
They're gonna have already
have it will already be that
we're all going to be there.
So for us, it's probably
faster and easier if we're the
only ones there.
>> And I think to to add to
that will be much the same as
you know, special magistrate
for a coat case. You have, you
know, you Violation coming
before the special magistrate
and you still have the code
officer present the file in
order for the magistrate to
make their finding. Even if
the person who is appealing
her challenging requesting
reduction has not.
>> Well, I want have ever
write this in time them. But
the ones are not. I want I
want to run a tight ship. This
one too.
>> We believe this one is very
tight. It's within the law and
again hasn't been challenged.
Commissioner, you want to go
be a motion?
>> Make a motion to move
forward with me with
trespassing ordinance as
presented second.
>> And being advertised just
coming back into next meeting.
Have everything that you need
we do. Thank u k. We
commission of a motion by
Commissioner bureau second by
commissioner. Some are all in
favor say Aye. All opposed.
Nay motion carries
unanimously.
>> Okay. We have our ship.
Who's going to handle that
one? There she is. Pages that.
>> Good morning, Martin and
the commissioners and so. Our
new attorney 2 smiling faces
we've this better than before.
My name is Lee Seeker. Not on
the Affordable housing
coordinator for Okeechobee and
I am presenting today request
to approve are renewed. Al
have local housing assistant
plan.
>> For years 2025 through
2028. So every 3 years we have
to renew our local plan and it
is up for renewal now. So.
There are a couple of items
that have changed a little
bit.
>> One is disaster assistance.
>> Florida housing finance
recommended. An update on ours
because I just didn't have
very much detail to it. So
it's just an addition of more
items that we would be able to
assist with after a disaster
is declared. And then also
adding a new strategy for
property tax assistance. See?
Yes, sir. We talked about
before that. We didn't want to
allow.
>> First last and security
rental assistance or can see
it right now. But I found it a
couple of times in here where
it's still mentions that.
>> So it's just first in last,
no security deposit. Does say
it all in here. Are you
looking under the disaster
assistance area? Remember
where it was? But I found it a
couple of times and it is
great. I want ask about it.
Would we not be better for the
landlords protection and the
>> the last and the security
deposit. And then they. Glenn
got best chance of beating
scant and he's still we're
helping the people.
>> So we did a technical
revision on Happ back in
NOVEMBER. And so that item the
security deposit part portion
was taken out. So for rental
moving assistance, we moved
forward with just assisting
first and last month's rent
because if the tenant moves
out, they get that security
deposit back. So why are we
going to assist with that
portion of it? And then
they're liable to some form
of, you know, responsibility
on their part most time. And a
tenant moves out that deposits
held because they have repair
the house. That's what I'm
thinking is just to protect
our landlords.
>> You know? We know that they
need something in there. So
let them do that. First the
end, we help them with the
last in the security and then
it's a win-win for everyone.
And then that said most center
that house gets back in the
into the circulation for
another rental.
>> can change that to security
deposit mean that friend I
don't follow the commission
feel that we're not. But I
just think that's most thing
that we can do out there. So
we did also add in I'm sorry,
>> that I have to receive
notification from the
landlord. If I'm assisting
with MoveOn assistance that
they're up to terms on their
So that's something that
changes. Well, so people are
just moving out and leaving
their landlord high and dry
and trying receive assistance
to To explain what I'm talking
about, that there was a time
when we gave first last and
security. People moved in
without skin in the game.
>> So what I'm suggesting is
let which we said they could
do one of the 3. So if they do
first and we do blast and
security, then that helps
landlords position as we do it
last and security best and
security, they still do too.
They have to come up with a
first in if they move about
the landlord made somewhat
hole. They would put the house
back in circulation. You MAY
create more rentals. The
question people know they're
protected. Question on that.
If we do the security. And
everything's fine and they
don't need repairs with that
check. Be cut back to us ERs.
That check will go back to
that Renner. That they never
that's not their money. So you
can't secure it with right,
but that you've got to explain
that every single landlord,
it's almost better if we're
going to do too. To make them
do this. Security deposit.
Because part of their skin in
the game 5 don't tear this
house up on getting that money
back. Where is the first and
last Argonne? Regardless just
if the goal in this set their
listen. We all had this
conversation before.
>> And frankly, it made more
sense to me then that it does
now, which is sad. But no no,
which also was at the time
too, to have them have some
skin in the game. If the board
is wanting to approve 2. And I
would think the one that that
you would leave to the renter
would be the security deposit
just to not have a son that
nightmare what are we owed
$450 back from 37? 0, 8, North
West. 3rd or not, I a.
>> they making the landlords
got him an escrow account. So
that's not an issue. Maybe
they could keep the money and
what we have to track down
somebody on our staff. Right.
But it they move out without
paying. You can bet you go.
Spend $500 on the house. You
viewed you know, better than
that give because you've been
in you know, so I don't think
that's an issue. I just think
it's a way of helping the
landlord. But the house right
back out there in circulation
for semester at MR. CHAIRMAN.
Yes, sir. Is there a cap on
the security deposit?
>> So there's a Three-thousand
dollar cap on that assistance.
>> Okay. But there's no cap
per se on the security
deposit.
>> Well, at the moment we're
not paying security deposit so
first. And last month's rent
up to $3,000. I would say.
>> Been landlord many, many
times. I would say.
Commissioner Commissioner
Paisley said pay first and
last let them bees.
Responsible for the security
deposit, but kept the sure
cure deposit it $500 is
because somebody will try to
game the system. Some
landlords are going get you
said just the opposite of You
said what commissioner?
They're ok, well, governor on
commissioner not know what
say. They have no control of
his could positive for not
paying it, but that We don't
want control. I mean, we don't
want to give it. I'm just
saying that we should cap it.
If we're going to do do this.
If we kept it to where they
can sort of $1000 or $1500,
not our business, but we're
not paying. You just said they
first and last about security.
So we know that control of I
understand. But I mean, I
think we can still have
control over how much if
they're using are if they're
using an you're paying first
and last and not security. I
know But they're there.
They're getting fun from us
for first and last. But you
can't cry with open market
progress. Well, take away
their rights. You can pay
security if you won't do this
without paid the security in
the last. Either way and
taking really doesn't matter
to me if we want to do 2 of
the 3. I could care less.
Which 2 of the 3 I was just
going to say some paperwork
potentially. I just know one
of the big stumbling blocks
from people trying to get into
a place is playing first
lesson. Security could be 3,
$4,000. So I was just trying
to make it to where. Their
rent or pay security deposit.
So they would be more likely
to take care of it because are
getting there. Security
deposit back that. I mean,
that's that's the way I'm
looking at it, that they'll be
they'll have that skin in the
game. That's what it is right
now.
>> Okay. So we change that
back in NOVEMBER. So this
round of funding, that's the
way that it has been the
guidelines that But there's no
cap commissioner to cause no
cap, ok?
>> Is the security based on
one month's rent. Normally
normally a okay. If you have.
Last month's rent. And your
escrow account and you don't
collect rent and go to that
person say, hey, you know,
you're Stu. And they well,
we're moving now. At least you
have a couple weeks to
advertise maybe get another
runner at. What's nice about
last month. Yeah, right.
>> the try this war to you
said you, you're suggesting
the security and the last.
That if live in time when I
don't to I'm fine with that
because at the but I do think
are you suggesting that cap on
the security or no cast? I
don't think you can set case
open market. I don't want to
get big league. Well, what I
only reason I ask we pay with
that were paid, but we've got
3,000 Max's. We can do a case.
That's what the cap is for
that. That was my question.
Total for the are 2 payments
of the 3. Right. 3,000 total
Okay. I'm toy. So it's just to
the second in the in the the
security and then we're done
with it. And that be an
amendment on next year's
because this year's already
set for
>> So we have conditional
approval already from the
state for this one. But I can
still make changes soaker.
This doesn't expire until
JULY. 1st.
>> Okay. She's got some time
to make the change to. So got
a couple of 3,002 security, a
security deposit. And the last
is what made the motion on.
Motion by Commissioner Bo
second by Commissioner Summer.
>> Any further discussion? Go
along to. To get a little fall
on my sword for this. But I
still and I guess in my mind
think that the fa.
>> If actual Renner isn't it's
a responsible for the
security. They'll do a better
job, making sure it's returned
and or close to rentable
shape, go along with this.
>> If you fix that problem,
start doing rentals. Mean, I
rentals. I agree. Sitting
there looking out for the
landlord and and the and the
so I do have a selection on
this. If we are going to
assist with security deposit
in last month's rent, does
that mean the security deposit
is going to come back to the
county?
>> That's what I That would be
it. Yes, it was in the past
that it did not. When we
assisted with all 3.
>> So moving forward, is that
something that we want to
implement, that it comes back
to the county, money the
repairs So we need to make the
motion clear that
>> It's a second. Is going to
be the security deposit in the
last place. Security deposit
will be returned to the county
if they're okay. The amendment
by commissioner Burrows.
Deposit to return to the
county if not needed for
repairs. Can I get a second
second? All in favor of the
amendment say Aye. All opposed
nay. The motion as amended is
last and security and for the.
>> We the pause, it be
returned back to us if not
needed for repairs for the
landlord all in favor say Aye.
Aye. All opposed. Nay motion
carries unanimously. Attorney.
She didn't drown. Okay. It's
crushing. You can take the
next one. Sure. We've been
nice.
>> I not want to you
>> comment. All right. The we
recently amended the Land
Development regulations for
the review process for major
developments. The they will
now be reviewed by the board
of County commissioners. Some
major developments will go to
the site Plan Review
Committee. They'll make a
recommendation. The Planning
Board independent board to
make a recommendation to the
county commissioners. That's
site plan final form the
board, one of the opportunity
to look at some site plans
little bit earlier in the
process. So the thought to
come up with for that was a to
become does not require
pre-application meeting that
lot of places do.
Pre-application meeting
generally is is the first time
the developer showing the
jurisdiction. The county,
their basic planned a little
more conceptual. You have an
idea of what you want to do,
but you haven't done all heavy
engineering yet. So a process
could be for major
developments require the
pre-application meeting. The
first going to committee and
then it would still go to the
board of County commissioners,
more dust as the part of the
pre-application process. Given
opportunity to see it before
before a lot of the heavy
engineering done. And then
with whoever Gretchen, the
board has they would finish up
the full set of plans. Go back
to the center Committee
Planning Board County
Commission. So you have The
new application now you can
check the box either.
>> Preliminary or final
correct?
>> Yeah, but we probably
change the wording on the
little bit so that it's it's
clear that it is a pre
application.
>> But what MAY come pull him
under? I'm asking I'm be
difficult.
>> You know, you get into some
semantics pre application.
Before now, formal application
has been submitted.
Preliminaries service started
application process.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter
as long as the the developers
know what that means. We're
looking for what stage. It
doesn't matter what we call
it. So you could live with
what you would have on your
application. Yeah. Okay. Do we
have a fee schedule for this?
No, we do not have an
additional fee for We have a
patient comes how we're going
handle this. We'll ask for
donations. So have we don't
handle Chair good amendment to
I think that if the board
agrees to this process that
will go back and look at our
fee think bring the fee
schedule back. We'll see what
the costs are.
>> And I don't want to.
>> Burton anyone, but mean,
there's got to be cost of
doing business. MR. CHAIRMAN.
Yes, sir.
>> hate to tell I hate to say
this. I really do. What you're
doing here is probably going
to be short lived. Comes to or
remind yourself of that, ok,
that what you're doing here.
Whether or not he does of the
are not fee. This is the this
potentially has the ability to
be short-lived by JULY one.
Okay. We'll get to JULY. He
can do about the JULY. But
after that time we have a
different will have some
potentially different ways to
do And you want elaborate on
why you think this can happen
is for them due to fact that
we have 2 bills in the House
and the Senate are moving very
rapidly that they development
or developer what about the
shoes? A developer, for
example, we'll be able to come
in for large developments. And
and not have to go through all
of these processes, MR. Roy's
would be he would be the way
we did administrative
approval. And we look at it
from the state way. It's
presented that MR. Roy's would
be providing that opportunity
to agree that the development
is right. So you kind of
review. Remove all of these
reviews. To some degree that
it's still in the process of
being the sausage is still
being made. We're still we
haven't got sausage Stewart
Udall put Pepper in. I don't
but in it. But we're trying to
fight. We're trying to be in
next week and we're going to
try work with Senator McLean
on us. And we got lobbyists
that are working on a fact
lobbyists. I got this small
coalition lobbyists working on
it, but I think that the
developers have a lot of money
and they look and the bottom
line, what we've been told. Is
that they're tired dealing
with the they can pay enough
money to the legislators in
order to get get the bill
created unchanged. Love They
can deal with this. Can do
this until JULY one of this.
Wait to see what the sauces
looks like. I'm just kind of
give just inside too. When
we're talking about the fees
and everything MAY we just try
to work through to get to a
point. And then if you're if
it doesn't come about when
JULY one that we at these 2.
Well, could be least are or
feeble attempt to hold onto
home rule. Even if it just
showing of saying, you know,
we want to hold onto home
rule.
>> was just information for
the chair. Appreciate. Okay.
Any other comments the
suggestions MR. Roast were
open.
>> No, again, the impending
law is bad law I'm That Yeah,
but I'm talking about, you No,
I and we'll put it together
in. Guess is they said, would
want to know for sure with
that legislation in the past
or not? Love and to the past,
we welcome back to is that's
not going to pass and we'll
come to you with ability
schedule. For the for the fee
for required a pre application
conference. To be okay with
all of it. Yes, sir. Okay. I
have one question chair. Yes,
sir, does it make the
application process longer?
Yes, that that's how much
longer. It's probably going to
have a couple months what we
have are for relatively
speaking. We have relatively
since then. We process anyway,
but he looking at a couple
months to it. For myself.
Commissioner,
>> the couple months old,
potentially dissipate. We need
in the action on this month.
No, this is your direction. We
don't need to amend. The
regulations will just start
doing it.
>> Okay, Poland, the border,
but it good. But proposal. I'm
good, okay. Thank you, MR.
Roche, thank you. Okay. So
MISS Leases. Go ahead with
this next one. This Lisa. Good
morning. Good morning.
>> Approval is required to
confirm the appointment of
this caring Kozak as the
emergency management director.
For you'll be county county
pursuant to Florida statute.
One to 5.7, 4 k the county
administrator is required to
bring the employment of all
department heads to the board
for confirmation of
appointment. Codes that comes
to Okeechobee County Bocc with
6 years of emergency
management work experience
with Florida Division of
Emergency Management and
Port St. Lucie County Board of
County Commissioners. MISS
Kozak has her high-performance
leadership master certificate
from the National Association
of counties. Kozak has also
completed the emergency
management mid-level
leadership development
program. Kozak holds a
master's degree and emergency
health services from the
University of Maryland,
Baltimore County and a
bachelor of Science degree and
public safety from Indian
River State College. The
county administrator
recommends confirmation of
appointment of ms Caring Kozak
as the emergency management
director. We have Kozak here
with us today and we have
chief moving as well.
>> You've got a baby. Tough
because you didn't run this
morning. So apologize. We get
broken in that way. Being that
process of being solved. I
think we're going to do that.
But I hear a lot of good.
Comments about your work in
the past and your capabilities
and as one commissioner, I
welcome you aboard. Thank you.
Commissioners have Well, MR.
CHAIRMAN. Yes, sir. I looked
and low. The application been
rejected. But do you live in
Okeechobee?
>> Port St. Lucie County, sir,
about 30 minutes from here.
>> She's good. She's agreed to
be here. 24 7 men Hurricane
activate of any reason Brian
knew she didn't know she would
do that and yes. And if any
other questions, comments.
CHAIRMAN, yes, sir.
>> We appreciate you coming in
and wanting to be part of this
organization. Erland is is a
great fire chief, as you saw
today, unfortunately, wants to
leave us in a few years. But,
you maybe you can talk him out
of that, but we certainly
appreciate you your your
resume is is excellent. And I
her do the things about you
so. Certainly appreciate the
fact that you being here. I
think that you'll be fine and
enjoy the opportunity into
hurricane season. Just going
to be out this year. And that
the CHAIRMAN Is a weather man
now, I love.
>> That's that's the nicest
thing I've been accused of the
day.
>> Well, it's true. It no fun.
Finger gestures. Just being a
weather man. I'll make a
motion to approve the. The
emergency management. Director
was caring closet. We have a
motion by Commissioner Burrows
second by Commissioner. Good
bread. Any further discussion.
>> All in favor say Aye. Aye
opposed. Nay makes motion
carries unanimously. Thank
you. Welcome aboard. Thank you
so much. Don't hear ok, who's
going take the next one?
>> Because that would be me.
Sorry. I got to keep up here.
He was still trying rep your
arms around that weatherman
position. A
>> forts. APRIL 3rd special
meeting. The board discussed
revisions of administrative
regulation. 3 point '09, which
is the general rules and
procedures for the board of
County Commission meetings.
And the revisions that are
being proposed for for the are
3.9 0, 9, is moving. The
public comment.
>> To after public hearing.
Removing the language in
Section j that I discussed
previously about the Publix
hearings have to be placed on
the consent agenda for
inclusion for the next day
because there's no.
>> State law or any law that
requires that that was just
the previous commission.
>> Have put on there and that
talking about delays so that
can delay ordinance is being
presented to you that are non
zoning ordinances because
Zonings ordinances didn't have
that same requirement. And
then just the consistency of
addressing what the speaker
cards are actually called. So
they we had a different terms
that we call it that. So.
>> If there are
>> Any questions or comments.
Administrator yes, sir. And I
asked this question for the
sake of people watching Only
only underwear. I'm sure my
question, I guess, is supposed
to the attorneys. This is all
been fitted. We're doesn't run
afoul of any state or federal
laws Constitution First
Amendment. I mean, this is all
been vetted and we have.
PRESIDENT To to stand on. Yes,
sir. Okay is is State law? I
mean because from every part
of this was a state. State law
that we were making or it
hearing too.
>> The administrative
regulation is compliant both
with the general protections
afforded sprees. Free speech
under the First Amendment of
the United States Constitution
as well as Florida's
government and the Sunshine
Law and the Florida
Constitution. I just wanted
to.
>> Like I said, those mostly
for people are watching this
on the Internet and make sure
that we have. You we have
vetted the legalities of this
and the lesser chance of
lawsuits. That's
>> and chair. If I could
address that a little bit
further whenever we there's
requirements for notices and
some some notices you just
have to put in the bulletin
board or somewhere, you know,
at your facility. And our
meetings. We just have to put
those when it comes to public
hearings, those we have to
after ties. And so we
advertised that they begin at
9 o'clock. But, you know, we
try to keep them shortly after
their. So as we were looking
at this ordinance and how we
had 4 made formatted our
regular meeting. We just felt
that this was more appropriate
since our public hearings are
advertised in the paper to
begin at 9 o'clock. And then
the public comments can come
after that. And there's some
other regulations to, you
know, we talk in our and are
decorum policy and also
administer regulations that
the public comments need to be
near the beginning of the
meeting, but it cannot be the
last item on the agenda says
that was my next follow-up
because I know that there was
some.
>> There was some.
>> Legality or some law that
we couldn't not have a public
comment and it had to be I
thought had to be towards the
front of the meeting, but it
really doesn't matter. Just
can't be at the end.
>> Current ordinance that the
board decorum. The current
ordinance they're asking are
the governing the to Carmen
Citizen participation
prescribes that the public
comment needs to be near the
beginning of the meeting and
shall not be the last.
>> Part of what we are
cleaning up in the ordinance
that will be before you for
hearing at the next board of
County commissioners meeting
is to make that less
prescriptive in order to allow
flexibility within the
administrative regulation. If
for whatever reason you on you
to move that.
>> And just just to close the
loop. So we talked about there
are items that the public, the
public has people to comment
on items on the agenda, open
public forum about items that
are within your purview. The
that's the distinction. So
they do still need to be able
to comment on items on the
agenda. And It's just. Where
it is.
>> Well, and it's always been
is always held that if
somebody came before for
public comment and they
started commenting on.
Something that was later on
the agenda, we will say, you
know, sir, ma'am, could you
please hold your comment until
that until issue was before
And that's always been that's
always been a prescribed in
our public comment. But just
just making sure that we're
suit of armor on for this.
Thank you, commissioner. We
do. The questions. Comments.
We need a motion to so moved.
And administrative regulation.
Present. So it motion by
Commissioner Good bridge.
Second by Commissioner
Burrows. Any further
discussion.
>> All in favor. Say aye nay
motion carries unanimously.
Okay.
>> I will take the next site.
And yes, this is to approve a
work authorization with
Kimley-horn and Associates in
the Mountain $245,000 says
615, $245,615 for professional
engineering services to
complete what we call part b
of the impact fee development
and adopt resolution. 25 test
16 amending the fiscal year.
25 budget to appropriate
unanticipated expenses for
funding the impact fee
development and approve.
Budget amendment. 25 dash 20
from the reserve for
contingencies in the amount of
$246,000. Okay. So the impact
fee study costs his comeback
at to this amount of money.
245,615.
>> He's a little list. Thought
it might be we were expecting
up to 400,000, yes.
>> We the need change the
wording that the CHAIRMAN Is
going to sign or agreement
because agreement has your
signature on And then the
final pages side. Yes, sir.
Whichever one you want prefer
to do.
>> And this is authorizing the
chair to execute the work
authorization, right, but 2
years. But if they put sick.
My name on the work
authorization and should have
years because that is the ok,
i just want to make sure that.
A good you spend that money
than me. Season after we just
need make sure we do that.
MISTER CHAIRMAN, page. Page 2
of the agreement. 2.33, of the
packet we can just to strike
through manually. Just know
Okay? Yes, sir.
>> move we approve. Budget
authorization. 25 dash 20. So
we've got. 2 items or do
right.
>> It's if you approved the
the motion or the requests
that I MAY cause. It's
approving the dollar amount
with and entering into the
agreement, work authorization,
I should say with Kim Lee Horn
and also adopting resolution.
25 16, which amends the fiscal
year. 25 budget. And then with
that comes the budget
amendment. 25 20 2. Use the
funds from reserves for
contingencies. Ludin your
motion. That's that's how
minute and ok, we have a
motion by commissioner. Good
bread. Second by Commissioner
Burrows.
>> And you had the discussion.
All in favor say Aye. Opposed
nay. Motion carries
unanimously.
It's it too. The
Red River, gender. Years.
>> You need a minute. We can.
You need a ok?
>> Sorry, I send to tell all
of security me. It was not for
this meeting joking. Want to
live here she thought that
what I asked her to pray for
me was for this meeting and
it's not. So I was confused.
She so fishy oh, okay. MISS
Them. Give this year. Yes, I
have one item and that is
George Landry the county
administrator from Port St.
Lucie County.
>> And has reached out to sea.
The 3 other counties that
participate with the medical
examiner's costs and have
asked for negotiations that
there is that the county
administrators and one board
member. Meet to negotiate the
The meeting is Friday, APRIL
25th. It would have to be
before 2 o'clock because at 2
o'clock, the medical examiner
will probably be with myself
and some of the and the other
as we discuss the budgets
because that is the afternoon
and the 25th 10 from 2 to 5 is
some budget that they want to
try negotiate a salary. Yes,
so there was whenever the
recommendation came back
before the board, that was
just to see if the board was
in agreement and increasing
the salary up to the think it
was 495,000 and so on one of
the county's boards wanted to
negotiate. And so that's why
now it's coming back for
representative and a
commissioner for from each of
the 4 counties too, to
negotiate with the medical
examiner. So we don't have a
final cost. A final salary. I
should say of final salary for
her position because that was
a study that was provided to
give you a maxim to to show
you what the study is showing.
Right in the study shows 4.95
correct. And she's got offers
from. Of the places. Yes,
we're one county's. Where's
the logic? Yeah. So absolutely
there appears that.
>> One county did not get all
the information that we had.
And that one county has now
raised the question. To we
need to sit down with her and
negotiator salary. In other
words, 3 of the county's did
what we did. But the one
county didn't get all the
information. And so now that
commission has race. That
answer, maybe we don't agree
that we need to negotiate.
Right guests and she.
>> And there was a negotiation
process that needed to happen
anyway. It's just that instead
of just Port St. Lucie County,
which I would imagine because
they they're the ones that
have facilitated this. Now it
will be a representative from
each county. That's that's
participating with the
negotiation for the salary. So
when when we doing this? And
it is. I haven't heard back.
The recommendation in the
letter is Friday. APRIL 25th.
He said it in a tough any time
that I responded back to that
we have. Budget meetings in
the afternoon meeting with
19th Judicial Court system,
the medical examiner, all
those other guardian ad litem
and it's actually over its
Port St. Lucie County as well.
So and the medical examiner is
one of those. So she's would
have to be in the 2 o'clock
meeting. So had recommended
the morning any time before. 2
o'clock on the 25th.
Commissioner bows. Been
working this.
>> What was your What we need
to do? I think it's probably
appropriate. Do the fact of
what the information that
administrator allowed me to
understand the other day. If
you want me to be on to do
that, I'll be happy to do it
or you can do it or anybody
else. That's what she started
asking is who do you want? Is
the commissioner to represent?
It was hurt.
>> From a boat. You been
involved in it. Everything we
do. I would ask you if you'd
be so good is to do it. That's
be we got hear over over I
would imagine at St. Louis
County. You like going in
knowing him. Just doesn't make
a difference. Nobody knows ok?
What that? That would be it.
MR. Nelson. Yes, Sir. I've got
a few things for Let me bring
up a couple of. Papers. And
this is in regards to so we
move. I want to get this out
there.
So I wanted to bring up
I've met with the supervised
elections after our last
meeting. We've had a couple of
>> a couple of different
times. We've been to the site
done a preliminary drawing
based off of the discussions
that myself and the supervisor
of elections have had with
that, I've put together a
proposed costs for the
renovations and tear
innovation and the front of
the building to be painted.
Those costs are in there.
Sorry, I gave away all my
papers. I think it ended up
around $86,000 in total
construction costs. That space
is the space that I have
provided you in the drawings
gives you an exact site
utilization for the space, so
he would be occupying at the
Alderman building along with
the layout and design the
majority of what we're looking
at in here. It's not really a
lot of of actual moving of
laws. Construction cost things
like that. Most of it is just
cosmetic renovations of things
that need to be approved in
the building. Of course, with
the numbers I've I've
provided. Thank Of course,
with the numbers I have
provided we do have a
significant amount of labor
that's in there. And the main
intention is to have the
majority of the work handle
the facilities, maintenance
staff because a lot of it is
stuff that our staff can do.
So I just wanted to bring that
up that we're we're intention
is to be below the $80,860 for
total construction cost, but
just wanted the board to be
aware, looking for a little
bit more direction. If you
know, I would love to see all
the commissioners come out.
Look at the facility. Look at
the building. Get an idea of
the space that so he wanting
to utilize. And I think it
would be the best utilization
of the space met with Ajax,
which is the current occupant
of that space. They are
willing to move to the real
building until the finish of
their contract for short term.
That's a very minimal cost to
us to do that. We've got to
pay to have their That's it.
So it's a very minimal cost
facilities would handle the
rest of that move for them. So
you're not just looking for a
little bit more direction from
the board on that to kind of
how we would like to proceed.
i would really like to start
something saying. I said the
moneys budgeted. We did have
200,000 the We've still got
about one, 98 and some change
in that budget after we moved
all of cip. So we used a very
minimal amount of that budget
to do what we what plan of
moving all 3 once the full
moves done, I will have some
expenses for the movement of
the other system. County
administrator and then a
conference room wall that will
have to be built. But it's
it's minimal. So I think in my
in my opinion, I think this is
the best move for the county.
Just knew. Ajax's using all
this space currently
yesterday. This is just the
space the Ajax utilizing. It
is time that you've got to
wait to then move out
correctness or what they're
looking to the I mean, yes, we
but we would move them now as
soon as the board gives me
direction, that this is a good
way to We would put them my
old Spacey. At the real
building and that Lisa, you
said you can move supervisor
to for now We're talk about
leaving the situation anything
because MISTER Nice Candy game
finished. Her staff goes. She
didn't have Yes, sir. But the
problem I have is is the
state.
>> To move so equipment that
has been made by the state.
That's a 90 day process to get
that equipment moved. We've
been working with the state. I
it departments to working with
the state along with so we to
get the stuff that state has
to move, that we cannot move
and that could take up to 90
days. The problem I have is if
we move them there
temporarily. We could be up to
90 days. If I start
construction now I can have
this project finished within
90 to 120 days and that then
done the final. Construction
is done. So he's moving wants.
>> MR. So you think you
answered my questions. Start
because I knew there was just
number of 200,000 was floating
around last last meeting. So I
think you answered the
question now is to to release
an out on this one here.
You're going to use 80,000
really 81,000 just how do
round numbers 81,000 in order
to get them over there? What?
So how many months to we still
have on the regional list
leases a 10 month supply if
I'm correct on that.
Yesterday's around 10 months,
10 months that what what
number?
>> Our total cost with that
with our contribution to the
taxes and maintenance costs.
As about 35,000 a rents 24 and
some change. We pay the taxes
on that building and then our
maintenance and fees.
>> So you talk about 3 roughly
3,000 a month. So we're going
to say 30th out. There's
$30,000 leaving or excuse me,
not savings so. You're going
to So moving them over there.
And so how was it take to get
this done? I'm hoping between
90 to 120 days. I'm shooting
for 90 days. Is that within
the 90 days at state make do
that I have to give the state
a new address.
>> Before the state will even
put it in the process to move
the equipment that state has
to So question is. But then
the 120 days, the 90 days for
the state is incorporated.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. We would
want to have direction from
the board. If this is the
direction we're going, I would
go ahead. Put in that request
for the state to move
equipment. It's got to be
mayor. I'm okay with MR.
CHAIRMAN.
>> Justin guests are with the
driver used to be is that can
be just booked a flight itself
as a bit. Won't be a
drive-thru. There won't be a
drive-thru there more. That
will the ballot storage room.
Okay? Because it would be a
conflict. Yes. What goes on an
alleyway now? Yes, sir. We
will be blocking that off with
cars you see in that and the
design that that window been
blocking all those present
included. It's right here. But
he sure didn't show anything
there. Yeah. Because a lot of
people use it. Texas has a
part of the building used to
back not Don't come through
that. That access. They just
partnered use the back of the
building for access to go
today to to get answer to go
there. And that helps because
it you're voting. People can
park in the front and yes, it
will use another part of the
can park in the axis. In many
more questions about a good.
But this. I'm good Yeah, I am.
I have one question. Okay. One
bathroom that's just one
bathroom right now. Is that
enough for?
>> There is sorry to
interrupt. But if the hallway
that goes down. There's set of
public bathrooms in that
hallway. And once I meet with
the sheriff's department about
where exactly that that
doorway needs to be in hall,
then we would know how we
would access that is. But as
of now, there's one ad a
bathroom. This in ada
compliant bathroom. Now we
will be doing some renovations
in that bathroom. Just freshen
it up. But there would be 2
more a men's and a women's
bathroom. That's in that
hallway that we utilize now
for staff and public restrooms
for Ajax. So I'm I'm assuming
that that shouldn't be an
issue. But I will be meeting
with sheriff's department
staff to discuss the location
of the door. That's at the
beginning of that corridor. If
we could move that door back.
To the back section because
most the sheriff from
interstate a rear anyways that
would give us complete public
access to those 2 bathrooms.
Also, I just want to put that
in there in case it would only
be for staff to utilize that
instead of the public. So as
of right now, the way it lays
the public bathroom would be
that bathroom. That's and that
front space. That you see. MR.
CHAIRMAN yesterday Justin and
put you on the
>> on the front burner on this
now to make a decision right
here. Pros. But I'd like you
to have to be thinking to make
us a recommendation on what to
do with the real Luis, whether
we should. Not renew could go
month to month if we're not
quite finished with them.
Ajax, you using it. But I'd
like to kind of start thinking
about that. And was the room,
no room to spare yesterday us
doing at the last minute. If
you don't mind, please, yes,
sir. And I think we'll look at
that will go back and assess
if we need to keep that
building. But I think the main
intention is to try to get rid
of that to get rid of that
cost is one of the reasons why
I think that's the most sense
to So we to this location.
>> good thing is in the in the
long term with we have this
location as we grow. And as
the sheriff's starts to move
into their new snore, spaces,
it So we too new to grow as
needed and plus, move other
departments into that facility
if needed. So I think in the
long term we we would
probably. Terminate that lease
at the end of its term, which
with the time we have left
with Ajax is going to be about
the end of that term. But if
we look for other spaces are
think we need any other
additional spaces, then we
with look at that. Before we
terminate that lease. And then
when had 10 months left on
yes, sir, about 10 months.
Okay. Yeah. And so the but
it's slipped my mind. There's
talk time.
>> On on. Didn't did we have
to do something to the roof of
the over in building is that
eventually we were we are
going to need to replace the
roof. I often building and I'm
working through some cost
estimates right now.
>> To try to get that probably
won't go in our next budget
year, but it will go into the
to the next. So we're looking
at getting some cost
estimates, actually, just a
couple different design
options to put that is a
single membrane roof instead
of being what it is now. It's
a it's a gravel and part-time
reach system out there. Now
we're looking at some tapered
iso and going to a single
membrane type or if so at that
point, we've got a 50 year
route from that facility.
>> then that was another
suggestion. I was But it's a
flat roof in that. Yes, there
a slight root system. So you
have to frame it up. If you
want to put men on additional,
it would be it would be very
costly to do that. And I think
with that we have the gutter
system and everything that's
inside the facility now still
in great shape.
>> Those pipes have been
painted multiple times over
the years. So mainly now it's
just looking at putting
probably a tape or die. So in
a single membrane type or just
a moment, ok? Thank you, sir,
and appreciate all you do. We
do appreciate appreciate that.
Thank you. So everybody's good
without on moving forward.
Okay. I will start working on
that. Trying to get some
planning stuff together soon
as possible to get get this
going. The other thing I would
like to bring up real quick is
so facilities maintenance. We
have 2 chiller replacements
and I have the agenda item in
for the next board meeting. We
have to chill replacements
that are needing to be done.
They were budgeted for this
year. One of them is that this
building, distillers over 20
years old, it's failing. And
then emergency operation
Center where chief and all the
staff is that chillers in the
same type of were having
issues. We've been having a
lot of warranty issues and
service issues with that. Our
contract is up on the service.
With both those for
replacement this year and
we've been working through
negotiations with train under
an army contract and trying to
get this 2 projects moving
forward and as you all know
right now with the things that
are going on in the open
market, we kind of got dead
headed this week. I had
another conversation with our
representative which at with
train, they're trying to hold
some prices for us. Pretty
much if we don't sign a
contract by the end of this
week for those 2 projects we
will probably see another 6%
increase. And the I have the
contracts available. So if the
board would allow, I would
like to see the approval of
both those on piggyback
contracts for the 2 facilities
to go ahead and move forward
to allow the CHAIRMAN To
execute both those contracts
supposed to close said, total
cost right now for the public
safety complex. We budgeted
200,000 for that project. It's
coming in at one. 76 8.68. The
historic courthouse
replacement. That one because
we have to replace the pumps.
Those pumps are failing those
those 2 pumps that one came
in. We budgeted 200. It came
in at 2.51. 29. So with the
remainder I have the have left
out of the other one. We'll
move that over and then I'll
be moving a probably 30,000
out of contingency to go ahead
and cover the additional cost.
So that should get us to that
total contract amount.
>> So in the 6% on that would
be total of about 2 4,000
about another $24,000. Yes,
sir.
>> Yes, that's why I want to
bring it up today because I
had another conversation with
them with with our train rep
again this morning. Can you?
And I asked him, can you
please hold this until our
next meeting? And he said, I'm
doing everything in my power.
But right now. They're telling
me that they're there MAY not
be a way to hold that.
>> ask a different question.
So if he doesn't, if we don't
do this. And he doesn't hold,
was a outside of the 6%. It's
just a 6%. That's that's my
thing is I just want to try to
keep that cost.
>> We're already over budget.
That's what we've been
negotiating over the last 30
days is that this building was
budgeted. We budgeted 200,000
based off the proposal we were
given. Of course, we know that
was last year at this time.
But this is 20 years old. This
one here. Yes. And how it one
of its very so much about 17.
I think that was 17 years on
see? Yes, sir. And that once.
I would say to you. You if you
see no, Justin came talked to
me before the board meeting
today and let me know what was
going on. And I think it's
probably in the county's best
interests, you know, to move
forward at this time.
>> Because it's just going to
cost us more money if we delay
it any longer.
>> The lake cost us 24,000,
roughly. Can you put the
thermostat somewhere? We can
get home no, sir,
>> well, you know, that all
about in the middle of the
meeting. Send me a text and
got change. It got to be some
way to do it on stat where it
can be worked by.
>> So in this system, I just
want celebrate our stance with
these to change out. We are
changing to a different
control system.
>> a much more user friendly
control system. So throughout
the meetings were right now,
if I go into Siemens and try
to do that, do those
corrections right now, it MAY
take a huge delay before I can
make those those changes with
the new system. I make it.
It'll be instantaneous to make
corrections in hat. Do you do
it on your phone? So I will be
able to at the new system. We
need an application. Here's
can tone and Lana's is just
not is not.
>> we've got to come up with a
different plan you want me to
keep our power costs down.
This is what I try to do. Just
to had been hit with we had.
But Cotto that, yeah, keeping
our coast well. I had to get
you notice aspect to you. But
to goes downstairs find the
got you to lower down with
that, you know, when to quit
children and worked there
typewriters. And keep in mind
that there's that's always
going. That's always going to
be an issue in building, a
home runs. What would a holdup
and what I brought to great
things. Look 3.
>> And chair. We can now set
the temperature down stairs
once the alt the documents get
out from the supervisor of
elections because we had a
humidity issue there.
>> Where items for molding?
>> Or
>> there was some old issues
and we had to control the
humidity in by country by
lowering the temperature
controls the humidity. So once
those documents are out of
here, will be able to warm
everyone up. Yeah, and we'll
we'll also be working on some
additional items that will
help with that humidity. We do
have an issue in this
building, keeping humidity
where it needs to be.
>> So you need to do
authorization to go ahead with
the dew purchases that rents
Do the transfer. The
additional funds need to do.
Cover the additional cost.
Yes, it and I think the
transfer because it's coming
out of contingency should just
be able to be done with the
administrators approval to
under her spending authority.
>> But we would like the
consensus from the board to
make sure we do that transfer.
Only make a motion to that
about the Mets going great.
Make the motion second. We
have a motion by Commissioner
Bo second by Commissioner
summer, say Aye. Motion
carries Thank you so much. Now
on on the good side. So I
don't know if anybody's doubt
ag Center and if you've
noticed are cheeky
replacements going up and it's
pretty much down will be
trying to get inspection on
that over the next week to get
that finalized. And I know
staff, they're working on
landscaping plan to try to
utilize the rest of the grant
dollars to finish that project
up the maintenance building
out there. Concrete. The new
concrete cap has been poured.
So we hope in the next 3 to 4
weeks to see that building
sitting on site. So we're
hoping see the main building
go up pretty quickly winter
had a meeting with the also on
the contract for the tensions.
And we're waiting on some
dollar changes to come back
from them for their best and
final offer. So we've got a
lot of projects moving. How's
that looking Animal control
framing is almost complete.
They should start putting all
the rest of the siding on that
we're hoping is seen as that's
done. The Electra Tritions got
most of his equipment. And so
we're hoping to see that thing
probably in the next 60 days
with all the site work to be
finished. So we've got premier
sidewalks and some culverts
and some other stuff to be
done. But all the all the
plumbing the majority of
electrical and everything's
done and they should start
shooting the either today or
tomorrow. They were finishing
up training yesterday. Good.
We should be seeing that move
along pretty Want to get that
one done. And we're we're
looking options for to get the
kennels right now. Susan's
working on the pricing for the
kennels to try to get that
moving forward. So not parking
lot at airports going great
where we're moving along with
that pretty quickly. So any
other questions anything year?
Yes, sir. I brought up a
couple of meetings. Go about
got awful pothole.
>> And from the talk about
when you said Dot was aware of
that as well as a couple of
others.
>> Any updates as to when
they're they're there was some
discussions yesterday in our
meeting, we had meeting with
fdot on that project
yesterday. I sat in that
meeting and chiefs at and it
also there were some
discussions about there's
there's a coverup couple other
deficiencies that they still
have to make. Right. One of
them is that the bridge
locations where it meets the
bridge. Tolling water cause
asphalt higher than the
bridge. So there is some some
that they they know what our
complaints are, that they have
a they have not given us a
timeline on when all those
repairs will be made there.
They're looking at how to do
lane closures and some other
stuff. And we're just we're
voicing our opinion. It's not
our contract and it's not our
sta. So of course, we voiced
the opinion multiple times
that that those and it's not
just one in front of Taco
Bell. There's one ever by
Burger King. That's that's
very similar. But we're
voicing our opinion letting
them as my fact the city
administrator reached out to
late yesterday afternoon. I
have not had time to get back
with him today and its
probably some of those
discussion items. So we're
working on it. We dot. We're
doing our best commissioner
who member the pothole was
discussed in the last public.
The public come in the last
>> chair one other thing do
want to update them on the
Falcon. Yes, thank you. I
thought about that. The Falcon
we've got the money coming. We
got I think 27,000 dollar
offer on They way they your
condition MAY right there. Not
that these of we need to leave
that airport. I need the funds
the airport
>> no, no, he gave it back.
No, you get it back and you
gave no, no. He gets Ayers.
No, he gave it back. I need
the money airport, but yes,
that it that is moving
forward. They're actually
supposed to be wiring us the
money any day in signing that
purchase agreement.
>> So we just had to work out
some stuff of finance to get
the money received. They
wanted to wire transfer the
funds that will be gone. And
we're working on the other one
now. So had a meeting with
discussion, a crash yesterday
and told him we need to get
with a paint shop. We need to
get the other one removed from
the facility. Also. So yes,
thank you. I was happy. That
was a happy moment to see that
thing. Go away. She had I
think that's it. Michelle,
have any questions on the
other projects or anything?
Just comment. Cip is moved
just figured I know you all
kind knew that last week we
were trying to get everything.
We had that short meeting last
week. But Cip has now moved to
this facility. We're all here
completely unready and ready.
So anytime you're need
questions or anything. My
office is now downstairs. So
we're for more accessible than
ever.
>> Jay,
>> Good morning to some
comments real this morning as
much as Justin had. So staff
attended the second annual
fire service at the Capitol
last week in Tallahassee. We
showcase fire Rescue Meadow,
met with Representative Tuck
and Senator Grall and network
with fellow department and the
public. The new engine found
spectrum is scheduled for
APRIL. 15th and staff will be
traveling the Bradenton for
the day to get that process
taking care of and hopefully
get that thing back of Toby
sing and get in service.
Following up on some previous
items, opioid ambulance and
the associate equipment. I
have all been ordered and
working with the budget in
special projects manager
through the reimbursement
process to get that money back
to They're southeast Florida.
Fire Rescue's Bruce, the
quarterly newsletter and we
plan to have them available
the next the acc mean for you
all working with them to get
this thing printed up APRIL
25th. There will be a family
night for the fire ct cte
class at the Tri Tran Tower.
As we're working with
education foundation of
Okeechobee, teachers and other
state counties have to put
this event together that
night. Students will showcase
the things that they learned
into a scenario in a modified
firefighter combat challenge.
We'll be doing awards that
night as well to the students
and have a or fresh months.
We're working on it out of a
job offer to offer pass the 2
key student, a job as well.
That night. Tracie should be
receiving imitation or later
than tomorrow for the
invitation to the commission
that they're able to attend.
Last night spoke to man's
about this. A smart last night
received an e-mail from a
lobbyist condo request
information from the
governor's Office of Policy
and Budget Pertaining to the
fire rescue station. Number 5,
legislative appropriation
funding request that project
is including this in its
proposed budget, an amount of
1 million dollars and spoke to
this morning about respond a
request and we're going to be
doing. That's possible getting
answers back to the that lets
players and the report
question. What was the date of
the training session APRIL.
25th, APRIL 25th. Thank sir.
What time going to start
around 5 o'clock Thursday
night and then we'll but the
conflict sir, I didn't have a
lot Say 7. We kind of work
with Something the school, one
of worst kind of you in the
facility. So I know there's
possibly some conflicts have
heard about what time of day
is. They want to start around
5 o'clock. And we got the
Common Council spring Socials
at night as well. So anything
else? Sir. Thank you, MR. Roy
>> Missed an ace just a few
events coming up to make sure
you have on your calendars.
The first is a series of
Easter events this coming
Saturday. The library will be
hosting an Easter event and
collaboration with the
Education Foundation from 11
to one. And then we're going
to invite all those families
to go out to Kiwanis Park that
afternoon at 2 o'clock for
Parks and Recs, Easter Egg
Hunt. We're really excited
that they're bringing that
back to the community on the
12th right on the 12. Yes,
sir. And then Easter Sunday,
the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs
are partnering up for Easter
breakfast. So I would like to
invite all of you there. The
public can get tickets at the
sheriff's office or online.
And then just a quick update
that I know you all are aware,
but so that the public is
aware as well. We have a new
public information officer
joining us on county staff.
He's not in the room right
now. He's downstairs working
he's realized how big of a job
it is. So we're keeping pretty
busy, but the public will see
some additional things coming
out on social media and some
some new things. We're really
excited. The staff are really
excited. So he's he's hit the
ground running and then just
to wrap up last week, adding
to the chance to give your
comments. But the tourism
department traveled up to
Washington, D.C., a couple of
weeks ago for a travel
represented very well up there
and were able to see a pretty
big increase in our traffic to
our website and app directly
following that. So it was a
really beneficial time for us.
Happy that MARCH is over
tourism department can get a
little bit of a break in
APRIL. The cut your website,
but they can't comment. Have
you had to get your leader?
Whatever without. We've got
some site just some of our
thanks. We have to. Because of
the head-to-head to handle
that we website so for
tourism. So we're looking at
analytics for the tourism so
we can see how many people are
visiting our website to get
more information about Shelby
County. So the tourism website
slightly different from the
county website. You can access
visit. Okeechobee County dot
com dot com. Or you can
download Download our app on
your phone for visit
Okeechobee so we can see the
analytics of how many people
are downloading, how many
people are visiting with their
clicking on. There's no
commenting options on either
of those sites. It's just
purely information. They can
send us an e-mail through that
that they can't publicly
comment.
>> she's got typewriter.
Anything is set MISTER De
Janeiro. CHAIRMAN
Commissioners.
>> Brief update on what's
going You already heard of
some of tease update. We
talked about that a minute ago
on some repairs that need to
be done for 41. They are also
the process of wrapping up
state road, 70 east us 41
They're gonna be doing repairs
and stuff over the next couple
of weeks. But they got the
right to see 70's Canyon State
Road, 70 east of 4.41. To
fill. 41. From 4.41. To 17.
Okay. It my pot the other
section is complete. To the
West so with that, also on our
side. So we had been in the
process and we are just about
wrapped up with renewing all
of the engineering continuing
engineering services
contracts. Everybody's except
that the one-year extension.
So we now able to continue to
do work for the next year. Now
been slow. If you recall that
we got h in gp Grant a while
ago. And we got $100,000 to
start design work for that.
We're looking at most likely
doing master drainage for
Berman Road for that Hmg grant
money if there are other
thoughts than that, open to
it. But we have to spend that
money in the next year. And
I'm thinking that if we get a
head start on the master
drainage system for all of
Burma, Road from State Road,
70 down to 7.10, it would be
well used to use that money
for that. And that's just the
design portion. Well,
hopefully we could use So when
we do get eroded, prove would
be ahead of the game. Yes,
sir, that that's that's the
thought process behind that.
>> Storm, one of an ability
study. We have come to an
agreement on the additional
scope to include the city
>> the dp has the revised
contract under review.
>> Once they're ok with but it
up that vice contract, it'll
come back to you for approval.
And yes, it was less than the
amount that was originally
given Lofton Road. They're
continuing to work on the 100%
plants and still hoped to have
things ready for midsummer
forbidding stormwater master
plan. The we should be
bringing you the updated
corrected. Revised report to
you in the next 30 to 45 days.
We're hoping scheduled the
additional survey work that
was being done on the canals
is about 95% complete. Now and
we hope to have the mapping to
us in the next 30 days for
review. With that, those my
updates for today. And if you
have other questions. Anyone
have.
>> Anything you need from
engineer. MR. CHAIRMAN. Yes,
sir. This MAY fall under your.
Their purview. Finished the.
Partnership that we were doing
uh repair those rows behind
bills. Many from.
>> So I I can answer that real
quickly for commissioner. So,
yeah, we're we're working with
the attorneys office has
provided us. Submitted it back
with the are with the
additional information that
was needed for the inner local
agreement. With But
construction is already
commencing for that. So we're
already working through it. We
had the funds in the budget to
go ahead and move the project
for. We did not want to remove
allies as working through
getting the board's approval
and the ou a board approval to
good get that. But we're at
the end of that agreement, of
course, is that they've done a
great job, getting that
information and get it right
back to So there and had a few
items Zach it asked for. And
we're hoping to have that
ready to come to our board.
And do board for the next
meeting? Thank you very much.
Yes, sir. Nothing else. Thank
you, Appreciate it. Okay.
MADAM Attorney. It's not his
tone. It.
>> At this time we do not have
an update, although I do
believe there is a topic that
commissioner Burrows is going
to raise later that we'll talk
about. I think you have. We
just love working with you
all, but that's all we have.
Thank you
>> And a brand what you needed
than in the elevation. Second
say I think if I could get a
booster here, sometimes when
hoping gets down for obvious
reasons. You've been
Commissioner Sumner. I really
don't have anything keep being
called about that same pothole
ad.
>> Rookie mistake of telling
Yeah, it's got that taken care
of. Clearly we're still
working on it so that that
was. That was a kind of a
pressing one a quick note and
some of you already know this.
My beds in the hospital. Don't
really think there's anything
to majorly wrong. I just got
back the country last night at
midnight. And soon as we break
from go over there. Some might
have some more from
information we come back at
one. Served. But to keep him
in your thoughts and prayers
and it's pretty much all I
have. Commissioner. Good for
it. All right. I have. Young
couple that contacted me.
About. They had a young child
passed away in child was
buried in the evergreen
cemetery.
>> And they called me and
asked me about the possibility
of a private cemetery at your
house to move 2. Move child
evergreen to own mother used
to be years ago. You could
have a private cemetery on
your private property where I
thought that that had covid
nixed by the state several
years ago. But said I try to
find out what the what the
opportunity is is for that.
So. Nothing in a hurry. But of
just we're having to look into
it and circle back, right?
That's that's a loss. Early
currently our land
Development, land development
regulations, expression
prohibit that.
>> So take if you want
consider at to change land
development regulations with
you can't do that anymore. And
thought like maybe 20 years
ago that it. Had changed to
where you couldn't do that
anymore. But think the young
lady approach me about it and
I said that I would bring it
up see if there is any any
path. 2 being able to do that
for him. So. So I guess
there's a path that we have to
change the land development
regulations to do it.
>> chair also, I think we
would need to look into laws
to make sure that there. I
don't MADAM Attorney said she
would okay. She would research
Get back to us we are going
tell I'm sure are.
Administrative staff is going
to be very happy with the new
air-conditioners where they
don't have any more problems
with their typewriters slide
rules. So that That's going to
be nice. You're out of
>> don't to dip Don't tease
me. Think we meet before the
next before Easter. So few
don't have Easter to
everybody. Commissioner to
Carlo. This this month has
actually been a little slow
compared to last month.
>> think everybody would
agree, but of. I have a to me,
my wife. We have a lot of
kids. A lot 7 children
combined. The 19
grandchildren. One on the way
on tv. So make a long story
short. I spend a lot of time.
High school baseball last
season between one of my
grandkids and my something
coach. And then we have kids
playing in the U.S. Air that
play the ball. Last Saturday.
My church brought. Group of
Spanish and turns that wanted
to do something. Our
community. So we took them out
too soccer fields and they
cook hot dogs handed I thought
that with the church and by
and I was amazed at how many
of our kids play soccer. I
could not believe that. Going
in. I encourage everybody to
do this cra. And the different
programs. We have so many kids
that our athletic programs. I
the hope of the whole soccer
field areas full. And the
other night at the ball. I had
to walk. A couple football
field length. Someone to say
1000 feet or better from where
I parked. I mean, we we really
have a lot of kids
participating in our sports
programs. My hats off to the
volunteers as I was on a cra
boards for years. And I know
what it takes who does Matt
Campbell and his assistant at
the soccer field, the Nissan
and they all a full plate. I'm
sure. Thank you very much.
Commissioner. Boost. Thank
you, MR. CHAIRMAN
>> we're going to talk but
watermelons. So I visit from
resident on south with 60. So
the drive yesterday. Concerned
with the trucks and everything
would be potentially would be
going up and down the roof or
watermelon season and
eccentric, And so during a
court that during the course
of the conversation, it was
explained to him about the
right to farm act that they
didn't believe that that
applied to that. So. The
attorney noted has been good
enough to supply information
to this this morning. It Zach
articulate what we have found
out so far what we can do
order to helped out not only
the southwest 67 drive people
but help ourselves out, but
not but not too, too. By late
in the right to work right to
Farm Act. You didn't go get
your free watermelon Is in the
red But if we want
>> is that with slide rules
and everything too. Is slide
rules in the typewriters? Is
that the same place? Now you
MAY kick things up. A slide.
Thank you, commissioner.
Essentially this set up giving
everyone a moment at the end
of the road, honest. They did
a Senate. I missed it. Go out
today. That's raising your
home, we're making to get your
snow. That's to get my what
the heck to Go ahead. David.
Thank you, MISTER Chair, thank
commissioner. So.
>> Under the county code, the
regulation of a commercial
packing house is under a
special exception use.
>> Our code and state statutes
do not provide definitions for
a commercial packing house. So
we looked to. The case law and
what we have found is that a
commercial packing house.
Receiving unpacking produce
from.
>> Multiple sources from
multiple properties for
multiple owners.
>> Whereas in as defined under
an agricultural use. Packing
operation is incidental to
agriculture. It's part of the
you know, that general
practice and if the packing is
occurring from a single
source. You know, you're
packing your own produce. Then
that is falls under
agriculture, which falls under
the right to farm Act. So we
are largely preempted from
regulation of those practices.
However, the county does have
jurisdiction to regulate its
roads. So the county MAY
establish speed limits limits
on weights of vehicles.
>> Establishments hours under
which certain vehicles are
certain traffic control.
>> Maneuvers. Occur on a road.
So these are all options that
the county has in order to
regulate the traffic moving to
and from. Any facility along
any road. It just has to be
across the board rate. You cut
it. On the regulate the trucks
going to the packing house.
You have to regulate all
trucks. Of a similar kind that
are moving on that road in a
similar way.
>> So what I what I was
suggesting to the board this
is like the preemptive strike
because know that even were
out there doing watermelons
right now. So I'm suggesting
to the board that number one,
you can't we can't do anything
in terms of the packing House
concept because single source.
But we can control the speed
limit on the roads and the
week variations because one of
those bridges out there is one
of the bridges that we have
severe issue or is it an issue
with? It's on list of bridges
Stephen I talked about we so I
think what we've issue should
be doing is making sure that
there's a speed limit
limitations of these trucks. I
don't think you can limit the
number of See how you did it.
You can't you could do
anything but you can't manage
it. And so I don't want to do
something you can't manage to
make some sense to me. But I
do think that you can manage
the time. That the trucks can
run on the road. Right?
Because you got mining trucks
and you've got watermelon
trucks. So you managed to tie
mean the time in which they
can run. Like for
hypothetically a 7 o'clock to
5 o'clock or 7 o'clock, 77 or
whatever it MAY be. I think
you can manage that. In terms
thank you. Manage the number
of trips, the budget So what I
do want to do is meant to put
something in place that you
can't manage. That's that's
not that's not feasible. But I
do believe we can manage the
hours of operation on that
road. And how could what would
juror? Did you have a police
officer now? They are.
>> Phone over the running at a
different time. How would put
that last year? They can. We
did that last year. Already.
>> up. What I'm proposing is
nothing more than what we did
last year at ad from 7 o'clock
to something number. We've
already done desk before we
did the right to Farm Act.
Under the right format. I
don't. I think you can do
speed limits, but I don't
think teach you can do limit
Haitians on that. But
>> first of all, this demands
finished when does his crop.
He's going to get another
piece of property purchased
and he's gonna go go into this
year. You know, he's going to
do is giving away the one of
those not I thought you're not
getting know he'll no, no, no.
There been a good neighbor. By
the time to get some benefit.
In a season debut? 6 weeks and
it's gone. And that's just a
suggestion. Mean, I want to
work with you because I know
you get I got complaints
there. So that's all I'm
saying is I think we should
institute the same thing we
had last year and not do
anything different with prove
we could do that and the right
to Farm Act. You had to pull
no word right? Far might than
anything to do with the roads.
>> But if it does,
commissioner read the farm to
market Road has has a of farm
to market road. It is
commissioners farm market long
before it was ever subdivision
was a collector road. Is that
the same thing? Well, it could
be the same thing, but that
Rove was constructed to go to
the ranch, right? And I think
has. I read the contract
yesterday or the agreement
from the attorney, which I
will let them read. I think
there are some things in there
will definitely change thought
process that has not been
done. But we're still talking
about 6 weeks from now. It's a
thing of the past. Yeah, I
just put that out all I'm
looking for right now is I
just said. I didn't know the
illnesses because I haven't
paid attention to it. But what
we did last year, that's all
I'm suggesting is just get
what we had to pull off last
year because it was a miracle
that we didn't pull off last
year. We did to MR. Chair, I
MAY
>> I believe there was there
is an issue related to.
Permitting of the use and
there's a separate issue
related to use of the road. My
understanding is that road is
a county. Maintained road. And
because it is under our
jurisdiction, we have the
ability to regulate things
like speed limit weight limit,
even hours of use or hours
that is open to certain types
of traffic. If it has a a
reasonable relation to the
health safety and public
welfare. Certainly related to
speed limits and weight
limits. I would. Want to have
through the ministry or make
sure that we're working county
engineer to make sure that
those are supported. With a
rational basis. But as the as
the county maintain road, we
have a large degree of
regulatory authority, Mr
Chair. But this meant
Commissioner David, what they
continue. Police just some
things as you're discussing
this, you might want to
consider so.
>> We can regulate by
category. But not by business.
So if you say, you know, Fi
heckles, veteran or trucks,
you can even do trucks. The
category.
>> over 5,000 pounds, whatever
the pounds or whatever.
Permitted can have those type
of signs, you can have signs
that say that limit hours that
it wouldn't be just 4. The
watermelon. It would be for
the agger, you know, the other
business that's down there as
well. So just something you
want to consider, you know,
with the timing. Whenever you
place this on the road. Also,
whatever sign each needs to go
through our county engineer to
make sure we're in accordance
with in utc, dea regulations.
And of course, we also want to
provide that language to the
sheriff's department because
they are the ones that enforce
the sign each so.
>> And that if I MAY, MISTER
Chair. You said you can't do
it to a specific Ty. There's a
lot of people in that
residential area who MAY be
hooking up to their horse
trailer. And pulling out of
their 5 o'clock in the
morning. Include my brother
that lives on that road.
Nothing route horse, but his
wife, Kim. So if you say,
well, we can't have any ag
trucks on the road. Before 7
and after 7. All those
residents, there's a pile of
horse people. Up and down that
road and there's a All right.
And there's also straight
years ago back over the dirt
road to there's rather than
Sarah. So we.
>> And I don't think the issue
we ran into last year. We
didn't have a problem with of
putting time on when they go
in and out of Are up times of
operation for That was a great
an agreement.
>> both parties signed and MR.
Lewis had to go back and
apologized. I'm trying to be
controversial delays, but he
had go back and said that was
not the case. And had to
retract it.
>> Did you retract that? It
got complicated. Yes or I did
not. Put anything in writing
retracting the temporary use
permit. In JUNE. We had
discussions, but I not been to
writing retracting
>> All right. So here, so this
to make this overly
complicated. I think you've
got coast. You've got customer
complaints and we got another
issue about I want the
attorney to review. Agreement
because there's things in
agreement have not been done.
And that's been brought.
That's now that's been brought
to my attention. Salted the
Chopin or what? And you're
talking about that and 90. You
show them. I the money
because, okay, good. That
operation. Not the yes, not
the head to the peace, but
this is things over-all I'm
trying to do is clear up. Some
controversy before it gets out
of hand. So want her to take
that. A document. Let the
attorney review it. And so
let's make sure that we don't
have a controversy that we
don't I think we already have
enough of those. All right. So
the point is that we can't
control it, if you want to
control, then almost done that
we're just going to have to
come go with the complaints
and that based on the board
doesn't want to control. Said
that So what I'm hearing, MR.
CHAIRMAN. I would suggest
that. Your hours of operations
with just daylight hours, but
usually. 70's to 7 ish. I
mean, that's and it's easy
enough to know if daylight are
not outside stuff. It's 7
o'clock or
>> 12 minutes till 7 and just
daylight hours. And 2
commercial vehicles. And that
would take away your euro.
Horse trailers does rodeo
yesterday has shown the motion
there commercial commercial
that without a dot number on
it to be commercial. Check a
driver's license. Omens of
cdl. So but right. You're
telling me if I woke up to.
>> It didn't have enough snag
it. But I hope my into my
truck. But a load of hay on
and got to have commercial
license.
>> Well, no, you have to in
Georgia, but in head and 7,000
pounds, well, I don't I
wouldn't have to cut that
Biggs it because of home. My
right of for you. I've got a
habit that they just hadn't.
>> Presentation on that
yesterday. Theory, the
>> watermelon truck for
homegrown product. But the
shell trucks or not. Well, but
the watermelon trucks coming
out.
>> The semis that are loaded.
Owner-operators, not the old
the buses they have caught up
of the services. Do you know?
It's a 2 pronged problem?
Well, more Well, I I don't and
stand corrected if am. But I
didn't think folks, Boehner,
horse trailers also forces to
the rodeo or go work
elsewhere. What have you? I
didn't think they would run
afoul of any. Dot regulations
where they could be considered
commercial.
>> This isn't a dot
regulation. This is. Proposed
county but ended. According to
our attorney, what's good for
the goose is good for the
gander. So if you're shutting
down the watermelon truck to
shut down counter show that
let go on record for I
>> pro farmer. Probe Provost,
trailer pro watermelon.
>> I was just trying to find a
happy medium to because I'm
pro.
>> Residents of that area
that, you know, they don't
want watermelon truck lumber
o'clock at night but that
makes that But then again, I
can't see it from my house.
All right. What's your
suggestion, commissioner?
Well, my suggestion is if
board doesn't want to do any
type of of restrictions on the
watermelon truck. So in terms
of hours.
>> The news does it for us to
do Your discovery, this letter
run just the way it is and
we'll deal with the
complaints. Go ahead that.
>> I understand what her
mental also come into this
neighborhood. Great. Yes,
They're not grown. They're
right. Because I know that we
had drilled wells in that area
and it is set up for farming.
There's probably 20 a bench
will for their so. For
another, it's good that ranch
could, you know, cut side.
Produce a or be formed at one
point. So I mean, could be
more to it than just what
we've got going on.
>> Just just saying.
>> Much just and if you don't
want, if you don't want to put
any restrictions on the route
would just deal with deal with
complaints.
>> admission, MR. Chair, if I
MAY, I just want to.
>> That.
>> If it's not the will of the
board to regulate additional
option that MAY or MAY not
address some of the resident
complaints could be related to
speed limit. I'm not aware of
what the current speed limit
is, but if it if it's lowered
to say 25 miles per hour, that
MAY help alleviate some of the
complaints, I believe related
to maybe noise. Just as an
additional suggestion.
>> And look into this Trucks
are going to slow for most
people think that Not going to
tell us about the engineer
that one. I think.
>> On that when we MAY need a
traffic study and then she
nears shaking his head. Yes,
if it back and that's normally
aiming their state laws for 25
miles per hour. You know, in
your neighborhood center. But
once you get on to a collector
road and this is probably
considered collect collector
road, then there'll have to be
traffic studies. All right. So
let's eliminate the red tape.
Because number one, if you put
a speed limit, sign out there,
was go pay attention to it
than I have to have the
deputies out there.
>> So this is like it this is
collective issue that has no
response to it or knew
reasonable response because?
>> And I even when we had
hours last year.
>> 7 to 7 or where it was,
they still run past hours. And
and we we had to tried to talk
to him and they still ignored
it. So it's almost like you
don't have control over your
dog on road, which is an
aggravation to me is anybody
can do whatever they want out
there and it doesn't making a
difference whether this
residential people either.
We've got huge residential
communities continued that
community is continuing to
build. You have more have a
lot of traffic out there. So I
think it you were going to
have to start thinking about
the residents there versus.
What is going on out on that
for peace. One piece of
property. And so if that's the
case, don't want to do
anything that's fine. But I
want that document that I get
to her. Yesterday was the was
the lawsuit. I want that
reviewed because he was
brought up to my attention
yesterday. There were there
are things in there that have
not been done. That should
have been done. If I get a
controversy based on the facts
of this conversation I had
yesterday, I want to nip the
bud before it gets too out of
hand. So that's my that's
that's my only thing I have to
say. But the right, I want to
move on to this because I
don't see any resolution to
it. On your legislative just
briefly state. What's going
what's going to cause some
problems? I we MAY have. We'll
see how well term term limits
passed the house yesterday.
Went to the House floor. The
Senate is still sitting in the
first committee. It hasn't
moved, which is a good thing
there are with term limits
potentially maybe more
positive than what we
anticipated. Some of the
things you need to pay
attention to is the charter
communications is put a bill
to to. If we if we have to
move any facilities, broadband
facilities, if you're going to
do a new road project or
whatever. County would be
responsible for payment of
that facilities had just to
give me an idea the other day,
just 2 more mile little about
$211,000. And that does not
include to the relocation of
the facility. So this is
something you got to start
paying attention to rpc
Illuminations as which is a
senators that to potentially
be eliminated with that. We
thought that was good. But
seems to have somebody put it
on the oxygen and its crime
started breathing again. Unity
got modified to yesterday
believe it's still 1, 2,
501 million, which is not too
awful bad. But the issue is is
a language is still there.
That's detrimental to the
county account that that
language because basically a
stipulated said we the county
commissioner can go over the
limit. We can negotiate over
the limit and that we're
trying to remove that. We
don't want that. That's the
trial lawyers are upset now
that it went from 500 to a
million. We want to make sure
there are a little bit more
upset taking that because
detrimental for us. I did find
that those those funding now
for the low car. That's the
new study of the reservoir.
This up in Highlands County
will store to Earth that has a
200,000 Square foot. That's
the one for store in water
above water above the ground,
which I think 3 options. One
is live in Florida water, but
Brown one, 15 foot one, 17
foot. So I don't know what the
option is, lady at what they
do, they do have the go ahead
to purchase a land as well. As
with this way. The bill went
too from the Senate yesterday.
37 0 and with the House
probably passed out the
governor to sign be signed off
on. Also have a bill that's
moving pretty good. This is
removing all special
assessment. So we have some
special assessments here. We
have some lighting assessments
that we have out here. It will
remove all remove that from us
being able to do those who
will have to be go back to
regular tax payer, be value
revenue tax. They also have a
bill to move with additional
homestead for people who are
rental properties. You have
rental properties that have a
long-term lease over 6 months.
You'll be able to have
homestead exemptions on those
rental properties. That's a
good use for Homestead it. So
the other things is that
they're moving pretty quickly.
There's a lot of confusion in
the legislature, little bit of
infighting. The governor wants
$1000 per homestead individual
to to those folks and that
that's probably not going to
go. We don't think that's
going to The scent of the
House is doing reduction in a
number of different sales
taxes. Sales tax went from 6%
to 5.2 5%. And then there's
other taxes that are being
cut, corporate tax and things
of that sort. So asked
administrator to start paying
attention that because the
reason for that is because we
are going to be affected by
passes and we're starting to a
budget process and she needs
to understand everything. It's
going impact the budget. Also,
those Dozier is even though we
we've sent back all of our
information. We do still think
the rule counties are going to
be affected too much. But is
going to start look at the
necessary and unnecessary
expenses? And going to be
minding Councils the like the
regional Planning Council know
that this is a survivor. Well,
regional planning councils
clear that when I told you got
this started breathing air
back into the building. But
what I'm talking about now is
that they'll be looking
individual counties and look
at your necessary and
unnecessary expenditures. And
my question is, what is the
definition unnecessary
expenditure? So I I think
going to have a real difficult
budget time this year. It's
going to be very interesting.
Hold onto your hat, especially
when they're start to come to
doing some of these bill
cuttings. I think the property
taxes eliminates your property
tax was a media fodder that
the governor put out there.
For that, I think he fully
understood that there was no
way you can do that. That made
it 51 billion dollar hole in
the state of Florida. So I
think they're trying to figure
out what they can do to help
people on their property tax
right now. But wrote a letter
to each one of the
representatives on Saturday
for specific bill and said
that, you know, the polls in
the state of Florida are
looking for people be helped
on homeowners insurance and
car insurance. Car insurance
is the highest in the nation.
Homeowner. Sure homeowners
insurance is high. And
nobody's doing anything about
it. But we will go after
people for the county
commissioners and school board
people on term limits it. And
that's reason. I wrote the
letter and said you people are
are good and going after low
hanging fruit you want you
don't want to deal with the
tough stuff. And so on. So I
get my language move it.
They're not dealing with the
things that's necessary and
that we do with every single
day there. Number Preemptions
as of the other week was over.
51. And I'm not sure how pass
but component mandates are
continuing to fly out and
collect this one with moving
the broadband facilities out
of the right away. I had a
flippant answer the other day
on the meeting with some
folks. Just pave over. They
go. They go bad. You dig it up
and you replace that yours.
You replace salt yourself. You
know, me, that's that's a
nose, flippant answer. But
guess what, some people to
say? Well, that was a good
answer. But to unfortunately,
you know, that that's going to
come down to trying to figure
out why doing this. And we're
going to be quite frank
charter communications has
paid out bunch of checks. And
so it's things point to move
through it. So we have right
in the middle of budget
negotiations right take a
look. We get to the the
appropriation. How's that they
are. The Senate has both of
our appropriations in and they
and the House only has one of
the appropriations. The house
does not have the fire and
we're trying to push it along
to get it in there. But the
issue, the vice a versa, vice
versa. Yeah, Senate that have
it. Still working, trying to
get that pushed in there
because I think that that's
necessary because obviously
we're trying to plan for a
number of homes that between
MAY come in here. But we need
that. The last thing is it's
it's a little something since
I'm the CHAIRMAN Of the board
of trustees at the hospital.
This come to us the other
couple weeks ago, Brian asked
me to talk about it. Back The
people in the community, by
their insurance on the
marketplace. The market place
receives an enhanced premium
tax credit from the federal
government. So that allows
people to buy health insurance
at a lower level. Alright,
lower cost. That premium tax
credit sunsets at the end of
this year. So you say to
yourself, what does that mean
to us? Well, and in our
county, there's 4,000 380
people that their insurance
premiums will now go up over
100 percent. So now what? So
what I'm asking you I would
like for the commission to
write a letter and address it
to Representative Franklin
Senator Scott to support this
enhanced premium tax credit to
be reissued. A reissued by the
before the end of the year.
It's an says on the end 2025.
But we include those centers.
is glued the Senate and the
House reputed Congressman
Congresswoman Franklin
probably do Senator, Moody and
Senator Scott and can Franklin
get a consensus for affair.
That will get prepared Senate
place to info. Appreciate all
right. You for ok? Thank you,
sir.
>> I'd like for the you a
direct around. In a straighter
to come back and give this
report. Did you know we've
looking for that quarterly and
>> when I talked to Last week
week before asking about the
water line you're putting in
from the project south of
Buckhead Ridge coming back to
the tower. And he said he did
not have a permit with them.
He said he thinks it
permitted, but with d e p
>> dot. But as being in
Stoughton, I don't have to go.
He says they can come and
connect. Dan, I don't
understand that. But I would
like to know more about that.
Out. All the things going on.
Just little amazed at that
because we still haven't had a
response back from Glades
County how they want us to
handle all the emergency
management, that type of
thing. So it looks like that
developments going on and we
don't have a solution. We have
we have the but emergency in
medical side covered. But the
fire said of, you know, we're
doing is mutual aid. Industry
be so that needs to be looked
at before that. They continue
Think. But a half. We could
come give us report about
that. And then the first
meeting in MAY asked we allow
a company that 2 economic
development group is working
with. They're looking to do
basically everything. We have
left in industrial park except
for the lots of see taxiway.
6. They looking to do a lot.
They come in give they gave us
presentation of the day. That
was really, really, really
good presentation. If the
board sees is and I would hope
we get get their support to
continue on with the and be
able to allow them to put all
6 lots in one place and we
some lots that we have there
now that are misaligned. But
there are. It could building
so we could work on all of
that. The first meeting in MAY
it be appreciated. Commission.
Okay. With bringing that to
us. Ok, I'm ok Goodness. All
right. Anything else? We're
All ok,
we'll call the meeting order.
Missed. Depend. You suggest we
proceed?
>> Yes, sir. So I'll just give
lead into the to it. What's
transpired before this? So
just a little bit of
background on JANUARY 15th of
this year, the county
advertised for a request for
qualifications for
professional water, quality
and environmental services.
The request for qualification
was advertised in Okeechobee
news pay for social media
platform of Cherokee County
Web page and the county's
vendor registry. A public
service evaluation committee
consisting of the 2 assistant
county administrators. The
director of public works. The
county engineer and the
Capital Project manager
created to review the
proposals make the
recommendation to the board as
to the firms that were most
qualified and they rank. Then
at board meeting MARCH 27th,
the board confirmed that they
would interview the top 2
ranked firms. And at 1 o'clock
we have a presentation from Wg
I and Todd Polk, who is
director of Federal Water
Management. Business
Development is here for that
presentation today. And then
at one 45 pm or after finish
with the first presentation we
have consulting services and
the protest. Current
presentations MAY be made by
Brian Roy. Each applicant is a
lot of 15 minutes to make
their presentation to the
board. And then the board will
have 30 minutes to ask
questions to 30 minutes, ask
questions of the applicants
and have further discussion if
they would like. And at this
time, Sir, I'll turn it back
over to you. But Wg I is the
first presenter. And I said
Todd was going to make so you
can We haven't we have a team
here. That's ok, we're going
introduce everybody just a
moment.
>> Shouldn't seem tame. Oh,
no. As All-Star. Are you ready
to start Em? Our CHAIRMAN
Guests are good afternoon.
Good afternoon. I'm Michael
Davis. And on behalf of the
wga team, thank you for giving
us some time this afternoon.
We look forward to talking to
you and your questions and I
can almost assure will not
need to call the police
because this presentation in
your rfq, there's really 2
major components. Just kind of
the advocacy ponitz component
representing the county.
Understand what's going on in
the county, particularly the
rich to water environment. And
then there's the technical
pieces of that understanding
how the infrastructure all
fits together. So that's kind
of how we organize this today
and you're going to see a
theme throughout this
presentation. We're going to
talk about the All-Star, a
team that we put together for
you Okeechobee County. We're
going to talk about the the
bench that Wgi brings where
national firm based out of
West Palm Beach. And we have
6, 7, 100 resources engineer,
scientist planners to be a
resource for the county. We
have local knowledge. We've
work with the agencies that
are doing things that
potentially affect the county
both positively and
negatively. We know those
agencies, many of us actually
worked for those agencies at
one point. We have offices
throughout the state of
Florida and Washington, D.C.,
where you need us the most
where where where brown these
agencies and where they are at
the center is where they have
their leadership so we can
reach out to them. We can. We
bring unprecedented grant
writing and funding support.
We know that eventually as
things are identified, we have
to figure out a way to pay and
how to help you figure out a
way to pay for him. We have
that on our team. Letting the
public know what's going on in
and affected meaningful way is
really important. And
obviously one of the tools we
use today is our websites and
we've got a really top notch
website designer team on our
team to help the county with
that. Maybe one of the most
important things are going
hear about today is our track
record. We have proven success
with nearly 200 similar types
of contracts as this one would
be throughout Florida with
counties with cities, state
agencies and so on. We know
how to do these general
services contracts and
successfully meet our clients.
Expectations and we're ready
to start. We can start
tomorrow. Ready to go and help
you Beecher objectives. So let
me just introduce a few of our
team members here. I am
Michael the senior vice
PRESIDENT Chief strategy
officer, a wgi but prep
perhaps what's more relevant
as I was the former deputy
assistant secretary of the
Army for the Court Engineers
over the quarter leading the
policy and legislation for the
core. I started in that agency
right out of graduate school.
I worked for him for 23 years.
Most of that in Washington,
D.C., I know the agency. I
know how they operate. I know
the frustrations that they
impose sometimes on local
communities in counties and
can help work around some of
that. As you know, we have
Todd Polk, retired lieutenant
colonel from the Jacksonville
District, the Army Corps of
Engineers touch been 25 years
in the Army. He served as the
deputy direct command or for
Jacksonville. What's really
important, I think is he
served the South Florida
region. This area. He spent
his time with Jacksonville in
this area working with the
agencies working on projects.
He knows what's going on here
and he has good relationships
with those agencies actually
like him. He's a good guy.
We're really happy that about
2 years ago, Melissa Mckinlay
joined Wgi after serving 8
years as a county commissioner
in Palm Beach County.
Melissa's had the pleasure of
sitting up that the Dyess air
as part of the 16 County
coalition. So she is an
advocate for agriculture.
She's an advocate for the
Glades area of the Lake area.
And she'll be a great addition
to you in terms of government
relations and understanding
what's going on in Tallahassee
and Washington. On the
technical side, we have John
Abbott. John, is our director
of Environmental Sciences. And
John, we get all the planning
and environmental components
of this bringing in our team
when we need to deal with the
planning and design of
environmental things. His
counterpart spread over
threats are vice PRESIDENT For
civil Engineering? Grad has a
team of about 80 civil
engineers working for him and
and will will he will be kind
of looking at are your cip
your infrastructure, your
needs going forward and lead
that effort. How do we pay for
the stuff? Critical? I mention
that. We have former state
representative Michael Langton
leading our grant writing team
here. He has spoke your a
billion and a half dollars
worth of grants in Florida.
Very, very successful. He's on
our team. He's ready to go to
help the county against
funding for this. And finally,
the leadership team here we
have former dep Secretary Noah
Valenstein. No love will lidar
advocacy group as it relates
to the epa and Tallahassee and
he he knows obviously former
secretary knows the people. He
knows the rules. He knows when
they're playing games and when
they're not. And so no, be a
great resource to our team as
well. So with that
introduction, I'm gonna turn
it over to Colonel Polk talk a
little bit about our team.
Thank you very much for that.
And up to my Clinton after
commissioners, I'm Todd Pope.
I am the
>> project manager for you
all. And I would be your
primary point contact for the
wgi team. And again, it's I'm
humbled and honored to be back
in these chambers and speak
before you all today. You
know, simply. As a as Michael
mentioned, only seems like.
But we are where you need us
to be. Now whether it's up in
Tallahassee, Jacksonville,
West Palm Beach or Wash dc
Wgi. We have the pulse. And we
can be there. We know what's
going on. You know, we're only
hour and 15 minutes from here
that we can be at the agency
headquarters inside West Palm
Beach and 15 minutes a given
time. But the most
importantly, though, really is
a long-standing relationships
that we have with the agencies
and how they operate. That's
going allow us to advocate.
For you. And and what should
county's water environment
needs are? No, we are a full
service from and greener ucf
highlighted specific areas
that were in the rfq that we
have in House. Over 50 years
ago. We were founded and
remain headquartered. West
Palm Beach starting with 3
people in over going over 600
today of the 60250 reside now
in central and southern
Florida. And, you know, we're
committed Okeechobee success
because we know just how
interconnected the water makes
us. All of us here in South
Florida. You're Michael talk
about the grant rant. Funny,
right at our team is that by
Michael Lynton, as you've
heard, he's a proven record
and 40 years of success,
nearly 900 million dollars in
the last 5 years alone. And
are the oldest grant reading
from and Florida? He's, you
know, knows better than
anyone. I to help us navigate
through these rough and murky
waters on the federal grant
Grant Arena at this time. You
know. Okeechobee County, you
need an advocate, someone
actively seeking and going
after those one opportunities
at all levels. You know,
someone is ready to assist
your staff and enhance or
staff. Now what we know a
fiscally sound county like
Okeechobee, these every
available dollar and who help
you get And as you can see
that to list the top on the
right. And you know, those are
those are state and federal
grants that are available at
this time show county. Now the
cornerstone of educating
improving your constituents,
understanding on the county's
position for water,
environmental quality issues
really a user friendly
intuitive Web site. The
website will integrate
multimedia assets, incorporate
search engine optimization.
That's what this, you know,
stands for up there, which
basically helps the search
engine understand your content
and help you help them come to
that faster. Basically. And
when you type in Google, you
start right in Okeechobee
County just before you finish
up much of the county, your
Web sites pop up to the top
and that's what they're going
to make sure we have happened.
That's what our team that we
brought on. Konrad pr.
Definitely one of the best in
the business will be working
with your staff to make sure
meeting website needs just
like they did Lee County and
that Web plan that they
developed, you know, and it's
a it's a great credit to your
staff there and who brought
with that recommendation of
for such a great website to
take a look at the model. So.
With that, though, I will now
introduce. John at user. I'm
John Abbott. I head up our
environmental department at
Wgi. Compared to most of our
competitors. We offer a much
deeper bench of technical
experts.
>> Whatever services you might
need of the next few years of
term of this contract. We have
the experts to do that. We
have about 600 engineers. What
scientist, wildlife
biologists, geologists
contamination experts,
planners, geospatial dollars
and a whole lot more. We have
state-of-the-art technology
storm was is the gold standard
for water quality modeling?
Not only do we use we
developed it. Own it. Our
competitors come to us to get
their licenses. Flood another
one of our own internal
models. It provides real-time
flood forecasting. The latest
geospatial technology, for
instance, that camera there on
your at the bottom. We were
the first in the world to buy
that. It is a state-of-the-art
infrared Cape. Wolf camera. We
attach it to a piloted fixed
wing aircraft. We can fly it
over the county integrate. It
was artificial intelligence
and machine learning and map
the whole county. Is this good
for hog hunting and coats and
sure is an infrared victim
right out.
>> That year. We have relevant
and local experience. The top
left the Kissimmee River
restoration. 65 the spillway.
I worked on that for well over
a year. I'm no stranger to
Okeechobee County. The top
middle is a county water
quality project that we're
working on. That's the
stormwater treatment area.
Come pants Top right is a
construct a weapon. The
Michael Davison I worked on
for many years that has water
quality improvement component.
Bottom left us. If it's cut
off wall, I worked on that for
many years. So the top Todd we
know the lake really well.
Bottom right is another county
water quality project that
that we're working on for
Collier County. One includes a
regional watershed level. All
what a quality model. We know
state agencies really well and
have great relationships, for
instance, for instance, with
dot. We have a district-wide
contract. We've had it for 5
years. We just recently re
competed for it was ranked
number one. They give it to us
for another 5 years. The top
middle we serve full as the
owner's representative for
Clay County for their bonded
infrastructure program. Bottom
left is another county
project. The water Quality
project. That was from Martin
County. That's a water quality
modeling and improvement
project agricultural area.
Adam Wright is the c 44
reservoir and stormwater
treatment area. We provided
the opinion of probable
construction cost. And the top
right doesn't look relevant,
but it is. This is a county
project. An outside agency,
the Department of Defense, the
Navy. Was proposing to bring
in the f 35 joint strike
fighter to Monroe County and
other military operations in
and around the county and
state. The Navy dropped this
enormous environmental impact
statement on the county. It
was thousands of pages long
and it was very complicated
and the county didn't know
what to make of it. So they
hired Michael and I to figure
out what does it mean for the
county? So we made sense of
the We made a trip to
Washington on behalf of the
county. And came back reported
to the board of County
commissioners on this is what
the Navy is planning on doing
in your county. This what what
is the impacts ending on your
quality of life? So this is
the type of services we can
provide to We have a proven
track record with these types
of contracts. We have about
180 similar contracts. We one
the dot for Environmental
Services. Another one from
Martin County, war for
Port St. County, Clay County.
We do this all the time. We
know how to be helpful on
contracts like this. And we
know how to service an
extension of her stuff. Thank
you, John. And we're ready to
go a couple of things that are
really important when we take
on projects like this and, you
know, once the contract is
awarded, we're going to work
on a project specific
contract, specific quality
control plan. If you don't do
qc at Wgi, you don't get to
work there. That's that's our
motto. You have to do that.
You see and make sure the
things that we give you have
been checked and rechecked and
there are accurate and
appropriate.
>> We'll set up a kickoff with
you. And the reason that's
really important, one of the
things that we've noticed in
the last 50 years of being a
consultant is when things go
good. It's usually because a
good communication when things
go bad it because a lack of
good communication. So we take
pride in being good
communicators, reaching out
early on being proactive and
talking to our clients about
what their expectations are.
But expect both in terms of
budget and schedule, but also
the substance of the of the
the project. So communication
is really important. We will
develop a specific project
management plan because this
is, you know, is a lot of
moving parts and a contract
like this. You need a lot of
different disciplines. A lot
of different people involved
because it MAY be engineering
MAY be planning, maybe
environmental it maybe cover
relations with a host of
things going on. And so we
want to make sure we're
organized. And Todd has the
right resources as your
project manager to be
effective. And so we have
project specific plan here for
this contract. We're ready to
You know it when it is. John
mentioned, we have a lot of
experience. And so we know how
to do this and I'm going to
close the way I started again,
be a little redundant because
I think it's really important.
We hand pick. This team and
the others. To to support you.
This is the a team. We
understand how important this
is to you and how important is
to the county. So we're going
to get it right. And that's
what we do out. We're close by
we have offices where you need
us. We have that extensive,
unprecedented grant and
funding support capabilities
along with our Web site design
capabilities that will help us
articulate what's going on in
the county to the eu, citizens
in your constituents. We have
that bench that John talked
about where if you have
adopting engineering problem,
Brett's going to bring in a
team of engineers to help
solve that problem and provide
solutions. Same thing on
environmental our planning. We
have those those experts. We
have the local knowledge. We
worked in this area. Todd John
talked about projects that
that we've worked on right in
this county here. And so we
know the area we know South
Florida. We have a lot of
repeat clients. 72 1% of our
clients at Wgi. Are repeat
clients. 75% of our clients
are public clients. So that's
important. We do a little
private land development in
places, particularly in Texas.
But 75% requests for public
line says are repeat clients.
We have that proven success.
We're ready to go on your
behalf help meet your
objectives for strategic
objectives. Okeechobee County.
So that will stop look for any
questions you have. Thank you.
Would think that you would
have a fee structure. I'm not
asking for dollar amounts, but
you must have a structure if
we need engineering or
something like that, that
>> that would be. Included in
the proposal. That would be
included as part of the
contract negotiations have
such a great question. And one
of the things that we bring is
because we have the
>> the bench that we have.
That's going to be more
expensive. Then then a
mid-level engineer. If that
particular project requires
for the mid-level engineer,
that's what we would do with
Brett Oversight. We're not
going to charge you for the
highest paid person. We have a
lot of.
>> a lot up professionals to
choose from. And we try to
choose the very best ones.
>> Given the nature of the
particular task. But yes, we
have a fee schedule. So I
would think base rate would be
for somebody monitoring all
the all the meetings given
U.S. Report periodically or
something like that. That's
what would be bill looking on.
>> The schedule probably for
that. It might be like a lump
sum to go to 2 meetings a
month or 5 meetings a month.
Whatever you need us to do.
>> And that would just be a
lump sum. We would. Attend
those meetings. Take notes,
report back what we're hearing
and what we think it means to
the county.
>> You really got my interest
that when you talked about
grants. I know we've had.
We've got some good people
working on grants here, but we
also in the past, we've had
the same cup. A lobbyist works
for working on grants and that
time they working up for
percentage. How how would you
envision being compensated
prevent work? You know,
Michael Lang former state rep
will lead to grant writing
thing and and hit.
>> We'll structure composition
compensation the way that
makes sense for you. Not most
grant writers do exactly what
you're talking about. They get
they'll take a piece off at if
they're successful and there's
other models. You could you
could you could. We could work
out. Mike, the good thing
about Michael is in his
teammate, Landon, is that
there. Started working with
him 30 years ago and they're
very efficient. They they can
get there pretty quick.
Others. Let's spend a lot more
time getting to the same
point. So I think that helps
with the rates and the
compensation that they would
have. Okay.
>> The sta that's proposed to
be located. Okeechobee been
very controversial and this
commission taking a stand it
is not in our best interest to
be located in that particular
place. Is there any conflict
from anybody in organization?
To keep you from? Helping our
caravan or desires. I don't
think we have any conflicts.
We do work for the South
Florida Water Management
District. Do work for the
Corps Engineers. You know,
that's not a secret.
>> But I you know, I don't
think it was a conflict there.
What we're going to do is give
you whatever the situation is,
whatever the project, as give
you the best technical advice
that we believe based what we
think's the best interest of
the county. We have 7 issues
that we think that they were
not being able to comply with.
And so.
>> That's what we would be
looking some assistance. Some
knows. MR. CHAIRMAN. Yes, MR.
Davis just a couple of things.
It's been like 5, years ago
when we started talking about
this 7, a
>> water policies are. Of some
sort and there were a lot of
meetings going on and we
didn't have. The seat at the
table. And if we did. And
probably the way over, you
know, way out of our
wheelhouse to even know what
to fight for. We didn't have
anybody fighting for
Okeechobee. And then you
Martin County. Congressman was
a day. Way bigger megaphone
than we You know, we're
nobody's listening. A little
Okeechobee, him. You know, the
fact that a lot of things that
they want was just totally
decimate. You know, our
economy and are way of life.
So. Thought that we needed
somebody to to represent us
and to go these meetings. Hear
what they had to say. And then
come back and tell us in
layman's terms, this is what
they're wanting to to to you.
This is what I think we should
do to combat it. And we're
going to fight for Okeechobee.
And that's what and that's our
job up here where we represent
the citizens of Okeechobee
County. They look to us to do
make the best decisions and to
put up the best fights we can.
4 are 40,000 residents. Calm
little duck in a big puddle
when it comes all the other
counties that we're having to
to do battle with. On the
grants. And this is a maybe a
circular question. But are
there grants that will help us
pay for you? That's another
thing I'd like to. Do wonder
if it is there something that
that will help small rural
counties. You know, to hire
people in there, you know, to
be in their corner. But mostly
that's what that's what I
envisioned when we started
talking about Indian this
around, what we need is
somebody that can go to these
meetings, know what these
people are saying. Know what
you're talking about. Know if
it's bad for us know if it's
good for And then to also be
are your quarterback that we
put in when we need somebody
to fight for us? We agree. I
think there. It's probably I
don't I'm not aware of grants
that would pay for a general
contract like this one. But
what I am aware of this, that
there are grants that would
pay for
>> specific items that might
flow out of this. If there was
a project, for example, there
is opportunities it from times
depend on the granting agency
to get a grant for the
planning and some of the
design work for a particular
project. And so that's what I
think our team would be
looking at is if we say, you
know, there's a project here
that we think you need to
consider as part of your
capital improvement program or
whatever. A way to pay for it.
And then that there MAY be an
opportunity to pay for some of
the g wgi services associate
is that. Go back to your first
question about. Understand
fully your constituents.
Okeechobee County. 18,500
square miles in secrets to
South Florida will become the
South Florida ecosystem.
You're at the heart. And we
think, you know, helping you
get things right. And making
sure they are right for the
county is right for the other
parts of this ecosystem as
well. So that's one of the
reasons this is actually
exciting for us because, you
know, I've been a professional
planner and environmental
scientists for. Don't laugh
almost 40 years now. And there
have been very few situations
where you can't find a way to
reconcile the tension between
opposing forces. Not always,
but in many cases, you can.
And I think it's really
important that Okeechobee
County be heard. You're in the
center of this year, obviously
right here at the liquid heart
of the ecosystem. And so you
think deserve an advocate. You
deserve someone representing
you and bring you back to good
information. As you said. And
helping you, you know, go
through the process of making
decisions, policy decisions
about that. No one else.
Commissioner Karla.
Commissioner Summer.
>> Red pretty well to that. I
was going to ask so
>> We can't let the car set
alight. I'm sorry. I didn't
hear that is a question said
weekend that the current low
Fat Lite.
>> Commissioner, registered
respond to your question
regarding the congressman. I
don't think there's anybody on
any team, our experience with
providing evidence-based
rebuttal to the congressman,
then me and being on your
team. I would certainly be
able to provide that voice. I
know you're issues. I spent 8
years representing an
agricultural area of Palm
Beach County and partnered a
lot with Okeechobee County and
those arguments pushing back
on some of the congressman's
rhetoric. So I look forward to
being a part of the team
representing you and providing
that voiced here and having a
seat at those tables where you
need to be represented. Thank
you and that that's
comforting. And I do.
>> Relish the thought of us
being in a combative.
Situation with United States
Congressman, it just seems to
be happening and the people
there have have different
wants needs and desires. The
people here, our needs for a
shower lake. But they feel is
their need for e deeper lake
which more like water storage,
which the way he's alive. It's
like a life. Be It's going
been flown Growing contract.
And I mean, that's that's the
way that's where the good Lord
made it We try leave it that
way best we can. And, you
know, with with our knees to
try to keep Gulf from the 1928
floods. That took a long life
properties. So I hate to be in
that position. I would love
for us all to be able to sit
down in the room and try to
work something out everybody
can live with. But, you know,
he's got a pretty big
megaphone. Comes for larger
county than we can. We are
more. Sure are agricultural
based. But a lot of stuff on
own. The way we look to
tourism for our county for
people that fish. And come
here for that reason. So. You
I don't mind given a little as
long as everybody else might
give it a little. So that's
just can go on. The big things
is we seem to be a. Combative
relationship with our. Urban
cousins on the coast. So
>> respect the congressman.
Respect his service, but there
are 2 sides to every story. So
making sure your side is
shared would be a priority for
us.
>> Thank you very much.
Commissioner Bonin. Just add a
little bit to Melissa's
coming. I spent 15 years in
Washington and so the point is
that we're not shy or timid
with members of Congress were
respectful. I probably testify
to well over 100 times before
the United States Congress and
they don't call you up there
to tell you're doing a good
job. By the way, you they
they're there to call you up
there generally to be you up.
So you got to have tough skin.
You've got to be able to
communicate with them and
stand your ground when you
need to stand your ground. So
I think our team with Melissa
and others going to be really
good at that on your behalf.
Well, if you are here this
morning, you can see that
we've developed tough scan.
Yes. So the you had a
question. Was also has
questions that fully
understanding the. And I want
to say to Commissioner
McKinley, but can't say he's
always always on. The
PRESIDENT Always on the took
my time.
>> But listen, I have listened
to. Congressman Rat mass way
too much. And contrary to what
commissioner, good grades
articulated. I don't mind
confrontation. I love it. In
fact, I breathe it to be quite
frankly. This guy doesn't he
hasn't helped us one bit. He
hasn't helped really hasn't
helped his own people. One bit
as we've already, particularly
one of the things that bring
to the table, it's not only
just dealing with him and some
of the issues over on the c
44, there are areas, but
they're starting to work on
Shingle Creek. Now. And
Shingle Creek is extremely
important to us down here now,
the commissioners probably
haven't followed that because
they don't have the time. I
have the time to follow this
stuff. So Shingle Creek is
really important. Low cars,
very important. We just saw
that and that Bill Lowes sent
over to the houses yesterday
that give the authorization
for South Florida water
Management Start negotiating.
Purchasing property. So that
is a very important piece.
Porous relative to even in
conjunction with the sta. So I
think you bring the bill
wealth and knowledge to help
us. But one thing never forget
it as I got people to the west
on the Caloosahatchee. But
also we feed water to all of
the folks on Broward,
Miami-Dade, Monroe County, and
expect us to very focused in
terms of making sure orders
clear, clean that they can be
able to use of so I'm
comfortable with Melissa Work
with are a number of years and
I'm comfortable with your your
organization order to help
manage some of the issues that
not only exist today. But as I
said with a Shingle creek
process coming online, those
particular issues either hurt
or help us. And we need to
that type of support. Thank
you. And I didn't say good at
it said didn't relish Still we
have a just I'm just making
light of a heavy situation.
Anyone else? Any further
comments. Thank you for your
time. We hope to have the
opportunity to work with you
and support you. Thank you so
much. Thank Colum columns. I'm
sorry. I didn't have a
barbecue for you this time.
>> And surf. You're ready for
the next group. Jessica, you
want to? They're here. You
want to check. Maybe thank
you.
I knew that. When I was
in Palm Beach County. Look
more. It's it in the hole.
Pressure. Water, something
that. That it was to some
money in there. Introduce
sons. Well, it's good. Then
introduce yourself. That could
have been your question. I
don't want it to here and I
want supposed to
>> Good afternoon and welcome.
I you want to pull that
microphone down to you,
please. Short. Can you see me
over this Do you have to have
a hand? Everything force?
We've Okay. Just the fact that
I think this was emailed out
to the group. 2, we emailed it
to forget who it Okay to
Jessica. Get that off. What
will get a copy out all Thank
you. Help is expected to the I
you meant. Back the city
closer. You don't have a
handheld want to Yes. Can feel
more comfortable with short?
Otherwise you get to Crews
prepared for It's better. Can
you hear for clicker? Same
this morning. Think didn't
expect such a big My name's
government can bring the q and
with a royal consulting
services. Let me start off
first by saying thank you for
having I'd like to introduce
our team.
>> I think we have a really
impressive team. We put
together for Okeechobee to
meet your water, quality and
environmental services. The
head of the team is Royal
Consulting services. We've
been working in Okeechobee and
have a local office. We've
been here for 20 plus years.
We've done lot of work with
the agriculture community. So
we're very proud the work
we've done here in Okeechobee.
Rounding out our team. We have
Sullivan, Water engineering
technology that headed by
Doctor Boucher. He is the
developer of the watershed
assessment model. That's the
model that's used by d p for
the Tmdl and the the map
target and rounding out our
team is Barnes for London
Associates with we have will
Thomas here as well as bill
done and they're experts and
out of advocacy. It also and
helping you find for those
capital improvement projects
and has a lot good experience
with our septic to sewer Ty
projects as well. Our team
understands the goal of
Okeechobee County. You know,
where understand that your
goal is to protect water
quality while enabling the
sustainable growth, preserving
agriculture in strengthening
your community, resilience. We
understand that the heart of
Okeechobee is agriculture and
we're team that's full of
agriculture advocates. We
understand the challenges that
are faced by Okeechobee, you
know, from the increase in
nutrient load from from the
North. To the challenges of
implementing map to regulating
and working with the conflict
interest around Lake
Okeechobee the economic growth
that's happening and how to
get funds and design and
install those cap and
improvements to meet the
growing demands of your
community. Our team is
committed to meeting the needs
of the county. We understand
and are versed dealing with
regulators and advocating for
you as a community, including
your rule partners. We have
know how to engage with the p
with the water management
districts to navigate those
water quality policies secure
funding. We're experts at data
analysis and technical
support, you know, with Dr
Boucher, the creator of the
Watershed Assessment model and
one that guided the tmdl and b
map criterion targets on our
team. We have the tools
necessary to effectively and
efficiently evaluate what
works best for the county. We
have a great that proven their
ability to rattle various
stakeholders together and
provide that public engagement
strategies and by and to make
these projects come to
fruition. And we have a lot of
experience and getting helping
you get funding designing
installing those big
infrastructure type projects.
Our team has proven results in
the Lake Okeechobee watershed.
We have over 20 years of
experience working here
locally. We have technical
success stories that we've
done here. From the watershed
assessment model that's been
developed. We've helped
improve water quality in the
past 20 years from your ag
producers through nutrient
management design of still
water control type systems,
retention systems helping your
ag community do sustainable
agriculture practices. We've
been doing that since 2005
right here locally. We've
implemented bmps on over 105
forms in Okeechobee. These
are, you know, from small
farms to dairy farms. We've
spending 32,515 acres as Iran
just grow crops and dairy
farms. We've actually worked
on over half a million acres
of agricultural land here
locally. You know, we count
Larson, dairy MacArthur Farm
smoking are, you know, we're
partners with them. We want
them to be successful. We help
guide them through the
environmental, you know,
regulatory hurdles and help
them find funding to be
successful. And we've been
even able to do that just with
fx funding alone, we've been
able to acquire over
17 billion dollars in funds as
of today. We have another
2 million hopefully coming
soon to help the our producers
meet those environmental
challenges. So we bring the
unmatched depth and science
funding and stakeholder trust
to the agile Agra Okeechobee,
agriculture community. We have
experience in identifying if
effective abatements
strategies for the Lake
Okeechobee. The map using that
water should assess of model
using we can identify the most
effective solutions. And the
Lake Okeechobee watershed
evaluating the mp strategies
by comparing nutrient loads
under existing and historic
conditions. We've supported
state agencies, dp Water
Management District f dax and
we finding those b map
strategies and we've created a
tool to evaluate mp's in
projects that offer the
highest fastest and most cost
effective water quality
improvement in the Lake.
Okeechobee watershed. Our
modeling and sites directly
inform agency policies and
improved sources targeting
across the watershed. We
understand the upstream
influence. We've modeled it.
We help come up with a tmdl
the b maps for the Upper
Kissimmee watershed. We've win
in our development. We noticed
that there was a key data
gaps. So we implemented
moderate stratum on attorney
strategies to improve the
accuracy and the coverage
modeled and rank the app's by
cost effectiveness and
nutrient reduction potential.
We provided the decision
makers with the scenario based
outcomes to guide
implementation. This is an
example of actual bmp. That
was that's that's a success
story right here locally. In
Okeechobee. This is a storm
water. Reuse alternative water
supply project that put
together. It's been designed,
constructed, permitted. We
were able to get funding from
various agencies to our total
around 1.5 million. This is an
example of how can work for
you and how you can have
projects that are one win. You
know, this is solution that
shows, you know, kuz it with
storm water, retention
combining that with the need
for irrigation. And reuse of
irrigation. And it resulted in
a nutrient reduction of 92%
from the farm decrease water
use by 29%. Solutions like the
shows how water quality
improvements can also solve
supply and cost challenges.
With their ever growing
population. You know, we also
looking toward septic to sewer
conversions arc from team has
extensive experience
supporting septic to sewer
conversions across the world
and environmentally sensitive
areas. We've developed grant
applications secured funding
for septic to sewer and
wastewater infrastructure
projects. We've assisted local
governments and communities
with stakeholder engagement,
permitting and capital
planning. We've constructed
over 20 of these projects for
a total cost of over
101 million dollars. We've
moved 3,775 6 6 septic systems
and installed. 38.6 miles
gravity. Sewers. We've been
able to acquire funding
through water Management
District d p swag and the Cdbg
grant. We've been there with
our clients along the way from
preliminary design through
permitting through stakeholder
engagement through
construction, including
helping them find the funds to
make and bring these projects
to fruition. These projects
are located in be met priority
areas that have a goal once
complete, reducing load
reduction by 80%. We are
specialists in community
outreach and education. We
promote awareness and public
support. We've hosted
workshops and public meetings.
We incorporate public
feedback. We listen. Not just
talk to our stakeholders. We
collaborate with other
organizations to expand
outreach. We create content
and media to increase
transparency, engagement. We
foster community-based
solutions and initiatives.
Some examples of these are
appear presented for the Saint
Johns River, Water Supply plan
for the East Central Florida,
2020 planning effort. We
hosted over 12 public
meetings, its stakeholders
included Saint Johns River
Water Management District,
Southwest Florida Water
Management District, South
Florida Water Management
District. The general public
environmental groups, elected
officials, 20 water, utilities
and other state agencies. And
we were able to help wrangle
all those different people in
different interest together to
create a project finally got
by and were able to move
forward with. For the Black
Water Resource Development
Project. We had the added
complication of having state
legislators, dp epa amongst
local utilities and
governments involved in
stakeholders in this project.
And again, through
collaboration, open
communication and outreach. We
were able to come to a
consensus and move forward.
Our team provides local
strength and technical depth.
What I have here are the
techno leads of the project.
So leading the team is Royal
Consulting Services. We are a
local engineering firm. We
have been here for 20 plus
years. We have approved proven
success in securing funds with
help of having acquired over.
35 million funds, you know,
for in Okeechobee. And we
deeply understand the
agriculture need to your
community. We have salon,
water, engineering technology
who are specialists in the
watershed assessment. Modeling
the developers of the
Okeechobee watershed
assessment Modeler. And Barnes
for London Associates Bfa who
have unparalleled insight into
water policy agency,
coordination. With with
strength and capital planning
and public engagement. So our
team is had by Brian Moore
with real consulting services
as a client officer. Again,
he's a public. He's a local
business owner and represent
the agricultural interests and
a strong advocate. He's an
expert water resources and
stakeholder coordination. We
have Dr Boucher, the
developer, also our team. He's
a strong ag advocate again,
leading agriculture hydrology
for decades and has worked to
implement science-based and be
in peace throughout the
region. We have doctor and
Shortell as advocacy and
policy. She's a former
director of to water
management districts, the
Saint Johns River Water
Management District and the
Suwannee River Water
Management District as well as
the director of Office of
Water Policy past director
water policy for dp. She has
unmatched in sight into what
water policy and agency
coordination takes. And we
have will Thomas are planning
lead, who has extensive
experience in that capital
planning and getting helping
to get the funds to make these
capital improvements. Come to
light. So we have a strong
track record and where excited
to work Okeechobee County. So
why the rcs that we have local
presence with the agriculture
routes trusting relationship
with producers agency a stack
and stakeholders. We provide
prove a practical solutions
having you know, helped raise
over 34 million dollars in
funding for bnp septic to
sewer nag friendly water
infrastructure, technical
strength and strategic tools.
We have decades of experience
in modeling designed and
implemented useful tools like
the watershed assessment Model
collaborative and regulatory
savvy. We have a strong track
record of building consensus
across agencies and
communities to move these
projects forward. And we're
committed your goals. You
know, we want to be there. We
want to help Okeechobee move
to the future while protecting
that rural identity that makes
a place where everybody wants
to live line while taking into
account the water quality
challenges and helping you
build the economic resilience.
Thank you. MR. CHAIRMAN. Yes,
sir. 2%. Was him. Yes,
Kimberly are killing them
either. Okay, you'd like to be
called Kevin. My dad always
told me the most important
word in English language is
somebodys So.
>> I hear a lot of references
to ag, I want a guy, you know,
that's where my my personal
heart is. But as a
commissioner. We're really
going to get hurt in our
tourism industry. That's most
ranchers and farmers. They
want nothing from their county
government. Other leave of
They don't. They don't rarely
does a farmer or rancher ever
called us to ask for so some
tough assistance from the
county. But we're having to
really focus on. The health of
the wake one of 4 hour.
Tourism industry for, you
know, the health for the
fisherman for the fishing
tournaments. We also are
trying to our best job we can
commissioners of transferring
people from septic tanks to
sewer system, especially
closer to the lake that's a
big thing. But as
commissioners watching out for
our whole county I think our
tourism industry is the one
that it's going to need our
help more. Then the farmers
and ranchers in the dairy that
like I said, I think they they
take care of pretty much
everything that they need to
honor all they go way over our
heads to, you know, the state
and federal government. But
we're trying to look out all
the things we're trying look
out for is our economy, our
local economy, which is
heavily based on. You know,
best fish and speckled perch
and things like that. So I
think and I've said before. We
need somebody to have a seat
at the table. Are all these
other counties are meeting on
water policy because we
haven't had anybody. I think
we we get left behind. We get
missed out or we just don't
even get considered for some
of these things that the
coastal counties are trying to
get done for their economy. So
the weight means different
things to different areas.
They want. Deeper way for
water storage. We want shower
late for the health of the of
the underwater. Vegetation,
which in turn is a. The health
of our fishing industry. So
that's more were I 10, 2 focus
on this soon. Not as much the
dairy man and the ranchers and
and the Water Bowl. Farmers.
Rest of our economy and
Okeechobee. If I can just say
so.
>> When you look at map and
the modeling that's been done
and that the mp's the cost to
do a bmp plan, for instance,
is almost order of magnitude
less expensive for the same
amount of nutrients as it
would be in urban environment.
I think, you know, that road
feeling is definitely
incorporated into the heart of
Okeechobee, you know, and
farmers are the best stewards
of the land, right? And and
the health of their land. You
know, also it's direct related
to the health of the lake, but
there an ability there, too,
implement some of these larger
are rural and the mp's to have
big effect at a lower cost. I.
>> I think ultimately, you
know, for health of the lake,
it's the nutrient load that's
going into lake. So. How do
you reduce the nutrient load,
whether it's from egg or
whatever land use and improve
the fisheries everything's
obviously tied to the economy
and the benefit of of our team
is we've got Doctor Boucher
and his model, the Wind
Assessment model, which has
been used by the Water
Management District ndp to do
that. The mp analysis and the
the beauty of the modeling
tool is you can infinite. What
if scenarios, you can put bmp
in any place in the watershed
to serve function.
>> Runoff from Orlando
stormwater treatment area for
some other watershed. But
we've got the ability run
through.
>> essentially any scenario
that seems logical to us to
come up with or your staff MAY
come up with where you cells
MAY come up with
>> I really want to see you do
this or evaluate We've got the
ability then to look at it
from the physics standpoint of
the water flows, the nutrient
removal capability of the
various the mp's in the month
and the model as well as do a
cost analysis to identify
cost-effective strategy. So I
think we've got this tool box
that can answer really is set
up to answer any question you
ask about what can we do in
various parts of our realm to
address water, quality issues.
So mean that we've got the
tools to do it. And it's a
matter of just sentencing the
right questions. You know, the
dep is done analysis and
prioritize basins throughout
the watershed. The makes any
watershed. That's one place to
start. They've done 5 year
trend analysis for every every
sub basin out there. So
there's lots of information to
start with. And we would just
sit down with you and your
staff and say, where do we go
first, what do you want to
look at? First? And we've got
the modeling tool to do it.
And again, it says this is
wonderful. What a scenario
analysis tool that eventually
will give you cause for how
much it costs and then do cost
is essentially a cost
efficiency analysis. To that
answer. Know.
>> And I'm sure all these ease
bmps in the whims of the pals
beings in the bam's and all
these things are very, very
important. But what we need is
somebody to go to these
meetings. And represent
Okeechobee County and hear
what they have to say. Thing
come back and tell us they
said this and we say no, we're
going to fight for you this.
We think what they're wanting
to do is good for them and bad
for us because we. We're not,
you know, we're not educated
and don't have the experience
in all this water policy
thing. I 20% of this board.
But what I'm looking for is
somebody that's going to be
our our quarterback or cheer
leader. That's going to go go
to these meetings. He was
going on. See what these with
these other counties
organizations are wanting to
do and recognize that this,
that that whatever it is or
what want to do is not good
for Okeechobee or is good for
Okeechobee or doesn't fall on
either side for Okeechobee,
but we we need somebody that
can go there those meetings,
comeback fight for a stunning
comeback. Doesn't say
commissioners. Here's what
here's what they want to do
give us the. The let the
Reader's Digest version. But,
you know, the like you're
talking at school bus, stop.
You know, without without all
the big words. Alright,
carburetor and mayonnaise.
>> No, I I understand your
question the concern and I
think we have a team that's
built for that to be able
provide what you're looking
for. But know we talked a lot
of technical all these terms
about the modeling and
watershed into b maps. But we
do have a policy maker on our
team in Short Hill. She's she
works a bfa. She's part part
of this team, ccs of policy
manager. She's a person. It's
helped guide policy. Bring all
the stakeholders together. But
first and foremost is to sit
and listen to understand what
your needs and your concerns
are and how do we best take
that conversation to the other
stakeholders and make sure
that we're working for you to
make sure that we're trying to
implement practices that will
ultimately benefit.
Okeechobee. Know, there's
there's various tools like
they, you know, every was
mentioned here. Gave the
presentation as a tool box to
help implement that. But we
need to know first and
foremost, what is your goals
and what is your needs? And
no, we sit with these
policymakers. Can have those
conversations to make sure
that that we are putting your
goals and your object first
and foremost, then we can come
back and figure out how do we
implemented? Make sure that we
use the tool box, all all the
all the items are a tool box
to make sure that we work
towards your goal to make sure
is implemented. But we do have
policymakers on our staff can
sit in the rules with these
folks and help guide those
conversations to shoot to suit
your interests.
>> I yield time of
commissioner So MR. Chair
>> up, assume I already know
the answer is and I'm not sure
which one of you is best
answer the question you listed
off some of your other clients
here locally. A lot of them
friends of ours people with
known her whole life. Where
could any potential conflict
come? What you're? Thinking
might be best County in the
greater scheme of getting
along with our other partners
and the watershed. Versus what
you're doing for existing ag
clients that you have here. I
can see a situation there to
wear what you MAY recommend
us. Maybe. Opposite of of
what's best for them. So how
do we avoid that potential
conflict? I don't really think
there's a conflict as much. I
understand your concerns very
much.
>> I think we all have the
same goal in mind is which is
cleaning up the lake. The
landowners want to do the same
thing. The only thing that
we're going to be fighting for
is the same pot of money.
Depending on what's out there
and available for available
cash here. A lot of it only
goes to private landowners and
they're going to be attacking
that very much. But several of
the policies and several of
the grants are associated only
with municipal governments.
And so I see that as a
separate goal, all trying to
beat the same thing. So we're
same regard says we're all
going after, you know, funding
to help us get to the same
goal. I don't really see a
conflict so much. We're a
particular landowners going to
do something that would be
against the goals of the
county. They all have the same
goal.
>> Well, certainly is an
implied difference and go with
the. Profitable money-making
concern versus government
body. You know where we don't
have to look at. We don't have
to look at what this would be
best. But we can maybe make a
little more if we just do
this. Much of it were a
business and GOD love them and
all for it. And some of their.
Needs and desires also include
profitability of their
business. Where's that?
Wouldn't be the focus of a
municipal government like ours
are. Our business is strictly
to get it as clean and pretty
in pristine as possible to
make Okeechobee as a whole.
The most desirable place. For
future businesses, tourism.
Where Take it? Milken Arbery.
They still need to make money.
They have to stay. Totally I
totally agree with you. But if
you take a look at it the way
we look at it.
>> You have the same goals
that landowner has because you
can't just say I want that.
Make that like the clean as
possible. You have to save
yourselves. I have to use all
of the means that we're with
in my checkbook. To make it as
clean as possible. That's why
we're such big advocates and
trying to get state grant
money in federal grant money
to help you reach those goals
because nobody has the Golden
Checkbook. You have fiscal
responsibilities just like the
landowners have fiscal
responsibilities. They're
trying to make a profit.
You're trying to get the
biggest bang for the buck.
You're trying to get the most
water quality for the amount
of money that you're spending.
So I see them as very similar
goals. And that's why a lot of
times the grants are set up
with municipal on one side and
private on the other because
that's very difficult to mix
and match. And so we have team
members, you know, my team
been doing a lot for the
individual landowners over the
years. Where Barnes Ferland?
They do a lot with the
governmental and you know,
different types of grant
monies that are coming out of
state, federal for
municipalities. And so that's
why we put this team together.
It's because we feel that if
we can meet your objectives
were meeting everybody's
objectives. That could be
okay. Yes, sir.
>> You know, I don't disagree
with what you just articulated
because ultimately the
landowners really need to have
the water clinging to because
their water goes off into the
leak. And one of the things
that we're trying to focus on.
And and I keep up with a lot
of this, is that as just
articulated from putting up
the of
>> We're we're very what we're
looking for is to make sure
that we have an individual to
table order to help protect
the water here at the lake
because this water feeds East
West and South. And it just
told the commissioners a few
moments still got the Shingle
Creek Project coming up and
that in itself is good. But it
also has could have bad
opportunities to them. We need
to understand that the pros
and cons of those types of
things in one, we have an
organization is seeing these
in these meetings that cf acs
and meetings too, make sure
that the view aggressive
people, the power point of
people are putting up on the
screen, really don't hurt us
down here either from flooding
or water quality. That's what
we need in terms of of your
type of organization. Now, I
understand to be mp's and all
those types these of those are
important. But the end of the
day, is that. When we're
dealing with the water coming
down from the north, that
water has cost us severe
problems, whether it be
raising the lake. That stuff
that comes down out of that
after hurricanes and causes of
problems with with our late.
So I kind of agree with agree
with assessment that, you
know, the landowners to have
jet same objectives as we do
is clean water. I think that's
the bottom line and also agree
with the fact there's a whole
different pot of money that
the municipalities are are
counties as just couple
there's a lot of money's been
pushed over here for low car.
And so understand that. And so
not in a disagreement with
your assessment, but what I'm
looking for, I think as
Commissioner Goodrich the
other 20% over here is that I
know what it is. The city,
some of these meetings and
boring as all get out. There's
no doubt about it. Army Corps
of Engineers can put sleep
with theirs with their slide
presentations. But it's
important for somebody to be
there because they can they
can mess you up to in in a
heartbeat. I totally agree.
And
>> the uniqueness of our team
is the fact that. We can sit
there and listen to that
rattling on presentations that
are meant to. Mystify you into
saying that their position is
correct. When reality is we
have the technical tools to to
get you know, time out. That's
not We have the technical
stuff that we do a lot of
times don't want to talk
about. We have that horsepower
on our team. That we can fight
back because that's the first
step is, you know, there's a
lot of people that talk. They
talk about policies. They talk
about this and this is what I
want to have. And this is what
we should do. But if you don't
have the science behind you,
you don't really have a leg to
stand on. So if you can prove
your position by science. That
it comes back into, you know
what, you guys the politics
that, you know, the trying to
get funding and eccentric
cetera. So but we have the
science on our team to really
kind of. Kind of ferret out a
lot of the misinformation
that's going to thrown out at
you.
>> I appreciate what you said
because I sat through some of
the lowsome meetings. And we
see that Mother Nature just
tears lowsome apart. All
right. And that's that's the
key that people don't pay
attention to. His mother
Nature don't care about all
these meetings. When they come
in here with a hurricane or
100 year flood or maybe they
could get your they could care
less about being peaceful. But
we need to be able to be
prepared for those types of
things. Commissioner, to come.
>> So I have to probably tell
a little story, but recently
an investment group came to
our town. Wanted to do a water
project, but come to us. They
went right to water
management. Started working
together and then we heard
about it basically because
they never presented it to us.
And we heard about it. They
were already they're
purchasing the property is
getting involved. And our
question was because 2
neighborhoods in an air strip
in some other things that were
involved. Why does it have to
happen here were could create
a flood zone or impact
homeowners values and and
property and different things.
Why couldn't we move it this
way or that way? They talked
about storm water above
natural ground level and we
didn't have anybody to go to
ask. You know, good for us to
suspend. This will work won't
work because some of the sta
son, another border projects
haven't been successful. We
know that. Would that be
something you would go in and
investigate for us and say,
listen, this is the best place
for it or this isn't the best
place for her. Saying
question.
>> That's the beauty of the
tools that we have. We have
the entire basis already
modeled and so we can go in
there and to use different
areas. And, you know, maybe
they have a proposed area Fort
Week and then evaluate that
versus other areas.
>> What we try to do get ahead
of these projects when they
first come in because it's
much easier for a project to
be successful if state, local
and all the funding agencies
actually want to happen
because it's meeting
everybody's objectives. It's
really sad when somebody like
that comes in and then all of
a sudden you're the odd man
out trying to defend yourself
saying you're going to flood
by communities when everybody
else is already saying it's
almost funded. That's
counterproductive. What we
need to do is get everybody at
the table. We need to use the
tools that we have. We need to
make informed decisions based
on the information that we get
back from the models and then
move forward as a team
together because then they
hire or greater chance of
success. So I totally agree
with you. And I think we have
the team that can come in and
assess those things early on
and we can represent for
needs. Anyone else.
>> Okay. Thank you so much.
Appreciate We will be in
touch.
>> Placer.
Told the commission
don't. We don't. We number
one.
>> Representative, we had
number 2 presented. This won't
just won't be binding, but
this would be opposed win.
However, everybody, because
what they're doing. Number one
or number 2. 1, Somebody want
to make a motion to
administrative start
negotiations. I make a motion
to I'm sorry. Could I?
>> In case you want to make
this part of the negation part
of the motion looking for a
cap on the budget and some
references for you. We have
lobbyist right now that we pay
to federal law piece. We pay
30,000 East State lobbyist. We
pay 60,000, but while staff is
negotiating.
>> With the number one and
ksat doesn't work out that we
got to go to number 2. Is what
cap?
>> I'm not. But that number
one and number 2 is not my
ranking. If it doesn't go the
one, I go back to the drawing
board. Okay. Then what I cap
of a budget that you like
cheap.
>> And you go, wait a minute
later research and maybe look
and see what other
municipalities. We change I
did. And there's a range of
for water. Quality service is
between 40,080 1000 with
senior level, meaning probably
engineering. You know, more so
between 40 and 80 s what I
would think that range.
>> So there's recap what you
want. You want to you 1000 as
a cap.
>> I don't know enough say I
don't I hate know how telling
you that we have a cap.
>> based on the fact of the
service said that, you
outlined in the rf well, for
those that rfp Rfq part of
based on the service said, I
mean, just don't said Camp.
Let's do a range visitors
because we can't that was
going to be another.
>> But w w I was opened the
door when it was talk. This
will take time. Was what you
need know I don't think
putting the cap this is is
like. You've already. You've
already outlined The matter.
>> I do have say properly what
I'm thinking, but
>> it's almost like a brother.
Rather look at the menu first.
You know what this is what
will offer for this amount? I
don't know what a cap, but I
don't know what the typical
price of company that provides
it services have never it.
They provided to me. You know,
if you look at that. But they
tell you what they on the day.
What will mean. Look r#
#
,
the presentation that we
received from number one.
>> on the less than $80,000.
Well, that was to this point.
Don't even know if I'm allowed
to say that cause is not for
us to negotiate, but I know
we're trying to decide whether
or not there should be kept. A
pretty well human people.
Believe that you have to
understand what they're doing,
that they all that group of
people off variety of
services.
>> We are asking for one
service right right
Everybody's not include.
That's exactly right. None of
the they're just given us
report tree what they offer.
Well, they offer grant writing
help, offer negotiating
healthy. That idea But right
now you can be heard. Todd.
>> all along, not the right
with the grant writing. Well,
if you need it here, I got you
a grant and we will this is
the additional costs. And
that's how in you all of, you
know, exactly we're going to
we'll start out with this. But
if we need, it something else
really know them to go. But go
to you and say what you charge
to if we need to grant writer,
how much would you charge to
that? So are presented team.
We're not going for the team.
We're just going for a job.
You're just as what someone
just feed. You get any when
you need. Have you know what
the said. 8 when should
negotiate, integrates 8 for
your representative to do what
with what said. We want it
done than to go. Give you a
fee if you need to senior
engineers x amount, if you
need to JANUARY engineers and
then you can't have a cap of
any description because
Stanley Feet. And as you get
in the one person only.
>> The rest of them are as
needed.
>> Well, last time when we
negotiated of started national
floors, chair. Last time when
we chose the attorneys we
wanted, then we gave. The
administrator the ability to
go and negotiate with him. I
don't know if seems like it
probably be another good. A
good way to to handle this she
would come back to us and say,
look, this is what we I mean,
that would be my that would be
recommendation. Think she I
you to a certain degree
because I don't I don't want
to put caps on things. I agree
100% because I think what you
need to do is let her go and
negotiate years.
>> Here's a service that let
them if they come back say,
listen, give it to you on a
per hour basis and to do this
is going to take x amount of
hours. 5 meetings, 6 hours.
All right. Whatever MAY be.
And then they answer your
question. If we given time.
It's just like on. We're step
steps. Fire. If if an steps
organization. On cmt is that
chips to do. You have a guy
that does and then we would
her that person to do next.
The same thing with this piece
they they provided a litany of
services. So if you come in
here the next week and you say
want to do grant ready, then
you'd hire that individual to
do. Grant writing for out
Peart for all hourly basis.
And that's what she's going to
get the upper hourly basis
because that you don't know
how unless you go set the
number of meetings, you
meetings and You because
that's what you're asking.
You're asking to go to
meetings and give information.
Why don't we do this little we
live here negotiate and bring
it back.
>> If it does, if you can't
negotiate something, the board
approves him to go back to the
drawing board. Don't go to the
second right MAY be set up
kind of like think you are
like a retainer. There's
retainer for certain amount.
And if you go past that, then
it's time to feed the kitty or
if you haven't been using this
service for a while, you know,
maybe they'll give us a chance
to use the grant service
because there's been no
meetings for a while. So it's
just been sitting simmering.
So but I don't know enough
negotiate this more time will
be twice of going. And I agree
with I've got MARCH air. One
other question because I
wasn't here when this all got
started. Was there any amount
budgeted for this? No. Okay.
First woman hold coming answer
the question directly. There
not an amount budgeted yet
because we're going to start
doing the budget. So I
answered it appropriately.
From that standpoint. So are
we all in favor of that? Will?
>> So MISS Manzo loose on him.
>> The requested action. Is to
authorize the county
administrator to begin
negotiations with the top rate
from there you go.
>> Do you have MISTER Chair
the 7 Day b d you have.
>> And authority. Cap number
that you can sign without
bringing it back to us. No,
yes, no, not that, you I'm
MISS. Do for us? You've got to
come back to us. General, But
in this instance, it needs to
come back to which is fine. In
general, she could have a cap.
But the problem is that her
cat wouldn't pay for
>> So that's that's the
intent. Was that direction?
Now? That was answer to the
question. So she already has
to bring it back to us because
dollar. So I guess made the
motion or do I mean speak the
motion or she made the motion.
MAY removed motion. He's got a
second. Some. I move that we
do what I said. We motion by
Commissioner. Good bread, too.
Include all the verbiage you
missed. Just didn't Second by
commissioner to Carlo any
further discussion. Negative
attorney smiling. She smiled.
You got get keep it that all
in favor say Aye. Aye opposed.
Nay motion carries
unanimously.
>> Anything else? For the good