>> Good morning. Welcome. The
board of County commissioners
meeting as always. We're going
up and meeting in prayer and a
flag salute commissioner to
Carlo, would you give the
prayer and commissioner good
read but to be some good just
and the flag salute everyone
that can please join me in
standing.
>> Every father, we thank you
for the state. We thank you
for all your many blessings.
Father we ask you through next
few hours as we look agenda go
over things that are important
to the county lord. Help us
make a decision. Floored me
the things we do clarify you
in Jesus Amen.
>> United States of America
and to Republic for which it
stands. Nation GOD,
indivisible, with liberty
justice for all. Thank you,
gentlemen.
>> Thank you, everyone for
participating. So MISS
Jessica, do we have been new
war to proclamations this
morning? No, Okay. We're gonna
move on to public comments. I
do have cards filled out.
First. I have Rick. You won't
come up and talk place.
Good
morning, gentleman. Morning.
>> My name is Rick Blaney and
I am the author of a play
called Inside The Mind of
Addiction. And for the first
time on stage addiction
becomes alive. Character. And
gentleman before any of you
get worried. Character of
addiction was not named after
any of you. Let's get to know.
His name is Jack Jack's know
Zach. As an Snow, Jack, not
make sure you didn't get her
lawyer promised. I was trying
Jack is very friendly sit
down. Have a drink with you.
>> His last name is snow. You
get to know him. He can turn
is cold as ice. I had a
question that lived inside my
mind for a long time. What if
we could separate the
addiction from the person?
Because a lot of times what we
see, we only see outward
appearance of addiction. The
bad behavior, the bad choices,
broken relationships, the
family problems. But if we
could see inside the mind of
addiction, that all might
change. So inside the mind of
addiction. Brings this subject
matter live on stage and I
completely different way.
Addiction becomes a life
character. And once the
audience sees that. Changes
everything. The purpose of
this play is not to glorify
addiction. Purpose of the play
is to bring understanding. So
that family members, churches,
communities. We'll have a
better understanding of what
their loved one might be going
through. This is not simply a
play. This is something play
that people watch. This is a
play that people experience.
And then once they have done
that. It changes everything.
This is extremely. Important
to me because I'm struggling
with my own addiction. Today.
I am down. Over 110 pounds
dealing with my own every
single day. And if you have
any questions. I'm open to any
questions you might have.
>> Thank you so much. We
appreciate the comments. Okay.
Next to have Jeremy Arnold.
Good morning, fellas.
>> I'm here to talk about the
biggest issue facing of the
chill. Be county today. And
that is Hispanic demographic
replacement. Okeechobee was
founded, settled and built by
white people and those of
European descent. Through
their extreme toils,
sacrifice, ingenuity,
perseverance. The town of
Okeechobee was born and its
spirit group as its white
population grew. That spirit
is dying. Our ancestors built
this town under one GOD, one
language and predominantly one
And this race has its own
unique culture values, customs
traditions, and shared
history. Okeechobee has always
reflected the white culture.
It must be preserved. And if
it's not preserved, it will
reflect the culture. Not a
ballroom. We are duty bound to
honor our ancestors and those
who came before us. They
intended on their posterity to
inherit this county, not for
to be handed over to aliens.
Young men and women. Our youth
are shaped by the town. They
grow up in. Shaped by the
traditions rooted in its oil.
Today, our youth are
suffering. Their town is under
a massive transformation. It's
old traditions clashing with
those of another race. This
new demographic of people are
absorbing the finite jobs
rentals, housing. Equals less
and less opportunity for
posterity of the founding
stop. We cannot sit idly by as
this inequity continues on
impeded. All in this with the
numbers and town was once a
predominantly white town in
the year 2000 or white
population fell to 50%. Today.
They sit at a staggering 16%.
White population. The European
culture that once flourished
their their way of life is
gone. Were placed with the
Hispanic culture and Hispanic
way of life. In the year 2010,
Okeechobee had a white
population just over 85%
today, that number is filled
to 50%. That is a horrendous
decline. And just 16 years.
We're at a critical juncture.
We cannot reconcile ourselves
to defeat. We cannot just
accept this looming minority
status. We must prioritize our
own people. We must preserve
our culture does preserving
Okeechobee County.
>> Thank you for your
comments. How around? I'm
probably not the best one for
you to address that, too.
Because this board represents
all residents Okeechobee. But
thank you say later. Not best
day for that. I get covid that
kept that pretty clean? I
didn't say what I want to say.
Okay. Through public comment.
Thank CHAIRMAN. Yes, I'd like
to take moment and public
comment. Real quick, just let
you all know. Our new hire
candidates in the back part of
the changes that chief mine
are making is to orientation
process.
>> These 2 gentlemen are
starting with us there for
both from out of town. So
they're not familiar with
Chevy. So part of our
orientation processes to
familiarize them with Chevy.
They'll be coming here and
probably stop by the city and
also the mayor has graciously
offered to take them to the
historic Society and teach
about the history of a culture
that sir, just want introduce
a no-win climber. And Joe
Travis all are 2 new employees
that are
>> Good morning. What did. You
have one and that we expect
out of 3 minute speech from
each one of them. Yeah. If you
know plays. 4. Mention
comments were just not a
reflection of Okeechobee, you
know, where were makes that
verse group here in
Okeechobee. And we respect and
love each and every one of the
different one. So like I say,
a good day for me Come about.
Thank you so much. We
appreciate you being on board.
This is a good example of what
been able to do with the Ayers
good thing. It's so. This in a
speech would be appropriate
right now. Commissioner, good
bet. I would accept your
motion if you want to make it
again place motion to close
public can we have a motion by
Commissioner seconded by
commissioner some close public
in favor say Aye, aye all
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously. Jessica, do we
have revisions to the agenda,
sir? We probably need about 15
minute break. Blast thank you
to drink. Need to get over
bin. To educated to 5 minutes
ago have a cigarette. Can I
get a motion to accept agenda
as second? We have a motion by
Commissioner Sunder second
back. Commissioner Brad of
ever say I was a motion
carries unanimously. All
right. Just going to be sir.
Good. Just go to consent
agenda force place? Yes, sir.
We have item one a the minutes
from JUNE. 18th 2026 regular
session.
>> One b warrants list 2026
Dash 12 in the amount of
6 million, 615,495. And $0.26
one c is to transfer of
federally ordered child
support Enforcement program.
Incentive funds for fiscal
year. 23 in the amount of $520
from the board of County
Commissioners General
operating account to the clerk
of circuit Courts. General
operating account. One d is to
approve the requisition in the
amount of $156,050 to the
Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office for the purchase of 7.
Used vehicles and approved
budget transfer. Bt 26 dash
one. 38 and the amount of 83
1509 from the Law Enforcement
Trust Fund and budget
transfer. The t 26 Dash 1, 3,
9, and the amount of 72,541
from the Crime Prevention Fund
for the Constitutional to the
constitutional officers.
Sheriff and chair. This was
previously approved at the MAY
20th meeting, but it was
determined after the approval
that there was not sufficient
funds in the long enforcement
trust fund.
>> So this allocates the total
amount with between the lawn
short and enforcement trust
fund and crime prevention fund
for the same amount that was
approved at the MAY. 28
meeting.
>> So how does the law
enforcement trust fund get
funded?
>> Why was anonymous?
>> Well, we none of money that
I can look into and get back
to you on. That would be
helpful. Thank sir. And okay.
>> In further questions,
comments about consent agenda
motion to approve the consent
agenda as presented second, we
have a motion by committee.
Thanks. Meanwhile, met notes.
You're still getting Could
just say they'll get a
seconded by Commissioner Good
bread. All in favor say Aye.
All opposed. Nay motion
carries unanimously Jessica
and I can see you there. So
you're good. Good morning be
Jack Jacqueline. That's ok, I
get it all the time. I have a
younger sister. Her name is Jo
Ling. I never really get
called by my
>> Good morning. How are you
guys today are? Well, good
morning. Thank you. So this
morning I have MISTER Matt
Vincent, PRESIDENT Of the Octo
u 5 Stock Show Committee and
Okeechobee based
not-for-profit, we are
requesting that the board of
County commissioners consider
and approve the acceptance of
a donation. The amount is
actually $3,542. And $0.55.
Not the amount listed in the
background. That was my
mistake. This amount, the
$3,542.55 is exactly 50% of
the project in accordance with
the administrative regulation.
4.0 5, which is our donation
policy. This donation will
support the hogwash extension
project that was completed
earlier this year at the
fairgrounds. And see if Mr.
Vincent has anything for us.
>> Good morning, Good morning,
Perry. All want to start off
by saying thank you. On behalf
of while us. We appreciate
everything you guys do for the
kids of Okeechobee and our
organization. As you guys
know, I see all your face is
out there every year. We have
grown substantially. And with
this growth, we need
expansions with the help of
Jacqueline this year, we did a
pretty good expansion on one
of her washer areas and we
greatly appreciate that. And
her work and her crews work
and making it happen so
quickly.
>> Our board wanted to offer
50% match of what you guys did
for us.
>> We developed a fund a few
years ago for expansion growth
purchasing of supplies that we
need for the show. And this is
what it's intended for. So we
want the opportunity to. Say
thank you in and help with the
expansion of that center.
>> And Matt, we appreciate it
very much in going back to the
history of this building. This
is one of the things that it
was built for. You know, when
Nick, when the commission
agreed to build into things
says said, is going always be
able to be there without
charge. And that was the last
show in graduation. And, you
know, just like we build ball
fields and the kids come there
and do those type thing. The
library. So. As much as I
appreciate this. Yeah, and I
talked a few minutes ago and
you said you have a fund that
you're starting to build up
that yesterday. If we ever
have that opportunity to build
another building that you
would like to participate in
with it, embarrass he by
speeding safe. We suggest that
this money is goes back. Can
put in that going into general
fund.
>> As sir, we greatly
appreciate the opportunity to
continue to build a fund if if
that's what wish to do.
However, please understand.
Wait, we appreciate that. The
offer. Yes, you but it's you
And I know that was rushed up
job. Did MISS Jacqueline was
able to facilitate and get it
done.
>> We heard a lot of good
comments about it. Yes or no.
We appreciate it. And we just
don't want to take for
granted.
>> You'll do so much for gun
is a shunt in our kids. We
just want to be part of it and
help in whatever way that we
can help. Only the motion to.
Put the money back into Fund
yesterday said
>> Do you need any more
clarification for counting it?
We're not rejected. It would
just suggest an a did that
will that okay. We have a
motion by Commissioner Bo
second by Commissioner Sumner
all in favor say Aye. Aye
opposed nay motion occasion.
Gentle, thank Thank you. And
just want to say I appreciate
that that we for week. The
hole months before that these
kids trained there, animals
and what they do and everybody
that's part of that. Lot of
people. But I always encourage
everybody. If you've never
been the go see the livestock
show come out to the fair.
Also see the livestock show
because it's amazing that some
that's one part of the
Okeechobee. A lot of people
don't see if they're not have
children are in community. But
that's an amazing Amazing
thing. You guys put together
every year and appreciate it.
Thank you. Thank you, Sir.
>> Matt is is a captain in the
fire department with your new
House back there. You should
go ahead, breezes free minute
speech and let them you don't
want to hear, I'm not a
speaker. So I don't think it
would be that good. You do
that. You did very well. We
appreciate very much. Thank
you. MAY heard you speak
before you. You're very
eloquent, by the Thank.
>> Thank you, MISS Jackson.
Thank you. Okay, Yes, MISTER
Attorney. Thank before we
begin, the staff part is when
you do the quasi-judicial
disclosure and swearing-in. So
please be advised that the
following item on the agenda
is quasi judicial nature.
>> An opportunity for persons
to speak on each item will be
made available after the
applicant and staff made the
presentation on each item
testimony, including public
testimony and evidence will be
made under oath or
affirmation. Additionally,
each person gets testimony MAY
be subject to
cross-examination. If you do
not wish to be cross-examined
or sworn testimony will be
given its to wait. The general
public will not be permitted
to cross examine witnesses,
but the public MAY request the
board ask questions on their
behalf. The full agenda packet
on each item is hereby entered
into the record. At this time,
commissioners must disclose
any ex parte communications
concerning items on the
agenda. That would be if you
had communications outside of
the context of a public
hearing with applicants,
members of the public, et
cetera. Anyone have any
contact. Has not anyone
notices to be sworn in. Okay.
Have had contact and will be
abstaining. My office is
involved in this transaction
will be abstaining from the
vote.
>> So after the hearing will
fill out the required
attention for him. At this
swear in any person who talked
with the testify on the
question to please raise your
right hand. And do your best.
Where affirm to tell the
truth. The whole truth so help
you GOD. I do think. All
right. We have 2 petitions.
>> The first petition, 26, 0,
5, Dash, 0, 0, 3, 2, the quest
for change in zoning from
residential, rural to
residential general. This
property is on Northeast 28th
Avenue about 6 acres. The
applicant, following the
public hearing by the planning
board has withdrawn this
petition. So no action is
required from the board of
County commissioners request
Virginians owning is dead. The
second one is a petition 26.
0, 5, Dash, 0, 0, 3, 4,
property applicant down the
scene. The this is a request
for a change in zoning from
residential mission to read to
neighborhood commercial, too
property addresses to 53
Northeast 100 10th street. The
property is on the north side
of 100 10th street know 2
little farms, a little less
than 5 acres, an area property
to the east is zoned light
industrial along the highway.
Zoned commercial properties of
the south is also zoned light
industrial and commercial. The
applicant is requesting a
change in zoning to
neighborhood commercial to
open up a truck repair
business for the truck repair
business. A special exception
is required. That was granted
by the board of Adjustments
and Appeals contingent upon
approval of the change in
zoning by the board of County
Commissioners. 3 questions
change in tone into David
Portal to consistent with
conference of plan and of
regulations and with the area,
the planning board recommended
approval staff also recommends
the board of county
commissioners adopt ordinance
2026 Dash r 0, 3, 4, 2, which
would grant the petition for a
change in zoning from where
summit to neighborhood
commercial too. MR. Ross would
do.
>> It led Braido special
exception what the
requirements are place.
>> You have for the
>> special set of the truck.
Stop includes several 3 pair.
I'm sorry. You said Truck stop
truck Repair, Old Trafford
air. Yes, there is a
difference. Truck repair on my
apologies. We okay. For the
Trump repair business again,
it is rather large piece of
properties are there plenty
rumors and buffering. It has
just construction start within
48 months and up on limb
continue in good faith of the
special exception. And Ellen
void commencement of the use
of the uc says for 6
continuous months or for more
than 2012 continue this month,
not to this month's in the 24
month period. The special
exceptions doubled on Boyd.
Previously approved special
exceptions will become null
and void, opaque and solid
screening. Supplemented with
vegetation and not less than 6
feet in height. Shell be
installed and maintained along
north and West property lines
to move potential noise
impacts from the use, throw
it. And then use that to the
north and west, all repair
activity shall be conducted in
completely enclosed buildings
provided for that purpose.
Trucks in need of repair or
service shall be fully
screened from view from the
casual observer. No salvage
activities of any temperature
liquor on the premises in
time, including association of
repair and maintenance
activities said that
restructures parking stored or
any outdoor activity, Shelby
least 50 feet from the north
and West property lines, no
materials or equipment MAY be
used to stored or used
outdoors in the premises. So
maintained at all times. So we
try to maintain that little
bit of a of the screen and
buffer along the north and
west. Concentrating the heart
of the business sort of in
eastern southern and eastern
part of the property.
>> Okay. The public hearing is
now open. Anyone want to speak
to this matter? Been a u n. So
the second call for public
comment. Motion to close
motion by Commissioner good
bread. Second by commissioner
to Carlo close public in favor
say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay
motion carries unanimously.
Okay. But we're disappear. You
can question comments or
emotion, whatever you desire
looks like a good fit their to
me with everything that's
around that. So
>> I would make a motion to
approve. We have a motion by
commissioner summer second by
Commissioner Burrows.
>> Any further discussion all
in favor say Aye. Aye was nay
motion carries. But for boats
with. CHAIRMAN Abstaining. I
got thumbs up from Thomas. Did
that right? Okay. So we're
going to move and who's taking
the next one? MISS Jackets,
buy a And Jacqueline this
time?
>> Okay. So this item is for
the board of County
commissioners to adopt
resolution 2026 dash. 45
rescinding resolutions. 2, 0,
0, 5 dash, therefore, 2, 0, 2,
one Dash '08, 2, 0, 2, 5 Dash,
6, 5, providing the
dissolution of the ira Civic
Center Advisory Committee
providing for severability and
providing an effective date.
The ira Civic Center Advisory
Committee was established in
2005 and is composed of 9
members who are residents of
Okeechobee County and
appointed by the county
commission to serve four-year
staggered terms, amendments to
the resolution occurred in
2021 to increase the number of
committee members to 12th and
then again in 2025 to decrease
the number of committee
members back to 9 the ira
Civic Center Committee meets
on the first Thursday of each
month at 06:00pm. However, the
committee has not been able to
conduct a meeting since
FEBRUARY 2026, there is a typo
there due to a lack of Corum
and the county has been unable
to fill recent vacancies on
the committee. The county
administrator recommends the
bocc adopt resolution 2026
Dash 4, 5, or sending
resolutions. 2, 0, 0, 5 Dash o
for 2, 0, 2, one Dash '08, 2,
0, 2, 5 Dash, 6, 5, Providing
for the dissolution of the
Agger Civic Center Advisory
Committee.
>> Questions comments. Motion
to accept. Have motion by
Commissioner Burrows second by
Commissioner. Good bread and
getting meant. Yeah, we are is
pretty good. All in favor say
All opposed. Nay motion
carries unanimously. Okay.
MISS Jack. And you're yes,
sir. So for my other most
popular person we have today.
>> I said that this morning, I
said this is my so used to get
>> So this is for my other
board, the tourist Development
Council. We did have 5
expiring terms on our board. I
did receive for re
appointments for people for
from incumbents. And I do have
one new application to comply
with state law. The county is
it with approved resolution.
92 Dash 14, which created the
Okeechobee County Tourist
Development Council advisory
Board. This is composed of 9
members who must be registered
voting voter with in
Okeechobee County. In a
pointed to, sir, for your
staggered terms, the chair of
the board of County
commissioners or any county
commissioner has designated by
the chair shall serve as the
Tdc advisory Board.
Commissioner, Good Bread is
our chair. We have 2 members
of the tdc that are elected
municipal officials. So we
COUNCILWOMAN Monica Arc and we
do COUNCILMAN Bob Carroll on
our board and then we have 6
members of the tourist council
Shelby members who are
involved in the tourism
industry have demonstrated
interest in tourist
development, 3 of the above
stated 6 must be owners or
operators of hotels, motels,
recreational vehicle parks or
other tourist accommodations
with in Okeechobee. So I did
review all 5 of the
applicants. We do have MISS
Margaret Helton from guards
tackle shop. She is not
subject to tax. You is
incumbent MR. Are Psaki from
fastbreak not subject to tax
MR. Davis I from Scottish
ends. He is subject to tourism
tax. We have MISS Mary Hayes
from Holiday Inn Express. And
and the best Western. She is
subject to tax. And then we
have a new applicant. Must
Nicole Pena. She is at the
Hampton Inn and she is also
subject to tax. I have
verified all of the
information and all of the
proposed committee members all
the requirements serve on this
board. MR. Chair.
>> Yes, Jacqueline, if it's a
staggered board, how could 5
of them come up at the same
time?
>> So 3 of them were do JULY
first 2026, however, to from
last year were not renewed
when they should have been in
2025. That makes make more
sense.
>> Getting in What about your
CHAIRMAN? Are you going to
keep them?
>> I think some of that's why
they all over. This said
CHAIRMAN Of the
recommendations on you
>> about the applicants that
I'm a I'm a new recommendation
that I made the recommendation
than you see if you like it.
>> I look at seizures.
>> get is Holton Ford. The
2029 term. MR. Sharkey. For
the 30th term. And then we'll
go down to 3 that are
associated with the subject to
tourist development tax.
Centre is 29. He's 30 Pena,
30. If it was emotional.
Second, it was a motion and we
have a motion by Commissioner
Burrows second by Commissioner
Summer.
>> Any further discussion all
in favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously. Thank you.
Jackson. Are We have one more
tourism related item for you.
But I'm going to hop in on
this one.
>> And let Jacqueline take a
break. But I have to say a
good job on these items. She's
really certainly coming along.
Isn't she? This item? Was I
was asked by the county
Administrator, Bertha, bring
this to you. This is related
to how our expenditure
procedures with the tourism
development advisory board.
Which we call the Tdc.
Normally, I would bring this
to the tdc board first and
then bring it to you. That's
kind of how we handle most
expenditure items there. But
they don't meet until AUGUST.
So I'm trying kind of get
through this before I leave
for us all year to ease. All
right. So basically
historically how we've handled
this is we've had one tourism
development coordinator, staff
member handling tourism for
many, many years. That person
generally spending authority
as we kind closed out that
because that position, that's
the way it stood. They're
spending 30 was around $5,000.
So they're spending authority
with the tdc Board for things
like promotional items,
travel, tourism, related
conferences and travel shows
or advertising was right
around that $5,000 Mark, she
had expressed that with the
Tdc Council, Tdc Council had
basically given her kind of
that authority to spend up to
to $5,000. With the bases that
it was tourism related
expenditures. When she left, I
took over the department. My
spending authority was
substantially higher than
that. However, kept with that
routine. A $5,000. So if there
was an expenditure under
$5,000 at was tourism related,
that made sense. The tdc board
had approved that with me to
kind of keep that same
procedure going as we move on
the department's grown. Now we
have the tdc coordinator and a
manager over that department.
Expenses seemed to keep
growing there. We have some
larger routine expenses.
They're like our website and
app we have the Christmas
program we have, you know, a
lot of other larger Fisher
fishing tournaments coming. We
just want to make sure that we
revisit this with both the Tdc
board and this board. Get some
direction from you on where
your comfort level is. Because
a lot of these expenses with
tourism are Kent. The kind of
come up. Throughout the years,
new advertising opportunities,
new sponsorship opportunities,
new opportunities to market
The counties through different
activities. It's really
important that they have some
direction because the tdc
board meets quarterly. So it's
not always feasible for the
tdc cordinator manager to wait
to the next edc board meeting
to get approval on an
expenditure. If it's within a
reasonable amount. So we're
bringing this to for
discussion just to get some
guidance from you on where
your comfort level is. With td
Sate Tdc staff expenditures.
I'm here to answer any
historical questions. And
Jacqueline us here to receive
your direction moving forward.
>> You're thinking that the 5
is too low of a number.
>> I'm still pretty
comfortable with the 5,000 if
it's bigger than that, you
know, we certainly try to take
it to the board or will
convene a meeting. But there
have been more and more
instances where it would be
like 5100 or 5500 getting
close and with inflation and
everything else that would
make And having to reconvene
the council. It's definitely
101 5. Thousands, ok? I don't
know. I I don't know your
expenses. Well enough to know
saying, hey, sugar to 6 would
get the job done or if it
needs to go to 7500.
>> As a quarter, top number.
That would take a
recommendation from you.
>> And I do want to be clear
that regardless of how that's
handled, we still have a
procurement policy to follow.
So even if it goes over
certain spending authority, it
still needs to go through the
right channels and the right,
the right process here for
bids and things like that. A
lot of things for tdc tend to
be exempted from like the
three-bed policy because it's
artwork or advertising or
something that you can't
really compare apples to
apples, too. But just to give
you some reference on that,
Mr, CHAIRMAN. Yes, sir.
>> You and I think good
Commissioner summer brings up
a good point about the
inflation as spectrum. What
people come in here with. I
would be comfortable with
giving I'm not going. I'm with
the. When I say Look at
Commissioner good bread
because he's the chair this
and they know that finances
and everything. I don't. I
would be comfortable. Give you
a a up to a $10,000 level.
Thank you. As you come for to
get through that, anything
over $10,000 level than you
got to through the the other
procedure to the board. But so
that should give you
flexibility to. Help you out
with some of the smaller
things that maybe a little bit
more apps like $1000. So I
luck to commissioner good
bread just and he used
CHAIRMAN McKay knows what his
financials are with as much
so. That that's my
recommendation. Yeah, I mean,
I don't have a problem that
you, know, go through the
day-to-day minutiae of what
you think would be
comfortable. $10,000 sales,
the shelves of fight with me.
But what do you? I'm?
>> I'm very comfortable.
$10,000. Okay. That'll that'll
set Jacqueline up for success.
Sounds like he's a going away.
Everything. Good there.
Another other than that.
Sponsorships for tournament
that $50,000. So it's going to
come to the board. Anyways.
Writers are pretty big void in
there, though, between $10,000
and
>> and to be fair, most
events, even even between that
5 10,000, if it's an event
that's going to the tdc board.
We them to make the decision
on those types of things. It's
just like advertising some
advertising. Now, you know, on
a national and international
basis is going to be more than
$5,000. And we really have a
focus on expanding our
advertising throughout the
world, not just through
throughout the country. So it
is really important to have
that flexibility and not have
to have her wait 2 or 3 months
to the next meeting.
>> Right? Perfectly
understandable. And and the 2
commissioner Somers point
Throughout history. Think
should get more expensive. But
you know, just like it used to
be was Denver ties and what
was it to? The big Sam? Rv
Park book that was about Still
advertising carried kids and
what it was. Good, That's But
and we have any heavy people
care that big book more you
know, we advertise in several
camping guides and rv guides
that we advertise in their
print version, which we do see
them.
>> But they usually have a
digital component as well. So
are we make sure advertising
hits both of those right?
Yeah. Don't let that increases
some costs. There's well, I'm
comfortable with it. With a
spending authority.
>> make the motion with the
10th out to be up to a $10,000
spent in story for the Tdc.
Was her title?
>> Tourism and event Center
manager. As as a percent.
Second, second.
>> Choose Democrat. We have a
motion by Commissioner Sunder
second commissioner to Carlo
any further discussion. All in
favor say Aye. Aye, all
opposed. Nay told that Health
thank you go Avery of our said
it was backed second second
second, 3rd, second and motion
Commissioner Burrows made the
motion apologize. Second by
commissioner the Carla. If
he's still on public comment.
>> In the vote passed
unanimously. Okay. We aren't
there. As long always. Just in
that started trouble. We're
going find try not to So good
morning. CHAIRMAN County,
county administrator,
commissioners and county
attorney in front of you now
to see for the board of County
commissioners to approve and
authorize the CHAIRMAN To
execute professional
engineering consulting master
agreement wants executed by Al
all the other parties. We
still have a few have not got
back yet. We're still just got
some a few contract issues
that we're trying iron out.
But with Apex civil served,
Cole pepper targeting Kim Lee
Horn and some are injured.
Sumner Engineering. And this
would be for a five-year term
with a one-year term.
Therefore, after up to a total
of 10 years. And as you know,
in JANUARY, 9th 2026, we did
rfq that 2, 0, 2, 6, year one
out for professional
engineering, consulting
services. We foresee we
received all those back. We
brought those back to the
board. We had 11 that we
receive. We brought back the
top 5, the board's direction
was for us to negotiate with
the top 5 terms are the top
farms. And as we move forward,
we have finished that up. And
we are now looking to go under
contract with each one of
them. Each one of them has is
at a different rate. We looked
multitude of different
options. Bring them all back
at one rate. Bring back. It
different rates. But looking
at the the different aspects
that each individual farm
brings. What were decided on
is we will be notifying the
firms that we think fit the
best and getting multiple
prices more likely to firms to
build each project that we
think would be best suited by
those farms. And of course,
the county engineer does
consult with me on the once
that would be outside his
party said, but that that's
what we've got. And that's
what I'm looking forward to
move forward with. And I said
would be to get CHAIRMAN To
authorize the use once we get
all of 5 back. And I felt last
meeting we signed steps up to
4 additional this year's. This
yet close. This is for the
other side of staff on just
what I want to make sure that
knows he's committed for 20 I
I don't think he's going to
give us 20, but
>> I think I've got to real
close to that. 10. I kind of
give an option. I said, you
know, when you're 10 years now
and Fort. Going go for years.
But commissioners, Mr, Chair.
Yes, sir. I think that I need
to abstain from this one.
>> On the campaign finance,
rather one of the 5 firms yet
if your brother is has an
ownership interest in the
firm, then?
>> Yes, because it would be a
special economic benefit to a
direct family member. Jones
said I will be years thing.
Elizabeth as date. You will be
expected check then.
>> You
>> look good in stripes to But
if you stated Mason did notice
that he was the lowest better
when I went through or are
packaged those so you might
should go up on your presses.
Their brother, a.
>> Although now and I'm out of
it, just talking to my
brother. And with mentioned,
you it will make just to the
curb. Made the motion to
approve and authorize the
CHAIRMAN To execute the
official engineering
consulting service master
agreement.
>> With the as as denoted by
the deputy County
administrator, a second. We
have a motion by Commissioner
Burrows second by
Commissioner. Good bread. All
in favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed nay. Passes 4.
Approval with commissioner.
Sumner abstaining. Thank you,
sir. Missed an ace.
>> Morning again.
>> believe this is my last
official time at this podium.
Bang, don't our crime?
>> It's in in this room are
saying to be my last time at
the podium. I'm sure I thought
just an extended 10 years
piggyback. The commissioner, I
keep telling her that she says
she's not gonna answer phone.
And I said, well, I know your
office says she is like a lock
the door and then the fire
chiefs liked. Now we've got to
keep my dad used to tell me
you can't quit night of the
fire. Yes,
>> This for annual over. Where
we have a wonderful weekend.
Wilson. Okay. I'm sorry was
are an item before this? Yes,
ma'am. I'm sorry. I can step
down and come back.
>> Or you're getting a little
or no. Go and see getting
ahead of myself. Ready to go
war. If you don't mind going
from MR.
>> And when you know that
getting say this will be my
last time charity about
>> ladies first as excite
morning session. Good morning.
Before you today. I'm here to
present a list of surplus
county
>> Vehicles and equipment.
That are obsolete or a purpose
to the county due to a mileage
hours of use or mechanical
issues. And exhibit a you'll
see a list of vehicles and
equipment. That will go to
auction approved by the board
and AUGUST. 20th for public
auction. The other items, a
computer items they will be
recycled that one of her to
recycling facilities, which is
at recycling or waste
management. Have any
questions.
>> Russell, looks like to me
bake aiding a data center.
You're taking notes, get rid 7
This so just for the record, I
guess we have one. I guess we
have a data center because we
have 7 serve servers that
we're thinks I think they're
much smaller. But he's ok with
a list yet motion to approve
second. That motion by
Commissioner Burrows second by
commissioner. Never say oppose
nay motion carries
unanimously. Thank you. Thank
you, sir. Commissioner to
Carly. Did you know that
there's a battling motor in
there that could be used for
parts that you might want a
much needed last You might
want to bid on They'll
>> Okay. MISTER Nace own bat.
>> Okay. Before you is a
printed version of the 2026
annual Progress report for the
25 to 30 strategic plan.
>> My apologies that this was
not attached to the agenda in
time for generation. But we do
have a copy that will go up
here later. For now, if you'll
just follow along with me. But
that printed version in front
of you. So last AUGUST, the
bocc approved are 25 to 30
strategic plan with 7 priority
areas, including quality of
life.
>> Tourism, fiscal resale,
Yun, see infrastructure and
transportation, economy and
community communication and
county workforce.
>> This plan was developed as
a result of. Quite a bit
outreach to the community. We
got quite a bit of community
feedback to establish this.
Our staff held a couple of
workshops. You all held a
couple of workshops and this
was developed as a result of
that. A couple of months ago
we went we have the staff
submit their updates on this
plan. So this is a result of
that. I apologize. It's taking
a little bit to get to you.
But I did want to get this out
before I left. I'm not sure
who will be taking this moving
forward, but someone will
handle your annual review next
year. I am pleased to say that
we've made quite substantial
progress. If you look at that
back page, it kind of shows
you an overall for each of the
priority areas. Now, keep in
mind that several of these
goals were written for that 5
year plan. So if you see a low
number in some areas, that's
not really to be worried about
because we expected some of
these goals to be addressed
later on. But quite a few
goals have been addressed
early. If we start with the
quality quality of life qol
number one, you can see we are
about 50% of the way through
that we've done multiple needs
assessments. Some informal
polling with community
services just to, you know,
assess our services and make
sure we're meeting community
needs. So we are 100% complete
on that action step. Action.
Step One b is regarding
funding opportunities. And
that's really an ongoing goal
to make sure we're finding as
many grants donations and
other support for services as
possible. And you'll see that
across multiple departments.
Now I have provided some
recommended revisions in in
some of these action steps as
we're going through the annual
report, we identified that
some of these action steps are
not as measurable as we would
like them to be. I'm not here
to make those changes. Now
that something that possibly
you all might want to look at
in the future. So I just
included some language there
that might help you. Actually
step one c we are about 25% in
progress with that. This is
our public engagement action
step. And I think you all have
recognized how much public
engagement we've gotten
through our new communications
program, increasing our social
media reach and quite a few
additional community
partnerships like the culture
of collaboration that have
happened over this past year.
And finally, in. Quality of
life qol to we are about 60%
in progress on that. We have
completed the first action
step which is on fiscal
responsibilities. And again,
that's really making sure we
are developing as many
partnerships going for as many
grants as possible. And we
believe the county has really
done a good job at providing
structure for that moving
forward and then action step
to be. We are about 20% into
that goal. This is performance
enhancement ensuring our
public safety facilities and
equipment are upgraded
maintained. Again, this is
another one of those really
ongoing goal. So I would
expect us to be at 20% on a 5
year plan because every year I
would expect us to be at 20%
more. And I did give some
additional recommended
revisions there. Our next key
priority area is tourism. We
are about 72% complete with
our tourism goal. Merkel, one.
We have quite a few things
here that Angela and
Jacqueline have been working
very h#
#
o#
. So we have a lot
of community community
engagement. A lot of advocacy
for for tourism and
infrastructure development.
For we consider that complete
for one be local business
training and marketing. We
also consider that complete
Angeles done a tremendous
amount of work with our Toby
Perks programs. Both Angela
Jacqueline have worked really
closely with Main Street and
the Chamber of Commerce to do
a lot of economic development
work with our local businesses
to make sure they have
resources they have. They
understand hospitality
techniques and trainings. So
we're really pleased with the
progress there. And then
action steps. One c were
showing up progress of about
15%. And this is really more
initiatives and advocacy. So I
think we're in a good place
here. We have worked on
short-term rental regulations
here, maintaining more
partnerships ensuring
appropriate use of that
tourism revenue tax. Tourism
goal number 2 are showing a
75% complete. Our first action
step is 100% complete. This is
on technology in digital
marketing. We've definitely
seen an expansion here. Angela
really surprises me sometimes
when she comes back and says,
oh, I figured out how to do
this. Wonderful new thing with
our app or website. And I just
look at her because I'm pretty
tech savvy and say I don't
think I could figure that out.
So she's she's really been
doing a great job there. But
all of our programs really
increasing awareness of
services for our visitors,
including programs at the
library, our parks, the Agger
Civic Center Economic
Development related programs
and our tours and programs.
Actress up to be is about 50%
completion. These are regional
collaboration. Ys, we've
really done a lot of work of
strengthening these
collaboration Zahn last year,
too. I've in the 8 years I've
been here. I haven't seen such
a close collaboration with the
Chamber and Main Street and
the Economic Development
Corporation and the economic
the Economic Council. So I'm
really pleased to see those
those partnerships,
strengthening and the result
of those partnerships are
things like Christmas in
Okeechobee. We're really
pleased at where that's gone.
And then our 3rd tourism goal
we're showing at about 75%
completion. And this is an
engagement goal. And again,
action step 3, a where is
local partnerships were
considering that 100% complete
action. Step 3 be is about 50%
complete business community
events. While we've done quite
a bit of work with things like
best Bash Christmas in
Okeechobee, we can obviously
do more. We can always do
more. So I'm excited to see
what Jacqueline and her team
continues to work out there.
Fiscal resiliency. We are
showing the first goal at
about 23%. And this again
action step One. A is a 20%
completion. This is one of
those goals. I expect 20%
every year because we should
be maintaining these things.
And that's, you know, related
to our reserve policy and
making sure we have funding
where it's supposed to be. Or
actually one be were about 25%
completion. This is exploring
revenue opportunities we have
strengthened long-term
financial sustainability.
We're maintaining our reserves
were implementing impact fees.
We're looking at our user fees
to make sure they're
appropriate seeking all that
grant funding. So I think
we're right along where we
should be in the school.
Fiscal resiliency goal to we
consider that 100% complete.
This is completing long-term
financial analysis and return
on investment analysis. I
think we've seen our budget
department really come a long
way implementing these grant
positions is certainly
helpful. And I think across
the board are our leadership
team is really focused on
fiscal resiliency and ensuring
that we're prepared for
upcoming challenges. Our next
cool infrastructure and
transportation gold. One is
about 15% in progress. The
first action step is on
funding opportunities again
about 20%. This is about where
we should be. The team there
is doing a lot of work
coordinating with the faa and
fdot to make sure we have
grant funding, make sure those
improvements that need to be
happening. There are finding
that Sunday MAY need and then
back to step one be we're at
about 10% completion here. We
have advanced phase Airport,
infrastructure improvements or
stitcher, strategic planning
and permitting and
coordination with the faa and
fdot funding partners. For
infrastructure and
transportation goal, too. We
don't have progress report
during this reporting period
for either action. Step again.
These were action steps we
planned on addressing later in
the strategic plan. So I'm not
worried about about that. In
fact, for any of the
infrastructure and
transportation ones, we knew
we were going to start slow
and build up for go. 3 were at
about 15% completion. Actually
step 3 a's about funding
opportunities. We're at about
10% there with enhanced grant
management implementing a
centralized platform to
identify funding
opportunities, improve
efficiency and support
strategic funding priorities
and then actually step 3 be
we're looking at facility,
maintenance and needs
assessments were at about 20%.
20% where we should be in a 5
year plan. On the next key
priority areas, economy and
community goal. One word about
33% first action step is
complete serving as a founding
member of the Culture of
collaboration, partnering with
Main Street Chamber of
Commerce, Economic Development
Corporation to bring some new
opportunities here for the
community and local
businesses. Actually a step
one. B, we don't have anything
to report on this one right
now. But this is for market in
facility analysis. We'll
continue to look at that in
the coming years. For economy
and community goal. Number 2,
we're about 12% completion.
The first action step. We
don't have anything to report
during this reporting period.
But for access up to be
worried about 25%. That's our
planning and zoning. We're
continuing software
implementation to modernize
operations and to improve
organizational efficiency
action step to see where at
about 10%. That's our
affordable housing
initiatives. And we're
continuing to evaluate those
initiatives are all have
planned. We're incorporating
legislative changes and
expanding access to safe and
affordable housing studies,
sir. Excellent report. But I
think going to be I knew you
were going say is overrated
from a b minus.
>> 47%.
>> I would not. Disagree with
you announcer.
>> Moving on to communication.
Goal number
>> Obviously, our
communication strategies have
increased drastically over the
past year. We brought Jarrett
in a little over a year ago as
our public information officer
and communications specialist,
he has shown quite a bit of
progress here for action. Step
one, a communication channels
assessment. He is constantly
looking at all of our
communication channels and
making the best appropriate
choices on how to reach our
community. And I think, you
know, he's really done a
pretty good job at that. And
he's routinely bringing back
numbers on. Okay. This is
where we're looking at for
growth and Facebook in videos
are doing better than this
type of post. So we're going
to emphasize that. On action
step to be public engagement.
We definitely expanded
community engagement by
gathering public feedback
implementing communications
standards to support
consistent data, informed
outreach. For communication
goal. Number 2, governmental
transparency. We're showing
this is 100% complete. We
definitely have a much
stronger process right now to
inform the public on what's
happening with the government
we are looking at long-term
financial planning Sorry.
That's a that's a typo there.
And my apologies that that and
get changed. But we definitely
have shown more transparency
on fiscal resiliency in
reserves and budgeting with
all recent videos that we've
had guys going out anytime. We
have a major thing happening
within the county. It's really
been good about turning that
into layman's terms and
putting that out in a format
that's accessible to the
public for action step to be
100% completion misses on
sharing success stories
showcasing kind. The county's
financial management. Again,
we're really working hard
through the county
administrator's report and
video communications with
department updates to share
the success stories. Our
communication goal. Number 3,
we were showing this is 100%
complete as well. Juror has
done a great job at
identifying gaps and kind of
closing those gaps in our
communication strategies and
then also communication
position, resources hiring
him. You know, it's definitely
help us fill those gaps and
develop some long-term
strategies here. On county
workforce goal number one,
this is more of an hr related
gold. We're showing 58% Lisa
done really good job at
enhancing our recruitment
campaigns. She's expanded
workforce recruitment through
participation in local career
fairs, strategic outreach,
promoting diverse county
employment opportunities for
one. B, we're showing that at
50% percent completion. She
has submitted are distributed
a employee feedback survey in
JUNE. She has another one
scheduled for DECEMBER and
then one c is compensation and
benefit plan analysis, right?
25%. This is in progress as
part of our annual budget
process. And then our last
cool as the county workforce
goal. Number 2, with an
estimated completion, 100%.
This is training and workforce
development and promoting
internships and opportunities
to build pipelines and foster
community engagement. I think
you saw from the creative work
that Justin Hayes leaf is
doing with his team that most
of our departments are really
working on professional
development, focusing on
retention and retain and
retain Mont. Just really
building our talent pipelines.
So overall, we're looking at
about a 54.4 8 completion rate
after just one year. Very
good. Missed an This is a very
informing the things that's
going on. Without this kind
of. Information to us.
>> We have no way of knowing
all the things you're doing.
We see a lot of them. But some
of the year doing behind the
scenes would never know it
until you do reports like
this.
>> Well, that, you know,
strategic planning is really
important in government work
just to keep us on track. We
have diverse departments
focused in so many different
areas. The strategic planning
process itself helps us really
maintain that focus on what
the community needs are and
what their expectations of us
are. And it helps us with that
transparency going back to
them.
>> Any questions, comments?
Thank you so much. Thank you.
That finishes the regular
agenda. Phantom administrator,
you have it. Report today.
>> Yes, just wanted give an
update. I'm sure Justin or
staff can touch on this as
well with further details. But
>> there will be a full road
closure for csx railroad at.
>> North West 9th Avenue
between North West 9th Street
and northwest 7th Street for
repair closure begins
Thursday, JULY 16 at
approximately 07:00am and
reopened Saturday, JULY 18th
at approximately 07:00am.
Additionally there's lane
closures with Flaggers
directing traffic for often
road that started JULY 6 and
runs through JULY 17th as the
drainage improvement work is
being completed. We do have
our employee benefits Expo
coming up on JULY. 21st from
09:00am to 02:00pm here in the
historical courthouse
building. It is on your
calendars and then we have our
reception this evening for
MISTER Nice Whitehead
downstairs in the library at
05:00pm. We invite all staff
constitutional Zahn
commissioners to join as what
as well as city Council. Our
next board meeting is
Thursday, JULY 23rd at
09:00am. And then the
following is AUGUST 13th at
09:00am Jessica. Yes, sir. You
downstairs in the library.
>> I said library. Sorry
downstairs in the lobby. Okay.
Yeah. Now on the The catch
cat. That's today at 5. Yes,
sir. MR. Nelson. And nothing
at this time chair. Nothing at
this time chair. This in ace.
I can't let it last day make
it through
>> I just I will keep my
comments brief today, but I do
want to extend my heartfelt
thanks to my staff and they
have been an incredibly
supportive and amazing group.
Every time I have raised
expectations for them, they
have met them and stellar
ways. They have been a huge
support to me. And I just
they're the hardest thing
about me leaving. I I really
appreciate in value them. And
i hope moving forward. Justin
and Justin do the same and I'm
sure they will. I also just
want to extend my heartfelt
thanks to every one of you at
the dice. When I first came on
board, I was told think there
there would be challenges
there would be things that I
should not take personally.
And I have held on to that.
And I hope you understand that
there's never been once been a
moment where I've taken any of
your decisions personally. I
have supported you. I
appreciated your support for
me. And I will continue to do
that moving forward in my new
role. But I just want to thank
you for your support. Over the
years in my position here with
the county, your support of my
departments and me personally.
And then I want to finally
just extended thanks to the
community for all ways taking
the time to listen to why we
do the things that we do in
government. It's not easy
explaining that sometimes
that, you know. The rules have
to be followed but I have
always worked hard when a
community member brings item
to me that is reasonable. To
find a way to say yes, to find
a way to work with them. And
the community has been nothing
but agreeable to that in
support of. These last few
months have shown how much
they've appreciated the work
of my staff. My team just in
the way they've come out to to
advocate and to show their
appreciation. So thanks all
around. I love to end with
gratitude so thank you for
everything. MR. Engineer. Was
your 20 year contract. The 20
years tensions. First of all,
thank you for.
>> The continued support. My
services to this county, much
appreciated. As always. I will
start with the dot Road. Watch
the district-wide movable
bridge at 4. 41 98 Taylor
Creek Bridge. That's still in
testing. Hopefully it'll be
done sometime in JULY what
they're saying. Same thing for
the intersection improvement
for 41 28th. They continue
punch list items its ongoing.
Hopefully that will be done
sometime soon. The rest of the
report is the majority Israeli
on 4.41. Over the next couple
of 3, 4, weeks. You'll be
seeing a fair amount of work
done to harden the overhead
poles, both by dot and fpnl.
So just be aware there will be
intermittent lane closures for
that and it will be something
that would be done in the next
30 days, hopefully in advance
of any storms that we have
front our cip very just very
briefly. Not since Lou
projects continue. We actually
have a field meeting today
with dp for the Berman wrote
aspect to confirm the wetlands
and figuring out our impact on
that project. The project is
right now in permitting under
review, drafted documents are
done right now. My sincere
hope is that we can get
through permitting in the
next. 45 to 60 days and go out
to bid soon thereafter. The
rest of it is additional work
that we're doing on wetland
review MISS Acha property,
too, be able to join spot in
the Sun with 4 seasons out
for. Lofton Road. We already
talked lane closures that we
have that'll be going off the
next 2 weeks. It's it's for
the installation of the pipes.
The need to be replaced in
going in once they're done
with that, they're going to
roll into the widening of the
curvature is that we have on
the roadway. And after that,
they're going to start
earnest. The milling
resurfacing and all that last
thing to report is that we are
still working with the ftc on
the fee. Environmental reviews
are reports that have to be
done for the bridge repair
projects. They are sitting
ready to be go out to bid
funding. Is there. We just
need to wait for them to clear
any additional environmental
reviews that have to be done.
And that is my report for
today. Questions, comments,
engineer. Thank you,
Appreciate it.
>> MR. Attorney.
>> Thank you, MR. Chair. So I
do have an item to discuss
right now. I'm passing
>> letter for you all review.
We were notified through the
National Association of
counties that there. That
there. Requesting all counties
to provide comment regarding.
A proposed rule from the
Office of Management and
Budget that would rewrite to
Cfr part 200, which is
commonly known as the uniform
guidance. This is essentially
the requirements for receiving
and managing grants that the
federal government puts on all
of it. Recipients of its
recipients. So this comment
letter addresses some of the
major changes. Some the
concerning changes proposed
would allow for. The
cancellation revocation of
grants without notice during
basically at the discretion of
political appointees, which is
a big concern, especially for
critical programs that rely on
those federal grants. There
are. A few other changes that.
Really, too. The pastor
entities, which and if county
does not currently serve as a
does that currently provide
pastor funding? But in the
future MAY to the city or
other other sub grants which
the changes to those recipient
guidelines place. A lot more
responsibility and burden on
the county to monitor those
funds and can have serious
consequences if recipients are
in violation of the the terms
of their agreements. So
essentially this letter we
would like to submit and if
you all have any changes were
happy to make those. But we'd
ask for your blessing to have
this signed by the chair and
submitted to Office of
Management Budget.
>> Centre is over, but I have
to say this is administrator
beat me on this one. She I
think she read her e-mail
earlier than I did. But I
think it's important for us
has asked us to give comments
back at the budget ally 13. So
so that we get comments back
to them so that we can start
formulating a a position
paper. Offset this. These
these are detrimental to us
from MAY from federal grants,
especially. And so I think
that's good letter be sent up
there and to outline the
issues that we see with it.
What's the difference in
authority here in one governor
exercises?
>> As far as taken back.
>> The governor, the governor.
Well, Well. De but I know.
>> This want it to me is
probably more important
because these are large grants
that we try to good foreplay,
Berman road and different
things that are. 6, 8, 10,
20 million Dollar Grant. If
you're in the middle of the
grant process and and some
appointee gets. I'll has a
problem somewhere. They can
cut that grant often your
middle of it. It's not that's
not equitable. And so as as a
member. The board of directors
make, though, I feel that this
is pro pre response to that.
And that's reason we requested
for the administrator
requested this Have your say
the tournament? Anyone else?
Especially the board. You need
a motion. Move to approve the
chair, signing this document
and sending it off. Motion by
Commissioner Sumner second by
Commissioner. Good bread. In
favor say Aye. Aye. All
opposed. Nay motion carries
unanimously.
>> still on the floor.
>> And that is the end of my
report for today at siu we
have are providing a monthly
litigation update which will
be a credit to the next
meeting. What kind of day
month. A litigation update
that will provide at the next
to review.
>> Was there a MISS? Yes, up
somewhere in schedule that.
Our new attorney didn't get
patient.
>> You know, we love Kate, I
you know, I can't have her
every month. The have every
week you.
>> there's is there. You know,
it's in good jest. Yes, there.
Commissioner
>> I was going to say that
I've said way too much this
week up here. But today she
will be buddy. That you you've
been helpful for a guy who's
only been doing this for
little while. You always come
with an answer if I can with
the question, even if you
don't know what you get back
to me immediately. The city is
going to be lucky to have you.
MR. Good bit
>> get over those and we've
worked. Close your love. You
think Splash pad and every
time I call you no matter when
it is, you're always you
always been right on it.
You've always taken this.
Position more than seriously.
But also been a pleasure to
work with an eye. I appreciate
everything you've done for the
county and I appreciate
everything you're going to do
for the city. I know we joke
back and forth, but the cities
are little cousin. So we're
glad for him. Glad glad that
they have somebody of a. Of
high quality going take care
of the citizens of the
Okeechobee City. Don't think
there's anything else is like
the most earth shattering.
Issue we have right now.
Commissioner to Cabo.
>> Went out to the 4th of JULY
event. I want to thank
everybody that made that
possible. I a good time met a
lot of new people. Good event
also want to thank all the
different departments work
with us this past week on the
budget, pulling together,
keeping us all united just
appreciate everybody. In all
the department heads and all
people that make this town
around. Some of naif, the
hardest I've seen you and this
professional way present
different things top of and
I've also seen you change in
trash liners event. 1, 1, that
was needed. Nobody was around.
Just appreciate you, your
friendship. Thank you. MR.
Bo's.
>> start with Denise. You
know, I go back to the days
that you were with blades,
electric. And that's a number
of years. And and I think that
you have been the exception in
terms of of from the
administration's standpoint.
Your management style, what
you do and how you do. It has
been very effective in terms
of. Making better here. Each
step of the way. You probably
didn't see that some days. I'm
sure that, you know, dealing
with a splash pad was even the
swimming pool nowadays, it
seems to be never never ending
problem.
>> There's water in the
swimming There you go. Yes,
That was your final straw. But
you told Ali and that that
he's good and exceptional
individual, just all he has to
do is leave you alone.
>> You I know he's old. I yet
to take care of All right.
You've you know, a guy like
just pushing along little bit.
Be good. With all honesty, I
have talked to and I city
getting good person to go over
there and run the city. It'll
be a challenge. But you've
always been challenge is so
done well. But I appreciate
you've done for us and good
luck in the future. And I
understand you there was a
wedding just recently. That
us. That's been the highlight
of the last couple to the
test. I'm like Commissioner
Samara probably talked way too
much. In the last 3 days. But
you know what? I don't really
care. Think that to if we
don't talk up here and we
don't talk to, we don't
communicate and we don't
communicate to the people how
we feel they're sent to
podium. We have done an
injustice to the community. We
are. We appear. Are the
stewards the taxpayers money.
And I'm sorry that some people
MAY have got a little upset.
But that's okay. And we'll
move We'll get over it will
become friends again. But at
the end of the day. What we
say appear and sometimes I'm
brutally honest. I just
sugarcoat a lot of stuff. But
at the end of the day, we the
5 others up here have a
responsibility to this
community. And I think that we
all take In stride. And we're
and we're very proud what
we've tried to do up here.
Cause we work together. We MAY
not agree with each other some
days. Some of you saw that.
The CHAIRMAN Of myself at it,
a good debate the other day.
But those are healthy debates.
So I don't want anybody to
think that we don't get along.
But I will say that you say to
the audience and whoever's
listening and watching today.
We do our best appear. And
these 5 commissioners, we take
a lot of heat sometimes the
community. But that's what
this what we chose to do. But
I can assure you the every
commissioner up here. The best
in mind for this community. So
just don't take anything. It
set up here. As being
detrimental to the body. Is
when we have a budget process,
they're sometimes we. Get into
debates that are
uncomfortable. People got
upset. I apologize. But that's
just nature of the business of
sitting up here. You before
you. This is ace. You you. You
have the amaze me with
different sides. I mean, we
talked about the work that you
do have seen that firsthand.
>> But I think the thing that
I was the most impact
impressed about is the way you
took bed situations with
groups and turned around and
seen you do it in here with
bed with controversial people.
You know, you give shielded to
commission an almond custard
in right direction. But but I
so and I think Jack La not
puppet, both learned a lesson
on how you handle that group
that they Disrespectful but
playing and you turn the tide
and voted ramdin. To several
meetings. Like I say, I
learned a lot, you know, and
say that years, your staff,
ema, Jack London and the Young
lady that I'm sorry, bed from
Tdc Angela, Angela. Yes, you
know, seen how they've grown
and be under your leadership
all the things you do. So
thank you for what you've done
for us. Thank you to. Anyone