Board of County Commissioners

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[0:12] >> like Where is that case? that something says good
[0:15] morning? looks so good. and it's so different. Welcome.
[0:18] The board of County commissioners meeting as
[0:19] always. We're going open up in prayer and the flag salute
[0:23] this morning. MS MS Emmeline to say a special prayer for
[0:25] our Aaron Brown, a road superintendent. His prognosis
[0:28] is not looking real. Great. So if you would, us, if you
[0:32] would, and you're able please stand with us. mine.
[0:37] >> Good morning, everyone. Father, we come before you
[0:41] this morning, God with an open heart in a number mine the
[0:46] bacon. You got the given us one day to come together. Got
[0:48] just another day. Father and father. We God that you have
[0:51] your way in meeting on today. God, father, we that you touch
[0:57] commissioners. Mine got in, touch their hearts. God lead
[0:58] and guide them. God that they would do would need to be done
[1:01] for your people. And father, we pray for superintendent,
[1:07] God, we pray God that you got. We know that you have the last
[1:11] God and we know that you I heal a father and we give you
[1:14] all the lonely on and praises God. The Joe we'll be done on
[1:19] today. And Jesus name. We pray. Amen. Amen again. And
[1:23] then. >> Would you join Minnesota
[1:24] cop flag? It's United States of America and which stands.
[1:36] One nation God, indivisible, with liberty and for all.
[1:42] Thank you so much. >> This Jessica, that we have
[1:50] awards and proclamations this morning? No, we have none.
[1:54] Okay. We're going move on to public comment. And I have one
[1:58] card. If you want to come up and speak, please.
[2:11] >> Morning. Good My name is Leaf Geared to bait and tackle
[2:14] Aaron over I just want to come, you know, over the last
[2:20] few years, we've had a lot of bad publicity on about the
[2:23] lake, you know, about conditions about all the
[2:25] stuff. I'd like to try to get together with the. TC board
[2:31] just ever, ever thing. reach out to some places. And people
[2:39] like in Kentucky or Ohio you know, somewhere that our
[2:41] customer base and our Norton basis. And get some people
[2:45] down here. Thank you, Madam. The Lake put them out, you
[2:53] know, put a moat Everything and get some good publicity
[2:56] back to Lake Okeechobee. I'm getting a new notion calls and
[3:01] comments, you know. You can fish. Water is different stuff
[3:10] like that. And I just, you know, we need some good
[3:12] publicity. We need Some good feedback and that way to bring
[3:16] the people back here. A lot of them start and go to different
[3:20] lights. More thing here. You know, so we're losing a lot of
[3:24] revenue for everybody in town right now. So just like to try
[3:27] to get something to that to get the those the back. Take
[3:38] the dough. >> Leaf of when when I spoke
[3:40] to last couple of mentioned about the calls coming in
[3:43] because the condition of the lake and we've had some great
[3:45] bad publicity from some riders that think that there. Capable
[3:49] of reading stories that and The end of the lake. That was
[3:53] saying the same. No sane everywhere. But, you know, see
[3:55] that tournaments and I see the big fish and been the limits
[4:00] how they're doing. And I agree with you. We've got get that
[4:01] word out. So administrator, if we could add to the agenda
[4:07] today to talk about this and we have the tdc here, the
[4:10] economic development group. We have Chamber of Commerce. We
[4:16] have our videographer here and you also made a statement to
[4:19] me that if we could get the reporters here, that you could
[4:23] get motel rooms and guide service for freight if they
[4:25] would come in. Read a story about Okeechobee.
[4:28] >> Yes, The guide service and all we can provide all Take
[4:33] him out there on the lake show, Malay. I got guys that
[4:36] can do the history. You really do everything for that. That's
[4:42] what want about the, you know, whoever we need to talk to
[4:46] about getting the motel rooms. Talk to couple restaurants,
[4:50] feed them, you far whatever we got to do to. To get them to
[4:53] write something positive. >> And escapee went by the sea
[4:59] yesterday with that. We want to put together committee
[5:01] whatever the commission decides is best. I mean, I
[5:04] would think we would have some possible tdc funding
[5:07] commission. Goodridge chairman of that committee that we
[5:10] could do to do some videos that we have an exit
[5:12] videographer. He doesn't have much air, but he's good we
[5:22] understand we not only does fit to be innocent men,
[5:23] motels, the gas stations or restaurants. You know, even
[5:27] people want to move, do good job. You know, they they think
[5:29] that this may not be a good thing. So excellent. And we're
[5:32] all in this together. And appreciate you bringing it our
[5:33] attention you will be hearing that will work. I know you
[5:38] said you had an obligation. You had to related all right.
[5:42] Thank Thank Anybody else? Yeah We did have one commissioner
[5:50] just said thank know, we had one commission volunteered to
[5:51] go out if you head to head to God to fish, he does know how
[5:55] tough it. She's only a thank you the finish. OK? I have no
[6:01] more cards for public comment can get a motion to close some
[6:05] of it. motion by Commissioner Sumner second by commissioner
[6:09] to all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed nay motion carries
[6:11] unanimously. Jessica revisions to the agenda.
[6:19] >> Yes, sir, we have, as you just mentioned, 6 AF Economic
[6:22] Development Corporation discussion on Lake Okeechobee
[6:24] support for tourism economy. >> Can I get a motion to
[6:30] accept the gender with this one additional item from
[6:33] second motion by Commissioner good base. Second by
[6:36] commissioner all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay
[6:38] motion carries unanimously. As Jessica. You want talk about
[6:43] the war. I mean, the consent agenda, sir.
[6:46] >> So we have item warrants list. 2026 Dash 14 in the
[6:50] amount of 3 million, 405,618 $0.39 the next 4 items through
[6:58] E R the minutes from the budget workshops on July 6,
[7:01] 7th, 10th. Item. 5 AF is the minutes from the July 23rd
[7:07] 2026 regular session. 5G is the ratification of the
[7:13] submission of a state and local cyber security grant
[7:16] program grant application through the Florida Division
[7:19] of Emergency Management at a proposed total cost of 43,000,
[7:24] 690 with the federal share of 80% and non federal share of
[7:28] 20%. This is for the project for to secure cloud data,
[7:32] email and resilient backup modernization and authorize
[7:36] the chairman to ratify with an effective date of July. 17th
[7:40] 2026. The next one is the same grant program. The project is
[7:45] to secure Club crowd, Vo IP and communications continuity,
[7:47] modernization. And it's a ratification of the state and
[7:54] local cyber Security Grant program Grant application
[7:55] through the Florida Division of Emergency Management at a
[7:58] proposed total project cost of 67,796 with the federal share
[8:02] of 80% non-federal share of 20% and authorize the chairman
[8:07] to ratify with an effective date of July. 17th 2026. 5
[8:13] IOUs to ratify and approve the hospitality expense in the
[8:16] amount of 1147 $0.64 as per the county's ordinance 2023
[8:21] Dash 0, 0, 0, 7, 5 J is ratification of Grant Award
[8:27] agreement for the Edward Byrne Memorial. Jagged local Ward.
[8:32] And 2 approve the Budget amendment ba 26 dash. 33 and
[8:39] resolution Twenty-twenty 6 dash. 57 in the amount of
[8:42] 13,295 5 K is to approve the sheriff's requisition payment
[8:46] schedule for fiscal year 26. 27 in accordance with Florida
[8:48] statute. 5 out is to approve and ratify with an effective
[8:53] date of July. 30th 2026 the chairman's execution of the
[8:58] First Amendment. And first we know of the independent
[8:59] contractors agreement with Tetra Tech. Thank for
[9:04] disaster. Recovery consultant services renewing the
[9:05] agreement for an additional one year term, beginning
[9:08] August, 10th 2026 through August 9, 2027 and approving
[9:13] the amended hourly rate schedule as set forth in
[9:15] amended exhibit B. Any questions, consent agenda.
[9:23] >> Motion to approve as presented We have a motion by
[9:25] Commissioner bureau second by commissioner. All in favor say
[9:30] Aye. Aye. All opposed nay motion carries unanimously.
[9:34] Matthew. Thank you. Up next. Good morning. Commissioners
[9:48] administrator morning. >> I have a citizen request
[9:59] from this and Faison I a shocker here on behalf of MS
[10:02] Faison they're requesting to serve and consume alcohol at a
[10:06] county facility. Willie Alderman Baseball field. They
[10:11] have provided all the unnecessary insurance and
[10:14] sheriffs detail. I have shocking here. If you have any
[10:16] questions for her. >> Good Good morning. You want
[10:20] tell us what you what you have in mind?
[10:24] >> Yes, sir. This is our second annual Pink picnic
[10:26] event. We had it last year for the first time. And this is
[10:30] the second one. It was a success. It was 4. Adults. And
[10:34] I'm just like a leisure picnic, basically in music. So
[10:40] >> he's Yes, He said it was family. But as for adults.
[10:48] >> So it mean that family I'm sorry for adults is what you
[10:52] can bring your family belong there. They're old enough like
[10:54] 21 and older. >> younger what he come, they
[10:56] can't come in. can even buy taking.
[11:01] >> Yeah. So that's what it was. Last year's will become
[11:02] buy a ticket. There. Anyone else? Us pleasure. The board
[11:09] motion to approve second. We have a motion by Commissioner
[11:14] good bread. Second by Commissioner summer.
[11:17] >> All in favor say Aye. Aye opposed. Nay motion carries.
[11:20] Thank you for putting on the event and the project.
[11:22] appreciate it. Thank you. Matt, before Before you go, I
[11:29] just want take a moment to thank and your staff. For what
[11:31] you've done in the poll. I mean, you come through some
[11:35] hardships and trying to get somebody in there to do the
[11:37] renovations and you know, in the wintertime and is when you
[11:43] want to build pools they're booked up. So you had to do
[11:45] what you could do. And very few suppliers and he got up
[11:48] and going in the public. Crucified. And apologize for
[11:53] that because we appreciate what you do. And and keep in
[11:54] mind, you've got 100 and 100 people on Facebook. And you've
[12:00] got 40,000 people. We represent rest of the 39,900
[12:06] people appreciated. >> Yes, sir. I appreciate the
[12:08] comments. I want to give shout out to John Camp. He's been
[12:11] out and the pool 7 days a week vacuuming scrubbing. Backwash.
[12:17] So, you know, without the help of my staff, we wouldn't be
[12:18] open right now. South. Thank you.
[12:25] >> Okay. Mister Nelson. Chair. We push this one off. Cause
[12:31] still not arrived. I just tried to get ahold of him
[12:35] sick. We push this one back in the agenda. Please sure. Move
[12:40] okay. Mistress. Are you going start this one off? What it
[12:45] would do it? shows your name on Mr. And a miss is here. But
[12:53] I didn't know if you're going to get attention of Yes,
[12:55] absolutely. Good morning. >> I would like to introduce
[13:00] Julie Fowler with Clifton Larson, Allen LLP, 2%, the
[13:04] audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending
[13:07] September, 30th 2025. >> Good morning. Good morning,
[13:13] Mr. Just as a reminder, the information that I am
[13:20] presenting is summarized information from the county's
[13:23] financial. >> Statements that you have
[13:24] received a copy of. remember that. What you see here is the
[13:29] summary and you should refer to that complete document when
[13:31] making financial and other decisions. So I wanted to
[13:34] start off this morning covering the results of the
[13:39] audit. And first up, just a reminder what the scope of our
[13:43] audit included the primary purpose of the audit is to
[13:47] express an opinion on the county's financial statements.
[13:49] We also audit each of the constitutional officers,
[13:51] financial statements. We also performed those audits under
[13:55] government auditing standards, which requires that if we
[13:59] identify weaknesses in the internal control structure and
[14:00] that we report those to you. Because of the level of
[14:06] expenditures, a federal and state grant awards that the
[14:09] county may during the year you were required to have what's
[14:11] known as a single audit, which is a grant compliance audit.
[14:14] There are other procedures that are required to be
[14:18] performed under the Florida statutes and the rules of the
[14:19] auditor. General and then finally, we need to issue a
[14:22] report to you at the conclusion of the audit that
[14:27] it's based on our auditing standards that expresses how
[14:28] the course of the audit went. So to summarize all of that,
[14:34] that most important thing that you should be aware of is that
[14:38] we have issued an unmodified opinion on the financial
[14:41] statements. And that's as good as it gets did to financial
[14:45] statements. And that means we believe they are prepared in
[14:48] accordance with generally accepted accounting
[14:49] principles. On the grant. Portion, the single audit we
[14:56] do. express an opinion there as well. Of the 5 programs
[15:03] that we tested. We were able to express an unmodified
[15:05] opinion on all. But one program. And then we did
[15:10] identify some areas where we believe the internal controls
[15:12] can be improved. So first of all, to talk about the
[15:21] recommendations that we have related to the financial
[15:23] statements themselves, we had 3 recommendations. The first
[15:28] relates to the schedule of expenditures of federal awards
[15:31] and state financial assistance. That's the grant
[15:32] schedule. The county has a very disaggregated process of
[15:38] gathering information that's needed to prepare that that is
[15:40] used by grand tours to determine how much was spent
[15:44] during the year is also used by the auditors to determine
[15:47] which programs need to be tested. Our recommendation is
[15:52] that the county enhance its procedures enhanced the
[15:56] communication really between the accounting and finance and
[16:00] the expenditures that are made at the department level and on
[16:02] the county side to ensure that, though that schedule is
[16:07] prepared, more timely and more accurately. The second finding
[16:12] is related to material audit adjustments. We identified
[16:15] some large errors in the accounting but needed to be
[16:19] corrected to be able to issue that unmodified opinion on the
[16:23] financial statements. Our recommendation is to enhance
[16:25] the year and closing procedures on the accounting
[16:29] side to ensure that all of the accounting entries that need
[16:31] to be before the audit big ends and the final financial
[16:36] statement item is related to capital assets. There were
[16:40] some large areas in the accounting and reconciliation
[16:43] process on the capital assets this year. And some of that is
[16:47] due to turn over in staffing. But there are some
[16:50] opportunities there to enhance their reconciliation and the
[16:54] counting process related to the capital assets. The next
[16:58] group of findings is related specifically to grants. The
[17:03] first one is the jail improvement program reporting
[17:06] this grant requires a report to be submitted 15 days after
[17:12] the quarter and there were 2 quarters that were filed late
[17:17] because the grant manager was out of the office on the due
[17:20] So our recommendation is to develop a backup plan there so
[17:25] that there's someone available to review and submit that
[17:27] report, even if your primary person is out of the office in
[17:33] the final 2, really to the law enforcement salary assistance
[17:34] program. The first the actual expenses that were submitted.
[17:42] We're not able to be reconciled back to the
[17:44] underlying supporting documentation. There were some
[17:46] errors in it and the last is the reporting that's required
[17:50] there. There was no process for review before the reports
[17:55] were submitted. Both of those have already been addressed as
[17:59] far as the one where the the expenses were inappropriate
[18:02] that actually occurred early in the fiscal year later in
[18:05] the year. Some processes have been in put in place to
[18:07] already correct that. The report that we submit to you
[18:14] about how the course of the audit went to the most
[18:16] important item here is for you to know that the county did
[18:20] implement a new accounting standard during the year.
[18:24] Related to how you account for compensated absences, which is
[18:27] accrued sick and vacation time does not change the way
[18:31] employees earn or paid out for leave. All of that is the same
[18:34] under your Just changes the way the accounting is
[18:39] recorded. So the county did appropriately implement that
[18:41] during the year. So I wanted to leave you this morning with
[18:46] just a few financial statement. Highlights and
[18:47] trends. First is this is all of the county combine to show
[18:53] you where the revenue came from in fiscal year. 25 and
[18:56] you can see there that about 29% came from property taxes
[19:00] with about 21% coming from other taxes. The charges for
[19:05] services number may be higher than what you expect. That
[19:06] does include assessments. So that's also about 24%. So the
[19:12] takeaway here is for the year we audited when you take to
[19:17] consideration the grant and all of the revenue source is
[19:18] you had did have a pretty balanced diversified revenue
[19:22] revenue stream during the year. And then looking at
[19:28] where the money went, the expense is probably no
[19:31] surprise about 52% went to public safety with about 22%
[19:35] going to general government. You can see there remaining
[19:37] pieces there. This is very much in line with your peer
[19:41] counties. So nothing that we weren't expecting. It does
[19:45] show you where your priorities, where for spending
[19:47] during the year. And then finally a look at the fund
[19:53] balance composition. This is the general fund only you
[19:57] ended the year with a about 34 million dollars of total
[19:59] fund balance in your general fund and the majority of that
[20:03] over 33 million is what we call on a sign which meant it
[20:07] was available for future appropriation. Keep in mind,
[20:11] this was as of September 2025. Here already substantially
[20:16] through. 26, you've already planned for budgeted for that.
[20:18] So just want the public to be aware. That's not sitting in
[20:20] the bank ready for it to be spent today. But when we look
[20:24] at the health of the general fund, we look at how many
[20:29] months of expenditures are available in that Unassigned
[20:32] fund balance. And you're right about 7 and a half months. So
[20:34] a very strong financial position and your general fund
[20:38] fund balance as of September. 30th 2025. And I just want to
[20:45] take a moment before take questions to thank the county
[20:48] administrator and her team Bay spend many hours with us
[20:51] completing the audit this year were always so professional
[20:55] and kind to work with. So I just want to express my
[20:58] appreciation to them. And then I'm happy to answer any
[21:00] questions you may have. >> Is Jessica did couple of
[21:06] things. She mention was that was the grants and the the
[21:10] investment sheriff gets from the says the sours. And I
[21:13] think that's already been addressed and and we have
[21:16] mechanism in place to make sure that that's doesn't
[21:18] repeat itself. Yes, sir. Okay. So.
[21:22] >> With that in mind to me, it sounds like a good report.
[21:26] mission chair. Yes, sir. And this I think is Jessica
[21:30] question. The new grants position. Well, that kind of
[21:35] fill some of those polls that she spoke of the beginning.
[21:40] >> Yes, will create more efficiencies within the
[21:41] department and follow up in at. We are currently
[21:46] finalizing our grants policy, which in the agenda today
[21:49] you'll see that we have updated AR and and that our
[21:56] internal has hope he will follow are. So we are in the
[21:58] process of streamlining things across departments and having
[22:01] a sure workflow on who's responsible for what?
[22:06] >> So for the couple of holes that were reported by Julie.
[22:09] One of them already sorted out. And the other one is well
[22:12] on its way. So. You know, in advance of our grants
[22:18] department, we found out the hard way when you have
[22:20] 60 million dollars worth of grants, it takes a lot of work
[22:23] and that sprung on our people at one time. So.
[22:27] >> wasn't like they were electing their Just had an
[22:30] overload. So what we're working to correct absolutely.
[22:35] And the grants a lot of people don't understand the amount of
[22:38] administrative requirements that come with administering
[22:40] these grand. So it's a great opportunity for the county to
[22:41] invest. >> But it also put a lot of
[22:45] responsibility on the staff to make sure they're complying
[22:48] with numerous requirements. Some of them are very specific
[22:51] to each grant. So overall, I think the county staff should
[22:55] be proud of the few little things that we identified
[22:58] looking at >> If you ever have the
[23:03] opportunity to address into the legislators and you would
[23:04] like to tell him when you have 60 million dollars with a
[23:10] budget of being a grants, it increases your budget. But
[23:12] there's specific things that can be used for that can be
[23:13] used for. The general fund. That would help because that
[23:19] legislators think that when we get up to 180 million dollar
[23:22] budget, we have that much money to to play with. But of
[23:25] you certainly know what the rules or regulations are. Yes,
[23:26] sir. And if anyone else. Thank you for all the times that
[23:33] you. Put up with this. Absolutely. Thank you. Office
[23:38] made case to it. Okay. Thank you, Miss Lisa.
[23:48] >> Mr. Yes, good morning. Now we have a couple of public
[23:52] hearings to abandonment requests. The first is
[23:55] petition be 2020 cents, 0, 0, 3, 7, This is a request to ban
[23:59] them the street right of way in Oak Park. You have a
[24:03] concert just in TN making Joe Davis the to In-park on the
[24:11] evidence there to the south of their properties and Unbuilt
[24:13] Street right of way. There are 2 parcels to the west of the
[24:17] subject property that also have frontage on this and Bill
[24:19] Street right of way. And then on the other side, the street
[24:22] right of way is 20 hour, which owns the land in the area. The
[24:26] applicants are requesting to abandon the street right of
[24:27] way. It would if we're going to it would be sort all of the
[24:35] dirt or nothing. So be right of way below the other couple
[24:37] Lauch there. request has been reviewed by various county
[24:42] staff. There were no objections to from utility
[24:45] providers. It's it is a county right of way. But it's highly
[24:49] unlikely that anybody is ever going to build it. We did not
[24:53] find purpose for that right of way in so falling public
[24:56] hearing staff recommends the board of County commissioners
[24:58] adopt a resolution. 2026, Dash, 5, 5, And in that
[25:05] portion of the street right of way in Oak Park Subdivision.
[25:08] Motion to approve. No, no, no. got to have public. got get
[25:11] the public. The public hearing is now open. speak to this.
[25:20] Second call for a public hearing. need record place.
[25:30] Sorry, good morning. How were rescued?
[25:36] >> I mean, my fiance, we just bought the were on the west
[25:40] end of the people that are trying to abandon that access
[25:42] road. We just paid $350,000 for the House of a daughter
[25:47] just started the company. I bought this house and this
[25:52] property to get to the back of it. So I can. Bringing my flat
[25:56] breads, bringing my skid steers, bringing, you know,
[25:58] whatever equipment I may need to do. So. And I don't think
[26:02] to be fair to abandon that and allow me to lose access to the
[26:05] back of the property that I just purchased. If there's
[26:08] anything we can do to change that, I build roads, build
[26:10] FDOT highways. I work for fires or and I am a.
[26:18] Construction foreman built the Amazon and FedEX better in
[26:19] Port Port St. Lucie. I'm very capable of building a road. I
[26:24] was told that if I do want to say that road and have access
[26:27] to, I may have to come out of pocket and do so. If that's
[26:29] the case I'm willing to do so. I really don't want to I just
[26:32] want to keep that access. And allow me my family, too, get
[26:37] back and forth in allowing me to do what I need to do.
[26:43] pretty new to So I don't know what else to say it. Good.
[26:48] >> what what this process is we have the public hearing and
[26:50] you to speak then would pose a public hearing and we'll have
[26:53] a discussion on Okay. So if you want to take all the time,
[26:57] you need to speak. But when news for them will will go on
[26:59] and you'll hear all the Anything else you want to say.
[27:02] You will come I think a pretty much wrapped up like a said
[27:06] new family daughter just turned one yesterday. Just
[27:08] started her own Currently a construction foreman.
[27:11] >> I bought this property to have the so I think I got it
[27:15] on I so. I mean, other than that, just like I said, I do
[27:22] anything I got to do keep that access and apologize. Going
[27:26] give your name and address for the record place of my name is
[27:29] Logan Grady. I live at 3 to 8 for South West 23rd Street.
[27:31] Thank you, Okay. Anything you'd like to say what, we're
[27:37] going. >> When we have no more
[27:39] protests was will close the public hearing and we'll
[27:40] discuss it. And 70 year, you know, issues will considered.
[27:44] Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else want to
[27:48] speak to this matter. And would you please give your
[27:56] name and address for the record high Megan Davis
[27:59] addresses 2, 3, 5, one Southwest 32nd Avenue. So I'm
[28:01] the one that's, >> you know, wanting this
[28:03] abandonment. >> house
[28:09] >> is on 32nd Avenue. So it's we have 2 lights. The first
[28:14] light is the quarter. But our house is on the law. That
[28:18] would be closest to the record. We have the family of
[28:22] 5. We've been maintaining this. Road 4, 3 plus The I
[28:35] know he's saying that he bought it because he wants
[28:37] access to his backyard. But if you see, you know, our house
[28:43] and our neighbor's house, there is a fence. I know it's
[28:45] not supposed to be there, but it was there when we bought
[28:49] it. So there is no access to his backyard right now. I us
[28:58] to say, but we've been maintaining at 4, 3 plus
[29:02] years. Nobody else has maintain. Did our took, you
[29:06] know, cut the grass or anything like that. Thank you
[29:11] so much. >> Is anyone else want to
[29:17] speak to Second call? Can I get a motion to close the
[29:23] public hearing? So many second that motion by Commissioner.
[29:28] Good second by Commissioner summer could close public in
[29:31] favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay motion carries
[29:33] unanimously. Mr. Roy says is objection always been
[29:36] registered? That would mean you have to get letters from
[29:43] the surrounding property owners, utilities and all of
[29:45] that had to had to that. >> Well, we've got from
[29:49] utilities and from the other property owners, the property
[29:53] owners are joining effect. Problems are required to
[29:56] submit something request that it helps if a a join we after
[30:01] the first meeting we've gotten a call that said were going
[30:04] object to one to appear in the public hearing. I mean, OK,
[30:08] but we still up with it. That right away isn't needed for
[30:13] public purposes. I understand that. But procedure was to
[30:16] make sure that everybody in the neighborhood was OK with
[30:20] with them. >> The closure, the utilities,
[30:21] everybody. I mean. That's what I thought we did in my in my
[30:26] incorrect on that. Yeah. I mean, if that's the ideal
[30:31] situation, but sometimes some of plice to mandate a right of
[30:34] way. >> Not everybody can Let's
[30:38] know either way so we can still proceed to the public
[30:41] hearing make sure they get notice of the hearing. So we
[30:43] sent the notice of the public hearing too. All the property
[30:46] owners that were affected, even those that it submitted a
[30:48] letter and then, you know, have the hearings ultimately
[30:52] can make your decision. But that is we don't require job
[30:56] and in the right of way. 100% consent of everyone affected
[31:00] by it. Just if they apply for, they have a right to go
[31:05] through and have the public hearing be heard a big, good
[31:06] time change of policy. >> And I should have known
[31:09] this because when we did the right away amendment.
[31:13] Southeast of racetrack station. We denied it because
[31:17] it was going cut potential property owners who were not
[31:19] even represented here. So there have been some where
[31:23] there was objection, but those men did anyway because it was
[31:27] right thing to do. let's bring back. where our policies are
[31:31] in and see if we can make sure that everybody's
[31:33] >> consent to it. Before we. me for the future of want to
[31:41] check this one. So okay, more disappear, which develops on
[31:43] chair. this is just for my education sake. When we have a
[31:50] and constructed road right of way like this. Does the public
[31:53] have access to use it in its current form until it is paved
[31:57] is their right of the public to. Drive up and down that
[32:01] little strip of land. Anybody in the brother can. Yes. So
[32:10] that fence that was a ranking of 3 years prior. It's
[32:13] actually been blocking off. Not only the neighbor's
[32:17] property, but the adjoining ones as well. And no one
[32:21] anything in 3 years about there being a fence there. So
[32:24] those 2 things almost can't both be true. At the same
[32:26] time. Go ahead. Just state. So I just want to make sure that
[32:34] you are aware that I met with Mr. Gray, we've had a few
[32:37] conversations since he purchased the property. was
[32:41] already petitioning to have the fence removes before this
[32:44] came into place myself and Mr. Brown looked at the property.
[32:47] We looked at the historic fence and we're already having
[32:52] discussions before the Havana right away came across for the
[32:55] board at that time. When I found out it was I did
[32:57] contact, Mr. Grade myself and said, look, it's it's already
[33:01] coming in from the board. you could, please come to the
[33:04] public hearing that we were not going to move forward
[33:06] until we found out what was happening I just want make
[33:09] sure that you understand the concern already came up. Prior
[33:12] to this. Today's date chair just want to make sure. But
[33:18] was aware that the fence being on that side of the county,
[33:22] I'm sure just never acknowledged it was there. And
[33:25] it's not just that landowners, it's not just the data says
[33:29] Fencers offense that crosses, Mr. Harper's and there's also
[33:34] a fence that's on the adjacent property to the south that
[33:38] crosses the right away also. So there's multiple fences
[33:40] that cross that right away that we were looking at the
[33:45] process of making those being removed because it is public
[33:47] access right away. And with what we've had it, some other
[33:52] locations. We were already in the process of working through
[33:53] that before this came up. So I just want to make sure, but
[33:57] was aware that we were already looking into that myself and
[33:58] Mr. Brown were over the last few months actually spend
[34:03] probably 5 or 6 months that this came up. Thank you so
[34:08] much. You are not allowed to build fences on public right
[34:11] of way or block the public right of way.
[34:13] >> The public has a right to use that right of way. So
[34:17] certainly will work with staff to make sure these fences are
[34:19] appropriately sited. And work with the owners to remove
[34:25] them, certainly will give them opportunity to remove them
[34:28] voluntarily. And if not, will, will go through code
[34:31] enforcement and will cite them in. We'll follow the process
[34:33] because you are not allowed to put fences up to block public
[34:35] right way. And when you get in front of the judge, what he
[34:38] going to do. >> We're going remind the
[34:44] judge that public right of ways for the use of the
[34:46] public. And even if you know what County and so you don't
[34:52] always know. >> But it is your obligation
[34:55] to know. And when you buy property, it'll show it on
[34:57] your survey. That it's a public roadway. And so public
[35:03] right away as public right away. It's for the use of the
[35:06] public. >> And certainly, you know, if
[35:08] we ever needed to send a fire truck or something down there,
[35:09] we would go through that fence because public right of ways
[35:14] for the use the public. So please do not block public
[35:16] right of way and we'll work with staff to make sure that
[35:19] this public right away. On the distracted. Mr. commissioner
[35:29] is slated. Want to make one more statement place. Okay.
[35:31] You know, come right back to you.
[35:34] >> I'm You guys are talking about the. fence and he what
[35:39] Mister Grady was 6 months trying to do this. Well, if
[35:44] you look at all my paperwork, I have been trying to get this
[35:47] right of way taking care of like a year and a half ago, I
[35:51] got the approval from all of the utilities and all of
[35:58] that's my neighbor. I think it's like over a year. But Dr
[36:02] Horton was pushing it off and they wouldn't give me the
[36:08] approval 4 to send it my paperwork before. just wanted
[36:12] to clear that up as well. Thank you, man. for I can't.
[36:21] Download the agenda. I don't know. Why can't can't. Can't
[36:25] find it way. It is right This is July. So I can't get that
[36:32] one of the new one. But got to do make this is Rockaway
[36:33] Chopin's down here. >> This is the may have this
[36:36] is a park. behind the >> I can tell you that Nevada
[36:44] do want to point out that county policy has been rights
[36:51] of way. Sometimes people want to improve them show or
[36:53] something in there. The common position has been we don't
[36:58] allow anyone to do improvements to a public right
[37:01] of way unless the improvement is to build the coming right
[37:04] away. According to the county specifications. That is a
[37:08] policy. The commissioners, you can do whatever you want with
[37:09] that. But that's been how we've been dealing with this
[37:12] for a number of years. So Dist. Clearing the path to go
[37:18] back again. This but would not give permission to do that.
[37:22] They would have to apply that build the All right, Mr.
[37:24] Chairman >> Well, I'm assuming that
[37:28] this fence is not permitted. Ever heard of it. fish was
[37:31] built without a permit. We don't know. It's been there
[37:33] for him. long time. And is it day barbed wire fences? Would
[37:40] privacy fences? >> Commissioner, it's so
[37:44] there's a chain link fence on there. And there's barb, our
[37:47] agricultural fence, both on the right away it's kind of
[37:53] one goes diagonally across right away. And then there's
[37:56] there's 2, 2 different chain link fences that cross the
[37:58] right away. we could not find a permit for the fence when we
[38:07] went back. that's that was my main thing is, was it ever
[38:08] permitted in? >> Or was never know some ever
[38:14] try to permit or and be denied. just kind of want to
[38:17] get to. >> The background March air.
[38:20] Yes, So Mister Royce. You're saying.
[38:25] >> That if we were to deny this motion, that's before us.
[38:30] And the new property owner to the west of the subject.
[38:36] Wanted to access the back his property. According to the
[38:39] attorney. Public as use of public right of way. But he
[38:44] puts in low to shill. To keep from getting stuck, he can't
[38:47] do that. >> That has been county's
[38:52] policy on what to do with bill right away. Yes, that that if
[38:55] they ask our permission, we're going to say you don't have
[39:00] permission to do a slight improvement to it, either
[39:01] build it or or don't touch it. And not saying that's the best
[39:06] policy ever. But that policy, if he comes at midnight and
[39:10] don'ts to close the show, we're going this great that
[39:11] up. >> I mean, this we're kind of
[39:16] going down a weird rabbit hole. It seems We end on one
[39:18] hand. By buying this property whether he bought a 10 years
[39:24] ago or 5 minutes ago. >> If as it exists, he has
[39:28] access to the back of that property. He has access to the
[39:33] back of that property. abandon this easement to go back to
[39:36] it. He would no longer have access to the back of his
[39:40] property. That's correct. Yes, that's correct. And though he
[39:45] has physical use and legal use of the back of it he can in no
[39:49] way improvement without building a county spec road.
[39:53] >> Not unless the county commission were to change your
[39:55] position on I think that's a little encourage. You can't
[40:00] build a house and should bring it to specs. But I don't think
[40:02] there's any regulations and you can't use.
[40:07] >> No, rule or just know that the county expects that are
[40:08] used. >> He you can improve it, but
[40:12] many of them or is what do you that could we do have a
[40:15] regulation, says you can improve the road that it has
[40:19] to be about county specifications before you can
[40:20] get a building permit. >> It's been the policy, the
[40:23] commission for a number of years that the no improvement
[40:27] unless the improvement to bring it up to whatever the
[40:29] full county specifications are for that, right? Show me. That
[40:31] is it is chairman public Mr. Chairman yesterday, we will
[40:34] close the public hearing. We did it. we did. I just want
[40:41] some computers and things that work right? Trust me. I went
[40:43] to that this one. I want 3 times the 2. Let's get know,
[40:49] we're we're we're going to be for discussion. We close.
[40:51] Okay. you hear that? Yeah, we do. We close public hearing.
[40:54] All right. So Mr. Chairman, let me ask question. is Emaar
[40:59] forced have house on that piece of property already.
[41:00] Yes. There's a brand new. I didn't pull up to see no. It's
[41:10] not. Yeah, it's been there since 1970. Said no, not not
[41:19] the House. He's referring to start commissioner, but yes,
[41:21] there's a brand new residents on their own. The
[41:23] >> The current satellite shows that as a wooded lot. So this
[41:27] is actually the 3rd lot. Thank you. Yes, off a 30nd.
[41:35] >> My instinct is that's why Dr Horton would not approve
[41:37] this request because they were building a house there and
[41:39] they. We're probably planning to sell it. With this
[41:44] knowledge. >> So he's got access to his
[41:48] lot. just To the front of a lot. This is closing access to
[41:52] the river. Walk. >> Which that property has
[41:56] always enjoyed sense. Its inception, the Senate. But has
[42:01] anybody got to the bit to go swimming? But just I have. So
[42:10] to any of lived in that neighborhood or head Frans. It
[42:14] did or walk back and forth to their friend's through the
[42:15] woods. There. So there's 3 homes. The state property
[42:20] owners involved in this conversation. The is this
[42:28] trial lawyers the other the triangular piece at the end of
[42:30] the easement. >> That is doesn't provide any
[42:33] access to that or does he have room to go through this little
[42:38] nearer wedge? You talk about that with our properties. I
[42:43] don't know that by name They have rocks stuff. She's got
[42:49] access on both pave roads all the way she owns the pits and
[42:51] everything else right? >> And also it appears bar
[42:57] packet that she submitted a letter saying that she's okay
[42:58] with this thing. Closure so you can you can take that one
[43:02] out out of a concern. There's letter in there. March air. My
[43:10] thought is if this gentlemen, both the house with the
[43:13] knowledge that he had that access. I don't know how we
[43:19] could hardly cut him off. But did he have needed? According
[43:24] to our attorney, I have access to the back his yard. So
[43:30] here's here's the other piece of You're going to the access
[43:32] is used for what? Thanks, don't know in way. know.
[43:40] quoted the fact that the access used to bring equipment
[43:43] in all the equipment he has on his on his property. And
[43:49] residential single family zone. And code enforcement.
[43:53] Not what might not live to bring in the equipment, but
[43:56] >> he still has right to drive his truck. park in backyard.
[43:59] >> Why? I don't disagree with >> Picked up on Monday said
[44:04] because next now that may not be allowed it.
[44:08] >> Neighborhood, right? Because the next thing would
[44:10] do would be getting complaints. because my drone
[44:11] business in that neighborhood, if you're putting all those
[44:14] equipment in there, so I'm just bring that to a point
[44:17] because this will come back around to to get given time.
[44:21] So I don't have a problem with the person haven't equipment,
[44:25] but I'm just saying from the logical standpoint, we're
[44:26] going to have that problem. If somebody gets every that. We
[44:34] have those problems already that we have to deal with
[44:35] consistently with code enforcement. And the reason I
[44:44] ask for last is a house or cause I'm looking at it uses
[44:46] this is an Oakland. Just don't see how sir. So this bill, but
[44:52] obviously and it was but just didn't see it for those with
[44:53] it doesn't look, I actually think use. This is a
[44:56] comparable sale. I knew those a house there just wasn't time
[45:01] 2, 2 together. Okay. Let's pleasure. The board. clear
[45:13] conscience. I can't. To call someone writes that they
[45:20] currently have. Typically we approve these things. I think
[45:25] it's about 100 to 0. >> Maybe 99 to one since I've
[45:31] been here. But in this case we have an actual landowner who
[45:33] will be affected. If we. But to abandon this easement. On
[45:41] that note, I cannot. So I would move to did not. We have
[45:49] a motion by Commissioner Sumner second by commissioner
[45:51] to Carla. Any further discussion. Hearing. None all
[45:56] favor say Aye. opposed nay. motion carries unanimously.
[46:04] Mr. Yes, now we have a just wanted to thank you guys.
[46:08] thank you. Now we have another public hearing on petition. Be
[46:14] 2026 to 0, 0, 3, 8, That also is a request to band in
[46:18] history right of way. This one is Okeechobee, little farms.
[46:21] Yeah. But that is done with colors in Okeechobee, little
[46:26] farms that this part of the right of way is not built for
[46:29] that, sir. That block. >> South of there is Central
[46:32] Avenue which is billed, but the last block of the north of
[46:35] this right of way has not been built. The applicant was a
[46:40] property on the east side of the south. Half of that right
[46:43] of way. And president to build the gap and the DOT to address
[46:46] the north half of the right of way, the north, half of the
[46:48] right of way is between a couple of industrial business
[46:51] is one of those industrial businesses does.
[46:54] >> Use that right of way for access. But the summit of the
[47:00] public hearings just south half of that right away. We
[47:04] did send a notice of the public hearing to the joining
[47:06] property owner. We have not heard anything about that Been
[47:09] reviewed by Providers had no objections has been reviewed
[47:12] by staff staff had no objections to this. It does
[47:15] not appear to be right away. That's going to be built. That
[47:18] does not appear to be public need for that right of way.
[47:22] said those recommended the board of County commissioners
[47:23] following the public hearing adopt resolution 2026 Dash
[47:29] 2020, 26, Dash 5, 6, banned in that portion of the street
[47:32] right of way. You know, little farms.
[47:37] >> The public hearing is now open in, you'll know, speak to
[47:38] this. >> Good morning. Good morning.
[47:46] My name is Joaquin. So his junior, my address there, I
[47:49] got letter. address is 16. 32 North Center Avenue. The down.
[47:59] Just got it about a year ago. It's been in the family,
[48:00] though, for about 2030, years. So we're very familiar with
[48:06] that area. We haven't built anything there, but there's
[48:10] the potential and there's the want for my side to build. It
[48:14] is on currently light industrial, but to build on it
[48:17] to immediately serve the community of every little
[48:20] farms. I wasn't sure what the abandonment of this access
[48:24] was. But I being completely transparent. That's been
[48:28] overgrown for as long as I've known the South side that he's
[48:32] requesting. But if I put a business there that's meant to
[48:38] serve that immediate community access is important to have I
[48:45] have a little history and fire rescue having access, you
[48:49] know, with no matter what they build. And there's always good
[48:51] more access, the better. So I was kind of wondering why they
[48:56] wanted to abandon to begin with. But as far as getting
[49:01] this letter, I just wanted to make known that, you know, I
[49:03] want to put a business there. Having access would be good I
[49:07] know that. >> We're sure property
[49:10] located. Its northwest corner. It's that one acre on the
[49:16] corner. This one a touch. You. >> It doesn't touch it, but
[49:22] right of way affects us. What effect does I know there's
[49:25] always room for improvement where we could actually get
[49:27] that cleared out and people could have access to it. There
[49:31] hasn't been, but that access is there the opportunity? Is
[49:34] there. The opportunity for growth? Is there and to
[49:38] immediately serve the community instead of resident.
[49:41] So that's why I'm here to speak up.
[49:47] >> Junior, you worried about people coming from 106 to get
[49:48] up there to you. >> If that's a thing as
[49:54] 100,000 or 6, is the South Road? I just want to make it
[49:57] easier. I know they can get to us as to ways they do that to
[50:01] us. But to have that one access there, that would be
[50:06] great, too. So I don't know what the personal reasons are
[50:11] too vacate. That means of egress or access. But it just
[50:15] seems to me that, you know, with the potential of business
[50:20] being affected from it in the future, the rather have that
[50:25] access available. I know that it's not maintained and that
[50:28] it would right now. Currently that's outside. But the
[50:32] potential is there for it to be cleared and have direct
[50:35] access to it as well. >> In your where that for this
[50:40] to happen, you would have to build a road to county
[50:43] specification, which means pest made, which remain
[50:44] paving. >> Well, there's access to the
[50:48] property currently no sure if this.
[50:51] >> Right away was opened up, you would have to do it and
[50:53] you would have to pay for the construction of the road. Does
[50:55] county policy? We have that in writing. Or the?
[51:01] >> Access get one if this to be put through their center
[51:04] street and you wanted to go to your business, you would have
[51:07] to construct the street and pay that even though it's
[51:08] public property. Yes, sir, OK, added another in less. We have
[51:13] it on our plan for some reason. And that's one thing
[51:15] that Bill had a dress. We. From a county standpoint, we
[51:18] don't see any future. Reason for that kind of expenditure
[51:23] to pay that little chance. The road from 100 and stakes, 210
[51:27] sensors already multiple other north-south causeways between
[51:32] those So effectively, we're never going to build it. And
[51:34] effectively and coast. You way more juice squeeze Ryu to
[51:38] build it. For lack of a better way to put the guys. And so in
[51:42] this case, I just don't see junior how it's going to. As I
[51:47] see what you're thinking. But it would take build that
[51:48] sucker out. And man, I was you know, some of the roads there.
[51:53] Just dirt roads just cleared the woods.
[51:57] >> And I mean, even the have that would be better than 2
[52:00] start off already limiting myself. So come in and say my
[52:05] piece back in the day. Those dirt roads. was just kind of
[52:09] what its Okeechobee us. That's what we did. There aren't mean
[52:12] that area grow. Yeah. Yeah. You've been there. don't.
[52:17] Yeah, so but in this case, I just don't see how it how it
[52:21] would adversely affect that acre that you have up there on
[52:23] already existing paved road. And I can see maybe you want
[52:28] to access the side of your property, the east side of
[52:29] your property from that northern half. But that
[52:33] northern half is not before us today. still says needs to do
[52:38] Got that. Your neighbor across the way to the east is already
[52:41] got that bit of a driveway. So you can piggyback off is
[52:45] accessible. Yeah, I don't think one Sorry. No, I'm
[52:49] sorry. And I appreciate you coming Yes, there's Thank you,
[52:51] Yes. Anyone else want to speak? Move to close public
[53:00] comment. Second by Commissioner Commissioner
[53:01] summer second by Commissioner. >> Good bread. Close public in
[53:05] favor say Aye. Aye, all opposed. Nay motion carries
[53:09] unanimously okay. More disappear. Make the motion to
[53:13] approve second. We have a motion by Commissioner Burrows
[53:18] second by Commissioner Summer. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All
[53:23] opposed nay motion carries unanimously. Okay. We go back
[53:30] to 6th. Well, but well, we still have a fear. Let's move
[53:35] on to 6 a I 6 F f. And then if you could would go back to
[53:41] thank you chair, want to Pell has a my friend for being
[53:44] late. No good. Okay. for this too. Ladies, I want to come on
[53:54] that. I guess for this to be put on the agenda so we can
[53:59] figure out what we could do to promote. Okeechobee between.
[54:06] We have a lot of people here that's promoting Okeechobee.
[54:10] And if you have some ideas that if we need to committee
[54:12] or something like that. Discussion time.
[54:19] >> Good morning. I do want to remind the board is, well,
[54:23] this does fit our initiatives for tdc. We actually have
[54:27] Misty wells with let's take it outside coming film in
[54:29] Okeechobee in March. She is on the Discovery Channel as well
[54:33] as 16 other outdoor networks. She also has a YouTube
[54:36] channel. And actually met her at the Florida governor's
[54:42] conference last year. She was able to make that partnership
[54:44] and bring her to Okeechobee. misty came OK, corral. She
[54:49] went fishing with one of our local guides recommended by
[54:52] one of our tdc members from fastbreak intact for a fast
[54:54] break and tackle. She went through our parks. She went to
[55:00] Kissimmee, pairing state preserve. She did all kinds of
[55:02] things like that. The show has been at it. We're supposed to
[55:06] have a watch party, a private watch party, which you all
[55:08] will be invited to next month. So we have that information.
[55:11] We'll send it over to you. And then that shows supposed to
[55:14] come out late October early November. We're waiting for a
[55:17] final date. So we are working on things like that. But we're
[55:21] definitely open to other ideas that the board may have on
[55:24] what else we can do to support that initiative. With the
[55:28] offer for the motel in the guys service. Do you think
[55:31] that there's been a bees, some reporters that we could get
[55:33] down? >> To do some coverage of
[55:37] positive coverage. Are we looking for like reporters or
[55:43] are the board things does not like. It is not my expertise.
[55:44] Such vast scale to come in. >> Okay, we are. We also have
[55:48] an influencer program as well so we can reach out to them
[55:51] and we can make a plan and have a fishing guide trip set
[55:54] up for them and reach out to our local hotel owners and see
[55:56] if we can put together a package. Okay. If it a few
[55:59] said he's got the access to the ones that want to. And so
[56:00] what would this >> What was so?
[56:09] >> It's hard to say because we're working with social
[56:11] media. So it really depends on what kind of social media
[56:15] accounts that we're looking at. We want to target specific
[56:16] states like Kentucky, Alabama, you know, Illinois, things
[56:20] like that. So we really have to go through and search
[56:22] through who we want to the the reporter on these fishing
[56:26] trips that we're gonna bring here.
[56:28] >> It to make. Kentucky is the main state. For for lake. I've
[56:31] heard that yesterday. So what can we do with the you know,
[56:36] we have excellent video graph or Harry can can we do somehow
[56:39] it? How do we get them out? If you make some good movies of
[56:42] somebody's kitchen, 23 pound bass.
[56:49] >> So it will will target the people that want to catch that
[56:54] trophy bass and will entice them and bring them down
[56:55] Okeechobee get that footage. >> I know the economic
[56:59] development group and I'm sure I talk my friend of the
[57:02] chamber, but I'm sure she's on board. I say on brain damage.
[57:06] As I look for posters in the so. that's what I want. Is
[57:12] this to some brainstorming on how we can do and we need to
[57:14] do it relatively quick because our season is coming up. Yeah,
[57:18] I know it by says it's hot and it's my favorite time of year.
[57:20] But unfortunately, winter's coming.
[57:22] >> This I would just like to add that, you know, we do have
[57:26] culture of collaboration. The committee where all of the
[57:30] entities are together. That's the purpose of that. So.
[57:35] Whether the board wants this to projects that is tdc is
[57:38] alone or if you would like to bring it, we can put it on
[57:40] that agenda and work on it together. So you'll just have
[57:45] to give us your direction on that council can get a puppet
[57:49] for everybody. I don't I don't know. I don't. I'm not. I.
[57:54] >> I don't know what that committee health to new meter
[57:56] or who's on it or whatever. if we need to do that, we're
[57:58] going to do another one. I'd like to
[58:02] >> Everybody is in group. looking off the face all the
[58:05] pardon me. Put your the people to have you decide to get
[58:07] together. Maine. Overstepping my bounds. But I'm all for
[58:11] Jared to do some up. Thank I think I could get the
[58:15] administrator to sign off on that.
[58:18] >> But if we could just get it out ASAP.
[58:23] >> It something we'd also like to sponsor local fishing. I to
[58:25] where they can represent tele tourist Development Council
[58:31] and take videos of their troops and then we can use
[58:33] them to promote fishing years. Well, so we've been looking
[58:36] into that. Also. >> Jerry D gets s***. do have
[58:43] to have problem going. The fishing guides in own and
[58:46] doing some kind of videos. >> Commissioner, I don't know
[58:52] this is the right time, but just want to put a shout out
[58:56] to Jared for all his positive comments and statements and
[59:01] stories and different things. He's followed us on because we
[59:05] need that promotion at that level chair. Thank you so
[59:07] much. Everything you do is just. For the betterment of
[59:11] Okeechobee. I appreciate that. should tell us what else can
[59:18] we do? >> So one challenge that does
[59:21] stick out to me is the current lake levels. We have been
[59:24] getting quite a few phone calls from local fishing
[59:26] guides and from tournament directors requesting
[59:29] information about the lake levels. We've been providing
[59:31] them with information about, you know, the lake being
[59:33] cleaned and being the mountain. Things like that.
[59:36] But I would like to try to put together some positive
[59:40] publicity on, you know, people seem to think that they can
[59:42] only fish in the river. And that's not true at this time
[59:44] because the lake levels are so so. So that is definitely a
[59:48] challenge that we're facing right now.
[59:53] >> What's your thoughts about the collaborative pulling
[59:56] together and that are your members of it? that work? Yes,
[59:59] sir. We are members of the culture of collaboration. So
[1:00:04] that is the Co the EDC, the chamber, Main Street as well
[1:00:06] as Tdc. And we also have the city support there as well.
[1:00:10] Right now, our only project has been Christmas in
[1:00:12] Okeechobee, but this is a great group of minds. And I
[1:00:15] think that we can we can take this project really far. We
[1:00:16] know how much these past fishing tournaments and the
[1:00:19] fishermen that can show you where the that's fishing
[1:00:23] capital of the world. And that's a huge economic driver
[1:00:24] for all of us. If you do anything compared to the
[1:00:28] Christmas lights is going to be great. Thank I agree. Thank
[1:00:32] That was that was amazing. And we're looking forward to this
[1:00:36] year in develops foot boats, commissioners. Does everybody
[1:00:41] support seeing what we can and there because it affects our
[1:00:43] economy? Absolutely. >> If they lose the business
[1:00:47] and Homestead exemption, Texas, we're gonna be in
[1:00:48] trouble. Just said that. Threw that out there for
[1:00:52] Commissioner Burrows. Thank you, ladies. Thank everybody
[1:00:57] for being here and participating in that.
[1:01:00] >> Thank for library director. She's got a lot of people she
[1:01:02] talks to down there. there's a city representative brought
[1:01:06] there by You can pull him in. Okay, Mister Nelson, we have.
[1:01:15] Our friend. finished previous life is with.
[1:01:25] >> Yeah. pushing to the end now that he's here. So yet.
[1:01:31] >> Chairman County Commissioners, County Minister
[1:01:33] County attorney. Thank you for having me up here again this
[1:01:37] morning. So we're looking for the board of county
[1:01:40] commissioners to accept a water advocate activists to
[1:01:42] see report. And this is our quarterly report. I have with
[1:01:44] me, Todd Pope with WTI and I will let time take it from
[1:01:49] there. Good morning Missus. Great parties Good morning,
[1:01:57] Lauren. You know, yes, that's because the lake is he is low
[1:02:01] >> we know we want to pray for steady, slow rain and nothing
[1:02:03] too big coming across later on the season as we all. No can
[1:02:08] happen very quickly. But I mean, you have there the
[1:02:12] written report. They're all hit. Some highlights here. I
[1:02:14] think start off on the state level. Of you know, the budget
[1:02:19] this year from the sale 214.5 billion slightly less. It was
[1:02:24] last year of that. You know, we saw 645 million dollars go
[1:02:28] towards Everglades restoration. Yes, sir. okay, I
[1:02:32] can't. Yeah, it's it's all words. Words, words, right? So
[1:02:35] on. I'm not going put you know, if we do read this now,
[1:02:38] just like hit some highlights of course, as we've been
[1:02:42] talking about this, the proposed exemption. Climate, I
[1:02:44] hit some so what that will mean to South Florida water
[1:02:49] management district specifically is, you know,
[1:02:51] they're significant losses about 58.5 million dollars is
[1:02:54] what they expect to lose. A 14% reduction. This next year
[1:02:58] alone when the exemption proposed exemption. If it goes
[1:03:01] to 250 million just up 50,000 per year, the revenue also
[1:03:05] increased about 139 million per year across the 16 county
[1:03:07] region. And while the operation and maintenance
[1:03:13] costs continue to rise, that's when things ahead here is
[1:03:16] that, you know, they they really don't have the funding
[1:03:17] to even do that this upcoming year. You know, of that
[1:03:19] budget. That they got of the 16.0, 5 million, 525 went to
[1:03:26] You know, fully funding, but also accelerating the
[1:03:30] Everglades. Everglades, Agricultural Area Reservoir.
[1:03:34] And that's that's what we've seen. Significant issues on
[1:03:36] the federal side as well. Was that acceleration cost to
[1:03:39] Kiewit primary seemed to fail. They can structure almost 2.0
[1:03:44] billion. 2.1 billion dollars pulled the federal budget to
[1:03:48] fund that acceleration, which you know. We'll see. not very
[1:03:54] optimistic that it will be done. Has their say in 2029.
[1:03:58] And even if it is, let's be real. Then you've got a big
[1:04:02] swimming pool with nothing else. No ways bring the water
[1:04:04] in or out just yet. Because a lot of things have put on
[1:04:08] hold. So that's some of the Frank assessment on the year
[1:04:11] Reservoir but it is great. I think, you know, the the into
[1:04:15] the attempt there of Governor DeSantis was to really make
[1:04:17] that is like I say, and then fund everything that they
[1:04:21] could and leaving some room for the next administration,
[1:04:24] frankly, to make their priorities in decisions on how
[1:04:26] to fund heavy traffic is restoration. So some of the
[1:04:31] things that we did see funded it was was good that with
[1:04:33] 80 million dollars for the northern Everglades, estuary
[1:04:36] Restoration Protection plan, 40 million dollars to go
[1:04:40] towards the lower Kissimmee STA as you're well aware of.
[1:04:44] It was 232.3, 5 million for land management. But again, no
[1:04:48] operational funding. At all for operations and
[1:04:52] maintenance. And that's concerning, right? When you
[1:04:55] don't have anything for the repair replacement or
[1:04:59] rehabilitation projects aging infrastructure, as we all
[1:05:00] know. The central southern system is an over 75 years
[1:05:07] old. And with with everything time, it change sea level rise
[1:05:11] coming. There's there's a lot of work to still be done. FDP,
[1:05:18] though, did get some very closely align projects. That
[1:05:19] was 10 million dollars for innovative water quality. 5 on
[1:05:23] how on harmful algal bloom reduction 20 million for
[1:05:27] Biscayne Bay, 50 on the our city and alternative water
[1:05:31] supply. 25 for any river lagoon and 20 million for
[1:05:36] patients basin. Management action plans for the Bmps.
[1:05:45] Again, you know, with a nod the lake, the in low as dark
[1:05:47] as heard. And, you the mark. It is being they're doing.
[1:05:53] Some removal of mocking mobile, planting of grasses
[1:05:56] inside the lake at this time ftp and fwcc actions to that
[1:05:59] as well. So some good things there. A Jumping on over to
[1:06:06] the legislative side. Some of the roll up the think the big
[1:06:07] ones. Worth it highlighted. With Senate Bill. 0484, on
[1:06:18] that was effective on the data centers effective July. 1st.
[1:06:23] As you know, very big issues. You all are well aware but it
[1:06:28] it mean really specifies a local governments maintain the
[1:06:31] authority to exercise the power and responsibility over
[1:06:34] comprehensive planning and land development regulations.
[1:06:38] And basically what it's also to do is pre prohibit the DP
[1:06:41] or entities, the water management districts from
[1:06:45] basically going around all allowing consumptive water use
[1:06:49] permits, right? So they'll still have to come through
[1:06:51] your body before that could be any kind of final vote on the
[1:06:54] so that that's good. Another one House Bill, 0589, was
[1:07:00] passed us. It's basically one sites. Sewage treatment
[1:07:03] disposal systems permitting, basically saying that you
[1:07:06] don't have to go to ftp to get those permits as long as the
[1:07:12] builders and thing can show that systems they have in
[1:07:14] place, they don't have to go further up for any more
[1:07:15] permitting. Another one of Senate Bill, 0848, stormwater
[1:07:23] treatment essentially requiring it and this one's
[1:07:25] comes more from the P as well as South Florida Water
[1:07:28] Management district other water management districts
[1:07:30] require that whoever whoever the applicant is that they
[1:07:32] have enough docking, they can document they have enough
[1:07:37] funding to actually get the benefits that they're saying
[1:07:39] they're going to do for any kind of stormwater treatment
[1:07:41] areas. They may build. And then lastly on House Bill 40
[1:07:47] 85 for Okeechobee utility authorities so that that did
[1:07:48] provide all advanced needed for the specify Will now? It's
[1:07:55] it. It pass. It provided for the conveyance specified
[1:07:59] lands. not familiar with all the lands they needed, but OK,
[1:08:01] you did or So that was good. I think just really get
[1:08:08] conclusion. You know, while it's great to have that crown
[1:08:10] jewel, the EA Reservoir finally, hopefully money taken
[1:08:16] and moved on. We can move on. But it does come at a cost for
[1:08:18] a lot of the projects that C 23 C 24 reservoir as you wear.
[1:08:21] Being put on hold for several years really made of our
[1:08:26] federal other other federal projects. We're kind trying to
[1:08:29] hold or put on a shelf. So when you were talking about
[1:08:34] the spending appropriations, but you failed to mention
[1:08:37] 100 million dollars for the out of the.
[1:08:39] >> It's a by Everglades Fund is going to build. building
[1:08:42] set north of town 100 million dollars So I thought that
[1:08:49] would probably be the highlights. I don't understand
[1:08:50] how this has anything to do was save the Everglades. But
[1:08:53] there. Yeah, they're working on Yes, sir. The response it's
[1:09:00] it came a little later. So, yeah, I don't have all that
[1:09:04] information. >> No, that one's been out
[1:09:06] there that there well along with the construction, not
[1:09:07] talking about the new water management. Facility opened
[1:09:10] station I'll get some more information on that, though.
[1:09:17] Make sure updates absolutely. Thank you Anyone I'm sorry. We
[1:09:26] didn't have a barbecue for I'm looking Fort Hood couple Thank
[1:09:34] you. Senator is safety. different not be able to call,
[1:09:37] you tend later appreciate Thank you. All. Reverse as
[1:09:43] take a break that >> you can schedule it your on
[1:09:57] the website. live. Which is why had you say out bad they
[1:10:11] can they need to. Okay. We got here. back. We were kids, Jack
[1:10:19] former board and he did here. A local kids get go.
[1:10:32] Mid-nineties. Matt, would you tell commissioner to carve
[1:10:38] Lacey's began here? >> a race. Seems to coming a
[1:10:51] quarter faster, OK? We're going convene and miss Krista.
[1:10:52] Your own next. Good morning commissioners. My name's
[1:11:03] Creston Library. Director. And I'm here today on behalf of
[1:11:06] the Heartland Library, cooperative. This is the
[1:11:10] organization that takes care of our 5 counties and 7
[1:11:13] libraries. It brings in $450,000 that is spent to
[1:11:17] support all 7 libraries. Commissioner, good bread is
[1:11:21] our treasure. Thank you for that. And with the loss of
[1:11:26] Dennis Whitehead, she was one of our board members. And so
[1:11:28] I'm hoping that you will a point.
[1:11:31] >> Matt Campbell, community Services director to be the
[1:11:34] new board member for that. >> So that's reason he
[1:11:40] statement. he was lobbying Frank for his vote.
[1:11:46] >> We love Made a vote. No. >> And you cannot escape being
[1:11:53] treasurer. Nice. We need a motion. Or can I just point
[1:11:56] motion to second that? But does he accept? I didn't
[1:12:06] accept being pressure. Yeah. That was I was nay motion
[1:12:08] carries. Congratulations. Matt, thank you so much. This
[1:12:13] meant and that's out. weight of women. I got your some of
[1:12:21] the good things you have going on there. You we not going to
[1:12:23] buy this easy. >> Actually, I am almost done
[1:12:28] with the annual report that we have to turn in by tomorrow at
[1:12:32] 06:00PM. I'm looking at administrator. And I am
[1:12:38] absolutely thrilled we have right now. It looks like 79%
[1:12:42] increase in program attendance. I knew it was
[1:12:46] going to be high. I was looking at 50%. But a lot of
[1:12:49] that is the commissioners giving us a programming budget
[1:12:53] and post COVID. We have discovered that people want to
[1:12:56] do yoga. They want to do kirchaine. They want to do the
[1:12:59] golf in the stacks at the library. They are very much
[1:13:04] interested in activities that are provided. And I think the
[1:13:07] second piece that has made this so successful is the
[1:13:12] media advertising. I know that you guys comment, Commissioner
[1:13:14] Burrows comments he gets are flyers that we send out our
[1:13:17] newsletters that we send out and we are trying so hard to
[1:13:21] keep that effort going. And so when you were talking earlier
[1:13:26] today about partnering with Tdc and partnering with that
[1:13:31] Economic Foundation. You are exactly right. And even hiring
[1:13:37] of Jarrett to do piano. This is why the library's being
[1:13:41] successful as we are getting the word out about what we're
[1:13:43] doing. And I cannot say thank you enough. I cannot wait to
[1:13:46] show you the numbers. I cannot believe I'm going to say this
[1:13:51] that I almost want to come back just to talk about the
[1:13:52] library. Because I'm so impressed with the numbers.
[1:13:58] Just our door county alone is up 7%. We're now at 140,000
[1:14:02] visits and it's only 40,000 people in the county 140,000,
[1:14:06] up from 133. So it's it's just phenomenal. And it's it's the
[1:14:12] programming and it's the advertising.
[1:14:16] >> Everybody goes 3 and half times. minimum.
[1:14:22] >> Cresta curious and mostly for that. Everybody is
[1:14:23] watching here. A few years ago, we did away with Has do
[1:14:28] you think that's helped? >> Absolutely. People in the
[1:14:35] library absolutely. And people we did away with that around
[1:14:37] 2014 and it was very strategic because when people have
[1:14:41] fines, they won't bring their items back and it cost me more
[1:14:46] to replace that item. Then to just forgive the fine and you
[1:14:48] can bring your item back. One of our hot spots costs $110 to
[1:14:52] replace. What if I tell them, hey, just bring it back. I
[1:14:56] don't care how long you've had it. Just bring it back.
[1:15:00] Absolutely. Gives us a return on what we actually physically
[1:15:01] have in the library. >> Remember, that was the
[1:15:05] discussion when we when we decided to do that, that it
[1:15:07] would. Possibly bring people back into the library that
[1:15:10] we're kind of. Embarrassed or whatever to come back because
[1:15:14] they, you know, they had a bookout since So.
[1:15:20] >> Or you have a hot spot different year. Are you going
[1:15:25] to Turner's and did the next day? Okay. Thank you, Miss
[1:15:29] Cristol. We appreciate what you do for Thank you. you
[1:15:32] waited patiently. Good morning. Thank you.
[1:15:44] >> I'm here to present the personnel action. Ford
[1:15:48] approval is required to approve the organizational
[1:15:50] structure. Update. Reclassification of 3
[1:15:53] positions and associated job descriptions pay grade changes
[1:15:56] and one updated job description. Further board
[1:16:00] approval is required for the initiation of the recruitment
[1:16:02] for the grants manager position in the current fiscal
[1:16:05] year. So a summary of the proposed reclassifications in
[1:16:10] the library. The current position is a librarian at a
[1:16:15] pay grade. 17 requesting to move to a library coordinator
[1:16:20] at a pay grade 14. And capital improvement projects section.
[1:16:24] The current title is a project coordinator for facilities,
[1:16:29] maintenance and a preview. Pay grade 13 moving to a project
[1:16:34] coordinator for capital improvements in the pay grade
[1:16:35] 15. And the community development section. The
[1:16:41] current title of ship coordinator at a pay grade 11
[1:16:44] is being reclassified to community development
[1:16:47] coordinator at the same pay grade. The grants manager, job
[1:16:51] description has been updated to incorporate affordable
[1:16:54] housing duties and responsibilities. Board
[1:16:58] approval is requested to authorize initiation of the
[1:17:00] recruitment process. Any questions? Sheriff? I yes,
[1:17:09] ma'am. >> the grants manager position
[1:17:13] was approved during the workshops and preparation of
[1:17:16] the proposed budget for fiscal year. 27. So the requests here
[1:17:21] due to ship in affordable housing being responsibilities
[1:17:24] being moved underneath the grants manager position. We
[1:17:29] typically receive funding for that program prior to October
[1:17:32] one. So we are needing to start really honing in on the
[1:17:36] process. These applications in the plan for that funding as
[1:17:38] soon as possible. So that's why the request is that we
[1:17:43] start this position now instead of wait until October
[1:17:47] one to fill the position. >> And were able to make all
[1:17:52] these changes in and budgeting process to reduce the millage
[1:17:56] is recommended. Yes, sir. Just in most listening. And what is
[1:18:03] your recommendation this Lisa? >> Our staff recommendation is
[1:18:06] the board approve. Let's plays of the board in question for
[1:18:11] Social to approve. Motion by Commissioner. Good best second
[1:18:18] by commissioner to Carlo all in favor. Say Aye. Aye.
[1:18:22] >> All opposed. Nay motion carries unanimously. Thank
[1:18:23] you. Thank you. Misplace. Mr. Nelson is look really going to
[1:18:36] be on camera. >> Yes, sir. I know on your
[1:18:41] agenda. It does say I'm the presenter, but I have Luke
[1:18:44] here and >> you know, will be as of
[1:18:49] right now, Luke's filling their Yeah. Daryn is out.
[1:18:53] >> I am going to let Luke take this over. So moving forward.
[1:18:58] I just want to let you on going to take on the
[1:19:01] presentation there and I'll be here to supporting and helping
[1:19:03] with any questions you all may have good morning
[1:19:07] >> Good morning. Commissioners.
[1:19:10] >> We have a >> a short video and then a
[1:19:15] presentation to follow. >> He's for the county south.
[1:19:23] We're already on the job. things that we Okeechobee
[1:19:28] move. We read We rebuilt it. every we'll turn. We call it
[1:19:38] even we protect the place call home. We move the water. We
[1:19:44] designed the future. We build. What comes next. Why would the
[1:19:51] Suns one mission? You don't just mean teen Okeechobee.
[1:19:52] build the foundation that keeps
[1:19:56] >> Public to serve ?
[1:20:07] >> I'd like to say thanks help with that video. And then
[1:20:14] we're going to move into our presentation for public Works
[1:20:17] Department fiscal year 2025. 2026. Update. For the public
[1:20:25] works. We have 5 divisions. The under public works Road
[1:20:29] and bridge a vision stormwater Cordinator fleet maintenance
[1:20:32] division, Solid waste Division and are contracted engineering
[1:20:36] services. Our department our focus on providing needed
[1:20:42] improvements and maintenance of county assets and
[1:20:44] infrastructure, including roadways, sidewalks and
[1:20:48] drainage ditches, storm water systems, solid waste disposal
[1:20:52] county vehicles, cetera, to ensure safety of our
[1:20:54] residents. Businesses, stakeholders and visitors.
[1:21:00] Works is funded with the Transportation Trust Fund 101.
[1:21:04] And the road improvement fund through 4 with gas tax grants
[1:21:07] and charges for services. On this slide. We have our room
[1:21:11] bridge team the picture. These are people that are out in the
[1:21:18] field daily accomplishing all the task and issues across the
[1:21:21] county roadways. On this slide. We have some quick
[1:21:26] facts about our departments. I'll touch on a couple of
[1:21:29] them. We have 32 team members across 5 departments with 161
[1:21:34] years combined. Experience and road and bridge. We have 187
[1:21:38] years of combined experience in fleet maintenance. Our
[1:21:43] total budget for road and bridge department led a fair
[1:21:46] physical year 2025. 2026 was 4 Million. $33,173. We use
[1:21:55] continued use of piggyback agreements to provide cost
[1:21:58] savings to the citizens of Okeechobee County. On this
[1:22:01] slide, we have a road maintenance. Budget for fiscal
[1:22:07] year 2025 2026. The total budget was 4 Million. 33,173
[1:22:15] for our proposed fiscal year 2026. 2027 budget is
[1:22:19] 4 million 86 thousand 6 157, our capital requests are 2
[1:22:26] John Deere. 61. 10:00AM motor tractors. $245,300 DEC over
[1:22:31] equipment trailer. At $28,335. And a vehicle replacement,
[1:22:38] which would be a truck. Our public works. Budget on this
[1:22:46] slide is for fiscal year 2025. 2026 is 464,911. The proposed
[1:22:54] fish. We're 26. 27 budget is 493,500. This is our road and
[1:23:00] bridge slide with some of the things we maintain across the
[1:23:02] county based on a couple of them. We have 677 miles or
[1:23:07] right away maintenance approximately 15,200 driveways
[1:23:10] and crossover culverts across the county. Approximately
[1:23:16] 3,700 roadway signs and 450 miles right away, mowing. On
[1:23:23] training. We do staff training, weekly and monthly.
[1:23:27] I'll touch base on a couple of those. We had 20 staff members
[1:23:30] attended a driving safety course this year. We also had
[1:23:34] 2 staff members traffic single one tech course. At our
[1:23:42] department. We have had a capital improvement project in
[1:23:44] the public Bridge department. We had a new poll. Warren has
[1:23:49] been added to our department to help protect the county's
[1:23:50] assets from the harsh Florida weather. And returned. This
[1:23:54] helps to keep our department moving forward. Road and
[1:23:59] bridge apartments, major accomplishments. I'd like to
[1:24:00] address a few up here. We've cleaned 17.8 miles of small
[1:24:07] canal systems. 41,400 linear feet of residential swale was
[1:24:11] regretted. And we also made drainage improvements and spot
[1:24:16] in the Basswood for 4 seasons and Fort Drum to promote more
[1:24:20] efficient storm water drainage. Some of the things
[1:24:25] we have done in the last 12 months. We haven't stall
[1:24:31] rumble strips on various county roads. We have done
[1:24:36] in-house concrete restoration repairs as needed. And we have
[1:24:42] done pavement improvements, pothole repairs and debris
[1:24:44] removal from the county right of ways. Congressman, be
[1:24:50] continued by numbers. To the left there. We have replaced
[1:24:59] 5,160 linear feet of cover fight for place near the age
[1:25:00] and or condition. 591 signs and post were replaced and or
[1:25:06] repaired. And the last 12 months. More accomplishments
[1:25:13] like touch base on a few of those 371.4, 3 tons of hot
[1:25:19] asphalt was used for pothole repairs, road cut repairs and
[1:25:23] drop-off repairs. We also had 1609 loads of dirt slash
[1:25:27] vegetation removed from canals and swales and other drainage
[1:25:30] areas across the county. Some of the things we're working on
[1:25:36] right now is repairing potholes. Drop-offs across the
[1:25:40] county tree trimming and addressing drainage issues as
[1:25:44] they appear throughout the ring season. Our 5 year goal
[1:25:50] was to maintain our professional workforce with
[1:25:53] continuing educational opportunities for staff. Our
[1:25:57] customer experience focuses on providing excellent service to
[1:26:01] the residents and businesses streamline the process.
[1:26:04] Enhanced communications and its are responsive. This 2
[1:26:07] inquiries and concerns. This is a graph showing the new
[1:26:13] installs which would be our final Lise permits of come
[1:26:17] through our department and then the replacement call
[1:26:19] Rick's. We have done throughout this year. To the
[1:26:22] right. You have a graph to show the numbers and to the
[1:26:24] left. The numbers are actually written out. So in 2025, new
[1:26:29] installs 240 to finalize permits we're a place to 145
[1:26:34] failing culverts. And 2025. 2026 so far. Our new installs
[1:26:40] or 308 finalize permits and are placements are at 160
[1:26:44] colors. We're moving on flee maintenance division. For
[1:26:55] fleet maintenance. This is the 3rd year 100 public Works
[1:26:57] Department. And it provides vehicle maintenance to be SEC.
[1:27:03] Emergency vehicles firing MS and other department vehicles
[1:27:07] and equipment. They maintain 50 plus public safety fire and
[1:27:10] EMS vehicles and equipment, including trailers. And they
[1:27:15] maintain 182 vehicles, including trailers and
[1:27:16] off-road equipment. Fleet maintenance certifications.
[1:27:24] These are certifications that that staff has some of them.
[1:27:28] More than one employee has some of those certifications.
[1:27:33] Equating to 20 certifications within that apartment on
[1:27:35] various. Automotive certifications. This is our
[1:27:41] solid waste Department. The following services are
[1:27:46] provided Shelby County by Waste Management, residential
[1:27:49] trash, residential yard waste. Ball yard waste 4 cubic yards
[1:27:53] or less. Hurricane season tips before the storm for solid
[1:27:59] waste Department. The big ones I'd like to point out is to
[1:28:04] make sure your yards maintain tree trimming hedges
[1:28:09] vegetation and note that. Do not place any vegetation,
[1:28:14] waste curbside within 3 days of a hurricane warning after
[1:28:17] storm. Police separate regular household garbage from storm
[1:28:22] debris on the curbside Waste Management is only responsible
[1:28:25] for collecting regular household waste after storm a
[1:28:27] third-party contractor. Secured by the county will
[1:28:30] collect. Stormed a breeze. Community engagement. Customer
[1:28:39] service is a public works departments number one
[1:28:40] priority. Timely response to issues and complaints. And
[1:28:45] then I'd like to move to the communications and essentials.
[1:28:49] We communicate with the public message led message boards,
[1:28:54] public notices social media and the county website Public
[1:28:59] Works. Department has also recently started engaging in
[1:29:01] different public events. To show our outreach and what our
[1:29:08] department does to inform Republic. What we do was that
[1:29:10] one at that? That one was that the Hurricane expo smoking
[1:29:13] are. And we've also participated in the safety
[1:29:19] expo for 2 years at the AG Center as well as Christmas
[1:29:21] parade. The engineering side under our department. Projects
[1:29:28] underway are listed below. I'd like to know that the grants
[1:29:33] are awarded for 5 bridges. 2 million, $720,000. As well
[1:29:39] as another accomplishment would meet the
[1:29:42] 6 million 450 thousand, $871. Additional FDOT scapa scrap.
[1:29:48] Roadway grant money that has been secure. This is for a
[1:29:55] Lofton road improvement. The FDOT Grant fund is 7 million,
[1:29:59] 170,000 dollars. 227. And the construction complete
[1:30:06] completion is estimated to end early of 2027. And I'd like to
[1:30:13] thank the board County commissioners for continued
[1:30:17] support and the citizens of Okeechobee County. I would
[1:30:21] also like to thank the county administrator for Hurricane
[1:30:25] Sandy support and Justin, for his continued support. And if
[1:30:28] you have any questions, take those at this time.
[1:30:32] >> Thank you for what you've done here. And thank you for
[1:30:36] stepping up. you get difficult situation in our community
[1:30:37] right now. So when when we start working on your paving
[1:30:40] this for that. >> We're currently working on
[1:30:46] it. We're getting some roads for this upcoming year. We do
[1:30:50] have a feeling mind I could update you with that list.
[1:30:53] Okay? Because we probably have some requests to the woman.
[1:30:59] Anyone else. Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir.
[1:31:05] >> So Luke did a great job. I know you're going or verse up
[1:31:07] there. did a good job. I appreciate it.
[1:31:13] >> Thank you for stepping up. look, I know you guys got to
[1:31:16] lot going on over there right now that they're not like
[1:31:17] this. Thank you, commissioner. All right. Thank you, Sir.
[1:31:24] Good Thank you, sir. Thank you.
[1:31:28] >> Pix bacon is not so bad as used to that. expect you back
[1:31:34] here every meeting with a 15 minute sir. Thank you. Okay.
[1:31:47] As Jessica. >> Yes, sir. So what you have
[1:31:51] for this item is the administrative regulation. 4.0
[1:31:54] 7. It has been revised to be more in compliance with
[1:31:58] federal and state laws, regulations and other
[1:32:01] governing requirements. >> This like I said earlier
[1:32:07] today, we'll support the direction that the grants
[1:32:10] department as going and having.
[1:32:12] >> Internal procedures that. >> Will provide more
[1:32:17] efficiencies and support. So It was
[1:32:21] >> The revision us pretty much a complete overhaul from was
[1:32:26] previously there and >> it includes what was
[1:32:31] previously there, but some additional compliance measures
[1:32:34] that grand tours are looking for within our policies. So
[1:32:35] this supports any federal and state grant. We've already had
[1:32:40] it reviewed by them the by them. I mean, the grand tours
[1:32:45] and the agencies to ensure it includes all of the provisions
[1:32:47] that they're looking for when we apply for grants or get
[1:32:50] awarded grants. So this is just a a measure that will
[1:32:55] look forward to. >> Reaching and complying
[1:32:58] with. >> So according to this, we
[1:33:05] need to approve it, Okay. Was placed aboard a motion to
[1:33:08] approve second. Motion by Commissioner Sunder second by
[1:33:13] Commissioner. Good bread all in favor say Aye. Aye opposed.
[1:33:16] Nay motion carries unanimously.
[1:33:17] >> I guess that's all. Yes, now that's Jessica. I'm sure
[1:33:26] you have a list. >> So for some updates, we do
[1:33:31] have some events coming tomorrow, August 14 from 4.30,
[1:33:38] to 6. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meet. The
[1:33:40] candidates at C Scott driver. for the community and the
[1:33:46] speakers are banned. Butler, the candidate for Florida's
[1:33:47] night congressional District Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee
[1:33:51] County commissioner for District 4 in Frank de Carlo
[1:33:55] Okeechobee County Commissioner for district to force a date
[1:33:58] and time. >> Tomorrow, August 14 from
[1:34:00] 4.30. This except he's got driver.
[1:34:02] >> I think you're supposed RSVP. There is the option to
[1:34:08] RSVPs did And I have a conflict. So. Okay. that would
[1:34:10] be me. >> And the hundreds historical
[1:34:21] courthouse celebrations are upcoming in September. They
[1:34:22] are on your calendars. Just want to provide a reminder. So
[1:34:26] September 10, 5.30, to 7 in the lobby and September, 12th
[1:34:30] 9 to 5. It's a Saturday. It's an open house for all the
[1:34:34] public to attend with historical pictures, videos,
[1:34:37] scavenger hunt and more. And that will be in the lobby as
[1:34:40] well as appear on the second floor. The next board meetings
[1:34:45] is there's one next week. August 20th at 09:00AM on
[1:34:47] Thursday. Following that we have the September 10th
[1:34:51] meeting at 09:00AM for regular bocc meeting and we do have
[1:34:54] our first budget public hearing at 501, that same day
[1:34:58] on September 10. Then we have 5.30, and then you have the 5,
[1:35:07] 3000 here Houston. >> That is all. Mr. Nelson.
[1:35:20] >> Thank you, chair. I've got couple of really one major
[1:35:24] thing I want to bring up is so myself, the chief Chief Asia
[1:35:28] Leaf. Deputy are a Chief deputy pays a leaf. And the
[1:35:38] sheriff and the parks recreation, not gamble from
[1:35:42] the train services director. We all met this past weekend
[1:35:44] started having some discussions about some some
[1:35:50] changes and approval for park rentals and how the process
[1:35:53] goes based off of how much that's increased the issues
[1:35:57] that the sheriff's department same issues that we're seeing
[1:36:00] internally. So we're going to be meeting regularly to start
[1:36:04] putting that together. And I would like if there's any way
[1:36:06] possible that one of the board members can sit in on those
[1:36:11] meetings so that we could we could as we develop this, the
[1:36:15] board understands where the push is coming from and where
[1:36:17] the desires coming from. So if there's any way that somebody
[1:36:20] from the board would be willing to sit on those and
[1:36:22] come to those meetings, I would definitely appreciate
[1:36:24] that. I would took a and cake if everybody's kid, I will
[1:36:31] definitely get Commissioner Carlo in those those meetings,
[1:36:36] that's where you invasion but truth, the whole truth.
[1:36:42] >> It's mainly so you'll see when we start looking at these
[1:36:46] regulation changes that the board has somebody there who
[1:36:47] can speak on the boards behalf. want to bring
[1:36:48] something back multiple times. We want to try to hit it right
[1:36:51] the first time. So with the chair with the sheriff, the
[1:36:55] fire chief, the deputy chief, our chief deputy, all of them
[1:36:59] there along with staff. I think that it would be good to
[1:37:03] have a commissioner there see what we're talking about, why
[1:37:05] we're bringing issues up for just like to add that it's in
[1:37:10] reference >> rentals or events at the
[1:37:12] parks in the capacity. As far as
[1:37:17] >> response and notification across all the. Departments he
[1:37:23] mentions. So it's in terms of capacity when we have these
[1:37:26] events who's being notified at what point and how that is set
[1:37:32] in stone. So we're supporting all departments and
[1:37:34] constitutional and I'm told it will. Make a requirement for
[1:37:42] certain amount on forsman certain amount. Correct needed
[1:37:45] them. But so whatever estimate it everybody would come up
[1:37:48] here and say, I didn't know needed them. But so maybe.
[1:37:51] >> So very good. That could be a good thing People would know
[1:37:54] ahead of time. Yes, sir. it's going to be having that. That
[1:38:01] approval process as we're looking at it is going be much
[1:38:03] more beneficial for. >> Fire rescue along the
[1:38:08] sheriff's department to be a little more involved and how
[1:38:10] we regulate and what we look because as we know, 250 person
[1:38:15] event, which is what triggers significant event. It kind of
[1:38:17] just changes sometimes. And we want to make sure that
[1:38:21] everybody's aware what's going on and can make suggestions on
[1:38:23] what needs to happen for that. So we want to be talking
[1:38:26] having those conversations, figure out how to put policy
[1:38:28] changes together and get down from the board to say this is
[1:38:31] what we think needs to happen. And then also with the new
[1:38:34] software that mats looking at right now for the Parks and
[1:38:38] Park rentals, they'll have of access to those throughout
[1:38:43] throughout the whole process. Still got to see the
[1:38:45] applications as they come in and there's a lot of really
[1:38:48] neat stuff that's moving forward. We just want to make
[1:38:49] sure that everybody's aware of what we're doing has a better
[1:38:52] understanding of why we're doing what we're doing. So.
[1:38:56] Other than that, that's really all I got having any major
[1:38:58] questions or concerns questions, comments, so
[1:39:01] appreciate. stepping up to try to fill parents spots always
[1:39:09] do. Yes, certainly doing a great job of picking up that
[1:39:11] as much as he can trying to support lift the best I can.
[1:39:13] So. have no clue where that one came from. the like it
[1:39:19] bounce at year. >> And it's a cliff in a for
[1:39:24] flew out of your little But I just look at the constitution
[1:39:28] read up and that's good us. great. thank you. Yes, sir.
[1:39:34] Thank you, Jay. Thank you. Chair.
[1:39:40] >> Commissioners just one led by no emergency management
[1:39:42] monitoring. That there's activity firing up. It's that
[1:39:44] time of year. It's a it's they're out there that we
[1:39:50] don't perceive any threat to Florida at this time with the
[1:39:51] ones that are there. But we are monitoring those actually
[1:39:54] and disseminate that information to our staff here
[1:39:56] at the county. Just let her by know where, where, where
[1:40:02] mosquito control is up and running. We've been going for
[1:40:05] a couple months now. We're spraying almost weekly and
[1:40:08] thank you to chair for getting those messages out. If you
[1:40:10] follow the county pages you've been seeing where we're
[1:40:11] spraying. So just for the public's information, if you
[1:40:15] do experience of high increase of mosquitoes that can call
[1:40:21] the mosquito hotline. It's 1, 8, 100, 203, 6, 4, 8, 5, and
[1:40:27] they can leave their address there. And what the complaint
[1:40:30] is, obviously, mosquitoes is usually it's just here's the
[1:40:33] address. My complaint is mosquitoes, of some that does
[1:40:39] that does register with Clark and they compare that with
[1:40:43] trapped data and that factors into where we spray and and
[1:40:44] how often. >> The the hotline, this
[1:40:48] different. Yes, it. We've had it for a while and it just
[1:40:52] wasn't publicize a lot. So it's something that we're, you
[1:40:55] know, that we want the citizens to know that if they
[1:40:57] have a complaint made, I don't have to call the
[1:41:00] commissioners. They can call hotline and get directly to us
[1:41:03] try to take a little bit of OSCE phone calls away. But
[1:41:06] it's We had a a productive meeting with our software
[1:41:14] organization and community development. Well, tentatively
[1:41:19] productive. We'll see how productive it isn't. In our
[1:41:20] follow-up meeting in 2 weeks. But want to thank staff for
[1:41:24] attending that expressing their concerns and we're going
[1:41:26] to see if we can't. Interim solve some of the problems
[1:41:33] that we're having. And until we come up with a long-term
[1:41:35] solution. That's all I got. >> Mr. Nelson did. Did you
[1:41:44] want to talk about the benefit chair? I would love to I I
[1:41:47] said I want to make sure I had full approval from from you
[1:41:49] and the administrator for me for but but Stoke a took Mr.
[1:41:56] yeah. So we're looking at from Mr. Dan Brown, the Public
[1:41:59] Works Department along with some of the community
[1:42:02] partners. >> We'll be looking at trying
[1:42:04] to put together for August. 28, I think it's Friday. The
[1:42:08] 28 started on the counter pull back to us to put together a
[1:42:13] benefit fundraiser from Mr. Brown. He knows as we all know
[1:42:17] here internally, Mr. Brown has been a significant asset to
[1:42:22] Shelby County. What he's done for us has been amazing and
[1:42:24] he's having some major health issues. So we want to try to
[1:42:28] support the family as we can. The public works. Staff will
[1:42:32] be kind of manning the as much of it is a can will be looking
[1:42:35] for any outside partners to be willing to help contribute to
[1:42:40] that. But yes, the main goal is to try to help to a benefit
[1:42:42] for him to raise some money for his family. got along
[1:42:48] recovery right now as of where it stands. So we want to try
[1:42:52] to help support that the public works Department. The
[1:42:54] benefit will be on Friday. So all county staff will be there
[1:42:56] will be county. That's not on county time. Just want to make
[1:42:59] sure that the public's aware that this is not some this can
[1:43:02] be done on county time. They work for 10. So the on Friday,
[1:43:04] their day off. So full public works department will be
[1:43:09] there. We'll be trying to get tickets together. It's going
[1:43:12] to be kind of a really quick process to try to get all that
[1:43:15] done. That anybody that would be willing to help contribute.
[1:43:18] We would love You the chairs thinking he might not be here,
[1:43:21] but I'll be coordinating with Chief Paisley and sheriff to
[1:43:27] see if they could help me maybe with the cooking and
[1:43:30] some of inch or so it'll be a launch. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
[1:43:32] The goal is to be a launch more like it will hold in the
[1:43:34] park, which I'll be meeting with the park and making sure
[1:43:37] that that works. If not, we will get it. The flyers out,
[1:43:40] get it on our social media, get all the advertisements out
[1:43:41] that we can. Once we have more defined this kind of came up
[1:43:46] yesterday. I want to thank chair was key partner in
[1:43:49] trying to help lucan staff organized. This is some
[1:43:53] staff's been wanting to do and tariffs that tennis today. Let
[1:43:56] me let me get in touch with right people. Let me try to
[1:43:58] make sure that we can handle a star right way. So I do want
[1:44:02] to say thank you Jaren Hall. The public works. Staff are
[1:44:05] trying to get this moving I said it. The goal is would be
[1:44:08] Friday. The 28 at it would be a launch benefit and we'll be
[1:44:15] working. I'll have more detail once we started process. go
[1:44:20] ahead to larger had he's been dubbed the Golden Child All
[1:44:23] Day. He has he's he that a lot of people think the I O and I
[1:44:26] don't see what the P I o does for us daily on top of
[1:44:28] renovating his own office space.
[1:44:32] >> he's been moving offices up next. She's yes, he's done it.
[1:44:37] He's had a lot on his plate, said yes. Thank you to him and
[1:44:39] thank you, everybody for the support. Is Jessica, you to
[1:44:43] say next urged if I were onerepublic, you're incorrect.
[1:44:46] >> Now, Sir, September 10th. >> Misunderstood. That changed
[1:44:53] it. So we don't have anything neck surgery, but just regular
[1:44:55] regular board meeting us okay. >> Great. change in air. Want
[1:45:03] to keep our turn in suspense. Good morning chair and Mission
[1:45:08] ERs. >> A quick update start with
[1:45:12] Roadwatch dot. Couple of things us 98 at the South. The
[1:45:20] squadron of the lake between one 26 1.38. going to be doing
[1:45:23] some Paul heartening down in that area. The next couple of
[1:45:28] weeks. The other thing of interest is on us. 98 right
[1:45:34] near the river on the North quadrant. They're going to be
[1:45:39] doing nighttime bridge inspections on the kiss and
[1:45:44] Kissimmee River Relief Bridge, which is just east of the
[1:45:49] actual bridge over the river as well as Chandler Slew,
[1:45:53] which is just north of 68. It will be nighttime, a single
[1:45:57] lane closures. >> doing both bridges it both
[1:46:03] looking at both bridges. Now, same changes. I don't know if
[1:46:07] the doing both bridges and not this just said '09, 8, So I
[1:46:12] think that just looking at one of them right now. Because the
[1:46:18] one up by the river's not very significant this live
[1:46:22] >> its just nighttime inspections. Single lane
[1:46:27] closures. They figure that's the better time to do the
[1:46:28] inspections. On the home front.
[1:46:33] >> Berman Road. We had a really good meeting with the
[1:46:35] water management district yesterday.
[1:46:37] >> On. >> All 3 of the projects and
[1:46:42] how we're going to move them forward and get their support
[1:46:43] with respect the amount of water they're going to let
[1:46:46] discharge into the slew through the different
[1:46:48] opportunities we have Lofton road the drainage work is
[1:46:55] done. The contractors now moving into the restoration
[1:46:59] work. He has indicated that he would step up and help with
[1:47:03] maintaining the existing potholes, the ones that are
[1:47:06] getting worse. I've also challenged the team that
[1:47:10] designed cut the designers as well contractor to come up
[1:47:14] with a game plan on how we can fix some of the very
[1:47:19] deteriorated roads, which it happened over the last couple
[1:47:21] of years since the designs come on. No matter what we do,
[1:47:25] it will be done under the DOT grant money and you may see
[1:47:29] something in front of you sometime in the near future
[1:47:32] for the change order that would be covered by the grant.
[1:47:35] Lastly, a grant update now that we have a continuing
[1:47:38] service providers on board, we're reaching out to them to
[1:47:42] provide us with proposals for the dot. Scott projects, the
[1:47:46] first one on board is 50's 56 Avenue. And that's from a
[1:47:52] 12244 as well as the grant that we will be receiving for
[1:47:57] once again updating the master stormwater modeling. With Here
[1:48:02] to answer any other questions you may have.
[1:48:07] >> How are we coming with? The contractors offered to help
[1:48:09] patch up potholes on often roads that looking good.
[1:48:13] That's that's what I just reported. They stepped up and
[1:48:15] they said they would. I do not have reported have you been
[1:48:19] out there lately such air yet myself and director Ridley
[1:48:23] rode out yesterday the dinner they've done a significant
[1:48:28] amount of it, if not right now. I love it. It's been
[1:48:34] taking care of. And then as the engineer had stated,
[1:48:36] they'll keep monitoring that and keep trying to keep up
[1:48:38] with that moving forward. during the week we had.
[1:48:45] Verified complaint said those 3 foot wide. yesterday they
[1:48:47] were justified. Complaints justified and didn't relate
[1:48:51] to. And we appreciate the help there. Any further any other
[1:48:54] questions. Comments. Thank you, sir. Mister Attorney.
[1:49:02] Nothing at this time. Mister Chair, the waiting all day to
[1:49:07] say Now about the rest 18. >> It's very glad to be here,
[1:49:13] but nothing else to add. >> are we are all silent
[1:49:19] today. Nothing ahead. Thank you so much. She didn't love
[1:49:24] for questions either. And I >> Commissioner I don't really
[1:49:31] have anything that either keep their in your prayers. That's
[1:49:37] what I ended with 3 weeks ago. And now keep that today.
[1:49:40] That's all got. >> know, I say keep Baird and
[1:49:45] his family and everybody's person. Good Lord willing will
[1:49:50] have a positive outcome. >> said Mr. to Carla. Matt,
[1:49:55] thanks for your hard work on the pool. I've had have a pool
[1:49:59] and several and I know how hard it is. When you put that
[1:50:04] water and their color with the limestone reaction from the
[1:50:06] create and everything. But thank you. I know it's a
[1:50:08] challenge. Justin. Luke, you guys that are stepping up to
[1:50:15] fill the gap. I know there's a lot going on right Thank you,
[1:50:20] everybody. For all your hard work out there. Everybody.
[1:50:22] That's that. It's all about a team, you know, and and
[1:50:27] pulling together thank you. Commissioner Burrows.
[1:50:38] >> To just reiterate to some toward the Darren and
[1:50:42] everything and Luka did a good like know that's pretty
[1:50:45] difficult to come up here. And stand in front of all all of
[1:50:51] us up here. But, you know, at the end of the day, you did a
[1:50:53] good job if you coach that's good. You did a great job
[1:50:55] coaching, too. >> Just just to piggyback on
[1:51:00] that, I wanted get something that was more pleasant before
[1:51:02] us come to for money or something. So I figured let's
[1:51:08] let's get him up and get him acclimated. you just you're
[1:51:10] just trying to saw feels that you just try to make him saw.
[1:51:12] Now hear the easy, the first doing presentations it becomes
[1:51:16] with his list of roads. That will be one for him get
[1:51:19] certain sand and him an engineer doing a great job,
[1:51:21] trying to come up with all of those rates and I'm sure we'll
[1:51:23] see more suggestions as we look at it. But yes, thank
[1:51:27] you. He did a great I guess. You know, you've only got 41
[1:51:28] minutes. I didn't know that. that's okay.
[1:51:36] >> I can get this done in about 45 seconds. PCC meeting
[1:51:42] the other day is public safety Coordinating Council couple of
[1:51:44] things to come out of this kind of interesting. If
[1:51:48] commissioners remind yourself that we provide some money to
[1:51:52] the sheriff's office to work on a new bridge program with
[1:51:57] New Ryzen, a Asia leap to come back on the next board meeting
[1:52:01] and talk to you about the success of the program that's
[1:52:06] been very successful and the been into it for about 3 to 4
[1:52:08] by that time will be 4 weeks. And so just in that short a
[1:52:14] period of time, they have been pretty successful in terms of
[1:52:17] treating the and Bateman and saving money relative to those
[1:52:20] treatments. So rather than steal his thunder. I asked him
[1:52:24] to come back over presentation I want specified what its
[1:52:27] Chief Asia leave. Well, you can either one of them can do
[1:52:33] Probably So he was a well, the fire chief was involved in
[1:52:37] some of that to guy understands what we're doing.
[1:52:39] This is a Michael Easley. On couple of the things that come
[1:52:46] out of that we we've been doing very well and that
[1:52:50] complement the state attorneys and public defender's office,
[1:52:54] the average number days in jail for a felony. Individual
[1:53:00] is down to 16.5 days. And the average number of days for
[1:53:05] misdemeanors. A 7.7 as a significantly, a significant
[1:53:11] decrease in terms of what we've been seeing in previous
[1:53:15] history. So with that comes a significant cost savings to us
[1:53:18] from the from the amount of money. It costs runs about $93
[1:53:22] a day for a person to be in jail. So you can see that used
[1:53:28] to be pretty over the last year or so. Also it with
[1:53:35] veteran services other vets are being able to get into bed
[1:53:38] court veterans court with a new bill that was passed.
[1:53:42] Unfortunately, the bill only was not retroactive. So many
[1:53:46] of those people who are trying to get into a previously we're
[1:53:48] not one up be able to get in there, but any new bets
[1:53:54] previously, the state attorney, don't want have they
[1:54:00] wanted say manage to win into it and rightfully they
[1:54:05] wouldn't try to block it. But a person at the but individual
[1:54:09] had a also significant charge against them. They didn't want
[1:54:13] to provide them an opportunity to get in veterans court to
[1:54:15] be. And to drop those charges. So and I understood it. So I
[1:54:20] think that was 2 of the bill was position to be effective
[1:54:25] in terms of allowing new veterans to get in there that
[1:54:29] still And they don't have really hard going. The charges
[1:54:35] relate to to what they have today. We have 2 in 10 new
[1:54:42] attorneys that are waiting taking their bar. So those 2
[1:54:47] new attorneys will be filling some of those spots that the
[1:54:51] state attorneys office has been been. It's been pretty
[1:54:52] tough for them. So we're waiting for that for the bar
[1:54:57] results that will be in September and see exactly
[1:54:59] money will come in that to help speed some of these
[1:55:01] trials. So they were having right here today. On another
[1:55:08] issue that pup that here kind of interesting. And I want to
[1:55:11] ask Justin Tuck I leverage on him. There was a as always, I
[1:55:16] ask a bell, the jail population. How the new jail
[1:55:23] is going if there are any problems and they popped some
[1:55:25] some interesting problems, a bullet to to be put issues. So
[1:55:30] you want to Can tell us what's going on with the pod stuff?
[1:55:35] That would be help? Yes, sir. So we had we had a humidity
[1:55:39] issue and the the pod and one section where the RV that
[1:55:40] wasn't. >> Program properly. The
[1:55:44] contractors on site. Now they're doing complete removal
[1:55:50] remediation of where the affected sites were. But we've
[1:55:54] had a had a significant humidity problem in there.
[1:55:57] We've been working on it since before we actually moved into
[1:56:01] the So we've been working with a contract with a contract
[1:56:04] contractor. Finally got a different representative from
[1:56:08] the contractor out. And once they came out, they said all
[1:56:12] here's the issue we had communication issue where the
[1:56:18] communication was telling our ER Vista shut off not to state
[1:56:21] running. So that's been corrected and now they're
[1:56:25] doing the remediation, replacing ceiling tiles that
[1:56:27] have had moisture damage, things like that. So they're
[1:56:31] in there now doing all of that. And I'm hoping by the
[1:56:32] end of next week, all those corrections will be made and
[1:56:35] we will have no more issues. As of right now, we've been
[1:56:39] doing fine every every day we get. From the sheriff's
[1:56:43] department on where the humidity levels are and were
[1:56:46] able to see those and they are all staying right at that. 50
[1:56:49] to 51% humidity. So I'm pretty positive. The corrections have
[1:56:53] been made. Now it's mainly just getting now the
[1:56:57] remediation site of getting that that is that's that one
[1:57:00] cell section you see on tiles, Putin and stuff.
[1:57:04] >> And as soon include the lights and the intercom and
[1:57:07] all the other problems that particularly those in the
[1:57:09] meeting the other So >> the I mean, light bulbs to
[1:57:13] go out. I mean, that's just part of The intercom system
[1:57:16] was not something that was brought to our attention until
[1:57:18] literally. so and we already are working on that.
[1:57:26] >> There's there's just there's. There is some
[1:57:31] communication stuff. And it's the way that the building's
[1:57:32] design that we're working on actually had a meeting with
[1:57:34] Joe. I think Joe will be here today.
[1:57:38] >> To be on site. The designer will be on site. We still got
[1:57:41] some communication on how quickly the lights turn on.
[1:57:43] And one one section. But then some of the other stuff that's
[1:57:47] been reported here this past week has been just normal
[1:57:51] things like a light bulb that's out in a sell things
[1:57:54] like that. So and we're addressing all of that as we
[1:57:57] go. So Mr. Really does a really good job of keeping up
[1:57:58] with the contractors and pushing on them hard to make
[1:58:02] sure they're in there. So trying to make sure all of
[1:58:06] those issues get resolved. Now. While we're still under
[1:58:09] warranty period. All >> And I will disclose was
[1:58:19] they've all over the show. He was all over this. Been in
[1:58:20] there every day. So something have been aware of what's been
[1:58:25] going on, but they've been working on it, trying to get
[1:58:27] you before you, Mister Chairman. You know, I was told
[1:58:33] that change brings opportunity. I look around at
[1:58:38] the changes we've gone through, you know, weeks we
[1:58:39] started off with that. Her niece.
[1:58:41] >> That's worked out real well. You know, in and then we
[1:58:45] headed. nobody's about changed administrator. That's been
[1:58:51] great. You know, we've had people step up to that that
[1:58:54] the administrator taking fire chief. They can move things.
[1:58:57] Look in the back back there. What would But she's taken on
[1:59:01] mad at Shelley everybody's working, you know, look,
[1:59:05] stepping up. And I'm just so impressed with their people
[1:59:10] and I'll make make your larger headed to give Jared
[1:59:12] appreciate what you do. You make us you. you know, when
[1:59:17] you get video me, you make me look good. I don't how you can
[1:59:19] accomplish that. But, Jim, that you do so that that this
[1:59:24] is a pleasure to work with a group like this and everybody
[1:59:28] did give up. That's not my job. Everybody pitches and
[1:59:30] does it. And that I think we're on the right track.
[1:59:32] Thank you. As just a complete leadership know you did get 3
[1:59:37] hours sleep last night because you're working on. Thanks for