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