July 28, 2009

Regular Session

Bonifay, Florida

 

The Holmes County Board of Commissioners met in a Regular Session on the above date with the following members present: Commissioner Kenneth Williams, Commissioner Ron Monk, Commissioner Jim King, Commissioner Phillip Music and Commissioner Monty Merchant, Chairman of the Board.

 

                                    Mr. Brandon Young, County Attorney, was present.

                                    Angie Jonas, Deputy Clerk, was present and kept the minutes.

                                    Mr. Dinkins led the prayer and pledge.

                                    Chairman Merchant opened the meeting.

 

The Board discussed the consent items. Commissioner King stated that a revision was needed on page one of the July 16, 2009 Special Session Minutes changing the phrase “Commissioner Music seconded the motion” to “Commissioner Monk seconded the motion”. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve consent items A, D and E which included the following:

            July 14, 2009 Regular Session Minutes

            July 16, 2009 Special Session Minutes with aforementioned revision

            Proof of Publication-Notice of Unclaimed Funds

            Sheriff’s Department Grant-Deposit Letter

            Tax Collector’s Recapitulation

 

Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

The Board discussed the status of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Grant Application. Mr. Bob Jones, Grant Administrator, asked the Board to adopt an agreement between the Board and Gritney Volunteer Fire Department which would allow for the use of the facility once construction has been completed. He also stated that as part of the application, a loan resolution should be signed as well. He stated that USDA would like to meet with a Board representative by Monday to sign the additional supporting documentation. Commissioner Music made a motion to sign the agreement with the Gritney Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attorney Young advised that he had revised the loan resolution and that a title reading was necessary. Chairman Merchant read the loan resolution into record.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the resolution and to authorize the Vice Chairman to sign supporting documentation. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner King stated that he was in favor of negotiation for the proposed grant administration fee. No action was taken.

 

(Agreement, Loan Resolution # 09-09)

 

The Board discussed the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) loan subordination for Ms. Julie Chance. Chairman Merchant stated that there had been a request for him to sign the subordination once the information had been verified by the bank. Commissioner King made a motion to table this item. Commissioner King revised his motion for the Chairman to sign the subordination agreement once the bank has verified all information. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Subordination Agreement)

 

The Board discussed the 911 Department’s truck purchase. Mr. Clint Erickson, 911 Director, stated that his department had some funding that must be utilized soon in order to be eligible for upcoming grants. He explained that the Board would purchase the vehicle using contingencies and that the 911 Department would reimburse the Board for mileage and maintenance over a three year period, eventually turning the vehicle over to the Board for another department to utilize. He explained that should the purchase be approved, he would also turn his 2002 Nissan Truck over to the Board as well.  He submitted and discussed the following bid pricing quotes:

 

Year/ Make

Regular Cab

Extended Cab

Crew Cab

2010 Ford

2010 F-150

2010 F-150

2010 F-150

Price  $

18,060.35

20,744.35

23,297.00

 

 

 

 

2009 Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

Silverado 1500

Silverado 1500

Price  $

21,350.00

26,210.00

26,734.00

 

Commissioner Williams stated that if it was the intention of the Board to utilize this truck in the Road Department at a later time, a crew cab vehicle would be most useful. Attorney Young asked whether the down payment would come from 911 Department funds. Mr. Erickson stated that a $2,000.00 down payment would be coming from 911 addressing revenue and that the remainder should be paid over the next three years. Commissioner Williams discussed that purchasing the 2010 Ford vehicle would be less expensive than the 2009 Chevrolet. Commissioner Music made a motion to purchase the 2010 Ford crew cab truck Commissioner Monk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Price Quotes)

 

            The Board discussed Mr. Erickson’s request to purchase a used copier for the 911 Department. Mr. Erickson presented five quotes and explained that the current copier was very expensive to operate, due to the high cost of toner. He asked the Board to consider purchasing a remanufactured copier and suggested accepting the quote of $2,965.00 from Absolute Business Solutions. Mr. Todd Cooey, of Absolute Business Solutions, explained that the monthly contract his company offered would be $37.50 which included service, parts, technician travel, 2500 copies and a charge of 1.5 cents per copy thereafter. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve “proposal one” from Absolute Business Solutions which included a used copier purchase for $2,695.00 and monthly service agreement of $37.50 per month. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed; with Commissioner Monk voting no, and all others voting yes.

  (Copier Quotes)

 

            Mr. Clint Erickson stated that the outlets that had been installed at the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) station in New Hope were not the correct size. He explained that there had been a miscommunication with the electrical contractor, and that two, twenty ampere circuits and wiring had been installed rather than two, thirty ampere circuits as were needed. He also stated that the contractor was not willing to remedy this situation. He advised that he had collected a quote from Mr. Wayne Cartwright in the amount of $850.00 to correct this.  He explained that grant funding would be utilized to pay for this expense. Also speaking regarding this topic were the following:

 

 Mr. Cody Taylor, Clerk of Court

Mr. Brandon Young, County Attorney

 

 Chairman Merchant suggested getting future work order quotes in writing so that it would be clear to both parties of the work that would be completed. Commissioner Williams made a motion to hire Mr. Wayne Cartwright to make the repair. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed; with Commissioner Monk voting no, and all others voting yes.

 

 

The Board discussed the proposed plotter purchase for the 911 Department. Mr. Clint Erickson stated that the current plotter had required several expensive service calls as there were no technicians to service this particular model in the area. He explained that it may be more cost effective to purchase another plotter that can be serviced by a local technician. He advised that he had received a quote for a plotter purchase and service plan from Absolute Business Solutions, a local company, which was able to service plotters. Mr. Erickson also stated that he was unsure whether the plotter pricing was under State or Government pricing. Speaking regarding this topic was the following:

 

Mr. Todd Cooey, of Absolute Business Solutions

 

Commissioner King made a motion to purchase the plotter. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. Attorney Young advised that pricing clarification was necessary. Commissioner King withdrew his motion. Commissioner Music withdrew his second. Mr. Erickson agreed that he would try to gather more information on this topic. No action was taken on this item.

 

            The Board discussed the vehicle request from the Extension Service. Chairman Merchant stated that he had received a request for the 2002 Nissan Frontier pickup truck that Mr. Clint Erickson would be turning in to the Board. Commissioner King made a motion allow the Extension Service to utilize the vehicle. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

            Chairman Merchant stated that a nominee would be needed soon for the Census Complete Count Committee. He asked the Board to submit suggestions. No action was taken on this item.

 

            The Board discussed the Northwest Florida Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern resolution. Commissioner Williams made a motion to table this item for clarification regarding service. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

            The Board discussed the proposed millage rate agenda item. Mr. Cody Taylor, Clerk of Court, stated that the budget cuts from the state had not been as severe as had been anticipated, but that there was an anticipated shortfall in the cash carried forward fund. He explained that a more accurate figure would be known as the end of the fiscal year approaches. He asked the Board to consider dates for the upcoming budget workshop and hearing. He advised that it would be helpful if the union negotiations were finalized during this time as well, so that later changes to the budget would not be necessary. Commissioner King made a motion to set the proposed rate at 10 mills. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed; with Commissioners Monk and Williams voting no, and all others voting yes. Commissioner Williams made a motion to set the tentative budget hearing for Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. and to set the final budget hearing for Monday, September, 21, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. Commissioner Music seconded the motion.  

 

            Chairman Merchant asked if anyone was present to discuss the Council on Aging agenda item. Since no one was present, this item was skipped.

 

            The Board discussed the proposed contract with David Melvin Engineering for the County’s Engineer of Record. Chairman Merchant stated that Attorney Young had looked over the contract and had advised that the duration had been noted as five years, but that the firm was willing to negotiate. He advised that the contract of the previous firm had been for a two year term with a one year option to renew. Commissioner Monk made a motion to approve the contract with David Melvin Engineering with the revision that the term would be for two years with the option to renew. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Contract)

 

            Commissioner Monk stated that he would like to go out for bid for the lease of an excavator for District Five. Commissioner Williams made a motion to go out for bid on the excavator lease. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Bid Specifications)

 

            Commissioner Williams stated that there was a need for the purchase of a Mo-trim.  He stated that the two Mo-trims were under continuous repair and that he had been researching the equipment and found one on State bid pricing that may be suitable.  Commissioner King stated that he would like the vendor to speak with the Board. Commissioner Williams stated that he would arrange this.

 

            Chairman Merchant asked the Board for member nominations for the Contractor Review Board. No action was taken on this item.  

 

            The Board discussed the letter of request to the Office of Justice Programs authorizing grant award funds to be deposited into the Sheriff’s account since the check for the funds had been made payable to Holmes County. Commissioner King made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Letter)

 

            Attorney Young advised that he had tentatively set a meeting with Mr. Tony Arrant, Consultant, for Friday, July 31st at 1:30 p.m. He stated that he had invited Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Meadows and Mr. Cody Taylor, Clerk of Court; and asked the Board to nominate a representative to attend since the Chairman would be out of town. Commissioner Williams stated that he would like to attend. The Board agreed by consensus.

 

            Attorney Young advised that the County lawsuit hearing date was set for September 24, 2009. He stated that Commissioner King would be attending the hearings for the motion to dismiss the lawsuit as well.

 

            Attorney Young stated that an upcoming executive session would be scheduled to discuss the union contract and lawsuit information. Chairman Merchant asked him to set the meeting date for those topics. Attorney Young agreed.

 

            Commissioner Williams asked for a status on the CR 173 pending litigation. Attorney Young advised that he had not received any correspondence on this issue.

 

            Mr. Bennie Little, citizen, spoke regarding the County Administrator position. He commended the Board for voting to maintain the high requirements for this position and asked when a decision would be made regarding this position. He also advised that twenty-five individuals had applied twelve having a Masters Degree and one having a Doctorate. He asked if the Board would be using a committee for the selection process as they had done previously.  Chairman Merchant stated that the Board would be more prepared to make a decision once the budget was finalized. Also speaking regarding this topic were the following:

 

                        Mr. Wayne Powell, citizen

                        Mr. Brandon Young, County Attorney

 

            Mr. Bennie Little asked if he could obtain a copy of the Development Commission’s audit. Mr. Cody Taylor, Clerk of Court, stated that copies of the audit are available in the Clerk’s Office.

 

            Ms. Ann Leavins, Friends of the Library Committee Member, asked if it would be allowable to hold a benefit craft sale in the Library parking lot during the upcoming rodeo weekend. She proposed selling booth rental spaces for the fundraiser. Attorney Young advised that he would speak with Mr. Luke Taylor, City Attorney, regarding this request. Chairman Merchant stated that as far as the Board was concerned, he didn’t believe that there would be a problem. The Board agreed by consensus. Attorney Young stated that he would contact Mrs. Susan Harris, Library Director, regarding Mr. Taylor’s reply.

 

            Mr. Horacio Lacayo, citizen, apologized for breaking the law in Holmes County as part of his Court ordered retribution.

(Public Apology Documentation)

 

Commissioner Music made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

           

 

           

           

 

 

________________________________                    ______________________________

Clerk                                                                            Chairman