March 11, 2008

Regular Session

Bonifay, Florida

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

Mr. Greg Wood, County Administrator, was present.

Mr. Brandon Young, County Attorney, was present.

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

Mr. Dinkins led the prayer and pledge.

Vice Chairman Music opened the meeting.

Pursuant to public notice, the Board held a Public Hearing to consider adopting Ordinance 08-02. This ordinance allows for the penalty of individuals who have stolen, defaced or possess street signs. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the ordinance. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Ordinance)

Commissioner King made a motion to approve the following consent items:

February 26, 2008 Regular Session Minutes

Tri-County Community Council-Van # 11

PRM-letter of intent to withdraw & Resolution 08-03

Commissioner King stated that he would like to accept the Tri-County Community Council van so that it could be given to the prison for inmate transportation. The Board agreed.

Commissioner Merchant asked for clarification regarding the PRM letter of intent item. Administrator Wood stated that PRM required an advanced notice of one year to withdraw. He also explained that notice this did not make it mandatory for the County to withdraw, but gave the option if insurance was found that was more cost effective.

Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Wood stated that previously the CR 81A bid award had been tabled. Commissioner King made a motion to discuss the CR 81A bid item. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board discussed awarding the bid for the CR 81A project. Commissioner King made a motion to award the bid to the lowest bidder, Bullard Construction. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed with Vice Chairman Music voting no, and all others voting yes.

(Bid Sheet)

The Board discussed the recommendation of Mr. Gary Deal, Development Commission Chairman, to appoint Mr. Dewey Crutchfield to fill the District One seat. Commissioner King made a motion to accept the recommendation. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Letter)

The Board discussed the proposed milling agreement request between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the County. Previously, the FDOT had requested to trade the County one load of milling for every 2 loads of dirt. Commissioner King stated that he would like to table this item, and requested that Commissioner Merchant see if the FDOT would trade one load of milling for every load of dirt. The Board agreed.

Mr. Dean Mitchell, design project manager, of Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Incorporated (PBS&J) presented the proposed agreements between FDOT and Holmes County. These agreements would allow FDOT to purchase right-of-way property in the County’s name, which is necessary to complete the SR 79 four lane project. The right-of-way purchases are needed to “tie-in” Pipkin and Pine Oak Roads. He also stated that the County would be required to provide the maintenance on the property, but the FDOT would maintain the retention pond. Commissioner Merchant made a motion to sign the agreement. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Agreements)

Mr. Bob Jones, Grants Administrator, stated that previously the Board had decided not to include cabinets in the initial plan for the Pittman Fire Department building. He advised that enough funds were left to now purchase them and stated that he had requested bids from the following companies:

Country Cabinets $2,390.00

Polston’s Cabinet Shop $3,700.00

Steve’s Cabinet Works no bid received

He recommended that the County award the bid to the lowest bidder, Country Cabinets. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the cabinet purchase from the low bidder. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board discussed the change order for drainage improvements suggested by Bullard Construction that were not in the original contract for Rum Road. Administrator Wood stated that Commissioner Merchant and Chairman Thomas had been in discussions with FDOT regarding the possibility that the County could complete this portion of the project itself. He also stated that the change order must reflect the additional paving that Bullard will complete where the road cut is made, and for FDOT certified lime rock improvements. Mr. Bob Jones stated that this work needs to be completed immediately. Commissioner Merchant stated that if the County did the work it would cost considerably less. Commissioner Merchant made a motion for the County to do the work, rather than Bullard. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Change Order)

The Board discussed several roads for the Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) and the Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP). Commissioner Williams suggested that the engineer go out into the County with the Administrator and rank the road projects. Administrator Wood stated that he and the Engineer will be completing the evaluations and bring recommendations back to the Board.

Mrs. Wanda Stafford, Emergency Management Director, presented the damage assessment report from the rain damage incurred by the County from the February 21 and 22, 2008 storms. She stated that she had prepared an estimate of approximately $9,000,000.00 and asked the Board whether they would like her to submit this estimate to Florida Division of Emergency Management. Commissioner Williams made a motion to submit the report as Mrs. Stafford had prepared it. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Damage Assessment)

Administrator Wood stated that the Health Fair was a success and reported that about 30 employees participated.

Administrator Wood presented the draft of the Holmes County Vision. He asked the Board for input on the document and stated that this document is required by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). No action was taken on this item.

(Draft of Vision)

Commissioner Merchant stated that there are some problems with the well at the District Two yard. He stated that the water is discolored, and asked the Board to allow him to have to problem addressed. The Board agreed.

Commissioner King stated that one of his drivers, Randall Kirkland, was ill yesterday and that he is doing better today.

Commissioner Merchant stated that Road Department employee Roger Powell is recovering from his motorcycle accident as well.

Ms. Cathy Britton, Road Department Dispatcher, stated that she had recently received a suspension from her position for a disciplinary matter. She asked the Board to consider reversing the disciplinary action. Commissioner Merchant made a motion to leave the suspension “as-is”. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion failed, with Commissioners King and Music voting no and Commissioners Williams and Merchant voting yes.

Commissioner Williams made a motion to table this item. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed with Commissioner Merchant voting no, and all others voting yes.

Citizens who spoke regarding this topic were the following:

Ms. Betty Yancey

Mr. Benny Little

Mr. Jerry Jones, citizen, asked the Board questions regarding the engineering specifications and certifications for CR 81A. Mr. David Skipper stated that he is the engineer for the CR 81A project.

Being that there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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Clerk Chairman