April 8, 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, Commissioner Phillip Music, and Commissioner Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Board.

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.

Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with the pledge.

Chairman Thomas stated that Mr. Alan Gray of the West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPC) would be joining the meeting later to present the Public Schools Element to the 2010 Comprehensive Plan and that this agenda item would be discussed at that time.

Commissioner Music made motion to adopt the following consent items:

March 25, 2008 Regular Session Minutes

Emergency Use Agreement-Health Department

Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board discussed waiving the Agricultural Center rental fees for the upcoming Affordable Housing Expo. Commissioner Music made a motion to waive the rental fees. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Letter of request)

The Board discussed whether to open a Lowe’s Business Account. Commissioner Music made a motion for the Chairman to sign the application for the credit card. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Application)

Administrator Wood presented the revised rain day policy for both the Shop/Office and outdoor road crews of the Road Department. The Board discussed the policies and decided that the policies needed amendment. Proposed amendments were as follows:

· The addition of a 2:00 p.m. cutoff time for “send home”; release after 2:00 p.m. would require the use of leave time.

· The clause “prior to any release of crews foremen will check with adjoining districts for work”.

Commissioner King made a motion to approve the outdoor road crew rain day policy as amended to be included in the upcoming policy book. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed; with Commissioner Merchant voting no, and all others voting yes.

(Policies)

Administrator Wood updated the Board regarding the Keith Cabin project. He stated that the Historical Preservation Grant Review Committee ranked the project as the “number one” project on the list of projects considered for funding. The Legislature will review this list at a later date.

Administrator Wood presented the Board with the rankings for the County roads in need of repair. Previously, the Board had asked him to rank the roads with the assistance of the engineer in order to determine which projects could be submitted for Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) and Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) funds. He stated that a total of five road projects can be submitted for SCOP funds and a total of three projects can be submitted for SCRAP funds. The decision for grant application submissions will be made at a later meeting date. The following roads were ranked:

SCRAP Candidates

CR 173 N (SR 79-Highway 2) 13.7 miles

CR 173 (Highway 2-AL line) 2.4 miles

181 (CR 179A-SR81) 8.2 miles

183A (CR 10A-County line) 3.3 miles

SCOP Candidates

CR 179 (Washington County Line- AL line) 16.8 miles

Son in Law Road 1 mile

CR 162 W (CR 179 A-SR 81) 2.3 miles

CR 173 S 3.9 miles

Sand Path Road 1.9 miles

Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the ranking list of roads as is. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Wood stated that there are several scrap items at the maintenance yard. He asked the Board whether to send those items to Recycling or not. He added that there were some Bailey bridges that were rusted as well. Commissioner Merchant stated that he would like the Road Department to keep the Bailey bridges. Administrator Wood asked whether the scrap metal should be cleaned up as needed and asked if it would be allowable for someone from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to look at the Bailey bridges. The Board agreed.

Administrator Wood stated that a new Mosquito Control Operator should be hired tomorrow.

Mr. Alan Gray of the WFRPC joined the meeting and discussed the Public Schools Facilities Element. He stated that Senate Bill 360 required the County to adopt a Public Schools Facilities Element to the 2010 Comprehensive Plan. He also stated that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had reviewed the draft of the Public Schools Facilities Element and had sent back their Objections, Review and Comment (ORC) report. Highlights of his presentation were: the submission schedule to DCA, capital improvements for the school districts, level of service and the co-location of schools with recreation sites. Commissioner Merchant made a motion to adopt the changes as recommended and to transmit to DCA. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Williams asked for an update on the sign amnesty policy for the month of April. Administrator Wood stated that no one had returned signs at this time.

Commissioner Williams stated that District Four has a Caterpillar loader that will be in need of serious motor repair soon.

Commissioner Merchant stated that D.D. Eldridge Park should be completed in the next two weeks. He asked what measures will be taken in order to keep the park clean and maintained. Chairman Thomas stated that the Park Recreation Committee should have some provisions in place for the park upkeep. Commissioner Merchant suggested hiring a temporary worker to take the inmates out to do the maintenance. Captain Greg Yancey stated that this could be a possibility if equipment was supplied by the County. No action was taken on this item.

Commissioner Music stated that he had picked up trash at Wright’s Creek Park over the weekend.

Chairman Thomas stated that there will be a visioning meeting with the West Florida Regional Planning Council and Ms. Michele McDaniel, Planner, this afternoon. He stated that there will also be two more meetings taking place on April 29 and May 13, 2008 as well.

Charles Corcoran, Esto Fire Chief, spoke regarding the following topics: CR173, the 12.50 Surcharge Committee recent approvals, the Owens Road fire, Radio Communication classes, inmates trimming at intersections, fire inspections, a workshop meeting regarding departmental budgets, the purchase of fuel at the County price, maintenance of fire vehicles at the County Shop. He also asked that the Board members attend the Thursday night Association meeting.

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

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Clerk Chairman