June 30, 2008

Special Session

Bonifay, Florida

 

 

The Holmes County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on the above date with the following members present: Commissioner Kenneth Williams, Commissioner Monty Merchant, Commissioner Jim King, Commissioner Phillip Music, Commissioner Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Board.

 

                        Mr. Greg Wood, County Administrator, was present.

                        Mr. Brandon Young, County Attorney, was present.

                        Alice Vickers, Deputy Clerk, was present and kept the minutes.

                        Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with the prayer and pledge.

 

Pursuant to public notice, the Board held a workshop to discuss repair items.

 

Captain Greg Yancey stated that there had been a lightening strike at the Jail that had damaged the cameras. He asked the Board to “front” the money for the repairs so that they could be completed while the insurance claim is processed. He stated that the estimated cost of the materials is $4,363.90 which is more money than the local installer can “float”. Commissioner King questioned whether the Jail is asking for the deductible and the cost of the materials for the repair. Administrator Wood clarified that our deductible is $1,000.00 and that the Jail is only asking for the cost of the materials. Captain Yancey stated that he has been assured that the insurance company will be covering this claim. Administrator Wood instructed Captain Yancey to keep all damaged parts. Attorney Young advised that Captain Yancey should get three quotes for the equipment. Captain Yancey agreed that he would obtain the quotes. Commissioner King made a motion to seek quotes on the equipment and award the project to the company that is the lowest bidder, not to exceed $4,363.90 and also to front the funds for the materials. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Captain Yancey addressed the Board regarding the air conditioner at the Jail. He stated that he had contacted a company to conduct a service call on the air conditioner, which resulted in the freon being charged in the system. Later, when the unit was again not working as it should, he called the repair person again, at that time it was determined that the air handler was in need of a repair that cost $2,079.00. He stated that he allowed the repair person to install the air handler without obtaining the necessary quotes. Administrator Wood stated that Captain Yancey has been reminded of the proper procedure of obtaining three quotes for any large purchases over $500.00. No action was taken on this item.

 

Chairman Thomas stated that the 911 dispatching contract with the City of Bonifay needs to be renegotiated.  He advised that the dispatch positions had received a total of 10% raise since the beginning of the contract with no increase from the City.  He asked Sheriff Lee to talk with the City regarding this issue.

 

 

The Board discussed the water meter repairs at the old Jail, Jail and Courthouse. Administrator Wood stated that the City uses Badger brand water meters that can be obtained at a wholesale price through the City’s supplier. He stated that the quote obtained through Davis Plumbing to do the repair at the Courthouse including labor and parts is $1,285.00, and that the County could buy the same two-inch meter itself for $740.00 and use the Specials Projects crew to perform the installation. He stated the three-inch meter at the Jail is still under warranty and that hopefully it can just be fixed for the cost of parts. He stated that the Jail meter is in need of a spool piece and will be sent off for the repair. He estimated the cost of the repair to be about $80.00. He stated that the cost of the meter for the old Jail facility is $355.00, and that the Special Projects crew could also complete this repair as well. He asked the Board for authorization to spend $1,174.00 for the cost of materials for the project. Commissioner Music made a motion to authorize Administrator Wood to spend up to $1,500.00 to complete the water meter repairs. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Administrator Wood stated that the Courthouse and the old Jail are in need of backflow preventers. He stated that he will gather more information on this item. No action was taken on this item.

 

The Board briefly discussed the well repair for District Two. Commissioner Merchant stated that he believed that there is a sand problem in the well at the yard. . No action was taken on this item.

 

Administrator Wood suggested not allowing any overnight business travel unless it is totally grant funded.

 

Chairman Thomas stated that he has received a notice stating that legislation has just passed that the County Attorney is not permitted to be the acting attorney for the upcoming Value Adjustment Board meetings. He also stated that the funding for the hired attorney must be three-fifths funded by the County and two-fifths funded by the School Board. Attorney Young stated that the Florida Association of Counties is trying to change the policy. No action was taken on this item.

 

Chairman Thomas stated that the Florida Association of Counties may be asking the County for money next year to join a lawsuit regarding conflict attorney fees. No action was taken on this item.

 

Administrator Wood stated that the cost for our audit has gone up to $90,286.00. He questioned the charges for FEMA and Federal and State awards.

 

Administrator Wood asked the Board to allow him to distribute a memo to all department heads regarding the aforementioned hold on overnight travel. Commissioner Williams made a motion to put a freeze on overnight travel unless totally grant funded. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Administrator Wood stated that Ponce de Leon, Westville, Noma and Esto all participate in the County Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the city of Ponce de Leon recently approved for a junk yard to operate, which requires a small scale amendment be done per the Comprehensive Plan requirements. He asked the Board whether to send a letter to the business owner, letting him know that the amendment must be done. Chairman Thomas suggested placing a stop work order on the junk yard. Attorney Young advised that a letter should be sent to the City rather than the individual since they had given approval for this. Chairman Thomas stated that he would like Ms. Michele McDaniel, Planner, to write the letter which will include a stop order. The Board agreed.

 

Commissioner Merchant stated that the Road Department is in need of rain coats. Chairman Thomas stated that he is in favor of the purchase; however the items should be stored where they will be accessible when needed. He asked Commissioner Merchant to look into the situation. No action was taken on this item.

 

Chairman Thomas informed the Board that the City of Leesburg in Lake County recently switched from the Florida Retirement System to a 401K because of the cost.  He asked the Board to think about this and also asked the Deputy Clerk to report back to the Board on the annual cost of belonging to the Florida Retirement System.  No action was taken on this item.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________                ___________________________________

Clerk                                                                            Chairman