July 9, 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.

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

Lieutenant Gary Taylor led the prayer.

Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with the pledge.

Pursuant to public notice, the Board held a workshop to discuss inmate work crews. Administrator Wood stated that the Districts had expressed some concern regarding the availability of work crews. The Board, Lieutenant Taylor and Assistant Warden Scott Crews of the Department of Corrections, discussed the terms of the inmate work crew contract, which states the departmental responsibility is to “provide up to forty nine inmates each workday, seven vehicles and seven correctional officers each workday to transport inmates to and from the worksite”. Chairman Thomas stated that one crew goes to the city and one crew works with the School Board and that the five remaining crews are shared among the districts. Lieutenant Taylor stated that the contract is written in a way so that it is not required to be renewed every thirty days. Commissioner Merchant asked why each district does not have a crew for each week. Lieutenant Taylor stated that there may not always be enough administrative staff for crews to be available at all times. He also stated that the County will be responsible for deciding how the inmates will be utilized.

(Florida DOC Interagency/Public Works Agreement)

Chairman Thomas stated that the County Road Department works four ten hour days. He asked if it would be allowable for inmates to be available for the entire County working day, rather than just part of the day as is the case currently. Assistant Warden Scott Crews stated that it may be possible; however the decision would have to be made by the State and that he would check into it.

Chairman Thomas stated that previously, the County had discussed purchasing a club cab dump truck from the State surplus items to make inmate transport easier. No action was taken on this item.

Commissioner Merchant asked whether crews are available to work on Fridays. Lieutenant Taylor stated that crews are available for work on Fridays.

Commissioner Music asked whether a County employee would be able to be certified in order to take work crews out. Lieutenant Taylor agreed that this would be allowable.

Chairman Thomas suggested certifying one County employee in each district, so that inmates can be utilized without the necessity of an officer. He stated that this may alleviate some of the scheduling issues and asked the Board if this would be helpful. No action was taken on this item.

Administrator Wood raised the question of whether to ask the current Mosquito Control Department employee if he would be willing to become certified to supervise an inmate work crew during the summer months. Speaking regarding this topic were the following Road Department District Foremen:

Mr. Willie Sewell

Mr. Barry Fuller

Commissioner Williams made a motion to allow Administrator Wood to ask the Mosquito Control Operator if he would like to become certified to supervise inmate crews for the summer and to proceed with the Department of Corrections in order to get him certified pending funding. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board discussed the funding for the inmate supervisory position. Chairman Thomas stated that there is about $3,000 left in the Parks and Recreation fund that may be available for funding this position. He stated that perhaps the budget could be revised for the next fiscal year to allow for a full time employee.

Lieutenant Taylor stated that the certifications are valid for one year and are renewed at a one day recertification each year. He suggested sending more employees to complete the training at one time.

Commissioner Williams asked whether the equipment yard storage policy is working. Lieutenant Taylor stated that the policy is working, however, on Fridays, the equipment is being used to maintain County Buildings. Commissioner Merchant asked whether the County equipment is being utilized at the schools. Lieutenant Taylor stated that the equipment is being used with the permission of Commissioners King and Music. He also stated that Poplar Springs School has finish mowers and that the County equipment is being used minimally at that location.

Mr. Dick Walton, citizen, stated that Wright’s Creek Park is in serious need of attention. Chairman Thomas stated that the County does not plan on accepting any more park grants until a suitable solution can be reached regarding the upkeep of the parks. Mr. Walton suggested imposing fines for people who are not using the parks responsibly. No action was taken on this item.

Commissioner King stated that the Shoefly bridge removal is almost completed. He asked the Board how to dispose of the lumber. Commissioner King made a motion to authorize Administrator Wood to declare the lumber surplus and to dispose of it as needed. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Wood stated that there is a resident near the Shoefly bridge site that is concerned that the upcoming piling boring will affect her foundation. He stated that Roger Williams, Building Inspector, will be conducting a “pre-boring inspection” at the location. The Board agreed.

Commissioner Music stated that Mr. Raymond Bush is in need of some dirt to fill in a wet area that is harboring mosquitoes. No action was taken on this item.

Administrator Wood updated the Board regarding the Arthropod Department mosquito fish program. He stated that there has been an Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) outbreak in the Holmes and Washington Counties. He also stated that several horses in the area have recently passed away and that he and Mr. Clint Erickson will be releasing some mosquito fish into an area swamp in an effort to combat this problem.

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

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Clerk Chairman