July 14, 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.

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

                        Commissioner Music led the prayer.

                        Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with the pledge.

 

Pursuant to public notice, the Board held a special session.

 

Administrator Wood suggested changing the order of the agenda so that the Department of Transportation Small County Outreach Assistance (SCOP) agreement for Son in Law Road could be discussed first. The Board agreed. Chairman Thomas stated that the resurfacing project is ready to be put out for bids for the labor portion. He stated that if the cost of the project was one million dollars or more, the County would be required to go out for bids for the engineering portion of the project. He also stated that since the project cost is $291,102.00, the County’s Engineer of record, Hatch Mott MacDonald, can be utilized if desired. He asked the Board whether to hire Hatch Mott MacDonald for the project, or to put the project out for bid proposals. Commissioner King made a motion to award the project to Hatch Mott MacDonald. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. David Skipper, Engineer, stated that a formal schedule will be submitted and that within sixty days, the survey for the project should be completed and advertised for bid.

 

The Board discussed the commitment agreement from Wachovia for financing through the Florida Local Government Finance Program (FLGFP). Chairman Thomas explained that the approval of this agreement did not obligate the County to actually borrow funds but was necessary to have in place in the event that the Board decided to finance the four bridge replacements through FLGFP.  The deadline for establishing the line of credit through this agreement is July 20, 2008.  The following citizens spoke regarding this issue:

 

Mr. Bennie Little

Mr. Wayne Powell

 

Chairman Thomas advised that bids had been requested for the replacement of four wooden bridges with concrete spans and also financing options had been requested. Commissioners Merchant and Williams discussed the uncertainty of the finances for the upcoming year.  Chairman Thomas stated that he had misread the letter from the Finance Office and that the revenue shortfall for next year would be closer to $770,000 instead of 1.5 million.  Discussion also included utilizing unobligated “gas tax” funds to pay for the repair of the bridges instead of borrowing funds to replace them with concrete spans.  Commissioner Music offered a motion to notify Wachovia to process the agreement if there is no financial obligation for the County.  Commissioner King offered a second.  The motion passed with Commissioners Merchant and Williams voting no and all others voting yes.

 

(Contract)

 

            The Board discussed tentative meeting dates for more off site meetings to discuss cost and energy savings for the County.  The Board set meeting dates of 6:00 p.m. on July 31, 2008 at Ponce de Leon and 6:00 p.m. on August 7, 2008 at Noma.

           

            Commissioner King stated that citizens in the Northdale Subdivision had requested that the speed limit be posted at twenty five miles per hour. He asked if it would be allowable for the Road Department to post the signs.  The Board agreed that this would be allowable.

 

            Commissioner Music stated that Jack Locke will be stepping down from the Airport Authority and stated that Hal Peterson would like to take his place. Attorney Young stated that this item should be on a regularly advertised meeting agenda. The Board agreed to postpone action on this item.

 

            Commissioner Music stated that there are some dead trees that have fallen down at Wright’s Creek Park. He stated that they are a hazard and stated that the trees are too large for the Road Department to handle. No action was taken on this item.

 

            Administrator Wood stated that he would like to put the “park closing times” issue on the next meeting agenda. The Board agreed.

 

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

 

 

 

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Clerk                                                                            Chairman