December 4, 2007

Special Session

Bonifay, Florida

The Holmes County Board of Commissioner met in a 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.

Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with the prayer and pledge.

The Board discussed engineering negotiations with Metric Engineering for the resurfacing project scheduled for Highway 177A from SR 79 to SR2.

Mr. Darrel Burnett, Senior Project Engineer of Metric Engineering presented the Estimated Design and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Fees associated with the project. He stated that there was enough funding for surfacing and reshaping the shoulder of the roadway, guardrails, intersection work, driveway improvements, striping per Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications and for some drainage structure replacement. He also stated that the drainage pipes for the roadway will be examined and repairs would be prioritized to accommodate any repairs or replacements needed within the budget.

(Estimated Design/CEI Fee)

Chairman Thomas asked what the estimated completion date was expected to be. Mr. Burnett stated that May 30, 2009 was the completion date per the schedule. He stated that once permits are secured, the construction could begin.

Commissioner King made a motion to award the contract to Metric Engineering. Commissioner Merchant seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Thomas stated that the contract would be finalized at the six p.m., December 18, 2007 Board meeting.

Chairman Thomas stated that the deadline for the Community Budget Issue Request is December 20, 2007. He asked if there were any items that needed to be added to the list for consideration. The Board agreed to add the following projects to the list: CR183A, CR181, CR2A, CR162, CR173, Slocomb Highway and Son-in-law Road. He advised that the projects that were not funded on last years’ list would be submitted once again this year. Chairman Thomas asked that the Board submit distance measurements to accompany the road project requests. Administrator Wood asked that the Health Department air conditioning system be added to the list for consideration.

(List)

The Board discussed the possible purchase of a road striping machine. Chairman Thomas stated that it may be a way for the County to save some money during road construction. He asked whether the Board would like to consider getting pricing information on such a machine. The Board agreed to secure pricing for a truck mounted machine.

Chairman Thomas asked the Board to consider purchasing a sod cutter. He stated that there are several projects within the County that the machine could be utilized for. He also stated that it may be possible to secure grant funds in order to make the purchase. No action was taken on this item.

The Board discussed the upcoming grader purchases. Previously, the Board had met in a Workshop where several heavy equipment dealerships presented information regarding their products. Commissioner King asked when the decision would be made regarding which brand of grader would be purchased this year. Commissioner Williams stated that the Volvo dealer would be bringing the last trial grader soon. Chairman Thomas stated that when all the trials were completed, a decision could be made regarding purchases.

The Board discussed warranty details regarding the graders currently owned and graders to be purchased. Commissioner Merchant asked whether the warranty had run out on the grader in his district; Mr. Wood stated that it had. He stated that he would like to see if the cost a three year warranty could be rolled into the purchase of a new machine. Chairman Thomas stated that the purchases of new equipment will be directly related to the amount of budget cuts that are handed down by the legislature.

Mr. Wood stated that the Keith Cabin is raffling off a vintage quilt and pillow that is currently displayed at the Bank of Bonifay. He stated that the foundation had lost grant funding and asked the Board to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of support to help secure additional funding. Commissioner Merchant made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the support letter for Keith Cabin. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(Letter)

Mr. Wood stated that the Hearts of Love, Hearts of Hope organization will be having “Christmas in Bethlehem” at the Methodist Campground on December 7-9, 2007.

Mr. Wood reminded everyone that the blood drive would be taking place Thursday December 13, 2007 at the Methodist Church parking lot.

Mr. Wood updated the Board regarding the Sun Lake ordinance. He stated that The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has forwarded a notice of intent to approve it.

Mr. Wood updated the Board regarding the airport project. He stated that there had been some construction issues.

Mr. Wood updated the Board regarding the Tara Lovell grievance. He stated that Ms. Lovell has rejected arbitration and that there would probably be a lawsuit.

Mr. Wood asked the Board to authorize to tint the windows in the Supervisor of Elections’ Office. He stated that he had a quote of $260.00 for tint for the six windows. The Board agreed with the stipulation that the funds had to come from the Supervisor’s own budget. The Board discussed window replacement for the courthouse to improve energy efficiency. Chairman Thomas asked if window replacement for Courthouse could be added to the Community Budget Issue Request list. The Board agreed to ask for $300,000.00 for Courthouse renovation.

Mr. Wood stated that the Honda CRV is in need of repair and that he had taken the vehicle to the prison to get an estimate. The cost for fixing the vehicle was estimated to be $716.00. He asked the Board to allow him to have the vehicle repaired at the prison. Commissioner Williams made a motion to authorize the prison to repair the Honda CRV. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Music stated that Mr. J.J. Sterno, citizen, had asked that the County not maintain Blunt Drive. Mr. Wood stated that a request for abandonment would be required before the request could be considered. Chairman Thomas stated that a request must be filed, and then public hearings for abandonment could begin the formal process.

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

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Clerk Chairman