January 27, 2009

Regular Session

Bonifay, Florida

 

 

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

 

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

                        Mr. Dinkins led the prayer.

Chairman Merchant opened the meeting with the pledge.

 

            Chairman Merchant stated that the first agenda item was to approve the following consent items:

 

                        January 13, 2009 Regular Session Minutes

                        SHIP Subordination of Mortgage: Timothy & Melissa Bruner

 

Commissioner King made a motion to approve the minutes, but wished to discuss the mortgage subordination. The motion died for lack of a second. The Board discussed the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) Subordination of Mortgage. Ms. Michele McDaniel, SHIP Program Coordinator, stated that the Bruner’s would like to refinance for a lower interest rate and that the County would remain in second lien position with the Subordination. She also stated that the borrowers would not receive any cash back as a result of the refinance. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the consent items. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

           

            Ms. Michele McDaniel, SHIP Program Coordinator, presented the 2008 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report. She explained that Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), formerly known as the SHIP Board, must submit the report as per the requirements of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and Florida Administrative Code. She stated that the AHAC would like the Board to approve the incentive section of the Committee’s report to be included in the Local Housing Assistance Program (LHAP). The Board reviewed the report. Ms. McDaniel stated that water impact fees will be a point of negotiation with the City of Bonifay. Commissioner King commended the SHIP Board for their service to the County thus far. He asked how elderly applicants are assisted in the application process. Ms. McDaniel explained that she had been going directly to the applicants’ homes, however due to the wear and tear on her personal vehicle and other issues, arrangements had been made with Tri-County Community Council, per the Administrator, to provide transportation to her office. Commissioner King stated that he had received a request from an elderly citizen and stated that he would like a Committee member to go to applicants’ homes. He asked whether a “motor pool” vehicle is available for use by County employees for instances such as this. Ms. McDaniel advised that there is not such a vehicle and that she has been using her personal vehicle to travel for County business. Citizens speaking regarding this topic were the following:

 

                        Ms. Shirley Hawthorne, SHIP/AHAC member

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

 

(Report & Recommendations)

 

            The Board discussed the general liability insurance item. Mr. Tim Templeton of Public Risk Insurance Agency presented information regarding his company’s product. Mr. Andy Cooper of Public Risk Management presented information regarding his company’s product. Since the policy is up for renewal April 1st, Administrator Greg Wood, Clerk of Court Cody Taylor, Chairman Monty Merchant and Sherry Fitzpatrick had reviewed insurance information previously, and submitted a written recommendation to the Board to continue service with PRM. Commissioner King made a motion to table this item. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Recommendation)

           

 Mr. Shep Eubanks, Extension Director, presented his request for a part time position to be created to assist 4-H Program Director, Mrs. Nikki Crawson approximately sixteen hours per week. He commended Mrs. Crawson for her hard work and accomplishments thus far, and cited an increase in 4-H membership and necessary paperwork as reasons for the request. He suggested Ms. Cindy Owens for the position since she had been employed as a temporary worker for the office previously. Commissioner King made a motion to allow Mr. Eubanks to hire a part time staff member. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Letter of Request)

 

            The Board discussed the repair for the Health Department air conditioning system. Mr. Wayne Cartwright, of Wayne’s Heating and Air Conditioning, asked the Board to allow him to examine the unit to determine the problem. He estimated the cost for this service to be about $300.00 in addition to the cost of Freon. Commissioner Williams stated that quotes had been received by the Health Department regarding the cost of a replacement unit, however that the final decision regarding the repair will be made by the Board. Commissioner King made a motion to go out for bid for an air conditioning unit. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Williams made a motion for Mr. Cartwright to diagnose the air conditioning issue. Commissioner Music seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Commissioner Monk voting no; and all others voting yes.

 

            Mr. Eubanks revisited the Part time Extension position. He stated that the term of the position should have been February 5- September 30, 2009, rather than March the 5th as his letter had originally reflected in error. The Board agreed.

 

The Board discussed the rankings for the County Attorney position. The following ranking was submitted by the Board to the Administrator:

 

                        1st Choice         Lucas Taylor

                        2nd Choice        Virginia McInnes

                        3rd Choice        Leah Brook

(Ranking Sheet, Letter)

 

Chairman Merchant stated that Mr. Taylor had declined the position, and that Ms. McInnes was willing to accept the salary for this position. Commissioner Williams stated that his preference was to re-advertise for a Florida lawyer, well versed in Florida law that will be able to assist with upcoming land use questions and the Comprehensive Plan. He also noted that the work history submitted by the attorneys had been in Alabama. Commissioner Williams made a motion to re-advertise for the position. Commissioner King seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Commissioner Monk voting no; and all others voting yes.

 

            Commissioner Monk asked when the Road Department equipment may be evaluated. He stated that there are several pieces in need of assessment. Chairman Merchant agreed that it would be a good time to begin looking at the equipment to plan ahead for budget time.

 

Commissioner Music stated that he had received a request from a Ms. Ketcherside for a load of lime rock to be delivered, and that she would pay for the hauling and the rock. Commissioner Music made a motion to approve the request. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.    

 

            Chairman Merchant stated that Amnesty Day will be taking place on February 28, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the Recycling Department.

 

            Ms. Hawthorne reiterated her thoughts regarding the SHIP application process and stated that she would like someone to go out into the community to assist the elderly with their applications, rather than asking them to come to town.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Clerk                                                                Chairman