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Leon County
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Item#20 January 24, 2023 |
| To: | Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board |
| From: | Vincent S. Long, County Administrator |
| Title: | Acceptance of $20,000 Donation from Duke Energy |
| Review and Approval: | Vincent S. Long, County Administrator |
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Department/Division Review and Approval: |
Alan Rosenzweig, Deputy County Administrator Scott Ross, Director, Office of Financial Stewardship |
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Lead Staff/ Project Team: |
Roshaunda Bradley, Budget Manager Michelle Tipton, Senior Management and Budget Analyst |
Statement of Issue:
This item seeks Board acceptance of a $20,000 donation from Duke Energy to enhance Leon County parks in the Fort Braden Community.
Fiscal Impact:
This item has a fiscal impact. The $20,000 donation from Duke Energy provides for lighting enhancements to a portion of the History Walking Trail in the Fort Braden Community.
Staff Recommendation:
Option # 1: Accept the $20,000 donation from Duke Energy and approve the Resolution and associated Budget Amendment Request (Attachment #1).
Report and Discussion
Background:
This item seeks Board approval to accept a $20,000 donation from Duke Energy to provide for the enhancement of Leon County parks in the Fort Braden Community.
In Fall 2022, Duke Energy announced a project to lay new powerlines along Blountstown Highway to replace 13.8 miles of existing power lines in the area as part of an ongoing project. Within the scope of the project and dedicated utility easement stands a live oak tree estimated to be 100 years old (Fort Braden Tree), which was originally slated for removal. Working closely with the County, Duke Energy implemented a solution to continue the powerline project without removing the Fort Braden Tree committed to donate $20,000 towards a project to benefit the Fort Braden Community.
Analysis:
In April 2022, the County completed the Fort Braden History Walk, a community walking trail that connects the Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Library and Fort Braden Community Center. The half mile trail includes an integrated children’s story walk and highlights the history of Fort Braden in an engaging and interactive way.
The donation from Duke Energy will be used to add lights to a portion of the History Walking Trail, allowing the trail to be utilized by citizens for a more extended part of the day. The addition of lights was requested by members of the Fort Braden community when the History Walking Trail was first proposed to the County. This donation will help fulfill the community’s desire for a safe walking path for citizens after sunset. The Resolution and Budget Amendment Request to realize the funds into the budget is included as Attachment #1. Once approved, the lighting project will be completed within the next several months.
Options:
Recommendation:
Option #1
Attachment: