Board of County Commissioners
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 Meeting - Follow-Up Memo

The meeting was held in the Leon County Courthouse, County Commission Chambers, Fifth Floor, located at 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

The media and the public could access the meeting in real time on Comcast channel 16, the Leon County Florida channel on Roku, the County’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, Twitter and County web site.

Citizens wishing to provide input on any item(s) on the published agenda (or a non-agenda subject) for the meeting could share public comment by using one of the following options:

• In-person at the meeting; or
• Register to provide comments using communications media technology during the meeting through the registration form using the following link: https://www2.leoncountyfl.gov/coadmin/agenda/

Citizens wishing to provide virtual comment must have registered by 8 p.m. on the day before the meeting to provide County staff sufficient time to provide instructions to citizens for comment during the meeting. Anyone needing assistance with registration could contact County Administration at 850-606-5300.

Please note that Board of County Commissioners Policy 01-05, Article IX., Section E., titled “Addressing the Commission”, and Article IX., Section F., entitled “Decorum”, shall remain in full force and effect.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Invocation by Pastor Matt Hall from Canopy Roads Baptist Church Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Brian Welch

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Proclamation Recognizing Race Amity Day in Leon County.
  (Commissioner Proctor)
   
• Proclamation Recognizing Olean’s Cafe for Supporting Residents of Leon County During the Aftermath of the May 10th Tornadoes.
  (Commissioner Proctor)

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON CONSENT AND NON-AGENDAED ITEMS

3-minute limit per speaker; there will not be any discussion by the Commission.

The following speaker provided virtual comments:

• Mr. Lonnie Mann, member of the Panhandle Archeological Society, requested the creation of a County archeologist position.

The following speakers provided in-person comments:

• Ms. Kate MacFall, Florida State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, requested a County ordinance to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet stores.
• Ms. Karen Woodall, Executive Director of the Florida People’s Advocacy Center, spoke regarding rapid transition housing and the need for an heir property grant program in Leon County.
• Mr. Stanley Sims spoke in support of Olean’s restaurant.

CONSENT

ACTION TAKEN: Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Items #5, #6 and #9 that were pulled from Consent.

The motion passed 7-0

1. Minutes: April 23, 2024 Budget Workshop, and May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting
   (Clerk of Court)
   The Board approved Option #1: Approve the minutes of April 23, 2024 Budget Workshop and May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting.
    
2. Payments of Bills and Vouchers
   (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)
   The Board approved Option #1: Approve the payment of bills and vouchers submitted for July 9, 2024, and the pre-approval of payment of bills and vouchers for the period of July 10, 2024, through September 16, 2024.
    
3. Proposed Revisions to Leon County Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section 7 – Attendance and Leave
   (County Administrator / Human Resources)
   The Board approved Option #1: Adopt the proposed revisions to the Leon County Personnel Policies and Procedures, Sections 7.08 – Annual Leave Accrual, and Section 7.16 – Transfer Credits (Attachment #1).
    
4. Commissioner Appointments to the Code Enforcement Board
   (County Administrator / Administration)
   The Board approved Option #1: Ratify Commissioner Minor’s reappointment of Nicholas Mihalich to the Code Enforcement Board for a three-year term ending July 31, 2027; and
   
   Option #2: Ratify Commissioner O’Keefe’s reappointment of Paula Ryan to the Code Enforcement Board for a three-year term ending July 31, 2027.
    
5. PULLED – Ratification of Board Actions Taken at the June 18, 2024 Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Workshop
   (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)
    
6. PULLED – Fiscal Year 2025 State Housing Initiatives Partnership Funding
   (County Administrator / Human Services & Community Partnerships)

7. Approval to Submit a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Application for the Woodville Sewer System Project
   (County Administrator / Public Works)
   The Board approved Option #1: Approve the submission of a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of $10 million for the Woodville Sewer System Project.
    
8. Approval of the Plat for Bradford Hills – Phase I
   (County Administrator / Public Works)
   The Board approved Option #1: Approve the plat for Bradford Hill-Phase 1 Subdivision for recording in the Public Record (Attachment #1), contingent upon staff’s final review and approval.

Procurements: (These items are included under Consent.)

9. PULLED – Authorization to Negotiate for Professional Audit Services
   (Clerk of Court / Purchasing)
    
10. Approval to Purchase Three Motor Graders for Leon County Public Works
    (County Administrator / Public Works / Purchasing)
    The Board approved Option #1: Approve the purchase of three new Caterpillar 140 Motor Graders utilizing the Florida Sheriff’s Association Purchasing Agreement, Contract # FSA23- EQU21.0, Item 263, from Ring Power Corporation in the amount of $977,172.
     
11. Approval of the Bid Award for Open Graded Hot Mix Bituminous Paving Services
    (County Administrator / Public Works / Purchasing)
    The Board approved Option #1: Approve the bid award for Open Graded Hot Mix Bituminous Pavement in Place, Continuing Services to Peavy & Son Construction Co., Inc. and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement (Attachment #1), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
     
12. Approval of an Agreement for Electronic Monitoring Products and Services with Sentinel Offender Services, LLC
    (County Administrator / Office of Intervention & Detention Services)
    The Board approved Option #1: Approve the Agreement with Sentinel Offender Services, LLC for electronic monitoring services (Attachment #1) and authorize the County Administrator to execute all associated documents, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
     
13. Approval to Award an Agreement for Professional and Operational Services for the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park for Ticketed, Regional Concerts
    (County Administrator / Tourism)
    The Board approved Option #1: Approve awarding an Agreement for the provision of management, operations and promotional services to Scott Carswell Presents LLC, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement (Attachment #1), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

14. Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Audit and Financial Statements
    (Clerk of Court)
    The Board approved Option #1: Accept the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Audit and Financial Statements (Attachment #1) and authorize the Chair to sign a letter transmitting the report to the Auditor General (Attachment #2).
     
15. Acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Investment Report and Approval of Revisions to Leon County Investment Policy No. 17-4
    (Clerk of Court)
    The Board approved Option #1: Accept the Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 (Attachment #1); and
    
    Option #2: Adopt the proposed revisions to Policy No. 17-4, “Leon County Investment Policy” (Attachment #2).
     
16. Status Update Regarding Curbside Collection Service Provided by Waste Pro, Inc.
    (County Administrator / Office of Resource Stewardship)
    The Board approved Option #1: Accept the semiannual status update regarding curbside waste collection service provided by Waste Pro, Inc.

CONSENT ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

5. Ratification of Board Actions Taken at the June 18, 2024 Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Workshop
   (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

• • Pulled from Consent by Commissioner Maddox.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, to approve Option #1 as amended: Ratify the direction provided by the Board during the June 18, 2024 FY 2025 Budget Workshop, to exclude items d, e, l, and n;

1. Approve the recommended changes to Leon County Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section I, Introduction and Section V, Subsection 5.11 – Overtime (Attachment #1).
2. Approve the advance funding of capital projects in FY 2024 as reflected in the Resolution and Budget Amendment (Attachment #2).
3. Accept the status update on the Essential Libraries Initiative.

6. Approve the updated Transfer Station Tipping Fee resolution (Attachment #3), subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
7. Approve the District Medical Examiner Fees Schedule (Attachment #4).
8. Accept the FY 2024 annual status report and recommendations on the Sidewalk Program implementation.
9. Accept the status report on the FY 2022 – FY 2026 Strategic Plan.
10. Include a 5% pay raise for all Leon County Government and Constitutional Officer employees in the FY 2025 Preliminary Budget.
11. Approve the recommended changes to Leon County Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section VII, Subsection 7.08 – “Annual Leave Accrual” to increase the number of annual leave hours that may be carried into the new year from 300 to 480 hours (Attachment #5).
13. Establish the maximum Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) for FY 2025 at 0.75 mills.

The motion passed 7-0
 

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, to approve Option #1, items l and n:

12. Establish the maximum countywide millage rate for FY 2025 at 8.3144.
14. Approve the appropriation of $531,161 in general revenue fund balance to balance the FY 2025 Preliminary Budget

The motion passed 6-1 with Commissioner Caban opposed

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Option #1, items d and e:

4. Approve $537,500 for line-item funding allocation to the emergency homeless shelters for FY 2025 and FY 2026 in Community Human Services Partnership Emergency Shelter Subcategory funding in the following amounts:
   1. Kearney Center: $356,567
   2. HOPE Community: $98,473
   3. Capital City Youth Services: $40,603
   4. Brehon House: $28,269
   5. Refuge House: $13,588
5. Authorize the County Administrator to negotiate and execute agreements with the emergency homeless shelters for FY 2025 and FY 2026 Leon County line-item funding, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Maddox recusing himself due to a conflict
 

6. Fiscal Year 2025 State Housing Initiatives Partnership Funding
   (County Administrator / Human Services & Community Partnerships)

• • Pulled from Consent by Commissioner O’Keefe.
  • Commissioner O’Keefe noted that he requested this item be pulled so that he could highlight the important inclusion of $50,000 of funds for Legal Aid for the heir program.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve Option #1: Approve the proposed expenditures for the FY 2025 State Housing Initiatives Partnership allocation and authorize the County Administrator to realign funds within the State Housing Initiative Partnership program when necessary to maximize opportunities to increase or preserve affordable housing and meet minimum State Housing Initiatives Partnership expenditure requirements; and

Option #2: Adopt the Resolution approving the proposed revisions to FY 2024-2026 Leon County State Housing Initiatives Partnership Local Housing Assistance Plan (Attachment #1).

9. Authorization to Negotiate for Professional Audit Services
   (Clerk of Court / Purchasing)

• • Pulled from Consent by Commissioner O’Keefe.
  • Commissioner O’Keefe noted that the recommended audit firm has been serving Leon County since 1993. He suggested a rotation provision be added to the procurement process for these types of services.
  • Commissioner Proctor requested additional information from the Clerk of Court, Ms. Gwendolyn Marshall.
  • Clerk Marshall shared the best practices and standards that have been incorporated into the solicitation process, and introduced Mr. Kenneth Kent, Chief Deputy Clerk with the Clerk of Court and Comptroller who served on the selection committee.
  • Mr. Kent provided more detail into the standards that have been implemented for this proposal.
  • County Administrator Long added that a rigid procurement process is the most important aspect of awarding of contracts with the County.
  • County Attorney O’Steen advised that any modifications to the Leon County procurement process would need to follow the requirements set by Florida Statutes.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban, to approve Option #1 as amended to request a future agenda item amending the procurement process to require a rotation provision for vendors providing audit services.

Commissioner Maddox made a substitute motion, seconded by Commissioner Welch, to approve Option #1: Authorize the County Administrator or his designee to negotiate fees for Professional Auditing Services for Leon County (Attachment #1) with Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A./Law, Redd, Crona & Munroe, P.A. (THF/LRDM). If negotiations are unsuccessful, authorize the County Administrator or designee to negotiate with the next highest ranked firms in order or ranking, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

The substitute motion passed 5-2 with Commissioners Caban and O’Keefe opposed

GENERAL BUSINESS

17. After Action Report on Leon County’s Preparation, Response, and Recovery Efforts to the May 10 Tornado Outbreak
    (County Administrator / Emergency Management)

• • County Administrator Long provided a brief overview of this item.
  • Chair Cummings recognized several FEMA representatives who attended the meeting. She thanked them for the dedication to helping the community recover from the May 10 Tornado Outbreak.
  • Commissioner Caban thanked Leon County staff for their efforts associated with early response and recovery related to this storm. He asked what resources Leon County has available in the instance of a localized emergency.
  • County Administrator Long invited Mr. Kevin Peters, Director of Emergency Management, to provide more details on local resources available.

• • Mr. Peters commented that there are County resources available to respond to a localized emergency, as well as several local partners who are prepared to activate in order to assist with food and water resources in the immediate aftermath of a localized storm.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor to approve Option #1: Accept the after-action report on Leon County’s preparation, response, and recovery efforts related to the May 10, 2024 Tornado Outbreak;

Option #2: Adopt the proposed revisions to Policy No. 07-2 “Reserves” (Attachment #1); and Option #3: Approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment (Attachment #2).

The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Welch out of chambers

18. Report on Four Existing County Road Repair and Stabilization Programs and Consideration of Two New Programs for Private Roads
    (County Administrator / Public Works)

• • Commissioner Caban thanked staff and the County Administrator for all of the work on these programs and the willingness to help citizens on private roads in Leon County.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1: Adopt the proposed revision to Policy No. 11-1, “Private Road Preventative Maintenance and Repair Program Policy” (Attachment #1); and

Option #2: Adopt the proposed Policy No. 24-2 “Private to Public Dirt Road Improvement and Maintenance Program Policy” (Attachment #2).

The motion passed 7-0

19. Status Report on the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway and Designated Canopy Road Protections
    (County Administrator / Planning)

• • County Administrator Long introduced Mr. Artie White, Planning, Land Management and Community Engagement Director, to present.
  • Mr. White highlighted the significant protections that exist for both the canopy road and the Greenway.

The following speakers provided in-person comments:

• • • Mr. Rob Lombardo expressed concerns regarding flooding in this area. He requested the Board oppose the staff recommendation.
    • Mr. Eric Draper suggested an option to reduce the width of each lane of the planned roadway which would still be in compliance with the easement.
    • Ms. Sue Noyes spoke regarding the County’s responsibility to manage this conservation land for the benefit of all users and wildlife.
    • Ms. Ann Bidlingmaier suggested that the design of the road and the roundabout be reconsidered.
    • Mr. Dana Stetson spoke regarding the damage caused to this Greenway and the canopy road from the development that was built just upland of the area.
    • Mr. Jerry McDaniel, President of the Gulf Winds Track Club, spoke regarding his interest in protecting the Greenway for all users from conflicts with vehicles on the planned roadways.
    • Ms. Mary Fay Falconer requested information regarding the cemetery that is located on the Greenway and the number of trees that will be cut down.
    • Ms. Meg Bates spoke in support of the previous speakers and in opposition of the staff report.
    • Ms. Marcia Meale spoke about the dangers already facing pedestrians and bicyclists in Leon County.
    • Mr. Gene Jones, President of the Arendell Homeowners Association, spoke in support of Option #3.
    • Ms. Nancy Stephens, President of the North Florida Backcountry Horsemen, requested a workgroup be created to continue discussion on finding an alternative that accommodates all users.

• • • Commissioner Welch noted that the County is bound by the legal requirements to build the roads and offered options that could be incorporated into the planning of the roadway extension.
    • Commissioner O’Keefe noted full support of additional safety measure.
    • Commissioner Proctor asked if there are timeframes for permitting this project.
    • County Attorney O’Steen noted there is a 120-day timeframe to approve permits once a completed permit application is submitted.
    • Commissioner Proctor requested the Board approve creation of a workgroup.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban, to approve Option #2: Do not accept the status report on the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway and Designated Canopy Road Protections.

Commissioner Welch made a substitute motion, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, to approve Option #1 as amended: Accept the status report on the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway and Designated Canopy Road Protections, including the following safety features:

• • • • Minimize the width of traffic lanes to 10 feet;
      • Reduce the speed limit on the traffic lanes to 25 miles per hour; and
      • Install pedestrian and equestrian push buttons that are set back from the road to activate red crosswalk lights.

The motion passed 6-1 with Commissioner Proctor opposed

Staff: Public Works – Brent Pell / Charles Wu

20. Full Board Appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Big Bend Health Council, and the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority
    (County Administrator / Administration)

Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1: Appoint one citizen representing category e., Tee Thompson, to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, for the remainder of a three-year term expiring January 31, 2026; 

Option #2: Reappoint one citizen, Steven Harris, and appoint two citizens, Jose Carlos Soria and William Wertman, to the Big Bend Health Council, for two-year terms expiring July 31, 2026; and

Option #3: Reappoint two citizens, Todd Sperry and Thomas C. Proctor, Jr., to the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority for five-year terms expiring July 31, 2029.

The motion passed 7-0

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS, 6:00 P.M.

21. First and Only Public Hearing to Approve the Resolution Adopting the Fire Rescue Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll and Certification of the Entire Roll to the Tax Collector
    (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve the proposed Resolution adopting the Fire Rescue Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll (Attachment #1) and authorize the certification of the entire Roll to the Tax Collector (Attachment #2).

The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Caban out of chambers|
 

22. First and Only Public Hearing to Approve the Resolution Adopting the Stormwater Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll and Certification of the Entire Roll to the Tax Collector
    (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve the Resolution adopting the Stormwater Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll (Attachment #1), and authorize the certification of the entire Roll to the Tax Collector (Attachment #2).

The motion passed 7-0
 

23. First and Only Public Hearing to Approve the Resolution Adopting the Solid Waste Disposal Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll and Certification of the Entire Roll to the Tax Collector
    (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve the Resolution adopting the Solid Waste Disposal Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll (Attachment #1), and authorize the certification of the entire Roll to the Tax Collector (Attachment #2).

The motion passed 7-0
 

24. First and Only Public Hearing to Approve a Resolution Imposing Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for Sewer Service for Certain Property in the Belair/Annawood Area, and a Resolution Adopting the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll, and Certification of the Entire Roll to the Tax Collector
    (County Administrator / Public Works)

Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve a Resolution imposing Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for Sewer Service for certain property in the Belair/Annawood Area (Attachment #1); and 

Option #2: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve the Resolution adopting the Belair/Annawood Area Sewer Service Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll (Attachment #2) and authorize the certification of the entire Roll to the Tax Collector (Attachment #3).

The motion passed 7-0

25. First and Only Public Hearing to Approve a Resolution Imposing Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for Sewer Service for Certain Property in the Killearn Lakes Plantation Subdivision Units 1 and 2, and a Resolution Adopting the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll, and Certification of the Entire Roll to the Tax Collector
    (County Administrator / Public Works)

The following speaker provided in-person comments:

• Ms. Frances Nicholas spoke against the imposition of these fees.
   
• The following speaker provided virtual comments:
  • Ms. Elaine Kromhout spoke about this fee being charged to residents who utilize septic systems rather than the sewer system in the area.
     
• • Commissioner Welch stated that he cannot support the recommendation. He noted that this is the City of Tallahassee assessing a fee to County residents with no say by the County on the fee proposed.
  • County Attorney O’Steen described the dispute resolution process in the Interlocal Agreement.
  • Commissioner Caban inquired about sewer rates for the ongoing and future sewer projects in the Woodville area.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor to approve Option #1 as amended: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve a Resolution imposing Non- Ad Valorem Assessments for Sewer Service for certain property in Killearn Lakes Plantation Subdivision Units 1 and 2 (Attachment #1); and

Option #2: Conduct the first and only public hearing and approve the Resolution adopting the Killearn Lakes Plantation Subdivision Units 1 and 2 Sewer Service Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll (Attachment #2) and authorize the certification of the entire Roll to the Tax Collector (Attachment #3); and

Provide a status report at the September 17, 2024 regular meeting on the Interlocal Agreements with the City for the provision of sewer services including the rates and fees charged by the City in the unincorporated areas and the collection methods.

The motion passed 6-1 with Commissioner Welch in opposition

Staff: County Attorney / Administration / Public Works – Chasity O’Steen / Ben Pingree / Brent Pell
 

26. First and Only Public Hearing to Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16 of the Leon County Code of Laws Related to Parking
    (County Administrator / Public Works / County Attorney)
    
    Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only public hearing to consider adopting the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the Leon County Code of Laws to add Article VI related to parking (Attachment #1).

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration / Public Works / Real Estate – Ben Pingree / Brent Pell / Kim Vickery
 

27. First and Only TEFRA Public Hearing and Adopt the Resolution to Authorize the Refunding of Certain Orange County Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds, Relating in Part for the Benefit of Westminster Oaks, located in Leon County
    (County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)
    
    Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox to approve Option #1: Conduct the first and only TEFRA public hearing and approve the Resolution to authorize the future refunding of Orange County Health Authority Revenue Bonds Series 2014, relating in part for the benefit of Westminster Oaks (Attachment #1).
    
    The motion passed 7-0

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDAED ITEMS

3-minute limit per speaker; Commission may discuss issues that are brought forth by speakers.

The following speaker provided in-person comments:

• Dr. Sandra Allen sought assistance on her Non-Ad Valorem Fire Assessment and was assisted by staff from the Office of Management and Budget.

COMMENTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

Items from the County Attorney

• She provided an update from outside counsel on the Opioid Litigation and noted the settlement agreement with Kroger. The State of Florida could join the settlement at any time and requested approval from the Board for the authority to enter into settlement negotiations if the State of Florida joins the settlement agreement.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve providing authority for the County Attorney to enter into settlement negotiations if necessary.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: County Attorney – Chasity O’Steen
 

Items from the County Administrator

• none
  
   

Discussion Items by Commissioners

Commissioner Maddox

• He requested a proclamation recognizing Mr. Joseph Williams, a 104 year old county resident and World War II Veteran.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban requesting a proclamation recognizing Mr. Williams.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway
 

• He requested a proclamation recognizing Bishop Lamar Simmons.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe requesting a proclamation recognizing Bishop Simmons.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway

• He requested an agenda item to consider an ordinance regulating the sale of certain pets.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban, requesting an agenda item related to an ordinance restricting sales of animals at pet stores in Leon County.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration / Animal Control – Shington Lamy / Chad Abrams / Cara Aldridge

• He requested an agenda item on transitional housing opportunities, best practices among other local governments, and options to help address homelessness in Leon County.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, requesting an agenda item related to transitional housing funding, best practices, and options to address homelessness in Leon County.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration / Health and Human Services – Shington Lamy / Abigail Thomas

Commissioner O’Keefe

• He commented on the danger of certain railroad crossings and requested a staff report on overall railroad crossing safety in Leon County to include the number of railroad crossings that do not have any vehicle warning indicators.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, requesting an agenda item related to railroad safety in Leon County.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration / Public Works – Ben Pingree / Brent Pell
 

Commissioner Minor

• He asked staff to assess the railroad crossing at Mission Road and Tharpe Street, as there is a metal spike exposed to vehicles due to erosion of road materials around the track.

Staff: Public Works –Brent Pell

• He gave credit to WastePro, Inc., the curbside collection provider for Leon County, due to significant improvements in providing these services compared to a year ago.
• He thanked FEMA staff who are assisting residents of Leon County who were impacted by the May 10th Tornadoes.

Commissioner Caban

• He spoke about illegal dumping that is occurring in his district, specifically on State and National Forest lands, and requested a general business item providing an update on the County ordinance related to illegal dumping.
• Commissioner Proctor questioned whether Leon County has the authority to create ordinances affecting Federal Government property.
• County Attorney O’Steen responded that she did not have the answer to that question, but additional information could be provided in the future agenda item identifying the jurisdictions of entities related to the issue of illegal dumping on Federal property.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, requesting an agenda item on illegal dumping in Leon County.

The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Minor out of chambers

Staff: Administration / Public Works – Ben Pingree / Brent Pell

Commissioner Proctor

• He requested that the NAACP National Conference be included on the Commission Calendar for approval of travel.
• Commissioner Caban questioned the policy for Commissioners to utilize office budgets for travel related to official business travel and asked why Commissioners are required to seek Board approval for travel outside the approved travel schedule.
• County Administrator Long responded that staff would be willing to bring the policy back for review and discussion if that is the direction of the Board.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, requesting the addition of the NAACP National Meeting to the Commission Calendar.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Lisa Davis

• He requested a proclamation recognizing the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) men’s golf team for their recent National Championship win.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox requesting a proclamation recognizing the FAMU men’s golf team National Champions at the September 17, 2024 regular meeting.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway

• He requested a staff report on the schedule of fees for tow truck services in Leon County.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, requesting an agenda item on the fee schedule for tow truck services in Leon County.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Ken Morris / Miranda Hernandez

• He commented on the need for a conference center in Tallahassee and noted that the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Statewide Meeting is being held in Orlando due to the limitations of available conference space in Tallahassee. He requested an agenda item at the next meeting to consider a funding request from the local Chapter of Omega Psi Phi even though the event is taking place in Orlando.
• Commissioner Maddox requested information from the County Attorney on any legal restrictions associated with this type of support.
• County Attorney O’Steen advised that any funding provided by the County to a local organization requires justification of a public purpose.
• Commissioner Minor noted concern with the philosophy of approving funding for an event that is taking place outside of Leon County.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox requesting an agenda item at the September 17, 2024 regular meeting, to consider a $2500 funding request for the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi for a statewide meeting in Orlando.

The motion passed 5-2 with Commissioners Minor and O’Keefe opposed

Staff: Administration / Tourism / OMB – Matt Cavell / Kerri Post / Roshaunda Bradley
 

Commissioner Welch

• He noted that Deputy Chief Mac Kemp, with Emergency Medical Services, has recently retired and requested a proclamation to recognize his 47 years of service.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor requesting a proclamation recognizing retired Deputy Chief Mac Kemp at the September 17, 2024 regular meeting.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway
 

• He recognized the recent name change of Tallahassee Community College to Tallahassee State College. He requested a proclamation be presented at the next meeting.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Caban requesting a proclamation recognizing Tallahassee State College at the September 17, 2024 regular meeting.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway

Commissioner Cummings

• She requested a proclamation recognizing September 9th as Florida Missing Children’s Day.

Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor requesting a proclamation recognizing September 9th as Florida Missing Children’s Day.

The motion passed 7-0

Staff: Administration – Stephanie Holloway

• She thanked staff and wished everyone a nice break until the September 17, 2024 regular meeting.