Board of County Commissioners
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Meeting - Follow-Up Memo

Click Here For a pdf Version of the Follow-UP

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To:	Board of County Commissioners
From:	Vincent S. Long, County Administrator
Subject:	Follow-up to County Commission Regular Meeting of January 27, 2026

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The meeting was held in the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 5th 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 8:00 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 may 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 Retired Bishop Craig P. Riley, Sr.

Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Proctor

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to allow Commissioner Cummings to participate in the meeting by telephone.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Cummings abstaining.

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Proclamation Recognizing the Shady Grove Primitive Baptist Church Voices of Victory Grammy Nomination

(Vice Chairman O’Keefe)

• Proclamation Recognizing Jon Ausman’s Positive Impact on the Community

(Commissioner Proctor)

• Proclamation Recognizing the Raa Middle School Girls’ Basketball Team as the Leon County Division 2 Champions

(Commissioner Maddox)

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 speakers provided in-person comment:

• • Mr. Delaitre Hollinger spoke of the recent discovery of a historic cemetery in Tom Brown Park.  He suggested that the cemetery should be incorporated into the park.
  • Mr. Howard Kessler spoke regarding Consent Item #4, specifically in opposition to the grant related to immigration and customs enforcement.  He recommended that the Board not accept the grant.
  • Ms. Lisa Lloyd spoke regarding Consent Item #4, specifically in opposition to the grant related to immigration and customs enforcement.

CONSENT

ACTION TAKEN:  Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch, to approve the Consent Agenda, except for items #4, #11, and #15 which were pulled for discussion.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

1. Minutes:  October 28, 2025 Legislative Priorities Workshop and November 18, 2025 Reorganization and Regular Meeting

(Clerk of Court)

Option #1:  Approve the minutes of October 28, 2025 Legislative Priorities Workshop and November 18, 2025 Reorganization and Regular Meeting.

2. Payment of Bills and Vouchers

(County Administrator / Office of Management & Budget)

Option #1:  Approve the payment of bills and vouchers submitted for January 27, 2026, and the pre-approval of payment of bills and vouchers for the period of January 28, 2026, through February 9, 2026.

3. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar

(County Administrator / Office of Management & Budget)

Option #1:  Approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar (Attachment #1); and

Option #2:  Approve rescheduling the September 8, 2026, Board of County Commissioners regular meeting and First Budget Public Hearing to September 15, 2026.

4. PULLED – Acceptance of Multiple Grants for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office

(County Administrator / Office of Management & Budget)

5. Acceptance of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant for the Munson Slough Embankment Repair Project

(County Administrator / Public Works)

Option #1:  Approve the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Agreement for the Munson Slough Embankment Repair Project (Attachment #1), and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Grant Agreement, including any future modifications or amendments, subject to final legal review by the County Attorney; and

Option #2:  Approve the Resolution and associated Budget Amendment (Attachment #2).

6. Authorization to Apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant for the Veteran’s Memorial Drive Bridge Replacement

(County Administrator / Public Works)

Option #1:  Authorize the submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant for the replacement of the Veterans Memorial Drive Bridge; and

Option #2:  Adopt a Resolution of Support for the Veterans Memorial Bridge Replacement Project (Attachment #1).

7. Approval of the 2026 – 2036 J.R. Alford Greenway Management Plan and Authorization to Submit the Plan to the State

(County Administrator / Office of Resource Stewardship)

Option #1:  Approve the 2026 – 2036 J.R. Alford Greenway Management Plan and authorize submittal to the State (Attachment #1).

8. Ratification of the Agreement with Carters Corner Community Services, Inc. to Host Food Distribution Events at County Facilities

(County Administrator / Human Services and Community Partnerships)

Option #1:  Ratify the agreement with Carters Corner Community Services Inc. (Attachment #1) to coordinate and collaborate on Farm Share, Inc. events and programming that provide Leon County residents with access to nutritious meals and fresh produce, and authorize the County Administrator to execute any amendments, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

9. Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider a Twelfth Amendment to the Southwood Development of Regional Impact Integrated Development Order for February 10, 2026

(County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)

Option #1:  Schedule the first and only public hearing to consider a twelfth amendment to the Southwood Development of Regional Impact Integrated Development Order (Attachment #1) for February 10, 2026.

10. Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code Related to “Plats” for March 10, 2026

(County Administrator / Public Works)

Option #1:  Schedule the first and only public hearing to consider the ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code for March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Procurements:

11. PULLED – Bid Award for the Maintenance of Landscaping on Portions of Capital Circle Southwest and Capital Circle Southeast

(County Administrator / Public Works)

12. Authorization to Negotiate Professional Services Continuing Supply Agreements with Multiple Firms

(County Administrator / Public Works)

Option #1:  Authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to negotiate and execute Professional Services (which includes Building Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire Protection Engineering, and Landscape Architect) Continuing Supply agreements (Attachments #1, #2, and #3), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

 

 

Status Reports:

13. Status Report and Public Use Feasibility Analysis for the Woodville Aquaculture Facility Property

(County Administrator / Public Works)

Option #1:  Accept the status report on the Public Use Feasibility Analysis for the Woodville Aquaculture Facility Property.

14. Annual Sustainability Program Status Report Including the Semiannual Report on Curbside Waste Collections

(County Administrator / Office of Resource Stewardship)

Option #1:  Accept the annual status report on the County Sustainability Program (Attachment #1); and

Option #2:  Accept the semiannual status report regarding curbside waste collection service provided by Waste Pro, Inc. (Attachment #2).

15. PULLED – Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Performance and Financial Report

(County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

Consent Items Pulled for Discussion

4. PULLED – Acceptance of Multiple Grants for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office

(County Administrator / Office of Management & Budget)

• This item was pulled by Vice Chairman O’Keefe.

Vice Chairman O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Options #1 through #8.

Option #1:  Accept the U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in the amount of $26,368 for crime scene equipment, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Grant Agreement (Attachment #1), including any future modifications, subject to legal review by the County Attorney;

Option #2:  Approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment to realize $26,368 in grant funds into the FY 2026 budget (Attachment #2);

Option #3:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing, to support salaries for two deputies for patrol activities in Leon County (Attachment #3);

Option #4:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $174,996 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing, for development of a targeted initiative to combat violent crime and human trafficking through proactive investigations into illicit massage businesses (Attachment #4);

Option #5:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $111,048 pass-through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, through the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, toward salaries for Agency Victim Advocates (Attachment #5);

Option #6:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $110,000 from the Florida Department of Transportation, for continued focused enforcement and education efforts regarding speeding and aggressive driving to reduce crashes, particularly those crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities (Attachment #6);

Option #7:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $210,000 from the Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force to jointly address threats posed by individuals and groups engaged in child exploitation and trafficking (Attachment #7); and

Option #8:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend grant funds from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the Electronic Surveillance Support Team and Cyber High Tech Task Force to provide technical and investigative assistance (Attachment #8).

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration / Office of Management and Budget – Ken Morris / Roshaunda Bradley

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to waive the rules requiring a motion before Board discussion.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

• Commissioner Maddox requested information from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).  He asked what the requirements are of the LCSO if the County does not approve the grant.  He noted that he does not agree with all the issues surrounding ICE, however, he has an issue with not accepting a grant when those functions of LCSO are required to take place.
  • Ms. Elise Gann, LCSO Chief Financial Officer, responded that LCSO is required to enforce the laws outlined in Florida Statutes related to immigration and customs enforcement whether the grant is accepted or not.  If not accepted, these costs will be paid out of the LCSO annual budget.
• Commissioner Minor noted that he is appalled by the actions taken recently that have resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens.  He noted that every Sheriff’s Office in the State of Florida is legally required to enforce the laws related to immigration and customs enforcement.  He commented that if the Board does not approve the grant, Leon County residents will end up paying for these services.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe spoke to clarify that the Board is not voting to approve any ICE training facility in Leon County.  This proposal is only for grant funds associated with immigration and customs enforcement.  He asked if any of the budget approved by the Board at the beginning of the Fiscal Year covered immigration enforcement.
  • County Administrator Long responded that there was no explicit LCSO funding approved for immigration enforcement.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked if all of these funds will be used in Leon County, or if deputies will be deployed to other areas.  He added that the Sheriff has already agreed to the grant, and spoke to what the funds of the grant would cover.
  • Ms. Gann responded that this grant would be to support costs for enforcement activities in Leon County.  Any deployment of deputies to other areas would not be associated with this grant funding.  She added that the grant allows for reimbursement of overtime and bonuses of deputies who receive training for these activities.  At this time, LCSO has not been asked to participate in the ICE Task Force, and therefore, the reimbursement of bonuses of deputies who receive training for these activities is not allowed.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe appreciated the information provided by LCSO related to this item, but noted opposition to accepting money for any immigration or customs enforcement activities.
• Chairman Caban asked for clarification that these enforcement activities are required and either the State pays for this with approval of the grant or the County pays for this with allocation of local taxes budgeted to the LCSO.
  • County Administrator Long confirmed that is correct.
• Commissioner Proctor asked if the LCSO staff have participated in any ICE activity within Leon County.  He then asked if this grant reimburses the County for the costs associated with housing those individuals detained.  He spoke of the number of individuals housed at the Leon County Detention Facility (LCDF) currently, and asked Ms. Teresa Broxton, Director of the Office of Intervention and Detention, if individuals housed at the LCDF are having a negative impact.
  • Ms. Gann responded that LCSO staff have not participated in any activity related to an ICE Task Force.  There have been 87 individuals detained in Leon County related to immigration or customs enforcement.  LCSO is required to house these individuals until they are transported or picked up by ICE, within 48 hours of being detained.  She confirmed that this grant allows for reimbursement of the costs of housing these individuals in the LCDF.
  • Ms. Broxton responded that currently there are zero individuals at the LCDF for an ICE-only hold.  There are seven individuals who were detained by ICE, but have local charges pending.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Welch, to approve Option #9:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $499,523 from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for reimbursement of costs for immigration enforcement that are incurred during normal law enforcement activities (Attachment #9).

• Commissioner Maddox noted his frustration with some of the comments that make it seem that additional actions are able to be taken to address the topic of immigration and customs enforcement.  A vote in favor of accepting the grant is supporting the LCSO not having to use its regular budget for these activities.
• Commissioner Cummings thanked the speakers for raising concerns with regard to the broken system of immigration and customs enforcement in this country.  She noted support for the agenda item to ensure the LCSO has funding to carry out the functions they are required to.
• Commissioner Welch spoke with concern that somehow it was implied that supporting this item supports the inhumane treatment of people.  He suggested that Leon County residents would be appalled if their taxes were forced to cover the costs of this rather than accept the grant to cover these costs.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve Option #9:  Authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to realize and spend $499,523 from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for reimbursement of costs for immigration enforcement that are incurred during normal law enforcement activities (Attachment #9).

The motion passed 6 – 1 with Vice Chairman O’Keefe in opposition.

Staff:  Administration / Office of Management and Budget – Ken Morris / Roshaunda Bradley

11. PULLED – Bid Award for the Maintenance of Landscaping on Portions of Capital Circle Southwest and Capital Circle Southeast

(County Administrator / Public Works)

• This item was pulled by Commissioner Proctor.
• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve Option #1:  Approve the bid award to Rotolo Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $173,640, for the maintenance of portions of landscaping along Capital Circle Southwest and Capital Circle Southeast, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement (Attachment #1), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

• Commissioner Proctor noted concern that the City of Tallahassee was unwilling to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the County to maintain the areas near the Tallahassee International Airport.  He commented that the qualifications required by the Florida Department of Transportation are too high and limit the number of respondents able to be responsive to the bid.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe noted support for partnering with the City of Tallahassee on items such as this.
• Chairman Caban responded that he supports opportunities to find the best overall options for taxpayers of Leon County, whether that be interlocal agreements, or contracting with businesses for services.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve Option #1:  Approve the bid award to Rotolo Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $173,640, for the maintenance of portions of landscaping along Capital Circle Southwest and Capital Circle Southeast, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement (Attachment #1), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration / Public Works – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Brent Pell

15. Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Performance and Financial Report

(County Administrator / Office of Management and Budget)

• This item was pulled by Commissioner Proctor.
• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve Option #1:  Accept the FY 2025 Annual Performance and Financial Report (Attachment #1).

• Commissioner Proctor suggested that this item should be presented at a workshop for additional discussion.  He also suggested a bus tour of the septic to sewer project area to learn more about this issue.
• Chairman Caban asked if staff can assist Commissioners with individual tours of the current septic to sewer project areas in Woodville.
  • County Administrator Long responded that staff would be happy to provide individual tours of septic to sewer conversion areas for Commissioners.

Staff:  Administration / Public Works – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Brent Pell

• Commissioner Proctor highlighted information provided in the Financial Report and requested future budget workshops include updates on how property tax reform impacts major revenues and grant funding. 

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve Option #1: Accept the FY 2025 Annual Performance and Financial Report (Attachment #1).

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration / Office of Management and Budget – Ken Morris / Roshaunda Bradley

General Business

16. Ratification of Board Actions Taken at the January 26, 2026 Board Retreat

(County Administrator / Administration)

To be distributed under separate cover on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Option #1:  Ratify the actions taken at the January 26, 2026 Board Retreat.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Ken Morris / Nicki Hatch

17. Ratification of the Local Government Commitment of Funding to the ViaNova Apartments Affordable Rental Housing Development

(County Administrator / Human Services and Community Partnerships)

• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

The following speaker provided in-person comment:

• • Mr. Otis B. Young, Co-president of Capital Area Justice Ministry (CAJM), spoke in support of the work to improve affordable housing in Leon County.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1:  Ratify the County share of the local government funding commitment in the amount of $93,750 to Volunteers of America of Florida for the ViaNova Apartments and authorize the County Administrator to enter and execute any and all legal documentation related to ViaNova Apartments, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

• Commissioner Maddox noted the importance of this item after such a long road of discussions with stakeholders and groups working hard to improve affordable housing in the community.  He suggested the Board give a standing ovation to all the individuals involved in this important topic.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe noted excitement for this program and the funds that will be used to address affordable housing in Leon County.  He also thanked the Housing Finance Authority for working with the Board to identify an option that would work for Leon County.  He thanked Mr. Shington Lamy, Assistant County Administrator, for all the time spent working with Commissioners and stakeholders.
• Commissioner Minor congratulated CAJM for their efforts.
• Commissioner Proctor noted the importance of this action by the Board and shared the enthusiastic comments of the other Board members.
• Chairman Caban noted this Board is special and unique because of the fact that it celebrates community wins and wins for other colleagues.  Those wins have positive impacts on Leon County and this Board works together for the better of the whole community.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1:  Ratify the County share of the local government funding commitment in the amount of $93,750 to Volunteers of America of Florida for the ViaNova Apartments and authorize the County Administrator to enter and execute any and all legal documentation related to ViaNova Apartments, and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

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

18. Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider a Local Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption for March 10, 2026

(County Administrator / Human Services and Community Partnerships)

• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Option #1:  Schedule the first and only Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, with the adoption of a new Article VI, of the Leon County Code of Laws (LCC), to create an ad valorem property tax exemption entitled “Local Option Affordable Housing Tax Exemption” (Attachment #1, subject to revisions as necessary) for March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

• Commissioner Proctor reminded the Board that Federal lands can significantly help with affordable housing.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe thanked staff for pulling this item together and provided the background of where this item started. 
• Commissioner Cummings noted that this item shows the County’s commitment to affordable housing in this community.  She asked how this ordinance will be disseminated to interested parties.
  • Mr. Lamy responded that County staff plan to work with the HFA to notify interested parties and promote the information digitally.
• Chairman Caban asked if this is available for any size property in the County.  He suggested that the Board may want to consider requesting the Legislature next year to lower the statutory minimum number of units (50 units) to qualify for local tax exemptions for affordable housing.
  • Mr. Lamy responded and affirmed that per Florida Statutes, in order to be eligible to apply for this tax exemption, the property must have at least 50 units, and at least 20% of those units have to be dedicated to those individuals at 60% of the Average Median Income.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked if County staff will notify the City staff that they could also implement this type of tax exemption for City properties.
  • Mr. Lamy noted that this information will be shared at the upcoming Affordable Housing Advisory Committee which includes representation from the City.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Option #1:  Schedule the first and only Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, with the adoption of a new Article VI, of the Leon County Code of Laws (LCC), to create an ad valorem property tax exemption entitled “Local Option Affordable Housing Tax Exemption” (Attachment #1, subject to revisions as necessary) for March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

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

19. Full Board Appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Council on Culture and Arts Board, and the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority

(County Administrator / Administration)

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Options #1 through #4.

Option #1:  Appoint Victoria AllSaints-Cole to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, membership category ‘l’, for a three-year term ending on January 31, 2029;

Option #2:  Reappoint Oral Payne, Bruce Strouble, Sean Morgan, and Tee Thompson to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for three-year terms ending on January 31, 2029;

Option #3:  Appoint Segundo Fernandez to the City At-Large seat on the Council on Culture and Arts Board for the remainder of a four-year term ending on September 30, 2029; and

Option #4:  Appoint James Billingsley to the Leon County Educational Facilities Authority for the remainder of a five-year term ending on July 31, 2030.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Lisa Davis

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS, 6:00 P.M.

20. First and Only Public Hearing to Adopt an Ordinance Establishing a Boating-Restricted Area on Lake Iamonia

(County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management)

• County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve Option #1:  Conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt an Ordinance to establish a boating-restricted area within the pass between Strickland Arm and Lake Iamonia (Attachment #1), and direct staff to coordinate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the installation of the associated regulatory waterway markers upon adoption of the ordinance.

• Commissioner Welch thanked staff for working on this item which is in response to a recent tragic accident in a specific area on Lake Iamonia.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve Option #1:  Conduct the first and only public hearing and adopt an Ordinance to establish a boating-restricted area within the pass between Strickland Arm and Lake Iamonia (Attachment #1), and direct staff to coordinate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the installation of the associated regulatory waterway markers upon adoption of the ordinance.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Cummings out of Chambers.

Staff:  Administration / Development Support & Environmental Management – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Scott Brockmeier

Citizens to be Heard on Non-Agendaed Items

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

• • None.

COMMENTS / DISCUSSION ITEMS

Items from the County Attorney

• She thanked Deputy County Attorney Emily Norton for taking on the brunt of the legal work for the recent World Cross Country Championships event.
• She offered information to the Board regarding restrictions for expenditures of public funds for educating the public on specific topics as briefly discussed at the Board Retreat.  She added actions that are permissible by local governments and suggested that Commissioners coordinate with her once the Legislature takes action on certain bills.

Items from the County Administrator

• None

Discussion Items by Commissioners

Commissioner Cummings

• Commissioner Cummings requested a proclamation recognizing the 5th anniversary of the Black Business Expo, to be presented at the next Board meeting.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve a proclamation recognizing the 5th anniversary of the Black Business Expo.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

• Commissioner Cummings requested a joint proclamation to the Office of Economic Vitality and Demirel International related to the development of the SoMo Walls project, to be presented at the next meeting.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve a joint proclamation to the Office of Economic Vitality and Demirel International related to the development of the SoMo Walls project.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

• Commissioner Cummings requested an agenda item to identify the number of homeless women and children in Leon County.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to request an agenda item to identify the number of homeless women and children in Leon County and how the County can support their transition to permanent housing.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

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

• Commissioner Cummings requested information from the County Attorney regarding contracts to secure outside counsel.  She asked if the County has a list of law firms that can be utilized for these types of contracts and if there are minority firms included in such a list.
  • County Attorney O’Steen responded that there is no list that is used for contracting with outside counsel.  She explained the process for procuring outside counsel for specific subjects and expertise, and added that outside counsel is not retained based on any specific race or gender.

Commissioner Minor

• Commissioner Minor spoke of the Point in Time Count, organized by the Big Bend Continuum of Care, that is being completed this week.  He invited Commissioners to stop by and say hello if they are in the area.

Vice Chairman O’Keefe

• Vice Chairman O’Keefe requested a status report regarding the size of the cemetery recently discovered at Tom Brown Park and to include the County’s role, as the owner of the property, in preserving the site.
  • County Administrator Long noted that staff will coordinate with state and local partners and provide a status report back to the Board.

Staff:  Administration / County Attorney / Office of Resource Stewardship – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Chasity O’Steen / Maggie Theriot / Amanda Heidecker

Commissioner Proctor

• Commissioner Proctor gave a shout out to Ms. Kerri Post for her leadership in the success of the recent World Cross Country Championships event held at Apalachee Regional Park.
• He requested approval to travel and attend the National League of Cities meeting in March being held in Washington, D.C.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve travel to attend the National League of Cities meeting held in Washington, D.C. in March.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Commissioner Maddox

• Commissioner Maddox congratulated FAMU Basketball Coach Charlie Ward for his first successful season.
• Commissioner Maddox requested a proclamation recognizing the Fairview Middle School Baseball Team as Division 1 City Champions, to be presented offsite.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve a proclamation recognizing the Fairview Middle School Baseball Team as Division 1 City Champions.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

• Commissioner Maddox requested a proclamation recognizing March as Multiple Sclerosis Month, to be presented offsite.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve a proclamation recognizing March as Multiple Sclerosis Month.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

• Commissioner Maddox requested a proclamation recognizing the 20th Anniversary of Brownsville Preparatory Institute, to be presented offsite.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve a proclamation recognizing the 20th Anniversary of Brownsville Preparatory Institute.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

Commissioner Welch

• Commissioner Welch requested a proclamation recognizing the Chiles High School Competitive Cheerleading Team for winning the Florida High School Athletic Association Medium Varsity State Championship.

Commissioner Welch moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve a proclamation recognizing the Chiles High School Competitive Cheerleading Team for winning the Florida High School Athletic Association Medium Varsity State Championship.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

Staff:  Administration – Regina Glee

Chairman Caban

• Chairman Caban commented that he looks forward to a great 2026.

RECEIPT AND FILE

• 2026 Chairman Appointment of Commissioners to Boards, Committees, Councils, and Authorities Memo
• Children’s Services Council of Leon County 2025 Annual Report
• Children’s Services Council of Leon County Quarterly Financial Report October 1 – December 31, 2025

ADJOURN

The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners is tentatively scheduled for

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting

All lobbyists appearing before the Board must pay a $25 annual registration fee.

For registration forms and/or additional information, please contact the Board Secretary

or visit the County Clerk website.