Board of County Commissioners
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Meeting - Follow-Up Memo

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 Reverend Ernest Lane, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Proctor

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Proclamation Recognizing the Florida Tax Watch 2025 – 2026 Principal Leadership Award for Delshuana Jackson, Principal of Bond Elementary School.
  (Commissioner Maddox)
   
• Proclamation Recognizing the Florida Tax Watch 2025 – 2026 Principal Leadership Award for Lisa Mehr, Former Principal of Woodville K-8 School
  (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.

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 comment:

• Ms. Tiffany McCaskill thanked Vice Chairman O’Keefe and Planning Department staff for working with stakeholders on the consent agenda item regarding current Complete Streets Policies in Leon County and noted support for the topic.

The following speakers provided in-person comment:

• Mr. Erwin Jackson provided a book that he wrote to each Commissioner. He thanked Commissioner Proctor for his support over the years.
• Mr. Jonathan Gardner spoke with concern regarding the use of flock cameras in Leon County and provided a report to the Board with background information to support his comments.
• Mr. Terry Ryan, President of the Tallahassee Region Environmental Group, expressed concerns regarding recent flooding along the Miccosukee Greenway and provided suggestions on ways to improve inspections and review of inspection reports. He also spoke on the water quality of Lake Munson.
• Ms. Alex O’Connell spoke in opposition to the use of flock cameras in Leon County and noted concern for privacy of the public.
• Mr. Stanley Sims expressed disappointment with how the public was treated at the previous meeting.

CONSENT

ACTION TAKEN: Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve the Consent Agenda, except for item #7 which was postponed, and items #4, #6, and #11 which were pulled for discussion.

The motion passed 7 – 0.

1. Minutes: March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting
   (Clerk of Court)
   Option #1: Approve the minutes of March 10, 2026 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 May 12, 2026, and the pre-approval of payment of bills and vouchers for the period of May 13, 2026, through June 8, 2026.
    
3. Proposed Revisions to Policy No. 12-5, Proclamations and Resolutions
   (County Administrator / County Administration)
   Option #1:    Adopt the proposed revisions to “Proclamations and Resolutions – Ceremonial Recognition Policy”, Policy No. 12-5 (Attachment #1).
    
4. PULLED – Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider Repealing Chapter 2, Article IX, of the Code of Laws of Leon County, Florida, entitled, “Purchasing and Minority/Women Business Enterprise Participation Program Policy”
   (County Administrator / County Administration)
    

Procurements:

5. Bid Award for the Old Bainbridge Road at Capital Circle NW Intersection Improvement Project
   (County Administrator / Public Works)
   Option #1: Approve the bid award for the Old Bainbridge Road at Capital Circle Intersection Improvement Project to Pyramid Excavation, Inc., the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, in the amount of $841,799, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the Agreement (Attachment #1), and any amendments thereto, subject to legal review by the County Attorney.
    

Status Reports:

6. PULLED – Status Report on the Utilization of Cameras in Public Spaces by Local Government Agencies
   (County Administrator / Office of Intervention and Detention Alternatives)
    
7. POSTPONED – Status Report on the Miccosukee Road Greenway Trail Flood Study
   (County Administrator / Public Works)
    
8. Lake Munson Action Plan and Post-Drawdown Status Report
   (County Administrator / Public Works)
   Option #1: Accept the Lake Munson Action Plan and Post-Drawdown status report.
    
9. Status Report on the Leon County Complete Streets Policies
   (County Administrator / Planning, Land Management & Community Enhancement)
   Option #1: Accept the status report on the Leon County Complete Streets Policies
    
10. Status Report on Renaming Capital Park
    (County Administrator / Office of Resource Stewardship)
    Option #1: Accept the status report on renaming Capital Park
     
11. PULLED – Status Report on Actions Related to Certain Roadways Within the Southwood Development of Regional Impact
    (County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management / County Attorney)
    Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to modify the meeting agenda to take up Consent agenda items following General Business, with the exception of Consent Agenda Item #4, and take up Agenda Item #13 as the first item on General Business.
    The motion passed 7 – 0.

CONSENT ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

4. PULLED – Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider Repealing Chapter 2, Article IX, of the Code of Laws of Leon County, Florida, entitled, “Purchasing and Minority/Women Business Enterprise Participation Program Policy”
   (County Administrator / County Administration)

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

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings, to approve Option #1.

• • Commissioner Proctor noted for the record that the Florida Legislature has directed local governments to remove important policies and programs such as the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program.
  • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked why this item is being presented to the Board now if the law does not take effect until January 1, 2027.

• • • County Administrator Long responded that the County engages in contracts year-round and that the County will soon need to begin revising existing contracts and no longer enter into new contracts with MWBE goals. This agenda item is the first step of many to ensure compliance when the law goes into effect January 1, 2027.
  • Vice Chairman O’Keefe added support for the comments made by Commissioner Proctor. He spoke of his experience at the Florida Legislature during the hearings on SB 1134 and his disappointment with how the bill advanced through the legislative process.
  • Commissioner Maddox thanked the citizens of Leon County for supporting the MWBE Program for many years. He added that this is another action by the Legislature to limit the County’s home rule authority. He recommended that citizens of Leon County be involved in the legislative process when these types of issues come up so to provide input to lawmakers. He also thanked staff for working to adjust the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program which will allow opportunities for those MWBE participants since they all qualify for the SBE Program. Finally, he notified organizations who currently receive funding from Leon County to be aware of the upcoming changes.
  • Commissioner Cummings thanked the Office of Economic Vitality for their efforts to support women- and minority-owned businesses. She added thanks for staff in preparing the information in the agenda item to continue respecting all individuals.
  • Commissioner Minor thanked the Board for the comments and discussion on this topic. He noted that Leon County is ranked 14th in the country for the number of black-owned businesses in the community, and added that is an accomplishment to be celebrated.
  • Commissioner Proctor spoke of the details of the bill that restrict any elected official from pursuing any potential promotion of MWBE Programs or Policies.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Cummings, to approve Option #1: Schedule the first and only public hearing to repeal Chapter 2, Article IX, of the Code of Laws of Leon County, Florida (Attachment #1), entitled, “Purchasing and Minority/Women Business Enterprise Participation Program Policy”, on June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The motion passed 5 – 2 with Commissioner Proctor and Vice Chairman O’Keefe in opposition.
Staff: Administration / Purchasing – Ken Morris / Melanie Hooley

GENERAL BUSINESS

13. Alternative Structures for Administration of Cultural Programming and Request to Schedule the First and Only Public Hearing to Consider Amendments to the Leon County Tourist Development Plan (County Administrator / County Administration / Division of Tourism)
    • County Administrator Long introduced this item and provided a brief background on the issue.
    • Chairman Caban asked for public speakers to be heard first, then he would like to receive the presentation from staff.

51 speakers provided in-person comment in support of Option #2 which would keep the current structure of COCA managing these grants. The following speakers reflected on the positive work by COCA over many years and highlighted the importance of art and culture in the community. Several speakers thanked the Board for being deliberate with the discussions on hard topics and requested additional time to review all the information before making any changes to the structure of the grants program.

• Ms. Kathleen Spehar, Executive Director of the Council on Culture and Arts (COCA), provided a presentation on all the positive aspects of the organization.
• Mr. Dan Taylor.
• Ms. Rachelle McClure.
• Mr. John Grayson.
• Ms. Giovana Williams, COCA Board Member.
• Ms. Holly McPhail, Board appointed COCA Board Member.
• Ms. Elizabeth Uchimura, City appointed COCA Board Member.
• Mr. Alan Hanstein.
• Ms. Aurora Hansen, with the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee and the Big Bend Filipino-American Association.
• Ms. Terry Galloway.
• Ms. Summer Callahan.
• Mr. Robby Brunger, with The Capital Chordsmen of Tallahassee.
• Mr. Ben Gunter, Artistic Director of Theatre with a Mission.
• Ms. Carrie Gaudio, Administrator at LaMoyne Arts.
• Ms. Carrie Danielson.
• Ms. Jan Smith, President of the Tallahassee Community Chorus.
• Dr. Patrice Floyd-Javacya, Founder of Javacya Arts Conservatory.
• Ms. Nicole Soza.
• Ms. Juliet Yaques, Executive Director of Making Light Productions.
• Mr. Anthony Walker.
• Dr. Tian Sanchez-Ballado, Music Director of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra.
• Ms. Sarah Roy, CEO of Young Actors Theatre.
• Ms. Pam Doffeck.
• Ms. Sam Joslin Mueller, Public Art and Exhibitions Manager of COCA.
• Ms. Mary Sterner Lawson.
• Ms. Moey Hewitt.
• Ms. Elvi Nichols.
• Ms. Jennifer Lange.
• Mr. Christopher Gorsuch.
• Ms. Echo Gates, President Elect of the Tallahassee Watercolors Society.
• Ms. Melinda Cowan, President of Embrace World Cultures.
• Ms. Megan Neely.
• Mr. Stanley Sims.
• Ms. Loren Adele.
• Mr. Walter Liebrich.
• Dr. Rhonda Blackwell-Flannigan.
• Ms. Deborah Desilets.

• Ms. Lisa Waxman.
• Dr. Clyde Diao, Founder of the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee.
• Mr. Chris Skene, Founder of Music Local.
• Ms. Alex O’Connell.
• Ms. Alyce Lee Stansbury.
• Ms. Melinda Lanigan.
• Mr. Paul Arons.
• Ms. Ramona Abernathy-Paine.
• Mr. Matt Burke.
• Ms. Lori Roberts.
• Mr. Chris Doolin.
• Ms. Carla Peterson.
• Mr. Edward Reid provided comments virtually.
• Mr. Robert Holladay, President of the Tallahassee Historical Society, provided comments virtually.

• Mr. Mathieu Cavell, Director of Community Relations and Resilience, provided a presentation to the Board on the agenda materials.
• Ms. Kerri Post, Director of the Division of Tourism, provided information on Tourism Development Tax (TDT) funding requirements and spoke of the Division of Tourism grant program.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to direct staff to schedule this topic for discussion at the June Budget Workshop.

•  
• Chairman Caban supports this topic being addressed in a workshop so the Board can understand exactly how the funding of this important County program is managed.
• The Board debated several possible modifications to the motion including approval of Option #2,and awaiting action from the Legislature on the state budget and property tax reform decisions.
• Commissioner Minor suggested that the Board should take the appropriate time to coordinate with all interested parties to ensure all information is considered. He sees Option #1 as a detrimental financial impact to COCA that could have a negative effect on that organization. He added that this agenda item originated at the direction of the Board back in the fall of 2025.
• Commissioner Proctor noted concern for County funding if the Legislature determines to make changes to property taxes. He asked the Board to move forward with the workshop but not commit to Option #2 which would allocate the money to COCA for another year when things are still unclear with the state budget.
• Commissioner Minor reminded everyone that TDT funds are allocated with specific requirements and restrictions, and would not be eligible to spend on other purposes.
• Commissioner Proctor suggested that workshops are scheduled to gather more information and then make decisions. He opposed the motion to conduct a workshop after taking action on the structure.

•  
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked several clarifying questions about these funds, the proposed contract extension in Option #2, and potential timing of property tax changes impacts. He also asked if there have been instances over the last 10 years where these funds have not been used for tourism specific events or programs. He asked when these types of changes were last proposed to the Board for consideration.
  • County Administrator Long responded that the allocation of money presented in the agenda materials is required to be spent on TDT eligible expenses. According to the current agreement, the County provides funding to COCA directly to manage the grant program. He reiterated that the options before the Board are to determine whether the Board wishes to amend the grant management structure to bring that process in-house to utilize some efficiencies already in place within the Division of Tourism and the County government structure versus paying another organization (in this instance COCA) to manage those grants for the County. These changes were last presented in 2020, and 2018, with a very similar response from the Board.
  • Ms. Post responded that the County is currently, and has always been, in compliance with the requirements of TDT funding expenditures. While COCA is the granting agency and has full decision making authority over the issuance of grant funds, the Tourist Development Council (TDC) reviews the COCA Board recommendations of grants to ensure application eligibility compliance. There have been instances of non-eligible applications presented to the TDC in the past, but that review step has been implemented to ensure compliance with TDT requirements. She noted that the agreement with COCA for grant management of TDT funds has typically been on a five-year cycle. However, that changed in the recent past when the Legislature was discussing major changes to how TDT funds were to be used and the County proactively adjusted the agreement to a one-year timeline in order to respond to any legislative changes.
• Vice Chairman O’Keefe noted that the Board has much bigger issues that it should focus on, and this proposal is not necessary at this time. He added opposition to a workshop on this topic and is not interested in seeing this item again anytime soon.
• Commissioner Maddox commented that this topic is an important one for the Board to evaluate and consider potential changes. The amount of funding that has been allocated directly to COCA has doubled in recent years, and he noted his support for a workshop to develop a multi-year agreement that benefits everyone. He spoke in opposition to Option #2.
• Commissioner Cummings commended COCA for their work over the years with the grant structure and is seeking some common ground between the County and COCA. She asked for legal guidance on the structure of a workshop and the ability to seek input and participation from arts organizations.
  • County Attorney O’Steen responded that the Board may elect to include other entities in workshops in order to gather the appropriate information on a particular topic.
• Commissioner Proctor questioned the legality of the Board relinquishing its legislative authority to COCA for these grant funds and requested this issue to be addressed on the workshop item.
• Chairman Caban asked for clarification on the motion to allow the workshop to take place without predetermined action already taken on this topic.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to bring back this issue during the Budget Workshop on June 16, 2026.

The motion passed 5 – 1 with Vice Chairman O’Keefe in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / Tourism / Office of Management and Budget – Mathieu Cavell / Kerri Post / Roshaunda Bradley
 

12. Resolution to Place the School Capital Outlay Surtax Referendum on the 2026 General Election Ballot on behalf of the Leon County School Board
    (County Administrator / County Administration)

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1.
Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1: Adopt the Resolution directing the placement of the question to impose the 0.5 percent Leon County Schools Capital Outlay Surtax on the 2026 General Election ballot (Attachment #1).

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / County Attorney – Nicki Hatch / Chasity O’Steen
 

14. Leon County Efforts to Address Historic Harmful Public Policy Decisions
    (County Administrator / County Administration)

• • County Administrator Long introduced this item. The following speaker provided in-person comment:
    • Dr. Bruce Strouble spoke with appreciation of the continued discussion by the Board on this

topic. He wanted to clarify that the proposal he is in favor of is not race-based and is a more practical measure.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve Option #3.

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe thanked staff for bringing back this item.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve Option #3: Direct the Citizen Charter Review Committee to consider a proposed charter amendment addressing historic harmful public policy decisions based on geographical areas in the community rather than race, gender, ethnicity, or any other protected class; compliant with state and federal laws; and does not jeopardize state and federal funding.

The motion passed 4 – 2 with Commissioner Cummings and Chairman Caban in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Shington Lamy / Nicki Hatch / Cameron Williams
 

15. Consideration of Solid Waste Assessment Rate Increase
    (County Administrator / Office of Management & Budget / Resource Stewardship)

• • County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Options #3 and #4.

• • Commissioner Proctor suggested that implementing Scenario #3 over several years may not be the best option.
    • County Administrator Long noted that Option #3 proposes phasing this in over a period of several years.

Commissioner Proctor offered a substitute motion for Option #1 and Option #4.

• • Commissioner Cummings noted that if this is implemented incrementally, it will take longer for the County to recover the General Revenue subsidy for program costs.
  • Commissioner Maddox noted his sensitivity to providing citizens time to adjust to the full amount of the fee increase over the course of several years. He commented that he could support the current motion on the floor as well if that is the will of the Board.
    • County Administrator Long noted the importance of the consideration of General Revenue funding availability in the next few years, and implementing the full fee increase at once would provide the Board with more flexibility in balancing the budget.
  • Commissioner Minor commented that he supports a staggered approach to help the residents of Leon County not have to take on the full burden of the increase.
  • Chairman Caban noted opposition to both the original motion and the substitute motion. He suggested that citizens in Leon County are struggling at levels not seen in a while, and he looks at this as an option to keep the fee consistent to provide that relief to residents.
  • Commissioner Proctor noted the County has subsidized this fee for many years and suggested it may be time to pass this increase on to the citizens.

The substitute motion by Commissioner Proctor failed 2 – 4 with Commissioners Minor, Maddox, Chairman Caban and Vice Chairman O’Keefe in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to approve Options #3 and #4.

Option #3: Direct staff to prepare an updated Rate Resolution to adopt the Solid Waste non-ad valorem assessment, as presented in Scenario #3, at the July 14, 2026 Public Hearing; and

Option #4: Approve the updated Solid Waste Tipping Fee Resolution (Attachment #1).

The motion passed 4 – 2 with Chairman Caban and Vice Chairman O’Keefe in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / Office of Management and Budget / Geographic Information Systems / Community and Media Relations – Roshaunda Bradley / Scott Weisman / Kianna Gilley
 

16. Full Board Appointments to the Advisory Committee for Quality Growth
    (County Administrator / County Administration)

• • County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve Options #1 through #3.

Option #1: Reappoint one eligible applicant, Shawn Megan Sytsma, to Seat #5 on the Advisory Committee for Quality Growth for a three-year term ending May 31, 2029;

Option #2: Appoint one eligible applicant, Lateefah Muhammad, to Seat #9 on the Advisory Committee for Quality Growth for a three-year term ending May 31, 2029; and

Option #3: Appoint one eligible applicant, Corina White, to Seat #11 on the Advisory Committee for Quality Growth for a three-year term ending May 31, 2029.

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

Staff: Administration – Lisa Davis
 

CONSENT ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

6. PULLED – Status Report on the Utilization of Cameras in Public Spaces by Local Government Agencies
   (County Administrator / Office of Intervention and Detention Alternatives)

• • This item was pulled from Consent by Chairman Caban.
  • County Administrator Long introduced this item.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve Option #1.

• • Chairman Caban noted the original request for this agenda item. He commented that driving around town, he sees cameras everywhere. He met with the Sheriff’s Office and toured the Real Time Crime Center to learn more about this topic. He noted concern with some of the cameras and use of artificial intelligence because the Board has no authority over any of that. He asked for this item to come back with any available options on what the County’s legal oversight is on where these cameras are allowed to be placed and limitations on data collection.

Commissioner Maddox amended his motion to direct staff to bring this agenda item back to analyze the County’s legal purview regarding the use of video cameras in public spaces including oversight options.

Chairman Caban seconded the motion.

• • Commissioner Minor suggested that there should be a balance between privacy and the importance of public safety.

Commissioner Minor requested a friendly amendment to include information on what the County can do to protect the privacy rights of the public in relation to the use of cameras in Leon County.

Commissioner Maddox accepted the friendly amendment.

Chairman Caban seconded the motion including the friendly amendment.

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked if Leon County operates any flock cameras and if there has been any graffiti or littering enforcement using the cameras.
    • Ms. Teresa Broxton, Director of the Office of Intervention and Detention Alternatives, responded that law enforcement agencies operate all the flock cameras in Leon County. She noted the enforcement of crimes such as graffiti or littering are under reported. Promoting private security cameras to be available for enforcement of these types of crimes is one of the goals.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, to approve Option #1 as amended: Accept the status report on utilization of video cameras in public spaces by Leon County, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center, and direct the County Attorney to bring back an agenda item which analyzes the Board’s legal purview and oversight options regarding the use of video cameras in public spaces to protect privacy rights and limit the collection of data by third parties.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / County Attorney – Chasity O’Steen

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings, to reconsider Consent Agenda Items #9 and #10.
 

9. PULLED – Status Report on the Leon County Complete Streets Policies
   (County Administrator / Planning, Land Management & Community Enhancement)

• • This item was pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1.

• • Commissioner Proctor asked for information on why the improvements on Crawfordville Road have taken so long to move forward.
    • County Administrator Long responded that staff can provide an update.
    • Assistant County Administrator Ken Morris noted that this is a Legislative Priority for the County. H noted the progress that has taken place on this roadway and the next steps in the process, noting that the full funding amount for the right of way and all improvements will take several years of allocation from the Legislature via the Florida Department of Transportation budget.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, to approve Option #1: Accept the status report on the Leon County Complete Streets Policies.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / Planning, Land Management & Community Enhancement / Development Support and Environmental Management / Public Works – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Artie White / Scott Brockmeier / Brent Pell
 

10. PULLED – Status Report on Renaming Capital Park
    (County Administrator / Office of Resource Stewardship)

• • This item was pulled from Consent by Commissioner Proctor.
  • Commissioner Proctor noted that the County does not have the authority to rename Capital Park and asked the County Administrator to provide an update as to why the County does not have the authority to do so.
  • Chairman Caban asked who owns the property. He requested approval from the Board to send a letter to the North Florida Fair Association (NFFA) Board to allow the renaming of the City Park as requested by the Board.
    • County Attorney O’Steen responded that the park is part of the Fairgrounds property and is managed through an agreement from the Fairgrounds to the City of Tallahassee.
  • Commissioner Proctor moved to authorize the Chairman, in the continuation of negotiations with the NFFA, that he also request the renaming of Capital Park.
  • Commissioner Maddox noted that neither the NFFA Board nor the County can rename Capital Park because the City has a license agreement from the NFFA for operation of the park.
    • County Attorney O’Steen added that the City has a policy for naming and renaming parks, so they may argue that even if the NFFA agrees to rename it, the City has the sole right to rename it.
  • Chairman Caban suggested adding the City to the letter requesting the park be renamed.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, authorizing the Chairman to send a letter to the North Florida Fair Association and the City of Tallahassee requesting the renaming of Capital Park.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / Office of Resource Stewardship – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Maggie Theriot
 

11. PULLED – Status Report on Actions Related to Certain Roadways Within the Southwood Development of Regional Impact
    (County Administrator / Development Support & Environmental Management / County Attorney)

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

Vice Chairman O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve Option #1.

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked whether a County or City department is in charge of monitoring St. Joe’s compliance with the Southwood DRI agreement.
    • Mr. Scott Brockmeier, Director of Development Support and Environmental Management, responded that the City Growth Management Department is responsible for monitoring compliance.
  • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked if County staff have a process to monitor for compliance in the future to reduce the opportunity of something like this happening in the future.
    • County Administrator Long confirmed that the County does have processes in place to monitor compliance deadlines.

Vice Chairman O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Maddox, to approve Option #1: Accept the status report on the City of Tallahassee's actions to enforce the Southwood DRI-DO’s road completion requirements.

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

Staff: Administration / Development Support & Environmental Management / County Attorney – Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Scott Brockmeier / Chasity O’Steen
 

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS, 6:00 P.M.

• None.

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

• County Attorney O’Steen commented that she would be providing a memo to the Board in the next week regarding legal restrictions on communications related to items that are added to the general election ballot.

Items from the County Administrator

• County Administrator Long provided additional context on the process in developing recommendations and seeking Board input on agenda item #13 related to alternative structures for cultural programming.

Discussion Items by Commissioners

Commissioner Cummings

• • Commissioner Cummings requested a proclamation recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the Tallahassee Bus Boycott.

Commissioner Cummings moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, approving a proclamation recognizing the 70th Anniversary of the Tallahassee Bus Boycott.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee
 

Commissioner Minor

• • Commissioner Minor thanked all those involved in the Honor Flight event that took place on April 18th.
  • He noted the recent Longleaf to Lighthouse expedition with the Wildlife Corridor was a success and added that the video footage will be available later this year.
  • He mentioned that the CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Ms. Monique Ellsworth, will be leaving the agency soon to pursue another opportunity. He offered well wishes to her in the new endeavor. He requested a proclamation highlighting all of the accolades over her career.

Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, approving a proclamation recognizing the career accolades of Monique Ellsworth, outgoing CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee
 

Vice Chairman O’Keefe

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe requested a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month.
  • The Board discussed this request and others that will be affected by SB 1134 in the future.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, approving a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month.

The motion passed 5 – 1 with Chairman Caban in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe spoke regarding SB 1134 and the impacts to the County. He asked what the process would be to challenge the legislation.
    • County Attorney O’Steen responded that the County would not have any standing to challenge Section II which applies to municipalities. If the Board would like an analysis to determine whether the County has grounds to challenge SB 1134, outside counsel would need to be secured to conduct that analysis.

• • Vice Chairman O’Keefe moved to direct the County Attorney to obtain outside counsel to research whether the County has standing and a good faith basis to legally challenge the constitutionality of the new Statutes coming from SB 1134 impacting Leon County. There was no second to the motion at that time.
  • Chairman Caban asked if it would have to be a unanimous vote to pass or if he could request an agenda item to come back to the Board.
    • County Attorney O’Steen noted that it would require a unanimous vote to proceed, as requested during Commission Discussion Time. Otherwise, an agenda item could be requested to come back to the Board at a future meeting.

Vice Chairman O’Keefe amended his motion, seconded by Commissioner Cummings, to prepare an agenda item for the Board to consider obtaining outside counsel to determine whether the County has standing and a good faith basis to legally challenge the constitutionality of SB 1134.

• • Chairman Caban asked for clarification on the process.
    • County Attorney O’Steen replied that her office would bring an agenda item back and if a majority of the Board authorizes moving forward to obtain outside counsel, she would proceed and have outside counsel conduct the research on this topic as requested. Her office would then come back to the Board with that information for the Board’s consideration about whether to move forward with litigation.
  • Commissioner Maddox noted the desire to get information as a status report for the Board to review prior to an agenda item with options.
    • County Attorney O’Steen responded that outside counsel would be required to do the analysis to get that information.
  • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked to hear from the other Commissioners.
  • Commissioner Cummings noted that other groups have filed suit challenging that particular legislation.
  • Vice Chairman O’Keefe asked for clarification on the voting requirement if this were to change to a status report coming back to the Board in June. He noted concern for timing of the process.
    • County Attorney O’Steen noted that obtaining outside counsel and having an agenda item by June will be a very tight schedule.

Commissioner O’Keefe restated his motion to prepare an agenda item for the Board to consider obtaining outside counsel to determine whether the County has standing and a good faith basis to legally challenge the constitutionality of SB 1134.

Commissioner Cummings withdrew her second of the motion.

Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to prepare an agenda item for the Board to consider obtaining outside counsel to determine whether the County has standing and a good faith basis to legally challenge the constitutionality of SB 1134.

The motion passed 5 – 1 with Chairman Caban in opposition and Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration / County Attorney – Chasity O’Steen

Commissioner Proctor

• • He requested a proclamation recognizing for Mr. Millard Goblin and Mr. Jack Bufort.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, approving a proclamation recognizing Mr. Millard Goblin and Mr. Jack Bufort.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • He requested a proclamation recognizing the FAMU Softball Team for winning the SWAC Championship.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, approving a proclamation recognizing the FAMU Softball Team for winning the SWAC Championship.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • He requested a proclamation recognizing the FAMU Men’s Golf Team for winning the 2026 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship.

Commissioner Proctor moved, seconded by Vice Chairman O’Keefe, approving a proclamation recognizing the FAMU Men’s Golf Team for winning the 2026 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • Commissioner Proctor relayed information from constituents regarding speeding on Balkin Road and asked staff to look into options to mitigate speeding concerns.

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

• • He commended the Clerk’s Office for exceptional work on the minutes of recent Board meetings.
  • He spoke of an issue regarding the Office of Economic Vitality and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He requested the County Administrator coordinate on this further.
    • County Administrator Long advised that he recently met with the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and spoke of the topic. There is no proposal from the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce at this time, but he will continue to coordinate on this with all parties involved.
  • He asked Commissioner Maddox to bring up at the next Canvassing Board meeting a request for an educational campaign for citizens of Leon County regarding any changes to voting laws for the upcoming election.
  • Commissioner Maddox asked for clarification from County Attorney O’Steen on whether she is the counsel for the Canvassing Board. He also noted that he would bring this request up at the next meeting of the Canvassing Board.
    • County Attorney O’Steen advised that she was going to request approval from the Board to be designated as legal counsel to the Canvassing Board during her discussion time at this meeting.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Proctor, to approve County Attorney O’Steen being designated as the legal counsel representative for the Canvassing Board.

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

Commissioner Maddox

• • Commissioner Maddox requested a proclamation recognizing the FSU Softball Team as ACC Champions.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, approving a proclamation recognizing the FSU Softball Team as ACC Champions.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • Commissioner Maddox requested a proclamation recognizing the upcoming retirement of Mr. Doug Cook, Principal of Rickards High School.

Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Chairman Caban, approving a proclamation recognizing the upcoming retirement of Mr. Doug Cook, Principal of Rickards High School.

The motion passed 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers.
Staff: Administration – Regina Glee

• • Commissioner Maddox commended the Chairman for his efforts to ensure decorum for all individuals in attendance at the meeting.
     

Chairman Caban

• • Chairman Caban requested the County Administrator look at options to increase security on the 5th floor due to several recent issues.

Staff: Administration / Office of Resource Stewardship – Mathieu Cavell / Nawfal Ezzagaghi / Maggie Theriot

• • He asked if there was any concern with Leon County Affordable Housing Programs based on the recent news of the Federal investigation into the City of Tallahassee HUD Program.
    • Mr. Lamy responded that these programs are completely separate, and there is no concern for County programs related to the Federal investigation.

RECEIPT AND FILE

• None.

The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for
Tuesday, June 9, 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.