Workshop City Hall 99 NE 210th Ave Cross City, FL 32628 March 06, 2024 - 5:00 PM  The Town of Cross and BOCC  The Board meetings are audio recorded. The public can hear and participate. in the meeting via conference call  by dialing (9177900-1022 and enter code. 32628. COMMISSIONERS David Osteen, Commissioner District 5 Jody Stephenson, Commissioner District 1 Paul Gainey, Acting Assignment County Manager Martha McCaskill, Acting Assignment Assistant County Manager and Administrative Asst/Grant Coordinator Chana Watson, County Attorney Leon Wright, Building and Zoning Official Barbie Higginbotham, Clerk ofCourt Joannie Morse, Deputy Clerk TOWN COUNCIL John Driggers Jr., City Manager Ryan Fulford, Town Council Member Seat 3 Kirk Merhefka, Town Council Member Seat 1 George Edmonds, City Utilities Supervisor Karen VanAernam, Cross City Restore and Renew Kay McCallister, Tourism Council Ruth Ann Lovelace, Cross City Restore and Renew 1. CALLTOORDER  STAFF  Kenneth "Tank" Lee, Mayor, and Town Council Member Seat 5  Carol West, Dixie Chamber of Commerce/Dixie County Education Foundation  The Workshop was called to order at 5:00 PMI by Town Mayor, Kenneth "Tank"Lee. 2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGETOTHE AMERICANFLAG  The Invocation was led by Town Council Member Kirk Marhefka and the Pledge to the American Acting Assignment County Manager Paul Gainey started the discussion with making mention of several  was led by County Commissioner David Osteen.  Flag  items the County has ongoing. These included:  Regular Meeting Minutes- January 18, 2024-6 6:00 PM - Page 1 of6    Several Road Projects are underway.  The County has opened bids for the new fire station expansion at the EOC (Emergency Operations  Center).  The County purchased a new tanker truck and new ambulances. Road paving on the Horseshoe Highway to Davis Island Mainline. Chavous Road-adding three (3) ft shoulders, paving markers, and signage.  Acting Assignment Assistant County Manager and Administrative Asst/Grant Coordinator Martha County Attorney Chana Watson didn't! have anything to bring before the Board tonight.  MaCaskill did not have anything to bring tot the Board tonight.  County Commissioner David Osteen stated that he recently reached out to a gentleman that purchases gas stations and mini markets in hopes to see ifhe wanted to buy the Lilly Creek Store in Horseshoe Beach, but he said he didn'tthink he would be able to purchase it. Commissioner Osteen said he wasn'tgiving Mr. Osteen mentioned that he had another item regarding a career opportunity for kids, but he would save Mrs. Kay McCallister of the Tourism Development Council stated that they had a productive meeting yesterday for tourism. She said Visit Florida has produced some thirty second videos and conducted a presentation for the local businesses on how to go onto the Visit Florida website. Mrs. McCallister Mrs. Carol West of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce asked ife everyone knew what town has the most online presence. She said it was the Town of Cedar Key. She also stated that they pay for some of Mrs. McCallister agreed that there are a lot of free ads available and mentioned that there is also a new videographer int town. She stated he is currently building the Dixie Chamber website and the website for Tourism Development, and she said that if we all sponsor together, we could really get something very Mr. Gainey added that the Tourism Development Team has a new office in Cross City int the old EMS storage building on Camp Street. It has been remodeled inside and painted aj pretty yellow on the outside. Clerk ofCourt Barbie Higginbotham mentioned to Mrs. McCallister that if she needs any desks or small filing cabinets to get with Bradley because the Clerk'so office has some that she may be able to get.  up though because Horseshoe Beach needs a gas station or something down there.  itt to present tomorrow at the Board meeting.  recommended Dixie County getting an online presence. their ads, but there are: also some free ads out there.  nice put together for the County.  He said the Tourism Council should be occupying the new building soon.  Mrs. McCallister asked if she had any chairs.  Mrs. Higginbotham responded that she didn't have any chairs.  Building Official Leon Wright stated that he had some chairs that Mrs. MaCallister could have.  Regular Meeting Minutes- = January 18, 2024-6 6:00P PM- - Page 2 of6    County Commissioner. Jody Stephenson stated that tourism is going to be the key to growing Dixie County. He recommended having a website that showcases the natural resources oft the mentioned Rambling Woods Subdivision, which was advertised years ago when it first opened county. in a down South presenting the Suwannee River and the whole: subdivision sold within 30 days. Commission Stephenson stated that he wants growth for the County but doesn't want to do hurt other local businesses and recommended being careful not to do that. local businesses while at the same time promoting growth.  He also promo to anything  Mrs. West stated that the current Tourism Development training courses teach how to enhance the current Commissioner Stephenson reminded of when Wal-Mart came to Chiefland and how that caused the local small businesses to close and asked the County tol keep that in mind sO that this doesn't many happen Town Mayor Kenneth "Tank" Lee stated that people seem to be enjoying getting back to nature these days. He said they have been to big places like Disney and are wanting nature access instead. Commissioner Stephenson mentioned the state of Gronto Springs and how iti is not looking very. this time, but he suggested fixing it up and making some trails with maybe some guided tours out good at the Mrs. Karen VanAernam stated that is the purpose for the videos which are being made for the She further added that tourism and economic development are the driving force ofimproving a County.  of  again.  at  park to bring in some income for the County.  and that it takes everyone cooperating to get it done.  County  Mrs. Cindy Chewning asked ift the Shired Island Campground had been fixed.  Commissioner Osteen answered that it has not yet.  Mrs. Chewning mentioned that until the County has aj place for camping and facilities or infrastructure to support the people that are coming to visit that the County may noti improve. She expressed concern about the people who may come in expecting one thing and then finding something else upon arrival. Commissioner Stephenson stated that several campgrounds are coming, and several others that were damaged from Hurricane Idalia are being repaired. He also said that the County is having trouble grants because of the matches required for the grants. The County can'tafford to pay for the match getting Attorney Chana Watson commented on the Shired Island Park and said that the County has Hurricane Idalia Relief Funding for this park, but the process takes time. She added that the applied has a contract to repair the bridge but didn'tinclude the road which was washed away. She stated she County made the recommendation to the Board to close Shired Island Park for safety concerns until the park was repaired. Commissioner Stephenson stated his priority is getting the roadways opened back up.  portion oft these grants.  for  Regular Meeting Minutes - January 18, 2024-6 6:00 PM- - Page 3 of6    Mr. Gainey stated that the good thing about the build backi is that when these places are finished, will Mrs. Kay McCallister gave a compliment to Williston City Clerk Latricia Wright regarding the improvements in their County. She also asked ifWilliston received a grant for this work. Mrs. Wright said yes, it was ai facade grant with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and this Mrs. VanAernam said this is ai testament that Community Growth and Improvement happens in small increments and takes time, but encouraged everyone that loves our County to work hard together and not Mrs. West encouraged everyone not to give up by telling a story ofa Tomato Growing Site in Baker County that took five (5)y years to complete, but they have seen an increase of around eight hundred Mrs. Wright of Williston thanked City Manager John Driggers Jr. for inviting her to the meeting. Mayor Kenneth "Tank" Lee complimented Mrs. Wright and the Town of Williston for their beautiful Park. He also reminded everyone oft the Centennial Celebration coming up on April 20th. Commissioner Stephenson stated that he is planning to have a stunt dirt bike driver come and put on a show for the Centennial Celebration. He said the stunt driver will need 300: feet in length and 100 feet in height with no wires above. He also added that the total cost to have the stunt driver perform will be around $4,000.00 and hei is willing to come up with $2,000.00 out of pocket and asked ift the can Mayor Lee responded that the City was having a meeting tomorrow and would discuss it then. City Manager. John Driggers Jr. stated the main thing the City has ongoing at this time ist they. just signed at three (3), year contract for the repaving oft the roadi ini front ofCity Hall. He added that they will probably be getting started next year. He also reminded everyone oft the Centennial Celebration up on April 20h. He said there will bel lots of vendors and the City will have hats, shirts, and coming Mayor Lee added that there will also be aj parade for anyone who would like to participate. City Manager John Driggers Jr. also mentioned that he had a 92nd homecoming at his local church this past Sunday and the Preacher preached on the church coming to a standstill. He stated that we can relate that message to al lot ofthings in life today. He said people sometimes get stuck in the past, but we: must be going forward. He said that we: must push forward and encourage the younger generation to push forward and not get stuck and encouragedi the older generation to teach the younger generation. Mr. Driggers also stated that the repainting oft the' Train Depot is almost underway, and hei is  be better than they have ever been.  they  took around five (5). years to complete.  give up.  for that County.  jobs  City  help with the rest, but ifnot, he would pay the whole thing.  City  commemorative coins to hand out.  to hoping  have it done before the Centennial Celebration.  Commissioner Stephenson asked if we were able to acquire the piece of land in between the Train Depot  building and Highway 19.  Regular Meeting Minutes- - January 18, 2024- - 6:001 PM - Page 4 of6    Mr. Gainey answered that he has spoken with the landowner and the landowner stated that he would entertain al land swap with the City or County if wel have aj piece ofl land that was appealing to him. Mrs. McCallister also mentioned that her newly painted yellow building needs landscaping and she would Mrs. West mentioned maybe inquiring about the use of the Ag Program at the local High School. Mrs. McCallister asked Mr. Driggers if the City could have pictures or a video ofl how or what the Train Depot may be or look like in the future for the purpose of posting at the Centennial event just in case the Mrs. Cindy Chewning stated this is her first meeting that she has attended, but she is interested in attending the meetings, but is not available on Thursdays. Mrs. Chewning said there are a lot of who live out int the Shelton area, and she would like to see al Library built out there. She also said people that she thought the Jackson Water Hole Park would be a great place for a Library. Mrs. Chewning also mentioned that she has a vision for our town to have a store where inl Dixie County are sold. She suggested that this store be located somewhere on Highway only 19. things She said she thought about the Train Depot but didn'twant to derail Mr. Driggers's ideas that he may have for the Mr. Driggers mentioned working something out with Mrs. Chewning for the store to be in the Train Commissioner Stephenson said the key to the success oft the store is to post advertisements online. Mrs. Chewning suggested also having a road sign or a sign out in front oft the building to grab a Mr. Driggers suggested advertising online first as well as having signage on the road.  be happy to facilitate the cost ofit but needs someone to help with the vision.  building is not ready in time.  made  Train Depot.  Depot once a month until they get al building for the store.  attention as they drive through the City.  person's  Mrs. West said that one oft the goals she would like to see met is to have aj place for the Dixie workers to spend their money in Dixie. She also stated that we must contrast our County with other Counties to look at who isi moving to our area. She said that Gilchrist is growing when nobody thought would, but part of the reason for this is the type of people and buildings that are moving into the County. they She added Building Official Leon Wright agreed that Dixie County does have a flood of Campers/RV'sint the Commissioner Stephenson stated that al lot of the growth in Gilchrist and Levy counties is coming from Mrs. West agreed, but also stated that our glass is halfi full and recommended keeping our minds open to  that these are people who invest in the community and are building houses.  County, and this does hurt the county in taxes and such.  people moving out of Alachua because oft thel high property taxes. possibilities and working hard together with a can-do attitude.  Regular Meeting Minutes - January 18, 2024-6:00PM- - Page 5of6    Mrs. Karen VanAernam stated that the Cross City Restore and Renew has lots of projects under way. She said they planted new palm trees at the Post Office, they have put some things up at the Courthouse, are updating the County welcome signs, painting Ms. Holly Houghton's office (County Extension Agent), and working with the City to get the Train Depot painted. She also encouraged everyone not to grow Mayor Lee announced that the next meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2024, at 5:001 PM at City Hall.  wearing in doing good.  3. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS None presented at this meeting. 4. ADJOURN  Town Mayor Kenneth Lee adjourned the meeting at 6:03 PM.  BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DIXIE COUNTY,FLORIDA   ATTEST:  Jody  Chairman  Stephenson,Vice GuI a -  *  Habi Mobwihar Higginbothanf, Clerk-Auditor  Barbie  TVE a  PLEASE BE ADVISED that ifay person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with matter considered at such meeting or hearings, he/s she will need a record of the proceedings, andj respect such to any purpose, he/s she will need to ensure that a verbatim record oft the proceedings is made, which record for includes "Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations. to participate. in this proceeding should contact The Board meets thej first Thursday of each month at 10:00AM and the third Thursday of each month PM. Individuals that would like to be placed on the agenda should call Barbie Higginbotham, Clerk at 6:00  testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.  the  (352) 486-4931 (Voice & TDD) or via Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771." 4:00 PM on the Friday Preceding the Board meeting, at (352) 498-1200.  of Court, by  Regular Meeting Minutes - January 18, 2024- - 6:00 PM - Page 6 of6