Regular Meeting Commission Board Room Dixie County Courthouse 214 NE Hwy 351, Cross City, FL 32628 November 19, 2024 -6:00PM The Board meetings are audio recorded. The public can hear and participate in the meeting via conference call by dialing 1(917900-1022 and enter code. 32628. COMMISSIONERS Jody Stephenson, District 1, Chairman Daniel Wood, District 2 Mark Hatch, District 3, Vice Chairman Jamie Storey, District 4 David Osteen, District 5 STAFE John Jenkins, County Manager Chana Watson, County Attorney Barbie Higginbotham, Clerk ofCourt Verna Wilson, Chiefl Deputy Clerk Brenda Royal, Chief Financial Officer Joannie Morse, Deputy Clerk CALLTOORDER Martha McCaskill, Administrative Asst/Grant Coordinator Commissioner and newly elected Chairman Jody Stephenson called the meeting to order. INVOCATION AND] PLEDGE' TOTHE AMERICANFLAG The Invocation and Pledge to the American Flag was led by newly elected Vice Chairman, Commissioner Mark Hatch. APPROVALOF COMMISSION MINUTES 10-17-2024 Policies and Procedures Workshop Motion to approve 10-17-2024. Policies and Procedures Workshop Minutes made by Commissioner Osteen. Seconded by Commissioner Storey. Board approved. Regular Meeting Minutes November 19,2024- - 6:001 PM - Page 1of11 VOUCHER APPROVAL Board approved. Motion to approve vouchers was made by Commissioner Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner Osteen. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS Sheriff Darby Butler and Animal Control Position: Sheriff] Darby Butler approached thel Board regarding the cost ofhiring ai new animal control officer. Motion to hire an animal control officer made by Commissioner Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner Discussion: Clerk of Court Barbie. Higginbotham stated that thet two park attendants that work at the Shired Island and Horseshoe Beach Parks that were destroyed during Hurricane Idalia, are still getting paid even though there is nothing at the parks to: manage and this has been going on for about two years. Wood. Board approved. She said the pay is coming out oft the General Fund. Account. There was some discussion among the Commissioners: as to why thisi is happening and Mrs. Higginbotham Attorney Watson stated that the Board may wanti to discuss how they wish to: move forward with thisi int the Itwasi recommended by Commissioner Stephenson for SheriffButler tol look intol how to carry this position in the Sheriff's Office Budget next year, because the County has lost al lot of tax-based income from the Sheriff Butler answered that the Sheriff's Office will tighten their budget and will do their part to make suret they are: running as efficiently as they can, but he madei it cleart that they will: not sacrifice public safety said iti is because no one stopped it. future. hurricane destruction oft the homes and businesses and loss ofi income from the parks. to do sO. Sheriff Butler and Hurricane Idalia Funding: Sheriff Butler also mentioned that the Sheriff's Office has not made an amendment request to thel Board, but they are hurting financially because of the last three hurricanes. He said he spoke with Governor Ron Sheriff Butler said he told the Governor that the County could use some funding because we can't wait on FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). He: said that Governor DeSantis said he would review this and after contacting Kevin Guthrey they moved forward with awarding the County 1 million dollars Mr. Butler said hel later called Kevin Guthrey and found out that the funds were approved on October 151, DeSantis and the Governor asked him what the State could dot to help Dixie County. fors said projects. sent to the County on October 16Hh, and the check was cashed on October 25th. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024 - 6:00) PM - Page2 of11 Sheriff Butler stated that Hurricane Idalia cost the Sheriff's Office approximately $139,000 and he wanted tol know what the holdup is with FEMA. He said the Sheriff's Office: is scraping thel barrels to make ends meet and they are trying to move aggressively to do what is needed in order to put money back into their Operations budget. He asked for an amendment by the Board to help with this. Commissioner Stephenson stated he wasn'taware that the County received funds. Director of Emergency Management Darian Brown gave an update on the advancement funds received from the State. He said the funds (1.1 million dollars) from this check were for thej parks and covered all Mr. Brown said this check did not include funds for salaries and overtime. He said iti is more complicated to receive funding for that than the' other. He also said the check: was. given to the County Finance Department and they are working on how to use those funds within the gap to cover salaries as needed. the proposed projects except for the Shired Island Highway. : Mrs: Royal toldi thel Board the check has been deposited in the general fund. as well. He said the County should see these funds come in soon, : : Mr. Brown stated. that the request has been submitted today by Chief Garner for salary funding for Idalia The Motion was made by. Commissioner Hatch for a workshop regarding Hurricane Allocations, on December 05, 2024, at 1:00 PM afier the regular BOCC. Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Storey. Sheriff Butler asked for clarification as to the term' "Emergency Protective Measures" as presented on the list off funds allocation.. Mr. Brown saidi that portion is referring to the manpower provided by the Sheriff's Sheriff Butler asked if Chief. Garnér could keep the Sheriff's Office in the loop regarding funding, items needed, and status moving forwardand expressed that ini the past there has been an issue ofit taking days to get ai response from a text or email. Sheriffi Butler asked who Director Brown would like to have as a contact with the Sherif's.Office. Director Brown said that his Clerk Tina and the Sheriff's Office Clerk Rhonda have. béeni in contact with each other and ifthe! Sheriff doesn't think hei is getting the answers they Board approved. Office to get prepared for the storms. need to please call him personally. PUBLICHEARING THEPUBLICE BEARINGMAYBECONTINUED TOONE OR MORE FUTURE DATES. ANY INTERESTED, PARTYI ISADVISED THAT THE. DATE, TIME, AND. PLACE OFANY CONTINUATION OFTHE PUBLIC HEARING. SHALL BE. ANNOUNCED DURING THE. PUBLIC HEARING AND THAT NO FURTHER NOTICE CONCERNING THE MATTERS WILL BE PUBLISHED. There were no items presented fort thej public hearing section. KATRINA VANAERNAM AND SHIELA FRIERSON, DIXIE COUNTY ANTI-DRUG COALITION Not present for this meeting. Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2024- - 6:001 PM -1 Page: 3 of11 GREG BAILEY,NORTH FLORIDA ROPFSSIONALSERVICES Mr. Kellan Bailey updated thel Board on the following projects which included: CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) - He stated they received approval to advertise and looking at beginning to advertise on December 05, 2024, and thel bid opening tol be. January 07, 2024. The preconstruction meeting should be around February of2025. Two new fire stations; Station 6i in Horseshoe and Station 3i in the 351/349 area. Station 6: Onsite Geo tech work will bel happening tomorrow. Station 3: They are surveying the site on the: first of December. JOHN LOCKLEAR, LOCKLEAR, AND ASSOCIATES " ALocklear associate was there for Mr. John Locklear and stated shel had-nothing to present at this meeting. : Mc: sa i, s thaa Ses S : 237.. hx CINDY BELLOT. LIBRARYI DIRECTOR Mrs. Cindy Bellot was. not present for this meeting. STEVE FREMEN. CODE ENFORCEMENT & VETERANS SERVICEOFFICER Mr. Stevel Fremen had nothing to present at this meeting. STEVE UTCISON.COUNTY ROAD SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Stevel Hutchinson had nothing to present at this meeting. TIM OINSON.SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR Solid' Waste Director Tim Johnson stated. that he has an 89-year-old man working at the dump on the. Jack Roberts Curve whol has trouble seeing at night and wanted tol know ifhe can reduce his work hours to' allow him to get off at 5.PM instead of61 PM. Commissioner Osteen stated that he didn't want anything bad to. happen tol him andi is ok with changing his hours. Commissioner Hatch told] Mr. Johnson to make sure to change the signage at the dumpsite. - : LEON WRIGHT, BUILDING AND ZONING OFFICIAL Mr. Leon Wright had to leave for a family emergency and was not present. County Manager John Jenkins made an announcement for Mr. Wright regarding an Annual RV (Recreation Vehicle) Renewal Report for Special Exceptions within Dixie County. He stated that the report showed the total number ofj permits as follows: For year 2022: 34 Year 2023:38 Year 2024: 40 Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Page 4of11 He said that the total lost revenue is $145,500(2022) $136,800(2023) $131,100(2024) Totaling $413,400 for all three years. Mr. Jenkins said they are looking at options on how to cut back on this amount ofl loss and he feels like the County should look into incorporating it into thel landowner's tax bill. Commissioner Osteen asked who currently sends thel RV exception bills out. Mr. Jenkins stated that Mr. Wright sends these out. Commissioner Stephenson asked ift this list is accurate. 1 ::: sAr Mr. Jenkins stated that all the special exceptions go through the County Managers Office and if someone has an RV, they are. kept on the assessment list until they build al home and once they build al home the County has to inspect and release from the list. He also added that he feels confident about the numbers being correct. He said that thel landowner signs an affidavit that ift they don'tpay the annual fee the power will be disconnected to the RV. He said the County doesn'thave the manpower to ride around and assess every property. and that is why they arel looking into adding it to thei individuals tax bill. The motion was made by Commissioner Storey to coordinate with Attorney Watson regarding having the annual special assessment, fees added to the individuals tax bill. Seconded. by Commissioner Attorney Watson said: it can be added as advalorem but would require a resolution from the Board. Osteen. Board approved. SCOTTI FENDARVIS9IICOMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Mr. Scott Pendarvis had nothing to present at this meeting. KAYMCCALISIER, TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Mrs. Kay McCallister had nothing to present at this meeting. DARIAN BROWN, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES &LT. ADMINISTRATOR Director of Emergency Services Darian Brown presented thel Board with a copy oft thel Budget report for last year. Hes said that EMS (Emergency. Medical Services) budgeted 1.2 million dollars, and they made Hes said this includes 6.7transports per day to Gainesville with three trucks running thet transports. Director Brown said that they are applying for a grant with FDOH (Florida Department ofE Health) and were awarded approval but have not received: funds as of yet because thel FDOH had a change in attorney's which has slowed things down al bit. He said the amount awarded is around $66,666.00 per $167,737.31 above what they budgeted. Community Paramedicine Program: Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024 - 6:001 PM Page5of11 year for three (3) years. He added that thel FDOH is working with aj private contractor the State provided toi facilitate aj plan tor move forward. He also reminded the Board that the approved funds are: for the purpose ofhiring a second person tol help in the Community Paramedicine Program. Mr. Brown stated that a State Department ofl Health data team member will be coming to our County on December 3, 2024, to observel Mrs. Allison and her methods within the Community! Paramedicine Program. Hes said that Mrs. Allison sees the most patients in the whole State ofFlorida for just one He also said there willl be ai national meeting for MIH (Mobile Integrated Health) in February of2025 in Savannah Georgia. He stated the Community Paramedicine Program is moving forward and they are using the Opioid funds and EMS dollars as well as other state grants to keep the program afloat. Commissioner Stephenson recommended doing something for Mrs. Alison to show recognition for her Director Brown said the EMS has nominated Mrs. Alison for National and State Community employee. outstanding work within thej program. w,1 :: :.5 5 : 57,447 Paramedicine Employee oft the year this year and she came in second. place. Heis said they will nominate 5 : her again this year as well. Fire Inspections: approves. : : : Mr. Brown asked for Board approval fot Mr. Jimmy Golden to perform fire inspections at Otter Creek Fire Station. He said that Attorney' Watson has reviewed the contract and said it was good ifthe Board The motion. was made to approve: Mr. Jimmy Golden to perform fire inspections for Otter Creek fire station made by Commissioner Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner, Storey. Board approved. Director Brown also updated thel Board on the Hurricane Reliefl Funds and Repairs. Hes stated that the County previously applied for ai three (3) year loan and presented this to thel Finançe Department. He said the window. has closed for applications for the first storm but has come open again and the County is eligible to apply again.: He said that the County. will have toj provide proof ofs storm loss Mr. Brown also recommended thel Board look at three (3) year reoccurring appropriations request tol help sustain the County. He added that the EOC staff would be happy tol help with this ifneeded. Director ofl Emergency Services Mr. Brown stated that he would. like to request again this year for the maintenance building and major fire truck company service center in Cross City as well as thel Board look Mr. Brown stated that the Courty: insurance cut a check for the County ambulance wreck int the amount of $165,0001 but said that was nowhere near enough to rebuild or buy a new one. He said they found a used Ford Chassis in' Texas with 182,000: miles that cost $55,000 plus an extra $15,000 for decaling and stretchers retrofitted. He added that their rechassis is currently in' Texas, and they should be getting that back inl February of 2025. He said they also have thet two new ambulances that should be ready at the end for approval. into paving the parking lot and adding thel loop. ofMarch or the first of April 2025. Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2024 - 6:001 PM - Page 6of1l Mr. Brown gave an update on. Fire Station 4 and said that all the stud walls are up, plumbing is going in, the A/C company has been there and working on the A/C, floors are: finished, thet tank and pump system have been installed, they are: starting the concrete, and it should be done by mid-February. He stated that they have come to agreement with both landowners for Fire Stations 3 and 6 and arei in the process of getting an appraisal for both properties and are comfortable with the numbers. Commissioner Stephenson asked Mr. Brown to get with Mr. Hutchison to fill the cracks at thel EOC with cold packs. Mr. Brown said they have already done this, and it is still cracking. It was recommended by Commissioner Stephenson to doi it again as a temporary fix until the drive was fixed permanently. ChiefMatt Ferguson told the Board that in 2023 a data collection project was performed on our Community Paramedicine Program taking thet ten (10) highest utilizer patients and observing how often they called for emergency servicès without community paramedicine-and with the program. He said the patients being observed and utilizing the Community! Paramedicine: Program went from 48 responses per. Mr. Brown reminded everyone of the Christmas in Dixie on Dec 13, 2024; at 6-9) PM at Roy' WardLittle: month on average to 7 resulting in a savings of $23,042.00 per month. League Park in Cross City. GAILCARTER, INDIGENT CARE questions. No questions were presented. Mrs. Gail Carter presented her October Report and explained it as well as asked ift there were any HOLLYIOUGITON. COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT Mrs. Holly Houghton was not present at the meeting. ANGIE CROWIPYHUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR Mrs. Angie Crowley had nothing toj present at this meeting. JOHN JENKINS, COUNTY MANAGER Action Items: 1. Request Board approval to rerew the AIG Fuel Tank Insurance with Florida League ofCities. The motion to approve to renew the AIG Fuel Tank Insurance with Florida League ofCities was made by Commissioner Osteen. Seconded by Commissioner Storey. Board approved. 2. Request Board execute the Contract Addendum with Liberty Partners, LLCtoi include Legislative Appropriations services ending on May 15, 2025, at no extra cost. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM-I Page 7of11 The motion to approve to execute the Contract. Addendum with Liberty. Partners, LLCto include Legislative Appropriations services ending on May 15, 2025, at no extra cost was made by Commissioner Storey. Seconded by Commissioner Osteen. Board approved. Mr. Jenkins stated that the County has a loader at the Rock Mine that they are leasing and need guidance on whether to continue leasing or purchase ai new one. He said the lease costs $5,000 monthly and he has received a quote for ai new one of $172,378.00. He explained that the monthly Mr.. Jenkins stated that hei is currently ini negotiations with Capital City Bank and should know the payment would be around $3,000 a month. loan details by midday tomorrow. around $2,000 a month. Commissioner Storey stated that purchasing a loader verses leasing one would be saving the County : : Finance. Director Brenda Royal stated that the $5,000 they are: spending currently to lease the loader wasn'ti in the budget for this year to begin with. She said she understands that they need one, but the County. Road Superintendent Steve Hutchison said that the County began renting one after the storms Mrs. Royal said that ift the County: does choose to purchase. a loader, she recommends an annual payment loan rather than a1 monthly payment, this being because the County is not prepared to make ai monthly payment at this time, She said they would have to work it into next year's budget as an :. : : money wasn'ti in the budget from the start. and had to have it. . A annual payment. Commissioner Stephenson suggested going ahead and purchasing the loader. Commissioner Storey recommended talking to Capital City Bank and getting back with the Board regarding loan details. Information Items: Reminder County Offices will be closed on Nov 28-29, 2024, in observance ofThanksgiving. Itwas brought to the attention oft thel Board that Governor. Ron DeSantis has approved for all State employees to have an additional day off for' Thanksgiving Holidays on Wednesday, November 27,2024. Mr. Jenkins asked if the County wants to give the County employees the The Motion, for the County to work Wednesday, November 27, 2024, was made by Commissioner - extra day off as well. Storey. Seconded. by Commissioner. Hatch. Board approved. Regular Meeting Minutes- = November 19, 2024 - 6:001 PM -1 Page 8 of11 The Motion for the County Manager. John Jenkins salary to begin at $84,000 with a six month evaluation for increase made by Commissioner Storey. Seconded by Commissioner Wood. Board The Motion for the County Manager. John Jenkins' salary of $84,000 to retro back to the position hire date made by Commissioner. Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner Wood. Board approved. approved. CHANA WATSON, COUNTY ATTORNEY County Attorney Chana Watson stated that she brought some: information on the valorem taxes in case anyone had any questions. BARBIE HIGGINBOTHAM, CLERK OF COURT Mrs. Barbie Higginbotham had nothing to present at this meeting. E3 COUNIYCOMDISSION ITEMS Commissioner Wood asked. about the cut off date for a landowner to have their debris out by the roadside Mr. Hutchison said that he was told that thel Department ofTransportation (DOT) hasn't finished their Commissioner Hatch stated that in the town of Suwannee, a group of neighborhood people are requesting millings to: raise their roads. up. He asked ift the County could provide the millings, and the landowners County Grant Coordinator Martha McCaskill: recommended reading the contract with Anderson Mr. Hutchison said hé spoke with Hunter Anderson with Anderson Columbia, and he said the County gets halfa and Anderson Columbia gets half. Attorney Watson stated that she has not seen this in the Commissioner. Jamie Storey congratulated Commissioner Stephenson on his election as the Chairman of Commissioner Osteen stated that he will not be at the next meeting, but gave his number for those who Attorney Watson stated that the County doesn't have any Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers at this time. She said she has ordered ten (10) more, but they have not arrived yet. Commissioner Stephenson stated that someone inl his district requested a FEMA trailer and was currently living in an RV, but wasn't aj permanent resident and he said he explained tol him that he didn't qualify if for pickup. first round, and the property owner willl have until around the first of February. would pay the contractor toj put it on the roads. Columbia to seei ifit says that the County gets the millings. contract. the Board. might need to contact him whilel he is away. he wasn'tapermanent: resident. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19,2024- - 6:001 PM - Page 9 of11 Commissioner Storey wished everyone a good Thanksgiving and for everyone tol be safe. Mrs. Barbie Higginbotham invited everyone to. join them for the' Turkey" Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Mr. J.D. Nobles stated he was told that the canal cleanup in Horseshoe Beach should' be done this week: He also said that at the last Board of County Commissioner'si meeting Mr. John Locklear wanted to contact the town mayor or himselfi for logistics regarding the dredging and said to havel Mr. Locklear. Mr. Nobles also wanted an update on the status oft the! BP (Restore. Act Grant-BP Oil spill) Funding. money.. Commissioner Hatch stated he also wanted an update and has scheduled Mr. Greg Bailey to give an update at the next Board of County Commissioner's Meeting. SA53E Mr. Nobles also mentioned that the lime rock the County laid- in the roads was; great but has since started eroding and her recommended maybe adding a seawall as part of that project to keep the roads from Attorney Watson stated that shel has drafted al Hold Harmless Agreement: for the encroachment oft the North side property owner of the property next to the North side oft thej park for signing by the Board if The Motion made to approve the. signing of the Hold. Harmless. Agreement for the Property Owner by the Park made by Commissioner Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner Osteen. Board approved. Commissioner Stephenson stated that he would like to see at tax. break down for the Town ofHorseshoe. Mr.J J.D. Nobles said the breakdown is as follows; 2 mil goes to Horseshoerand the County gets 19.125. PUBLICC COMMENTS contact him. 5 645 : :51 eroding. 3.A60 35.33. they approve. Swt : 1: : : : : 4 :h pST : 15477 : :14. :1 : Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024- - 6:001 PM-) Page 10 of1l ADJOURN Commissioner Storey made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DIXIE COUNTY, FLORIDA A K hes Jedy-Stephensen; Chairman Mark Hzitch, VICC Chaifman COUNTY ybasb Mhsgsaylme Barbie Higginbotham, Clefk-Auditor PLEASE BE ADVISED that ifa person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearings, he/ she will need a record oft the proceedings, and fors such purpose, he/ she will need to ensure that a verbatim record oft the proceedings is made, which record includes the "Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact The Board meets thej first Thursday ofe each month at 10:00AM and the third Thursday ofeach month at 6:00 PM. Individuals that would like to be placed on the agenda should call Barbie Higginbotham, Clerk of Court, by testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. (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. Regular Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Page 11 of11