Regular Meeting Commission Board Room Dixie County Courthouse 214 NE Hwy 351, Cross City, FL 32628 April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM The Board meetings are audio recorded. The public can hear and participate in the meeting via conference call by dialing 1(9177900-1022 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 Roy Bass, Assistant County Manager Martha McCaskill, Administrative Asst/Grant Coordinator Chana Watson, County Attorney Verna Wilson, Chief Deputy Clerk Brenda Royal, Chief Financial Officer Joannie Morse, Deputy Clerk CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Jody Stephenson called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG Commissioner Hatch led the invocation and the Pledge to the. American Flag. APPROVAL OF COMMISSION MINUTES 03/20/2025 Regular BOCC Meeting Motion to approve the 03/20/2025 Regular BOCC Meeting Minutes made by Commissioner Osteen. Seconded by Commissioner, Storey. Board approved. 03/06/2025 Funds Allocation Workshop Motion to approve the 03/06/2025 Funds Allocation Workshop Minutes made by Commissioner Hatch. Seconded by Commissioner Osteen. Board approved. VOUCHER APPROVAL Motion to approve the vouchers made by Commissioner Osteen. Seconded by Commissioner Wood. Board approved. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS There werei none. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 1 of 15 KATRINA VANAERNAM AND SHEILA FRIERSON, DIXIE COUNTY ANTI-DRUG COALITION Mrs. Sheila Frierson passed out brochures regarding all the new programs offered by the Anti- Drug Coalition that help assist with alcohol and drug addiction recovery. The brochure also listed classes offered and times scheduled. Mrs. Frierson stated they have pier specialists who attend court with the clients and work with our court system in regards to needs for long-term care or care for an established period oftime. She also informed the Board that the program would be working with community youth this summer with an emphasis on safety. KAY MCCALLISTER, TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Mrs. Kay McCallister reminded the Board of several events taking place within the County including: (See Visit Dixie Website for details of some of these events). The Crossroads Festival this Saturday, April 5, 2025, at City Hall Block from 9-2 AM. The Horseshoe Fishing Tournament "Hooked on Horseshoe", April 25-26. Suwannee Fishing Tournament Fighting No-See-Um's", May 3rd. Second Annual Cowboy Up Festival at the Cracker House Winery in Old Town on May 3rd. Commissioner Osteen made the motion for the Board to sponsor and donate $250 to the Town ofSuwannee. Fishing Tournement (Fighting the No-See-um 's Tournament). Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. Commissioner Osteen made the motion for the Board to sponsor and donate $250 to the Suwannee Fishing Tournament (Fighting the No-See-um 's Tournament). Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. Mrs. McCallister stated Visit Dixie does some outside marketing for these events and usually gives around $500 for each of these events in addition to sponsorship. Commissioner Osteen inquired about the status of the playground equipment for the D-Track Park and asked Mrs. McCallister to please tind some funding for this. Mrs. McCallister said there is a line item in their budget that' S been building over the years dedicated to parks and recreation. She said she is reviewing the statute for limitations but may be able to use those funds for several of our local parks. She said they may be able to do something like what was done at the Cedar Key Parks. GREG BAILEY, NORTH FLORIDA PROFESSIONALSERVICES Mr. Kelan Bailey updated the Board on several projects in the County including: Horseshoe Beach Fire station: Revising building and site plans for the potable water supply, which involves removing all the wells and storage tanks and downsizing the generator, working on the 10-inch water main extension plans and DEP (Department ofl Environmental Protection) Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 2 of 15 permit applications. Once a survey is complete, they should be able to submit the application soon. Fire Station 3 (351) plans are complete, the County has contracted the clearing, once clearing is complete, they will get the final soil documents needed for the septic system, other than a few small items on the site plan and it will be ready to advertise for bids. 95th and 97th- The bid opens Thursday April 10, 2025, and they will present this information at the April 17, 2025, BOCC (Board of County Commissioner's) Meeting. Commissioner Hatch asked for clarification on the water line in Horseshoe. Mr. Bailey stated this water line will extend up to the fire station, and just past it and anywhere in between the two. Commissioner Osteen asked. if the County could use BP funding to repair Cow Creek Bridge? Mr. Bailey said he thinks this is possible and would like to see if this is allowable. JOHN LOCKLEAR, LOCKLEAR, AND ASSOCIATES Mr. John Locklear addressed the Board with an update on Fiber. He said that it has been moved, and he spoke with Hunter, and he will be onsite Monday, April 7, 2025, to clear. Mr. Locklear also stated that he will look into getting a FRDAP (Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program) Grant for the park equipment, but he can't make any promises that the funding will be availabie. He said those grants can be spotty, meaning that they may not be funded every year, but they can at least apply. Mr. Locklear reminded everyone that Locklear and Associates will have a booth at the Crossroads Festival this Saturday, April 5th. and they would be asking participants about Dixie County trivia and having giveaways. CINDY BELLOT, LIBRARY DIRECTOR Mrs. Cindy Bellot was not present at the meeting. DIANN JONES, SUWANNEE WATER AND SEWER Mrs. Diann Jones was not present at the meeting. Commissioner Hatch gave an update and stated that he met with them this week and things are going smoothly. STEVE FREMEN, CODE ENFORCEMENT & VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER ) Mr. Steve Fremen stated he met with Judge Johnson regarding placing Dixie County Code Enforcement through the court system again using a ticket/fine system. He added that habitual offenders will be taken to court. He also said the new stickers on the code enforcement truck look good and people know who he is when he enters a property. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 = 10:00 AM Page 3 of 15 Commissioner Osteen asked about the status of the code enforcement case property across from Grandpa'si in Jena. Mr. Fremen answered that it is still horrible. He said he had sent out letters but hadn't been to the property to check if there had been any movement on the property. Commissioner Hatch told Mr. Fremen that when he receives his ticket book, to send a code enforcement letter to the County Jail, because it needs to be cleaned up and we can't enforce something throughout the County if we don't honor it ourselves. He also gave an update on the property next door to the Methodist Church in Old Town. Mr. Fremen said he had been trying to reach out to FEMA for about 3 weeks now and finally reached someone who told him there had been a fine assessed and it was paid. He said the property has not been cleaned up. He also said the DEP (Department of] Environmental Protection) deadlines have past, but an extension was granted because of the storms. He said it is in DEP's hands at this point: He said DEP expressed that they will be making another site visit soon and will notify him as to when they will come so he can document what they are doing on the property. Mrs. Mary Goodrich stated she had seen loaded trailers going onto the property at night. She said they are unloading quickly. STEVE HUTCHISON. COUNTY ROAD SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Steve Hutchison was not present at the meeting. TIM JOHNSON, SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR Mr. Tim Johnson had nothing to present at this time. LEON WRIGHT. BUILDING. AND ZONING OFFICIAL See the back page for permit applications. Mr. Wright stated that the FEMA Technical Audit is complete and there were zero findings. He reminded everyone that the Elevate Florida portal closes on April 11, 2025. He encouraged everyone to apply ift they haven't already. He added that Dixie Countyi is number one as far as number of applications submitted. Town Council Member and Chairman Ryan Fulford asked if this included damage from every storm. Mr. Wright answered primarily Idalia. Chief Scott Garner stated that ift they underwent any historical damage they can apply. Commissioner Hatch asked ifthey could change the rule concèrning "V" zone, Mr. Wright said yes, initially they were not going to honor new "V" zone applications, but then were encouraged to go ahead and have people apply, because they would be placed on a list and things could change. Mr. Wright also stated that the current non-compliant code enforcement cases will have to restart once the changes take place with the: new ticketing system. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 4 of 15 SCOTT PENDARVIS, 911 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR & ITADMINISTRATOR Mr. Scott Pendarvis stated he sent out an email regarding the Cyber Security Policy Manual to go along with Cyber Security Framework Resolution 2025-32, which passed at the last BOCC meeting. Motion made by Commissioner Hatch to accept the Cyber, Security Policy Manual. Seconded by Commissioner Wood. Board approved. Mr. Pendarvis stated he will work with Attorney Watson regarding vendor contracts to make sure the language protects us and the vendor is held liable for their security standards. DARIAN BROWN, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Chief Darian Brown was in Tallahassee at the Capital for the Fire Service Day and couldn't attend today sO Chief Scott Garner presented to the Board, Chief Garner reminded the Board that all LMS projects are due tomorrow, April 04, 2025. He: stated that Commissioner Hatch and County Manager John Jenkins had a meeting with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) on the road projects listed for Suwannee. He said he removed duplicated projects and after meeting with FEMA, they removéd around 47 roads from the HMGP list of projects due to no road maintenance records. Commissioner Hatch asked if the HMGP roads were still on list? Chief Garner said yes. He added that they can submit these, but he is waiting for an email back from the National Weather Service regarding a list of how often the roads go under water times when this has happened. He said once they receive this, they will forward it to FEMA. Commissioner Hatch asked if they could submit other roads for Suwannee through the HMGP. Chief Garner said yes, as far as elevation. Commissioner Hatch asked if edging the roads was considered maintenance and what exactly was considered road maintenance through FEMA. Chief Garner answered that edging was in fact road maintenance as well as anything regarding taking care of road itself. He stated that Mr. Jenkins was given the FEMA Submerged Road Policy Book, and they must go by that. Commissioner Hatch stated that the County needs to start tracking within the Road Department things like when the road is edged, etc. Assistant County Manager Roy Bass stated in that guidance book it states the County has to have an inspection type program go out and create a small report about the road conditions showing road problems and maintenance records. Commissioner Hatch asked ifthe person completing these inspections has to hold a certificate? Mr. Bass said he is not sure and has not completely read the book, but will finish it and find out for the Board. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 5 of 15 Commissioner Hatch stated the County must implement something. ChiefGarner said that the non-paved roads are on a maintenance schedule and are still in play. Commissioner Osteen asked ifthis includes the Grady Hires and Cow Creek Roads. Chief Garner said yes, there is justifiable damage including patches of missing asphalt. Commissioner Hatch brought up a complaint that was presented to him within Commissioner Osteen's s district. He said that it involves the Horseshoe Point Sandbar repair and asked if this needs to be submitted to FEMA or HMGP. Mr. Bass stated that the project is part of the Horseshoe Béach dredging that is being ran under Mr. John Locklear of Locklear and Associates. He added the County is waiting on a permit from the. Army Corp of Engineers. GALL CARTER,. INDIGENT CARE Mrs. Gail Carter was not present at the meeting. HOLLY HOUGHTON, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT Mrs. Holly Houghton thanked the County and Board for their support. of the Suwannee River Fair and said it was a successful year. She said 1.2 million dollars changed hands on the floor. ANGIE CROWLEY, HUMAN RESOURCES. ADMINISTRATOR Mrs. Angie Crowley stated that all of the Turnkey Projects have. been completed and she has submitted the deductible invoices to Finance to be paid. Mr. Crowley updated thel Board on the first quarter HSA (Health Savings Account) cards savings ofthose cards that have been cut offimmediately ofthose employees who have resigned or been terminated and said to date the savings total $7,442.00. Mrs. Crowley stated that there was a total of96 participants in the Health Screenings and the County needed 97. She said Mr. Brad Hoard will try to push for that one point. She also said that everyone who participated will be eligible to participate in a $300 gift card giveaway in which she will be drawing a winner next week. Commissioner Hatch recommended scheduling a Policy and Procedures Workshop for May the 15th at 4:30 PM prior to the regular BOCC (Board of County Commissioners) Meeting. Motion was made by Commissioner Hatch to approve a Workshop on Policies and Procedures for May 15, 2025, at 4:30. PM prior to the BOCC Meeting. Commissioner Osteen seconded. Board approved. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 6 of 15 JOHN JENKINS, COUNTY MANAGER Action Items: 1. Request Board approval ofthe 2025-2027 NFEDP Board Members appointing Commissioner Mark Hatch and Karen VanAernam to serve a two-year term. Motion was made by Commissioner Osteen for approval ofthe 2025-2027 NFEDP Board Members appointing Commissioner Mark Hatch and Karen VanAernam to serve a two-year term. Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. 2. Request Board approval to move forward with the purchase of a New Scale at the Transfer Station in the amount of$112,000.00. Motion: was made by Commissioner Osteen for approval to move. forward with the purchase ofa New: Scale at the Transfer Station in the amount of8112,000.00. Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. 3. Request Board approval toi renew the Dixie County Correctional Institute contract for Road Department Inmates. Motion was made by Commissioner Osteen, for approval to renew the Dicie County Correctional Institute contractfor Road Department Inmates. Commissioner Storey seconded. Board approved, 4, Request Board approval to renew the Dixie County Correctional Institute contract for Solid Waste Department inmates. Motion MAS made by Commissioner Osteenfor approval to renew the Dixie County Correctional Institute contractfor. Solid Waste Department inmates. Commissioner Storey seconded. Board approved. 5. Request Board approval oft the LPA0279 Dixie County Flood & Stormwater Mitigation Additional funding in the amount of$1,500,000.00 and Time Extension to 12/31/2027. Motion was made by Commissioner Osteen approval of the LPA0279 Dixie County Flood & Stormwater Mitigation Additional, funding in the amount of$1,500,000.00 and Time Extension to 72/31/2027. Commissioner Wood seconded. Board approved. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 7 of 15 Information Items: 1. Would BOCC like to donate $200.00 for the Cowboy Country Festival on May 3,2025. Motion was made by Commissioner Hatch, for approval to donate $200 for the Cowboy Country Festival on May 3, 2025. Commissioner Osteen seconded. Board approved. 2. There is a handout for the Mobile Outreach Clinic schedule in Old Town. 3. Reminder that County offices will be closed April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. Commissioner Stephenson asked Mr. Jenkins status on the Gail property. Mr. Jenkins said they are working on it. CHANA WATSON, COUNTY ATTORNEY Attorney Watson stated there are a few hiccups with the potential loan they" are trying to iron out before signing any agreements. She said she spoke to Chris with Florida Commerce and part of the loan stated that the County couldn't have any other loans during the duration of this loan, which would put the County unelibile for other loans for approximately ten (10) years. She said she didn't believe the County could function like that. She said the County has submitted a check reconciliation register for review and they are waiting to hear back on ifthis language will be able to be removed. # She also stated that she will speak to Damian Frecker next week regarding the lease agreements to see if they can iron out some language in the agreement and he anticipates some kind of reconciliation. Attorney Watson àlso. stated they are asking for a commençement date change from 60 days to 30 : months which is a huge window, and she is concerned about this, but are ironing this out. Commissioner Hatch recognized Finance, Economic Development, Chana's Office, Mrs. Barbie, and the Clerk' s Office, and the County Managers Office for their hard work on all oft this. BARBIE HIGGINBOTHAM. CLERK OF COURT Clerk of Court Barbie Higginbotham told the Board that Previous Finance Director Jackie Johnson's husband passed away and asked for prayers for her family. COUNTY COMMISSION ITEMS Commissioner Wood asked to keep the family ofthel bad wreck on Chavous road in your prayers. Commissioner Hatch asked to keep family of the bad wreck on Chavous. road in your prayers. He also asked for prayers for the Johnson family. He mentioned Road Department Director Steve Hutchinson is in the hospital and asked for prayers for him and his family. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 8 of 15 Commissioner Osteen addressed Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Bass and stated there is more than one commissioner sitting on the Board. He stated there are four people trying to get Mr. Hutchinson forced out. He asked Mrs. Higginbotham regarding her working relationship with the County Manager and Assistant County Manager. Mrs. Higginbotham stated they are in and out of Finance, but she doesn't deal with them very often. Mr. Bass approached the Board and stated that when he took this position it was not to fire anyone. He stated that Mr. Hutchinson turned in his resignation and that he begged him not to go. He also said that he did not turn in his resignation for multiple days while trying to get Mr. Hutchinson to come back into the office to discuss things. Mr. Bass stated that he comes from 22 years ofworking with fire rescue and safety issues and when there is no flashing lights on the back of trucks and nothing in place to keep his employees safe it is his responsibility and hel has a problem with that. He said he wants to help Mr. Hutchinson and doesn't want to fire him. Commissioner Osteen stated that is not what he is hearing. Mr. Bass, what people are hearing on the street is not correct. Commissioner Osteen stated that he wants Mr. Hutchinson back. Mr. Bass said that Mr. Hutchinson is currently on FMLA (Family Mediçal Leave. Act) and that was Mr. Hutchinson' S. decision, and they can't make him come back and he also currently has a medical condition, and they are trying to get him to go to hospital. Commissioner Stephenson stated he thought that he was coming back after his FMLA was complete. Mr. Bass stated he doesn'tl like rumors and encouraged everyone to come and talk to him if needed. He said that he is easy to talk to and not rude, has spent decades of1 his life caring for this community and the people, and he doesn't like being attacked when he begged a man to stay and not turn in his paperwork. He said he can'tjust sit by and take that, and when he sees safety issues that might kill his people, he is going to address thém. He added that if a person runs their own business, they wouldn't allow their employees to do whatever they want to do. He said they must answer whoever is in charge and obey set rules. He reminded the Board that the County, just recently had to pay $300,000 because of an incident where there was no marking around a lime rock pile, and this could have killed someone as well as two (2) County employees. He said if someone had been killed the County would go under. He also said the other issue was not a problem, but just not a safe practice of allowing someone drive County vehicles that are not insured. He said he likes to work with and help the prison because they help us out too, but in this case, they showed up to the county yard on a closed day and had an unauthorized driver. He added that ifthey had pulled out onto the road with an inmate and got killed the County would pay a heavy price. He: said hei is looking out for his county. Commissioner Osteen again stated there are five of us here. Mr. Bass said that there are only a few commissioners that come by the County Manager's Office. He said he has been trying to send out group text messages to keep all Commissioners in the loop on what is going on within the County. He expressed that there are safety rules that the County must follow, but he is not trying to fire anyone. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 9 of 15 Mr. John Osteen spoke out and said that Mr. Hutchinson is not coming back as long as Mr. Jenkins and Mr, Bass are in the office. Commissioner Osteen made the motion to readvertise for the County Manager and Assistant County Manager, positions. Motion died for lack ofas second. Mr. Bass stated that he is working hard to save the County money and make everything safe for our people and ifthat' s not appreciated then he is ok with that. Commissioner Hatch asked Mr. Bass ifl he was done. Mr. Bass. said obviously there is no reason to talk about what is right and wrong, sO yes sir. Commissioner Hatch told Commissioner Osteen to go by the County Managers Office and get involved. He reminded that he is heavily involved, and that Mr. Hutchinson works for Mr, Jenkins and Mr. Bass, not the Commissioners. Commissioner Storey stated he is not ready to get rid of Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Bass, and that everyone needs to tighten things up. He recommended Mr. Jenkinsspend more time with Mrs. Higginbotham and Finance to: learn what goes on in those offices. He also said Mr. Hutchinson has some health issues and he asked him to get his body healed upl before returning to work. He said Mr. Hutchinson does a good job, but he is not perfect, and he needs to tighten up on some things as well. Mr. Storey. said a lot oft the things Mr. Hutchinson is doing is because the commissioners told him in to do them that specific way: in the past, but if they need to change things now because. of imsurance then the County needs to do that. He said he also heard some people were trying to get Mr. Hutchinson out as well but reminded him that everyone can always do better. He said Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Bass do a good job. Mrs. Martha McCaskil asked the Board to please not cause her to have yet another County Manager. Commissioner Stephenson stated if anyone here has a reason to. try. to get at Hutch it would be him, but he has no fault with Mr. Hutchinson. He said we are making changes for the better of the County. Betterment. He also said that Mr. Bass has been working hard with the Finance department to figure out the process and he takes offense at people speaking negatively regarding him because he has been giving the County 110% since hei came on board. He said the County is just making a lot of changes. now, but it is going in the right direction in making everything transparent and helping everyone to be treated the same down the road or as long as hei is in office. Commissioner Wood stated we need to move forward and get this bickering behind us, we have a County to rebuild that's been hit by three hurricanes, let's get past this. Mrs, Higginbotham reminded the Board that we have a Workshop on Policy and Procedures scheduled and encouraged everyone to get these in place and begin following them and stated this is top priority for the County. She added that if we get thel Policies and Procedures updated and continue to keep them within the County this County will be doing great. She also said she appreciated all the outside help with County cleanup from Mr. Bass and Commissioner Hatch. Mr. Bass stated he does not want his County to be poor and ugly, but successful. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 10 of 15 Mrs. Brenda Royal stated that Mr. Bass and Mr. Jenkins do come and meet with the Finance Office, but they are all still learning and working hard for our County. She said the ladies in Finance work well with the County Managers Office. Solid Waste Director Tim Johnson approached the Board and said that speaking from his heart if an employee doesn't produce and do the job, then have them get down the road, ifthey submit a resignation letter then let them resign with no bickering, no begging, just let them go. He said he has no issue with Mr. Hutchinson, but from aj professional standpoint that's what we: need to do. Commissioner Hatch asked ifthey want Policy and Procedure-really want it. Mr. Jenkins said we don't have a choice, we need it. Commissioner Hatch stated that there is an upcoming Policy and Procedures Workshop and said if everyone is willing to follow the Policies and Procedures,he will attend WS, but if not, then he is not going to waste his time anymore. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS Mrs: Kay McCallister approached the Board concerning help. with funding the park equipment through Tourism Development as discussed earlier in the meeting. She read a portion of the procedures for authorized use oftourism funds. It read that the. main purpose for the funds is to advertise for tourism, but can also be used to fund convention and tourism bureaus and tourism information centers. She said the funds would help with the Cross City Train Depot, could possibly finance beach property. facilities and help with beach improvements but only in coastal communities, there is no funding as far as she knows for city parks outside of the coast. She also said it states that in a county ofless than 100,000 in population; no more. than 10% of the tourism tax can be used for beach park facilities. Ifless than 750,000 in population some funds can be used for: zoological parks, fishing piers and nature centers, but it expressly prohibits use of funds for other uses. Mrs. McCallister asked the Board for a $250 donation to help support the "Fight the No See-ums" fishing tournament in Suwannee. hatch, storey. Commissioner Hatch miade a motion to donate $250 to help support the "Fight the No See- umas' fishing tournament in Suwannee. Commissioner Storey. seconded. Board approved. Mrs. Gail Carter stated that she agrees that ift the County has a policy and procedure handbook that we should abide by those rules. She said that she thinks that in the back of the book there is a statement written saying something to the effect of that the policies and procedures can change without notice, expressing that this can often frustrate a lot of folks.. Commissioner Hatch reminded her that no policy can change without a vote from the Board. Attorney Chana stated she asked Mr. Jenkins to send the current copy of the Policy and Procedures out to everyone prior to this meeting. She also said that the meetings are open to the public and to staff and encouraged for everyone to come. She also asked Mrs. Angie to send an electronic copy to each department. Mrs. Higginbotham stated that she updates hers annually and the employee signs saying they rec'd it and read it. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 11 of 15 Mrs. Gail also said that the old jail, old auditorium is full of bats, Town ofCross City Mayor Ryan Fulford stated there is a historical grant the city is looking into for buildings that are over fifty years old. He said the City Manager John Driggers is looking into specific buildings for this grant, including the old jail. He said there is also help through the storm water mitigation project. Commissioner Hatch asked ifthey could send a cleanup letter for the County owned property within the city. Mr. Jenkins said not to waste the stamp, that he would get it cleaned up. Mr. John Locklear. ofLocklear. and Associates said they had conducted a historical survey done for the city through a grant from DEO (Department of Economic Opportunity) and this is the first step before the County can apply for help with a specific facility, He asked Mayor Ryan to get with him regarding this. Mrs: Holly Houghton. stated that she helped design the current policy and procedure handbook and there are sections that are: not built yet. She recommended having SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) for each department. Mr. Bass said he has been working on this. Commissioner Hatch stated he would like the employee committee members to come to the Policy and Procedures Workshop. Mr. John Cherry invited everyone to the next Chamber of Commerce Meeting at the Library. He said that Giber by CFEC (Central Florida Electric Cooperative) will be there and furnish the dinner. He also said CFEC will be at the TOCC/BOCC meeting as well. Commissioner Hatch stated that at 1:00 today the Economic Development Team and Commissioner Hatch will be going to five (5) local businesses to hand out certificates. Mrs. VanAernam encouraged everyone and said they are doing amazing things. We are going forward. Making big strides: The negative, please send to me, happy to tell people the good things in our County to cheer people on. City of Cross City Mayor Ryan Fulford reminded everyone of the Crossroads Festival and Easter Egg Hunt at the Wandal Wheeler Park after the festival. He also reminded everyone of the Town of Cross. City and BOCC Workshop on April 16th, at City Hall. Het thanked Mrs. Karen VanAernman and Commissioner Hatch for coming to the Economic Council Team Meetings and keeping everyone else up to speed. Martha McCaskil approached the Board and stated she does not want to go through another County Manager or Assistant County Manager at this time and they reassured everyone that Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Bass are working hard for our County. She also said that nobody knows how much they go through every day, and they work hard and do a good job. She asked that everyone give them a chance to prove what they can do instead of listening to the negative rumors that are not true. She recommended looking at the overall picture of how the County loses money daily when incidents happen. She said the County can save money by creating laws to identify what to do on a day-to-day basis. She added that they are very money conscious. She concluded by saying the in-house fighting needs to be stopped and each Commissioner should come and sit Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 12 of15 down with the County Managers to resolve issues and if someone reaches out to them, they would do everything in their power to help. She said Mr. Hutchinson is a valuable member of the crew, he is not micro-managed and if anyone thinks SO come talk to her, she added that she sees things on the inside. Mr. John Cherry said to add Mr. Leon Wright to that speech. She stated that all ofthe County workers are very good at what they do and a blessing. Mrs. Sheila Frierson suggested getting everyone in the same room for conflict resolution and mediation and she also recommended prayer. The Commissioners said the Board meetings are the main opportunity to do that. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 13 of 15 APPLICATIONS for SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS Resolution 2025-34 20250261 Ap petition by Kenil Robinson & Lisal Holloway requestinga a Special Exceptiontobe granted, as provided in Secion445SPECAL EXCEPTIONS oft the Dixie County! Land Development Regulaionstopemtonerecmationalvehide ("AG" AGRICULTURE): in accordancer withthe petition dated01222025tobe locatedoni the property as described as follows: Dixie County Parcel #20-09-13- 4318-0000-0130: 327 NE 412AVÉ, Old Town,F FL 32680; 2.32 Acres. (COMMISSION DISTRICT1 JODY STEPHENSON) LPA recommends denial (4-0) Tabled from the 3/20/25 BOCC Meeting Commissioner Storey made the motion to deny Resolution 2025-34. Commissioner Osteen seconded. Board approved. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 15 of 15 ADJOURN Commissioner Storey made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Hatch seconded. Board approved. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DIXIE COUNTY, FLORIDA H Ln - Syphenson, Chairman OUNTY, - basNaaletfe Barbie Higginbotham, Terk uditor 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, hel she will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, he/ she will need to ensure that a verbatim record oft the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. "Persons with disabilities requesting reasonable accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact (352) 486-4931 (Voice & TDD) or via Florida Relay. Service at (800) 955-8771." The Board meets the first Thursday of each month at 10:00AM and the third Thursday ofe each month at 6:00. PM. Individuals that would like to be placed on the agenda should call Barbie Higginbotham, Clerk of Court, by 4:00 PM on the Friday Preceding the Board meeting, at (352) 498-1200. Draft Minutes Regular Meeting April 03, 2025 - 10:00 AM - Page 14 of 15