(10-19-17 Regular Meeting)
MINUTES OF
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BRADFORD COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING 6:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017
The Bradford County Board of County Commissioners convened in a regular meeting on Thursday,
October 19, 2017, at 6:30 p.m., in the County Commission Chambers, 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, Florida.
PRESENT: Chairman Riddick, Commissioner Dougherty, Commissioner Durrance, Commissioner Chandler and Commissioner Thompson.
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Carter, County Manager; Rachel Rhoden, Deputy County Manager; Will Sexton, County Attorney; Ray Norman, Clerk of Courts; Marlene Stafford, Deputy Clerk; Jim Farrell, Finance Director; Dean Bennett, Facility Maintenance Director; Paul Funderburk, Road Superintendent; Allen Parrish, Emergency Medical Services Director; Mark Crawford, Press; Benji Bennett, Emergency Management Planner; Bennie Jackson, Solid Waste and Mosquito Control Director; Kelly Canady, Community Development Director; Sheriff Smith; and Lieut. Shuford, Sheriff I.T.
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CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Riddick called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
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(Chairman Riddick deviated from the order of the agenda.)
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PRESENTATION--Shanna-Kae Mallett, Public Affairs Specialist:
Chairman Riddick recognized Ms. Mallett and Ms. Immekus, who addressed the Board.
Ms. Immekus, a FEMA representative, reviewed the process (application to appeal) to receive FEMA reimbursement for damages/loss caused by Hurricane Irma.
Ms. Mallett, with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance, explained the low-interest long-term loan program available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations.
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CONSIDER AWARDING THE THERESSA SUBSTATION 2 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO THE APPARENT LOW BIDDER, M&R CONSTRUCTION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $713,428.00 (FY2018 Budgeted Funds - $625,000.00, Remaining Estimated Fiscal Impact - $88,428.00)
Chairman Riddick recognized Mr. Taylor, who addressed the Commission.
Mr. Taylor reported that two proposals were submitted for the construction project, the apparent low bid submitted by M&R Construction, Inc. in the amount of $713,428.00. The bid meets the criteria contained in the bid specs. Mr. Taylor recommended acceptance of the proposal.
In response to a concern raised by Commissioner Dougherty, there was discussion regarding the amount of the bid, the apparent increase from the original cost estimate and the need for the station. The discussion was not limited to but included (Mr. Williams, M&R Construction, Inc., presented comments during the discussion):
§ Budgeted amount versus actual cost.
§ Proposed contribution from the R.V. Park.
§ Reasons for the increase from the original cost estimate.
§ The possibility of change orders that could increase the cost.
§ Potential savings once construction begins.
§ Contributions made by the Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
§ Staffing the station. (Decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters.)
§ ISO ratings.
Commissioner Chandler moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to award the bid to M&R Construction, Inc., with an inclusion in the contract for a not to exceed cost of $713,428.00.
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EMERGENCY ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM REGISTER CO., INC., FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE BRADFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE ROOF. TOTAL COST - $34,950.00 (Potentially FEMA Reimbursable) - Robert Taylor, County Architect:
Chairman Riddick recognized Mr. Taylor, who reviewed the scope of work needed to repair the leaks in the courthouse roof. Mr. Taylor recommended the Board accept the proposal submitted by Register Company, Inc., for $34,950.00.
Mr. Carter added that the County Building Official has reviewed the proposal and is comfortable with it. Every effort will be made to seek FEMA reimbursement for the damages.
Commissioner Durrance moved, seconded by Commissioner Chandler, and carried 5-0, to declare an emergency to consider the item.
Commissioner Dougherty moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to accept the proposal submitted by Register Company, Inc. for $34,950.00.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Paul Still commented on the following:
· Flooding at Lakes Sampson and Crosby.
· Repair of roads and clearing drainage systems.
· Debris removal.
Chairman Riddick reminded everyone of the November 6 joint workshop with Suwannee River Water Management District for the purpose of discussing flooding and drainage issues. The workshop is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlie E. Johns Conference Center.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to aerial spraying of Naled:
Anne Gowens, Ilene Osteen, Lynn Miller, Bethany Hunsinger, Mackenzie Griffis, Waylon Townsend and Jason Brummett
Some of the topics of concern expressed by the speakers were not limited to, but included:
· Human sensitivity to exposure to Naled.
· Inadequate notice to the public of the scheduled spraying.
· Adverse affects to small pets.
· Adverse affects to livestock, chickens, honeybees, dragonflies, fireflies, bats, birds, and organic farms.
· Developmental delays in children whose mothers were exposed to Naled in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Documents presented:
§ Information packet presented by Ms. Lynn Miller.
§ Information packet presented by Mackenzie Griffis.
Chairman Riddick suggested scheduling a workshop and to invite some experts to discuss this issue further. There was a consensus to direct the County Manager's office to schedule a workshop.
Paul McDavid commented on the proposal for a paid professional fire department and offered his services to assist in the development of a counter-proposal with a cost savings.
Robert Sowards commented on S.E. 51st Avenue, which is not recognized as a county road but is identified by a county road sign. (Photographs) Chairman Riddick added that this is a problem he has been trying to address for quite some time. He will revive his efforts.
Milt McCurdy commented on the flooding on Lakes Sampson and Crosby during Hurricane Irma and the maintenance of the canals and rivers. (Mr. McCurdy used PowerPoint to display photos.)
Jim Tatum commented on a recent tour of a Mosaic Mine and spoke in opposition to the proposed HPSII Phosphate Mine. (Handout)
Kate Ellison spoke opposing approving a contract with OEC, Onsite Environmental Consulting, LLC, for the review of the HPSII Phosphate Mine Application.
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CONSENT AGENDA:
A. CONSIDER RETROACTIVE APPROVAL (Approved by Chairman Riddick on 10-03-17) OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR CONSOLIDATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. GRANT FUNDING NOT TO EXCEED $90,909.00 (NO COUNTY MATCH)
B. MINUTES OF 09-05-17 REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
C. MINUTES OF 09-21-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE AND BUDGET FOR FY ENDING 09-30-18
D. MINUTES OF 0-21-17 REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING
E. MINUTES OF 09-25-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON FINAL MILLAGE RATE AND BUDGET FOR FY ENDING 09-30-18
F. REQUEST PERMISSION TO REFER DELINQUENT EMS ACCOUNTS TO GILA CORPORATION MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUREAU FOR FURTHER COLLECTION EFFORTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,227.79
G. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT BETWEEN BRADFORD COUNTY AND COMANCO ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION FOR REPAIRS TO STORMWATER DOWNCOMER SYSTEM ON THE SOUTH SLOPE OF THE BRADFORD COUNTY CENTRAL LANDFILL - TOTAL $74,990.00 (Bid awarded on 09-21-17)
H. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CONDUENT (Formally Xerox ACS Enterprise Solution, LLC) FOR INFORMATION PRODUCT AND SERVICES RELATING TO SPECIAL ASSESSMENT SOFTWARE UTILIZED IN THE TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE. ANNUAL TOTAL - $7,552.56 (No increase from last year)
I. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RENEWAL AGREEMENT WITH AUTOCLEAR FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE OF AN X-RAY SCANNER UTILIZED FOR COURTHOUSE SECURITY. TOTAL - $5,500.00 (No increase from last year)
Chairman Riddick announced that Item "I" is removed from the Consent Agenda.
Commissioner Chandler moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to approve items A-H on the Consent Agenda.
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APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS--Commissioner Thompson:
Commissioner Thompson moved, seconded by Commissioner Chandler, and carried 5-0, to approve payment of the bills. (The Distribution List is on file in the Finance Department of the Office of the Clerk of Courts.)
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COUNTY ATTORNEY REPORTS--Will Sexton:
A. ONSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, LLC PROPOSAL
Mr. Sexton presented the proposal for consideration. At the Board's direction, he contacted individuals and the attorneys representing both the applicant and some of the various opposition groups. Counsel for the opposition groups requested more time to provide a definitive answer on whether or not their clients can contribute some portion of the cost to hire the consultant. The applicant is willing to contribute. The Board has two (2) choices:
1. Postpone the decision to award the proposal until the November 6 meeting.
2. Award the proposal and direct staff to either:
- Continue to have conversations with both sides in an attempt to cover as much of the costs as possible from both parties or from either party.
- If both parties are not willing to contribute, then the county will pay the entire cost with no contribution from either side.
Commissioner Durrance moved to accept the proposal submitted by Onsite Environmental Consulting, LLC. He would prefer the costs be split equally. However, it would not be judicious of the Board to turn down the money should the applicant decide to pay all the costs. Commissioner Dougherty seconded the motion. The MOTION CARRIED 4-1, with Commissioner Chandler dissenting.
B. RESOLUTION-Confirming a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency Commencing 09-27-17 through 10-03-17
Mr. Sexton read the title of the resolution and presented it for consideration.
Commissioner Thompson moved, seconded by Commissioner Durrance, and carried 5-0, to adopt the Resolution as presented. (The Resolution was assigned No. 2017-36.)
C. RESOLUTION-Confirming a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency Commencing 10-04-17 through 10-10-17
Mr. Sexton read the title of the resolution and presented it for consideration.
Commissioner Durrance moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to adopt the Resolution as presented. (The Resolution was assigned No. 2017-37.)
D. RESOLUTION-Confirming a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency Commencing 10-11-17 through 10-17-17
Mr. Sexton read the title of the resolution and presented it for consideration.
Commissioner Chandler moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to adopt the Resolution as presented. (The Resolution was assigned No. 2017-38.)
E. RESOLUTION-Confirming a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency Commencing 10-18-17 through 10-24-17
Mr. Sexton read the title of the resolution and presented it for consideration.
Commissioner Chandler moved, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, and carried 5-0, to adopt the Resolution as presented. (The Resolution was assigned No. 2017-39.)
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SHERIFF REPORTS—Gordon Smith:
§ (Lieut. Shuford distributed copies of the Annual Inspection Report for the Bradford County Jail.) Sheriff Smith reviewed the report. No violations were found during the inspection. Therefore, no corrective action plan is needed. Sheriff Smith expressed appreciation to Capt. McKinley and staff for a job well done.
§ The PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Inspection and the Medical Inspection were also conducted with no violations and exceeded standards in several areas.
§ Presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Funderburk and the Road Department for their dedicated service to the citizens of Bradford County during Hurricane Irma.
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CLERK REPORTS—Ray Norman: None.
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COUNTY MANAGER REPORTS--Brad Carter:
A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 ON SHIP REHAB FILE NO. 2014-20-S IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,710.00--Kelley Canady, Community Development Director:
Ms. Canady presented the change order for consideration.
Commissioner Chandler moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, and carried 5-0, to approve the Change Order as presented.
B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF WORK ORDER NO. 19 WITH JONES EDMUNDS AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE WIDENING AND RESURFACING OF SE 150th STREET (From CR 230A to end of pavement)--NOT TO EXCEED $20,727.00
· Under FDOT standards, CEI services are required. A county cannot utilize the same firm for CEI services and design engineer services.
Mr. Carter presented the work order for consideration.
Following brief discussion and input from Jones Edmunds and Associates, Commissioner Durrance moved, seconded by Commissioner Chandler, and carried 5-0, to approve the Work Order No. 19 with Jones Edmunds and Associates, as presented
C. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM DRMP TO REPAIR AND RESTORE A BRIDGE BOX CULVERT (Bridge No. 280021) AT CR231 IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,800.00
Mr. Carter presented the proposal for consideration.
Commissioner Durrance moved, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, and carried 5-0, to accept the proposal from DRMP, as presented.
D. ACTION ITEMS FROM THE OCTOBER 16, 2017 WORKSHOP:
1. DIRECT THE ROAD DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED WITH MAKING REPAIRS TO PUBLIC ROADWAYS, DITCHES/CREEKS, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE GIVEN THEIR LIMITED PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT RESOURCES, FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRMA
2. DIRECT STAFF TO ENGAGE WITH BRADFORD COUNTY ENGINEER DRMP (Jerome Kelley) FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTING ALL REPAIRS TO PUBLIC ROADWAYS AND BRIDGES WHICH ARE BEYOND THE SCOPE AND/OR RESOURCES OF THE ROAD DEPARTMENT - Combined Estimated Fiscal Impact - $2,791,000.00 (Potentially FEMA Reimbursable)
Mr. Carter addressed items D.1. and D.2. together. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Funderburk have developed a list and determined which projects are beyond the scope and/or resources of the Road Department. The fiscal impact of 1&2 is estimated at $2.7 million.
Commissioner Durrance clarified that the County will continue to rely on the Water Management Districts' grants and other grants to clean out the major waterways, which is separate from what is being discussed.
Mr. Carter advised that he has had several conversations with the Executive Director of SRWMD, Hugh Thomas, who is very supportive of the upcoming workshop to discuss flooding and drainage issues, and SJRMMD will be there as well. Mr. Thomas has mentioned the possibility of expanding the scope of services as well as the funding in the grant already awarded to the County. Staff is looking into other programs.
Commissioner Dougherty asked staff to reach out to Rep. Payne, Sen. Bradley and Congressman YoHo and invite them to attend the workshop.
In response to query by Chairman Riddick, Mr. Carter stated that if the application paperwork is completed accurately and includes all necessary documentation, most of the expenses should be reimbursed by FEMA; when we would receive reimbursement is another question.
Commissioner Thompson moved, seconded by Commissioner Durrance, and carried 5-0, to direct the Road Department to proceed with making repairs to public roadways, ditches and creeks, to the fullest extent possible given their limited personnel and equipment resources, for damage caused by Hurricane Irma.
Mr. Carter added that each contracted major expense would be brought back to the Commission, as is normal procedure.