The Board of County Commissioners asks that all cell phones are turned off or placed on silent (vibrate) mode. Any handouts (information) for distribution to the Commission must be submitted to the Board Secretary (Clerk’s Office) or to the County Coordinator on or before the Thursday prior to that Tuesday’s meeting. Failure to do so will result in your removal from the agenda or a delay of any action relating to your request until a future meeting.
Call to Order
To comply with CDC and Government social distancing requirements, the general public will not be allowed in the commission meeting room for this meeting; therefore, this Board of County Commission regular meeting will be conducted via livestream and Zoom. Those wanting to view the meeting can use the livestream link (https://m.facebook.com/forgottencoasttv/) or go to Forgotten Coast TV's Facebook Page. The livestream feed will promptly start 5 minutes before the meeting commences. Those wanting to participate during “Public Comments” should use the Zoom log-in/call-in information provided below. There is a link to a list of videos and Getting Started Resources on the main "Agenda and Minutes" webpage for those unfamiliar with Zoom. If you are experiencing any issues with the livestream or Zoom, call (850) 653-9783 extension 373 for assistance.
Any person who wishes to appeal a decision made by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners, with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, must have a record of the proceedings. He or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.
Oct 20, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Time
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Prayer and Pledge
Approval of Minutes
Payment of County Bills
Special Project Consultant – Alan Pierce – Update
State Representative Jason Shoaf - Discussion
FWC Northwest Regional Director - Billy Sermons - Discussion
DEP Aquatic Preserve Manager - Jonathan Brucker - Discussion
Public Comments
This is an opportunity for the public to comment on agenda or non-agenda items. When you are recognized to be heard by the Chairman, please sign the speaker’s log and adhere to the time limit. An individual will be allowed to speak for three minutes whereas a designated representative of a group or faction will be allowed to speak for five minutes.
Department Directors Report
Superintendent of Public Works – Howard Nabors
Information Items
1. Detail of Work Performed and Material Hauled by District (see attached documents)
Solid Waste Director – Fonda Davis
Information Item:
1. Right-of-way Debris Pickup / Recycle Material Hauled – September 11, 2020 – September 29, 2020 (See attached)
Emergency Management Director – Pam Brownell
Information Items:
1. EOC Staff worked Hurricane Sally 09/12/20 and continues to work with FDEM and FEMA.
2. EOC Staff continue to participate in the NOAA Tropical Weather Training.
3. EOC has submitted our New LMS Plan to the state and are awaiting approval.
4. EOC Staff along with our CERT Volunteers continue to distribute washable & reusable cloth mask throughout our community. We have partnered with the City of Carrabelle and City of Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce along with the St. George Island & Eastpoint Visitor Centers to assist with distribution to local businesses and residents. We will continue this effort as long as supplies are available.
5. EOC Staff are working diligently with DOH Staff regarding the COVID-19 virus. This includes hosting meetings with representatives from DOH, Sheriff’s Dept. Weems, EMS, as needed. We also are assisting with Conference Calls, information distribution from DOH via Alert Franklin, Facebook and our EOC Website.
6. EOC Staff continue to participate in conference calls with State DEM, Region 2, DOH, FEMA, etc. regarding COVID 19. We also continue to update WebEOC with missions for PPE, Local State of Emergency, and SitReps.
7. EOC Staff continue to work on FEMA reimbursement claims from Hurricane Michael. (Please see attached report regarding Hurricane Michael Projects). This includes working with FEMA staff regarding mitigation of damaged parks, roads, etc. Mitigation takes some time but EOC Staff continue to work diligently with FEMA Staff on the most beneficial repairs for Franklin County. We are in contact with our PDMG regularly regarding these projects and will update the Board as soon as the State Review is completed. EOC Staff has also began the FEMA reimbursement claim process for COVID-19.
8. Attached is a copy of the DOH Dashboard regarding COVID-19 Cases in Franklin County as of 10/16/20 at 11:00 am.
Extension Office Director – Erik Lovestrand
Informational Items
General Extension Activities:
1. During this period, the Extension office assisted citizens on the topics of injured wildlife, release of Tamarixia wasps for citrus psyllid control.
2. Co-hosted a webinar on bats as part of our Natural Resources Extension Team webinar series.
3. Extension Director participated in the CED in-service training planning meeting that will take place in late October.
Sea Grant Extension:
4. Extension Director participated in Zoom meeting with the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative project.
5. Extension Director participated in Zoom meeting with a team of agents working on updating the “Extension Roadmap,” as a guidance tool for the next 5 years of Extension assistance to Florida citizens.
6. Extension Director met with team of UF/FDACS staff working to develop a virtual HACCP training course to address molluscan shellfish requirements, specifically.
4-H Youth Development:
7. District III Council youth members met via Zoom to discuss plans for upcoming events including Teen Retreat, 4-H University, and 4H Legislature.
Family and Consumer Sciences:
8. Transition to a distance-learning platform continues for programs to use in the local schools.
TDC Administrator - John Solomon - Report
Information Items:
1. Collections Report: July Collections were $253,488.28 Which is a 21% increase over July 2019. An increase of $44,488.28.
2. Occupancy Statistics: The Months of August and September rental occupancy numbers were 17.6% Higher than 2019 in August and 23.5% higher than 2019 in September. October occupancy rates are predicting a 19.1% increase over 2019.
3. The ground breaking ceremony for the new SGI Restrooms is today at 2:00pm.
CARES Act Consultant - Traci Buzbee - Report
Board of Adjustment – Amy Ham-Kelly – Report 10AM
THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON APRIL 17, 2018.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDING APPROVING THIS VARIANCE.
BOARD ACTION: TO APPROVE, TABLE OR DENY
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The County has received 10 letters of opposition for this variance. The variance as requested would be required to be adjusted due to the 24 inch extensions at the east and west end of the house are actually walls cantilevered out (not eaves or overhangs), so they will require additional variances, so this project will end up requiring a 10' variance from Spacey Drive for the entry stairs, a 17' variance from Castoldi Street for the east side of the house, and a 2' variance from the side setback off the west property line for the west side of the house.
The recommendation given was to not grant this variance. There appears to be no hardship of the land or special condition applicable to other lots in the same zoning district. This variance request is based on the action of the applicant-having a house designed that does not fit on the lot.
BOARD ACTION: TO APPROVE, TABLE OR DENY
Apalachicola Riverkeeper Executive Director - Georgia Ackerman - Update
SHIP Program Administrator - Lori Switer-Mills - Report
Action Items:
1. Update: For the Corona Virus Relief Funds we have received 64 applications to date. As of the October 20th meeting we have spent $81,739.61 and are continuing to receive and process applications.
2. Update: For the Hurricane Housing Recovery Funds we have the Certificate of Occupancy for 5 out of 8 of the mobile homes.
3. Ironwood Homes of Perry is requesting 3 change orders due to the unexpected rainfall that caused additional costs.
a. Mr. David Burke will need an additional 15 loads of dirt due to the rainfall washing away several loads of the dirt that was being utilized to stabilize the dirt pad foundation. Original contract amount $53,512.10, Change order $3,000. Revised contract amount: $56,512.10
b. Buddy Wayne Butler will need a FEMA foundation. Original Contract amount: $63,755.15, Change order: $17,315. Revised contract amount: $81,070.15.
With the Septic System required this will bring Mr. Butler’s total price to $88,526.40.
c. Margaret Gay needed an additional 10 loads of dirt due to rainfall flooding the location utilized to stabilize the dirt pad foundation. Original contract amount: $67,806.40, Change order: $2,000, Revised contract amount: $69,806.40. With the Septic System required this will bring Ms. Gays total price to $81,431.40.
Request: I am requesting a motion to accept these three change orders and to go over the mobile home replacement limit of $75,000 for Buddy Butler-$88,526.40 and Margaret Gay-$81,431.40.
4. An applicant who lives at 801 NE 3rd Street, Carrabelle will need to be moved from the mobile home repair strategy which has a Limit of $20,000 to mobile home replacement. Upon inspection for repairs, this mobile home has extensive damages that this strategy will not correct. The better option is to replace the home.
Request: I am requesting for this applicant to be moved from the mobile home repair strategy with a limit of $20,000 to the mobile home replacement strategy with a limit of $75,000.
Community Action Agency Case Manager - Angela Webster - Report
Action Items
1. Will the Board please approve use of fire relief funds in the amount of $7,300.00 for the setup cost on donated home being transferred from 658 Ridge Road to 690 Ridge Road?
2. Will the Board please approve modification to pre-approved Board Action allowing use of fire relief funds for repairs at 579 Ridge Road to reflect $796.36 increase in cost from $4,063.64 to $4,860.00?
Information Items
3. Please note CDBG reports CACAA to use fire relief funds for transfer/setup price of donated home at 658 Ridge Road to be transferred and setup at Home Place has changed, as survivors have found permanent housing outside the County. This home will now be transferred to 690 Ridge Road. Survivors have provided residential lease agreement signed by property owner. I have also received verification of active water/sewer connection from Eastpoint Water & Sewer. Power connection will be included in setup cost. Cost to transfer is covered by CDBG grant as it is in lieu of demolition. I have not received quote from Ironwood Homes, however, they have assured me the cost will not exceed $7,300.00.
4. Please note Board Approval on 1/7/2022 to use fire relief funds in the amount of $4,063.64 with a down payment of $2,000.00 for vinyl siding repairs at 579 Ridge Road pending electrical issue inspection. Survivors have provided a Letter of Inspection from Robert Thompson, LLC in reference to the pending electrical issue which confirms isolation of the problem to allow Budget Remodeling and Solutions to move forward with repairs to vinyl siding. The cost for repairs has increased by $796.36 since December 2019 quote provided by Budget Remodeling and Solutions, LLC.
5. Please note CDBG reports CACAA to use fire relief funds for transfer/setup price of donated home at 697 Ridge Road to be transferred and setup at 291 Old Ferry Dock Road has changed. This home will now be transferred to 1044 Rosemont Street, Apalachicola. Recipient is not a Limerock Wildfire survivor and therefore fire relief funds will not be used to fund the cost for setup.
6. For the purpose of clarification please let the record reflect at 6/2/2020 BOCC Meeting, CACAA report noted use of fire relief funds to cover the cost of donated mobile home setup at 714 Buck Street for Limerock Wildfire survivor previously residing at 582-B Ridge Road. We also have a Limerock Wildfire survivor in temporary housing at the same address – 714 Buck Street. The survivor residing in temporary housing received a CDBG replacement home at 680 Wilderness Road. Temporary housing unit (camper trailer) will be returned to CACAA once new mobile is available for occupancy.
Public Hearings 11:00 a.m. (ET)
AN ORDINANCE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 305 OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ZONING CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DECREASING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FROM NINE MEMBERS AND TWO ALTERNATES, TO FIVE MEMBERS AND TWO ALTERNATES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
AN ORDINANCE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE 2020 ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEEDS MAP FOR RISK CATEGORY IV BUILDINGS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY; WIND LOADS WEST OF THAT LINE ARE 140 MPH AND WIND LOADS EAST OF THAT LINE ARE 130 MPH; DEFINING RISK CATEGORY IV BUILDINGS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Clerk of Courts – Marcia M. Johnson – Report
Action Item:
1. As part of the budget process this year, the landfill was approved for the purchase of a new tub grinder to be paid out of the Landfill Tipping Fee Fund. The existing tub grinder is a 2004 model and has been used to process hurricane and yard debris for the past 15 years. Due to the age and condition of the existing tub grinder, the trade-in value is $30,000. Franklin County solicited two financing quotes, one from PeoplesSouth and one from Leasing2. Leasing 2 offered the best rate at 2.65% fixed for (8) years. The county will be financing $692,500 of the $837,687 Sourcewell Government Bid Platform purchase price after trade-in and down payment. The annual payment will be $95,539.12.
Action requested: A motion to authorize proceeding with Leasing 2 for the financing and formally authorizing the trade-in of asset A004470, a 2004 Caterpillar Tub-Grinder for the landfill.
County Coordinator – Michael Morón – Report
Action Items
1. CR 30A & CR 67 CEI Services Recommendation: The selection committee has completed their rankings for the CEI consultant for the repaving of County Road 30A from the Gulf County line to 13-Mile Road and County Road 67 from Highway 98 to the Crooked River Bridge. AECOM was the highest ranked firm for both jobs.
Request: Board action to accept the recommendation of the selection committee and direct staff to begin contract negotiations with AECOM, the highest ranked firm, for these two projects.
2. Courthouse Sewer/Vac Station Update: Since your last meeting, the water level in the vac-station has reduced, however there is still a need for pump-outs as there is a steady flow of stormwater. The County, using the City of Apalachicola’s equipment, has continued daily pump-outs. I authorized a $2400 quote with Churchwell Pipeline Service to clean-out and video the three 4” sewer laterals starting at the manhole going into the courthouse. Churchwell is scheduled to be here this morning. Once the video is available, staff can determine if there is stormwater infiltration into the Courthouse sewer system, if/what repairs are needed, then determine if we can file a claim for the pump-out cost.
Request: Board action to ratify the $2400 quote for the clean-out and video of the three sewer laterals from the manhole to the courthouse.
3. Bridge Clean-up Services Update: Capt. Dave informed me that September 30th was his last day of cleaning the bridges based on his agreement with the County. I informed both Sherriff Smith and Attorney Shuler of that date. Sheriff Smith has asked for access to the street sweeper located at the airport to assist with bridge clean-up. I am in the process of verifying that the street sweeper could be used on the state bridges and will ask Mr. Davis or Mr. Nabors to have one of the County’s mechanics check it for any needed repairs or servicing.
Request: Board discussion and direction.
4. Meeting Policy Update: Staff contacted neighboring counties about their policies on public meetings with in-person public attendance. There was a “mix-bag” of responses ranging from starting a “hybrid” scenario that will allow both in-person and virtual attendance/participation to first come first allowed into the meeting room until capacity is filled, most with temperature checks and required mask wearing in the meeting room. Commissioner Jones informed me that he reached out to Florida Association of Counties for a state-wide response of what all the counties are doing. I suspect we won’t have that response until after the Governor’s Executive Order on public meetings has expired without any further extensions. Once received, I will inform the Board of those results to assist with creating a policy.
Request: Board discussion and direction.
5. New EOC: In November of 2019 the Board signed a $200,000 State-Funded Grant Agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the architectural and engineering planning and design services for a new County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). COVID-19 caused a pause in the process, however staff is ready to proceed with this project. Attached is a document (blue area) that displays where Mrs. Brownell (EM Director) recommends building the new EOC. Mr. Clay Kennedy of Dewberry, selected to the planning and design services, supports Mrs. Brownell’s recommendation. The area selected is on Airport property therefore an approval and maybe some sort of agreement with the Federal Aviation Authority will be necessary. Attorney Shuler and Mr. John Collins (AVCON) will work with the FAA on the necessary approval.
Request: Board action to authorize Dewberry to proceed with the architectural and engineering planning and design services for a new County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the location referred to as the blue area on the attached map.
6. P&Z Members: Earlier in the meeting the Board held a public hearing on changes to the membership of the Planning and Zoning meeting. If the Board approved this amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, it is my recommendation that proceed with appointing members to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Each commissioner will need to appoint someone from your district and the Board will need to agree to the two alternates. If appointed today, the Planning and Zoning Commission could proceed with the scheduled November 10th meeting. I have given you a list of the members, to assist with your appointments, that served until the Board issued the Emergency Order that temporarily transferred that authority to the Count Planner. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Mr. Curenton for the comprehensive recommendations on development and variance requests applications that was provided to the Board.
Request: Board action to appoint five district members and two alternates to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
7. Rural Area of Opportunity Designation: Attached to the agenda packet is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Economic Opportunity and Franklin County to implement and re-designate the Northwest Rural Area of Opportunity (RAO), that includes Franklin County, for another five years, expiring on July 8, 2025. The re-designation is based on the Governor’s Executive Order 20-170. There is no cost to the County, but there are requirements and responsibilities that must be fulfilled by the County. The main purpose of this designation is to assist rural counties that have been “adversely affected by extraordinary economic events, severe or chronic distress, a natural disaster, or an event that presents a unique economic development opportunity of regional impact.”
Request: Board action to authorize the Chairman’s signature on the Rural Area of Opportunity MOA with DEO.
8. Airport Project Change Order: Staff received the final close-out documentation from the contractor for the Airport access road project. In addition to the close-out documentation there was Change Order #1 which resulted in a $57,651.24 reduction in the contract. In order to process the final close-out of this project, I asked Chairman Lockley to sign Change Order #1. Once FDOT signs the documents this should just about close-out this project.
Request: Board action to ratify the Chairman’s signature on Change Order #1 reducing the contract by $57,651.24.
9. AVCON – Runway Contractor: In May, the County received bids for the Runway 6-24 Lighting Rehabilitation project, but award of this project has been delayed due to COVID-19. Attached is a Recommendation of Award to TCA Electrical Contractors, the lowest responsive bidder, from AVCON. TCA successfully completed a very similar project at the Airport in 2018. Mr. John Collins (AVCON) contacted TCA and they are ready to proceed with the project for the bided amount.
Request: Board action to accept AVCON’s recommendation to award the contract to TCA Electrical Contractors and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement.
10. Health Department CORE Contracts: As done every year, after your final budget public hearing the Department of Health provides their CORE contract for Board signature, which states their role and services in the County for the upcoming fiscal year. Chairman Lockley signed the contract, but I failed to state this at the last meeting.
Request: Board action to ratify the Chairman’s signature on the Department of Health’s CORE contract.
11. Corps EP Dredging Letter: As Mr. Pierce explained earlier in the meeting, that it was necessary for staff to amend the letter sent to the Corps about the Eastpoint Channel dredging project.
Request: Board action to ratify the Chairman’s signature on the letter to the Corps regarding the Eastpoint Channel dredging project.
12. Bluff Road Guardrail Repair: Last week staff discovered that there was another accident that damaged the guardrails at 12th Street/Bluff Road and 24th Avenue intersection in Apalachicola. I authorized a $3200 quote from PX3 Supply for the repairs/replacement of the damaged aluminum handrail. I will let the Board know when the repairs are completed.
Request: Board action to ratify the $3200 quote for the repair/replacement of the damaged aluminum handrail.
Information Items
13. Airport Master Plan Public Meeting: Remind the Board that AVCON is hosting the Airport Master Plan Public Meeting on Tuesday, October 27th at 10 a.m. (ET). This meeting will be virtual using Zoom and the log-in/call-in information will be on the County’s website this afternoon. If any of the Commissioners are planning to attend this meeting, please notify me so the appropriate language is included in the public notice.
14. Leon County’s Annual Report: Staff received Leon County’s Annual Report. If you would like an electronic version, let me know.
County Attorney – Michael Shuler – Report
Commissioners’ Comments
Adjournment
The Board of County Commissioners asks that all cell phones are turned off or placed on silent (vibrate) mode. Any handouts (information) for distribution to the Commission must be submitted to the Board Secretary (Clerk’s Office) or to the County Coordinator on or before the Thursday prior to that Tuesday’s meeting. Failure to do so will result in your removal from the agenda or a delay of any action relating to your request until a future meeting.