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://facebook.com/forgottencoasttv/) or go to Forgotten Coast TV's Facebook Page. The livestream feed will promptly start 5 minutes before the meeting commences. You do not need a Facebook account to view Facebook live. 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.
If you do not have speakers or a microphone on your computer or prefer to call, you can dial in for audio. Call (301) 715-8592 or (312) 626- 6799 or (929) 205-6099 and enter ID 941 4122 2410#.
If you would like to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting, you have the following options:
Online - select the "raise your hand" icon.
Phone - press *9 to raise your hand, *6 to unmute to submit verbal comments.
Public engagement is important to us, and meeting remotely is still a new process. We appreciate everyone’s understanding.
Prayer and Pledge
Swearing-In/Oath of Office Ceremony
Organizational Meeting
Approval of Minutes
Payment of County Bills
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.
Sheriff's Department -- Ginger Coulter (Finance Director) -- Request
Mrs. Ginger Coulter and other Sheriff Department representatives will explain the new Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program: Florida Incident-Based Reporting System (FIBRS). The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is requiring all Sheriff Departments to have this system in place by 2021. The Sheriff is requesting that the Board purchase this software. Financing options will be discussed.
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 Items:
1. Right-of-way Debris/Recycle Material Hauled (See attached document)
Emergency Management Director – Pam Brownell
Information Items
1. EOC Staff started working Tropical Storm Eta 11/06/20.
2. EOC Staff will complete the IPAWS test for November on 11/23/20.
3. EOC Staff continues to work Hurricane Sally from 09/12/20 and continues to work with FDEM and FEMA.
4. EOC Staff continue to participate in the NOAA Tropical Weather Training.
5. EOC has submitted our New LMS Plan and corrections to the state and are awaiting approval.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 and Hurricane Sally.
10. Attached is a copy of the DOH Dashboard regarding COVID-19 Cases in Franklin County as of 11/10/20 at 2:33 pm.
Extension Office Director – Erik Lovestrand
Informational Items
General Extension Activities:
1. During this period, the Extension office assisted citizens on the topics of beetle damage, hedge plant disease, and in-home insect control.
2. Presented a webinar on the Apalachicola Bay oyster situation, as part of our Natural Resources Extension Team webinar series.
3. Extension Director participated in a 2-day annual CED NW District planning meeting via Zoom.
4. Hosted a Zoom meeting of the Overall Extension Advisory Committee.
5. Participated in annual natural resources extension program planning meeting via Zoom.
Sea Grant Extension:
6. Extension Director participated in a USDA Seafood Tariff Relief webinar. Species that are eligible for the program from our area could include flounders and tuna but specific stipulations must be met to qualify.
Family and Consumer Sciences:
7. Family Nutrition Program assistant, following school and UF Covid Phase III policies, is resuming a few in-person lessons in local schools.
Agriculture/Home Horticulture:
8. Conducted home visit to collect samples of diseased viburnum and sent to DDIS lab in Quincy. First samples sent were inconclusive but this disease seems to be appearing at multiple field sites in Apalachicola.
9. Made another coordinated release of citrus psyllid parasitoids. Doing this project along with Bay and Gulf Counties.
Library Director -- Whitney Roundtree
Action Items:
1. Requesting Board approval and signature for the completion of the State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement between the State of Florida, Department of State and Franklin County Board of County Commissioners for and on behalf of Franklin County Public Library.
Information Items
2. Libraries will be closed November 26th -29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Events
3. Story Time(ages 1-6) will be held November 18th at 4:00 PM at the Carrabelle branch. Story Time (ages 1-6) will be held November 25th at 4:00 PM at the Eastpoint Branch.
4. Writer’s Forum with Dawn Radford will resume on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM at the Eastpoint branch.
TDC Administrator – John Solomon – Report
Information Items:
1. Collections Report: August Collections were $ 190,136.02 Which is a 42% increase over August 2019. An increase of $55,897.35. This is the highest amount ever collected by the Franklin County TDC in the month of August.
2. Occupancy Statistics: With September occupancy rates being above 20% higher than in 2019 the TDC expects to surpass last year’s record collections numbers for the year. This with being closed for almost 2 months for rentals.
3. The Franklin County TDC is excited to announce the release in the next few days of the new Visit Florida’s Forgotten Coast Mobile App. The Board approved the creation of the App back in September. The last 2 months has been spent building and tweaking the App. This is a major step forward in the promotion of Franklin County as a tourist destination.
4. Visit Florida Flagler Awards: Commissioner Jones and myself will be attending the Visit Florida Awards ceremony this Thursday. The Franklin County TDC has been recognized in three categories for awards. We do not know what place we finished but we do know the TDC has won three Flagler Awards this year.
Public Hearings -- CDBG 10:00 a.m. (ET)
The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners is considering applying to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) for one or more Hurricane Michael Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in the Infrastructure category. To obtain or review a draft of the CDBG applications, contact Mark Curenton, County Planner, at the Franklin County Planning and Building Office, 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320, email markc@franklincountyflorida.com, phone 850-653-9783x160, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Written comments will be accepted by Mr. Curenton until the public hearing. The final application will be on file at that office on or before November 30, 2020, the submission deadline date.
The grant applications contains the following components.
Alligator Point Project, Alligator Drive Area
$9,600,000 Beach/dune construction for Alligator Point
$ 700,000 Engineering
$ 700,000 Administration
$11,000,000 Total
St. George Island Dune Restoration Project
$1,500,000 Dune construction
$ 156,000 Engineering
$ 144,000 Administration
$1,800,000 Total
Proposed beach/dune restoration will address the CDBG national objective of Urgent Need. There will be no displacement of households or businesses as a result of this project.
The public hearing will be held during the November 17, 2020 Board meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission meeting room, located at 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Any disabled or non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing and requiring an interpreter or special accommodations should contact the County Clerk’s Office, telephone 653-8861 (or call 711 for the Florida Relay Service for hearing impaired TTY/TDD) at least two business days prior to the meeting.
CDBG Administrator – Report (Deborah Belcher)
Action Items:
1. The County is applying to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) for the initial round of Hurricane Michael Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) infrastructure funding. Applications are due 11/30/2020. The Board authorized the initiation of 2 project applications: beach renourishment/dune restoration on Alligator Point in the vicinity of Alligator Drive, and dune restoration on St. George Island. Neither application is likely to score will in the competition, as they do not serve a primarily low/moderate income beneficiary group, and they do not address the DEO priority infrastructure categories of stormwater, potable water, wastewater. However, they are eligible for funding if they make it through the competitive process.
Requested Action: Conduct public hearing on CDBG-DR application for Alligator Point beach renourishment and dune restoration,
Requested Action: Conduct public hearing on CDBG-DR applicationa for Saint George Island dune restoration.
Requested Action: Adopt Resolution authorizing submission of the grant applications.
2. Three new applications for CDBG mobile home replacement were received from Eastpoint Wildfire zone property owners, and one former applicant confirmed her desire to proceed with home replacement. One of the homeowners, Daniel Walker, had a mobile home on the property at the time of the fire, but had not installed septic tank, well or power. Due to cancer, he had to stop work, and has been assisted by his daughter on the adjacent property with power and use of plumbing. Walker will need CDBG funding not only for the mobile home replacement, but for the septic tank, well and power.
Requested Action: Approve homeowner applications for CDBG mobile home replacement:
A. Bonnie Langley, 649 Ridge Road, Eastpoint,
B. Derek Henry, 638 Ridge Road, Eastpoint,
C. Edward and Frances Estes, 725 Ridge Road, Eastpoint,
D. .Daniel Walker, 782 Buck Road, Eastpoint.
3. The County received 2 responses from mobile home dealers to the advertised CDBG bid package #4, request for mobile home replacement bids for Eastpoint Wildfire victims. The responders are Clayton Homes of Panama City and Ironwood Homes of Perry. Ironwood’s pricing was significantly lower than Clayton’s on comparable models. I discussed the proposals with each of the homeowners, and they all approved and requested funding for the Ironwood Homes of Perry proposals.
Requested Action: Approve CDBG funding for mobile home replacement for the following, to include the necessary CDBG mortgage costs and potential change orders up to $400:
A. Bonnie Langley, 649 Ridge Road, $91,456.22,
B. Derek Henry, 638 Ridge Road, Eastpoint, $86,615.62
C. Edward and Frances Estes, 725 Ridge Road, $84,510.02,
D. Daniel Walker, 782 Buck Road, $101,239.62, with authorization for the County Planner to approve additional funding if the septic and well prices are higher than estimated by Ironwood Homes of Perry.
Planning and Zoning – Amy Ham-Kelly – Report
PZ RECOMMENDATION- UNANIMOUS VOTE TO APPROVE CONTINGENT UPON RECEIVING STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS.
BOARD ACTION- TO APPROVE, TABLE OR DENY
PZ RECOMMENDATION- UNANIMOUS VOTE TO APPROVE CONTINGENT UP MASTER STORM WATER PERMIT HAVING THE CAPACITY.
* ZONING IS C-2 COMMERICAL BUSINESS: MEDICAL OFFICES ARE PERMITTED. * MEETS ALL SETBACK REQUIRMENTS. * MAX LOT COVERAGE IS 80% THE CLIENTS HAS 77% LOT COVERAGE.* REQUIRES 18 PARKING SPACES/42 HAVE BEEN PROVIDE. * WATER & SEWER IS AVAILABLE TO THE PROJECT, WILL BE PROVIDED ONCE IMPACT FEES ARE PAID. * NO FDOT DRIVEWAY CONNECTIONS ARE REQUIRED. * NOT IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. * HEIGHT WILL BE NO GREATER THAN 35 FEET. * HAS AREA SHOWN FOR DUMPSTER COLLECTION. * MASTER STORMWATER POND SHOWN ON THE SOUTHEAST PROPERTY, CULVERTING SHOWN FOR RUNOFF TO BE STORED IN MASTER STORMWATER POND.
BOARD ACTION- TO APPROVE, TABLE OR DENY
PZ RECOMMENDATION- UNANIMOUS VOTE TO APPROVE THIS REQUEST.
* THE APPLICANT WOULD LIKE TO ADJUST THE LOT LINES TO CREATE MORE BUILDABLE AREA FOR LOT 27. * LOT 26, BLOCK D WILL HAVE THE SAME SQUARE FOOT AS PREVIOUSLY, JUST RE-CONFIGURED. * LOT 6, BLOCK D WILL BE SMALLER BUT WILL REMAIN UN-BUILDABLE DUE TO THE DUKE ENERGY TRANSMISSION LINE EASEMENT. * SO THERE ARE THREE LOTS BEING RE-CONFIGURED SO THAT ATLEAST 2 WILL HAVE A BUILDABLE FOOTPRINT.
BOARD ACTION- TO APPROVE, TABLE OR DENY
Public Hearing - Zoning Request 10:30 a.m. (ET)
A 1.86 +/- acre parcel lying in Section 34, Township 8 South, Range 8 West, Apalachicola, Franklin County, Florida, as shown on the attached map, to be changed from R-2 Single Family Mobile Home to R-4 Single Family Home Industry.
The Land Use and Re-Zoning Public Hearings that was scheduled for Jamey and Beverly Sapp for the 10 acres located at 2536 Highway 67 and the 6.08 acres located at 2514 Highway 67, Carrabelle, Franklin County, Florida has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM.
RFP / RFQ / Bids Opening
Project is located in Franklin County, Florida and consists of approximately 6.08 miles of widening and resurfacing, striping, signs, minor drainage improvements, and grassing along CR 67 in Carrabelle, FL.
Plans and specifications can be obtained by contacting Cortni Bankston, Administrative Assistant, at cortnib@franklincountyflorida.com or 850-653-9783 x-180. The bid must conform to Section 287.133(3) Florida Statutes, on public entity crimes.
All bidders shall be FDOT qualified per Section 2-1 of the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Constructions, latest edition in the following work classes: Grading, Drainage, Flexible Paving, and Hot Plant mix-Bituminous Course.
Completion date for this project will be 180 days from the date of the Notice to Proceed presented to the successful bidder. Liquidated damages for failure to complete the project on the specified date will be set at $750.00 per day.
Please indicate on the envelope that this is a sealed bid, for “CR 67 Widening & Resurfacing Project”.
Bids will be received until 4:30 p.m. eastern time, on Monday, November 16, 2020, at the Franklin County Clerk's Office, Franklin County Courthouse, 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, Florida 32320-2317, and will be opened and read aloud on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the County Commission meeting at 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, FL.
The Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to waive informalities in any bid, to accept and/or reject any or all bids, and to accept the bid that in their judgment will be in the best interest of Franklin County. All bids shall remain firm for a period of sixty days after the opening.
All bidders shall comply with all applicable State and local laws concerning licensing registration and regulation of contractors doing business to the State of Florida.
All technical questions must be addressed in writing and emailed to Cortni Bankston at cortnib@franklincountyflorida.com no later than November 6, 2020.
Project is located in Franklin County, Florida and consists of approximately 1.55 miles of widening and resurfacing, striping, signs, minor drainage improvements, and grassing along CR 30A in Franklin County.
Plans and specifications can be obtained by contacting Cortni Bankston, Administrative Assistant, at cortnib@franklincountyflorida.com or 850-653-9783 x-180. The bid must conform to Section 287.133(3) Florida Statutes, on public entity crimes.
All bidders shall be FDOT qualified per Section 2-1 of the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Constructions, latest edition in the following work classes: Grading, Drainage, Flexible Paving, and Hot Plant mix-Bituminous Course.
Completion date for this project will be 120 days from the date of the Notice to Proceed presented to the successful bidder. Liquidated damages for failure to complete the project on the specified date will be set at $750.00 per day.
Please indicate on the envelope that this is a sealed bid, for “CR 30A RESURFACING PROJECT”.
Bids will be received until 4:30 p.m. eastern time, on Monday, November 16, 2020, at the Franklin County Clerk's Office, Franklin County Courthouse, 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, Florida 32320-2317, and will be opened and read aloud on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the County Commission meeting at 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, FL.
The Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to waive informalities in any bid, to accept and/or reject any or all bids, and to accept the bid that in their judgment will be in the best interest of Franklin County. All bids shall remain firm for a period of sixty days after the opening.
All bidders shall comply with all applicable State and local laws concerning licensing registration and regulation of contractors doing business to the State of Florida.
All technical questions must be addressed in writing and emailed to Cortni Bankston at cortnib@franklincountyflorida.com no later than November 6, 2020.
SHIP Program -- Lori Switzer-Mills (Administrator) -- Report
Action Item
I am requesting that the County Commissioners increase the Coronavirus Relief Funds limit to at least $4,000 per applicant.
By my calculations we still have $22,226.19 to spend. We have two more meetings. We are still receiving some applications but not like before and I have several applicants that I paid the $2,500 max. but that did not catch them up on their rent. So I plan to go back and help those applicants further.
We have 82 applicants so far.
Total received: $175,000
Administrative - $ 15,909
Total applicant assistance $159,091
Total spent/encumbered - $136,864.81
Total left for assistance $22,226.19
Clerk of Courts – Marcia M. Johnson – Report
Action Items
1. The 1st resolution is for $16,551 in fees received from the Building Department/Planning & Zoning for operational expenses of the two departments. The 2nd resolution is for $305,000 in leasing proceeds and $280,181 for the payoff of the prior dump-truck when traded.
RESOLUTION
FRANKLIN COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and
WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of County Commission has received $12,267.00 in unanticipated permit fees from building permits and other unanticipated planning and zoning fees in the amount of $4,284.00 to use for expenses associated with the operations of the Franklin County Building Department and Planning/Zoning.
WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and
WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2)(d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and
WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of:
001.28.524.2300 Building Department – Health, Life, Dental $ 5,467.00
001.28.524.5100 Building Department – Office Supplies $ 3,780.00
001.28.524.5200 Building Department – Operating Supplies $ 3,020.00
001.25.515.4900 Planning and Zoning – Other Current Chgs $ 4,284.00
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $16,551.00 in the GENERAL FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d).
THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 17th day of NOVEMBER 2020.
RESOLUTION
FRANKLIN COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and
WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and
WHEREAS, as part of the revolving lease-purchase program for replacement dump trucks, Franklin County has received unanticipated installment loan proceeds in the amount of $305,000 from Leasing 2, Inc., and unanticipated sales proceeds from the trade-in of the 2019 Mack Dump Trucks in the amount of $280,181 from Capital Truck, and
WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and
WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2)(d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and
WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of:
140.41.541.6401 Road Department - Machinery & Equipment $305,000.00
140.41.541.7100 Road Department – Principal $280,181.00
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $585,181.00 in the Road and Bridge Fund in order to comply with FS129(2)(d).
THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 17th day of NOVEMBER 2020.
2. I have three line item budget amendments for approval by the Board – budget amendments simply move budgeted amounts between line items during the fiscal year.
Line Item Budget Amendment Requests:
(1). The budget amendment below is needed to adjust line items to cover additional expenses in the planning and zoning department that have shared expenditures with the Administrative Services Department:
DECREASE 001.21.512.5100 Administrative Services – Office Supplies $ 1,715.00
DECREASE 001.21.512.5200 Administrative Services – Operating Supp. $ 1,150.00
DECREASE 001.21.512.4000 Administrative Services – Travel $ 1,381.00
DECREASE 001.21.512.4100 Administrative Services – Communications $ 1,071.00
DECREASE 001.21.512.1200 Administrative Services – Regular Salaries $ 5,297.00
INCREASE 001.25.515.1200 Planning & Zoning – Regular Salaries. $ 3,228.00
INCREASE 001.25.515.2200 Planning & Zoning – Retirement $ 3,076.00
INCREASE 001.25.515.4900 Planning & Zoning – Other Current Charges $ 4,310.00
(2). The budget amendment below is needed to adjust line items to move budgeted funds from Reserve for Contingencies – in 2019 the Humane Society’s funding was temporarily suspended due to an issue with an easement. The BCC moved those funds to reserve for contingency and once the issue was resolved, the funding was restored. The line item amendment below just formally ratifies that release.
DECREASE 001.99.584.9600 Reserve for Contingencies $ 36,278.00
INCREASE 001.52.564.8204 Health Services - Humane Society $ 36,278.00
(3). The budget amendment below is needed to move budgeted funds from the Tipping Fee capital outlay line item to the tipping fee repair and maintenance line item for repairs made to the incinerator.
DECREASE 304.40.534.6400 Tipping Fee – Capital Outlay $ 59,039.00
INCREASE 304.40.534.4600 Tipping Fee – Repair & Maintenance $ 59,039.00
Special Projects Consultant – Alan Pierce – Report
Action Item:
1. Board action to ratify a Resolution signed by the Chairman on Friday, Nov. 13, supporting the county’s application for design funds from the FDEP Beach Management Program. I had advised the Board on September 15 that Mike Dombrowski would be drafting a resolution and would be getting it to Michael Moron. It has taken longer than I expected.
I also would like to remind the Board that this FDEP application is only for the design portion, which is $200K. If FDEP approves funds for design then the county would apply in the 2022 Legislature for construction funds. If FDEP does not approve the design then the funding of a beach to protect 1.1 mile of Alligator Drive will not happen through the FDEP program. Board action to ratify the Resolution, and then I will describe the other path the county is seeking to protect the road.
Information Items:
2. I understand from Ms. Debbie Belcher that she is completing an application for CDBG-DR funds for a beach project to protect Alligator Drive in the same location and manner as the FDEP Beach Management application. The difference in the applications is not the funds as both projects propose a construction cost of $10M, and it is not a difference in dimensions as both projects propose to protect the same 1.1 mile of road that is most vulnerable to storm damage. The difference in applications is in the county’s obligation. Under the FDEP program, the state would provide 50% of the construction costs and the county would have to provide 50% of the construction costs. So, the state would put up $5M funded from the Legislature and the county would put up $5M from its RESTORE funds. Under the CDBG program, the county would not have to put up any money; the CDBG program would provide all the funds. I have spoken to Ms. Belcher and I believe she was going to ask for $11M in the event there are some cost over-runs.
The question I have for the Board is how the Board wants to proceed on maintaining the beach if we receive CDBG funds. The Board has said previously that if FDEP funds the project the Board would create an assessment to help maintain the beach. Does the Board have the same opinion if CDBG funds the project?
And if the Board does have the same opinion, and if the county gets funded then the first step in determining an assessment is determining how large an area can be included in the assessment. The size of the area to be included in the assessment has a direct bearing on how much an individual would pay. In general, the question has been whether all property owners on the Point, which could be as many as 1000, could legally be included in an assessment, or whether just those property owners who need the road, which is less than 500, would be the assessment area. I give this advice now because if we get funded for the beach the county needs to get a legal opinion on the extent of the assessment area.
3. Inform the Board that the state has issued a time extension for 8 county Hurricane Michael projects till October, 2022, and one of them is PW 1152, Alligator Drive. I had sent a letter to FDEM yesterday asking for a time extension until Sept. 30, 2021, and then received a phone call from FDEM saying that this much longer time extension had already been granted. I do not expect the project to take that long, but the current deadline for permanent work to be completed is April 11, 2021, and no matter what happens with the bid process the project will not be completed by then.
The other county projects that have received a time extension until Oct. 1, 2022 are: C30A; St. George Island Fishing Pier; Island View Park; Ochlockonee Bridge fishing pier; Eastpoint Fishing Pier; Alligator Point Dune Walkovers; St. George Island Fishing Pier Road.
Ms. Brownell’s office had made the request back on Feb. 21, 2020, but the FDEM contractor who called me said there was no indication the state sent her the letters notifying her of the extensions. I have received a set and have provided them for the Board file.
4. Status of Alligator Point Road repairs- as the Board is aware, we received a letter from Anderson Columbia saying they could not honor their original bid to repair Alligator Drive, but for $130K increase in price they would still do the job. Based upon my desire not to have to re-bid I did recommend the Board accept this increased bid. At the last meeting I told the Board that I had sent a draft contract to FEMA for review and have not heard back. I have since been advised that Ms. Brownell has arranged for a FEMA procurement webinar on Thursday, Nov. 19. I am going to participate in this webinar because I am concerned with two items. Can the Board accept an increased bid from one vendor without allowing other vendors the same opportunity? And, I have a question about the required notification of minority businesses. There is a registry of minority business, and I can not find where I sent the bid notice back in 2019 to the registry. To further compound the issue, the bid documents that Dewberry use requires a qualified applicant to be FDOT pre-qualified and I need to verify with FEMA whether such additional requirement is consistent with their procurement. The summary is that I might have to reverse my recommendation on re-bidding. I have discussed this situation with Clay Kennedy and Mr. Shuler. I certainly defer to the Board, but at this time I believe I should participate in the FEMA webinar on Thursday and then make a recommendation to the Board at the Dec. 1 BCC meeting.
County Coordinator – Michael Morón – Report
Action Items
1. CR 30A & CR 67 CEI Services: Negotiations with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to provide the CEI services for the widening and resurfacing of CR 30A and CR 67 have concluded, and it is recommended that the County enter into agreements with them. The agreement for CR 30A would be for $124,970.38 and the agreement for CR 67 would be for $372,934.96. These costs will be covered by the FDOT grants for these projects.
Request: Board action to have the chairman sign these two contracts.
2. Airport Master Plan Meeting: On Tuesday, October 27th AVCON hosted a public hearing via Zoom where the Airport Master plan development alternatives were presented, and public feedback was received. There was a good question and answer segment at the end of the presentation. There was one request to extend the public comment deadline beyond the December 2nd date to allow local interested parties to review the information. I asked John Collins (AVCON) to contact FAA and FDOT and ask if the 36-day public comment period was adequate, both agencies agreed that any extension to the comment period was not justified. Unless the Board thinks otherwise, the December 2nd deadline will stand, and AVCON will consider and incorporate into the Master Plan summary report any public comments and suggestions submitted by that date. The Master Plan summary report will be presented to the Board early next year for your review and approval.
Request: Board discussion and direction regarding the December 2nd public comment deadline.
3. In-Person Public Attendance: In October, the Board directed staff to contact surrounding counties to find out what they were doing about in-person public attendance for BOCC meetings. Based on that research, all six counties are opened to the public for meetings with social distancing requirements, however, some require masks, temperature checks, and other regulations. With that in mind, here are some recommendations for re-opening your meetings for in-person public attendance:
-Start in-person attendance at your January 5, 2021 meeting
-Use the allowed seating locations as designated by the 2nd Circuit Court Trial Marshal, which is based on the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s order. Designate what seating will reserved for staff, for agenda presenters, and for the public.
- Require temperature checks before entering the meeting room.
- Require mask, unless you are speaking in front of a microphone. Removing your mask to speak allows for a clear understanding of what is being said for the official meeting minutes.
- Continue the use of Zoom and Live-stream. Applicants, presenters, public comments will be heard in-room and virtually via Zoom.
- If there is an overcrowding issue based on limited available seating, those wanting to comment during the Public Comments agenda item will be rotated with anyone waiting at an outside location to speak.
- The meeting room will be sanitized prior to and after each meeting. A hand sanitizing station will be located at the speaker podium for anyone that addresses the Board from that location.
- Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment meetings will be conducted via Zoom. Will the Board require in-person attendance starting in January?
Request: Board discussion and possible action on procedures for allowing in-person public attendance at meetings.
4. Planning & Zoning Appointment: Commissioner Boldt would like to appoint Ms. Kay McCord to the Planning and Zoning District 2 seat. Ms. McCord has talked to Ms. Amy Kelly (Zoning Administrator) about her role as a Planning and Zoning member and attended the November 10th Planning and Zoning meeting as an observer.
Request: Board action to appoint Ms. Kay McCord to the Planning and Zoning District 2 seat.
5. E Triple C Funding: Ms. Traci Buzbee (CARES Act Funding Consultant) recently received a Business grant application from Elder Care Community Council of Franklin County (E Triple C). After reviewing the application, Ms. Buzbee realized that E Triple C would qualify as a candidate for the $10,000 food distribution grant for food pantries and distribution. Their application indicates that distribution of daily meals has increased from 10 to somewhere between 60 – 80. It would raise that line-item grant amount from $40,000 to $50,000. Your CARES Act Funding Oversight Committee recommends this action.
Request: Board action to award E Triple C a $10,000 food pantry and distribution grant.
6. High-Speed Internet Resolution: Staff received a request from Mr. Chris Doolin (Small County Coalition) to ask for Board adoption and the Chairman’s signature on a Resolution supporting Affordable and Reliable High-Speed Internet throughout Florida. This Resolution will be presented to the Secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity, Dane Eagle, during the Small County Coalition lunch or during another meeting scheduled for December 3rd in Jacksonville. A sample copy of the Resolution and the Small County Coalition Broadband Initiative document are attached to my report.
Request: Board action to adopt and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the Resolution.
7. Syrup Branch & Trout Creek Bridge Repairs: Attached are inspection reports for New River Road over Syrup Branch (494099) and Mill Road over Trout Creek (494096), both in Tate’s Hell Forest. Also attached are two proposals, $50,375 (494099) and $88,850 (494096) to repair both bridges, and based on the proposals, are in need of extensive repairs. As stated, both bridges are in Tate’s Hell Forest and probably used by the State more than any home or property owners. Unless there are other uses that would justify using approximately $140,000 of county funds to repair these bridges, is the Board interested in transferring ownership of these bridges to the State? Until that decision is made, should the Board direct Mr. Howard Nabors to close both bridges (roads)?
Request: Board discussion and direction.
8. EP Christmas Parade: Mrs. Dottye Thornburg, event coordinator for the 2020 Eastpoint Christmas parade and celebration is requesting approval of the parade route. The parade line-up will start at 4:00 pm (ET), thirty minutes before the parade start time, on Friday, December 11th. The parade will begin on behind Webb seafood, at the corner of Power Drive and C A Gillespie Street, then turn left (East) onto Highway 98 and end at Fisherman’s Choice (300 Highway 98).
Request: Board action to approve the Eastpoint 2020 Christmas parade route.
9. Tobacco Grant Letter of Support: Ms. Marquita Thompkins, Tobacco Prevention Specialist with the Department of Health, requested a letter of support from the County to retain grant funding for the County’s tobacco prevention program. The letter was due on Friday of last week, so Chairman Lockley signed it that morning.
Request: Board action to ratify the Chairman’s signature on the letter of support.
10. Artificial Reef Grant: During Public Comments you should have heard from Ms. Lorena Holley and Frank Gidus (Coastal Conservation Association) regarding a request to have Franklin County apply for a grant from the FWC to construct an artificial reef on the Carrabelle 10 Mile Reef in the honor of Dr. Bart Carey. Unfortunately, I do not have any additional information on this request besides the documentation attached to my report. Is the Board ready to proceed with this request based on the information provided or do you need additional information?
Request: Board discussion and direction.
11. FAC Conference: Remind the Board that the Florida Association of Counties Legislative Conference is scheduled for December 2nd – 4th at the Hyatt Regency in Duval County. This is the final opportunity for the association members to meet and voice their opinion on the policies FAC lobbies during the legislative session.
Request: Board action to authorize travel and expenses for commissioners attending the conference.
12. ARPC Municipal Representative: Mayor LaPaz has served as the County’s Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC) municipal representative for approximately four years. Usually, the Board rotates this seat between the City of Apalachicola and the City of Carrabelle every two years. Would the Board like me to reach out to the City of Apalachicola to find out if they would like to serve as the County’s municipal representative?
Request: Board discussion and direction.
13. Highway 98 Letter to FDOT: At your last meeting I was directed to send a letter to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding repairs to Highway 98 from Carrabelle to Eastpoint and both causeways between Eastpoint and Apalachicola. After checking the FDOT’s Five Year Work Program for Franklin County, a Highway 98 resurfacing project from Franklin St. in Eastpoint to the Carrabelle River Bridge is already in design and engineering phase. However, I did not see any projects that would resurface the causeways between Eastpoint and Apalachicola. Would the Board consider amending the previous motion so the letter request repairs to the causeways only so there isn’t a mixed message sent to FDOT that would pause the Eastpoint to Carrabelle Highway 98 resurfacing project?
Request: Board discussion and direction.
Information Items
14. FDOT TRIP & TA Grants: The Florida Department of Transportation informed Mr. Mark Curenton (County Planner) that the Transportation Alternative (TA) and the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) grant cycles are now open. The TA grant funds non-motorized transportation such as sidewalks and multi-use trails. The TRIP grants have to be multi-county projects. I have included more detailed information from FDOT as an attachment so if you have any questions contact Mr. Curenton. The application deadline is Friday, February 26, 2021.
County Attorney – Michael Shuler – Report
Commissioners’ Comments
Recess
Reconvene
Executive Session
HLS Property Management – 41 Bayshore Drive, LLC v. Franklin County, Case No. 2017-CA-182, Franklin County Circuit Court.
County Attorney Thomas M. Shuler, County Land Use Attorney David Theriaque, County Commissioner Noah Lockley, Jr., County Commissioner Ricky Jones, County Commissioner Joseph “Smokey” Parrish, County Commissioner Bert Boldt, County Commissioner Jessica Ward, and County Coordinator Michael Moron will be attending the Executive Session.
The entire Executive Session will be transcribed by a certified court reporter and filed with the County Clerk. The transcript of the Executive Session will be made a part of the public record upon conclusion of the above-referenced litigation.
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.