Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

All right, this meeting is now called to order. Please bow your head for a moment of silence. Amen. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. All right. Do you have any amendments to the agenda?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have a couple. We'll be adding 11D and pulling 11A. All right.

Do we have anything else? You have a motion to approve? I'll approve. Second. A motion to approve and second. All in favor sign. Aye. Anyone oppose? All right. Next, we have six award presentation appearance. Proclamation.

So she had an incident, so she's unable to make it. But I told her we won't. She's 100 years old, so whenever she can get here, we'll just get her here. She wants to receive it in public.

That's understood. Thank you. OK. And we need to go to her. All right. That might work. Thank you. I'm not opposed to it. Yeah. We'll figure it out. All right. Next, we'll have a consent. Do you have a motion? No problem. Do you have a motion? Second. Second. All in favor sign.

Aye.

Anyone opposed? All right. 5-0 vote. Do you have items pulled for discussion? All right. Nine. Are citizens requested to be heard on non-agent items? Three minutes. The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners welcomes and encourages public participation at all meetings of the board. Citizens are free to speak for up to three minutes on non-agent items. Public comments. and participation are also encouraged for items on the agenda additionally if you are unable to attend a meeting in person comments from the public can also be submitted via email to citizens to be heard at gastoncountyfl.gov again citizens to be heard at gastoncountyfl.gov until noon on the date of the meeting. Comments submitted after the deadline but prior to the meeting will be added to the official records. But the county cannot guarantee that commissioners and staff will have adequate time to review comments prior to the meeting. Citizens are further encouraged to participate on the county website at www.gastoncountyfl.gov. Again, www.gastoncountyfl.gov. And do we have any... Any? We don't have any? OK. All right. Next, public hearing. No public hearings. 11A. I'm sorry, 11B. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This agenda item seeks board approval to accept the insurance committee's recommendation to remain in the current health care plan. Capital selection on the capital health plan. And for the premium increase to be absorbed by the employer. Employee absorbs this year 3.5%.

I thought the board was interested in bidding this out.

That's what I think time frame were there. My understanding is what they're saying is for payroll and for it to go out that we need to make a decision on what we're going to do. Mr. Green?

Thank you. I was under that impression as well. So when the decision becomes to where we were just going to go ahead and stick with what we have opposed to doing the bid, Mr. Interim.

Well, I think at some point... Your mic. Your mic. I'm sorry. A while back, we were discussing the possibility of bidding the insurance out this year. But we never came to a conclusion to do that. So the committee met. They've been meeting. I think they've met on a number of occasions.

And this is the recommendation. And do we know when we can move forward with even Kazumi? We can start now. Even if we select going forward, we need to go ahead and start for the next cycle so that we can be prepared, opposed to waiting until the last minute.

I think we're in good shape. I think Mrs. Robinson, I saw her earlier. She had talked to me about it. I think we're in good shape in terms of making the decision tonight. Is that right, Ms. Robinson?

OK. No, making a decision tonight. I know that we're making a decision based on what we see, but I'm saying going forward with the other bidding out, just chopping around, let's not wait until this time. The next go around is what I'm saying.

Yeah, right. We discussed it a while back, but we never came to an conclusion. any directions in terms of what we needed to do in terms of getting it out. So we just kind of floated along until the committee picked it up. Commissioner Woods. No problem.

Commissioner Green, are you making both of those in the form of a motion?

If I need to, absolutely. So I move that we go ahead and start shopping around or bidding out for health insurance rates. For next year? For next year, yes.

I would second that. I have a question, though. So with this right here, there is a time frame on that, though? There is.

Yes. Well, that was going to be my question.

Yeah, Mr. That's my time frame. Yeah. I'm going to let Ms. Robinson speak to that, because she's going to.

How are you going to let her speak?

Call it a question. Call it a question about next year. It has nothing to do with this one. No.

No, in effect, we have to go with this.

Yeah, but. The commissioner made a motion for next year, and I second it. Oh, for next year.

OK, for next year. Yes, yes, yes. This ain't got nothing to do with this agenda. No, we just need to. OK, motion. OK, all in favor sign. Aye. Anyone oppose? If I vote now, can we have full vote on this, y'all? Just no. That's good. Good. Is there a deadline, timeline?

Yes, we have a deadline for payroll, which the deductions have to start this pay cycle.

OK. In October? Mm-hmm. OK. I'm just curious.

Mr. Chairman.

Yes, Commissioner.

Yes, you were asking the same question I was asking. I know that they normally start. All the insurance companies are looking at October 1 to have the deadlines. But I'm more impressed that you came to the microphone. I thought we couldn't speak to employees, Mr. Administrator. I have several other questions that I would like to ask, but not about that. I would like to ask about that bid process. But I'm in favor of us moving this forward. OK. I move approval.

Is that a motion?

Yes, that's moved.

Second. A motion and a second. Commissioner Green, got a question? Not about that.

We can vote, and I'll make my comment.

OK. All right.

Once we vote on it, we finish. Oh, I'm fine with that. No, no, I'm fine with that. Go ahead.

OK. A motion and a second. All in favor sign.

Aye.

Anyone oppose? All right, five will vote.

OK, so my question is not about anything on there. I just want to, because I have a comment at the end that would require HR to be present. So I was hoping that you were going to be here until the end. That's all. If not, somebody from HR. But I do have some questions.

I guess I apologize, but not to that point. Are you done? Yes. For your motion, I don't know that you guys clarified on page two of eight. There are several options. I think there was a motion to approve.

To approve the one that we already have.

So let's make an option. Yeah, I think you just have to deny it for the record that you're making a motion.

OK, what's the recommendation?

The committee recommendation.

Yeah, I move approval option one.

I second it again. OK, do we have rescinded one we made earlier?

No, because we didn't state what it was.

I think that Commissioner Holt can make an amendment to her motion. I just did. Commissioner Wood accepts that amendment. Commissioner Wood accepts that amendment to the motion. And no one seeks to change their vote. And so the motion now stands corrected in a minutes, Madam Clerk.

OK. Anyone oppose? Aye. Motion and second. All in favor sign. Aye. Anyone oppose? All right. 5-0 vote.

Next 11C. 11C, thank you, Mr. Chairman. This June item seeks board approval to renew the Motorola maintenance and support agreement for the Motorola radio system that supports law enforcement and emergency services in Gadsden County. This agreement is a three-year renewal term from October 1st, 2026 through September 30th, 2029. Renewal provides the same level of maintenance that is currently in place.

Let me ask you a question. I just got a question, though, of Is it anywhere possible that we can bid this out? I know we've been having, every other month, we're having always improvements with Motorola. So is it anywhere possible we can bid this out so we can get maybe see what's out there, better options out there? Because we're paying for services that They're coming to the board almost every six months. Are you talking about for next year? Yes. OK. It was this three-year deal before. We need to build this up. It's up for renewal now. Yeah.

Mm-hmm. Ms. Hope?

Yes. Since we are going to be, we're going to have to approve it now because you're going to have to have more equipment if you're going to have a new company. You're going to have to have new installation of equipment. It's got to be compatible to whoever you're corresponding with. So we'll do a Motorola. Then again, the cities would have to have it. Police departments would have to have it. Sheriff's department and all those. So it's going to take a minute. It'll take a minute to do all that.

Millions.

Yeah.

Well, but we paying millions anyway. I'm just saying, in my humble opinion, because every year we paying an extra $800,000 or $600,000. Right.

Well, I didn't have a problem with that. I'm just saying it takes a minute to do that work and get that research done. And we've been through this, I think, if I remember. It's been twice that I don't remember. But it doesn't hurt to go through it and look at it and see.

And Motorola was, what was it? or $2 million more than everyone else the last bid, and we still gave them the bid. And that's what threw me off. You can speak if you like.

If I may, Commissioner, the reason why there is an issue with the Motorola, in past leadership, it took a while for Motorola or the actual project to move underway. So we're currently using older equipment. having another company deal with older equipment that's specifically for Motorola may not be in our best interest. So for the transition to happen, we would have to completely overhaul the entire system. So that would mean the municipalities, the police department, fire, EMS. doing so would take a lot of planning. And I understand what you're saying. And it's much necessary and much needed, because it would enable us to communicate directly with our neighboring entities. As it stands now, it has to be passed over. So what you're saying is exactly what we need to do. But in order to get there, we need to have this. what the existing equipment taking care of until we get to a position to where we can put it out for bid.

Because the thing is that I had some heartburns when we voted for this. I think I voted against it. Yes, sir. I think it was the last. I mean, it ranked the highest, a million dollars. a million or two higher than everyone else, then every year, if you look back, if you look at every year, they're asking for $600,000, $800,000. So reality is that we're spending a lot of unnecessary money. Like, if we pass this now, seven, eight months from now, y'all going to be coming back again asking for another $400,000 to, I'm sorry, $600,000, $700,000 to refurbish. their equipment. So I'm not sure. That's something that I think we need to talk about. But if y'all want to vote for it, you know, you know, I'll build a team, but I think we need to talk about this for future, because we lose a lot of money if they continue the same pattern.

Yes, sir. Just to give you some background, we've had multiple lightning strikes in Midway. And so the maintenance contract is what got people on the ground to get it to where we're going. So I'm in complete agreement with we need to transition into something different. But as it stands, we need this existing contract beat to hold to get us to where we can get into a position to put it out for bid moving forward.

How can we have that conversation, though, start? Because I'm just saying, we start having these conversations with the board so we can have this conversation. Because we're paying like $600,000, $700,000 every year just to purpose it.

I'm not trying to be a bad guy. I'm just making sure that. And I completely understand. But as it stands, we support the entire county.

as a whole without protection would not be in the best interest of the board or the citizens okay all right well commissioner hope yeah i'm gonna commission woods first right somebody over here first because he had a hand up two simpkins

So I see that it is a three-year term. Do we have an option, like if we were to actually begin the process of purchasing whatever necessary equipment we have, we need, or to actually prepare to try to make a transition, let's say that we began doing that, are we able to? Is this an agreement that we're able to terminate prior to the three years, or are we stuck in it for the three years?

I don't have that information.

I'll have to.

Mr. Chair? Yes, sir. On page 10 of 8, it delineates that if a customer terminates this agreement before the end of the term for any reason other than Motorola default, the customer will pay to Motorola an early termination fee equal to the discount applied to the last three years of service payments for the original term. And so essentially, you're going to have a balloon payment. And one thing I was going to note, again, I understand the need to approve this, but I just do note for the record that most of your contracts have an appropriation clause, which means that to the extent you guys make an amendment to the budget and you don't appropriate funds because of budget constraints, then that gives you a separate reason to exit. And that's in almost all of your agreements that have come across my desk. This agreement doesn't. And what my research can suggest is that the Motorola agreements generally don't. So it's not just from what I can find. Um, it's unfortunate, but just the reality of the agreement you're signing, that it's not, there's not an appropriation clause. So even if you don't appropriate money to this line item next year, it will still be a due to.

Everybody get a $5 million cut if they're approved. And it still will be there.

Do we have to approve it tonight, or? The payment is due, I think, September 1st.

Okay, that's tonight. I'm just curious, that's all. Yes, sir. No, that's...

It's necessary for us to transition to newer equipment, but the cost is a monumental cost.

Maybe that bond money we were talking about in the future, maybe that can help out with something. This is a big hit, though. That's just my humble opinion. Yes, sir. But Commissioner Holt?

Yes. Thank you. I'm from the day of that we could not communicate among the different groups. So we had ambulances that were going in the wrong direction. We had fire trucks that were not going in the right direction. We had cities couldn't communicate. They couldn't communicate in law enforcement because they had different systems. We're going to have to, I think, try to keep this. But I would like to, Mr. Attorney, if you let us know that, you know, That clause is not in there, and then that's something that may have been able to be discussed before tonight. But before, we had other bidders, and those bidders didn't come close to the services that we were looking for at the time. And that was trying to pull everyone together. So that's what we did. And I've forgotten the name of the other contractor. But that contractor wasn't too far off. They just didn't give all the services that we needed to pull the whole county together. Is there any funding that you can think of? and technology that we could apply for you since they do have a grant right on board.

Other counties use, I think there was money from the BP spill, but because we are so far removed from the bills.

Right, you're not going to get any money from that.

We weren't entitled to that. And that's what I think, maybe Warkala, other counties have used in the past.

Yeah, I know that's around the Gulf, but the technology, uh section may be able to do something if we're looking at you looking at doing a uh lobbyist a federal lobbyist again i hate we lost that one because that one had a lot of pool but um if we could get if you're going to get a you're going to get a lobbyist pick up a lobbyist anyway uh you may be able to get something out of technology and stay away from those power points what do you call them

Data centers.

Data centers. Stay away from those. But there has to be some money out there for technology. But if we can look at it. Thank you.

Could there potentially be a legislative priority?

Of course. Because you're not going to be able to talk to anybody.

commission so i guess i ran radio system for almost 20 years and motorola is like uh sole proprietor number one and it's it's very difficult to go away from them because they're the standard they really are and that maintenance contract has paid its due for several times. Yes, sir. And it looks high, but there's been several times they've had to go spend a lot of money in the middle of the night when we went down. And so in saying that, we are fixing to go to a whole different digital platform in the very near future to where you'll be able to visually see things on your radio. Yes, sir. where you'll be able to, I mean, the technology is fixing it. And that's kind of what he's telling us is technology is fixing to jump through the roof with this stuff. And so the three years concerns me. Not so much with Motorola, but the fact that I know Motorola probably will be the provider for the new technology. And most of the people in our region use Motorola. And so I do think it's appropriation. And that's what some of the other entities have done. And even some of them have used 911 money in the past. But I know there's been conversation. And I'd like to hear what the sheriff's office and the local entities have. Because once you move, as Commissioner Holt said, they have to move with you. They're dependent. And so we're big brother. So whatever decision you make affects everybody.

At this old point, Commissioner Williams, I'm glad you're saying that so people know that we partnered with the small counties, small cities. Yes.

Oh, yeah. We're the one that did everything for them.

Yeah. And I know they brought them. I think Havana was the latest, right? Yes, sir.

Havana, Chattahoochee, the Florida State Hospital. Most of the communication in the county runs through Motorola and those towers we have around the county. Yeah. So I think if we're going to transition to something, it would be along those same lines, but maybe just have the attorney put eyes on that contract. So it favors the board more. The board more. Yes, sir.

And my thing is if I'm going to give them $700,000, I'd like to see them. Yeah. I mean, it's not like it's a 20. And to where we can have the conversation, I'm hoping, Mr. Administrator, that in the morning we have a conversation with the sheriff and communications to figure out, are we taking the route that them, the fire departments and EMS and the city, are they all good that we're going down the same path? Is there a problem? And is this something that we can table for two weeks?

It don't end until the 30th.

No. I don't think so. Can we table this? It ends on the 30th, though. 30th of September? One second. We just want to make sure we're doing the right thing.

Yeah, your agreement ends on September. As Commissioner Simkins noted, your agreement ends on, which is on page 11C, the agenda page. It runs through October 1. No, that's not correct.

It's on 248 as well. Yeah, it's October 1.

It ends September 30th.

You got one meeting. So would I be remiss if we tabled this to the next meeting to get the players in the room?

At least on a Zoom or something.

Yeah.

If they can't come. I mean, I don't know, but yes.

What you think? Just speaking with Rose, as some added information, they initially had a five-year agreement. And because of the potential cuts moving forward, we were able to push them down to a three-year agreement.

I don't want them to feel like we want to get rid of them. We ain't trying to get rid of them. We're just trying to get the race. And I think that's the conversation with them. It's like, help us understand. And what we say, does the math math?

I think it would be prudent if we had an additional conversation. So if we agreed the funds that would be generated or spent if we transition to a new system, those funds could be allocated and incorporated into that agreement. There you go.

Something along those lines. I move we table this. Wonderful, wonderful. We table this next month.

With what? Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. Table it with what, Kimbrough? What should we be asking for?

We should be asking if we make the commitment for these next three years, if we transition to a new system or the opportunity to purchase a new system appears, we would be able to take those funds to incorporate into that new contract. Right. losing any funds on this agreement.

OK, but you're talking about incorporating them over into a new contract with Motorola.

Yes, ma'am.

OK, but that wasn't stated, because he's saying a new contract. And we had already been talking about possibly looking at some others. And we need to clarify that. The other thing is, if we're going to do this, And we're going to look at it, then it may, even if they would, we go ahead and approve it with that stipulation. The other thing is if they can send us some information on where they're looking at going in the future. Because if there's a short turnaround, we need to know some information on that technology and how it would affect us in six cities and the fire and the police and the sheriff's office and all that. We just need some communication from them. They can send it by email.

Yes, ma'am.

Some of that stuff.

Also, one thing that we've been trying to do is incorporate the school board. During emergencies, they are our transportation out. And for them being on a separate system could potentially cause a problem.

Who are they with? Who are they with?

on a different system.

I know, but with who?

I think they're just using local radios, like Walmart radios. They're not making the expenditure.

Yeah.

So during hurricanes, I personally have had to give them radios.

Yeah, but I was about to say that that really doesn't make sense for them, not with that many children.

And that may open up an opportunity for additional funding source if we were to transition through a holistic change.

And it's a good lobbying aspect.

Yes, ma'am.

Say, because you include those children into your numbers.

OK. OK. Call the question. I appreciate you call the question. We'll move to table this to the next. Thank you, Commissioner. Oh, yeah. Thank you for everything. table this to the next meeting. Did we take a vote? No.

No, we didn't take the vote. We made a motion. We didn't take the vote.

I know Commissioner Woods want to ask for a table. He's second. You're second, right? Yes, sir. So we're OK then, correct? to the next meeting. I called a question earlier.

You didn't carry the motion.

Oh, you did.

You just carried the motion. I think that if Wood made it and Commissioner Green seconded it.

Then what I said was, you called a question, right? Yes. Commissioner Wood called a question. He called a question and I said, let's go ahead and vote from that point. OK. But I guess the confusion was that we didn't know whether or not you made the second. Yes. Right. All in favor sign?

Uh-huh.

Anyone oppose? All right. 504. Thank you very much.

11D. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Decision item seeks board approval to issue the notice of intent to award, notice of award and negotiate contracts with the top scoring proposer in response to RAFP 26-08, professional lobbying services for the federal government affairs. Evaluation team is recommending continental strategy for the award.

I will move approval.

Second. Second.

Question. I have a question.

Go ahead, Commissioner Holt.

How well are they known?

Well, I don't know how well they're known, but I just know that there were two that bid it for. There's only two?

Yes.

OK, but how well are they known? Three. It was three. I'm sorry. Mr. Chair?

Yes. So we had three bidders. I think that, so I guess I would caveat, I'm speaking in dual capacity for the record. One, I was on the scoring committee, which is noted, and also as the interim county attorney. But constitutional strategy, from my perspective, had the most local performance, which means bringing dollars into Gaston County. I believe that their bid suggested there was a $50-plus million brought into Gaston County. I think the others had a lot of experience, but I don't think they had as much local experience and as much Florida experience. And so those are two separate values.

OK, but I was just asking, and I What's the record look like overall for the company itself? Because if we're looking at some of these contracts of going after some funding in certain areas, what would be their record in those areas? On the federal level, if you're looking at, let's just say, on economic development and look at 267, how is their record in going out for infrastructure monies? What's their record on some of the things that we've been talking about getting done? And I'm not saying that you have to answer that. I'm just saying when you're comparing the three companies, they could all be great and they could all be wrong for us. So that's why it's what's their record look like. And instead of the amount of money, the success rate in the areas of success. That's what I'm asking about. Because we know we need economic development. We've got those. So we've got 27 US 90, I-10, railroad. We've got all those. And so those are the things I'm asking about. But that's it. We can move on. Oh, you all right? I already had one.

Commissioner Simpkins? No, I forgot it was already a motion and second. I was ready to vote. I have a question. Well, can we call a question? Has Commissioner Green got something else to talk about? No, no. All right, well, motion and a second. All in favor sign. All right. Anyone oppose? All right, I will vote. Make sure you turn your phones off. Hello. All right. What a busy day today. Next, we have Levin E. Thanks, Chairman.

I could defer to the attorney, but I wanted to just kind of go through it. It's come before you before. It's an ordinance to deal with agreement for rental of the properties that we have. And what we'd like for approval is that we didn't have an amount. So the amounts have been inserted. It's 375 for half a day, 750 for a full day. You want to elaborate on it, Mr. Turner?

I think we went over this policy. I walked you guys through it during probably a month and a half or two months ago. You guys made several recommendations. I incorporated those recommendations and made corrections. I think Commissioner Holt noted deficiencies and typos that I went back and corrected. And obviously, the more stringent terms around alcohol requiring explicit approval. Amounts was a big deal. We used the amounts that the administrator just said, $375 for half a day, $750 for a full day. It leaves discretion for the county administrator, but requires that you guys be notified at the preceding meeting. regarding any discounts or special exemptions made for any nonprofit or similarly situated organizations. It requires that the county be listed as a separate, as an additional insured for any event. It requires that any event that's going to have more than 75 people be classified as a special event. It requires that for special events that the application come at least 60 days prior to the special event. Any event requires insurance. But for 75 or more people, there's additional liability concerns. And it requires a site plan letting us know, do you intend to have security present? Do you intend to have food present? It requires that vendors get permission because vendors bring additional liability. So if there's going to be a professional food vendor, then that has to be noticed in the application also so that the county can ensure that the vendor has the appropriate insurance so that your insurance is not required. It contains an application also. I apologize. 75 or more people is 30 days. 300 people is 60 days in terms of additional notice. It also contains a deposit, which means that for staff and security purposes, which existed before. It contains provisions for refunds in case of an emergency. It contains prohibited conduct. It's sought to be comprehensive. It explicitly defines what authority administrator does and does not have pursuant to this ordinance. So I guess if there's not any question, I'll take any questions on it if there are any or defer to the board. Commissioner Woods.

So you're talking about the rental fees. Is that a hard building or is that a park?

Right now, this policy doesn't delineate between building or park. I think that right now it has one uniform fee based on the numbers I was given.

So I'm going to steal from Commissioner Holt. There's a lot of money. I mean, I'm just sitting here and I'm thinking about, you know, Sawdust Park, Bonny Hill Park, my two parks. That's a lot of money for somebody to have an outside Now, if it's the will of the board, I would like to change and differentiate between the two. I think that we're pushing our parks away from the formality of people using them for family reunions and things of that nature. And it's not like you're going into Stevens School or Chattahoochee or the Senior Center.

No. And so can I say something on what you said, Commissioner?

Man, I will yield to you. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

I think that I will be in support that we don't charge anything for a park, because we want to encourage people to be outside.

I think the only rebuttal I would have to you on that is if it's merely a $50, it gives that person the right to, because you'll have people that will call and just get the park. And so if you give $50, that is not unreasonable to me. And then the buildings.

And the reason why I said that, Commissioner, because we have a personal staff. that if they want to use that park, they got to sign in. And they put a letter on the park stating that someone was going to be using that park at that time. So there's never been, I mean, I haven't had too many confusions about using the park. Everybody pretty much on point.

That's just my humble opinion. And to segue into the building, I understand the $750, but I don't agree with it. Yeah, and my thing is I think that the security deposit should be much higher and where you know that you're going to have to pay if you tear up our nice buildings. And so when I look at these seniors who use that senior center, it almost pushes them out. And so if you had somebody who's an active member and they're having an event there, we have basically said, you're going to pay $375 or $750. Just thought.

Thank you. Commissioner Green. Thank you. And that was definitely one of my concerns as well. But I think that that's when you have that application process. And then that's when those exceptions should be made, especially if it's an active member of the senior citizen service. Because you do know that oftentimes they're going to celebrate those milestone birthdays, like 80, 75, 95, 100. And I can't see a chart, especially if they're there weekly. So those are discretions that the management manager would probably have to take in consideration as it relates to our senior citizens who are actively involved in the center. Secondly, we do need to have some time differentiation as it relates to what's considered a whole day, what's considered as a half day, so that that can be a little bit more explainable time frame wise. But thank you.

OK. Commissioner Simpkins.

As it relates to the, when we're talking about the parks, I don't think that you know, we should actually charge for the park itself. Now, where there are pavilions and those pavilions are being used and they will be utilized and they're reserved and you want it specifically for yourself, then I think that there needs to be a fee. And that's not unusual for counties to charge for for you to reserve a pavilion. Now, if you just go out there and use the pavilion, then you're just using the pavilion. But if you want to guarantee that that is available to you and your whoever is handling it, then there needs to be a fee for it. When we're looking at the rental fees, I think my biggest concern was we have to Staff has to be paid when buildings are used outside of the normal business hours. And most of the time, they're having to be paid overtime. So I think that those fees need to equate to what that would be, what that cost will be. For us, I think when we're talking about the half day and full day is when you have to have access to the building the entire day. That's considered a full day rental. A half-day rental is sometimes you have organizations that have a morning event, and they're out of there. They come in at 8, and they're out of there about 12 or 1 o'clock. That's a half-day event. But you have someone having a big event, and they have to come in, and it's going to take them some hours to decorate. And so they need access to the building the entire day, because then that makes it unavailable for someone else that may just need it that half a day. so i think that would be considered a full day but i think we do need to take a look at this um staffing fee and it may need to be based on the half a date not just a blanket hundred dollars but based on the time because that staff has to come in there open the building possibly and i don't know if we're deciding if staff has to remain there or um or if they don't then they have to come back in so we have to take all of those take that into consideration And that's my thoughts.

And although I understand the half and the full, we still need to give some time leeways, because you still have people, they're past 4 o'clock, and they say, well, that's a half day, or past 5 o'clock, because that's a half day. So I think that it do still need to be some time Yeah, so hours. And even though you may go over, give or take, we're not going to be, especially if there's nothing that's going on, I don't see y'all saying, oh, you got 30 minutes. You know, you can extend it for an hour or so, but just some time frames.

And I apologize. What is the latest that they can use this facility, though, at nighttime? Because do you want to use it at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, or? Oh, you're right. It needs to be at night. Or you want to end it at 12 or end it at 10? Dark. No. You want everybody in the bed. That's when somebody gets started. You want everybody in the bed. I think 10 would probably be, I mean, you keep down a lot of bills, it's probably 10 o'clock probably. Oh, man, Mr. Chairman.

uh may i mr chairman because i want to encourage people to use use the private vendors too as well that's what the commission yes i think it'll be if we look at look at the hours and then do a cleanup fee i think that'll make a lot different if you do for eight hours for 500 four hours for 250 cleanup fee will be 100 to 250. And that way, because they got to come back and clean up. I mean, they got to come back. You got your housekeeping people having to come back in. So why not have it based on that? If 500 for eight hours, 250 for four hours. But either way, the staff has to go in. And so there's a fee for the staff coming in, no matter whether it's eight or four. Because they're going to be on their time off.

So 500 plus staff.

500 plus they got to come back in so i've said maybe 100 200 250 decide on that amount that does another thing also they're going to have we need to have liability insurance in that so that needs to be covered because if somebody gets hurt they're going to look right at the county so those are some things we need to look at if they're going to reserve the place the other thing about it is with parks Yeah, that should be a little fee. Because if my family's taking up the park, then the other people are not able to go and do maybe everything they want to do. They may be able to come to my family reunion or whatever. But I reserve the park, and that takes up space at the park. The park's really meant for everyone. So at least pay $100 if you're going to have an event in the park, per se. now what about the cleanup there and what about the liability that's something that we're not looking at that liability insurance and it's like 125 to 150. uh but you don't want to be liable because we're going to have a whole lot of shade meetings so y'all will have a whole lot of shade meetings if something happens and you have a contract are you making a motion on the bill i don't have any buildings that we mine are only parks in my district Well, you're still liable whether it's here or not.

No, so I'm in agreeance to... You didn't make it a form of a motion.

I wasn't sure if you guys were OK.

I was going to say $250 for the staffing. To come in and clean up? Yeah, $200. Is that what you're saying?

OK, now if the staff comes in and they come in and do the cleanup, do you want the money that's paid for a deposit to use the building? Will the staffing come out of that? Because I don't think it should. No. OK, so then I put down 100, start no less than 100 for them to come in. Now, the other thing is strange is that we have staff to go out and do the setup. That means they come and do chairs, tents, and all that. When they do, even inside the building, they come and do setup. And that's work. That's not just come and stand there waiting for you to use the building. They got to do those chairs. They got to do the tables. They got to do the cleanup. And at least 150 to 200. Because they do a lot of work. If you ever watch them when they're doing it. But anyway, $500 for the eight hours, $250 for four hours. And then you got a cleanup fee.

What's up with staff that make $25 an hour?

Well, then that'll be only one person if it's four hours, if it takes them four hours to do it.

I'm talking about that you got to pay them time and a half, though.

Yeah, but that's what I'm saying. I don't mind it. I'm just saying we need to have the accurate numbers. Because they're out there on Saturdays, they're out on Friday nights, they're doing all of that.

Last question, Commissioner Hogue. Is this in addition to the rent of fees? No, no, no. That's your total? Well, the cleanup is always separate. Well, no, the $500. You go back to the $500.

For eight hours.

For eight hours. So you're scratching what the suggested $750 was. Right.

I thought that was too much. I said it was too much in the beginning. OK.

So I do totally agree with this area. And being in some of that business and prior facilities, that is a little steep, honestly. But I do know that we do have- $40 a ticket?

Y'all couldn't work if I had something cheaper.

Well, the reason I'm saying this. Yeah, it's about $750.

And I apologize for the interruption. No, but you're right. The going rate now for if you use a couple of facilities that are here that I know of are about $750. But these are more. And Havana Lake, the 912. Well, that's what I'm saying. Minimum 750 or more. But at the same time, these are what these people do for a living. This is a business for them. This is not necessarily a business for us. This is facilities that belong to our entire county, all of our citizens. So we shouldn't be competitive. with those people who do it for a living, we should make it as accessible as we can, but also still being able to get some profit from it. So don't misunderstand me when I say that. But these are buildings that are, you know, some of them are grant buildings, some of them are tax money, but they belong to our citizens as well. So I don't really want to get into that near $900 or $750. If we can make it a little bit more affordable, it works for me and our citizens.

But thank you. I want to finish right quick. if we could set it on the cleanup and set up and we can settle on that now you can always come back and revisit this this whole process that way you only have to increase or decrease or whatever you want to do you think the setup fee at 150 or 200 200 set up that'd be the cleanup set up and everything which was yeah so i'm gonna clear part of it up and make a motion uh

For the Parks Pavilion, I make a motion that we rent them for $50 with a $100 deposit. Can I get a second?

I'll second it, but I got a question. I'm just saying second. I just want to clear up one part. Commissioner, the only reason we didn't discuss liability. Now, when you do a contract, now remember, we agreed for them to have those events that you have no liability insurance once you put it in black and white. You're liable.

Mr. Chair, the current policy requires that there be liability insurance for every event, and the county be listed as additional insured, and that they provide a COI at the time they submit the application for the event.

Right. I understand that. But what I'm saying, though, is we're in a public meeting. We have to let them know that they have to have that liability insurance. I really think the park should be $100. Because you're still talking about them having to come set up. Are we going to move that same set up fee over at the park, too? Because you got to put up tents. You got to put up chairs.

We're not putting up tents and chairs for them. Hold on just a minute.

We've been doing it.

No, we're talking about for if someone having a family reunion, right? The board of county commission had to put up little tents and chairs for someone to have a family unit. That's just only they put up tents and chairs if a commissioner hosted an event, not a private citizen that decided they want to come to the park and do that, right? OK. I'm just saying in general now.

Yeah, but we have been doing both. So if we're saying just for that, then that makes sense. If we're going to stick to that, then that makes sense. But if we're not going to stick to it, then people are saying, you let so-and-so use the tents, but you didn't let us use them. Them heads out there going just like this because they know we're going to be in trouble with that.

Go ahead, Commissioner. but you know let me just say this real quick the only reason why i'm going to vote against charging right because i was at the conference when they said they want to encourage people outside more people go outside you know i just want to encourage everybody to go outside well then if i if they want to use the park let them use the park i think it's fun uh people don't too much use the park that much anyway so i'm fine with them using the park as much as they want to My motion died for lack of doubt. No, no, no. I second it for discussion. We have a second, but she want to raise to 100, though.

OK. Yes. Go ahead. I'm sorry.

I recommend that instead of having

I apologize. Instead of having a fixed security fee or staffing fee at $100, or excuse me, a fixed staffing fee, that you increase that to a $200 or $250 deposit. And that the, for example, let's say that one event requires three hours worth of staff, then that person gets the refund minus their deposit. And that way, it takes it out of your hands determined to you. Because you don't know what event is going to require what staffing. If it's the fixed deposit, then the parks and recs, or the people who are in facilities, they will determine what amount of refund a person is entitled to based on what staffing is required for that event. I think that's important.

You know what I'm thinking? Commissioners, I'm not sure how y'all feel about this. Why don't we just absorb everything we're talking about right now and come back with a workshop?

No. We keep tabling this. We need to move. We have a motion and a second.

Let's move.

Yeah, you still have a motion and a second at 50.

I said $50 and $100 security, and you asked me to amend it to $50.

For the parks or for anything?

Parks. Just for parks.

Pavilions. $100 security and $50 use.

And that's just for pavilion. That's for parks.

That's for parks. Just for the pavilion. Just for the pavilion. Pavilions, yes. Not the park. The park is public and open.

No, no, no. I wasn't saying just for the pavilion. But I get what you're saying.

If you want to have a pavilion, $50 and it's $100. And the policy says they have to have the insurance. Okay.

I second it already, so let's go.

Call the question on it. A motion to second, all in favor sign. All right. Anyone oppose? I oppose that. All right. That is for one vote.

We didn't do the building.

All right. Next, we do have another motion on the floor.

We didn't do the building.

For the building.

I move that we have $500 for eight hours, $250 for four hours, and the same $200, $250 for the cleanup.

And what about security then? We talked about security last night.

That's in there as well.

I'm just saying, I want her to mention that too, so people can know that you got to have security. It's in the package.

Oh, yeah.

It's already in there. He spoke of the security. So you got to have security as well.

Yeah. $500 for eight hours, $250 for four. And that was $250 for a deposit, in either case. In the second case, that'll be a whole thing.

Now, that deposit, is that inclusive of employees, or that's separate?

So point of clarification. So first clarification is you have $500 for eight hours and $250 for four hours. What is staff supposed to charge for the time in between? So are you saying, let's say a person uses six hours, does that go to the, and I hate to be detailed, but it's going to become a problem. Does that go to the lower fee or the higher fee?

Well, all you do is take the $800, $500 divided by eight and add on two hours.

Is that what you're saying? We would divide that hourly on a pro-rata? You're saying a pro-rata basis.

If they go over two hours, wouldn't you just charge the two-hour rate?

It depends. Like some places, if you go over, then you automatically get a full day. Some people charge it pro-rata. I'm just asking you why.

I understand what you're saying. If you want to go ahead and charge them $500, charge them $500. But they're only getting two more hours. That's fine.

That's my understanding. It would be anything an hour would be half a day. And then anything over half a day would be a full day.

OK, let's just do that and get it to go.

So can you $500?

If you go over half a day, it's going to be $500, yeah. Yeah. OK. $250. That'll be up to them. That's why it's up to them. They can stop it when they get ready.

OK. And then the $250 is just the deposit, or is that for the employee and the?

Well, I said $250 deposit. If you do $250 deposit, that's going to cover four hours anyway. And if you do that, it's not refundable. What I wanted to know is, do you want a second $250 just for the deposit, for the cleanup?

Yeah, my recommendation to the board is that, based on your numbers, that you have a $250 for four hours, $500 for four hours plus, because that's how I have to create the language. We can give a 30-minute grace period, but after that grace period, $500 for four hours plus, 250 staffing deposit that's subject to refund based on the actual staffing time used, with an additional 150 security deposit. But every event doesn't require security. It's the special event, 75 plus, that requires security. So if you have an event with 20 people, then that's not a security-based event, right? If you're going to have an event that's 75 plus, then the policy defines as a special event. You need security and site plan and other things to ensure that it's safe. $150?

You want a motion for approval?

You think that's fair? So I did that based on the rate of what you guys pay security now for the year. I believe that you guys made an amendment to make it like $22 an hour. And so I did that. That $22 an hour, that equates to almost 7 and 1 half hours for security at that $150 rate with what you guys have under your current contract.

Commissioner Green?

Clarity to when you came up with this policy. Did you look at neighboring parks and facilities and

I did. So I looked at four different counties. I think I said them last time. I don't recall them off the top of my head. But Tallahassee has a different place. For example, Tallahassee parks, that's obviously the closest to you. For most of their parks, they use three day slots. I mean, they use three slots in a day. So they have like a 9, 8, and 12 slot, a 12 to 3 slot, a 3 to 7 slot. And you rent each slot. For Tom Brown Park, for example, which is their bigot, their flagship park, the use fees are a lot lower for the pavilions. But in aggregate, it gets used a lot more. So they reach the same end, just cheaper because of numbers.

And as well as the buildings, the facilities that they may have that people use for events, you looked at those rates?

I looked at it for the policies, to make sure that the policies were consistent. I did not look at... If I did, I don't recall looking at the numerical rental amount. I didn't come up with that amount. Remember, the first time I made a recommendation, it was based on what was currently being charged by elderly affairs that we went over. And so that was my first recommendation. And so I didn't look at what Tallahassee charges for buildings, only parks.

And again, the reason why I'm asking is, as I've already stated, I'm concerned that this is not a moneymaker. We do want our buildings to be used. But these buildings belong to us and the citizens and everybody that are here. So I'm not trying to charge these astronomical amounts for these facilities. Because I think right now we were charging, if memory serves me, and I could be wrong, what were we charging for the Senior Simon Scott Building?

No, the standard fee for anybody that came off was $400. And there was another tier if you were a member, a staff member from Simon Scott had another rate, which I want to say was $200. And there was another rate if you were a senior that went a senior who participated in service, there was a different rate. So they had a three rate system. It's my recollection.

All right, no problem. Thank you.

OK. All right, I'm fine.

Now we're back to the $500, $250 in the cleanup.

OK. Set up. It's cured here. Are you going to put that senior caveat member in there, as Commissioner Green asked? I think we can just allow them. We can just keep that.

Why don't we just go ahead and solve this problem right quick and let them come back with their own senior citizen center?

Well, no, it needs to be. I thought we had that discretion. Yeah, it's already in this contract.

It's in their discretion.

It's discretion, and that's going to be determined by us.

Let them do that. That's what I said.

Let senior citizens have their own thing. They'll be all right.

Right, so we're good on the $500 and the $250. The discussion was on the set up and clean up.

The last thing I would note, just for the record, is that this does allow the administrator in section 22 has administrative authority. It does allow the administrator to require additional insurance coverage, additional deposits or bonds. For example, let's say that somebody submits an event with 500 people. Then $250 is not enough for staffing for 500 people. And so this allows the administrator to increase the deposit if we have that kind of large event, because $250 surely isn't enough.

Mr. Chairman. Yes, ma'am. That's with the notification to the commissioners. So that discrepancy can be kind of funny.

For sure, if the administrator makes any variance to this policy, this policy requires that he notify you at the succeeding, at the following meetings.

No, just notify us before the event.

I'll amend that. Is that what the will of the board is to notify?

Because that way, if there's any problems with the public, first thing they're going to do is call a commissioner. They're going to say, why did you charge me A and charge somebody else B? So that's going to be the problem. So we don't need to get into that.

Are you amending your vote?

Is that the will of the board? I should definitely amend it. I don't think leaving the hand to the discretion of the county minister.

I don't care.

That's how they do it at schools. Nobody, nobody.

Yeah, that's why they're in the trouble to end. But what I'm saying is this. We need to make sure that we don't have these problems because I had somebody, I can tell you, I'm looking at them right now, they already called me five times a day. So I don't want to be bothered. And I'm sure when I leave here, you're not going to want to be bothered with it. But just so they are notified before the event. I mean, it's just a quick email or whatever. That way we'll all know. I mean, they'll all know. Okay? But that's, I'm in my motion to include that.

I think whoever's second would have to accept that amendment, Mr. Chairman. I'm not sure.

No one's seconded it yet.

OK. I apologize.

That's on the 500 and the 250.

OK, this dies on the second. I want to say it dies. Can you restate it? I mean, I ain't saying there's been a lot of.

I can state what my understanding of the motion is. OK, go ahead. My understanding of the motion is to set the rental price for buildings at the full day price to be $500, the half day price to be $250. Any event that's more than four hours after a 30 minute grace period is a full day cost, $250 for staffing deposit, subject to refund based on the actual staffing costs. a $150 security deposit or security fee. And also, I guess the last amendment is to require the administrator to send a email notice if there's any variance prior to the event taking place. He still has the authority to do it. He just has to give you notice before the event happens.

And that's my motion.

OK. Is there any verbal objections to the motion?

No.

I'm just still stuck on the, I know somebody said 750. Somebody said it should be more than that. I'm still an advocate for about $400 and $200. But I know. I see your reaction. But I just wanted to make sure that it's accessible for our citizens. Because again, this is not a business for us. But thank you.

All right. Mr. Simpkins.

And I just want to be clear. I'm actually checking with another municipality that has a facility. And this is actually less than what they what that municipality charges. So I think $500 is, yes, we're making it accessible. And these facilities do belong to the citizens. But I think that the citizens want to make sure that we are able to maintain these facilities as well. So I believe that with what the going rates are for rental facilities, that $500 is not. And we are making it available so that there needs to be some type of exception. then that we are able to do that. So based on whatever, if we're concerned about the seniors or concerned about other, might not just be seniors, and we're concerned about something else, an organization or something, then we can make those decisions based on that.

Well, I second Commissioner Holtz.

OK. We have a motion and a second. All in favor sign. Aye. Anyone oppose? Eric Henson? OK, 3-2 vote. All righty. So next, clerk of court. All righty, county attorney. I'm sorry.

Yes, sir. The only item I have is asking for a motion to be made to approve the settlement that the board authorized in the shade meeting and give the chair authority to execute all documents necessary to accomplish the settlement in the Seca versus Gaston County EMS case.

So moved.

Second.

All right. We have a motion to second. All in favor sign.

All right.

Anyone opposed? 5-0 vote. That's all I have, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Next, interim county administrator. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

All county governments at the moment are experiencing financial stress as it relates to being prepared for Amendment 3. All of us, every government is experiencing financial stress. In these challenging fiscal times, I've been charged with reducing our budget. I stated in a workshop that we had met with directors to get the recommendations regarding reduction of personnel, which is 65% of our budget. I was asked in the meeting if I would provide more justification for the recommendations from each department's director. I will do that. I will meet with you and share the rector's rationale for their recommendations. Also during our meeting with each board member who desires to meet with me, I would like to have you and any other, I'd like to have any other budget cutting recommendations that you might have. So I look forward to our meeting.

Thank you. All right, next we have 515A, Commissioner Woods.

So I'll go back to communication. I mean, we've had some communication problems here lately. And I say this publicly, that regardless of where somebody falls here or there as commissioner, they deserve the right to hear each and everything. And I'd like to start off with, Mr. Chair, I've asked, I would like to see you meet with all the constitutionals And even the city, this Amendment 3. And so you get an idea of a larger of what this thing is going to be.

Can you help me? I'll set it up. Set it up so we can.

Yes, sir.

I've been meeting with the governor

Can we weigh you on my time, Mr. Chair?

Yes, sir. I'm on your time right now.

The only other thing is with the new lobbyist, I'm hoping that he'll meet with each commissioner and take priorities and that we have the ability to understand what's going on and that we get regular communications about things that are happening. And I will yield. I'm done. OK, good.

I'll wait until my turn. 15B. Commissioner Orantarius Green.

Thank you so much. And thank you for clarification, Mr. Interim Manager. Again, that was recommendations, not implications that have already been made. So I'm hoping that, as I stated since you brought it up, as I stated yesterday, that we are not actual practicing, that we are looking at what can possibly happen. Opposed to the actuality of making it happen Pat Thomas Park Improvement, I had a brief conversation with you miss interim, but there are some things that probably can be done now that a minimum Without having to apply for certain grants, so I would love to have maybe a walk or through with yourself or Parks and Recs or whomever is responsible for that park down at Hopkins Landing. I am going to ask for an organizational chart. If we can have that emailed, I'm sure all of us will probably want it. If that can be emailed to us by the end of this week, that would be great. Or I'll speak for myself, to me by the end of this week. That would be great. And I would also like to have that list that we talked about yesterday of the particular positions and jobs that may be affected by this cut. So I want to openly ask for that in this meeting with the hopes of having both of these items by the end of the day on Friday, on or before. Is that possible to happen, Mr. Interim?

make that happen.

I appreciate it. Lastly, commissioners, we are still going on about a year with interim county administrator as well as an interim county attorney. And the reason why I asked for HR to stay is because, and I understand they had to go and do some things as it relates to the vote that we just made, which is fine. But I do, I don't want to keep talking about, I'm making comments as it relates to we need to move at least with the advertising piece of it. I think that it was a lesson learned for me that I would rather wait until whoever's incoming. But the process does need to start. We've already pretty much laid the foundation for what the requirements are. So I would love for HR to come in here within the next week or two and give a presentation on the things that we've already voted on. And if we want to make changes on what we're looking for, we should be able to do those things openly and start the process. Maybe we can say opening on, I'm just giving a date, open on September the 15th, closes on November the 30th. That way, it gives opportunity for whomever will be sitting on this DS to have input on the process of who we will hire for both of these positions. Interim, in my opinion, has played out. So it is time to move. It is time to come up with. permanent direction and leadership from this board. And I will say this again. If any of the interims that are up here, that's our attorney and the administrator, are interested in the job, they definitely have every right to apply. And I promise you all, we were 100% fair with each and every individual up here. I simply want what's best for our county. Not saying that we don't have the best, but I would definitely like to see what our options are. And I'm hoping that I can get for other commissioners that would agree with me that we need to start this process and we need to do what's best for our county so thank you thank you very much commissioner all right next uh 15c commissioner alonzo simpkins district 2. hey thank you um the only thing that i have um

Recently, there has been, I know of a couple of incidents where trees have fallen and actually on vehicles as they were riding. Those trees that's hanging over the highways and on Attlepuglies Highway, some on Milligan Road. I'm not sure if post plant has been, if those trees. But we have to, I don't know if we need to, if one of those bucket truck needs to be rented, or whatever needs to be done. But we need to take care of all of those trees and limbs that's over the highway. And that's it. That's all that I have tonight.

All right, next, Commissioner. Appreciate it, Commissioner Simpkins. Hold on a second, Commissioner Holt. Give Commissioner Simpkins a few more seconds. Are you finished, Commissioner Simpkins?

I am.

OK, great. Commissioner Holt, District 4.

OK, I didn't have anything. I thought he went before me. Yes. Commissioner Wood, OK. I'm so busy. OK, Mr. Administrator, give me an update on Stephen's school and that grant, please.

We don't have anything on that today.

I know you don't have anything on it, but I need to know where is it?

Last week, we talked about it months ago. I think we were trying to get CRA to give us $1.2 million so the board could invest that as a match. There's been no action on that recently.

Okay, because I spoke with the person that was at the CRA, and they said they had not spoken with anyone from the county to bring that. Okay, let me finish. Okay, so you may have since then or before then. But what I need is an update. The citizens want an update, and we're looking at that on that funding. Where is it? On the $4.7 million. And you have a grant writer, so please present that to them, and they will be able to look into that. Because from what I was told by Congressman Lawson, he said you can use a match. Instead of funding, it didn't have to be money. So that we need to know about. And they're waiting, because I had two questions about that yesterday. So where is that? What type of match maybe we'd be able to use? On the termination of employment that you did the other day, that person was in drop. I am interested, commissioners, in looking at payouts as far as if we're going to do that. Because when you terminate someone out of drop, they lose the possibility of $200,000 to $300,000. And I think, commissioners, we need to really go back and reconsider that. We did not say layoff. We said look at terminations, but we did not give the order to lay off to terminate. And I think it's very important that we could reconsider that because I'm sure they're going to be repercussions on that one. Woodbury Rd brought it up before bringing it up again. They're still waiting. Mr Administrator to be on the agenda. Is there any reason why they're not on the agenda?

The requirements to meet it, to meet the standard for the agenda have not been met yet.

For the agenda? For them to be on the agenda?

Well, you know, I think last we talked about it, I think it was missing the deed, right?

No, sir. That does not, you do not require a deed to be on the agenda. Okay. I asked you to put on the agenda. It's about the fifth time I've asked you. Well, more than that, because you've been here a year. So yeah, I'm going to ask it almost every month or every other month. They're waiting. I'm waiting.

We've been working on that for a while.

No, we can't be working on it.

Is that in the form of a motion?

Yes, sir. We've done a motion before, but I move that we put Woodbury Road on the agenda on the next meeting.

We have a motion on the floor. All in favor sign. All right. Anyone oppose? All right. Five will vote.

And that's with all of the detailed information provided, sir.

All right.

And notify Mr. Murray now that they are to be here.

Will do.

The other thing is, and let me ask, I have to ask Curtis. When Curtis, I'm going to ask you when you're not looking. What's the name of that road out there by the farms? Polster. Okay. See, I told you he could tell me some stuff. There are some details on that road I don't even know, Mr. James. That's why I need to ask the questions from him. You mind if I ask him?

You may.

OK. I love this. Curtis, you can come up now, darling. Because see, don't turn that clock around. Turn it back around that way. Turn it back around. I want to see it. You can turn it to her if she want it. He gave me an opportunity. I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to him.

It's for everybody, madam.

I know it, but turn it back that way. I want to see it. OK, because you don't bother the chairman when he is. I'm going to pick it on you, Mr. Chairman. I like you. I'm just mad at him right now because he turned that clock to me. Mr. Young, could you please tell us what's wrong with Post and Road so they will understand the urgency of why those people were up here the other night?

And I heard the concerns from them the other night when they was complaining about the road. So since then, we've went out there. We've refreshed that road up with milling, asphalt milling. We've also sent a crew out there and trimmed that road back. But some of the concerns they have is wanting to pave. Trying to pave that road in the shape that it's in now, it's a narrow road. Keep going. Tell the rest of the stuff. And, um... Mr. Poston, who actually lives out there near that road, I even spoke with him today, he's not in favor of us paving that road. He said he granted that easement to those residents just for them to get home, but he's not in favor of that road being paved. He also mentioned that if we decide to pave that road, that he's going to come before the board because he wants to be compensated for more right-of-way. It's what we're going to need in order to pave it.

Right. OK, now, that's the reason that I said bring the department heads up here. They know the history on this stuff. OK, that road also slants. It has a slant to one side because there's not enough room on both sides to pave and for ditches. So that's the problem with that. But now, Mr. Attorney, what does the law say on providing the easement? Because if you have to provide an easement, there's certain things that you have to do as a property owner when you provide that easement.

So easement law is complicated. But let's say at 5,000 feet, there are several kind of easements. You can have an easement by prescription. You can have an easement by necessity. And so I'm not. I guess the time's expired.

That's yours. That's your time right there. But go ahead.

Thank you, Curtis.

No, no, no. I still have some questions for Curtis. That's just, I have a question for him. Because this is my time anyway.

Mr. Chair, the time has expired.

But no, I need to ask him a question about, let me say, I need to ask him a question about this, Mr. Administrator.

The man already up there.

Yeah, you know, Curtis, you can't speak. I'm sorry. I forgot you can't speak. Okay, now, I have to, I just have to manage these other things. But the reason I wanted y'all to hear this is because there's some maintenance. Can you do one minute, Commissioner? Yeah, there's some maintenance on an easement that a property owner has to do. That's the law. Some easements. So if we're going to, ever since we have to go and maintain the road, whatever they were doing may be something that the property owner may have to also do. And that's less cost to the county. That's what I was trying to bring up. The other thing is we don't have a strategic plan. And we still need one. But we need to meet with these different boards. Because those commissioners at the cities, they're getting a little bit antsy about this property tax. And we just need to sit down and meet with some of them face to face, that's all.

OK, thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman. We'll make sure that we work on that commission, because that's the topic I wrote a few days ago.

And that's Post and Road, too, Mr. James. Oh, my agenda. Put them on the agenda.

But let me just say this real quick so we can get it out.

Mr. Chairman, I don't want you to hit the gavel, because I do have one more thing I need to do. You want to say something real quick? That would be great if you allow. Yes? All right. Real quick, because Commissioner Wood, you reminded me that I probably should do it in this format. I would like to make a motion that we have a workshop on hiring the permanent attorney and manager with HR. That's my motion.

Second.

We need to have a workshop on the process. Are we going to do this soon? I want to make sure. So I just want to put it in the form of a motion. OK.

Here we go, motion is second, all in favor sign.

Aye.

Anyone oppose? All right, 5-0 vote.

Thank you.

Now, real quick here. I know we've been talking about this for a while. And I think we need to move forward on this here. The bonds for infrastructure and everything else that we talked about at the beginning of the year, we kind of got sidetracked about the bonds. But I think it's take almost a year to get it. So we need to start preparing now to get it. So I know some of you guys want roads, water and sewer projects. So we can go ahead and get the bonds now. secure those bonds, maybe for $20 million or whatever. We did $10 million about, what, 10 years ago? I'm saying now maybe $20 million now. I think we can get a lot of roads and water and sewer projects that we need. Each commission can get at least about $4 million so they can help out our communities. So we need to schedule a meeting for that, too. It's a workshop for that, for the bond. Because that's going to be important. Also, I want to recognize, I've been talking, and I thought we put money in the budget last year for the jail. But unfortunately, I don't know. I'm not sure whether or not it was there. But we need to just look and see. And maybe we can earmark the money directly just for the jail, whatever we need to get the jail fixed and make sure we are in compliance with everything else. And also, not only that, I'm not talking about just just building now. I'm talking about, I thought we put money for each employee at the gym making at least $51,000 a year. And that's what we had on the list. But according to some of the workers there, some of the employees that I talked to, they said they're not making $51,000 a year. So we need to make sure that they make that. We want to make sure we sustain our employees there at the jail, because that's something we want to make sure they feel comfortable in everything else there. So hopefully we can look into that part of it. But the main thing, the bond, I also want to thank Public Works, as well as Folks that come out and clean up, make sure, code enforcement. Right near the Hampton Hike, the house was on fire. And they was able to get in contact, right, folks, so they can clean that stuff up. I'm not sure the county cleaned it up for them, or they made it. Urgent. Yeah. So they was able to clean it up. And I was at the game, family game, Saturday. And Ms. Bryant told me that, hey, we thank y'all for making that happen, cleaning up the community. And we want to appreciate your staff for doing that, too, as well as code enforcement, as well as public works. Again, I'm going to tell you something. I love you guys. Ain't nothing you guys can do about it. Commissioner Green, believe it or not, I love you. Last statement, Mr. Green. See, my love can't come like that. I may change my mind by saying love.

But go ahead. I'm sorry. We need to have a special meeting on September 4th to receive the order. OK, good. I agree. September 4th? That's this week. I'm sorry. September 14th. September 14th. I misspoke.

OK. We'll send it out to the people. We'll send it out so everybody can get it. I want to end it up like this right here, because people need to know, man, we have a great board. And I tell y'all, we have the best board in America. And I still say it today. Commissioner Green, I love you. Commissioner Hope, I love you. Commissioner Woods, I love you. Commissioner Simpkins, I love you. And Eric Henson, you got to love yourself before you love anybody else. Eric Henson, I love you, too, as well. So again, meeting adjourned.