--------- All right. Board of County Commissioners, Bradford County, Florida, ex October 7th, 2025. It's 9:30. Uh, at this time, I'm going to ask Commissioner Spooner to lead us in the prayer and a flag salute. >> Let us bow. Heavenly Father, we come
with thanksgiving on our heart. We thank you for the privilege and honor to serve you and to be of service to our community. Bless each and everyone who is here. Those who might be listening online. Let us be ever mindful to show love and kindness and civility towards one another. Bless this meeting that we
do thy will and that those things that are best for our community. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, liberty and justice for all. All right, this time we'll call the meeting to order. Uh the first thing on the list is public comments. Um each speaker will be allowed three minutes to speak. Uh please share your name, address, and to
the record before speaking. Address all comments to the board, not county staff. Uh please refrain from demands for immediate board response. Commissioners will not engage with speaking during public comments and no boerous behavior,
personal, important, impertinent or slanderous remarks. And um with that, I have one comment card from uh Bo Hasten. Good morning everybody. comm county commissioners. I've been going back and listening to meetings to try to educate
myself on stuff and I just want to say thank you very much. Uh I seen the one meeting where the amendment for the abortion and um Commissioner Reic, you spoke out and you had such conviction in your heart and the scriptures you read
from the Bible. It truly moved me and I just want to say thank you very much for that. and Commissioner Spain, I seen where you would like to work with the taxpayers to see if there's anything we can cut. And so, I really do appreciate
that. Um, I've been praying for you, Mr. Johnson. I see you're without your brace this morning. Uh, I just want to thank y'all for everything. I know we still have a fire assessment that we have to fund eventually because it's only 50% funded. and I would like to be a part of
those meetings to try to work on this to help the taxpayers. And I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. I know your job is hard. You have to make decisions that we don't always agree with, but it's what's best for our community. And I just wanted to say
thank you to all of you. And I heard about your mom, Miss Andrews, and I'll be praying for her. But I just want to say thank you for the work. And I want to thank the executive secretary, Miss Amanda. She has answered the questions that I've asked for. Uh I spoke to her earlier before this meeting and I'm
going to get with her in a week or so uh to ask some more questions, but they've been very thorough and I'm really thankful for it. And that's all. I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. And um I hope you have a blessed day. You make good choices for
the taxpayer. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Okay, I have no other public comments. Uh, moving on to the consent agenda. And at this time, I'll >> Yes, Mr. Chairman, if I may, uh, a couple items we need to address
concerning the consent agenda. First of all, item 3C, retroactive approval of M&R construction change orders 2, 4, and for the station 9 construction project. Just wanted to clarify that this work is
already completed and the cost comes from the remaining appropriation funds and there is no additional cost to the county. So, we just wanted to make sure that that was clear and uh read into the record. The uh item H I would I would ask to
pull that item from the consent agenda. We'll address it next and uh because we have a resolution that must be read and uh we need to do that as a standalone item. Okay. >> Then item 3L uh approval of mowing
equipment for a total amount of $157,354. Uh this purchase was approved by the board by consensus at the April 1st, 2025 budget workshop. this purchases sole source through state contract and
we just wanted to make that clear and have it read into the record as well. That's all I have. Mr. Chairman, >> thank you board. With hearing that, can I have approval for the consent agenda except for item H? >> I also motion for approval for the
agenda item except for H. >> We have a motion from Commissioner Spooner. Second >> from uh Commissioner Andrews. Any other questions? All in favor by sign of I. >> I. >> Motion carries 50.
And Mr. Corn, I'll turn it back over to you for the um to clear up item H. >> Yes, sir. So, uh, as I mentioned, we do need to have a resolution that accompanies this item. So, uh, if it pleases the chair, I would like to read the resolution into the record.
>> Yes, sir. Thank you. Whereas the Florida Department of Transportation administers the small county road assistance program, scrap, to provide resources for making improvements to roadways in small fiscally constrained counties. And whereas FDOT has authorized a scrap
project in Bradford County for the design, construction, and CI of the roadway resurfacing of County Road 21B from Southeast 48th Street to Southeast 8th Avenue in Bradford County, Florida, and assigned said project financial
project number 424164-2-54-01. And whereas FDOT has budgeted approximately $2.3 million for this scrap design, construction, and CIA of the or CI of the roadway resurfacing of County Road 21B from Southeast 48th Street to
Southeast 8th Avenue in Bradford County, Florida. And whereas the Board of County Commissioners of Bradford County, Florida, finds that such project would provide a significant benefit to Bradford County. And whereas in order to continue to participate in said scrap project, Bradford County must enter into
agreement with FDOT for the purpose of the same. And whereas the board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida, finds that entry into set agreement with FDOT for participation in a scrap project for the design, construction, and CI of the roadway resurfacing of County Road 21B from
Southeast 48th Street to Southeast 8th Avenue in Bradford County, Florida is in the best interest of Bradford County, Florida, and its sen citizens. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida, as follows. Section one, adoption, incorporation of recital.
The board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida, adopts the above outlined recital and incorporates them herein as part and parcel of this resolution. This resolution is adopted for the purpose of approving entry into an agreement with the state of Florida Department of Transportation for
participation in a small county road assistance program for the design, construction, and CI of the roadway resurfacing of County Road 21B from Southeast 48th Street to Southeast 8th Avenue in Bradford County, Florida, and is adopted pursuant to the authority
granted by chapter 125 and section 339.2818, Florida Statutes. Approval of agreement with Florida Department of Transportation. The board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida. Specifically approves entry into an agreement with the state of Florida Department of Transportation for
participation in a small county road assistant project with financial project number 424164-2-54-01 for the design, construction, and CI of the reser roadway resurfacing of County Road 21B from Southeast 48th Street to Southeast 8th Avenue in Bradford County,
Florida. The board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida, authorizes its chairman to execute any documents specifically included the state funded grant agreement with the state of Florida Department of Transportation necessary to affectuate entry into the aforementioned agreement. The board of
county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida direct staff as follows. Staff is directed to provide for the preparation and execution of the agreement with the state of Florida Department of Transportation more particularly described above. Staff is directed to transmit necessary copies of set agreement electronically to the
state of Florida Department of Transportation offices in Lake City, Florida. And staff is further directed to transmit a copy of this resolution electronically to the state of Florida Department of Transportation offices in Lake City, Florida. Staff is directed to take any and all steps necessary to
affectuate the direction of the board of county commissioners as provided for elsewhere within this R. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption by the board of county commissioners of Bradford County, Florida. >> Man, that was a book, huh?
>> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> Is that why our county attorney is not here today? >> I'm in law school. >> He'd have earned his keep on that one. >> Well, with that board, could I get a a motion to approve item H along with the resolution as read?
>> Mr. Chair, I just have a question real quick. So on county road 21B and Jason you may be able to answer this but I know we had a list of roadways that we had prioritized in the county that were also scrap and scop projects.
Was this one of those projects? Okay. So because I know that we're still looking at uh 177th and are we where are we at with 177th? I know that's been the worst road in the county for years. And it just seems to
keep getting bumped down the list. >> Jason, good. >> So, this was actually one that was submitted back um prior to me coming um and we continued it in 2020. Okay. And that's when it got adopted by the state. Um but it wasn't funded till 2026. Okay.
um 177th. It's my understanding they're going to address it at the same time they do the sidewalk construction. >> Okay. >> So, okay. That is my understanding at this time. It's under that uh lap project. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure that one didn't get swept away. >> It's not under scrap or scop. It's it's
under that lap. >> Okay. Good. >> Thank you. >> Great. >> Yes, sir. >> Good. Thank you. >> Thank y. >> And I I will say this, Commissioner D. This this one um I believe this request been has been in at least 8 to nine years. That's how long it's finally taken to get it done
>> where it was in the order of the roads that we had. Good. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> With that, can I get a >> make a motion to approve the resolution is read. >> Okay. >> Second and a second. And that's also with item H too, right?
>> That was item H. Yes, sir. >> That was Okay, good. Okay. Uh we have a motion and a second. Uh, all in favor by a sign of I >> I motion carries 5. >> All right, moving on to item four. Um, Lieutenant David Weekes.
[Music] All right. Good morning. >> It's been a while since I've uh been in front of you guys to talk about our program. Um I want to mention two things before we get started. Um if you're not aware, this week is fire prevention week. So, you're going to see a lot of our guys and girls out and about at a
bunch of different um area schools doing some some good public education events on that. Um I'm going to put them on the spot real quick. If you'll direct your attention to the back to Chief Carter there, he's got his pink shirt on. Um you'll also notice the back of our shirts. You're going to see the crews
throughout the month wearing pink on their shirts just to signify breast cancer awareness month. Um with that, I'll get started on why we're here today. um our county has the opportunity to be what's called a core county now and I'll go into why we're now um able
to get those funds. So what is core? So core is a comprehensive um program that was launched by DCF and aa and essentially it's an ina innovative integrated solution expanding Florida's capacity to
respond to this the full spectrum substance use disorder. So essentially, it's a cycle where they take the first responders, the long-term treatment facilities, the hospitals, and they bring them together to have a conversation. They look at how can we
get the best bang for our buck for these patients. So there's three main things that they look at in core. The first one being lifesaving care, and that's where we where we really come into play from the fire rescue side. Um the first part of core is, you know, how are we finding that patient? So, we're connected
through them typically through a 911 call. Um whether it's an overdose, a drug call, something like that. From there, we'll we'll interact with them at the hospital or back at their home when they're released. Um and then we'll engage with them when they're at their lowest points essentially. Two, we want
to look at specialized stabilization for those patients. So, that's where we're interacting with them. We're finding out what their needs are. We're referring them to those long-term treatment um options, which is typically Meridian for us. they're our local provider. From there, that patient's typically
connected um with any resources that they need, whether it's for short-term or long term, if it's, you know, utilities, food, transportation, things like that. And then sustainable recovery, that's typically the most difficult part to um to provide to a
patient. You know, it takes really a village to get it done. some medication assisted treatment, um, which we'll go into a little bit further into the the program, mental health support, and then primary care. So, if they haven't seen a primary care doctor or something like that,
so in order to be a core county, there's very specific requirements. Um, and like I said, six months ago, we were not um, eligible to be a core county. Now that we're offering a 247 access point for medication assisted treatment, so
essentially our medication program where we're able to provide suboxin in the field that covers that primary requirement and we're able to meet the 247 demand through either myself, Chief Rogers, um our onduty battalions or any of our paramedics are essentially
trained to administer this medication. Number two, um ensure care coordination is available based on an individual's need. So throughout the past year and a half, you guys have seen where we work one-on-one with these patients to meet any needs that they have, whether it's again transportation, housing, food,
things like that. And then three, another big one was they require that nuxin kits are readily available 247. So you guys have seen the little kits that we hand out that we keep at all the fire stations. We provide them on scene. We give them to families, friends, things
like that. All right, so let's talk about the process kind of what does that look like for us specifically here in Bradford County. So step one, we have to identify that patient. There's a few ways that we can identify that patient. It could be a self-referral. So we have QR codes, we
have email addresses that they can email. It can be from a a family member, a friend, law enforcement. We've received a few referrals lately from them as well. Once we receive that initial referral, we'll meet with that patient. We'll identify their needs. We'll see if they're a good fit for the
program. If they are, we'll go ahead and initiate a second referral to Meridian. Um, from there, they'll meet with the Meridian physicians. They'll um see a counselor. They'll see a a substance abuse specialist. And then Meridian will get with us to determine if there's any
short-term needs that need to be met that we can assist with sustainable recovery. So, that's step three. Once they've met with us, they've met with Meridian. Um, typically that includes some type of medication assisted treatment, whether it's through us with Suboxin, um, mental health support, primary care
support, and then again just assistance with social services, the follow-up care, that's where we really come into play. Um, once this patient's been established with Meridian, you know, they'll they'll get their own script typically wrote for them, and it'll be up to that patient to to take that
medication as prescribed. So, what we do is we continue to follow up with that patient. I still have patients that we've had um from months ago that still call me on a morning and do a morning check-in and that's proven to be really successful with keeping them on track.
So, with core comes that continuum of care that's been missing for the past couple years here. So, we have bi-weekly partner meetings and again that's u meetings with all organizations that are involved in the court process. So, the hospital, Meridian, US, the sheriff's
office um sits in on quite a few of them. Really, any organization that could have a piece of the pie that um involves patient treatment data review. So, this is another important missing piece that we've been able to fill um since creating these agreements with Meridian. We've been able to share
information on, you know, this patient may be struggling in this aspect or hey, they had a bad week. We need to really watch out for them and and maybe provide a little bit of extra emotional support to them. And then again the information sharing just um sharing the patient reports you know vitals medical history
it's all really opened up um our treatment options for these patients. So some of the strengths that we've found operating under our fire rescue department specifically for the MAT program um one has just been the public
trust. You know the fire rescue department's been around for many years. the community is pretty familiar with with how we operate and the level of service that we already provide. Excuse me. So, they've really allowed us to to come into their homes. You know, they open up to us a lot easier, it seems,
and we've really been able to form a more personable connection with these patients. Mobility. Um, you guys have seen the the old bookmobile that we've gotten repurposed into our MSU, we call it. That's our mobile support unit. um that's really proven to be effective in
reaching a lot of these patients. Um you know, we we don't have many public transportation options here, if any, the Swany River. They don't, you know, have the means to sign up for it. So, we're able to take this program to them in the field, and that's proven to been a uh a
great resource. And then additional support. You know, I think something that really makes our program stand out is we've been able to provide um all of this secondary support, whether it's again helping them find adequate housing, uh transportation to doctor's
appointments, getting their prescriptions. That's typically the biggest problem here is they'll get a prescription, but they have no way of getting to that pharmacy to get it. And again, these are just some of the very specific things that we offer from the fire rescue side for the core
program. So, our mobile MAT, again, most of our infield dosing occurs at the patient's house. Pharmacy pickup, if they have a prescription that's getting filled here in the county, we'll go get it for them if they can't get it. Medical evaluation. With us having, you know, the large
amount of paramedics that we do, we're able to continuously follow up on these patients and help them out with any um other chronic diseases that they might have or any secondary issues that they're having. And then a patient lays on. Again, we're able to to act one-on-one with these patients and
really identify what their needs are aside from the substance abuse. So, this is some quick stats just from August 1st to September 15th. And this is the amount of patients that actually received infield medication from us. Now you see the number five and you might
think that's not a lot, but you have to remember these are five patients who received this resource that wasn't available six months ago. And this is a life-saving resource in a lot of situations. So three out of the five continued treatment. Um two of those
remain non-compliant. They actually had their first um appointments with Meridian. they failed to show up. And unfortunately, that happens. Okay, we're not going to have a 100% success rate. And then again, 60% retention rate. So, those three that I'm talking about, they
continue to be um active, healthy, they still check in with me on a daily basis, and things have really been going well for them. And this is a real example of uh one of our core patients who this is one of the three that continue to be in treatment and she's been doing very well. So, she
was a 34y old female that actually self-referred herself. Um, she had ended up in Gainesville somehow. I'm not sure of the exact backstory. She actually had talked to Gainesville Fire Rescues program at first and they notified her that we now offer these services and she
resides in Bradford. So, I got a call on my cell phone one day. Um, it was this young lady. She proceeded to tell me that she's had a chronic issue with substance abuse, typically opioids. She's got two young kids. um she really wanted help. You know, she's been in
rehab and she's relapsed quite a few times in the past. Um but she said this last time was enough. She said she was tired of of fighting this disease and she wanted help again. So, you know, I felt that this was an excellent fit for our program. We went out to her
residence. We did our initial intake that we always do, which is a a pretty brief uh medical exam. We do some behavioral assessments and then some withdrawal assessments on her as well. So, that was on a Thursday. Um, Friday we started to dose that patient and then
I also got a referral into Meridian with it being the weekend. This is still one of those kind of shortfalls that we're working out. Um, there's no physicians on the weekend at Meridian. U, but that'll be addressed in the court later. I'll get into that. So, we continue to
dose that patient through the weekend. Um, we met her at the house about the same time every day and then Monday she was able to get into Meridian, see their physician and get her prescription filled. Um, the follow-up story. So, like I said, she checks in with me every morning. Um, she's been very good about
it and she reports that she's been doing well. She hasn't had no relapses and she's actually um been able to talk her sister into getting help as well. her sister also is a is a chronic drug user and that kind of shows that this problem is very generational. You know, it affects
entire families, not just one patient at a time. So, funding, let's talk about the funding. So, like I said, we're a core county and with that comes a pot of money um from so LSF is the administrator. They're the ones that
also do the opioid abatement funds. All the funds that you see, this is no cost to taxpayers. This is money that will be awarded directly to us um for specifically the core program. So year one, uh Bradford County receives
700,000. And with those funds, LSF is the one that kind of decides how to divvy those funds up. So the way this process worked is they got together all the organizations. So, um, it was us, Meridian, the sheriff's office, and I
believe HCA, they tried to get involved. Um, but there was a little bit of a disconnect there. Um, so our plan included the addition of a position under community parame medicine that is grant funded. And if this is approved
today, what we'll do is we'll advertise this position as it's grant funded. meaning if these funds run out in four years and we're not able to cover them, that position is going to go away. Um, you know, I I'm remain optimistic at seeing the level of funding that's out
there and the funding that's coming down the pipeline. Um, we've had some really good conversations with the state and it seems like a lot of this funding is here to stay. Um so for the first year 459,617
is what's been approved for um Bradford County Fire Rescue specifically. I don't have the numbers for Meridian or you know any of the other partner organizations because they submit everything separately. So I can tell you that that complete 700,000 has been um
unofficially awarded. I just don't know the breakdown for the others. So this money includes um again the additional um position. This includes the cardiac monitors, the the CPR machines that you see, the purchase for
Suboxin, essentially any operational startup cost that we would have for an additional position and then for the expected growth that we'd like to see with the program. Um year two will be 350,000 awarded again to Bford County. Um and for our year two cost will be
164. And again, you'll see that number is a lot less because it doesn't include any of the initial startup costs, the purchasing of equipment and things like that. And then year three um through 18, again, this is like the opioid abatement funds that's guaranteed for the next 18
years. Um the county will receive 175. So again, um we do remain very optimistic on the funding. I've done a lot of research. We've talked to a lot of people um at the county and state level and it seems like again this funding is here to stay. I don't see it
going anywhere. Um, but you know, we're we're realistic at the same time. If it does go away, this position is grant funded. Um, and we're going to keep it again zero cost to taxpayer essentially. So, this will just kind of overview what I foresee this position to be. Um,
again, it's going to be a very specialized position. It's not just going to be your standard EMT or paramedic. I'm going to expect them to um one they're going to become the coordinator for the core program here. That means we'll have one person that will oversee that program um up under
me. That way they can spend you know a lot more time with really focusing on creating a program here that's that's an excellent resource for Bradford County. Um they'll also going to assist with traditional CRP program needs. Um,
and you know that includes our chronic disease management, our our daily resources that we're providing, things like that. Um, and again, this is just going to open up how many patients we can see. I can tell you within about the past month and a half, I've received 30
referrals. That's between crews. Um, law enforcement is referring patients over to us now for mental health and substance abuse. And we're still receiving referrals from social services at um, UF Health. I'm one person. 30 referrals is a lot of patients to comb
through and it's just not possible. Um I'll be very realistic. I typically have to triage those with the highest needs. Um there are definitely patients who, you know, it's a couple weeks before I'm able to follow up with them. But that's because again,
we're taking those patients who need the most help. We're providing that help to them. And that's what we're here to do, right? And again, it's just going to be a very um specialized position. So, they're going to have to get crisis intervention trained, which is essentially a 40-hour
um course that a lot of law enforcement officers will get, but we're going to require this position to get it as well. And it just teaches some basic crisis intervention techniques. Um they're going to be expected to, excuse me, respond any substance abuse and mental health related calls. And again, this
kind of falls into that co-responder team that we're also wanting to create with the sheriff's office for those calls specifically. And then they're going to be experts on core. They're going to live and breathe CORE. They're going to know how to effectively identify, interact with, and
treat these substance use disorder patients. Again, that was a very brief overview. There's a lot that goes into core. I could probably talk all day about it. Um but with that I'll entertain any
questions and do my best to answer. >> Thank you so much. And this is a very very very important significant program for Bradford County. Uh and you answered the one question I wanted to ask was could the person self-referral? Yes ma'am. Refer. And then my other question
has to do with the jail because you have that captive uh audience there and a great um percentage of the people that are incarcerated have substance issues. And so how you might be able to um
capture and do intervention with those persons before they get um discharged from the jail. >> Yes, ma'am. So Meridian um they've actually done a pretty good job of they have the two groups in the jail already and what they've done in the past is if
they've identified patients that they know are getting out soon and may require MAT services or something like that they've either referred them to us until they could get them in to see their physicians or they'll refer them directly to Meridian. >> Okay. And just my last question is um
and I know that you would be incorporating the screener the evaluator. Um one of the things that I saw as being real significant is whenever um law enforcement is called out uh on some of the cases when they
may suspect the person is suffering from mental health or substance induced um situations. would your um evaluators be able to accompany um the sheriff in those particular
instances? >> Yeah, so we've actually started to unofficially enact that. Um there's been quite a few calls within the past month where the sergeant on duty or one of the deputies will call me directly. They'll say, "Hey, you know, we've been dealing with this patient who maybe has been
having a mental health problem for the past week." Um, I've met them out there, you know, at the same time as them. We've actually, uh, referred them directly to Meridian from the field. You know, sometimes these patients that they're going to for mental health problems or drugs, they're not Baker Act
criteria. They haven't done anything wrong. They're not going to get taken, you know, to jail or something like that. Um, so there are a lot of patients that I feel that kind of fall through the crack in that scenario. Um, and with kind of this new process that we're doing that's that's able to grab some of
these patients who typically go unnoticed. So, yes, ma'am, to answer your question in short, we uh we've already started that, but this new position would also that would be one of their primary functions is to work directly with the sheriff's office to go to some of these calls.
>> Okay. And my last last really, I know you can't speak for Meridian, but one of the important parts is the treatment aspect. Yes. Will um your funding or meridians whichever helped to provide additional um
therapists or treatment persons. So, I had a um conversation with Miss Ashley, I think her last name is Brooks now, the probably gonna get her title wrong, the COO or or something like that now. Um and she mentioned that they were going to request through this core funding um
an additional position which would allow for a physician. I believe she said Monday through Friday. >> Don't quote me on that, but I think it's uh something like that. But yes, in short, it will uh add more days that they can have a physician there. >> Thank you. Yes, ma'am.
>> Mr. Chair, if I may >> um and I should have asked while we were in that section, but um you said that some are inel ineligible for transport. What what causes them um that we wouldn't be able to transport them?
>> Ineligible may have been the wrong word. So, if you're not familiar with the application process for Swany River, it's it's only available on one day between certain hours and it's typically um either a paper form or on the internet is the typical way and a lot of
the patients don't have internet access. So, in ineligible is probably not the correct term to use. Um more of a just difficult. >> Okay. With that being said, you know, a lot of these patients, they're going to need very shortterm transport very
quickly. And that's also the other problem of it. Sometimes it takes a while to get some of the patients established in the transportation system. That's where we run into the issue is they have their prescription waiting, but they can't necessarily get get there in time.
>> Okay. Um, another one and I know that the the the focus is not on saving money. Yes. >> But when we first came came into this, we talked about >> um that the reoccurring
>> um problems that people are facing led to us transporting them to the ER. Yes, ma'am. >> Often. Um are we keeping up with that data so that we un we can look at both sides? >> Yes ma'am. So we we have a third grant
that we receive through the department of health called the model communities grant and that grant is essentially all data collection. Um and how that looks is when I bring a patient into the program. I'll do an initial form that gets submitted directly to the state and from there you'll track uh reoccurring
transports and things like that. And then one of the the places on that form is you look at transports um six months prior to being enrolled into the program and then six months prior once they're either graduated or released from the
program. So we'll be able to pull that data um probably at the end of the year whenever um we get a few more patients in there. I'll get with the Department of Health to see if we can get that for you though. >> Okay. And with the positions, what what positions would would we bring on?
So, this position will be I don't have an exact title for it yet, but essentially just another member of the community parame medicine team. Okay. >> Um and they'll be essentially under me. And again, they'll look at running the core program and then just assisting me with some of the day-to-day referrals and things like that.
>> Just one more. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And with this, it will be no additional cost to the county. >> No, ma'am. Not at all. >> Yes, ma'am. This will all come out of core funding, the the salary, the benefits, everything. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> M. >> Sure. >> Lieutenant Week, you may have addressed this, so I apologize. Um, the funding, >> does it all have to are we when are you anticipating that we'll get the first year funding? Will it be in this fiscal year? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Does it all have to be expended in this
fiscal year or can it be carried over? >> I don't Okay. Okay. Chief carried. Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Just a comment. Um, so our last opioid abatement council meeting we had down in Orlando, uh, just
to I guess reinforce what you said earlier about funding, Secretary Hatch and Chair Lima are pushing really hard with the state to get additional funding throughout that would carry these programs on past the 18 years. So, I was
really glad to hear that because we don't want to put all this work into something in 18 years it just stops because it it is very important. And so, uh there is a strong push from that council >> that uh that we continue to get funding. So, just again wanted to reinforce you
know what you said. I think that there's a very good possibility that it'll continue to be funded. >> That's great news. Thank you. >> Hey, also you you talked about that y'all will actually pick up the prescriptions. Yes, sir. for the patients do >> as long as they're in county. >> In county? >> Yes, sir.
>> Do do you also do y'all have a way to help them if they can't pay for their prescriptions or >> So, we have a few different ways depending on, you know, if it's a patient through Meridian, sometimes they do have grants that they can cover those prescription costs. Um, there's just a lot of different variables. If there's
veterans, you know, I have a few different places that I can try to to get some resources from them. So, yes, sir. Yeah. >> Okay. Right. Yeah. I was just wondering I didn't know if there was money in this to to help them. >> Yes, sir. >> With their co-pays or whatever they had or some of them don't have any. >> We we do have um some money set aside to
where that'll come from this funding that in emergency situations we can pay for a prescription. >> Yes, sir. And that was um one of the things that they wanted to see from this program as well was, you know, kind of having like that emergency fund to where we can we can help these patients with
that specifically. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Because I know that's very important. I've heard from some people that, you know, they just they don't have the money to buy a prescription. So >> then they fall right back into the same things. >> Yes, sir. And it's not cheap medication either. >> Exact. Yes. Okay. Well, that's good to know. Thank you. >> Yes, sir.
>> If I could just one more. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Does it allow allow you guys to go in and work with students in the schools at all? >> Yes. Yes. So, a big part of it is public education. Um, so that's I don't know if
I mentioned it and if I didn't, my apologies. that other position will also be very heavy on public education. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> All right. Thank you. That was very good. Thank you very much. >> Mr. Mr. Chairman, if I may.
>> Yes, sir. >> We uh we would like with your approval, we would like to make this an action item. >> Okay. And the motion would be to authorize staff to move forward with the coordinated opioid recovery funding and
CRP expansion proposal as presented. >> Okay. Well, I'll offer that motion as stated by the manager to allow you to move forward with >> second. Okay. Have a motion and a second. Any other questions? All in
favor by sign of I. I. Motion carries 50. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, next item. Uh, clerk's report. >> We're all good this month. >> Okay, that's good. Uh, sheriff's report.
>> County managers. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, as you may know, we uh we we um we put together a working group probably a month ago, six weeks ago, uh of of county employees who are committed to
going through the over 200 agreements and um contracts that the board of county commissioners has with various vendors and service providers. Um they are doing an amazing job. They meet weekly and they are uh very very
committed to what they're doing. They take it very seriously. And so after that update, I would like to ask for consensus to advise uh or to advertise through RFP for a floor cleaning services and pest control services
contracts. Um once again, the these folks are doing amazing job. Um a daunting test. I had I honestly I had no idea that we had over 200 agreements and and contracts with various vendors and service providers. So these are the two
that we need to address immediately that they have found the floor cleaning services and pest control services. So via consensus we'll move forward with an RFP. >> Okay. Do I have consensus? >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Very good then. Thank you. Uh
I believe that's all I have, Mr. Chairman. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, okay. The county attorney. All right. Commissioner's comments. Turn it over to Commissioner D. >> Uh, is it Hastings? Is that Hast Hast?
M. Hast. I just want to thank you for your comments. I commend you on I know that one of the first meetings you came to, I think you might might have had a different view on how things were going. And I just want to say that, you know, I firmly believe that this board is very
transparent and I believe that everybody that works in the county offices is very transparent. So, anytime there's a question, I urge anyone to come ask those questions. Certainly not at the podium because we're not always equipped to answer those questions at the time. But we have staff. I think I've said it
before, they're here from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. They take lunch from 12:00 to 1 and so they're always here to answer those questions. But again, uh I think if if more people were like you that actually sat down and took the time to study it and find out and ask the right questions, then I think
you get the answers. >> Yeah. >> I don't understand it. >> I mean, I can read, but I'm trying to understand it. That's why I'm asking questions, >> but again, I just wanted you to know that I do appreciate y'all. I don't hate
nobody. >> I just want to understand it and educate myself better. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> But um anyway, just wanted to mention that and um again just you know continue to you know do all the things that we do to work for the people that put us here
and I just appreciate y'all and appreciate staff for always being available. So thank you. >> It'll take me a few minutes. Um I just want to make the community aware um the breast cancer awareness month for
October and encourage your loved ones, your wives, daughters, friends, whatever to get their mammograms done. Do self um exams but also men can get uh breast cancer as well. Encourage the men to get their prostrate uh exams done. Um and
just just be aware. Um also, you know, this being fire prevention, um support our um fire department and others, uh first responders. Um and also, um this past month was the firefighters awareness for suicide and that is one
group that has a very high percentage of suicide because of the stress of their job. So, um keep all those things in mind. Um, and yesterday I guess was World Habitat um, day and I'd like to
call out uh, the name of Ali McCrae. He's passed away, had service for him, but he was our champion for Habitats for Humanity in Braick County to help build homes for people who were in need of dwellings. U, not only did he do that,
but he helped with our food banks. Um, and also he was um, a faithful servant. um and our military. Um so we honor I honor Ali McCrae. >> We all do. This county does. Um he was a
a great humanitarian and a person who loved everybody. Um and also I'm grateful uh for the support that the community has rallied behind Bill G. And I saw on the Facebook where he's making strides. Um but it shows the power of
God and and um the perfect prayer of the righteous for him. Um I um want to also um thank um Mr. Weeks for um um his the
programs that he's been intimate uh instrument um um providing into our community for our opiate abatement um issues. is the people who are addicted to drugs. And um this is a very important program that will make great
strides in our community to to help with um substance prevention. Um and I'm would like to um thank Mr. Dodge um for the work with the limited number of staff to try and get our roadways um and
our work crews uh are doing a a good job with the resources that they have and we look forward to um making our community of roadways uh continually to improve. Um, I would ask our our manager, and I
know he will, um, to look to see if the direction that we had in mind for um the expansion on the 16 bypass, if there's been any change in plans in that
area, um, to to have our city to come and and and talk with us um, about it. you know, you read a lot of things in the paper, but when I read what I read, it gives me the thought that maybe some directions are
changing and we're not aware. So, I'm just going to ask if you >> Mr. Chairman, could I respond? Thank you. So, I did send an email. I think maybe Commissioner Dohy was copied on it. I sent an email to the city manager last week asking them to come to the
next October 16th meeting, >> okay, >> of the county commission. And the reply was that they were not available. They'd be at a uh a conference, a gas conference. So, they will not be here on the 16th, but we'll uh we'll try and get
them in here the best way we can. And I know our delegation meeting is um October 23rd here in this chamber at 9:30 a.m. or 10 10 a.m. So we we wanted to get them in here prior to that so that we could uh you know so the board
could make a determination on whether or not they wanted to to uh support their ask. I'm assuming they'll make an additional ask for more appropriation to extend that that project. But, uh, yeah, they've been invited and they have a conflict. So, we'll we'll see how that
goes. >> All right. They are our partners and we want to just be clear that we we're we're on the same page. Um, all right. Thank you. >> So, I'm sorry. >> Is she done? >> Yes, I'm done.
>> Yes, ma'am. I'd like to thank you for coming and the interest you show in this county business. Uh, Mr. weeks. Thank you for the hard job that you do and the good job. And you know what, Lord, we got a part of it,
his uh work. We can all pray for each and every one of them >> people that has that addiction. I feel like that'd be our job. But Lord, we need to we need to remember that. And for each and every one of our departments,
I love y'all and I appreciate y'all coming. Thank you. >> I too would like to say thank you for taking time to educate yourself and um I wish a lot more people would do that. Then there would be a lot less
misinformation out and um and hopefully people could understand um you know some of what's going on. Um, I had a meeting with a a couple of people in my district the other day and
Jason, how many do you how many staff do you have now? Yes. 11. Did we hire some? Okay. All right. I just wanted to make sure my
numbers were right when I tell them how many is out there working and uh so but um thank y'all for everything you do. Same with the fire department guys. I can't thank y'all enough. And Mr. Weeks
um that's hard work. It really is. When you're dealing with addiction, um like you said, it it doesn't just affect the person that is addicted. it affects their family, all of their families. Um, and so that's
a big job when you're trying to give sympathy to the people that are surrounded by that as well. So, thank you for what you're doing. And um, with that, that's all I have. >> Mr. Chair, I just wanted to wrap up with
um something that was uh I think that was brought up in one of the meetings and I think just kind of segueing into you know what we're just talking to Mr. Dods about. So just for clarification purposes, the gas tax money goes towards the road
department and transportation projects. Solid waste money goes strictly to solid waste. Fire assessment goes strictly to fire. These funds are not mixed around in different pots of money that are for raises or for doing other uh
expenditures that the county has. I just I want to be clear on that. I think that I brought up a couple things in the last meeting, but that's one thing that I also wanted to make clear is that money is strictly funded for those particular departments and that's it. And again, if
you have any questions about that, you can talk to Dana or you can talk to the clerk's office about that. So again, I just I wanted to mention that was on my mind. Thank you, >> Sheriff. >> Um, has a truck department found out any
further on our audit? >> Still waiting on the sheriff's office. >> You tell sheriff that. I said get on it. >> I stay on him every day. They switched software in the in the middle of that fiscal year of uh 23 24 I believe it was.
>> Yeah. Yes, that's correct. They switched software in the middle of the year. They didn't do the conversion when they said they were going to do the conversion that right so they could start out with new software. So half the years in old software and half the year is the new software. >> Oh my. >> So it's it's been a mess. It's been a
real mess. >> Thank you. Yeah. I'd like to say one more thing. Commissioner Andrews's mom has had a white stroke. It's her mama, but my aunt and I'd like for you all to please remember her in prayer.
Thank you. I'm done. >> Definitely. Well, thank you. And Commissioner Dudrey, I'm glad you brought up about the uh about those where those funds go, but but board, um I think I've asked this a couple times and I've talked to the road department about it, but um what I would like us to
do on the roads that were having resurfaced or whatever, chip sealed with the gas tax money. I was in a a county a year ago or several years ago. Anyway, they had these signs that said your gas
your your gas tax dollar is at work. >> Oh, wow. >> And and you know, and when you're done with that road, move it to another one. That way, we don't have to make, you know, 100 signs. But um but I'm just saying that way, you know, whenever we're chip sealing a road, I know this year, I believe we're trying to get 11
roads done. And um you know each one of them roads you could put that sign there and that way the public could see hey this is where our gas tax money is going. And um you know if if y'all would like you know and like I said they
weren't huge signs but they were they were nice signs. And um you know if y'all would be interested in something like that having the road department make that up. I I just think that would be very helpful and and people could see, you know, that hey, this is your your gas tax dollars.
>> Well, I think that each one of us, just like Mr. Daltry just brought up the issues that with the the different fundings that legally we are bound to keep it in that pocket. >> Um, we're trying to educate the public. I think that would be a good idea and
when they so that they could understand >> um when they see it that that's where the the funding is coming from. So um I've never seen it but >> sounds like a good and the more education that we can can do um I think
the better like like he said um we all know that we are transparent. if if I if you ask me a question, I'm going to answer it. If I don't know, then I'm going to go ask someone that does. But, um, so like I
said, the more we can educate people on the things that we do and how we are legally bound to do certain things, we can't we can't step out of those boundaries. We can't give ourselves a raise. And, you know, we definitely
don't make sixdigit salaries. So, we just have to make sure that those things are getting out to the public. Um, like I said, I met with a couple of people and that was one thing that they recommended. Try to educate people more.
And so, I think we're trying to do that the best we can. And so, I think it might be a good idea. >> Mr. Chair, I think it's important too to remember that it's it's not just our gas tax. It's even people that visit our county that
>> right any anybody buys gas >> which which helps us and yeah especially when we have facilities newer facilities that uh people are stopping to more frequently that the gas tax fund just continues to increase. But uh it's always good when you can have people
from outside help pay for projects. So >> absolutely. >> And if you'd like I don't I don't have the copy here so I don't really want to throw out numbers but um I've been watching it closely. Um, the clerk's office has definitely been helping me, but that new racetrack, >> oh my god,
>> the the gas tax money that we've got coming in now from that and the Wawwa. But, uh, if if you want, I'll I'll bring the copy in our next meeting and and um, read it and but it's it's it's gone up quite a bit. Put it this way. I was
talking with Jason. I think we're doing 11 roads this year and we're hoping to do between what 15 and 20 next year with the extra gas tax money for chip seal. >> Anyway, we should be able to do more next year is is the bottom line. So,
about to put you on the spot and I'm going to put you on the spot one more time. Do is that a possibility of of doing those signs your gas tax dollars at work? >> Yes, sir. And if y'all would like, I can bring you a sample before we make all of them. Okay, that that would be great if
if Is that okay with the board? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. All right. Thanks, Chase. >> Okay. Um All right. Um sorry, I'm looking at my notes here. Um also, uh last Saturday, I think we had the cleanest cars in the state uh
because I believe uh Snappies, Snappies, the new car wash. If you didn't go through there, you ought to go through there. That place is amazing. It was packed. It was actually the first time I went by, I had to keep going cuz the line was all the way out to 301. But,
uh, the people there are super friendly, do a great job. They wash your the front of your car off and your windshield and all before you even go through there. And, uh, it's worth the trip just to go through there. That car wash is I if I went through a car wash, I I don't even know when it was. Maybe when I was a
little kid or something, I don't know. But it it was really really cool that car wash. So, uh, anyway, uh, great addition to, uh, Bradford County. Um, so, uh, Lieutenant Weeks, thank you so much. Super presentation. Appreciate all
you do and, uh, really do appreciate it. And, um, other than that, um, I just want to say this, Mrs. Hasten, you made my day. I I'll just be honest with you, you made my day because because, um, and and I know the
board does. We I I know I can just say for myself I I have been stressed to the max for about the past month, month and a half. And uh so I I really do appreciate that cuz we I know it may not seem like it,
but we do care and uh and pray about every decision we make. And it's tough. It's very very tough. So I appreciate the time you um put into it and and and coming and and thanking us. I really do thank you again. You made my day. So,
um, with that, uh, thank you everyone for being at the meeting this morning. If there's nothing else, come before the board. All right. meeting a journ. Part: 2
[Music] difference contination and respect. depends on us being able to work together even commit to treating one another respect. Our
strong united when people look at this they see teamwork together we all don't agree Moving forward with that
meeting tonight and I had on that night for being here on that night. I was We're here tonight application and interview process.
Anybody want to start that offs? because of me and my elephant in the room, I will acknowledge that. Um, and I guess that
letter was because of me. I will acknowledge that also. Um I believe in things being done correctly at all times.
Um if we are to move forward then every has to be every eye has to be um if we are going to do things
as the old did then there's really no sense in us If it's going to be outside of the sunshine, then everybody should just get a few to do it.
But if we are here to do the work and be a new board, then let's let's be a new I've done a lot of work behind the scenes for us to be a new I mean, we've
done a whole lot of work. There's some that have done the horses, the the pigs, the cows, the all of that. I mean, we're busting our butts to to make this a new.
Um, but in hiring the fair manager and at that particular meeting. The questions that I asked, those were legitimate questions and because of the answer that I did not
get and the way that it was handled, I made a statue request and that's why we're here today. And because of that request,
I got the answers and everybody else got the answers that I was looking and see. We got an email. Everybody got the answers. I don't understand how we got the
person. Do you understand what the fair application of this was? I was a hiring man. Okay. So, let me ask you this then. I failed already. What process you
at the on this application. We took every single and we scored one to 100. It was the executive board that
warmer city manager set everything up and we scored all that. We took the top six candidates that we felt scored the best and then we started.
So these scores here only reflect how they look on a piece of paper with an application and their resume. That's how we had nothing to do when we brought them in for an interview. Once we conducted
an interview that we started narrowing down the candidates and how we reach our explain the score had nothing to do with who we select strictly from their strictly pieces of paper I don't know
who these people were what they look like or anything You sit there in front of me and look at me and talk to me and I'll give you answers to any word of mouth. all over the county.
We're supposed to tell you something different than what they actually for the interview 15 questions. We didn't question what I'm asking. So you're saying after
the person sat in front of you. Is that what you're saying? So the different color is the sky might say it's a man.
So then you have to like it's the best if they were not important because we narrowed it We know our best score. That's how we do it. We all
because I'm here and I'm glad you called. I don't understand. a person with the lowest score and someone with 87. How you can
17 more and that person with 70 out Initial one is process process figure Initially what you're You could have people say
470 or higher. First you and we always think as a for somebody wasn't clear.
to make ABCs. I just want to give you my supporting leadership. But I just There are some professional actions that I
just make sure answers that question. We all need elevator speeches or communication when we walk out. And so I want to help support
you guys. And I hope I Also want to remind everybody to see by prod. All of the interview And it was brought up to be about
second. I was looking at other people's feelings that have own So I might I'll take ownership for that and I agree. We are a young I think we all got through something that maybe we weren't totally all prepared.
Personally I don't think the county was prepared for everything that's going on. So I think there's a lot of learning processes for every We're a smart I think we do have to learn. It's going to take time. We always want to talk
about the county Baker County. And I think I kudos to the committee and committed ideas unanimous number one candidate. So we decided that we would move forward with number one
candidate and this board number one candidate go back to the drawing board and go secondan followed you have questions because I look back
this girl from high graduated from school had three jobs. So, how can you sit there and say that she was the best of people that have 25 years? No, no, no. I said this person in the
last four years had three jobs. I'm trying to help translate questioning. and rather something. So I think Maybe that interview
is think should have said this person had a discussion not to just bring her here to us that night. They gave us the whole information to us. This is our candidate. This is why we picked her
blah blah blah blah blah gave us a chance to protect people in the room. I hear what you're saying. I'm saying the night she What I'm saying is that after you pick
the person, you should have bought that back to not bring her to the meeting the night. That's what I'm saying. I think she did a phenomenal job at
interviews and I can confidently say I love it because she did hers and I bring her here so we could see her
experience And then she had all that discussion on whether or not we thought she was a worthy overse. These are the candidates.
And this is who we want to bring her to you all. Hey guys, we got 64 applications. We scored them. We interviewed 17. Maybe
a person and I think about number to Next step, exactly what I said last
week. You can go down pull out exactly what he put in there. He put in my face, but he didn't put in there. that I was and if I'm
or if I'm a token and if I'm pretty I said I was pretty and I know I'm pretty I feel like I need a question.
Nobody qualif. I made you not live. But the thing that really got me trying to in her Everybody knowled
in living here. I asked the other night. If she wants to move, she can move. stood ago. They came for a member of our
What I said was board. I don't think I've been chairman of the board for more than I think you said. I don't think Florida
State that's what I'm sorry. Are we saying that you feel that you say that? Are you saying that by moving on? prevented discussing. Okay. We didn't have
negotiate contract. County has We're all learning the same. All in favor of the vote. I don't know anything more sit down and spend a little bit more time
with what our feelings were. that I am feeling some kind of way about that was all put out in the copies around Somebody That's account 48. Is the contract something?
It was a 75. We negotiate. Thank you. All right. That being said, I'm sorry. Yesterday. What?
emails. I get people Okay. Yeah. Hello. I'll be doing