Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> support. Thank you. 1 minute. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> This is like 1 minute. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, it's now 6:30. The Bradford County Board of
County Commissioner meeting is now called to order. I'll ask you to stand for invocation and pledge of allegiance. May we all bow, please. Heavenly Father, we lift you up this evening give you all the thanks, the praise, and honor for your grace, and
your mercy, and your love. We pray for this board and all of our staff, and all of the people that are here this evening, those in persons, and those that are listening online. We pray for our country, for our county, for our nation. We ask a special blessing upon the
Norman family for the loss of one of our dear employees, Mr. Christopher Norman. Please comfort his family and others who may have lost their loved ones. Comfort those suffering from illnesses. Help us to always show compassion and to serve every resident with fairness and
humanity. Heavenly Father, [clears throat] we are grateful we are grateful nation and we give you thanks for the freedom that we all enjoy now. We are grateful for our country for ending slavery and as we celebrate Juneteenth on tomorrow, June 19th, we
celebrate with grateful hearts for our precious freedom. And as we approach our nation's 250th anniversary of freedom for our nation, we give you thanks for the privilege of living free and we give honor to all the men and women who gave
their lives that we might live as one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Now Lord, grant us a portion of your wisdom and courage to make decisions that honor you and provide fair and just services to our community. In the mighty name of my Lord
and Savior, we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge [screaming] allegiance >> I pledge allegiance >> [clears throat] >> to the flag of the United STATES OF AMERICA. AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
>> I HEAR OUR LITTLE PEOPLE there saying, "Y'all get started now. Get started." So, we're going to move now to our presentation. Tell us who you are and what y'all about. >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Dina De Siena. I'm the recreation director of
um Bradford Sports United and I am super excited to be here. As you can see, I've got a lot of athletes and fun faces with us today. Um these are actually our teams that had the opportunity to go to districts and either got first or second um in
districts, which is super exciting and we are just extremely proud of them. So, to start, we have our 16U girls. Um our coaches are Brian Salvador, John Bradshaw, Rebecca Hancock and David Woodrum. The four of them have been just absolutely incredible in getting the
girls where they needed to be. Our girls actually took first place in the district tournament. So, [crying] a very big accomplishment for Bradford. YEAH. >> [applause] >> IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, IS THAT the first time 16 has gotten first place? Yeah.
So, I mean just huge accomplishments not only for them but for the organization as a whole. It being our first time kind of getting our feet under us and they're taking first place home and with a bid to state. So, they'll head to states. Am I right? June 24th?
June 24th, they'll be in Lake City for the state tournament. So, that's just an amazing accomplishment for them. I mean, they started the year out doing awesome honestly. They How many did we have? We take 13 to states or we took 12
or to districts? How many girls did we take? 12. So, we took 12 girls from our original team to districts and states and we're just rolling right on through. Yeah. We're just super proud of them and we're excited for what they have to come. If you want to see how they won.
[crying and laughter] Okay. No, it was Houston. She won it. >> [laughter] >> So, that was their final PLAY OF THEIR >> [applause] >> THAT WAS THEIR FINAL PLAY OF THEIR GAME. SO, WE'RE JUST super excited and proud of them and can't wait to see where they go after this and
[clears throat] on to states next week. Perfect. Our next group is our senior boys. Unfortunately, they're not here with us today. They're actually practicing right now getting some extra work in. So, they also took 12 kids to states or to districts. Um they
came in second in districts, which is also a huge accomplishment. I don't know that we've had a senior voice team in Bradford in a long time, actually. They started with four kids when registrations closed, and there was about four or five moms that said, "We're having a team." So, they got all the rest of the kids' friends together,
and they were able to not only put a team together, but come in second in the district tournament. They opted to not go to states, but they were bid, and they were able to go if they wanted, which was just an amazing experience. They actually played Melrose in the
district championship. They did lose, however, they had a great season. They did wonderful throughout the whole thing. And like I said, I think this was one of the first times we've had a senior team in Bradford in quite a long time for those boys. >> [applause and cheering] >> So, our third and final team that went,
we had seven teams total that went to districts, but three teams either came in first or second. This is our extremely awesome T-ball team. Um y'all took 13? 13 kids? >> [snorts] >> So, they had 13 kids. They have Their
coaches were Jonathan Best, David Young, Ashton Benton, and Colton Griffis. Um same thing with the four of them. They've been They were actually two separate teams, and they joined We had five total T-ball teams. There was at least one kid from each team, am I correct? At least one. Um
So, we combined all those five teams and took our 13 top players and sent them off to the district tournament. Um they came in second to Williston. 46 to 45 was that total score.
Yes, it was a long, long game, but those kids stayed um completely dialed in that entire 2 and 1/2 hours. Way more than I did. But it was awesome. Truly, like they just did a fantastic job. They were super fun to watch all season, and they
went to districts last weekend in Live Oak. They came in fifth. Oh, they went to states. Sorry. They were in states in Live Oak last weekend, and they came in fifth there, which was a fantastic accomplishment to think that
four to six year olds are out there BALLING IT OUT. >> [applause] >> SO, HONESTLY, ALL IN ALL, WE'RE JUST SUPER proud of all of our teams that we had come out this season. Um, whether they won districts, or even if they just went to districts, it was a
great experience. We had 19 teams to start, seven went to districts, and three either came in first or second and had the opportunity and the invitation to go to states, which is a huge accomplishment for the teams and for the organization as a whole. We have our
fall registrations going live um on Saturday. So, we're just going to keep on rolling, and we're excited to see what they have in store for us. Yeah. >> [applause] >> Yeah. Congratulations to all of you all. You did a fantastic job, and we're so
very proud of you. And at this time, we want to get a picture um with your group. >> So, our 16U girls can go first. They also have something for all of y'all. They do um sign softballs. So, each one of you guys get a little memorabilia.
Yeah, but y'all can come up. Oh, stay there. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 1 2 3 Great. Thank you. >> OKAY. >> SEE YOU.
>> [applause] >> GREAT JOB. OH, WONDERFUL. >> [laughter] >> SORRY. >> I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING. >> [laughter] >> AS I said How about we Oh, no. I can't see. >> [laughter]
>> Cancel that. Yeah. You all come to school. CANCEL THAT. >> [laughter] >> THIS IS ONLY BRIAN'S WALKING IN. >> I JUST got a city permit. >> Oh, cancel that. Yeah, that's my plan. >> Thank you so much. >> [laughter]
>> Cancel that. Cancel that. Cancel the arrangements. DID YOU TELL HER HER PREGNANCY? [laughter] DID YOU TELL HER HER PREGNANCY? >> [laughter] >> WHAT ABOUT THE SCALE? YES. >> [laughter] >> YES, I CAN.
READY? 1 2 3 Cancel the arrangements. >> [laughter] >> THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> GOOD JOB. THANK YOU ALL. Congratulations to everyone. And thank you all for our trophy.
Commissioner Reddick is going to say something before you all go. Just a second. >> And I'll tell you if if anybody was wondering, this is where all the money from I see the county, TDC, city of Starke, individuals,
um and as you can see it's it's well worth every penny. And we thank you all so much for coming. Coach Bryan, you could not pry that trophy out of his hand if you had to. >> [laughter] >> Every time I see him, he's walking around holding that trophy. >> [laughter] >> He's definitely proud of that trophy,
but but thank thank every one of y'all. Thank all of the coaches. We really really do appreciate it and looking forward to to better and greater things in the years to come. So, [laughter] thank you. Thank all of the girls, all of the players, everybody. Thank y'all. >> [laughter]
>> Beautiful. Y'all look [snorts] beautiful. THANK YOU. OKAY. >> [applause] [clears throat] [laughter] >> OKAY. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE'RE going to have a public hearing, but I just want to um
for clarification, this is just a a public hearing, this is not any final thing that we're doing um at this time. They're going to bring back our policy um in July. So, this is a public hearing and it's it's necessary
um to allow us um some flexibility. So, when you first look at this, you think, "Oh, they're not going to have any purchasing policy in place, or they're not going to have any guidelines in place." That that's not what this is. We're we're doing this so that we will
be able to have an updated revised policy so that we'll have some flexibility. Um so, yes, we're going to have policies in place with those rules that we're all we're obliged to follow that the state guides us along.
And if Mr. Carney or >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Commander want to say anything to clarify the necessity of this. >> No, but it's just transparency with the public hearing. We need a need you to open a public hearing. >> Okay. All right. At this time, the public hearing is open.
And we'll hear from any of if there's any public comments. Ms. Hastings, would you like to >> I'd like to go up there and ask a question. >> So, you're just dismissing the policies for the time being and it'll be brought back when?
>> We're not dismissing anything. So, the the current policy [clears throat] is an ordinance. In order to allow some amendment and flexibility, there's going to be a new policy that replaces it if presumably if after another public hearing the board decides to vote in favor of this
ordinance. >> So, you'll have another public hearing after this? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Any other comments questions from the public? All right. >> And if it's closed if there's a motion to read by title. >> All right. We'll close the public
comments. Um Go ahead. >> I'll make a motion to read by title. >> Second. >> All [clears throat] right. It's been motioned and uh seconded to read by title. >> An ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners of the Bradford County,
Florida amending the purchasing policy specifically chapter [clears throat] two administration article four purchasing procedures sections 2-151 through 2-172 of the Bradford County Code of Ordinances and providing effective date. That is the ordinance by
title. >> That's it. And now no other questions from the board or anyone here, we're going to close this public hearing. All right. And we had our sports united presentation and now we will have our public comments [clears throat] and I
have >> [cough] >> three cards. Did I miss anybody's comment card? Um Is Diane the strong? I hope this is. >> I am in a strong post office box 530 lobby.
First I want to say that I come to these meetings and um I talk. Most of the time I don't feel like anybody is listening, but I bear today that you will listen to me. Um
what I'm going to say is a personal and it's important. Today I looked through the agenda and I saw that you have on there
some contractors that you're going to um give a contract to. I say this with a lot of sincerity. Please look into
their insurance. Look at their insurance today. Look at their insurance in 30 days. Look into their insurance in 45 days. Make sure that they continue to have insurance.
Nobody cares about their insurance after they after they start the job, but make sure that your your general contractors keep insurance. I can tell you that
a lot of times they don't keep insurance. It is very important that these general contractors keep insurance. The state of Florida says that they're required to keep insurance, but they don't.
Don't tell me that they do. They don't. I'm telling you from personal insure from personal experience they don't keep insurance. Also, how many people have to die? We've had three people that have died in Bradford
County. You didn't buy allow them to buy a fire truck. Now they're going to try to buy a tanker. Please allow the fire department to buy the tanker so no more people have to
die. We have funds to buy everything else. I'm paying a fire assessment. Please allow the fire department to buy a
tanker so nobody else has to die. It is very important. I don't want to be the person that needs the tanker for the fire department and they can't come in Lawtey.
We've had people that have died because this board decided it wasn't important. >> Thank you. >> Don't let anybody else die. >> Thank you. Um next we have um Tom Germano.
>> Good [snorts] evening. Good to see you all. Tom Germano, 2870 Southeast 50th Street in Keystone Heights, um Southern Bradford County, 32656. Uh later this evening I on the agenda you're going to um be presented with information regarding
a road closure and abandonment of by the county of a road called Cordova Street. It's originally um this was originally addressed along with another road called Jackson Street and approved by the commission at a meeting you guys had back in 2024.
And um both of these roads, as you probably are aware or remember, they're physically non-existent. They're just platted out. Um, it's my understanding that it's through some sort of error the paperwork wasn't correctly filed and and it kind of slipped through the cracks, but
I've been asked to come here and just tell you all that there's no This is not a contentious issue with the residents of the area, nor was it before. And everybody very much appreciate your time that you took back in 2024 to review this and also that you're looking
at it again. And um um we understand that Jackson Street will be addressed at another meeting. So, unfortunately, I don't know why, but we're we're doing them doing them at different times. Um, the other issue I wanted to just bring up uh
is uh Southeast 50th Street. Um a lot of the residents are abuzz with um that one of our neighbors and and this is not good or bad thing and I'm not advocating for or against our dirt road. Many of us like the dirt road. We feel like we're out in the country with the
dirt road. Although it has gotten um deteriorated quite a quite a bit over the last several years and it's not it's maintained on a regular basis, which we're thankful for. But it's not maintained in the same way as where it looks like a lot of times they come through and just put dirt on the problem. And then fill the potholes next
time. Fortunately now that we're getting rain, the potholes in areas that wash out the road just reappear. One of our neighbors um uh wants to pay to do the road himself. And while that sounds wonderful and not
the whole road, he wants to do just down to his house. And I don't blame him for that. Um which is about half of the street. Um so um it's about a a mile, I think. And we certain all of us certainly understand the motives this gentleman's motives, and and we feel like the
quality of life living on that dirt road has gone down somewhat because of the amount of dust that comes through. The our cars are dirtier. Our um bushes and trees toward closer to the road are dirty. Even our pets are covered. We have some horses down the street that are covered in dust when
they're here. So, um I don't know the entire history of why he he has decided to do this or why it can't be put on some sort of agenda, even if it's at a later date for Bradford County to pay for it. My understanding, I'm
running out of time here. My understanding is this I don't I'm not aware of any other uh roads that we've had to have neighbors pay for. So, I just like to just wanted to point that out. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. And last one I have here is Ms. Bowhay Steen.
>> [clears throat and cough] >> Good evening, commissioners. Um glad you're feeling better, Mr. Baltree. And I'm glad you're back, Mr. Thompson. Sorry for the loss of your family and all. Um bringing to my attention the meeting we had with Ms. Laura Dietrich here. I
believe it was on the 21st of May uh where she showed the picture of the arena, which is absolutely fabulous. Our county, I think would do great with that. I think it would be a good addition to our county. She also brought
up some other stuff for the airport and stated that y'all would be getting a packet the next day. >> [snorts] >> Uh I have spoke to three of you commissioners. You three have not received that packet. I did call her because she stated in that meeting, I stay up late. You call me anytime. I did
call. I actually have the dates marked down for you. I called her on June the 2nd uh the first time at 11:56 a.m. The second time at 7:53 p.m. I finally received a text back on the 3rd
that she was out of the country. I spoke to Ms. Andrews. She didn't get the packet. Mr. Reddick hadn't got the packet. And when I got here I asked Ms. Spooner and she didn't get the packet. So you know y'all say this is all on board of what they're going to do at the
airport with bringing in the UAE and and this like $10 billion for our county. But I'd like to see some information on it. I think our commissioners would like to see information on it before it's decided. I understand that she's the big player in the room as some of the
commissioners have said. But I think the actual commissioners need to see this packet. And the residents of Bradford County, I'm aware you had a meeting, but you have these meetings in the middle of the day where the citizens are at work trying to make a living and raise their
families. And they don't have time to go to a meeting during the day. You know, maybe if you had it at night. And yeah, it was advertised in the paper as a comprehensive plan. But why don't you bring up, well, could you AE wants what 600 acres on the Bradford County side of the airport so we could find out
information because you are bringing in another country. And I think that that should concern the citizens and we need to find out more information on it. Kind of like when she stated that the highway connectivity out there at the airport was 100% funded. And then Mr. Cornegy
stood up and said, "No, it hadn't been funded." But then at the last meeting I showed you a picture of all y'all with that check where it was stated $744,588 was for highway connectivity. Of course Mr. Thompson Danny gets me outside after
that as I'm leaving to say, "Oh, well, you could have asked me about them numbers." But see, I've asked questions and I just get gas lit. I don't get called back. I don't get emailed till I do a Facebook video and call you out. So, I would just like some transparency, that's all. And I thank you
commissioners for all you do cuz it is hard work. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh we'll go right along. Um at this time we have uh ask for motion for approval for the consent agenda. For items A through J.
>> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Motion by Commissioner Brady. >> Second. [clears throat] >> Consent agenda second by Commissioner Lowry. Any other questions or comments from the board? Hearing none, all in the favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
I don't Okay. Next we have um planning and zoning director um Bernadette Fisher. >> Good evening, chair, vice chair, and commissioners. I am before you today um Bernadette Fisher, planning and zoning
director for the record. And I'm before [clears throat] you today to present consideration for the vacating of Canova Street that's located within Lakeside subdivision. The petitioners that own these parcels
that's adjacent to the property, it's just a small segment of that street that's unimproved, and they are requesting the county to consider vacating that property. And I just wanted to mention an
important aspect of this is that the history in regards to this street. This is part of a subdivision that was originally platted in 1938. >> [laughter] >> It was never improved. So, none of the areas improved as far as for
access to any of those properties. Okay. And under Florida law 177.101 and the county land development regulations section 62-62, the commissioners must determine that
the right-of-way serves no purpose currently nor in the future. Okay. And given the plat's history that I mentioned, the absence of the physical improvements basically make this a street that would
be deemed to vacate. Okay? So, in closing, I will will respectfully request that a meeting is scheduled for consideration for the adoption of the resolution.
>> Madam Chair, permission through the Chair. So, today's not actually making the decision on vacating the road. Today's just the announcement of that public hearing on July 16th at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as we may be >> Okay. So, no action is needed from the board
today, but to be aware that this is being requested. And just looking at what you information you provided, it goes directly all of those properties. >> Yes, it is by six of properties. Yes. >> Okay.
>> And I will stand for any questions. >> Any questions for Ms. Fisher? All right. Okay. Well, thank you so much very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. And next we have our fire chief, um Chief Carter.
>> Madam Chair, board, good evening. Uh Madam Chair, I would ask that we remove item B from our request tonight. We're striking item B. >> Okay. Um And so my request this evening is to replace one of our fire tankers in the county. We're currently operating out of one of the public works
tankers, so they're down a tanker we needed. [clears throat] Uh this was one that we had previously uh transferred over to their inventory and then we've now had to uh be utilizing that tanker because of the breakdowns and repairs that we're currently undergoing. So, this is to apply for an
uh assistance to firefighters grant. Uh the tanker cost is just over $610,000. And so this is actually an item that was also on the capital improvement plan for '27-'28. Uh in that plan, you know, it was a county a county item, but that that we would
seek uh external funding as well, so supplemental funding sources. And so that's what we're doing through this is applying for the grant process, which is a 10% match. >> Okay. All right. Hearing the request from uh Chief Carter, and um I know too Chief that I know that you all were able
to get some assistance from the city of Starke. Right now they're having some difficulty with their their um truck as well. >> Yes, ma'am. They notified us uh that their tanker would not be available for mutual aid response uh outside of the city of Starke. So, they could use the tanker for inside [clears throat] the city for their
purposes, but uh outside of the city would not be able to be used for uh for city of Starke mutual [clears throat] aid response. >> Okay. Um board hearing of request from um Chief Carter, I'll ask for an entertain a a motion for approval for um
the match so that they can apply for >> Madam Chair, I have some questions >> Sure. >> for Chief Carter. How many tankers does the road department have? >> I don't know. [clears throat] I want to say um maybe four. >> And they respond
with you all when they're needed, is that correct? >> Occasionally, after hours and weekends, those times would be they [clears throat] wouldn't be able to be responding then. >> Okay. >> Because the whole one team, one mission. >> Sure. >> You know, if we have tankers that are in
>> Do you have something to say, Mr. Strong? >> Yeah, I'm dead. >> Go outside in the hallway and talk. >> No, we're not going to have this. We're not going to have this. Um Mr. Strong, we're the board is is speaking our our commissioner [clears throat] is speaking and our chief. So, we won't have No,
we won't have the outburst from the audience. Okay? Let's proceed. Go ahead. Um Commissioner Dorce, you you had some questions for me. Go ahead. >> says again, the one team, one mission. And I know that uh you know, whatever, whether it's a
house fire, whether it's a brush fire, that they [clears throat] typically respond with you all. >> Sure, I would I would say typically they do occasionally where they're available and able to. Uh that obviously pulls resources from their team as well, right? That that prevents them from doing everything else they're supposed to be doing. I certainly don't think we
should build our our response around relying on another department, public works, to be our our sole response or additional response uh from mutual aid, especially on again weekends, after hours, when we're not sure if they're available or not or not. We have, you know, the opportunity for
uh for grant funding to pay 10% of this cost. As well, that normally be uh $600,000 for that. >> But when resources and funds are limited, you know, [clears throat] then we try to use all the resources that we have to be able to respond. >> Yes, sir. And that was the whole purpose
of transferring those assets over to public works was to make sure that they we weren't having to buy water trucks for their department. And so, I'm not sure that again moving uh moving assets back over and relying on those as a frontline vehicle or
relying on the response from from public works would be appropriate. They also can't respond emergent in those vehicles. So, if they have a fire, they can't run lights and sirens. >> And what about the city? Is there an opportunity for the city go after the same grant? >> They are. They're currently pursuing
that as well. But as you see with their current situation, the city's going to look out for the city. >> But don't the city covers 5-mi radius from the city, right? >> Uh depends on the call type. 3-mi and 5-mi is the current agreement that we have with the city, sorry.
>> Any other questions for Chief? You You finished. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, I you know, Chief Carr, I've been given information before about the city and especially out where I live that city would respond. And therefore, if the city doesn't have a truck and the city is just going to be selective about
where they use their tanker truck, then that would affect the residents in that area, wouldn't it? >> 100% >> ISO ratings and things like that. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, that's that's that's concerning. >> Absolutely. >> So, I would think that if the city is
going to respond in that 5-mi radius that if they're going to go after that grant, then they should respond within that 5-mi radius. >> I don't disagree with you. >> Any other thing? Commissioner Thornton, any other questions from the board? >> Sure. >> Well, with regard to that, um you know,
we don't have fire hydrants in all of them the rural areas. So, if there's a bad house fire, you're relying on that tanker truck for water. >> Yes, so we rely on >> And without the water, you can't put the fire out. >> Yeah, we we rely on those 100% on our tankers. >> And the current tanker, what's the
situation with that? >> So, the goal is to replace a tanker that was a a gift from the Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department when we merged or when they the the station 10s was built, they donated a fire tanker to Glassy.
That's a 1998 3,000-gallon tanker Freightliner. And it is needing replacement, but our actually the one that we're out of currently is a 2016 tanker that's had electrical issue after electrical issue, and so they're trying
to chase that down and and figure out what the problem is there. But, this [clears throat] also doesn't include Brooker. We currently don't have a tanker slated for the town of Brooker >> [clears throat] >> once that station opens either. So, they do have hydrants in the town of Brooker, which is a benefit, but for the area
surrounding that, uh that would be again our >> [cough and clears throat] [snorts] >> fleet situation currently is is pretty rough shape for the tankers, but I you know, we have this this opportunity for this grant. It closes on the 22nd, and so we have until then to make a decision on on
whether we can put in for these funds or not. And there's no guarantee that we would get that. >> Okay. And then just one more question. And Chief Carter, I know St. Johns County on Saturday is having a surplus uh I guess auction or sale. Have we looked at other counties and
other areas where they may have, you know, similar to like the McLenny ladder truck? >> Sure. >> And would we obtain to get one maybe, you know, even at less than what the county matches? >> Right. We do. Um we we search those sites, and we look for govdeals.com and
look at all those things to try and figure out is there a way that we can we can save the money. Um unfortunately, we And that was what we did with We bought a truck from Nassau County. A spare engine, I believe we did that last year or the year before uh for our for our engine fleet for
at a much reduced cost of some probably $50,000 that we paid for the spare compared to $550,000 new truck. Um but again, those those are By the time a tanker comes around, the one that the the city of Starke is getting rid of, I think is a 1989. Um
and so with that perspective, that's when I was born. And I know how I feel, so much less reliable than a fire tanker that is from that age as well. Uh you know, I think that's But, we do certainly search and and for those deals. >> What year is ours?
>> The Well, again, the one we'll be replacing is a '98, a 1998. Um but it's it would be used throughout the fleet. So, for instance, right now the '98 is is working better than the 2016. Um because it's having electrical issues
in the 2016. And so, once we get that repaired, that would go back into front line status. The '98 would go into a reserve apparatus, or again, it would go to Brooker once that station opens as well. >> So, we have a 16 that they can't figure the wiring. >> They're working on it. It just takes
time to try and track those electrical issues down, as I'm sure you know, being a mechanic. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yes, sir. >> Well, not meaning any disrespect to Mr. Doscher, um at all, but um it's wonderful that that the city has a five that five-mile
radius, but our county is much bigger. There's people out where there are no fire hydrants, and um it would be nice to see a tanker roll up whenever your house is on fire. So, I I think it's very it's important
as it's been put, that we um we have that when we need it. >> And we've been very fortunate, and I I do not want to downplay what public works uh does for our department. They're a huge supporter. I believe you 100% it is a one team, one mission effort out there, but that's not what
they're here to do. That's not public works. Uh They're it's not [clears throat] their role, the primary role. That is our primary role. Madam Chair, your opinion? >> The 15 was out of service. >> Well, I I was just going to ask the the last house that caught on fire, there
were there was no fire hydrants anywhere around it. >> Yes, sir. >> So, so we relied on strictly on tankers to put that fire out. >> We had City of La Crosse and uh the City of Melrose both responded to that call. >> That's how much water you needed to get that fire out. >> Yes, sir. Again, after hours call,
public works was not available to respond to that fire. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Madam Chair, and and Commissioner Andrews, I'm not saying that we don't need this. I'm asking questions because I think we need to be as resourceful as we can right now. And I think that I hope the rest of this
board would agree with that uh given, you know, things that are on the horizon and, you know, we're just trying to make sure that we're being as fiscally responsible as we can be. >> And I understand that, and truly I do. I mean, we all do. But I think there's certain areas such
as law enforcement and fire and rescue that we need to ensure that we're doing what we need to do to provide them with the equipment that they they need. Um if it happens, it happens. If and we're going to have to deal with it anyway,
and um that that was what I meant. Like I said, no disrespect. >> No, no, no, no. I don't I don't Tallahassee thinks the same way. >> I completely do. I completely do. >> I mean, as we've talked about it before, you know, we can you know, start at the very top with funding public safety, and then
everything else falls out below that. >> Right. >> safety is fire, it's rescue, it's police. >> Right. >> Whatever falls out under that falls out. Like I said, hopefully they have I haven't heard a clear plan on that yet, but hopefully they are thinking that way. >> I hope so.
Um in my um thoughts on the on the matter, I I think I think it's an an important that we have reliable equipment um to serve our county. And I I do um also I'm aware of a correspondence with the city to to us
indicating that they cannot assist at this time with the with their because of some mechanical issues. Um in in light of that, I I think that it would be important to support um a grant application so that we can ensure that we have whatever is needed
to ensure that we can respond timely. And I know that we are looking at every piece of equipment when you ask what your your other vehicles, looking at every piece of equipment that we can do without um because we have to conserve because
things are on the horizon in terms of our our revenue. So, [snorts] but in the case of of of safety and this this time and the amount that's being requested can come out of the the current contingency budget.
>> Yes, ma'am. This this would not even come up for for for payment on the match until >> Right, until until and so >> And this would not be contingency. This is budgeting it into our grant match for the budget that's been presented for next year. >> But this is needed for this is needed for the
grant match to allow you to go ahead and make the application. So, you make the application and then we pay it if you get it. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> No, no, no. I was just He had mentioned earlier about it being in the CIP for 27 28. >> 27 28, yes, sir.
>> And if that's when it's due and that's when it comes up and it's in the CIP, I would make the motion that we move forward with it and see what happens. >> Okay, motion by Commissioner Dortch. A second to the motion? Seconded by Commissioner Andrews. Any other question
or discussion? All in favor sign I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Five vote. >> I'd also like to mention for May, just I've always promised you that I would look at our budget at a wants versus needs perspective, which is why I&B is was scratched from the from the agenda
tonight. Um also in other news, we have received some funding from the state for our community paramedicine program, or [clears throat] what they call the Monmouth Community Grant. And it's it's because of what we're doing in that program and the things we've been able to accomplish, but if you walk outside, you'll see an AED that's on the wall
right there. That's something that we've never had in this boardroom before which I you know, we're looking at places to put them in and figuring out where they could go and uh I said, "Man, why we've never had one in the boardroom or outside of the boardroom before. We've got one over at the courthouse at the security office, but we've never had one here. So, uh
we've got a an AED here um and we've also put them throughout the county. So, every county building now has an AED in it. Uh every deputy in the county now has an AED in their vehicle. Um we also are looking at getting a second round of funding to put AEDs in every uh
large event space here in Bradford County. So, whether whether it be a wedding venue or uh you know, a movie theater, whatever the case may be, we're looking to to put as many public use AEDs out there as possible at no cost to Bradford County taxpayers. That's through the state Florida funding. >> Thank you, Chief.
>> Chief Carter, uh Madam Chair >> Yes. >> I just want to say it doesn't matter whether you're up there or anybody else in the county comes up here now. It's this is what it's going to be like. It's going to We we need to know as far as, you know, when we're spending money and where the money's going. And you know, just like we've talked in the past about
cutting budgets and cutting cutting cutting and then things just come up. And so, you know, I don't don't feel singled out. >> I don't That's your job as commissioner. >> That's right. Thank you. >> Thank you for your job, Chief. All right. Um And just
you know, before the Chief goes, that is, but I know that we have lifted the burn ban, but I can't emphasize enough, although we're getting the rain, that people follow those rules and and, you know, and just not just burn anything. And
[clears throat] so, we need to really emphasize that with our community to >> You today >> There are all There are laws that that go into place with burning. Uh so, please follow those laws and if there's a need >> I know the most recent one y'all had was a I think a fire that got out of hand
from like a trash or something. >> Right. >> Yeah, and this is, you know, we will be coming back before you uh a little bit later on in the year to look at our burns ordinances and things of that nature to where we can you know, actually have some enforcement on from our end of how we can help mitigate some of
those problems and and and prevent those those people from burning illegally or if they do they have some some sort of consequences from us. So >> Mr. County Attorney, I know that we were asking you our attorney Mr. Commander to take a look at that see what we can do
in terms of enforcement. So We are going to be working on that. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um from the clerk's department, uh Ms. Rowan? Okay. Um no one from our sheriff anything from our officer, the sheriff department?
Um Okay, from our county manager? >> Yes, thank you Madam Chair. The only thing I'd like to talk about briefly we [clears throat] learned earlier in the week that the governor has granted two additional state holidays
Thursday before the 4th of July weekend and then Monday after the 4th of July weekend. So all state offices will be closed those two days in addition to Friday. Um >> [clears throat] >> surrounding counties, the county attorney just told me that both St.
Johns >> St. Johns and Baker have also uh again I think the governor's order was clear that it wasn't for 4th of July, it was actually for the celebration of the 250th anniversary. So with that milestone anniversary, that's where I
think a number of surrounding counties are also supporting the governor's position. >> And I have also spoken with the other constitutional officers today and they're all planning on closing both Thursday and Monday as well. >> Okay, so we >> Except for the clerk's office.
>> Okay, Thursday the 2nd and Monday um [laughter] 6th. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, thank you. >> just want to say the clerk's office will have to remain open those days only because the court system is open and their dates are set by the the Supreme
Court for the court Supreme Court. So, um but if the county does proceed, what we will do is give our staff administration days that they can take during the the year. >> Okay. All right. >> So, since we do not meet again until July 7th, that is something we need to address tonight.
>> Okay. What is the wish of the board? >> [clears throat] >> I we go forward with the governor's recommendation or and what the rest of the constitutional officers do with That's >> Yes. >> So, all we need is a vote consensus. >> Okay.
>> All right. All right. Thank you, Madam Chair. That's all I have. >> Okay. All right. Um and Mr. Commander, you said you have any >> No ma'am. Everything's fine. >> Okay. Thank you. Commissioners?
Mr. Watkins? >> I just want to say and you know, there's times we sit up here as targets. And I just want to let everybody know I'm not going to be a target anymore. You get your 3 minutes, you can come in here and you speak for 3 minutes. It
says up there before the meetings about personal attacks, anything else. If you're going to be boisterous, if you're going to whatever behavior, if it's personal, it doesn't matter. I'm I'm not going to sit here and be a target. I just want everybody to know that. So, the rest of the board, too.
However you decide to respond, but if I say something to somebody and it's because of something they said or an action that they did, then that's just the way I'm going to approach things. I'm just not going to be a target anymore. That's all I have to say. Thank you.
>> All right, um y'all saw [clears throat] earlier, again, you know, about the uh softball teams that were here. Um all I can tell you is board we are working um very very hard on uh more grants uh for another
batting cage uh scoreboards. Um I actually met with a playground um company today trying to get some more playground equipment down there for the kids. And uh like I said, it's it's really going good. I'm just so so happy with it. But at the same time, board, it
wouldn't have happened unless y'all would have put the money in and the DDC board and the uh city. So, I really really do thank you for that. So. >> Okay. >> All right. >> I'll second the motion. >> Yeah, I'd like uh
to recognize Commissioner Reddick for the hard work he put in that. I mean, he poured his heart and soul into that. And looked like he did a super duper job. So, I'mma commend you on that. >> Well, thanks. But it was a team effort. >> I know. Total team effort.
>> How much of our cost is that? From the get-go? >> [clears throat] >> Still my turn, I don't know. Yeah. >> Okay. Commissioner Andrews. >> Actually, I just want to say great job, Mr. Reddick. It really um is going well.
And um thank you for thank you all for coming down. And um like like someone said, this is a hard job. Oh, yeah. I think it was Mrs. Hackney who said it is a hard job from time to time. You make you make decisions that
you know you're going to make people mad. Um sometimes you get lucky and you make somebody happy. And those are the good days. But um we do what we think is right for this county. Honest to goodness, we do. And um thank you for being here. I want
to wish everybody a very happy 4th of July. Are we coming back before 4th? >> No. >> So, um be safe. Watch those fireworks and um that's all I have to say.
>> Um, I wish to thank everyone for being here and all of those babies, all of those little people that were here. It's just exciting to see them and I appreciate all of the work that has gone into um making making this successful um venture for our children and I
appreciate you um Commissioner Redding for your leadership there. Yeah. Um, and for our citizens, um sometimes you you may not quite understand what we're trying to do or sometime maybe the information isn't clear, but we want to be as transparent
as possible and for example with our uh purchasing policy, that is going to come back, you know, for another hearing, it's going to come before this board and so you'll be able to ask questions or whatever, but we will ensure that all of the state statutes are covered within our policy and that we follow that.
We're not getting rid of we're we're the um um purchasing policies. And we have to um >> [clears throat] >> from the from the residents that come and from the board um we have to show um
courtesy and dignity towards one another and you have a right to come and share what you share during your public comments. We can't um we don't respond or reply to those and we ask that they not be personal, but
also our behavior towards you has to be um also um courteous and respectful as well. This is this two ways. Um it's a tough time and some kind things get contentious, but we are one community and we just have to show love
towards one another and respect. Um and I appreciate that. I'm um so grateful. Do you all see my attire, It's Juneteenth attire? Um Juneteenth was the end of slavery for our country and I'm proud of our country for ending
it. And so tomorrow that is a part of that celebration. And then when we go into the 4th of July celebration for 250 years for all of America under one nation, this is a powerful nation and I'm proud
to be an American. And I'm proud that we can share and celebrate with one another. Amen. And with that I wish everybody happy Juneteenth tomorrow and happy 4th of July. Let's celebrate and love one another. Thank
you. With that, no other things, the meeting is adjourned.