a heads up before we got started. And then also um anybody in the audience um that is uh wishing to provide comments during the public comment uh segment, if you'll just uh submit your speaker card um over here to me. Um and we will get you all set up and ready to go when we
get to that portion of the meeting. All right. Thank you, Nikki. Um I guess right off the bat, I have you all had an opportunity to read the minutes of the last meeting. Um, I'd like to hear a motion to accept the minutes and move
on. >> Some moved. >> Second. >> Motion moved and second. All those in favor say I. >> I. And oppose. No. >> Do we have a quorum? >> Not sure we do. I don't think we do. I don't think we do quite yet.
>> You know. >> Okay. We've got a quorum. Good. I had to had to get to her. Okay. Do we have uh any uh public comments? If you do, we need to have your cards up here. We've got two. There others. Uh if you can bring them up here if you have opportunity to speak in them. Okay.
First one uh is um Myasha Mayu Mitchell, excuse me. >> And we have a microphone right up here. be speaking on food systems, food insecurity and so forth. >> Good morning. How are you doing today?
>> Good morning. >> Hi, I'm Aisha Mitchell here in Tallahassee, Florida, 10009 Ellington Court, Tallahassee. Uh long-term resident, been in this community almost 80 years now and loving it every day. So I'm here today to speak to you about a
very important issue that you're currently working on and it's food insecurity. We know in our community, having had lived experience myself over the years, I know what it's like to to deal with hunger and I understand the impact of
aging out farmers right now and the young people who don't want to have anything to do with agriculture. So we are in a predicament and I'm seeing this happening before my eyes every day. I'm concerned because I know that we can make a difference here today. you all,
you know, to the future way of thinking and looking at our world. If you'd like to have children who are healthy, children and families who are uh considered to be well and not suffering from long-term chronic illnesses and diseases that are preventable if they're
eating right. If we want families to be secure and knowing that they don't have to worry about where the next meal is coming from from their children, we know the importance of this particular work you do today. So, I ask you to really take this um as a commitment um towards
the future for our children. How might we make sure that they are secured, that the families are secured, that Tallahassee, which is our all-American city, is standing up to that challenge? Are we an all-American city as we say? What does that look like when it comes
to food security? How do we make sure that not only people have shelter and good housing, but they have good food, clean, fair, affordable food? That is for me a practical thing. It's a human rights issue as I see it. So today you
have the power to make this decision to make sure that this becomes a chartered idea a pathway forward. You may never see the outcome. Neither may I. But I can assure you that over the years if we
find our way to secure good food healthy systems and establish a food system that works. If you can only imagine a school board cafeteria full of children eating healthy foods that come straight from
the farmer farm to table. The school has app uh uh apparatus. They have particular equipment that they can help to um chop up food so that the workers don't have to worry about cutting up collar greens. It takes too much energy and time for them. So, if you have a
school that's in a position to buy from the farmer, bring food healthy into our cafeterias that we serve our children, we won't have to worry so much about our children not having food over the summer because it'll be good, healthy food. >> Miss Mitchell, your time's up.
>> So, I urge you to consider this becoming a chartered idea, um, not an ordinance. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Uh, next up is Camille Lewis. You have three minutes. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Dr.
Camille Lewis. I am a lifetime Tallahassee resident. I am a local farmer. I sit on the board of the community co-op and I currently serve as the director of the Jefferson County Extension Center and a 4H youth development agent. I'm here today
because the issue in Lyon County is not a lack of programs. It's a lack of structure. Um food efforts exist across departments. We have food pantries. We have emergency response food distribution sites. Um but often these are without a single point of
coordination, accountability and long-term durability. These are not program failures. They are governance gaps. This is why a charter level response is appropriate. We are asking the county to set the structure and allow policy details to continue to
flow. Specifically, we're asking this committee to advance charter language that declares food access and food system resilience as a county duty. Establish an office of food systems under the county administrator to coordinate and report across
departments. Require a countywide food system plans with measurable goals and annual public reporting and authorize minimum countywide standards. Programs can change, but structure endures. This
approach will strengthen accountability, align existing investments, reduce duplication, and improve emergency readiness. Um, our request, my request is very simple. I'm asking that you advance a charter amendment that strengthens food access and security in
Lyon County by setting a durable structure and leaving the details to be figured out with public input. Set the structure. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks very much. Um, Lynn Jones,
I think I forgot to ask everybody to give your name and address or your address as well. Three minutes. Thank you. >> Morning. I am Lynn Jones, 3211 Notre Dame Street, uh, 37year retired Leyon County school teacher. Every school that
I work with, we had a garden. And I did that because I knew how important it was to have children participated in gardening activities. A lot of times because children don't have that opportunity, they don't
participate. So we have to give them those opportunities. Currently in Tallahassee and the surrounding counties, as Dr. Lewis has eloquently spoke about. We have those opportunities for the children to
participate. We know that our gardeners and our farmers are getting a little um they're becoming seniors like me and we can't go out in the garden like we used to. We can go for a little while, but our job right now is to be master
gardeners to support the children who are learning how to garden. So as you look at this proposal uh for food security, I'm not saying food insecurity because what we're trying to reach is
food security. So as you look at this, think in terms of the ways that we can support children. I'm a member of BLAST which is a science group in Leyon County schools and currently they have grants
for teachers and I am proposing to the food advocacy program that I'm in currently that we reach out to these teachers and as we develop our projects that we include them in our projects so that we can get in the schools and make
sure our kids are learning how to garden, learning how to be appropriate uh food um uh I guess accepting appropriate food for their bodies and maybe eventually they'll become
gardeners and they will be our future. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh next is Melanie Andrade. You have three minutes and if you could give us your name and address fully. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning.
My name is Melanie Andrad. My address is 3349 Argonaut Drive. I live in District 3 and I'm here as a mom of three, but I also have worked in public policy and government roles for the past 14 years in Tallahassee.
And I'm a member leader of Tallahassee African-American Local Election Review Team. We are an organization that educates, galvanizes, empowers the black voters in Tallahassee to use their voices at forums such as this. And as
you've guessed, I'm here to ask that you advance a charter amendment that strengthens food access systems in Lyon County. I support what Dr. Camille Lewis said. Um, but I want to add to that. I think that our county system is fragmented. Uh, for one, there's no
single accountable lead for countywide coordination. There's no countywide baseline across city and county lines and data transparency could be strengthened, for example, with annual scorecards and tracked level targets. I understand that
the county partnerships that we have with not for-profit agencies exist to address this need, but I think that there are critical gaps in the implementation and the consistency of an infrastructure that serves not only the current community need, but also that
are prepared to serve and address crises that we've already faced like a pandemic, a government shutdown, or a natural disaster. Uh, I want to point out that the words food security are only mentioned one time in the 2022 2026 Leyon County
strategic plan on page 18. And it states, "Coordinate with America's Second Harvest of the Big Ben in the city of Tallahassee to conduct community meetings in the neighborhood block groups with greatest food insecurity to identify and address their specific barriers to food security. I think that
one goal is not enough. A charter action is appropriate because it sets structure, not programs. And I'm asking you to let voters decide by directing county staff to draft charter language that does four things. Creates an office of food systems, establishes a county
duty for food access and system resilience, requires a countywide food system plan with annual public reporting, and authorizes countywide minimum standards. So I just ask you today, please direct staff to bring back draft charter language for formal
consideration. Thank you. >> Right. Thanks very much. Do we have do we have other speakers? Not on the Okay. Um just to give you all kind of the overview of what we're doing today. You probably have already checked
it out, but we have um four items that we're going to go through the staff report things that we have asked for uh in the previous meetings. Uh some of these are not in order of appearance because some have taken quite a bit more time to sort of assemble what's really
uh going on, isn't going on, and so forth. And so uh at our January 8th meeting, that's when we're going to be taking up um the establishment of the Inspector General Bill of Rights uh and historic arm. Okay. Okay. Uh so we have
one more card. So, at this point, uh, Tiffany Hill, uh, Tiffany Hill, there you are. Hey, three minutes. Thank you for being here. Good morning. My name is Tiffany Hill. I reside at 1401 Lola Drive here in
Tallahassee, Florida. and I wanted to speak on the um funding mechanism for affordable housing. So what is affordable housing? So according to HUD, it is 30% of a person's income. So I think we need to look at right now
they're getting rid of a lot of the public housing. Um and so what public housing allow um families is to basically be able to care for their loved one at home. So you have a lot of
people that are on um public housing because of disabilities. And so public housing allow for those um people caretakers to be there with them without looking at their income. And so
with public housing going away, um it it pro it creates a strain on a lot of families who would like to keep their loved one at home. So I think that we need to come up with a plan or idea to create more housing that would
provide for family members to be able to live at home with their loved one um and not oversaturate the assisted living facilities. If you ever been to the assisted living facilities, you'll see they have there's a lot of issues there
that needs to be cleaned up. But if we start developing um housing areas to where a loved one could stay at home and be able to take care of that loved one who is disable disabled or elderly, I
think that it could resolve a lot of problems with how to fund and basically that's applying for HUD grants. um getting with the housing authority to um really build more infrastructure that is
geared towards lowincome, disabled and um disabled people that need that assistance and then that way we don't oversaturate our assisted living facilities. So, thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much. Are there other
speakers that I haven't heard from? Um, Vice Chair Haynes points out that we didn't have a quorum when we approved the minutes of the last meeting. >> We didn't approve the minutes of the last meeting today. We didn't have a quorum. >> We did. You were number 11. >> I know, but you
>> I think we already voted on that. >> We're going to vote again [laughter] just to be sure. All those in favor of approving the maintenance from the last December 4th meeting, please say I. I. And those opposed,
don't you dare say no. Okay. Thank you. >> Good. Thank you. >> We're good to go. All right. Thank [clears throat] you. >> You have to keep me on my toes here. All right. I guess first up in general business is going to be a status report on our request for information about
city cons city and county consolidation. And um who's going to be taking that up? Is this Ken? >> Yes. >> It's all yours. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And again, we have four items in your materials today. Uh, I'll introduce the first on city and county consolidation. Uh, the following
three, I'm going to hand off to my colleagues, Shington, Lambie, and Abby Thomas. There are human service experts, not just for the county, but the community. They could talk to you about trends and needs and and the the historic investment the county's made uh over the years in human service needs.
They can talk about the CHSP process. They could talk about city investments. Um, and that's why we group these items here together just to give an opportunity for you all to understand what we do, where the gaps are, uh, how it all works, how it all comes together between, uh, public and nonprofit
agencies. They'll get into those items after we we discuss the city and county consolidation. And then finally, we wanted to give you time again to give us input on any other charter amendment ideas, concepts you want to bring back for our future meetings. Ken, can I just
interrupt to say uh in your packet, it's on page 12 of the 66 page agenda items. You got got it. Thank you. >> Sorry, we loaded you up with a big agenda packet. It's a lot of materials. In November, uh, which seems like a long
time ago, the county commission requested, uh, information, uh, status report on city and county consolidation, our community, how it would work, some of the pros and cons of it. We prepared that item for the board's December 9th
meeting. Now, just before that meeting, you all had your your last charter meeting and you requested that the materials for the board's meeting be presented today just so you can review it and discuss it. So, we've included the county commission's agenda materials
in your packet. It's an attachment and we provided a quick overview of how the charter process works and some of the pros and cons, the history in our community but also statewide and the board's action from December 9th. Uh in reviewing how this process works, which
let me boil it down. Uh if you if you want to consolidate as a community, you need to come up with a consolidation plan that the legislature needs to adopt by special act and then the community needs to approve it by referendum. Uh so it's a two-step process but it's a lot of work in developing the the
consolidation plan itself. Uh how will we deal with different employees? How are we going to eliminate employees? How are we going to even out salaries? How are we going to deal with uh any contractual issues, union issues, retirement benefits? All those things are contemplated in a consolidation
plan. What debt does the city have? What debt does the county have? What does the final governing structure look like? Is it five commissioners? 10 commissioners, 15 commissioners, all of those things would be developed in a consolidation plan. Taking all that into consideration, on
December 9th, the board wanted to take a temperature check. They want to do a straw ballot at the November uh 26th general election ballot. They want to see where the community is on this, and they directed staff to bring back uh draft language for their consideration
to place on the general election ballot. Uh we've provided that information again in your materials, but based on the board having weighed in on this issue, uh we're not recommending any action by the committee today, but of course happy to hear your feedback. Um I'll hand it
back to the chair and and we're available to answer any questions that you might have. >> All right. Well, thank you. We have questions coming up. Um Vice Chair Haynes, >> Madam Chair, I move option one. Motion's been made to move option one, which is to take no further action,
accept the report and take no further action at this time. Just >> look at that. >> Motion's been made and seconded to accept the report and take no further action. >> Although, >> what does that mean for um questions or discussion? >> If you have if you have questions at
this time, absolutely. Or discussion. >> Yeah, I I I have I've not read what you sort of generalized here. Let me just ask a direct question. In your evaluation, were there any areas that you u were able to
um determine that would lead to um savings for u members of the community. This was more the process item. Here's how it works. Here's potential pros and cons in different communities that they've experienced. The item talks
about a lot of the functional consolidation that that [clears throat] we already have. um the planning department. Uh we have some IT departments that are functionally consolidated work together on human services, but we didn't do a deep dive on is there a potential opportunity for savings in the park department because
we would need that information as part of the consolidation plan. That's where you would do that deep dive. Um, generally speaking, uh, in concept, you you you tend to assume there's a going to be a big savings, but really the only opportunity
for savings is if you're eliminating staff, >> eliminating assets. Um, you know, >> or duplication of services perhaps. I don't know the answer to that. >> Right. >> And I'll give you an example. Uh, the
city has a parks department, the county has a parks department. If you consolidate, do you close parks because you need that staff to maintain parks, facilitate the programs? If you consolidate, do you need less law enforcement officers on patrol? Do you
you don't get rid of the county jail? That's that still stays. Um, so the cost savings sort of isn't what you think. And there's also the expense of the initial cost to um equalize salaries, deal with debts, um address any
retirement benefit differences. So again, without going into the consolidation plan and having all of that information, um it it it's hard to identify any specific savings at this time. It's it's more of a processoriented item. >> Okay. Um,
I'm not going to debate anything, so let me try to put everything in the form of a question here. Has the count commission decided that it is important uh to know whether or not there's there's uh opportunities for savings uh
particularly as it relates to just the affordability issues that citizens are dealing with? Ha. Has the commu has the county commission determined that it that it would be important to know that in drafting
language for a ballot initiative initiative because it's a straw ballot. the the determination on any expenses or cost savings would be determined in the development of the consolidation plan which again would have to get approved ultimately by the
legislature and the voters. So the straw ballot non-binding is really a temperature check. Is it something you you think the city and county or the county should pursue? >> Okay, thank you. >> No, thank you Mr. Wilcox. Ken, I think you just
touched on, but would you walk us through the process? If the shrub ballot came back, let's say 6040, 7030 in favor of consolidation, what would it look like after that? >> So, if that were to occur in November of 26, um you're you've got the legislative
session right around the corner. The county commission would have to determine uh it is this something we want to go handinand with the city and the city would have to play with us or the county can go about it on its own. um and start contacting the legislative
delegation. Um but the plan would have to be in place before it goes to the legislature. Uh so it would it would take some time. Um you could force the city's hand in theory if the legislative delegation got
involved and and said they wanted to establish a consolidation effort. That happened in Escambia and Pensacola about 15 years ago. it was the legislature leading on that and requiring the city and county to meet and develop the consolidation plan. In this case, you
got the county commission initiating that conversation. So, it it it would still be a couple years out before the plan was ready to go back to the voters. >> U Mr. Ray, >> uh thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, with all the the the community needs that
we're hearing about here as a community, governance generally being in crisis uh in America right now, I think we need all hands on deck. I think limiting our own capacity, I don't think is wise. I think it's very clear that the people of Tallahassee and Lyon County don't like
the legislature. We don't trust their judgment. We don't want to invite them into our own local governance. And so for a number of reasons, one, I think it would be irresponsible in uh putting the cart before the horse before we get this temperature check to to work too further on this. Um but yeah, I think it's a bad idea consolidation generally, but I
think right now it's an especially bad and um beyond practice from a policy uh standpoint. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We didn't all say that, right? [laughter] >> That's right. I didn't say anything about legis. >> That's my view.
>> Just want to make sure that we've >> Yeah. I don't think wellounded. >> We don't say the charter review say the Leyon County voters have >> I mean people may I mean >> his opinion >> people may agree. I'm just want to make sure we Yes.
>> Why is cracks always welcome. Thank you very much >> madam chair. Just going back to to Barry's question again the county commission [clears throat] on December 9th they had all of the options available to them. they could have started the process toward uh developing the consolidation plan, but they they
said, "No, let's let's do the Shaw ballot. Let's take the temperature of the community and and and see where that leads." >> Yeah. So, we acted on this and then the county commission did. So, you know, what are you going to say? Uh Commissioner Lewis, >> was there a budget allocated by the
commission to educate quote unquote? >> No, sir. >> Will there be to your knowledge? >> So, I'm going to be careful. I got the county attorney over me. Um so again that language will come back to the to the board in the spring. Um we also have to be very careful when it comes to
educating uh on any ballot initiatives. Uh there's a fine line between advocating and educating. We we cannot advocate. Um so I know county attorneys Do you want me to just talk or just we can hear you pretty well?
>> Uh I was just trying to understand where the county commission is at with this. Um so they took a vote the other evening the 52 and uh it it's to have something come back before them, right? The draft language will come back in the spring to place on the ballot.
>> And will there be uh will it come back as a public hearing or there'll be an item and then a public hearing if there's the initial agenda item to come back will not be a public hearing. I don't I'm looking at the county
attorney if we need a public hearing before we send it to the supervisor of elections. Um, on August 16th, the board will have its public hearing for ballot initiatives, potential ballot initiatives for consideration, >> the board of county commissioners in
August of next year. And that will include any potential proposals uh offered by you all as well. >> But it doesn't necessarily they don't have to do it on the August 16th. They could do it any time between now and then for their own ballot amendments, right?
>> Yes. Um as long as it's before the uh is it the filing date with the supervisor of elections? So anytime before August. >> And how many votes on the county commission does it take to put a ballot on the ballot amendment? >> If it is a board initiated amendment, it
is a >> Well, this is not an amendment. This this would just be a straw ballot. It's a simple majority. a simple just a simple majority for the county commission. So the same voting threshold that this body needs. Okay. So there's going to be at least
two more times the county commission will need five votes or four votes you're saying. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Mr. Wilcox, you had another question. >> Another one for Ken. Ken. Um we talked
about functional consolidation in there which may be the the the kind of middle ground in all this. Uh, and I know we already have great examples of functionally consolidated apartments. I worked in one. Uh, and so there's I I I recognize the the benefits of that. A few pitfalls here and there, but for the most part, uh, overwhelming benefits
that have we looked at functional consolidation of any of our other departments between the city and the county, you know, areas where we definitely are, I don't want to go so far as to say duplicating efforts, but coming pretty darn close to doing so. >> Not as part of this exercise in the last
month. Um, you know, over the last 5 to 10 years, uh, probably the biggest merger consolidation has been associated with the sales tax, the creation of a joint office of economic development, uh, joint office of, uh, minority women
and small businesses. Um, that's probably the most recent example. We've had some services which you're familiar with. Um we we find their benefit to be colllocated. Both the city and county growth management departments are in the same place. So, if you're if you're still doing permits the oldfashioned way
and you need to go into the office, um you can get to the city or county internally explored uh different sections of IT departments with constitutional offices at times because we mutually thought hey there could be an opportunity here
>> for savings and and efficiencies um but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't make sense >> so there can be a process for for some consolidation with some savings to the general public that doesn't involve >> absolutely >> all of what we're seeing here >> and it would be formalized it' be done
by executed by an interlocal agreement like the planning department is like our geographic information systems is >> exc Thank you. [snorts] action. Oh, we're good. We're good again. Okay, thanks. Uh, all those in
favor of uh us option one. Option one, uh, say so by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed, nay. Thank you very much. Okay. Thanks, Ken. You have agenda item coming up. Are you
handling item two, >> Mr. Lambie. >> Oh, Shington. Thanks. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon, members. Um, so for this item and the next couple of items, you'll see a common theme
and that is the county has been very active responding to the human service needs in our community. Most important for this group is that the policies, the partnerships, the programs, and the investments that I'll touch on did not
require a charter amendment to address those needs. I see is something being passed. Uh okay. Okay. Um can we hold staff on that on distributing these things until Yeah. Thank you. Um, so yes, so as I
mentioned, the county commission has had all the authority already to meet those needs. So let's start with food security. As you all may recall, members, you requested this item to consider inclusion of food security in the county
charter. Um, Dr. Stroel distributed a document with three options which the committee requested staff to analyze along with information on the county's current and ongoing efforts to address food insecurity
as presented in the item in your packet. The county has a long history in addressing food insecurity in the community through intentional community engagement, innovative programs, long-term community partnerships, and significant in investments. We're responding to the community needs every
day. In the past five years, we've just we've invested seven and a half million dollars to deliver nearly 55 million meals in the community. In the item, we talk about how food and security is addressed primarily through a variety of programs funded and
administered by federal and state programs like SNAP and WIC. But beyond those programs and services, we're doing more with our local partners like Second Harvest, Elder Care Services, and Good News Outreach to augment the state and federal programs in a collective effort
to reduce food insecurity in our community. That includes providing annual funding, engaging residents and neighborhoods with the highest food insecurity rates, and h and enhancing partnerships every day.
We have the boots on the ground and the hands on the pulse to address food insecurity and the everchanging needs in our comm community on the item in the item including the root causes like homelessness like housing like
healthcare like transportation all of those are detailed in the item members subsequently we provide an analysis of the three options in Dr. Strobble's handout with some key points to keep in mind. First, there are no other county
charters in Florida that include the specific issue of food insecurity in their charters. As I mentioned earlier, food security is primarily the responsibility of federal and state governments. However, that has not prevented our community, our county
in responding to the needs. Second, we have a dedicated department with dedicated staff that I mean a dedicated staff that was recently created as early as 2022 by the board that are specifically addressing the needs of
afford of um food and security daily through implementing policies, programs, and partnerships. They are actively connecting residents to essential and available resources critical to reducing food insecurity, but also improving
economic prosperity because through that we're dealing with the we're taking a holistic approach when addressing food insecurity. And so then that brings me to my third and final point. The board currently has all the
authority necessary to address food insecurity. They've adopted policies, created programs, and continue to make significant investments in the area of food and security without any changes to the charter.
Therefore, rather than a charter amendment, um the committee could alternatively make a recommendation encouraging the board to continue the county's long-standing commitment to reducing food insecurity in the community. That's option number two in your item. But however, we also and what
would happen is that that recommendation would be part of your final report that would come before the county commission. Um, however, we also provide um the option should the commission should the committee um wish to move forward with a proposed charter which is on option number three. Uh so with that, I'm happy
to answer any questions. >> Um Daryl Jones, I think you were first up. what uh you have described here. Um and I too agree that this has been a priority of our county. Uh we are truly
uh our brother's keeper in so many ways and particularly under the offices that you have managed here now for more than a decade. [gasps and sighs] But I'm off quoted because I say at schoolboard meetings, at children's services council meetings,
even at the Bethlehem church, if you want to know someone's values, you look at their checkbook here. Now, we are although others may not do it, we have opportunity to set forth particularly with these three recommendations as a
part of our charter. We are espousing what we see as community values. Political winds change, different people are elected, priorities change. But here now as a part of the
charter, we then have opportunity to pass a vote of our own from our entire community to say that these three principal things matter to us. We want our people fed. We want them housed and
we want them healthy. And to be able to quantify that as a charter, then that makes it immune to elections. It makes it immune to political changes. It's then made a priority as set forth by our
voters who've had opportunity to weigh in and say that they agree with that. So I I so I understand that others may not but the beauty of this exercise it gives us an opportunity to set forth our values and then so when these changes do
occur here this stands sacrosanct uncompromised and unmovable. So I I I I I like the opportunity to discuss this further. >> Thank you very much uh Miss Edwards.
Thank you and thank you for the information. It was wonderful information to receive. But I think what I struggle with is the gap between the information you provided and the information from the public speakers. You know, if so much is being done and I
and I want to just kind of go back to what Dr. Lewis said, "Perhaps the structure needs some work or something because it doesn't sound like to me perhaps and maybe I miss something that we are really hitting the nail on the
head when it comes to food insecurity. It seems like the programs are there, the money is there, but somehow or the other, there are still people who are food insecure." And so I I I I like again I I agree with Mr. Jones that if
there is some kind of structure that allows um those who are doing things to meet those who need something uh that's kind of where I see the issue. There's a gap somewhere. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. Um I believe Barry Wilcox was up next. My question is um she g I appreciate comments by member Jones because that that clarified some of you know what what may be the difference between what we're doing now and what we would be doing under a charter
amendment. But um budget-wise um I mean we're having been through a decade of budget workshops at the county understanding that with the state legislature having control of a significant portion of of the county's budget, you know, we're literally sleeping under a sword every year. Um
this year we're looking at possible uh roll backs um very real roll backs of of of property taxes which would have a significant impact on on general revenues which is a the primary funding source for the county. Um if if we have a a mandate via charter amendment um how
is that handled if the the funding just simply does not exist uh for something like that? Well, I want to share the fact that what the board has the authority to do now exists like as as you sh um as you mentioned
the structure was established by the board with a department. We have a department that exists in which we provide the resources and work with our local partners to address food insecurity. But just touching briefly on what um what Barry mentioned, those are
those will be tough decisions that have to be made. Um and and we will have to evaluate what are those programs and what are those resource and how do we maximize our our resource in order so we can address the needs in our in our community. That changes all the time.
Our human service community needs change multiple times and even since I've been in my position as Dr. Robinson knows we've dealt with infant mortality. We've dealt with opioid issues change often here in our community. Homelessness has been a big challenge here in our
community. Um but and but at the end of the day though as when when those issues come up and those challenges come up with regarding the funding we would have to bring recommendation to our board and there there'd have to be tough decisions made to address some of the needs. Now
when it comes to the issue beyond the structure that um Miss Edwards um asked about and also I know the um some of the speakers spoke to spoke to there was a lot of conversations about as if the county taking the lead as the person
that would provide the structure that the school board the city and other state entities would participate in. We cannot require them to do that. I I I want I want you to understand,
member Jones, we can't make Leon County schools participate in a structure that you can't do that with a charter amendment. That that does not occur. And uh and I and the county attorney can maybe want to chime in on that one, but that does not that that does not happen
with this charter amendment. What the charter amendment would basically doing is duplicate the authority that we already have. We, the county, already have the authority to specifically work with our partners through ordinances, through the many funding um
opportunities that we provide to address the issues of food insecurity. But more than just food insecurity, the issue specifically of the root causes, issues like homelessness, issues like housing, issues like transportation. We put a significant amount of dollars in
transportation because when we went into those neighborhoods with the highest food insecurity rates, we learned that those were some of the largest gaps. And so with the dedicated department that we have, with the dedicated staff we have, we've been able to address those needs.
>> Yeah. County Attorney. Um the reference to me that Chenin just made um I would just direct the committee members attentions to article 9 section 4 uh B of the Florida Constitution which
says in part the school board shall operate control and supervise all free public schools within the school district and determine the rate of school district taxes etc. We do not have jurisdiction as the
county to do direct or dictate or control or supervise school districts at all. And in terms of charter schools, those are addressed by state law. So again, to the extent that there were requests that or thoughts or suggestions
that we compel school boards to do the school board to do something, this does not do that. I just wanted to clarify that for um the committee members. It >> certainly doesn't thought I'd throw that in. >> Um this >> I just thought I'd throw that in.
>> This this also um has come up in the past when we had the mandatory mask requirement during COVID. we had to exclude uh the schools because there was no jurisdiction to require uh any sort of activity on schoolboard property
which is why that exclusion was in the ordinances that were passed by the county at that time. um this is just a different flavor of that >> done. So, >> so um the other thing about funding um I did in advance of this meeting go ahead
and take a look at um the um provisions [clears throat] in other county charters related to mandating funding of some sort. Um some county charters do that. only one Duvall counties uh mandates
funding of a specific amount for a certain type of litigation fund. Uh and that amount is uh fairly dimminimous for Duval County. It's $250,000. Um others set up trust funds for different types of things. Some require
that uh board of county commissions or councils fund certain offices like ethics offices. one funds uh has a requirement to fund an inspector general office, but they do not prescribe specific amounts and there is ultimate
discretion on the part of the board of county commissioners or council to determine what amount that funding is in any fiscal year. Um, there is also some case law, nothing directly on point for this type of thing if you're going to be prescriptive, but there have been
proposed charter amendments in other jurisdictions uh that have proposed to cap the amount of revenue that a county can generate, and those have been determined to be uh preempted by chapters uh 200 and chapter
uh 129 of the Florida statutes uh relating to um a board of county commissioner's obligation and ability to adopt an annual budget. So there is no case law directly on point to the extent
uh anything goes on the charter ballot that proscribes a set requirement for funding. I just wanted to lay that out as you're considering these agenda items today. >> Thank you counselor Dr. Sturbal.
>> Yes. Thank you. We'll get to everybody. >> So, um, one, there is a handout that I prepared, um, that I shared with staff and they were going to pass it out. So, I would like, if that's appropriate to pass out now, Madam Chair, >> is this the same one that we got on a separate one to reflect the analysis
provided by staff on the agenda? >> Thank you. >> Um, so, um, and before I get to that, I want to deal with just a couple of things presented in the staff analysis that, um, led to, uh, more questions on on my part or more so more ideas that came up as we reviewed this. And I'm glad we're having this discussion.
Again, uh I heard that we're we already have HSP doing this work and I want to applaud the department for the great work that they've done. But what we're speaking to here is not solely just this idea of food security. I don't want everyone to be trapped in that word. We're talking about or food insecurity, I should say. We're talking about the
food system. And the food system includes several components that we need a structure to manage with everything going on in the country. uh we could see shutdowns, we could see tariffs, anything that could raise food prices or make food's insecurity worsen. We need a center location or a central command
that almost is monitoring and reviewing that scenario. We saw what happened with the pandemic years ago and we had this office in place at time at that time, but during the pandemic, we saw our food insecurity spike particularly in our African-American communities with our
elders with single mothers and our most vulnerable citizens in our county. So I'm suggesting that we put a office of food systems in place that is responsible for monitoring those efforts. Um I think I heard it mentioned
that food access and resilience is a state or federal responsibility. While that may be true, we have to be honest about the state and federal situation. They are either unwilling or unable to make sure that we as Leyon County are going to have food system security. it
just doesn't seem to be of interest for the federal administration and we can't be dependent on that because we know that changes every four years. So I'm suggesting in our charter we make a allowance or a mandate that this is something that we are managing as a community. In addition the board already
has the authority and is acting through policy programs and budgets. This is true but authority without a required structure will yield uneven results and uneven delivery. The charter can require a countywide plan and annual public reporting. This is a method of staying
on top of it so that when we talk about this at future charter review meetings, the speakers will come in and say actually food security, food systems maintenance is running um in the direction that we believe it should go in. So these are the things I want us all to think about as we discuss this with the document I put before you. It
just gives a summary of what's at stake here. Federal and state nutrition supports are unstable and not always reliable. Therefore, I'm advocating that we move towards localized food control here in Tallahassee. A full system is all the people, activities, and infrastructure and institutions and we
need to be taking a look and monitoring all those as a county. Um, and I'm requesting that the charter direction goes establishes the county duty, establishes a office of food systems, a countywide food systems plan and annual public report will be mandated. and then
also countywide minimum standards and guard rails to make sure that it is legally sound and that is it does not conflict with any preeemption or anything that the state government has in place. Um I have a couple more items I want to share. New York City has a city charter that creates an office of
food policy and an office of urban agriculture. In Philadelphia voters amended their home rule charter in 2014 to make a office of sustainability. Uh so this has shown that there may not be precedent for this in Florida but other locations have taken this action. So we would not be acting alone but we would
be leading in Florida because no one have made this step yet but with the climate crisis looming with unstable federal government decisions being made this is of the utmost importance that we take this step. So I do have a suggested motion. It directs staff to bring back
charter draft to draft charter language. Establishing a county duty for full access and full system resilience. Creating an office of full systems under the county administrator or a designate within the executive branch. Requiring a countywide plan with annual reporting and authorizing a countywide minimum
standard and that will be implemented by ordinance and under the purview of the board of county commissioners. >> That is my motion. Just as a procedure, are you uh making that motion at this point or do you want to wait and hear from the others? You're making a motion.
>> Make a motion. >> We restate the motion. >> Sorry, Bruce. >> No problem. We are directing staff. The motion is to direct staff to bring back draft charter language establishing a county duty for full access and full systems resilience, creating a office of
full county administrator or a designate within the executive branch requiring a countywide plan with annual reporting and authorizing countywide minimum standards that would be implemented by ordinance within 12 months consistent with state law and subject to annual
appropriation. >> So moved. I'm sorry, he already moved the he made a motion. Are you seconding the motion? Seconding the motion. Um, at this point we had several other people who had their cards up to speak in a more general way and you may wish to speak to
the motion as well. >> Uh, I'd kind of like to proceed with that and have people comments >> time for questions on the motion. >> Well, no, it will be time for questions and conversation on the motion or anything else that you wish to discuss regarding this item.
>> Okay. I I just had a question on the motion at the appropriate time. >> Okay. Thank you. And I do have a list of people whose cards have been up for a bit, so I'd like to proceed. Uh I had Howard Kesler and then I had Dr. Robersonson, Miss Tugerson, Daryl Jones again. I'm not sure you're
there. And then Sean, >> Madam Chair, I just have a question on the order on on whether or not right now is is actually answering the the question already. We're not the motion has been made and seconded to take this
to request a charter amendment but cards have been up to discuss our overall option or our section our discussion of this number two item two food insecurity in general and so the people have their cards up I'd like to hear from them it
may be on this motion it may be on other aspects regarding >> confusion is on the pro on the procedure and I just want to make sure that is this answering number choosing one of the options of the agenda item.
>> This is one of the options, but it's answering it differently, right? >> Um I think he's option three is what you're going for. >> It's option three. Okay, >> I just wanted to make sure because it was it sounded like it was >> the only motion we have on the table now
is for option three >> of aend item two and that's what anyone can speak to that or you can speak to other aspects of this as well and so next up I had Howard Kesler Dr. Kesler, >> thank you. >> That Thank you. Um, thank the staff for
the information brought forward. Um, you ruined one of my days at least uh with a volume. Uh, but it it um it opened up a lot of questions and and thank you for that. I also want to thank u the citizens here um amazing number of
turnout. So uh greatly appreciated that your participation in observing your government. Um so I have several questions and and one is
are we in your opinion uh succeeding or failing in this area of food insecurity? We're working hard on that issue every single day. And that's the point that um of what we're making as far as
addressing the need here in our community through the investments that are we're making annually through the meetings. We meet monthly with neighbors in the neighborhoods that are food insecure. Their greatest needs in the area is not
just food. It's jobs, it's healthcare, it's so many other things that we're constantly what we're doing out, we're are constantly enhancing our programs and our events so we can address those needs. Um, right after this meeting, we have
another meeting specifically with a food policy group because this is what we do every day in addressing the needs here in our community and figuring out how do we do that in a in in a in more perfect um approach and making sure that we
utilize data and utili making sure we are meeting with the community. So then what we then do is turn around is bring back recommendations to our board and how we address those needs. And you know the point I'm making for the most part is the fact that we do have all that authority and we've been able to do that
for years and it's worked to address those needs here in our community. Thank you. And so you're meeting with uh people of the communities that you anticipate there
are the greatest needs and it's it's a comprehensive >> approach. Um and is there a way that you can actually measure uh the degree of uh problems,
insecurity, food insecurity? Do you have a a metric that you measure this or is this just the feeling of interviews with people? >> We do have outcome measures that we have in place for most of our human service all of our human service partners that we have through our CHSP program that we
provide with the city. Um and to able to measure how our programs are moving needles for the clients that they serve with the funding that we provide as well as the city provides. Okay. And a couple more. I can't want to monopolize this. Um,
why is it important for you to um bring to the attention that uh no other counties have that in their charter? Uh is there something uh that putting in
the charter you look at as being detrimental? Well, the point we're making is the fact that charters don't deal with policy issues. This is the policy issue. They deal primarily on more structural organizational things regarding the
authority, the powers of government. I mean, those are some of the things that you've talked about regarding consolidation be it about you know relationship with the city as far as maybe minimum standards when it comes to development and things like that. Those
are the typical things that a charter addresses. Poly is policy issues like these are ever changing. As I've shared before, they're everchanging where today it's food insecurity, tomorrow it's healthcare or it's housing or it's
transportation. I mean, these are issues that are ever changing. Homelessness is a critical issue. But within homelessness, there's layers. There's layers of issues of mental health. There's issues regarding um domestic issues. I mean there there's so many things that we're able to work through
the department that we have now exists also in the area of food and security. When you work in this space of food and security like Abby and I do you learn a lot about what's causing some of these issues and is greater than just access
to food. The access to food also includes the issue of access to transportation. It's also knowing what are the resources that are available. When we had those meetings in those neighborhoods, nine dinner meetings, we learned so much about the fact that they
did not know, oh, there's a food pantry at the school next door to my apartment complex. Oh, I did not know that there's a program that exists to assist me with my rent. These things exist, but it takes a lot
of work that we've done in engaging these neighborhoods and working with them because then when you do that, you're addressing some of those root causes and a and being able to address those needs in the community and area of food insecurity and the other issues um
that we we constantly address. >> Y thank you for all of that. Appreciate it. So my biggest concern from what I've listened to here is the situation that
was pointed out about well the Leyon County government can't direct the school board to do squat. Um and and and given that it seems like we have two entities addressing
at least part of this problem. uh maybe in similar ways, maybe not. But for me, this presents the opportunity for there to be [snorts] significant cracks in the coverage and and diminishes success. And
it seems to me that possibly, although I I understand the administration's hesitancy with the um with the charter, but I think that the charter structure may be able to offer
if not if not a closing of those cracks, maybe uh ideally eliminating those cracks. And so that's that's so that's that's where I'm going as far as can the charter better address this. [clears throat]
So there's a lot of conversation about a a countywide plan. The the countywide plan would be Leyon County's plan. It's not we can't mandate the city. We can't mandate the school board. We definitely can't mandate the
state to participate in that plan. And those partners are critical. Everything we do right now is in partnership with them is with the city when we're we're about to we have been very closely working with Florida&M University
specifically and Dr. Strobble knows this because they're actually taking the lead right now with what he's bringing up there and we've been participating. We've been part of that conversation where they're looking to establish a food council and we're at the table, the
city's at the table. um TMH is at the table. That's the appropriate platform. That makes sense that they are an entity and they bring a a level of subject matter expertise that is critical that we're participating and we're bringing what we're providing as far as resources
here in our community and making that case. Um but a countywide plan through our charter um can't make our partners then participate in the plan. Um, I just want to make sure that we're clear
there. Um, or make or making I'm not entirely sure about the minimum county minimum wide standards exactly how that works. Um because again the charter um at least from my thoughts can't
affectuate that specific um um requirement uh again to our partners that goes beyond not just the city goes back to the school board um and some of our private partners. But I think what
we have right now and what we we're stressing is the fact that what we can do, we have been doing it with the authority that we have that's available to us statutoily. >> Thank you, Mr. Ley. Okay, we have quite a few people. I think in the order of
appearance, I've got you uh Joey Davis comment. >> Sure. So specifically related to as it pertains to the motion currently on the floor, um will that also bring back cost estimates
for such a uh implementation? >> Ken, do you want >> No, what you would get back is uh draft ballot language. Um, the scope of the duties and responsibilities would still need to be ironed out.
Shington just mentioned the countywide minimum standards. I'm not clear how that would work. Um, what standards we would set in place for the city if we could. Um, >> it's a very broad >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Very broad. All right. So, so second, a lot of what I'm hearing from from our speakers on this issue is, and thanks for the questions from from Commissioner Kesler. Uh um it has to do with
whether or not there's an overarching plan and how that's being how we have an idea of whether or not what we're doing is working. Right? So when when the committee member asked you are we succeeding in dealing with with food insecurity
at that point all you could offer was we are working very hard and I understand that the the the the difficulty in giving those numbers but if we don't have someone who's specifically responsible to come back and give reporting you're you're I'm all about
allowing the commissioners to do what they have the power to do currently and I think we need to we need to understand that each of us were put on this committee by commissioners right but to the extent that we can't answer those questions that leaves it up to to people
from the community not having a resolution to their to their issue. So whether that comes from the commissioners developing some form of structure where there is an overarching plan and someone who is who is specifically responsible to the to the
county administrator to come back and regularly report on that or some form of charter language. Something obviously needs to happen. I'm not necessarily in in favor or against the the current motion, but it makes it difficult not to move forward with that if we don't have
some form of structure there. Well, I'll just sh I'm sorry, I'm sure. >> Nothing is stopping the board, the committee from providing a policy recommendation. Again, that's the idea. Um, if there's a policy recommendation to be made by this committee, um, they
can do that. That doesn't elevate to the level of a charter. That's an option that they can have. And that's something that's been it's consistent what's happened to other charters too where there's policy issues that has been deliberated discussed by uh previous charter committees and after following
this um several uh um conversations they've determined yes this issue is important. It's critical. It's something that the county should be looking into but it doesn't raise to the level of a charter amendment. >> Okay. Thank you again. I have been trying to keep track of everybody
putting their cards up in order. Uh if I fail, you can throw Rotten Tomatoes at me and I'm sorry, but Dr. Robertson, I think you were up next. >> Thank you. So, just a couple of things. So on a office like this, I think we would need to understand the fiscal
impact and the result that an office would have because in my previous capacity, I oversaw the statewide office for the women, infant and children program, which is a $200 million plus program for food for individuals under the age of five, pregnant women, etc.,
as well as the state's child care food program which is another USDA program over $200 million to the state which is an entitlement program which keeps going even in a shutdown. So with that being said, federal regulations govern those
programs. So when you talk about the other adjacent programs like at the Florida Department of A which is the school lunch program, there are very specific federal regulations and I I fail to understand here how a charter amendment would then bring you know like
farmers to schools etc or to daycarees because those federal regulations govern what types of foods what can go on a menu. It's very tight now in terms of a of a office and an example that I have
statewide. So when you have we can do this at a community level. You have a community health assessment where you um go through all of the different data points. You come up with a community health improvement plan with the hospital with federally qualified healthc care centers with other partners
and entities in a community that govern different types of health. But with the understanding that some of these people you don't have jurisdiction under. So in this situation, I think it's important for us to understand like the different
pockets of services, programs, and money that govern food insecurities and that help to address those things. And then, you know, make I would recommend a policy recommendation to bring those partners to the table to do an
assessment on where we are with partners with multiple authorities to be able to do something about these food programs. and then come up with that countywide plan. So that's measurable and action and ways to address that with a
committee because otherwise I struggle on how you're going to fund this and even if you fund this, how are you going to have the authority to do something about some of these different parts of this? >> Yeah. Thank you. Um Dr. Stu, we have a lot of people. I know you have answers
to everybody. I'm sorry, but I respectfully would like to hear from everyone here in the uh already in the queue. Next is Miss Terson. >> I'm going to pass. >> I beg your pardon. >> I'm going to pass. I You can circle back
around to me. Um I since I'm talking already, [laughter] >> you got it, lady. Hi, everybody. Um, I echo what you're saying and I'm hearing a lot, but I want to go back all the way um with Mr. Shinkton and Lame and a lot
of the things that the county is doing already. Um, the capital city chamber has been a part of that we started right along with um big being minority chamber during COVID making sure those resources was there even all the way down to the small business. So, a lot of the
fine-tuning and the structure has been built out primarily in the last 45 years. Um, can it be strengthened? Yes, it can be strengthened and we're listening for that. Um, but the everyday work, we had a meeting this morning before we even came over here in this office. Did we not? So those
conversations are going on and we're also utilizing not just the funding here in our county, but we're utilizing how we can get grants into the community in order to fill those gaps and make sure um that we're meeting the needy. So um I
I'm going speak for myself. We saw a need as a minority chamber to step up in philanthropic ways than when other resources when and we can do what we um need to do. So with that being said, the county right now has um afforded us the
opportunity to partner with them and get more grants into the community that has filled some of those gap gaps. So we work with sheet in office. Um we normally have a meeting at least once a month. It's got down to once a month versus every two weeks regarding those situations.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um Jared Terry, your turn, please. Uh yes, I'm I'm certainly leaning to to number three, but I I'll I'll tell you that I'm a little concerned that we are
discussing number three and not actually answering which option we're going to choose to move forward. So that's why I'm having a little bit of under of problem understanding where we're at in the procedure. I see that we have >> I see that we have a couple options here
to choose from and that there has been >> at this time the motion on the floor is for option three. Substitute motions can be made. >> We can proceed. I mean so those that's really where we are. Nothing has been >> what what I'm a little cons what I'm
what I'm confused about is that we're talking about alternatives to number three already as it relates to policy. And I think we probably as a unit should decide whether or not we're going to go to number three or number two or number four or number one. And if we do hit
three, continue to talk about what can happen and what can't happen. Because my understanding is that if number three, as an example, we would be directing the staff to draft a proposed charter that is determined by us. We are now trying to determine what can go in and what can
go what can't go in. That seems to be cart before the horse for me. So I'm asking whether or not we're actually following the right path to answering item two. >> I would just like to say one thing. I mean just out of respect for having this
conversation on item two. >> Mhm. >> Not not uh option three but item two in general. There are a lot of people have views. I I hear what you're saying. We could eliminate all conversation other than on the motion on the floor if that's what this commit if this what
this committee wishes but as chair I feel like it is actually more fair to hear everybody's views on the overall option too but um okay is there a procedure that I'm missing here on this? >> No. And also the conversation that's going on could guide members to decide whether or not they want to support
option number three. So, >> it's that's why I'm trying to keep it wide open that we can talk about as long as we're on item two and we're not talking about other topics. This is our this is the heart of what we're doing here today is agenda item two. So, right now we have a motion on the floor for a
charter amendment language which will come back to us at another time. But there are other options here. >> Great. Okay. So then my second question I I accept that. Thank you very much. My second question then is is for you Mr. Lammy. I'm wondering if there were chatter charter language and this has
been asked I think in a couple different ways. How does it hinder you from making the success that you are already making or improving upon that if there were charter language? And the reason I asked that is because you say that what we
could also do is is recommend policy. I don't think that having the charter language stops us from recommending policy later if we get into understanding where we're limited on the charter language. So, I'm asking, how does charter language
hinder you from continuing to do what you've been doing well for the county? >> It's duplicative. It's duplicative of the work that we're already doing, but also it doesn't take into consideration >> the fact that it's duplicative. I I I want to I want to
can you give examples of how it's duplicative having the language versus your actions if the county becomes the sole entity responsible for food insecurity?
Uh what's the city role within the city limits? Again, human services you typically don't have jurisdictional issues. uh is the county employing staff, building food pantries, duplicating a lot of the things that are today are provided through the nonprofit sector,
Second Harvest, for example. >> Yeah, I'm on that board. So, I'm I'm ask I just I don't want to interrupt you, but I I want to stay with what it is that I'm saying. Previously, in the beginning, we talked about this being a focus on the sentiment of the county, meaning that this was uh language as
sentiment. And I think it was uh Commissioner Jones that kind of brought it to this this direction was that for eternity there would be a an emphasis on this topic for the county beyond changes
of policy andor leadership and that that was the point of having it as charter language. So, not necessarily putting in that there was a an a responsibility, but a sentiment that you would continue to do that is something that I'm saying I'm worried about in terms of we're
discussing >> the issue. Just a moment. Let me let me finish this. I'm a pretty quiet person. >> Yeah. >> Not outside, but in here. Uh I I just want to say that what I understood this to be initially before what I think we started doing was discussing what it would be is that we wanted to have
language in place that pushed a sentiment that this was important to the county. That was the language. It wasn't putting in responsibility which I do think is through policy that's what happens. I thought it was just the sentiment and I would just want clarification on the distinction within
this discussion. I I think you're referring to some of the conversations about the Bill of Rights >> and u value statements. U the materials before you today are in response to a handout that was provided as part of the committee discussion >> requesting this item. So it was it
considered the the establishment of an office and some other responsibilities I think three options that were laid out. Um so it was more structural and and programmatic if you will >> and that's the motion on the floor. the the looking again at option the options that are in item right so that the
motion on the floor this is why I asked the question before I'm I apologize for the clarity but it seemed like the motion was duplicative to option [clears throat] three with a minor adjustment and change which made it different that was one thing but the second thing is I just want to know are we going to address options and I I
understand I've accepted that options 1 2 3 and four and if so that pertains to what I think was prior to this uh not after this. Uh so that that's that's all I want to just make sure that we're we're doing that rather than actually
more or less discussing what would be in the charter. >> But but make be sure to understand that the motion on the floor is very specific about what would be in the charter. It says we would create an office of food systems. It's very specific. It's not a
sentiment. It's really clear. >> Yes. But >> and that's what we're that's what we have to >> different than the action. The option that we have to have is not a motion. That's why I was asking about the order, right? >> No, the option option three. He made the motion. >> That's he made a motion. We were given
options for the review and it corresponds with the option. His motion corresponds with the option, but we weren't asked to to consider a motion when we were asked that to consider this item. >> Madam [clears throat] Chair, point point of order. I think for clarity sake his
motion really was option four instead of option that's what I'm saying if that helps you out I mean I think his motion really is option four and that's committee direction and therefore his >> that is not the option that is not the motion he made we can analyze that >> no he didn't he made option no he did
not make option three is his motion he made a personal motion >> and and his motion falls under option four which is committee direction >> and that's different than what we >> the maker of the motion please clarify I see >> the motion. Okay, so option three reads direct staff.
>> That's not what you said. >> Yeah, right. That's not what you said. >> I did not say option three. That is correct. >> Correct. >> So it say proposed charter amendment on food insecurity as determined by the citizens charter review committee. And then here is the l I was offering language for that motion. So I don't see office.
>> Yeah. And to bring back information that was committee direction. >> Greater the committee direction. >> That is correct. >> Well, wherever it fits. Okay. I I don't know which one it fits in, but the and I'm waiting to answer a lot of the questions I had on the motion, so let me know when it's my turn to speak.
>> Okay, I'll do that. [laughter] >> Uh yeah. Next, uh Sean Pitman, then Heidi Awe, then Linda Bon Edwards, then Max Hurley, and then uh Dr. Lewis. It's the order of appearance coming up next.
>> Great. Thanks for the clarification. That was part of my question. And then the other part of my question had >> I think Joey and and Shamiro responded to it and that was you know what's the fiscal is this is this is there a fiscal um attached to
the motion um best guess if it's creating an office what does that mean um I think it's important to know what we're what we're asking to be done because I don't think any of us will disagree that these issues are important
Some people disagree where it it belongs. Um, that's a another argument probably. Um, but the fiscal is something we got to have no matter what. So I So thank you Joey. You and Shamiro sort of covered that. So I'm going to be
quiet. >> Okay. Miss Alway. >> Yeah. I just want to provide context because I think many of you all know that I've been running a food pantry in the community for almost for over a decade and I do appreciate what the county is doing and Shington you
mentioned that the county is focused on neighborhoods that you've identified as main areas of food insecurity but at my food pantry I'm getting people from across the entire county of all socioeconomic status because sometimes
someone in that household who may have had a six-f figure salary salary lost their job. >> Yes. >> And they're driving up in very nice cars that's almost on E and they're humbling themselves because they have to feed their family. So the other group of
people that I also see are grandparents who are raising multiple grandchildren and they need support. So to provide additional insight as we're talking through this is I don't know if you all know but we had some um SNAP benefits
earlier this year were completely out of pocket unavailable for a lot of people across the United States and even though that it was brought back coming this October of 2026 Florida will be responsible for the
administrative cost of implementing SNAP. And if Florida doesn't come up with that billion dollars, we're going to see more food insecurity in this community. So, we need to come up with some saludo policy. I don't know if it's
what's been presented, but we need to make this a priority because a storm is coming bigger than what we've seen just this just this past year and how disruptive the loss of SNAP benefits were to people across this country and our community. Thank you.
In in terms of urgency, could I just ask a question of you all? If we should somehow go to decide we want just to rec um recommend a policy to the board of county commissioners, does that go to them right away in terms of urgency or does that have to go around through
August and on I mean I hear what you're saying. What we're doing even if it gets on the ballot, it's next November, it's a year away. You know, I just didn't know if policy speaks more quickly >> to the county. >> All uh proposed charter amendments as
well as any policy recommendations such as the one that uh you recommended at your last meeting will be included in your final report that's going to be presented to the board um at their March 2026 meeting. >> So, okay, that's Thank you. Uh next we
have um Linda Bond Edwards, please. >> Thank you. And this is to Mr. Lambie. When you were responding to Dr. Kesler's questions. You talked about um a food council that was being developed, but I did not hear that the Leyon County
School Board was invited or was a part of that council. And I understand that this is all voluntary. It's not mandatory. You're not making them spend any money. But is the school district a part of that council as well? >> Well, it's being led by FAMU. Um but
that's something that we'll make sure we touch base with regarding the um the inclusion of um Leon County schools. Um but there have been several partners in in the room that are looking at and really having this conversation. um when
when we talk about farmers, when we talk about um the need for um Second Harvest, I mean there there we have quite a a bit of stakeholders in the room participating in this process >> as well as folks like Heidi's food pantry, your private kind of food
providers. Are those folks also invited? And I guess what what I think we're all looking for is something that is comprehensive where the messaging is pretty strong to those people who really have a need. I mean, it was eyeopening to me when you talked about uh a citizen
who lived next door to a food pantry to school and didn't know it. So, there's some messaging issues that that that need to take place as well as well as the measurements. And so I think that what what I hear is just a comprehensive
deep dive perhaps in what's being done and where those gaps are to be sure because again a lot is being done by a lot of people but we still have people who think that there's an issue so or and there is an issue. I don't need to to to downplay it there is an issue. So
>> and what we're sharing is that those conversations are being are taking place. I think that's the most I I don't want the committee to to take away that things aren't happening to address these gaps. They are all the time every single
day in a meeting right after this meeting. So hopefully we get something to eat soon, but I I don't know because we got another meeting on food and security. We were talking about food and security not just right in this agenda item, but as um Miss Hunderson mentioned before the meeting and then we're going
to have to talk about it again after the meeting. and we're going to have make sure we have the right people in the room as part of these conversations because it is a critical um piece. But I want to go back to something Mr. Terry had asked about what the harm is. It's not a harm, but what you're running into
right now is that we have in our community the the the needs are ever changing ever changing because even Dr. Henry Lewis will know when we were talking about a lot about infant mortality several years ago a lot and that was the
big big issue Dr. Robinson remembers these issues because these are the things that that was the big challenge but the everchanging and we invested and figure out how do we uh how do we um address those issue ever changing the thing is when you elevate this one into
the charter what happens when something else happens in our community. remember it was shortly after the end of our last charter committee that we had a pandemic and then all of a sudden the need of our community changed.
We can't change a charter annually. What we get to do and what the board currently has the authority to do is quickly be able to address those changing needs here in our community. >> Thank you Shington. Um Dr. Lewis, you
were up next and then Barry Wilcox and then right there and you'll be winding up on your motion. We have just a half an hour of this meeting. We have two more topics. We're not going to get to them, I don't think, but we want to be very thorough on this, very thoughtful.
And this has been a great conversation >> as I've listened to the uh discussion. Uh certainly we have major major issues here and this is certainly one of them and not to belittle it at all because I
grew up on a farm. I never had to miss a meal. I got off of I 10 a couple of Sundays ago came from the west side and there was a church that was giving out food. There
was a line of cars from that church which is on got the name of the road around it had to be 140 or 50 cars lined up on a Sunday afternoon trying to get food. >> Yeah.
>> My wife grew up in Havana, Florida, and her father was a preacher. He provided food for his parishioners every Sunday. >> The infrastructures that we had in place
before are no longer here. I sit on the Tallahassee housing authority and the shutdown in the government caused us to miss the payroll to all of our landlords this month.
They have since restored the money, but we had to notify 2,000 landlords that they weren't going to get paid this month. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> That's not something that I think we
want to keep going on in our city, our county, and certainly not our country in that regard. But I think uh just like healthcare is a fundamental right. I think food should be a fundamental
right for every person that here in this country. We sit next to 32304 32304 the highest poverty code in the state of Florida.
We have a responsibility I think on this committee to address those issues whether it be charter or policy but we have a responsibility to address it. My struggle as it relates to whether or not this should be a charter issue or policy
issue is how do we uh enforce it and how do we bring people to the table to address it. We've got a critical fragmentation of delivery of services. Now the question is how do we address
that fragmentation and who is the entity or entities that should address that fragmentation and we got a proposal on the table uh to address that. Nobody else has come forth
with a proposal to address this issue now. talk about and u I hope that we can address it if we can't address it through the charter certainly recommend that our county commission develop a
structure and it be the lead for coordinating not funding coordinating the various entities in our community that provide food for our neighbors in that regard
>> thank you I appreciate what uh Shington Lambi has said about that in terms of the structure that we do have as a county, you know, not for all uh all of the agencies in the community that we have no control over. The next person up is Barry Wilcox and
then Daryl Jones and then Dr. Strupal, you're right winded up. We have just about 25 minutes today and we have we have two other agenda items, but I don't believe we're going to get to them. So, let's try to try to hear hear every thought on this
and then we'll try to make some movement. >> Well, I hope my comments will bring some clarity to it, not making it infinitely worse, but um the I feel like we've jumped ahead of ourselves a little bit here. The item was great in that it it it identifies what's being done to date
and you know Abby and Shington I mean what you guys do with that department with limited resources and so much laid at your feet in terms of veteran affairs and and and health services and housing and I mean it's just all the issues that are the most difficult to solve. Um, so
I I could see where an office or at least uh some additional help in the area of food insecurity could be beneficial uh to what you do. Uh what you already do, but also maybe expand your ability to do that. Um but I feel like we've jumped ahead and we've got an
item that says here's what we do today. We've got a proposed charter amendment that says here's what you should do, but I feel like I'm missing the information in between that says to me to to you know a few of the other members [clears throat] points, what does that look like? Like how where is that housed? How many staff do you think you
would need to to take care of that? What does the budget look like for something of of that sort? Um, and I hate to, you know, again, knowing how much work goes into each one of these items, I hate to put another item in front of you, but I'm I'm struggling with a being able to say yes on the charter amendment at this
point when I feel like there's still some information that I need to fill in that gap. >> Thank you. Um, Daryl Jones. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, [clears throat] first of all, I I was being glib about the school board because, as you know, I'm the only
school board member whose entire district is [clears throat] title one schools, which means I wrestle with childhood food insecurity on a daily basis at all of my sites stretching from Fort Braen to James S. Rickards High School.
What for me why I think this is I don't wrestle with the charter amendment I do w I am still unclear about the fullness of the amendment
what matters to me most is to answer Barry's question Barry says if at the very beginning he says if we make this a charter amendment how do we fund it well if it's included in the charter. That means the monies that pro that that
support food insecurity are held blameless no matter what our tax base looks like. That's what putting it in the charter means. I remember there was a time when
environmental issues were the rage and now we don't we don't even recycle like we once did, right? But here now, if we were to include food insecurity as a part of our charter, that means
staff is then thereby and the commission are expected to hold monies, priorities, policy blameless because it is now a community value as expressed in our charter. Now, Dr. Strobel has brought us
something rather specific and I think there's a difference between that which is charter language and that which may be a part of a strategic plan. For example, when they created my office for the office of economic vitality when
they cons the the move was that we would consolidate. How it got consolidated was left for us to get to for us to be directed beyond the initial decision. then staff was then equipped cuz see this is what I think the charter
language does and and I want chicken to know I have the utmost respect for him this is done not to weaponize but to empower what you're already doing such that it remains a continuing priority and that's what I hope that will come
out of this that when we put it in the charter that means its monies the policies subsequently are all informed because it is now risen to a charter mandate that lasts eternally and how we get to that can be negotiate
can certainly be negotiated by staff along with community input. But now I would dare say if we get too specific potentially you run the risk of alienating the people that you're going to want to vote on it because then it becomes
potentially a unfunded mandate. Right? You want to make certain that people understand it most clearly. That's that that's just my two cents. Thank you, madam. >> Thank you. Um, Vice Chair Haynes, your turn, >> Madam Chair.
>> I think ahead of me. >> I I was going to give Dr. Strobble the opportunity to wind up at the end of the conversation, but um, if you'd like to go now, you are ahead. >> How? >> Okay. Madam Chair, I I have heard
>> I heard all the information provided by staff and the conversation and um I I think we all agree that our county does a phenomenal job with the resources that we have and addressing uh some if not
all of these issues that we have before us. But I I too would tend to agree that this is more of a policy issue than uh something that should be addressed in the charter. Um and I would love to offer a substitute motion for option two. listening to I mean I've heard some
people a little uneasy about funding and just some other questions and either we we we're going to table this issue until another meeting or do option two and just you know draft this as a recommendation and have uh to the county commission you know to address it or
whatever. So uh >> are you making a substitute motion for option two >> chair make a substitute motion for option two? >> Second. >> Do I hear a second on option two? Motion has been made and seconded. We have um correct me here on Robert's rules, but I think we have a first motion on the
floor um that we would need to dispense with before we go to >> substitute motion. Substitute motion must be addressed >> first. Substitute first. I haven't given Dr. Sterbil an
opportunity to wind up the conversation on his motion >> and I would like you to do that. >> Okay. Um, so I just want to deal with a couple of the questions that come up. We keep talking about the fiscal impact. Um, my understanding is that if this is a charter um, amendment and we're doing
something that's charter appropriate, we do not want to supplant the responsibility of the board of county commissioners. It would be up to them and I was specific in saying that it would be subject to annual appropriation, meaning that this is going to be a budgetary decision made by the commissioners. I'm not trying to get into their business. what we are setting
is the floor and the standard which is within our perview is the charter review commission or committee I should say. So um in terms of does it belong in the charter the charter is where we deal with structure of the government and we are talking about structure and how we manage a full system and again I do not
want to take anything away from the current staff and the work that they are doing but I believe that we could all benefit and they will benefit from having a coordinated effort that is countywide. No, we cannot coersse or force the school board or other partners into it, but we can set minimum standards as the county um as the
previous charter commission charter committee did with setting environmental standards amendment. So that is a possibility. There is precedent for that. So with those things said there I would not support the substitute motion because this does belong in the charter. A recommendation simply would not do the
necessary steps because we're talking about food. This is a issue that there's no society. There's no civilization. We're not here. We couldn't even get through this meeting without food. So, we're talking about something that is extremely important and I believe that it belongs in the charter to set a value and a statement. And I very carefully
mapped out the different aspects of it so that it does not intercede or um overrule what the commission is doing, but it sets a base and it sets a mandate for them to carry out. So, I'll leave it at that. >> Thank you very much. All right. The substitute motion at this time then is
for option two, which is to direct staff to include a policy recommendation on food insecurity as determined by our charter review. I'm assuming that would include a lot of what was discussed today. >> Uh, point of clarification because I know they're going to call on me first
to vote. Yeah. Um, so it the the motion to to bring back draft language, we then have to approve it then after that for it to go before to go before the board. So we still could if that is not decided to be done, we
still could come back to what would then be option two after that. Is that correct? >> As I understand it, that is correct. >> Okay. Yeah. There will be another round of discussion on on the draft language if that is u what the word. Okay. At this point then we're going to vote on
the substitute motion which is for a policy recommendation. That's option two. I think I'd like to take a roll call on this please. >> Yes. Dr. Robinson. >> Could Dr. Strobble's last comments be considered a substitute to the
substitute motion? >> No. That he was explaining his motion. Yeah. >> Very good. >> Uhhuh. So we Excuse me. I have a pardon me. >> I do just have a real quick question on um option two. Will we have an opportunity to review
what staff brings brings back as the um recommendation if it passes >> to have some specifics as to what that policy ought to be? >> Yes, >> I would say absolutely. >> Okay. [laughter] Thank you. >> So we want to come back, >> Mr. Ray. >> Yeah. just wanted as we go to a roll
call vote, I'll be voting no on the substitute motion, not because I disagree with uh creating recommendations, but because I believe u in the underlying motion. So, just to clarify that. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. A roll call, please. Miss Away. >> Um and I just wanted to ask, would the
county consider what has been presented by Dr. Strobble? >> Pause. Pause. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> This has been a great discussion. There's been a lot out here. Okay. Roll call vote, please. >> Joey Davis, >> no. Linda Bon Edwards, >> yes. >> Liz Ellis,
>> yes. >> Max Hurley, >> no. >> Daryl Jones, >> Howard Kesler, >> no. >> Henry Lewis, >> no. >> Heidi Otwway, >> yes. >> Sean Pitman,
>> no. >> Ryan Ray, >> no. >> Shamar Robersonson, >> yes. >> Temple Robinson, >> no. >> Bruce Stroble, >> no. Jared Terry. >> No. >> Katrina Tugerson. I'm gonna pause for a second. We're
We're looking at I just want to make clarity before I say yes. >> Policy recommendation for number two. >> That's a substitute motion. Yes, ma'am. >> I had stepped out to the restroom. >> Um, >> no. >> No, no. >> Barry Wilcox,
>> yes. >> Vice Chair Haynes, >> yes. Chair Lley. >> Yes. >> That's seven yay, 11 nay. >> The motion fails. >> Motion fails. We'll go back to Dr.
Stubble's original motion. >> Now, >> that's Well, that you know what >> I was just about to ask. We need real clarification on that because >> I was I was wandering around thinking you wanted a charter amendment and then
I hear no committee direction. >> Yeah, >> I know. But it's not necessarily option three or option four. I don't know what it is. >> Draft charter language. >> So it's option three. >> Yes. I don't know what he said.
So this this is why I was confused because I thought we were doing three originally. That's the beginning. >> So now there was a substitute motion while you were away. >> The underlying motion. No. >> So are you saying this is the language
that you have here and I'm going to read every word of it here. >> Right. >> So it is in effect option four. >> Yes. Yes. Since option three does not include all this extra stuff. Always includes systems which are fine but it's not three. It's four. I think Robert's
Robert's rules would be just as confused as some of us here are. Okay, so we're going to call this option four >> A. Good. >> 4 A. Okay. [laughter] And the motion I'm going to read it. >> Okay,
>> everybody. Direct staff to bring back draft charter language establishing a county duty for food access and food system resilience. Creating an office of food systems under the county administrator
or design within the executive branch. requiring a countywide plan with annual reporting authorizing countywide minimum standards implemented by ordinance within 12 months of what? Consistent
with state law and subject to annual appropriation. Are you talking within 12 months of passing of this >> charter if it passes? >> If it was amended to the charter. Yeah. >> All right. We've got the motion on the floor. I have a question >> and a question. I'm sorry. Yeah. So
based on the discussion earlier saying that there would have to be like legislative things that go along. >> Oh hold on that was for the other thing. So with this, this would go 12 months after the charter, like implementation 12 months after the charter.
Like when would it start? Like I'm trying to get the fiscal year. Would it start? Like when would this have to be implemented? >> Historically, if so, if this is approved on the ballot um ultimately, typically the the ordinances go into
effect the following January 1. >> Okay. Um, so it'd probably be sooner than that if >> So that'd be 2027. >> Okay. >> January 27. >> And so also the county commission has to
agree to put this on the ballot, >> right? >> So there's several steps ahead and we will get the language back on this to discuss, I guess, in January. Well, not necessarily January 8. We have quite a few of Okay. Oh, don't say it. You're confused. I I'm not I'm not confused,
but >> some of us are. >> Is it possible that we would end up in the review of the analysis back to the more general language in three >> if that's the will of the committee. >> Gotcha. Thank [clears throat] you,
>> Miss Edwards. >> No. All right, Mr. Jones. >> Madam, I'd like to offer a substitute motion of option three. >> I would second that. Substitute motion for option three.
>> Yes, I'd second that. >> Party. >> No, we did option two and motion's been made and seconded for option three. Do you care to explain >> the reason I just the recommendation has a great deal of specificity
>> and I think that can be taken into consideration when the staff comes back to us. But I think that gen number three provides the flexibility and liberality for them
to make their the staff to bring back best practices and such that we can have the type of charter language that may very well include the recommendation coming in from the original motion plus also be able to weigh in what they what
what what the staff would also provide. >> Accept that as a friendly amendment. >> I beg. I would accept that as a friendly amendment. >> Is it as well? Hold on, Madam Chair. I mean, I just want to for clarity. So, this is not a substitute motion because the the motion we voted on passed. I mean, he
can make a motion for option three, but it's not a substitute motion. Is that >> No, we you voted on the substitute motion. >> We have not voted on. >> All right. Okay. >> Okay. All right. Thank you.
>> This is a completely different motion, Bill, in a sense. It's number three. It's number three, and that's what we're going to vote on right now. your name. >> Sir, >> can I just ask for the maker of the substitute motion? What is the difference between the substitute and the underlying motion?
>> Oh, thank you. >> It's not that language, that whole paragraph that we have. >> All right, call the roll, please. >> Joey Davis, >> yes. >> Linda Bon Edwards, >> yes. >> Liz Ellis, >> yes. >> Max Hurley, >> hi. Daryl Jones.
>> Howard Kesler, >> yes. >> Henry Lewis, >> yes. >> Heidi Otwway, >> yes. >> Sean Pitman, >> Ryan Ray, >> yes. >> Jamario Robersonson, >> yes. >> Temple Robinson, >> yes. >> Bruce Strugel, >> yes. >> Jared Terry,
>> yes. >> Katrina Tugerson, >> yes. >> Barry Wilcox, >> yes. >> Vice Chair Haynes, >> yes. >> Chair Lindley, >> yes. Ma'am, >> unan unanimously pass. unanimous passed. >> Okay. Okay. Um, we have more items on
our agenda today, but if I hear a motion to adjourn at a point of order, >> I'd appreciate that, sir. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Thank I I didn't know I needed it. Can we still offer motions? I mean, amendments. As members, we do our
own round. Robin, >> that would require a twothirds majority vote to consider something out of order. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> Or out of the agenda order. >> Okay. >> Um Madam Chair, you would you would be skipping.
>> Um point of um so I recognize that we're not going to uh consider more items today, but um just to kind of get a picture of so we have two meetings in January, right? And so one is on January 8th, the other is some other two weeks after that. >> So for now, >> um and so right now the things that we
know are going to come before the January 8th meeting are what? >> So we will continue um to pick up where we left off this agenda. So the items uh affordable housing and healthcare will be presented and then uh the additional
items uh that are are planned. Um, and just a just for reference, um, in your agenda materials, the last page does, um, provide a we'll say a work plan or a proposal schedule for the remaining items to come back. If they aren't
presented at the Janu January 8th meeting, they will be presented at the January 22nd meeting um, in anticipation of uh, your decision m uh, meetings beginning on February 5th. And those items include the Office of Inspector
General, uh the Bill of Rights, and the uh restoration of community harm proposals, >> and and plus the two we didn't get to today. And any other things that you all come >> will be opportunity for us to make additional charter recommendations. >> Yes. Um
>> that's right. Um, Madam Chair, the reason I ask is because um, we got this agenda uh, 48 hours ago, which I I understand, you know, >> this is a process. Um, and I've reached out to some stakeholders and I I look
forward to getting their feedback on it. But I just wanted to make sure that there was a willingness and an understanding from staff that this is going to come on another agenda and that we may get updated information that would be helpful to be included in that in that agenda item. So, I just wanted
to make sure that we weren't going to take it >> updated information on this item that we've just voted or what on >> No, on the remaining items. the remaining items. >> Not sure what the staff response would be to them. I mean, I don't understand
>> that uh we have an openness to looking to to working with staff when this comes back in January that uh the agenda items can can uh be changed in terms of getting additional feedback from other
stakeholders. If if you all receive feedback from other stakeholders, is it possible that the words on this >> are we uh we aren't really reaching out to other stakeholders on this? I mean, this is our committee to come up with what we think is appropriate for either
a charter amendment or policy recommendations, the board of county commissioners. You all can reach out to all the stakeholders you want to privately, I think, but not for this board to discuss is my understanding. Is that clear? >> Comment
>> like getting specific here. So for example, >> an attachment there's um could could we have an openness to including attachments from from other stakeholders and groups? >> I mean they could provide it as written public comment to be distributed to the committee. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. And come speak to us as members here have as well. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. But in terms of directing the staff to reach out, I think no, right? Unless you know direct them to reach out. >> Yeah, they have update agenda items with any feedback
gotten from the public and from other stakeholder groups, >> right? But so for example, the public comment that we did receive over email is not printed off and is not in front of anyone here. >> But it has been distributed to each and every one of you >> via email, but not the public and not
the committee members. The committee members have it. >> Yep. And so that's all. Thank you. Thank you. >> You guys are a bunch of wonks here, aren't you? [laughter] >> Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? Question.
Were we supposed to receive the public comment in advance? >> Well, there was there was some public comment that you got that you did receive in your email, I think, yesterday >> about this topic. >> No, everybody's working pretty fast. To have a meeting every two weeks is
>> so moved. Exactly. >> The staff is pulling things together fast and getting it to us as quickly as possible. >> Yeah. >> Without objection, the meeting is adjourned. >> Yeah. Let it be thoroughly good.