Everyone, commissioners, nice to see everybody in the chambers. Uh, Commissioner Cummings, great to have you back in the chambers. I know we missed you. We missed you last month. Um, I will call this meeting into session at 3:01 p.m. and we will start by the
invocation. Um, Mr. Media Past Chairman, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, thank you everybody for being here. Tonight's invocation is going to be offered by the Reverend Dr. Lenny CK Marshall. Uh, New York City native raised and educated in the Bronx public schools, now serving
Tallahassee as the pastor of St. Philip AM Church located right there on the corner of Centerville and Bradfordville Road. Uh Dr. uh Marshall, Reverend Dr. Marshall is also now the full-time chaplain at our Leyon County detention facility. So, we are very excited about
that. Uh I want to thank our sheriff for investing in that program. Know that's very important. So, um thank you for being here, Dr. Marshall. And please, uh lead us in our invocation. >> There you go. Let us bow our heads in a word of prayer
as we go to the throne and thank God for this day. Gracious God, our father, Lord, we come on this Tuesday afternoon. Day we've never seen before. Day, Lord, where you woke us all up this
morning and started us on our way. We thank you, Lord, for grace, mercy. Thank you, Lord, for providing for us. Thank you Lord for keeping us in our right mind and unveiling to us our purpose for
the day. Lord we know we are a community of one. We come Lord as a unit coming to serve and coming Lord to be a blessing to those in need of a blessing. Lord we could not do what we do had it not been
for you. So Lord we thank you for this time together. We pray for our commissioners right now that you might continue to impart knowledge and wisdom in the decisions that they make and the impact that they will have on all the citizens of Lyon County. Lord, you're a
good God. You're a provider. You're an awesome God. Lord, you look beyond our faults and see us at our needs. So Lord, we just ask for your presence in this meeting right now. Every person who stands behind this podium will have
something to say, Lord, that will lift you up. That will remind us that we're all in this together. All of us striving to take this life one day at a time. And on that day, Lord, when we return back to you, that you be pleased and allow us for home in your kingdom. And until that
day comes, we say thank you for this meeting today. Bless this meeting. Keep us all, Lord, in the bosom of your heart, Lord, that we might glorify you even the more and we'll be ever so mindful to give you all the honor and praise. For we do love you, we bless
you. We glorify you. We say this prayer in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Dr. Marshall. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh, Mr. Chairman, uh, uh, the county administrator wanted to remind me, Dr.
Marshall, that he is also from the Bronx and, uh, you guys, he wants to get together and see if you guys can figure out how the Yankees can win another World Series finally with that big budget. You know what I'm saying? All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Mr. Immediate Past Chairman. I will now recognize Commissioner
Cummings. I believe she has two proclamations. The first one is a proclamation recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Black Business Expo. Commissioner Cummings, you're recognized. Good afternoon everyone. Thank you Mr. Chair. Will the recipient
Mr. Von Wilson, Mr. Keith Bowers, will you join me at the podium please? How you doing? Where's Von? He's not here. >> Okay. I don't see Mr. Von Wilson, so I
will present that to you and you can hold it and I will read it. And it reads, "Whereas the International Economic Development Council through its prestigious excellence award program
recognizes communities throughout the world for distinction and economic development. Whereas forced in resilience during the early days of the pandemic when the office of economic development and the
big bin Minority Chamber of Commerce provided grants that enable Von Wilson and his business enterprise Mega Ace Media to pivot and thrive. Since that period, Von Wilson has
dedicated his efforts to empower blackowned businesses by championing access to funds, strengthening networks, and fostering meaningful partnerships. And whereas the efforts of Von Wilson
led to the first Black Business Expo Tallahassee that was launched in 2021 in partnership with the Office of Economic Vitality. This expo continues to be a groundbreaking platform that connects blackowned businesses with agencies,
financial institutions, and major corporations. Since its inception, more than $56,000 in grants has been awarded. Strategic partnerships with major construction firms have been forged. And the forum
has attracted participants from all across Florida and beyond, which underscores the growing national appeal of the expo. And whereas the Black Business Expo has continued to expand, in 2025, new milestones were achieved in
a myriad of areas, including a 22% increase in attendance with 279 participants, 72 businesses, 12 state agencies, 23 sponsors, and $16,000 in grant awards.
And whereas the 2025 expo also generated 88 new vendor registrations with the city of Tallahassee, Leyon County government, Leyon County School District, and the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. At this expo, the inaugural, and
I quote, direct connect end quote networking forum was launched and designed to link minority owned and womenowned businesses with larger construction firms in the market in the local market. And whereas the Black
Business Expo Tallahassee in partnership with Mega Ace Media and the Office of Economic Vitality is approaching its fifth year anniversary. The expo continues to be a vital platform for collaboration and economic empowerment
to expand opportunities for minority and womenowned business enterprises in Lyon County, Tallahassee, and beyond and has been rightfully recognized by the International Economic Development
Council as a premier international model for advancing equity and inclusion. olution in economic development. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the board of county commissioners of Leyon
County, Florida, commend the office of economic vitality, von Wilson, Mega Ace Media, and the Black Expo Tallahassee for the visionary leadership,
internationally recognized achievements, and steadfast commitment to foster a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient local economy. And for having earned the 2025
Bronze Excellence Award for Economic Equity and Inclusion from the International Economic Development Council, this is dated the 10th day of February, 2026.
is signed by our illustrious chairperson, by all of the commissioners, and attested to by great county administrator. Congratulations. This is Keith Bowers with the Office of Economic Vitality.
Um, Mr. Wilson was supposed to be here. I'm not sure what happened, but congrat here. He comes. Congratulations. Would any of you and and you missed the reading of it, but this is it. I present it to you and Mr. Bowers, would either one of you have
anything to say? >> Um, please excuse my tardiness. Uh, legislative season and our business is extremely busy. So, we're between events and we were able to run over, couldn't find a parking space, but thank you for the opportunity to be here before uh
this body. We are excited about the Black Business Expo, not necessarily for our company, Mega Ace Media, but the fact that we've been able to partner larger businesses within our community with small black
businesses to give them an opportunity uh to advance has been the uh grace behind the Black Business Expo. Like to thank Keith and the Office of Economic Vitality. they push they push for this
event um to be successful and first three years you know it was a one-day event on Saturday now since last year it has grown to two uh two days and uh we're very thankful thank you uh Ma Cummings as I call her thank you
Keith and Daryl and the whole staff at OAV for supporting us through this effort and thank you to all of the businesses who thought it not robbery to invest in it. We've given away over $65,000 grant in grants and that's all funded by those businesses. So, we'd
like to thank every business that has partnered with us over the last 5 years. And I have to recognize my wife. We were both running, but she is here. Do any commissioners have any comments? >> Mr. Proctor, you're recognized. >> Thank you very much. Uh, commissioners,
ladies and gentlemen, one and all. Uh, Mr. Von Wilson is uh is um he has some ingredients within his DNA uh uh that makes him an exceptional
human being. Then he went to an exceptional high school um and at Florida M high school and uh he uh is an all-American in the hall of fame as a uh Florida University football
player and those u traits that push and make for greatness uh which can uh horizontally move from one aspect of a person's life into another aspect. They're transferable qualities. And then
um the best thing of all is his wife is seven times better than him. Keep him on the straight and narrow. >> Miss Wilson, I ain't talking to Von, but we thank you for propping him up and keeping him going forward. We're going
to continue to look to you uh for both of you all success. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Any other questions? Bon, great to see you. We appreciate all that you do. >> Okay, I guess
>> while we taking pictures, I guess I will come in. Um, >> most most people don't know, but but Von Wilson is not just uh champion for this expo, but he's been a champion for our MWBE program. I don't know that there's been a bigger advocate uh for the program uh than Von Wilson, and he'll
tell you more than anybody how much the program has helped him uh benefited him, found him in a in at a time when when he really needed it. Uh and so I want to thank you for being that ambassador. The Black Expo is is I mean the business
expo is is absolutely phenomenal. But when you think about what you've been able to do coming from being an MWBE to what you've done now, I think that's even bigger. It's not just what you do business-wise, but it's the way you give back to the community. And I think it's
because you recognize that u what the community has given to you. And so um I guess that's the athlete in you. That's just the way we're we're taught. We're raised. But to you and your beautiful wife, thank you so much for what you do for our community uh and can continue to be an advocate for businesses in Lyon
County, but especially our MWBs. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner Pro. >> Um Mr. Chairman, I would be remiss uh given that this is African-American history month, uh the 100th year celebration of u remembrance and
reflections on African-American contributions to American life. Uh founded by Carla G. Woodson 1926. But in that vein of u of business uh and I mentioned Von's background, but just
for the record to make sure that our scribers capture that Van is a part of a family that own the FM radio uh station here in Tallahassee. So when I say that uh he has no he has an irregular uh
background not a regular but irregular and his family also owned a um newspaper here in this community. Uh again an irregular start in beginning and his father was the uh business um uh
director as athletic director making sure that uh bills were paid, revenue came in, all of that. He's been around that thing. And I think that it's very important uh in times when uh African-American history is being um
challenged that uh to note the business contributions of not just bond but uh he's standing on hell of a legacy and um again salute. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Miner. Mr. Chairman, really quickly, I just want to thank the two of you for everything you do for the
community. Um let me ask you a question. How many of How many of you here in the audience have had a chance to go to one of the expos over the last five years? >> All right, we've got a lot of great new customers here for the next time. So, if you haven't had a chance to go, please take a next time it's on, go there. You
won't you won't regret it. >> February 28th. >> February 28th. February 28th. What time? >> 12 noon at the moon. >> 12 noon at the moon. U my family and I have been there. It's a great It's worth your time to go help support our local businesses. Uh these are good businesses
that are doing a great job helping to prop up our local economy. Thank you very much for your outreach to them and supporting them and for this community. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> All right. Thank you. Uh Commissioner Cummings, we are now on your next proclamation
recognizing the Office of Economic Vitality in Deal International for the development of the Shomo Walls project. Commissioner Cummings, you have the floor. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh Mr. Keith Bowers can stay. is Mr. Bora >> Dimro
let you guys hold the proclamation and the proclamation reads whereas the office of economic vitality is the economic development arm for Leyon County government and the city of Tallahassee
at the direction of the blueprint international National A intergovernmental agency board of directors the office of economic vitality awarded over $1.75 million and GAP financing to Demoral
International to complete the SOMO walls and I know most of us have seen it is beautiful on South Monroe Street whereas the SOMO walls development became a catalyst for the rebattle ization of the
South Monroe Carter and fueled small business growth empowered local artists, created new jobs, and strengthened neighborhood identity and pride. And whereas the
project far exceeded projected economic outcomes by generating 47 permanent jobs, providing annual wages and income of almost $1.8 million,
sustaining an ongoing economic output of $6 million. And whereas Demoral International advanced diversity and inclusion by voluntarily
adopting a 35% participation goal for minority, women, and small business enterprises and by working with the enterprise division of the office of economic vitality to
identify certified minority women, small business enterprise ized firms and those firms earned $1.7 million from the SOMO walls project and I think that deserves a round of
applause at this point and whereas the project integrated sustainability with innovative building practices Florida friendly landscaping and the addition of 1,200 linear feet of sidewalks
The artistic identity of Tallahassee was sever celebrated through the Somo Walls art collaborative which showcased cultural expression of local talented artists and whereas the international
economic development council which is the world's largest organization that serves economic developers worldwide honors projects that exemplify excellence in strengthening communities
and transforming economies. And whereas the office of economic vitality and partnership with demoral international and its co-owner Bura Darro received the gold excellence in economic development
award for real estate and reuse from the international economic development council which recognized SOMO walls as a transformative development that transformed an underutilized iz property
into a vibrant hub for business, art, and community life. And whereas this international recognition exemplifies the commitment of Lyon County government to support bold redevelopment and
economic vitality. I therefore be it proclaimed that the board of county commissioners of Leyon County hereby commend the office of economic vitality demil internationals and Bora Demerroll
for vision for leadership and dedication in advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Lyon County. We encourage all Leyon County residents to join in celebrating the success and
impact of this transformative product dated this 10th day of fe February 2026 signed by our illustrous chairperson as well as all the county commissioners and attested to by great county uh
county commissioner miss uh county administrator elevating to commission our great county administrator, Mr. Vince Law. Congratulations. Let's give them a round of applause for this.
>> Thank you. Um, put a couple things together. First, I would like to um express our appreciation for the Leyon County uh board of county commissioners and commissioner comments. Um, I would like to also individually recognize and
and uh thank uh Commissioner Nick Maddox and Commissioner Proctor uh for their support throughout our project and and here um Director Bowers, Daryl Jones on on the Office of Economic Vitality side.
Um we would not be able to make it here today without their support and without their um overall interest in in helping our project. Now, Somal started with a with a very simple objective. It was taking an underutilized block of our
city and turning that into a destination. Um, since opening, we have ser served collectively through all of our tenants about 200,000 guests. Um, and these guests didn't exist in South Monroe Street prior to our project. We
were able to attract them there and we are very glad we did. They had amazing time time through our concepts and and um they engaged with our project and our property uh through our tenants and we are very thankful that we were able to accomplish that. We created uh uh
permanent jobs, temporary jobs but overall uh this recognition by international economic council is not the only one. We were also recognized by a couple other prestigious organizations such as the Urban Land Institute of North Florida, American Institute of
Architects. We were highlighted by the um um Florida Caribbean Architecture, Architect Magazine. And overall, one of our concepts at Soma Walls, the Maro, uh just recently got highlighted by the
Good Grid magazine. Last year it was the Taste of South magazine and and again another um award was given for the interior design. So all that to say without your help we wouldn't be here today. We are very grateful and we
really worked hard to show a quality execution throughout this project. Uh I once again like to uh thank Commissioner Cumins and rest of the board of county commissioners for supporting this and moving forward together we're going to continue to breathe life into South
Monroe corridor. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. Um ladies and gentlemen uh for some reason it flashes in my mind as um u Mr. D was speaking uh 11th chapter of John
uh somewhere in the 30 verses 30 something 37 I believe and the question was raised could not this man have raised this dead man Lazarus had he been here and um it's hard to contextualize a
biblical scripture relative to what all he said but I take back to the initial points that this man had a vision and the questions in terms of before we supported him is could not
this man who uh we don't even know what he's saying when he talking um which is not a bad thing. We didn't know what Bad Bunny was saying but it went over good. >> Hey, leave Bad Bunny out of this. >> No, no, no. We didn't know what he was saying but it seemed to have been real
good. But we felt his heart and um we supported him with the thought could not I cannot this man. It goes to show that Mr. Bowers and others in the uh pipeline of approval
and looking at this project did not judge this man on how he talked or didn't talk, but they looked at the mechanics of the deal structure and felt it warranted public dollars and support. and looking solely at the numbers of
possibilities and coming south under the underpass. Who would put uh dollars invested that deep in the southside on that side of game street? Um is a phenomenal
uh private entrepreneurial investment to take that ch. We don't see that kind of private money coming. So it's all in the spirit and the context of no is unprecedented. But nevertheless, uh this business has
rocked well even to the point that 4 days ago uh the uh black caucus uh had a lunchon there and the state's black caucus legislators and United States congressman historic figure uh
representative James Clyburn was the speaker there and um the best thing I did this year was buy his books signing. Took the book home. My mama ain't stopped reading it yet. Wouldn't put it down. And it has been open to the likes
of James Clyburn and even a meetup uh two years in a row in December for uh high schools of Leon County. Miss Droll has been an open space. um you feel comfortable there and the money that we
have invested uh pound for pound, measure for measure, uh you can't point to books that have returned uh on the investment um the measures of which his business had. So, I say congratulations
and we're very proud uh that you took the chance in a part of town few people do. A lot of people are running and fleeing from South of Gain Street, but you came and uh dropped the stake in
making a difference. So, thank you very much uh Mr. De. >> Thank you, Commissioner Proctor. Mr. Demer, I appreciate uh you know, as a hospitality guy myself, I I I tip my hat to anyone who is willing to uh in invest in the food and beverage industry. So, I
I appreciate your investment to Leyon County. You know, anytime I'm in your restaurant, I see many District 2 folks there. So, I I appreciate the jobs that you've created and I appreciate the investment on the south side of Leon County. >> U congratulations. Uh this this
proclamation is welld deserved. Um, as Bill, I I was going to I told Christian I didn't want to speak, but I felt necessary because of the accomplishment that you that you're getting and what you've done uh in that in that spot for the Southside. I I had a frat brother who owned or who was running a gym out
of the beginning of it. I used to ask him all the time like, "What's going to happen with this place? He told me he had to move out." Um, I don't think he could have imagined that it would be what it is today. And so for what you for what you've done in in a in a CRA district and what you brought to that place uh and the revenue that you've
added to the coffers of Leyon County CRA and in and uh and the city of Tallahassee, I want to say thank you but but more than that for the for what you brought to the southside. I think, you know, there was one time I
was talking to a young man or a developer actually. I won't say names, but I asked him, I said, you know, why won't you guys go into Frenchtown or why won't you go into the southside and look at, you know, trying to put, you know, nice restaurants, maybe some some uh
apartment buildings there and stuff like that, you know, new homes. He said, "Well, um, the market's not there." >> Who was not there? >> The market. >> The market. >> The market's not there. I said, "That's the reason the market's not there." Yeah. I said, "Well, what about if you
build it, they will come?" And he repeated, "The market's not there." And so, I I think you saw past what some couldn't see and build something that we could be proud of. So, I appreciate you taking a chance. Uh, even though if you thought the market weren't there, you
decided to build in a place that nobody else would. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Maddox. Um, next. Want to take a picture? Great. >> Oh, Commissioner Mer recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
>> Thank you so much, >> Mr. Dero. real quick just uh my colleagues have said pretty much a lot of what I wanted to say but I just want to thank you for for taking the risk and the investment uh in the southside which is really important and if you think back just a few years ago the
transformation that's taken place in that area is is astounding. So thank you for everything that you've done. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you. >> All right commissioners next proclamation is the proclamation recognizing Miss Lahi L. Johnson for her exemplary public service, lasting contributions, and positive impact to
the community. Commissioner Proctor, you are recognized. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Uh, it's okay to say good afternoon back. I said good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. >> All right. We thank y'all. I want y'all to know how excited I am, honored I am.
Movie came out, uh, I believe last year was on Netflix. 68. Thank you, D. And um it talked about uh it talked about our um uh African-American women who were postal workers during World War II and that
male had been backed up and stopped up and stagnated for these sisters went over there and kicked it out. >> Yeah, they straighten it out. You know, Latimore said, "Let's straighten it out." And they straighten it out. And um just want you to know, want to recognize
Miss Lahie Johnson, would you come? Your husband, your family members, please. Lahy Johnson. Miss Johnson, you know that um had to put on your attire today. >> Come on up here. >> You know,
>> I thought about that when I saw >> you ain't dressed until you >> Thank you. And I have asked Commissioner Carolyn come as if she would be um tender of heart and stand here with me and with us uh because African-American
women as postal uh service providers um has been historically recognized u in that film and u I think that u this sister would uh where's the thing Rachel? Where's my arm? All right. Now
when you see Ms. Johnson downtown. She always has this towel around her neck. Y'all have y'all seen her? And I'm like, man, that sister there. All right, Miss Johnson, come on. I'm Y'all come on. Come near. Draw near and face. >> Okay.
>> And y'all can be proud of y'all, mother wife. Whereas uh Ladiel Johnson is united in marriage marriage to Dr. Nathaniel Johnson and together they are the proud parents of one child Natalie Marie
Johnson. And whereas 2007 Lahi Johnson and her family relocated from Miami, Florida to Tallahassee where they established roots and proudly made Tallahassee their permanent home. And whereas Mrs. Johnson began her professional career in public service in
1992, securing employment with the United States Postal Service through which she has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment. And whereas in 2010, Mrs. Johnson was assigned to a detailed
poster route serving the Florida Capital, Leyon County government, and Tallahassee City Hall, providing essential service to local government offices. And whereas for more than 15 years, Mrs. Johnson faithfully served
these governmental institutions, contributing to the daily operations of public service with professionalism, reliability, and care. And whereas her work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to
public service have earned the respect and appreciation of her colleagues, supervisors, and the residents of Tallahassee. And whereas throughout her 34 years of service with the United States Postal Service, Mrs. Johnson has
exemplified a humble spirit, a genuine love for people, and a steadfast dedication to the citizens of Tallahassee. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners, Leon County, Florida,
that Lonnie L. Johnson is hereby recognized for her exemplary public service, lasting contributions, and positive impact on the Tallahass community. dated this 10th day of February, 2026.
It's signed uh by our county administrator and attested to by all seven commissioners. Mrs. Johnson, I present you this proclamation for the extraordinary work you've done. And before I give it to you, I want to make one final um I need for you all to
appreciate that Mrs. Johnson is working in perhaps um the Supreme Court of Florida, the United States uh United States Federal District Court, um the state capital,
city hall, Leon Countyy's government, all of these um lobbying firms, all of these law firms. She not just caring to these people family dollar advertisements like I get in my mail, you know what they call junk mail. These
are um matters of public policy importance. They're timesensitive. They're contracts. There are settlements. Um stuff of the most important nature of some of the most important, incredible people of Florida.
And it's the kind of work that she can't afford to be um not on top of her game every day because these the kind of people come for you if you mess them up or you don't get there on time. Cryb babies and uh high maintenance folk.
Miss Johnson, I wouldn't work in your shoes for nothing in the world. But we say to you, congratulations. You're doing a great job. >> Thank you, sir. 15 years serving probably the most demanding place to to work in postal service in the state of Florida. To God be the glory. You like
to say something? Please do. 15 years old. You want your towel? >> I I have extras in my truck. Trust me. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon. I want to >> on a crosswalk and even have the right of way. You're still vulnerable.
Students walk as much as anyone in Lyon County. We rely on crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections multiple times a day to get to class, work, and home. When those spaces aren't designed with safety as a priority, the risk is shared by everyone who uses them. I urge
you today to create a complete streets ordinance for our community. This ordinance won't change what happened to Ellie, but it can help reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies and ensure that our roads are safe and accessible for everyone. Thank you.
Thank you, Rahan. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, that concludes your public speakers. And just uh for the public record, just to remind the board uh on the previous speakers that your complete streets policy is actually the board has elevated that and placed it into your comp plan. So, it is part of your comp
plan. So, with that, Mr. Chairman, I'll hand it back to you. >> Awesome. Thank you. U actually we are we are now on consent, Mr. County Administrator. So, um commissioners, do we have a motion for consent? We have one item that's been pulled. So I believe it was item number 14.
>> 14. >> 14. So move consent. >> Move consent minus item number 14. Moved by Commissioner Welch. Second by Commissioner Maddox. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> I. Mr. County Administrator. Passes passes unanimously. Mr. County Administrator. Who pulled number 14?
>> Item number 14 was pulled by Commissioner Miner. >> And I'm happy to provide a brief introduction. >> Yes, please. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Uh again, this item provides uh an update on Lyon Countyy's successful hosting of the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships at
Appalache Park. I won't go into the complete analysis here. You've heard uh that at your recent retreat. Uh this item includes all of the uh stats uh and the economic impact and the global exposure and also outlines the next
steps to build on on that momentum um in carrying out also the board's adopted strategic initiative uh to uh provide a framework for Lyon County to become the permanent home to the championships. The item uh includes all of that uh and and
also um uh seeks board authorization uh recommends board authorization of the chairman's travel um uh uh to accompany uh the a staff uh delegation if you will to the next uh world cross country or or
world athletics uh council meeting. Um and um uh as a followup to ongoing discussions that have been had with World Athletics President, an invitation that was made uh by the World Athletics Championship to the chairman uh to um
again just to uh emphasize the board's commitment to uh becoming the long-term uh and permanent uh home of the championship. So with that, commissioners, happy to answer any questions you might have. Uh we have no speakers on this item, and Mr. Chairman, I'll hand it back to you. >> Thank you, Mr. County Administrator. Uh,
Commissioner Miner, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, congratulations to to everyone uh in the in in in all of Leyon County for working to make this cross country championship what it was. It was a tremendous success. >> Commission M, I need a motion on the floor. >> Um, I have a motion to uh to wave
requirements for just this one item. >> Could you reset the motion? >> So, wave the require wave the requirement for making a motion during a speaking for this one agenda item. I'll second that. >> So, we have a motion to wave wave the rules for this item. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Second by Commissioner uh O'Keefe. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor to wave the rules signify by saying I. >> I. Any oppose? >> I. >> Okay. Passes 61. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, I want to congratulate everyone
uh for working so hard on the uh cross country championship. It was a tremendous success. Um I hope we can make it permanent. I think we've got a really good chance to do so. And I'm Mr. Chairman, I think you've got the votes on this item. And I I do believe that you can increase our chances of hosting
future World Athletics events by going on the trip. For fidiciary fidiciary reasons, though, I've got to vote the other way. Ne nevertheless, I wish you and our staff the best of luck. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> So, what was the what did we pull item four? What what's under what's the
issue? you wanted to make a statement that he that if if staff recommendation is moved that he'll be voting in opposition um for fiscal reasons. >> Mr. Chair, >> yes. >> I move staff recommendation option one. >> Second. >> Uh motion moved for staff recommendation
moved by commissioner Cummings, second by Commissioner uh Welch. Any discussion? >> Discussion, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Commissioner Proctor recognized. >> In terms of delegation uh attending uh what is the expected um um uh sources of
of of paying for uh the travel of of the delegation? May I ask? >> Yes, administrator commissioners. We we would do that out of existing budget. >> Okay. Um all revenue come out existing budget.
Okay. Um and this comes from um in support of my understanding uh our effort to go and seek international um um um revisiting from the world to
come back to Tallahassee. uh as I've read the reports actually witnessed what we saw I am so happy that we're sending uh the delegation that we are and um if among us if there is
someone who is persuasive um I believe that the chairman is a part of this delegation that if he could get Buck Baka or whatever to come to Tallahassee um hell he's the one that ought to be going we need him uh we need all of what
we're spending a few years ago to make sure that you know that this is not unprecedented when um city uh took leadership and the county uh permitted me to be a part of the delegation went to St. Martin to
create a sister city agreement with the nation state of St. Martin Caribbean. Um that we sent city leaders big delegation there. And um coming out of that u partnership, a city sister city
agreement um was u a a new posture agreement that allowed for students coming out of the Caribbean basin to pay instate uh Florida uh prices for tuition to go to our institutions at FMU or
Florida State or TCC. That's significant. I don't know what we might achieve uh relative to that but if we just get that group to come back uh that's a huge step and one of the things that is required um that you all well
know in international uh circles that when the the head of government travels uh that sends a serious uh singular statement of the seriousness of purpose with which we hold to receive and we put our highest
ranking officials to beckon uh our acceptance of and endorsement of this um coming back. I see uh Russell uh hey Russell uh was a part of our tourist development council. Um you all have
allowed me to serve on the tourist development council and um at our meeting on last Thursday 5 days ago um our hearts were set. Oh, our our chairperson, I'm I'm so sorry, miss person. Uh our chair of the TDC is here.
Um we uh Miss Person, we um our hearts were delighted and um we were we were warmed, charmed that our delegation was set and ready to pursue this opportunity. So, I'm looking forward and
I'm glad this item was pulled that I might make this statement uh in support of u uh to know that the TDC through all of you all who are here to support it today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chair, >> thank you. Uh >> yes, Commissioner Maddox.
>> Yeah, I want ahead. >> Yep. I got Commissioner Maddox, Commissioner Welch, and Commissioner. >> Um Karen, can I ask a couple questions? Mr. administrator. >> I just want to kind of change some of the narrative on this. Uh Carrie, how much revenue was generated um when the
past world events came to Leyon County? >> We have not had any previous world championships. >> Well, the one that just the one we just finished. >> Um as far as revenue, we're still tabulating it because World Athletics will give some back to us. But the revenue, if you look at revenue and like
sponsorship type revenue, you look at revenue is like visitor spending. >> Let's just say, let's just say what you can count right now. >> Excuse me. >> Yeah. If you're looking for overall economic impact, it's over $4 million. Over $4 million for the event. That's our preliminary estimates. We expect that to grow.
>> I'm sorry. I used the wrong one. I should say economic impact. You said about four. You said about 4 million. Thank you. Thank you. 4 million. >> 4 million. How many days was the event? Um the event itself was one day um but the athletes and everyone came in for
the event on Sunday and Monday of the week and many came in weeks prior to come see the course and train. >> How many countries? >> 52 countries and federations. >> Yeah. 52 countries and federations in Lyon County. >> Correct. >> $4 million.
>> Yes. At least >> for a day event. And they came in when? >> They came in the week of like Monday, Sunday, Monday of the week. So almost a week. >> Can you talk about some of the the contractual obligation that led to this trip having to happen?
>> The one that we're contemplating in this item, >> what that really leads to is the World Athletic officials were absolutely blown away by what they saw. They said this was the best World Athletics cross country championship they have ever ever
experienced. Number one. >> And the president and CEO of World Athletics, all their officials, their some of the members of the World Council that were here had never seen anything like this before. And they expressed
from the start when they were out at the course that week that they really saw that this team and this destination knew how to put on world championship events and they expressed a need right up front that they would like Leyon County to be
the host of this event. So we bid on it. When we bid on it 5 years ago, they said it was the best bid they have ever received. Then it was up to us to deliver on the promise of that bid and we did. and that's why they are interested in having the discussion to
bring the event back here to Lyon County. >> Mr. Administrator, specifically the contractual obligation that that led to this trip >> in terms of when you say >> I understand it. I think I think I read it correctly. There was a afteraction report where >> Yeah. As part of our commitment, the the
the host community uh attends a um a council meeting wherever it's held in the world. um usually at one of World Athletics um world competitions and then a post report is is uh delivered um after the event and uh again we're going
to try to make the most of that postevent and turn it into more than that and again like I said build on that a uh momentum and secure uh the event as our permanent the permanent home to the world cross countries. >> Okay. Um, I I I asked those questions because I
want folks to know that uh this was not just a trip that staff just came up with and said, "Oh, we want to go to Poland." I mean, this is something contractionary staff was going to have to do. I want to thank Carrie and your staff and uh the team and the board. I there was like a board of folks who actually did this for us for being so professional. I think
Amanda Carpenter was was part chair. I think he had another chair that was that was helping get this done. So so impressive so that they want to come back. How often is this event? >> Typically every other year. Co threw the schedule off a little bit, but it is every other year. >> Every other year. So $4 million every
other year. Is there has it has the world cross country championships ever had a home? >> No, never. A It's always moved around to different countries. Some countries have hosted it more than once, but it has absolutely moved to different countries all around the world.
>> Right. Right. So, I I want everyone to understand the gravity of what we're trying to do here. We're trying to bring an event that generates $4 million off of one day, every other year, economic impact to Lyon County on a permanent basis. That's never considered being
anywhere on a permanent basis. This is not a feel-good trip. This is not even a recruiting trip. It's contra we are contractually uh obligated for staff to go over and kind of have a conversation about how things went and and report to that board. I think it's a board meeting um
how things went and then on top of that because things were so good they're also going to have a conversation about what it might look like for uh the world championships to come here every other year. This is this is this is huge. This is this is not something that you take very lightly. This is when we when we uh
thought about what we want sports tourism to be like, this is the type of stuff that we wanted. These types of events are the types of events that we wanted. And to know that we have the capacity in Leyon County to not just bring a state championship here, but a
world championship here as the home is something that that that reaches the levels of obligating whatever we got to obligate to get there, whether it be this the administrator, the chair, whoever. uh whoever needs to be there needs to be there in order to make this happen. And so I I I'll be supporting uh
the motion on the floor. But this is this is exciting. This is exciting. I mean, me being a former athlete myself, well, I'm still an athlete, but you know, I don't play no more, but um me understanding what sports tourism does. This is one of those things that you get excited about. So, I I am I look forward
to uh to to the group that's going bringing it home. >> That's what you're going for, to bring it home. And so in uh couple years we'll we'll have the opportunity to have the worlds here one more world championship world cross country champ champ championships here one more time. And so Carrie thank you again for your team uh
Vince u for for what what the county has done. Um and and two I want I want to express too that Carrie these mad administrator I'm sorry K I'm done. Uh Mr. Administrator these the funds that will be used will be tourism funds. Correct. We're yet to determine that, but that
may be important. >> Right. And so I want I just want people understand sometimes, you know, this is a this is not just a we want to go to Poland. No, this is an opportunity where we're sending our staff and and our chairman to Poland to bring back a $4
million uh economic impact that will be coming to Lyon County every single year. And I think I think it's it warrants that that level of attention and that level of of uh of specialty. So I'll support the item on the floor.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Maddox. Commissioner Welch. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Commissioners, I think that it would be nice if it if we could get unanimous support on this item because I think it sends a message. Um,
I think it's, and I know there's some mischaracterizations on the internet out there, like we're all going on this trip or something. I mean, we're talking about a handful of people, four or five people. Um, Mr. Administrator, I mean, we bid on the World Athletics Cross Country
Championship, which means we spent money. >> We did. >> How many How much money did we spend to get that event here? >> I couldn't tell. It's it's mostly about our our existing resources, but it's a lot of focus >> to bid on the World Athletics Cross
Country Championship was a $250,000 just bid fee, which we will get back. But that is what we had to pay to even be considered, >> right? I mean, we have to commit a lot of money when we bid on an event like this. And I think we can't ask the world to come to Tallahassee if we're not
willing to go to the world with a handful of people and say, you know, we're committed to you. We want you to commit to us. And and I think that it really speaks to economic development in a from a mentality standpoint. I
think we've got to think bigger. We've got to look at the big picture. I mean, we're talking about a relatively small amount of money to send a very powerful message to the organizing committee of a
world athletics event. I think this is a a very easy decision. Um, and and I think I mean we have over $20,000 office budgets here as commissioners that we spend on travel. This whole trip will likely be not much
more than that, I would assume. So, I think that for the folks out there listening, this is not the entire county commission going on a junket. We're talking about sending uh the biggest representatives of our government to Poland in February or
March, which ain't exactly St. Martin in July, Commissioner Proctor. Um, it's a whole different ballgame. Um, listen, if the chairman told me tomorrow, if if he asked this board tomorrow if he could go fly to Texas uh to meet with Elon Musk to get a gigafactory at our airport, we
would say by all means, right? By all means. And so I wish our mayor and I wish our chairman, I wish they would do those things. I wish they would call Elon Musk every day and call Jeff Bezos every day and call Bill Gates every day and say, "We want you to we want you to
invest in our community. We want we'll come out and we'll give you the pitch. We'll do everything it takes. And I think that from an economic development standpoint, we've got to think bigger when it comes to those types of things. And this is a easy one, man. This is an easy opportunity. They have already come
here. We have impressed them. Our incredible staff, Amanda Hideker, and and Taylor Weaton have done a great job. I mean from soup to nuts, everybody, EMS, the sheriff's department, public works, I mean the whole team put
together this incredible event and now these folks are going, "Hey, we are really strongly considering making you the permanent homer every other year or something." I think it is an easy decision to send a delegation of four or five people to
Poland for a few days to say, "Hey, we want you back." I mean, God, come on. This is easy, easy, easy. I get there's trepidation about it. And it, you know, like I think if you're looking at it um myopically, the optics are like, well,
it's a junket or something. It is not that at all. This is a very good opportunity to do a very good thing for our region's economy. So, I would like if we could have unanimous support, but um that's where I feel about it. So, I'll support the item. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you. I have uh Commissioner
O'Keefe, Commissioner Cummings, and Commissioner Proctor. Mr. Vice Chairman, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um the um I do want to make it clear what we're voting on right here. The the staff, our leadership is already going, right?
That's already in the bid. That's already in the proposal. That was already arranged that there's a post meeting. So, um this is a transparency item on the agenda. So no matter what happens on the agenda today, we are sending our leaders who made this
happen, who made this so successful, including the county administrator, which is a strong signal of how important this is to us. Um, the only reason we have I think one of our rules is is very transparent is we approve any
board member travel from this board. So that's the only reason it's on the agenda right now is to approve whether we send a board member. This is not on the agenda to allow us to send staff that already went for a premeating that pulled off the best cross-country
championship the world has ever seen uh since Napoleon. They didn't say that. I added that. Um that um this is just transparency and in the context of um the big picture I want to make that
clear. The other thing too is I really want to um just remember how successful this event is and was and will be again when it comes back. And all the credit I want to give to Amanda Haidcker, to
Carrie Post, to um Vince Long, to everyone whose names I'm forgetting, and everyone who was out there because it was you who put this to start applying for this, I believe, around COVID time before I was even on this commission. And I also want to give
credit to the prior commissions who had the long-term vision before I even graduated college to start investing in the Appalachia Regional Park and improving the cross country track to state champion regional and then improving it to state then improving it
to national. And so I really don't want to lose sight of where all the credit belongs for this success. It is past commissions putting investments in that ground and it is our team who made this the best ever. We have an incredible
community and that's one reason why I think everyone who came here from worlds loved it. But that probably wasn't the main reason. It was probably because we have the best track and the best people. Leyon County has the best people putting this on and those people deserve all the
credit. um the uh you know um I'll say uh it won't I don't think it'll hurt to send the chairman. Um I don't think um in in normal times I don't think it's frivolous. I think we um would still get
it. Um either way um I just think that at a time when we are facing possible extreme revenue challenges that we really think about every dollar. And I um I think we already have the same opportunity of success with our
leadership that was going. Um but I do want to emphasize this is a very tiny part of an incredible decadesl long investment from our predecessors and our team. Thank you,
>> Commissioner Cummings. >> Thank you, uh Mr. Chair. Uh when I read this agenda item, I was very excited. It was a no-brainer. Nob-rainer uh for me uh after having experienced
uh what was brought to Tallahassee last month. It was awesome. Uh and I certainly want to thank Carrie Post and Amanda Hijacker and uh Taylor Weeden and our county administrator because they
worked on this for years even before I became a county commissioner. They've done a lot of hard work to bring that cross country together uh last month. But this agenda item, I think it shows
uh innovation uh progress, ingenuity. I uh I don't know, we were always taught when I was growing up, nothing ventured, nothing gained. M this is certainly uh something
that I believe we as a county need to venture to try to capture uh permanently here and then recognize and also that within the United States there's only been two other states that has hosted uh
the cross country two other states in the United States otherwise they have been outside of the United States and I believe those were Massachusetts in what? New Jersey, uh, cold areas, co cold states. Everybody wants to come to
Florida. It's just the ideal place. And the way they formulated and organized and developed that run, it was just epitome of all the
good things that you find in Florida. And so that whatever expenditures um that we have to send our chair, our county administrator, uh Carrie and the staff, I I think it's
it's worth it. Uh I have a lot of faith and confidence uh in our county administrator and in our our chair as well. And I just believe that they can bring home the bacon for our county. If we don't go
make an attempt, make a try. It's one thing for sure, it will not come back. So, we do need to take that step. And I made the motion to accept a staff me recommendation. And of course, I certainly will u will support this uh
item as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Commissioner Cummings. Commissioner Proctor, you're in the queue and then and then I'll speak after you. >> Okay. Thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. I um I uh join with Commissioner Welch uh and our appeal to uh our colleague,
Commissioner Miner, uh to please support unanimously. It means a lot to say uh when you're abroad that it was unanimous uh decision of of our government and you know it's just nothing that begins a
sentence that we come to you with unanimous backing of the county's government. Uh it's a strong statement and to not be able to open up by saying we come before you with unanimous
backing uh you walk in limping and making people potentially believe uh we don't have a strong basis. We need to send the delegation abroad with unanimous backing. I would say Commissioner Miner um we've given a lot
of kudos to you uh and well worth the work you've done but you understand that uh we had boots on the ground in Washington DC and we secured $16 million for the North Monroe project. Um could
you imagine uh us not having faces in the place uh where decisions uh the wrangling of minds uh over whether or not Tallahassee wherever that's located inside the uh beltway but it was with
personal um hands-on boots on the ground uh which you've experienced u great result and it's that same effort uh uh to meet uh to greet and to have uh
eyeball to eyeball contact with folk uh that matters and I I believe you see that very very easily. Um we have to play big or go home and um Carrie uh um and her people in the
middle of January brought us a 82 degree day in addition to all these people from around the world. 82 degrees on a Sunday. It had been terrible all week long and exceptional. Now, chairman, I
ain't going to Poland because I like 76 degrees we got today. Uh what's February and anybody want to go to Poland, I don't care. But one thing I did hear, uh, a guy named Sebastian Co told us on
Friday night before the, uh, the running that how impressed uh, his organization was, he told us, uh, as Commissioner Cummings pointed out that of the dump times this race has occurred, has only happened twice in the United States.
We're merely the third site ever. And when you use a word like Sebastian Co in running, that's like Ple in soccer or Ali in boxing or Woods with a golf club. Co is a name that one word everybody
know who you're talking about. >> Welch and ping. >> Uh Welch and ping pong. Well, Welch and ping pong. But a big name. And when um a word like ple or co or ali or
woods speaks uh the world hears. So I I I joined merely um for this second round of talking um to say that it would be uh tremendous um u addition
for um us to also consider um Mr. um administrator that the chairwoman of the of the u of the um tourism the board miss Chanel person that who bring an arsenal of ability and talent and sometimes um I don't know what it is
that women agreeing and working with women uh at convention size it takes all kind of people to lobby different types we don't need to have one type there's no one prototype I like to see that delegation balance uh with people who
have the credibility uh know what they doing and ain't no doubt that uh our chairman uh brought Buckes here and knows how to get in the room and and um sell Tallahassee. You know, he sell it and I appreciate u all the discussion
and for all the things that we've already said. Uh I'm going to support u the motion that's been made. Thank you. >> Thank you uh Commissioner Proctor. you know, commissioners, I uh I was debating whether or not I was going to talk on this item or not. Um because ultimately
this is the board's decision and um I tend to agree with uh Commissioner Welch's sentiment and particularly a couple things that he said, but I think it's important, you know, that I I want to kind of explain um a thought process
I had. I was a little disappointed going back to end of last year. And this to me is more of a bigger picture conversation. When you take a look at the state of Florida right now, all over
the state of Florida, there are international businesses coming to Florida to grow their companies. Um, I just saw one uh locate in Bay County. Um, it was a it was an aerospace or an airport related company. Um, they're
going to South Florida. Um, I believe Texas Instruments, which is a Londonbased I I'm sorry. Um, what is the company, Mr. County Administrators at London Instruments? Yeah, London Instruments, um, has been looking for a place in in Florida. And I feel often
times we approach issues like this very, you know, close-minded. And what I mean by that is, you know, we have to be a commission
that's open to big ideas in order to land big companies and big jobs. And you know, when in 2024, fall of 2024, Florida State played an Dublin for a football game against Georgia Tech.
When they were seeking out landing that when the Dublin local delegation was seeking out landing that deal, they came to Tallahassee. They brought their highest of local officials. They brought staff because they wanted to seal a deal
for Florida State and Georgia Tech to go play in Dublin. that game alone I believe produced close to 100 million in economic impact for their company. I think one reason it's important um particularly when I spoke
with the county administrator why I feel like this is important um to have my presence and by the way guys it doesn't have to be me right >> you if another commissioner wanted to go I they be more than happy to let them go at my place
>> but I think it sends a message that we're serious and I also think it is a sign of respect to the culture and destination of which we're trying to land and vice versa Um, I spoke to the president of World Athletics Organization and he said, he
invited us, he invited me, he said, "I would love to have the continue this conversation to look at landing um, the World Athletics um, competition to be an annual location, at least bring it back for another year." And so that's when we had that conversation with the county
administrator and that's why it's on the agenda. Um, regardless though, to me, I feel like that this is a very small issue, I feel like our sentiment and our
our how we posture oursel as a board with issues like this, I feel like we should be more open-minded because um, Commissioner Miner, if you if you came to our this board and said that, hey, there's a company looking to locate
their business in District 3, I would say uh you should don't in my opinion you shouldn't have to come to the board. Um but I would happily approve it because I trust you. I trust your instinct and I trust your judgment. Um Commissioner O'Keefe, same thing. Um if
there was a a company or something important that you felt it was important to your constituents in District 5, I trust your judgment. You are elected by your constituents at the end of the day. It's your job to answer to your constituents. Um, this to me why this is
a no-brainer is because we have now proven success on this event. >> And do I think our staff could go close the deal in Poland or whatever it is to bring it back? >> Hell yeah, they could. >> I think we have the best staff and
they've shown that they can do that. However, I believe it speaks to a bigger picture when an elected representative from our board is there and shows that we are serious. This is what our board wants. This is what our community wants.
And I think it's something that we should be open more open-minded to in the future. I think every year the chairman should go travel abroad and try to bring back some business for Leyon County. Like if any commissioner up here wanted to travel abroad or travel to
another state or meet with a company or whatever it is, if they want to go meet with u to see how another government does X Y or Z and they felt it could have a positive impact on our community, I trust their judgment at the and at the end of the day that's between them and
their constituents. And so the reason why I say this is because I I want folks when they think of Lyon County, they think of our government to really feel like that we are open-minded and that we are open for business as well. And it's
been frustrating in the last year or so seeing some of these companies locate in other areas in Florida and Lyon County. And you know, look, if you tra, you know, if you look to see over the last few years, every year the governor of Florida travels with the secretary of
Florida Commerce and they're meeting with companies, you know, across the world and actually landing businesses to come back to the state of Florida. And so, um, I think it's it sets a precedent that we are serious and we are open for business. And, um, I as well with with
Commissioner Welch, I would like to see this be unanimous. However, I don't take it personal and um every commissioner up here I respect I respect where you are particularly with um with issues such as this. Commissioner Minarc jumped in the queue. Uh you can speak on it and then I'm
going to take it to a vote. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It looks very much like we've got the votes for this and and uh you know I I wish you I wish the delegation the very best. I believe that you'll be successful. I want you to be successful. I hope that you will be. Uh we we heard as much from Sebastian Co
when he was here for the for the event. For me, it's been it's a tough vote and uh we all speak to our constituents. We all do the best we can to represent our districts. Um you know, I I've been listening very carefully to discussion here. Um I just ask that you guys respect my position. I've given a lot of
thought. I know you all have, too. Um you know, he's got the votes. It's going to be a trip and I I wish them the best because I I think it's already in the bag. Um, but I think the trip will be helpful. So, I I want to state that right now. I'm pulling for you. Got my
fingers crossed and uh hope uh you and our our staff bring back some really great news. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Mr. Chairman, consistent with what you said about go abroad and bring back businesses. Um, the carnival in Trinidad opens in the morning and I'm available to go down to Trinidad and do my best to
bring something back. Commissioner, I'm I'm about to get to the vote, but listen, I do think that uh I do think and I I will continue to I think I may have stated this in in the past, but I think it's a little silly um policy about commissioners having to come back to the board to seek travel. I
think everyone's dyed. Um I think it's between them and their constituents. Um so we we uh that's uh that's my position. Um all right, commissioners, we'll take this to a vote. All those um move this motion on the floor for staff recommen recommendation moved by uh
Commissioner Cummings, second by Commissioner Welch. Um all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Uh passes 61 with Commissioner Mer and Descent. Um now commissioners, we are on general business and
I I believe right now we're on item number 16. So I'll let you introduce the item. Mr. County Administrator. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh commissioners, this item is the fairgrounds beautifification improvement project update. Uh and I'm seeking direction from the board on lease renegotiation. Commissioners, I'm going
to take just a extra beat to talk about this because I think it's important uh to provide uh a lot of clarity here. Uh, commissioners, as you know, this project has been in the works for a long time and um, we're always going to to get to this point in the project where some
decisions needed to be made relative to our uh, current lease. Uh but commissioners before you outlines the blueprint fairgrounds beautifification project uh and recommends revised lease terms to be renegotiated with the fair association to effectuate the construction of the project and to
clarify roles and responsibilities to realize the highest uh potential long-term community benefit uh for this county-owned property. Let me just say, commissioners, that as presented in the item, the fair association um conveyed uh uh the property or the
county obtained uh uh the property um uh to the fairgrounds back in the 1950s. And the item also goes into cover a lot of uh detail on the evolution of of the fairgrounds site. The item acknowledges um the economic impact of the fairgrounds association and their good
work and also their financial viability as an organization. Um uh however as you know in in recent years the board and I say in recent years it's probably I should say probably recent decades the board uh has uh expressed a keen interest in improving the fairgrounds uh
for expanded use and to realize the highest potential and to serve as a catalyst for broader uh reinvestment opportunities and redevelopment in the southside. Um due to market conditions and also constraints in the existing lease uh as detailed in this item uh the
blueprint project uh narrowed the scope uh of the current project that we're um uh uh that the board is pursuing and that the IIA is pursuing uh to the uh current fairgrounds um for as a beautifification uh project. At least that's what the existing phase 1 $30
million uh uh project is. But the project also contemplates a master plan for the longerterm redevelopment of the project which is not currently funded. Uh commissioners again in order to effectuate the construction of the project and to clarify roles and responsibilities going forward uh
revisions are recommended to the lease uh which are outlined in the item and I'm happy to talk about uh any of those. Importantly commissioners and I stress this as we've stressed throughout the item. The Fairgrounds Association approval is required to make changes in the lease and that doesn't expire to uh
until 2067. Uh as you know, Commissioner, since the publishing of the this item, the Fairgrounds Association has shared a letter that they do not have an interest in renegotiating the the existing lease terms. Again, should the board wish to proceed uh with the blueprint uh project
and maintain the ability to effectuate uh the longerterm master plan of the project uh while also having the the North Florida Fair Association continue to operate the annual fair and other events into the foreseeable future. We're recommending the approval uh of the um of the negotiations uh and the
terms that we've presented here in the item. commissioners. Uh should the board um follow that that motion, I'll be back to you within the next 60 days with the results of that le of those lease negotiations. Uh if the board would like to go further uh than than that in a
larger restructuring of the lease that includes the transfer of all legal ownership and site control and governing authority to the county, uh then the fairgrounds would would also have to agree to that. I'm not saying that that's something that the board would consider, but if if they did, I know the
uh the question may be out there or we would be required to seek a legislative change. However, given the Fairgrounds Association position that they've presented in their letter, um this would be the time if the board uh wanted to provide staff direction uh including not
proceeding with with negotiations and sticking to the current uh uh lease relationship, uh then we would uh take that uh direction from you. And if that was the case, then the board would have to consider uh next steps uh on the fairgrounds project uh at a future IIA
meeting. With all of that, commissioners as a very high level um background on on on an on a on an issue that that goes back many years. We're recommending option one. We're happy to answer any questions you might have. And Mr. Chairman, I have two speakers on this
item. >> Thank you. First speaker. >> First speaker. First speaker. Uh, Miranda Mir. >> I please state your name and address for the record. >> I am Miranda Mir. My address is 441 Paul
Russell Road in Tallahassee. I am the executive director of the North Florida Fairgrounds and we fully understand what the commission is considering today, whether or not to uh direct staff to begin negotiations with our organization. For more than two
years, our board of directors has participated in good faith discussions with the dedicated team at Blueprint. They have been open-minded. They've explored options, consulted experts, and sought ways for the fair to continue as the region's largest annual event while also benefiting the broader community.
Despite those efforts, and after many hours of discussion, we cannot find a benefit in renegotiating our lease at this time. The fairgrounds is the heart of our organization. It is a place where families get together, where memories are made, and opportunities are created.
The land was purchased by the North Florida Fair Association for the sole purpose of promoting agriculture, serving our community, and impacting the lives of youth. For more than 75 years, we have been responsible stewards of the property, investing in facilities, infrastructure, and our mission. We are
now being asked to give up half of our usable land for what is being called mixeduse development. As our fair continues to grow, this raises concerns. During the fair alone, we host more than 130,000 people in 11 days. Reducing our space would place unnecessary strain on
operations, employees, and the first responders who work tirelessly to keep our guests safe. We asked the commission to consider the trust placed in this body to protect the fair and its mission for generations to come and to consider that the proposed $30 million is not
intended to enhance the fair, but to redesign the area in a way that removes the core of our community asset. The North Florida Fair Association welcomes discussion focused on true improvements to the fairgrounds, including facility renovations, safety and security
upgrades, and livestock enhancements. The flare fairground should continue to remain the home of the fair association, not mixeduse development. We are proud to serve this community, grateful for its support, and confident in our future as a strong, responsible organization
with big dreams for the southside. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker. >> Yes, the final speaker on this item, uh, Tiffany Santer. there. Please state your name and address for the record. >> My name is Tiffany Sandner. I live at
1973 Huckabe Road. Um, first I would like to thank you guys for letting me have some time today. Uh, and introduce myself as well as the organization I represent. Uh, I am the current president of Alockin River Kennel Club. We are our local AKC kennel club here in
Havana and we operate one of the largest dog shows in North Florida here at the North Florida Fairgrounds. Every year here in February, we have multiple events that we put on using that open space on the fairgrounds. Our
confirmation event alone that operates in the buildings brings about 2,000 people a day to Tallahassee with an estimated about $1 million environmental uh economic impact. Apologies. Uh our
with all of our other events, scent work, rally, agility, dock diving, which is a regional qualifier here, we probably bring closer to 2 and a half to 3,000 people. Um, these people, we have 170 of them using the RV sites on the
fairgrounds alone. The rest of them go to hotels, our local people. And we we have such concern about this project that we've had to start looking at alternate sites because if we lose half the fairgrounds, we would not be able to
put the show on. Um, the the RV site changes alone, we would not be able to put our site on. Um, and the closest site to explain the size of our event, the closest site we'd be able to go to is the World Equestrian Center or Perry,
Georgia's National Fairgrounds. Um, so at this point economically, we're having to look at moving our revenue to the Perry National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia. uh that would bring our um so
the million dollars a day that we bring in for the economic impact would have to go there as well. But on another note, it would actually drastically reduce the charitable donations and volunteer work that we can put into the community. We
do work with our local animal service centers as well as the humane societies. We help volunteer students get the credits that they need for their bright future scholarships as well as promote responsible dog ownership, ethical breeding, and as well
how to put on these dog shows in a smaller capacity with our 4 groups. I thank you guys for your time and please consider this in your decisions. >> Thank you. All right, commissioners. Um, Commissioner W, I'll see you in the queue. I'm gonna go to Commissioner Pro first. Cool with you. Awesome.
Commissioner Proctor, you're recognized. >> Mr. Chairman, I make the motion that we uh endorse staff's recommendation option one. >> Second. >> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I'm sorry, you ended. >> Yeah, we have a motion. >> Discussion. >> Yeah, we're in discussion. >> Okay, very good. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman. Um, commissioners, we we're simply asked u can we peel back the onion and would we be allow um allow our staff to do um the the work that they do very well and that's to negotiate to
find common ground understanding. Um, commissioners, I could say to you that um um I I feel a little guilty uh and um looking at uh chairwoman tonight, chair lady night of the fair board,
executive director of the staff, and I feel a little guilty for um dragging yet another county commission into a conversation that's been ongoing for u Vince, would you say, uh over 25 years.
Um, and here again, uh, correspondences that with the fair, uh, that we have going back, uh, 25 years, uh, that now, you know, probably the third commission, uh, completely new
commission that I've served with. Here it is that you all are in the muck admire of this discussion. It's really bad. Um, this is a dark spot on my legacy that I've brought three Leon County Boards of Commissioners to at
least consider. We've not taken positions because we have never come in with brass knuckles uh to a conversation. Um, we've not been a bully. Uh, we've simply pondered the highest and best use of a piece of
property uh that is the heart of the Southside. And uh for years I've pondered what else uh besides those 10 days out of the year that it is the fair. Uh but those other 355 days uh
does it hold the potential to mean something different? my angst about this effort uh consideration talking with the fair uh uh to to find common ground about our greatest and highest use of property in
2026. Um when I've looked at uh south of Gaines Street um our Gain Street starting there today we recognize SOMO walls of the Monroe and we talked about
change from what was a Thai restaurant little dog spot uh across the street from the Coca-Cola plant. But even the Coca-Cola plant has transformed and it's a site of gathering. uh FAMU way uh has
opened up. Uh we've looked at SOMO walls has changed. Uh Cascades Park in the 25 years we've been talking about the fairground. Uh Cascades Park, uh the hotel down there at Cascades Park, the
amphitheater at Cascades Park. These things have occurred and they're all in the same quarter with the fairground. It's just that the fairground is the same, looks the same. And um you know, you've heard me say over and over, I I
just would appreciate an indoor bathroom if we could take I'm I'm almost willing to pay for everything that myself if we could just do that. There hasn't occurred. And under the stewardship of this board, nor the stewardship of the fairgrounds board, I can't get an indoor
bathroom. And um it's the failure of the people who are the stewards over the grounds that that's not a priority and this board is the owner. I just want to see some movement. At the same time, commissioners on the south side of of
this community. Uh I've looked a little further down Gaines Street and seen total transformation with continuing transformation of Gaines Street. Even Gaines at Mcome Street. um you you you couldn't have scripted this
uh 25 years ago. It it it just was not prime time. We're putting over hund00 million worth of investment on something called Capital Circle. And when you flow Capitol Circles improvement from um
Appalachia Parkway, coming in front of Southwood, go right there in front of uh uh Woodville Highway over to Crawfordville. And now that stretch from Crawfordville all around the highway 20 um millions of dollars to improve
infrastructure possibly bring commercial activities and I don't need to tell you that um percolating uh very soon will be uh commercial opportunities.
What can we jointly do to um seek uh this is not a takeover at all. Um we've never in the spirit worked um in any bullying fashion in any kind of way and certainly as a commissioner I've been a
very poised voice with with the exception of asking for some indoor toilets. Um other than that I have never dragged my feet so slowly uh been so humble and desires of the conversation
to extend about higher use something that could benefit the people uh beyond beyond um 10 days to be precise. Uh the fairground pays 8 cent a month to rent
140ome acres. That's 8 cent 8 point some cent per month. That fathoms out to about a dollar $1 a year. Could you imagine us anyone in this room enjoying
8 cent a month rent and u 140 some acres with license to sponsor the dog show as mentioned. um the gun shows uh fair and I now what happened commissioners and I'm going to pull up
Mr. Chairman was that when it was triggered about the watch we have postured $30 million to improve u the fair association. So we're not trying to buy the fair ground
or take over but to augment and to get some indoor toilets. We have $30 million dedicated to that purpose. I'd like to see us uh fathom out of all of the development around all of Capitol
Circle, all of Cascades Park, all of Gaines Street. It's just so much. But we just cannot fathom the fairground. I'm going to the house shortly and it will be
amazing to me out of all the activity uh the banaman square everything I've seen develop over the years I just can't get a bathroom indoors at the fairground. I don't know what to do. Um, and I'm going to pull up and ask if the chairman allow
me around too after other commissioners have. But I do want our county administrator uh whether he hires a team, whether fairground hires a team, but ladies and gentlemen, Lord have mercy. Everything is moving in the southside but the fair ground. Thank
you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Proctor. Commissioners, I have every single commissioner in the queue. So, we'll make a round and then, you know, if we need another round of discussion, uh, we will. Commissioner Walsh, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Commissioner Proctor, I will I'll follow your lead on this item, however you want
to operate on it, but I do have some questions for the county administrator in terms of posture. Um, if my understanding is correct, we have offered lease amendments that the fair association board has rejected. >> Not yet. Uh,
>> they have not rejected. They wrote a letter to us, but that was not rejecting their >> Yeah, they they wrote to even enter into uh negotiations. So, we haven't offered anything in terms of renegotiated terms. This item is seeking the board's direction and in terms of uh
transparency going into negotiation. We've written those down and so they're right there in front of you. We could talk about any of them. Uh but again uh this would be seeking your direction uh commissioner and and commissioners to u to approve these terms and give us the direction to go negotiate these terms in
good faith with the with the North Florida Fair Playgrounds Association and to come back within about 60 days with the uh with the results of those negotiations for your consideration. >> So Mr. Administrator, I'm confused. >> Okay. >> Did they not write us a letter and said they did not want to enter into
negotiations? >> They did. They did that. >> Okay. So, we are in a posture then that the North Florida Fair Association has told us they do not wish to negotiate their lease and we are giving you permission to go negotiate their lease. So, I think that's an awkward posture to be in. First and foremost, I think that
the North Florida Fair Association is an antiquated model. I think that the fair is far more than horse shows and agricultural operations. I think that the fair association
being unwilling, preemptively unwilling to negotiate their lease effectively cancels the $30 million that Blueprint wants to spend there because without them negot renegotiating their lease, we can't. Commissioner Proctor, I think there's no lack of willingness amongst your colleagues here or on Blueprint to
spend $30 million at the fairgrounds. I think there's a lack of willingness on the fair association's part to accept it. I don't think they want it. I don't think they want us involved. I think the North Florida Fair Association exists under some kind of obscure statute and they operate under a model that is not
keeping up with the times. And so the reason that the fair the fair grounds are stuck in a time warp is because the fair association exists in a time warp. I think that the recommended um lease amendments that were postured by the county administrator in this item
offer accountability to the fair association. It offers the opportunity to appoint a county commissioner and the director of tourism to their board and give a little more oversight to the fair association, which I don't think they want. And that goes back to the $30,000 watch issue. I don't think they want accountability. They don't want
oversight. They want to operate in the same time warp that they've been in for for 40 50 years at the fairgrounds. Mr. Administrator, how much space does the fair currently use on the fairgrounds to operate the fair? Well, according to and I may have to defer to
RD, but high level we we've had a market analysis done by a by a consultant who specializes in fairgrounds operations and I think the the the number was of the you know 109 acres or I think it was 50 acres is the amount uh of of what you
think of as the fair and and the buildings and the midway area and and if I might uh commissioner >> excuse me that include RV space. Well, I was going to say that again in these negotiations, um, the last thing we
would ever want to do is limit the fair's economic activity that would be counter to our own interests. And so, as we would negotiate all of these things if they needed to expand to conduct events and that sort of thing, a shared use agreement could be uh developed which does just that. But to answer your
question, Commissioner, 50 acres is about uh what they would need to um conduct the fair, the annual fair operations. Okay. And so what I keep hearing and you know the fair is now again preemptively got emails coming into our inboxes saying we're we're we're taking away their ability to
conduct the fair. We're limiting their space to operate the fair. I don't think that's contemplated at all. I think that's just a scare tactic to say we're trying to somehow that these two things can't coexist. Our desire to modify the fairgrounds can't coexist with the existing footprint and operations of the
fairgrounds. I think that's misleading at best. Um it is my understanding. Do you know how much money the fair association has in their account, Mr. Administrator, in terms of cash on hand? >> We do. We we've included in your um item. >> Can you remind me? >> Sure. Uh that amount of money. Let me
just get uh quickly just to remind myself. I think 2 million in investments and a few hundred,000 in uh cash uh which is included in your item. But again, I would have to uh check myself on the specific >> 2 million and some change. Commissioner
Proctor probably could have made some indoor bathrooms, I would think, along the way. Um, I think that if we're if we're being pragmatic about this from a to your point, Commissioner Proctor, you see all this evolution happening around the area
with Gain Street, Cascades Park, downtown, these redevelopments. I think that the fairgrounds, if it was up to me, we would seek a legislative remedy to dissolve the NFA and let Leyon County take over the fairgrounds so that we could adequately invest in it and redevelop it into something really
awesome and anchor the Southside with a really cool redevelopment. Now, does that mean the fair can't be there? No. I think the fair can be there, but we're being put in a posture to say, "Well, the fair can't coexist with these renovations that you want to do." I'm
being told by by advocates for the fairgrounds position that we want to build a hotel there. We don't want to build a hotel there. We want to create a site that's ready for a hotel to be built there. But then we're told by a speaker that people come to town and go stay in our hotels, but we don't want a hotel on the site. Well, yeah, you do
want a hotel on the site so that people that come to the fairgrounds can stay in a hotel, stay in a hotel on the grounds. And so I I think that um I think If it was me personally, Commissioner Proctor, we'd relocate the fairgrounds to a
better location, make it more aptly the North Florida Fairgrounds, somewhere on the interstate, somewhere at an exit not far from here. Um, and then we would do a a a legitimate master plan redevelopment of the fairgrounds into a sports complex or a minor league
baseball stadium or something that could really generate economic development on the south side and really be a generational improvement to that property which Leyon County owns. It is our property. We own it. If not for this
bizarre obscure 60-year lease that we have with them, we could do whatever we wanted on this site. So, um I think that uh the idea that clearly we can't cancel the lease without legislative remedy. Um so,
again, I reiterate, Commissioner Proctor, I will follow your lead on this. I think that staff is in a weird posture because they're being told by the fair association they don't want to negotiate and they're we're giving them permission to go negotiate. Maybe the fair changes its posture, but to put out a letter to all of us, I think is a
pretty strong statement. I think that um the best way forward is for the fair association to take our comments today on the dis to heart and kind of take a little inventory and maybe reconsider their position that they don't want to negotiate with the with the county government that owns your property and a
blueprint board that wants to spend $30 million on your property to make it better with this idea that it's all or nothing that the fair either has to go or the fair doesn't want any improvements invested by the local government. And I I just think that's a
a terrible position to be in. And I think all of that exists in the shadow of the what I think is we all agree with an egregious mismanagement of money when you are
taking vendor money to buy watches for executive directors who are retiring already with $175,000 compensation packages. I think that speaks to the mentality, the kind of cult of personality that exists within the NA's board. Um, I think you saw a lot of
highle resignations from that board after that. Uh, and I think now you're dealing with the people who didn't resign after that. And I don't think there's a lot of flexibility there. And so, uh, that's where I'm at, Commissioner Proctor. That's my thoughts on it. I think that a better direction would be to tell staff, let's seek
legislative remedy for how to deal with the fairgrounds uh in the NFA. And then if we can't do that, then we need to hopefully as a board convey to the NFA that they need to reconsider their position of not negotiating with the county wanting to spend $30 million at
the fairgrounds that the county owns. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you for the those comments. Uh Commissioner Welch, Commissioner Maddox, you are recognized. >> Thank you. Uh, Mr. Administrator, >> just from my understanding, um,
how did how did it how did the county gain ownership of the fairgrounds? >> It was deed to us in the 50s again under the as has been represented under the opaces that it would it was a control mechanism to ensure that the fair would continue to operate an annual fair.
>> Who who who deeded it to us? It was the predecessor to the uh to the Northwater Affair Association. >> I want I just want to put out there that I I understand the fact that this land was deed to us um for legisl for
legislative purposes so we could perpetually have affair and that because of that um we've made some investments. How much investments have we made, Mr. Minister? We've nominal and and certainly, you know, we talk about the the condition of
the fairgrounds and that sort of thing. Obviously, the need for reinvestment in in the site, >> right? >> Yeah. I also understand that we've made nominal investments uh and that the fair association, North Florida Fair Association has uh put on the fair and
and and governed the property um for 50 some odd years now. Um, when I read the letter, well, when I went down and I talked to Miranda, because my question is is do you want to negotiate or not? I don't want to send
Vince over there if you don't want to negotiate. It's waste of our time and yours. And I think where it comes down to is control. It comes down to control of the land. There's no way that you're going to tell me that the fair association, no Florida
fair association wants to forego $30 million of investment into the property. I don't believe that. What I believe is they want to they want to forego $30 million of investment in the property. That's not necessarily what they want as
investment in the property. Um, Mr. administrator when we when we had this when we started this conversation I think we started with uh conversations around the fair association being a part of the master planning of the fairground as we as we began the project is that
correct Mr. administrator. Did I get that wrong? >> Yes, they have. >> So, they have been a part of part a part of the um master planning of the project. So, I'm trying to figure out if if the fair association was association was there the whole time doing the master planning, where did we go wrong
to where we get to a point in this negotiation or or in this in this partnership? Because that's what it was. You were here with Commissioner Proctor. They were excited. We were excited. It was a partnership. Where do we get to a point in this negotiation to where now they don't want to renegotiate the
lease, nor do they want the 30 million? To me, that doesn't make sense. And I think it's all because they don't feel like they're being heard. Commissioner Proctor, I I bet you if we told them, hey, we want to build bathrooms on your site, they'd probably say, okay. I mean, I don't I don't think they turned that
down, but there's something that it's like, well, you going to build bathrooms? What what what you going to give it to me for free? Okay. What else do you want to return? How much more am I going to have to give for you to build the bathrooms? And I think that's where we're coming down to. And so, Mr. Chair, if if you don't mind, I'd like to either
ask the chair or Miranda a few questions if I could. >> Of course. >> Thank you. Either or. You guys pick the chair or Miranda. Um, this letter says that the board has no desire to negotiate, but instead would like an offer to buy the property.
Correct. Oh, yeah. We would love that. >> Okay. So, I don't I don't think this board is imposture that we're going to sell the property. Um, but is there any part of what I said that's incorrect in um your reason for not wanting to re renegotiate the lease? >> No. I feel like you were spot on.
>> So, if we came to the table and you guys were able to come up with what you would like to see and were able to negotiate back and forth, you'd be willing to have that conversation? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, so technically you are willing to negotiate. You're just not willing to to entertain all of the terms. I I could probably tell you which ones you're
probably not willing to entertain. Um let's see here. Uh the piece about site control is probably off the table for you guys. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Probably. Uh joint operation of community buildings. >> So that that's one of the the stumbling points is who we can never get a
straight answer as to who would control that, us or >> Right. Right. Right. So So there's some there's some room there for negotiation. Okay. So, so I I just wanted to to make it clear that it's not necessarily that you're not willing to negotiate. You're just not willing to accept all of the
terms that we've placed forward. >> Yeah. And based on the plan that we have before us today >> and based on the plan that we had that you have before you. Okay. Now, were was the the association a part of the master planning for >> We were we had several different
meetings. >> Several different meetings. And in that meeting, how much of did you guys bring anything forward those meetings of improvements that you like to be made to the land? >> I feel like um the blueprint team did a good job of listening to us. I feel like the stumbling points are that that purple block of land always was going to
be taken and that's like the heart of the fairgrounds. That's where we do so much of our our events, so much of our parking and our and so it didn't matter, you know, what we were saying. It was always this purple block was going to be taken. Hey, Commissioner Maddox, I don't
mean to interrupt, but um what I would like to do if possible, right, if we give the county administrator direction to negotiate, let's let them kind of go through negotiate process. >> I guess I'm I'm done. Thank you. My point my point was is that this letter says that they're not they're not
willing to negotiate. What came out of her mouth is we're willing to negotiate. It's one piece of this that we're talking about that they don't agree with, which is this purple block of land. I think the level I I'm I'm just going to I'm going to be honest, okay?
Um and I'm going to be very frank. I think the letter was heavy-handed. I do. If you if you if if you if you're if there's a piece of it that says that this is the part that we don't like, but we're willing to entertain a negotiation, then I think that's what
you say. Based off of this letter, I would be exactly where he is in that. I'm not sending my county administrator to talk to you when you said you don't want to talk to him. That doesn't make sense to me. I think but through clarity of what we're talking about here today, go negotiate, Mr. County Ministry. Let's see if we can come to a to a a even
ground and come to a point where we're both on the same page. I think what we have to recognize as a board is that no matter what this says, cuz really the rest of it I think is inconsequential to them, even the makeup
of the board, I think they'd be willing to entertain that. I think the naming rights, all that stuff, I think they'd be willing to entertain. It's really down to that big block of land that they don't want to give up. And even with that, if they don't give it up, if we negotiate not to give it up, what does
that mean for the blueprint plan versus where we are? What does that what does that mean for the money? Um, are we sending him also to negotiate about what improvements will be made on site, which then gets into what's happening at Blueprint? She said that
that that staff did a very good job of listening. It's just that piece of land. So, there's a lot of questions to be answered. I don't think it's it's just a simple sending the county administrator to to to negotiate and then come back here and then then if they come to a deal, we approve it. No, then it goes to okay, before we even approve a deal,
it's got to go to Blueprint and then Blueprint has to sit at the table and say, "Okay, we're willing to make this improvement, this improvement, this improvement, this right here." And then they can match the table. Then so it's it's a re it's a renegotiation of two separate boards that we're talking about
here. And so maybe maybe the cart maybe the horse in front of the cart is us getting the lease right. Maybe I think cuz then that tells us what we have to work with or if we have anything to work with. Maybe that's the first part. But that's just the first part. I think the
second part is us having a conversation at blueprint about what we're going to do with the pieces that we do agree on. Okay. Um, and if I was sitting here today and I was just going off what I'm seeing, I'm not negotiating and I'm I'm going back
to blueprint. I'm saying, "Okay, we're going to take that 30 million. We're going to do whatever we where we we're going to disperse it to other places because they don't want the improvements." And so, I'm wrapping it up, Mr. Chair. >> Yeah, you're good. >> I believe that the North Florida Fair
Association wants $30 million. I believe that. I don't believe this this letter is representative of what they want. I think this is them them playing hard ball in negotiation. I believe they want $30 million. They just want to know that the pieces of the of the
master plan that we came up that they don't agree with will not will not be a part of the plan moving forward. And I think that's a fair negotiation tactic for them to use. And so I'm going to support the motion to send the county administrator over to have negotiation.
I'm going to ask for the board and the chair. Please be fair. I mean, don't have me send this man over here waste his time. If y'all not going to do it, then just tell us we're not going to do it. I I we we cannot waste each other's time and take that 30 million, do something else with it. But I believe there's a there's a deal to be made there. But I want you guys to come to
the table, not just with what you're willing to agree with from a lease standpoint, but what what is it that will get you in a position to to feel like you're being heard and negotiated with when it comes to the improvements made to the site? We want some things on
the site. You want some things on the site. There's got to be a middle ground. If if you if you think you're gonna get everything you want and we're gonna get none of what we want, then we might as well just stop the conversation. That's not the way negotiation works. I think there's a place in the middle that we can get to that that allows for
everybody to give a little, maybe not be as comfortable, but be happy moving moving to moving forward as partners and that's where I would like like for us to get to. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Of course. Thank you for the comments, Commissioner Maddox. Uh Commissioner Cummings, I have you in the queue. You're recognized.
Uh thank you. Thank you um Mr. Chair. I appreciate the discussion from uh from the commissioners. I know Commissioner Proctor is very passionate about the fairgrounds in this
district. We've heard it a couple of years from Blueprint. We've heard it here uh on the commission. I think we we share that sentiment um sentiment with him. But I I think we can sit here and
speculate all day long um about what needs to occur, what has has to occur. But the bottom line is I think the motion is to give the county administrator and staff the authority to
go to the blueprint board and and negotiate. I think at that point and we heard the executive director say uh that they're willing to engage in discussions. So I believe
notwithstanding the letter that we have from their executive director uh dated this week, notwithstanding that we've heard what what she has said and I believe that our county administrator and his staff
have the ability to negotiate or to discuss and just bring back the results of those discussions to us. I don't think speculating today is going to help the situation.
I I I want to, Mr. Chair, thank staff for this analysis and the county administrator for the analysis and the historical data that we have because it was always in my mind um
how the county came to own the fairgrounds. And I appreciate going back over the years how it was conveyed to the county, but I'm encouraged that for the first 20, 30, 40 years, the county
and the fairgrounds um apparently shared common interest. Uh I I didn't see where there was any infighting. There was agreement to lease
certain portions of the property to the fairground. There was also um I'm sorry to release certain portions from the fairground, certain acreage for public use. We have the Jancock Stadium. We
have some other Lyon County Cooperative Extension Office. So there was cooperation early on between the fairground association and uh the county board. They worked together and I just believe I'm an optimist and I believe
that that there is still some sentiment to work together uh with the county and I and I think we all have the shared concern about economic development
for Leyon County. the fairground based on this analysis has done a tremendous job in bringing programs to the fairground, not just the North Florida Fair, but throughout the
year and they have brought significant revenue as well, economic development uh to to Lyon County, and we thank them and we we applaud them uh for that. But the reality is that we have a contract
rather well a contract a lease with them a madam account administrator that extends through 2067 and am I correct that we are bound by that lease
and we can only go outside of that lease with the agreement of the fairgrounds association. Am I correct, >> Mr. Chairman? May I answer? >> Of course. >> That is correct. Unless one of the very narrow uh circumstances identified in
your agenda materials occurs. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Bankruptcy or I think bankruptcies was >> or they don't hold a fair, >> right? Absolutely. with you. >> Uh and and hopefully that's not a circumstance that we envision nor that we will will
experience. But I have I guess confidence not only in the executive director of the fairgrounds association and their board, but in our county administrator and his staff as well. And so
I support the motion. I I just believe there's some wiggle room and common ground for both parties can come to come together. Uh Blueprint, of course, and and all of us are on the board of Blueprint. $30 million has been
set aside so that we can get Commissioner Proctor the indoor bathrooms. And um well jokes aside and there's a lot of work to be done at the fairgrounds and and I I read the letter is saying
that board is positioning itself to address some of those problems. But I just believe that that board uh can also work with the county with the funds that we have set aside so that I think we can
reach some some common ground. Um I believe when you look at the history of the association with the county, the history of of working together It just it it encourages me that that
that history of cooperation was best for the county can still be captured here in 2026. Mr. Chair, so thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Cummings, Commissioner O'Keefe, Mr. Vice Chairman.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I have a couple of questions and Mr. Chair, you can just direct these. Uh, of course, they're probably to the >> county. Staff's free to communicate. There's a $1 a year payment. Just out of curiosity, do we actually get a $1 check each year?
>> I'd have to check on that. You're not looking to make a motion to spend that, are you? >> No, I don't. >> No. And and and I'm not looking to to wager into contract law. >> I know there is some consideration, but I we'd have to check on cash out. >> Perfect. >> Perfect. Um
I appreciate everyone contacting Let me tell you what has been made clear to me this week. We love our fair. We love it. Absolutely. I'm not going to lie. I don't trust those rides. It's not my thing. But our community loves our fair.
Okay, Mr. County Administrator. Um we we don't have any barring a legislative act, we have to our only way to to change anything here is in full agreement with the North Florida Fairgrounds. Is that correct? >> That's correct. We try to be very clear
about that. >> And then um if uh to to Miss Tiffany Sanders concern, even if in in a world where things move forward with changes, how many years are we out before they would have to find a new location
because construction would start? >> Yeah. That we don't even have a provision in the existing lease which would contemplate even if money rained down from heaven we would to to move them. That's something that should probably they have they've signaled in the past that certainly they'd be willing to do that if yes
>> excuse me not the fairgrounds the Okalok River Kenno Club sorry just when would construction start if we move forward anyways if everything goes >> on the areas that we're talking about there is no construction in the plans so it would just be a matter of expanded use and again I'm sure we could work
those things out the bigger thing is not having things constructed in those spaces for which would limit potential um uh redevelopment. >> Okay. And so I just wanted to address Tiffany from the River Kennel Club. I
don't think you need to hurry. Um but just so All right. >> Okay. All right. We need to get on your level then. Um I appreciate um Commissioner Maddox's um questions. He he got a lot of the a lot of the questions answered that I wanted
answered. And um I will say that um given everything going on in local government generally lately, if I were the North Florida Fair Association, I might have the same reaction. You know, things can move forward, not necessarily here. Transferring assets can move
forward real fast in other parts of town. And I I understand I don't believe that's the way this county commission operates. And I'm hopeful that we can work together. Um, I think that, um, no matter what,
I want to find a way to put improvements in the fairgrounds, period. And we I think I think we ought to as a board and a party make sure that we take this moment
to step back on what is already a multi-dead project and will be a multi-dead project and is already a lease agreement to make sure we act in a way that is the way impeccable partners would act on an agreement. We don't need
to get into protracted disputes because however this lease changes, we are together. We are if we want affair to continue, we are together forever. And so this is one point in time with heated feelings because of fear of not getting
what we each think is best for the future. And so I totally understand the reaction and I'm relieved to hear that some change to a lease is possible to be agreed to if it is does not look like what is being shown right now. That's
what I wanted to know because if if the answer was absolutely not, we might as well save everybody's time and just carry on going. But I'm hopeful on that um perspective because I really want us to keep in mind our reputation as a body that honors our agreements. And even
though we weren't here when that lease was entered into, this commission le entered into that agreement. Um and even though I don't like it, I think it's important that even we don't like it, we remember that we honor our agreements. There were so many good points that I
had to take notes all over. Let's see. I'll just leave it at I think that you know if we start to bring in blueprint um it complicates things but the way I see it to keep it real simple right here is we are authorizing the county
administrator to go negotiate and um I my personal opinion is that we ought to um see what we can get in something we got even if it's not because my understanding is the $30 million and
then the proposed phase two really encompasses the out partials as well. It's really not just the fair fair grounds part. It's on your property but to be clear the part where the fair is. And so if that's the breakdown and the fair has no interest in the art out
parcel's work, then we'll bring that information back and I think that'd be for blueprint and to consider if there's a project that is agreeable that at least just does the fair grounds. That's obviously not the ideal, but I really um
I'm going I'm going to voting in support because there's some possibility and I want you to know that um I appreciate everyone contacting us and um I am uh appreciate that we are not coming in
with brass knuckles or anything like that. We know we're partners. equal partners and ultimately my goal is to get an improved fairgrounds in whichever way we can get that in agreement together. Thank you, >> Mr. Miner.
>> Mr. Chairman, um, Miss Mure, Miss Anders, thank you very much for taking the time to be here. Appreciate it. Uh, and Miss Andrew, I my my family and I have been to the Aglock River Kennel Club dog show and and other events at the fair. Uh, a lot of great things happen on the fair grounds, uh, to the
tune of $79 million in economic impact every single year. And I don't think anyone here wants to undermine that economic boost we get from from the fairgrounds. Um, I got a couple questions of of our county administrator just to kind of wrap this up and I know
Commissioner Proctor has some comments to at the very end, but just to kind of wrap this up in terms of our thinking on this agenda item and what it's asking us to do. Um, Mr. Mr. Chairman, you mind if I ask county? >> Um, we've gotten a lot of emails about taking away 50 acres and and just to
clarify this vote tonight, we're not voting to take 50 acres away at this vote. Is basically voting to to negotiate with the fair with the fair association. >> That's correct. >> Okay. And all this does a yes vote on this agenda item. All it does is
authorize our county staff to talk with the association. Is that correct? >> Yes. Um, and this is a bilateral negotiation. So nothing will be done uh without the fair association agreeing to those terms that you negotiate with the
with between them and the county staff >> through this lease. That's correct. >> Yes. Yes. And so any proposals that that both the fair association and our county staff come to agreement upon will come back to the county commission for us to vote on so that the public has the full
opportunity to see what that negotiation has uh resolved into as well as the fair association being able to comment publicly about what those negotiations uh have led to. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, that's what we're voting on tonight. And uh I really want to thank
Commissioner Maddox for his line of questioning and dialogue with Miss Muer because that really does show that there's negotiation to be to be done and there's opportunity there. So, I'm going to vote yes on the item. I think it makes sense. Let's let's talk. Without this agenda item being voted in in
approval, there's there's no discussion and there's nowhere to go. So, voting for the motion and uh looking forward to what uh the county staff and our fair association come back with. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Commissioner Miner. Commissioner Proctor, I see you in the queue, but before I would like to take a
point of personal privilege to to um to make my comments. Um you know, Commissioners, I uh I was a little frustrated over the last 24 hours related particularly to this item. um specifically because the letter that
was sent to our board number one and then I saw um the Facebook post that was posted by the North Fort Affair on social media and you know the the reason I was specifically frustrated because I felt like um the intent of the letter
and the post did not align with the spirit of our board. I felt like that was misleading and I felt like it was dishonest. And you know, as we are looking to go through negotiations in good faith, you know, I I don't think anyone up here I
personally am not looking to eliminate having a fair year round or all the wonderful activities that that go on at at the fair on the fairgrounds. And I know our neighbors appreciate them and I appreciate them. Um, however,
when I read the letter, commissioners, I was like, listen, I know when I'm being told to kick rocks, and that letter told us to kick rocks, right? um and looking at what happened last
fall related to um the retirement gift. Madam Attorney, I'm not an attorney, but you know, I'm pretty sure that violates Florida statute 616-07, which basically says all money and property of a fair association must be used exclusively for leg for
legitimately purposes of the fair. So, you know, we're looking at as a board to basically come in and invest $30 million in the fair. Um, the fair makes a ton of money, yet, you know, there's still no
bathrooms over there. Um, and so I'm frustrated because I feel like, you know, we've acted in good faith. We're not beating down the IRS door. We're not beating down asking for an active investigation to look at the improper use of funds on the North
Affair, which if you're buying a watch publicly with nonprofit funds, I only can only imagine what's going in, you know, that doesn't go to the board. Um, and so I am going to vote on this motion because I believe in acting in good
faith and I would like to see us to go have a good negotiated deal. However, I'm also really down to if we want to look at this the other way, which could be us being a little bit more confrontational with a North Fled affair. Um, I'm I'm good either way.
What what I want is what's best for taxpayers. Taxpayers want a North Florida affair. They want all the activities that go along with the North Florida Fair. So, I'm a dealmaker. I think it's we should look at making a deal. I think that's what best serves the North Florida Fair. I think that's what serves taxpayers. I think that's
what serves Lyon County. Um, but it feels like a little bit that um that taxpayers are being taken advantage of due to a lease that's 75 years old and I don't like that. So, that being said,
commissioners, I I I do think that we should put some sort of timet on Commissioner Proctor's motion um to we have an an this come back to our board. So that way like hey we give the county administrator you know 60 to 90 days to to to have a to basically give the
county administrator to go negotiate with them to then come back to us with an update. Um that way this thing isn't dragged out. I mean I would like to see some movement at the Florida fairgrounds and I I think that um residents would like to see some improvements as well.
Mr. C administrator, how does that >> Yes, that's ample time. Thank you. Could you do 90 days, Commissioner Proctor? >> Yes, sir. I accept it. >> Okay. So, would you amend your motion to have a 90-day update? Yes. Back to our board. >> Yes, sir. >> Who second the motion
>> comment? Yeah. >> Point of information. >> Wait one second. One second. So, I I asked him to fine. Okay, cool. >> I won't make sure that second. >> Yes, you second it. >> Yeah, >> I think we second the same time. >> So, basically, so we're going to have a 90-day update to come back to our board,
right? Um, uh, your point of information. >> Just going to say I thought the item already had 60 days, but we're already there. >> I'm sorry. What? >> I thought the item already had a 60-day update, but if this is where we at, we're moving forward. I'll leave it be. >> Okay. Yeah. I just think within within 90 days. I didn't know that the item actually said it had to come back to us.
>> Yeah. >> 90. >> Um, >> I think but there's a difference between >> Go ahead. >> That's the difference between said a 60 or 90 day update. What he's saying is that in 60 90 days, either we got a deal or we don't. >> Yeah. it comes back to our board with an update. We got a deal. We don't >> within 90 days.
>> Within 90 days. >> So, you accepted that and you second the motion. >> Um, listen guys, I want to make a deal. Um, um, I haven't met with any of the board members. I'm happy to meet with the board members. Um, I have full faith in our county administrator. I fully intend to be fair. Like, I I would love
to see the north I would love to see I would love to see the fair ground, pun intended. Um, I would love to see that area um come alive more often than it currently does. And I think that there is a um an avenue where our partnership
can deepen and provide more opportunity for folks in that area and folks not only across the county but surrounding counties that enjoy those benefits. Um, all right. Comm Commissioner Proctor, I have you in the queue. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, commissioners, I um um
I think that an ordinance and I want to ask county attorney first. Madam Attorney, could we uh pass a ordinance that we limit any board of county commissions from making 99-year leases that we make a 99 that we make a seven-year lease at the most with
renewable uh that we have a board made a 99year lease. Commissioner Proctor, can we can we come back to that during commissioner time vote on this item? >> Yes. Let's Can we vote on this motion and then come back on that during commissioner discussion time? >> Yes sir, we can do that. Okay. Let me let me let me focus then on Yeah. But I
want to know can we limit uh any board from ever doing this again? Thank you. Um commissioners, let me just say that uh uh the first time I I was not all that perturred by the letter uh coming from the fair ground uh that didn't
bother me. Uh there's a certain amount of posturing uh as Commissioner Maddox pointed out. Um I recall uh the first time I tried to clear my throat maybe the second time to my wife it was a
adamant no you know and um I tried to uh encourage her to consider enhancement added to her life uh her giving open consideration to me uh being in her life and uh she still said no and um you had
to ask three times. >> I had to ask at least three times. Yeah. And Commissioner Cumins broke down and told me that she never says, "Oh, yes." The first time, second time, third time either. So sometimes um many things that occurred, Abraham Lincoln trying to get
elected multiple times. So I didn't look at the sheet of paper as this is not going to rock steady and rock forward. I mean, everything that ever happened in my life, I got a note uh initially. So I'm not perturbed by this sheet of
paper. Um what's unprecedented however is that um we have never had a letter like this from the fair association. If you go back through the annals of communications the board of the North
Florida Fair has typically simply said make us whole. We're open. They're not aloof. They're not hostile. They simply maintain this line. Make us whole. So any movement uh any
minations of our imagination about what happens make us whole, keep us whole. We don't want to go backwards. That's been the spirit of this board uh in particular since uh this board uh the
board of county commissioners um 20ome years ago uh me talking about the bathroom situation and facilities uh the board designated me to go and talk to the fair ground association that was
formidable um a different board a different era different essence and Commissioner Lee Voss, chairperson of the board, I believe a vice chair, uh, fashioned a statement and Vince, I don't know if you
have literature from Mr. Boss, uh, outlining that the fair was open to but make us whole. And that has been the subsequent theme that has come. This is just a new tenor of communications that
um I'm willing to and if there's ever been a difficult negotiations, it's been trying to when this board designated me to negotiate a settlement agreement with false Chase. Uh it had been stagnant for 32 years before um I was asked to to uh
go settle it. I could settle this y'all. I believe if I was the negotiator, I'm that good. I listen that well. Um I think we can get there. And um but I'm at the mercy of this board and your
thoughts. So knowing that uh every close eye is not sleep, every goodbye is not gone, and every no is not hell no. So, we got ground as far as I'm able to
think about this. Um, commissioners, um, as Commissioner Cummings put forward, uh, the operable, um, the IFAS center is over there on the fair ground. Um, I think um, the mention
of the stadium is on the fair ground, but uh, the school buses parked over there on the fair ground. and the sheriff I don't know if the the horses the stable used to be over there on the fair ground. So the fairground is
functioned for the school board, the horses, not just the dog show, but the horses were there 24/7 uh football and so that there's functionality that we can coexist, chew bubble gum and walk and things uh uh
constantly. So I'm very very grateful for um this board, your passion where you are right now and I'm I'm very um um I'm very mindful of u President Franklin Roosevelt uh his indication that the art of
diplomacy is to uh to uh have an a steel fist, an iron fist inside of a velvet glove. And I know that Vince Long uh understands that well. And I think that the velvet glove, the carrot, um all of
those things matter. And that's certainly the posture that our board has always been in with the fair association as it has always been their posture. Whatever y'all want to do, make us whole. And um Vince um I think I've
heard this board uh we desire with $30 million that we got to give and as Commissioner Keith said we we ain't turning that over u willy-nilly and we got to have clarity about this money what it seeks to do and
and as Commissioner Maddox said the control factor or input a shared agreement uh those things um deserve clarification. So, Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time spent shared and looking forward. And we say to you, uh, Miss Knight, that uh, we
come in love. This is our community. We share it. Uh, we come as states, men and women. Uh, we're not coming as the boogeyman bad boys. Uh, so I ain't studing that letter y'all sent. I ain't thinking about y'all. We're not thinking
about y'all. And we're not coming for a fight and confrontation. We coming to work together, y'all. if we can. I believe we can. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you. All right, commissioners, to take this to a vote. Uh we have a a motion on the floor by Commissioner Proctor, second by Commissioner Maddox. Um staff recommendation. Uh it's a
motion for staff recommendation along with an um an update within the next 90 days coming back to our board. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any oppose? Nay. Passes unanimously. All right, commissioners. So, it's 5:45. We
don't have a public hearing. What I'm going to do is do a 20-minute recess, come back at 6:05, and we'll bust out the rest of uh general business and then commissioner discussion time. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. We will call the meeting back in session at 6:08 p.m. Uh, Mr. County Administrator, will you introduce item number 17?
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Item number 17 provides a report on staff's financial review of Tallahassee Museum's use of TDT funded grant awards following concerns about uh payments to board affiliated u vendor in this case without a competitive procurement
process. At your direction, commissioners, uh, from the 7 September 15th meeting, staff conducted a review of the museum's uh, grant activity over the past 5 years uh, through both the county's tourism grant programs as well as the KO administr administered grant
programs. Uh, staff examined grant applications, agreements, payment records, required reporting documentation. It was a thorough analysis along with the museum's internal governance and conflict of interest policies. Uh based on the records reviewed, uh staff determined
that TDT funded expenditures uh examined complied with applicable laws, the museum's governing policies, the county's current grant guidelines, uh and the review did not identify any improper uh expenditures based on all of that. However, the review did highlight
a policy gap in the current TDT funded grant guidelines uh that can create the appearance of impropriety when grant funded uh when grant funds are used to pay board affiliated vendors uh even when otherwise allowable and documented
uh to reinforce uh public trust and to protect the program's integrity going forward. The item before you is proposing revisions to the 26 27 uh county tourism grant guidelines to prohibit the use of tourism development uh tax grants to pay for board
affiliated vendors. Uh and if directed, staff will work with KOKA uh to implement comparable revisions to KOKA's TDT funded grant guidelines as well. With that, commissioners, we're happy to uh uh answer any questions you might have. We're recommending options one and
two. Uh Mr. Chairman, we do have one speaker on this item. >> Great. >> Oh, first speaker. >> Richard Moore. >> Great to see you, Mr. Moore. Will you please state your name and address for the record? >> Richard Moore, 211 Road and Cove Road,
Tallahassee, Florida. I am a trustee at the museum and a former chair and um I wanted to be here today um to um answer any questions that may come up on on this from the uh board member side. Um I
was on the board um during all these um discussions on the you know money being funded and like that. There's no opposition um I'll wave any further public comment. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Moore. Um what we'll do is typically on this item
you'll have a while public comment if any commissioners want to ask we can we Mr. County Commissioner we can I can allow questions right during this portion that's >> yes Mr. Chairman >> yes to your discretion >> we'll get to a point commissioner anyone have any questions for Mr. Moore no okay
great >> thank you >> Yep um Commissioner Cummings I see you in the queue >> uh yes Mr. Chair, I move options one and two. >> Second. >> Okay. And we have a staff recommendation moved by um Commissioner Cummings,
second by Commissioner Maddox. Any discussion, Commissioner Cummings? >> Yes. Uh yes, Mr. Chair. I read this uh particular agenda item and I want to thank uh thank the staff and the county administrator for
laying it out. Uh from what I understand, uh there's a claim that the f funds were used to pay a vendor who business was owned by a member of the board
for about $1.2 million over a five-year period. But the sticking uh point to me was that funds were expended to this particular vendor without a competitive bid process.
And so when I look when I read the uh the agenda item, I'm I'm not sure whether or not this particular vendor uh had the best price. I would think probably so, but I think
the issue would be cured if in the staff recommendation we would add uh that tourism development tax uh are prohibited from being used by a
member of the board unless it's a competitive bid process because I think the competitive bid process takes away the taint um from providing that particular award to
a business owned by a member of the boards. So what I would like to do is is amend I guess option two to direct staff to draft a proposed
revision to the counter tourism grant guidelines and to work with Koka with compar comparable revisions. um that would indicate that funds cannot
be awarded to a vendor owned by a member of the board or owned by anyone perhaps maybe if the bids were not competitively solicited. So I think during that competitive process uh an owner uh of a
business on the board it would be perfectly fine because it would be above board. Um, >> Commissioner Maddox, you maintain your second. >> Um, so so I can ask a question just challenge that
>> you're amending the motion. >> The second part to say >> amended a recommendation, >> right? to say that that um our staff will work with Koka staff to um place in uh contracts that >> a vendor on the board cannot be awarded or a vendor um a vendor on the board
cannot be awarded a contract unless it's >> business owned by okay >> member of the board unless it's during the competitive bid process. >> I I'll I'll I'll do that for her. >> Okay. The county administrator wants to chime in. >> Yes. Uh thank you. Certainly no objection um to that from our standpoint. Commissioner Cummings, something you and I talked about uh in
our briefings and it would be good direction from the board. Just wanted to add that it is sort of a preference issue for the board just to be honest uh and and perfectly um forthcoming. The board may say there's there's no amount even if competitively done. We just
believe that vendors that that that board member vendors should be prohibited from engaging in any um uh business board uh board related business which is kind of the way that we have it written currently. This would be and I just want to provide clarification. This
would be again as you say Commissioner Cummings that unless it was competitively bid and that would be the case and then that's so that's a decision for the board to make like where you come down on that issue if it is the case where it is unless
competitively bid. We can certainly develop uh what that bidding process what an acceptable competitive bidding process would look like. Maybe establish some thresholds there. you don't have to competitively bid if it's a if it's a nominal amount like we have reflected in our policies but did just want to
identify that sort of preference issue there. One is a complete prohibition from engaging in in vendors uh board members engaging in in in in work and benefiting from TDT funds uh to their personal businesses. The other one uh as offered by Commissioner Cummings would
be to establish unless it is competitively bid. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, Commissioner Proctor, >> Mr. Chairman, I hope that Commissioner Cummings would appreciate uh I would like to ask her consideration of u of one exemption or waiver and that is when
it's a sole source service and if um if um there's Ken Folk is the only source of that particular service then we allow u an exemption. Uh >> can can you can you clarify what you're saying, Commissioner Proctor? Council,
can you clarify what I just said, please? Soul source of service. >> A soul source is when literally there's only one business that can provide the good or service. There is nobody else. That is the only time that they would
qualify for that. >> Would that mean like a non-responsive bit non-responsive bidder? >> No. This is if you want >> it's specialization like if you want a widget that is purple >> and that is a certain size and a certain
diameter whatever whatever and there is only literally one company that produces said widget that is a sole source and no one else can produce it. Um commissioners if I may real quick Mr. Proctor Russ, do do we do you got you
will you approach, please? >> Chairman, command, fellow commissioners, good evening. I'm Russell Dodge, president, CEO of the Tallahassee Museum. I live at 2300 Orleans Drive, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308. >> Yeah. Thank you. Quick question because
Commissioner Proctor brings a good point. Do you guys have any vendors that you only have? What was Can you repeat the question? >> Soul source. >> Soul source. Probably we have a sole source in terms of the
food that we have to order for our carnivores or birds of prey. It comes out of Nebraska. It's a zoo product that's not available locally. Um there may be others but nothing I can
significantly think of >> and they're they're not they're not a board member the owner of that company. >> Oh no. >> Okay. >> So I'm cool with that. Commissioner Proctor. Yeah. I'm cool with a friend from the amendment. Commissioners, any other questions for the CEO? >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir. >> You have the floor, Commissioner Proctor. >> Okay. Um Mr. Chairman, what time you plan to get out of here? >> That's up to you. >> I'm ready. >> I move that we go.
>> Okay. Well, I'll accept his um >> his addition. >> Maintain the second. Okay. Great. Uh Commissioner O'Keefe in the queue. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um good. I I like the call for um the
soul source um and a specific food vendor for a specific breed of wild animals. Exactly. Um what that might be. When I worked at WFSU, we had a sole source. You had to point the airwave to a very specific
satellite location in the in space. And God bless FSU procurement. They were like, why can't you get another space satellite vendor to compete? I was like only one satellite can occupy the physical space of space where that location is and we did it every year.
And so my my point is I understand, you know, I'm all about accountability and transparency, but I also understand materiality and I just want to make sure that some of these amounts are small. Not the, you know, alligator exhibit,
but we're talking about tourism grants. And this policy applies to all tourism grants where it's small organizations. It's not the Tallahassee Museum, but we're making a policy based on something at the Tallahass Museum that applies to everybody. And so I just
um this is one where I think we might be putting too much regulation on a lot of small entities, but I'll go with the board on it. Um and uh it's just I hope we don't see where less organizations apply because they're going to have to
start doing government style procurement. That's all. >> Thank you, Commissioner Cummings, you recognize. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just for clarification so that we will understand this specific revision or provision only
applies to businesses that are owned by board members, >> board members of the Tallahassee Museum. So it it doesn't apply to businesses at large, just
businesses owned by members of the board of the Tallahassee Museum. So uh can I ask Mr. Dolls if any of those board members own companies that provide food for the
elephants or the animals or the exotic birds or what have you. point of information just what the actually what is being contemplated would apply across the board to all entities that receive county funding not just county and not
just Tallahassee Museum. So this this change would not just be limited to Tallahassee Museum. >> Okay. But but it applies to board members of the various entities though am I correct? Okay. All right. Good. Good. that
receive government funds. Correct. >> County funds. >> Yes. >> Okay. Specifically, >> you're recognized, Commissioner Cullings. >> Yeah. Yeah. Mr. Dawson, I just had a general question and I I appreciate the county attorney for clarifying that, but it would be across all boards and I
think rightly so because it shows transparency uh not only with your board, but other boards as well that solicit uh goods and services. But my question was, do any of your board members own businesses that
provide food services, what have you, for any of your exotic animals or any of the animals you have there at the museum or birds or what have you >> over the period of time? The answer is yes. um not that they necessarily were
being paid for out of county or city or state funds, but there will be times where we may have an attorney on our board that provides proono services or if not proono services, a significant
discount. Um as the wonderful county staff found, I wasn't even aware. We bought $194 of t-shirts for our summer camp kids from a board members company. Um, good job on finding that. Um, so
yes, it occasionally occurs, but 90% of it never is coming out of county or government funding. And with some, you know, we follow all the grant guidelines. If if those guidelines are
written that way, we're we're going to follow them. So, >> and you you guys haven't run into a problem and issue with um putting out an RF RFP or competitive solicitation.
>> Not at all. >> Okay. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, commissioners. Listen, I think that this is just great. This is good policy. Um, I think this is provides the the correct amount of
government oversight. You know, oftent times nonprofits come to us and we award them funding and then, you know, nonprofits are not regulated with a certain level of oversight that government entities
are. And so, um, often, you know, if we were to give out half a million dollar contract or $300,000 contract, we would typically go through an RF process or, you know, something of that sort. >> And, you know, this, I believe, item originated because I think it was last
summer, Mr. County Administrator, um, you know, it was reported to us that the Tallahassee Museum had given $1.2 million um, worth of contracts to an active board member without an RFP. And so, um, you know, I'm I'm not saying
that there that was malicious intent. I'm saying but it happened, right? And so, um, for all we know, that board member could have been doing it for a significant reduced amount and could have been doing it for or pro bono to
help the Tali Museum. Um, I I I I hope that it was done in the right spirit. Um, however, I I think that if that work is going to be done, I think it's important that, hey, you have an RFP process. If it's going to be done for a discount, then that bidder will come in
at the lowest bit. Um, so I think that this is uh I do think that this is good oversight. And I think that this is overall just good practice for all our nonprofits who receive funding. Um, and there's a lot of it. I mean, this right here, the last five years is over $1.4 4
million in funding between uh honestly pretty much all through tourism. So, um that being said, big fan of Talas Museum. You guys do a great job. I've um I've taken my nephews there and done the uh the zipline or the zip lines course.
Um not a proud moment because I'm scared of heights, but I did it. So, um I appreciate what you guys what you guys do. With that being said, commissioners will take it to a vote. All those in favor of um Commissioner Cummings motion on the floor. Second by Commissioner
Maddox uh signify by saying I >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Nay. No, I mean no Naz. Awesome. Passes unanimously. Mr. County Administrator, we're on uh number 18. >> Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, number 18 seeks full board appointment to the Canopy Road Citizens Committee. The item
seeks um or the item presents in the options uh your appointment of one citizen to the Canopy Oaks com uh roads committee for the remainder of a three-year term. And you've got the eligible applicants before you. >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion. >> Uh sure. Yeah. Go ahead.
>> To appoint uh Mark Mahoney to the CC CRCC. >> Second. >> We have a motion on the floor to nominate who? >> Mark Mahoney. >> Okay. Second by uh Commissioner Miner. Commissioners, any other nominations?
All right. All those in favor of the motion floor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Passes unanimously. That was it, right? Uh >> yes. Cool. All right, commissioners. We are on now citizens to be heard on non-aggenda items. Do we have any?
>> There are no citizens to be heard on non-aggenda items. >> Great. Um, commissioner. So, before we go to um, we're now in comments and discussion items. Um, I'm going to lead with the county administrator. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Pass unanimously. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. on on the issue that that you referenced, commissioners, I would just like to take a minute to talk uh a little bit about the incident that you've all um heard about uh
related to the mobile home park uh last week and the county's uh um response uh to that issue. Um uh certainly a tremendous work that was done and again just to formally uh present to the board uh sort of what happened and what the
county's response was and where we are now. Uh, commissioners, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, uh, February 4th, we were made aware uh, through the chairman's office from media reports that a mobile home park near Enan Church Trail uh, had been without water for
roughly uh, a week uh, creating an immediate public health and sanitation concerns. You may recall this was during the sort of the Arctic weather that that was occurring around that time. Uh by 100 pm that day, we had teams from human
services and and uh community partnerships and emergency management in the field uh meeting face toface with residents and completing a needs assessment, collecting contact information, confirming water access for drinking, cooking, and sanitation and making referrals to social service
partners uh as needed. That same afternoon, uh, county teams delivered bottled water from our emergency cash um, uh, to each of the affected property owners to address the immediate portable water needs while conditions were
verified. Uh, concurrent to all of that, we engaged the Florida Department of Health, uh, Leyon County, uh, which conducted an on-site visit to inspect water connections and spets and to evaluate, uh, water and initiated public health follow-up actions, including
potential enforcement measures um, if the conditions were not corrected. Uh based on the the unverified conditions, commissioners, including inability to reliably flush toilets and wash hands and bathe and cook, the county deployed
a mobile sanitation station, uh an ADA accessible restroom, handwashing stations, and showers beginning Wednesday evening and maintained it through Thursday and over and and overnight into Friday, uh in an abundance of caution uh given the risk
of uh cold uh temperatures uh impacting uh the already disrupted uh pipes uh that created the problem initially. Um county em conducted uh daily follow-up outreach by phone uh and in person to confir to confirm water connectivity and
to connect residents to 211 Big Bend and other resources to address unmet needs. In parallel, the county initiated code enforcement uh under the international property maintenance code minimum housing uh property maintenance standards and continues coordinating
with FDOH uh environmental health to ensure the property owner restores and maintains the service. On Friday evening, uh, February 6th, commissioners, after residents confirmed that they that water had been restored, uh, and remained stable, uh, the county
demobilized the sanitation statement and total operational cost were approximately $33,000, and we're pursuing all available avenues uh, to recoup uh, those expenses. Um, commissioners, uh, that concludes my update. I want to recognize the hard
work and the quick action of uh county emergency management HSCP the facilities team as well as the chairman and his office for their engagement and support throughout the response. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I'll hand it back to you. >> Thank you. >> May applaud. >> Yeah. Thank you all.
>> Yeah, I agree. Thank you, staff. Um Mr. County Administrator, first and foremost, um I do want to give a big thank you um for your leadership, staff's leadership across the board. Um Matt Cavell, Kiana, uh Kevin Peters. I
mean, we activated very quickly on site. Um literally knocking on doors. Also, Leon County Health Department. Um been knocking on doors, checking on folks, uh making sure to see who had water, who didn't. And I'm going to provide a little context. You know, we we were
being told when we when our office was notified about this Wednesday morning, we were being told by residents that they had no water for 7 days. Meanwhile, uh the landlord through via property manager was being dishonest and relaying
to our staff that the issue was fixed and that they had water. And so when we went over there to check, residents said that they had no water. Um we saw family outside, including children. Um, so this is a mobile home park where, you know, kids who go to Fort Braen school lived.
Um, elderly folk lived. And so, you know, this was really a a a neighborhood that folks who, you know, they're struggling, they need help. And I'm extremely disappointed that basically we
had a localized human health crisis, you know, due to a negligent landlord. And when we talk about if you had a hurricane hit Leyon County and folks were without water for seven days, we would consider that an emergency.
And this was a localized, in my opinion, emergency. And it really was due to, you know, a negl a negligent landlord. And I I have an issue with that. Um Mr. County Commissioner, how much money did Leyon County taxpayers incur due to this?
>> About 33,000. >> 33,000. Um, Commissioner, I want to keep in mind also that during this time the property manager was texting through their app residents saying that this was a city of Tallahassee water issue. Meanwhile, water was flowing directly to
the meter. Um, and so that was not true. And then recently, you know, this is as of today, we've had reports to our office saying that residents in that neighborhood are now in fact said that there that the landlord threatened to turn their water
off. And so, um, I think that this is a serious issue that we as a board should look into further. Um, again, I'm thankful for the leadership of the county administrator and our staff being able to jump on this, but I think a precedent needs to be set that
we are not going to tolerate negligence amongst our landlords and this is not how we conduct business in Lyon County. You know, as a business owner myself, I welcome business and I appreciate folks
investing in Lyon County. Um, but this is this is in my opinion a landlord looking to take advantage of our neighbors who quite frankly don't have the means to protect or defend themselves. I think that's wrong. And so, um, I have a motion that I would
like to ask, um, a commissioner if they would make make it on my behalf, Commissioner Proctor. But basically, um, if a, uh, commissioner on my behalf would move to direct the county attorney to send a demand letter to to the owner of the mobile home park for reimbursement of the costs incurred by
the county because of the extended lack of running water at the park and resulting danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents who live there. >> So move, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you. Moved by Commissioner Proctor, second by Commissioner Maddox. Any further discussion? Commissioner O'Keefe.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, thank you also for uh standing up and getting out there representing your constituents. Um, and especially with constituents, getting threats of retaliation and calling your office to report it just indicates how much they do trust you. >> And that is well welld deserved.
>> Thank you. >> Um, so I I support this. I just have a couple questions just to make sure where we are legally. Um, do we we can demand this? What is our authority for enforcing or anything like that? Just want to make sure we're not tripping
ourselves up. Make sure we're good with at least demanding. >> We'd have to look at any available remedies at law or equity if the landlord does not uh respond and agree to reimburse the county for all of the
money that the taxpayers expended because of his um an ability to timely provide running water to his residents. >> Thank you. And then um do we know if there are any laws or
consumer protections related to retaliation of tenants for reporting health issues? >> I do not know. I've not researched that. >> We've never had to. It was been a good thing until now. >> Yeah. If if I may, um, Mr. Vice Chair, maybe we could, if possible, could we
have some folks from CMR, Mr. Kennedy Minister, maybe get in touch and introduce them to with connect them with uh, North Florida Legal Services? >> Excellent. And then um the only thing I think uh I would ask and it may not need to go into the motion but um I think we
ought to come come back with information even if it's an email from the county minister or county attorney of what laws and regulations there are to protect uh tenants in our community against that kind of reatalation whether it's HUD whether it's it may not be us it's
probably not us but I think we ought to know and be able to answer your constituents um to what protections they have because they certainly are in a precarious situation already. >> Thank you for the sentiment, Mr. Vice Chair. Commissioner Cummings. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. I I guess I
have some concerns on the line of Commissioner uh Commissioner O'Keefe. Uh, do we need a factual I guess a chronology, a factual uh some factual information about what
specifically happened in the form of an affidavit or anything before we move to a cease and assist letter. Um, >> I don't think we're Madame County, Mr. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> The the motion isn't to send a cease and assist letter. It's to send a demand
letter to reimburse the county for costs incurred. um due to his inability to provide water. >> Okay. I Okay, I uh described it wrong. Before we do a demand letter, do we need to have a factual a factual basis of
what occurred, when it occurred, uh denial on the part of the of the landlord to do any repair or or to make any concessions for the residents in the mobile home park, elderly people,
families, what have you. Do we is any of that a prerequisite, Madam Attorney? >> Uh, I think that it's very narrow and targeted what what was being proposed and that is really simply the county
knows what money it has expended. It can quantify that. Uh, and this I think what is being proposed at this point is just a demand letter to to repay that money uh those costs that the county has incurred. Um the predicate information
about what caused it, I believe we would have to include in the demand letter, but that is information we would obtain from uh county staff and from Commissioner Caban and his office, Chairman Kaban and his office. Um they were there uh and have all of that background information to include in the
letter. >> So if I may, so we're not addressing that second portion right now. We're just looking at the reimbursement because it's a known number. We know what the county has expended. We know how that relieved the residents in the
mo in that mobile home park. Correct. >> Yes. We we can quantify the amount of money the county expended to provide that relief to those residents. >> Awesome. And then and I just want to Mr. chair, thank the county administrator because he >> he actually gave us play by play, you
know, probably through your office too about what was going on over there and what what was being done to make sure the residents had clean water, had water for baths, drinking water, and that type thing. So, I I I really uh appreciate the expediency of the county
administrator and of you and your staff as well to uh assist the people in in your district that were having that issue. Yeah. And and we know the weather was just it was just real bad. It was real cold and it was a lot of vulnerable individuals at that mobile home park.
So, thank you so much. I think that's a good uh indication, a good showing of how the county feels about its residents and how the county has care and concern. And beyond that, we put action, we put words into action. So, thank you so
much. >> Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Project. >> Thanks, Mr. Chairman. um did a great job, Mr. Chairman. Um staff responding to the crisis uh in that area. Um
I want to know um uh can we also in that letter ask for an abatement of u those seven days of which people were without water and uh I think that it it we should ask for abatement 7 days about 25% of the monthly
um whatever because um I believe madam attorney you might be to help me uh the presence of water uh is one of the elements that makes uh a unit habitable. And if you're charging folk uh for it
habitable unit and it's without water, uh it doesn't that crippled the idea under undermine it and if that water is not available, then it was a dysfunctional uh residence. >> Huh?
>> Inhabitable. Inhabitable. Yeah, there's definitely um an argument that this landlord did not meet minimum housing standards for at least that period of time. There may be other issues as well. I'm not familiar with that, but um I think there was previous direction to
try to um connect these residents to resources with Legal Services North Florida. That is something under landlord tenant law the tenants could pursue directly against the landlord because they are the ones who were harmed and should receive that potential
remedy. >> Okay. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to amend my motion if it doesn't add too much weight to the wagon to ask for uh an abatement of rent for those period days I guess would be a pr basis of seven days on
their total rent coming from our board. At least an ask. Yeah, I'm I think that's fair. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Maintain your second. >> Yeah. I was just saying as far as concerned, >> this is this is a this is a demand letter. We can make the demand, but we
don't >> Yeah. >> He doesn't have any legal. >> He doesn't have to say yes to either. And if he says no to both, we have no recourse. U madam attorney >> I would say we definitely don't have any recourse with regard to the abatement
because there is self-help on the part of the residents right >> it's yet to be determined if we would have a remedy for reimbursement to the county. >> Yeah. So I I'll say I'm okay with it. I just want to understand you know how much power we really have in this. But I I'm I'm with it.
>> Cool. Great. Anything else? Commissioner Brutner? >> No sir. >> Awesome. Commissioner, I appreciate the the support. I think it means a lot to set a precedent for our um our residents in Leyon County that there's a certain way to conduct good business and there's
a certain way to not do business and is certainly um what happened last week was an example of how not to do business in Leyon County or anywhere in my opinion. Um Mr. County, anything else? Oh, wait. We got to vote on on the item. All right. All those in favor of the motion on the floor signify by saying I.
>> I. Any oppose? Nay, >> that does it for me, Mr. Chairman. >> What'd he say? >> That does it for me. >> Okay, great. Commissioners, I appreciate this support on that. Um, we we're still in commissioner discussion time. Madam Attorney, anything? >> Nothing for the board. Thank you.
>> Okay, Commissioner Cummings. >> Oh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, I just, uh, I want to start off by asking for a proclamation for BAMU DRS. Uh there are national beta club collected close to
300 blankets last month >> to my motion to give a proclamation to them. >> Motion on the floor by Commissioner Cummings, second by Commissioner Maddox. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. And and let me just say what I will
probably do, Mr. chair is goes to one of their school functions and present it and that way they don't have to worry about transportation and travel for the entire club to come here to receive it. >> Awesome. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I want to
congratulate Mr. Kevin Peters for his award as well and congratulate our county attorney who will be honored this week um at FSU for being one of our former uh Tallahassy bar presidents. Right. Is
that right? Okay. And so we plan to we plan to be there to support her uh this week. Uh Mr. Cherry, thank you all for indulging me last month uh for our meeting and during commission time. I
was had a couple of questions for our county attorney, but I I couldn't really hear her that well. I don't think she heard me that well either. So, I I said I'd rather wait until I came in person. So, I just had a couple more questions. I was asking her about outside counsel.
She had sent us a memo about outside uh counsel with a a very reputable uh law firm and of course I think I heard her say you don't have a list of attorneys that I think you say you don't have a list that you choose from. Right. Right. But
I appreciate the fact that you indicated that in some instances you do uh a bid process and I know for legal services you really don't have to under the statute but I appreciate the fact that
in some instances you do a a bid process to select a firm I guess based on the um their qualifications, their experience and on their hourly great uh as well. Uh
but my question was and I didn't think you heard me. My question was in instances where you don't have the competitive bid process, how do you select law firms to do
outside council work for the for Leyon County? >> It depends on the type of case. Attorneys, as you know very well as an attorney yourself, specialize in different areas of the law. So I look at the areas of specialty and a big part of
it honestly is rate because some firms charge rates that um just are not palatable and frankly even if we could afford them I don't think would reflect well on the county for paying
some of those hourly rates. Um, so that's really it's the expertise, the experience, um, the qualifications, and the rate. So I still look at all of the same criteria that I would if when we do a competitive solicitation.
>> Okay. Thank Thank you, madam counter attorney. And um I've just had a couple I guess attorneys asking me about how would they go about doing some outside work for Leyon County. >> They can contact would you re I'm sorry
>> they can contact me. >> Uh would they send the firm resume or just call the office? >> Whichever >> they can just call the office. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I I feel very fortunate that we frankly don't hire outside counsel very often.
>> Very often. Right. I'm going to knock on this wood right here. >> You do it internally. >> We we we do a lot of work internally and most of our outside litigation work is handled through our insurers because it's covered by our insurance companies
and so the ins the the adjusters get to retain counsel. Um but yeah, I'm happy to receive any information that attorneys are willing to provide. I'll pass on that information and and let me just add this is just for my own information in the county attorneys. How
many attorneys do you have in the county attorney's office? >> Fully staffed. We have seven attorneys including me and the deputy county attorney. >> Okay. And at Can you give me the makeup of the attorneys now uh in your office?
Male, female, minority, what have you? >> Uh let's see. I'm a female, white female. Emily Norton, the deputy, white female. Uh, Kyle Keer, white male. Um,
Gretchen Brantley, white female. May Schwarz, white female. Daniel Crumboltz, white male. And we have a new attorney who has not yet started, who will be a white male.
Okay. So, we have >> only Oh, okay. I'm sorry. Two, four, six, seven females and two males, >> right? >> Me, Emily, Kyle, Daniel, May, Gretchen,
Daniel. Seven. Okay. Seven total. >> I can tell you what, Commissioner Cummings, that would make me not want to get in a fight with Leon County just there. >> I'm sorry. What? So that make me not want to get in a fight with Leon County just now >> with all those females. Madam Attorney, I'm concerned about
minor Well, I I know females are minorities, but I'm a black female attorney. Um, have you had when was the last time have you had any blacks in the legal office? >> Uh, from the attorney perspective, LSA
Rigut, she resigned to run for judge. >> I'm sorry, what now? Lawn >> Lean Rigggins was the deputy until she resigned to run for judge. >> And that's the last uh yes black that we've had in in your office. >> We have not received any applications.
I mean, we advertise every county attorney position that becomes available. >> Um you're welcome to review any of those applications that you would like. >> And you haven't had any applications from any minority to to become an
attorney in your office? It has been a very um slim candidate pool to be honest with you and that's I think being felt in government all over the place and in part that's
because it's much more lucrative to be in private practice than it is in government practice >> and people are not relocating to Tallahassee. So, >> well, thank you. Thank you, madam uh uh county attorney for your honesty and and for the uh for the information, but I
will pass that along about just contacting you or sending in uh a res a resume. Uh I want to Mr. Chair, um thank the county and the county administrator for embracing Black
History Month. We've had a variety of cultural activities including this past Saturday where Commissioner Miner and I uh participated in African-American readin at the at the library where we read
children's books written by AfricanAmerican um authors called it the African-American uh reading. And I saw Miss Monroe here earlier who is over Leon County. Oh, she's here. Awesome. Awesome. She did an awesome job of of
being our commentator there, MCing it. We had a lot of kids that participated and they were just they were very engaged. Very engaged. Um, but I did and I've noticed uh on the monitors where we've had
celebrating African American History Month, Mr. County Administrator, and I know that's at your uh direction. So, I appreciate the fact that the county recognizes the achievement of African-Americans and
the contribution of Africanameans. Um, and the county has been consistent. I mean, even before I got on this uh on this board, the county has consistently
uh recognized the contributions that Africanameans and not just African-Americans throughout the year. This county recognizes other eth ethnic groups and and I think that says a lot. And I'm just proud to
be a part of a county that sees the value and sees the worth in the contributions of all of us. Uh regardless whether you white, brown, black, red.
Um, I just appreciate that we that we have that policy and not only that policy, but it it translates into how we how we operate on a daily basis.
Having said that, and I feel strongly about this because this is Black History Month, uh, and we're doing all we can to to lord our people, but but last week we witnessed, in my opinion, the needless
ridicue of our first African American president and his wife. and they were depicted uh as animals, as apes. And I would just like for this board to
recommmit itself to the fact that that we la and that we appreciate the worth of every individual in this county, black, white, brown, and that we
will continue, in my opinion, to respect the dignity and the worth of every citiz interesting here. And I'm not sure how we do that, Madame County, uh, Madame County attorney, if it's by proclamation,
uh, by declaration. Uh, but we had the first African-American president who was elected not one time, but two times in this country. And when
he was elected, uh, Mr. chair. When that happened, many of us, black, white, bl brown, blue, we felt that we had actually reached the pinnacle of what Dr. King said in his speech that
>> he hoped that one day his children and his children was all of us cuz we were children at the time. Some weren't even born. That one day they would be respected and recognized by the content of their character and
not by the color of their skin. And I truly believe that when President Barack Obama was elected that all of us felt that we had arrived to the point where we respect people for their character
and for their contribution and for for their intelligence and that we no longer judge people by the color of their skin. But I do believe and even today I believe that we still feel that way. I
believe his dream has come to fruition. And I don't want us to let a couple of um insensitive incidents to color the way we as a board and the way we as the county, Mr. County administrator treat
each other and the way we st respect each other. And I would like for us, and I'm not sure how we do it, to not only embrace that, but to encourage all the citizens of Lyon County to do so as
well. And I'm not sure if that's a form of a motion. Is that okay? That is my my motion that we >> administrator. >> Okay. >> Yes. you know, in addition to all the things we do, I I hear what you're
saying, but a way to lift that language up, I couldn't help but think almost the exact language you used um your charter committee actually um received a um a recommendation has passed along a recommendation to actually include in
the preamble of our county charter language that says upholding the human dignity of people who live in the community. It's one thing, but again, there's in our world, there's no other place where we can memorialize, you know, it it more strong than than in
our preamble of the the county charter. Certainly, the board could pass resolutions and do other things. Um, and uh but but just just wanted to offer that I mean that as just one way and that's that will be that one thing will be coming back to the board uh soon. >> Commissioner Cummings, Commissioner
Maddox has on point. >> Okay. Um, madam immediate immediate path um I think maybe a letter from the chair of the board or from the board endorsing that language that being that's being
placed in the charter uh from the committee might get you where you want to go as well. Um I didn't know exactly what you were asking for from us. I know you said you wanted some kind of statement to say that we believe in um
that concept of of equal of of of everyone needing to be respected in everybody's lives. >> Dignity and respect. >> Yeah. Right. Right. Right. I think I think >> I don't know if you would agree, but just an endorsement from us to say that we look forward to that language coming back and that we agree in that agree
with that language might get you where you want to go as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> If I may, I don't want to interrupt you. um Mr. Cummings, but that's something that we can endorse as a board whether it comes back to us from the charter committee or not, right? If so, you
know, we ultimately have the decision to put something on the ballot or endorse it. So, um if that's important to you and we want language in that, you have my commitment. I'm willing to support that when it comes to when it comes time for us to approve the charter amendments, proposed charter amendments. >> Awesome.
>> So, it doesn't necessarily have to be a motion now. Is what you're saying? What I'm saying is a recommend an option is to just table it till it comes back to us. It's >> coming back soon >> when we review the charter follow-ups if that's the route you want to go. You have the you have the floor. So it's
your decision but I'm just throwing out an option. Commissioner, Commissioner Cumins, if I might just what I what I would recommend based off of what you what you're asking for is that we send a letter to our committee, our um CRC
um endorsing the language that you that the administrator just spoke of um and and um giving indication that we will support that language coming back when it comes back. Um, and then when we get back, I actually honor that word. I think what you're doing is very
honorable and I and I I I endorse it as well. So, I think that would that would kind of be a step to get us where you where you're trying to go. Thank you, >> Commissioner Commission. >> You good with that? >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. Is that all you have for commissioner discussion? >> Let me see if I have something else >> on this item. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Good. Okay. I I would say that procedurally I would not want us to uh to do any kind of uh u committed
tampering and for us to do a letter uh is not preemptive but for us to cherrypick one of the considerations above another that's um being discussed by the charter review committee I really
um just procedurally concerned. However, uh procedurally, uh my instincts is to oppose us sending a letter to pick one measure out as yet substantively uh I recognize that these are critical
and sensitive times and um substantively uh there is a lot of uh backing away from u the respect universal shown to people and given the sensitivity of many
people not trembling don't know if to go blind or what to do. Um this particular issue is of that essence. Uh so much so is it in the season of u of u high sensitivity that the president of Florida and the university released uh a
letter yesterday evening uh with respect to students at the family law school uh believing that they they they could not use uh the historically black college and university H.B.CU CU and that uh the
student um there were saying that they could not use because certain words uh had been eliminated you can't say no more. So the president of university on yesterday um I received a copy of that letter
>> uh indicated that at Florida University it was in keeping with the governor the board of governors the board of trustees that it's okay for the students at the law school to say black u to use the word black
>> at a black university >> to the extent that umund 30 some year old almost 40 year old university has to clarify uh what began as a normal school for colored people whether or not you can
use the word black just yesterday um undergurs the tone the sensitivities and that's why I said that procedurally I would not want our board to to um get in that business with that committee but substantively
this moment is so pregnant it's just pregnant with fright, intimidation, and black people themselves don't know if to call themselves black. And when you was in law school and you black and you you you just can't put a flyer out for a
black history program and you don't know if it's legal, okay, you your your funding is going to go away because black people can't recognize themselves as black. What do you take away next from them? The names are already gone.
We're not Kent Conte. We Proctors, you know, we u Maddoxes. That ain't our name. But hell, we lost that long time ago. So we don't even have a race. We don't belong to nothing. It's it's that kind of fear. So, so substantively
given the nature of what Commissioner Cummings is saying, I am totally empathetic and if this board wanted to go in that direction, but to the extent that Commissioner Maddox has pointed out, we still get to comment um on matters if we want to go on the ballot.
And if we could keep our gunpowder dry, Commissioner Cummings, I would prefer Commissioner Maddox, that we wait and not step and choose one issue to endorse over the others. >> Mr. County, >> just quick clarification, speaking to
Commissioner Proctor's comments, uh the committee, you'll be happy to know, has already approved the language, so it'll be coming back to you as approved. So >> anyway, thank you. >> Yeah, no, never mind. Let me ask you, >> Mr. Chair. Yeah, I tend to agree that
perhaps sending a letter might sort of >> in they've already approved it. >> Yeah, it's already been approved. >> So, it's coming back to us. It's already coming back to us. >> Okay. And what has been approved? >> The language. The language the preamble >> preamble language. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> It's not swaying it because they've already approved it.
>> Oh, it's just giving indication that we, you know, >> but no, what I'm saying is I believe it's probably premature for us to write them a letter. I don't think and I agree with Commissioner Parker that we shouldn't send them a letter. We shouldn't interfere with with that process of their autonomy. Uh if it's in
the process, it will be coming coming back to us. Um if we feel that's what's expedient to wait, but I just feel that what's happening now is expedient as well. And I think aside from what the
charter committee revision, the charter revision committee is doing, uh, I just wanted this board to look at it from from that standpoint and see, uh, Madame County attorney and like I say, maybe a
proclamation declaration, but none of none of that is appropriate. Or if you can, uh, tell me what is appropriate and then we can vote yes or no. Well, a proclamation is usually presented to
>> someone else, but but certainly um the board has adopted resolutions and other circumstances when it has felt strongly that it needs to >> uh voice a position on a certain matter. So, you know, there would be precedent for the board adopting a resolution
>> a a resolution with with that resolution. >> Yeah. Uh this is you got the floor. So whatever you whatever you pos what route you want to go you got the floor. >> Okay. So that that will be my motion then to use the word res resolution. Uh
Mr. Chair and I'm not sure who second it first. Um >> Maddox. >> Commissioner Maddox. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So you would like a resolution um second by Commissioner Maddox stating what what position? Well, stating our
position to uh respect and recognize the dignity of all individuals and that we urge and of course there' be other language, but we urge all citizens uh in Lyon County to also recogni recognize
the dignity and worth of all citizens regardless of age, um race, creed, color. >> Great. Everyone understand the the the resolution request? >> Awesome. All those in favor of
supporting the motion on the floor moved by Commissioner Cummings, second by Commissioner Maddox, signify by saying I. >> I. >> Passes unanimously. >> Awesome. >> Anything else? >> Um, I might have something else.
I think that that's all I have. Um, Mr. Chair, now uh let me just follow up. Do you want do you want me to draft it? Uh, is it something the county attorney would draft? >> I think you could work with staff and draft it, right? And then >> the staff will do it, Mr. County Administrator. Okay. Awesome.
>> I'm sure they'll include your input. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Awesome. >> I'm done. That's it. >> Thank you. All right, Commissioner Miner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Appreciate it. Um, okay. I I'll try to be as quick as I
can. So, um, Representative Schae and Senator Simon, uh, from our legislative delegation have submitted a local funding request for Lake Jackson habitat restoration. And so I'd like to make a motion for the county commission to support this uh uh local funding request
and to add it to our Leyon County legislative priorities. >> Question, Mr. County, administrator, is that not one of our priorities? >> It it's not not this specific appropriation. So this would be great. It would give us the the direction to ensure that we include it in our in our
um in our legislative platform. We'd have done it anyway, but it was but it's good to have it. It makes it official. >> Great. >> So yeah. Any any other questions? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. >> Great. Thank you. Um also, uh on February 17th, it's basically a week
from today. Uh we're organizing a breakfast meeting for North Row businesses and uh law enforcement will be there. We're going to be talking talking about the um the business crime watch networks that have been established over the last couple years. Talk about improvements in public safety
uh both within the city limits and and outside the city limits. talk about addressing homelessness and uh an update on infrastructure. So that's going to be February 17th at 8:30 a.m. at the days in on North Monroe. That's 2900 North Monroe Street. Everyone's welcome to come. It's it's targeted toward North
Monroe businesses. So the attendees are are our our marketing has gone strict strictly to them, but anybody can come. anybody that has an interest in North Monroe and uh and wants to get an update as well as um uh measures that were taken to improve public safety and uh
and tips and hints for how to uh how businesses can protect their customers and employees. >> Mor one second. Madam attorney, do we need to publicly notice that if multiple commissioners attend? >> No. As long as you don't engage in matters that could foreseeably come
before the board, you attend the same events all the time. >> Did you send that an email cuz I'm >> Yeah, sure. I'll send that to everybody else. So, February 17th, 8:30 a.m. Desen Monroe 2900 uh Days in on North Monroe at 2900 North Monroe Street. Um and then, um Mr. Chairman, you sent out a
really great letter uh about um uh our county attorney and the new award that she had won. So, want to definitely congratulate our county attorney, Chassity Ostein, for the Marthur Barnett Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Huge, huge honor. Mr. Chairman, great letter that you wrote um uh announcing
that. I just want to congratulate her. And then, um finally, just want to wish everybody happy Valentine's Day. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. Uh Mr. Vice Chair, >> thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I appreciate um the folks coming here from
the American Heart Association and the student from FSU to talk about safety and complete streets. And so they have sent some information uh ahead of time to me. I think they might have sent it to to everyone else. But um given that I would like to ask for an agenda item to
consider a complete streets ordinance to come back u from staff working with the folks at American Heart Association. Second >> motion moved by the vice chairman, second by Commissioner Maddox. Um, that
was M. Mr. Kenny, Mr. Kenny, Mr. Did you say that was part of our comp plan already? >> Yes. But based on that motion, we could evaluate to the extent that those two things differ or if there's more that that we still need to do, we do have that element in the comp plan. Um, but again, we could look at the difference
between the proposed ordinance and the comp plan language. Cool. >> It's this important question. That's part of what that would be. The the the the highle version, they only give me the high level version. If it gets more detailed, we're in trouble. Is um we have a pretty good start and pretty good
as far as our objectives and our comp plan and stuff like that, but um ideally what um ideal complete streets ordinances look like have some more specificity and refer to those things. So, we'd like to see what that I'd like us to see what that opt those options are. >> Great. Motion on the floor moved by the
vice chairman, second by Commissioner Maddox. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. No. No. No. Nays. Passes unanimously. Mr. Vice Chairman. >> Awesome. Um just can I ask for a quick
update uh on where we stand with the um protecting the boundaries of and examining the need to protect uh historic cemeteries that were unearthed at Tom Brown Park where we're the owner of the land. Um, and we had asked the
count the staff to keep up up on it and say, "I mainly want to know where we are and make sure that we are preventively protecting any areas that that may have people's remains there." >> At at the risk of I saw um the engineer going to the podium and I got scared, so
I'll jump in and and preempt him. Uh, but no, I just wanted to say that we're actively engaged with um with the city and the state um couple of departments at the state. They're doing a very comprehensive evaluation of the site and we'll be uh bringing that back to you um
to include anything additional that we need to do to uh uh protect the site, ensure access uh to the site um uh and also to memorialize the site as well. The Department of uh Historic Resources that's taken the lead um not only does
the evaluation but also has resources to do those sorts of things and so we'd be bringing that all back to you soon. >> Excellent. Thank you. And then my final is um I'm curious, this came up earlier and it comes up in a lot and I agreed with a sentiment um repeated by our
chairman over the the years about being elected officials in our office budget and being held accountable. Where does the requirement that any travel behoured any board travel be approved by the whole board is that come from policy or
ordinance or statute? It >> Mr. chairman. >> Uh, it is it's the board policy, but it was a policy that was based on previous audits. >> Okay. >> You know something about that, don't you? >> Uh, not anymore. I'm just serving the public. >> If I if I have a follow-up question, are
you continue to talk about that or you >> I I'd like to hear what you say. >> Yeah. Um, question. >> What is the What is our current policy around staff travel? >> Staff, it depends on what level. It's very um specific as most of our policies
are in terms of um uh um approvals um and at what levels they're they're approved. There's >> very thorough. >> Is there is there as as strict as uh as as a policy for staff travel as there is for commissioner travel?
It's probably it's scrutinized more because all of their any travel expenditure must be approved um through through the direct supervisor and then even for you may recall a couple of years ago even the county attorney and myself we were included in our rewrite
to the board's policy. So there's the pre-approved list and then anything above and beyond that um is a separate approval. So but we'd be happy to bring anything back and give the board uh options. I would also say that anybody who travels is supposed to fill out a
pre-travel authorization form that identifies the purpose, provides all the backup documentation, all costs, everything across the board, and that's all supposed to be approved prior to travel. >> Okay. >> Um
Okay. You know, uh since you said it came from an audit report, I have to honor it. Um and I would say if you ever I would say I trust the county minister and the county attorney within our budget, but I don't need to pull an agenda item to change that policy if you
haven't asked for it. So, thank you. >> That it awesome. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chairman. Uh, Commissioner Proder, remember you told us you want to go home. >> Thank you very much. Well, if you can just approve me going down to um Trinidad in the morning to represent our
board, I can shut up now and head to the airport here then. Uh great meeting, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Um Commissioners, great meeting. Um I'm excited. Um to Commissioner Cummings question uh uh
about u diversity and diversity still being a part of the emphases of our county. And on yesterday, I wanted you all to know that this board uh that u staff afforded me a tour of the uh
septic to sewer uh projects. And um let's see there were four staff persons. There was um Sam uh one of our engineers I think is um uh is he is he African? Um Sam. >> Okay. Sam.
>> Nigerian. Okay. There was Brent. Is Brent American? Brent American. Okay. There's Nefal. Nefal is Nefal. Where you from? >> Fall is from the African continent. >> Africa. Okay. And then there was Mr. Woo. Woo. Where you from? See, China.
Okay. I mean, it was the United Nations in there and that was me from the south side. So, you know, all five of us were from five different countries and and um five different countries, different worlds. And I I thought that though I
did not comment on it yesterday, but uh the dynamics that you were touching upon with the county attorney made me think of the diversity which I experienced from engineering our engineers. But the tour um subject to SU if you've not
taken it commissioners um I was just overwhelmed by the amount of work um what has occurred and the functional basis of what we've done to tweak the underground infrastructure which would
allow for an expanse of what we do on top of the ground uh has been major. Uh I appreciate the tour uh from coming from Mr. Woo, Mr. Mfall, Mr. Brent, Mr. Sam, and um um it's, you know, we always
see these pictures with lines, you know, but we got a chance to uh go and see where under the ground. Uh phenomenal work. Um shouts out, kudos to our staff and u Vince, thank you for that arrangement and commissioners, I
encourage you uh to um to um take a look at that. The Leyon County Health Department is on my mind and u um commissioners u it's my understanding that more than 30 uh personnel have been dismissed
uh fired um disappeared and just um a couple weeks ago received notification and and I'm asking for u a status report of the turnover
um the the years served and how uh much experience that we uh have lost. I know that we're not under um we're not under uh Mr. Kennedy um I don't think Mr. Trump but uh the speed with which the
turnover of seasoned professionals is occurring. I would like to request of the board support a review of the status of personnel over the last three years. What is going on at Leon County Health Department? Uh motion.
>> Second. Motion moved by Commissioner Proctor, second by myself. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Pass unanimously. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Woodville food giveaway was um phenomenal. Uh our staff continues to do u a tremendous uh
soft touch. Uh our staff has a uh quite the humanitarian spirit and you can feel those things. And I want to um um applaud um the public works division that was there. Um was it Amanda? Was
that right? Amanda was in charge. Abby was there um on Saturday. Danielle uh was there and we had like just loads of students from FAMU. Um it was it was incredible. Great. and um to see the
functioning of um of Leyon County in the Woodville community um in times like these and affordability is certainly an issue that is not um um Woodville has not been wavered uh exempted from the issues of
affordability and that we were right there where we needed to be uh this Saturday trying to make a difference um as you were trying to get the water on uh vital We were trying to get nutrition in the home. >> He's trying to get the water turned on. We were trying to get nutrition and and
all of that county effort and I thank you so much uh for that. Madame Attorney, I wanted to ask um in light of the 99-year lease and stuff, can do we need an ordinance to limit our leasing
uh to seven years or uh how how do we kick out a 99-year lease uh that binds the hands of this board or future generations? We should never we should we should not be able to do that to
anybody. Um, and it would it be within the spheres of our authority to limit ourselves to u 7-year lease agreements at the most, >> Mr. Chair? >> Yep. >> Um, there are some statutory constraints
on the duration of leases. Um, also just in common law, there are some constraints. I think that's why you ended up with a 99year lease to begin with because that was I think the maximum potential uh duration of any
lease uh that would be legally permissible. Um the board can certainly adopt an ordinance to further constrain um the duration of any lease. Um there may be certain circumstances where you
want more flexibility than that. Um it's that's a policy call for the board to make um notwithstanding the fact that any future board can repeal or modify that ordinance going forward. So that's not set in stone. >> Okay, commissioners. I'm interested in
our um and if tonight's uh important evening to uh rendevu on this point uh then let's kick the can down the road. But I would like to see us u cap um any board from a 99-year lease agreement on
properties owned by Leyon County. That's unconscionable. And um here we are victims if you will uh subsequent board bound by the limits of yesterday a year. I think Commissioner uh Welch's comment about,
you know, the uh the sanctions of uh the warp, time warp uh and our commission advancing progressively uh 21st century and u other spectrums of
thought um a little limited in another era. And I think that we do a disservice in the future. And I would not lift it tonight, but uh I will kick this can down the road. I do believe we need to visit um stuff like that. That's
unconscionable 99 year leases. So we'll we'll do that Mr. Chairman for that another time. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Um happy Black History Month to everyone. Uh the recognition of Mrs.
Johnson tonight just totally elated. Uh the recognition of um Mrs. um Mrs. Cobb. Um we're just totally elated and um uh you know sometimes we see people and um
we miss the u the u commitment uh with which they have to their jobs. rain, shine, um, snow, you and for a
lady to say, I prayed for the job and to serve as if God directs her when she gets out of bed to go and do that job, to execute that job. That kind of grit and uh, determination
uh, is phenomenal because Mrs. U Johnson on the hottest of days, she's she's persspiring, but she's doing her job. And that felt really good tonight to uh recognize and thank you all board for allowing us to capture those citizens
work. And then finally, commissioners, um sometimes um I can't see uh as well. And I went back to and going back to December 9th's meeting,
uh I wanted to look at these planned roadway projects. And I know that um I'm in another meeting gone by, but when I was looking back through attachment one, uh I didn't see this before, and I
apologize, but on page 91 of um page 324, 91 of 324, attachment one, we got roads, Mr. chairman, the Woodville Highway um State Road 363 to add two lanes to
add two lanes uh right before you get to Capitol Circle. I' I'd like staff to brief me on that, please. Um, also, um, the Capitol Circle, Crawfordville Road, the
Spring Hill Road to add four lanes there. Um, I like a timetable um, in a briefing update. Uh we were presented with uh and those of you who serve on the CRPTA
may be more familiar with uh uh uh 319 from south of Walk Color County line to south of LL Wallace Road adds two lanes. And I I'm
hopeful that the adding of those two lanes has something to do with um widening Crawfordville from 363 to Walker County line. But I'm I'm just
looking at um um this sheet of paper and all these maps y'all gave us. Hell, I can't see this teeny weeny writing. Um, but I want to know because uh and then um the Orange Avenue
Lake late Bradford Road to Cypress Lake adds two lanes and then this part um Vince we have Orange Avenue, Cypress Lake to Monroe Street. It has
two lanes and that little stretch right there. The airport gateway has two lanes multimodal. I don't know if the airport gateway is Lake Bradford Road
um or Spring Hill Road. I don't know. We got a lot of arrows and whatnot point around. I need clarification on u page 91 324 from our December 9th meeting.
Then the final um thingy uh here is um um the app gateway. I I need clarification on all of this right here. So those things of concern and I want y'all to know I ain't gonna I ain't
going to be sitting up here with y'all forever. But some of this stuff got to move and need to happen before I leave y'all. Um I I don't want to sit here all this time and crap like this right here been pointing at us forever and ever and
uh the fair ground forever and ever. It's just stuff that some of it can't move. It's just stagnant. and um if you help me, then I know how to advocate going forward and uh all like that. Now, you all know that um um I don't care
what folks say about Commissioner Maddox, but the rest of y'all is all right with me. And um I I love you. Uh I love you day and night, and ain't nothing you you can do about it. And sometime Nick Maddox is all right with me, you know, but uh we have a great
board. Uh love you guys are there. And uh I'mma talk about you, but I ain't gonna let nobody else talk about you. I promise you I wouldn't let no one else talk about my commissioners. Um please note that I won't be in attendance. I know you're going to be looking for me um in Washington, but I want you to
represent well and uh bring back the bacon. Um I won't be able to make it this year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Proctor. Uh Commissioner Maddox. Mr. Chair, I'd like to request proclamation for dynamic explosion cheer
mental health awareness event in March and be presented on site. >> Second. >> Uh proclamation requested by Commissioner Maddox, second by myself. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. Request for proclamation for the inaugural PA funk festival and 85th
birthday celebration of George Clinton to be held on April the 11th at the FIPS form. >> Second. >> Um proclamation request by Commissioner Maddox, second by Commissioner Cummings. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Passes unanimously.
>> Yeah, Mr. Make comment on it. Please pull up. >> Sure. In 1977, uh, when I was a student, u writer for the, uh, Howard University Hilltop newspaper, uh, the first article I ever
wrote was, u concert, uh, that covered George Clinton u, and Landover, Maryland. And uh uh the mother ship landed that night and uh it came down inside of what then was called the land
over u capital um capital center I believe it's called. And um that was the first article I ever wrote was on George Clinton. And uh and when he said we're going to turn that this mother out, they they turned it out. They turned it out. >> One year later,
>> I tell him that every time I see him, I tell him that. >> Mr. We want the funk. >> You know, Mr. Chair, this may seem a little bit weird, but >> I'mma throw it out there.
In an effort to extend the olive branch and to realize or to recognize uh the success there, I'd like to extend a proclamation to North Florida Fair for their years of successfully
um successfully putting on that fair and running that organization for since 1954. Well, actually 1949. So, we have a proclamation requested for the North Affair, second by Commissioner
of Mr. Vice Chairman. Um, any discussion? Look, I I just look, regardless of of where we are in in in discussions, um, when I read through that letter, I mean, what I did realize that's a long time.
That's a long time to do anything. and for them to be in a position they're in and when I was outside, one thing that was said to me was when they start this thing, they had no money. None. Uh for them to successfully operate the fair and get to a point now where they got money in the bank and are at a point
that they can actually say, "Hey, um we want we we're willing to stand on business so much so that we we're willing to walk away from from an investment because we have our own dogs." I mean I mean that's that's that's pretty darn that's pretty stout man. I I think I think that deserves a
recognition. So I I mean it may not be you know my way of doing business but you know I like it. So I want I want them to know that we we appreciate what they've done for our community. One and two they deserve to be recognized for the years that they put together this run that they got and now they can sit
here and say they got money in the bank to the amount that they have it. Uh they're a successful organization that's done civic good within our community. So I want to recognize it. Maybe that maybe that'll help Bill get his bathroom and his name up. You know, try to do my part. >> Just go a second. I just want to know
what they do with all that money. >> I mean, it's a nonprofit. >> Well, no, no, no, no, no. Wait now. Wait, wait. cuz I will say I'm not I'm not I'm not I'm not trying I'm not trying to defend but what I will say is that when I was outside talk having a conversation with um with their chair uh
Miss Sunday night she said that um they have they actually do have some renovations in in PL in the plans and ways they're going to spend that money. And what I said to her was why haven't y'all made a presentation and told us yet? Bill Bill been ask I'm sorry, Commissioner Pro who don't like me, been asking for bathrooms now for 75 years
and and y'all didn't want to come tell us y'all about to put bathrooms in. Uh so I think I I think that there's been a lot of there's been a lack of communication there on on our on I would say on their side and maybe some on ours and I just that relationship our
relationship with them does not have to be as strange. So I I would actually like to see what what what plans for renovation they had. I didn't know they had any. So what she told me, I was like, "Cool." You know, so anyway, I want to do the proclamation, but then too, if they had some plans for renovation, I'd like to see what that looks like, too. They were going to
spend some of their money. So, >> let's get their 2 million added to our 30 million. We got $32 million to do something. >> There you go. So, >> yeah. Uh, listen, I'm I'm willing out of good faith to to support the proclamation, but they got 90 days. The way I look at it, they have 90 days to do a deal with us. So, that's just where
my I'm just being honest. So, uh, 90 days. >> You want to deliver this before 90 days? >> Yeah. Yeah, >> it don't matter to me. Just get it delivered. >> Yeah, >> we want the phone. >> All right, guys. Let's bring it Let's bring it back. >> Let's bring it back, Senator. Let's bring it back center. All right, guys. Proclamation requested by Commissioner
Maddox. Uh second by uh Mr. Vice Chair. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Pass unanimously. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Good meeting. >> Yes, sir. >> Chair, my ADD is kicking. That's why I said we're going to turn this. >> Commissioner Walch. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman. Um, just want to uh wish Commissioner Proctor and the county administrator a early happy birthday. Uh, they're both turning 45 on Sunday the 15th of February. Uh, I'm sorry, 90 each if you combine them together. Um,
we stuck like Chuck. >> Stuck like Chuck. >> Yeah. Um, >> I say we make them race in front of the court. >> Be a slow race. I I would like to add that to I'd like to make a proclamation, a resolution that they race.
>> Um I want to ask for a proclamation for uh the child's high school varsity co-ed cheerleading team which won a national championship on Sunday. >> Uh and uh
>> requested by the immediate past chairman, second by Commissioner Miner. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Thank you and congratulations to my middle daughter Cameron Welch who was on that team. So, thank you guys. That's all I have. >> Awesome.
Um, Mr. County Administrator, do you think um, Commissioner Proctor was circulating that graphic with um, roads Leon County? Do you think we could get an email update um, in regards to the airport gateway project? It's been quiet for
some time and want to know if there's any movement particularly with segment C. See where that's at. >> Absolutely. >> We can do that. >> Awesome. Thanks so much. Um, commissioners, I don't have any business to discuss. I covered it earlier during the county administrator's discussion time. Um, I appreciate uh you all and
the unanimous support on that item. I think it sends a strong sentiment of what we we're going to tolerate and not tolerate in Lyon County. I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day weekend. Happy birthday to the county administrator, Commissioner Proctor. You don't look a day older. Um, Madam
Attorney, congratulations again. Looking forward to celebrating you tomorrow night. Commissioners, I invite you all to join us to celebrate uh the county attorney. So, and with that being said, we will stand adjourned.