[music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> All right, commissioners. We will call this meeting into session at 3:01 p.m.
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Commissioners, great to be back in the chambers with you. I know we had a an awesome retreat. Looking forward to a great meeting. Um, first order of business, uh, Commissioner Proctor, you are recognized for the invocation, introduction of the invocation. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's an honor
to, uh, not only hear myself with this echo today. Uh I sound good. Uh but to uh introduce for our invocation the Reverend Craig P. Riley uh the celebrated, venerable and uh wellrespected
uh minister, reverend pastor of Leyon County. Uh Pastor Riley, if you would come at this time and lead us and then follow, I will uh lead us in the sharing of the uh pledge of allegiance. >> Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this first meeting of this year. And we pray, master, that the commissioners will be open-minded, not about self, but about the community. We pray that we'll be
able to listen and eulogize what the people have to say. Let them realize that it's an honor for them to be a commissioner, but it's also better to listen to the people. We pray, master, that when we leave from this
place that we will leave with open minds and open hearts and willingness to work for the betterment of this country. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, Bishop. Shall we stand now 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. Mr.
>> Commissioners, will someone make a motion for Commissioner Cummings to participate virtually? >> Some move. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion on the floor moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by Mr. vice chairman to let commissioner Cummings participate virtually. All those in favor uh in favor of the motion signify by saying I.
>> I. >> Next order of business, we have proclamation recognizing the Shady Go Primitive Baptist Church Voices of Victory Grammy nomination. Uh Chairman O'Keefe,
>> are your voices warmed up? >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> Come on. Make sure everybody's here. >> All right. Now, when you get the Grammy, you're coming back, right? [laughter] >> Yes. >> All right. Whereas Shady Grove number one primitive
Baptist church choir, also known as SG1 Voices of Victory, is a distinguished gospel music ensemble whose ministry through song has uplifted, inspired, and strengthened the faith of congregants and communities both locally and beyond. And whereas the choir under the
spiritual leadership of Pastor Lenor McFaten has served as a powerful expression of worship, unity, and praise, reflecting the deep heritage of gospel and contemporary spiritual music. And whereas in February 2025, SG1 Voices of Victory released their first album
entitled Sunday Morning Church, showcasing their rich vocal talent, heartfelt ministry, and spiritual devotion through songs written and arranged by members of the ministry. Since release, the album has garnered widespread appreciation within the gospel music community and among
listeners of sacred music. And whereas the Sunday morning church album produced by Eric Eric A. Brown II of E2B Productions and Lenor McFaten of Conqueror's Music has been formally considered for nomination in the category of best gospel album at the
Grammy Awards, one of the highest honors in the music industry, recognizing excellence, artistic achievement, and exceptional contributions to gospel and contemporary Christian music. Additionally, the album has received significant radio play, maintaining
placement on the Billboard top 100 gospel charts over six months. And whereas the distinguished consideration for a Grammy award brings honor not only to the members of Voices of Victory and Shady Grove number one Primitive Baptist Church, but also to our community,
continuing a legacy of spiritually and culturally impactful music ministries from the Leyon County region. And whereas it is fitting and proper that our community publicly acknowledge and celebrate this remarkable accomplishment and honor the members of Voices of Victory for their dedication,
discipline, and service through gospel music. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of county commissioners of Lyon County, Florida, that we celebrate Shady Grove number one primitive Baptist Church, Voices of Victory, and urge all citizens to join in congratulating and
supporting Voices of Victory, recognizing their outstanding achievement, celebrating their music ministry, and encouraging continued excellence and spiritual service in our community and beyond. dated this 27th day of January, 2026, attested to by the county administrator, signed by the
chairman, and all the commissioners. Congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you. It is dangerous to give a preacher a microphone, but it's okay. Thank you, uh, Commissioner O'Keefe, and to this entire, uh, commission. We
appreciate each of you and you just acknowledging this. I do want to say thank you to our Shady Grove number one Primitive Baptist Church known as the City of Victory. I want to thank our voices of victory for this amazing accomplishment. Um until we win this win
a Grammy and some more. They're mostly at work right now. We cannot afford to pay all of them. Amen. [laughter] But I want to thank them for being here and supporting us today. Uh again, thank you and to God be the glory. [applause]
[applause] >> Commissioner Proctor, you're recognized. >> Uh Mr. Chairman, I was going to ask Pastor um they said the Grammys um uh Commissioner O'Keeffe and I uh we could get a stretch limousine [laughter] and
you make sure you let us know where about in Las Vegas we supposed to come that night. [laughter] And uh I didn't know uh I thought that District 1 had, you know, the top sounding baddest choirs, but O'Keefe has uh the the top
baddest choir. >> And uh when you get the Grammy, folks, uh it speaks for itself. Congratulations to Shady Grove. >> Thank you. [applause] >> And Mr. Sherman, while Mr. Proctor, you're recognized actually for your rec
recognization of Mr. John Osman's positive impact on the community. >> Thank you, Mr. Sher. Before we get there, I just want to say also that not only are they singing, but Shady Grove uh has a leading uh food pantry of which uh a few months ago they opened a wider
pantry that's serving that east side and u doing a marvelous job in that area of uh service. Thank you very much, pastor. Yes, sir. >> And I'll add [clears throat] I told them I sung in the gospel choir in high school, but they didn't want any part of it. >> [laughter] >> How's everybody down here?
>> I got you. >> All right. And when you grab your eyeglasses and don't get your sheet of paper, that don't mean a thing. Uh you need your paper and your glasses. Mr. Osman, would you join me, sir? >> Sir, [cough and clears throat] Mr. Sman, I'm honored that that uh no
one else jumped up to read this and that this board is going to honor me with the singular pleasure of sharing uh our proclamation with you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Whereas in 1978, John M. Osman served as state senator
Bob Graham's Leyon County canvasing director during Senator Graham's successful campaign for governor of the state of Florida, demonstrating early and effective leadership in grassroots political organizations. And whereas in 1979,
John M. Osman was a charter member in the formation of ASME Local 3037 established to represent professional state employees and to advance collective bargaining, workplace
protections and employee advocacy. And whereas John M. Osman was elected chair of the Lean County Democratic Executive Committee in April of 1990 and served with distinction until [clears throat] January 2000, becoming the longest
serving chair in the history of the Leyon County Democratic uh what that EC stands for? >> Executive Committee. >> Correct. >> All right. In 1980. >> All right. and providing nearly two decades of sustained leadership, growth,
and organization stability. And whereas Mr. Osman working in partnership with the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee and other community organizations played a pivotal role in expanding civic participation by
increasing black voter registration in Lyon County from 13,366 in 1980 to 20,267 [clears throat] in 1986. A remarkable increase of 51.6 at 6%. And
in March 1983 registered 3,600 voters, setting the highest single month voter registration record to that time. And whereas John Osman served on the 1985
Leyon County Charter Commission and strongly advocated for electoral reform supporting a transition from at large elections to either a six single member district with one at large seat or a
five single member district with two at large seats with the court ultimately ordering a five to system in mid 1986 and during the 1990 congressional redistricting process and successfully
opposed efforts to divide Leyon County into two separate congressional districts, preserving the county's unified representation in Congress. And whereas John Osman worked alongside coach Bobby Bowen to ensure that
President William J. Clinton invited the Florida State University National Football Championship team to the White House, honoring the team's historic achievement and bringing national recognition to the community. Whereas John, only two more of these to go.
>> This is not a eulogy, [laughter] brother. John M. Oslin is the longest serving member of the Democratic National Committee in Florida's history, serving continuously from December 1992 through January of 2017,
providing decades of leadership and institutional knowledge and successfully presented and appealed in May 2008 [clears throat] to the Democratic National Committee Rules and bylaws Committee that resulted in Florida having voting delegates to the
Democratic National Convention that nominated Barack Obama for president. And whereas John M. Osman and Alawson in 2019 created a Memorial Day remembrance for members of the military buried at
Greenwood Cemetery. He has further demonstrated an enduring commitment to voting rights, fair representation, civic engagement, and public service, and is deeply appreciated for his lasting contributions to Leyon County,
the state of Florida, and the democratic process. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Board of County Commissioners of Leyon County, Florida, hereby [snorts] recognize and commend John M. Osman
dated this 27th day of January, 2026. Miss Osman, we salute your long history of work and um in times like these, this reflection is helpful to inspire all of us to um continue um the support of
democracy here in America. I'm honored to present this proclamation to you um that I've just read coming from our board. If you'd like to say so. Thank you, BROTHER. [applause] [applause] [clears throat] UH, thank you, commissioners. I've met most of you in
person at one time. One day, I'd like to have David or Christian over to the house so we can talk politics and enjoy ourselves. I know that everybody else has either received donations or help from me in the past. I do want to say to the younger people in this room that we
are depending on you to be the leaders. I have put in my 40 plus years, but it's now your turn to step up to the plate. I bow in the direction of the young who are going to lead our political parties and our community forward uh into the
future. And I thank you all once again and I will now depart. [laughter] >> [applause] >> Um, Rick, you want to go first just real quick? John, we we go back a long time, man. It's good to see in our chambers and and I think the words that you spoke
were profound and that recognizing that you've been in this game for 40 plus years and understanding that uh the only way leadership happens is through people uh pulling up our young folks from the from the bottom to teach them how to lead uh is very is very very very good
message to send. So that too speaks to the leader that you are, the leader that you are, and even the leader that you'll continue to be as you live out your days here in Leyon County uh politically. And so we appreciate what you've done, not just for Leyon County, but for this nation. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, brother. I'm in the winter of
life now, so it's you in the spring of life to leap forward and all right take this picture. John is one person who just don't care what you say about him. John right here.
>> But you see him find [laughter] >> Thank you, John. >> Commissioner Proctor, is that is that where you learned it from? [laughter] >> Hey, Mr. Osman, I I just wanted to to say a few remarks if you don't mind. I you know, 20 years ago, um I was an upstart DEC chair and you were an elder
statesman and we were at >> That was 20 years ago. Yes. >> Yes. And uh we were at loggerheads. It was a battle of wills, a constant battle battle of wills. And I can't tell you how happy I am that that's all in the past. Um, but but I tell you this, and
I' I've told you this before, you constantly watching what we were doing, the DEC chair and the DC and all that, you made me a better DEC chair >> because of that. And I've I've admitted that to you before. Um, you know, you
you've had a huge impact on Lyon County, the state of Florida, the nation. Uh, I really want to thank Commissioner Proctor for bringing up this proclamation. Uh, it is a worthy recognition. And please give our best to Alexandria. >> Thank you. Thank you. That was very kind of you to say those words. I've never
questioned anybody's character or integrity. I've only questioned their performance. [laughter] All right. All right, Commissioner Maddox, you are recognized for the proclamation recognizing the Raw Middle School girls basketball team as a Leyon County
Division 2 Champions. >> Team which one? >> Raw Middle School. >> Oh, maybe. >> Mr. Chair, you got that wrong. The undefeated. >> Undefeated. >> Undefeated. >> Undefeated. >> Raw. >> That part. >> Girls middle school basketball team.
Don't sell them short, man. >> I believe this team will beat the University of Connecticut, you know. >> Hey, [clears throat] man. They got enough on the team. I got to watch them play. All right, here we go. The proclamation reads, "Whereas the RAW middle school girls basketball team exemplifies excellence, teamwork,
sportsmanship, and school pride throughout the season. And whereas under the leadership of principal Dr. from Marcus Scott. These student athletes represented RAW Middle School in Leyon County with distinction throughout a historic and highly successful season.
And whereas led by head coach Yman's with the support of assistant coach Rickards Richards. Almost said Richards there, Bill. Uh it was close though. All right. Uh assistant coach Rick Richards and assistant coach Butler. The team uh
demonstrated discipline, determination, and exceptional sportsmanship both on and off the court. The Lady Rams completed an undefeated 10 and0 season. Let's give a round of applause for that. [applause] Showcasing dominance, preparation, and
unity throughout the league play. And whereas over the course of the season, the team achieved an impressive final score totaling of 391 points while holding their opponents to 109 points, reflecting both offensive excellence and
strong defensive execution. Their consistent performance and competitive excellence led led them to secure the division 2 championship title. And whereas the championship roster consists of 16 players, each student athlete played a vital role in the team's
success throughout a hard working season with hard work, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. And whereas the accomplishments of the RAW middle school girls basketball team reflect not only remarkable athletic achievement, but also the value of leadership,
perseverance, and collaboration fostered by their coaches, school administration, families, and community. And whereas the championship season stands as a proud milestone for Rob Middle School and an inspiration to future student athletes across Leyon County schools. Therefore
be now therefore be it proclaimed by the board of Leyon County Commissioners in Leyon County, Florida that a that we celebrate RAW Middle School girls basketball team Leon County Division 2 champions and and congratulate them for their outstanding achievements. This is
dated uh the 27th of January signed by the chair as well as rest commission and attested to by the county administrator. Congratulations >> [applause] >> on behalf of uh RAW Middle School, our distinguished administration, Dr. Scott.
Um all these young ladies worked so hard throughout the season. Um practices and games were a pleasure to to be at because they worked so hard and were so dedicated to what they did and we're just so proud of what our young ladies were able to do this past season. And uh go Rams.
>> [applause] >> I would just like to um also congratulate these students not just for what they do on the court but what they do in the classroom. So what you see before you as well is AB honoral students as well. So they perform high in the classroom as well on the court.
And also extra special um our seventh and eighth grade who played last year as well. These students are marking their second year of not losing to a team at all. So we've gone for two years undefeated as well. So congratulations [applause] to
M I have the election this fall [laughter] off on me, you know. Mr. County Administrator, do we have any citizens to be heard on consent and non-aggenda items? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman, we have three speaker cards. >> How many?
>> Three. First speaker, Delante Hollinger. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. Demetri Holler, 750 Well Street, Tallahassee. It's a pleasure to be with you today. I'm here this
afternoon to discuss the recent rediscovery by city workers of an historic African-American cemetery in Tom Brown Park. It is important to note that Tom Brown Park is owned by Leyon County and through an interlocal agreement maintained by the city. Though
I had knowledge of this cemetery due to four of its marked graves being recorded for a number of years in the cemetery registry find thegrave.com. I hadn't had the opportunity to visit the site until this morning. One of the burials is for the Reverend JW Kilpatrick whose family
members still live and work in Tallahassee. I received a call from Reverend Stanley Walker on Friday evening following the discovery who informed me that Reverend Kilpatrick was the founding pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. I have also uncovered information that
Reverend Kilpatrick founded along with other African-American ministers a local Bible college in 1927 for the training and upliftment of the community. It is Reverend Walker's desire, as well as my own, to restore this site for future generations and bring dignity to the
cemetery. It's worth noting that the casket and bones found last week were a bit away from the graves of the Kilpatrick's, which means that the cemetery's boundaries are likely pretty expansive. The only way to learn definitively the boundaries and to keep any more graves from being disturbed in
the future is to conduct an archaeological site survey to determine the exact boundaries and cordon off this section. I will again note that you are the property owner. It is my hope as well as the hope of Reverend Walker and the Kilpatrick family that this cemetery
can be incorporated into Tom Brown Park as a respectfully preserved memorial area where all Tallahassee citizens can come to reflect and pay respects. Thank you for your time and attention. >> Thank you, Mr. County Minister. Next speaker.
>> Next speaker, uh Howard Kesler on consent item number four. Howard Kesler, 408 Plantation Road, Tallahassee. Uh I'm here to speak on the agenda item
concerning the grant um from the um relating to ICE. And if you are entertaining accepting this grant, I think
first I would say that I urge you to reject the grant. But if you are considering accepting it, I would urge you to know fully before voting what accepting this grant
obligates you to do. I don't know what it obligates us to do, but I do know accepting this grant at the least appears to say we are condoning the
actions of ICE that we have seen over this last year. The cruelty, the inhumanity against citizens and non-citizens, against black and white, and now
culminating in deaths. I think this money is tainted money. I think it sets a bad precedent. And if money has been spent
and this is reimbursement, it's still taxpayer money. One way or the other, it's a taxpayers who are funding and paying for this. And I urge you as a board to reject this
money and make a statement against this cruelty and inhumane inhumanity that we have seen [clears throat] during this past year. Thank you. >> Next speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh final speaker on consent and non-aggenda
items, Lisa Lloyd, item four. Calling Lisa Lloyd on item four. >> Hi, Lisa Lloyd. Uh, my address is on file. Um, I want to speak on the same item which I I apologize. This first time I've been to one of y'all's meetings. I moved here four years ago
from St. Augustine. I've been to a lot of St. Augustine city and council meet county council meeting and that's one of the reasons I'm here. If indeed there is a discussion from what my understanding is of um
giving access to an ice training facility in Tallahassee and that there's some kind of uh money that is being paid to do that. >> [snorts] >> I want to give you a very um experienced
warning. I was part of the Confederate monument uh process in Jackson in St. Augustine and Jacksonville. beyond the things that we have just experienced, the violence and the brutality and the death
of this organization. And that's really isn't a great noun because it doesn't explain the group. Um, number one, as as the spokes, you know,
the people that are elected to speak for the county that represent us, I would hope that you are not there's no consideration to bringing those people here because they will be the same people
that we dealt with in St. Augustine. They will be white supremacist. They will be threeenters. They will be Proud Boys. And whatever any of those groups have morphed into or whatever rock they have, you know, gone onto and changed
themselves and remitted will be in Lyon County. These people are armed. They are very frightening. Um, I've had my life threatened as part of the process. They sat outside of my
house when I was there with my children [snorts] um in the middle of the night that I didn't find out for a while. Do not give any opportunity
for that to happen. You do not want to bring those people if I don't care if they're locked up in their training facility. They will be in your community. They [snorts] are lawless. They are violent and they would love to
hurt people and they can do it even when they're off the clock. You don't want to bring them here. Thank you. [snorts] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That concludes your speakers on citizens to be heard on consent and non-aggended items.
>> Thank you, Mr. County Administrator. Commissioners, we are now on consent and just >> consent. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Thank you. We have a motion or moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by Commissioner Welch. Commissioners, just so you know, three items have been pulled from consent
uh 4, 11, and 15. Um so right now we're voting on all items um accept those three. All those in favor of moving consent signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Um Mr.
County Administrator, who pulled item number four? >> Um >> Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair, Carolyn Cummings. I'd like to vote as well. >> Thank you so much, Commissioner Cummings. Feel free just to jump in anytime on the votes and we'll put it on
the record. >> Absolutely. I vote in affirmative, please. >> Who pulled item number four? >> Item number four has been pulled by uh Commissioner O'Keefe. If you'd like a short introduction, I could do that. Commissioner. Sure. Go ahead. >> Sure. Uh commissioners, uh the uh item
number four is seeks your acceptance of multiple grants for for the county uh for Leyon County Sheriff's Office. Again, I think in included in that, uh is one related to uh immigration uh enforcement pursuant to Florida law and and an agreement uh related uh between
the the sheriff's office and the state of Florida. Just a couple important uh points to note. Uh uh again the reason it's before you is very limited. Uh the Florida statutes uh establishes the board of county commissioning as the fiscal agent for the sheriff's budget.
So in addition to approving the sheriff's budget, you're also uh it seeks your authority to be able to accept uh grants and and to be and to authorize the um the uh the sheriff's office to be able to to move funds within his budget. Uh it's also
important to note that the sheriff um uh is uh regardless of of the action of the board today, the sheriff is still uh statutoily required to perform uh the duties and services uh enumerated as part of their normal law enforcement uh
duties. They are required to do that. The issue is whether or not you will receive uh the funds from the state uh to offset the local uh impacts of of any such work which is reimburseable. So happy to answer any questions you might have. I know we've got uh the the CFO
from the sheriff's office here. Uh and again, Mr. Chairman, uh and Commissioner O'Keefe, just happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Commissioner O'Keefe recognized. >> Thank you. Um I do have some questions and comments on this. >> Yeah. For point of what do we have the motion on the floor? Certainly. Uh I
move options one through eight and then we can then I'd like to deal with nine separately. >> Second. >> Okay. We have motion on the floor moved by Commissioner O'Keefe. Mr. Vice Chairman for options 1 through eight. Second by Commissioner Miner. Commissioner Mr. Vice Chairman, you're recognized.
>> Um I my discussion is probably better for once someone makes the next motion. >> I support one through eight. Um so there's no comment on that. >> There's no comment >> until we get to nine. Yep. >> We're going to dispose of the ones we all agree on. >> Okay, cool. So, we have uh
Commissioner M, are you in queue for this? >> No, sir. I I support the idea of voting on one through eight right now to dispose of those first eight and then we can talk about number nine. >> Okay, great. So, all those in favor by supporting commissioner uh Mr. Vice Chairman's motion on the floor, second
by Commissioner Miner for options one through eight, signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? Commissioner Commissioner. >> Great. Cool. Passes unanimously. So now, uh, we're still on this item. If there's any other action to be taken on this item,
>> um, I'll get in the queue to speak. Someone else would want would need to make the motion if they would like to for nine. >> You're recognized. Commissioner Maddox. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion that we read the rules to be able to discuss uh, number nine. Um, to be able to discuss before a motion. >> Second. >> I will second um, I I will I will second
the motion for purpose of discussion. However, um can we have it can we can you amend a motion to where it's just for this item so we go back? >> Yeah, just just for this item number nine. >> Okay, great. Second. All those in favor by waving the rules for just this item number four signify by saying I
>> I Commissioner Cummings >> I. >> Great. Okay, Mr. Chair, >> you're recognized. Commissioner um can I have Maddox May I ask the CFO a couple of questions from sheriff's office? >> Of course. You're [snorts] the CFO for the sheriff's office here. >> Thank you. Um, as the county administrator just
told us, um, and the sheriff has always said this, no matter what the issue was, he is bound by the constitution to, um, act out his duties regardless of if he agrees with them or not. Um, as relates to item number nine and the funding for
ICE, the sheriff has comm has committed to to um doing what's required uh from the federal government related to it. I guess what I'm saying is we're very limited as to as to how we
deal with the sheriff's budget. Right. >> What most folks don't know is the sheriff is one of the few constitutionals that can petition the state um to get the money that he feel like he deserves or needs to do his to do his budget. I don't think there's any more constitution that can do that. There's maybe one more. Mr.
Administrator, does anybody else can do that? >> Not not the entirety of their budget. He's stands alone in that regard. >> Right. Right. And so I I lead with those questions because as I sit here and I'm thinking through it, if we don't take the grant, if let's say
we vote against accepting the grant, how does that work for the sheriff's office? >> We're still required to perform the duties under the um section 908.1033, I'm sorry, 908.11 of the Florida statutes. And therefore, we would have
to spend taxpayer dollars versus the state dollars from the grant. So either way it goes going to be our dollars, these grant dollars. >> Yes, sir. >> After after the grant dollars or if we accept those grant dollars and they're they're spent, is there any um
as far as enforcement is concerned? I'm I'm not at all trying to dictate what the sheriff does, but does he have any discretion when it comes to how he enforces um monies used for the grant? we have to support um the state board of
immigration enforcement which is um outlined in section 908.1031 of Florida statute. So basically we have to provide for the temporary housing of individuals detained on immigration warrants and we have to transport the detainees as well as do monthly reporting.
>> Right. Right. So I'm I'm willing to listen to to the rest of the board, but I will tell you I I don't agree with everything. Thank you, ma'am. Um, you you I'm done. Um, I don't I don't agree with what's going on pertaining to all of the issues that
ISIS ISIS had, the violence and all that kind of stuff. But I'll tell you this. Um, I'm going to have a hard time not accepting a grant based off of my
my um opposition to enforcement, the way things are being enforced. when I know when I know that the sheriff is going to have to then use your tax dollars, Leon County tax dollars to then implement something from the that the federal government has has sent down for them to have to enforce.
And so, um, it's going to be a tough vote for me either way. Um, but I'm trying to understand the logic behind us as a as a board denying these grant dollars when the it's not it's it's it's
either going to be an unfunded mandate that the sheriff has to do or it's going to be a funded mandate. If it's unfunded, then the sheriff have to take care out of his budget. It's not like he's he's going to say, "I'm not going to do it." Uh, if it's if it's funded, then he'll he'll he'll use these grant dollars. It's just I think it's a very hard spot for us to be in. But I I don't
want to I'm having a hard time contemplating putting the sheriff's budget $500,000 uh under um when there's a possibility that he could use these grant dollars to to to to fill that gap for something that
he has to do. It's not it's not like he has a choice there. He has to do it. He has to enforce this. So I'll list to the rest of the board, but it's it's a tough vote for me to take. Thank you. Mr. Miner, you're recognized.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I'm appalled by what happened in Minneapolis earlier this month. My personal opinion based on the evidence I've seen is that actions taken by ICE agents resulted in the needless
deaths of two American citizens and that those citizens displayed no intention of harming ICE agents in the moments before they were killed. This is not immigration enforcement. That being said, unfortunately, every sheriff's office in Florida is required
to provide assistance to ICE. That means the Leyon County Sheriff's Office must provide assistance to ICE. Sheriff McNeel can't change that. The county commission can't change that. And here's a key point. I I want everyone to listen to this. And if I could have the CFO of
the sheriff's office come back up. According to what the LCSO's general counsel has said and what the CFO has told me a few minutes ago, there will be no changes to the LCSO's activities related to supporting ICE regardless of whether this grant is approved. No
increase, no decrease. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> Okay, this is a key point. Would you mind stating that just for the record? >> If we don't accept the grant, the funds will come out of the sheriff's office budget. We still have to perform the duties required to by the statute
>> and the scope and depth of ICE activities will not change. It will not increase or decrease regardless of what the vote is today. >> Correct? >> Okay, that's a key point. Let me be very very clear. A yes vote means that the
state pays for it. A yes vote is not a vote in support of ICE. A yes vote does not encourage ICE to come to our community. A no vote means that Lyon County taxpayers will fully pay for it. A no
vote is not a vote against ICE. A no vote does not discourage ICE from coming to our community. In other words, today's vote only determines whether the state or Lyon County will pay for the sheriff's
offices support of ICE. That's it. Listen, I I know there are people here who are extremely upset with this agenda item. I am too. If I could vote to prevent or even reduce this administration's ICE operations in Lyon
County, I would do it. But that vote isn't available to me today. I'm required to vote one way or the other. And I'm voting yes because while I can't reduce ICE operations in Lyon County, I can take this step so that Lyon County
taxes aren't paying for it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Mr. O'Keefe. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, first I I want to make sure everybody who's who's here understands we are not voting on a new
facility or anything like that. This is a this is a vote on uh accepting grant funds uh as fiscal agent for the Leyon County Sheriff's Office. And so to be clear, the Leyon County Sheriff's Office operations and what they do is totally
outside of our jurisdiction. We are only voting on whether to accept money tied to a grant as their fiscal agent. So I just want to make that clear so there's no confusion. And I also want to say first that um I have great respect for our sheriff and sheriff's office and I want to thank them and their CFO for
meeting with me last week and for spending time helping me understand what's going on and to send information. Um there I can't think of another person I would rather have as our sheriff. Um so that's to me that's not what this is about. I do have some questions. Um
the uh we approved a budget for sheriff operations uh at the beginning of this year. And did any of that include approving budget for immigration
enforcement? >> Not explicitly. it it it did include transportation and detention and a long list of issues but uh unless at least uh could provide any clarification I don't believe um explicitly. >> Okay. And then um the question was going
to be and I think it's important to note um what we're voting on accepting is uh 500 roughly $500,000 of grant money and um the sheriff's office has helpfully provided that so far for related activities we've only spent about
$18,000. And so to me that means that we haven't done that much activity so far. But that's it takes a lot to go from 18,000 spent over almost a year to 500,000 spent by the end of this uh
fiscal year. The um are all of these enforcement activities from this grant going to happen in Lyon County or are deputies going to be deployed to other areas or activities in the state? >> That would be a question for the
sheriff's representative. for this particular grant. It's just Leyon County. Um I will say the updated costs are 29,511. Um keep in mind that when this grant award was announced or um we had a month
to estimate costs. So we estimated as best we could with the information that we had. So the reimbursement is up to 499,000. And when we talked, you mentioned that so that there is going to be deputies
deployed out of town for other areas. Uh is that for immigration and is that separate from the grant? >> It would be separate. It's to support the activities in um al what they call alligator alcoas. >> Okay. Um, and then
the the county attorney has helpfully already told me that the grant has been agreed to by the sheriff. And so the sheriff is already obligated um by that agreement. But what I want to point out and and uh that way I can be corrected
if I misunderstand this. When I look at the deliverables of this grant, it's $499,000 total. Significant increase. And it wasn't, for example, 250,000 of it is made up of overtime to train 62
people and $1,000 bonuses for those 62 people to be trained for immigration in with ICE training. Um, that is significantly more than we've done and it makes up most of the grant. It also includes
reporting into a database that goes into the immigration system all interactions with people who are suspected immigrants, whether they are arrested or not, including vast information about their work, personal life, including pictures of their faces that will go
into this database. Those three things in particular, were those already required before this grant was ever agreed to or are they required because the grants agreed to now? >> So, as as part of the grant, we are allowed to re get reimbursed for the
overtime and for the bonuses. Um, I will say that as far as the um LEO bonuses, we're no longer eligible for that because we're not participating in an ICE task force at this time. So, that part um has changed. But keep in mind, we had a month to submit what we thought
we were going to do. So that's what we did. Um, as far as the overtime, obviously we've spent less on the the training than we originally anticipated. >> Um, you just said we there are um, forgive me for my limited learning
I've learned over the last week on this. There's a warrant service uh, office level of uh, agreement which we've done since 2019. that is for simplicity sake related to detention and when someone's in our detention center transferring them when requested >> right
>> task force is a higher level and that is going outside of the detention center and uh in the community and that kind of thing >> did I hear you right that we're not participating in test >> this time we're not participating we have not been asked to >> Gotcha would it be fair to describe the
activities in this grant as task force model I would leave that to an operational. >> Gotcha. Gotcha. Okay. Um, uh, thank you. Those are all my questions. And again, I do appreciate you and your office making yourself so available.
>> So, I'm glad that our discussion is staying within the scope of what we're voting on today, which is just whether we accept money for this. The grant is already agreed to and signed by the sheriffs and and we don't have jurisdiction over this. Um, but I cannot support an
immigration enforcement grant. Uh, no matter where they are from, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect that honors their humanity. Accepting this money to me means agreeing to participate in a system that robs people of their humanity and makes no one safer. The program doesn't just
target dangerous criminals. Most of the people detained have no record. We've seen families torn apart, people arrested at hospitals and at court check-ins. and even deaths in their custody. This is not public safety. This is stoking terror and fear. History
shows us that following unjust laws has caused great harm before. And I believe it's my job to protect dignity and humanity, not to trade or give those up, regardless of grant dollars. The grant will require more reporting to ICE, more training, and possible well uh unrelated
possible deployment to other parts that's already there. And none of that makes Leyon County safer. To me, it only deepens our involvement in a system that is immoral and unjust. So, for me, the choice is clear. I will vote no because I cannot accept money to support a
system that robs people of their humanity. >> Mr. uh Mr. County Commissioner, I I want I want to make a point ask I guess a point of clarification. Um, just for the record straight and there's no misinformation whether or not we accept the grant grant or not >> that the the duties performed by the
sheriff are still going to be performed. >> I think that that's correct. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, what we're voting on is whether or not um Leyon County taxpayers pay for it or we get a grant from the state to pay for it. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, um I'm just I want to make
sure that point is clear. But we as the county commission have no say over another constitutional office and what how they perform their duties right now. This is the discussion of who pays for it. I want to make sure that that
conversation is clear. If we vote no on this item, Leyon County residents pay for this. If we accept this item, Leyon County residents get reimbursed by the state for this service. I'm just Is that a fair
understanding of what we're talking about? Okay. Yes, it is. Thank you. Uh Commissioner Proctor, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um the sheriff is operating mainly in with the uh detention facility and you've
indicated um madam um CFO that um there's been no activity or the sheriff has not engaged beyond confines of the u detention facility. Is that accurate? have not participated in a task force.
>> What does that mean? >> But we have had activity um within Lyon County. >> So if I if I misunderstood you, >> yes, we've had 87 detainers um that have been received at the detention. >> Okay, hold it right there.
>> Yes. So, Miss Hiker, Teresa, uh based on our jail numbers that we've looked at, the public safety council, how many uh detainees have ICE presented to uh Leyon County's uh uh detention facility, for
which at $136 per night, Leyon County residents are um thus paying the overnight uh or the all day uh fee for those persons with whom neither TPD nor
uh Leon County Sheriff's Office has arrested. Can we use this grant money to uh pay for uh hotel bill for ICE detainees? And you said in 87. >> So we're required to house them and then
um then either transport them to ICE or have ICE pick them up within 48 hours. >> Does this money allow us to be reimbursed? Is this a part of the 18,000 that's >> this reimbures us for that time? >> Very good. Very good. Teresa, those numbers sound like the ones that you've
presented to our council. >> Yes, Commissioner Proctor. Um, actually, I got an update from the sheriff's office. There are zero individuals that are detained on ICE holds only. There are seven in custody, but they also have local charges. And so, as the sheriff's
reported, we house those with local charges. Once they're detained, they have 24 or 48 hours to be released and go to federal custody. >> Very good. Commissioners, I simply believe um and I'm sensitive to uh Commissioner O'Keefe's concerns, but I
don't think that the sheriff's office should take a hit uh for being voluntto by the federal government that he must participate. um I don't I don't want the word bribery is um um appropriate but you remember in
launching this program uh this uh boatloads of money were put out to all of the uh participatory agencies of law enforcement so as to that they would participate and not have fears of the
cost uh for which were unbudgeted. So federal government put a lot of bait B AI T there to induce um agencies local everywhere uh and to take their fears from participating because it wouldn't
be a financial loss for the jurisdictions. That's what this is baked bi money uh to induce participation from local sheriff and I see it is that uh we
made clear that beyond uh housing which we are housing now about just under 1,000 uh we're over a thousand Teresa 1,048 and those um heads that have been added
to um are absolutely I wouldn't say nebulous but it's not major. So in this sense let's let's um take this money back that the state um in their voice of readiness and
their desire to support a red agenda eager to receive this money. And just like um this money with DOT, we pay the bill for DOT and we get reimbursed. Uh sheriff is putting out
money and they're going to get reimburseed and that's how the bigs do you use your pay you later. Uh I'll support uh Commissioner Maddox is his um discussion and favor u his point of view. Thank you,
>> Commissioner Maddox. I'll make the uh motion uh for staff recommendation on item number nine. >> Second, >> and then I have a comment. >> Motion moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by the media pass. Chairman, uh you are recognized, Commissioner Maddox.
>> Thank you. Um I enjoy political discourse more more than anybody. We get up here and we discuss things and we talk and we get an opportunity to tell the general public how we feel. we get clarity and and we ask questions. Um
there's times like this though that I get a little frustrated because semantics, the use of words and the way words are used can sometimes pay the picture that it's not the truth of what's really going on in the room. I appreciate
some of the comments that have been made today, but then there's some that I think just aren't as sincere about what we're doing here today. As I said before, this is a very hard vote to take because um again, if I if I
vote not to take these dollars, in essence, you as our taxpayers will be paying for these services. It's not um as as uh Commissioner Kesler spoke to earlier, uh he he talked about
the vote being a a a vote of support. And I want to let you all know, I don't think anybody up here supports the violence that we've seen. I don't think anybody up here supports uh the way things have been enforced. I
think everybody's on the same page about how we feel about that. But then again, I think most of us on the same page too in in in the fact that as Commissioner Proctor said, we got,048,048 people in our in our jail and our
sheriff's budget is stretched in to try to make sure that he's he's protecting Leyon County citizens and for us to ask him uh to take money from his budget that you have you all have given him to work with to pay for things that he may
not agree with that are coming down from the state that I think is is unfair. So, I I'm I'm I'm going to I made the motion not as a support of what ICE has done and who I may be to this nation, but I
made the vote in support of the sheriff being able to be reimbursed for things that he may he may have to do or no, not even may, he's been made to do uh by enforcement from the state and the federal government. uh my vote is to
help him to make sure his budget isn't harmed from what he's had to do or what he may have to do. And madam CFO, I I hope you'll take that message back to him that I for one understand the strain that he's under and understand even, you
know, understand the pressures that he's under to have to do his job. Um but one thing I can say about our sheriff is I know our sheriff won't allow the job to be done the way it's been done other places. And so even with that, I put my trust in the sheriff to make sure some
of the incidents that we've seen across this nation won't happen here in Leyon County because we have one of the best sheriffs this nation, this world could have ever wanted. And he'll be one of the fairest people as he enforced these things that he may not want to enforce, but he has to enforce uh through policy
that has been put down on him. And so, um, I make again my motion and this vote in support of the sheriff, entrusting the sheriff that what we do here in Lyon County won't match what anybody else has done across
the nation. Uh, and that we will do it in a way that Lyon County citizens uh, and Leyon County residents and Leyon County electors and all alike would be proud of what we've had to do even though we didn't want to do it. So, um I
would I would ask us board members to to think about each other at times like this and in the statements that we make because to to to think that or to paint the picture of well a vote in favor is a vote uh in favor of the sheriff as I
like to deem it. His budget is a vote in favor of ICE and what it's done. That is not fair to us. It's not fair to us as commissioners. It's not fair to to our constituents to paint that kind of picture. And I hope uh that as you all
see us take this vote that you'll be able to see um and understand what the truth is and that you'll be able to read through some of the comments that being made. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you for the comments, Commissioner Maddox. Commissioner Cummings, do you have any comments? Mr. >> Chair? Yeah. Yes, I do.
>> You're recognized. >> Do I have Do I have the floor, Mr. Chair? >> Yes, ma'am. Uh thank you so much. Uh first of all, I want to thank uh Mr. Howard Kesler and Miss Lisa Lord for uh coming before the
board today making their uh presentation as private citizens. Uh and as a private citizen, I tend to agree with them that we have a broken national system
uh with ICE. And I think it's come more readily apparent to all of us with the deaths that have occurred uh loss of life in Minnesota. But I sit here
in this meeting and having read all the material uh as a private citizen, but also as an individual that represents the best interest of the citizens of Lyon County. And as it relates to our sheriff, I have
enormous respect for our elected sheriff. I respect his integrity. I respect the fact that he is dedicated to enforcing the law that he's required to enforce. I
recognize that at this particular time with with this particular grant based on my readings, several of the dollars is for reimbursement for services that he has he has performed. And make no mistake about it, the
services that the sheriff performs, his cooperation with the federal government is part of his duties and responsibilities. And I do believe and we have seen it in this state where elected officials
have been removed from office. If the governor and his staff determines that they're they're elected their duties and not resput. [clears throat] I believe our sheriff has done what he has been required to do. And with my hat
as an elected Leyon County commissioner, I tend to do what I believe is best for the citizens of Leyon County. The sheriff is going to continue to be obligated to do what he has to do in conjunction with the
federal government [clears throat] as it relates relates to immigration enforcement. He will continue to incur cost. he will he will continue to be engaged
with training for his officers and we know that it's a burden financially and otherwise. So even though at this particular time our concern is heightened
by the atrocities that we have seen netted by ICE, it doesn't lessen the fact that we need to support our sheriff. I'm here to support the law enforcement that he does. I'm
here to support the duties that he has carried out as it relates to cooperation and cooperation with immigration and uh immigration in enforcement.
So, while I have mixed emotions about what's going on in this country, in various states, my sentiment and my concern is for citizens of Lyon County not having to
bear the financial burden of situations related to immigration enforcement. So, uh, commissioners, I support the agenda item.
Like all of us, I have mixed motions about it, but I thoroughly believe that's the right thing to do. It's the appropriate thing to do and I think it's certainly appropriate for all
of us to support our sheriff as a great law enforcement officer in this county. So, thank you, Mr. Chair. Those those
are my comments. >> Thank you, uh, Commissioner Cumings for those sincere and genuine comments. We appreciate you. We miss having you in the chambers tonight. U Commissioner Welch, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to reiterate a little bit and clarify,
you know, and [clears throat] hearing Commissioner Maddox's comments, I think it's unfortunate that it was implied that supporting this item, you know, is somehow um indifferent to the humanity of people. I don't think that was Commissioner O'Keefe's intentions.
I understand the principled nature of his argument and I think we all share that. I think we all, it goes without saying, are appalled by what we're seeing in Minnesota in regards to the way that those enforcement actions are being carried out.
But I also think we have to be pragmatic about the reality of this situation. I mean, if we think people are appalled by what they're seeing in Minnesota, I think local our local community would be more offended by using our tax dollars to pay for what the sheriff is
statutoily required to do. I think we must acknowledge that for the public to hear this in very simple terms, we have no jurisdiction over national immigration policy, nor do we have any jurisdiction over our sheriff, nor do we have any jurisdiction over what our sheriff is statutoily required
to do. This is a simple reimbursement from the state which is allowable under the sheriff's statutoily required duties. So I just I think we should tread carefully when we talk about these impassioned principled
issues for which we have no jurisdiction. I think it's very important that we be careful about making political statements from a dis where we are conducting policy discussions. I think that's very important and it's unfortunate that because what happens
when we put ourselves in that posture is we hear implications like we've heard and that's I think offensive to our board. I think that's not fair and I think it's unfortunate. Um we are a pass through agency for this
money. It is per it is purely prefuncter. We are doing what our sheriff is asking us to do, whom we all unanimously support and think is doing a great job. If you think we're in a difficult position, uh, imagine the position he's
in. Okay. So I think we just I would urge us as commissioners to tread carefully in how we talk about these political issues from a policym perspective and be fair and be pragmatic and be realistic about what is actually
going on. That's my comments, Mr. Chair. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Media Pass Chairman. All right, commissioners. I'm going to take this to a vote uh right now. I believe Commissioner Maddox made the motion to accept um to to accept option number
nine. Believe it was seconded by Commissioner Proctor. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? >> I. >> Commissioner Cummings, are you in the affirmative or negative? >> I.
>> Okay. So, the the motion passes six to one with uh the vice chairman in descent. Commissioners, any other any other action on that item? Okay. All right. We are going to move to the next item which was pulled by Commissioner Proctor. The next two items are pulled
by Commissioner Proctor and that's item number 11. Commissioner Proctor, you are recognized. >> Chairman, thank you. >> Commissioners, I I pull this U item. I was looking at the language. >> I need a motion on the floor. Commissioner Proctor. >> Um move option one.
>> Second. You're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um the language presented to us indicates uh you know this item is u a classic of in in political science class u a class called
state and local government. And if you want to see uh the inter relation of state local government, this particular item uh does that. And it's a uh item um dealing with um um um Did you want
administrator to introduce this item first? >> Sure. >> And not myself. >> Yeah. >> Can I administer? Sure. >> Happy to. >> Found myself stumbling. Mr. Chairman, commissioners, this item simply seeks uh the board's uh approval of the lowest responsive bidder for the maintenance
and operation of landscaping along Capital Circle Southwest and Southeast. Again, Rotolo Consultants is the uh was the lowest responsive bidder. Happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Well, we got the lowest responsive biders. Uh
this is complicated between state and local government. political science stuff, great stuff. And we find that the city uh in whose airport both directions of
uh would be uh on Capitol Circle coming from that way and coming from this way uh would lead into the the um international airport. But commissioners, it it it it disturbs me that the city uh their interlocal
agreement uh when we looked at the renewal cost uh of the city's interlocal agreement, it was um uh very very expensive and our staff told us that it wouldn't be efficient to do so to hire
to go with them. They cost too much. Then subsequent to this little tid uh on one two three four the fifth paragraph under background in that next paragraph says subsequently the city declined to enter into a one-year agreement and the
invitation to bid process was initiated thereafter. Now I'm trying to tell y'all unless I've misunderstood this. We we're talking about a fire service agreement and all these other billions and billions of
dollars worth of stuff. But it disturbs me that that we can't even get the city to cut the grass um and join us in paying for cutting the grass uh to their airport. And this is it jumps off the
page. It's phenomenal. And then it indicates that just in terms of grass cutting uh that it was determined that in-house staffing did not possess the necessary qualifications. I mean, what's bothersome about this
even deeper, um, Commissioner Welch, that staff uh sent out uh the the the bid request uh a response for persons to respond to this to 9,56
vendors. Uh the county received seven bids. Four were deemed nonresponsive and did not meet the FDOT required contractor qualification.
9,500 uh requests for responses to cut the grass and only seven people responded and only three were responsive. Four of
those got thrown out. The state of being a grass cutter is getting too high. And the qualifications to cut the grass is just over the top unreasonable.
And these qualifications that were set were imposed by the state FDOT. They ruled out us doing it inhouse with our own staff persons, which we said we just don't have that personnel. we don't meet the qualifications. People have
been cutting grass since Moses was a little boy. And now we're preempted that we can't use public works because they're not qualified. So we end up in this contract with
somebody from Slidell, Louisiana. I don't even know where that [snorts] is. um slide deal and local hiring, local business like the OEV office could get. We got a lot of people pulling, you
know, machinery to cut the grass. But I'm frustrated that if we're going to develop our economy, but in order to cut the grass leading to the Tallahassee airport, we got to get go five states over to get somebody to cut our grass.
Something is wrong. And I'm very disturbed. This needs to be lifted up, brought to the light. And I extend apology to all the men and women who Pete's uh lawn service, Greg's lawn service, Bill's lawn service, uh uh
Caban's lawn service, all kind of lawn service around Tallahassee, but all y'all not good enough to cut grass on Capitol Circle. But when you're working interlocally
with state uh government and it's just unclear why they got to look over our shoulder to cut grass. But this is the dynamic of state and local government and how it works and don't work at the same time and that the
city would bow out not sign on the agreement. But that's just like the city. That's just like the city won't do their part. So, two governments can't agree. Uh the state is um asking us to
put the bill to get reimbursed. Then we got to go way over to Louisiana to find the person that qualifies by the state of Florida to cut some grass. This is very disturbing to me. But I pull that commissioners that we're looking at these details of how we're
depriving and denying local citizenry um grass cutting and they not qualify. And when you send out 9,000 some business people and everybody's saying uh-uh um something's wrong. Thank you very much commissioners. Um I've moved
that we >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner O'Keefe, did you want to say anything in the queue? I saw you go in and out. >> Oh, yes. >> Okay. Yeah, you're recognized. Thank you. Um I just wanted to to say that we few months ago we could have just
voted to accept the continuing the agreement with the city and this is one that made sense at the time and I think that we ought to despite our disagreements with the city on other things. You know where things make sense like we're just you know sharing cutting the grass where things are near it. We
don't need to dig this much into it. So, I support where we are now, but just want to point out we could have just stayed with the city and not spent any more money. >> Yeah, Commissioner Thief, I think the um if I recall the spirit of the conversation of when it came to us originally was that, hey, when we have
these RFPs come to us, let's look at put an RFP out versus, you know, support a local business. And I think that was actually the original direction of the board. And from my understanding, some feelings got hurt across the street. And next thing I know, they they said that, hey, we don't want it anymore. So, um,
you know, I'm all about what makes sense best for local taxpayers. Um, I am actually, um, if it's if it's cheaper to do an interlocal agreement versus having an RFP and supporting a business or a local business or creating jobs, I ultimately want makes the most sense for
for taxpayers, but that that's my opinion. I'm sure you share the same sentiment. All right, we have a motion moved by uh, Commissioner Proctor. Believe I second the motion. Um, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? Commissioner Cummings. >> I >> awesome.
>> I >> So we are now in We are now on item number 15. Uh Mr. County Administrator, you want to introduce the item? >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, commissioners, this item seeks the board's acceptance of the fiscal year 25 annual performance and financial report. Again, this is
something that we provide to you twice a year per policy. Very happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Mr. Chairman, I move that we accept uh the report. >> Second. All right, we are motion moved by Commissioner Proctor, second by Commissioner Maddox. Uh, Commissioner
Proctor, you're recognized for discussion. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This item um packs a lot of um information. I believe that this item should have been and still can be um it ought be workshop and I believe that this item ought be
workshop uh consistent with the seven um scenarios that we were presented on yesterday. uh with respect to the potential and possible um measures that may be on Florida's ballot November to
reduce property taxes. Um I see several things here and I wanted to point out commissioners that under the strategic initiatives um under Q under governance um under number 10 under governance on page u
um 772 10:15 on attachment one or page four one we got so many different page numbers on one document about about three four different numbers. But one of the things that um I was um
encouraged by and was cheered by and that is the fact that um that um that 10 ind indicates that to evaluate future opportunities to acquire eligible non-conservation
federal lands for the provision of affordable housing and public services. And I certainly on yesterday had asked this very um inclusion but this this element was already there and
I wanted to um indicate to the board that um I went back through it and found it this needle in the hastack. So thank you staff, thank you Vince for already there, beat me there and um that was encouraging uh to me. Um,
I saw also commissioners and I don't know what you saw. Um, um, we're going to continue to seek matching grants to convert septic to sewer systems. Uh, we're going to evaluate uh, requiring advanced
wastewater treatment. Uh what I'd like to ask um here is that we um schedule a bus tour, van tour that we get to look at this area, geographic area
um that we're converting septic to sewer. And I've been hearing about septic to sewer for years, but I requesting uh consideration that
our staff affords this commission uh eyeball uh looking at uh what we're talking about operationally, how this happens and walk us through. We've received piles of money and you know when you get
sewer money that goes underground so nobody gets to see but I believe that in terms of accountability um transparency and our stewardship that we owe the citizens um of this community
um a kind of uh uh front row seat of visualizing. So I'd like to um include that in the motion uh Mr. Chairman that commissioners be afforded all of us are individual whatever to look at this area
geographic and what operationally uh from the citizen to signing up to how you get involved and all of that. A lot of this is in your district and mine Mr. Chairman um but that's that's a part of my motion. Could you clarify what you're
trying to include in the motion? >> Um, the motion that has been presented includes the one that staff makes with the addition of uh this commission being afforded a uh tour of the geographic
area for the dominant portion of sewer um subject to sewer. >> Um commission commissioner product if I may real briefly. Um Mr. County administrator. So question if does that take if any commissioner
wanted to have a tour of the sector to sewer project does that take board direction would staff be willing to just give a private tour to any commissioner >> happy to do it and if you want the highlights commissioner Cummings could provide it she spent a day with us doing that anytime a commissioner wants to do it we'd be happy to to take you on that
tour >> yeah I believe if we do it as a group we have to be like publicly noticed right >> correct I was going to say individual tours >> yeah Mr. Mr. Park, are you okay with individual tours? >> Sure, but I didn't want to get an advantage on all y'all and uh then I'll be up.
>> We need a Mercedes Sprinter van for Commissioner Proctor to have that to make sure it's got four-wheel drive, though. >> Um Commissioner Proctor, if you're okay with it, can we keep your motion as originally stated? >> Sure. >> And that way staff has direction, >> but I'd like for staff to know that I
then um if the group doesn't want to, I do. >> Okay. I'd be happy to do an individual tour as well. >> Okay. Good. Good. Good. Okay. Then, um, commissioners, this is a thick item. It really should be, uh, workshop.
Yes. Still option one. Um, Rashonda, good morning. Um, I was looking at Rashonda. Um, page 115, 159.
And this is looking at our major revenue summary. And my ask um you may not know uh [snorts] on yesterday y'all gave us um told us to look at all these um scenarios. It was
about seven of what it would look like. Uh and what I wanted to ask is um the residual impacts for each of those seven scenarios. I believe that in our future budget
workshop >> that this page right here needs to be a part. This this right here is where the rubber meets road. And to what extent uh are these areas uh going specifically be
impacted by be it a 40% reduction 17% reduction in the other scenarios that we looked at. That's very very important. And um and also over on page um [clears throat] 143,
the grants program. The grants program, uh library services, human services, community partnerships, public works, all of that. um the funding impacts contrasted to um and
calibrated with those seven scenarios which we were presented. Those are the things which um those are things that you know we got to deal with. Now what across the board looks like uh some of
these we going to end some of these going to have to be graveyard dead because we have prior to rise. But if we reduced and did a blanket reduction commensorate to uh whatever the final um
measure going to the ballot uh this commission needs to be informed. These are the exact measures what we got to decide on. So I wanted to lift that up as I was thinking integratively and with the future of what I believe staff uh
has to bring us back to um a meeting here workshop at the march and we know what direction the legis legislature is going. Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you Commissioner Proctor. We have a motion on the floor moved by Commissioner Proctor, second by Commissioner Maddox. All those in favor
of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. Commissioner Cummings >> I. >> Awesome. >> I >> pass unanimous. Commissioners, we are now on general business. Um, it's 4:30 p.m. I'm going to take us to 5:30. We'll
take a break. We'll come back to it. Um, item number 16, Mr. County Administrator. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Item number 16 seeks your ratifications of board actions taken at yesterday's board retreat. So it should all be fresh in your memory. We're recommending
option one. I have no speakers on this item. Happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Second staff recommendation moved by Commissioner Welch, second by Commissioner Miner. Any discussion? >> Mr. Chairman, I might say as discussion on the discussions from yesterday that it was damn good discussion and I want
to thank you for your leadership of the discussions that we had. >> Thank you. >> I don't want to discuss no more. >> Let the record reflect that Commissioner Proctor said it was a damn good uh discussion. >> Yes. All All right. All those in favor on the on the motion on the floor signify by saying I >> I
passed unanimously. Thank you, Commissioner Cummings. Item number 17, Mr. County Administrator. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, brief uh introduction here. Again, this item seeks your ratifications of the local government commitment of funding to the VIANOVA Apartments affordable
housing rental uh development. Um commissioners, this is um a big deal because it's the first project that has come through and that we've vetted and are recommending a ratification of the local commitment um since the board established uh the new uh gap financing
program uh for affordable housing uh uh projects through blueprint. Um again, as you can see here, this will uh this $93,000 and some change on our side will help us leverage about $7.2 $2 million and it will result in uh 86 affordable
housing units. Uh and we have one speaker card on the item. Commissioners happy to answer any questions you might have. >> Move item, Mr. Chairman. >> Oh, we have we have speaker have a speaker first, right? >> Yes. One speaker on this item. Otis B.
Young. Otis B. Young, 8930 Wingford Drive, Tallahassy, Florida 32312. Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Otis Young. I humbly serve as the co-president of Capital Area Justice Ministry, also known as KUM. I'm honored
to speak here today on behalf of KUM network and many congregations, families, and neighbors who who we represent. I want to begin by saying something important. Cajun came before you advocating affordable housing. We came with urgency. We were firm. We were
persistent. And today I come with the same strength but with a different posture. Today, first of all, we came to say two simple words. Thank you. We are here because this proposed
project represents exactly the kind of action we were advocating for when the county adopted affordable housing gap financing and incentive program with Kum's input and support.
This project matters because it targets the families at the greatest risk of our community. those who are ready to exit homelessness. [snorts] Uh these are not abstract numbers to us. These are people that we know. These are
people that I know. These are families who are trying to take their next step toward stability. I want to be very clear about why KUM is celebrating this proposed loan. First, the project uh meets the criteria
of the county's affordable housing gap financing and incentive program by setting aside 15% of these units for for households with extremely low income defined by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation as 40% or less are of the
area median income. Secondly, the remaining 85% of the units will be set aside for households um earning 60% or less of area median income. That means this project is truly designated for
people who are often left behind in the market. And thirdly, these affordability affordable commitments um will be maintained perpetually, not temporarily, not permanently. This
kind of long-term accountability is exactly what KUM has been calling for. I also want to share why this is personal for me. I lead Kingdom Life Preparatory Academy and every day I encounter students whose
lives are directly impacted [clears throat] by housing instability. I see how the uncertainty of housing affects uh learning behavior and hope. Uh when housing is unstable, everything else is off.
>> So when I say here today, I'm not just speaking as an organizer of a faith leader. I'm speaking from someone who sees it every day. Thank you so much. >> [applause] [applause] >> Mr. Chair, move the item. >> Any other speakers? Mr. Commissioner,
>> Commissioner Maddox, you're recognized. >> Thank you. Um, >> have you moved the item? >> Yes, moved item. Yes. >> Uh, uh, Commissioner Maddox, uh, move the staff recommendation. Second by, uh, Commissioner O'Keefe. Commissioner Maddox, you are recognized. Thank you. Well, today has been a long time coming.
Um, I can't even tell you how many years ago we sat in the chambers. Actually, I had my first meeting with with Kum to talk about the housing program that was over in Penllis County, was it? Yeah. And how uh they were doing something
innovative over there that we can bring over here and uh we can u maybe use some blueprint funds. They identified how much funds we're going to use and uh we were going to take the blueprint. We were going to be successful. It didn't quite happen that way. But what I can
say is that you all kept at it, you believed in it, kept coming back, kept having the conversation, and even though at Blueprint we couldn't get it done, you had the foresight to see you had enough of the county votes to come over here and start something special. Um,
and it was a is a stepbystep um, political game that helped our community that I can say that you all did yourself. You should be proud of yourself for that. uh because I had conversations with you, but
some of the things that I was thinking you took a step further in that well we'll yeah we'll come to the county and we'll get the county to commit dollars but then maybe we can get Blueprint to commit dollars and if Blueprint and the county committ dollars then the city commit dollars then we got enough money,
right? And I'm I'm still trying to figure out like why why are you coming here when you know but besides the point what I what I would like to say is that this doesn't happen without you. This doesn't happen without your hard work. This doesn't happen without without you all being dedicated and having faith in
what you were trying to do for this community. We may not always do what you ask us to do. We may not always do it the way you want us to do it. But um we understand that you have a heart for this community. And I think here at the county, I think you all understand that we have that same heart and we do the best we can to try to honor our
community. And so, um, this has never been done, but I think because of the of the, um, nature and the fight that you all put in in the blood and the and the time that you put into
doing what you had to do to help us come up with policy that would would that would lead to this moment where your vision of what we could be here, what this program could be, could be a reality, deserves for you all to receive. receive something from us. And
so, uh, I would ask us as a commission, uh, if you don't mind, to give these folks a standing ovation for what they have done for us and helped us with. [applause] Now, with that being said, uh, this is the first project, not the last project.
Um, I think again one thing that we can take out of this and I'll try to be as short as possible, but I'm excited is the element of trust. There [snorts] was a point that though we were able to applaud you all, I don't think you all believed in us. You didn't think that we
were going to get to this place because we weren't willing to do exactly what Penllis was trying to do. But along the way, you were you were fair enough to listen to the conversations that we had and come to the table for it with a compromise. That's another thing I give
you credit for. It wasn't you got to have it your way or it's no way. It was okay, if you guys want to create something that's that's unique to to Lyon County. We're willing to sit down at the table as long as we're heard and we can come to something that would be effective for Leyon County. And what I
believe we've done here is that we have built a model that can be taken through as I as I described it from the day that we started this conversation. We have built a model that can be taken from Lyon County and implemented across the state of Florida if they want to be successful in trying to combine the
municipality dollars with tax dollars to create affordable housing for the community. And again, I think the partnership with you all with CAM and with the community uh has been in uh has been important in us being able to do that. So, thank you again. I'm excited
about us being here and I look forward to supporting this vote. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Maddox. Commissioner O'Keefe. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. And this this is fantastic. It's the first project. And what's great is if you look at it, there's a lot money there's a lot of money left for other projects, right?
We're we we set aside 500,000 from the county and there's another 250,000 per year from blueprint of which this comes out of and we funded one last year too. So we still are building and so this this is exciting. Um and I want to thank
Kum. Uh, I remember before deciding to run for office or before running for office being at your um Nehemiah action and thinking they got these officials up there and saying yes, no, and you got 30 seconds with about 600 people who are
voters from congregations who are voters. And I thought this is the best political organizing I've ever seen. Um, and then it's been about four or five years and and I'm grateful for the faith you've shown. You went to the city, you went to
Blueprint, you came to us and and eventually we got here and we we got here from Blueprint. I'm going to give I believe it was Commissioner Maddox that um brought the idea to Blueprint for getting the Blueprint 250. And so I want to say [applause]
I want the county to take credit for that part. Um and so I also want to thank um our housing finance authority and Mark Hendrickson um for working with y'all and working with me. I remember meeting with him before we got to the
gap housing financing meeting and he's he's totally on board but he's like this just doesn't work. But then to come back around and find something that works has been pretty incredible. I want to thank Shington um for all the meetings and times. Uh and I'm sure it was
frustrating. But I believe that Shinkton believes I give him such a hard time because I care so much about this as he does. And um so it's just it's just fantastic. And I want to thank um my colleagues for showing leadership. Um,
not all elected officials continue to show up to your meetings when you're applying public pressure. Um, and but our colleagues did and we found a way and we're going to do more and I just this has been a long time coming and I I will admit many times through the
process I lost faith and I was talking with Brian and being very upfront. Listen, man, I don't think we're going to get this, but I'm going to fight for it. And um, y'all held the faith and brought that for all of us. And so I want to thank you because this would not have happened without you. Um but also
to thank the leadership of my colleagues um to also bring things along and work together. I couldn't say enough. Thank you, >> Commissioner Commissioner Miner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um Pastor Young, and to all the all the folks wearing green shirts, uh congratulations
you all. This is a perfect example of advocacy and action. Uh, and I think all of us have met with Kum probably six ten times over the course of the last three years. [laughter] Um, but and I'm not going to reiterate
what folks have have already said. Commissioner Maddox like nailed it on the on the head, I think. Um, but if you do remember, Commissioner Maddox referred to this a little bit. The the first solution, the first proposal was the penny for Penelis land acquisition program, right? that was taking some
funds from Blueprint to to purchase land as a way to entice development for affordable housing. But I give you guys credit because you listen to us. Uh our staff advised us and they advised you that listen, land acquisition is not the barrier here in Lyon County. It's not
what prevents development for affordable housing from taking place in Lyon County. It's gap financing. It's it's bridging that amount between what the bank will finance and and what the project requires. And um you all listened and we we pivoted and that's
what made it work. Uh there was I I will never tell the name the identity of this person but one of the cinjun members confided in me probably maybe after two years into the process. You know I don't know about this. Maybe we just need to throw up our hands and move on to the next subject. But you didn't. You stuck
with it. And this is you guys do your research. You listen to to us. We listen to you. This is a perfect example of people um in their community getting things done. So thanks to each of you. Uh this is a this is a first success of many and uh very proud to have been uh
working with all of you and my fellow commissioners on this uh on this initiative. Thanks very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [applause] >> Commissioner Cummings, do you would you like to say anything? >> Thank you, Chair. item and
capacitated. So, thank you. >> Okay, comm Thank you, Commissioner Cummings. Um, Commissioner Proctor, >> thank you, Mr. Chairman. uh uh during my ill spent youth um somewhere uh we had
to learn this speech and I I as Commissioner Maddox was was speaking uh it it flashed in my mind that men made little note what we say here today long remember what we do here today and uh
when he was talking uh that particular speech that us little children was forced really to learn forced And um I think that what we do here today captures u all of the comments um
as you were speaking I uh about not necessarily seeing the finish line and I thought of the scripture that faith is the substance of things hoped for. um its evidence perhaps not seen. And um
what I want to say about Kum is over the years uh there've been lots of groups and big parties of folk that may show up, but y'all have always brought to me uh town hall meetings and all the most
exquisite speakers I've ever heard um coming out of a group. No matter who y'all put in front of that mic, uh they're always tight and right, intense, on point, on the bullseye. Uh make you
pull out your handkerchief and you know [snorts] um you know something get in your eye and dab at it. Um Bishop uh Otis Young just did something which you know I'm completely extremely jealous of. Um,
he spoke in less than 3 minutes and earned a standing ovation. Ladies and gentlemen, I I I've spoken in classrooms. I've spoken in people's churches. I try to get a standing ovation occasionally
in less than three minutes. So, uh, Rem Young, I'm I'm coming to your church and, uh, you better do something in less than four minutes. I'm going to get up and walk out the door. But this has been Yes, sir. >> Keep your comments to less than three minutes. I'll give you a standing
ovation. [applause] >> Second second. [laughter] >> Well, I ain't going to I ain't going I'm probably not get that standing ovation, but I am um also hardly delighted and share in the enthusiastic
uh comments. Uh this really is a uh completely a u [snorts] noteworthy day and um thank you for your continuation. And the other thing that you've been um extremely disciplined um never rude.
uh even when disappointed uh you've always been classy and we can't help but respect that you've never allowed your passion to rise above and over your heads. So I guess God put our
heads on top of our bodies to uh subdue uh other areas and so you allowed that to be uh the framework. You've been thoughtful and we thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Parker.
Commissioners, I'll close this out, then we'll take it to a vote. You know, um I believe I stated this in my letter that I sent to the board back in December u when we were celebrating uh Commissioner Miner's win with with North Monroe through the North Monroe corridor. But one thing that I feel like makes this
board special is that and unique not only across our community but across other other jurisdictions is that you know we do such a good job about celebrating you know not only community wins but wins amongst our colleagues. And it's my belief that when any single
one of us has a big win the entire community benefits. I say that because, you know, this idea that we're seeing come to fruition with a tangible affordable housing project was, you know, originated through our colleague
Commissioner Maddox. And through that leadership with an idea that makes it to this body now coming to fruition, it speaks not only to to the leadership of of our colleague, Commissioner Maddox, but to the the entire board that we're willing to listen to each other and work
with each other and ultimately put the our the interest of our community first. So, I say that just a congratulations to not only our community, not only to this project, but to our entire board, and I'm looking forward to seeing this uh come to fruition. Um, so with that being said, let's take
it to a vote. Uh, we have a motion on the floor moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by who will second the motion? Commissioner O'Keefe. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Commissioner Cummings. I think she had some technical difficult technical difficulties, but when she's
recognized later, we'll we'll have she can um adjust. So, passes 60 with Commissioner Cummings out of the chair. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes, ma'am. We can hear you now. I >> perfect. There it is. Unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Um item number 18, Mr. County Administrator.
>> Uh Mr. Chairman, commissioners, in keeping with the theme, as directed by the board, this item uh requests that we schedule the first and only public hearing to consider a local affordable housing property tax exemption. >> We have no speakers on this item. >> Awesome. We have uh motion moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by
Commissioner Miner. Um Commissioner Proctor, are you in the queue for this? >> Yes, sir. Um, Commissioner Maddox, may you? >> Yes, sir. >> Cool. Commissioner Proctor, you're recognized. >> Yes, sir. Um, Mr. Chairman, again, we're pumping the gas on um affordable housing and uh I take opportunity to lift up
that our federal government um is give away federal lands for affordable housing. Um I would be remiss if u not stopping in this moment to remind you that we are endorsing and moving forward
with the uh for affordable housing. And I would be remiss if I did not say to us again uh that uh Q uh Q10 uh is absolutely uh a policy direction which we've
already adopted and I believe that whatever the next steps are to secure the land to complement the affordable housing uh we have more victory laps such as what we've just shared uh celebrated with kum. So, um, just wanted
to offer that point. This is a significant moment to say. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner, Dr. Comm, Mr. Vice Chairman. >> I'm still I didn't realize that was me. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, thank you to Shington and staff for pulling this
together. Um, and I want to I want to tell you where this came from. Ultimately, this came from our county and our commission being known as listening and being receptive to people in our community. A local uh affordable
housing developer emailed me um because they had heard us talking about affordable housing all the time and said, "We've run into a problem. We're we are uh renovating hotels into studio apartments. We should qualify for this and we're having trouble getting the certification." So I
contacted staff and staff immediately was like, "Oh, you don't need the ordinance. You connect them with this and within I think a few days they were on process for their exemption and that is that only happens because we have a reputation for being responsive." Um and then from there we learned that while
they qualified, there was still a place in statute we could add more for um for complexes specific like this. And um I really appreciate everybody's support and bringing this in. And uh I can't wait to get to the next celebration when the we don't have to vote on it, but I
still want the county administrator to let me know when the first first complex is certified. And um I'll go down there and see if I can rent an apartment. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Commissioner Cummings, any comments on this item?
>> Yes. Thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. particular item. It shows the county's commitment to providing affordable housing needed in our
community. Um I think these property tax exemptions that those low income households is going to help Commissioner Cummy's having a hard time hearing you, ma'am.
>> Okay. Can Can you hear me now? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Chair, can you hear me now? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I I apologize. [clears throat] No, I I'm saying I'm excited about this particular agenda item. I think it
clearly shows the commitment of this board uh to provide affordable housing to our community and especially to those individuals low income and more low uh income
households. Uh, but I just have one question of of staff on this maybe the county administrator and I want to just commend also our county attorney for the ordinance. I think it's great. But how will
this ordinance once we hearing how will it be disseminated to build? How >> I think we got it. We can respond. >> Cool. Gotcha. You're recogn. >> Yes. I believe um what the commissioner
is asking is about promotion. Um we intend to work with our HFA to um do outreach to a couple of associations here in our community that for um apartments and landlords and also working with our CRM to get the word
out. It's going to be also put on our website. Um, we also will work with Florida Housing to also make sure they're notified that we have adopted an ordinance that is um, not statewide, but al also locally. So that way they can also make sure that developers are aware
of the opportunity here in our community and a resource that we have added here in our community to increase the stock of affordable housing. >> Commissioner Cummings, you're recognized. >> Awesome. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you for that. and and I think uh what the
county is doing with staff I I think it's just a feather in a cap and I think it's important that is they can see that we have set aside with the city and
the county and blueprint we're not stopping there that we're showing added commitments to uh providing afford so thank you Mr. I support this particular um agenda. >> Thank you, Commissioner Cummings.
Shington, I I have a question. Is is there any are there any minimums to the multif family use on this? Like is there is this for any property? >> You have to have 50 or more units. >> Okay. So, um what are the other
highlights quick qualifications? >> So, of course, it has to be in Lyon County. Um and then the most important thing of course is units have to be be dedicated to lowincome households and the way it's defined in statute is those who are 60% or below um and at least 20%
of those units have to be um dedicated to um that in income level household um in order to be eligible and >> 60% of the units >> no uh 60% AMI is the um low is the area
median income of the household. 20% is the minimum of the units of that 50 or more development. >> Gotcha. Um is there a particular reason why it's 50 units or le or more? >> It's what's set in the stat uh in statutes. So in statutes it sets exactly
um sets the parameters of what local governments can adopt as part ordinance. Um and but but the other thing that's um important is the fact that typically most units are 70 or more and that's already captured in the um state level
uh property tax exemption that ex that exists for those units that dedicate um for low-income households. >> So this is genuinely I'm trying to understand. Is there a state statute that preempts us from making it less than 50 units?
Yes. >> Gotcha. Okay. Um, commissioners, that's something good just to keep in mind for us next legislative as we go through our legislative priorities. To me, I don't know why there's a 50 unit minimum, right? If there's if a developer buys multif family property and it's 20 units and he wants to make it affordable
housing. You know, I think we should be able to give tax, I guess, rebate or benefit to that. And so just some food for thought that we're basically being preempted and said we can't give any incentive unless it's 50 units or more. What you're saying? >> Correct. >> Yeah. Some just some food for thought
for us to bring up in our next legislative um priority meeting to say, "Hey, why don't we look at pushing to have this minimum dropped to less units to create more affordable housing." Um, Commissioner O'Keefe, I see you in the queue. >> Thank you. I'll be brief. Thank you for letting me double dip. Um, I almost
forgot. I want to make sure I understand correctly. This ordinance only provides county general millage exception. >> Correct. >> If the city of Tallahassee wanted to do the same so it would apply for a a property's city taxes, they could do the
same thing. >> Correct. >> I'm sure we don't need anything official, but has can staff already like just let the city know, hey, we did this. Would you all like to look at it? >> Yes. Um, actually next week there is a joint county city Ahack meeting. That's one of the things that would be brought to their attention, but it's something
they're also evaluating. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Awesome. All right, commissioners. Let's take this to a vote. We have uh staff um motion on the floor moved by Commissioner Maddox, second by Commissioner, Mr. Vice Chairman. Um all those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. Commissioner Cummings. >> Hi. Can you hear me? >> Yes, ma'am. I can hear you now. Awesome. Passes unanimous. >> Mr. Kenner, item number 19. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, commissioners. Uh, item number 19 seeks full board appointments to the affordable housing
advisory committee, the council on uh on on arts on culture and arts, uh, Leon County Educational Facilities Authority Commissioners. Uh, the item recommends options 1 through four. You have the eligible applicants listed there. We have no speakers on this item. We're happy to answer any questions you might
have. >> Mr. Chair, as your appointee to the affordable housing committee, um I would make the motion for Victoria Allen St. Cole as Kisha James does not want to be
reappointed and then I will make reappoint reappointment um the reappoint motion for Oral Payne, Bruce Stroble, Shawn Morgan, and T Thompson. Second. >> Commissioner Maddox, you want to take us
to the home stretch and do it all in one motion? >> Uh, yes sir, I can do that. Um, for Coke, looks like we had an ineligible to so Sergio Fernandez number eight as we have an ineligible to serve. Uh, and for Koka
and for the EFA, we'll go ahead and go James Billingsley uh for seat six. And that would round out the uh nominations. >> Awesome. Commissioner got those on the record. >> We do. >> Cool. Motion moved by Commissioner
Maddox, second by Commissioner Miner. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Commissioner Cummings, I'm sorry. Did you have any comment or you just you're good with the motion? >> Awesome. passes unanimously.
>> I >> Awesome. Passes unanimously. All right, commissioners. We are through general business. Um look at the the agenda real quick. Cool. What I'm going to do is um I'm going to go ahead and do um citizens
to be heard on non-aggenda items and then I'm going to go to commissioner discussion. So is there any any citizens to be heard on non-aggenda items? Mr. County Administrator. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have no citizens to be heard on non-aggenda items. >> Okay, awesome. Um, commissioners, we are now in commissioner discussion. Um,
Commissioner Cummings, you are recognized for we are in commissioner discussion time. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh I indulgence for allowing me to appear telephonic for
any >> Commissioner Cummings. I'm having a really we're having a really hard time hearing you in the chambers. You're kind of going in and out. Okay, let's see. I apologize. Can you hear me now? >> Yes, ma'am. We can hear you now.
>> Okay. I'd like to move for a proclamation in the economic development area [clears throat] for OEV in partnership with Von Wilson and make
um they're celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Black Business Expo that we attend every year and I'd like to move for a proclamation. Awesome. >> For that partnership, >> Commissioner Cummings requested a
proclamation for the Black Business Expo. Um, I will second the motion. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Passes unanimously. Commissioner Cummings >> forive work for the development related walls
and that's the murial international uh along with OEV because we worked in conjunction with [clears throat] OEV and blueprint >> commissioner Cummings. I could not >> Commissioner Cummings. Unfortunately, I could not um I could not hear what the
what the motion was that you made. >> Hey, Ally. >> Hello. >> Could you grab Chanty? >> Commissioner Cummings, I'm h we're having a really hard time hearing you. >> Yeah. Well, I'll come back. I'll come back to you. I'm gonna come back to Commissioner Cummings. Commissioner Miner, you're
recognized. >> That's fine. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll be very brief. Um [clears throat and cough] uh this week the Big Ben continuum of care is um engaged in its point of time count. Uh the PIT, uh it's the annual
survey of the homeless population in uh not just Leyon County, but throughout the Big Bend. It's really important because it gives us a a a good idea. We we we ask questions of folks that are on the street and get more detail about what barriers they have to uh to permanent stable housing. Uh and it also
helps us uh we collect that data and then send it to US HUD that helps us with funding here locally. So it's a really important uh exercise. Want to thank all the Big Ben COC staff for the incredible work it takes to put this to pull this off as well as all the
volunteers. and it's taking place today, tomorrow, and Thursday at uh 1200 church. So, it's 12200 West Tharp. So, if any of you have a chance, if you're driving by, stop in, say hi. I know it'd mean a lot to to have uh to have us visit and lend
support. So, um and just again, big thanks to the Big Ben COC for all their work on this. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Awesome. Thank you, Commissioner. M Mr. Vice Chairman, >> thank you. Um I just have one is uh based on what um Mr. Mr. Deri Hollinger
talked about um and so I I know uh the county administrator has sent me some information on it today. Um what I would like to do is ask for just a status report to come back on what
we have learned about the size of the possible uh cemetery at Tom Brown Park. Um when that status reports come comes back. uh how wide the search at at that point would be for any further size
of that cemetery and then as the owner who has a memorandum of or one of the type of agreements we have that can be in the status report with the city what authority do we have to decide how we search and what is honored for what we
find out there at Tom Brown Park >> chairman if it's okay with the board and I assume it would be if we have opportunities we won't even wait for the status report to come back to you, but we'll report whatever actions we take when we bring it back to you. >> Great. >> That sounds good.
>> Is that a motion or do you want to just >> Since he's sending it back, since our county administrator is sending it back, that's that's fine. Thank you. That's all I have. >> That's it. That's all you got? Awesome. Commissioner Prog. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh
>> I was going to um lift up the cemetery issues which uh Mr. uh Hollinger brought to our awareness and I think that was the matter that was also so I amplified voice in support of that. I want to give a shout out to um is Miss Kerry Post
still here. Um there's just not enough shout outs that we can give uh to salute the uh qualitative uh leadership that was given uh for the uh world cross country championships. I saw pictures of
you all like I'm going have to be u photoshopped in a couple of them cuz you really missed the main one. Okay. and I probably someone looking for my gold medal and u nevertheless um commissioners I'm asking requesting
uh your support of my attendance to the national legal city um meeting in uh Washington in March. Um I know >> second. >> Okay, >> Mayor Proctor sounds pretty good.
>> You know what? Don't push me in the back now. [laughter] All right. Um, do I need a motion? A motion. Um, >> yeah. Motion second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Passes unanimous.
>> Um, Mr. Chairman, um, I wanted also to note that um um at the MLK and I thank each of you for your participation, engagement, the county uh MLK celebration. Saw pictures of that as well today. Uh, but I'd like uh for us
to consider adopting officially for Lyon County uh a new slogan and it's just Leon. >> Yeah. And I thought about that and I asked u um the legislators um 10 and u uh Gallup
to get that adopted resolution out of the house but I've not heard back from them but we the county commission and I think that um as a gesture of Duvall uh having that little chant that they know each other I don't care where they are
they know each other but we should also come come up with our own little chant for Leyon County and I would like to make that motion that we adopt Leon, you know, as our as our chant. >> Staff should take that as direction. >> Yeah, >> staff is going to take that as
direction. >> Well, let's keep the motion. Let's let's let's keep it moving forward. Mr. Proctor, [laughter] don't get don't get too serious. Is Miss Emma Smith still here? Sheila. Okay. Okay. All right. Well, I'll save
comments for Emma. Um, Mr. Chairman, u uh, a Grammy Award, uh, gospel singing out of Shady Grove, uh, church. That's spectacular. And, uh, I'm very, very proud that, um, you've, you know,
captured that and, um, salute what they're doing. U,, I know some people want to know if I was in the [clears throat] choir and have some background. Yes, I do. And um it's not on my resume, but um I did sing in the in the choir. Um I was on the back row.
I I tell you, I was on the back row and voices that are not too good usually get sent to the back row. But nevertheless, I I know that that was a great achievement. Um those are my comments. Uh Mr. Chairman, um I thank each of you all for being my colleagues. Uh you guys
have been u I think the greatest county commission among the uh commissions that I've ever served with and I've only served with this one. So but we're the greatest. Thank you all. >> Thank you Commissioner Proctor. I asked um Chanty to call Commissioner Cummings.
I think he's going to put her up on the on the m on the dis up there so she can finish her discussion time. >> Yes, ma'am. Go ahead. >> Hello, Mr. Chair. >> Have to put a closer up. >> Oh,
>> we can hear you. >> I don't think he can hear me. >> We can hear you. >> Yes, ma'am. They can hear you. >> Okay, Mr. Chair, I I apologize. Thank you for your your indulgence. Um, my first request for the
proclamation, I think it passed When I asked for a proclamation for Mega Ace Media Ron Wilson. >> Yes, ma'am. We got that. That passed unanimously. >> You did hear me? >> Yes, ma'am. It was the second motion I
couldn't hear. >> Okay. I can't hear >> the first one. The first one passed. They need to move on to the second one. >> Okay. The second one I'd like to ask for proclamation joint proclamation for dearial
international in conjunction with OEV county government for SOMO malls to be presented at our next meeting and that's my motion
second mo motion moved by commissioner Cummings for proclamation Second by Commissioner Proctor. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> By saying I >> passes unanimously. >> Okay.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Is that it, Johnson? >> That no. >> Go ahead. Go ahead, ma'am. >> Okay. I'd like to ask for an agenda item to come back
to address the homeless and the number of homeless women and children uh in Lyon in Lyon County. uh recognizing that as far as identification might be a problem, might
be some impediments with children and families uh with the dependency proceedings. But my goal is, and I think it's a lofty goal, but I I don't think it's any more lofty than our concern about affordable
housing for lowincome individuals, but to reduce and totally eradicate the number of homeless women and children uh in Lyon County. >> Okay. My motion and I would ask support
of the commission. Motion moved by Commissioner Cummings, second by Commissioner Maddox. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I. >> Passes unanimously. >> Pass unanimously. >> Unanimously.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair. >> And I want to also address Mr. Hollinger before the board today.
and he addressed the casket and bones that were dug up last week. Um, >> Commissioner Cummings, we so we have uh comm the vice chairman O'keefee already addressed that and his commissioner time and we have an update coming back from
the county. Say it again. >> He says Commissioner O'Keeffe already addressed that and they have an agenda item coming back. >> An update from staff. >> An update from staff about that. >> Okay. I didn't hear it. I guess it's during the time. you couldn't they couldn't hear me. I couldn't hear them
either. Um I'd like to Mr. Chair also we we received a couple of uh policies and uh some information from our general counsel. And one of the things we received last
week was uh a letter of agreement, a contract for the retention of outside Council. And I think our general council does a great job of selecting firms uh especially you know local firms to
farm out work when we have conflicts or just when we need uh experts in that particular field. But I wanted to uh ask our county attorney do we have does the county have a list of law firms that we
pull from from? I know that legal services under the statute does not have to be, you know, we don't need a solicitation or what have you. Uh, but I like to ask, do we have a list of law firms that with certain expertise that
we pull from for certain certain services? >> Um, no, there's no list. We um typically in the past you are >> uh we we retain counsel in part based on
qualification. I believe the contract you're referring to is with um Sylvia Alderman's firm. She's been the longtime um council for the planning commission. They get their own attorney. We actually
before this last in the last several years we try to competitively procure for those services but the person who provides that legal counsel to the planning commission is basically conflicted out of representing
any private entity before the planning commission and nobody else responded in the past. Um so we have at times when there is a potential for a significant amount of money actually gone out and competitively procured those services to
try to elicit uh the best qualified firms that are available. Um but we don't have to not because of the state statute but because of our purchasing policy which excludes that it's consistent with the state statute on that in that regard. Uh but we do not
keep a list of qualified firms. It really depends on what the subject matter is and the qualifications of the firms who can provide the service. >> Okay. Thank you, M attorney. And I guess my other question was, do we have any minority law firms that we've contracted
with? Well, my question was going to be if we have minority firms on a list, but we don't maintain a list. But do we from time to time uh does this solicitation go out to a minority and women firms?
I do not retain counsel based on any gender or race. Period. I don't do that. >> Okay. So, we we don't have a list. Okay. Thank Thank you so much, Madam Attorney. I I appreciate that.
I think, Mr. Chair, uh let me look through my notes. I believe that [clears throat] I believe [snorts] that's all I have, Mr. Chair, at this point. Thank you so much. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Commissioner Cummings. We miss you and hope you feel better. >> Feel better.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Commissioner Maddox. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, great seeing everybody. Our first meeting in 2026 is we had a retreat yesterday, but it's our first time on the DAS. And so, again, always a pleasure to serve with you all. Staff, thank you so much for that excellent packet that you all put together
yesterday for the retreat and for the hard work that you put in the packet that we put together today. Um, I I did want to ask for a few proclamation, but before I did that, I want to go ahead and congratulate uh great seminal coach Charlie Ward on his first year
basketball season as family head coach. He's ranked number one in the SWAC. Uh, you know what? >> He's doing well. >> As I said it in my post, coaching matters. Coaching matters. And so, wanted to give Coach Ward a shout out.
And if they win the swack, which I think they may, I'll be be on the lookout for a proclamation for me asking for that proclamation once they win it to be presented to him and the team. Um, my first proclamation, Fair View Middle
School Division One Baseball Champions uh, deserves a proclamation. I want to present it off site. >> Second proclamation request of Commissioner Maddox, second by myself. All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> secondly multiple scerosis awareness
month presented off site as well in March. >> Second proclamation requested by Commissioner Maddox moved by second by myself. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Last but not least, we're going to recognize 20 years of anniversar anniversary of the Brownsville Prep
Brownsville Preparatory Institute with a proclamation as well. Mr. Chair, >> second motion moved by Commissioner Madic, second by myself. All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> all three of those proclamations will be presented off site, Mr. Chairs. I know you're trying to uh streamline these
meetings. Um great meeting tonight. I know we got one more uh public hearing together. You you've run a heck of a meeting, >> Mr. Chair, and I look forward to uh your year as chair. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Pass chairman. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just real
quickly want to congratulate the uh Lton Child High School's competitive cheerleading team for winning their first ever state championship this past weekend. Want to give them a proclamation. >> Second. >> Proclamation requested by the immediate past chairman. Second by Commissioner Maddox. All those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. >> Thank you. I I just want to uh remind my my oldest daughter that while she competed at Cheer over the course of her high school career, she only won two state runners up. So get better, Chloe. All right. Congratulations, child chair.
Thank you, guys. >> Uh, Mr. County Minister, any of business? >> I have nothing, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, >> Madam Attorney. Uh, in the interest of kudos, uh, I just wanted to make it very clear that Deputy
County Attorney Emily Norton, uh, bore the lion share brunt of all of the legal work associated with putting on the World Cross Country Championships. she's not in the room, but but I do want to give credit where credit is due, and
she really carried that load and deserves a lot of the credit for all of that work. Um the only other thing that I wanted to um piece of information I wanted to give to the board to think about and this is a
result of our conversations the board's conversations yesterday at the retreat related to educating the public about the impacts of the potential referendums that are being considered. There is a
statute section 106.113 entitled expenditures by local governments and it says a local government or a person acting on behalf of local government may not expend or authorize the expenditure of and a person or group
may not accept public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue referendum or amendment incl. including any state question that is subject to a vote of the electors. Okay. [snorts] It it is
irrespective of whether the communication is limited to factual information or advocates for the passage or defeat of an issue, referendum or amendment. Now, what is permitted under the statute? It does not preclude a local government or a person acting on
behalf of a local government from reporting on official actions of the local government's governing body in an accurate, fair, and impartial manner. Posting factual information on a government website or imprinted materials. Posting and providing
information at a public forum. Providing factual information in response to an inquiry. or providing information as otherwise authorized or required by law. I just want to put this on the board's radar because as these
as the legislature continues to move these proposals through the legislative session, there will come a point in time where what this body can do will be more limited. And I just want you to know in advance that those limitations exist and
at some point they are more than likely going to be triggered. So if and when that happens, let's have more conversations to make sure that there's no allegation that anyone on this board is violating this statute.
Thank you. >> Thank you for that update. Um commissioners, I really don't have too much. You know, I know we covered a lot of business yesterday in the retreat. Um, looking forward to a great 2026. I think we have a a meeting in two weeks. Um, and then we we'll be back to
business. So, um, I will um recess us until 6:00 for our public hearing.