Welcome to the Putham County Board of County Commissioners meeting. Today is Tuesday, February 10th, and it is 900 a.m. We will call the meeting to order, and we'll have invitation led by Pastor Eddie Sty from Church of the Heights, followed by the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Pelisir. Please stand if
you're able to do so. >> Let us bow. Father, we pause now to quiet our hearts and place this time in your hands. We thank you for your faithfulness to our community and your steadfast presence among us every day.
As scripture reminds us, may God be gracious to you and bless you and make his face shine upon you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he smile on you and be gracious to you. May he look your way and give you peace. Lord, we
ask your blessing over our county, over our commissioners, and all those who serve in leadership. Walk with them. Give them the wisdom when decisions feel heavy, patience when the path is unclear, peace that comes from knowing that you are near. May they feel
supported, guided, encouraged as they seek to serve well our community. Be with our community. Strengthen our relationships. Renew our hope. Help us care for one another with kindness and grace. As we look towards the future together, we trust you with what has
been, with what is, and with all that is yet to come. We are confident that you are at work and that the best is yet to come. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. flagged of America and to the republic for which
it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, pastor. Thank you, Commissioner. All right, moving into the approval of the minutes. Madam Chair, I move approval of the minutes stated in our packet for the
Port Authority. Second >> for the regular meeting. I'm sorry. >> Sorry. >> And we have a second from the This is from the January 13th, 2026 meeting. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. Motion carries. >> All right. We will recess the regular
meeting and uh convene the Port Authority meeting. Madam Chair, I move approval of the minutes of the uh Board of County Commission Port Authority meeting January 13th. >> Second. >> Great. >> We have a motion and second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Is there any public comment on port
authority items? Any public comment on port authority items? All right. Uh grant application Putinham County Port infrastructure development grant match. >> Good morning, Commissioners. Sam Svin on behalf of Port Putinham. Uh before you is a package uh that will seem very
similar. If you recall a few months ago uh the board authorized us to apply for a port infrastructure development grant with uh the US Department of Transportation. Uh those uh decision on the outcome of the application is still under review in
DC. Uh however, the next round of applications in that program must be submitted by February 28th. Okay. What we're asking for is to be able to submit another one before we uh the deadline so that we still have an application in
there in case we're not successful in the 25 process so that we stay in there. If we're successful in 25 process, we will naturally withdraw our application that we're about to submit for the 26. It's the exact same application, just a different uh year. So, we just want to
stay in the loop and be able to get the funding for the infrastructure that we need. >> Absolutely. Are there any questions for the presenter? >> All right. Is there a motion on the floor? >> Madam Chair, I move approval of the grant application for port infrastructure development grant match
commitment letter $2 million. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion to second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. >> Do you have any general updates or discussion you want to talk about? >> Not at this time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sam. All right. Any general
discussion from the board? All right. With that, we'll close the port authority meeting and reconvene um the Putham County Board of County Commission meeting. Presentations. William Bart Bartram Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.
Proclamation 2026-010. Thank you for this time. Um, William Bartram Traer has com has partnered with the S from St. Augustine and Sunrise Rotary to dedicate an elm tree uh as the liberty tree. Many people
don't know that um when the revolution was getting started, they couldn't meet in the pubs because that's where the Tories were hanging out and that's where the soldiers were hanging out. So they had to have their private conversations under a tree and during the war the British found out
about that tree so they cut it down. After that any goodsized tree fit worked but to dedicate and to celebrate the 20 250th anniversary of the United States. Uh we have we're are dedicating on
February 28th the uh a a li an elm tree that has been planted and will grow and be a continuing living memorial to uh the great United States. >> All right. Thank you. I will read into record the proclamation. Putnham County
Proclamation number 2026-010 American America 250 Liberty Tree Day. Whereas in 1765, like-minded patriots often gathered around an old elm tree in Boston to meet and stage acts of
defiance against tyranny, establishing the tree to be known as the Liberty Tree, a lasting symbol of American independence and freedom. And whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone
for the United States of America. And whereas the planting of a tree of a tribute liberty tree at the corner of US 17 and state road 19 serves as a living monument to the spirit, courage, and sacrifice to those who secured our nation's independence. And whereas the
William Bartram chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the St. Augustine chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Palaca desire to honor this legacy and renew our dedication to the principles of liberty, justice, and community. Now th therefore by the
Putnham County Board of County Commissioners here proclaim Saturday, February 26 as America 250 Liberty Tree Day in the County of Putnham County and encourage all citizens to join in the dedication of this tree as a symbol of
our shared history and bright future. I I move this proclamation. >> Motion and second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. Thank you. I'll bring this to you. Do you want to get a picture? >> Yes. >> You want down here?
I guess you're just the odd one out. >> All right. All right. We have placed a sign out there at the site uh the triangle park uh where the site where the the tree is. Uh it says it starts at 12:30, but the program
actually starts at 1:00 with a flyover. Uh George Washington's going to be there. He brought his campaign tent with him. >> Um it's there's a lot of things going on. It's going to be a wonderful program and we everybody is invited. >> Very good. This is the proclamation and
we we're glad that you were here today and we look forward to the dedication of the Liberty Trade. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. All right. Next, we have up Felicia Cahm, Putham County School District. >> Good morning. How are you?
>> Good morning. I'm doing well. How are you doing? >> Good. >> Good morning, commissioners. My name is Felicia Cahan. I am the community relations um coordinator for the Putham County School District. On behalf of the district, thank you so much for having us today to discuss our community
partnership um survey. The survey is now open until February 13th. And to provide easy access to that survey for you and community members and for those in attendance today, we do have these cards with a QR code you can scan. It'll take
you directly to that survey. It takes about 10 minutes. It is completely anonymous. Um, and it does have five open-ended response questions at the end where you can provide your feedback. Um, at this time I would like to introduce Jonathan Hinky. He is the executive
director of strategic initiatives for the district and he handles our strategic planning. >> Okay. >> Good morning, commissioners. >> Morning. Last month, we kicked off a six-month process of updating our school district's strategic plan. The last time
we went through this process was in 2020 2021. >> And we know a lot of change has occurred in our school district and in Putnham County since then. While our vision of preparing all students for college, career, and life will remain the same, and our mission
and our district brand will not change, we know it is time to update our priorities and long-term goals. Our 2026 2029 plan will build upon our successes and guide our improvements um in the future.
Today, we want to encourage participation in the first of two surveys that will help guide the development of our strategic plan. Felicia told you about our family and community partnership survey, which we encourage you to take before Friday. Uh,
and in late March, we will have a second survey called our shaping the future survey that will give stakeholders another opportunity to rank their priorities and provide input on long-term goals for the district. As we work on updating our strategic
plan, we encourage you to reach out to Felicia or myself with your ideas and feedback. We will be here after uh this morning's meeting if you want to speak with us individually. We know that the strength of our public school district impacts the economic
health of Putnham County and we will continue working to improve our school system and this next strategic plan is part of that work. Thank you again for your time this morning. >> Thank you. or do you is there any questions? >> I just want to say thank you for coming in front of us today and bringing this
information the survey. I think it's very important that people uh can respond if they can and just that's how this how we know what we what our needs are, right? What we need in our community. So, thank you for bringing this forward because we want to get it out where more people can can respond to
your survey. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thanks. >> All right. Next we have public works vacation of a county owned portion of Floridaian Club Road. >> Good morning. Uh this is uh the public
hearing to vacate Florian Club Road. Um the attorney uh for the LLC in question that is trying to vacate Florian Club Road uh has a letter stating the issues that they will handle or the resolutions that they will handle for
the citizens on Easement Lane in order to make this more palatable for everybody involved. Um if you would like I can read those resolutions to you if you don't already have those in your packet. Yep. Okay. Um, so one of them is signage at the front of easement lane
that indicates it's a private drive with no through traffic. Uh, they will provide and install the sign and placed uh prior to the driveway entrance to avoid inverting traffic on Easement Lane because Ement Lane is a private road. A radius cut into the property at the 90°
bend at the southwest corner of the property where Easement Lane turns north. Uh they will create that radius to make it easier for vehicles and trucks to turn and will install ballards to keep vehicles within the roadway. Also provide easement lane residents with an easement for ingress or e and
egress over that portion of the property. Uh and I believe that's the section that we were talking about this morning, Bill, for the deed easement um that will be taking place. A culde-sac will be constructed um for count to county standards at the new dead end of easement lane. uh and
that has been agreed upon as well sufficient for trucks and emergency vehicles to uh do a U-turn and provide easement lane residents with an easement for ingress egress over that portion. Uh the landscape berm have decided to uh eliminate the landscape burm running
adjacent adjacent to easement lane. Instead of the b uh burm that's 10 to 12 feet tall, they're going to do a fence just off of the property line. Uh that'll be uh more satisfactory. the new fence. Uh although the county does not require the new fence to be set back from the property line, the request has
been thoughtfully considered and they have agreed to set the fence back 15 feet from the property boundary line. Uh after eliminating the burm, this will increase easement lane ingress, egress, easement to 35 ft um for their lane. The landscaping um they will provide
aesthetically pleasing landscaping along our new fence. Type and location is determined during installation of the fence. The intent will be to not interfere with the additional space requested on easement lane for vehicular travel. Um, and um, should you determine you do not want
landscaping installed, they'll honor that request as well. So, they're going to involve the citizens on easement lane in deciding what that landscape will look like and be. Uh, the gate that we will install on our private drive off easement lane will be set back sufficiently so that a car or vehicle waiting at the gate will not block
easement lane. And they've agreed to that. the entrance to easement lane off of County Road 309. They've asked for the widening widening of that entrance. Um, and they have the LLC has agreed to do that subject required compliance with the county and town regulations. They'll
also install a new concrete drain coververt on each side of the road to replace the existing one. They'll work with public works uh as far as any rightway uh use permits or anything like that to do their coverts. Um the residents on easement lane have requested millings to improve easement
lane. Um should Florida club road be vacated, they're their plan is to mill that road up and relocate the road, but then use the millings from that road to put onto easement lane for those residents and and extend the life of easement lane. Um
and then post office boxes. Uh the post office is agreeable to relocation of the mailboxes in front of each home on easement lane. Um and they have agreed to pay for the relocation and installation of a mailbox either existing or new um at the owner's option for each resident on easement lane. Uh
so they've been as as forthcoming as they can on it. And I have a letter um provided by Mr. Michael Arnold, one of the residents on Easement Lane, um in support of what they're trying to do. Um that can be turned in as well for any of the public record. >> All right.
>> So, if you have any questions at this time, I'd be more than happy to take them. >> Are there any questions? >> Is there anybody in the public who would like to speak on this item? >> Good morning, commissioners. My name is Mike Arnold and my wife and I own a
house at 111 East Lane. And I think I kind of found out about this just by stroke of luck that you guys were considering this. And so right away um I
contacted my other neighbors and let them know of it because this would be a drastic change for us. you know, it would mean no more garbage pickup, delivery service, anything like that because it is the lane itself is only 10
to 12 feet wide and because of the trees, the utilities and all that, there's no way to make it wider. But, um, Bill had contacted me, got with me, asked me for my opinion on different items.
Him and I walked the whole street. I pointed out issues that I had and um Bass Pro was very receptive of my my opinion and my ideas. Um there was he had a basic drawing of a of a 34 foot
driveway that they were going to use and it was listed like I guess they submitted it to you guys um for emergency vehicle turnaround or something like that. And I said, "Bill," I said, "I'm the retired fire chief from St. Augustine and I can tell you a fire
truck can't turn around in a 34T driveway. And so he said, "Well, how about you meet with my engineer, walk through it with him, and that's what I did." And they had been in touch with me constantly. In fact, yesterday,
um, Bill and I and the engineer walked the whole property again, went through everything, and, um, talked about things, considered things, and we actually came up with a couple other items. So,
we're kind of happy with it. Um, through this whole process, I've been in touch with all the owners on Easement Lane because There's only one that's a full-time resident and I do have a letter from her stating that she's good
with me speaking and I kind of became the unofficial spokesman for Eastman Lane. So, I did sign off on um the the proposal that Bill has made and I'm happy with it. >> Okay.
>> Um and I appreciate everybody's help. I know it was tough. Um, Commissioner Newborg came out and walked it on the 26th with me and I explained to him what we were looking at and that I had been working with Bass Pro and I said, you
know, I was kind of leerary because we had still not been notified of any of this going on. And it wasn't until the 29th that we actually received a letter telling us that this proposal was
going to take place. So, I'm glad that um Bill and I could work this out and that we're going to get this done. It's, you know, it's not going to be as good as what we have right now, but it's best we're going to be able to do.
>> Okay. >> So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Arnold. >> And I do have that letter. Does do anybody need that or >> Yeah. Thanks, >> thank you, Mr. Arnold. Go ahead, Mr. B,
you're recognized. >> Through this process, I I was had the opportunity to meet with both parties and I I appreciate um Mr. Ar's willingness to kind of be the de facto spokesman for the community. That was kind of thrown upon him. Um appreciate
um our Bass Pro and Mr. Height's willingness to to cooperate. It uh it doesn't often, you know, run this smoothly. Um it was a you know a tough situation that that I think has come out very well and I appreciate their willingness to work together and and
power through it. So thank you. Thanks both of you and u that's all I have. >> All right. This is a public hearing. Is there anybody else who would likes to speak on this subject matter one way or the other? >> All right. With that it comes back to the board.
Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we approve resolution number 2026-013, a resolution of the board of county commissioners of Putnham County, Florida, vacating the portion of Fidian Club Road, and will act in accordance with the section 336.09
Florida statutes closing and abandonment of roads authority in section 33612 Florida statutes closing and abandonment of roads, termination of easement, conveyance of fee. >> Second. All right, we have a motion and a second. I will say to the the members
in the audience in our package is over a hundred papers of documentation on this. So it if you can if you want that you can find it online or we can email it to you. But there is it has all the terms and everything that's been agreed upon. So you might want to just have that for
your records. All right. Anything else? All right. All in favor say I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Public comment on agenda items. This portion of the agenda is designed to allow citizens an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the board. It is not reasonable to expect that the board will engage in debate or
deliberation about matters on which the board has received no prior information as part of the agenda. Please limit your time to three minutes. Public comment cards are commutely placed at the meeting room entrance and should be submitted prior to the meeting to the deputy clerk who sits to the right of of the podium. This is on consent agenda
items, new business, and then we'll have miscellaneous comments once we get through that. All right, both of these are on um new business, so I'm going to go ahead and do consent agenda items. Commissioner Harvard, do you wish to pull any consent agenda items?
>> No, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner Alexander. >> No, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner New? >> No, ma'am. >> Commissioner Palisier? >> I have none. >> All right. And I have none. >> Madam Chair, I move approval of the consent agenda items A, B, C, and D.
>> Second. >> All in favor say I. I. I. >> Motion carries. All right. Um, new business. >> Uh, first one under a, uh, for the children's reading center school zone. U, I've worked with Alex Sharp, uh,
Major Steve Rose, and the school on establishing, uh, the right way to get the school zone done, um, so that all parties are satisfied and not liable for anything wrong on the road, per se. They went through and got a engineered traffic study done, an engineered plan
for the school zone, what that school zone will look like, uh, request in reduction of the speed limit in that area, so that the school zone is easier to go from 35 down to the 20 instead of 45 down to 20. Um, and on either side of that area, it was already 35, so it's
not really a difficult transition. Um, they're also getting the school beacons, um, and all of it at the school's expense. the county uh my sign guys, signal guys will be installing the beacons for them. Um but this has been done at at the school's um expense and
public works is just requesting that um this happen. It makes sense. >> Thank you. Uh Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Stout. I'm really up on this to be honest with you. I was a board member of the Children's Reading Center one time
in my life. Um, I think it kind of grew to to be bigger than it really was going to be. Um, and as we all know, traffic on all of our school zones are tremendous right now. So, um, I would like to see though, at one time a
previous public works director had in mind of of some type of a apron on the side of the road. I know they're using almost all the way back to Springside, if you will, but not that far. maybe to the park entrance, but you know, um we
got to probably stabilize that side because people are parking along there and uh it is dangerous. There's no doubt. Um but I don't want it to be confined to times because I will say this, there are times when they have uh PTA meetings or something and people are
lined up on both sides of St. John's Avenue right there. And I worry about kids darting through between the cars and stuff. So, I would like for them to be able to set whenever they need it to be on to be on. So, those are my comments, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner
Alexander. You're recognized. >> Just want to thank you guys for working together so diligently on this. I know it's not an easy task, but to see that the groups collaborating in an effort to protect our children. Um, as everyone knows knows that I'm a huge proponent of
anything we can do to keep our children safe. uh and some of the other investments that we've made. But just want to thank you and um your diligent work on that, JT. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Uh I echo that. I this has been a sore spot since I've been elected. Had
lots of calls on it and trying to come up with a resolution that resolves it. I'm glad they were able to um have some funding to put toward this and that we could work together on a good on for a good result. >> I do agree with Commissioner Harvey. think in the future there's going to have to be some additional
>> something or something, >> you know, whether it's widening of the road or >> Oh, yes. >> Yeah. There they there are going to have bigger needs, especially as that area at Ziggler and St. John's um is built out and they're you're going to see a lot more vehicles on that road. Yes, ma'am. >> So, I think there's going to be this
will help, but I think there's going to be bigger needs in the future in that area. But, thank you. All right, >> Madam Chair, do you need a motion? >> Please. Madam Chair, I move we approve the request from our public works on the children's reading center um school zone area. >> Second.
>> We have a motion to second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. Going into the request to advertise for public hearing to vacate a portion of is it Shimmer Shimra? >> Chimera Way. >> Chimera. Chimera. Right. >> Yep. >> Okay.
>> Again, this is just a request to advertise. >> No decision needed today. >> All right. I have um a couple speaker cards. Uh first we have Mr. James Counio. Please come up. Say your name and address for the record.
>> Hey, good morning. James Cooney, 569 West Hillsboro Avenue for home. Um I'm here this morning to remind the board that this has been a thorn in our side at Georgia's Lake for a long time. Um, we as a community have
gotten an attorney involved and I believe the last time this came through it was resolved with the county attorney and and the community representation from Douglas Law Firm. Um, just want to remind you that Shyamera Way is the
currently only last official access to Georgia's Lake. You guys are in the process of purchasing the the boat ramp and it's going through the process and we understand the process. However, this road is on the south side of Georgia's
Lake. The north boat ramp has a dry hydrant for wildland fires for volunteer fire department and Florida forestry service. Um, you know, I am the community association president and the volunteer fire chief out there. We would like to put a dry hyd hydrant on Shyam
Way for access for the forestry and the volunteer fire departments and the active for wild and fires part of Bmore forest. U but there are new homes going out in out there so the area is growing a little bit. Um so it's not the
residents use it. Uh it's a quiet used area. Uh you'll hear rumors that they've had all kinds of parties and all kinds of trash and all this in there, which is hearsay from the one resident that really wants us closed. There's been no
law enforcement response to anything to this day that that I'm aware of and we researched all this big time uh a while back. So, I just wanted to keep that in mind. While they advertise, the community is definitely definitely not for us. And I want to say this is
probably about the third or fourth time that's been brought up. Um I would say uh the road has been researched extensively by uh Mr. Willilhight from Palaka Abstract. So the county does own it. I believe it's a class two road. JT,
correct me if I'm wrong, but but uh it's no maintenance. Okay. Yeah. So, it is an access to the lake for not only residents that just want to come down on their golf cart and enjoy the view, people that come in with small boats to to fish because it does have a small
boat ramp at it. Um, so the only thing that I would recommend or see if we could do by if the board could do is this. This is going on way too long and it's causing wasting too much time for the county staff um and the residents.
Uh, so I don't know if we can draft a resolution or something to place on this road in the in the system that says, you know, the the county has done extensive research and, you know, they they they own the road, but it's not going to be maintained and, you know, it's not going
to be attempted to be vacated again. I don't know if we can do that. That's something that staff can research, but maybe that's something to think about so I know the county attorney, you don't have to go through this again and and we don't have to waste your time. But the count the U community is not for this at
all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Kuno. >> And madam chair, I would just remind Mr. Kuno to all the things you said are valid, but remember they have to be said at the public hearing when the board makes their decision. >> All right. Uh, next we have Kevin
Nelson. Good morning. Please state your name and address for the record. >> Kevin Nelson, 106 Chimera Way, Floor Home, Florida. Um, this is an ongoing thing and it is to me a nuisance. It's a problem. I think I read a letter last time I was here describing some of that activity
there. My house was broken into, so that does list as a police involvement there. Um, and what I wanted to do was ask that you uh move the request to advertise for public hearing on this issue so we can
have a public hearing and discuss all this stuff. Um that's pretty much it. If you can move it forward for the public hearing. >> Okay. All right. >> Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um Mr. Kuno is
right. This thing has been going on for years and years and years. Um Mr. Nelson and I go back a long way and we have come to an agreement that we're not going to agree on this situation whatsoever. Um, my problem is we've been
through numerous county attorneys since I've been here. Speaking to our current county attorney, I'm not going to put words in his mouth, but this is just a a a way that we're going to have to either put up or shut
up. basically that someone's going to sue us over whether we own it or don't own it. From my understanding, the title company won't sign off that we do own it. We've been told by numerous attorneys that work for us, we don't own
it. I'm tired of this situation, but I will tell you the residents in Florome that live on the south side of that lake do not want this thing closed. That's their access down there. And if this is going
to be developed, I've spoken to Mr. Nelson before, come up with a different plan, come up with a way that the residents can still get to the lake. But I will tell you that I am not in favor of putting this out for a public hearing because again, we don't even know if we
really do own this thing one way or the other. And our attorney will tell you that there's been four different attorneys in the p maybe three Rich I'm sorry three different attorneys contacting Rich and representing the
land the man that wants to close this or vacate this. This is this is just beyond just because the plat map says that all the roads in there state statute says we don't take all those roads. So it it's
come to a point where I'm tired of hearing about Chimera Way, but I can tell you you opened it up to the public hearing. This room will be packed with people from floor home that have no intention of this to be opened. So thank you, Madam Chair. >> All right. Thank you. Um any other comments from the board? Commissioner
Alexander? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Let me turn my microphone on you so you can't hear me with it on, so I better at least give you a shot. Um can you hear me? Okay, Mr. Per. All right, great. Um we had a similar situation in my opinion at the end of commercial uh in Federal
Point and um the residents in the area that was their only access to the river and when we had two land owners on either side of the road that were for lack of a better term creating obstacles for folks to come down there and enjoy the river. They enjoyed going down there
watching the sunsets um walking their dogs and you know I just we all have an appreciation for the water and I I think that if we just spent almost a half a million dollars on a piece of property out there to give people access to the
river. So obviously there's a value in it and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me to deni to deny people at the other end of the river. You know, I think about myself as a young boy and trying to find somewhere that I could slide my kayak in or my my johnboat and go fishing. And um you know, the kids
down there, they they they access it there. And I've gotten multiple calls from the residents of Floorhome that are in support of maintaining that soft landing for the kids and the families down there. Um and that's not even my district. So, they're reaching out across the county to let me know how
important it is to them to have access to the water. So, I'm going to have to say that I'm I agree with Mr. Harvey and his statements and I I agree with the um the multiple residents that have reached out to me personally, >> Madam Chair. >> Yes.
>> So, and a lot of what commissioners have said is true. I just want to make sure we clear up some discrepancies. Um, we have checked and even though we uh as the county don't believe that we own NP simple, we don't believe we own it outright, we do believe we own an
easement right to that property. Separate from that, because the application to vacate um by Mr. Nelson has not been moved forward by this board, we are in the middle of being sued about it. So, um, my advice to you is at least move it to the public
hearing so that we can have a documented foundation on which the commission is going to make a decision. Um, so that at least that information can be considered by the court before they make a decision to close it or not. >> All right.
I see you're standing there. I don't normally allow this, but I'll I'll give you a few seconds. came back to just say we can't we can't put it before the board to vote is what you're saying. >> No, we haven't made that decision yet. >> Okay. Well, I would I would appreciate it if you'd consider putting it before
the board to vote to advertise for a public hearing. Um I didn't know we were going to discuss a lot more than that. I thought it was just an example to push it forward, but thank you for your time. >> Thank you. the the request on the public record is to um advertise for a public
hearing to vacate a portion of the road. So with that, it's back to the board. You heard from our attorney. >> Madam Chair, point of clarification. >> Yes. >> Are we looking for a date and time certain like August or December of this
year? Are we looking for I mean what are we looking we >> I have a court hearing coming up in March. So, I'd like to be able to tell the judge that the board did have um the public hearing and considered this. Now, whatever happens to it afterwards up is up to y'all. But
my right now, my defense of the county um in court has been that the plaintiff, Mr. Nelson and his attorney have not exhausted the administrative process. So, they have to do that. So, if we cut it off now, then candidly a judge is going to make the decision.
>> I hate that. I hate that. I think we're painted into a corner here and it's disturbing to me that one of our citizens would do that to us, but I'll go along whatever the board needs to do. So, >> I'm going to make the motion to move it a public hearing. I think regardless um
it's it's it's the right thing to do to have the public weigh in on it. And I I do believe that the community will come out um you know, and state their preference. then it's very likely from a safety standpoint. I would prefer to not
vacate it, but I'd also like to hear from the community and I think that's it's a tool that our lawyer needs to finish the process. So, I'll make the motion to push it to public hearing. >> Do you have a date date? >> Uh I I don't don't even have my counter
in front of me. Mr. Commander, >> we need to do that. >> We can do it the next board meeting. >> Let's do that. >> All right. I'll second that motion, J.R. I agree, you know, based on the attorney statement that um that is the best proc or best path forward. It may not be the path that we desire, but it is the the
only path forward that we have currently. >> All right. So, we have a motion and a second to request to advertise for a public hearing to vacate a portion of Chimeir Way. Um any further discussion?
>> Yes, Madam Chair. I'm going to vote for the motion, but again, um, it's disturbing that we get painted into a corner over a lawsuit, but I'll vote for it. Thank you. >> Noted. All right. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Motion carries.
Public comment on miscellaneous items. This portion of the agenda is designed to allow citizens an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the board. It is not reasonable to expect that the board will engage or debate in debate or deliberation on matters about which the board has received no prior information as part of the agenda.
Please limit your time to three minutes. Public comment cards are conveniently placed at the meeting room entrance and should be submitted prior to the meeting to the deputy clerk who sits to the right of the podium. You do not have to fill out a card, but it definitely makes it a lot easier. All right. Chip liable.
>> I I just called Chip liable. >> Oh, he told you to go ahead. I'm not speaking on what he's speaking on, but it won't take me but a minute. Ed Kilibru, 146 Bon State Circle, Palaka, Florida. I came before y'all last board meeting and um I kind of chided you and
I didn't mean to chide you. That was not what the full intent was. Um but I just wanted to come and say thank you this morning. Um between I see the mayor out here in the audience and between every all the governments and everything. Um the people the homeless people were
somewhat taken care of and I'm just I just came this morning to say thank you. You know, it's just it's something that needed to be done and everybody got together and and worked it out. So that's all I had to say. >> Well, we were already doing that before you came last board meeting. >> I I understand. I'm just, you know, I'm
not trying to take any, you know, any any semblance of of what you want to say that, you know, I'm not trying to be vain and say it was me. I'm saying personally. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir.
>> All right. Chip liable. >> Okay. Uh Madame Chair, good morning board members, clerk, staff. Good morning to everyone. This morning I want to speak uh about Silver Springs and it being a magnitude one spring and what it
means to the Aquaja River and the St. John's. Um I'd like to start off by just putting some stats out there. Silver Springs is the headarters of the Silver River which flows approximately five miles before joining the Aquawa River.
Its status as a magnitude one spring is critical to the entire AWA basin hydraology and ecosystem. A first magnitude spring is classified by its massive discharge rate. In this case, it's 100 cubic feet per second,
which is approximately 64.6 million gallons per day. Silver Springs consistently exceeds this minimum, typically averaging over 500 million gallons per day. Silver Springs was historically the largest inland spring
in Florida with a mean annual flow of roughly 820 million cubic feet, no 820 cubic feet per second. I got a little out there. Um the group of springs uh consist of at least 30 named springs and
sometimes referred to as vents uh with the mammoth spring alone that's silver springs providing uh 40 to 50% of the total flow of the spring impact on the Aquaja River. Silver Springs is the lifeblood of the Yakawaja River,
providing the following volume contribution. Approximately 66% of the Akawaja River's total flow originates from Silver Springs. Key points included the connection. Silver Spring flows into the Akawaja which
feeds the St. John's. Benefit to the St. John's 150 million gallons of daily flow that reduces flushes pollutants and reduces algae blooms. Benefits to Silver Springs
restoration improves wildlife migration, fish and manatees and it helps the ecosystem of Silver Springs health overall. Overall impact ensuring of sustainable freshwater supply for 30% of
the St. John's rivers flow. That's total flow. We often think of Florida's waterways as a separate entity, but in reality, they are connected like a lifeline to each other. Nowhere is it more critical than the relationship between the
breathtaking Silver Springs and the mighty St. John's River. These two natural treasures can and must help each other the way mother nature intended. Silver Springs, the Akawaja River are fed by over 25 artisian springs.
Historically, this crystal clearar water flowed freely into the Aawaja River, which then fed directly into the St. John's. Today, this connection is interrupted by restoring the natural flow I almost finished, of the Aawaja.
It would provide 150 million gallons of fresh water to the St. John's daily. Thank you all for your time this morning. >> All right, next we have Tom Tom Townsen. >> Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. I appreciate this opportunity to be before you and speak.
I'm a multigeneration Putin County resident, former school board member and superintendent of schools here in Putham County. My family operated steamship showcasing the Aqua River before the ill- fated Florida uh barge canal.
This river has always been part of our local economy, culture, way of life, and dear to me and my family. Similarly, local families fished, gathered, built me memories around the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir. They deserve to be treated with dignity, not dismissed.
However, honoring the past should not prevent choices for the future. The Rodman Dam is nearly 60 years old. Past its original design life and classifi classified by the state as a high hazard structure. That's not a
criticism, simply a reality. As a community, we have a choice. continue investing in an aging structure that serves no formal purpose or invest in a long-term solution that reduces risk and strengthens our future. Aquawah River restoration would eliminate the dam
failure risk to the downstream community of Waka while bringing jobs, new recreation opportunities, and lasting economic benefits, nearly 200 million regionally over time. This river shaped our history and thoughtful restoration can shape our
future safely, responsibly, and in a way that engages and serves the next generation. I urge you to support the restoration of the Akawa River. Thank you very much for your time. Appreciate your service. >> Thank you, Tom. >> Vernon Meyers.
Madame Chair and commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. Madame Chair, last month you indicated your concern about why the restoration of the Aklawa was starting at the Rodman Dam and not the other dams on the upper
Aklawa. I have some information which I hope will add clarification for the water structures south of the Rodman Reservoir. The first one of note is the Eureka Dam which has never functioned due to the de
decommissioning of the cross Florida barge canal. In fact, on the upper Okawaha south of Eureka, there are 11 other water control structures. Moss Bluff Lock and Dam, which is 30
feet wide and 139 feet long, is in Marian County. Next is the Apopkot Bclair lock and dam which is 15 feet wide and 60 feet long and the Burell lock and dam which is
located on Hannes Creek connecting Lake Griffin and Lake Eustace. These three are managed for flood control and navigation by the St. John's River water management.
The final six control structures and two minor diversion structures are managed by Lake County and all dams span less than 50 ft. They are located in the Claremont chain
of lakes and are also maintained for flood control and navigation in those communities. I have provided a map of the Okawa basin which will help orient these locations.
The Kirk Patrick Dam serves dam serves neither as a flood control or for navigation purposes. As mentioned many times, this is a kick down the road issue during which time the ecology of all involved rivers has
deteriorated and aging infrastructure continues to fail due to lack of maintenance. There have been permits and plans for restoration since the 1990s. I believe it is time to plan for the
future at a time where the legislaturator's plan supports the science and the economics with the dollars for our community in the current bill. Thank you. >> Thank you, Tony Marvin.
Madame Chair, commissioners, my name is Tony Marvin. I live at 125 Kite Road in San Monteo. I also am a multi-generation Putinham County. I've lived and worked all over the southern and western United States,
but I came home. I came back in addition to my family being here. I came back because I love this place. I love the woods. I love the water. I consider myself an outdoorsman and a sportsman.
But I'm concerned about the river. I don't want to come across as anti- anything. I am pro- river and I think that the St. John's River is the beating heart of the ecology of Putnham County
and it it's in decline. There's no denying that. I'm not I don't have a lot of data to support what I'm saying. But I learned to water ski in that St. John's River in the 1960s
and I've seen what it has become. And I don't know that restoration of the Akawa will completely restore it. I I don't know. There's too much construction. There's too much development and just population pressure
on all the systems that go into making up the ecology here. But I just feel like that we need to give it our best shot at bringing the St. John's River back to life like it was. And uh we need to get rid of that dam in
order to do that. And um I can't speak to the economics. I've never seen any data to support that. It may be out there. I just it hasn't been in my view. But I just wanted to go on record as saying
let's do all we can to bring back the St. John's River. I think it's the beating heart and soul of our ecology. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Myers. Linda Myers. Good morning, Madam Chair,
commissioners, clerk, and staff. I appreciate as well the opportunity to speak. Last month when I was here, there were a number of issues of concern expressed, and I truly appreciate that. It makes us all do some deep dives. I would like to share some information
concerning the Aklawa Rodman issue. Some commissioners question why does this restoration start right here in Putham County when the reservoir is on the lower portion of the Akawaja. This is where we remind folks that the Akawa does flow north just like the St.
John's. In fact, the restoration of the Akawa basin began in 1988 when the St. John's River Water Management began the upper AWA basin restoration which of course is south of the reservoir. The district purchased numerous muck farms
around Lake A Lake Apapka bringing an end to the agricultural discharges into the chain of lakes where the headwaters of the Akawaha begin. The goal of that project, like the current lower Aquawa project, was focused on restoring water
quality, fish migration, fish and wildlife habitats. It does make sense that the state started cleaning up at the Aquawa's origin, benefiting all the communities as the river as the Aawaja
flows north. As much as Putnham families have memories on the Aqua before and after the dam, this river is a regional natural masterpiece. As some of you know, I grew up in Orlando, Florida, in a recreational boating family. Yes, that is when I had a boat. Uh, it was an
18oot Crestliner. I've talked with Commissioner Alexander before about that. That's back when boats had one 75 engine. I think now they have two, three, even more. In fact, that was a time when people boated recreationally from Orlando up into our area. My family
along with other families traveled together on this connected waterway to Silver Springs. As many of you know, it was magical then, it's magical now. I am blessed to live on the other end of this natural system at this point. As was spoken, the St. John's River is the
heartbeat of not only our county, it is the longest river in the state of Florida. And it is amazing. Many of you and other folks have indicated it's a timing issue. Why now? Now is because we have a bill which recognizes the
economic needs of both Putnham and Marian who share almost equally the shoreline of the reservoir. And that that legislature is putting money where it is needed and input from us, Putnham County, to plan, prioritize, and shape the future of this amazing natural
system and the communities we love. Please consider a stance supporting recreation the the restoration. Thank you so much again. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else who'd like to speak for public comment?
>> Oops. Anybody else wanting to speak on public comments? All right, coming back to the board. We'll go into appointments. Does anybody have an appointment? Starting with you, Commissioner Alexander? >> None, ma'am. Commissioner Newold, I
>> I have none today. >> Commissioner Harvey, >> I have none. Madam Chair, >> Commissioner Peliser, >> I have none. >> And I have none. All right. Clerk of court. >> Yes, ma'am. Uh, thank you, commissioners. Um, I just want to take a quick second to um to uh thank the
commissioners um for funding those projects at the uh the ball fields. We were out at the ribbon cutting the other day and you know having two children that are going to be playing sports uh you know out there on those fields that is something that um I think is a is a great improvement. So thank you to all
the commissioners um for supporting that. I appreciate it. Also want to take a quick second to thank um two of the baiffs that helped with uh team court uh training last Tuesday night. Uh Dennis Jones and Sam Aldowry. Uh both of those
guys were fantastic in helping us uh show the kids around the courthouse the different holding cells. That's always a fun fun time to see the kids' eyes light up when they're like, "Oh my goodness, this, you know, it becomes a little bit real for them." So, just want to thank those guys and uh and thank y'all again.
>> All right. Um county attorney, >> um I'll talk to each of you individually just about a couple things, but I don't have anything else to report. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> All right. When are we due to close on the um Georgia's lake boat rate? Is that coming up?
>> A closing date has not yet been uh established. It is the seller's obligation to uh complete the land split process. I know he's met with planning and zoning staff multitude of times. Um and as soon as that process is completed, then we will be clear to close.
>> Okay. All right. Just keep us all apprised of that, please. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh county administrator. >> Uh yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, commissioners, have you noticed uh deputy minister Grimes had to step out. He's meeting with the sheriff in Polarts this morning. Still dealing with the uh
aftermath of the fire on west in West Putnham. Uh so uh they're trying to come up with some uh uh solutions to how we might move around some of those issues this morning. Uh so uh one of the things is uh wanted to say thank you uh for the moving forward of the Dun Creek boat
ramp civil work. Uh that's a uh that's a big deal. That's one of those projects that you've asked us to move forward and bring back to you. Uh so what we've uh essentially did here this morning was move forward now. So the uh uh the once all the paperwork is signed and
contracts are are signed and those folks will go to work and we'll actually be moving dirt and pushing those uh boat ramps uh forward on that part of the river. So thank you for that this morning. Uh also madam chair uh thank you for the uh
signing of the fire um burnban u last week and it's in front of again this morning for uh authorization of another seven days uh working in conjunction with the forh Florida forestry service which I think is a great thing as well. That's exactly what
they're meeting on this morning. So I think that's great. Uh, also thank you also for your lead leadership and for you five uh, commissioners. Uh, we did have a a cold weather shelter uh, last week and the week before. Uh, we had to jump through several hoops to get there,
but the five of you made that work. So, thank you. And Madam Chair, I know you were instrumental in that. So, thank you so much for your leadership there. Uh, one of the things that I've been asked to do and I like uh, Mr. Commander, I'll get with each other of of you on your calendars. I want to reach out back to Dr. Cerny. He wants to do a tour one of
the new schools. >> Yeah, we want to do that. >> So, uh uh so we'll work on on getting that calendared for each of you and so we'll we'll make that happen. Uh as you know, we'll be closing the office next Monday uh for President's Day. Uh so, we
want to make sure everybody is aware of that and I believe HR's already sent all the emails out and also to the constitutional. So, thank you, Miss Parker, for doing that. And last that I have is I'd like to get Miss Young if she could to give us an update because this is our last board meeting before we
have Putinham Day up in Tallahassee. So uh yeah, we'll let Miss Young do a do an update on Putinham Day. >> Thank you. Um and thank you to all the commissioners uh for the opportunity. We will have our Putnham County legislative reception for the first time ever that
we'll have a dedicated Putnham County event in Tallahassee. We'll be hosting it on the 22nd floor of the state capital. We've worked with area business leaders, community leaders, different sectors, agricultural sectors of our community, as well as our government leaders. Um, and we have great
participation from all of the different respective areas. We have a lot of um really neat people that are going to be up there with us and neat things that we're going to highlight the best of Putnham and the leaders that are here. We will be um serving cocktails and
ordurves. All of that is completely privately funded. So, our business community that we reached out to um has stepped up and has completely funded a 100% of all the expenses in order to host this event. Um, Representative Sap and Senator Leak are scheduled to speak
along with our very own um former representative and current utilities commissioner Bobby Payne will be helping guide us through that evening as well. So, um it's a great event. I know the clerk's office has jumped in as well. Matt, not just not just Matt, but um his staff has offered to come help along
with our staff that's going to be there as far as setup and tear down and all of the mechanics that make that evening work because um it's a lot of work. It's not just get up there and and shake hands with the legislators. We are completely responsible for every facet
of the evening. Um and it's all on board and um we're ready to to go. >> It is uh February 18th. The reception is from 19th. I'm sorry. The reception is from 5 to 8. Um, and of course, um,
we've got the list. It It's an event. The capital is technically closed, so you have to be on the approved list for the Capitol Police in order for us to get you through everything. So, any questions, just reach out to me. Let me know. >> Go ahead, >> Mr. S. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam Chair, and
thank you, Miss Young. As you know, Miss Young has taken this this responsibility on and her and Mr. Grimes are doing a a great job with that. Uh I don't hear anything but positive stuff coming out of the community for uh for what we're doing there. Two other things is I I'd
be remiss if I didn't thank Chief Back and and Chief Hitchcock. Uh as Commissioner Harvey knows, we took a tour uh and went and saw the uh the events the night of the fire. Uh they braved the weather and that fire uh uh
for several hours and and and and days actually. So, uh, want to want to give a shout out to, uh, your public safety folks because they, uh, they always are on stand ready, uh, to to do what's necessary to protect your community. So, thank you guys for that. And also, uh,
Mr. Tilton, if we could, uh, start getting some regular updates on the gasification project. Uh so uh I think that's a big deal for uh Putnham County and and for you five and I want to make sure that we stay up on uh as updated as we can on that project as we move
forward. Madam Chair, that concludes my comments. >> All right. Thank you. Um and Julian, thank you for um heading up day when we first discussed that. Excuse me. You said, you know, that's something I might want to tackle. And I said here, have at it. And I handed it off to you and you were taking it and run with it. And I'm
so thankful for that. So, um, I appreciate your leadership and in in handling all the details because I knew it was going to be a big lift and I appreciate the fact that you've been able to get the buy in from the community and get get um get everybody
headed in the right direction and get it organized and the right people. So, thank you for that. And um, as far as the the fire burn ban, we did do an a local state of emergency last week. I had signed it for a week. Um, you can only sign them for seven days at a time.
I have received an email from Stephan Turnips Seed who said as of yesterday, this is I received this on Monday. So he said as as of yesterday's for Florida Forest Service report, the KBDI has increased from 479 last week to 486 with
41% of the county in the 501 to 600 range with only 32% relative humid humidity at this time. and WS precipitation forecast is less than one inch of rain for the next seven days. So, um he says this indicates continued
and worsening drought conditions and continued fire risk countywide. So, I just wanted to to u make sure that we're all on board with me signing another week, another seven days of that burn ban. >> Yeah, if you don't mind. I just Absolutely.
>> Yeah. All right. Just want to make sure we didn't have any opposition on that. All right, moving into commissioner comments. Commissioner Alexander. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um just um really want to talk about a few things.
Um you know, we we have a group that has come and presented um their argument regarding Rodman and I appreciate that. And you know, it was it's been somewhat implied by a few that we that I not speaking for the rest of you that I may have been tonedeaf regarding some of the
responses that I've gotten um regarding removal of the dam, but the reality of it is it's been I would say 10 to 20 to one in support of retaining the dam from the constituents that have reached out to
me. Um you people say well validate that. How do you feel? You know that's subjective. Well you know everybody hates Facebook but everybody loves Facebook. And when I put something out there regarding supporting the dam and I get two or 300 people showing their
support I get 200 people sharing a post that you know arguably we could say that 800 to a thousand people see that share. and the overwhelming majority is in support. Um, I was elected to voice the
opinion of the people and the people that have reached out to me are in overwhelming support again of retaining the dam. So, I hear what you're saying and I listen with open ears. I spent time with the riverkeeper
building the eelgrass enclosures. I spent time with mighty river recovery looking at at you know logical solutions to what's going on. I've reached out to one of you guys subject matter experts to get some suggestions from him. Not one single person could provide me
with a smoking gun as to the decline of our river. You know I live on the river. I love that river. You know as a boy I dreamed of living on the river and it's in terrible terrible shape now. My dog and I were out there yesterday walking
in waters that were once filled with eel grass and vegetation. There is not a stitch of it out there. There's no vegetation. It looks like a barren desert. And the reality of it is the Akawa and
Rodman reservoir are teeming with fish, vegetation, wildlife. It's healthy. You know, we do have to do periodic draw downs to kill the vegetation, but that's because it's growing so well. So, something's going
right in there. And I would love to collaborate with you guys and find out what's going right in there and how we might apply it to the river before we
destroy something that is successful. because I think there's some things going right in there that might be applied to the river. So, that's my position on that. But, anyhow, moving on.
Um, did have a great day yesterday. I got to see the SMA shelter opened up. I know that our staff worked very diligently with that. JR um our chairman was was key in that. That started that process started before I came on board. Um, I know you've always been a big
proponent of of helping the less fortunate. Um, and I applaud you for that. That that was great. And to see our community come out, St. John's County come out, the sheriff. It was so poetic to hear um Rob speak.
He made an accurate accurate accum asertation. He says, "Uh, you know, 95% of you aren't in here because you didn't get caught." So he's he was very proud to be part of
that and we have an opportunity to help these folks get back on their feet. Our community's made the investment. We've had some great leaders out there. Nancy Russo has worked very hard and Mr. Grimes has been handinand with those folks during the rehabilitation of that facility and I'm very excited to see
that. Um Madam Chair and I go to a number of the drug courts and the um graduations. Um it's these things are making positive impacts on our community. I'd like to see that. I'd like to continue with those. Um, that's that's really about all I got to say.
>> Thank you guys. >> All right. Very good. Um, Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a few things. First of all, I want to thank our board of county commissioners. Serve with a lot of great people over the years that I've been here. And I think this is the most engaged board I've ever
seen in community projects. clearly because we have a a fund that we can use to help in in our districts and outside of our district throughout the whole county. But um like I said, it's easier to govern when you have money. No doubt about it. And u but we we were we we
hear of problems, we solve the problems, and we're immediate with that and we don't have to linger on. And I appreciate every person here. They're all involved in this community. Um, matter of fact, you can't be more involved because there's times you just
get give out and you have to stop for just a moment. But we are all everywhere. And Madam Chair, you you brought up something about a homeless couple one time that really struck a nerve with me about young girl and pregnancy and choices and trying to help
them. And you know that we should all be about trying to help each other in this community. And I I appreciate that. And I can tell you that every board member here is trying to make Putham County a place that's better than and leave it better than they found it. Do want to mention that last week uh Commissioner
Alexander and I did drive to Tallahassee and we testified in the Senate uh the benefits of Rodman Reservoir. It was a very um it was Jason Brutder uh Senator Brutder's committee. So we knew it was an uphill battle. Um but I invoke Corine
Brown. My people use that reservoir for substance. My people use that for water. Y'all remember that, right, Chip? You do. I know you do. And I appreciate that. Um, and it is important. But my people in West Putham are seeing wells
going dry. Not only because of the draw down, but because of the the drought that we're in. So, we better protect the water we know. And people better quit picking on Putnham County. Thank you, Madam Chair, for that line. I appreciate it. Uh, next week, as you know, I'll be
in Washington, DC. I have the opportunity, as one of the four executive members of the Florida Association of Counties, to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It's going to be one of the highlights of my life. I've stood in
the Oval Office and I prayed for our president before with me and my family, but this is going to be one of the major highlights that I'll ever and I'm going to take a list of Putham County veterans if I have to put it in my hand somewhere on me that I can remember when I'm doing
that that it's for Putham County and it's going to be a highlight of my life. And the other highlight of my life is this coming Saturday. My wife and I'll be married 41 years on Valentine's Day. I don't know how she put up with me for 41 years because I don't think I would
have put up with me. I know I wouldn't have put I can barely put up with me myself some days. But uh God brought us together and we smile every morning as we sit there and have coffee and look at our new screen that has all the grandkids and kids and great grandkids
and we just remember how blessed we are and and talking to one of my granddaughters yesterday at the house and our great granddaughters um and talking about the old days of a $2,500 double wide mobile home and talking
about a Keros heater that we had and talking about putting blankets up in the doorways and over the windows because you had to survive. Correct. And you did the best you could for your family of what you what God gave you until he gave you something better. So I want to end
with that, but I do want to wish my wife a happy anniversary and again thank you for the opportunity for me to serve with each and every one of you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> Comment on that. Oh, >> I just I want to applaud Linda myself because I spent six hours with you in
the car the other day. >> Commissioner New Bulgar recognized. >> Thank you. Um a number of things to touch on. Again, I'd like to I just give a a quick thanks to both of those parties with that easement lane um issue. That was a It
was nice to see what could have been a a more complicated process come together with two parties who were willing to uh be reasonable and helpful with one another. And it was nice to see the the process work. Um I would I'd give a and
I don't I probably shouldn't do this, but I'm going to do it anyway because I I don't like to catch staff off guard. Um, one of the gentlemen mentioned that he was kind of caught off guard by a lack of announcement to him. Um, Flidian Club
Road didn't actually touch a lot of the property owners on East Lane. So while it was a little bit of a technical issue why they didn't get um notified, you know, I I think this process has helped us to to look at you know when something
is is vacated, we see how it affects folks adjacent to it. And I think um you know during my conversations with staff, you know, they they've seen that and and that'll go more smoothly in the future. But um anyway, that was a nice process.
Um, I was able to attend with all the other commissioners the Steuart Marchman facility ribbon cutting that is kind of a I wasn't aware of the impact of of of that in our community. you. We're fortunate to have Steuart Marchman um
had the ability. I thought they were a statewide organization and they only touch five or six counties and um they do make a big difference and you don't think about people re-entering um you know our community after they have you
know a brush with the law but um that's that's kind of a big deal and not everybody gets that opportunity to have those amenities that Steuart Marchman provides. So we will benefit that St. John's County will benefit with that. It was nice to see that multi-county
collaboration. That's that's a it kind of flies under the radar, but it's a big deal. Um, also touching on the cold weather shelter, you know, that kind of came together in a in a difficult way, but you know, Madam Chair, thank you for for championing that and and along with
many others, but that program is only going to get more robust over the years and and those things those little things help make Putnham County a better place. Um, I was eating breakfast today and behind me there was a four people sitting in the booth and just
unannounced they just started talking. I just overheard him talking about the animal shelter and how what a great place that new shelter is and how they were benefiting from it. It was it was neat to overhear that uh
surprising conversation. Yep. Um, I was able last Thursday and Friday I was able to attend the Florida Association of County Trusts risk management workshop. It was held in St. John's County. We had representation from um several of the constitutionals
there. It was a good program. And that trust is a a collection of counties around the state that get together and self-insure with with liability and auto insurance. And Mr. Harvey's been a part of that for a long time. And I've been
able to to um he's been covered up and and kind of delegated that out. And uh I'm learning a lot in that process and it's a it's a real benefit to to Putnham County. So anyway, I think that touches on most of what I have and I'll yield to
somebody else. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. Commissioner Palis, you're recognized. >> Um I have a handful of things here. Um Miss Young, did you say 5 to 8 on the 19th in Telas? Is that correct the time? Okay, I got that out of the way. Um
there's not a whole lot more that can be said about Rodman uh pros and cons. Um it's it's it's out of all of our hands now. it's the governor. So, that's uh that's where that lies. I'm not going to jump up and down u one way or the other about it. I've said my piece. Um I think
everybody knows how I feel. I have a lot of good memories on that reservoir as a kid fishing and I'd like to see other people be able to take their children out there and fish. That's one of the best places to fish in Button County in my opinion. But end of that, it's up to the governor. Um the uh lightning
suppression system that we uh went out and tested at uh Theobo Park was I think one of the just a really great thing. Um it's loud. It's really really loud. It's all I can tell you. Um and it's it's going to prevent
the possibility of another tragedy like we had here a couple years ago. And I I I as we move forward, if we can find the money to put those at all our parks, I think it's a wonderful thing. Um uh out doing a little traveling
yesterday looking around the county and I had not been to um um 310 on um and 19 intersection there at the high bridge and I was very pleasantly pleased as to how it now uh works. um as you approach
and I guess there's a sensor in the road or something, there's big flashing yellow lights on both sides. So, if you're not aware, you will be aware. It will get your attention. I think that's going to help save some accidents there. Um I do have another project that I'm going to work on with Mr. Browning and
our DOT officials of a de acceleration lane once you cross the top of the bridge for those turning going in there so people don't have to about stop for you to turn one way or the other. So, that's that's on my list with Mr. Browning and he told me to make him a list and I'm I'm working on that diligently. Um
uh Mr. Commando, have we heard anything from California the lady? Nothing. No response. Okay. All right. So, we're def we're definitely waiting. Um that is it except for my very Oh, no. No. Um the Steuart Marchman place uh out here we
went and cut the ribbon on yesterday. The the man what a facility. Clean. I mean, beautiful. just you need to visit. You need to visit. It is something really neat that we can offer those that are less fortunate coming out of incarceration.
How did uh how did Sheriff Hardwick put it? Uh >> 95% of us didn't call. >> No, no, no. The other way about the the gated community. >> Oh, yes. Temporary residence. >> Temporary residence of a gated community. That's the way he put it.
Yes. Um, so it's a it's a great facility and it's it's I'm so proud it's here in Putham County and as uh I think Commissioner Ubolt said it's they're not all over the country. They're there's like five or six counties and we're fortunate to have it uh located here in ours. If you get the chance, I encourage
you to go out. Um the uh last thing I have to say and I'm done is uh very very very excited about our 2 o'clock meeting here today to discuss our uh governmental complex and uh all of our properties and I'm done. >> All right. Thank you. Um I I'll piggy
back a little bit just so everybody will know at the SMA healthcare there's a couple things going on. They now offer if anybody uh has somebody in need who does not have health care coverage at all, they have a primary doctor that you could go go to. So if you have somebody
in need and they can't afford to see a doctor, they have free uh free health care and you can arrange that. There's a phone number you can call and um I actually have somebody who's who's um works at our my husband's shop and he
needed something done and didn't wasn't didn't have a primary care physician and was able to get in out there and uh we've sent also sent a couple of the people that we met during the cold weather shelter that came in that were unhoused and we've since had them out there thanks Miss Reyes and she's
personally driven them out there and gotten some doctor's appointments. So they in addition to all the other things they have going on, they also have free primary care. Um the 15 bed facility that was opened up yesterday was um the building is owned by the county but it
was renovated with an appropriation from the state and um the other portion of that appropriation went to the building it sits in front of the sheriff's office and that building is being renovated or has is just about ready I think and the whole purpose of that is to reduce
recidivism and um helping those coming out of the jail system who really have a need and then they just fall back into the same same cycle. And so the idea is providing them with the resources that they need um including potentially uh
living arrangements if they don't have that. So I think that's very very good for our entire community. I want to thank um Mayor Kareah for her leadership in working with us on the um cold weather shelter. It was originally I think the county had it three four days and then the city was the lead the other
three four days. So it all worked out. Um they're okay. Um we got it done as much as we could and it worked out really well. We had um Miss Reyes and I are working with her are working with another couple but uh we're trying to
get them um services and we've learned a lot in the process. We've learned what actually works and what doesn't. We've learned what agencies stand up and say they're providing services but don't really. And so um that's the reality.
Um, people who are unhoused face a variety of challenges and you hand somebody a card and say go do this so that you can get this, they might not even be able to do that. They don't have access to computers. They don't. So,
there's a big need for um a group to step up that actually is more of a case manager type process instead of just a bunch of agencies saying what they do and provide. But my ever since I've been here, I've always seen that there's a
big gap from the people on the street and the people that are providing the resources because the people are providing the resources often sit in offices and they wait for the people who are in need to come in the door and that's just not how it works. And um so I think that as we move forward, I'm hoping that can change some things and
how we serve our our those citizens. Um, I did receive a request from the town of Pomona Park from their town clerk, Andrea Alamita. And, uh, basically, and I know Larry's been to a few meetings as well, but he's never gotten up and spoken, so I'm not going to call on him.
But, um, basically, they're writing to formally request the county's assistance with the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk along US 17 within the town's limits. >> Um, go ahead. I've had some conversation with them and they're asking for
crosswalks on not on the state road but on the county roads that that feed into the state road. Um I've spoken with maintenance. Um it is doable. We're kind of looking at how to proceed, but it's um not a huge lift
economically we believe, but we're kind of in the early stages of it. But we won't be they're not asking for um anything on the state road. >> Okay. Well, that's not what this letter says, but um I'll get it to you, but if you have anything that you're going to bring back, that would be great. If
there is an option that we help with that. >> Sure. I I told them that we'd be happy to to help with um you know, letters of support as far as you know, the state road and rideway, but we'd be happy to to look into helping on >> the county ones, >> the county roads.
>> Okay. Well, let us know how we can how we can move that forward. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Um I will be asking it coming up uh once a month or once a court regarding committee updates. We all serve on different committees and so I'd just like for us to share you know what we're
working on regarding committees and if anything particular that you think would be good for all of us to know or our citizens to know. And with that, um, again, I want to thank, um, Miss Julianne for put arranging Putnham County Day and organizing that. I appreciate your
leadership on that. And I want to thank, um, the community paramedics for all that they do. Um, so many times when we've been helping our citizens recently, um, they've been they've stepped up. I matter of fact, when I
call, I go, "Uh oh, y'all done gave the county commissioner yourself." and so they start laughing. But um they've been a huge help and I think they're going to continue to be a huge help in the community and I'm very proud of that brand. So with that we will >> we will recess.
>> I just have one last thing. I'm sorry. I was uh reminded by Miss Lasser or Miss that for that public hearing for Chimeare Way. Yeah. >> We need to actually advertise twice. So we won't have time to do it before the next meeting if we could just agree to move that to the March 10th meeting. >> Okay. Do we have a motion to move it to
the March 10th meeting? So moved. >> All right. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> Do we um do I recess for the or the workshop is a separate? >> It doesn't matter for that. The only time that's really a big issue is with budget. >> Okay. All right. With that, we'll
adjourn this meeting and Yes sir. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Levity never hurts any situation. That's what Commissioner Bill Pickkins used to say. So during the meeting, I got a email from a Dr. Oman India in Iran that says
a late Dr. Eric Harvey has left me $18.7 million in his estate. So y'all just need to be friends with me as we go forward. Okay. Just letting you know. >> Okay. >> Just thought I'd let you know. Okay. >> You wouldn't make >> Yeah, I might not. Okay. All right. With
that, we'll adjourn the meeting, but we will uh reconvene at 2 o'clock regarding uh county buildings. Thank you.