Today is Tuesday, June 9th. It is now 9:00. Uh we will call the meeting to order and have our invocation by Reverend Carl Flag from Mount Taber First Baptist Church, followed by the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Harvey. Please rise if you're able to do so.
>> Good morning. Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, it's once more again we have the privilege and the pleasure to call upon your name. Lord, first of all, we want to thank you for a brand new day, a day that we've never experienced before. God, we thank you and we praise
you for our legislators. We thank you, God, for administrators. And we pray, dear God, that even as they go through this agenda today that you will give them the wisdom, the knowledge, the understanding, the discernment, and everything that they need to make best decisions. Lord, we thank you for all of
those who make up this audience today. We thank you for all of our citizens and dear God, those who are representing our future, who have been outstanding over these past weeks uh in their tournament. God, we just pray that you will bless and refresh each of us. Renew and
restore us. God, help our county to be a grateful county. Help us, dear Lord, to work together, to pray together, to stay together, and do your will together. bless our community at large and we will give you praise and glory and honor both now and in the days to come. It's in
Christ's name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> 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. >> Thank you. You may be seated. And uh just as a reminder, please silence your cell phones. All right. Before us today, we have the approval of the minutes from the May 12th, 2026 meeting. >> Madam Chair, I move approval of the minutes stated in our packet.
>> Second. >> Right. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Motion carries. All right. We will recess the board of county commission meeting and convene the port authority meeting. Approval of the minutes from May 12th. Madam Chair, I move approval of the Port Authority minutes May 12th.
>> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> All right. Any public comment on port authority items? There's an opportunity for public comment further down on other items, but this is particular to port authority. All right. Seeing none, we'll go into our quarterly port by Mr. Suggs.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Sullivan apologizes. He had some mechanical issues this morning and wasn't able to make it on time. So, I'm going to give a brief uh update if I could. I just want to let everybody know the the port authority know that the completion of
our bulkhead and dock reconstruction uh design is 100 100% complete now. So, we'll be moving forward hopefully uh in the near future with some uh with some bids for that. Also, we have resubmitted our port infrastructure development grant for $10 million. Uh that was
submitted last week. We've also are in the process of submitting for Fstead funding for approximately another 2.6 million which is Florida Seapport Transportation Economic Development Group. Also, uh DOT has came down and done their annual review and inspection.
And so we want to just continue to say thank you to them for their support as well because they've been very instrumental in helping us with funding for our port. And lastly, uh Mr. Sullivan as your uh port manager has been appointed to the uh Florida ports council transition team and Fstead
bylaws team which is also going to give us a little more insight as to uh more funding opportunities and participation with both those those groups. So just want to give a a quick shout out to Mr. Sullivan for that and for all the support that you as that serve as both
the commissioners as well as the port authority continue to give uh uh administration Mr. Sullivan out there at the port. great things are happening and as soon as we get the design uh uh plans and all back in we'll share those as well. So thank you very much and that that concludes my report.
>> All right, very good. Is there any uh questions for Mr. Suggs? Any general discussion? All right, seeing none, we will close the port authority meeting and reconvene the BOCC and we'll go into presentation starting with our 4 volunteer Ann
Atkins. Is she here? There she is. Oh my Good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you for having us. I'm Jeannie Hal. I'm the 4 agent. And this is Miss Ann Atkins. She is one of our 4 volunteers, one of our master gardeners. She's also part of the
Putinham 4 be sorry, not Putin 4, Putinham Beekeepers Association. and we're here today to tell you about some summer camp opportunities that we're going to offer this summer. We have um 12 total. Three of those are put on by the University of Florida and
we'll have nine that we'll offer at the extension office anywhere from youth naturalist which starts tomorrow. We have a sewing camp. We have a space exploration camp as well as a 9-to-f5 are you ready college and career and we also have a beekeeping camp which I'm
going to let Miss Anne tell you about. >> So I want to thank you for your support to the um a agency that allows us to do this. Um the beekeeper camp is going to be 10 students and all 10 will go home with a complete beehive at the end of the course. The course is two and a half
days so we got a lot of learning to do but there's a lot of support after that. We have the adult beekeeping club that they parents can join and we also have the 4 um regular um what is it called? Not camp. I'm so used to camp right now but the regular meetings. So I'm a 4
leader and I have the regular meetings and everything. So they have plenty of support after uh Florida State Beekeepers Association donated all 10 boxes, all the frames and the bees and everything and the suits and the tools.
So, um, FPNL is also donating $1,000. So, we're going to be using that to buy everything else a student needs. So, when these 10 students leave the camp, they will be full beekeepers. >> What are the age groups? >> Um, 11 to 17. >> Okay. Wow.
>> Yeah. So, we do offer a lot of support and we hope their parents and the students will join our clubs afterwards so they can continue. >> And and for your other uh programs, what are are there different age groups for different programs? Yes, the regular 4 camp she can or I keep saying camp. 4
meetings is 8 to what? 18. >> Five to 18. >> Five to 18. >> Great. Um but our camps we have different age categories on the this form. I believe you guys might have one. >> Great. Wonderful. Um and if anyone in
the audience is interested, I have some. They have QR codes listed. The camps are all reasonably priced. Um and if there's a hardship, we can definitely approach that as needed. And it's not just for 4 youth. It's for any youth in Putnham County. >> Great. Great.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you. We appreciate everything you do. >> Was Did Laura get a copy of this so she could share it? >> Looks like they can you can go to their website as well to get information about the camps or call. >> Good deal. Good deal.
>> All right. Next up, we have Babe Ruth District Tournament. Thank you, commissioners. If I can have our Babe Ruth board members come join us. Um, as I begin talking, as you know well, because most of you came out to one or both of the tournaments. Um, we
hosted both the Platka uh District 3 baseball tournament and softball tournament. Um, and those were two long weeks of a lot of ball played. Um, and these kids showed up and showed out. So, before we honor the kids, I first want
to take a minute and honor um, and just give my appreciation to parks and rex teams. Um, Kyle and our turf care team did an amazing job. He contended with a lot of rain through the baseball tournament um, and worked diligently to get those fields back up and operational
and working um, so that those games could go on. it. Many of those games was well into the night after rain delays and Kyle and his crew were there into the late hours of the night and back again in the wee hours of the morning to make sure these kids could play ball and that made the difference between them
playing ball and not playing ball. Um Chris and his team took care of the facilities, making sure trash and restrooms and all the things that we never think about um but are required if we're going to have a tournament and we're going to have a good image of it. So appreciation to them. board members
from Babe Ruth. Will you join me? Um, I'd also want to to recognize the board members that you see here. Um, these board members work diligently through the season and yes, most of them have a child playing on a team, but what you don't see is they're there every night
of the season making sure that all the children in the in the program have an opportunity to play their games and on their teams and umpires are there and the balls are there and all the things that go behind what we do when the kids are on the field. And so without them
and their organization, our community wouldn't have the recreation league that we do have. I'm going to give Babe Ruth an opportunity if they want to speak before we call the kids up. >> I guess that's me. Um >> your honor, >> George Young as a now soon to be
outgoing president of uh Pala Babe Ruth's board. U the I'm told now that I have to practice brevity. I can't come up here and talk to you like you're a jury anymore. I got to get the speech in and get out. So, the best way I know how to summarize um
our appreciation is just say thank you. We came to this county four or five years ago with a challenge that we would build a recreation program with some advanced teams if we had the facilities and this county went above and beyond. I
can't tell you how much it means and the compliments that you got from members of communities all across the state that were here both at the baseball and softball tournament. A lot of that had to do with your your folks. Uh Chris and and uh Kyle, every time we challenged
them with here's a new problem, they leaped at it and they fixed it. It was incredible. Um we even had folks out there slinging hamburgers on their own. Um, but we came to you with a proposition to build our program, but we needed
facilities and and you went above and beyond. So, we have now hosted two softball district tournaments here in this community and the baseball tournament. Um, so all I can do is say thank you. The only way we pulled this off on our end are the folks you see
right back here, Jessica Lake, Chuck Romer, Tyler Harris. I harassed them daily about every detail there was, but they had this in hand. They did all the coordination. They did all the hard work. They We had tons of volunteers,
which was incredible to see our Bay Ruth community, our Bay Ruth board step forward like none other and participated. And so I understand you got a lot of things on your plate and big things to deal with. But for a moment, you can see what we have been
able to do. You've had over 370 kids playing baseball and softball this past spring. That 370 in this program. And now you get to see some folks that are reaping a lot of the hard work that they put in and moving on to the state tournament. They've done an outstanding
job. The coaches are amazing. We've got a great program, but we couldn't have done it without what you did for us. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. With that, we're going to have our PALA 12U team join us. The boys,
um, boys and coaches, if you'll come on up. So, let me brag on these these young men that you see here, all the teams that you're going to see here today. Um, their journey was met with blood, sweat, and tears, but it was also met with, um,
a lot of hard work, commitment to their teammates, and perseverance. And so today we want to honor that. These guys in particular um they started game one and had a torrential downpour and ended up with a two-hour rain delay where they
came back that evening late into the night um losing the game at that point with 17 minutes left on the clock and they got to work and they got it done. So they won that game and they came back the next day and they won their championship game. So with that, Mr.
Suggs has a coin. And if I can have one of the coaches just call out each of the children's names that's with us and then we've got coins for anybody that's not here. >> Yeah. And then we'll take a picture of the boys and then we'll move on to the building. >> Start right here. >> Number 16, Nathan Brown.
Number five, Luke Driggers. Number 10, Hunter Depri. Number 23, Clay Vault. Number 14, Sam Baker. Number 35, Cruz Becker. Number three, Connor Cheshire. We're missing a couple that couldn't be
here. So, I've got it in the truck for you all. Don't worry. All right. >> And again. >> One more. A thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you guys. Appreciate
>> Appreciate it. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. Go on the shelf in the office. >> I don't think they can do it. We did. We did. >> Commissioners, next we have our six and under um Palatka Panther girls team who took first place in the tournament and
we're going to do the we're going to do the same thing. We're going to introduce each one of them. We'll take a picture real quick. >> Okay. >> All right. Number 13, Cohen Mlan. Number 11, Macy Merwin. >> Number 16, Emerson Brady.
>> Emerson. Go Emerson. >> S's got to hold on. Number 29, Penelopey Evans. Number 20, JC Mikler. Number five, Annalie Ward. Number one, Marbel Kennedy. Number three, Finn Finn Lee Willoughby.
Number seven, Payton Mullis. >> Yep. All right. On three. One, two, three. And again. One more. The parents come.
>> Very good. Thank you. >> Congratulations. We're just we'll hold our comments to the end. >> And last, but certainly not least, our tenu lady Vikings um who came in second place of nine teams. Um
their division was quite large. They ended up having to play five games over four days. Um and they persevered to the end and came up um second place. So with that, we will do the same. Um, I have number 15, Molly Miles.
Number three, Zoe Romer. Number two, Maddie Kelly. Number 20, Cali Weaver. Number 10, Ashlin Young. >> She's so excited. >> Number 99, Piper Lake. Number number 00 Emilyn Waldron.
Number five, Kennedy McNeel. And number 75, Mackenzie Fidel. All right. On three. One, two, three. >> And again. One more. smile. Thank you. comments. >> Okay, >> thank you commissioners. Um, the only
person that was not able to join us tonight from the Bay Breathe Board was Seth Miles, um, softball commissioner, and again, we couldn't do it without him. Um, as you can tell, the parents are proud, we're proud as a community. Um, these young people are going to go and represent us now on a state level, and we wish them all the best. So, thank you for the opportunity to recognize
them. ready to go first. >> We have we have some commissioner comments starting with Commissioner Pelicier. >> Um Mr. Young, where'd you go? There you are. Um you and your team are to be commended for all y'all done for the youth of of our county and giving them a
place to go that is top shelf. I uh was out in that area on a uh ditch drainage issue, I don't remember, and somebody had told me said, "You need to swing by the by the park. You'll be impressed." That was an understatement. I made a circle around
the Francis Park and it was just unbelievable the professionalism. I mean, it looked like I was at Dodger Stadium or something. It was just amazing. And I'm so proud that we put in the money to support our kids like this. Means a lot.
>> Yeah. Thank you, Commissioner Alexander. You're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, as a former Babe Ruth coach, I coached for four years. Uh, traveled throughout the state with my boys and also my daughter played, uh, Ivy and Tucker. To see the
improvements that our staff has made in the facilities to bring it into a a class act operation that rivals many that we traveled to in the state. Um, Mr. Kenny DS is right there in the audience. I coached his grandson as well who's now playing college ball. Had a
couple of my guys going to college. It's It's a big deal, boys. I'm looking at y'all. I'm looking at you, girls. Um to accomplish what you have and bask in these moments. The kids you see around you will be the friends for the rest of your lives.
Enjoy. >> Thank you, Commissioner Harvey. You're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um always say it's easier to govern when you have money. And years ago, we didn't have a whole lot of money. the county was at a no growth factor and money was draining.
But we made a commitment years ago and Mr. Young, I appreciate that, that we wanted to partner with those who wanted to partner with us and we we put this this board, the previous board put a lot of money into parks and recreation into this county for the young people of this
county because we I'm not going to go out there and play ball. I'm getting too old for that. I am throwing the ball every day because I tried to do the first pitch and I was not too good at it. So, I'm getting better at it. But truly, this is what this community is about. This community is about investing
in our young people, investing in our our youth, investing in those volunteers who want to come out and give up their Saturdays and their days in the week and their night times to go out there and support these young people and to invest in them. And I'm just honored. It's my
honor to sit here and to be able to do that. And uh we're we're pumping money into a lot of fields, a lot of parks and recreation throughout this county, but it's a big county, trust me, and there's a lot of opportunities. So, thank you volunteers and thank you board and thank
you children for understanding that this is part of a group effort and we want to be a partner with you just as much as anything. So, thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Newold. You're recognized. >> Thank you. I appreciate the invite from staff um to come out and and see the
activities that at the at field the last two weeks. It is just it's nice to be able to go out and watch them all as a team watch the teams from all over the region. Um and just sitting and listening to parents from other places coming into Putham County and
going wow you know we got to step it up back home because you know that's that's not what we're used to. We're used to traveling and seeing bigger and better in other places and it is it is money well spent on for our youth. So, thank you staff and thank you parents and and
thank you all the participants who who played. So, >> all right, one more. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized again. >> I apologize. I I did miss something. Um I would be remiss if I didn't mention it. Um you know, you hear nothing but bad comments. You know, you hear a lot of
that, but when I see our team out there, our staff was out there every day, every weekend, that's above and beyond what they signed on to do. They have a commitment to this community that a lot of people do not see. And I got to say, I was very proud to be associated with
those three over there this weekend. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Um, Commissioner, I just moved you up. Mr. Suggs, you're recognized or down. I'm not sure. >> Thank Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh and and Commissioner Alexander, thank you for that because it's not it doesn't need to
be understated the amount of work that went into putting these two tournaments uh not only uh on but but getting them through especially the previous weekend with the weather. Uh Babe Ruth and everybody involved with it has to be commended for shifting schedules, moving
game time, start times, and things of that nature. you know, your your your turf crew uh from 5:00 a.m. in the morning to 10 at night because games and schedules got changed with the rain making those events happen uh can't be understated. And you've got three teams
that are here today. You had just shy of 40 teams in the softball tournament and I believe you had 40 plus teams in the baseball tournament and three of your three of your teams are right here from Putnham County being recognized today as winners and runners up. So those are your winners, you know, today. That is
phenomenal. The support this weekend from the parents was phenomenal. And yes, uh Mr. Grimes probably cooked more hamburgers and the hot dogs and then than than McDonald's did this weekend. So, uh you know, that was a tremendous uh it's a full team effort. It really
is. want to go back to what I said last commission meeting that if you hadn't had an opportunity to see the process and the progress that's been made at those facilities, you've got to go look at it because from from everything from turf maintenance to clay to fencing uh
to your your lightning detectors to to your mowers uh to your additional staff, everything is working the way it's supposed to work out there, you know, and Putnham County was the benefit or benefactor for for two weekends in a row
and then my wife and I would uh in between games would would go grab a sandwich somewhere and the places were full of baseball players and softball players. So, Putnham County was a huge winner. But thank you to everyone that participated. Thank you to all the teams that are here this morning, the coaches,
Babe Ruth and the uh and staff and and again Jr. and Julianne did yman's work uh out there. It was unbelievable. And uh so uh thank you guys for for the support for what you're doing for Parts and Wreck right now. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Suggs. And then um I just
want to say thank you to all the volunteers. Um I know you put a lot of hard work into this. It's uh two two weekends, but it's a lot more hours than just the two weekends that you've spent here. And um I want to thank this board because we did make some changes. We put
in some restroom facilities out at Francis. No more no more portallets hopefully. Um, so that's a big deal, but a lot of other things, too. And I just want to thank you, say thank you to the board for their investment in our parks and wrecks. And and I want to say thank you to the parents because you have to
dedicate a lot of your time to do that, to be to be part of this, and to uh, you know, you're really investing in the future of these children, and I just want to say thank you for that. And then lastly to the kids, I hope you really enjoyed your time and uh continue to
work hard and be the great people that you are and um we are so appreciative of you guys for uh the dedication you put into this to this season and we hope you do it next year. So with that, I just ask all the adults to stand up and give
our kids a standing ovation. Thank you. We uh next we have on our agenda if we I don't not sure if everybody wants to stay but we're moving into another presentation. Um if we want to take a few minutes for we'll just take a few minute recess while everybody takes a break.
Um I believe we have a presentation by Krebs. Is that correct? L. >> No, I have something before that. I'm taking a point of privilege. Is there a presentation by Krebs? Morning,
Mr. >> Morning. I'll give a little background as to what we're we're here for today. Uh, a few weeks ago when we had some discussions about the speed limit um signs going up in the school zones that would let uh traffic goers know what their current speed limit is compared to
what's posted, right? >> Um, and we talked about getting those feedback signs um done. Uh, Mr. Krebs called me after the meeting on his own accord and said, "Hey, I watched the meeting, saw that the community was worried about some school zones and speeding and I want to know how Krebs
land development can help in the purchase of those signs uh so that we can help the community as a company." Um, and so I told him what the discussion was, how much those were, and uh Stuart and his company would like to sponsor two of the school locations uh in full, and he's here to present a
check today. And I'll let Stuart talk to you guys. As you guys know, we have a lot of trucks running up and down the road and um just coming through those school zones, the flashing lights are cool, but if it has like a registered speed on it, it just grabs your attention, you know,
a lot faster without having to look down. I mean, so when we seen the need, we thought, what better place to put some of the money back into the community than right there, especially with with us having such a large footprint with vehicles driving, you
know, around the county. But yeah, so we just decided that's what we was going to do. >> Very good. >> Thank you. >> And as you know, Cribs Land Development has they do a lot of work for our county and they do have a large footprint as far as traffic is concerned. Uh and so I really public works really appreciate
him calling and what can we do and and so he's here today with a $16,000 check to give to the county to support those two. >> Very good. Thank you. I'll let him >> Oh, okay. You guys are all in. All right. All right. Next up, we have Lori Parker
from HR. And while she's making her way, I just want to say what a wonderful community we live in that that we have people that are dedicated to our youth and people that are dedicated to making our county better. And this is just one example of that. So, thank you. >> Good morning.
>> Good morning. >> Sorry I interrupted you. I thought you >> No, you're fine. >> Um, this is a recognition for employee of the month. We have we receive nominations from employee peers and managers who recognize the employees who are have exemplary service. And the
employee of the month is Ally Gilbert from sanitation. >> I asked Miss Ally if she wants to say something. I got an emphatic no. So I'm going to say a few words real quick. I just want to first and foremost um thank Miss Alli for her dedication to the
sanitation team and for what she brings. She's willing to um step in wherever we need her. The only thing we haven't done is put her on a piece of equipment and I bet she would do that if we asked her to do it. She fills in where we needed her to fill in. She handles all of our procurement aspects and um lining up
trying to get us the best prices and try to be as fiscally responsible as we can in the sanitation department. That all goes through Miss Ally. And so with that, um, she's very deserving of this. We're very grateful for her and for all that she does for, uh, for our department. And we just want to say thank you. Thank you.
>> Congratulations. >> We come forward for a quick picture. Yep. >> Congratulations. All right. One, two, three. One more. Thank you. >> Thank you. Congratulations.
>> All right. Uh, thank you for that. Congratulations, Miss Ally. We appreciate all your hard work. Um, for our folks in the audience and who are watching, we uh want to honor an employee every once in a while just to uh give them some good good credit where
credit is due. Going into our planning and development public hearing. >> Morning board. Uh for the record, Ethan Thompson presenting uh land development text amendment LDC26-0000001. Uh this is the second reading of the
proposed ordinance. Uh as required by statute, it has to be heard twice. And at the first hearing on May 26th, the board voted unan unanimously to conduct the second hearing today at 9:00 am. Uh this is an application by Zach Ford requesting an amendment to the text of
the Putham County Land Development Code, chapter 45, section 1036, requirements for the type 3 family subdivision. Uh as a reminder, we have uh six different methods by which someone in Putnham County could subdivide or alter
their land. Um the type three is the one that we're going over today. Um some uh the three most important requirements for the type three is that you have to have an agricultural future land use designation. You have to be zoned agriculture. Uh and the
subdivision must meet the density or provide a qualifying residential density exception for immediate family members. The applicant's request is to remove the requirement that parcels that are subject to type three subdivision applications must have an agricultural future land use designation.
Kind of another brief overview and a reminder that the agricultural zoning requirement will will remain. Um the standards by which the type three family subdivision are uh subdivided and the minimum size requirements will still apply.
And then this is the text as proposed to be amended. We would be striking designated agriculture in the Putnham County comprehensive plan and have replacing that with having agricultural zoning when the following conditions are met. Conditions one through four remain the
same. We add some grammatical corrections to five with if a county and the dash maintained road and then a dash and 66 foot wide. Um and then uh the strike underline inclusion at the
beginning is the applicant's um proposed amendment and then the following is staffs which is that the minimum easement width requirement of 66 ft may be reduced through an administrative variant subject to the requirements provided in article 9 division 4 of this code.
Section 45 1036 continued. Uh these remain the same and then as uh voted on by the the commission last meeting uh subsection 8 in 1036 will remain unchanged. The planning commission had some amendments.
We struck those from the ordinance. Uh and then we are have some additional grammatical corrections to uh section 451033 adding an S to subdivisions in subsection 3 and then an S to boundary line adjustments in subsection 5.
Staff recommends approval of the amendments proposed by applicant and by staff to the land development code as the request is consistent with Florida statutes and consistent with the intent of the Putham County comprehensive plan and the goals, objectives, and policies therein. Um the planning commission at their
meeting on April 8th voted 4 to1 to recommend approval with some additional changes. And then at the first BOCC meeting on May 26th, the board voted unanimously to hear this application at a second meeting which was today at 9:00. They also voted unanimously to strike the recommended amendments made by the planning commission.
Are there any questions for staff? >> Are there any questions for staff? All right. Is there anyone in the public who would like wish to speak on the subject matter? This is a public hearing. Is there anybody wishing to speak on the subject matter? All right, coming back to the board. Um
I just want to make a comment. I I've never liked the 66 feet. Never have. I think it's too much. Um I think um people who grew up here realize that um 66 I mean we don't even do that on our
own public roads. I mean it's just way too much. But I'm glad that there's an option in here that can now be changed. you know, they could go through the administrative variance, but um a standard road usually falls between 22 and 36 feet, and I just think 66 is way
too much, but at least we now have an option for somebody who doesn't quite have a 66 foot right easement to get into their property. I think that's I appreciate that. That's just my comments. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I also uh for the record, Zachary Baker. Um I just
wanted to take a moment to come up here and be transparent with the board. Uh after the board gave direction to staff for the second reading, I had a commissioner visit my office and and request uh a modification to subsection 8 of chapter 451036.
Uh it is a material change, but it does not change the intent. Um, Rich, can you please get just kind of summarize the the procedural elements for um when the board has made a decision to move forward and then when a commissioner approaches afterwards? Uh, so we can
just try to begin that conversation of what that text amendment would have looked like. Please. >> So, if there's one one commissioner that wants to make an amendment, generally speaking, from a staff perspective, we want to make sure that it's the kind of the will and direction of the entire board. So once that comes forward then
uh planning staff and and myself will get together and look at what proposed language is needed and then it'll come back to you. And then with that as it comes back to you one of the things that we're currently trying to weigh is whether or not any type of revisions to the language would be more burdensome or
restrictive which would violate Senate Bill 180. If not it probably would have to wait until after October 1st, 2027. Um if it doesn't violate those provisions then it will come back to you for public hearings uh to process before it would be um for a comp planex
amendment would be transmitted to the state for review and then it would come back for final adoption assuming that there's no changes anywhere in the process. If there were material changes in the process then it would come back and have to start over the first reading process. >> All right. So so I'm understanding that
none of those changes have taken place in this. This is simply the true text amendment and then if there is a a a will of a commissioner, they'll come back later. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. Is there any questions or discussion?
>> All right. What's the What's the uh what's the board want to do? >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we accept the ordinance as amended. The ordinance of Putnham County, Florida, amending article 12, land development code for unincorporated
Putham County as amended by ordinance 2025-12 amending section 45-1033 classification of subdivision and section 45-1036 requirements for type 2 subdivision family subdivisions providing for
conflicts providing for severability providing for an effective date case number LDC26-00001 1-4 Putnham County Ordinance 2026-00009 for approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
further discussion? >> I've already asked for that. >> Is there any other public comment? All right. Yeah, that's Yeah, I did ask for that earlier. Thank you, though. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries. Thank you. uh going into
a public works uh public hearing on request to vacate a portion of Pine Street. >> I'll field any questions if you have any for >> We did uh I I'll I'll start then. We did receive a letter after um after the first >> y
>> um mention of this in our last meeting um of somebody who has some concerns. Have you are you have you seen >> Yeah, I read I saw that this morning um from I think the gentleman lives on Maple Terrace which adutts to the applicant's property but is not on or
bordering Pine Street itself. And you if you see in the packet, um there were no utility or law enforcement or fire uh problems or objections to the vacate and the applicant owns every piece of land around the parcel that
they're requesting to vacate and it is undeveloped. >> All right, Commissioner Harvey, you have a question. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. That answered my question, one of them um because uh the gentleman did send an email to me saying that some other properties would be
landlocked, but I didn't understand that. And then he said for future development, there was some big partials, but future development, they can access that property through their own property. Correct. >> So, um yeah, I no issues at all. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> All right. This is a public hearing. Is
there anyone wishing to speak on this item? Is there anyone in the audience? You can come on up. This is request to vacate a portion of Pine Street. Please just state your name and address for the record and then go on into public comment.
>> Patricia Catch, 101 Rainbow Drive, Jack um I'm in Jacksonville but floor home, Florida. >> Um I got the notice and I didn't really understand what it entailed. Okay. >> Like the gentleman said, that property owner owns all the surrounding property.
We had an issue during Hurricane Irma where my tree fell across the the road and the people that own the home. When you make that 45 on Pine Street, they had to drive through my property to get out.
I had roof damage. I had other stuff that I couldn't get to the tree at the time. And people that volunteered with the hurricane came through and picked cleaned up the tree. And I believe a neighbor cut the tree in pieces and kind
of moved it where the woman could get in and out. That's my biggest concern is for those people that I think when I called the young lady said that the street won't be closed.
So when you make that 45 and get to that woman's home, that street's going to still exist. But I don't understand why. What is the benefit of doing this if the original plot of the properties were
plotted out for a road to be there? When I look at a road that would or why this person wants to do this, there's no I don't understand how it's going to affect down in the future.
So, I'm kind of confused on why are we doing this? It's been that way for 50 years that I've owned property there. >> Is it a developed road as far as you know? >> No, it's it's a wooded area and I kind of thought that somebody was using that to get in and out of Maple
Terrace, but there when I drove past there last week, there was trees down or in the Are you >> No, >> no, no. I don't know who who lives back there, but I inherited the property when my father passed away and I haven't
physically been there in two years. >> Right. Um, so my understanding is the gentleman who owns or the people that own the property on each side of this uh platted road when it closed and that
they basically it's not used right now. It's not at anything anything other than some woods in a little trail. Yep. >> Okay. >> Neighbor. >> All right. So, are you here? >> I mean, it's fire rescue. I mean, if
anybody wanted to build the road back there, they're only going to they can't get to the water anyway. So, you own the home. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yes, ma'am. That'd be fine. And I will say in my experience that if fire rescue needs to get somewhere, they'll get there.
whether they have to go through a gate or knock down a tree, if they need to get to the place they need to go, they have the ability to do that. That's a concern that we've heard from a lot of our constituents over the years for different things. I mean, I had it recently during the fire. They were like, "Well, there's a a gate." Well, I
can assure you they'll get through that gate if they need to. Yes, ma'am. Go ahead. Please state your name and address. >> Good morning. My name is Karly Dennis. I reside right there off of Maple Terrace and have multiple land parcels. Um so just the the other roads are not affected by and and that one person that
lives off of um Beach Drive. >> That's really the the one that has to get out on that road on the opposite side of Maple Terrace. >> Um she can go both directions. >> So if there's a tree down on one end, she can go the other way or or however. So there is no blocking of any resident there.
>> Okay. >> Um that little section of road has been overgrown since I've lived there since 2014. Um, and it was actually something that if that road gets, you know, assumed by myself, I'm giving 20 foot easement from
a canal lot that I just purchased next to that neighbor. Um, and it'll go directly to the canal for access for drainage >> for drainage. >> So, it it actually to me is a is a better choice because the drainage that it looks like it started from that road is it goes through the parcel. So, it's
kind of strange, but um anyway, that's that's really it. And I want to clean it up, get all the trees, the dead debris, and with it being so dry out there, I'm concerned. I'm currently a firefighter with Jacksonville. I'm concerned that if somebody drives their side by side through there, plus I just cleared the
canal lots, you can't see that at night. So, if somebody comes driving through with sideby sides, four-wheelers, they're just going to go off in the canal. So, I'm concerned with that, and that's why there was some debris to block that because people don't know when they're not from there. So, um, we've had some issues in the past, but
that's the main reason for the closure. And that way I can clean it up and get all that stuff out of there and put good trees and and you know, just make it look nicer for the neighborhood. So um but there will be just so you know there will be a gate access and that I was
going to approach that about fire rescue or anybody to get through even um if Clay Electric or who needs to access that that road at some point it will be cleaned and there'll be a gate on both sides of that just for my access as well so that they will have access the county
just not you know the neighborhood going through that that path but if they ever have to access they can. If I if I can ask a question. So we did receive this letter and uh he indicated that that the you had already put a fence up there blocking that access. Is that true?
>> So that access on my road on Maple Terrace where we live. Um there is a gate up there because we had some issues where people were driving through carrying tree and debris and run it down the road. So we put gravel. We we maintain that road which he's not really a part of that because he doesn't live
there yet. Um, but that road is takes a lot of money to make it nice and to keep it where people, you know, the garbage truck, the mail lady and all the other people that come out. >> But this a different area is that's >> Well, it's Maple Maple Street, Maple Terrace. >> Oh, okay.
>> So, that corner is where Pine Street drops in to Beach. So, um, but to keep that from happening and it actually, you know, we just people who don't live there, they come from other, you know, developments and they want to have fun and I understand that, but it creates
issues when people actually want to walk and we have, you know, smaller animals of the same nature. So, all that stuff will be coming down, but that was just because there was just trees in the way and people are just driving through there and dragging debris. So, it was it's been there for like seven years. So, I don't know. I think just because I
started clearing the lots, people are starting to realize that there's actually more to it than just trees. So, >> all right. Are there any questions for the applicant or Mr. Stout? >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Back to the board. Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we accept the um request to vacate portion of Pine Street and accept a drainage easement in return. A resolution of the board of county commissioners of Putnham County vacating a portion of Pine Street
and Lakeside Hills section 10 accordance with section 336.09 09 Florida statutes closing and abandonment of roads authority in section 336.12 Florida statute closing and abandonment of road termination of easement conveyance of fee resolution number
2026-041 >> second. >> All right, we have a motion and second. Any further comments? All right, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. All right, going into consent agenda items A
through N. Um, >> yes, go ahead. >> Oh, thank you. Public comment. 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 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 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. This is on consent agenda items and new business. We will have a public comment
section on miscellaneous items once we get through the consent agenda. Is there do you have any cards? >> Okay. Is there anybody wishing to speak on um consent agenda items? All right. Seeing none, we'll go into any commissioners pulling uh an item.
Commissioner Alexander, >> I have none. >> Commissioner Newold, >> I have nothing to pull. >> Commissioner Harvey, >> I have nothing. >> Commissioner Palisier, >> I have none. >> And I have none. >> Madam Chair, I move a consent agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
L, M, N, and N. >> Second. >> Right. We have a motion, a second. Any any uh further discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> All right. New business. We have one item under new business on your revised agenda. Madam chair, may I go to the podium?
>> This is um >> Richie, could you join? >> Yes. If we can get a I think there's a map that needs to be put up. >> Madam Chair, fellow board members, I want to say, you know, it's amazing what we can do when we don't take credit individually. We're a team here and we
have been and even pre prior boards that we served on are a team. Um, Commissioner Alexander happened to be in a meeting with FDOT and got some information on this vital important um, intersection that we have been dealing with. I remember Representative Vanzant
deal with it. Representative Payne deal with it. Representative Sap is dealing with it. And now it looks like we got some movement here on a new design of County Road 315 and State Road 100 in Grandon. You know how bad that
intersection is. So, first of all, I do want to thank Commissioner Alexander. I want to thank our entire board, but DOT today is looking for some type of credit, I mean some type of letter from us supporting anything that can be done in that intersection. Now, this is just
proposed right now. So it if you understand Grandon when you go north on 315 I don't even try to cross that intersection. I go down down to where that building is, take a left and come back to the park because it's really
really scary right there with trucks coming down. Uh remember we talked about an overpass there that didn't happen. We talked about a roundabout. If you remember DOT thought about a roundabout there. Yep. Uh that was how in the world would you have a roundabout with sand
trucks and people coming? But DOT was thinking about that. Well, now they're thinking about something complete. Mr. Richie, I don't know how to do that. So, it looks like they're going to come down a little bit more. That's the There you go. There's your intersection with
lights, with turning lanes. Um, I think this is probably I'm not a traffic engineer, but to me this might be one of the best proposals we've seen in a long time. So, DOT has asked I if we would give them a letter of support as a board
and that is the request today. And again, thank you for this board and the work we do together. And I don't care what who's in what room. As long as we're promoting Putham County, I'm all for it. So, Madame Chair, that is the proposal right there. >> So, as it looks, if you'll just stay for
just a second, as it looks, there's going to be red lights at that intersection. >> Yes, very much so. Yeah, >> there's been a big a big push for that for many years. Um, Commissioner Palis, you're recognized. >> So, they're going they're I can see they're putting in turning lanes and all that, but they're going to put red lights right there.
>> Pretty much they're going to put lights up. Yeah, >> that's a you know, that's a proposed idea. Now, DOT has to go through. First of all, they're looking for a letter of support from us and then they'll go through the public meetings and then they'll put it in the design phase. So, there's a lot of work still left to be
done >> and I understand that part of it, but red light at that intersection I think is a terrible idea. I absolutely do. You're going to come that's a curve. I've been driving through that as many years as you have, Larry. Commissioner Harvey, >> that's a complete stop and a straight up
hill >> on a hill. >> If you're coming the other way, that's cresting the top of that hill. If there's a red light down there, >> those big sand trucks coming down. That's that's just a I think whoever drew that is looking just like we are right here, not been on scene. >> Well, >> that's my opinion. >> And it might be what they're putting out
there and it might not be the end product. So, we'll have time to to massage that as we go. >> We need the turning lanes. I think that's great. >> So, my ask is we go ahead and support something today to to move this forward and then let the let the process go and
let our comments go from that point on. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> I can appreciate what um Commissioner Pelier said on that. Um what I've seen done in other areas is there's a pre-warning at the top of the hill on the other side of the hill and hopefully
they could incorporate something like that. But I I'm I'm with Mr. Harvey on the fact that something needs to be done along that 100 corridor and this just may be a precursor to drive attentional more attention to that area because that
100 corridor has been a problem as we all know for many years. So >> any help that we can get and any assistance uh to further shine the light on that corridor through FDO's eyes to me to me is a move in the right direction. >> Commissioner Newbuler recognized.
>> Yeah, I would agree with Commissioner Alexander. Um I think in the previous slides they are talking about having some um pre-warning as well built into the plan. Um you know I I witnessed for myself you know down in in Crescent City
where we recently installed a new four-way. You know with enough warning and enough um you know forethought we can achieve this in a safe manner. Um, I'm glad to see something positive out here on 100. So, um, I'll support
the recommendation. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Um, um, is there another There's three slides here. You've shown us all the slides. So, you had the existing and then two recommended slides and that's it.
>> Oh, we haven't seen that one. Okay, hold on. So that's the Lake Butler located. I'm trying to >> They're putting those warning lights up that tells you that the lights turning ahead and one of them's it's 1100 ft from the intersection. So
it'll start flashing when the the light does. I mean that's how they're triggered. So I mean that's should give people plenty of warning to stop around the curb. As soon as it turns yellow that light's going to start flashing and warning people that the um and it's going to be on a delay. So you got 1100 feet and 1,200 on the other side just so you
guys got a reference. >> Okay. Um thank you. Was that is that what you had on your your your light for or do you something else? Okay. Thank you. I do share the same concerns that um my colleague Commissioner Pelisir
uh shares has stated. I do have concerns about trucks coming down that hill or cresting over the hill and then there's a line of traffic. Um, but I do know that something has to be done and a roundabout isn't necessarily the answer. I like the fact that they have the
advanced signal warning flashers and I'm glad they're looking at doing something in this section. Um, I'll support this today, but I am going to be cautiously um watching this to see if that's if that's where they end up landing. Um,
Commissioner New Bulger recognized >> at the four-way in Crescent City. The addition of the rumble strips in advance um of those lights made a big difference. Um, it's not a very intrusive, you know, they're built to uh
be operable at speed. Um, really brings a driver's attention to, you know, an impending issue ahead. So, you know, the addition of some rumble strips on each side, you know, coming down that hill, coming up the hill from the other side might be an option.
>> But, but in all fairness, are the people that are going over those rumble strips going 60 and 65 miles an hour in that area? >> Because that's what's happens here is they're coming down the road, they're coming down 100 at a good speed.
>> They they may be, but but those I mean those things are are this tall. They're, you know, they put them on interstates and they're they're designed to to grab your attention without uh slowing you down. >> Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> I think that we may have someone in the
audience that wants to comment regarding >> We do. We have a couple people, but you had your Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Paliser, >> I want to be for the record. I want to be clear. I thoroughly agree something needs to be done 110%. I like the turning lanes. I like all that. My
question and my Mr. Grimes, I don't know if you know this or or interpret this. At the top of the hill, if you're coming east, there'll be some sort of a warning device beyond the crest of the hill telling you there's a red light that's
turning red or is red. Is that right? >> That's what I'm seeing is it's when you're starting to come down the hill, it shows >> that one. >> You got to see it before you come down the hill. >> Yeah. >> When you come down the hill, you you know it's red. >> It's it's,200 feet. So almost a quarter mile from the intersection is where
you're going to see the signal ahead. And the other one from what I'm seeing in here, it doesn't necessarily give a measurement of where that stop ahead is. But I mean, we we face the same thing. I mean, I'm just going to give you another example at Kayuka Road. >> Yeah. >> Um Kayuka Road's got some flashing
lights out there that flash on Kayuka Road when a truck is entering the intersection. So there is some other safety warning devices out there. I think the preliminary look at it is something because I mean when you do have a a dangerous crash in that intersection, it is usually a bad one. Yes. >> So I mean it's something that's definitely got to be done. I think this
is a good start. I'm not saying that there's not room for improvement in it, but just a a first look. Not a bad plan to start with with some additional features in there. I think we'll have another stab at this with more features moving forward than today. Right. I mean, this is just a letter of support getting something started in that intersection. I'm I'm going to side with
Commissioner Wilson on this that you know anything is is an improvement and a start, but it did this I don't think is the total answer right now as it stands because a red light right there is just bad business unless there's not ample warnings far away from that letting you
know the light is already red ahead so you got plenty of time to start breaking because you crest the top of that hill. I'm thinking about those sand trucks coming from Vulcan Materials out there. They cross the top of that hill loaded. Red light ain't going to mean a whole lot to them. I mean, it's going to be bad business right there.
>> It's not a problem if there's nobody in front of them. >> Absolutely. >> But we don't, you know. >> Yeah. The crystal balls be broken that day. >> Yep. All right. We're going to take um some public comment of Reyes. >> Thank you, James. >> Good morning. race PO box 253 boss.
Thank you for bringing this forward. Whoever brought it forward, I personally don't drive on 100 and I go 315 when I have to go that way. So, putting a traffic light there is huge. Um, regarding the cresting on the hill on
State Road 17 where they did the new highway, we had the same issue. There's the hill coming in at 60 miles an hour and you can't see you couldn't see that traffic light that was there. I contact contacted DOT. >> You talking about at the county line?
>> Yeah. Well, no, in Green Cove where the um Okay. The new highway is I can't remember what number it is. >> So, there's a hill there that we're coming at 60 miles an hour and you couldn't see the traffic light. I contacted DOT about it and what they did
was on the other side of the hill they put a new traffic signal sign and they have blinking lights now. I got >> so there is enough room on the other side of that crest on 100 to make that
make the truckers aware or traffic aware that there is a new traffic pattern. So, I ask you to support it personally as a citizen who uses that road constantly. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Scalpy. >> Hi, Mikey. 358 East River Road, East
Paka, Florida. Um, many of you know me. I'm actually a pretty good subject matter uh expert in this case. I have a certified paving level two degree. I've been in asphalt paving my entire life. I have 30
something years on the job. What you're looking at here in these plans is not a set of plans. This is an idea. So, DOT has not got any of this set in stone. >> So, you have options to adjust. You have options to add. You have a million
different things you can do with this. This is not anything ready to go. That being said, you're going to have months, if not years of hearings before you even get this idea put on a set of books. I think I haven't been driving as long
as most of you, but I've probably driven this intersection more times than any of you. I think this light can be potentially very well. Your concerns of the hill, the other concerns besides visual, you need to understand
the road itself. It is an asphalt paved road. Those trucks loaded are going to shove that road. So DOT is going to have to come in here and redo that road to support the weight for a stoplight. So the ideas of warning lights and everything are only part of it because
you know you're going to have a road that's going to be able to stop those trucks faster is what I'm saying, not just letting those truckers be aware of it. So there's different things that they'll use, different types of materials that will actually help friction build and stop those trucks better. So I think you
guys should support this. You definitely need to make your voices be heard moving forward, but this is by no means a set plan. I know your concerns are that, you know, it's going to be a more danger than a help, but as it stands right now,
if they just threw a light up, you would be correct. But what they're going to have to do to put that light in is a very different matter. >> Very good. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. >> Yeah, I I appreciate that. I I support it. I just I I think there'll be an opportunity um Commissioner Palisier as
we move forward to have whatever comments we need to have, but I support it. All right. What's the um is there a motion? >> Madam Chair, I make a motion that we um all sign the letter of support that DOT is requesting. >> I'll second that.
We have a motion, a second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. Thank you. Public comment on miscellaneous items. That's the same thing I've already read. Do we have any public comment on miscellaneous items? I'm not I'm done with reading things
twice. Thank you, Kenny DS. >> Good morning, Mr. DS. Good morning. I'm Kenny DS 2020 Ashburg Lane and I didn't look at an agenda before I came and I'm
I'm a little bit late on this but I came to thank you today. uh eight or 10 years ago, I was chairman of Babe Ruth and I talked with the administration and uh about the problems we had there because
of the whole project had run downhill pretty bad. And uh >> you're referring to Francis. >> That's exactly right. I'm sorry. And so, uh, after hearing and seeing what I saw
today, um, that's what it's all about, Madam Chair. I appreciate your drive in helping get that done. I understand from a really good source that you are a driving force for that. I thank you for that. I also want to say that um the the
new restrooms and concession stands uh I had brought that to the administration eight or 10 years ago and uh they said well we got the trails coming through and we're going to put we're
going to put some restrooms in then trails must stop. But anyway, uh anyway, uh I thank the Babe Ruth people, but I didn't know that everybody'd be here today, so I'm late for this, but I wanted to come.
>> Well, maybe you're just perfectly on time. >> I wanted to come and thank you today for the people in the past that use restroom and after three or four people that use restroom, then it would overflow. Mhm. >> I want to thank you for the people that
were here today that are using it right now. >> Yeah. >> And I want to thank you for the people in the future that are going to be there. It's a beautiful field. I went out and looked at it. Um y'all done a great job and I want to compliment you.
Also want to compliment the Babe Ruth uh leaders and what they've done because believe me, if they hadn't been pushing and shoving, it would have never got done. >> Yes, sir. Remember I talked to um Bobby
Payne about it and he indicated I think we can do that Kenny but the county's got five things they want. He said I think I can get three. He said will you go talk with the county administration. That's when the trails were going to
come through and put that in. >> So I backed off and said yeah we'll wait another year. Well, promises made and promises kept. Madam Chair, I thank you. You were in the meeting with Bobby Payne
>> and you were in the and you're driving this and the whole commission has been here supporting this today and I think that uh Babe Ruth is well on its way to doing a great job and uh it takes a tremendous amount of work in doing that.
I was out there for two years every night. Let me tell you, when a issue comes up out there, you got mostly mamas out there and it's like a match. You strike a match and you hold it up. Well, if you don't put that match
out right now, tomorrow morning it's going to be like m nine mile swamp on fire. And you don't want to make mama's mad. So, I try to put out fires every night. So, I really appreciate what they've done and what y'all are doing.
And uh Madam Chair, thank you. >> You're You're welcome. Thank you. It was it was a team effort and we had to we had to work with the city because one of the challenges we had was getting the sewer out there. So, we worked with the city. So, we want to say thank you to the city because we were able to get now we have city sewer out there as well.
>> So, that was a big that was a big hold up. It was, let me tell you, I went out and I had um Tom Wall come out and drain the drain field and all that stuff. And the lady that was over recreation at the time, she said, "I'm not paying for this." I said, "I've already written him
a check. This is project that we're trying to get done and and get it done right away." >> Yeah. >> Well, it's 10 years later. Instead of my grandson playing at Babe Ruth, he's playing at uh Virginia Tech next year. But there are a lot of little children
coming every day. >> Yes, sir. >> So, I thank y'all very much for that. >> Thank you, Mr. DS. Thank you. We appreciate it. >> Uh Larry Flamman Flamin, I don't know how to say your last name. >> You'll give us a lesson here in just a sec.
>> Good morning, everybody. Uh my name is Larry Flamman. I live at 204 Perry D Perry Street on Pomona Park. I've been a member of the Friends of Dons Creek for several years. The park
is a hidden gem of Putnham County. The main park is located off Cisco Road near Pomona Park with another entrance to the Blue Pond area off of Route 17. The two parks total over 6,000 pristine
acres and they have uh six over 60 miles of trails that are available for uh hiking, walking, horseback riding and fishing. Occasionally groups are
allowed for boondock camping. The parks is under uh underused asset of the county. The friends of Dun Creek purpose is to help maintain the park and to
assist the rangers in recreational events. Besides individual enjoying the uh park every day, uh some of the larger events conducted in the park are a mammoth march where
approximately 1,000 people hike the trails for 20 miles in 8 hours. uh the more energetic people. There's a 100 mile race over 24 hours in the park.
The Ottabbon Society has found the park to be an excellent area for bird watching. Burning for birds is an exercise andformational event to show how prescribed burns
in the park promote bird habitat. In that vein, Cornell University has donated $5,000 to promote burning for birds to help the quail population and uh number
monitor their uh development. The friends also help in maintaining programs where hundreds of uh orientering event where members of the NROTC throughout northern Florida
participate to learn map reading, compass use, and how to navigate through unfamiliar territory. Recently the state with a generous donation from a friends of member were able to purchase over two acres in the
blue pond area of the park. The state was also able to construct a large burn break to connect the two parks. Eventually uh the the trail a trail will be conducted to access the park's
recreational activities. I have recently been elected to the board of directors of the friends of Dun Creek. As such, my position is to promote membership to the friends
uh to help us with the with the park. With a generous contribution of $10,000 from Clay Electric, the friends were able to purchase with their own funds a UTV to be used in the park.
With this purchase, we will be able to help maintain the park. In addition, I will be able to uh escort the public through uh some of the park's back country in the in the future. Uh right
now I'm not able to do that, but I will be shortly. Most people who visit the park are not knowledgeable of the expanse and diversity of topography in the park. I'll be able to take up to three people at a time through some of
the back country and hopefully gain more members to help promote the park. Uh I'd like to invite everyone here including the gallery to please contact me through the friends of duncret.com
and uh should you wish to explore the park at at the future. Thank you. >> Any questions? Are there any questions or comments? >> All right. Thank you, Larry. We appreciate all you're doing um in that area. I You did mention that it was an
underused asset of the county. I want everybody to understand it's not the county's asset. We don't own it. It's the state asset. It is in our county and we appreciate them being there, but we also would like to see it. And I think we've talked about that openly. Um I
know I have and my colleagues to my left have as well. Um that they they'd like to see more done at that part, not on you but on the state because of the management plan that's in place. We want them to implement their actual management plan which would include more camping and more opportunities.
Yeah. And I and I'm not so sure I'm I'm just throwing this out there. I'm not so sure that maybe we write a letter, maybe we make a resolution, maybe we do something to further that along because we've all stated publicly that we know that if that that's a great opportunity
for us to have more revenue into this county on multiple levels and um we met in Tallahassee. I know you have we have um with with our state legislators and they seem to think it's going to happen, but I don't know. >> Well, they they seem to I agree. They
seem to think that it's going to happen, but there seems to be some type of disconnect between our legislators and FD and then the rotation of the administration in D. You talked to one person this week and they're gone the next week before any actions taken.
They've been kicking this can down the road since this thing was approved in 2018. >> So, I don't know how >> I'm just throwing out there. I don't mind us if we want to have a conversation or or or we having it right now, but I mean if we want to if we want to support a letter or resolution or
something to let our state legislators know and D know that we would really like to see this park open. I mean I know it's open. >> Yeah. >> But but really go to the next level with it. Um because there are state parks throughout the whole state obviously is
they're a year six months out in camping. They are booked solid. >> We've talked about that numerous times. I can't think of any county in this state that would not love to have 6,200 acres with waterfront availability, a
venue for um concerts, events, and it's just, you know, it's right there on the cusp of being done. They've got, you know, they've developed a tremendous development plan, and it's been approved, but no action has been taken. How do you know that's my
question as a new commissioner? How do we push this forward? I mean, like you said, a letter. Do we write a letter? Do we What's the next >> I think we I think we should uh look at doing both. Um we can draft a letter and bring it back at the next board meeting and possibly a resolution. Uh we did
>> Yeah. Well, you you know, we we all as I as I've said before, we all bring a different skill set to this DAS. You've got multiple years in Tallahassee and I would love to have your help in helping lead this forward because you've got my full support and I'll do whatever I need.
>> That was a good volley. You volied that really well. >> Yep. >> Yeah, you did. >> But yeah, I mean you you've got the experience. Let's help me out. I'll help you. Let's let's do it. >> Commissioner New, you're recognized. >> I I would in full support. Absolutely. I'm I am happy that, you know, a commissioner from a different district,
you know, sees the value to the whole county and to the state. Um, but I would invite um partners to help us in this process. I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce could add their weight to the request and, you know, we might as well,
you know, pile up a few letters of support while we're at it. >> It's a great strategy. Employing our Chamber of Commerce, um, and any of those entities that will benefit and would like to help promote Putnham County because I mean truly this is a hidden gem. >> It is. It could be a really it could
really be bring a lot to our county really more than it does already. I know it does but and we've had a lot of visitors and I appreciate that >> and the more people we can get involved the greater it'll be >> and I know you didn't come here for that today and we've sort of went down this
path but uh we appreciate your presentation. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. I just want to mention one thing is that to become a friend of Dun Creek you're not obligated to do anything except enjoy the park. Uh you get as a friend you get
get uh 10 uh one free pass a month every month for a year. So please if you guys want to join as you just want to go for a tour. >> Okay. >> Please get in touch with us. >> Yep. Very good. Thank you.
>> All right. Um back to the board. Oh, is there are there any other public comments? All right. Back to the board. Commissioner committee updates is Commissioner Alexander, do you have any committee updates? >> No, ma'am. I do not. >> Commissioner Newold. >> Um, canvasing board is underway. Uh,
we're doing our training as we speak. We've had our first uh public meeting. Um, I'll be during the upcoming Florida Association of Counties. Um, I'll have a county's Florida Association's Trust
meeting. Um, I'll give a little update on that at the next meeting, but other than that, I'm that's my committee report. >> All right, Commissioner Harvey, do you have anything? >> I have no updates, Madam Chair.
>> Commissioner Pelisir, >> um, I like Commissioner Newold on the canvasing board and we had our, like, as he said, I had our first meeting was very, uh, I'm sure eye opening for him. He'd never been in one before. I I'm really adored serving on that. It was
just fun to me. I like working with the judge and Mr. Overurf and that thing. We've got to have a a shakeup in uh our council because we we're going to lose our council. He's stepping up. Um Mr. Young is going to be Judge Young. >> Oh, that's right. >> We got to we got to get us a new council
uh soon, I guess. I don't know how we go about that, but that's going to have to be done. Um but uh uh that's it for committees. >> All right. And I don't really have anything. Um so we'll go into appointments. Commissioner Alexander, do
you have any appointments? Sorry wearing you out this morning. >> First, you're first. Uh Commissioner Newol. Appointments. >> Um yes. I have like to reappoint Michelle Grimes to the fair board. >> All right. >> She's a currently serving member and has
agreed to continue to serve. All right. Anything else? >> No. Nothing else. >> Commissioner Harvey. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to reappoint Scott Brahman to the Fairboard Authority. >> All right. Anything else? >> No, that's it. Thank you,
>> Commissioner Palisier. >> I have nothing today. Thank you. >> All right. And I will um I will reappoint Marshall Fulgum to the fair fair authority. All right. And then I have nothing else at this time on um on appointments. Looks like we're going
to have some parks and Rex. Looks like it needs some help there. >> Madam Chair. >> Yeah, >> if we could I do need to get the value adjustment board re reappointed this morning if we could. >> Okay. Value adjustment board. Who currently serves on that? >> That is Commissioner Harvey,
Commissioner Alexander, and I believe Miss Sheila Leadford. Correct. Those are the appointments of the BOCC and then the school board and everyone else will appoint theirs. >> Mr. Alexander, did you know you were on that board? >> News to me. >> He was appoint He was appointed January
13th. It was when we did the reappoints at your request, Madam Chair. >> You know what? That was whenever I decided I didn't need as many committees and y'all took a couple. >> I think you had what, 12 or something like that. >> Yeah, I was there at 12. So now I'm down, which is fine. Um, >> yeah, I'll be I'll take it if uh if the
committee commissioner or commission so chooses. >> Commissioner Harvey, are you still good to serve on >> and I don't think you missed anything if you did. No, >> I don't think you missed anything. >> No, >> I think I missed I might have missed something, but >> it doesn't start till closer to the end of the year. Correct.
>> So, yeah, we're >> Okay. All right. So, uh, is there a motion to reappoint Commissioner Harvey, Commissioner Alexander, and Sheila Leadford to the board? Obviously, I need somebody who's not on that list to make that motion. >> So moved. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in
favor say I. I. >> All right. Anything else? >> I don't even know if I had to do all that, but I did it. >> Um, clerk of court, Mr. Reynolds. >> Yes, ma'am. Good morning, commissioners. I just wanted to take a moment to echo the same comments that were mentioned
earlier about the uh the Babe Ruth program and the facilities, the county facilities. They uh they are fantastic facilities. both of my children have been out there playing at both Francis and Triangle Park and um you know I just I can't say enough can't thank y'all
enough for the support that you showed and also uh the Babe Ruth program they are doing amazing things and uh so so glad to to see that you know back here in Putham County um reminds me kind of of of the old days you know and we had a lot of good wreck programs going so um
just want to thank that board and um thank Mr. Young and congratulate Mr. Young, as was just mentioned, uh he will be stepping up to be our second county judge. So, looking forward to working with him. And um also wanted to take a quick moment to um to thank u
Representative Sap and and um Senator Leak. Uh it's my understanding that um in the state's budget this year, uh we do have funding for updating our ERP system. want to thank the commissioners uh especially for y'all's support of
that. It has to survive the veto pin once again. So, we will be uh holding our breath, so to say. Yes, fingers crossed. Holding our breath, waiting to see uh what the governor wants to uh will do on that. So, um just looking forward to that. And u thank y'all.
>> And and I know you you weren't at the last meeting, right? We did have a good discussion at the last meeting regarding the gazebo in the parking lot. >> Oh, I I was late at the last meeting. So, I was here for yeah, that discussion and um yeah, any anything that we can do
to um to help work with y'all on um coming up with um strategies to improve that, just let me know. >> I think staff's working on that. We'll get back. I don't know that we're ready for prime time on that yet. We're just still looking for some Yep. >> for some solutions. Anything we can do
to help. >> All right. Very good. Um going Oh, County attorney. >> Nothing else, Madam Chair. Thank you, >> county administrator. >> Uh, yes, ma'am. We got a few comments, but first, I know that both Deputy Administrator Young and Deputy
Administrator Grimes has something to to report. >> All right. >> I know y'all are tired of hearing about the baseball softball tournaments, but I'm going to take one more minute um of your time. Last year, we spent a lot of infrastructure dollars on Theob, and this year it was Francis, but I'd be remiss if we didn't talk a little bit
about that process. Um, Commissioner Wilkinson funded the concession stand and restroom, the largest single funded project of commissioner discretionary dollars to date in our in our pots. Um, and it made a huge difference not only for concession and restrooms. We now
were able to to meet capacity, but also we we built it in with a cooling office. Um, and when we had a medical emergency out there, that office became where we stabilized that child until EMS could arrive. So that facility, Commissioner Wilkinson, made a huge difference in um
in the outcome of that weekend and that tournament. Commissioner Alexander recently bought an ABI machine for our fields. With the amount of rainfall we had, we would not have gotten those games in without those discretionary with that equipment that was bought through that discretionary dollars.
Commissioner Harvey partnered with Babe Ruth to make that batting cage come to fruition. Um and Commissioner Pelisier and New did as well. Um, but that it didn't stop there. So, when we ran the concession stand, we issued a bid to run the water and sewer lines from the city
of Palaca Point to the concession stand. When we got to the pre-construction meeting where we issue the notice to proceed, the contractor looked at J.R. and I and said, "We'll be done middle of July." And we both sat back and went, "That's not going to be a possibility." Um, and they said, "Well, give us 24
hours. We'll tell you the best we could do." He could move it up to the 1st of July. Um and so we kind of looked at each other and said, "We're still not going to make it." And um it it's a testament to our teams that we have because public works came up and said, "We got you and it'll be done." Um and
it was amazingly enough. And so um it's not just one department that puts something together. Chief back was helping J.R. and I put up batting cages as was Commissioner Newold as he was doing agenda review with us. Um, you know, it's it's a testament to our
entire county teams as we we work together to pull off these wonderful things for our community. So, um, you guys should be properly recognized and thanks for for the dollars that you've put in, but also all of our county divisions that really made it happen. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I agree with
that. Um, county administrator, that was it. You're going to let Mr. Grimes, the the hamburger man. >> Yeah. Yeah. Just call me Ronald more than McDonald's. So, you guys asked us last commission meeting to come back to you guys with two projects um of what we want to move
forward with. We'll start with a gazebo. Um I've got a price back of doing it um in the neighborhood of about $16,000 to put a new roof, sop it, repair the wood. At that point, I'm had to go get a second quote. Um, so if you guys would,
I would um ask you if you would allocate $20,000 because we're going to get in there and have something that's unknown and besides us having to come back and delay the process. If you guys if if you so wish is to allocate about $20,000 to do a complete rework and painting and replace the rotten wood, new roof, new
sophets um on the gazebo, make it back for um uh use at the courthouse. So, that was the f the first item that we wanted to talk about and see if y'all wanted to move that forward or how you guys wanted to handle it. >> Um, I made a trip down to look at the gazebo. I'd never been up there to do
anything. Certainly not get married. >> Um, >> none of your marriages were there. >> Um, I did not realize that that deck or platform was concrete. It is. >> I thought it was wood, the whole darn thing. But it's it's So, we've got a good good base there. We may have some
rotten supports and what have you that could be individually replaced. I tapped on several. Some of them felt solid, some not so much, but I think the $20,000 number is a good number to start out with for sure. >> So, you're making a motion? >> I am making a motion. >> Second. >> And a second. All in favor say I.
>> I. >> Um I'm sorry you made me You made me get tickled. >> All of it. >> I do. >> All right. Uh the next project that you guys asked for last um week or two weeks ago for was um the one that's near and dear to all of us with shades for the
dogs at the um at the at the facility out there. >> Uh we've reached out, got a couple quotes. >> Um it's going to be somewhere um in the low to mid70s to $1,000 range. Once again, I'd request because there's always going to be the unknown factors
in there. if you guys would allocate $80,000 to do the shade structure, that would be a 42 by 240 shade structure uh for the dogs. And with that, I'm pretty confident I can probably get some um electrical wires ran in there and probably some fans uh just for like in
the middle of the complex to keep it just that much cooler. Um, so like I said, the prices we've gotten back so far without going too much because there's other quotes still out there and I don't want to put it on the public record um because I was still waiting on one to come in is somewhere in that mid to to low 70s mark.
>> Okay. So, I had I had said that I would be willing to use if I have anything left. My discretionary funds on that um was hoping we could all pitch in on that, but you know, I'm not sure what they have in their balance, but >> or just a better place project or a general fund. I mean, it's just totally
up to you guys. I mean, how you guys want to fund it, but I was just bringing you back the information. I'm sorry I have not got to the parking lot yet. We were a little busy the last couple weeks, but uh the parking lot's the next one on the agenda. I did receive a few calls from the community that supported the parking lot redo. I would like to I've talked to Miss um
>> Mlan at the at the courthouse once. I would like to walk through it with them and see if there's some additional things we could do before we bring you back a firm plan on the parking lot. Okay. >> Um I've spoke to Mr. Mr. Newold and I met yesterday morning because I think you guys kind of made him the landscape zar. >> We did. Um, so, so he's kind of had some
comments, but um, I think would like for us maybe if Mr. Reynolds has got some time is just to do a quick walk through the parking lot so we can all get on the same page. We just did not have time in the last two weeks to get that, but we have got the other two projects ready for you guys. So, >> all right. So, how do we board, how do we want to handle the um the shade sale?
Do we want to just um >> answer? Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Harvey, thank you. >> Thank you. U, Mr. Grimes, did you uh say $70,000? >> 70 to 80. Yeah, it's going to be in that. So, I I would respectively ask for 80 so we could so we could do a little bit of extra additional in there if we
needed to. If we got to the point where we needed some electrical outlets or something that we have not just had a chance to get with the staff out there to make it that much better. Fans, I would highly recommend fans in there just to keep the air circulating and moving. Um, I just have not had a chance to land in on quotes on that. We were
just trying to get the building the building's going to land in the in the in the in the in the 70ish,000 range. an 80 was just giving me a couple four or $5,000 to do some electrical work out there if I needed it. >> All right. So, this would probably not fit in a better place plan because of lifetime, but possibly What do you What
do you think? >> I'm actually going to disagree. Um, the entire facility was built out of BPP. Um, and it certainly does meet the BPP threshold. Um, at $80,000, it is it is certainly a capital project with the lifespan that we look for. So my
recommendation would would actually be to take the dollars from BPP and allocate to the animal. >> These aren't fabric ones. These are the >> these are metal >> metal. Okay, that's why I said >> metal permanent structures. >> This will be a pole barn type structure with 8ft sides with a 12ft peak. We
brought the sides down to produce more shade. So um so I mean where our normal buildings are, you know, 12 to 14t peaks, this will be about a 12t peak and 8ft side. So you'll have a little bit more pitch on the roof. since I have the four. >> All right. Yes, you have the floor. It's
in a second. Any further discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. And that was to take it out of BPP funds. >> Yep. Mr. Grimes, you're looking at us over here for the money and the direction, do so. You're sitting beside the banker.
>> Those thresholds, they come to you. So, we're here to see you today. If you'd like to raise those thresholds at any time to give it to the county administrator, we'd already been we'd already been under work. >> Thank you. I think we tried that one time. We raised it a little bit. >> Your bank, right?
>> All right. Um, any other comments, Mr. >> Yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, uh, your video is queued up whenever you're ready for it. Just want to let you know that was done, you know, and we don't get on Facebook. We don't do Facebook. We don't
comment on Facebook. Uh, so, uh, but I am going to take the opportunity sitting here this morning as county administrator. We had some concerns on Facebook this week about our animal services division and I want to take the opportunity to thank Miss Aaron McNeel as well as Miss Evette Reyes for for
their comments on there. You know, those who don't understand the process for which we are required to govern through and they don't understand the the leaps and bounds that we've made in the last couple years out of animal services. I get it. I truly do. But if you ever want
to just have a tour, come out and take a look, meet the staff, meet the folks that are working, seeing the process and the progress that's been made out there, would be more than happy to show you. You know, all you got to do is call and let us know. But if you want to get on Facebook and and say the negative things
you want to say about this county, my commissioners, and my staff, I'll debate you. >> I have no problem with that. But I'm not going to do it on Facebook. But if you want to come in and have a conversation, we'll be more than happy to do that because I can't think of a better group of folks that we have right now than
animal services. And I can't think of a department right now that's doing as many great things as animal service because of what they were charged to deal with. And so uh you know, I I'll I'll go ahead and make that comment here this morning and uh and and thank my staff and animal services publicly for
what they've do. You know, it's a tough job. it is, >> but they do a great job uh with what they're what they're challenged with. So, u just wanted to say that. And again, on staff, >> you couldn't have put a a better event together the last two weeks. I know we all talked about it, but we've had the
opportunity sitting here now for almost nine years as county administrator to put this team together uh with your support of the things that we're doing. and sitting here this morning talking about the uh the gazebo talking about animal services the projects you know things that are happening in Putham
County when you get your next quarter to report you'll hear more great things happen in Putham County that's a direct result of those folks that are sitting here today so I just want to commend them as well uh for the jobs that they do and uh so madam chair that's my comments for today
>> thank you it's definitely one of the uh most picked on departments we have for sure but at the end of the today. I I realized too that we have we've come a long way in a short time and I appreciate that and it's it's a testament to the administration, to the board, and certainly to the people that
work at animal services. Um going into commissioner comments, starting with Commissioner Harvey. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and I appreciate the opportunity. Um you know, sometimes in life, us commissioners find ourselves at the right place at the right time.
Um, I was telling Commissioner Alexander this morning, I was hurting cows one time on State Road 100 in Florome in shorts and flip-flops and called Chance Clay to come and he helped me and they were his cows that were in the middle of the road. Well, the other day,
Commissioner Alexander happened to be on the water and was able to rescue and help with the rescue of our two sheriff deputies, being in the right place at the right time and being aware of what we need to do. And we're all we all do this. It's nothing uncommon. But
Commissioner Alexander, I just want to say thank you for being at the right place at the right time and God had you there for a purpose. Um I want to thank you for the support of 315 and 100. And Mr. Scalpy, you're exactly right. This is the first step. We've got a long way
to go and we'll be able to uh put our comments in of what we want to see out there. But I'm excited that finally something came along on paper and I wasn't a big fan of the roundabouts. I will say that. I didn't know how that
would possibly work there, but this seems to be like we're going in the right direction and that community needs that out there. So, I thank the board for that. Also want to thank the TDC. You know, when you look at Bay Ruth and you look at all the things that are
going on, you know, look at the list of what TDC funds, >> right? And you know, when somebody calls you and says, "There's nothing to do in this county," pull that list up. Show them show them the hundreds of kids that that go out and play ball and and the
TDC supports that. Show them all the golf tournaments and the benefits. And I mean, something's go going on every weekend. And I remember when Commissioner Palaceir was talking about the tractor pull versus the fair at the same time. you know, that's going to
happen because people want to come to rural Florida. Thank God they do and we hear Dun Creek and, you know, under underutilized areas and, you know, it can only go up, right? So, we we need to get the word out and say that. Uh, but we have so many assets and so many good
organizations and we are such a charitable county. It just warms my heart and um so I want to thank all everyone involved in Bay Ruth and I know our staff was worked tirelessly out there to get things done and um I watched them lay that water pipe and
then they were moving. They were getting it to get that thing open. Um it's not a not a small undertaking. And on a final note, I do want to say Republican Headquarters is going to open next Monday night at 6:00 at 3:20 South or
North, I can't remember which one. Uh, State Road 19, but directly across from Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Sherman Williams Plaza South. Okay. So, please come by and be a part of that at 6 o'clock next Monday night. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. >> All right, Commissioner Alexander,
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, thank you for the kind words, Commissioner Harvey. Um, I didn't It was just a normal day on the water and there were some voters in distress and I helped them. Uh, happened many times before. It's nothing that
nobody in this room wouldn't have done, but I do appreciate the kind words. Um, not a whole lot to cover you. I think you touched on everything there. So, that's about all I've got for today, Madam Chair. >> All right. Commissioner Newol, you're recognized.
>> I don't have a whole heck of a lot. Um, I think in addition to the the uh Babe Ruth tournament, I think there was a youth golf activity at the at the uh municipal golf course this this weekend. And um I ran into someone up towns who
went out there and volunteered for the morning and um that's a there's a lot going on at that golf course and and a number they read off to me there were five or six uh youth programs at the golf course and and there were kids
there from Orlando and South. So a pretty big deal in the golfing community. Um our municipal golf course is is kind of a star. So a lot of good stuff going on. Uh I have a question. We have a insurance committee meeting today. 3:30.
>> 3:30. Okay. I don't have anything else. >> Mr. Graham, you have your light on. >> Yeah. I just want to kind of two more things that just came to my mind as Commissioner Harvey was talking as we actually got to ride around with him the other day and we went to George's Lake where you guys did where you bought the the eight or nine acres there at the boat ramp.
>> It was awesome. We rolled in there as and truly there was 20 kids and their parents and families out enjoying the spot where you guys bought. It was incredible. Um, one of Commissioner Harvey's projects he asked us to work on was getting a a roadway built into there
um to where it could be traveled. Um, I didn't get a chance to speak to him before the meeting today, but that is done. So, the roadway is in there. The gate has been removed, so it is accessible to the public. Um, and when we went in there the other day with him, um, he actually got to go down and visit with some of the people at the at the boat ramp just checking on one of those
projects. But it was just a testament of the things that you guys had done that we' that I failed to bring back to you that that that was completed and the families that were enjoying it um one day last week when we were just out and about because I was actually driving out to one of the other projects we had going out there and Commissioner Harvey
called me for the 18th time that day >> and um we actually told him that, you know, we were headed out there. He goes, "Well, you didn't call me." I was like, "Well, I'm sorry." So, actually we went and picked him up and we actually had a good ride and it was it was very um encouraging to see the citizens using that thing that fast after you guys had
just bought it and closed and the road was put in there. So, that was um a great thing as well. Um the other thing just to mention because it sometimes get misconstrued especially on on the social media vibe was the four-way stop at Union and 308. Um just so everybody
knows that is mostly complete. We're still waiting on the flashing beacon signs to come in, but we were trying to get it aware of so people would know it coming into the school zones and making the traffic pattern early in the summer. The flashing beacons are on schedule to be here by the new school by the new
school year. Um, we had put some signage out for multiple weeks ahead of it that said there was a new traffic pattern coming 61 of 2026. Um, and then the day or two before we said there's a four-way stop coming um on and we put it in
multiple languages so people could see it and understand it. Um, we're still got a lot of lashback that we didn't tell them what was coming. Um, but the rumble strips were coming and the and the thing, but if we remember the the crews were scheduled to work in there on Saturday, but it rained and you can't
put thermoplastic down in the rain. So, I had to wait until Monday late afternoon. They worked into the night to get it put in. So, there was a little bit of delay in there of getting the rumble strips and all put down, but the signs went ahead and went in anyway. Uh, we had some sheriff's deputies go out and park and try to make warning.
Just sometimes we lack patience because things do change. Um, and the easiest way in the world is to go on the attack mode on social media. Um, our crews did it. It was it it worked out fine. It's going to be a benefit to the community. Um hopefully it safens up the intersection there uh for the children
and the and and the residents of the area, but it looks good now. We actually went back and made some changes and put stop signs in both directions. That way if they weren't looking right, they could see a stop sign on the left. Uh so it's on kind of the opposite side coming. So we could have tried to highlight that intersection as much as possible. We put flash and sign trailers
down there. I think it's getting better. Um but I don't know any other way to tell people that there's a four-way stop sign, but um I mean it is there now. So, um, but the beacons are coming. So, it just it they're just when you order them, it it does take a delay to get them here. So, um, those two projects
have wrapped up this past week. So, I just want to keep y'all informed of the projects that have moved forward. >> Thank you, Commissioner Harvey, you recognize and followed by Commissioner New. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Grimes, for bringing that forward. Did I hear 18 times, but usually that's before like eight o'clock. >> That's true.
>> That's true. So, you know, when I first came into this building, uh, Commissioner Palisier might remember this. There was a a letter in my box and it was from Rayineer about the lease at George's Lake. It was addressed to me, me coming out of the business world.
What do you think I did? I signed the thing, sent it back to him, unannounced that I had to bring get board approval for the lease. I didn't know that. It was addressed to me and it was, you know, have my name on the lease, right? So, we did that only to find out from the board attorney then that you can't
do that. We have to go through a process. But I came out of the business world where you got things done, right? So, you're right, Mr. Grimes. When we went out the other day, people were set up with picnic tables, they had their their tables, they had food, they were
having the best time out there. And I'll never forget this lady asked me, she said, "Are you here to kick me out?" And I said, "No, ma'am." I said, 'We just spent $400,000 to buy this piece of property for you to have it for perpetuity. I said, 'We not kicking you
out.' But that's the first thing she thought the government was going to do and we're not going to do that. And I wanted them to know that that they were just enjoying family time on a summer day at a lake and having the best time of their life. and and I look back and
not everybody's fortunate to live on a lake, live on the river, but that's why we do the things we do in this county. So, thank you, Madam Chair, for letting me say that. >> Thank you, Commissioner Bulger. You're recognized. >> I appreciate the the county staff's action at that four-way. Um, it is a
great improvement. We got a lot of negative uh I I don't want to call it press, but we got, you know, negative Facebook coverage on it and not I don't think it's been two months. There was a a fatal crash at that four-way. And
right after that, all over Facebook was why don't you do something with that intersection? So, so here we are. Um and the sheriff's department worked well with us. Um JR and JT's staff were right on it. I spent hours there the day after
the four-way was there and then numerous days after and it's you know all those little things that you put in there add it up and make a difference and people's behaviors are changing now and it it'll be a safe intersection and it's you know great to have it done well in advance of the school. So thank you for for getting
that done. >> Thank you. All right, Commissioner Palis here. It's finally your turn. >> Yay. >> Yay. Um, I'll jump all around here as I usually do. Uh, thanks again to the Krebs uh family and their generous uh support to
uh protecting our youth and uh just anyone traveling in those intersections around those schools. Uh Mr. Grimes, um out at Georgia's Lake where you saw the people swimming, have we got some signage out there that tells them this is public and it's come have a good time?
>> We haven't put up any signs yet. I mean, we absolutely can. um like as we do in any other park. Um we just just now got the road wrapped up. I got pictures of it Friday. Um and I have not seen Commissioner Harvey since Friday. Um because like literally we just got to Lime Rock laid to get a decent road in
there. But by the time the first part of the road was done, so people meandered on in there and you know set up camp which was great. I mean and it was great to see the activities. And we do need to put up some signage about no lifeguard on duty and such like that so that people do understand that there's an inherent risk to being in the lake. But um it was just a joy to see. It really
was >> absolutely great. I'm glad to hear that. U to echo Commissioner Harvey's comments. Um so glad that Commissioner Alexander was on duty in his boat and able to render assistance and possibly save lives there. That's a
great thing. We we need more of that. Um Mr. Suggs, what you said earlier about the people on Facebook and spouting um innuendo and such as that that and they're everywhere. They're everywhere
and they mostly um don't have not even close to a fact, let alone any part of it. And they just because it sounds good and they want to stir up the pot, so to speak. Um so that's out there and it just is what it is. let those people dwell in that
little hole and we'll go on with the truth and do the right thing. Um I'm sorry if I got emotional about the kids and the baseball, but I those kids are our future. >> Yeah. >> And they're very important to me and u I'm so excited that we were able to put
in these lightning detectors. Uh I guess is that the right term I'm calling them. And uh we've got three I think now coming. And I don't know if we have any more ballparks, but I'd like to be aware of those and maybe some discretionary money could just come in from somewhere
and land at those parks because that's uh that's a very big thing to me that just protecting these kids and and everybody out there that's enjoying these parks. Um, I want to see that continue because I'm very impressed with with that what it's doing for our youth and what we do for
our youth and keeps them on the right track that possibly keeps them from going down the wrong road. U, so that's very important to me. Um, I'd like a little bit of an update of where we stand on the design of the VA and IT.
>> Um, >> we engaged CRG architects and they're currently working on all the bid set drawings for that that design. >> So, it's we're still in the Yep. >> in the window in the >> They're engaged. They're working towards it. Um, as soon as we get a a set of plans that are bid ready, we'll put it
on the street and then, of course, bring it back to you guys. >> Okay. Um, Mr. Grimes, we talked about the demo of the old bank building. It seemed like you had something else you wanted to demo and we're going to kind of wrap them into one. >> Yesterday, we're going to try to wrap them all up at the same time when we do
the animal services. Um, we got the crews engaged, but we've kind of had them a little bit busy with trying to get the last minute infrastructure and all run into the parks. We got to pull people from their normal jobs to try to do that unless we pay to have it done. So, we got to pull the permits and all that kind of stuff. But, we'll we'll get it taken down here pretty quick.
>> Yeah. I'm just want to be sure everything's steady, right? Yes, sir. I understand that got priorities over that. >> Yep. >> But, uh, I'm gonna love to see those eyes gone. But, um, I think that's going to wind me up for >> today, Madam Chair. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Um, I just want to remind our commissioners that
your financial statements, if you've not done so already, are due by July 1st. >> She's just bragging. >> I just got mine done yesterday, so I was a little bit behind, too. Um, how's our fire station coming in Hawthorne? >> It's all but done. Looking to get the
CEO from the building department probably this week. Uh, the staff was hired on the first week of June. They do a three and a half almost four-week orientation. Um, they're in week two. Um, so they should be ready to go. Um, Chief Back asked the battalion chiefs last week to go ahead and get their
staff and plan ready to go to open it. So, I would think no later than somewhere that first week of July that we'll be doing the ribbon cut and push the the new fire truck because it's there. It's everything's ready to go. Um, only thing I'm lacking right now is because I just was had some things. It's just getting the landscaping done. Um,
as far as like some bushes and shrubs that PO's been issued, so now I'm just waiting on the contractor to come in and just finish up some last little minute pretties on the outside to make it look good. >> Um, the PO's been issued for the sign. Um, it does take a little while to get a confirmed sign in and and sign built,
but we've got a prototype that we can absolutely put in there on display. It won't be done by July, but I mean, the station will be up and running. So, it's um all but done. If anybody wants to take a preview of it before we go out there, just wait till that day. I'd be happy to take anybody out or get with myself or chief back >> and get you out there and take a peek at
it. But it's it turned out very nice. >> Well, thank you for being the project manager on that. Uh, your hat ends up being a project manager on several things. So, uh, that just as a reminder that was done through an appropriation and, uh, we want to thank our legislator legislators for helping with that. Um,
fair building, I see the walls are up. Last time I was out there, the walls >> walls are up. The roof is should be just probably on this week. Uh, we did have a sevenweek look ahead and I'm sorry I didn't bring it with me of where we're going to be in the next seven weeks, but it looks like we're going to be honing in on some um, finals. Um, if we want to
talk about it, I am going to need a little bit more help. I can bring it to you guys on the next agenda. Um, generally speaking, when you put power into something like that, the power company will give you a credit back for um, the usage of the building for them running the infrastructure in. However,
with this building being phased out and all the mechan the long-term mechanical equipment, um, the power company will not um, take in lie of payments. So, they're um, the early estimate I got from Florida Power and Light was about $45,000 to run the three-phase power in from Yelmington Road to the new
building. uh which was not included in any cost because of the of the phase that we approach that we took. So um we're going to have to put the um we're going to have to as the board um I mean we happy to bring an agenda item to the next board meeting, but we're going to have to fund about 45,000 FPNL to have
them bring the um power line in because the usage isn't going to be there for them for the next few years to be able to get a return on their investment. So, help me understand uh why we would be going ahead and putting electrical to a building that's not finished or not about >> Well, it's going to have to have some electrical in it. It's going to have
it's going to have um the minimum emergency lighting, exit lighting. It's going to have be able to have lights in there if somebody was to walk through it for like um high bay lighting for now until we get more um uniform. I mean, it will you'll be able to walk into it. So, I mean, it's it's just not going to have facilities. It's not going to have
restrooms. It's not going to have a kitchen. It's not going to. So, you could potentially use it for storage because the fire sprinkler system will be in it in this phase, but we have to bring power into it to run. Um, okay. Part of it's going to be cooling mechanical equipment. I mean, there is um some like a mini split and all in the
mechanical area that has to run to keep the equipment that we're buying cool. So, we are going to have to have some power draw. It's just not enough to make the return back to FPNL for their investment. >> Okay. And then on the next phase is how are we are we working on trying to get funding through for that? >> We we've applied for grants. We're
probably going to back be back in a pool, I would think next year for appropriations. We've met with uh Commissioner Simpson, the agricultural commissioner, um once again trying to get some support for the project. I think we just going to go back through the legislature one more time to try to get it. Um I talked to a commissioner um
the other day. The problem with us saying, "Okay, we're going to put a million dollars to it." Is is every time we're doing that, we're going back to a design table that takes at least 10 to 20% of the project to put divid. We've got to get to the point where we c cash in and go, right? Um, we got a project started, but we we we need the full rest
of the dollars in order to push that thing to the finish line without having to put try to figure out where the phase breaks going to be and bids and all that stuff. It becomes cumbersome not only on the architect, but the your contractor's bidding it where the actual brake line's going to come in because every time we miss it by $100,000, we got to go back
to the table and redraw again and it becomes cumbersome on the whole entire um thing. So, um, but it's coming along nicely. Um, it looks good. Um, I think it's going to be a pretty building. I think it's going to be something that we can use in our community long term. Me, too. >> Um, I just, you know, we just got to try
to hope maybe we'll get around to the our legislators in the next couple sessions and try to get us some dollars for it. So, >> all right. I know Commissioner Newold has some comments. >> A question on that electric. Would that bring it in underground to that space? >> Yes, sir. It'd be underground with padmount three-phase transformer because the mechanical equipment in that
building for the size and scale it is required. What they say will run more efficiently on three-phase air conditioners and equipment. >> As I understand it, there's a a transformer out there that is substandard at the moment and we could utilize electric from this service to >> I don't think that's going to work
because that's singlephase and this is three-phase and we've been working with Michelle from FPNL um on a plan to fix that because that that one is underpowered too. I think they got a 75 amp. I'm not a transformer guy, but it needs to be up around 100 150. So, they
want to do all that work while they got crews in there working. They want to do it all at the same time. So, I would like to bring to you guys probably at the next meeting of to be thinking about that uh to bring the padmounted transformer upgrade cost and I and I'll try to get hammered down with Miss User this week or before the next meeting to figure out exact cost for you guys.
>> Okay. Thank you. I know it's we're having a lot of discussion, but I'd rather have the discussion with all of us at the same exact time so that way we're not confused and we all have the same message. Um, gasification plant, I was out there the other day. Um, they've moved along on that. Jay, do you want to
give us a little bit of an update on if you don't mind uh coming up and just giving us an update so all the commissioners know where that where we're at on that plant? Yes. So all the major equipment is in and now it's it's located in all the um electrical got ran by Clay Electric the
other day. We are waiting on the uh MCC the control main control electrical component that's coming out of Michigan. That'll be the last major thing to get put in. But um now it's just running all the wire connecting all the pipes. We've installed the nitrogen and oxygen tanks.
Both frack tanks have been installed. The propane tank has been put where it needs to be. We uh put the grinder together the other day um to where we can start laying out the conveyors and everything like that. So, the major components that really um only left are the MCC and then the augur and hopper.
So, um they are hoping to actually start testing the torch um first of next week. Um, we'll be running it off of generator power to make sure that all the microwave torch aspects work um, as we finish putting everything together. So, we're still hoping or looking in the
next two weeks to uh, start doing all the testing and putting everything together. >> All right. Are there any questions? That was an update for y'all. Okay. >> All right. Thank you. Um, uh, Julian, do we want to schedule a budget meeting in July is a question that that I guess we
need to have. I'm I'm looking to maybe um well I'm not maybe I'm looking for a workshop us having a budget workshop >> then absolutely >> would love love love to have um the uh
>> All right I'm moving to July. Do you want me to propose dates now or do you want me to work with each one of you guys? >> Just work with us and and maybe by the next meeting we'll have confirmed up a time before it needs to happen in July. And just while you're all here and I can get a little bit of general consensus, would you prefer that to be on the
afternoon of one of our existing meetings or would you prefer that to be a standalone meeting? >> You have to have the budget completed by what? August 1st and July. >> I have a tenative July and Max Mill by the end of July and then a final budget obviously by the end of September. Um,
>> okay. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> I would prefer to confine the meeting uh to the same day as a commission meeting. >> Okay. I mean, I'm just looking for consensus before I start trying to coordinate eight of our schedules. >> Yeah. Okay. >> July 14th's good for me.
>> That's our Yeah. In the afternoon. >> I know. We'll we'll move I know, Commissioner Newald, you're you're giving me this the side eye. We'll move our other meeting. Um that way we can hold this meeting. >> Okay. All right. Um I think we have a video that we want to play and it is
Yeah. So, if we can cue that up, I'll go ahead and queue up that video. Go ahead. On the 14th is our board of county commission meeting. Do you want to do what time do you want to do the workshop on the board? >> As soon as soon as we can. Right after lunch. >> Two o'clock. 1 o'clock. >> I will say two. Is that okay? Yeah. >> Two o'clock. >> Two o'clock.
>> That's right. I got lots of hands. >> So, um, we're not going to Oh, we got to wave. Everybody wants to wave. >> I'm good. >> Okay. Um, this is I'm gonna, if y'all will indulge me for a little bit, this is a video that was taken from a subcommittee
in uh, Tallahassee and it is five or six minutes long and it but there's a very key point in here that I want our constituents to understand. Um, as tax reform was being pushed through Tallahassee, uh, this is the sponsor of
the bill and he had some comments about Putnham County. Just a couple of things very quickly. This in no way, shape, or form, and I want to make this very clear, has at least from my opinion has anything to do with Miami date. I I don't Miami Date
County government is an absolute disaster. I'll I'll say it on the Florida Channel. I'll say it to them here. It's an absolute disaster. And quite frankly, I don't I don't know if there's ever going to be a fix to that. And this this this or or or anything else won't lead to the fix that is
required there. So, I just want to be very clear. This has nothing to do with with Miami date county. This has to do entirely with the taxpayer with the Flidian. I appreciate the fact that the counties, the cities,
many of them came up and said that they are they're certainly in favor of some sort of reasonable tax relief. I appreciate that. But the actions need to go along with
that commitment. One of the things that I was looking at uh while the speakers were were uh were speaking before you, I was looking at their annual conferences. So I looked at the Florida Association
of Counties and their 2025 conference. These were some of the topics that they discussed. Are you keeping your retirement plans up to date? Innovating across medical and pharmacy benefits. Counties at the crossroads planning for
growth under live local. That's just just three. for the Florida League of Cities. Smart streets, safe riders, transforming school zones with automated speed enforcement,
navigating challenges, and building effective board/city manager relationships. You know what was not in there in either one for their conferences? The words roll back rate were not in
there. Fiscal responsibility was not in there. Cutting taxes was not in there. Providing property tax relief was not in there.
So, what are we doing? And I'm not trying to make this a a moment where it seems like the guy from Gladiator that says, "Are you not entertained?" I actually really do mean, "What are we doing?"
If you say you're for reasonable tax relief, we've been waiting. We've been waiting. How long is it going to take? If we are here, the question has to be
why are we here? Would we be here if the cities, counties, and other jurisdictions did the right thing? Would we be here if they at least cut.1%. 01%. The honest truth is we would not be
here. To further emphasize that point, just looking at the counties, out of the 67 counties, less than 10 of them actually went to the roll back rate or less than the roll back rate.
Meaning that the overwhelming majority of them increased taxes. So what are we doing? Again, I respect and I admire the fact that we have folks that traveled up here and that they believe in reasonable tax
relief, reasonable property tax relief. But you have to back that up. Each and every year, every single senator, to my knowledge, at some point either files for some sort of property tax relief,
some tax exemption, some tax credit, and certainly appropriations. Where is that that at the local level? I have to give a shout out to Dotto County, Hernando County, Jefferson
County, Manatee County, Marian County, Oyola County, Putham County, Santa Rosa County, and Taylor County for doing the right thing for going with the roll back rate and going in some cases below the roll back rate and reducing that tax
burden for their residents. If we want to have a serious conversation, I'd recommend that the municipalities, the counties, the jurisdictions don't hide behind the brave men and women in uniform.
That's not fair. >> You can end it. >> Especially when every single member of this this committee. >> Thank you. Um, I just wanted you to see that because I think it's important that we were recognized in Tallahassee for doing the right thing when it comes to
our um, tax rate. And as you know, this board uh, voted last year to go to the roll back rate and we have been incrementally over the years um, reducing our millage rate when we can. So, I want to say
thank you to the board. Thank you to um our staff because sometimes we, you know, we get asked to tighten the belt and we do our best to do to to do with what to do the best with what we have. I Mr. Suggs, did you have a comment? >> Not on this matter, Madam Chair, but
before we close, I need to update the board on an issue we're having right now. >> Okay. And that I just want to say that I hope that as we go through um the the our governor and I hope he's I hope he gets a chance to watch this or somebody tells him that um we did the right thing
and we hope that you don't um use your veto pen on our appropriations. We really want our appropriations. Um we're doing everything we can down here in Putham County. Um with that, that's all I have. You have something else, Mr. Suggs? >> Yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, it was brought
to my attention this morning that we may be having some issues over in our building department with our uh citizen serve this morning. It was kind of uh going in and out this morning, but I just got notification that it is actually down to the outside and they're efforting to try to get that fixed as we speak.
>> All right. Is there anything else to come in front of the board? With that, this meeting is adjourned.