Good morning. Welcome to the county commission board meeting and our port authority regular meeting. Uh we will have a long agenda this morning, so just bear with us. Today is Tuesday, November 18th, and um we will start our our day by calling the meeting to order with an
invocation by Steve Roberts of Victory House followed by the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Alexander. Please silence your phone and stand if you're able to do so. >> Thank you ladies and gentlemen for having us. Let's bow our heads. Heavenly Father,
Lord, we just thank you. This is a month where in just a few days we'll set aside a day uh in this country to say thank you. So let us be the first to do that. Let us live grateful. Lord, oftentimes the difference between being spoiled and
being blessed is just being thankful. We thank you for this country. We thank you for this county. I thank you for these leaders, these uh these uh ladies and these men that take their time and their energies to do the best they can for this county. Lord, let the words of our
mouth and uh be acceptable to you. Help our our spirits and our attitudes uh do things that would bring honor to you. And Lord, favor favor for this county, blessings for our residents. We thank you so much in your holy name. Amen.
>> Amen. >> Please join me in the pledge of >> allegiance. I aliance 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. At this time, we're going to do something a little bit different than uh we normally do. Uh once a year, we have an election of chair and vice chair. So, we'll ask administrator Terry Suggs to come and serve as moderator.
>> Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. >> Good morning. Before we get started this morning with the uh the election of the chair and the vice chair, there's a couple things I'd like to uh take privilege on if if I may. Uh the first thing I'd like to take privilege on is
yesterday. What a beautiful event we had yesterday with the animal services facility, not only having his grand open, being blessed by Reverend Carl Flag. What a what a beautiful way to start that out out there. And I would be remiss this morning if I didn't thank
our project management consulting team of deputy administrator Grimes and Young. So, uh, those folks, uh, you know, it was a collaborative effort as you know, but those two took a a monumental task. Really, one that I
didn't think we're going to be able to to pull off uh, and done a just a phenomenal job out there. That facility looked so good yesterday. Our staff is going to be so excited. Our new director is going to be excited. And I think you five are going to be very excited for what comes from out there. So, thank you
again for for that opportunity yesterday. Now, if I could this morning, Madam Chair, this is for you. Okay? You know, we do this once a year and I get to stand here and I get to talk about the things that we've done for a year. Uh,
but this one's a little different. And so, I actually wrote notes this time. I usually don't do that, but there's a lot that I needed to say this morning. So, if you would just indulge me. Chairwoman Wilkinson, on behalf of your staff and the
residents of Putnham County, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your leadership, your guidance, and your steady hand throughout this term as chair. Your commitment to serving our citizens has been evident in every decision you've made. Always thoughtful,
always informed, always rooted in what is best for our county. You have led this board through complex issues with grace, with diligence, and an unwavering focus on improving the quality of life for our community. Under your leadership, we have achieved
several major accomplishments that will benefit Pton County for years to come. This includes the advancement of our new animal services facilities, the successful purchase of property to expand our wastewater treatment capacity facility and support economic
development. The roll back rate of the millillage to provide a much related tax break and meaningful strides employee retention that will strengthen our workforce and organizational culture for years to come. Most importantly, you have provided
steady, confident leadership during a period of transition, guiding a board that included three newly elected commissioners and helping to ensure unity, continuity, and a shared purpose. Your ability to listen, to bring people
together, and to keep our discussions grounded in respect and purpose has elevated the work of this board. You have set the tone of professionalism and collaboration that has helped us make meaningful progress on critical priorities from infrastructure
to public safety to economic development and long-term planning. Personally, I want to thank you for your support, your trust, and your partnership. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside you this year. While your time as chair may be concluding, your impact will
continue to shape Putnham County for years to come. Thank you, Chair Wilkinson, for your service, your integrity, and your unwavering commitment to the people and employees of Putnham County. Thank you, ma'am. If I could have you join me for just one
minute, >> Chair Wilkinson on your year of leadership and appreciation and effective dedicated leadership as chair at 202425 for county commissioners. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. Um, I'm It's not usual that I'm
speechless, but I'm a little speechless. Um, I don't know if y'all remember, but they gave me a bat. I have a bat, and uh, the bat was given to us at the last board of county commissioner meeting by the um, veteran services and it says
Putinham County uh, BOCC. Thank you for your support from Veteran Services. So, they took a trip, as you guys remember, to Louisville, Kentucky, and since they couldn't bring us back a barrel of bourbon, they brought us back a bat. But, um, I have signed it as chair, as outgoing chair, and we will pass this
along as a torch and, uh, as a bat. And the bat will be so that as we work on our projects, I I've been thinking about how we could work that in as we work on our projects and our priorities that we can always swing high and hit them out of the park. So, that's the idea of the bat.
>> Well said. Well said. >> I just have a few words I wanted to say. Um, we've had a very successful year, but it's been a teamwork. Um, this this board, our administrative team, our staff, I consider us team Putinham. Um, it's been one of my greatest honors and
privilege this year to serve as your chair. I did have a few top priorities coming in and I wanted to mention those. um our community parame medicine program. We got it up and running. We've seen dividends from this program helping our citizens out directly. We've had them come in and and specifically talk
about how their families were helped in that in that program. And um saying what a difference it made in their in their loved ones lives. And by doing that, we're reducing ambulance and 911 calls. We are soon to open a new fire station in West Putnham which will also help
with reduction of wait times for ambulance and fire trucks service. Um, of course, yesterday was our big beautiful day. We had our our ribbon cutting for our animal services building and uh we put a tight deadline on our staff. Um, I asked Mr. Grimes said, "I
think we can get it done in November." And I said, "Well, good. My chair seat ends on November 18th. So, I need you to have a ribbon cutting on November 17th. And it was like one of those shows where they were literally sweeping out the back door as the buyers were coming in the front door. That's what happened
yesterday, but they made it happen. And um that's not because of me, that's because of we. Um, speaking of our animal service uh building, I want to take the time real quick to introduce Miss Aaron McNeel. Miss McNeil, if you'll stand up.
Um, Aaron is our new executive director of community services. Um, I've known her for a long time. Had no idea she was going to fill this role. However, I know that she will do an excellent job. She will have an office out at the new animal services building and her job
will be to help improve customer service and work on our community engagement. We're going to hear later today from u the Ark Rescue in South Putham and she will be working with multiple organizations like that to engage and uh bring bring awareness and uh help our
animal services facility move forward. And so we know u Miss McNell you're going to make a tangible difference in our community. So welcome aboard. Um one of the things that I'm so proud of that we worked on with administrator Suggs is the employee retention policy.
We worked um by investing in our in our number one asset, our um employees. And I've said from day one that it's costly to hire and train and hire and train that we should be hiring and retaining. And I believe this new policy will allow us to do that and we'll we'll see much
success for that. We also um one of my priorities this year was a state road safety task force. We started that. It was a first of its kind. It happened under not good conditions, but at the end I do believe we made a difference with that program and with that uh board
and we'll continue to move that forward. We certainly brought attention and awareness to the roads that we have here in Putnham County on on the state level. We had um state police show up. We've had our local police show up and continue to do more traffic enforcements
and that can really make a difference in uh reducing our vehicle accidents and we will continue to push on that as we go forward to the new year. As Mr. Suggs mentioned, we were able to do the roll back rate which I think we've not done before and that's a big cost savings to
the citizens. We also created a capital improvement plan. So I want to thank uh Deputy Administrator Young for that. But I think that's the first time in a long time that we put our money where our mouths are and we don't just talk about the future, but we actually truly planned and funded the future. Uh we
approved the sex offender ordinance. Our job is as legislators. We are supposed to make make rules like that that happen that's going to make a difference in this community. And uh that ordinance is being emulated throughout Florida by other counties and municipalities. And we're leading we're leading that change
throughout the state of Florida. So I'm proud of that. Um, two upcoming events that we have. One will be at the SMA facility. Um, we'll have a 15 bed program coming on there for for the jail population when they need services. They'll be able to go there. And we also
have the Insight building which is out in front of the sheriff's office. Um, we're making res renovations. We'll have a ribbon cutting on that soon. So, lots of good things that are moving forward in Putinham County. Um, additionally, we made improvements to our parks. We invested in turf, fencing, bathrooms,
additional pickleball courts. Um, we added floating docks to several boat ramps, Boswick, East Palaca, Drayton Island, Veterans Park, and other locations. So, we have had a very busy year, guys. And it wasn't because of me, it was because of we. We're also moving
Putinham Port forward, which will be one of the only inland ports in the state of Florida once it's completed. We're making improvements to our fair buildings. We're continuing infrastructure improvements for water, wastewater, and the future of Putnham County. In closing, I want to say Henry Ford
said, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, but working together is success." While we have disagreed, which we is what we should should do sometimes. We all have uh different thought processes and we bring it to the board. we've always
worked together and at the end of the day we can always shake each other's hands and um I'm really proud of that and uh we're as I've said this board has been a board of change we're not a traditional board we've been making our way own way and our own statements and
that's what we need and we will move forward and we will forever be team Putnham and so thank you for this honor and privilege to serve with you this year. Thank you. Congratulations. Now comes the task of electing a new chair and vice chair for the board of
county commissioners. As a moderator, I will open the floor for nominations. Nominations do not need to be seconded. If only one name is placed in nomination, the moderator I will ask for a motion to close the nominations and elect the nominee by
acclamation. A second to the motion and a vote will follow. If more than one name has placed a nomination, the moderator will ask for a motion to close nominations. A second to the motion and a vote will follow. I will then ask for a show of hands and support of the
nominees in the order for which they were nominated. The moderator will then acknowledge the newly elected chair and we'll do the same process for the election of the vice chair. So, Madame Chair, at this time I will open the floor for nominations for chair of the board of county commissioners.
>> Mr. Suggs. >> Yes. >> Um, I coached baseball for many, many years, and one of the things that always made my team strongest was continuity and having someone that was good at their position there.
And I would humbly ask Madame Chair to remain and nominate her for one additional term. >> Is there any further conversations and also would madam chair accept the nomination or is there any other names?
>> Uh yeah. Yes. >> Is there any other names at this time? And hearing none, I will ask for a motion to close nominations. >> Motion to close. I will then go ahead and ask for a show of hands or a vote on chair Wilson remain as chair Wilkinson.
Let the vote reflect unanimously at this time. At this time, I'll go ahead and open nominations for vice chair. Is there any nominations for vice chair? >> I'd like to nominate Commissioner Pelier. Is there any other nominations
hearing? No other nominations. Do I have a motion to close? >> Motion to close. >> Okay. Do I have a motion to go ahead and appoint Commissioner Pelicer as vice chair through acclamation of the board? >> I make a motion that we
confer Commissioner Pelicier as vice chair. >> All second and all in favor unanimously. Thank you all. Commissioner Wilkinson, thank you. With that, we'll take a quick break. >> There we go.
Before we move into the um port authority meeting, well, first we'll go through the approval of minutes. We have approval of our minutes from our last regular convening. >> Madam Chair, make a motion to approve uh uh minutes from the previous meeting of
October 14th, 2025. >> Have a motion on the floor. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. All right. Before we go into port authority item, I'd like to ask Miss McNeel to please come up and say a few words. I I know you had a couple things you wanted to talk about, so come up and
bring your family and uh let's introduce you. I I probably jumped out of the gun a little bit and by introducing you, but welcome. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> I did write something. Can I read it? Is that okay? >> Absolutely.
>> Good morning, everybody. >> Good morning. I'm just going to pretend like all these people are not behind me. >> Okay, that's what we do. >> Everybody kept asking me if I was nervous and I was not till I showed up. So, good morning commissioners and what feels like all of Putham County. It is truly an honor to step into the role of
executive director of community services for Putham County. As a lifelong resident of this county, this community means so much to me. My daughter is growing up here and my husband serves our community as a sergeant with the Palaca Police Department. My bonus daughter is already giving back by
working at a local school and seeing her serve our community makes me incredibly proud. Putnham County is home in every sense of the word and I am grateful for the chance to give back in such a meaningful way. Sorry, my voice is shaking. During yesterday's shelter opening, seeing community members arrive
with armfuls of donated dog and cat food was a touching reminder of the kindness, compassion, and generosity that define the people we serve. In this role, I look forward to working collaboratively with the commission, county staff, our partners, and the residents who make
this place so special. I'm committed to continuous improvement, creative problem solving, and ensuring that the services we provide reflect the needs and values of our community. Thank you for placing your trust in me. I am excited, humbled, and ready to get to work. Also, thank
you to all of my family and friends that came today to support me in this new journey. Thank you guys. >> Very good. Welcome. >> You're welcome to come up and have a picture with your family. >> Yes. All right. One, two, three.
Chair, thank you for the opportunity um today to take that point of privilege to introduce Miss Aaron. and her family. Um, as you have said uh many times, we are a team and her team comes with a family, but it also comes with a lifelong uh community support. Erin and I grew up together. We went to school
together. Um, when she first reached out and inquired about this job, I knew one thing was true was that Aaron was going to work hard for it. Um, and that is exactly the type of person that we um aspire to bring in as part of our teams. someone who intrinsically cares about
the community because it's a community that gave to them and we want them be to have that same feeling in what they're serving and what they're doing. Um and Aaron um truly in the interview committee, she knocked it out of the park when she came in for her interview.
Um we did a scenario-based interview in written form and then in person. So we we scrutinized these candidates very well. Um and she certainly rose to the top. So we are extremely excited. I am extremely excited about having her on the team and we cannot wait. She comes
with a masters in public administration as well as in education and so certainly her initiative precedes her in all she does and we're excited that she's here and working with our team. >> Thank you. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Yes, ma'am. Um whether most of you know
or not, we as commissioners have very little if actually no input on who um staff hires. Um, but when I heard that uh they had hired Aaron, I've known her for 25 years and I told them what a fantastic job I thought they had done,
especially for the position that she's being uh assigned. Honestly, I I feel coming from the school system, she knows about passion and parents and um I think some people may be even more passionate about their animals than they are about their children once they reach their teenage
years. I think she's going to be an excellent fit. Um I've I've known her since she was in her teens and um I'm very excited to have her with us. >> Thank you. All right, moving on into the port authority. We'll convene the we'll
recess the um the regular board meeting. I'm still a little shaken up from this morning. And uh convene the port authority meeting. So at this time, is there any public comment on port authority items? Any public comment on Port Authority items? With that, we'll
go into our grant resolutions. >> Good morning, Commissioners. Sam Svin for Port Putnham. Uh before you, there's a couple of resolutions uh for grants. The first one is for bulk bulkhead and docking area for 800,000. If you recall
at the previous meeting, uh we approved the grant. After the grant was approved, signed and sent to FDOT, FDOT requested that we pro provide a resolution to go with it. So that's why we're here this morning. So we are asking that you uh approve this resolution uh written with
uh the blessing of FDOT and their legal team uh so that uh we can complete the uh grant agreement with FDOT for this project. >> Is that the same thing for item C? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. All right. If we can get a motion. So moved uh move that we approve
grant resolution 2025-104. >> All right. Second. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion to second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Motion carries. Next one. You want to say? >> Sure. I move that we uh approve grant resolution for the infrastructure
improvement uh to the tune of $1.2 million resolution 2025-105. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Alex Sharp and the Sunrise Rotary Club. We have a little discussion
regarding the pavilion at John Theoldable Park for the Liberty Tree area. So, thank you uh for coming up. Thank you, Mr. Doug Thompson and Joel Dancler for being here. >> Congratulations, Chairperson Wilkinson. Um, Alex Sharp on behalf of Palaca
Sunrise Rotary. We have Doug Thompson, our president, and we have Joel. >> Joel, what's your last name again? >> Dancler. >> That's right. Joel Dancler. I knew that. Um, we're we're here uh representing also the uh the Sons of the American
Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution. And as I don't know if I'm sure you all remember about six months ago you graciously granted us a portion of Triangle Park, the John Theold Sports Complex uh to do a
Veterans and Liberty Tree area behind the welcome sign and we've been diligent at that and we've have happened to come across some grant money and we would like the commissioner's permission
to install some coverage. to install some coverage >> for people to stay out of the sun because it's hot out there and our tree hasn't quite reached its full potential to give us any shade yet. And I would also be remiss if I didn't
thank uh uh not only uh the commission here for granting this, but the city of Placa has also graciously donated uh bricks uh the old uh city road bricks as a as a uh foundation for the pavilion
that the pavilions and the patio that's out there now around the tree. And this is a project that uh we really feel strongly about and we have secured the funds. Correct, Mr. President? >> And we would like to go forward with it
with your permission. We envision uh the two covers. The our architect went a little crazy on the design. We're they are a little bit more simplistic. Uh going to use marine grade beams, uh metal roofing. uh for staff. It it
should be a minimal upkeep. We shouldn't have to touch it for about 20 years unless a storm comes through. And it it will match the existing uh uh cover uh the existing um covers that are already there for your softball fields.
And we're here to answer any questions that you have as well. >> All right. Are there any questions by the commissioners or concerns? >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> Um Mr. start. Um, I saw on social media where you were looking for an arborist. Were you having problems with your tree? Is it taking root? Give me give me an
update on our tree. >> Well, I was I was The tree is living and that's always a good thing. Um, we did lose our leaves. Um, that's I guess when I'm not much of a arborist myself and I guess we planted the tree just a tad bit
too deep. So, we've exposed the roots back again. The heat that we had this remember it's been six months. We planted that tree within a month of you guys giving us permission and uh that heat uh I was explained kind of made the tree think spring winter and it kind of
shed all of its leaves but we do have new growth going as well. >> Great. >> And it is an American elm which is what the original uh liberty tree was in Boston. >> Wonderful. >> Yes. N and it's native to Florida but it is the only tree out there so we need a
little bit more coverage. >> All right. Is there any other discussion? Are there any concerns from staff? I'm sorry. Yeah, >> you I'm sorry. Commissioner Newbold, you're recognized. >> No worries. I just wanted to touch base with parks and wreck first to make sure there wasn't any previous long-term plan
that that to, you know, encompass that space. >> I'm I'm not concerned about the spacing as it's depicted here. Um that is generally overflow parking. So, we'll be mindful of that for sure as we go into the future. that particular complex is
really kind of built out. It's maxed um and is probably one of our more utilized parks, certainly more iconic because of its location. So, as we move forward, we just want to make sure that we um kind of condense all of our resources, making making each feature as condensed as
possible and that way leaving as much open space as we still can. >> Super. Thank you. That I love the depiction. You know, that'll be a great addition. We're going to keep that footprint as small as we can out there in that space. Um, I would be remiss. There was one thing else I was supposed to uh give
permission on. If you see in the renderings, this is a tribute to our armed forces. And on the back of the the welcome sign is a blank area. Uh, with this commission's permission, we'd also like to go ahead in the last step of our project, which is to have the military
insignas placed on the back of the sign. And again, at no cost to the uh county. >> Thank you. Um I see there's a So you have the bricks in a circular way around the tree, but on that rendering you have like a walk up. So >> again, my architect took great liberties
at this. I uh I received this at 2 am in the morning and uh it was a it was a rush job. I wish we could do sidewalks all the way back over the parking lot. >> Well, we probably don't wish that. So because again, that would be taking up more of our space that we need. So, I
just want to make sure that you're staying around the tree and in and >> we are staying in that immediate vicinity. >> Continue to work with um um our staff on that. Um Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> They have a hard enough time hearing me without the mic on. Um do you envision
uh this as a gathering place uh for awards and presentations for veterans down the road? >> Absolutely. It's a central location in Putnham County. In fact, um there are they are planning a celebration there uh for uh next year for America's 250th
celebration. They will be pulling the appropriate permits and other things that they need to do for that. But that is a big event. I believe they're going to have a replica of Washington's uh George Washington's uh war tent there on the grounds as well. So, we are
expecting a large event over there to coincide with the uh Aelia >> February 28th. February the 28th is the date that that's envisioned >> and everybody's going to be invited officially. >> Officially. >> Great. Great. Now, I just thought it would be a great gathering place for the veterans awards and services we have
throughout the year. >> Honestly, I have seen people utilizing it already. We do have the concrete benches out there. We have uh funds to get two more benches. Uh but it's uh as you know, there's also two pavilions there that at that park. The Rotary donated uh the Placa Rotary and Sunrise
Rotary donated both of those. Um, I have seen the people going out there and and looking uh all of the uh patio area. We sold bricks in memorial for people and there's names and dates inscribed on those bricks as well. >> Good deal. Well, I appreciate the
testament to the veterans. >> Thank you, sir. >> Mr. Grimes, you're recognized. >> Just like to ask if we could make sure that we put some kind of parking barricade out in front of it so it doesn't get used as a parking structure for the people at the at at the at the park. uh because that we don't control
human behavior. So, it won't be long we'll be seeing a car up underneath it parked to stay in the shade. So, some kind of parking ballard or something to keep them from driving on to the to the structure as it's overflow parking. >> We're willing to commit to anything you want. I would I I agree with you. I'd be pretty upset if somebody's car was up
under there at the memorial site. >> Yes, sir. >> That's not what it's intended for. So, >> 100%. So, I just it's something we can do to protect it. I mean, especially since we just had what we had happen here. somebody, you know, especially as people are sitting underneath a pavilion, it's in the wide open, somebody's foot slips, it might be easier just to have some kind of parking protection. >> I mean, eventually down the road, it
wouldn't be unconceivable to maybe have uh tables under there, picnic tables or something similar uh to what is already under the rotary uh pavilions that are there now. >> All right. Um with that, is there a motion? >> Madam Chair, I move approval of all the
items Mr. Sharp and his group have presented to us today. >> Second. >> We have All right. Okay. Any other further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Thank you. Thank you to the Sunrise Rotary >> and we we thank you as well. Thank you very much. >> All right. Is there any general discussion from the board on port
authority items? All right. Hearing none, we will re we will um move into our regular board of county commission meetings presentation. National hope month. We've asked uh with Miss Melanie if you'll come forward. We've asked um
Commissioner Harvey to read the proclamation. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, fellow board members. Um proclamation number 2025-103, National Hope Month. Whereas approximately 4.2 million people ages 13
to 25 experience some sort of homelessness in the United States each year. And whereas while living on the streets or in their car, staying in shelters or couch surfing, youth may struggle to all afford food, care for
their mental and physical health, attend and complete school and avoid dangerous and violent situations. Whereas the common reason youth may ran run away or experience homelessness include include family conflicts, being asked to leave
home, verbal, emotional and or physical abuse, neglect, and financial problems at home. And whereas youth who experience homelessness are more likely to experience homelessness in adulthood. And whereas the National Runaway Safe Line and the CDS Family and Behavioral
Health Services are working to raise awareness and educate local communities about youth homelessness and the importance of prevent prevention during youth homelessness outreach prevention and education hope month and always. Now therefore by the Putnham County Board of
County Commissioners hereby proclaim the month of November 2025 as youth homelessness outreach prevention and education parentheses hope month in the county of Putnham and encourage residents to recognize the role we can
play in advocating for this vulnerable population of young people done ordered and adopted this 18th day. Madam Chair, I move approval of this proclamation. >> Second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Thank you. Miss Melanie, if you'll come up. I know you've got a few words
to say. >> Can we take a picture after? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> As already stated, each year an estimated 4.2 million children between the ages of 13 and 25 experience homelessness in the United States. This past count, which was conducted in
January, stated that Putnham County had an estimated 76 homeless people in Putham County. We all know that number is much higher. How many of those children, how many of those homeless people are children? Are they too scared to ask for help and
that's why they're hiding? We need to bring awareness to the county about how important youth homelessness is and let these children know that we're here to help, not to judge. I invite the county to show their support by wearing green or lighting up your business with green lights. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> I appreciate that. Do you What program do you have? Do you have a place for homeless children to go? >> Yes. Um the our actual shelter, the interface program, we do have funds specifically set aside just for homelessness and runaways. We do not
judge. Uh you can go to any kids can go to any safe place sign that they see. Um I don't know if everyone knows what safe place is. is I'm more than h happy to discuss it further after this, but they can go to any safe place site and they'll call us the shelter and myself
or my uh supervisor or regional director can go and pick up the child and bring them back to the shelter. There's no reason why we should have any homeless children in Putham County because there is a place for them to go. >> And I I knew that, but I wanted you to share that. So, thank you. Thank you. Come on up and we'll get a picture. Thank you for everything your
organization is doing. Come on. Come on. All right. On three. One, two, three. Don't move. >> All right. All right. Next, we will have up Miss uh I'm sorry, Lauren Conn from Meridian
Healthcare regarding our homelessness outreach program. >> Good morning. >> You can pull that up. Yes, ma'am. >> Too loud. Good morning. I'm Lauren Con with Meridian Healthcare. Um, I want to thank you for having us back today in follow-up to the annual report
presentation >> to talk a little bit more in depth about the homelessness outreach services that we offer specifically here in Putham County. Um, it's an honor to be here, especially after such an important and wonderful proclamation. So, thank you
for that timing. Um, and I've brought with me today our subject matter experts to to speak specifically about these services. So, I've brought Alan Pollen with me. is the senior vice president of clinical and community services and Lindsay Smith who is the manager of the
program we offer here the treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness. So they're going to tell you a little bit more about those services and then we'll all be happy to answer any questions. >> Very good. Thank you for following up. This was very important to our community. >> Again, thank you for having us. Uh my
name is Alan Pollen and I oversee our clinical and community services and um we have a grant. It's called we call it the TIA grant which stands for treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness. Um this grant um is a federal grant and it's funded through
the substance abuse mental health and services administration u through the federal government. And the purpose of the grant is to expand access to mental health and substance use disorder care um and also promote recovery and housing connections
for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Um it is a five-year grant. Um it's $500,000 per year and it's we this we're just now approaching our third year. We're finishing up our second year and we've been working in uh
it's serving Elatchua and Putnham counties. Um we also have partnered with um Grace Marketplace. Uh they do a lot of um certainly in Elatcha County. They do a lot of homeless empowerment and services and outreach, but they also do work in
the external um counties and they come to Putham County once a week to conduct outreach and that helps generate uh screening and engagement with our team um for referrals and then eventual enrollment into the program to help them
move along with services. Uh the TIA team um is uh consists of an interdisciplinary team and we have um two therapists. Uh Lindsay is a therapist and she also has another therapist. We have care coordinators for assessing what the service needs uh
array of sub service needs are needed. So we can link them to community resources and everyone um work together to access and tap into and help them help the clients reach those services to benefit from them that are existing in the community. We also have a peer specialist, someone
who has lived support and has been in recovery for at least two years to help engage and support that person through the process. And then we have a person dedicated specifically to outreach duties. Um and um that makes up the team as long as
well as working with um the Grace Marketplace when we come when they come out here and we work um with the resources here in Palaca and Putnham County. So, does Grace Marketplace accept people from Putham County? >> They they they will accept people coming
over there. They do really try to keep it central because that's where their funding is, but certainly they try to um engage with them and access um mostly um for services in the area that they're working in. Though we have and we actually mentioned one of the um stories
where we did access someone and a family, a mom and her four children here in Crescent City and they were that we worked together and they were pivotal in getting them into a f a shelter while we're working on getting them permanent placement.
Um and then we as far as specifically here in Putham County, we've been working closely um Lindsay can talk a little bit about um or answer any questions really. We've been working closely with the Putinham County Caring Coalition with the overnight safe shelter. We know there's a slight pause
on that for now, but we've been working with them, working them on their um but we go and work on their day drop in services that they have during the day and of course participating in the behav behavioral health consortium that we have here each month. Um that's now
being held at the Goodwill Career Center um Placa Housing Authority, St. John's Recovery Place. So basically services that you have existing, Lindsay builds those relationships and we all work together in the county. Um, have you any questions about
services or anything in detail you would like to know about our actions in >> Um, I do know that you guys do intake that you send somebody over from Grapes Marketplace and that they do have intake services from being down at Bread of Life. seen them walk around, speak to the people and actually, you know, help
them because I know part of the issue is they got to get in this in the system to be able to receive the services. But what Putin really needs is something um a tangible something tangible for the future. Do you have any plans or see anything in the future? I know you work you mentioned working with Putinham
Caring Coalition, but I know that their their uh model has changed and I haven't really heard from them in a while. So, I don't really know what's what's happening with our homeless population other than how do we get them services, which is why I wanted to get a presentation today because it's very
important that we, you know, 76, but there's actually, like Melanie mentioned, there's more than that. >> Certainly. Yes. We know that there's going to be a continuing challenge and I know that um Lauren um was working on looking at something broader with the legislature. Okay. um to bring in
something and I I just during advocacy week, okay, on that parts of it because certainly we all recognize that that is a need for that piece of it. And um so that's what we have going as far as future oriented and then just working and trying to find anything that's existing that we can and the big piece
is of course the outreach and trying to engage that and get those people ready to stay with us as we work them through the process. >> All right, Commissioner Nubold, you're recognized. >> I guess I'm going to show my ignorance here. I I it's nice to see all the synergies that your group has with our
our county groups. If um if a potential client or or service someone who is in need of these services is identified, how do we out in the public get them what's the process for getting them directed to you? Well, we
have the contact of the project director as well. We have the contact here on this PowerPoint. Lindsay has cards here. We can certainly give those out and leave those here. U for you guys and um you know Lindsay and her team are out here very frequently. We all always have our um 1-800 number, our Meridian call
center, and that's a way to someone can always go call directly. They can get on our website and they can actually access an intake um for an assessment at any time virtually if they have a phone as well as any other connection. Um, so we
have various ways, but the main one is through our main website, phone number, and then we have the contact here for the project manager and Lindsay will leave her contact. >> I'm sorry, Lindsay. Did we jump ahead of your presentation? Did you have a presentation? >> Oh, no.
>> She's just here for detail. >> Okay. All right. All right. Okay. >> Well, thank you. Good. I'd like to get Lindsay's information and I can at least disseminate it down at district one. Thank you. I'm sorry. I don't know if
it is. I don't Oh, there we go. >> Sorry, we're late. We're late to realizing that the PowerPoint is there. But there's the contact information as well for the project director and then our website where um where
referrals can be made through our website or individuals in need can access a clinician directly immediately to start that intake process. >> Okay, Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um kind of came
through the board when you came here last time and I followed up with you. I guess my question or yeah, my question to you is what can we do as a board to partner with you to get homelessness
moving in the right direction in Putnham County? As we all know, 76 people or whatever, even if you have 150, you're still not touching. And in West Putham, we have homelessness a lot. We have people who are squatting on lots. We
have I mean they're being run off from this lot and they go to another lot, but we have the most platted undeveloped lots in the state of Florida in West Putinham. So my question to you is tell me tell me the what's the what's the
golden ticket here that we can move people from homelessness to home? And that's what I'm asking. Well, of course, there's many factors um and addressing that and we know it's a complex issue because it's even not as simple as like, hey, let's just build 500 units because
once those fill up, that doesn't solve the problem because then there's going to be other people that are are still in need. So certainly access to affordable housing and we know that's a big challenge especially when you have growth, you have the private sector, but really staying connected. I know the
behavioral health consortium that we have each month um on that meeting and sharing those resources looking forward to what we can do um utilizing some models that we know that have worked in other areas if there's potential funding out there. We have um grant writers um
on on our team that are constantly looking for issues and certainly where there's challenge counties where we have that. That's one way to pull down funding not only for to support interdisciplinary teams here because a lot of times people may be choosing that
and often not but sometimes they that is where they want to be. So us engaging with them on the ground level is critical and on the T and what we're doing here that I've tal spoken to but it really is a complex issue but definitely communication working together looking at models that have
worked in other areas and securing that funding. And a followup to you, Madam Chair, if you don't mind. Um, sometimes we're lumped. Put Putham County is lumped with a bigger county to help them get funding and not a whole
lot of money comes back to Putnham County. We see that often. We're used for that for the we're used for the numbers and then we go away. >> How much is spent out of your you you spent 500,000. This is your second year.
How much of that money spent in Putnham County? >> Definitely at least half. Definitely. I would say half. It may be higher or lower on each side because that is the funding of the team and that's where the team allocates their resources. Um we did have a smaller portion much smaller
portion to support the staff um at the Grace Marketplace so they could commit to having that person coming out every every week. So we put that in there specifically um that they would come out here to be serve your county. be a situation where platinum was an
afterthought or a secondary thought. >> Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. If >> I could just add >> Yes, please go ahead. >> I think the the important thing to build on what Allan was saying is to to have these conversations and these collaborative efforts in the form of a coalition or a dedicated meeting because
what we want to do is identify what resources are available and how everyone can access those and then more importantly where are the critical gaps, right? because we certainly don't want to do things that someone else is already doing or uh duplicate efforts. We want to maximize the effectiveness
and benefit of the resources we have in place. And then where are the gaps? Where are the roadblocks? What what are the barriers? And then what resources may potentially be out there or how can we target efforts to accessing that funding or resource to fill and meet those gaps? I think that's probably the
the next critical step is keeping those conversations, those detailed conversations and those collaborations happening um in a in a dedicated way specific to this issue. >> Thank you. Uh Commissioner Alexander sits on our behavioral health forum board. Um we'll hear from him, but maybe
it's something that he wants to to move forward. Um go ahead, Commissioner Alexander with your comments. >> I I have the same questions that Mr. Harvey has. Um, you know, you're talking about half a million dollars that uh and you guys are based in Elatcha County, >> correct?
>> They they do have a facility here. >> So, and you said that we're spending half of the money in Putnham County. You feel um so that's by coming over once a week and visiting with some people or and and the second second part of my question, you referenced one family with
four children that you were able to help out. um is that in the last year or is that a shining example or can you give me a number of people you've assisted in um with their homelessness and and moving out of that? >> Sure. >> Because I you know I'm a results kind of
guy and I would like to know what what we're getting for our money. >> Absolutely. So the the Grace the Grace marketplace that was just their proportion. They have a definitely a smaller part of the piece. We come over here at least twice a week and get engaged with all these um communities uh
and resources here for that full engagement on the outreach component of that. >> What do you do when you come over here twice a week? >> Hello. Good morning, commissioners. So, um on Mondays and Thursdays, our
outreach coordinator attends the drop in. Um >> can you pull the microphone up? >> Of course. >> I can't hear you. I apologize. >> It's okay. Um, so our outreach coordinator comes out on Mondays and Thursdays, which is also when the what was known as the TOSS shelter had their
drop in hours, but they also come out on Monday mornings to um engage with individuals at the local food pantries. We've noticed over the past month there was an increase in the number of individuals who were accessing those food pantries. They again, as Alan had
mentioned, partner with the Grace Rural Outreach to come out and go to sort of those areas that are harder to access outside of the Palaca city limits. So, we're talking places like Interlock in. We recently received a client from them who was living in the woods out there. So, the outreach coordinator in working
with the Grace outreach world coordinator in order to access those clients that maybe are on the periphery of Palaca. So when you engage these folks, I'm just trying to wrap my head around what you guys do and and share with our our members in cyber world and here. But so the goal of the outreach
coordinator, when you engage these folks, is that to uh steer them towards your program, provide them assistance? Um you know, you're talking about a phone, you know, they can call for assistance or they can go on the website. Don't know many of the homeless people that have a computer. So are we are we helping them steer through that
and getting them set up? Okay. But I just want to understand how it works. >> Yes, of course. So when our outreach coordinator goes and meets with these individuals, they assess them for services. So I don't want to get too into the weeds with like technical language, but there's something called a VI spedat, which is a vulnerability
index, which allows us to put a number to the individual. >> So you prioritize. >> Exactly. It's a prioritization service. Um, you know, they just go and talk to the clients. They explain to them what our program is, what our program offers, what it is that we can help them with.
So really that initial the outreach coordinator is really engaging in that initial outreach with the individual and then from there they complete the intake paperwork and then you know we go through our process that we have to um follow based on the grant guidelines. >> Thank you very much. We speak some
people you know people speak in so many generalities here. I want people to understand how the program works from beginning to end >> so they they will have an opportunity to engage in this program and know what you guys are doing and see the benefit of it. >> Of course. Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you for your presentation. It
seems like we we do need to circle back around and have some kind of communitywide meeting, I believe. So, thank you. >> We would we would love to continue to be a part of these discussions and um continue to identify resources and additional supports we can bring to >> Yeah, I think you're right. That's what we need to do. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much for having us. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have Miss Jenny Oakwood from Ark Animal Rescue regarding the spay and neuter trailer and she has a presentation. Good morning. Dreams do come true.
Yesterday was one part of the dream coming true for animal welfare in this county. >> And today I am so proud to share with you all and our citizens
what we have accomplished with lowcost wellness pet care in this county. We are Ark Animal Rescue is located at Crescent City Kennel. We are a 501c.
We also service the entire community. Plus, we also foster dogs and cats at our facility. I want to stress we are a rescue group, not a shelter and not a
humane society. These are some statistics. I'm not going to read them all. I wanted to share some of the highlights. Unaltered females can produce 67,000 puppies in six years.
seven years, one cat and her offsprings can produce 370,000 kittens. Florida is number three on fatal dog bites. Um, Putinham County unfortunately does
not have a humane society. They closed in 2015. out of seven and at seven out of 10 counties already have lowcost spay and neuter. And again, I want to congratulate you all for yesterday's
grand opening. I am so thrilled. These are some stats regarding Putham County. I'm not going to read them all, but the one that I want to focus on is currently in our county over 8,000 dogs
and cats are not spayed and neuter and have and 7,000 of those five I'm sorry, 5,700 of those have never seen a vet. 85 of those dog owners and 76 of those
cat owners really consider their pets their family. And increasing number of counties as well as commission commissioners in Florida have supported and funded um
spay and neuter as well as in Mariam County, Jackson County and city of Jacksonville for example. And there is a spay- florida we are going to be added on that that represents throughout the state all
the lowcost vac um lowcost veterary care services. We want to close this gap. We are a small group like I I mentioned.
I do take we do take I should say surreners and neglected animals. We provide adoptions for those unfortunately safe closed a couple months ago or a month ago. We see the a
we need to increase the awareness of spaying and neutering and as well as vaccines. As you know, rabies is a law. Every dog, cat, and ferret must have a
rabies. And what about parvo? I have seen that where dogs have puppies have died in front of me because of parvo because they couldn't afford those initial vaccinations. I, as you know, Facebook,
everywhere you look, abandonment of animals throughout this county. And it breaks my heart. I want to see us connecting with other rescues in Putnham as well as outside of
Putnham to share ideas and improve those uh services for our animals. We also distribute pet food as well as microchipping which is so important.
I cannot believe the accomplishments that this county has done for animal welfare. We started lowcost vaccine clinics in January of 2023.
I purchased all the equipment from Pearson's veterinarian that closed. Then we went to twice a a month. Now we're up to four or five times a month
providing lowcost vaccines. Where can you get a rabies for $18? Phase two. Phase one of lowcost neuter and spay. We provided since 2022
vouchers to help this community spay and neuter their animals, cats and dogs. And in June, after two years of meetings,
42 meetings, 18 months, six months of creating this gorgeous mobile clinic. I don't want to say trailer because it's a mobile clinic
emerged and was presented here in your meeting in June. My our goal, I keep on saying me, it's our goal. I want to see Pel Pet Wellness Clinic. That's our future goal where individuals
can come their dog has an ear ache uh skin issues. Then we have built relationships with Operation Catnip in Gainesville for TNR
because our focus right now is dogs. cats. We have relationships with Flaggler Cats as well as Operation Catnip. And I had the privilege of going there and getting a tour from the executive director. It's amazing what they do.
I am a professor, college professor, and Aaron and I are going to click because we are both passionate about educating as well as community service. And I have gone to high schools on the
necessity health occupation student associations about pet wellness spay and neuter and also education opens doors. My our future goal for next year is
Petco love. Um it's a free c it's a free um software or platform. I had the privilege of going to Halifax. They had an inservice one site not of this all these different sites. I lost my dog or
I found a dog. What have we accomplished? Yes, we've had some hiccups. Remember the mobile clinic had the major equipment. We needed a veterinarian to help us set
up the suite. Just like when you buy a house, it's empty. We have to fill it up. Anesthesia, drugs, and tracheio tubes, etc., etc.
In August and September, we had some hiccups. Our table, I'm sorry, surgical table broke. We had to get the manufacturer, the builder of the mobile clinic to come out and replace it. We also had some other
issues that are listed there. We were fully operational on October 25th. I'm sorry, October 2025. And I know some of the um commissioners have the perception that
it's parked in at Crescent City Kennel and it's not being used. It is. It has also increased people driving by on Highway 17. Oh, there's a spay and neuter mobile clinic in this community.
I want to make sure that our citizens know that we are here to help them. Lowcost vaccine. We do cat and feline screening, heartworm test, and microchip. Only $20. No
registration fee. And of course we are fully equipped. These are some of our accomplishments. In October there are the dates that we have um provided
and in November as you can see it has increased. December look at those dates. >> Very good. >> And lowcost vaccine clinics. look at those dates.
I am so proud of my staff, of my board, of this community because without them, I wouldn't be standing here today. And I know you think maybe these numbers are low. Again, this is a mobile clinic,
one surgical table. We're not a humane society that has 20 tables. 163 animals have been spayed in dogs, excuse me, and 225
cats. A total of 387 animals. Look how many vaccines and tests we've done. A total of 1,521
vaccines and testings have been done. We are continuing informing the staff, working with my IT person for the website, email. I emailed all the town halls. I emailed all the mayors and
council members throughout the county. We I placed an ad in the palaka paper because some people do not use social media on our services and I will uh continue it through the month of December. Of course, Facebook
and we're always at some type of festival farmers market to educate and regular eblasts as well. And I don't know if the board your all board knows I am bilingual also. I speak fluently Spanish
and I am educating the Hispanic community about spay and neuter. >> Very good. >> What do we expect? I cannot wait to sit down with Juliana Young and Aaron and let's see if we can move that baby right
on Putnham County s animal service and station it there hopefully through the entire month of January we can have interlocking come to us as well as Crescent City comes to us
because it's in the middle of the County. I was so happy to meet because I we spoke to her many times conference call with Dr. Shelton. I even took a picture.
It's amazing how life circles around. She started in Interlockan as a vet, went to University of Florida, started there, went to Jacksonville, and now is back in our county. We will share statistics with you in
January. We will continue relationships with Flaggler Cats and Operation Catnip. And we do transport those cats to those facilities because the average person cannot take two or three hours time from
their job and maybe don't they don't even have gas money to go to Banell or Gainesville. We will in uh continue increasing um awareness as well as increasing veterary
um capacity and I want to say I have two vets for lowcost vaccine clinic. One of those vets can do both spay and neuter and vaccine clinics. We're up to two vets,
God willing, a third one in January. And it has been an amazing journey. I cannot believe that I'm here in front of this community
telling you all this wonderful news. Yes, we have a lot to do. Yes, we want to move it around the county. Yes, we need volunteers. We need donations. We need individuals to help us grow this
particular service throughout the county. I am so happy that I was privileged to be on the advisory board for many, many years and I see the need in this county.
I want to end to say thank you Putnham County and thank you all here today for this wonderful, wonderful dream that has come true. >> Thank you, Miss Jenny. Uh, you're amazing.
>> Any questions? No, I think you covered it all. Um, Commissioner Alexander, you had a question. I'm sorry. Or comment. >> I I sure do, Miss Jenny. Um, I'm very excited because one of my first questions was going to be what are the dates that the animal uh the mobile
clinic would be moving and and out and about, right? And you gave us the list back in your presentation. >> I'm working on finalizing the January dates as we speak. >> Okay, good news. I will be sharing that with Juliana and Aaron and you all as well.
>> Good deal. Well, I I spoke with Mrs. Holmes um prior to and uh what she asked me about and uh what I thought would be a great idea is the location here in the parking lot. You you guys are welcome to set it up here as well.
>> That's another great idea. >> Yes, ma'am. We would be happy to to uh host you guys. >> Fantastic. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, we have one more presentation before we move into our HR. Um, Palica Farmers Market has a quick update.
>> Good morning, commissioners. Uh, Gabrielle Gun with Visit Placa. We wanted to give you guys a quick update on the farmers market as we've launched um in September. Uh, we've had six farmers markets since then and wanted to get that update before the end of this
year. Uh I want to start off by saying thank you for this wonderful opportunity as we've had an overwhelming response from our community and our businesses. Uh we are want to say specifically thank you to you as a commission for allowing us to use the courthouse, the
courthouse's support and staff for um utilizing the facility and uh the commission staff for um you know helping with uh many different things to make it uh successful. And lastly, the sheriff's office. Um, as you have the paper in
front of you, we completed a survey from our vendors and had about a 45 vendors that gave a response. You'll see that um the average vendor revenue for the different uh questions that we had and this was uh specifically for the
vendors. you'll see that the four and a half star vendor review um which we think is pretty good uh and are working on some of the feedback items that the vendors have expressed us to work on to just enhance it and um improve on what we're doing. We want to make it an a
great experience for the businesses along with the community members and the visitors that are attending. Uh we have um had 70 vendors at the last vendor market and over 200 vendor applications has have come through to
participate in one or multiple of the farmers markets from now until May which is 17 events. Uh we have on average about 1,700 attendees at each market. uh the first market was um we were
extremely shocked with um about 200 individuals that attended that first market. So the community, the visitors, they came out to support and we are extremely grateful. Uh the community feedback with the event themes for from Halloween trick-or-treating to painting
pumpkins and then most recently our thankfulness wall and uh veteran um recognition. uh this past Saturday. We've also are working on adding entertainment elements um with uh acoustic music uh pictures with Santa uh
with the Grinch in December 6th. Again, we only have one event in December just with the holidays and many different events happening. We will just have our first Saturday event. Um we are also partnering with UFIFAS Extension. We had them come out uh this past Saturday and
Singleton Farms gave uh 672 ears of corn and we were able to get all of that corn dispersed either sold or um given out. Uh we are excited for this partnership as it's educating the community and the corn was delicious.
Uh the business feedback along the St. John's Avenue has been an extremely overwhelming response. Um there was an uh event with uh RHP uh a few months ago and um I stopped at every single stop
which was 24 stops and um almost all of those business owners you know expressed their gratitude for how much that is impacting them on one Saturday. They are um very grateful and are willing to support and help us in any way that they
can. So that is extremely helpful for not only only the vendors at the businesses but also the businesses along the corridor. We want to see that walkability. We want to see people coming to and from and really um being consistent about that. And then lastly
the uh TDC funds that we are using for marketing, advertising, radio um that is extremely helpful. So we are very grateful for that. Um, I don't have any other feedback, but I just want to say again, thank you for this opportunity.
>> Thank you. Um, I'll just say a couple things. Um, you're right. We have had I've had people along St. John's Avenue, business owners, come to me and say, "This is helping my business." And um, that's what we should be doing downtown is working on uh, making uh, we're working with the city. The city's been
working diligently to make uh, downtown Pala uh, a better place to work. And these kind of activities instead of taking away, they actually add to them. And I think when we bring new things to the community, sometimes people are afraid it's going to take away, but it doesn't. It brings it because look at
all the foot traffic they now have on a Saturday and that kind of stuff. So that so thank you for that. I will say if you're working to increase your footprint or you're working with um music or other things and you're going to need more resources from the county that you work with our county
administrators um and their staff to make sure that it's something that we can help you with. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. With that, um Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I too would like to echo the uh comments that um Miss Wilkinson made. I think it's great
for the community and I'm I'm really excited about the potential of expansion and potentially expanding it down to the riverfront where the traffic is forced to traverse that area between there and um showcase some of the businesses in that area. This is the kind of organic
growth that I appreciate because it's friends helping friends and friends promoting their businesses. Um personally, I've been down there, I believe, three times now. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Twice I went by myself. It wasn't that bad on my wallet and uh
Regina went with me one time and it was a little more expensive, but thank you for what you guys are doing down there. >> Thank you. >> Commissioner Palis, you're recognized. >> Um just to comment, um I have not been um something always had me going one way
or the other, but I have passed by there on at least two of the Saturdays and I was blown away by the attendance. >> Thank you. >> Really, really was impressed. I I had to think about what's going on in the courthouse. I didn't know what was going on. I told Matt had it opened up on Saturday or something. I didn't know.
But uh anyhow u just it's a great thing and I think it's it's breathing life into downtown and and just helping promote that growth that we need so valuably down there. Thank you, >> sir. Mr. Suggs, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. U just a couple quick things. I can absolutely attest to the uh deliciousness of the corn because
I had some Saturday and so it was very good. uh but also uh would like to have discussion this morning with the board uh as I promised Miss Gabrielle, Mr. Sloan that I would do is they need to start notifying their vendors about next year. And I want to make sure that our
board of county commissioners are good with moving this this project forward so they can go ahead and notify their folks. We can keep this farmers market going in the location for which they are today. Well, you know, I have a personal goal of creating and uh funding a community Christmas tree on the
courthouse lawn, and that is something that I'm going to be working on fundraising. So, everybody in the audience, look out. There will be fundraising events coming up. And I would love to see a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the courthouse lawn to bring something positive to the community. And we'll raise the money to
do that. But you'll have to work around us is what I'm telling you. Yes, ma'am. for you because I would like to see it in coordination with the um with the beautiful parade and the wonderful parade that Mr. Deputy puts on and that we just have this big ceremony and the
light and it's lit up and it's just you know my vision is that we have people walking up and down the streets on the nights on the weekends and looking at the lights during Christmas time and just having a grand old time in downtown Palaca again like we used to. I know they're working on um making um their
storefronts prettier and they're decorating those. So, downtown PAL has a lot and we're going to be doing a lot. >> Yes, >> you'll have to work with us on that Christmas tree >> and we would love to collaborate on that with you. Uh Kaylee Westberry is on also on my team. She's our marketing advertising coordinator and she's a
local. Uh we are super excited about this concept and would love to collaborate because we also have some really unique ideas that we are pulling from many different other areas. Um so we'd love to collaborate on that. >> I'm just letting you know I get priority. Okay. >> Yes. No, for sure. For sure. We I'm we
are very excited about it. >> All right. I wanted to say let's do it this year, but I was too quick. I couldn't pull it off, but thank you. Thank you very much for your presentation. >> Yeah. And I'm not using the bat. Um, Miss Lori Parker, um, HR employee of the year, and I just want to thank everybody for their patience. I know this has been
a lot of presentations, but we only we're going to take a break after this. >> Oh, I'm sorry. You had to ask. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Just just just so we can make sure that they have uh the direction of the board to go ahead and move. >> We can move it forward with the exception of from November till December
working with commissioner on the tree. Can I make a motion that we uh move forward with allocating those times in the county um the county courthouse lawn for that with a carve out for Madame Chair's Christmas tree. >> Thank you. >> Second.
>> All right. All in favor say I. I. All right. Motion carries. Thank you. Uh Miss Parker, >> good morning. >> Recognized. Good morning. Uh for employee of the year, we did have four wonderful employees who were awarded the employee of the quarter. And I'd like to announce all their names before we
announce the employee of the year. It was Brooks Wart from IT. We had Lee Duran and Brier Tilton from budgeting. Um along with that was Justin Bridges from public works and he is awarded the employee of the year for 2025.
I don't know if we have enough time this morning to sit here and see all the great things that um our employees do um day in and day out, but you know, you get those ones that just shine their way right to the top. Um I'll take a thousand Justin's every day. Um he is just the hardest working guy. Um, it
doesn't matter if you call him at I call him sometimes at 7 o'clock in the morning. Uh, sometimes earlier than that, not as quite as early as Commissioner Harvey, but um, uh, but every time you call him, it's he always has the attitude that he can get it done. Um, it doesn't matter what the
task is put out in front of him. I called him late last week on our um obtainable deadline for a um animal services facility and says, "You know, we really need some grass put in and sprinkler system and oh, by the way, I'm going to Colorado." >> Right. >> So Justin came out and met me, goes,
"We'll get it done before you get back home." I said, "Well, I appreciate that." And he was a man of his word. He had every bit of it done. um from everything from tearing down a um the old fence to save the county money at Theob Park this past year to to whatever we need whether it's a special project that pops up in the middle of the day.
Um a fire station civil pack, you know, it doesn't matter. We can make the phone calls. Um we needed a water line ran from the Boy Scout camp up to the fire station that we're building in Melrose. And Justin goes, "Well, I can do it." So there's not a I mean that would that
saved us $100,000 just because we have people that are qualified, people that are willing and crews that'll do it. Um and Justin leads those crews every day. So uh I couldn't think of anybody's more welldeserving um and in that in his field. Um he is standalone um and just an absolute um asset for our county to
have. And so I just like to say thank you to Justin for all your work that you've done throughout this past year and you're well deserving of your award. >> You are Justin. Thank you. Um I couldn't agree more. you um every time I see a project going on, I saw you out at animal services. You were working, always with a smile on your face, always
working hard and um that's why uh you're employee of the year and so we appreciate all your hard work and dedication to Putnham County. >> Um I just wanted to say one thing. I know we're recognizing Justin. Justin is a great representative for public works.
Um, I I know he doesn't like getting all the recognition and I would like to take the time to also thank my other guys in the back. Uh, Justin is a great leader in taking pride in what your work looks like. I had a great call this morning from Commissioner Harvey. I appreciate it and I relayed his message to the appropriate guys. Um, taking pride in
your work is really good and uh, and we've got some good things moving forward and I appreciate Justin representing public works in this award. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Young. You're recognized. >> Chair, I just want to take a minute and echo the same. Um, while it was certainly a group effort, um, Justin was
by far the leader out there. And with Mr. Grimes out last week, every time I came to Justin and changed the the game just a bit, um, he had a smile on his face and said, "No problem. We'll get we'll take care of it, right?" All the last minute details that that fell last week of we thought we had a plan and
then as all great plans go, um, the plans change or we didn't have enough of this or that wasn't going to work out. Justin was the first one there. Um, many don't know, but Justin should have been off quite a bit last week. Instead, he was there. He was there on his day off Friday morning, even after I said,
"Justin, go home." He was there Saturday morning. Um, and that's not a one-time event from Justin. That's what all of us experience from Justin on on numerous occasions throughout the year. And so, while we have a great team behind all of us, Justin is certainly deserving of uh
employee of the year. >> Thank you. Uh, Commissioner Paliser, you're recognized. >> Um, I like you. Uh, Chairman Wilson seemed to be every time I roll up on a project with either Mr. Stout or uh Suggs, I see Justin's face and I didn't
know who he was, but he's there. He's there every time. Seemed like got his sticking his nose in it somewhere getting getting down to it. And his crew that works with him, JT, as you said, I think that's outstanding that we've got that kind of manpower and maybe lady
power in there. I don't know. uh that pulls together and gets the job done and it's teamwork and there's no eye in team. >> That's right. >> We appreciate you very much, >> Administrator Suggs. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. >> It just echoes Justin is the epitome of
why we did what we did this year when we talk about retention of employees, phenomenal staff, uh throughout this community, this this county. So, uh, Justin's just a fine example of that and we have so many of those examples throughout this this organization. So,
Justin, thank you for all that you do. I know last week was very difficult, but uh you're a man of great honor and we appreciate you, buddy. Thank you. >> Thank you. We can come on up and have a picture. >> I think JT did.
>> I think JT hollered. Hey JT, tell them what time I called you. >> Tell them what time I >> was giving him time to wake up. >> I got it. I got it. I got >> I can get over Sean's head, I think.
I've got you. >> I'll get left or right. She's got a >> congratulations. We're going to take a quick uh threem minute break. And um thank you for your um patience in
that. I think next year we'll probably uh Mr. Suggs next year we'll probably move them up on the agenda. I didn't realize we might change things around for that next year so they don't have to wait so long. We're We're there for you, Madam Chair. >> All right.
>> Not sure who's I just I've just got the agenda. Good morning, Madam Chairman, commissioners, and uh thank you for allowing us to come up here and recognize our employees. We have uh quite a few today, so just bear with me and I'll try to read it pretty quick.
Uh the first we want to uh recognize is uh firefighter Austin Kerry Carroll. Uh he showed dedication to it uh the fire department when he volunteered to donate his time to deliver free workout equipment to the department. Uh he also shows a dedication and a work ethic that unmatched to his uh peers. Uh all his
efforts were done to better our department and stay fit in a dangerous occupation that we work in. And we award him with the department achievement award to this day. >> Congratulations. And the next one we're going to recognize is uh firefighter paramedic
Bossman. Uh he was on rescue 6 on February the 4th and they were dispatched to a medical emergency and upon arrival at the scene uh they encountered an older gentleman uh who began to tell the crew that he walked from St. Augustine, Florida. And then firefighter Bossman quickly realized the
patient stories were inconsistent. So he contacted the fire control to see if any county had issued any civil alerts uh for missing persons and he then transported the patient to Putnham County M community center where it's confirmed that the patient was missing
out of county for that civil alert and with his quick action goes bey above and beyond and we award him with a unit citation and a meritorious award. >> Very good. Thank you. Congratulations. >> The next ones are kind of a little long. So, we want to recognize firefighter
Boomer Davis. So, on the evening of June the 22nd, 2025 at approximately 8:30, multiple units were dispatched to a reported structure fire with confirmed victims trapped inside. Dispatch information indicated that only viable exit was
blocked by heavy fire, creating an immediate life-threatening situation. Upon arrival, firefighter Boomer Davis demonstrated an exceptional courage, leadership, and composure under extreme conditions. As part of the initial injury team, firefighters Davis worked alongside engine 7's leader, uh, lead
firefighter Garrett Vidian, rescue 82's firefighter Maddox Coffenberg, Engine 14's firefighter Brett Chansy, and firefighter Rebecca French. To gain access through the master bedroom window after removing the window mounted air conditioner that was blocking their way. Once inside the smoke charge
environment, visibility was getting near zero and heat conditionings were worsening and the team faced immediate decision-making steps. Despite these hazards, firefighter Davis pressed forward and deter det termination with focus, performing a coordinated search that led to the successful rescue of
three persons trapped. His actions were instrumental in locating and removing the victims to safely before the structure became unattainable. And with that he he exhibited exceptional bravery, technical proficiency, team oriented professionalism, and composure
under pressure. The outcome of this incident saved three lives is a direct reflection of firefighters Davis dedication to the duty of training and selfish commitment to the missions of saving lives and protecting the public. Without the immediate decisives and heroic actions by him and his team, the
incident could have resulted in multiple fatalities. And there we award him the firefighter of the year. >> Yeah. Okay, >> guys. If if y'all will take a moment for Mr. Davis, I don't like singling folks out, but this is one of the ones that
started in our programs that came through the schools that started with our public safety trainees and he finished up. So, Boomer was a graduate of all of our programs that we put out. So, with the success of that program, we have a guy today in his first year on the job that got the firefighter of the year. So, I'm extremely proud of of Boomer. So, thank you.
>> Very good. This other one goes hand in hand with firefighter Davis. And then again on uh June the 22nd at approximately 8:30 p.m. multiple units were dispatched to that same reported structure fire with victims reportedly trapped inside. Upon arrival, crews were immediately informed
that one occupant was trapped with no way out due to fire conditions between her and the only door. Engine 7's lead firefighter Garrett Vidian, firefighter Davis, and Rescue 82's firefighter Maddox Coffenberg, Engine 14's firefighter Brett Chansy, and
firefighter Rebecca French gained entry through that master bedroom window after removing the air conditioner that was blocking their their way. inside the residence. They executed a coordinated search and was able to locate and rescue three victims under rapidly deteriorating conditions. Once the
victims was successfully removed from the structure, Captain Johnson and uh PST Jordan Campbell initiated fire suppression from the rear exit prevent further spread and ensure safe conditions for all personnel on scene. As fire conditions were controlled and initial rescues complete, a secondary
search was completed by Chief Wright and firefighter Brett Chansy, confirming no additional victims. A third search was completed just to make sure there was no one left inside by Lieutenant Zack Lambert and firefighter Richard Butterfield. These actions of the personnel involved in
this in incident demonstrate a high degree of professional bravery and teamwork. The simulous introgation of suppression and rescue medical operations resulted in the successful rescue and treatment of three trapped documents with one in critical condition. Without the rapid response
and decipher action and coordinated teamwork of all units involved, the outcome could have been tragic. So in recognition of their outstanding performance under extreme conditions, it is recommended and we give them the unit citation and a meritori service award for their actions.
>> Congratulations. You stay up here. >> Yeah. So, this has got to do with the the same call on the June 22nd of 2025 at approximately 8:30 p.m. A missed a high stress multiple fire victim incident.
Paramedic Samantha Inis on rescue 82 and volunteer firefighter Rod Flynn with vital assistance from Putnham County Sheriff's Office deputies and volunteers from 17 initiated immediate care on the original fire victim. Despite limited resources and incoming chaos, their
quick response and life-saving interventions were critical in stabilizing the patient while additional rescues were still in route. Shortly thereafter, rescue 88 with firefighter paramedic Zach Mikin and firefighter Thomas Gibson arrived and was promptly directed to assume care for his second
female victim and transported this patient to a medical facility. Engine 11's crew with firefighter Kayla Constant and firefighter Richard Butterfield arrived along with truck 14 and paramedic Monica Weaver. Paramedic Weaver provided initial care for the third victim, maintaining stabilization
until the arrival of Rescue 87. Due to the patients critical conditions, firefighter Kayla Constant was reassigned to Rescue 87 to assist with airway management and provide advanced life support, demonstrating flexibility and advanced clinical care under pressure. These actions taken by all
personnel involved reflect a high level of coordination adaptability and commitment to patient outcomes. Their efforts ensured each victim received prompt, appropriate and skilled medical attention under extreme and challenging conditions. And for that we recommend them with the unit citation
awards. No, we're going to havebody else. We're almost done. >> You're fine. On May the 12th, 2025, Putnham County Fire Rescues Engine 6 staffed by firefighter Logan Mian and firefighter Shawn Miller were dispatched to a
reported structure fire involving a mobile home with multiple victims reportedly trapped inside, including children. Upon arrival, of Engine 6, encountered an active structure fire with the within the front door with heavy smoke pushing from the rear of the mobile home. Firefighter Logan Mi
conducted a three 360 degree size up while firefighter Shawn Miller deployed a pre-connected handline to the front door and prepared for an aggressive fire attack. Firefighter Mi identified that the rear entrance was boarded and locked, eliminating any access or rescue
point at that door. At the same time, engine one and engine two from the city of Pla Fire Department arrived on scene. Conditions at the structure rapidly deteriorated as it was confirmed by neighbors and sheriff's deputies on scene that several occupants remained inside. Heavy black smoke vending from
the back of the structure indicated worsening interior conditions and limited time for viable rescue. Recognizing the urgency and risk, Palaca Fire Captain Ken Reed made entry through a middle rear window to initiate an interior search under extreme heat and zero visibility. While conducting a
search, interior fire conditions suddenly and violently intensified, rapidly transitioning to an active flame above the head. With flames overtaking a room and aggress become limited, Captain Reeve was forced to exit through the front door structure where Putnham County Engine 6 personnel were actively
engaging in fire suppression and support operations. Thanks to the coordinated suppression efforts at the front door by firefighter Miller and firefighter Mi, Cam Ree was able to escape the structure safely through the front entry, narrow avoiding being overrun by the fire.
Their hose line application and quick thinking created a survival path for a fellow firefighter. Firefighter Stevens from Palaca Fire Department entered through an adjacent window from Captain Reed, conducted a quick search of another room in exit with it all clear.
Then firefighters Futch and Stevens entered the structure through another real window under extremely dangerous conditions. Firefighter Wizzley joined them and together they located and extricated three victims and adult female and two children who were then transferred to the EMS personnel for
transport for medical care. Amid these rescues, a miraculous survival occurred with a seven-year-old girl managed to escape the burning mobile home through a burned bedroom window prior to a firefighter's arrival. Despite sustaining injuries during her escape, she survived what would have otherwise
been a fatal environment. with this. Firefighter Log uh Mi, firefighter Miller, Captain Reed, Captain Snuggton, firefighter Wilson, firefighter what Futch, firefighter Wilsley, firefighter House, firefighter
Treble, and firefighter Stevens were instrumental in conducting a completing tactical size up, deploying initial attack to the front of the structure, supporting multiple interior crews, and maintaining a search and rescue operation. The incident demanded swift decision-making, inter agency
coordination, and courageous execution under extreme fire conditions. The actions were pivotal to the outcome of this incident. Their fire suppression efforts directly enabled the escape of survival of a fellow firefighter. They trans helped transported three of the civilians. Their performance under fire
both literally and figuratively holds the highest standards of the fire service and reflects extraordinary extraordinary dedication to duty. It is this reason all the above mentioned is awarded the unit citation and meritary service award.
>> Congratulations. We have one more. So at the same fire on May 12th, 2022, we have multiple victims uh from Pner County Fire Rescue responded to a mass casual incident involving pediatric and adult victims suffering from extensional thermal and burn injuries. Rescue 84
staffed by paramedic Mark Einfalt and firefighter Michael Cartrite arrived on scene and swiftly began immediate advanced life support care for a seven-year-old burn victim who had escaped the fire. Their abilities to assess, stabilize, and initiate transport ensured that the patient reached a trauma center with critical
interventions already underway, giving the child best possible chance for recovery. Rescue 87 where firefighter paramedic Matt Lucher and paramedic Connor Vineyard were instrumental in the treatment and transport of a 26-y old female suffering from extensive smoke
and burn injuries and cardiac arrest. The quick initiations of resuscitative measures and airway management and coordinated ALS efforts played a vital role in attempting to preserve life under extraordinary circumstances. Rescue 81, led by paramedic uh Emily
Dioanzo and firefighter Kelly responded to a 17-month-old in cardiac arrest due to smoke and burn injuries. Their performance under extreme emotion and clinical pressure was exemplary, the team initiated critical life safety interventions and immediately on scene and continued advanced care and route to
the hospital. Never wavering in their commit commitment to the pediatric life support in one of the most challenging patient populations. Rescue 85 were uh firefighter paramedic Jacob Merritt and firefighter Gavin Parr responded to the four-year-old child who
also in cardiac arrest with severe burns. Their rapid intervention including CPR, airway management, and ALS support demonstrated a high level of training, teamwork, and clinical effectiveness is one of the most time-sensitive and mostly taxing scenarios. All crews operated seamlessly
under pressure and with limited time making life saving decisions carrying out complex medical procedures with efficiency. And with this we award each one of them with the unit citation award. >> Congratulations. >> And that's all. Thank you commissioners.
>> Thank you. Um congratulations to all of you. Congratulations to our paramedic of the year and our firefighter of the year. If we could just have you step forward, we want to give you another congratulations, >> both of you. >> All right. Thank you. Congratulations. they are however you want to do this.
>> Sure. So, thank you all so very much. And a lot of times, you know, we sit here and say, "Man, that stuff's expensive." But this stuff that's needed. Uh these guys protect us every single day. Uh this is folks that as we talk about jurisdictional boundaries,
there is none in our world with these folks. Um, as you heard, um, the fire that was tragic in East Palaca, that the both the city engines were in there real fast. Um, if it wasn't for the coordinated effort between both administrations, um, some of that stuff is impossible, but this is a reality. These guys do a
phenomenal job, um, each and every day protecting the citizens of Putham County. Um, they did great care. I mean, sometimes the outcome is not what we're looking for, but they there you roll into a scene like that, it is unbelievable. Uh but these guys did it
with the greatest of integrity, the greatest care possible. Um you know, they they did just magnificent things. They do every single day that they're on the street. Um they're taking great care of our citizens in Putham County every single day. Um they do it at the drop of a hat. They do it in in a moment's
notice. Um so they're very well trained and I just like to thank each and every one of you for what you do every single day to protect us. Um it's the safest board of county commissioner meeting I think I've ever been in because this is most of them that are here. But without mention, some of this stuff, uh, it goes even further. Uh, that particular colony's plaque, if it wouldn't have
been for our great efforts with our Putham County Sheriff's Office, uh, you had deputies driving ambulances, which is kind of scary, but we made it. Um, and I mean, but it was just, you know, the the effort and there was no second look back at what are we supposed to do? They just jumped in the front. They transported our fire, our EMTs and
paramedics to the appropriate facilities. They got escorts by the sheriff's office. I mean, but all that stuff goes there's no written plan for it, right? These guys are able to make decisions on the fly and they do it every day and most of the time it is the absolute best outcome for our citizens. So, guys, thank you so much for what you
do. Uh, keep protecting and keep doing what you're doing. You're doing a great job. Thank you. >> Did you want to get a picture clue? Yeah. Y'all want to come forward for a picture? >> You're welcome to invite your families up or friends or whoever you have in the
audience. Can we get the the tallest in the back? >> I know, right? Jul. Okay. All right. One, two, three. Thank you. Congratulations.
Go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> Very briefly, >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, I would be remiss if I didn't say just a couple words and and I be hard to fill uh the blanks that I don't think
Mr. Grimes left any uh And I think I echo the words of all of this board of how proud we are of of you and everyone else in your uh staff that uh brings that comfort and safety to the people of Putnham County and you're very valuable
and appreciate it. I just want you to know that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um Miss Young, I'm going to take a point of privilege and move you further down the agenda if you're okay with that. So we can since we have so many people have been patiently waiting today, we'll move into planning and development public
hearing. Everybody will have a an opportunity to comment. The public will be able to comment on um the items that are under planning and development. So we will hear from the public after each item is spoken about.
Thank you guys. Have a good day. >> Thank you. Uh thank you uh madam chair and thank you for the uh delay as we were getting set up. >> This is case re25- 00000010. Uh this is the second hearing that we're
having on this meeting as it was tabled at the previous meeting. Uh, the applicant Kevin Fischer is requesting a zoning map amendment from commercial retail, commercial intensive, and residential 2 to commercial retail
on a total of 1.9 acres located at 158 through 164 State Road 207 in East Palaca to allow the development of contractor office spaces. Surrounding zonings include uh residential two,
commercial to commercial uh and plania development. Uh the subject site has a feature land use designation of commercial and has approximately 450 uh feet of access on state road 207. The national wetlands index layer and the
FEMA flood zone layer on the GIS reference map indicate that there do not appear to be wetlands on the property and that it's in FEMA flood zone X, not a special flood hazard area. Should the applicant's request be approved, the applicant will then be subject to review by the development review committee before obtaining any permits that would
be allowed for the C2 zoning district on this property. Uh staff have also recommended the de facto lots split option to separate the properties that are on the east and west side of the state road 207. Here you can see an outline of the
entire property. Uh here is an aerial of the uh portion that was recommended to be uh generated with a new legal description by the planning commission for this reszone. However, we'll get we'll uh circle back
to that. Here's the future land use. You can see everything in red is commercial. Uh here you can see the zoning which is the mixture of residential two, commercial 4, and commercial two. already. Uh staff recommended approval
uh of the request to amend the zoning map from commercial uh retail, commercial intensive, and residential 2 to commercial retail as staff found the proposed resoning is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the adopted comprehensive plan and meets the
location uh requirements of the C2 zoning district provided by the land development code and comprehensive plan. At their September 10th meeting, the planning and commission unani unanimously recommended denial on the grounds of the desir of the reszone not
uh on the grounds of not desiring the reszone to occur on the west side of 207 due to the potential incompatibility with the ex existing residential development. It was uh recommended by the board at a previous meeting that they obtain a new survey and legal
description uh for the properties on the east side of 207 and come back to you with that. While they did obtain the new survey, they did not obtain new legal descriptions. As such, we cannot use the legal descriptions provided to separate the east side from the west side for
this reasonzone. Are there any questions? Are there any questions from from the board? >> Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> So, we're still waiting on the additional documentation to split out those two small small parcels on the west side of the road.
>> Uh they provided a survey and when we told them that they needed to provide us new legal descriptions. They said that they did not need to provide us new legal descriptions. At this point, it comes down to whether the applicant is willing to provide us those descriptions or not. Uh, from staff's understanding,
without updated legal descriptions, it would be for the total property, not just east or west side. >> Um, okay. Any other comments, questions? Um, what I don't understand, it's not that hard. >> This is not that hard. Um, you have
three pre-tax, you have three parcels, and if you're taking out two, can't you just simply lessen accept and use those two parcel numbers? less except partial this and partial that. I mean, it doesn't have to be a complete redo. If they've
already gotten the property survey, they can't have I don't understand what why this is so hard. >> I understand, Madam Chair. Uh what it is is if you look at the entire property, which I have pulled up on the screen here. >> Yes. >> The uh two little uh blocks that are on
the west side of 207 are part of the uh same property on the east side of 207 as well. uh going straight across as if the 207 wasn't there. Uh and while we did uh we did recommend that they give us the
new uh legal descriptions and the new uh uh boundary survey. They created the boundary survey, but they kept the original legal descriptions from the current uh deeds, which means that we legally speaking, we are bound by what the legal description says for the
reszone as is recorded by the ordinance. And because they never updated the legal description, we can't separate the east from the west side in this case. >> Well, they truly could take these are all meets and these are not meets and bounds. These are lots and blocks. They could literally take this this entire
legal description and simply say less and accept those lots and blocks on the west side of 207. I mean, I'm not a surveyor and I can figure that out. >> You are correct, Madam Chair. U we reached out to them and informed them that they needed to provide us the updated legal description. However, they
did not uh feel it was necessary. >> All right, Commissioner. Um Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And you're right, this isn't that difficult. Um if you think about it, the road 207 cut this property up a little bit. There's not enough property on the west side,
and I have talked to Mr. Baker at length about this. Um it's not going to matter one way or the other. Uh if we do this, and I recommend we do, there's not enough land on the west side of 207 to do anything with and one day you'll
probably see that residential go away anyway at that point and uh become more commercially located along that corridor. So, I have no problem moving forward as staff recommends today and um moving this project forward. Thank you,
Madam Chair. >> Commissioner Pelister, you're recognized. Can you give me some sizes of these two pieces that we're looking at on the west side of 207? How how large is that those two pieces individually? >> Absolutely. Uh I think the most relevant size here would be the depth as the
width go running north to south is uh if memory serves right approximately 70 ft which fair enough for both of them though it's frankly irrelevant for the usability as Old Cherry Lane runs through them. Old Cherry Lane is a
private uh private dirt road that is approximately 30 ft wide. The property on the southern portion is approximately uh 40t wide whereas the northern one is approximately 60 ft wide. If you factor out the setbacks from roadways which in
the commercial two and residential two zoning district are both 25 sorry 35 and 25 ft respectively. Nothing could ever be built on these properties because of old Cherry Lane. >> Okay. They don't adjoin each other. So there there's no there's no way you could combine them or do anything useful
with them. I don't want to hold up Mr. >> um gosh, I lost his name. Fisher Fisher. Mr. Fisher. >> Even if they were to combine with the property in between them somehow, there still wouldn't be enough just because of the setbacks. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Newer recognized.
>> Yeah. Given that detail from from staff, um I'm pretty comfortable going forward with it as it is. I I don't like, you know, running against the recommendation of the planning commission, but I think in this instance, it's um um you give us those assurances, they can't be, you
know, developed. I I'm be happy to run forward. So, >> all right. Are there any other questions for the presenter? All right. Is there anybody here wishing to speak for or against this item? This is a public hearing. Is there anybody wishing to
speak against reszone 25-000010 uh named Kevin Fischer? Come on up. You're welcome to come to the podium. Yes, ma'am. That's why we have these meetings. Come on up. >> Greetings to all. Hope you're having a lovely day.
>> Please state your name and address. >> Margaret Orango, 2015 St. John's and 156 East State Road 207. >> Okay. Okay. I just want to say it's a pleasure. >> Thank you again on being nominated. >> We value. We appreciate you. And I just was hoping my neighbor would show up so
I could finally meet him. That's all. >> Oh, okay. All right. All right. I think you had your hand up, ma'am. You can come on up forward. >> Yes, ma'am. Please. And state your name and address real quick for the record before you get started. My name is Mara McCullers. I'm um 107
Old Cherry Lane. >> Okay. >> And I saw surveying right in front of my house. Yes, ma'am. >> So Kevin Fish's little property is right over I'm on Cherry Lane. It's right in front of me. Okay. >> So what is this about for him reasonzoning that little piece? Well,
we're on Cher old Cherry Lane >> and that I mean they're right in front of me. >> Yes, ma'am. Sounds like even with the reasonzoning, they really can't do anything with it. >> That is correct. They should not be able to do anything, >> right? Because it's because of the the Cherry Lane uh legal address goes
through that through his land. Is that correct? >> Yes, >> that's correct. He will also be responsible for maintaining that portion of Old Cherry Lane which is on his property. >> Yeah. >> He's responsible. We are responsible because it's on his property. He shall be responsible for maintaining that portion.
>> Cut in front of us because we keep it cut. So >> Yes, ma'am. Any and so are you okay now? >> Yeah, I'm I'm fine. Thank you. >> All right. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you for coming forward. Is there anybody else wishing to speak on this item? >> All right. Without anybody else, it
comes back to the board. Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we approve ordinance number 2025-03 amending ordinance number 24-12, an ordinance of Putnham of the County of Putnham, state of Florida, amending the official zoning map of Putnham County
incorporated into article two of the Putnham County Land Development Code ordinance number 2024-12 reszone 1.9 plus or minus acres. And I just There we go. Sorry about that. acres from commercial retail C2 commercial
intensive C4 and residential 2 R2 to commercial retail C2 providing for severability and effective date case number REZ2500 Kevin Fiser >> right there's a motion on the floor >> second >> there's a second any further discussion
all in favor say I motion carries unanimously moving on to the second item Thank you, Madam Chair, for the record. Zachary Baker, Development Services. This is case CPA25-0000003. It's a largescale future land use map
amendment from the A designation to the urban reserve designation. The applicant is WA207 LLC with agent Patrick Kennedy of the Douglas Law Firm. They are in attendance today. There's a total of 12 parcel numbers subject to this application. Uh
the applicant has requested a flume amendment for, as we're aware, a Motorplex complex. Would you like me to skip through the details and get to the nuts and bolts? Okay. >> So, just to kind of summarize the timeline here, staff recommended
approval of the applicant's request um at the August 13th, 2025 planning commission meeting. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. At the September 23rd, 2025 BOCC public hearing, the board unanimously voted to
transmit the proposed future land use map amendment uh to Florida Commerce and other applicable agencies for an expedited state review. The transmitt occurred on September 24th, 2025. On October 24th, 2025, Florida Commerce
and other reviewing agencies completed their expedited state review process uh and propose of the proposed map amendment in accordance with statute 163.3184 and found the proposed amendment in compliance
uh in compliance with associated statutes. A list of the reviewing comments is provided in the board's agenda packet today. The county receives some technical assistance comments which will be implemented during the forthcoming DRC reviews. With that, I
can take any questions. >> Well, you just answered my question by your last comment. So, there there were um some some review things and you guys will be working on that. >> Yeah. I mean, so when we get when we go through the um the state review process, what we're looking for is do we need to
modify our our proposal in any way, shape, or form? Um, all of the comments we got back were strictly recommendations. Recommend you work with FWC, recommend you work with the city of Palaca, recommend you work with DOT. So, our DRC process will allow uh will
facilitate the county to reach out to all of these other agencies and ensure that they are on the same page with the project. >> All right, I see the applicants in the room. Um, does anybody I'm sorry. Are there any other questions for the
presenter from the board? Right. Um, Mr. Kennedy, did you want to speak? >> All right. Are there any uh questions to the applicant from the board? All right. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone who wishes to come forward and speak in favor or against this project?
Is there anybody who wants to come forward? All right. Closing the public comment. section. Now back to the board. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we approve the largescale future land use map amendment CPA 25-00003
ordinance number 2025-028. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. Uh just a quick question. Is this the final final step? There's no other further things to come in front of this board regarding this project. >> That's correct. Yes, ma'am. I mean, unless they amend something, but otherwise when you guys give the
go-ahad, 30 days later, we can start moving forward. >> All right. Very good. Um, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Motion carries unanimously. Congratulations to um the applicant. Thank you.
>> All right. With that, we will um move into public works public hearing. Morning board. This is to vacate uh portions of Holly Avenue and an alleyway in the Kinwood area near the Kinwood boat ramp.
Uh it's a triangular piece of property that you can see in your packet. Completely undeveloped. Hasn't nothing's happened to it. Uh they would like to vacate it to make it more marketable for home building. Uh and public works has no issues with that at all. >> All right. This is regarding Holly Avenue and Alleyway. Is there anybody
here in the audience who would like to speak in favor or against or has any issues with this? Have you received any correspondence? >> No, we've not received anything negative. >> All right, with that, um, it's back to the board. Is there any questions from the from >> Madam Chair? I'd like to make a comment. >> Yes.
>> When I talk about the most platted undeveloped lots in Florida and West Putinham, you would drive by this and think it's just woods, right? But it's platted out there. And you think how in the world could they plat some of the wetlands that they did and all but they
did u this is beautiful land out here but truly doesn't deserve to be platted. Doesn't deserve any of that. So I really support this vacation. So Madam Chair, I move approval of this of this uh way to vacate the Holly Avenue and alleyway
resolution 2025-016. >> Is Miss Beckham in the audience? Did you want to speak? Okay. All right. Okay, we have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All in. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you.
>> All right, we are going to move into our consent agenda items. Um, this portion of the agenda is designed to allow citizens an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the board. It is not reasonable to expect that the board will engage in debate or deliberation about matters on which the board has received no prior information as part of the
agenda. Please limit your time to three minutes. Public comment cards are conveniently placed at the meeting room entrance. It should be submitted prior to the meeting to the deputy clerk who sits to the right of the podium. So, this is for consent agenda items. We will have another time for the public to speak if there's something else that's
not on an agenda item. Do you have any um comment cards on agenda items? Right. Anybody wishing to speak on agenda items? All right. Um consent agenda. Um starting with Commissioner Alexander. Do you wish to pull any any items? >> None. Commissioner Newold, >> I have none. >> Commissioner Harvey,
>> I have none. >> Commissioner Palisier, >> I'd like to pull item H for some clarity. >> Sure. >> All right. And I have none. >> Madam Chair, I move approval of consent agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J,
K, and L. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. >> Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> All right. Going into um item H. Commissioner Pelisir. Uh yes, Madam Chair. Um, the reason I want to bring this forward, we had a incident um out
in my district where there was guardrail that had been there for >> Mhm. >> I I can't begin to tell you how many years, but anyhow, it all of a sudden just disappeared. And for the reasons I know not what, but anyhow, um I would
like to see and I I'm maybe there's some other locations throughout the county if there's existing guard rails before we go to the expense of taking them down. the school of research and find out why they're there. Uh I I understood that it didn't meet protocol. It wasn't deemed
necessary, but there was a reason that was done many many many boards before us that it was put there. There was a tree there. The property owner felt like they could carve loses control, they'll be on his front porch and so he requested the guardrail and that board at that time,
I'm guessing the legality situation was not what it is today. And that board granted him a guardrail and that was that. So, it disappeared. Now, we've got the expense of putting it back. So, before things are taken away that maybe we don't know, let's do a little research and find out why they went away
or why they were put there and what the purpose was before we waste taxpayer money on taking it up and now we're going to put it back. >> U Mr. Stout, did you want to comment or no? >> Did Did we take it down? >> Okay.
>> And now we're putting it back. Um, we have to and we now have a um deed right away uh to take to the landowner. Uh, we've got a legal description for it. The paperwork's sitting on my desk. I just need to go meet with the landowner and notary to get deed right away for
the guardrail to go back on that corner. >> So, for clarity, it was on private property. >> Uh, part of it was >> part of it was and so that is an issue. So, we do have to on those kind of things, we do have to clean that up. >> Y, >> but we we learned something. So, um, it sounds like we'll do a better job. >> Yeah. for clarity. We could have done
the survey and the guardrail could have stayed there and he would have signed over and we would have had a lot less cost involved. >> Right. >> Okay. Do you make a recommendation? >> Yes. Um I'm good with approving item adding item H to the approval of the
consent agenda. >> All right. We have a motion to second. Any further comments or questions? All in favor say I. I. >> I. All right. Consent agenda is passed. Uh new business uh public works. Uh Acceptance of rightaways on various county maintain roads in Putnham County.
Resolution 2025-11. I don't know why you went to the back because you have something in after this as well. >> Mr. Stout. >> Uh this is to accept various rideways um from uh different lot splits and uh
rideaways that were not consistent along roadways. And so we've asked the residents to give them to us uh and those four have agreed to do so. They vary anywhere from 13 feet to 33 feet so that we have uniform rightaway on those roads. >> Okay. So, this is just simply for our county maintenance system and uniform um
rightways. >> Correct. >> All right. And everything has been uh properly signed off on. >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Are there any questions for for Mr. Stout? >> I do. M mad. >> Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. out on this one right here. One of the roads um is
West Strickland Road and Commissioner Palis here and I basically uh are very close to that district. I it's one of my areas. The reason I'm bringing that up is back when I first became a commissioner, we got that road paved
with um with the state of Florida SCOP grant or yeah, it might have been SCOP or scrap, but it doesn't matter which one it was. And that's the one that um the state did a promisary note for us. We paid it, the county paid it to get the road done because the road was
really failing. And u they paid us back when the funding year came in. But I guess my question is when I saw this and I I kind of go along with Commissioner Palaceir right now on the on the previous statement, a little you
weren't here. No, nobody was here for that. But a little bit of leeway or a little bit of leg work could have solved that problem right then. And I mean, we paved it. We paved it with state money. We we knew where we were at and we didn't bother to get the rightway at
that point. So I I agree with Commissioner Palier. Let's look a little deeper in the future and make sure that that doesn't happen again. Thank you. And you weren't here. That wasn't your fault. So, you know, >> all all good. >> Yeah. Yeah, it sounds like that's what he's trying to do right now. So, thank
you. Um, all right. Any other comments? All right, don't go away. Um, do we have a motion? >> Madam Chair, I move that we approve resolution 2025-11, the acceptance of rightway on various county maintain roads in Putham County
as presented. Second. >> Have a motion second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. Motion carries unanimously. The next request to advertise um for a public hearing to vacate easements at 207 Leno Avenue and Interlock Lockan.
>> Yes, ma'am. This is just at to get it on our next uh meeting so that we can have a public hearing just like we did before. >> All right. Are there any questions for the presenter? >> Madam Chair. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh thank you. U this is a weird one right here. The vacated
easement. There's really no reason to have an easement on that property to begin with. So, I don't know why that was put there. It makes no sense. It is in my district. I went out there and looked at it and I support wholeheartedly that we u move this, I guess, to the next meeting. Is that
right? >> So, if there's no further questions, I'd like to recommend that we remove that we move this to our December meeting uh to vacate easement at 207 Lore Avenue, resolution 2025-112. >> Second. >> I just have a a question. And so this is
an we received these uh were dedicated for public use in a plat. I thought that the county would took the position that if we didn't accept those that they were not in our um if we never accepted them into our maintenance
program, then they were not to be of concern. >> Yeah. If if they weren't if there wasn't a maintenance clause. Um, and so these are just dedicated to the public that they're trying to or the easements are dedicated to the county and we just don't have any use for them because we have so many other easements in that
whole area. >> I get that. But we haven't changed our position on that. If we have to accept >> Correct. >> Okay. All right. I just want to make sure that nothing has changed. >> Any roads, any easements, if it's not accepted by the board, they can dedicate it as much as they want. Until it's accepted, we don't have to act on it.
>> All right. All right. Just wanted that clarity. Um, okay. We have a motion second. Any further comments, >> Madam Chair? I need to amend my motion for the December 9th, 2025 at 9:05. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. Thank you. Um, any other comments or questions? >> Second. >> I can. >> Second amended. All right. All in favor
say I. I. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. That's it, Mr. Stout for now. Um, we're going to have discussion um by Commissioner Pelisier. Um, uh, who's doing this? >> Indigent burial uh, fees. Is there we have somebody in the in the audience
who's going to present on this, >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> For clarity, due to my involvement with uh partial employment with one of the presenters, uh I will be recusing myself from discussion and voting on any part of this. >> Not voting on any of it. All right.
Thank you. Come on up, Mr. Brown. >> Yeah. My name is Theodore Brown. I say 107 South N Street, Florida, >> and we on Lawson Fol. Uh the inent burial payment has been $500 since like
2007 and we're operating at a loss doing it. Uh I'm I'm going briefly go over some figures for each one of y'all to get an email of the exact figures. Uh we would like to ask for uh whatever we can get,
but 995 uh and I'm going to break it down to you right quick. >> Yes. Uh the cremation give or takes cost about $300. The actual cremation. Okay. You have to send somebody to the
hospital to pick them up. You got to send two people. That's $50 a piece. You got to send uh two people when we get Well, we got to disinfect them, sanitize and disinfect them. Uh we use our chemicals. It runs somewhere around
$100. I do that. Uh but that's imperative with everything that's going on in our world today. >> Yes, sir. >> We have to send uh two people to take them to the crematory because the we pick them up usually at night and the cremator is open like 8 to 5. Uh and
then once they get cremated, we have to send somebody to go back and get the the crematory, but we can send one person in. Um our admin fees uh which We got to do to find information for the death sty. We
got to put them in the paper and on social media to try to see if they got family first and uh we well we take them to the cremator and they hold them. But we have to wait so much time to see if they got a family member uh before we get them cremated. If they don't, we do.
And then we have to get uh the death certificate signed. We have to pay $50 to the medical examiner. It's a permit that we got to have to get them cremated. Um, and that that cost us another uh $50, but we're losing more than we're
gaining. And then the the burial plots, even if you have a a second burial at the city is 150. And the second burial uh or second interment is when you have a friend or something or they have a
friend or something or somebody that knows them and say, "Oh, you can bury them at the foot of my grave space." Even though the grave space is paid for, uh you they still charge 150 to come out and see, you know, look, show us where
it is and everything. Pattersonville charges uh 250. They charge hard half for what the gray space is. the great space 500 and I think memorial garden charges about a thousand. The cemeteries
generally charge about half of what the burial space cost to bury the person and we can't just hold them in in the ci uh in the funeral home forever. Also after so many days which we usually beat that deadline the crematory charges for for
storage because they can't hold them forever either. But it it roughly comes about9.95. That doesn't include uh gas. Do we have to use you know u it doesn't include the cemetery. I guess we can just figure that part out. But any
increase is better than none at all. So that's a figure that I came up with not including the burial and gas and stuff. That's just what we pay everybody out front to get them cremated. >> Okay. >> I'll be emailing. Excuse me. I'm sorry.
Go ahead. >> I'll be you'll be getting an email of the breakdown of everything. Uh we just asked for I think it's somewhere four or 500 less than what we actually spend a minute on what cemetery you go in. >> Okay. >> Uh but we just say with the cost of
living that that hadn't increase at all. We can't keep doing operating you know losing. >> Well I can't. >> Yes sir. Um Miss Young I just have a question. Do you how many of these do we have in a year roughly?
Um, I can do that backwards math. Give me two seconds. >> Okay. And then, um, Commissioner Harvey, you'll recognize as soon as she gets >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, I understand. I hear what you're saying. I really do. Loud and clear. Um, do you
have to are you required by law to do these burials or can you say >> I'm I'm I'm speaking for the funeral homes period. It's not just Lawson. We're not required, but you can't leave a person. >> I I understand. >> You see you sitting in a bed just laying
there. The longer they're there, the more infection and stuff it goes in. We need to we need to pick them up, get them disinfected, you know, and go ahead and do what we need to do. But my thing is we're doing it at a loss. >> No, I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. The other question I have is
what's the solution? Do you think what should we go out for bid? Should one funeral home maybe be win the bid? We we tried bids, but the what what y'all was paying is so much less than the than the bids. I mean, we that's a possibility.
U >> Well, I think it's a matter of respect for me. Let me just say that. I don't want to leave people laying in their bed or laying on the floor on the ground. That's not that's not humane to me. So, if there's something we can do as a as a body to make that more palatable for the
funeral homes, I'm all about that. And maybe it's a bid, maybe it's a combination of two or three that get get awarded. I don't know the answer there, but I'm willing to find out. >> We uh we feel the same way you do, and all the funeral homes here are doing it at a
loss out of respect for the deceased and the people of Putnham County. But you don't want to get a bid and be like that guy over in I mean, we wouldn't do it, but the guy in Jacksonville was putting him. He under bided. He under bidded. I'm giving you a a a
price to where we'd have to work, you know, we could work with. He under bidded and stuck them in the wall and stuff, you know, because he was operating at a loss. He bid it, but it didn't include everything and it's cost with I'm I'm I'm giving
you mine is bare minimum cost. I looked around >> and like I say, like with the cemetery, Memorial Garden is >> Mr. I want to I want to ask a followup and I understand >> is there some type of solution where we go out to bid and then the funeral
directors who maybe there's two or three I don't know the answer maybe there's four or five and we get proof of what happened so we don't have people stuck in a wall somewhere you know I mean that that might be a solution and we do that all the time with with people that we
partner with we we ask for proof of what's going on here, you know, how how did you perform in the services that you provided? So, >> and then we didn't I didn't include the temporary name tags. We have the temporary name tags we put there. So, it would be be proof in the city cemetery
would be proof, but it's still an additional 150 that I didn't include >> in that. But I I agree with you 100%. If they going to bid, they need to prove they're doing what they're doing. >> Let's hear from our deputy administrator Young, please. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Just to answer
your questions, um we do about 30 to 40 a year. Okay. >> And Commissioner Harvey, to answer your question, um we haven't currently bid it out because we don't want to exclude a vendor who might want to participate, whereas a bid would kind of designate one individual. Um what we have done in
the past is just let anyone who chooses to participate participate. Those who don't, we've had some in the past who want to participate some years, not participate the next years. Um we've just allowed it to happen organically. As far as certifications,
um they have to be licensed for the particular work they're doing and that that um operation that they do is procedurally tied to their license. So it would not be Putinham County staff checking to ensure procedure was followed because frankly we're not licensed or qualified to make those
determinations. However, um the repercussions would come back on those entities and their lensure should they not follow the proper protocol with handling of our indigent. >> Thank you for that, >> Madam Chair. May I follow? >> Yes, please. >> Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair and
Julian. My thought was going to and I hate to use this analogy, but the tow truck drivers, right? They're in a rotation, right? So, that's where I was thinking that's what my mind >> essentially what is happening now. Okay. Um and so so exactly what you're
thinking um is what happens now. We have a list of individuals who want to participate and at any time we can add to that list if we have a qualified licensed entity and then we go through a rotation in our office um and ask if
they'd like to and if they decline then that's perfectly fine. We move to the next one and we don't necessarily remove them from a list unless they request to be removed from the process. >> Thank you. Thank you Madam Chair. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Good morning, Mr. Brown. How are you?
>> All right. >> I see some other representatives from some of the other local um funeral homes in the audience. Um are you speaking on behalf of all of them or would you guys be interested in presenting your costs as well so we could corroborate?
I think uh one is going to talk he has a crematory >> and he may be talking I'm just talking from the funeral homes in general because this funeral homes here is not doing it at all >> and and we we particularly do it but we can't keep doing it for
>> exactly and and and I just wanted to hear from other owners to to corroborate the costs and maybe we can do some research from additional funeral homes and counties in the area so we can get more of a level playing field It was nice to hear that we are doing it in a
rotation and I appreciate the service that you guys are providing. >> So I see Mr. Flag and Mr. Overturf. Yes, I'm going to call you out. You're both in the audience if you'd wish to come forward and speak. >> Teddy, I'm not No, I'm not discounting, but I want >> Stay Stay up here. >> Yeah, you guys are all one. >> This is a collaborative effort. >> We appreciate what you're doing. We just
want to make sure that we're all >> on the same page. >> Good morning. Good morning. >> Morning. >> Carl Flag, 2400 Madison Street, Palaka, Florida. Thank you all for bringing up such a sensitive subject, but yet an
essential service is needed. >> I will not duplicate or replicate what has been said. We are in agreement with the commentary. What I think we need not try to do is to get into the business of making this a competitive process. I
think the county need to decide how much you can afford and be fair and impartial. And often times families will call the funeral home that has served their family. Many times we don't find out that there's an indigent status
until they sit at the arrangement table. And when we find that out, it's too little too late. And if you transfer everybody now, you got two funeral homes that are in indebted uh to the service. So, I don't see that there's a need for um some type of competitive bid process.
I think that just as the deputy administrator said, let's establish a list of the funeral homes that are willing because at this price and at whatever subsequent increase price, it's still going to take we're going to take a hit for lack of a better way of saying it or we're going to we're going to be
at a loss this year. I did homework and we reached out to Lawa, Clay, Flaggler, Marian, Putnham, St. John's, and Valuchia counties. We know that again the demographics and all of those things are different from county to county. Uh but we are in first place as it relates to the lowest uh amount that we are
compensated uh for the services that we render. So we're not whining but we are expecting our leaders to know that cost certainly has increased overhead has increased since 2007. So, we're graciously asking that you all go to the
drawing board and don't draw too long. Um, but u give us a fair hand in in in an increase because at the end of the day, those who are compassionate and professional, we're not going to in any way, shape, form or fashion discriminate
against their family just because of their economic uh circumstance. So again, not repeating everything that was said. Some of the counties require strictly cremation. No, no question about it's no burial.
For a long time, the city of Palaka had a section of Oakill Cemetery that was designed for indigence. We took a bigger loss doing that, but that practice has soon come has come to an end. So by default, uh we are uh cremation only.
That's not a mandate that comes from you all, but we just cannot afford to carry the load. Uh there are times that the sheriff's department has has tried to do rotations. And there are, as was earlier stated, some funeral homes who say if we
don't have pre-arrangements or we haven't served the family, we're not coming. And so by default, uh since we do have currently the medical examiner's contract, we're called out. And of course, we respond immediately whether we know them or or not. And but it is it
is the load questions. >> No, I I appreciate that. Commissioner um Harvey, you had a question. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Reverend Flag and former Commissioner Flag U for being here. What is the Are you in agreement with Mr. Brown on the
price? is that really near $1,000 for the proper the proper disposal, let me say. I I don't know what other word to use. So, >> well, each funeral home, the way that professional service fees are set per
funeral home is based upon the overhead of that specific funeral home. So, you can be on one side of the street and get one price, other side of the street and get another. So all we're saying is that I mean if it's if it's a thousand that certainly will will litigate or maximize
uh uh our abilities to continue to do what we do uh there. Uh some counties again they they just flat out go through a complete process through their social services. They actually make them come in, sign an application uh certify under
oath that they do not have uh you know the the uh assets or or whatever. uh we drill our families. We drill every one of them because at the end of the day, if you're out planning for a big party and the county is paying uh for uh you
know these services, then you basically have deceived and have been deceptive. And so we really screen them as as as closely as we can because there are some folk um everywhere all over the land who think they can beat the system. And so,
um, I I think that that certainly would be a fair consideration, um, there, but, we're going to leave that up to the administration and legislators. >> Thank you. >> And I don't know that this is something we have to resolve today as far as a number. I think there there's an opportunity to do some research and come
back potentially. U Mr. Overturf, did you have anything you wanted to add? I see over here. Thank you, Carl Flag. We appreciate you. >> Steve Overturf 111 Grassy Lane Palkin. I concur with my associates that um there needs to be some adjustment in in the
amount that is given. My situation's a little bit different from either of theirs because we do have our own crematory. Uh they have to have someone else perform that services. So they have costs right up front that I don't have.
But I do have costs, not but that I have to pay someone else to perform the cremation, but I have cost associated with having a unit myself. And that's where my cost comes in. So they've got a cost, I've got a cost, I pay taxes, I
have a building, I have a a unit, all those maintenance, the insurance, all the things, all those fixed cost where where my costs are where they pay a set fee for someone else to perform it for it. So, we all have our costs and we're all in the hole when it comes to
providing this service. My funeral home is going to provide us this service whether we get a dime's worth of increase or not. I'm asking that we do because I think it's incumbent upon our community to help support the businesses that are here. There's a couple things I
would like to address though. The current way that the plan works for the indigent fund to work is it only applies to people that die in Putnham County. Many of our Putnham County residents end up in an in a facility outside of Putnham
County and then therefore they're not eligible for that. So our citizens are being unafforded that opportunity to fall under this category. Whereas people from other counties, sometimes especially indigent folks end up in our
community hospice at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center from other counties. They're eligible for this fund because they died in Putinham County. So I I think we've got it backwards that we're not taking care of our citizens in some cases and we're taking care of other
people's citizens in other cases. It's kind of a trade-off, but it just seems like we're kind of backwards in in that. It would be easier for us to be able to prove residency for our people if they died in another county. Likewise, for those folks that don't live here,
because that's information that we gather for purposes of the death certificate, we have to know what their residence is. It's been mentioned that we spend many hours, many hours trying to get to the point of giving getting the proper
individual that is authorized by Florida law to sign a cremation authorization form. A lot of times folks are in these kind of positions do not have family that they're affiliated with or have been affiliated with for some time. It's
still incumbent on us to try and locate those people. So, we may spend hours researching, as Teddy mentioned, on the internet or some way to try to find these right individuals because that's our biggest liability. We can't go back and uncremate someone. So, we have to
make sure that we're following Florida protocol. So, it's time and effort. So, that's you you forget about all of our fixed costs and all of these other things. It's our time and our labor that go into all of this, which is where a lot of our concern is. We're spending
more time on these folks just trying to get to that point to be able to cremate them on after the cremation is accomplished. What are we going to do with the cremators? Because we may or may not have that legally authorized individual and sometimes we're coming to
Mr. Suggs or his office to try and get because in that long list of who is authorized, it finally gets down to them as an elected official to give us that authorization. So, we're coming right back here to them and asking for their
help to help us take care of these folks in our community. And we're we're honored to be asked to serve anybody in our community. I don't care what their status is as as Carl has already mentioned too, but we just need the help to be able to accomplish that and and
that's all we're asking for here today. So, um we just appreciate the opportunity for you all to hear our concerns. It's been a long time since 2007. that there's been any increase and um we we all know that our cost of
providing these services has increased uh tremendously since that time. So, >> well, we appreciate you coming forward. This is why we have a new business section under under our agenda so things like this come up and we can have a full open discussion because we can only talk whenever we're all together like this.
So, uh we appreciate you being here. Yes, sir. You have one more thing. >> Can I say one other thing? Absolutely. And Carl just mentioned that other counties have, especially St. John's, because I've gotten theirs and it's about six pages long that anybody in their county that applies for the
indigent fund, has to verify what their where taxes were, what their income was. There is a vetting process that they have to sign at the bottom of that form that they are indeed meeting that category. We don't have that in place
here. And I wish that we did because there are people that will take advantage of the system. And the word gets around in certain communities, well, just go in and tell them this because we've had that phone call conversation before we even go. They are
already calling for an end cremation because somebody's trying to play the system or they've heard somebody else got something and didn't pay for it. So be glad to provide a service but not to be taken advantage of. >> Yeah, I I don't disagree with that. I think >> you just don't have any teeth to be able
to address that issue. >> Yes, sir. This is a this is a you know a sensitive subject. Um however, >> I've always been and I think this board has been we don't always have to to recreate the will. We can certainly take a look at what some of our neighboring counties are doing. Um, and take look at
what they're paying and and maybe Julian and staff can come back and just give us an overview of, hey, this is what some other counties are doing. Um, Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Yes, ma'am. That was what I was going to request. Mr. Overurf, if you could provide us the documents that are um
used in other counties regarding that indigent fund. Um, what Mr. Flag said makes perfect sense. Um, again, people are trying to get something for nothing and then using that money to throw a big wake or whatever. Um, that's that's not what our taxpayer's dollars are
designed. It's it's dishonest and I have no no time for that dishon honesty. Um, do you concur with Mr. Brown that $1,000 per indigent would be sufficient to help offset some of your costs? >> It would be grateful. Um, you know,
every one of us has different operational expenses. So, you know, that might be true for him, it might not be true for me, but um, anything would be greatly appreciated. Yes, sir. >> Not really want to get into those details. I'd rather really rather staff come back and give us that.
>> Yeah, I'm just I'm just trying to finalize. I want to see if that was acceptable or close for he and Mr. Mr. uh, Flag. But also that that does the bigger issue you talked about was the um those folks that pass away that are Putnham County residents and um you know we're footing the bill for those that
are not Putnham County residents. That's that's a bigger topic and a bigger discussion. I don't know how we would address that, but I think we take you know small bites of the apple and try and address each issue individually. Uh I think the first thing that we need to do is again like chairman Leota or chairman Wilkinson said is to direct
staff to collect some data see what we can afford see how many there are and uh bring that information back. >> Yeah we'll do we can ask have to do a cost comparison to other counties and also on their procedures look at their their uh policies and procedures. Um Commissioner Harvey.
>> Thank you Madam Chair. Mr. over turf. You and I talked about what you just said probably a couple years ago out in Lark and at the funeral home out there. Um, and you gave some descriptions of people who come in very well-dressed or wearing jewelry or whatever the case may
be and and declare indigent. Um, and that that's that's awful. I I'll say that. Um, so I guess my question is because listening to Mr. flag here. Sometimes you're already kneedeep in the process before you find out somebody's
going to do that. Um, what would this form help us with? I mean, getting you out of the kneedeep water and maybe just the toe gets wet. I mean, that's I guess that's going to be my question as we move forward. >> It's one thing for people to tell you
that. It's another thing for them to sign their name at the bottom that says this is what my income was and to prove this >> because then there's accountability. That's what we don't have right now. We're only as good as what people tell us. We're not an investigative agency.
So I can't I'm already spending enough time getting someone to this point, let alone being an investigative body to find out what everybody's assets are, what they truly can. But there are cases where, you know, we go into a home
And there's a Winnebago parked out front. Okay. Well, they've been traveling and it's and it's got good wheels on it. So, don't come tell me that you have no no income to be able to take care of this. And that's all we're asking for is a little bit of little bit
of teeth to go behind. Okay. you tell us this, then be willing to sign this piece of paper because if you get investigated or you get asked by the by the county or somebody to prove what you've just signed your name to, I think we could avoid a lot of that that concern there.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner New, you're recognized. >> Thank you. Um, I've been loosely kind of around the periphery of the funeral business for I don't know 20 years now and and I'm quite certain the costs are much more
than they were last time we had a change. Um, I would be interested to get a staff analysis and and this form of some sort or affidavit may be warranted. you know, if other counties have big
long processes, I mean, even if we went to the thousand dollar mark, now based on historic numbers, it's $20,000 a year. I don't want to create a bureaucracy for this process that's going to cost that much or more. So, um,
a little bit of info from the staff. Um, I mean, I personally wouldn't be opposed to to go into that 995 number now, but I think it it's probably a good idea to look at those numbers more closely with staff and have them come back with a recommendation for us.
>> Commissioner Alexander, >> thank you. >> Yeah, I I agree. I mean, the the biggest thing is getting you guys helped out. You guys have been doing this for many, many years out of the goodness of your heart and that's what I love about our community is the way that we come together. Um, as far as making this a
business decision and putting it out for for bid, um, I don't think that's going to help anybody out. You guys do this out of the kindness of your heart. You're losing money. We all realize that. Um, my second question is that the document that you're referring to, Mr. conservator. Is that a legal document
that would allow the county to go after some of the assets if it's found that they were dishonest in that uh declaration to to offset the cost? >> That's a legal question and I'm not the attorney so I don't know the answer that
I mean it's just a document that they sign. Whether it's you know enforceable I I couldn't count on that. Um, >> we can check on that too when we're doing our other research. >> But, you know, I just hate to see somebody take advantage of the system and be dishonest and then come to find out that um, that wasn't the case. And
then your foot in the bill, we're foot in the bill. That's that's not fair. >> I had an employee watching a family as they pulled up in the parking lot. Some of the other part of the family was already inside talking with my funeral director. Another part of the family came up, started pulling off gold
watches, rings, and stuff. saw it in the parking lot and then came in to reinforce that they were indigent folks and we called we called them on it and they finally admitted to it and and they
paid the full price of a cremation. Uh and we're embarrassed some of the other family members were embarrassed that that's where the discussion went. But that's just how people will will go in in these kind of situations. They're playing the system. Y sounds like we
needed to have this conversation. We we will get back um we our admin team will take a look into this and come back with some um um like I said what the surrounding counties are doing, what their policies are, what their what their costs are, what they're paying
currently. Um we did uh this year update I don't know if you guys knew this the record service uh fees that had been old and outdated for many years. So, I can see us look we'll definitely take a look at this and then figure out as a board. We'll come back and and let you know when we're going to discuss it. Um, but
we'll come back as a board and have another discussion. >> Yes, sir. >> Chair, one more thing. I'm not so sure that what the other counties are doing is going to help our county. I think you have a cross representation of the
leaders in this room right now. I think that you all uh need to give us a policy a policy statement so that we can present that to the family because what basically happens during the arrangement conference when when we do come to the
conclusion that we are being requested to provide indigent services the first thing that I say you do not qualify for a death certificate with cause because if a person is asking for a death certificate with cause that mean there is some kind of benefit tied to it and
the moment we share that with them. That's when they start backpedaling and saying, "Uh, you know, well, give us another moment." And they go back and get in the huddle and decide, you know what? We we have money in the bank. We have insurance. We have all of those things. So, if we have the written
policy and they sign it and we we we we just send it over for filing purposes, I think that will be what we need and then that will also create consistency among the participating funeral homes. Uh I'm not necessarily and and I know what uh
brother Steve is talking about, but the fact that you die in a county and whatever county you you pass away in, that is a statewide 67 county situation. So if we were to tamper with that, it's not going to be reciprocal because we
had a family that we that called us, person passed away in Duval County, brought the person here. We call Duvall County. They say that's on you. We ended up transferring the person back to Duval County to a funeral home there so they
could get uh a little bit of compensation. So again, our our citizens are being transported to Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orange Park, all of those places. And if they declare indigent, we really can't help them unless we take
100% of the uh cost. >> I understand. Okay, >> I think we'll get back with you. Thank you. We appreciate it. >> This year, Madam Chair, >> are there any qu questions? >> Madam Chair, I don't have any questions and thank you for allowing me. I I was
kind of disrespectful just a minute ago, shaking my head that people treat people that way. I want to apologize on camera that I don't mean any disrespect. It's just I I can't fathom the idea of
somebody doing that. I just can't and I would never treat my loved ones that way. And I'm sorry that people treat y'all you you individuals that way. Um I meant do no disrespect whatsoever. I'm just flabbergasted that people treat
people that way. So I wouldn't treat anybody that way. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. We're going to go into countywide update. Uh we moved out further down the agenda. Miss uh Julian Young, Deputy County Administrator.
>> Good morning, chair. >> Good morning. >> Thank you very much. Um this uh is our project updates for the quarter. Um want to remind you that this is not all projects or initiatives underway by county divisions, but those of most importance to our citizens, our commission, andor administration. With
that, we start with Port Putnham. The infrastructure development plan is now complete. The infrastructure improvements are currently underway with the design and engineering and permitting phase of the new bulkhead that will permit resumption of cargo service. The uh Putham County Sheriff's
Office insight building project. The construction of the building is substantially complete. Punch list items have been identified and are underway. Some remaining civil site work is underway directed by county staff. We anticipate the project to complete in quarter 1 of 2026.
the SMA building expansion project. The construction of the building is substantially complete. Punch list items have been identified and are underway. Some remaining um work is directed by county staff is ongoing, but we anticipate the project to be complete in quarter 1 of 2026. The animal services
facility ribbon cutting ceremony took place yesterday. Over the next few weeks, we will be finishing infrastructure for the animal areas, safety testing those areas, and then we'll begin transitioning our animals over Been Ball Park. The Been Ball Park pickle ball project funded by Commissioner Alexander's discretionary
project funds. Court service and net installation is scheduled to begin next week. The Dun Creek boat ramp work on both the north and south side of the boat ramp is underway with engaged engineering firms. The north side project is awaiting permits from St. John River Water Management D and Army
Corps of Engineers in order to finalize the bid ready set of plans. Francis Sports Complex, the contract to award the turf refurbishment was on this morning's agenda um work is scheduled to commence this later this week. George's
Lake Boat ramp the buyell agreement has been executed. The due diligence work has begun with a coordinated effort between buyer and seller. The Georgetown pro park, the educational pavilion funded by Commissioner Newwell's discretionary funds is under review and permitting and is expected to be
completed in quarter 1 of 2026. Mary Wisham Park and Interlockan, the basketball court renovation project funded by Commissioner Harvey's discretionary funds is underway and is expected to be complete in quarter 1 of 2026. The West Putnham Fire Station, the fire station construction is nearing
completion. A walkthrough meeting is scheduled in December to identify punch list items. Civil work is still underway, but we anticipate the project will complete in quarter 1 of 2026. The Melrose Library expansion project. The contractors have broken ground on the expansion project and bi-weekly progress
meetings are ongoing. We expect the project will be completed in quarter 1 of 2026. The Putham County Planning and Development Division have a traffic count project. The planning development department is currently working with LJA to conduct the traffic count study across Putham County. We anticipate
capturing traffic data in approximately a 100 locations that are roughly 5% complete as of today. We anticipate the completion in January of 2026. Fortgate Ferry Landing. We are still working on this project although no funding source has been identified for
the required repairs needed to open the West Landing. Dirt to pave 2023. The final two roads are scheduled to be completed in December. Dirt to pave 2024. The bid was awarded to two contractors in July. Copper Roads was awarded 10 roads within districts 1,
three, and four. Krabs Land Development was awarded five roads within districts 2, and five. Construction is underway. Dirt pave 2025 roads are currently being surveyed for engineering design. County Road 315, South Resurfacing Project from State Road 20 South to Marian County
Line. The notice of proceed is scheduled in December. Construction will begin in January. East black septic to sewer project phase 4. The grant amendment has been approved and construction has been awarded to TB Landmark. San Monteo water expansion project 368 meters have been
installed. Of those 99 customers are completed and the other 48 are in progress with the plumber. North Putinham drainage project designed for both Pomemetto Bluff Road and Milikin are 90% complete. South Putnham drainage project. The project is complete and we
are in final grant closeout stages. The Putham County Water Infrastructure Project, the Army Corps of Engineers. We are waiting final approval from the Army Corps to begin the work. Countywide Resurfacing Project 2025. The project was awarded to two contractors, Copper Road and PNS Paving Construction is
underway. Guardrail repairs 2025. Final repair punch lists are being addressed currently. Curry Road lift station generator project. The engineer design has been awarded. Gilbert wastewater treatment facility efficient grant funding contract with FDAX has been
executed and the scope of work is being developed. Mobile generator lifts for lift stations. The grant request is under review. The Bonan bridge repair design is currently underway with Hansen Professional Services. Road restriping fiscal year 25. Bid 2520 was awarded to
PMP Striping and work began in November. Dun Creek. Um, sorry we went over that. HMGP Putnham County Boulevard lift station generator. The project is complete and came in under budget. >> Did you say anything about Francis Field bathroom?
>> No, ma'am. Um, we are still working with the city of Palatka on that infrastructure that is required. Although we do have a conceptual design. Um, so we'll prepare to solicit design build firms to complete the construction project. However, it'll all hinge upon
um a successful agreement with the city of Palaca to tap into that sewer line. >> So, we have to have an agreement. I mean, it's just not a permit that we can I mean, because it is in city boundary, right? I mean, I thought city boundary went all the way out to Francis Field. >> It does. And we've um made every formal
request from every department that you can think of in order to get that. We've even offered um our teams to help run the infrastructure. But yes, we have to have formal approval from them to tap their line. >> Okay. All right. Um, Commissioner
Alexander, you're recognized. >> Yes, ma'am. Miss Holmes, you forgot one. Um, towards the end of the year, I was coming to the end of my um my discretionary funds. And I asked Miss Holmes to help me with the last little bit. and she came up with a very unique
project um with lightning detection out at our baseball fields at the bold. >> Oh yeah. >> So I just wanted to check in on that one. I know that's a kind of a pet project of yours. >> So yeah, absolutely. Um and you're correct. It will not just cover the baseball fields, but it will cover the entire theold complex, which is our
splash pad area and playground as well as pickle ball, basketball, tennis, the soccer fields, and that softball complex. Um, so it is one of our most utilized parks, especially with water. Lightning is always a huge concern with the tournaments that we've had there.
Um, having that many people on site. So, we do have the infrastructure installed, the hardware pieces of it. It's now the software and the connectivity that are underway, but we're hopeful that um we're gonna have that done by the end of December and we'll be able to show it um
to you all in an app that's userfriendly and that will broadcast to all of our user groups that are on site there when it's imminent danger and that they should seek shelter. >> Thank you very much. >> Commissioner Paliser, you're recognized. >> Um Miss Young, I you were on a tear
there and I didn't want to mess up. Uh I uh I don't know. You may have said it or I hadn't got that part. Um road restriping and this could be a Mr. Stout question. I don't know. Is that what's the status of that? >> Yes sir. Our road rest striping project bid 2020 2520 was awarded to PMP
striping and they began in November. Um so you should see that project close out here um shortly. >> Okay. I didn't I'm just getting some calls about it and I want to have some >> Listen, your hearing's got to improve because you've moved it a little bit closer. >> It's gotten better. better. She's her tone is not
>> Oh. Oh, okay. >> Commissioner new. >> Not bad. Tone, just tone. >> Anything any news to note on the Georgetown park boat ramp project? >> The Georgetown part boat ramp project is in the same status. We're waiting on those final permits. We've done some
RFIs with St. John's River Water Management. We've got to get all of those permitting agencies happy before we can finalize the bid ready sets for that boat ramp launch. Um, so it is just at this point we did take um that one
and Dun Creek to DRC. So we have gotten through the countywide permitting. It's just those state and federal agencies that are laborious to get through. >> All right. Um, any other comments for Miss Young? Questions? All right. Public
comment on miscellaneous items. This portion of the agenda is designed to allow citizens an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the board. It is not reasonable to expect that that the board will engage in debate or deliberation about matters on which the board has received no prior information as part of the agenda. Please limit your
time to three minutes. Public comment cards are conveniently placed at the meeting room entrances should be submitted prior to the meeting. A deputy clerk who sits to the right of the podium. Do you have any cards? And anybody else who wants to um speak is welcome to speak.
Frank Lonza, thank you for your patience. I know it's been a long day. >> I was going to say good morning, but it's almost afternoon. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Madam Chairman and commissioners, uh, thank you for having me up there. Frank Lonzo, 108 Eagles Nest Drive. Uh, I've
been a resident of Putham County for about 21 years and I've seen a lot of change, a lot of growth. Um I I coming here today to part it's a perfect segue talking about uh striping of the roads. County Route 308. Beautiful job. Public works did a great job of uh doing that
uh road and getting it all coordinated. It's looking really nice. But the question the asks that I have is do we take into consideration some safety? Um my background is civil engineering. I have an advanced degree in civil engineering. I've worked in space programs uh subc programs. Uh, and I'm a
retired naval intelligence officer after 25 years and spending too many times in combat. But I'm here today to ask that we take into consideration the safety. Uh, back in 2007208 time frame, there was a double yellow line that went just from Georgetown Shortcut Road to Marvin
Jones. There was no passing. Since 2008, you look at satellite imagery, it's been a passing zone. It's a drag race place. Uh, every time somebody comes west as they finish the last S- turn, everyone's hitting the gas all day long. You hear
motorcycles, trucks, cars, and we had one fatality in 2017. Young lady hydroplaned went into a tree less than 100 yards from my house. So, I'm asking that we now that we've redone the road, if we return the the striping back to
double yellow lines for no passing. And I have three courses of action. One is uh make it a double yellow line for no passing and reduce the speed limit to 45 as it is for the rest of 308 between US7 and uh county road 309
for you know reduce the speed limit double uh y line or we just at least put a double y line to stop the passing because when we leave our community at Eagle's Nest many times I've almost had a head-on collision with someone or if I'm trying to turn into our community I
have to put on my turn signal long before the S turn so that somebody doesn't rear end me or try to pass me while I'm turning left to the south back into our community. Lastly, we can put some more law enforcement agency uh folks out there to uh you know enforce
the speed limits. Uh Mr. Newold, I invite you to come out to Eagle's Nest. Sorry, I lost your attention. I invite you to come out and see the site. Uh I haven't done the engineering calculations. I can and return back in December for the BOCC meeting. I can create do all the calculations and do
all the sites uh measurements to make sure that it is within compliance. There's no shoulder, but it's also very dangerous place that people like to pass. Uh and I just don't want to end up with any more any bodies in my front yard again and uh you know due to you
know some negligence or it's because that's the only spot on 308 that's 55 miles an hour and unnecessarily. So, last comment. I want to, you know, commend the public works for a great air conditioning system here. It's very effective. We can probably hang meat.
But anyways, >> listen, it was hot when we started this morning and so with all the bodies that was in here, we had to ask for it to be lowered. So, that's a little bit on us. >> Well, thank you very much for your time. Are there any questions? >> I think uh Commissioner Nubble, did you want to have a discussion?
>> Just a few comments as far as Thank you. >> Thank you for coming in. Um I'm very familiar with that that space. I mean it's an agricultural corridor. We have um public works activity going on out there and it's a it's just a snaky road all the way from you know across the
tracks out to you know past you guys. So um calming speed out there be a big deal. I like the idea of a double yellow line. you know, I would have to confer with public works and all that jazz or maybe it may be, you know, easier than it may
be tougher than than than just, you know, proclaiming it. But, uh, it's a dangerous space and anything we can do to help mitigate negative happenings out there, you know, I' I'd be for. So, you know, thanks for your willingness to participate in the
process and and uh look forward to seeing you out there. >> Absolutely. If I if I may add, like I mentioned, I may have mentioned it already, the yellow double yellow line starts at US 17 and stops a quarter mile from our property and it goes passing lane at broken uh yellow line up until
just past Marvin Jones was solid or double yellow lines again. So, it's like that area right in between and there's no rhyme or reason as to why. It used to be a no passing uh prior to 2008, but it's been passing since then. something. >> I would think they probably just copied
what was already there, but I don't I don't know enough about it. Um, Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> You're from out that way. He um the our constituent was saying that it was a double yellow line back at one point and it changed >> maybe
>> before. Yeah, I didn't know if it was. >> I'm sure it has. I don't remember. I just know it's the only passing zone from Crescent City to Fland. Yeah, that's what uh Commissioner Newell was was explaining to me, I wanted to make sure I was familiar with the area. So, I didn't know if you knew the history of it and I didn't know if it was in your tenure or not. >> I don't um as my tenure of a fireman in
South Putham for many many years. It's a very dangerous road just just for the curves. Um we've done a lot of things to make it safer and it probably the last time it was resurfaced around that 0708 they opened that particular area up. I don't know if there was a reason why. I mean, I'm sure at some point it came in
front of the board, but it is I mean, that best I can remember unless it I don't think it is a passing zone in front of the landfill. It is the only passing zone for the slower moving traffic. And as we move into our season of snowbirds, we tend to have some slowmoving traffic that um really delays
your time in Crescent City. So, >> yeah. >> Gotcha. >> Okay. Well, we'll take a look at it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for coming forward. Yep. Is there anyone else in the public who would like to speak? All right. Um, going into I'm sorry. Come on up. Yes, come on up.
Thank you. State your name and address for the record. >> Yes, ma'am. For the record, 4315 Northeast 255th Drive. That is an Elancho County address, but I grew up here. Went to school here. Uh, Gavin Godshaw. I'm here just for informative purposes. Uh, just to advise you guys
about something happening on the doorstep of Putinham in Melrose. Obviously, I'm not sure if it's in your purview, but I did want to make you guys aware because it is going to impact Putnham County. Elatcha County recently received a proposal for a music festival, music park in the area of Melrose. It's on 270 acres and it's
about about a mile from the city center of Melrose. As I'm sure you all are aware, the business center of Melrose, Chapinis, Friers, the Circle K, formerly Williamson's now a liquor store is all in Putham County. Uh, all of that business is going to be impacted by this music park. It's also going to impact
traffic in regards of the tune of at minimum 5,000 people. They've talked about up to 30,000 people. All throughout traffic, that traffic is going to be on Florida 26. Uh, as far as I'm aware, some of the most dangerous intersection this in this county, 26 and 21, and obviously State Road 26 and
State Road 100. >> The impact of that traffic on local law enforcement will be felt as well as local fire stations. uh station 24/42. The MOS fire department services Elatchua and Putnham if they're needed in Elatchua County for a festival with 5
through 30,000 people. The obvious concern is that the next closest fire station until our new one in West Putnham is built is in Florome. Um I just wanted to make you guys aware there's also a recharge station for the Florida Fidian aquifer at Lake Melrose which is in Putham County. That property
does drain directly into that lake and that lake eventually flows into the St. John's River. As far as the cases of that we have, these organizers have put on previous festivals and there's also been an issue with assaults and drug overdoses. Again,
that's in Putham or Elatcha County, not Putinham. But I wanted to make you aware just due to the fact that the influx is going to not only strain local resources but also take away due to the fact that there's going to be vendors that are going to be on that site from the local
business centers in >> All right. Thank you for your um for coming forward. Um Commissioner Harvey. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have anything for you. I appreciate it. But fellow board members, y'all have been
inundated with hundreds of emails about this. I have reached out to Lachua County. This has been going on for years now that this has been proposed. Um, but it seems like it's finally coming in for landing. So, I reached out to the to
Commissioner Cornell and to the planning department to see what that special use permit looks like. and I have not heard back, but as soon as I do, that was as of a couple days ago. As soon as I do, I'll share it with everybody. I'll share it with our staff and see what how it's
going to affect Putnham County u out there. But it is a unique area. Uh there is part of the land in Putnham County from what I understand, but I haven't seen the site map of what they're doing, but I'll share that with you as soon as I get that, Madam Chair. Thank you.
>> Thank you. All right. U moving into appointment. Go ahead. Come on up. I just wanted to add one more thing. >> If you'll add your give us your name and address. >> Yes. My name is Sandra Gotchaw. I live in Melrose as well. Um we are actually
working to try and stop the Wildflower Music Festival. So we do have a petition out. We've had 600 people sign that petition from Melrose. So it is I mean we are divided as far as the counties go, but 600 people that's a lot to sign
on this one particular item. Yes, ma'am. But I don't I think right now we don't have anything that's an official um we don't have a permit to approve or anything that's coming in front of this board at this time. So um anybody else from the public? All right, moving into
appointments. Commissioner Alexander, do you have any appointments? >> Yes, ma'am. I see an an appointment for Avette Jones and it says that she is willing to be reappointed. >> I'd like to go ahead and do that. Yeah, I was going to do that. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. And then we have um a gentleman.
>> Well, wait a minute. Let's stop. Um can we uh we have a recommendation a motion on the floor for at large position for you Jones for affordable housing. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. All right. Thank you.
>> Um moving on down the line for another atlarge appointment to the fishing fund. Uh Mr. John Browning. >> I don't know about that one. I'll second that one. >> Can we get some testimony from Mr. Brownie before we go? >> I think we need some testimony. All
right, we have a motion to second. Any further discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. >> All right. >> And uh waterways and trails committee. Uh I don't see an asterk by Buddy's name, but
I informed him that he didn't have an option. And so I would like to reappoint him or submit him for reappoint. >> Buddy Goddard. >> Buddy. Okay, >> I'll second that. >> All right, we have a motion to second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All right. >> All right. You're good.
>> I'm good. >> All right. Commissioner Harvey, >> I have none. >> Commissioner Newold. >> No appointments today. >> Commissioner Palisier? >> I have none. >> All right. I would also say that on the contractor's review board, we have um a plumbing contractor, Bruce Bellamy. He
looks like he would be willing to be reappointed. So, we'd make a mo I'd like to make a motion for Bruce Bellamy to be reappointed. >> Second that. >> All right. Second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> Also, electrical contractor Gary Gresham. Same thing. Uh reappoint. >> Second.
>> Second. All in favor say I. >> All right. Those have it. >> All right. Moving into uh Clerk Reynolds. >> Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. Uh first of all, congratulations on staying, Madam Chair,
for another year. Uh congratulations, Commissioner Peliser, vice chair. Um thank y'all for the ribbon cutting yesterday. That was a fantastic event. It's good to see the animal control facility uh open up. I know that that's been a project in it's been in in the
works for a while and uh it's good to see it come to fruition. um our project that we're working on with the customer service building. We're still working on that. It's looking like it'll be the first few months of next year before we're able to put that into service. So, I'll let everybody know as it's getting
closer to time to reopen that. Um we had our first uh mock trial event for our teen court last week. Went very well. Um thank you to staff. Um thank you to all the partners, school district, sheriff's office. Um we're going to have another
mock trial December 8th. Um it's a good u demonstration of what teen court will look like. Um the Klay County uh teen court kids uh came down this past week and they'll be down again on December 8th and uh they are a fantastic group to
watch. Um but that's all I have. So thank y'all. >> Thank you. I I couldn't make that. There's so many things going on sometimes on the weekend. Can't make everything better. >> Yes, ma'am. >> But thank you for having that. Um, all right. Moving on to uh we our county attorney couldn't be here today because
we had a different scheduled meeting this time. Um, county administrator Suggs, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I got three things today. Uh, one is that reminder of the January 13, 2026
uh joint city county meeting here at 3 PM. Uh, as of today, I just want to make sure everybody's aware of the the meeting and and that we need to start working on an agenda. We do not have an agenda at this time. So, uh, I'll work
with Madame Chair, I'm assuming, and we will we'll start putting some information together uh for uh for our joint meeting with city county. >> Okay. >> Right. And we we we don't have a date though, right? >> Yes, ma'am. Uh, right now it's January 13th. Oh,
let me clarify that. There's been an email sent uh to both the uh uh to the city manager's office who was supposed to be bringing that to the city commission. So, I will follow up on that, but that was the date that they actually get have given us. >> Right now, it's it's >> it is scheduled for January 13th at this
time. I'll let you know. I'll reach out later this week and see if there's been any change to that. >> Is there a tenative time? >> 3 p.m. >> 3 p.m. is what we requested at this boardroom. Yeah, we uh we have followed up with the city, but we have not re received anything back. So, I'm sure uh
they'll let us know. >> Yeah. And might the first meeting might just be something where we're having um >> a meet and greet. >> A meet and greet truly and and what things we would like to see accomplished together and then go from there. Yeah, I think >> and I think that would probably be a really good way to start that because no
one's gonna that first meeting after after what's it been three four years would probably be a good way to kind of meet and greet and discuss and line is and bring back at a a later time for formal >> and then if we end up having some kind of a c nobody wants to meet just to be
meeting I'll say that but if we could set up maybe a quarterly or something like that we'll go from there or by annual whatever >> that is correct uh as you know I reached out to everyone a couple of weeks ago about a potential joint meeting with us and the uh Putnham County School
District. That meeting was scheduled for uh tentively scheduled for December 2nd. However, there's the conflict on that date and so uh Mr. New Commissioner Nubold and I sat uh sat down and discussed it. I think we're looking at some maybe possibility of January the
week of January 12th. Was that correct, Commissioner? >> Yes, sir. The week of January 12th. You know, we got the 13th already taken up there. >> I was about to say, you're going to throw us in the same week, huh? >> Let me tell you, it is incredibly hard to get a whole bunch of >> Yeah. >> involved people in one place at one time.
>> We've got two commission meetings that that month, a joint city meeting, and we also have legislative days up in Tallahassee, world days. So, it's going to January is going to be a busy month. And anyway, we're going to propose that week and um you know, if we get pushed
down the road, we'll get pushed down the road, but we we'll we'll tackle this subject early part of the year. >> Okay. >> All right. And last, uh received a phone call this morning from our folks up in
Tallahassee. I briefed each one of you earlier this morning. Uh they're wanting us uh to look at our priorities, our legislative priorities for this year. As you know, we've narrowed our list down to three. The wastewater expansion at
Gilbert Road, the uh ERP financial software system, as well as the uh St. John's Harbor water uh system that we inherited from DP. Those were our three uh asked this year, but I have been asked as of this morning if we could let
them know today. Actually, they wanted it this morning at nine o'clock what the rank of our priorities would be this year. >> So, I'll just lead with my thoughts. How's that? You know how I am. >> I can't believe y'all reelected me. >> What were we thinking?
>> What were you thinking? Um we are in all seriousnesses we are uh putting a lot of uh money into the East Palaca wastewater and um I mean we're purchasing land for that future of of that end of the county. That's our biggest uh need our
econ for economic development and development in the East Pike area. So I would I would put that first. Um and this is me and we can go we'll go down the list. Um, I would put that one first even though I think it's a little bit harder at the legislative level level because of the the cost, but we have
scaled that back. Um, we had originally asked for 5 million with we were going to match at 5 million and we have now split that correctly. We're at 2.4 and 2.4. Um, so we have scaled that back so that we could see if we could get that and we would do a phased approach. Um,
and then second, I would say the St. John's Harbor. Um, again, they were looking for projects that were less than a million dollars and so we had a two $1.9 million on that where we or 1.6 I don't remember and we split that halfway with with the state with a 50% match.
And then I would put the ERP third since it was vetoed last year and it's something that um it's they're all important, but if I had to put them in order, I would put them in um order by the water projects because I feel like the water projects and wastewater is really where we need the help. Um so
with that, I'll start taking uh Commissioner um Harvey. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I concur with you on that. Um, honestly at our employee lunchon if you remember there was some people I think it was there
talked about the u saltwater intrusion. >> Yeah, they were >> along the river and uh would really like for us to expand that water system so they wouldn't have to spend $30,000 on um cleaners and salt water and all that stuff to get it cleaned up to be able to
use it. So I think you're right. I think those are the priorities and I think the order is proper. Thank you. All right, Commissioner Alexander. >> Um, I I I agree with uh the majority of that, but um I I would really like to
see this ERP system funded. Um simply from the standpoint that that that affects the entire community, not just a a small cove or cluster of homes. Um this is something that needs to be done. we are
putting the um entire community at a potential security risk with personal information and an antiquated system. So, we will be able to streamline a lot of our processes if we put it in. I know it's hard to touch, feel, and see and and and and people have some issues with
that. But, um there were reasons that it was vetoed last year and I think that we have a better shot of pushing that through this year. And I also have questions regarding the impact fees um and what you know what portion of those can we use for the water treatment plant
and you know helping to pay for a portion of that and not allocating our state funds if we can collect it from the developers as they come in and they can fund their development not us. >> Oh that was the whole purpose of us putting those impact fees in. However they won't come if we're the infrastructure is not there. So that's
sort of the challenge that we have sort of it is the challenge we have. I understand that, but we're not even at what are we at 50% or 60% of the capacity. So, we have the ability to carry a a large portion of the proposed development now to collect some of that fundage to help fund some of the
expansion for that plant and as it would grow. >> Make sure we're saying that correctly because I think what we have is we might have that today but then we have promised out or have contractually out to finish. Is that right? Am I >> That is correct. >> Correct. And we'll collect an impact fee
from each one of those homes. >> No, >> you got to remember your your your your impact fee inside that waste or separate to sewer phase 4 is we can't impact ourselves. So that was the part of the stipulation with the government
contractors. We can't >> and those those numbers are not in that 50 to 60% we're running today. So that number is going to so we're when that comes online, we're probably going to be somewhere because we have to consider all of it. and that original number. So that's going to be put us in that 80%
when we get done with that one. So we're kind of at that breaking point where we're going to have to expand. So I don't know that we're going to have a lot of room for an impact fee inside that zone. >> Okay. So would that include the the potential Dr. Horton development um near Hastings? >> We potentially could take on a portion
of that. I don't know. This all depend. We haven't seen their phasing numbers, right? How many how many are they going to bring in in phase one and how many are they going to build out the first? Can you take in a few? Maybe. I don't I don't know. But I mean you're not going to prepay for an expansion of that plant at sing a sing singular phase in a in a Dr. Horton. That's that's not that's not going to happen.
>> No. No. I So when we had the initial discussion, I thought that we had the capacity to carry the potential u mobile home park and the Dr. Horton park one or the other based on the existing capacity. >> Scott's still here. I don't I don't think we do. Scott, come if you don't mind. Would you step up, Mr. Nolles, and just kind of explain the numbers that
you've got committed out already to D? Yeah, because we just got the the approval for that additional um subject to sewer, the finalized approval a couple months ago. So, it was kind of in the up in the air at that point. So, I get what you're saying. >> So, so right now what I have committed
to the plant. Um if everything connects and including our septic to sewer phase 4, it will put us close to 90% of capacity. >> Okay. um that gets in that little target area that D looks at that when you're
starting to get in 90% they're really reluctant to let you start allowing more connections on because you're going to go over capacity pretty quick. >> Oh, absolutely. And you have nothing in there for redundancy. So >> wi with that I could probably uh just working the numbers around I
might be able to get as many as 40 homes of the Dr. Horton and that's that's pushing it. >> That's okay. Yeah. So I wasn't clear on that. Yeah. Thank you, J for clarifying. >> And even if we what what we talked about is even if we have because we're having to phase it now where before we were
asking for 5 million and we were going to put in 5 million and the state's saying if you're going to ask for an appropriation, they wanted it less than that. So with that being that that puts it out further and so I mean if you're in agreement then I think we could still keep East Palaca Wastewater one and then
we can move your ERP to two. >> I would I would be okay. >> You would prefer with that? Okay. All right. Yes, sir. >> I just I just wanted just for Mr. Nolles so we're clear. So, you've committed all 400 homes that that goes in front of in the septic to sewer phase 4, correct? >> Yes, sir. We we will end up getting some
of that captured back. But right now, uh I have I've have committed capacity that until I can either connect it or prove that it's not connected, I'm not going to bring it back into it. So with what I have committed and everything else, I'm
going to be close to that 90%. I may capture some of that back, but for right now, that's the numbers that I have to work with. >> Okay. Gotcha. Yeah. Because I thought that, you know, the capacity level was reached based on the Dr. Horton inclusion and not the septic to sewer. So that's 400 homes. >> It's in that septic to sewer and also
the I think it's East River states that that went through that that's got that 80 units is committed. Now whether they come or not, I mean there's a I think Mr. NL has a date when they're not in by a certain date or progress so it can he can free up those numbers but as of today both at East River estates and at se to sewer phase 4 are in his numbers.
>> Good that makes sense. I appreciate that. All right. >> Are there any other comments? Are we can we agree that we would request East Placa wastewater as our number one priority. The ERP is number two and St. John's Harbor is three. >> I would there anybody that has a problem with that? >> I was where I was. >> So
>> yeah, I'm comfortable with that. >> Okay. All right. There you have it. Mr. SGS. >> All right. Do you have anything else? >> Just a reminder that uh I'll be heading down to the Florida Association county's meetings later today and uh if you need
me, I'm certainly be available by phone and I'll also have a email accessibility. >> All right. All right. Coming back to commissioner comments. Um, I was going to talk about the small county coalition represent represent
representatives. We did get a request. Um, I I didn't even know I was on it, but apparently um I was part of it and so was Commissioner Harvey. So, I think what we'll end up doing um is looking and coming back. What I'd like for each
one of you is to let um Commission Mr. Suggs know or send me a message. I think I know what boards you're on, but just so we can get a list of boards that everybody's on, we'll look at those and see if we can divide them up a little bit differently and move forward in a
different direction. Um so that all the boards aren't on one person. I know um Commissioner Harvey s serves on several regional boards and we're happy that he's on those boards. Um, but anything that anything that you're share that you that you're on, let's just get together
and then come back and say, "Hey, I really don't want to be on this or I do still want to stay on it." And then we can sort of collaborate so that we have good representation on all the boards that we're supposed to sit on. So, that was just my comments on that. So, starting with uh commissioner comments, we'll start with Commissioner Harvey.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, speaking of that, I do and I apologize this didn't get to staff in time. Yesterday I found out at the December meeting of the Florida Association of Counties Trust, we do have a seat on that board and it's coming available. So if someone would
like to sit there other than me, uh we need to let them know because that that will be coming up for a vote on December 5th. So we need to have that discussion today actually. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Would anybody like to sit on the
>> What? What do you have to do? I mean is that just going to how often do they meet? >> They meet um quarterly and uh mostly in Tallahassee and at convention and it's the Florida Association of Counties Trust or Insurance product.
>> All right. Is there anybody on this board that wants to sit on that? >> Well, I guess the question does any who might have insurance experience does anyone as far as a large corporate insurer have experience that with their corporation or business? I mean, I think it's more than that,
though, too. I mean, insurance is the a portion of it, or is it the entire thing? >> It's the whole It's the entire thing of it. Yes. >> Okay. >> And the claims. So, I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you very well. >> I'm sorry. I was just wondering if which which >> Yeah, it comes down. It's a bad Yeah,
>> it's not me, but no, I was just asking if any one of our commissioners had any uh formal experience with benefits and insurance that, you know, they might have a better knowledge of that and it would that would be a good >> I think I have. Okay, then maybe you should stay there. That's where I was kind of going with that.
>> Seat. So, the question is there's one more seat. >> One more seat. >> Is that you? >> Yeah. I'd be willing to to volunteer. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yay. Let's put Mr. Newold on that one. >> I was going to volunteer him. >> Yeah. Did you see that? >> Yeah. You saw where I was going with that.
>> All right. All right. Go ahead, Commissioner. Um, the other comments I'd like to make is thank you to public works for the tree trimming um along that 64th Street. I that's what I called you about this morning at 705. Thank you for taking my call because you were at
work also. But I'm going to tell you, I've lived out there 41 years and it's the first time I've seen public works out there doing the job they did. They did an excellent job uh stacking everything up ready for pickup and cleaning up that area. it's been long
overdue and and honestly because the u the the tractor can't even go underneath some of those trees and mow and now they can. So appreciate that very much. Want to thank the sheriff's department. Uh last couple weeks they were out there in
the school zone with um handheld radar devices and uh looking at any speeders. They were talking to them. They were calming them down as they were going through the speed the school zone. And that was very important. Um, congratulations Commissioner Wilkinson
and Commissioner Palace on your on your positions. Uh, very very well respected. And some of you got a call from a lady and I think Commissioner Wilkinson knows her well uh about a rib sale that she was doing for the 50th class reunion and
they're donating ribs to the Bread of Life. If you're interested, I told her I promised her I'd let you know in a public meeting. If I'm going to donate some money to it if you want to do that, you can do that. Well, and thank you. And that's the end of my comments. Commissioner Wilson.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Alexander. >> No, I I I appreciate um staff and I appreciate um my other commissioners. Uh when I was commenting and we were making our selection as far as the appropriation and the funding, I was
wrong. I was misinformed um Mr. Grimes and you let me know about that and we had a discussion and I got big and broad enough shoulders to say, "Yeah, you guys are right." And >> talk about it. Yeah. >> That that's what I appreciate about you guys and about staff. >> You know, we have a mutual respect for
each other. Um >> something as far as a correction is not a personal assault. It is the use of our our knowledge that we can share and make the best decision for the county. >> Thank you for recognizing that. >> Yeah, I don't I don't have a whole lot
to go over today, but um you know, I know sometimes I I get a little off track, but uh I appreciate you guys and um I think we make the best decisions for this county that we can. Thank you. Thank you, J.R. >> Commissioner Nebula recognized. Well, I
just want to be a little bit repetitive again and thank uh J.R. and Julianne for, you know, their lead in the in the wrapping up of animal services. That's just I can't say it enough times. A huge deal. Um
we had some roadside mowing done down in South Putham. I've had three people call and and give thanks. So, it's it's good to see that. It's it's appreciated. Um, I had a before that I had a number of people calling to say, "When the heck is this going to get done?" And and uh some
folks were on vacation. I let that roll and and lo and behold, it just happened materialized. Uh schedule worked out well. So, thank you. Um this joint meeting with the school board, I am going to try to make that happen in that third week of January. If you guys, you
know, look at your calendars, um see if you can fit me in there. Uh, I'd like to get that uh presented sooner rather than later. Um, I really don't have anything else. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Commissioner Palisier.
>> Um, a few things. Um, one, wish everybody happy Thanksgiving. Um, enjoy. Uh, two, um, animal service building coming to fruition. many many years of uh hard work and planning and uh that started back when I was here maybe even
before uh 2012 originally but many other commissioners were involved and thanks to all of them for their leadership and guidance and making this thing come to fruition and we have a beautiful facility that we can all be very proud of. Um,
I want to thank the board for um, my position of vice chair. I really appreciate the confidence that you've instilled in me and I will do my best to uh, make you proud and u, not not uh, take you down a a bad dirt road. Um,
I would like to echo uh what Commissioner Alexander said earlier about your leadership in the first year that being here when I was here. Um, I think we're on the right track. I I think we're going down in a in a good
way that is going to benefit Putinham County and take us to greater heights and broader views. And uh I'm wholeheartedly support your uh chairmanship. And I'm behind you all the way to the finish line. I have a proclamation I'd like to read into uh
order that um in Putnham County there will be no dieting from now till mid January. And I would like to see that put into place. So y'all uh anybody want to second that one? >> Okay. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
>> Commissioner, did you have something else you wanted to say? >> Okay. All right. You're hungry. Um so thank you. A couple things. Uh we do have a shared calendar that we are trying to work on with a IT department. Shared calendar for the commissioner.
So, anything that um is a public a public um like you're going any public events that are open to the public that we would want to potentially attend like a ribbon cutting or like something like that so that everybody's getting noticed. Um all the commissioners are
getting noticed because we do have a very active board and we do want to be as participatory as we can. Look at me with a big word and um and so we do want to do that. Um, I also want to thank um, Commissioner Harvey for ser serving as vice chair and
helping me and um, just being a mentor to me during this last year. You um, have big shoes to fill. He doesn't have an idea, but he's going to um, but you got he's you you you really really helped me and anytime I had a procedural question, you were there to help me and
encourage me and I really really appreciate you and your leadership and your continued leadership at the at the regional level. uh what you do in put for Putham County on a regional level and what you're going to continue to do with Florida Association of Counties as vice chair and eventually into chair
seat. Um we are excited for that and excited for you. We know you'll do a good job and represent us well as you always do. Um I want to also mention that um the governor has mentioned some has approved some holidays and so um I
would Mr. Suggs, I'm not sure how this works, but is there a way that we can adopt the same holiday schedule that the governor has approved that we currently don't have approved for our staff, which would be the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Friday after Christmas, and the
Friday after New Year's. Can we make those county holidays? >> Can we define by date >> by Okay, Friday after Thanksgiving, 11:28, Friday after Christmas, 12:26 of both of 2025. No, just just for clarity, the governor gave uh we have Thursday
and Friday of Thanksgiving. The governor gave the Wednesday >> the 26th. >> Okay. No, I think Thursday and Friday is fine. Okay. Keep going. >> That's fine. I'm just telling you what the governor's given. So, the governor gave November 26, December 26, and
January 2nd. >> Okay. So, what we're missing on our calendar is December 26 and January 2nd and the day before Thanksgiving. That'd be correct. >> But he's not giving out We already have Christmas Eve. >> Yeah. Right. So that adds on to the
state and local holidays that we already have designated. Um so that's what his additions were. >> Okay. So we already have the Friday after Thanksgiving. >> Mr. Grimes likes to roll your own, he says. But uh yeah, so he he gave an additional holiday for Wednesday of next
week. Then he gave the additional holidays he does every year uh following the uh uh Christmas and then New Year's. >> Well, I was I was all about the Friday after Christmas and the Friday after New Year's is what I was all about. So, are we good with that? We Is it just a board
approval? How does that work? >> That would be very nice because that gives us plenty of time to put all of our uh services in place to make sure that uh those additional days won't be won't affect our our citizens in any way. So, that would be fine. >> All right. Sorry, I totally botched that
up. But >> we're Hey, we're getting excited over here with the with the potential of Wednesday. So, >> we just rehired you and you're already screwing up. >> I know. I know. I know. Anyway, um can I So, I'd like to make a motion that we approve Friday after Christmas on 1226
and of 2025 and Friday after New Year's for January 2nd as a county holiday. >> And those are in addition to the holidays that are currently on the books for the county. >> That is correct. >> Thank you. >> I'll second that. >> I'll second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I.
>> All right. And um again um it was my honor to serve you last year. Uh I really appreciate the vote of confidence you have in me in our upcoming year. We had a bit a busy year. We really did. And it was not just this board. It was
certainly our staff, our our support staff, our admin team, um all the different departments working together. And somebody has said this to me recently is seems like the stars are aligning in Putnham County and things are really moving forward and um I couldn't agree with that more. I see
that we're working more closely with different agencies uh whether it be the chamber, the sheriff's office, nonprofit agencies. Um, I know going through this morning and having some of those presentations seemed a little bit daunting, but that's how our citizens learn about what's going on in the
community and that's how we learn and then how we hold them accountable because there was there's some things we need to follow up on as we talked about today and um excited for our animal services um department and all the great things happening in our county. So
again, thank you and thank you have a good have a good day when this meeting is adjourned.