23rd and it is nine o'clock and we will have our uh regular board of county commission meeting and we'll call it to order. Please silence your phone. We'll have our invocation led by Commissioner Harvey followed by the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Pelisier. >> Let us bow our heads. Gracious heavenly
father, we thank you for today, a day we've never experienced before in our life. Father, let us make an investment in our young people, our community, our state, and our country today. Father, let us be productive citizens as you've called us to be servants to serve you
and to serve our fellow man. Father, we thank you for this meeting today. We ask Lord that you just guide us with wisdom directly from your throne room. Impart it to us. Father, let us make decisions based on wise counsel. And Father, as we move forward today, let everything be done decently in order. We ask all this
in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me as we salute the country I love. 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. Going into the approval of the minutes. Madam Chair, I move approval of minutes stated in our packet. >> Second. All right. Any any comments or questions? All in favor say I. I. Motion
carries anonymous unanimously. >> Oh, we're starting out great. Uh going into planning and development public hearing. Um first item up is reszone re26-0000004. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. For the record, Michael Graves, Planning and Development
Services. This is again case re 26000000004. Uh the applicant Julian C. Wood Revocable Living Trust is requesting a zoning map amendment from Plania Development to residential estate on 22.5 acres located at 229 East River
Road, 131 Oak Haven Lo uh Lane and an adjoining unassigned location in East Palaca to allow the development of a single family residence. Surrounding zonings include plan unit development and residential estate. The subject site has a future land use designation of
urban reserve. Approximately 1,079 ft of road frontage on East River Road. And according to the National Wetlands layer and FEMA flood zone layer on the GIS reference map, the lands do appear to contain wetlands and is located in FEMA flood zone X500 AE and AE. Uh FEMA flood
zone AE is a special flood hazard area. Should the applicant's request be approved, the applicant will then be eligible for obtaining all building and site work permits compatible with the re zoning district. Here you can see an aerial overview of the site.
Here you can see the future land use. Here you can see the zoning where the property is currently in the plan unit development uh zoning district. Uh staff recommends approval of the request to amend the zoning map from plania development to residential
estate. Staff finds that the proposed resoning is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the adopted comprehensive plan and meets the locational requirements of the residential estate zoning district provided in the land development code and comprehensive plan. At the May 13,
2026 planning commission meeting, the Putnham County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the subject request. Are there any questions? >> Were there any questions for staff? >> No. >> Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Just a quick question on that one. Um,
at one time, were there some type of environmental restrictions on that regarding uh aven nesting or anything like that? >> Not as far as staff were able to confirm. Uh, they would not be allowed to develop within the wetlands, of
course, uh, under still current existing environmental regulations. >> Okay. Yeah. I just wanted to ask about that. It's not far from my house and at one time I had heard there was some type of um environmental restriction on the property. So you weren't aware of any on it. >> Not as far as staff could confirm. Okay. That any environmental regulations would
be handled by the Department of Environmental Protection. >> Good deal. All right. Thanks, man. >> All right. Uh this is a public hearing. Is there anybody in the public wishing to speak on this item? Please come forward. >> State your name and address for the record.
>> Come up to the mic, sir. Sorry, >> that's okay. Welcome. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. You have to apologize because I'm not a very good speaker. >> You'll be fine. >> But anyway, my name is Stuart Lloyd. I live at 121 Magnolia Drive and Palmport
East right off East River Drive. >> And one question I have, these signs were put up the beginning of May, like the first I have pictures in my phone that I took
on the 2nd because I wanted to come look at this. I wanted to come to this meeting. >> Yes, sir. >> Now, the question I have is after about a week and a half, the signs were mowed down by the water lines. Mr. Alexander, I think you can probably
verify that because you drive up and down that road and they have not been put back up. I put them back up once and they got mowed down again. So, there have not been signs there since probably
May 15th. >> Okay. >> To notify anybody of this meeting. I don't know what the >> you know what what kind of criteria there is to meet that, but I think it should be available for everybody to know about.
>> Yes, sir. And one other question is I have a feel is this in any way and I don't know if you can answer is it any way associated with the 168 acres across the other side of East River
you're >> no single family res >> um Miss Reed Reed I'm sorry I'll have you come up in just a second but we'll get that question answered. Yeah. Okay. Do you do you have any comments, staff, >> or qu or to answer any questions?
>> Not at this time. No, ma'am. Unless you had a question about his comments. >> Okay. All right. Um, are there anybody I forgot to ask this question. Is there anybody on the board that has had exparte communication? >> I've had none. >> I've had none. >> None. >> None. Okay. All right.
>> U Mr. Matthews. >> Madam Chair, may I make a ask staff a question? >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. >> Reed Matthews, 115 North Second Street, Palaka, Florida. So, >> okay. Well, >> it's okay. It's okay.
>> He's the one that asked the question. >> Yes, sir. >> It's strictly for So, the 22 and a half acres is the people that I just recently purchased the two acre piece. I was just going to reszone the twoacre piece, but they said since it's already in the PUD, can we just go ahead and reszone it all at the same time to allow them to build
in the future? So really the only issue here is I'm going to build a two a single family residence for me and my family on the northern 2acre parcel that's we actually bought last week. The other 20 and a half acres. There's currently one single family residence on and it's my I believe it's their
intention to build another single family residence on it in the future and maybe maybe others but it's actually the opposite of development. We're taking it from a PUD which you know could have a lot more intensive use to just I think maybe five homes but my issue is just the one home on the northern twoacre
parcel. >> Okay. So to answer the question it has is is separate completely separate from the 168 across the street. >> Yeah, exactly 100%. >> All right. Is there anything else you wanted to add? >> Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you for answering those questions. >> Uh Commissioner Harvey, you recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. That was some something I was going to ask staff.
We're going from a PUD back to residential. So, we're going to go from a more um heavily intensive or possibly heavily intensive zoning district back down to a residential district that could be less intrusive. Is that correct?
>> Uh yes, sir. The residential development is going to be limited in this case by the uh I believe it's urban reserve future land use designation. um in addition to the zoning district that they are placing on the property um being is it residential estate Michael?
Residential estate. So it'll be further regulated by the zoning rather than the future land use in this case. >> How many on the PUD? The original PUD when it was asked to or applied for what was the um what >> density
>> density on that? Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Michael, do you know the density >> or allowable allowable amount of homes? >> The original uh underlying uh planning development, Riverbend Estates, would have allowed for 1580 residential units
across the entire development. Uh the PUD has since expired, of course, and as such, no development may occur within the PUD without a reszone to a different zoning district or new PUD being replaced over this one. Uh there is also a section in our comprehensive plan that
specifies that this area of Putham County that was covered by the original PUD for Riverbend Estates shall not shall never exceed 1580 residential units even with a new PUD placed on top of it. >> Well, this is good for the community. No
doubt about that. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> All right. Anybody else in the audience wishing to speak on this item? All right. Um we are being asked to this is meeting one of two. What is what is >> Madam Chair? I move that we hear this
case again. Rez 260000004 Julian Seawwood re revocable living trust on July 14th at 9:00 at that's our next border county commission meeting. >> I'll second that. >> We have a motion second. Any further discussion? Um I would like to say that
could we have staff go back out and make sure we put signs back up? >> Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, we have a motion to second. Any further comments or questions? All in favor say I. I. Motion carries. >> I will see this case again on July 14th.
So, it has to have two two readings. Um second up. Good morning board. While it loads, uh, for the record, Ethan Thompson, I am presenting a plat vacation case numbers VAC26-00001. All right.
Uh, this is an application for a partial vacation of the St. John's Manoracres Division One subdivision, which is in mapbook 3, page 139 of the public records of Putnham County. Uh it was uh originally recorded May 25th, 1926. The applicant is Barbara F. Hall Family
Trust. And then the trustees are Barbara Fogamin and Rachel Elliot. Uh there's no 911 address. It is kind of located within the Cross Florida Greenway as you'll see later. It's like two miles south of Hunter Road. It's zoned agriculture and the future land use is
agriculture as well. Uh the subdivision was originally platted for 141 lots. Uh subject to the vacation today are approximately 36 full lots as well as 14 portions of 14 additional lots. Uh and then portions of
the undeveloped rights of way within the uh legal description are also proposed to be to be vacated. Uh the remainder of the subdivision is owned by the state of Florida and has already been incorporated into the Cross Florida Greenway. Uh the overall plaque contains approximately 412 acres. Uh the
applicants own portions of tracks 1 through 137 which consists of approximately 113 acres. Uh we have some supporting comprehensive plan policies. Policy A.14.1.A A says that Putnham County will reduce
the number of platted lots by assisting private owners of platted lots within antiquated subdivisions with the vacation of plats, including the closing of unused public rights of way. Policy A.14.1.C encourages the public acquisition of platted lots which have been identified
as providing a public benefit by preserving environmentally sensitive lands. Uh and then policy A.110.8.D D is our part of our IMR policies. Putnham County shall encourage the public acquisition of land for conservation purposes to protect
existing military installations from encroachment by incompatible uses. And then the relevant statute defines uh antiquated subdivisions. That's statute 163.3164 subp paragraph 5. Um it's just a
subdivision that was recorded or approved over 20 years ago and has substantially failed to develop. Uh and then the continued buildout of that subdivision with in accordance with the subdivision zoning and land use purposes would cause an imbalance of land uses and would be detrimental to the local
and regional economies and environment. Uh this is the original subdivision plat from 1926. This is what the portions of the subdivision that are proposed to be vacated. Uh the red is kind of the overall legal
description. Um and then the the blue dots are the rights of way. This is your aerial zoning, future land use, flood zone, wetlands, and then a portion of this property is encompassed within the military
restricted operating zone. The applicant proposes to vacate a portion of the St. John's Manoracres Division 1 platted subdivision. They are also proposing to vacate portions of the undeveloped rights of way contained within their legal description. Uh if approved, the parcels technically would be subject to the design standards of
the act zoning district and density requirements of the agriculture future land use. Um however, this is for the purpose of sale to the crosswater greenway. So there's no development occurring here. Staff recommends approval of the resolution to vacate that portion of the St. John's Manor Acres Division 1
subdivision plat contained within the submitted legal description as it is consistent with the statutory requirements for plat vacations outlined in statute 177.101 as well as as well as Putnham County comprehensive plan policies identified herein. Are there any questions?
>> Are there any questions for staff? Is there anybody in the audience wishing to speak on this item? >> All right, coming back to the board. Has there been any exparte communication? >> I have none. I have none. >> None. None. All right. Uh, with that, uh, what
is what is the request of the board? >> Madam Chair, I move approval of the resolution of the board of county commissioners for Putnham County, vacating a portion of the recorded subdivision plat of St. John's Manor Acres, Division 1, case number VAC26-00001, Hall resolution number 2026-046.
>> Second. >> All right. Any questions or comments? All in favor say I. >> I. I. I motion carries you. >> Is that meeting one of one? >> Yes, that was one of one. Thank you for asking. Uh public comment on agenda
items. This portion of the agenda is designed to allow citizens an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the board. It is not reasonable to expect that the board will engage in debate or deliberation about matters on which the board has received no prior information as part of the agenda. Please limit your time to three minutes. Public comment cards are
convincing conveniently placed at the meeting room entrance and should be submitted prior to the meeting to the deputy clerk who sits to the right of the podium. This is on agenda items. We will have a also another public comment section on miscellaneous items. So, is there anybody wishing to speak on agenda
items? >> All right, seeing none, uh we'll go into uh commissioner's polling items starting with Commissioner Harvey. >> I have none. Commissioner Alexander, >> I have none, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner Newold, >> none to pull.
>> None to pull. Commission Commissioner Pelier, >> none. >> All right. I will be pulling item D as in dog and J. >> Madam, Madame Chair, based on that, I'd like to move the consent agenda items A B C E F G H
I for approval, please. >> Second. We have a motion second. Any further comments? All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Um going to um item D. Uh that is our insurance committee. I know it's it we did go back uh this board had
previously asked to table it. It went back to the insurance committee. It was the majority of the insurance committee did agree and want this coming back for approval. I have the same comments and thoughts that I did before and so I'm just going to say them and and then the
vote ends up being how the vote is. Um, one of my biggest concerns is the fact that we contract with a pharmaceutical benefit manager to control our cost and apply clinical rules. And basically, I feel like that we we have people that
are that are already signed up and they get a GLP1. We have several hundred. We have a couple hundred. Um they already get that. We've already approved the WGOi pill which is FDA approved through the people one. I think feel like this
process that we've created is circumventing the process that we've already paying somebody to do. Basically, we pay a benefit manager to control costs and apply clinical rules. And now we're allowing this third party to come be behind that and approve it.
and basically circumvent the process. So there's no protections in place and that bothers me. I feel like that this drug is the one that we're approving for our staff has been known to cause gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and
severe gastrointens gastrointestinal issues that cause hospitalization. Nobody can say for sure that this is this is basically to me that the county is gambling on taxpayers dollars. We are rolling the dice to see if this actually
improves our um employees health. We don't know that it will. And also I've also feel like that we've just created a big open checkbook. It's a it's a nobody can give me a price. We have not set a price on this other than it's $200 that
we're allowing our employees to have every up to six weeks for this shop. We're going to give them a $200 credit or or pay for the $200. So there's there's no it's just open-ended to me. It's a open-ended financial exposure without
clear guard rails. We've completely I'll give you an example. You got to remember when we vote on this, this isn't just the BOCC staff. It's all our constitutional officers, including the sheriff's office. If 150 people signed up and they need a shot every six weeks,
that's a financial impact to this county of $260,000 a year. If 200 people receives a shot every six weeks, that's a financial impact of almost $350,000 a year for a drug that's not again not
FDA approved. So, it's an open-ended contract. We've not put there's no cap on these funds. And that's one of the main issues I have with this. Plus the fact that I also feel like it's it's an
inequity and it causes confusion for for employees. There's unequal access. We haven't given everybody $200 off their medicine, only certain groups. Um it causes frustration for our staff. I think it's unfair. And the benefit
system should be clear, consistent, and fair. I've talked about that the entire time. And if we want to cover these med medications, then we should be doing it through our health plan and not going around our health plan that we're playing paying to do and through a side
program. So, I'm not in favor of this. Um, but I've held my position on this the whole time. So, the vote is what it is. Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I echo some of the same problems that you've had with this. I think the financial exposure is
big to me. the non-FDA approved medication. I did have an have though an opportunity to speak to an an employee of the county who was unaware that the GLP product that people one had would be
um would serve their need. Um they were unaware that this was available. Also another employee has stated publicly that people one is not interested or at least one of the doctors not interested in these GLP
products and and ask you to do other things. Um I think it's important to know that people one works for us and we tell them what to do not the other way around and if they can't do that then we'll find another provider that will do that. And I don't
mean that threatening. I'm just saying we're trying to lower a potential risk right here. I don't think this is the best idea. I stood my ground on the first uh the first meeting about trying to include all employees who were having
issues with trying to pay. When I talked to the person who said they were unaware that this pill was available, they said they couldn't afford it, even if it was. So, if it's a financial situation, I can handle that. I can say we can put a cap, we could put a
100,000, we can put 125, we can put 200, whatever the number is. But let's get these people some help. But it's going to come down to could that employee spend $300 a month? No. Can they spend a hundred? Yes. And
we pay 200. But what about the employee that can't pay even the hundred a month? And that's where I fall down at. So, I think if we're going to open this up and I think we should try to do something for all the employees and maybe this is
a start because I've been promised that this is a start and we're going to go down this road and look at others, but maybe we should look at some type of a cap, maybe some type of a participation, and maybe some type of a I can't afford
any of my medicines um and I need help with all that. And maybe that's where we need to be looking at instead of focusing on just GLP1, if we're going to focus on getting our employees better, then let's focus on
how to engage them financially to do such a thing. I think I think honestly at this point I'm going to probably go for this because I do believe it's a start, but we've got to be able to open this up and we've got to be able to put
a cap and we've got to be able to say to our employees, if you can't afford it, we're going to try to help you get better because the whole conversation the insurance committee was avoiding cost in the future. It was trying to avoid that cost going forward. Well, if
the employee who can't pay 300 and can't pay a 100red, then we're just waiting for a risk to happen that we know is going to happen. And um I would like for us to to at least have that conversation if we can of opening that up to helping
all of our employees take better care of themsel. And if they can't afford their medication, let's help them do that. And let's get them to people one first. take the pill if they can and if they choose elsewhere then let's that be on them and
then maybe there's some participation on our end. Those are my comments. Madam Chair, >> Commissioner New, you're recognized. >> Thank you. Two very important things brought up in the in the discussion here with our chair lady and and Commissioner Harvey. Um
I think this I like this program. It's it steps in the right direction. I think it is basically the GLP subject is is a hot topic. There's a lot of um misinformation out there about it. In
the end, we want to have healthier employees. We want to be able to retain those employees, but this puts people on a path to saving the county money and making employees more healthy. Um those
are two very valuable topics. very valuable subjects to to attack. Um it is a bit open-ended. I wouldn't be opposed to trying to incorporate some sort of cap. You know, this this program
is going to be have medical oversight. I think it will as it gets enacted, it will police itself. Folks who are not um don't have positive effects with this particular drug will come off of it because they have skin in the game. It's
costly. Um the potential upside is tremendous as far as health of employees and u and retention. I I like that it opens up the idea of looking at other
drugs and and finding ways to include more employees in an overall program. So, I'm going to be in favor of this and hope that it pushes us in a a more in a into a bigger subject. So,
>> Mr. Alexander, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Th this is a a very a very difficult topic for me. Um, and I I appreciate the research that you've done and bringing all those valid points because you you educate us as a
as a commission on what the potential fallout is, the potential health uh detriments that may may happen to some of those folks that use them use the product and the fiscal impact that it's going to have on us as a county.
You know, my big thing is being responsible with the county's dollars. And you know, we're talking about a two or $300,000 impact potentially per year. That's one side of the coin. But then you look at the other side. If you take
someone that is a potential diabetic that could turn fully diabetic and go in to the point where they they become an amputee or they have other health issues that are associated with that, what's the long-term savings and what's the endgame? So, and
the other thing I have is is potentially depriving our hardworking employees of the quality of life that they may have should this this option work for them.
So, just I'm I I have not made my mind up on this, but those are the things I'm considering. you know, is it worthwhile long term for the health benefits of our employees and the the shortterm quality of life? And is the cost going
to be negated by by those those long-term health benefits from the weight loss, from the potential diabetics? Uh, so I'm I'm still in the middle on this one. >> Commissioner Palis, you're recognized.
Um you're you're right, Commissioner Alexander. It's it's a tough one. It's a very tough one. Um what is someone's health worth? You know, there is no dollar value for that. you know, um I but they're on the other side. I have to
air with the uh Commissioner Wilson about the uh the cost and how much, you know, what can the uh county stand, especially with our u future very uncertain uh as we move into the next fiscal year. Um this this is definitely
a struggle and I'm I'm I'm having a tough time right now myself. Thank you. >> All right. Is there a motion on from the board? I'm going to move to approve item D. >> All right. Is there a second? >> I'll second it.
>> All right. You have a motion and a second. Um any further discussion? I will just simply say that um if we're really worried about health benefits, then I think we have to also consider the amount of employees that we have that don't have insurance. And if they
simply had that extra $200, maybe they would have insurance. So, I go back to that. I go back to the fact that this is an open-ended financial exposure without clear guard rails. We are just opening Pandora doors box. We haven't put a
number on this. We have nobody can can even estimate how many people can potentially um sign up for this. And so I have that huge huge problem. So that's that's those are my comments. Commissioner Peliser, you're recognized.
>> Do we have any >> in debate? >> Pardon? >> We're in debate. Go ahead. >> Do we have any information of how many people potentially would be taking advantage of this if it were offered? >> Been asking that since we started. Nobody can give me that answer.
>> All right, Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> That that would definitely make the an an impact on the decision. Um but as you say, is there the option to cap the spending on this for a probationary
period of a year to see what type of impact it has and how many people sign up if can we amend a motion such as that? >> Yes, sir. >> To include that. >> Would the rest of the commissioners be open to that?
>> I I would absolutely a test season if you will. >> Yes. Yes. I'd like to go for a test drive before I buy any car. >> Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. That was going to be one my ask to the U to the sponsor of the motion would be would you be
willing to amend your motion to include some type of a a longevity and a cap on it possibly. You know, we're in the fiscal year now. It ends September. Um,
I also fully support your idea too that this isn't just I don't want to this is the couple cans we need to to monitor and not kick down the road. If there's somebody out there that's getting $200 a month or treatment, but yet if they if
they were what you said could afford insurance, well, we need to have that conversation, too. and and that's that's something we need to have. So would our would our sponsor of the motion be willing to say for a certain period and
put a cap of a certain dollar amount? Thank you, Madam Chair. >> I'd certainly be willing. I think it's a little compromise in order to move us in the what I feel like is the right direction. Um be happy to to do that.
Um, I'm not sure what the most appropriate and effective would be. I'm happy with a a time period andor dollar or employee count figure. That's I'm not sure what's most appropriate. Any any commentary from
staff or suggestions? >> Nope. Okay. >> Staff is unclear what the board is trying to accomplish. I don't know how we're going to project for you a hypothetical. You guys need to set the parameters as to what the board's comfortable with and we'll report it
back to the insurance committee and to the staff. >> Okay. I'd be willing to amend the motion to have it a one-year time period. Um I'm not sure how we ought to
how to as opposed to employee count. I'd say maybe we put a dollar figure on it of $275,000. I have no idea, you know, where that gets us or what that does. Um, any thoughts from the balance of the team?
>> Well, you know, my thoughts my thoughts is I mean, I'm I'm out. >> Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Um, I I I appreciate your concession, Commissioner Node. I I I feel that that that may be a little
bit higher than what I would be comfortable with, but um will we be able to track um in some form or fashion? Obviously, we'll be able to track how many people sign up, but is there any type of metric
that we could gauge potentially as the impact healthwise on any of these folks or we limited by HIPPO is what we can discuss or because we need we need some type of matrix to determine whether it's effective um and whether the investment
is worth what we're doing because I know that there are people that are going to benefit from it. Um, but there's there's a lot of things we could benefit. I could hand everybody $10,000. We're all going to benefit from it, but at the end of the day, is it a worthwhile expenditure of our county funds? So, and
I would like to know that it is having an effect and it's worthwhile in the investment. So, I mean, it's it's a complex question obviously. >> So, I have not had that direct conversation with the private provider
that we had discussed. Um, I know I I do not know what people's I know that the insurance committee when when this topic was up for discussion um voted to amend the original intent to include the people one program and have
a cooperative cost shared there too. Um, in the private provider conversation, she discussed at length that her monitoring would require routine visits and monitoring to make sure that they
were moving in the right direction. So, she's going to have the metrics. Whether or not HIPPA is going to allow me to share that with the insurance committee and or the board of county commissioners, that's a question I'm going to have to ask her. Obviously, we're going to track it from a pay standpoint. Um, however, I do not know
that people one has any sort of um same type of monitoring >> with their program. So, I do not know that I would get the same data back from people one. >> Okay. All right. I just
I'm in favor of it potentially, but I just I'm hoping that we can find some way to gauge whether the program is a success to continue it, especially with the impact that we may feel soon with the tax reduction. So,
I'm good. >> All right. Um I think if you're going to monitor that, you also should monitor the amount of people that have to go in the hospital for taking the medicine. Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So,
for staff, the insurance committee spoke about people one and their engagement. And what I just heard you say, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that they might not be able to track the way this other Dr. Rigden might be able
to track. But truly, they can say that 14 people walked in the door that were pre-diabetic or whatever. There's a trigger there of some diabetic. And I don't understand that one completely, but they can say 14
people walked in and are being treated for with the Wyogi pill, whatever that I don't understand all that. So they could give us some metrics of that. I guess my question is how is this money
going to be be distributed? Is it going to be distributed to people one and to Dr. Rigdon or is it going to be distributed to the employee um a after they prove that they went
through and they bought their medicine? Do they come and present a receipt at that point? So the um established a relationship with the private provider Dr. Rigdon was that the county would pay our portion, the employee would play their portion.
Um people one and um our administrative team haven't has not been able to coordinate on the logistics of what their program would be. Although it would be my preference to mirror it in the same fashion. So, I think in in all fairness, I think
a cap needs to be placed. That 275 seemed a little high to me. Um because I think that the insurance committee can always come back to this board and say we've had success or we haven't had success. Uh that's something that I think we need to know quite frequently,
more frequently than others. Um but I think 275 might be a little high. >> Will somebody give us suggestions? >> I'm fine to drop it to 175. And I mean this is a a start. It's a it's a uh a trial and we can always uh move that
number up or down. So I would change my amended motion to show 175. >> All right. We have a motion on the floor. >> Well, you have a I'll amend my second. So if I'm hearing correctly, it's a 175 175,000 cap for one-year period starting from
would you say July one? Maybe. >> Is it fiscal year? How how was that where we sit? say July one if you want. >> We could go July 1. >> Okay. July 1 to June 30th of 2027. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Thank you. I'll amend my second. >> We have a motion on the floor and a
second. All in favor say I. >> I. I. No. Opposed. I'm so used to saying I. Opposed. Four to one. Motion carries four to one. >> All right. Um item number J. Um just want to talk about that real briefly.
Um, so does Parks and Wreck, and this is for staff, does Parks and Rec still utilize the office space at South Putham Church? >> Yes, we do. >> Is it still cost the county $200 a month?
>> Currently, it does. >> Okay. All right. Um and then um so on our cover letter in our agenda packet, it says this these funds would go towards and then the discretionary funds from two commissioners would go towards the flooring. Um I did a little research
on this. Um it looked like the pastor was saying that was they were trying to raise about $100,000 um dollars and um I also in my research realized that the amount of use that we do use for our parks and wrecks at this facility. So I don't necessarily have an
issue with that. Um but on our memorandum of understanding that's presented to us, it is to me uh not clear. Um under section two financial considerations, it says the SPC will be responsible for the maintenance of the
facility in lie of rent or lease payments, the county will expend up to $50,000 in capital improvements to the facility. Uh again, I think this is open-ended. It doesn't say a one-time. It doesn't say annually. So sometimes in
an agreement, it's not what it says, but what it doesn't say. And what this doesn't say is that it's a one time or that it's particular for the flooring. So I need clarity on that. >> U Mr. Commander, do you want to
speak about this subject? I mean, it from the legal side, I don't want to weigh in on on whether or not it's a good or bad idea. As far as if you want to see some further restrictions on kind of what what the expectations are, that's always a good thing to include in the contract.
>> Did you prepare this? >> Uh, no. It was sent to me for review. >> Okay. So again, it's it's not that I have a concern about the current uh staff or the current church, but in
10 years from now, because this contract goes into 2046, so it's a 20-year term. 10 years from now, none of us none of us sitting here and the next group comes up and then you get a church comes up and says, "Well, you're supposed to be
giving us $50,000 a year." It doesn't say it's not a yearly thing. I understand the intent, but I don't think the intent is clearly written in this agreement. >> Commissioner Harvey, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, for pointing
that out. Um, I think we can amend that very simply today by saying the 50,000 is a one-time payment. Um, and not to be, you know, not to be counted on anymore, frankly. Um, I think South
Putnham needs this and u with the amount of children that participate there, but I think we can fix that pretty easily right now. >> Mr. Sag, did you have a comment? >> Madam Chair, I don't know that what was contemplated was a one-time payment. >> Okay. Well, that's that's the way I read
it. So, let's talk about that. That's great. If that's not a one-time payment because we need to understand our financial obligation here. >> It's a one time payment >> to redo the red. >> Yeah. And I think it would it was my intention. I'm being one of the the >> Yes, sir. >> the commissioners participating with
with funds and and it is specifically intended to be for the renovation of the floor and it is a one-time payment. So, I I think that should be stated clearly and I'm I'm glad you caught that. >> Okay. is you asked me if I had any questions or comments, Madam Chair, and I was just
reading through the lease itself and under the item three duration, you know, it talks about if the uh if SPC wishes to cancel thisou during the initial term of theou, then SPC agrees to pay to the county a prrated portion of the
investment made to the facility, which is the $50,000 for the floor. uh the total investment of $50,000 shall be prrated and repaid proportionally to the period of the time remaining on theou. So I think it's I think it's
to me it's we're we've got a quote I believe it was to do the repair of the floor. This was the cost of the floor. Uh this was our initial investment of $50,000 to offset the cost of that repair and maintenance of that floor. And I think that paragraph to me, and I
and I'm not uh the attorney by no stretch, but uh it sounds like it's covered in that paragraph that it's a $50,000 investment to be paid back proportionally if this leases or if thisou is not taking the term. >> Yeah, I think it is important that we
have thisou in place. um it formalizes that relationship specifically, but um >> I thank you for pointing out the >> necessity to more clearly define the the one-time nature and specific use of the funds.
>> I um I still have the floor, so give me just a second. I have one more question. Um, under item one, roles and responsibility, it says the SPC will grant written legal authority to the county to use the facility for the purpose of providing recreational use of
of the facility. Is thisou the legal authority or will there will be another document because it says grant written legal authority. >> So I think this serves as the preliminary legal authority. However, if there are certain events or things that require an additional document, I would
imagine over the period of the first term or subsequent terms, there could be other documents that do that. >> Okay? >> So, if there's a a specific event, like if you're having uh summer camp or vacation bible school, they may want to have certain clarified understandings for those events.
>> Okay. All right. Fair enough. Uh, Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Yeah, I I appreciate you pointing that out, Madam Chair. Sometimes when I read through some of these documents, they leave it a little vague and um leave it open for question. It would be much
easier if it was spelled out specifically. This is a onetime payment for this specific purpose and we're done with it and we move on. That way there's no opportunity for discussion or later >> clarification. It's not this group I'm worried about, but 10 years from now. >> Exactly. Exactly. And you know, we had an issue pop up about that a couple
weeks ago on something else. And I mean, we're not all attorneys. Rich is, he understands some of this stuff. But if it's if to me it's got to be black and white. It's got to be hard and fast and that's the way it is. There's no no questions. >> Commissioner Harvey, you recognized.
>> Madam Chair, I appreciate the opportunity and also want to say I agree with all the things. we can clean this up. And um I think does my question is the South Putham Church realize that they have a 20 year that they can they
have to pay this back if if they you know don't want us in there anymore. >> Yes. Um she's saying yes. All right. Is there a motion on this? >> I will move for approval with the changes stipulated. >> Second. And just for clarification, that
change is just to clarify that it's a onetime payment. >> Yes. >> And it's for the specifically for floor renovation. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. Motion carries. Is there any new business from any of the
commissioners? >> Madam Chair, can I take a point of privilege? >> Sure. >> Can you get your mom back in here, Mr. Okay, >> maybe >> I wanted to make an announcement with her and and I know she was in a hurry, but if you don't mind >> her now.
>> I could do it under new business. >> I'm sorry, Madam Chair. >> It's all right. Is are there any other commissioners that are going to wish to have new new business items? >> All right. While we're doing that, I'll uh we will have public comment on miscellaneous
items. So, if you haven't done so, please fill out a blue card and turn it into Miss Ashley. We will uh go into that as soon as we finish new business. Do you have any cards you want to go ahead and give me? >> Madam Chair, our timer is not
>> That's okay. >> I guess you'll have to be from up here. >> I can do it. We'll take a um two minute recess. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, just wanted to >> I was hoping Miss Simons would be back
in the a but she didn't make it back in, but that's okay. you know, the um basically the mayor of pickle ball for Putham County and she wore us out for years about getting pickle ball started uh to the point where I was like, you know, just give her whatever she wants,
right? But it's exciting because some of my capital improvement money that I've had um I confirmed with Julianne in the last couple weeks and we were crunching numbers and she's been so patient with me even though she wanted not to be at times, I'm sure. Um, but we're going to
put a pickle ball court and flora home. And you know, this is exciting for me. We've been working on this for ever since we got our funds and it's just been a long time coming. But very, very soon we're going to have a groundbreaking out there and we'll have
a pickle ball court located in the beautiful community of Florome. So, just want to let you know that. >> All right. That's exciting. >> All right. It is exciting. >> Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, what I wanted to discuss with you guys, um, it's my understanding if we create
an ordinance, then I need to discuss it with you first and then bring a formal reading of the ordinance, uh, at to the next meeting and then should we move forward, the second meeting after that will be the finalization and implementation of that. So you guys know
that I've been heavily involved with the Dun Creek State Park and I spend maybe a day or two a month on the river. So I'm pretty familiar with it. And throughout the years um there's been an issue uh at Dun Creek, what we affectionately
refer to as the goat farm, but there's a blind corner there. Very dangerous. Um uh and we have a kayak launch and we have additional development expected there at Dun Creek State Park. So
instead of waiting on an accident to happen, um what I wanted to do was get ahead of the curve. And I did a little research and you know, typically you get some push back from the power boers because that's what I am. Um you know, I'm not a sailboater. I'm not a kayaker.
Too lazy for all that. But nobody nobody really wants to slow their boats down on the river. So I approached some of the bass folks uh some of the tournament fishermanmen that I discussed with this and uh they understood the need for something there. Um but their their
greatest fear was rampant no wake zones throughout Putnham County and they were all dead set against that and I I was too. I I agree 100%. But they also understood the need for for some type of traffic mitigation there because we have
a lot of new boers on the river, a lot of people that don't have experience compounded by the fact that you have a kayak launch there. Um, so it's it's just it's a perfect storm of danger. So the ordinance that I'm proposing
will be specifically for that area. It's the shortest duration that I felt was safe and still allowed the uh tournament fisherman not to be slowed down there for a long period of time so they could get down off a plane, get around the corner where they could see again and
get back up and gone and and not impact the kayakers that are launching from that area. Well, the question was, how are you going to prevent additional um no wake zones being implemented throughout the county? I said, "What we're going to do is we're going to tie it into that being the only handicap
kayak launch in the county." So, that is specifically written into the ordinance to protect those people that did not want to see any other no zones throughout the county, but it still has the effect of creating a safe zone there for both the kayakers and the
boers. So that that is my goal and my wish and I will bring a formal proposal to you guys next week with documentation of the zone that we're proposing as well as pictures depicting how dangerous that corner can be from different angles.
>> Okay. Um are there any questions for uh Commissioner Alexander? >> I would just like to say uh if you're going to do I I know you said you were going to be bringing uh pictures and and information. And I'd like to see the length and the width of the area you're referring to. >> Absolutely. I've got it mapped out with
GPS coordinates and highlighted on the map for you. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner Harvey. You recognized? >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I think it's a great idea. I think anytime that we can protect the handicap who want to enjoy our nature. Um, and you're only asking for a little bit of feet to slow the boat down and get back up on plane later
on. I think that's common sense and I think that's courtesy. Number one, I wish we wouldn't have to put signs out. I wish you just understand that. But I understand the need for that. So I appreciate your efforts on that. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Uh Mr. I don't know if Terry or Mr.
Commando wants to um weigh in on this. When we do an ordinance like that, what is the public hearing notices and requirements? Do you have to like put it in the newspaper? How many days does it have to be out? How so many public meetings? >> It's the same public notice that we provide for an ordinance. So we'll have
we'll bring it back for just like you had first reading today because it's a text amendment to your code. And then we'll also have a second reading for final adoption. >> Okay. So, it' be like we do with the uh rest of the other public hearings. So, it just be two readings. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And I'll have everything spelled
out for you guys. I want it nice and clear and concise. So, >> sure. And that'll be the first meeting in July you're proposing is what we're going to do that. Okay. >> All right. Anything else on commissioner um updates or uh any comments on that? All right. Going into a point. Yes.
>> Okay. I'm sorry. I have something that I would like to share. Couple things before we get to commissioner comments. I was going to do it under there, but seems probably fitting under new business. Um the governor of Florida is giving off for a long weekend in July
and um I believe if I'm not mistaken, we're giving off our county is closed on the 3rd of July. Is that correct? So the governor is I think adding the second and if I'm there's second and the sixth.
Um so I would really like for us to consider we don't have another meeting until after that but giving our employees maybe off on the 6th. July 4th is on a on a Saturday and giving off on the six so they can have a long weekend
a four- day weekend. And that's my proposal madam chair. All right. Um, I do have a question on that. Um, if, and this is for staff, if a if an employee is already taking a vacation on the sixth, um, how does that
work? They get their eight hours back. >> That's correct. >> Right. So, so essentially it's a double hit to the county because you're paying them their vac you're they get their vacation pay and they get um off for the day. So,
>> no, they swap out for one another. So, they're not going to get paid their vacation pay and they're going to get the day off. >> They get paid they get paid to be off >> and get the credit >> and they get their credit back for their eight hours of vacation that they would have otherwise used. >> Correct. Yeah. I mean, it's just as if they didn't use it,
>> right? All right. So, um, the proposal is a long weekend of Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. >> Correct. >> All right. Are you making a motion? >> I made a motion. >> I'll second that. >> We have a motion, a second. All in favor
say I. >> I. I. >> No discussion. >> Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Debate. Any discussion? Go back to discussion. Debate. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. Um I just want to be sure that the county u and public works that area is
going to be covered u in the case of an emergency. You know we're going to have >> Yes, sir. We have we we'll have on call staff just like normal just like any other normal holiday. Okay. >> And then the uh the waste facility, the landfill's already closed on Mondays.
>> No, ma'am. Mr. Tilton will will handle that just like every other holiday schedule. >> Okay. every other holiday schedule we've already done noticing. So, how will we we we are at a short window for noticing? >> We will make sure that notice gets out today >> to the um constituents.
>> The the Mr. Tilton, come on up, Mr. T, because I believe you're going to have to run your normal schedule. So, go ahead and >> and Madam Chair, I think Commissioner Harvey already brought it up, but this is not just for the Fourth of July. This is the commemoration of the 250th
anniversary of the country. So, we're actually not off on Friday. Um, the landfill was uh actually only closed on Saturday. So, um my proposed the landfield would still be open on that Monday. >> All right.
>> Yeah. To stay with the schedule. >> All right. >> Mr. Commando, you said this would be in special recognition of our 250th anniversary. >> Yes, sir. So, this was this was not meant to just be because of Fourth of July coming up. It was specifically
because of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the country uh as a special recognition just so the public doesn't think this is not something that I think the governor's office was intending to do year after year. This was just a one time for that. >> Thank you for that clarity. >> Thank you for those comments.
>> A great thing in our country. >> All right. Thank you. Yes, sir. All right. Any further discussion? All right. Have a motion on the floor and a second. All in favor say I. I. >> Motion carries. >> Uh appointments
Commissioner Alexander, do you have any appointments? >> I have none. >> Commissioner Newbald. >> Yes, I have one for District 1 zoning board of adjustments. Um have a a recent vacancy and would like to put forward Frank El Murray of
Crescent City. >> Okay. He doesn't need a a vote on that, does he? All right. >> It's his district. Commissioner Harvey, do you have any appointments? >> I have none, Madam Chair. >> Commissioner Palisier, >> I have none. >> All right. Going into uh public comment
on miscellaneous items, we have Joshua Kent. >> Good afternoon. My name is Josh Kent. I'm the new appointed, newly appointed uh vice president of the Georgetown Cove Property Association. >> Okay. >> And I come here humbly before you guys to just ask you for some help with our
neighborhood. Um we have a lot of storm water runoff problems, not only within our subdivision, but the subdivisions to our north. We are right on the north boundary of the lake. We have a lot of ditches that could use some cleaning. Um we need some road work. We could use some gravel. I'm just asking for some
help. what I'm up here trying to do. Just try to see what help you guys can give us. >> Sure. Sure. Are you in uh that's your district, Commissioner Noel? >> It is. >> Okay. Have you worked with Commissioner Noel? >> No. No. I I was just newly appointed and my first time here at the meeting. I just wanted to come up and introduce
myself and I'd love to sit and chat with you if we can get some public works time in maybe do something. >> I'll get a card and come see you and >> we'll absolutely maybe some help with some code enforcement. That's that's what I'm asking for. >> All right. Um we'll see you after the meeting.
>> The first the first uh go at it is to speak with Commissioner Newold and see what he can help you with. >> Okay. >> Okay. Mr. Grimes, you're recognized. >> Yeah. Just may be prudent is probably public works as well because we've crossed the bridge with the Georgetown Cove. That's one of those subdivisions
that was given way back when, but the county did not accept the maintenance plat. >> Okay. >> We had issues um several years back. A gentleman came in one of the ditches in Georgetown Cove clean. researched it, found out the county did not accept the maintenance map um or the maintenance of those. They're all class 2 plat roads
just like we just dealt with Chimera Way. Um it's in the same situation as all of those. Um so I just want to let you guys know that that's that that we've already done Georgetown code. Be happy to sit down and see if there's anything we can do, but just so you know that that is a unmaintained county
platted road in an antiquated subdivision. So um just want to let the board know, but we'll be happy to sit down and talk. We understand. I'm just asking for any help I can get. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Kemp. Miss Jenny Oakwood, you're recognized. Come
on up. >> Now, Miss Jenny, I love you and I know that you're a talker. I like the way you started that. >> I appreciate you being here today. I know this isn't an easy discussion. I'm here today because I firmly believe
that Putnham County has several critical issues that must be addressed regarding education, public safety, enforcement, animal welfare that are deeply interconnected.
I am wearing black for grieving and red for a broken heart. Some of you do not know me. I own Crescent City Kennel. Ark Animal Rescue is the headquarters. I have 32 years of healthc care experience
and 25 of those years were director level. I was 17 years of a college professor and 15 years in the pet industry and rescue. Facts about Putnham. 827 square miles.
In 2024, we had 76,000 and 25 77,000. We have 10,000 students and 19 public schools in 2025 from K to 12. 71% of those are
economically disadvantaged. We only have 14% in this county with bachelor's degrees between 25 and older. 4% post-graduate degrees. Statewide average is 34.1%.
Barriers, lack of parent involvement or student engagement. I just found out that field trips are funded by grants. I don't understand that. I have spoken to the school board many times about changing curriculum and that has never
happened. And there's no college day field trips to our wonderful St. John's College community college. I have been several years volunteering as a guest speaker at local high schools and my husband uh with 35 years of
teaching from South Florida taught at the high school in Crescent City and was appalled about education. For the past 15 years, I observed considerate failure to meet basic welfare standards in Putnham County.
Rescue groups and private citizens are emotionally, physically in stress with financial burdens in regards to the amount of abandoned, neglected, abused dogs and cats as well as farm animals. Nobody cared in this county that the
only humane society closed back in November 2025 and I was on the board and it was the saddest day for me that day when all those animals and we closed the door. Northeast Florida Humane Society even
had a spay and neuter trailer on their premises and work very closely with animal control of Putnham County. Humane societies around us are Felucia has four, Flaggler 2, St. John's 2, Clay 3,
Mariam 4. And we responding to the reckless community pleads for the past decade in reference to animal control. Finally, we got a new shelter. But what is the role
of the new executive director of human support, community support? We have had no Putham County Animal Service Advisory Committee meetings in 2026. So, we have no idea. The public has no idea how many
dogs or cats are you put into sleep, how many animals were transferred in and out, how many dog bites were investigated. The list goes on. I have our county lacks a clear commitment to all these be to all these
things that I mentioned and including neglected abuse and abandoned animal. I compare ourselves to other counties. We are the hole in the donut. We go merrygoround, merrygoround. And I'm extremely dizzy and nauseated
despite my dedicated countless hours going to festival networking events. >> Miss Jenny, Miss Jenny, you I appreciate your time, but you have exceeded your time limit. >> Well, >> Miss Jenny, >> I am sad to say that we are no longer
going to be spa doing spay and neuter, and you can check your email information. Thank you very much and have a wonderful day. >> Thank you. >> We did receive an email last night from Miss Jenny if everybody would like to uh take a look at that.
It basically says effective July 15th, ARC will no longer provide spay and neuter procedures in its mobile clinic. So, uh, there have to be further discussion about how we will handle um how we'll handle that in the in the mobile unit that we prov helped fund.
Um, Miss Young, you're recognized. >> Just for clarity, um, want to want to clarify, animal services has had meetings in 2026. We had a meeting in February. Um, I believe Miss Jenny wasn't available to attend. We did not have a quorum due to committee schedules
um at the last meeting, but they've asked to reschedule it. So, in the February meeting was a very great discussion of the committee members. Um a lot of input had during that meeting and we look forward to continuing that conversation at our next meeting. >> Yes, ma'am. And I do believe numbers are always available whenever they're
requested. >> Of course, it's a it's a public record. Uh Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. >> Yes, ma'am. I I'm I'm going to take a point of privilege here to stand up and I'm not going to stand up, but our
animal control team is doing a fantastic job since I've been on this board and I I'm not taking credit for anything. Um we've finished the facility. Staff took care of doing that um through the help of the
commissioners. The new executive director I truly believe is doing a fantastic job. We have other programs that we are working on now that have not been publicized, but Mrs. Young and I and members of the community are working with grants, acquisition of grants,
grant writing. Um, our food costs have been decreased, our animal safety has gone up, our response time has been decreased, we've added three additional positions. Um, so we are moving in the right direction. This is not something
that's going to change overnight, but through a concerted effort of our staff and the team that we've got out there, we're making changes and moving in the right direction. It's unfortunate that I see somewhat of a
I'm excuse me, I'm going to leave that comment alone, but I truly believe our staff is moving in the right direction and I think that our community can see that and I know that our commissioners can see that. So staff, you guys are doing a great job and we appreciate you.
>> Commissioner Palis, you're recognized. >> Um, I appreciate the lady's passion about the animals, but I served on this board from 2012 to 16 and now since 24, and I can tell you the improvements in animal services is tremendous, and
that's probably barely touching the tip of the bird compared to what it used to be. So, I'm I think we're going in the right direction and in leaps and bounds and um I'm I'm sorry that the lady feels that way, but it has come a long way, baby,
as they say. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Commissioner Newbel, you're recognized. >> I'm I have to pile on with the praise. I mean, if you review today's consent agenda, there was a considerable sum of money um committed by the county to
further improve the the state of animals in the shelter. Um we're actively working to revamp our codes uh of codes and enforcement in that animal services space. So I mean
there's been a lot that's happened um in the last year and there's a lot more to come improvement in that space. Thank you all. >> Thank you. Um Commissioner Harvey recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. And I want to echo the same sentiments. When I first
got here, I served with Commissioner Palace here and you know, we had a wish of what animal control would look like in the future and we're getting there. We're right there uh close to the finish line. Will we ever get across? I don't know that. But I'll say this, we're
we're closer than we've ever been. Um I've been accused of not wanting spay and neuter, and I don't understand how that can ever come out of my mouth or be in conversation. I support that. I just don't support taking people's money and
making people do it. That's what I don't support. I've even offered to spay and neuter some of the animals in my neighborhood. Um, you've heard me mention Frank the Cat, you know, but the owner of Frank the Cat doesn't want their animal to be spayed and neutered, you know, but Frank doesn't know that,
so he's out visiting all the other cats. It's just the bottom line is, you know, it's it's time for take personal responsibility. But I will say when you have other counties coming to Putham County to see what we do in the animal
services arena, that's a big step. And when you talk about vette programs with the sheriff's department, you talk about additional staff, you talk about UF working with them, we've come a long way. And I agree with Commissioner Palace here. We've come a long way, baby. And I tell you, we're not there
yet, but we are getting to the finish line. And I look forward to that day that really truly personal responsibility takes hold. Government's not asked to do it all and we have a we have an animal service that people envy to have and we have it currently. So,
thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. And I um follow up with my colleagues and agree with everything that they've said. Um we have made a lot of steps in the time I've been here. Um, and it's it's been um rewarding to see
how each commissioner has has taken on a responsibility with animal services. And we can't talk among each each other until we're up here, but I hear, you know, like you said, Commissioner, you're working on some things. Commissioner Newold's working on some things. And everybody's working to try
to move that um that group forward. And we cannot pick up every animal in Putnham County. We can't we can't feed every animal in Putnham County. We can't do that for every human in Putnham County. But at the end of the day, I think we we have to remember that we're
we are the gatekeeper for the for the taxpayers's dollars and we have to spend them wisely and we have to use them appropriately. And we have um thanks to an appropriation from the state, we were able to put in the the facility that we
did and I mentioned it before. A neighboring county spent 20 times more money 20 times more money than we did on our animal facility. So um we are doing we have come a long way baby is and we're going to keep that term. Thank you
Commissioner Pelisier. But um that is absolutely right. Can we get everything? We're not ever going to make everybody happy and but I'm telling you where we were and where we are is like night and day and we have come a long way and I
want to say thank you to our staff. Um we are working like Commissioner Harvey he touched on some highlights. We're working with the University of Florida. We're getting more animals spayed and neutered. Um we are getting more animals adopted. Um, several times up here I've
mentioned some numbers. Again, all those numbers are available. Um, I know people call and get them all the time. It's not that hard. Uh, send a text. Send it I mean, not a text, but send an email or a phone call and we'll get you the information. And I'm sorry Miss Jenny feels that way. Um, I know she's
passionate about animals. I'm also sorry that the spayneuter trailer is not going to work out. That's disappointing and on so many levels. and um we'll just have to figure out how we're going to handle that going forward. Mr. Suggs, you're recognized.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. That was my question with the uh with the comment that was made by Miss Jenny about giving the county the span neuter trailer. I didn't know if there was any direction the board would like to give staff here today because I know that's going to be a question from staff. So, uh you know, I think that's something that we
probably need to discuss and I don't know if we can have that discussion today, but >> well, we'll discuss it briefly. She's asking her email uh which is also public record that was sent out yesterday evening um after 5 trying to pull up the
day the time. Anyway, um she's asked that uh we schedule a meeting with um one of us. She says me. I don't know if every did everybody get this? Yes, everybody got this. um just schedule meeting with a um looks
like a designate and probably a county commissioner to discuss further details on the next steps. So, uh we can do that. Is there anybody that's on this commission that wants to handle this or does as far as a commissioner that wants to volunteer? Commissioner Alexander, your light is lit.
>> That means he wants to volunteer. >> Does that mean you're volunteering or is that something you or >> I think we're going to have to draw straws on this one. we have uniform support, but uh we do have a a a member of our community that has a you know, they did make a significant donation to
that um to that trailer. Um and and they're very interested in what happens to it and after communicating with them, they would like to see it go to the to the county. Um and they're excited about that as long as it's it's used and and we get some use out of for what it was intended to. So, I just want to make
everybody aware of that. >> Okay. I I I'll be glad to sit in the meeting. Um, I'll be glad to sit in the meeting and handle that with um, I guess Julian, you would be our other county representative. So, if we want to schedule something with Miss Jenny, um, we can we can do that. Is everybody okay with that?
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. Moving into comments. U, Mr. Reynolds is not here. County Attorney Commando. >> Nothing further. Thank you. >> County Administrator Suggs. >> Uh, just two real quick. Uh just uh let
you uh all know that your equipment auction went live today and it will run through July 7th. So uh just letting you know we're moving forward on that. And >> what's that? I'm sorry. I didn't hear that. >> The equipment auction >> auction. >> Yes, ma'am. Uh it started today and runs
through July 7th. And then the only other comment is uh I will see you five in a couple hours and in our mandatory ethics class and we're all excited about that. So thank you ma'am. >> All right. Um, commissioner comment starting with Commissioner Harvey.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Just one item. Um, every one of you received a letter from Kevin Sharboro representing people on Kirby Lane at the boat ramp. If you don't know where Kirby Lane is, it's 315 north past Grandon about two miles down
on the left hand side. Kirby Lane goes back there. We have a 50 or 40 acre clay pit that's been abandoned on Kirby Lane on the north side. We maintain the road all the way up to the boat ramp. I've offered uh to Kevin to meet with the the
citizens that are concerned. The more concerned right now is that the water has went out so bad that the people that are using the lake are out actually walking on private property onto other people's property. Um I don't know how we assign that, but I think we can find
compromise. So, I just want to let the board know that we are working with the people out there and I have asked to schedule a meeting to see I'm not in favor of of closing down recreational points along Putnham County, but if there's something we can do to to
enhance um that or clean that area up, then I'm all willing to do that. So, thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Alexander. You're recognized. >> No comments today. >> All right, Commissioner Newold. I'd just like to wish everybody a a happy 4th of
July. Get out in the community. There's a lot to do in celebration of of the 4th and the 250th. And um that's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner Palisier. >> Is this Commissioner comments? >> Yes, sir. It is. >> Okay. I'll be very brief. Um y'all know how I always love to give those
accolades when our staff is uh outstanding. Um I got a call the other day about um at our landfill. Um, a lady said she was just I'm sorry the he dealt with a lady out there that was just more than helpful, meant very polite and went
went over backwards. Sorry, no names. But if you're a female and you work at the landfill, you get an add boy. So there you go. Uh, also we all got a letter from a gentleman and I'm going to read part of that if I can understand his his printing as best I can.
Commissioners, I'm writing this letter to let you know of the county's uh the outstanding work one of your county veteran services officers, Leon Jquet. I'm guessing I'm saying that right. Um I had the good fortune of being helped by Leon when I applied for services related to disability with my VA in fe February
of this year. I'm a retired US Navy MCPO E9 with a 30-year active duty including a tour of duty and country in Vietnam 1970 and 71. Since I retired, I've had a prostate I've had prostate cancer removal of my right kidney uh profound
hearing loss and with the placement of two pacemakers in my heart. Leon's expertise in requesting and obtaining and submitting the necessary documentation uh expeditially resulted in my appearing for the VA medical disability exam shortly after my after the submission.
The end of result of all the work is I am now eligible to receive medical disability payments from our VA. today our VA will get boys again out of the park. >> Yes, sir. >> Just like to pass that on. >> And that does it. I'm I'm I'm over with. >> Okay.
>> Shortly. >> So, thank you. Um I do want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for preparing a letter for our Dun Creek um request for them to implement their management plan. They did send a letter uh based on our last meeting when we discussed it at the board. They did go ahead and and approve
and send a letter to D. Subsequently, the board of county commissioners has also sent a letter with copies to Representative Sack Sap and Senator Leak. That was sort of like a SAP leak word. Um anyway, Representative Sap and Senator Leak uh we've sent copies to
them and we continue to push for Dun Creek Park to be open um and be uh implement the long-term management plan they have, which would allow overnight camping. and uh we believe that that would be an economic boom to the county
and to the area and still be able to provide conservation. Um, additionally um I do want to ask uh Commando, Mr. commando a question and uh we briefly discussed data centers on this board uh
back in May back in May and so I have been doing some research on that and I see that there are three counties that have actually banned data centers or are in the process of working on them woola Walton and Jackson and then in in
addition to that there are some counties that are um putting a moratorum on it so what I would like to get in the future and I think it would behoove our board um is for us to understand what steps we can take if we chose to go down that
either one of those roads. Um, one of the things that I I could tell from the uh data center ban that those counties did, Walt, Walton, Jackson, and Mula, was they specifically said that um
because there's nothing in their um in their their plan in their in their um what am I trying to say? Comprehensive plan that specifically discusses data centers. That's how they were able to go forward with the BAP. So, I would like
for you to maybe prepare a package or send us an email or something that says if you want to go down this road, this is what you have to do. If you want to go down this road, this is what you have to do. Can you help us with that? >> Sure. I don't know that I need to prepare a package. I can just explain it
to you. So, this is a actually a public and media frenzy that has been going on based on very little to no information. I think some of it was uh based on the legislaturator's action where they have limited or they've kind of pushed some of the costs off on data centers. Then
it became a fear in every county that I work in that this was coming even though it's um entirely not true. There's no applications even if an application were to come in. I think we talked about in the past that um because it's not currently part of our comprehensive plan
or something that's in our land development regulations, right? uh we would have to work and I would anticipate that that would come back to the board for some level of discussion or approval as it relates to the places that have banned it. Um you know I uh as
your legal adviser do not advise that course of action. I think that there's a complicating intervening step with Senate Bill 180. So, Senate Bill 180, um, as I think you all recall and will probably talk about at the fact conference, has limited what local
governments and counties can do as far as making any sort of aspect of their comprehensive plan or of their land development code or land development regulations more restrictive or burdensome. And what it does is it creates a legal cause of action for a
property owner where if we do take that step, they can sue, they can win, and they will get attorney's fees. So based upon that legislation, which does not sunset until June 30th of 2028, um I don't believe I would expect that a landowner would tell all of us uh that a
ban is more burdensome or restrictive. So based on that, I am continuing to do some research. Um I was speaking to a commissioner this morning that Klay County has they're on their first reading. They have their second reading come up. I don't know if they have a first meeting in July, whatever their
next meeting is. And they are looking at um imposing a moratorium to do a study. I'm not confident that that doesn't violate Senate Bill 180, but that's kind of where my legal research is at this point. So, at the point where I come up with a kind of final opinion, I'll be more than happy to share that with each
of y'all. >> Well, I appreciate that. I um would like some more research done on this because while Senate Bill 180 exists, Senate Bill 484 also exists, which preserves local authority over zoning, permitting,
and land use, allows local governments to adopt stricter standards, and allows local governments to deny projects. So I think that you're right, we will have this some discussion and um it doesn't
clearly the the two seem to uh they they conflict in my opinion and so I think that's the problem. And so, um, anyway, I just like for us to have some as much knowledge about this subject as
we move forward because as counties start putting moratoriums or banning them and we don't join into that, then we become one of the only counties left to come to. And that's my concern. >> And and that's something that I've heard a number of times and actually there's
most counties that aren't. I mean, more than 60 of them haven't because they're trying to navigate the legal framework of what we're allowed to do. So, um, at this point, my understanding is a lot of the, um, public outcry deals with energy
consumption as well as, uh, water consumption. Um, not that I would encourage this to come in any of the counties or areas that I live or work, but the water consumption is actually a false narrative, a red herring at this point because the newest versions of data
centers operate off of a controlled closed loop for cooling. Uh, the way I've heard it explained is like a radiator. So, they're not actually using consumptive water like the original data centers are. Um, I think the sentiment in Florida is that we don't want it here. There was actually an article
yesterday morning which says that Florida's going to lose billions of dollars because these data centers are going to go offshore in space to another state. Um, there's just a lot of discussion there. I will be absolutely shocked if it doesn't come up at the conference as far as one of the hot
topics that counties across the state are are having to deal with. >> Yes. Okay. Commissioner Alexander, you're recognized. Yeah. So any of the the the land use changes and such regarding a data center will have
to come before us for a vote. >> Okay. Okay. So in that I feel some solace but as far as the technology the this documents that I have read the the closed loop cooling system is
somewhat limited in its capacity. So that it doesn't really hold true for the the mega data centers. Um so that that's still an emerging technology based on what I've read and what I've
learned. Um at this point, you know, I I would say that if it's going to det be a detriment to our community and impact it in anything other than a positive fashion, uh I I would be against that. Um, we have some unique opportunities in Putnham County that maybe some folks
aren't aware of, but um, that would be for a discussion for another day, but at this point, we still reserve the right to negate or deny any zoning changes for um, data center. Correct. >> That would be my opinion because it's not permitted by right in any zoning
classification right now. So, um, we would work with our planning department and if something like that did come in, it would come back before you. But something that I believe you'll all have to deal with is there's a website out in the world somewhere that talks about
where these data centers are. And >> the website that shows them also shows rooms that are literally 400 square feet that are switch servers for Verizon. So >> the definition of even what a data center is not the same as the mega data centers.
>> Correct. um when you look at like a courthouse or or IT department, we would probably qualify under some of the definitions as to what a data center is. So, not every one of those is bad. Um it's something that takes a drain on everything from our physical and natural
resources or a drain on the economy for our for our citizens that we want to watch out for. >> Exactly. >> Well, I know that um I didn't give staff a heads up. I was going to talk about this. So, this is I'm throwing it all out and y'all are just uh getting it. But, um I do want to We certainly have
more to learn on this subject matter. Um I do want to wish everybody a Fourth of July, happy 4th of July and please uh recognize our 250th anniversary of our country. Um this only comes once, right? So, anyway, um enjoy your holiday
weekend and have a safe one and we will see you on July 14th. >> Stay safe. >> Stay safe. This meeting is adjourned.