Talk to Kevin. Come get some work. Tunes are out. Perfect. Down. So good. to do this. Miss Father, we come right now blessing your
name. We come asking your forgiveness for our sins. We bless your name because your name is worthy to be blessed. Father, we come to try to take care of this accountant business. We ask your blessing upon us, Father. None of this is personal.
But we do ask, Father, that we do what's best for our citiz. We thank you for what you're going to do. And father, we do ask that you lead us and guide us now that we all might be able to gain a thought or leave here
with some sense of direction. Father, as we go and delve into this, we are breaking new ground. But we ask your blessing upon us now. Help us, Father, that only you can do and you will do. And we thank you for what you're going to do. These blessings
and all other blessings we ask in Jesus name. Amen. 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. Welcome everyone to our meeting this Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 6 p.m. We have a conference line set up. number there is 1 1979001022 access code 32347. This is not a toll-free number. You may
be subject to long distance charges according to your long distance plan. But chair person for public comment please follow the below instruction. If you wish to speak please star five. The moderator line is your turn to speak and notify you by announcing the last four
digits of your telephone number. Please announce your name and address. You will be allowed to speak for three minutes. Any person wishes to address the board regarding an agenda item will be given three minutes for comment. Comment may only speak one time for each agenda item.
That said, we'll move on to item three. Obtain approval of the agenda. >> Motion to approve taken by commission. All in favor? >> Move on to your consent items. Everyone have a chance to look at your consent items. Any discussion? Any questions from the board?
Discussion or question from the board. Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve by commission. Do we have a second? >> B. All in favor? >> All right. We'll drop down to bids public hearing. Item 10, the board to
receive statement of qualifications at 6:00 p.m. or sooner after for the Taylor County Public Safety Project. Complete pardon. I'm sorry. The SOQ is for the design and engineering for the proposed complex.
>> Hey everyone. >> Hey Billy. How are you? >> I'm great. Thank you. I hope y'all are doing great. As you know, we um have been advertising the SOQ for the design and engineering is permitting for the public safety complex. It is 100% grant
funded and I think we probably received a really great proposal. So, I'm looking forward to see who all submitted and um because we we I know we heard from several firms that were submitting. So,
I think we're going to have a a good pool to choose from. And I'm requesting that the review committee be Landa Dan Castle, Danny Glover, and myself. >> Got it. So, the first one is from North Florida
Professional Services, Inc. out of Lake City, Florida. The next SOQ is Hammond Design Group LLC Architects out of Tallahass, Florida. fell out of one package. It wasn't in that package.
>> Yeah. Yeah. That person This one says um PBK Architects Florida out of Jacksonville, Florida. SL. This one is MLDD architects.
I'll ask John That is beautiful. West Point Engineers LLC. Put that. All right, this is PQH group. That's Florida. All right. This is
ALW 25 Architects Lewis and Whitlock out of Tallahassee, Florida. This one is WJ Architects LLC out of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Brian Head Architects Inc. out of Gainesville, Florida. Clemens Ruthford and Associates architects out of uh Tallahassee, Florida. And the last One is Monarch Design Group
out of Gainesville, Florida. >> We will be back with a recommendation after we receive this. I think it's just the coolest thing ever that we got so many proposals for the interest in Sler County. I think this is just awesome. Very good. Okay.
>> Thank you, M. Moving on to the constitutional author of the government. Item 11, the board to consider approval of request available HMC funed by the Pton
Mr. Glover here. He's gonna brief y'all in the evening. >> Hey Dan and see y'all. So, if you remember a couple months ago, I came um with Elevate Florida and out of our H uh GMBB money, we allocated about 32% for
Elevate Florida. Um I'm coming back to you tonight to ask that we allocate more money to uh Elevate Florida. We were holding back some for, you know, some city and county projects. Uh we were hoping that the 25% that your local share that that was going to get waved
or that requirement did not get waved. So, we have a lot of projects that we're not going to be able to fund and we're not going to be able to do. So, based off that information, um, did you go over the numbers? How many got funded for last time? >> I know. Yeah, I know 21 got funded with
the previous HMGP fund >> and we have about eight more on the wait list and there was about 40 that was unfunded. So we have right around $6 million more dollars that uh once we took our total I subtracted out what we already allocated. I subtracted out what
projects we are going to be able to do. You approved those in the last meeting. Um the generator Tri County had two projects. Um FWC had a project and the city has a project. So when I deducted all that out, we have around um and also
left us a cushion because we found out with these projects a year or two later, you know, a project may have came in at a million dollars, but now they're coming back at 1.3 1.4. So trying to leave a little bit of room for those projects to come back higher. So we have
right around $5.75 6 million that we can allocate toward Elevate Florida. All that money, remember, goes to homes in our in our area at the beach in Taylor County for people who qualify for Elevate Florida. Um, this would
definitely go to help fund some more homes to help our residents at the beach. >> And if I can add to that, just, you know, to remind all of us, these fundings, this funding is not available for reconstruction in a vis. We are
still asking for some support from our legislators. I don't know if there's anything they can do, but if it's a a home that has to be completely rebuilt, they are not eligible in a visa, which unfortunately is primarily Heaton Beach
and some of the some of the other areas. And I can testify. We've been on multiple calls with Miss Lwanda and both of them try we both tried to beat them up as hard as we can to get a little bit of room there, but we just haven't been able to get any room to for them to, you know, give us allowance there for the
ves. >> I was asked a question by a person that had applied for the Elevate Florida. >> Yes, sir. and they didn't qualify and they really couldn't get a clear answer why they couldn't didn't qualify and it aggravated them pretty good. >> Yeah, there's there's been a little bit
of communication with with Elevate Florida. Uh hopefully they should have had a case manager. Um but if you want to reach out to me and get their name, I can try to investigate a little more as to why they didn't qualify or you know, right there there's a scoring they score
all the ratings. You know, we had hoped that there was a a federal state pot of fund that a lot of our residents would come out of also. So they would come out of the big pot and then also out of our pot of money, but unfortunately for whatever reasons, uh, all our homes are funded on the allocation that you
allowed us to set aside. >> I got a couple of questions. So, if you had someone that lived in town, but they homesteaded their beach property, would they be eligible?
>> I I believe so. I mean, I've seen on the spreadsheet where someone have said it's their second home. I don't know how that would hurt them in their ranking and their scoring, but yes, you can still apply. >> Okay. And would you explain exactly what the B zone is, where is it? What? Just
tell us about the V zone. >> So V is that high velocity is pretty much our homes that are right on top of the water is just a simple way to explain it. Uh some of the homes on the back the back canals the way FEMA classified the zones um they have a
little bit different classification. So we got a little bit of room. It's kind of interesting in vehicle. There's some properties where the line goes right through the property, which FM did say that they would they would work on work with us on helping those individuals out. Um, but it's all said by FEMA for
the rules. >> Well, it's it just seems like to me that if their home is on the front that they really qualify. >> It does seem that way. Dynamics here,
>> right? I I think those folks are eligible for there's some other options for them, but I don't know that any of them are. I mean, I just really feel like some of our folks are getting left out. I hate it. There are other housing programs coming out, but they have
different qualifications and they may not meet like the income qual, you know, qualifications. So, we are continuing to try to work with our legislators, but I I just I don't know how it's going to work out. Now, if they were if the homes
were damaged less than 50%, they are eligible for elevation but not if they were completely destroyed and they're in a Vzone, they do not qualify for reconstruction with this program. >> And it does >> an eligibility come with a requirement
for insurance and service going forward. Yes, I understand that. >> Yes, sir. So the homeowner has to cover 25% of the total cost and you also have to have lifetime NFIP insurance on the structure. >> And there may be some restrictions on
future FEMA assistance. It seems like I've heard that as well. >> True. >> But what about the ones that already have insurance and they can prove that they did have insurance? Obviously, they're working with their insurance companies, but I don't I think insurance companies
may not be funding >> funding that not these guys to get a hold of some of this money. >> If if they have not already applied, the deadline is is closed. Um that's why we encourage everybody tell everybody just
apply apply because you never know what could happen. Uh, so everybody we've talked to, we encourage them to to apply because I think in that situation they can still apply and qualify. >> But you have a number that haven't been addressed. Did I understand that? They
have they haven't gotten funding. >> There's met the deadline. Yes, >> there was 40 that was unfunded and eight are on the accounting wait list. >> What was the additional amount you was asking for? >> It was going to be right around 6 million.
Danny, do you feel like that if we just ask the board to approve whatever is left over after those, you know, the application sort through because I I we don't know the exact number. Correct. >> Yeah.
>> I mean, if you're comfortable approving whatever is in that pot that's left that after you >> I'll make a motion to approve it that way. Second. So he goes back to Elevate Florida. Okay. >> So to be used for our residents uh that
didn't that work. >> All right. We got a motion by Commissioner Newman and second favor. >> Thank you. >> We can update the board on that final number. Danny, we'll know that. We'll we'll continue to get updates.
>> Yeah. Once we set it to FBM, it'll be move on to general business item 12. The board to continue discussion regarding the Georgia Pacific rail assets and the local government emergency bridge loan programed by Commissioner Dimps.
I don't know where I should start, but I could tell you this that with the 1500 jobs lost in Taylor County Pacific, the 250 jobs are lost at the sawmill.
And everywhere I go, some people asking me what are we going to do or what are we doing? So I tell them we got TCDA and they say, "Well, that's right. Is that all TCDA is going to do? Is that what they're
doing?" I said, "They're doing the best they can. We got a lot of confidence in that they're out there trying to find us some uh industry, but there's other people in Taylor County who's not employed by TCPA and just have a keen interest or want to
see Taylor County move forward. I've been in contact with them also and I've been I tell you this. I was with TCDA when I was on city council
and Tom Cru came over here and they had a problem. They had a problem with the large or or plug or sludge in their farm. So they was going to have to shut down and move out, you know, because we
didn't have any waste water or anything to do it with. We worked with and I was on city council at the time. So we wor with them and tried to work that out. Also, when Snder Lance left and went to North Carolina,
there was a decree put in their contract not to have any more salty products at that point. TCDA persons that time. We talked together and we talked about it. We was able to talk to Schneider Lance up in
North Carolina and they allowed that plant to be sold and we now got soft products out there. Super pup. Now Super Puff come here when we had a economic development and they was having problem in Ukraine or somewhere. I don't know what it was,
but anyway, they wanted that plant and I was with that group that helped provide it or some information that they come prepared and they seem to be a good neighbor. But and as I go to North Florida
Economic Development Council, which I was appointed to some six, seven years ago, all I can hear is water, waste water, electricity, and whatnot. And it look like they get stronghold and can't
move off of that. Now, and I I've been there long enough to know that Lake City was able to do something with a mega site. And uh and they got a a wastewater treatment plant out there. I think about four or five gallons, four
or five million gallons a day. And it bothers me, you know, somebody asked say, "What are Georgia Pacific going to do?" Well, I worked out of Georgia Pacific for about 35 years and I know there was some things going on out there
that this city probably this county probably could use if it was possible. And all we had I felt like we needed to get somebody together and do something about it or even do some thinking. In that thinking,
I used to PM those whales out there, the nine of them. and I go out there and PM those wells every week when I was doing some PM work and that was a water source. I had a chance to go to Dallas, Texas
and uh bring this ceramic cooling tower in out at Buckeye. I also had a chance to go to several projects out there in Dallas to show us that that ceramic cooling tower would do what it needed to do. So, we was impressed and we bought it
and we put it out there and digested. It's still out there now, I think. But anyway, I do know that. And my thing is the more artillery you got in your stockpile,
the better off you can be. I can understand if we got TCGA working. I can also understand we got volunteers helping us out and doing something on the side trying to help bring it in and if anything lands we all will get credit
for it. I was hoping that when I talked to this group tonight, there are certain things who have happened. Now, from what I could understand, when we first when GP first closed, there was nobody in Taylor County able to talk to TP,
but I think that is opening up a little bit now. So, I've had some uh thoughts and some talks with folks and I got something I want to hand out and let you look at it. One and one to 10.
And we was here about what 3 months ago, a month ago, and we heard that there was a nondisclosure that GP sent to Taylor County and that
non-disclosure form had some recommendation to it. I I don't want that. I didn't want them to say, "I have nine wells. I we couldn't use it." Then they got a a well line out there. Not a well line, but a discharge line.
If it was any way for us to keep that in field county or to use it, I would show up to see it in use. So, but I did talk to Mr. Bishop. I talked to Stanley Jackson. I talked to uh uh the lady over at North Florida
Economic Devel. We sort of come up with with a plan if we could. I don't know how the board feel about it, but I feel strongly if we got something in Taylor County we could use, we need to do our best
and to keep them I don't want to see them pull the well up and I don't know whether they will pull the wells up or whether shut them down and not let us use it. That pipeline that runs out there to to the G. I watched that while they was doing it. If there's any
possibility of utilizing that discharge to the GU, I would love to see us do it. I I know I've said that a lot. Probably doesn't make good sense to a lot of folks, but have y'all any had any discussion at all about it? Anybody?
>> What are you What are you What are you recommending? What what kind of action are you recommending? >> I would love to get a motion to get a authorize the county administrator, Mr. Lewana, to consult with the s uh county attorney, Mr. Bishop, to do a nonclosure
agreement with Georgia Pacific Corporation and to conduct a condential due buildings water and wastewater infrastructure assets on the for cellulose bill site including but not limited to water and wastewater treatment plant.
I know we would have to have a resolution to do that. Is that what we would have to have? We would have to have a motion second in order to get that done first, right? I would strongly recommend that if this board would go along with it. I would
even recommend it. I don't know whether it's a second or not. I recommend >> well I would just say for me on that I think all that ties back into that water facility as well >> and that pipeline >> is what you're referring to. >> Yeah.
>> I let some folks come and mention some something about this going at an imminent domain to retain the property. So anyway, you got to understand you got two big corporations. >> Yeah. one they have agre they have an agreement
one feels like they should get this property back just just the basic understanding that I get there's a pipeline running through this property >> GP owns couple of miles county owns a
couple of miles the other uh company for rivers I think they own seven or eight miles of this where this pipeline is I don't think it would be in our best interest to try to get in. We take these little
strips of land, this imminent domain, you know, this this deal. We take we already got little strips of land that we take and we get rid of it to this company, this one or that one. And because we really can't do anything with it. So
I would really just say in these two entities, you know, legal uh >> ramifications >> ramifications that I would hope that they could both see that this county that that pipeline
maybe that water treatment, we don't even know the water treatment plant in the right spot for any of us for what we got going on. So, but I would hope that you know during with all their legal actions and ramifications that
you know they could see benefit in that pipeline where hey if four rivers gets the property back that's great don't force the pipe out of the ground but I do think from a commission side of it that we really should be pushing back. I I've just heard it mentioned
that GP has acquired has put an application in to to dump back into the river that I would just ask this board and I think that's what our focus as a county should be is not allow them to dump back into this river where we have to go through state partners or whoever
but you long term between the two entities that's got their you know differences over this property that they could come to some common ground to keep that water treatment land uh leave the pipeline in the ground and whatever
entity comes along that may purchase the property. We don't know what's going to happen to the property. We can't just go take it from them. I mean, they would you're going to have to buy it from them, but uh but they could come to some common ground to potentially see benefit maybe in the water treatment plant and
the pipe in the ground and leave it as is for future industrial developments. >> Mr. Um, I have some things that I want to say, but first, um, if it's okay with you and with the board, I'd really like to hear
from TCDA concerning this, um, here before I say anything else. I just I want to hear what they have to say if that's okay. >> We got anyone with TCJ that wants to I'm doing my best to make this happen inside of three minutes. Okay. We had a
phone call uh three weeks ago tonight. I was on a phone call because I was in North Carolina when all this kind of uh came came about. And I I want to just with preface say we've been focused on building teams for the 12 months and two weeks that I've been here. So, we have
worked with Andy and lots of other people. We've worked with the county commissioners and the city council, worked with the zoning board. We have worked and worked and worked. We know we're in a marathon and I tell you every quarter where we are in the marathon, but we're in a marathon. We look for quick hits and that sounds great, but
the chances of a quick hit are very unlikely. It's a real process we're going through. Building teams, TCDA and our board have spent a lot of time talking about this though in the last three weeks. And I do want to read something that our board uh agreed on at
our meeting one week ago yesterday. But to me, this kind of boils down to a can, we should we and I actually heard say we could do this. Could do this. And so we can do this. We can take the land. We can take the wastewater treatment system. We can take the well line.
Question is, should we do that? So, if you will just let me read the TCA board of directors statement of position that that the TCA board took and then I'm going to talk more from a personal TCA board of directors supports the city of Perry's 5-year capital plan to build
an appropriately designed and sized wastewater treatment facility to support the future needs of our growing community industrial base. Believe most of y'all know, but if you don't, the city has plans to rebuild their plant. They're going for grant money and they have a five-year plan in which to do
that. So getting more waste water and availability accessibility is is underway. While GP's treated effluent discharge pipeline could be utilized in tandem with the future city wastewater treatment facility, the board believes
GP's wastewater treatment facility is not appropriately designed due to size and equipment selection for the community and would be prohibitively costly to purchase, modify, operate, and maintain. The wastewater treatment
facility may be appropriate for a future large industry choosing to locate on the remediated former Georgia Pacific site, but not for city or county ownership. The board believes that resorting to imminent domain actions by the city or county will discourage industries from
locating in Taylor County. Instead, our focus should be to recruit new business to the brownfield site created by the completion of the GP closure and remediation plan. That's the board's statement. What I would ask, as I did
three weeks ago tonight, is that we ask the right questions so we can answer the should we part. When we say we want a wastewater treatment plant, we're talking about this thing like it's a porta pottle. You pull back up on the back of a trailer, run a pipe in and run a pipe out. That is actually not the
case. You think about the Columbia County site. That's a 20 acre site. On their mega site, they have a 20acre wastewater treatment. This is a 300 acre site. You can put 15 Columbia counties inside of this. This the Columbia County is designed to handle 500,000 gallons a
day. According to the mega sites website, this is designed to handle 50 million gallons a day. 100 times more waste than Columbia Countyy's. It's the wrong size plant. is designed for the wrong element. It's not designed for general industrial waste water. It's
designed for bulk mill. So if I were the county commissioners, the questions I would be asking are, do we understand the scope of this? What is the scope of wastewater treatment today? Well, let me read it to you. It's at the permit. It's defined it. This is not what I think you think or someone else thinks. It's
defined in the permit. The wastewater treatment system boundaries are the primary treatment including a lift station, bar racks, a primary clarifier with a skimming pond and sludge pumps, 225 acres of solid settling basins, a mixbox including pH control, f
condensate injection system, a re ammonium nitrate addition system, a four cell influent cooling tower, a 46 milliongal influent surge basin with floating pumps, a secondary activated sludge treatment including including a
32 milliong aation basin with floating surface air raators, two surface two secondary clarifiers with polymer edition, return activated sludge pumps and waste activated sludge pumps. A secondary sludge dewatering system with two trains consisting of gravity belt thickeners
and centrifuges with polymer addition. tertiary treatment including a 39 milliongalon airrated stabilization basin and 107 acres of legacy solids storage basins. We're going to come back to that including storm water collection
and return to the secondary treatment influence non-potable water reuse system for reuse of treated effluent for wash and rinse water storm water collection and management system that is the GP wastewater treatment system. You could be the owner of that. That takes four
operators to run, two maintenance people full-time to run. That could be we can get grants to obtain, but we don't get grants to maintain. Think about the ongoing cost and complexity. Think about the compliance that understands the
scope. So then get back to the 107 acres. Legacy solids. I told you three weeks ago tonight should should scare you. If anyone says we'll give it to you, run. Okay. Legacy solids are stored contaminated waste solids generated from
wastewater operations from 1972 to 2024 when the pole bill continued to use elemental chlorine to process pole and was believed to generate dioxin. testing showed it has elevated dioxin
and the USPA believes they that this site has the potential to violate water quality criteria when waste water flows in for them. So for that reason the rain water that flows into that pond has to be treated and treated treated as waste water as well. So talk about closing
this down. The rain that falls on the 107 acre is not rainwater, it's effluent. To address this potential, the FD required the mill to remove the treatment basins with legacy solids. I could read on and on. I'm just trying to
give you a sense this that's kind of one of the questions we should be asking. What about the environmental compliance responsibilities? Of course, all of this is covered under permits. If you get the wastewater treatment or the pipeline, you get the permit that comes with it. You can't escape the two. Can't separate
them. Can't say, "I want the wastewater treatment system, but I don't want the docks." And you'll have both. Well, we put GP in a real conundrum here because they have to have a wastewater permit to finish this demolition. And you see last month they average 6 million gallons a day treating it.
>> Yeah. >> We take that wastewater treatment system, they don't have a place to we our permit. Now, you say, "I don't want to go in the river." You can't say you can get waste water if you can't put it in the river and you can't put it in the pipeline.
You'll be owning and running Georgia Pacific's wastewater treatment. It is a catch 22. I'm not saying it can't be solved. All things can be solved if you have enough money and enough lawyers. But but this is one better be thinking about money and lawyers.
Okay. So we have compliance responsibilities. So in my sense Taylor County doesn't have the expertise to handle that. And at George Pacific, they hire tetrate techch to handle it. We hired tetra techch to handle it for us as well. There there's a lot of things here. If
you don't have the expertise, you're going to have to be hiring consultants. So your costs are going to be higher than GPA or buckets. So we've got the uh limited life on the 225 acre set solid settling. Solids still have to go there, but one day you'll fill it up. You're going to have
to have another site. You've got legacy solids we just talked about. You've got decades of non-hazardous solid waste disposal including arcful arcore fly ash, black liquor drags, knots and chives, sand blast waste and other general refues. It all has to be
monitored by a groundwater monitoring plan unless some other disposition is approved. Today it's not approved. You may have to cap all of that which is better than removing it. So you can put four out four feet of compacted clay and then you treat the water that comes off
the compacted clay, but at least you won't disturb the dioxin. You have to have a long-term monitoring plan in place. Today there's they're pumping the number two well to keep the cone of depression to have ground water flow towards the mill. You turn off number two well the ground water goes with it at bay. Remember one time before
I arrived it went to the foley community and we had to put city water in for the foley community because the wells were turning brown. you want on that responsibility, take accountable on that responsibility. That's that's environmental compliance. You need to understand the cost of this.
We've talked about scope. We've talked about compliance. Now, we'll talk about cost. Got cost of litigation. Just because you litigate doesn't mean you're going to win. So, you could be in litigation and out of of owing something that you wish you had or maybe wish you
didn't have. Then once you get the wastewater treatment plant, just to use that one as our example, then you have to sell all those assets from separate them from Georgia Pacific. So what we're really talking about that waste treatment in a human, we're talking about the small intestine, the large intestine in the
bladder. You're going to take that out. Now you got to disconnect it all. You have to pay for that. They have waste water flowing to it. They have water flowing to it. They have instrument air flowing to it. They have electricity flowing to it. They have two pipelines crossway river flowing to it. But those
are theirs and yours is yours. You will now have to pay to separate them. The plant's too big. 50 million gallons a day and designed for a minimum flow of 30 million. It's running on way smarter today so it can run a lower flood. Don't mislead or exaggerate in this way.
But to actually run it like the Columbia County plant, the people who built Columbia County also built Georgia Pacific for Smith. They said it would cost more than $33 million to adjust the Georgia Pacific plan to make it suitable to be the kind of plant
that we're here in Columbia County has. So you got the cost of getting it, you got the cost of separating it, got cost of modifying it, got the cost of running it, you got the cost of maintaining it, you have the environmental compliance associated with it. This is not the
right opportunity for Taylor County. Even if we lose an industry or don't get an entry because we don't have the effluent treatment that someone might need, I can tell you in the 12 and a half months that I have been here, we have not lost an industry. We have lost industries. We've lost them because of
hurricanes. We've lost them because we're not close enough to Jacksonville. And we could easily lose one. Don't let me mislead you. We could easily lose one because of treatment, but we haven't lost one yet. So, it's not that big a deal for us. The biggest deal we have right now is do you have sites?
The next biggest deal you have is do you have people? And that's what they look at first and that's what they look at second. And is way more important? Yes, it's important. I'm not telling you it's not important. We could end up paying the wrong price for the wrong plant and the wrong
location and we look back and look stupid. We need to look like heroes if we end up having to spend $33 million. So, we have a we have a site that looks just like Columbia County. It still has to be in the right spot. Columbia County put it on their 2700 acre site. Ours is
on the GP site. Well, guess what? The GP site has water, has 2100 acres, has wastewater treatment, has access to the river. It's going to be an excellent site one day. Now, let's agree. And I want to I want to really align with something I hear Andy saying. I totally agree. This is like parking a car in a
garage and not using it. If we don't use the wastewater treatment plan, if we don't get an industry that needs it, it won't be there when you need it 3 years from now. No matter. All I'd say it's yours or whether we take it and don't use it. So we could take it, litigate it, buy it, modify it, remediate it, and
then operate it for Georgia Pacific. So they can treat all their wastewater during the demolition phase and still have something that doesn't get used long term, but but it'll be ours instead of theirs. It'll be our docs instead of theirs. will be our bio solids instead of theirs. I do not support this as a
person as a former GP employee, but more important as a former Taylor County Buckeye Saleless employee. I think this is well-intentioned and >> Mr. Sure. >> Thomas,
>> my friend Thomas, >> I hear what you say. But I tell you what else I've been thinking that since the president is talking about tariff there big steel mills the last 15 years I was at Buck. All I steel came to China.
>> Yes. I don't know what kind of water capacity you need to I I went to the one in Texas steel mill and they were using a lot of water and they had a big discharge. They also had those cooling towers I was talking about
just a minute ago. And that was my intent is to try to get some industry intel coming. I I am for doing what's right. I don't have no problem doing what's wrong. I mean, I just don't have a
any intention of doing wrong. That's my thing. But and and I told you and I said that it's our intention that everybody talk and then we can come to some consensus. I'm not saying that I'm right
and you are right and you're wrong. I I don't have no problem with that. But I do know if we sit here on the case or do nothing, you won't get anything done. So if you throw some ideas out there to be shot down or or or or measured, conjured some
other way, that's okay. I don't have a problem with that. We do the best we can. What we got to do with that's what I'm trying to say. >> I want to agree with you 100%. I want to behave in such a way that when we read about ourselves in the paper on Friday, we're proud of how we behaved and how we
acted and how we treated each other. And I'm committed to that as well. >> Okay. The other thing I had then I know we had imminent domain. It was not our intention to use that word so loosely that we thought we was
going to fight against Buck uh Georgia City and four. All we want is the easement to get in there and get in there and see what they had and what could we do. That's all we want. Okay, I know we don't have that money. I read
these articles and these reports saying it take up to $125 million to clean up some of these places. We ain't got that kind of money. I know that. And when you read those reports, you're right. I I agree with most stuff. But I'm still saying that we can't stop
there. We need to continue to push to try to get something done because so many years we have had to do it. >> Commissioner, I 100% believe that your heart is in place. I I I I just know that how you
feel and I've heard you say before and I've said the same thing myself that we need jobs. We need jobs for our children so that they can come back here or stay here. I'm in the same boat. I'm raising
two grandchildren. One of them wants to remain in Perry, but right now he won't be able to do that once he get out gets out of college. So, I know your heart is in the right place, but I've got a few things that I want to say. And Bob, if I
repeat anything that you said, I'm I'm sorry. I made a few notes to, you know, to just simplify what I I was thinking. So um in terms of imminent domain,
we need to be very very cautious with the use of imminent domain. Taking someone's property must be driven by a very good reason.
And if we do start that process, if we did, the main players for sure and certain would be very angry at us and they they would not work with us. I can tell you
we would alienate them and they would not be willing to help Taylor County now or in the future. That's what I believe would happen if we enacted imminent domain. the also uh Georgia Pacific and Four
Rivers, they would fight this viciously with all of their big shot lawyers and here we are against against Tyler County and we don't have the money to put up a legal fight with Georgia Pacific and
four rivers. This could be extremely costly in legal fees and we may not win and we spend all this money to try it in that imminent domain. We may not win and I don't know where
that money would come from in the first place to even start this process. You heard our attorney last time talk about how expensive it would be in the process and you don't know if they're going to win or not. But let's just let's just pretend for a minute that that we did
win with an imminent imminent domain fight. Okay. So now we've won that fight and so we own a site that may that may be designated a super funment site
>> and we all know I think those what that means and then we it would that would end up costing Taylor County a fortune. We need to let GP keep that wastewater
treatment and let them deal with all the pollution cost which could be hundreds of millions of dollars. Let them have it. We we cannot even if we went through imminent domain and found the money to fund all of that
against their big shot lawyers and if you did get it then you've got like Bob said I think you still have a lot of issues. Um and so I'm still talking about the imminent domain
also we would have to come up with a lot of money at that point in time. So we want the eminent domain. We have to come up with a lot of money to buy that wastewater treatment plant. We'd have to come up with a lot of money to buy the
land and to buy the pipeline. Where's all those millions of dollars? I don't know how much GP paid for all of this that I'm talking about the wastewater treatment plant in that pipeline, but I'm willing to say it's hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars that
they've got invested in that. Would that be somewhat correct, Bob? >> $51 million to modify the existing uh water treatment plant, waste treatment plant just to modify it. So, the money already spent plus an additional Yeah. And then the pipeline was separate.
Yeah. Exactly. >> You you get the picture of of the enormous amount of money that it would take if we went forward with this. And then once you bought it for a gazillion dollars that we don't have, then you
would have to convert it into industrial use cuz it it would not work the way it is. Right, Bob? >> That's correct. >> It would have to be converted. We would have to convert it to industrial use. It have it have to be scaled down. You'd
have to run new pipelines. Say you have a business up here in Perry up 19. You're going to run pipeline all the way out there. Think about it. The cost of that. But but worse than that, we'd have
to talk about imminent domain again because to get from up here to out there, you would have to take a lot of property from a lot of different people. So here would be an infinite domain again. See folks, this doesn't make any
sense. This makes absolutely absolutely no sense. Um I just think that if if we'll just hang loose at some point in time,
but GP sells everything they've got. I don't know how long that would be when that be. They may have something sitting out there that has no value to them. And if that happens, then we might be able to buy that for pennies on the dollar.
But right now, we're looking at an enormous fee that doesn't make any sense at all. This almost sounds crazy. And I don't mean I don't I'm not I'm not saying that to >> this discussion and that's what we got. That's the way I feel.
>> And and and I know I'm not I'm not saying that about you. just but like I said, I know your heart's in the right place. I want jobs, too. But I think this is a very very bad um idea. We don't need to do this job.
>> I started working out there in the six late 60s and help build the first settling ponds out there. Help build all the run pipe all over that mill. maintain all the fight, maintain a lot of stuff out there. Seen a lot come and
go at that paper mill. And Jim does not want anything to do with them lagoons or the wastewater treatment plant. Most companies that need water treatment plant have got a special formula plant for their business. They you can't just
take one and convert it overnight to to match up with any other business. And I'm just I mean I'm I'm like Pam. I'm I understand where Mr. Dent is coming from. But by me looking at it and putting my hands on everything from one end of that paper
mill to the other from the from 19 back to the far pond, I've been on every inch of it. Help build every inch of it. And I don't want nothing to do with number two lagoon or anything to do with it. uh for for environmental
reasons. That's where I'm coming from. There will be issues your grand will hear about. Uh when if they can't clean that thing up real good, and I don't think there's no way of enough money out there, even my Georgia ticket might not be able to to
clean that thing up. And and there'll be people and when they quit dumping the water, when they quit pumping the water out of the ground out there and they they quit pumping a lot of it. As soon as they quit pumping it all together, that area out there when we have high
water, there's going to be a lot of them people going to be flooded out out there. And that's going to be another issue because back when the mill started up, it dried that country up down 27 and all that by the middle. And when that when they quit pumping, it's going to
show them something when we get high water again. I mean, that's that's where I'm at with it. And I don't have nothing to do with the pipeline or the way for plant as far as I'm concerned commission. That's that's what I want.
We y'all do anything you want to do with my blessing. Thank you. My my my we have sure come a long way regarding this wastewater treatment plan out
there. When I came to the commission here the last time there were three things that we just wanted to talk about. Number one was Georgia Pacific's interested in talking to talk. They want they want us to sign a non-disclosure
agreement. Next month, Georgia Pacific's coming down with multiple executives to talk. City parents signed the non-disclosure agreement. I'm going to sign the non-disclosure agreement. Y'all are welcome to sign the non-disclosure
agreement, too, if y'all just want to talk. Number two, there's some emergency bridge loan money out there. That's not check when we started the conversation. There was 30 million in the budget. It's 10 years,
>> 0% interest. John Hart commented that he's thought about taking some of it and just paying off some debt so he doesn't have to pay the interest. Some people just think about putting it in the bank and earning the interest and getting it back after 10 years.
All we ask is is that you apply. You don't have to take the money, but you do have a deadline on application. And the third was is that we we hate to see the the pipeline dug up because of
litigation between GP and four rivers. So we ask that hey let's pursue the idea of eminent domain on the easement not the pipeline not the property not the wastewater plant not the environmental
problems. I don't know where all that came from. But all we would ask you to do is let's talk, sign the non-disclosure, apply for the money, whether what you want or not, and let's
give Mr. Bishop some permission to actually talk to folks about between Georgia Pacific and Four Rivers. Actually have that conversation and see if there's something that we can do for the good of our county. That's all this was about. It's about discussions.
Gentlemen, you had the best point of all I'd heard in that initial discussion. Have we asked them? And I came back and said, >> I did and they they should have been asked first. >> Well, I I can't talk to them because Mr. Bishop says we had to talk to y'all
first, but George Pacific's ready to talk next month. They're coming. Your choice is is whether you want to be a part of the conversation and just ask the question and work out feasibility. As an independent citizen, I'm willing
to donate my time to come back with some feasibility numbers. I will not do detail engineering, but I'd certainly look down at least help analyze what the options are. Nobody has said we want that wastewater
plant and the problems in that lagoon and the problems with the dioxin even if they cap it or whatever they're going to do with it. I don't know where that came from. >> We don't want it. What do we What are we asking for? >> We just want to be able to talk to them
and see what GP has to say. This is the first time in several years that they they've even agreed to talk. >> They probably give it to you with no questions asked. I don't want it. I'm not going. But that's probably why they're ready to talk is because >> how do you know what they're going to
say if you if you're not in the conversation, >> but I don't need but we're not going to be in the wastewater business. >> Nobody asked you to be there. >> And I'm not trying to take property from one of our >> We're not asking to We're asking about just let's look at the easement.
>> Well, the easement is in probably the litigation part of the litigation, >> but it's just easement. It's not the property. It's not the It's not the land. It's not the pipe. It's not the pipes. It's not the all those unit ops that Bob talked about.
>> Well, easement has to do with property, >> right? But we're all we're asking to do is be part of the conversation. There's been a lot of rhetoric with quite frankly no data as to what either one of these corporations are talking about.
What I'm all asking to do is let's let's talk. That doesn't mean you're obligated. If you go to a car dealership and look at the car, that doesn't mean you got to drive out with it. All it means is is let's just see what you got. And that's all this is. We just want to
have the uh give you guys the opportunity to be part of the conversation. Now, that's all I have to say. I'm I'm not going to ramble on quite frankly. Uh you know, just by bringing this
discussion to the forefront and having y'all talk about it, uh I feel it's a win because you're a long way from solving your economic development problems. Every time I do a request for information on one of these properties,
I learn something more about what our limitations are and I go after it. We didn't have enough gas. I went and talked to Florida Gas Transmission. We needed more information about the fiber. I went and talked to Unity and found out
exactly what we needed to have when when we didn't have enough electricity. I took the I took the Duke Energy rep around and showed him where all the Dag substations were. We talked about how you could run transmission lines and tie
into them. So, this is all we're asking for. Let's sign the NBA. Let's talk. There's no obligation. Let's apply for the loan. There's your money. There's no obligation.
And, you know, it'd be nice if you go ahead and let Mr. Bishop just simply talk to both sides and ask the question to him. Is there a way that we could work this out for the benefit of Taylor County? That's all we've asked for last month
and that's all we're asking for tonight. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> As I looked at this agenda item, it says the board to continue discussing regarding Georgia Pacific Mill assets and the local government emergency
bridge loan program. Agenda Commission. I thought we were going to be talking about some kind of loan for what was it $20 million that you have a short period of time to pay back and >> uh 10 years. This is $30 billion they
were talking about with much as 0% interest for 10 years but all you got to do is apply you know there's no obligation but there is a deadline on application of the anniversary of the lean. Sure.
>> Do you want to come up there? >> You know, I'm glad our community in one way is all really trying to get at the same thing. >> And really what we are trying to do is if there is some way we can help our community ready for new industry and see
what we can do. And what I've heard tonight is maybe, you know, and I'll just say I am not a subject matter expert one bit on this. The information I have is from John Hart and from a couple folks on our team that work very
closely with wastewater treatment system and do all the facts and figures. But one thing I asked John is, John, what you have prepared? Is this what you need for a growing community for our community? The plan, he's got a fiveyear plan. He said yes. So, what I've heard
here is there's an opportunity for some money to maybe move that plan forward faster. I don't know, but is there a way to marry the two? And so, and I don't know if the county needs more than what
John Hart has designed for the city. So I'm throwing out a possible as an individual, not the board. It's just an individual possible option to think about is is it is it appropriate for the county engineers or what
people to talk with John Hart to say is it big enough? Do we need to add a little more? And do we need to apply for this loan to move that forward quicker? Because right now he's got a plan to move forward, but it's based on limited money available right now. So, I'm just
throwing that out as an idea. I think I'm I'm really hearing all of us really want the same thing for the community. Um, if we can get the money and move our wastewater treatment system forward and make it what we really need it for and not too much and not taking on somebody
else's environmental liability. Um, you know, and that and that's why the board said, you know, John said he got it laid out and this is what we need. But I don't know what that means. you know, maybe it needs to be a little bigger for the county. He's got it designed. They
got it designed for the city. So, that's all I would consider. Well, you know, and I think what she said makes sense, but I am not in favor of
making a $20 million loan with where we are now with our current situational financial issues in Taylor County. I just can't see borrowing $20 million. Not not right now.
Even if you borrow $20 million, who's going to end up with most of that $20 million to attorney? I mean, you can you can only find out so much without attorney. You got to, you know, that's first thing you got to when you go do anything or research anything
at this day and time. So, that would be I'm no I don't want no part of $20 million myself. And if I could just say maybe it's maybe it's not loan I I wasn't thinking I was thinking more grants and I know with
Laura Deella's help if there if we knew what we needed we needed more money or bigger and faster than what John's got on the pot already. I mean we certainly can get her help to go forward and um to see about is there some faster money we
can get. I don't know. I'm just throwing that out as as far as grants. I'm going to say this. It's okay. I was at the uh task force meeting off the Georgia brother.
They have a $69 million bondage dollar they spent $200 million in the city. Now, you can say you can you scared of money and all of that. I'm not afraid. I I reckon I have good sense. I'm not afraid
of alone. I'm not afraid. I I think the people in Taylor County deserve to know these things out there in their mind to hear some of these things out there so we'll know that we just not in a hole.
And that's the only reason I go to hear what other folks have to say and do. Sure. I I was I was I wasn't on the board when they built this bill over there in line up. But I heard about and I was on the TCDA. So I've been serving for years free. I
served 10 years on on the TCDA free along with Jim Bassid in that group. $20 million don't scare Thomas one bit. You got 22 million people uh 22,000 peoples in this county. But now everybody to themselves keep
you. Whatever way you feel is okay with me. I throw it out and I and I hope I didn't get insulted. They thought you insulted me. You didn't. You didn't my insults at all. I wanted to throw it out there. and about who the newspaper,
you know, said, "Well, Thomas is potato. He's willing to go the length. And if I have to change my language from eminent domain to uh some easier language, that's okay. I'll do that."
Some people are privileged. They can say what they want to do and back it up and stick with it. But I'm not privileged that way. I'll back up in a minute to do what my God says do for my people. Mr. B, >> what would you allocate the funding for
if we were to seek out those fun? >> I mean, I'm just trying to I mean, we've already said we're not trying to get in into water treat plant ownership or those type liabilities. and and I I don't know what's required in order to um send an application, but
that's what I'm not. >> But I tell you what, the bridge loan that uh North Florida Economic Development says $20 million is in it. And if we got 10 and if you got the loan, you didn't have a didn't have a plan for it. You didn't have to bother. You can leave it right there.
>> You got opportunity to utilize it. So, but now it got to be a a come to the mind of the board to even try to apply for it. The $10 million science, that's bad. I remember when I was on city
council and Bill Nun put in for $5 million and it was going to arbitrage. It wasn't going to cost the city nothing. You can put that money in the bank and make money off of make more money off of that than you can getting it on interest.
But anyway, whatever we do, I'm telling you, I'm still for it. Even though the odds against it, but I don't care. The odds been get on my life. You want to All right.
County staff 13 to receive draft construction development provide proposal by council. We can't lighten things up a little bit. So um couple meetings ago we brought to you
the recommendations from the selection committee for the fire season 2 construction. Um at that time Ram Construction was the lowest bid but that is who we suggested that we go with. Um they were $125,85812
over budget. Um the board instructed myself and Mr. bishop to see if we can't bring that number down. Um, so we met with the brand construction and in working with them, we identified musthaves, would be nice to haves and
what we don't needs. Um, and so Graham went back, played with the design, did a lot of value engineering. Well, if we don't build it like this, can we build it like this and do it cheaper? Could we use this instead of this? Um, so we were actually to get that price back down to
$1,298,820. We are still over budget. We are a lot better and a lot closer because we're only $18,820 over budget. So, we were able to bring their bid their um proposal down just over $100,000. So what I would request the board do is
to take the remaining 18,820 that we need to award that bid out of MST reserves would be my request >> for one cens >> and then to award the bid to rent
construction and then the next meeting we'll bring the contract documents back for signatures. We have a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Which reserves do you want? >> Where do you want to take it from? The
MST reserves or one set? >> I don't I don't want to take it out of one money. >> MST reserves. >> Yeah. >> What would that do to those? Well, Carrie, is our is our balance right is that right at a million or is it more
than that at this point? Trying to remember. >> Yeah, a million sounds familiar, but I don't >> Yeah, somewhere around a million. So, >> had a certain >> So, so that's fine. >> We would need the $18,820
is the overage for the guaranteed maximum price. exactly what this is going to pass. >> This is going to construct fire station 2 on the north side of town and replace the fire station that is an ill repair on mechanics.
>> We got a motion to approve coming from MST reserves as well as approving the awarding it to RAM. A motion by Commissioner of Roll call on this request.
>> Um, Commissioner uh, Commissioner Feele, >> yes. >> Commissioner Newman, >> yes. >> Commissioner D. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Moody, >> yes. >> Commissioner English, >> yes. On item 14, the board to consider
pursuit of further legal action concerning a code enforcement case at 14162 Avenue Southeast Hatching due to excessive accumulation of fines by Chubber building official.
>> He's not here tonight. So, this is um and we'll need Conrad's help on this. So, this is basically to consider legal action um by the county attorney to turn this over for him for further action for an ongoing code enforcement case at
14162nd Avenue Southeast. This is a longstanding issue back from 2019. Um the special magistrate did enact a fine in 2019 of $25 per day. Um, the fees accumulated as of September 2nd,
2022 was $26,750. So, I'm sure they're substantially more than that. Now, >> what my suggestion would be that we've already filed one of those cases for an injunction
relief. We got some things done with part of the property. Um it got removed off of our um uh right away. Problem with that is it was all removed off the rightway and thrown behind the
fence. You can see through the fence uh all the wood and all that kind of stuff. So, we got something done, but I I think we're going to do something else with regard to the uh all this junk for line
of lack of a better term kind of fence because that creates another nuisance with regard as a danger to to property uh and to and I'll bring you up to date on that
once we do that. Um, on this one, uh, again, my suggestion is that I like the idea of of an injunction telling them to fix it. I'm not uh that's that's my goal
is if y'all tell me to do that, is to uh get it cleaned up um and have the court order person to clean it up. and if they don't clean it up, they get control, you know, as opposed to going after um the the
fine so much. Um, of course, that's another thing. But, uh, again, that's my goal is to clean up messes. >> And I think that's good. >> I think that's all that anybody wants is
to clean up. >> That's right. Yeah. Yeah, we've done one of these recently at the beaches and I think the day they were supposed to appear of the before the special magistrate, they already had it cleaned up. So they and they don't have to go as long as it's clean as long as it's
deemed cleaned up. So I would support you. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Item 15. The board discuss possible grant submission to the short commerce
rule infrastructure fund grant program requesting funding assistance for a planning and feasibility study for a commercial seafood boat launch and offloading facility in state hatche. The study would also include the feasibility of the form of a co-op for recruiting a
seafood distributor to be located at the site as well as a retail market to support local seafood sales and distribution by metal cop. >> Hey everybody. >> Hey.
At the last board meetings, it came up that could we submit a um risk grant for a planning and feasibility study for the commercial stitching um industry in um
steppy for an offloading side and the um possible forming of a co-op. I was instructed to um contact board of commerce which I did the following day and they let me know that they had not
funded a program a project like this. However, they would not not fund one. They just cut out an application for it. They encouraged if we could submit a strong unique application, it could
possibly be funded. So I move forward. I have spoken to several commercial fishermen and I've reached out several individuals for help which everyone has went above and beyond to be helpful to me because I know that's nothing about
commercial fishing. Um they did say board of commerce but we would have to target the feasibility study towards having an actual um location pinpointed at the end of the feasibility study. um
we didn't have to acquire or anything at that point because obviously we would have to get funding but we had to have a game plan in in in mind how we were going to accomplish this since that time I just provided information on three
different properties two um were included in your agenda packet and I didn't get the information on the other site which is the portion of Royy's and Steve hates until after the packet was provided We didn't get a Matthew, but I know
y'all weren't familiar with Roy. So, we have three potential sites. Um, I know we have some people that want to speak on behalf of it. We can apply for a maximum of $300,000 for the feasibility study and I am
requesting approval to move forward. And again, I cannot say how helpful um Mr. Z's been, Jason Cox. I've had numerous people reach out to me. I I'm just so grateful for everyone's help.
>> Yes. Thank you. Now, do we have any on the line maybe want to speak? I thought I understood maybe someone want to speak on the side. >> May want to ask their hand raised. >> Okay. Yeah. Did you want to speak? Yeah. Go
ahead. Oh, I love you coming in alone. >> Thank you, Commissioner Jim Zerbert from Steam Hatchee. Over the years, I've stood up here and I've talked about supporting seafood. In fact, you guys did a nice great resolution one time
when we the commercial fisherman Steen Hatche donated 12,000 pounds of grouper snapper to Second Harvest during CO when you couldn't sell. I mean, you know, had some takeout. I think Royy's restaurant received some red snapper from us. Good
times marina. So, we're a community commercial fishery community based. I mean, they live there. One item that uh is a problem though, I buy a lot of Steve. I buy most of the grouper and snapper and all the species,
but Dixie County gets all the credit because the only place to offload that allows commercial offloading of seafood is Good Times Marina across from Sea Hag, which is Dixie County. So, when we have a disaster fishery disaster relief
like the governor governor had declared, when it all gets settled in, these things take a while, right? It's going to be it's probably another year and a half before you start seeing money from the disaster funding. uh Dixie County is going to look like they're uh they're the producer when actually it's
fishermen right here in Taylor County that are actually doing it. Now, what we need is a uh we need a site. It is not a marina. My marina over there that I've been for 25 years is not it's going to end. Things keep
changing. Recreational activity gets to be predominant. I think across the river over there, they're going to build a condos and a big motel facility. And so commercial offloading is not going to be
something you want when you have recreational fishermen coming in and they see commercial quantities being landed and yet they can't even go out and catch a grouper because grouper shut down. So, and you talk about we've always talked about uh creating some new
jobs. This historically has been uh one of the top spots Taylor County in the entire Gulf of Mexico that Noah recognized as dependent that coastal Taylor County was dependent upon fishing when you go back years back. Okay. Then
recreational fishing took over a lot of that. But the crabbing, the shrimping, the bay shrimping, the offshore component. Back in the day, we never had an offshore component. There wasn't grouper and snapper back 25 30 years ago. You didn't have the boats
going out like we do now. But we have developed that. But we need we need offload facilities where we could have bait, ice, fuel. And there are fish houses. The one I deal with who's one of the most uh respected fish buyers
in the state out of Orlando. He comes over now and picks up all the fish that a lot of fishermanmen know it first. It's a big company, you know, 12, 15 trucks on the road. That's who maybe comes in if we went the cooperative route, offers their services, get them to put
the ice machines, put the freezers so that the county is not out of pocket because that's the idea to get and under a cooperative, you would have the fisherman that would actually decide who it was they want to see buy all the seafood. And the other item was was
having a retail a really nice retail as it is right now. Not belittling anybody, but you go to Marina and they they've got a display case that looks like you buy the ice cream out of and that's the seafood. It's all frozen. We need
Dean Hatchy produces a lot of wild caught domestic seafood. And if we need a so to do this, we need to have a future knowing that there's going to be an offload facility for one thing because it could all end. It could all end a year from now, two years from now,
who knows? And uh that's what we're here to ask for. In fact, I got these letters here I want to give one uh from three different groups supporting the grant. Okay. Working waterfronts are
disappearing every day. I mean, it just is. There's more money in a condo project than there is in a commercial fish house. So, I know there's a couple guys here would like to speak probably. So, thank you. >> Thank you.
My name is Paul Re. I live in Taylor County and I'd like to reiterate what Jim's saying is that uh we we live in Taylor County but we're giving Dixie County all the credit because all our fish are fishing and landed over there. So and and also like he's saying we're
getting squeezed out every day. There's you know we just need a designated space to operate out of and tail county. It really is a seafood capital. So, I mean, we we could have a wonderful place there. It gives a little commercial, you
know, flare to it and uh it would just be a great opportunity for us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Sean Ruffer. I'm from Steam Hatche as well. And just kind of categy into Taker County form jobs. You know,
my son, he's 24 and he's a commercial fisherman. Jim's the one that's trained it. Um, he owns his own boat. He brings everything in. Like they're saying, Dixie County gets the credit for everything. Why don't we bring that stuff to our county? You know, we've got to get our we've got to get our
children, our young individuals interested in this in this industry. And a great way to do that is for them to see a future in it, to actually be able to put their hands on something, actually see something. Um, most of what we do is really behind the scenes. Most people don't see it. Um, but it would be
great for the county. I I feel it'd be great for the county to uh to get involved in some of this. And Commissioner, thank you so much for for supporting this and pushing this forward. Thank you very much. >> Anyone else? >> This is Melody again. I do want to let
you know that um Victor, our marine agent, has been assisting with this also. He couldn't be here tonight um but he's been providing me um figures and information contacted FC. So he's assisting in this too and is very
supportive of it and with the figures he's been able to get from FWC even at this point even without our own facilities. Um, currently commercial fishing has about a $13 million economic
impact on the county, which as we all know, we need as much good economic impact as we can have on the county. And this could be um really a a great opportunity for us economically. And
there's so many funding opportunities that this feasibility determines. Yeah, this is great. Go forward. we can go back for red funding. There's DNA field, there's US fish and wildlife. There's um our restore funds we have set aside and
there's working waterfront um funds were already designated for waterfront Florida community. So there are um endless funding opportunities for us should we decide to um move forward with
this. But I um I really hope that no improvements moving forward with this grant application. >> Very good. Thanks. Any discussion chairman? I do have a couple letters of support. I want to thank uh folks that came out tonight made a quite a trip and
made it through the meeting. So, thank you very much for your willingness to do that. And and also for everybody that's contributed along the way and gave information and and supported this effort. So um I'm very excited to see
the um team effort that you see in all this culturative um process going forward. So I will get these Mr. Wanda. This is um from our Sen Hatchee Chamber of Commerce and and their support for this this opportunity and what it can
bring forth to not just the chamber and business but to the communities that um need job and need opportunity. So thankful for that. This other document is from the Southern Fisheries Association and Captain Bob Sales wrote
a very detailed letter which strongly recommends us to quote moving forward and uh gives his availability. So it's it's just a option here to be at this place to
seek out what we know is a greater potential. So if there's more discussion, that's great. If not, I would offer a motion to approve. >> There's no discussion. We do have a motion to approve by Commissioner.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Second by Commissioner Moody. There's no discussion. All in favor? >> Thank you, M. >> Thank you everyone. any commercial system that you're in. I'm going to be driving you crazy the next few weeks, so
be prepared. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Move to administrator item 16. The board to consider recommendation of committee countywide emergency medical services agenda.
So, the bid committee did um meet and recommends awarding the bid and moving forward with the execution of a contract with survival flight. This should be effective January 1st, I believe. Um they will need 60 days notice um in
order to move forward. So, sometime within the next few weeks, we will if the board approves, we'll bring back a contract a direct contract for approval. So the the price from survival flight was $1,50
a year 50 I'm sorry $1,ion50,000 a year that is partially funded um the balance would need to come from one cent sales tax fiscal year moving forward that what was that balance the balance that we need
>> um I believe close to a little over $200,000. Maybe two >> somewhere between 200 and $300,000 >> and more than what we paid last year. >> Oh, yes. >> Yeah.
>> A little higher. >> Yes. Well, because the last contract was executed prior to the minimum wage mandate. So, we really skated in under that and it was helpful as far as the the proposals at that time.
>> Uh the decision to go with survival was based on on on what? Was it based on the fact that they were the that there was cost or that I think that the service is >> so it was the way that the the it was
broken out. There were 30 maximum points for cost to the county, 15 maximum points for continuing education program, 30 points for the company's experience with the scope of the RFP, five points for quality of apparatus, five points
for client references, five points for ability to provide desired level and quality of service, five points for quality of insurance networks, and five points for charges to the public. So it was really a wide range but the the you
know 75% of that was cost continuing education program and a company's experience. >> What other counties do they service? >> We're we're in so we're we're in about eight states. We're about 700 employees
strong. Um we're in southwest Georgia. We've got Donaldsonville, Bainbridge, Miller County, and Baker County. Um, and then we have the inner facility truck here. We that and that's just all ground units.
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions from the board? With this award, what are we getting? What are we getting different than what we're after today?
What >> it would still be three ALS units, two um two with basically one within the city, I would say, one within the county and one in Steinhack. So that would not change. Um and you know they are
presently based at Doctor's Memorial Hospital where they are performing the inner facility transfer um the inner facility transfers and we have tightened up as far as the um the scale that we use on the monthly reports. um that that
change slightly to hold folks more accountable. If they have three months in a row where they don't meet the the 90% minimum, um those fine that that fine will double.
>> So speaking today, when we don't meet these minimums and they're fine, I mean obviously we don't even want to see a fine because we like to see the service operating as it should. Um, so knowing
it's awarded to survival flight, obviously they're going to inherit most likely the same employees that are there today. I'm sure don't have to. That's their >> and I think we encourage them. >> I understand. I understand. But I understand. So what you what what are
they going to do better with training and accountability to these employees that may not have been done >> in the past to keep these numbers and keep the fines down. I mean, we got
in place with fines and left on the hand, but you do over >> Well, that's why I'm saying if it if it that if it's three months in a row, that fine doubles and then I believe Dan, didn't we put language in that we would
review their contract? >> Trying to remember, >> but I think after so many it's it's subject that we could review, >> right? So after after so many times of not meeting that which has not been a a problem over the years I would say I
would say in the last year it's been more of an issue than it's been in the past but after so many months of not meeting that criteria and we'll double check to make sure that that is new language in the contract we can come back to the board and ask for a
review of their contract. >> Right. >> Okay. So when you have a supervisor on duty >> all the time they'll be in town >> requirement >> that's that's actually been added to the
contract before it was in the in the RFP but was not in the contract and we have added that language to the contract that they must have a full-time supervisor in Taylor County >> and that supervisor won't be on an ambulance that supervisor will be in a
their own quick response vehicle. They'll basically be Monday through Friday and on call afterwards. >> Where will they reside? >> As close to Taylor County as possible depending on our applicant pool. But
that's not to say we have to come in and name a supervisor immediately. We can wait and see um what we have to work with once we get here. I mean I I mean because you've got problems now and we're not trying we want to we want to
create solutions. We don't want to add any more problems. >> So >> but did RFP require the did we did the RFP require supervisor to be in Taylor County? >> Yes. Now it does >> as close to Taylor County as possible. Not except for >> No. No. Not to reside in Taylor County
to work in Taylor County. >> Right. So, I I would put u a reasonable timeline on that to to hurt someone. I mean, I understand where you're coming from, but uh we
don't want that to go on, you know, for a long time before you have a supervisor. >> You won't be without a supervisor. There will be myself, the operations manager for the region. Somebody will be here 24/7.
for accountability um mainly um but for in that supervisory role there won't be you won't be without that supervisor but in order to name that permanent supervisor that's what I'm saying is >> okay what is your name and title >> my name is Charles Barnard I'm the
director for the region for survival flight EMS >> okay the other thing too is I would like for you to look very carefully at the interlocal agreements um I think that that's been abused in the past and we don't want our ambulance
going to a neighboring county unless it's a disaster. I don't we don't need our ambulance out of service for our people to go over to another county to do transfers for them. I think how it
needs to be like a disaster that you've got a multicar multi-car accident or or something not just for any other reason. I'd like to tighten up on that because I'm sure we've been abused.
>> Staffing's an issue anywhere you go and most of the time that's what comes about it. There's that's a double-edged sword because if all your ambulances are busy on calls and you don't help your neighboring counties out, then there won't be anybody to come help your
citizens. So, it's it's a double-edged sword and it it has to be played delicately. I agree with you. There are limitations to what you should be responding to mutual aid. But I think there's been times we're a larger county than some of the neighboring counties.
And I will go so far as to say I bet you that they have not assisted us near as many times as we have assisted them. So again, I just, you know, don't want our citizens to be without
because we're always going over and transferring for somebody else. >> Yes, ma'am. completely unders looking after our citizens. >> One more question, Mr. Chairman. Um on their bid score sheets, um Mr. W, is there any kind of other information
other than on the vehicles and and such? It says we'll we'll provide upon award, >> right? I see there's information about uh budget having payments for vehicles, but I just want to try to be clear a little more clearly on what we should
expect given, you know, what we've had has been pretty new um vehicles. And I think that's certainly an expectation and and something that's going to be equivocal perhaps. >> So that's something that we briefly
discussed during the mandatory pre-bid conference. We have not received specifics. You know, I wanted to wait until the board gave some type of indication if whom they would prefer to choose. Um, do you would you like to
speak to that? >> Sure, I can. The question the question the question was what type of ambulance is that? Is that is that what I'm under? >> Well, it it just says vehicle specifics not provided on this specific score sheet and that new vehicle payment listed in proposed budget. So, I'm just
trying to be clear that, you know, as far as our residents expectation, um, that we're talking apples and apples. >> Oh, yes, sir. Um, yeah, we'll bring in Well, so the plan from what I understand, obviously, um, if we were to
be awarded the the the contract, um, we would bring in um, three brand new ambulances. Um, now, two of those, >> what of what caliber? I mean, when you say brand new, are we talking what what kind of truck, what kind of not a
vehicle per se, but the capacity? >> So, the everything's going to van type ambulances. And I know that was a that that was something that come up that that was a concern, but the problem with it is again, you know, you guys have
been discussing money all night. You know, we're we're a big company. We have to, you know, go through the same things. you know, box ambulances right now are are a quarter of a million dollars and more. Um, we can put more of
the of the van style ambulances like something like we have over at DMH um on the road. Um, provide better equipment for those ambulances and pay better for the employees than if we
were, you know, just buying these box trucks, these cookie cutter box trucks. Um, we we will bring a couple box trucks. um you know so but as as far as the quality and caliber of them they'll all be brand
new equipment um they're going to have the latest medical technology on them we do on all of our ambulances um brand new advance >> yes sir is is the equipment in your re facility truck the same as these emergency vehicles
>> yes sir >> so those are all ALS >> yes sir >> commissioner in a And if I may, I did have a conversation with Lauren from the hospital because I know that's the type of truck that's being utilized for inter
facility transfers and ask her for her take and her experiences with that style um ambulance and she indicated there had been absolutely no problem, no complaints. I asked her does it feel constricted? You know, have you had any
issues? and and the way she put it in perspective for me, a lay person, is that as technology um matures, that actually the size of the medical equipment gets smaller and that she, you know, and I can't really
speak to that, but that's the way she did explain it to me because I figured if if those were currently in use and she, you know, she would probably be the first one to hear any concerns with those. Now, I don't know how that works for beriatric patients, but I'm assuming
that you'll have, you know, those capabilities as well. >> Yes. So, they all have, they all basically have the same stretcher systems in them. Those stretchers are rated for 750 lbs. Um, and again, that's why you keep a couple, you know, type
box trucks in the system. Um, for instance, like that. Um, we've got these the if the concern is the the techn is like you say the technology the trucks and everything that are in the trucks are built to maximize space. Um
the we've got these trucks running all over Oklahoma, all over Illinois, all over Arkansas and some pretty rural areas and they're dependable. um they get into places that the bigger trucks can't get into. And again, from a cost standpoint, there the maintenance on is
a lot better than what is on a one- ton truck chassis. >> So, how many miles do you put on a truck before you trade it in and get another one? So, our our current our our current um plan right now is and we're we're
actually in the process of revising this, but our current plan is looking at every 200,000 miles taking that truck out of service and replacing it. >> Because the reason I asked that is because in the past there have been issues with that
>> with the trucks um not being reliable necessarily. >> Yes, sir. >> So, 200,000. >> Yes, ma'am. That that's what the current suggestion is to to our policy writers is every 200,000 miles to swap these
trucks out. And again again, you think about the cost of that. Um, you know, with these the the big, you know, type top type top type top type top type top type top type top type top type top type top type threes or the the big box trucks. That's extremely costly.
extremely costly to where we can buy, you know, these these fans are nice, you guys. I mean, y'all, anybody's more than welcome anytime they want to to come over to the hospital and look at them. Um there's I can completely stand up in the back of that ambulance without
having to bend over. Um they're again, the technology that goes into them, they're maximized for the provider to be able to do his job in those in those vehicles. >> Now, you said that >> um think that the stretchers will hold 750 lbs?
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Does that include the van type truck? The van? >> Yes, ma'am. They all got the same stretcher system. >> I was going to add when we were talking about the different the van styles. I mean, to
his point, they're all built to certain standards. It's not just a van that they throw a stretcher in the back. These are very specialized vehicles. They have to have certain equipment. they have to meet certain standards. So, the biggest difference our our citizens are going to see is that they look different.
Functionally, it is just they're one is no different than the other. Um, you'll see these largely in like metro areas. Like I said, it's a lot easier to get around traffic. So, they're used really in those areas. Um, long rural areas, like I said, especially fiscally minded.
That's where they come in. You can buy two of these ambulances for the price of one type three. Um, but functionally they're there. Um, as a paramedic through the years, it's never been my favorite because they are, you know, you have a little bit less working room. You got to admit that. Um, but it's not an
impossible thing. Um, it's it's it will be different for the citizens though. I mean, they're going to they're used to seeing a traditional what they always thought an ambulance should look like and it's going to look different. So, but as far as that is concerned, it is still functionally an ambulance just as
any a type one or a type three would be. >> And just to add to that, I think what we would request is that as we have community events, I mean, you have four months. >> Yes. >> You know, to prepare, I would encourage them to have an ambulance there so
people can stop and look at it. It so the first time they see one would not be on January 1st. It could be that they could and I know it's at the hospital and I know people see them going up and down the road, but perhaps if y'all could participate in some of our
upcoming events, you know, we've got the forest festival and >> Yes. Park. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. And we were um we were invited to go to the uh Fourth of July um celebration. Unfortunat well I say unfortunately fortunately we were
available to make transport for the hospital so we didn't get the opportunity to do that but we do keep up with community events and like the fire chief said where we combine two of the we take all that money and we pour it back into education we have pathways for
advancement we have pathways into flight medicine we have pathways into education and instruction um we have clinicians that that work at community colleges as instructors ers that work with us. We have nurses and and paramedics. And so
our our company is still familyowned and that's the way they run the company. Um this is the only company that I've I've been in this business for 28 years. This is the only company that I've ever picked my family up and moved them
estate for. Um that's how secure I am with the company. So >> Mr. Chair, I will make a motion that we accept this recommendation from the bip commotion by commissioner to accept the
recommendation for survival flight under EMS service. Do we have a second? >> I second. >> Second by commission. All >> in favor? >> I thank if I can. I do I do have the numbers on
that. So the increase is 232,968. So, we really need to decide whether we're going to continue to do a 50-50 split. Right now, we do 50 out of the general fund, 50 out of 1 cent sales tax. So, do we want to continue to do that or do we want to fund it one way or the other? But, you know, we don't have to make that decision tonight, but we'll
need to build that into our budget. I thought the discussion, now correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the discussion during budget workshops is that we would have the the what used to be the 50% come out of
the general fund and then the rem the balance come out of the 968 come out of the one set. >> Yes, sir. Do y'all remember that? It seems like that's what we discussed. I can check with >> I could take it all out of the ones that
sent us. >> Is that not a good idea? I'm just asking >> about the increase. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you can do the whole increase. >> I'm not taking it all out. I think >> it's still a 5050 fractionalization. Is
that correct? >> That's what we're doing now for the current 800. I'm saying 50% of this agreed cost would be general fund and 50% 1 cent. >> Well, that's what he's asking. I I thought the conversation and I could be wrong was to leave the 400,000
approximately out of the general fund and then whatever >> the balance >> the balance was was a 1 cent sales tax like a 6040 is what it sounds. >> Yes, sir. >> It sounds to me like that is my math right Mr. Bish.
>> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> That's something that you can formalize um at our you know at our meeting the first meeting in September. >> Any reason we wouldn't just do the 50/50 because I knew our general fund ended up
with whatever 300 surplus just because we knew this going to be additional cost. And so if you if you if you didn't do 50/50, it' be 48516 out of the general fund and 641,484
out of the 1 c4. >> I know you were quick there. >> I never doubted you. I never doubted you. Even this old Thank you for that. It's easier when I'm doing three and two and one. >> Yes, sir. I can count these here.
>> Yes, I agree. >> It' be 525,000 to get that 5050. >> All right, we'll move on. Call Peter to Paul. >> Item 17, the board to consider approval of the subdivision participation and release form in order to participate in
the per sack opioid settlement agenda by Peterson. legislator. >> So, we were notified by um Romano Law Group, who are the attorneys handling the um direct settlements to counties
that there was this um the Purdue Sapphire opioid settlement agreement would be coming our way and then there there will be more um coming up in the next couple of weeks. So, this is I have no idea of the amount of the settlement or what the county's portion is. This is
just the first step um that so we can notify Mr. Romano that we do or do not wish to participate and it's from what I can tell the same form that we've um signed for the other settlement agreements.
>> You said you didn't know how much it's going to be. >> Not yet. Now, we're currently utilizing those funds to offset Well, that's a different settlement through NWF, but the funds that we get directly, we are
utilizing to offset salaries for county extension um employees who are teaching um this material um in our schools. I recommend we have a motion for Commissioner M and
a second by Commissioner B. All in favor to item 18. Any board to consider approval of revised job description for working team leader for parks and recreation special projects agenda by Pet County.
If you recall, um, our sheriff did notify the board that if his budget is reduced under the current amount that it's funded, that he will no longer be um willing to to provide correctional
officers to supervise the inmate work squads that we receive through Department of Corrections. Um, I was notified last week that one of the correctional officers has submitted his resignation. So, what I would like to do
is to ask the board to approve a revised job description um for a working team leader. We we already had a a job description for someone who supervised in mate work squads in the past. So, we basically just modified that job
description and would like to move forward with recruitment. So as close to October 1st, depending on how you know what the final decision is for his budget request, we will be prepared to move forward. >> Motion to approve.
>> Motion by commission to approve. Second by commission. All in favor. >> So we'll start recruiting for these positions and um and it it takes a little bit of time to fill those. So so the timing will work out. All right. I've not deemed the K
administrator to discussformational items. >> So, I would like to take this opportunity to formally recognize Miss Marcia Duran for her for her years of service to Taylor
County and and to me. Um, I wish her the very best in her new career. She will be a um director in for Career Source North Central Florida. Um she has been an incredible asset to the board um and to
the citizens of Taylor County. I will miss her greatly. I tried to nail her feet to the floor. It didn't work. Um she's been wonderful. There you go. Congratulations. >> So, you're taking Diane? >> Yes.
>> I've been filled with you. >> That job's filled with you. >> You're looking right on working with you then. >> All right. We got a few comments and concerns from the public for nonaggenda items.
Non-aggenda items on the line item. I just want to thank um our TCDA members for the dedication and the hard work that you do every day to help this
county to find jobs. And I know it's a very difficult job, but thank you so much. I know you get paid a lot of money to do this, right? You know, in all seriousness though, u we really appreciate your dedication and
hard work. Thank you. >> I feel the same Pam. Uh we have no problem with you. We appreciate everybody we got working for. We realize right now that good employees hard to find. When we fine, we like to keep them. And
even though we might differ sometimes, we still love each other. And it's not personal. Okay? I can take a good ang with you the next hour. and does not go on people. Okay,
board members, I appreciate your effort. Appreciate you hearing me out and sometime I might get off, but hey, keep me on track. >> Well, can I just I appreciate your dedication and your you know, your
realizing the importance of what the jobs mean to our community. And like I said earlier, I know your heart's in the right place and and we're going to we're going to get something. We're going to get something. >> I haven't given up.
>> Me either. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am appreciative for the actions of the board and the support for uh seeking out this this resource for our commercial fishermen and all the opportunities that will come with that. So I think it's a a
great potential and I do believe that will be economic development. So Mr. K, thank you for your work in that and and and certainly the TCDA board. So um it's just it's just um great to see this uh
potential funding coming to a place with such a need with with the great potentials this week. So thank you to all the fishermen and folks that came up tonight, our staff that's worked hard on uh seeking out these options. So it's it's been a great team effort. It's it's
nice to see those be a blessing for Steam hatch. They've been needing that for years. >> Well, and it'll you know commercial fishermen across the coast and across the region again. So when you look at offload sites or the absence of such on such a stretch of miles of coastline,
that's that'll be a great help for not just Steen Hatchee, but the crabers and shrimpers and folks Keep Beach, those folks that are going to be fishing out of there. So it won't just be limited to folks in Steam Hatchee. I do think that there's a lot of potential when we talk
about funding and and the credits that go to where those offloads are at that that we are not currently meeting our full potential. So, it'll be a good thing. I've talked to several guys that fish from the Texas coast from Mexican border all the way to Key West and they
say all in all we got the best year round fishing right here in this part of Florida than any place on the Mexican border all the way to Key West. I say, you know, it comes and goes, but overall we got of course people going fishing
every day. some areas that fish leave or you know time of the year the water not right but we have fishing we have people unloading boats and going 24/7 fish you know >> and I he said that's he fish he throw he
said I throw the reel in the water from Mexico to key west he said this the best he ever had >> pretty good >> he makes a living doing it >> yes >> you know >> you know it helps didn't help Taylor County.
>> All right. If there's nothing else, obtain a motion to approve or to I'm sorry to >> go.