Regular Meeting - January 14, 1969 The Board of County Commissioners of Santa Rosa County, Florida met in regular session on the above date with Godwin, Johnson, Kobacker and Kelley present, and Barnes absent due to illness. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 oclock a.m. by Chairman Godwin and opened with prayer by Rev. Bob Cowling. Kobacker advised the Board that the City of Gulf Breeze is planning to employ an architect to design a building for their use, and moved the Commissioners consider the advisability of establishing offices, which would be taken into consideration in the design of the building. Also, consult with other officers in the court house to determine if they would be interested in establishing a branch office and how much space would be needed by them. The motion died for lack of a second. Kobacker read a letter from School Superintendent Locklin, approving a request of the City of Gulf Breeze, for the removal of clay from the old Little League Park on the north side of Highway 98 to the city playground area. It was requested that this clay be moved with county equipment. Attorney Johnson was requested to study this request and render his opinion as to the legality of this work. Leroy Johnson moved the Commissioners get with other public officials and discuss the possibility of locating branch offices in Gulf Breeze, which was seconded by Kobacker and carried by unanimous vote. (Some offices already have branch offices in Gulf Breeze and Jay) Kobacker suggested a closer and more harmonious relationship with our neighboring counties would be of benefit to us, and moved that the Chairman appoint one member of the Commissioners as Escambia County Board of Commissioners coordinator and one member as Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners Coordinator, whose duty and responsibility shall be to serve as liaison with each of the Commissioners in order to discuss mutual county problems and advise the Santa Rosa County Commissioners relative to such problem, and that the Chairman correspond with each Commission advising them of his appointee and our purpose. Johnson seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote. Chairman Godwin appointed Barnes coordinator for Okaloosa County and Johnson coordinator for Escambia County. Johnson moved Cleo Melvin be assigned to the distributor and Willie Kilpatrick be made Supervisor of the swing equipment, including the dragline, which was seconded by Kelley and carried by unanimous vote. Kobacker brought up the need for a county engineer, and moved that $400.00 be set aside to advertise for one. The motion died for lack of a second. Wilson came before the Board and furnished each member a copy of a new order from the Governor suspending him from office effective January 7, 1969. After the reading of the Suspension Order by the Clerk, Wilson requested that he be recognized as a member of the Board on January 7, 1969. It was his opinion that had he not been a member it would not have been necessary for the Governor to suspend him. Kobacker advised that he has also been reappointed to the office of County Commissioner by telegram from the Governor, and moved the document be recognized and inserted in the minutes of the Board, which was seconded by Kelley and carried by unanimous vote. STATE OF FLORIDA) EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT) TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA) ORDER OF SUSPENSION WHEREAS, subsequent to the general election and specifically on November 19, 1968 I issued an Executive Order suspending CLIFFORD H. WILSON from office of Member of the Board of County Commissioners of Santa Rosa County on the grounds of misfeasance, malfeasance and incompetence in office, as reflected by Grand Jury Indictments returned against the said CLIFFORD H. WILSON on November 14, 1968 charging him with eight counts of misconduct in office, and WHEREAS, I am informed that the said Indictments are still pending, not having been disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction, and WHEREAS, the said Indictments are returned subsequent to the re-election of the said CLIFFORD H. WILSON and directly relate to his conduct while in office, and WHEREAS, I find it to be in the best interest of the citizens of Santa Rosa County that these matters be dispose of before the said Clifford H. Wilson should continue to perform the duties as a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Santa Rosa County inasmuch as the said Indictments have raised doubt as to the integrity and ability of Clifford H. Wilson to perform his duties. NOW, THEREFORE, I, CLAUDE R. KIRK, JR., as Governor of the State of Florida and by virtue of the power and Authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 15 of the Constitution of Florida, do hereby suspend the said Clifford H. Wilson on the grounds of misfeasance, malfeasance and incompetence in office as reflected by the Indictments and because of such, it would be improper for him to continue to perform the responsibilities of his office. Therefore, the said Clifford H. Wilson is hereby prohibited from performing the duties or exercising the authorities of said office during the period of suspension. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 7th day of January, 1969. /s/ Claude R. Kirk, Jr., Governor ATTEST: /s/ Tom Adams, Secretary of State Alfred E. Reed, Director of Mosquito Control, appeared before the Board concerning the purchase of a carried for that department. He suggested trading the International as it is in need of repairs. Kobacker moved this be tabled for discussion and further study, which was seconded by Johnson and carried by majority vote. Kelley voted against, stating that due to the age of the equipment, the repair already done to it and the present need of repair, he felt we should go along with the recommendation of Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed also requested assistance of one of the swing trucks at the landfill on Highway 90 East. Kelley moved that Kirkpatrick be notified to send one of the swing trucks one day a week to assist with the work at this landfill, which was seconded by Johnson and carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Reed advised that he needs to employ a landfill operator for the highway 90 location so he can get the dragline in operation; he also needs two men to work with it. He recommended Mr. Howard Peake be employed at the landfill. Johnson moved this item be tabled for study, which was seconded by Kobacker and carried by unanimous vote. The need for additional property and/or new locations for the Gulf Breeze and Hickory Hammock landfills were brought up for discussion. Reed suggested we investigate the possibility and feasibility of purchasing some property for landfill purposes. Johnson advised that Mr. Lynn has a location he will donate to be used for landfill purposes in that area. The Clerk was requested to get with Mr. Reed and see what can be worked out with Mr. Lynn. Dr. Harbeson came before the Board concerning the purchase of the property behind the Health Department. Johnson moved the Board inspect the property as a body after the meeting today, which was seconded by Kobacker and carried by unanimous vote. Dr. Harbeson also advised that he has an employee going on maternity leave and requested permission to employ Miss Virginia Bowman on an emergency basis for 90 days in the position of Clerk Typist I. Johnson moved the request be granted, which was seconded by Kobacker and carried by unanimous vote. The Clerk advised that the Grand Jury, in session today, requested that the following items be read to the Board of County Commissioners. The Chairman suggested they be read at this time. 1. This edition of the “Times” illustrates the fact that legal advertising is run under a third-class mailing permit which is not legal in the State of Florida. This means that advertising carried in this paper does not meet the requirements of the laws of Florida. For example, there is a legal notice in this edition advertising the closing of an estate. Has the public been properly notified under the laws of the State of Florida? Suppose some person had a claim against this estate, has claimant been properly notified? In view of the fact that the advertising does not meet legal requirements, has the public been properly notified? 2. According to the law a supplement is not an established newspaper, it does not have a subscription list, it is mailed at a cheaper rate for the sole purpose of selling advertising for the public. Legal advertising is supposed to be carried in newspapers with a second class permit. The validity of the advertising is called in question in this violation. Attorney Johnson advised that the validity of this advertising is of no concern of the Commissioners. Legal advertising is between the Attorney, the Judge and the client, and the Commissioners have no jurisdiction in the matter. The Board accepted and made a part of the public records of the Board, Audit Report # 7044 on the accounts and records of the Tax Collector for the period beginning June 1, 1966 and ending July 31, 1968. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Duncan of 614 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, which suggested that the interests of the citizens of Santa Rosa County would be best served by relinquishing the countys claim to the undeveloped parts of Santa Rosa Island and allowing it to be incorporated in the proposed National Seashore. Homer Holland submitted his resignation as a swing truck driver and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the county for the past eight years. His resignation was effective December 31, 1968. The Clerk read a letter from the President of Bill Woods Beechcraft, Inc. of Birmingham, Alabama, recommending Mr. Russ Ingram as base operator of the Milton T Field. The Board has previously accepted for study and consideration a lease from Mr. Ingram, and read at this time the comments and recommendations of Attorney Johnson. (This information is filed as a matter of record; but, are not incorporated in the minutes as Mr. Ingram is no longer interested in leasing the airport.) The Milton Fire Department recommended that a 20 lb. C02 fire extinguisher be placed in the kitchen of the jail. Mr. Melvin Dixon, State Service Officer, advised that the recoveries for Santa Rosa County for the period of July 1, 1968 through December 31, 1968 were $170,176.18. The Board approved for payment a requisition from Marshall & MacNeil in the amount of $3,000.00 for architectural services on the proposed Nursing Home and $ 953.81 for the Health Unit Addition Job (Equipment). The Board accepted and made a part of the public records of the Commissioners, the audit report of the Jay Hospital for the period beginning October 1, 1967 and ending September 30, 1968. The Clerk read a letter from James R. Regan, President of Shoreline Realty Co. concerning the assessment of property located in Section 4, Township 1 North, Range 26 West - Account Number 4-lN-26-0000-0080-0000 - Amount of Assessment $4,404.00. He suggested the assessment should not be more than $800.00 and put everyone on notice that the taxes were being paid under protest. The Pompano Beach High School Band requested financial assistance for their trip to Washington, D. C., where they will represent the State of Florida in the inaugural parade at the inauguration of the President. The Commissioners have no authority to make a donation for this purpose. The Board approved an extension agreement between Santa Rosa County and the First National Bank for an outstanding balance of $38,038.49, which is the balance due on the account of the Sheriff of Santa Rosa County. This loan was extended until February 11, 1969. An extension agreement was also approved for the balance due on the $150,000.00 reassessment loan; said amount is $31,500.00 and is due one year from January 11, 1969. The Clerk read applications for employment from Marion F. Thurman of Route #4, Milton and Jeffie R. Horn of Simpson Street - Bagdad, Florida, which were filed for future reference. The Board approved Amendment # 1 for the Mosquito Control - State I Funds. Revised SBH Acct. No. Object Number Present Budget Increase Decrease Budget 201 675.01,02 $5,379.09 $5,379.09 202 675.42 8,460.00 8,460.00 203 675.19,23 S,360.00 5,360.00 401 875.81,82,83,97 $ 959.42 959.42 Total Budget ~ Changes $19,199.09 $ 959.42 $20158 .51 The Pinellas County Industry Council invited the Commissioners to attend the 8th Annual Pinellas County Industrial ~ Aerospace Exhibition on February 7, 8 and 9, 1969. The exhibition will be held at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Clerk presented for approval of the Board a right of way deed from Charles F. Reno and wife Dorothy Skirpan Reno to Santa Rosa County. Since this is in District # 2, and Mr. Barnes is not present, the deed was tabled until the next regular meeting. The Clerk read a letter from Mrs. Theda Bray, Clerk of the Town of Jay, advising that the Jay Town Council voted not to requisition their share of the road tax. After some discussion Attorney Johnson advised that since the Town of Jay has officially requested these funds, and the law provides that they receive such funds, it was his recommendation that the Commissioners comply with the law and pay over to the Town of Jay their share of the road tax. The vote was unanimous to act accordingly. It was called to the attention of the Board that repairs to the first load of culvert forms was $1,220.00 and that was only half of them. However, the cost of ten new forms would be over $3,000.00. Johnson moved we authorize Georges Repair Shop to repair the other ten forms with the understanding the cost will not exceed $1,200.00. Kelley seconded the motion and it carried by majority vote, with Kobacker not votin The next item of business was the bid for the new culvert forms. This bid was opened at the regular meeting of November 26th., and tabled for additional information. Johnson moved the bid in the amount of $3,360.15 for the ten forms complete be accepted, which was seconded by Kelley and carried by majority vote with Kobacker not voting. Public Defender, George Phillips, came before the Board concerning an appropriation by Santa Rosa County to assist with the operation of his office. The Commissioners have previously budgeted funds for that purpose in the amount of $2,500.00, but did not include funds for the 1968-69 budget year. After some discussion, and Mr. Phillips having explained the duties of his office for the benefit of the new Board Members, Kobacker moved the budget be amended to include $2,500.00 for the office of Public Defender. The motion died for lack of a second. However, the Board did say they would look into the matter further. A Plat known as North Shores Subdivision, a Subdivision of a portion of Lots 1 ~ 2, Section 24, Township 2 South, Range 27 Wes t, was presented for approval of the Board. Upon inspection of the plat it was noted that it had not been approved and signed by the County Surveyor. Kobacker moved it be tabled until this has been taken care of, which was seconded by Johnson and carried by unanimous vote. During the discussion of the plat Johnson objected to the fact that North Shores Drive is not a through street. It dead ends with a circular turn-around at a location designated as Parcel A. Johnson said he would not go along to approve the plat with this street left as it is. It was also noted that there was no one present who could furnish any information about the plat. Johnson moved that in the future the owner or a representative be present when plats are presented for approval of the Board. Kobacker seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote. The Clerk read a letter from School Superintendent, Radford Locklin, requesting assistance in the paving of a track at the Milton High School. He suggested the Commissioners consider hauling the clay for this project, and expressed appreciation for help provided by the Commissioners in the past. Kobacker moved the Commissioners help with the hauling of the clay for this project, which was seconded by Kelley and carried by unanimous vote. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Kenngott, Manager of American Cyanamid, concerning the safety hazard at the L ~ N Railroad crossing near the intersection of State Roads 191A and 281. This letter was directed to Mr. John M. Brock, Division Freight Agent for L ~ N, and gave a traffic count conducted by American Cyanamid on December 3, 1968. Mr. Kenngott suggested a flashing light warning system be installed at this location, and requested assistance of the Commissioners, and NAAS Whiting Field in getting the railroad company to take action on this request. (The Commissioners have already realized this safety hazard and requested the L & N Railroad Company to do something about it about a year ago, but nothing was ever done). Johnson moved we write another letter requesting they reconsider and take action to alleviate this problem. Kelley seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote. Kobacker moved that commencing with the regularly scheduled meeting of February 25, 1969 the Board of Commissioners govern its regularly scheduled meetings by an agenda publicized on the Tuesday prior to the regularly scheduled meeting at 3:00 P.M. at the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of Santa Rosa County, that no new business be presented to the Commissioners unless declared an emergency measure by affirmative vote of four members of the Commission, unless placed on the agenda by submitting same to the Clerk in written form by 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the regularly scheduled meeting; but, such business shall be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting. In no way shall this motion prejudice or restrict the right of citizens to appear before this Board at any regular or special meeting to discuss and determine his request according to the wishes of the Commission. Motion died for lack of a second. Sheriff Hinote requested approval to reserve up to three parking spaces on the west side of the court house for use by the Sheriffs Department. Kobacker moved approval of the request, which was seconded by Johnson and carried by unanimous vote. Hinote again discussed the immediate need for repairs to the jail, such as broken windows, locks, painting and repairs to the lighting system. Johnson moved the Clerk be authorized to call for bids on the work - One bid for the windows, locks and painting and one for the electrical work. Kelley seconded the motion and it carried by majority vote, with Kobacker voting against. Rodney Wells came before the Board concerning a dangerous curve at the intersection of 191A and the Bagdad Highway. Mr. Wells lives at this location and said he has had his fence torn down a number of times by traffic coming from Garcon Point. The Board said they would request the State Road Department to put up a guard rail on the west side of this road and study the possibility of eliminating the curve. Willie H. Jones submitted for approval of the Board, a bill in the amount of $71.50 for electricity used in the operation of the gas pumps and yard light. This represents 13 mos. service, from the time Jones purchased the property from Wise until the tanks were moved by Godwin. After some discussion and it having been brought out that Mr. Jones benefited from the night light and should pay part of the cost, Johnson moved the Board pay one-half the cost of the yard light and all the cost for operating the pumps, which was seconded by Kelley and carried by unanimous vote. (Total cost approved was $48.75) The following bills were approved, signed and ordered paid: General Revenue Fund Warr. # 1257-1345 $103,897.16 Road and Bridge Fund Warr. # 5678-5759 138,865.32 Fine & Forfeiture Fund Warr. # 3845-3858 46,457.92 Mosquito Control-Local Warr. # 2968-2991 5,999.91 Mosquito Control- I & II Warr. # 915- 920 356.23 Capital Outlay Warr. # 23- 29 18,536.26 Court House Bond I & S Warr. # 10 36,900.00 There being no further business to come before the Board at this time the meeting was adjourned.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:11:01 +0000
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