Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council — January 8, 2013 — Minutes — reading text

January 8, 2013 Regular Tuesday Meeting The regular Tuesday meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Crestview Courthouse. Members present were Don R. Amunds, Chairman; Dave Parisot, Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Nathan Boyles; and Kelly Windes. Also present were Gary J. Stanford, Finance Officer, Clerk’s Office; John Dowd, County Attorney; and Jim Curry, County Administrator. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER UPDATES Mrs. Kathy Newby, Public Information Officer, reported the Tourist Development Council has an opening for a non-lodging tourism position. Anyone interested in filling this position or any future positions may submit a letter of interest and resume to the Tourist Development Department via email to dobyrne@co.okaloosa.fl.us. The Public Library Cooperative will hold a Bookmobile Surplus Sale on Saturday, January 12, from 8 am until noon. The University of Florida Extension Office will hold the Eco-Nomic Living Expo on February 2. Vendor spaces are still available. Ms. Newby also advised the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is looking for volunteers. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATES Mr. Curry pointed out the RESTORE Act Workshop is scheduled for January 15 at 6 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach. Mr. Curry said he would also like to recognize Sandee Launch from his office. Her last day with the county will be Friday. He thanked her for her work and support. COMMISSIONER’S MINUTE Mr. Boyles stated he spoke with Cub Scout Pack 799, Crestview, about government and invited them to a meeting. He recognized one of the cub scouts in the audience, young Mr. Banks. Mr. Parisot – nothing Mr. Harris stated he hopes everyone had a safe holiday and a good New Year. January 8, 2013 -1- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Windes said he spoke with Mr. Dowd about amending the county ordinance to address helicopter take-offs and landings from barges and asked for a status report on that issue. Mr. Dowd replied an amendment to the Land Development Code will be necessary. He noted that Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert is consulting with a group from the Airports and a draft document will be brought back to the Board. VISITOR – KAY RASMUSSEN, EDC, REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION Ms. Kay Rasmussen, Interim Director of the Economic Development Council (EDC), began with an explanation of how the EDC operates under a confidentiality statement which is outlined by state statutes (Chapter 288.075, Florida Statutes). She said that is the reason potential new companies for the area are given code names. Ms. Rasmussen stated Project Machine is a business located in Holt. She remarked the owners of the company are present but she will not point them out, adding they are pillars of the community. The owners of Project Machine have been in Okaloosa County almost 20 years and want to expand their business. Ms. Rasmussen asked for consideration to move forward with approval for a public hearing for an ad valorem tax exemption, a maximum of $9,000 in tangible personal property tax exemptions over a five-year period. This exemption will provide a 20% required local financial support match for the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program sponsored by the State of Florida. The State will provide the remaining 80% or $36,000. Ms. Rasmussen stated the company currently employs 19 residents and will hire 15 additional people. The average wage will be 143% above the average wage in the county. She estimated capital improvements at $2.3 Million. Mr. Harris asked for details on the return on investment. Ms. Rasmussen answered that she asked the University of West Florida’s Haas Center to provide some data and said the investment will be eight times the amount invested. Mr. Parisot made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to authorize advertising for public hearing, to consider the requested economic ad valorem tax exemption for Project Machine. 5 yeas. January 8, 2013 -2- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners VISITOR – HAROLD LAFOUNTAIN, CONTRACTING AN OUTSIDE AGENCY TO ASSIST IN SEARCH FOR NEW COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Mr. Harold LaFountain, 4757 Young Road in Crestview, first said he would like to thank his county commissioner, the Public Works Director, and the workers for a job well done on Antioch Road. Mr. LaFountain noted the Board has approved an agency to help in the search for a new County Administrator. He felt there are good, capable people within the county to fill the post. Mr. Amunds assured him anyone may submit an application no matter where they live. VISITOR – KEVIN BETHEA, SALE OF PROPERTY AT BOB SIKES AIRPARK, FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL Mr. Kevin Bethea, Realty House, appeared on behalf of the current property owner for an 11.6-acre tract located at 5692 John Givens Road within the Bob Sikes Airpark in Crestview. Mr. Lawrence Looney purchased the property several years ago and the Statutory County Deed contains a first right of refusal option to Okaloosa County. Mr. Bethea advised the property is currently under contract to be purchased and the county has the option to purchase the parcel at the contract price or to decline. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Airports Director Greg Donovan stated staff’s position not to purchase the property remains the same as in his earlier report (email dated December 28, 2012). Mr. Harris asked for details about the purchaser. Mr. Bethea said he represents the seller but he has learned the potential buyer is from South Florida and handles antiques and relics. They plan to use the property as a warehouse for their business. Mr. Boyles made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to refuse the right to purchase the described property. 5 yeas. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Boyles, to approve the Consent Agenda: 1. Public Safety: Approval of and authorization for Chairman to execute land lease with Okaloosa County School Board for EMS Station in Baker January 8, 2013 -3- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners 2. Purchasing: Approval to remove surplus property from County Fixed Asset Ledger which was sold at auction 3. Proclamation designating January as Military Purple Heart Month in Okaloosa County 4. Clerk: Approval of and authorization for Chairman to execute the federally-funded Public Assistance Agreement for Hurricane Isaac damage recovery 5. Proclamation designating January 18, 2013 as Florida Arbor Day in Okaloosa County 6. Growth Management: Final payment to Matrix Design Group (invoice #12396) in the amount of $61,540.50 for Tri-County Small Area Studies 7. Approval of budget resolutions: (a) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, S.H.I.P. Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-01 (BA #48) (b) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, E 9-1-1 Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-02 (BA #49) (c) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Radio Communica- tions Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-03 (BA #50) (d) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Law Enforcement Trust Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-04 (BA #51) (e) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Police Academy Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-05 (BA #52) (f) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, County Public Health Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-06 (BA #53) (g) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, M.S.B.U. Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-07 (BA #54) (h) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Unincorporated County Parks Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-08 (BA #55) (i) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Prisoner Benefit Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-09 (BA #56) (j) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Additional Court Cost Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-10 (BA #57) (k) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Drug Abuse Trust Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-11 (BA #58) January 8, 2013 -4- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners  (l) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Domestic Violence Trust Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-12 (BA #59) (m) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Traffic Education- al Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-13 (BA #60) (n) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Debt Service Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-14 (BA #61) (o) Resolution amending FY 2013 Budget, Capital Outlay Construction Fund (cash carried forward) RESOLUTION NO. 13-15 (BA #62) 8. Growth Management: Approve electronic submission of grant application to the Office of Economic Adjustment for Eglin Joint Land Use Study Implementation Project 5 yeas. TAX COLLECTOR BEN ANDERSON – BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS ORDINANCE Mr. Ben Anderson, Tax Collector, stated he would like to again bring before the Board the issue of business tax receipts. The Equity Study Commission, which was appointed last May, has recommended the elimination of the current rate structure and creation of a $35 flat fee for a business tax receipt. Mr. Anderson said there are currently 35 classifications and the recommended change to one classification will require an amendment to the current ordinance. He advised this proposal will simplify government and bring fairness across the board. Mr. Amunds asked what the fee will be for an individual that has both a towing business and an auto body repair shop in the same building. Mr. Anderson replied that is a dual service for one business. He said each corporation or each business entity will require a fee. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Boyles for discussion to approve advertising for a public hearing to consider the proposed changes to the ordinance. Mr. Boyles stated he supports the recommendation of the Equity Study Commission and as we simplify the process we should standardize enforcement. He said if one company pays, then all companies should pay the fee. Mr. Boyles said he has one final thought and that is to readjust the penalty. He stated it is technically a misdemeanor but he would like to see a fine penalty tied to violations. January 8, 2013 -5- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Parisot commented that he chaired the Equity Study Commission and assumes it would be his responsibility to draft a new ordinance. He asked if the county wants to continue with this business tax or eliminate it. Mr. Parisot also questioned whether or not the fee could be standardized because he interprets the statutes to say you cannot increase this fee by more than 200%, advising that taxi rates are currently $6. Mr. Amunds advised that Mr. Dowd will draft the ordinance and will consider the provisions of the statutes when he prepares the document. Mr. Anderson said he believes Mr. Parisot is referring to an initial change and not a long-term lock. He believes the 200% maximum increase is for a one-year period. Mr. Anderson said the fee for taxis would go from $6 to $25 then to $35. Mr. Parisot disagreed with this interpretation. Mr. Dowd stated