Okaloosa County BOCC — January 8, 2013 — Jan 15 2013 RESTORE Workshop — reading text

advantage of the 10-10-10 program. Mr. Harris said EDC is already aggressive and that should be a separate issue. Mr. Amunds asked if there is consensus to draft an RFP to hire a consultant to aid in preparation of the plan and to assist the January 15, 2013 -5- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners advisory committee. No one voiced objection. Mr. Boyles said he would like to look at two options: issuing a RFP for a an outside consultant and contracting for a position which would be like a county department head for the duration of the process and would report to the County Administrator. Mr. Amunds stated Mr. Curry and staff can prepare the advantages and disadvantages for each option. Mr. Windes said this is not the time to save a penny, stressing that you want a highly qualified, nationally certified firm for this work. He stated the Board needs a “Joe Bouncer.” Mr. Curry questioned whether he could have all this prepared by next Tuesday’s meeting and said he will try to have it on the February 5th meeting agenda. Dialogue continued on the composition of the committee membership. After an extended discussion, consensus was for the composition of the committee to be: 2 members appointed by the Board representing the fishing/seafood industries and lodging/tourism 2 members from the Chambers of Commerce, one from North County and one from South County 1 member representative of education 2 members representing the cities (one North County, one South County 1 member representative of environmental agencies 1 member representative of economic community Mr. Curry suggested the Board allow the plan to develop and to focus on the advisory committee first. He felt the county is well on its way. Mr. Curry stated a decision should be made on taking applications for positions and whether the Chambers and League of Cities will be allowed to choose who represents them. The Board discussed an option of groups in the fishing and seafood industries meeting and submitting a recommendation for their representative. Mr. Amunds asked if the same procedure will be followed for lodging and tourism. There were no objections. Applications should be submitted for the education representative with ratification by the Board. Mr. Curry suggested that if there is a specific organization representing a category, such as the Chambers of Commerce and the Cities (League of Cities), they could select a representative with confirmation by the Board. For all other openings, applications should be submitted. Mr. Boyles pointed out that any applicants are free to attach endorsement from an entity to their applications. Mr. Curry clarified that the Chambers of Commerce and the League of Cities will be allowed to select January 15, 2013 -6- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners representative which will then be ratified by the Board. For all other committee members, the posts will be selected from applications. Discussion ensued regarding a residency requirement. It was recommended that individuals submitting applications have lived in Okaloosa County for three years. Mr. Boyles said he will agree if there is no legal issue with this requirement. Mr. Ed Winstead, Shalimar, came forward to support the individual who volunteered to serve at the beginning of the meeting (Rebecca Sherry). Ms. Gay Ellis, Fort Walton Beach, stated when the subject of hiring a consultant came up she felt she must speak. She said when the small area studies consultant was approved in 2006, a consulting firm which was hired was from Denver, Colorado. Ms. Ellis questioned how the group could know the needs of the local community and asked for that to be taken into consideration. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m. _____________________________ _______________________________ DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) **** January 15, 2013 -7- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners