Okaloosa County BOCC — May 19, 2015 — April 21, 2015 Regular Meeting

April 21, 2015 Regular Meeting The regular Tuesday meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Water & Sewer Administration Building in Fort Walton Beach. Members present were Nathan D. Boyles, Chairman; Charles K. Windes, Jr., Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Carolyn Ketchel; and Trey Goodwin. Also present were J. D. Peacock, II, Clerk of Circuit Court; John Hofstad, County Administrator; Greg Stewart, County Attorney; and Gary Stanford, Finance Director, Clerk’s Office. BINGO ORDINANCE WORKSHOP Mr. Boyles stated the Bingo Ordinance Workshop was held just prior to tonight’s meeting. He asked the commissioners if there is further discussion or a motion to be made at this time. Mr. Goodwin made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, stating it 1is the Board’'s recommendation to the stakeholders and other interested parties to work together with good faith and talk about how to improve ways to do business; then, frame it as a recommendation to be returned to the Board. 5 yeas. Mr. Boyles announced there will be no further action/consideration of the proposed ordinance and it will not be moved forward. He stated the Board will take a short recess to allow anyone desiring to leave at this time an opportunity to do so. Mr. Boyles noted there will be two opportunities for public comment during the regular meeting. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE Mr. Hofstad stated all commissioners should have received an email or letter regarding a booking policy for the Emerald Coast Convention Center (ECCC). He reported staff will work this item and bring it back to the Board at a future date. Mr. Hofstad stated he and the Chairman visited Washington D.C. and had an opportunity to meet with U.S. Department of Transportation officials and speak specifically about TIGER (Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery) Grants. He reported there will be $500 Million in grants distributed throughout the country. Mr. Hofstad said he feels the Board’s action to create the North Okaloosa Tax Increment April 21, 2015 -1- Minute Book 72, Page 255 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Financing (TIF) area 1is a solid project which may qualify for some of these grants funds. He noted an application will be timely filed with DOT before May 4, noting that authorization is within his threshold of authority. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S UPDATE Mr. Stewart stated there 1is currently ongoing litigation with LaGrange Aero, Inc. He said a settlement agreement has been negotiated for LaGrange Aero to pay the county $185,000 in five installments over a two-year period. Upon execution of the settlement agreement, a Stipulated Motion will be entered for the Court’s approval of the agreement and dismissal of the lawsuit and counterclaim. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mrs. Ketchel, to approve the Mutual Settlement and Release Agreement and to authorize the Chairman to execute same. 5 yeas, Mr. Stewart stated this item is for information only and deals with the action just taken by the Board. He advised the Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson Law Firm handled this 1litigation on a contingency Dbasis. Mr. Stewart said because there are installment payments, he asked the first payment be a reimbursement of the hard costs of approximately $8,000 with the contingency fees to Dbe paid in subsequent payments. Mrs. Ketchel made motion, seconded by Mr. Goodwin, to approve these payments as outlined by the County Attorney. 5 yeas. Mr. Stewart commented the county has been on a 1long road to recover funds misappropriated by Mark Bellinger with the TDC several years ago. One last item to address deals with Lewis Communications (advertising agency) and the differential of the purchase of the house and what is still owed Okaloosa County. He said that amount is $198,000 and he would like authority to make one last effort to resolve this 1issue with Lewis Communications. Continuing, Mr. Stewart stated if it cannot be resolve