Okaloosa County BOCC — June 4, 2013 (meeting #1140) — reading text

strategy for the entire county with the county’s Public Works Director getting with all the cities’ Public Works Directors to discuss June 4, 2013 -16- Minute Book 69, Page 168 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners transportation. He said it is important to market this concept and get this idea out to as many people as possible. Mr. Amunds assured everyone that he is not saying to kick the can down the road but he feels there are other avenues out there. Mr. Hofstad pointed out that not all cities have a Public Works Director. He also noted that he talks with the cities’ representatives on occasion and recently had much discussion with them on gas taxes. Mr. Hofstad stated the groups has been looking at how to solve the north-south congestion and they are dedicated to resolving the problem. He reiterated the importance of solving capacity issues and pointed to a P.J. Adams Parkway/Antioch Road alignment. Mrs. Pat Hollarn, Shalimar, stated she has been a resident of the county for 42 years and said she was very involved as a Constitutional Officer. (Mrs. Hollarn is a former Supervisor of Elections.) She said in those 42 years she has been in Okaloosa County, the five people sitting at the dais were talking about this same issue. Mrs. Hollarn questioned Mr. Amunds’ remarks about being afraid of the Constitutional Officers and Mr. Parisot’s concern about increasing services. She remarked that we cannot continue to shovel dirt on this subject any longer and we must take action. Mrs. Hollarn advised that she has always been an advocate for gas tax and repeated the county cannot go any longer without resolving this problem. Mrs. Hollarn reported that Walton County obtained money for improvements to Highway 331 because they increased the sales tax. She said a TIF would help with state and federal funding. She told the commissioners they must have conviction. Mrs. Hollarn stated there is no badge of honor for having the lowest tax rate in the State. Mrs. Hollarn advised that she has a consulting business and receives a sizable fee for her services but she will not charge the county a penny to work with the group because of the importance she places on the issue. She told the commissioners they may come up with all kinds of reasons why not to do it but they cannot deny it is a good concept. Mrs. Hollarn expressed her concern that the commissioners’ decisions are based on being re-elected. Mr. Harris stated that he came into this (serving as a county commissioner) with the idea of staying only eight years but even June 4, 2013 -17- Minute Book 69, Page 169 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners if he did not run again, he agrees with Mrs. Hollarn 100%. He proclaimed “it is time to poop or get off the pot.” Mr. Chesser said Mrs. Hollarn has worked with this committee and he is proud to have her with them. He stated time will pass whether the Board chooses to do something or not. Mr. Chesser pointed out the committee has previously scheduled a presentation tomorrow but called it off because they did not want to get out in front of the Board. He again said the committee needs the Board’s advice. Mr. Amunds said he believes the general consensus of the Board is to talk with the people find out what direction they want to go in. He added that sometimes a person’s opinion changes from the time he runs for office until now. Mr. Amunds stressed “getting the information out” and said he is not totally against the idea. He also commented that he is not afraid of any Constitutional Officer. Mr. Windes listed the individuals currently working on this committee and asked if a commissioner from North County should also be part of the committee. He asked Mr. Boyles will he serve if he is nominated to this committee and Mr. Boyles replied, “I will serve.” Mr. Windes stated that will be his motion. Mr. Dowd questioned whether Mr. Windes’ intention is to make this a formal committee. Mr. Amunds suggested Mr. Boyles be a liaison to the committee. Mr. Windes amended his motion to make Mr. Boyles a liaison to the committee. Again, there was a brief discussion on terminology of committee versus working group. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to make Mr. Boyles the liaison to the TIF working group. 5 yeas. Mr. Windes said there should also be a vote of confidence from this Board for the working group. He said it is conceptual and the group will not make any decisions without Board approval. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to give a blessing to the working group for the TIF concept. 5 yeas. OLD BUSINESS - CONSIDERATION OF NOMINEES FOR RESTORE ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr. Amunds said he does not believe a deadline was established for receiving applications for seats on the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee. He asked for direction. Mr. Windes commented that he believes most other counties are ahead of Okaloosa with regard to establishing their committee members. He recommended June 4, 2013 -~18- Minute Book 69, Page 170 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners setting a deadline to allow selection by the next South County meeting, Mr. Parisot made motion, seconded by Mr. Windes, to establish a deadline for receipt of applications for RESTORE Act Advisory Committee positions by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, and for selection of committee members to be placed on the June 18 meeting agenda. 5 yeas. Mr. Parisot made motion, seconded by Mr. Boyles, to appoint Kay Rasmussen to the EDC seat on the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee. 5 yeas. VISITOR - HAROLD LAFOUNTAIN, COMMENTARY Mr. Harold LaFountain, Young Road in Crestview, stated he agrees with Mr. Harris about the taxes and it is time for growth to pay for itself. RECESS - The meeting was recessed at 10:50 a.m. and the Board moved into Executive Session. ADJOURNMENT The commissioners returned to the Chambers; the Chairman announced the conclusion of the Executive Session and immediately adjourned at 12:02 p.m. DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHATRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) June 4, 2013 -19- Minute Book 69, Page 171 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners