Okaloosa County BOCC — August 6, 2013 — August 27 Special Meeting — reading text

elle ANd daniel August 27, 2013 Special Called Meeting A Special Called Meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 8:33 a.m, at the Water & Sewer Administration Office in Fort Walton Beach. 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 Director, Clerk’s Office; Ernie Padgett, County Administrator; John Dowd, County Attorney; and members of the press. Mr. Amunds stated the primary discussion for this special meeting is consideration of the lease, and possible purchase, of property used as a Firearms and Tactical Training Facility. Undersheriff Don Adams requested consideration of a lease and possible purchase of property used for the firing range. He said they have been working with the property owner regarding purchase of the property for about six months. Mr. Adams stated they have also sought a determination from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on whether or not equitable sharing dollars could be used to purchase the property. He advised they have received a favorable opinion from DOJ that it is an appropriate use of these federally seized funds. Mr. Amunds agreed with Mr. Adams on the use of these funds rather than ad valorem tax dollars. He added there will be more training opportunities available than just a firing range. Mr. Amunds said he understands any law enforcement agency can schedule use of the facility with the Sheriff's Office. He added the Board’s position for the last three or four years is to get out of the lease business. Mr. Amunds said if a motion is made to purchase the property, he hopes the purchase price will not exceed $89,000. Mr. Adams stated the landowner has prepared two separate offers: one is for six acres, the other for 8.91 acres. He stated the additional acreage would alleviate concerns about encroachment on the facility. Mr. Parisot asked the price for the larger parcel. Mr. Windes said he understands the purchase price is $89,810. Mr. Adams pointed out they do not charge for use of the firing range and training center. Mr. Amunds asked Mr. Dowd to comment. Mr. Dowd stated the purchase option has a provision that if the county renews the August 27, 2013 -1- Minute Book 69, Page 314 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners lease, then the lease becomes null and void when the closing is held for the property. He stated the Board has the authority to waive the appraisal requirement. Mr. Dowd also advised a 30-day notice of public hearing must be advertised regarding the proposed purchase. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Mr. Dowd confirmed the Board has the authority to waive the requirement for an appraisal if the price is under $100,000. Mr. Amunds said he understood an appraisal was obtained on six acres. Mr. Adams said you must take into consideration the land owner does not own the improvements made on the property. He stated it is currently assessed as timber land. Mr. Adams pointed out that if the lease were not renewed and the Sheriff's Office left this site, they would need to remediate any environmental concerns by removing lead and buildings. He asked how you can calculate those costs. Mr. Dowd stated the value of siting another firing range is not given in the appraisal. Mr. Amunds pointed out this site is grandfathered in as a firing range. Mr. Adams stated Eglin previously expressed interest in a partnership to develop a training facility and firing range. The costs estimated for such a facility was $3 Million. Mr. Adams said that was out of their price range. Mr. Adams requested renewal of the lease with the understanding when the option to purchase the property is exercised, the lease will be abandoned. He also requested approval to use equitable sharing dollars for the purchase. Mr. Adams said the landowner has given the county until December 31 to make a decision. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to approve the lease renewal with the Wingard Family as written with the option to purchase; that the appraisal requirements be waived; the purchase be for 8.91 acres (entire portion of Lot 31) at a cost of $89,810 and for this to be accomplished as soon as practicable. Mr. Dowd asked for conceptual approval and to authorize him to advertise for public hearing at which time the final decision for purchase will be made. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Mr. Dowd said the motion would be the same with the addition of the authorization to advertise for the public hearing. 5 yeas. August 27, 2013 -2- Minute Book 69, Page 315 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m. DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) August 27, 2013 -3- Minute Book 69, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Page 316