Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council — October 16, 2012 — Minutes — reading text

asked for consideration of the schedule for meetings and workshops for the second quarter of FY 2013 (January, February, and March). Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to approve the schedule as presented. 4 yeas. NEW BUSINESS – NAMING OF NEW OKALOOSA COUNTY AGRICULTURE EXTENSION BUILDING Mr. Roberts stated November 5 will be a special day for this county with the grand opening of the new Agriculture Extension Building in Crestview. He referred to recently retired Extension Agent Gerald Edmondson whose persistent help make this a reality. Mr. Roberts said he believes it would be appropriate to name the new facility the Gerald Edmondson Extension Building. Upon inquiry by Mr. Harris, Mr. Dowd stated approval is not needed from the University of Florida because it is a county-owned facility. Mr. Roberts made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to name the building after Gerald Edmondson. 4 yeas. October 16, 2012 -16- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S RETIREMENT Mr. Harris said he has spoken with Mr. Curry about his retirement and he believes it is time to begin looking for Mr. Curry’s replacement. Mr. Amunds said he believes it is important to have a new County Administrator in place before the budget process begins for next year. Mr. Curry encouraged the Board to get an early start. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR – CHANGE IN AGENDA FORMAT Mr. Curry stated a major change is forthcoming. He said today’s meeting is the last time the commissioners will be relying on large notebooks with printed agenda requests and backup documents. He said the new MinuteTraq system will be used at the first meeting in November. Mr. Curry pointed out this new system will be on the county’s website and citizens will be able to see all documents. VISITOR – JODY SMALLWOOD, COLLEGE STUDENT Mr. Jody Smallwood, Lakeview Drive, Crestview, thanked the commissioners for their service to the county. He said that he is a student at Northwest Florida State College and his class was tasked with reviewing the county budget and reducing it by 10% without cutting major functions. He said one of the questions which arose during class discussion was why the Parks budget is $2.2 Million when it has a $3.9 Million Reserve Fund. Mr. Curry answered that many times there are projects which may be years in the making and you try to build up funds so when the engineering portion of the project has been completed, there are funds available to carry out the construction phase. He told Mr. Smallwood that cutting 10% from the budget is quite a homework assignment. Mr. Curry provided him with his card and said he will be happy to talk with him about the budget process. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. _____________________________ _______________________________ DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) October 16, 2012 -17- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners