Okaloosa County BOCC — July 19, 2016 — June 20, 2016 Special Meeting Minutes — reading text

the county about $200 , 000 . Mr . Coleman asked how many of the supporters for Plan A are willing to pay for the delay . He said , " If you are not making money , you are not making sense ." Mr . Coleman stated he is a veteran and when he comes to downtown he goes to the Memorial to pay his respects . He pointed out regardless of the positioning of the Courthouse , the Veterans Memorial will still be there . Continuing , Mr . Coleman posed questions about the cost to relocate the sewer line for Plan A and commented the taxpayers ' money should be spent wisely because it will also be our children ' s money that is being spent . Ms . Sandra Atkinson , Fort Walton Beach , voiced support for Plan B and said as a veteran she is comfortable with this option . It was her opinion the public and commissioners have spent plenty of time on this subject . Ms . Atkinson said a vote was taken and a contract signed . She felt that it will cost more money to " un-do " what has been done and urged the commissioners not to change now just to make it more aesthetically pleasing . Mr . Andrew Rencich , owner of AA Tactical in Crestview , told the commissioners they only have so much ground on this parcel and Plan B will allow future expansion . Mrs . Judy Dipolo stated her husband ' s name is one of those memorialized on the wall for his service and death in Vietnam . She said the Dipolo family owned a business downtown for many years and she supports Plan A. Mrs . Dipolo then asked if any of the commissioners will benefit from the Courthouse facing Main Street . Mr . Windes replied that was disclosed in a previous meeting and asked the commissioners if anyone has a comment . Mr . Boyles June 20 , 2016 -10- Minute Book 74 , Page 274 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners _J responded he is heavily invested and owns or is partial owner of five buildings in downtown Crestview. Ms . Wanda Hulion said she was born and raised in Crestview and supports Plan A. Mrs . Barrow , Laurel Hill , urged the Board to stick with tradition and support Plan A. BOARD DISCUSSION As there were no other citizens who desired to speak at this time , the Chairman closed public comment and brought the discussion back to the Board . Mr . Harris stated Mrs . Coleman told him to let God guide him . He said the quibbling is unfortunate . Mr . Harris stated he likes tradition but his job as a commissioner requires him to spend taxpayers ' money wisely and not to opt for aesthetics and that is why he supports Plan B. Mr . Harris made motion , seconded by Mr . Boyles , to support a preferred orientation as in the Plan B design with the Courthouse facing Main Street . Mr . Boyles stated his position on this option has not waivered and said the comments of the audience tonight seem to support that option by a two-to-one margin . Mrs . Ketchel commented the Board cannot please everyone . She said the good thing is there will be a beautiful new building in Crestview and that was the Board ' s intention . Mrs . Ketchel felt the new Courthouse should face the Veterans Memorial Park and said she supports Plan A. Mr . Goodwin stated since the issue was re-opened at the last meeting , he has been contacted by many people . He said Mr . Autrey presented an unbiased view on both options . Mr . Goodwin pointed out citizens are passionate on this issue and have expressed strong views on both sides . He acknowledged the comments on costs and delays but said he feels we are leaving many millions of dollars on the table . Mr . Goodwin said the contract was signed before the determination was made that the current Courthouse is a " sick building ." As Mr . Goodwin continued to speak about the contract and design of the building , Mr . Windes announced a point of order and stated these comments have nothing to do with the motion on the floor . June 20 , 2016 -11- Minute Book 74 , Page 275 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr . Goodwin contended the issues are tied and he will vote against the motion because he does not believe the process was vetted . The vote was taken on the motion to support Plan B-3 yeas , 2 nays . (Mrs . Ketchel and Mr . Goodwin voting no . ) RECESS - The meeting was recessed at 8 : 25 p . m. and reconvened at 8 : 35 p . m. Mr . Stewart stated he reviewed the video of the last meeting in order to be able to answer questions about the contract . He then explained the difference between a design - build contract and a design-bid - build contract . In design-build there is one contract which is for the vendor to not only design the building but to construct it . He said in the design - bid- build concept , there is a contract for the design , then you go to advertising for bids with a bid award and a second contract for construction of the facility . Mr . Stewart pointed out there are two separate procurement processes involved . He pointed out construction of a courthouse is a complex matter . Mr . Stewart stated the county has used the design-build approach previously , citing examples of the Arbennie Pritchett Water Reclamation Facility and the Shalimar Administration Building . He advised the design-build process is faster , does not require two separate procurement processes , and that is the reason the design- build concept was approved for construction of a new Courthouse . Mr . Stewart also noted use of the design-build process and use of the design-bid-build process are about equal in the state . Mr . Stewart stated it is important to note AJAX received the top evaluation and ranking in the competitive bid process . He explained the process of developing plans and stated we currently have 50 % plans . Mr . Stewart explained how the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is derived . Additionally , he advised there is a clause in the contract with AJAX which allows for termination with seven days - notice . The county would still owe the costs in the pre - construction phase (up to $210 , 000) and owe for design services ($1 , 853 , 707 less what has already been paid) . Mr . Stewart told the Board if it terminates the contract with AJAX , it will not have complete plans . He clarified that the architect owns the plans , not the county . Mr . Stewart also stated if the contract is terminated , the project would not come in at the estimated cost and would require it to be rebid and would subsequently extend the project time line by nine months to a year . He concluded his analysis by saying " It would be very expensive to get out of it .u June 20 , 2016 -12- Minute Book 74 , Page 276 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr . Boyles made motion , seconded by Mr . Harris , to stay the course . Mr . Goodwin stated his whole point in having this looked at was because of the way it was structured . He said he thinks the design might have gotten ahead of what the Board really wanted and does not believe the design-build process was the way to go . Mr. Goodwin noted that at this time the price for construction has yet to be determined and it is his understanding once the pre- construction services are completed , there will be negotiations on the construction costs . Mr . Stewart replied the design construction team will work with the designer on the GMP . He said the county may accept or reject the price . If the price is accepted , then we will move forward with the plans . Mr . Stewart stated that if the price is rejected , the county will not own the plans . 5 yeas . PUBLIC COMMENT Mrs . Coleman told the commissioners she is very proud of them and thanked them for their decision . She said Crestview will get a new Courthouse and renewed her desire for growth to come to the city . Mr . Boyles thanked Mr . Windes for the position he took , saying he knows his district is Destin and this may not be a top concern for the residents of his district . Mr . Windes responded that commissioners are elected at large and represent all the citizens of the county . ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board , the meeting was adjourned at 8 : 53 p . m. J . D. PEACOCK II CHARLES K. WINDES , JR ., CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward . ) June 20 , 2016 -13- Minute Book 74 , Page 27 7 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners