Okaloosa County BOCC — April 27, 2013 — Minutes — reading text

schools as SROs. Mr. Windes pointed out this has been discussed quite a bit including the various funding mechanisms but most of those would require amendment to the statutes. He added that he has learned one thing so far in his tenure as county commissioner and that is nothing happens very quickly on the commission. With regard to comments about taking action being hasty or a knee-jerk reaction, Mr. Windes simply stated he cannot be in that camp because the stakes are too high and he is prepared to make a motion. As Mr. Windes began to make a motion, Mr. Parisot asked him if he could wait to see if there are additional comments. Mr. Harris stated he also met with Under Sheriff Adams and Superintendent of Schools Jackson. He asked Sheriff Ashley if he went to the schools or did the schools come to him on this issue. Sheriff Ashley replied that he and the Superintendent met to discuss additional SROs two weeks before the shooting tragedy in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. After the incident, he and Superintendent Jackson met again to discuss school security. There were suggestions of the principals of schools disarming someone who presents a danger at the schools or the possibility of arming teachers, saying he does not believe that is the solution. Mr. Harris said he believes this is a knee-jerk reaction but if something happens, it is not knee jerk. He added he has learned there are a lot of things which go on in the schools he knew nothing about. Continuing, Mr. Harris said the budget is already established for this year and to continue to take money from Reserves will put us into a bind. He stated that in the past when the Sheriff has needed additional funds, he has come to the Board with a January 22, 2013 -6- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners budget amendment request. Sheriff Ashley replied it has been a long time since the Sheriff’s Office had to come to the Board to ask for a budget amendment. He stressed he may not get to a point where additional funds are required from the Board but he also does not want to “start down this road” and find out funding becomes a problem. Sheriff Ashley repeated this is a stop-gap measure. He said there are $300,000 in the Federal Equitable Sharing Fund and there is the commitment of funds from the School. Sheriff Ashley agreed this is a matter of backfilling positions. He stated a decision will have to be made on priorities and the question will be whether officers for traffic and parades are more important than putting deputies in the schools. Mr. Harris referred to an earlier comment that the crime rate had risen and asked if the reasons are because of increased population and more visitors/tourists to our area. Sheriff Ashley answered the reasons are an increase in population and a record number of tourists (25% increase in visitors). He stated economic crimes and domestic violence are “way up.” Mr. Harris said he has fielded questions from residents and will ask them: * Because most of the schools are within city boundaries, why aren’t cities asked to participate in the funding? * What about the use of off-duty officers? * What about the use of private security companies? Sheriff Ashley stated the school system has standardized policies and procedures countywide and questioned differences which could develop among cities. He said his office has not examined the use of off-duty officers or private security firms. Mr. Harris commented that when he ran for office five years ago, he ran on the issues of public safety and security, adding those issues are paramount. Mr. Boyles stated he does not have much to add but pointed out the Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer and the commissioners do not make the decisions on SROs in schools. That decision is made by the Sheriff. He felt the separation of powers to be appropriate. Mr. Boyles said the next budget season will require scrutiny. He stated that he tends to agree with the Sheriff on this issue but it is not his decision to make. Mr. Boyles added this is a safety issue and about making certain the Board provides a support network. January 22, 2013 -7- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Parisot reported that he attended the School Board meeting on January 14 and appeared as a private citizen and not a county commissioner. He read his prepared statement which included questions regarding the need to reinstate all 26 positions, the need for a Marine Patrol Unit, the need to replace some of the court security positions, possible reduction of management/ supervisory positions, what SROs do during summer months, and if an additional 26 vehicles be purchased. Mr. Parisot said he had requested a meeting with the Sheriff and a list of his priorities but received no reply on either request. He did, however, receive an email from Major Peacock outlining where the 26 positions came from. He concurred with Mr. Amunds’ suggestion of a working group and asked for that provision to be included in any motion dealing with financial issues. Sheriff Ashley said he believes the Marine/Beach Unit is needed. The boat used by this unit was purchased with a federal grant. It is used for drug interdiction and evidentiary issues connected with law enforcement and criminal activities. With regard to Court Security, he said more officers will be needed following renovation of the Shalimar Annex. Sheriff Ashley said if the citizens can deal with a 30-minute security check rather than 15 minutes, then the number of officers could be reduced. He answered that the cost for vehicles is included in the cost figures previously given. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Sheriff Ashley confirmed the costs for the 26 positions included vehicles. He cited Mr. Parisot’s reference to a crystal ball and said he does not have one either and it gets down to how many deputies do you think the Sheriff’s Office needs in this county. During the summer, SROs will be stationed in Summer School, on the beaches and in high crime areas. Mr. Parisot asked if this is more of a 2014 budget discussion than getting through 2013 to which the Sheriff replied, “Yes, sir.” He continued, saying his concern with this Board is for the Commission to help him find a way to fund SROs in the future with a sustainable resource. Sheriff Ashley said if it means doing away with 26 deputies on the road, then that is what he will do. Upon inquiry by Mr. Parisot about help from the Legislature, Sheriff Ashley said the Senate Committee has already met and he does not see the State taking money from its General Fund. He felt there could be changes in the Statutes which will allow use of certain revenue sources to fund SROs. Mr. Amunds said he wants to clarify the Board has no authority to tell the Sheriff how many deputies he can have, that is the January 22, 2013 -8- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Sheriff’s responsibility and not the BCC. He stated it is up to the Sheriff how to spend the money in his budget and the Board cannot tell him how to spend those funds. Mr. Amunds referred to the 26 positions and said the Sheriff works this every day and it is his call. Sheriff Ashley stated there is approximately $330,000 in the Federal Equitable Sharing Fund but he does not want to deplete it, saying that he wants to use a portion to purchase a prisoner transport bus and some property for parking. He said that he was told he didn’t have any skin in the game, pointing out he does because he had plans for use of that money. Mr. Amunds said he believes the general consensus is everyone is fine with the decision. Continuing, Sheriff Ashley stated more deputies are needed overall and it does matter what the Board thinks. He once again referred to a trust issue. The Sheriff said he was sincere when he came to the Board and told them this is what the community needs. Mr. Amunds posed questions on the $265,000 commitment, including how it would be disbursed. Sheriff Ashley stated Mr. Windes has a good idea about reconciling the need for the funds on a monthly basis. He stressed that he wants to put veteran officers in the school, not rookies. Sheriff Ashley repeated he does not believe he can backfill the 26 positions this year. He advised that he will backfill position on a priority basis and availability, noting the Street Crimes Unit is a priority for him. Upon inquiry by Mr. Harris, Mr. Stanford stated General Fund Reserves are about $3 Million currently. Mr. Curry said later in the meeting the Board will be asked to allocate $185,000 from Reserves for another issue (Public Works, settlement agreement with Dr. and Mrs. Paul Hsu). Mr. Amunds stated he would like to be on the working group. Mr. Harris said he intends no offense but Mr. Windes is the liaison and has done a great job on this issue already. Mr. Amunds replied that he has no problem with Mr. Windes being the Board’s representative and asked if Mr. Windes would provide the Board with regular updates on the working group’s progress. Mr. Parisot asked about the possibility of having the working group meetings among the Sheriff, School Superintendent, and Mr. Windes held publicly. Mr. Boyles commented that Mr. Windes is the liason and can represent the Board. He repeated the Board is not the law enforcement officer of the county. Mr. Boyles January 22, 2013 -9- Minute Book 68, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners stated that any commissioner is free to meet with the Sheriff at any time. Mr. Curry stated he enjoys simplicity and much ground has been covered today. He said he is hearing that the Sheriff has certain resources to support his management decision and it will take time for him to hire additional staff. Mr. Curry pointed out four months remain in the school year and this is really a FY 2014 issue. He stated the Sheriff is asking for a commitment to support the management decision he has made by augmenting his budget. With regard to the FY 2014 budget, Mr. Curry said the Board will have the Sheriff’s proposed budget by June 15 to analyze. Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, for the Board to fund up to $44,200 per month, beginning in January and subject to approval by the Board each month. Mr. Harris stated the Board must trust the Sheriff. Mr. Windes said this will be on a month-to-month basis and does not have to be approved every month. The Sheriff added that he may not have to come the first month for these funds. Mr. Windes amended his motion to state the funds ($44,200) will be considered upon request. Mr. Harris confirmed his second. Mr. Parisot requested an amendment to the motion for the $300,000 from the Federal Equitable Sharing Fund be used first. Mr. Harris remarked that he liked Mr. Windes’ motion as it is—up to $44,200 and as needed. Mr. Amunds said this is back to a trust issue. Mr. Windes restated his motion— to fund the Sheriff up to $44,200 per month upon request and on a month-to-month basis and subject to approval each month while other funding resources are explored. 5 yeas. PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ORDINANCE NO. 08-06, COUNTY RECREATION AREAS (9:00 A.M.) Mr. Stanford read the advertised legal notice for public hearing to consider amendments to the Recreation Areas Ordinance. This hearing was originally before the Board on December 18, 2012 and tabled to today time certain. (NOTE: This hearing actually began at 9:42 a.m.) Mr. John Hofstad, Public Works Director, stated the Growth Management Department, Code Enforcement, Beach Safety, Sheriff’s Office, Tourist Development Department, Parks Division, and County Attorney worked together for several months on the proposed