Okaloosa County BOCC — February 16, 2016 — Dec. 15, 2015 minutes

December 15, 2015 Regular Meeting The regular Tuesday meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building in Shalimar. Members present were Nathan D. Boyles, Chairman; Charles K. Windes, Jr., Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Carolyn Ketchel; and Trey Goodwin. Also present were J. D. Peacock II, Clerk of Circuit Court; Gary J. Stanford, Finance Officer, Clerk’s Office; John Hofstad, County Administrator; and Greg Stewart, County Attorney. EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARD - RETIREMENT OF CHIEF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PAUL LAWSON Mr. Hofstad asked Paul Lawson, Chief Correctional Officer, to join him at the front of the room. Chief Lawson was recognized for 34 years of service. At the time of his retirement he was serving as Dboth the Chief Correctional Officer and Interim Public Safety Director. CONSENT AGENDA ITEM #8 - AWARDING PAUL LAWSON HIS SERVICE HANDGUN UPON HIS RETIREMENT Mr. Boyles requested Item #8 be considered at this time. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Goodwin, to award Mr. Lawson his service weapon—Glock 27, Serial #ZAS698—upon his retirement. 5 yeas. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE Mr. Hofstad stated he was appointed as County Administrator about one year ago. He took a few moments to recap what has been done in the past vyear. COUNTY ATTORNEY’S UPDATE Mr. Stewart stated he originally anticipated a public hearing tonight for Project Veteran’s Pride; however, he said that hearing will be scheduled for the first meeting in January. COMMISSIONER’S MINUTE Mrs. Ketchel wished everyone a “Merry Christmas.” December 15, 2015 -1- Minute Book 74, Page 54 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Harris also wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year.” Mr. Goodwin had nothing. Mr. Windes congratulated Mr. Lawson on his retirement and said this would be a better place if we had more employees like him. He congratulated Mr. Boyles on a job well done as Chairman. Mr. Boyles stated this is his last meeting as Chairman. He said he had the opportunity to go to Eglin Air Force Base with Mr. Hofstad and Public Information Officer Kathy Newby for the renewal of the Community Covenant. Mr. Boyles thanked his fellow commissioners for the privilege of serving as Chairman. He briefly reported on the progress made by the Board in 2015. Mr. Boyles stated he would 1like staff to 1look at the administrative structure. He explained that Dbecause ©of increasing needs, additional staff support 1is needed. Mr. Boyles noted there are two Administrative Assistants in the South Commissioners Office and only one in North County. He said a consideration is to fund or partially fund the position held by Rick Owen (Administrative Manager and RESTORE Act Coordinator) with RESTORE monies which would free up General Fund dollars for administrative support. Mr. Boyles stated he will leave those thoughts with staff. CLERK OF COURTS UPDATE Mr. Peacock echoed Mr. Windes’ well wishes on Mr. Lawson’s retirement. He said “We have done some good work this year” and referred to the teamwork of Clerk and County staffs. Mr. Boyles responded that it is impressive to see the relationship between the Clerk’s and Board’s staffs. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Carol Burnich, Chairman of the Parks Advisory Committee, came forward to speak on behalf of the committee to voice support for the conceptual design of Veterans Park. Mrs. Rebecca Sherry, Okaloosa Island, referred to the public hearing which has been tabled to January 5, 2016, to consider changes to the Code Enforcement Ordinance. She once again shared a story of a Navy veteran from New York whose home was destroyed because of an extended visit to Florida while December 15, 2015 -2- Minute Book 74, Page 55 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners recovering from surgery. Mrs. Sherry expressed her concern that the government does not have to inform citizens before taking down their homes. She said she do