Okaloosa County BOCC — November 17, 2015 — Oct 6, 2015 regular meeting minutes

October 6, 2015 Regular Meeting The regular Tuesday meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 8:30 a.m. at the Okaloosa County Courthouse in Crestview. Members present were Nathan D. Boyles, Chairman; Charles K. Windes, Jr., Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Carolyn Ketchel; and Trey Goodwin. Also present were Gary J. Stanford, Finance Officer, Clerk’s Office; John Hofstad, County Administrator; and Greg Stewart, County Attorney. EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS Mr. Hofstad presented service awards to the following employees: Randy Overly--------—-=--- Five Years Lawrence McKeon---------- Ten Years Andrea Jockers-——————-———- Ten Years (not present) Daniel Dunlap------------ Fifteen Years Earl McKay-----------—-—-—-- Retirement PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER UPDATE Mrs. Kathy Newby, Public Information Officer, reported Okaloosa County is now the owner of the Seminole Community Center. She noted the center can be reserved for events by contacting the Public Works Department. Mrs. Newby introduced Max Cooper. Mr. Cooper’s ancestors moved to the Holt area in 1856 and he will share some of the history of the area. Mr. Cooper stated Holt is an unincorporated community in west central Okaloosa County, 12 miles west of Crestview on Highway 90. He said the first pioneers settled along the Yellow and Blackwater Rivers between 1830 and 1850. A timber business, Marks Mill, was set up along Canoe Creek. Aside from the saw mill, residents made a living by trapping, fishing, hunting and a small percentage by farming. In the latter part of the 1800s, more saw mills and grist mills were established. In 1860 David Holt built a cabin and set up a small store in the corner of the cabin. His cabin was also a stop on the stage route from Geneva, Alabama, to Milton, Florida. The community became known as Holt’s Station. October 6, 2015 -1- Minute Book 73, Page 224 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners In 1900 a 12-inch well was dug. Many residents moved closer to the well and the railroad. Mr. Cooper stated Holt became a thriving place and incorporated as a town in 1913 but it was considered too much trouble and unincorporated in 1914. He said the piloneers dug and hauled fat wood to the train where it was transported to Pensacola for the turpentine industry. In the 1920s land was cleared and pecan trees and blueberry bushes were planted, as well tung trees and satsuma groves, Mr. Cooper said fast-forwarding to more modern times, Holt is a bedroom community for those who work in Crestview or at Eglin Air Force Base. He stated the zip code for Holt is 32564, it has 190 miles of road for the postal routes and according to the last census has 2,881 residents. Mr. Cooper stated Holt has a volunteer fire department, public water system, telephone office, a state recreation area, two boat launches, two churches and an I-10 exit. He also stated Blackwater River is a canoce mecca. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE Mr. Hofstad stated after the tragic death of Deputy Bill Myers, all county facilities are being evaluated. He reported additional information on security measures for the new Shalimar Administration Building are being considered. COUNTY ATTORNEY’S UPDATE Mr. Stewart stated he has nothing. COMMISSIONER’S MINUTE Mr. Harris and Mr. Goodwin stated they have nothing. Mrs. Ketchel stated the Extension Office and the Choctawhatchee Bay Daughters of the American Revolution are working together to prepare a patriotic-themed flower garden at the Shalimar Administration Building. Mr. Windes commended the Sheriff’s Office on a job well done during the Destin Seafood Festival. Mr. Boyles stated it 1is important to note the importance of Deputy Myers’ service to this county and all law enforcement officers. CLERK OF COURTS UDPATE Mr. Stanford stated he has nothing. October 6, 2015 -2~ Minute Book 73, Page 225 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. George Omley, representing Fore