Okaloosa County BOCC — February 17, 2015 — BCC Minutes Jan 6 2015

January 6, 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 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 J. D. Peacock, II, Clerk of Circuit Court; John Hofstad, County Administrator; Greg Stewart, County Attorney; Gary Stanford, Finance Director, Clerk’s Office; and members of the media. PRESENTATION TO 2014 CHAIRMAN CHARLES K. WINDES, JR. Mr. Boyles asked Mr. Windes to join him at the front of the room. Mr. Windes was recognized for his service as Chairman of the Board for the year 2014 and presented with a plaque. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER’'S UPDATE Mrs. Kathy Newby, Public Information Officer, displayed the new county logo which recognizes Okaloosa County’s 100™™ birthday. She also read a poem she had written. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE Mr. Hofstad stated this item does not require Board action. He detailed how savings realized 1in replacing tankless water heaters at the jail were used to replace all sally port doors. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S UPDATE Mr. Stewart had nothing at this time. COMMISSIONER'S MINUTE Mr. Harris spoke about the active shooter incident in Fort Bliss, Texas and asked everyone to keep those people in their prayers. Mr. Goodwin stated he is interested in exploring the possibility of changing the meeting schedule to all morning meetings. He felt this change would be more efficient. (The current schedule alternates between Crestview and Fort Walton with one morning meeting and one evening meeting each month.) January 6, 2015 -1- Minute Book 72, Page 89 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Hofstad stated there are pros and cons for both concepts: all morning meetings versus alternate morning/evening meetings. He noted that for decades the Board held only morning meetings but that was changed at some point. The reason for the change was to give citizens who could not attend morning meetings a chance to come in the evening. With regard to department heads and other staff, Mr. Hofstad said he could have them present for morning meetings and available to answer questions. He said the current schedule was approved by past Boards because they believed it was the best option for citizens. Mr. Harris commented that he likes the schedule as it 1is, adding that he understands the rationale about having staff available. However, he said citizens like to get home, grab something quick to eat, and then come to a meeting. Mr. Harris stated he is not of a mind to change the schedule at this time. Mr. Windes said the Board had this discussion in mid-2014. He stated the input he received was about six of one and half-dozen of the other about the schedule. Mr. Windes said he believes the current plan is a good one. Mrs. Ketchel stated she has no comment on this. Mr. Boyles said the schedule can be cumbersome but he finds it very American making meetings as available as possible. He stated this process allows people to air their grievances and he would like to keep the schedule as it is. Returning to Commissioner’'s comments, Mrs. Ketchel wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year and said she has a good feeling about the coming year. Mr. Boyles thanked everyone who came out to the meeting, recognizing current and former elected officials in the audience. He announced the Governor has issued a proclamation declaring this week First Responder Week. Mr. Boyles advised that he has completed the liaison appointments and the list of appointments will be circulated through the Public Information Office. CLERK OF COURTS’' UPDATE Mr. Peacock stated that effective tomorrow he 1is re-designating the Internal Audit Department to Inspector General. That January 6, 2015 -2- Minute Book 72, Page 90 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners department will b