Nov 5, 2013.pdf

FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX NOVEMBER 5, 2013 9:00 AM AGENDA
The Board of County Commissioners asks that all cell phones are turned off or placed on silent (vibrate) mode. If you would like to comment on any matter, when recognized by the Chairman, state your name, sign the speaker log, and please adhere to the 3 minute time limit. If you plan on distributing any handouts (information) to the Commission, please provide a copy to the Clerk for the official records.

9:00 A.M.

Call to Order Prayer and Pledge Approval of the Minutes Payment of County Bills Department Supervisor Report Howard Nabors – Superintendent of Public Works Fonda Davis – Solid Waste Director Nikki Millender- Parks & Recreation Pam Brownell- Emergency Management Director Mr. David Walker- State Health Department Update Mr. Ray Brownsworth- Weems CEO Dr. Pete Vergot- IFAS Update Marcia Johnson- Clerk of Courts Alan Pierce- Director of Administrative Service T. Michael Shuler- County Attorney Report Commissioners’ & Public Comments Adjourn

9:15 A.M.

9:45 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 10:15 A.M. 10:30 A.M. 10:45 A.M. 11:00 A.M. 11:15 A.M. 11:30 A.M.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX OCTOBER 1, 2013 9:00 AM MINUTES

Commissioner’s Present: Cheryl Sanders – Chairman, William Massey – Vice Chairman, Pinki Jackel, Noah Lockley, and Joseph Parrish

Staff Present: Alan Pierce – Director of Administrative Services, Michael Shuler – County Attorney, Michael Morón – Deputy Clerk/Board Secretary

Call to Order (9:02 AM) Chairman Sanders called the Meeting to order.

Prayer and Pledge (9:02 AM) There was a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of the Minutes (9:03 AM) Motion by Massey, seconded by Lockley, to approve the Minutes of the September 3, 2013 and September 17, 2013 regular meetings; Motion carried 5-0.

Payment of County Bills (9:05 AM) Motion by Lockley, seconded by Massey, to approve the payment of the County’s Bills as presented; Motion carried 5-0.

Rhonda Skipper – Property Appraiser (9:05 AM) Mrs. Skipper, on behalf of the Tax Collector’s Office, requested an extension of the Tax Roll and explained the need for the extension.

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Motion by Lockley, seconded by Massey, to allow for an extension of the Tax Roll; Motion carried 5-0.

Kevin Newell and Dixie Debs Present State Trophy (9:06 AM) Nikki Millender, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated all that the Dixie Debs softball team was able to accomplish this season and that this is the second year the team has been given the title of Florida Dixie State Champs. Coaches Kevin Newell and Matt Kelley presented the awards to the Debs and gave some highlights of some of their additional accomplishments and experiences at the World Series this year. Coach Newell spoke of how proud he is of the team being presented with the Sportsmanship Award. They presented the trophies to the Board and gave the team members their medallions. Chairman Sanders and the Board members congratulated the coaches and players on their accomplishments and how well they represent Franklin County.

Franklin County High School – Road Closure for Homecoming Parade Mr. Austin Carter, Ms. Samantha Marxsen, and Ms. Cynthia Duncan, all members of the Student Government at Franklin County High School, asked for Board action to close a certain portion of Highway 98, as has been done previously, for the Homecoming Parade on October 11, 2013. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to authorize the regular route closure of Highway 98 for the Franklin County School’s Homecoming Parade on October 11, 2013; Motion carried 5 0.

Department Supervisor Report Howard Nabors – Superintendent of Public Works (9:15 AM) Mr. Nabors had no items for Board action. Commissioner Jackel and Mr. Nabors discussed the status of hiring for vacant positions at the Road Department.

Fonda Davis – Solid Waste Director (9:17 AM) Mr. Davis had no items for Board action. The Board and Mr. Davis discussed flooding problems at the Landfill.

Nikki Millender- Parks & Recreation (9:18 AM) Mrs. Millender had no items for Board action.

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Pam Brownell- Emergency Management Director (9:18 AM) Mrs. Brownell requested approval of the ranking of the Debris Monitoring Firms. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to approve ranking of the Debris Monitoring Firms as recommended by Mrs. Brownell; Motion carried 5-0. Mrs. Brownell updated the Board on active storm systems.

Bill Mahan – County Extension Director (9:20 AM) Mr. Mahan had no action items but presented the following item from his report. Franklin - UF IFAS Updates Seafood Workers Association Meeting – I attended the Seafood Workers Association Meeting on September 9th at the Eastpoint Fire Station. There was a packed house to discuss the Bay. The Board, Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Mahan discussed this matter further.

Ray Brownsworth- Weem’s CEO- Hospital Update (9:21 AM) Mr. Brownsworth asked for Board action to approve signing the Information Technology Service contract. Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to authorize the Chairman’s signature on the Information Service contract as recommended by Mr. Brownsworth; Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Brownsworth discussed items from his report, which was not submitted in writing to the Board. Mr. Brownsworth stated that the Hospital has received a $4000 FLEX Program grant and has engaged Hometown Health. He stated that this company has been recommended to assist rural hospitals with turning around their financial and operational programs. The Board and Mr. Brownsworth discussed the Hospital’s decision to engage a contractor that will provide CFO services. The contractor’s credentials, length of time, and the services that will be provided were all discussed. Commissioner Jackel expressed concerns with the financial situation at the Hospital. Mr. Brownsworth commented on the Hospital’s financial state. Chairman Sanders stated that there has to be a better financial situation at the Hospital in order for the Board to proceed with building a new facility as was promised to the voters of Franklin County when they enacted the health care surtax. Commissioner Jackel stated that she is in favor of building a new facility but that facility will have to meet the needs of the people and at the same time be affordable. She preferred more testing equipment rather than a facility with 25 beds.

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Mr. Brownsworth responded to the Board’s comments and concerns. Commissioner Jackel suggested a workshop with the Hospital Board and the Commission to discuss some of these issues. Chairman Sanders expressed her concerns with the sales tax funds not being used for building a new facility. Commissioner Parrish commented on the need for the Hospital to become more financially sustainable and for the County to move forward with creating revenue streams and putting the Hospital in a better financial situation. The Board provided additional comments. Commissioner Lockley suggested looking for CFO candidates that would be willing to be employed at salaries lower than was discussed this morning. Chairman Sanders asked that a letter of appreciation be sent to Tammi Hardy for her service on the Hospital board. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Parrish, to authorize contractor to provide CFO services and to send a letter of appreciation to Tammi Hardy for years of service; Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Massey asked about the status of Hospital employees. Mr. Pierce explained that hospital employees are not County employees.

Deborah Roumelis- CDBG Update (9:52 AM) Ms. Roumelis distributed a handout and informed the Board of the amounts and deadlines of the upcoming CDBG grants. She also discussed eligibility criteria to receive funding. Commissioner Jackel and Ms. Roumelis discussed what areas in the County are available for CDBG funding. Commissioner Lockley and Ms. Roumelis discussed what was available for his district, especially since it was mostly within the city limits of the City of Apalachicola.

Public Hearing- “Leave No Trace” Ordinance (10:02 AM) Attorney Shuler presented and discussed the proposed “Leave No Trace” Ordinance. He stated that this simply means that no items can be left on the beach from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM, in order to protect sea turtles but also to enhance the appearance of the County’s beaches. Chairman Sanders opened the floor for public comments. Bruce Drye, of St. George Island, who has been monitoring sea turtles for many years, stated the importance of removing items from the Beach overnight. Rose Drye, of St. George Island, who is a realtor, a resident, and a volunteer with monitoring sea turtles, spoke in favor of the Ordinance. She discussed some of the ways that clutter on the beach negatively affects the turtles and the appearance of the beach from a tourist’s point of view.

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Liz Sisung, of Eastpoint, asked about the cost to have someone collecting all of the leftover items on the beach. Attorney Shuler stated that there will be some costs incurred due to staff time and equipment used to patrol the beaches. Attorney Shuler asked for Board direction on creating fines or penalties for the owners of the leftover items. He stated that it would be difficult and labor intensive to track offenders in order to give them a citation. Commissioner Parrish commented and agreed that it would be too hard to enforce any criminal penalties and fines. Nikki Millender, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that her employees are already on the beaches cleaning so it shouldn’t be any additional cost to the County. Mr. Pierce stated that the problem is that the collection should be done during the evening hours at sunset. Mrs. Millender stated that she planned to have employees working later in the evening during the summer hours next year. She stated that she supported this Ordinance because it would help her department. Bruce Drye stated some of the items that affect the sea turtles and said sometimes the owner’s names are on the items that are left behind overnight. Commissioner Jackel thinks that the Ordinance can be a good for both the sea turtles and the folks who use the beaches. She discussed items within the Ordinance that could use some tweaking and stated some of the language changes she would like to see made to it. She agreed that St. George Island beach has become ‘junkier’ but would like a better balance between the environment and conveniences of beach goers. She stated that she was opposed to ATVs on the beaches to retrieve items. Commissioner Jackel and Mr. Pierce discussed if funding from the Turtle Grant can be used to assist with paying personnel who will be collecting these items. Commissioner Lockley and Mr. Pierce discussed the determination of private property lines versus public property lines. Attorney Shuler explained that the proposed Ordinance includes private and public beach properties. The Board members expressed concerns of regulating private property. Commissioner Parrish expressed his concerns of allowing vehicles on the beach to patrol and enforce this Ordinance. Commissioner Lockley was not in favor of penalizing businesses over this Ordinance. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to table this item until Attorney Shuler can rewrite this Ordinance to address concerns raised today; Motion carried 5-0.

Recess (10:36 AM) Chairman Sanders called for a recess.

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Reconvene (10:45 AM) Chairman Sanders reconvened the Meeting.

Open Bids – Re-Bid – Randall Terry’s “Airport Hangar” (10:45 AM) Mr. Pierce stated that there was one bidder who was slightly late and asked for Board action to waive the restriction. Motion by Lockley, seconded by Massey to waive time restriction for one bid that was 5 minutes late; Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Pierce opened and read bid amounts. Advon, Tallahassee, FL - Base Bid - $399,940 Poloronis Construction, Apalachicola, FL - Base Bid - $375,875 Shumaker, Panama City, FL - Base Bid - $427,592 Ram Construction, Midway, FL - Base Bid - $348,380 The Board, Mr. Pierce, and Randall Terry discussed this situation further, as there is only $150,000 to do the renovations. Mr. Terry didn’t believe the renovations should cost as much as the proposed bids. Attorney Shuler discussed the option of having a ‘construction manager at risk’ to complete the project. The Board discussed the problem of DOT requirements for this project and also the possibilities of seeking other funding. Commissioner Jackel discussed moving the EOC into one of the finished spaces at the Airport. Commissioner Parrish asked about the elevation issues at the Airport. The Board discussed this matter further and considered other possibilities. Ted Mosteller, Airport Manager, provided additional information on this matter. Mr. Terry discussed his current working situation and stated that he is willing to move to the location that was recently vacated by Dan Garlick. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Parrish, to lease hangar space Dan Garlick vacated for $1,200 per month for 6 months and during this time the County will try and complete the original hangar that Mr. Terry needs; Motion carried 5-0. The Board, Mr. Pierce, and Ted Mosteller discussed the next course of action with the bids. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Parrish, to table any action on the bids until Mr. Pierce returns with a recommendation; Motion carried 5-0.

Deborah Roumelis – CDBG Update – Continued (11:02 AM)

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Ms. Roumelis stated that she would look into possible funding for the Airport hangar project that was just discussed. Ms. Roumelis continued her discussion about CDBG possibly funding projects in several areas of the County. She discussed a complaint with sewer at Lanark village. She stated that she has a call in to Carrabelle Water and Sewer but hasn’t heard back from them yet. Commissioner Parrish asked that Ms. Roumelis look at the City of Apalachicola providing fire hydrants at the Southland area as a possible project. Ms. Roumelis discussed a water and/or sewer project for a RV park in Eastpoint. Commissioner Jackel and Ms. Roumelis discussed how many projects can be funded and open at a time. Chairman Sanders asked that a sidewalk project in Lanark Village be considered. Ms. Roumelis stated that sidewalks are at the bottom of list for funding.

Luther Hatfield – Seafood Workers Association (11:11 AM) Mr. Hatfield, of Franklin County Seafood Workers Association, asked the Board to support the actions of the SWA that were voted on at a meeting last night. He stated that when East Hole and Cat Point close they want to close the Miles at the same time to prevent all of the boats from going that way. He also asked for Board support to start an oyster hatchery and wanted results of a core sample on the Bay. Chairman Sanders further explained some of the items voted on last night at the SWA meeting. Commissioner Massey also provided some additional information on these requests. The Board and Mr. Hatfield discussed possible locations for an oyster hatchery. Commissioner Lockley asked that funding information be provided before considering any action. Joe Taylor, of Franklin’s Promise Coalition, provided some additional information on possible funding from the Gulf Coast Marine Life Institute. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to direct staff to research these items further and provide additional information and suggestions at the next Meeting; Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Pierce provided some information on core sampling in the Bay. Chairman Sanders stated that the seafood workers should be the ones providing target information for the core sampling.

Marcia Johnson – Clerk of Courts (11:21 AM) Mrs. Johnson was not in attendance and had no report for the Board.

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Alan Pierce – Director of Administrative Services (11:21 AM) Mr. Pierce presented his report to the Board. 1- Inform Board that Senator Nelson has filed legislation delaying the implementation of the new Flood Insurance premiums that will cause exorbitant increases in some flood insurance policies. The National Association of Counties has reported that some communities in the country are fearful of increases in flood insurance premiums as high as 3000 percent. Chairman Sanders commented on this item. 2- Inform that Rep. Southerland did introduce legislation, and it was passed in the House Transportation Committee, to urge the states of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida to reach an agreement on water use. 3- Inform the Board that on Sept. 23 I attended the Riparian County Stakeholder meeting in Blountstown on behalf of the county. The main issue was a discussion the $500K the legislature allocated to the NWFWMD for a study of water needs in the Bay. The Stakeholders have requested $150K of those funds to go with a water analysis that is currently underway. (All of counties, including Franklin, have requested the District allocate $150K to the existing water analysis.) The NWFWMD has not acted on the request, and apparently has not spent any of the $500K on anything else. There was concern expressed by Dan Tonsmeire, RiverKeeper, that if the District does their own water assessment that the results of that assessment might become confidential as it might be used in the litigation that Governor Scott has announced against Georgia. There is also the concern that some or all of the $500K would be used to pay for the litigation. 4- Inform the Board that I met with representatives of MediaCom to understand changes that will be affecting residents in Franklin County who are MediaCom customers. As the Board is aware, the state of Florida removed all licensing and franchising from county control, but you county commissioners still get phone calls from constituents when there are problems with TV reception in the county. In the case of MediaCom, they are changing their system which will affect about 20% of their customers. The customers who have flat screen TVs or newer TVs will not be affected, but those customers with old style TVs will need to contact MediaCom to get a box that will allow the old TV to convert to a new digital format MediaCom is installing. MediaCom is sending out letters to their customers. 5- Inform the Board that I went to the 2nd round of meetings organized by The Nature Conservancy on Sept. 26 to discuss the development of projects along watershed/drainage basin boundaries. The TNC is attempting to find common themes among all of the river basins in NW Florida in the expectation that projects can be developed that will be competitive for the BP funds when they become available. Land acquisition as a method for protecting watersheds was not discussed. There will be a 3rd round of meetings.

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6- Inform Board that the draft rules on the RESTORE Act from the US Treasury are out for public review. My initial assessment is that draft rules make access to future BP money harder rather than easier. Some of the highlights of the draft rules are: *No date has been established when the final rules will be issued. *No allowance for reimbursement for planning or administrative activities prior to an executed grant agreement and there can’t be an executed agreement until there are final rules. *Any project must be permitted by the appropriate federal or state agency before it can commence yet there will be no funds to pay for obtaining state or federal permits until after there is an executed agreement. *Requires all counties to submit a multi-year plan and enter into a grant agreement with US Treasury but that can’t be done until there are final rules, as US Treasury still has to decide if it is going to prescribe a standard format for plan submission. The Board commented on this item. 7- Inform I participated in a teleconference on Sept. 27 hosted by FAC and the Consortium to discuss the draft Treasury rules. The Consortium has its own set of concerns and they center on whether the Consortium can stand in the place of the State of Florida in development of the State Expenditure Plan. The Consortium has been acting as if it has that role but the draft rules do not definitively identify the Consortium as being responsible. The draft rules also do not allow for allowing advance payment to the Consortium for the cost of developing the Plan. 8- Inform the Board that at the last meeting, Mr. George Floyd requested the Board adopt a Resolution supporting the efforts of the USACOE to remove “snags” from the navigational channel of the Apalachicola River. Mr. Floyd was going to provide me with a draft Resolution. I have not received the draft Resolution so at this time the Board file does not contain a signed Resolution on this matter. Mr. Floyd updated the Board on this matter, and will present the Board with an updated Resolution. 9- Commissioner Parrish asked me to investigate the source of some late night aviation activities around the Apalachicola airport. During the week of Sept. 16- 19, there were low level aircraft flying as last as 3 AM around the airport. I made some phone calls and determined that the flights were coming from Hurlburt Field, which is a military field near Pensacola. I have spoken to the information officer at Hurlburt Field and she agreed military traffic from their airport was over here on those days. In their flight instructions they require aircraft to be on base by 2 AM Central, which is 3 AM Eastern. I have spoken to Commissioner Parrish and he believes that military flights should end around the Apalachicola airport at midnight. I have advised the information officer of the Commissioner’s request and she asked that I put that it writing from the Board. Board direction. Commissioner Parrish provided additional information on this matter.

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Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to authorize staff to write a letter to Hurlburt Field objecting to late night, low level military flights around the Apalachicola Airport; 5-0. 10- Board action to approve 2 CEI contract: A) Carrabelle Beach Mulit-Use CEI with Alday-Howell Engineering. DOT approves the contract. B) Bluff Road Widening with Preble-Rish Engineers. DOT approves the contract. Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to approve CEI contracts for the Carrabelle Multi-Use CEI and the Bluff Road widening project; Motion carried 5-0. 11- Board direction on a request for a road cut from Eastpoint Sewer to make a connection on State St. in Eastpoint. State St. is a cul-de-sac off Shuler St. and the existing vacuum line is under the asphalt. The District says they will adhere to road compaction standards on making the patch. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to approve road cut to make a connection on State St. in Eastpoint, with the restriction that all patches are done to FDOT standards; Motion carried 5-0. 12- Airport Update- the Board is opening bids on construction improvements on a hanger that Mr. Randall Terry has leased. Mr. Terry is very interested in getting a permanent location for his business so depending on the outcome of the bids, Mr. Terry requests the Board’s consideration: A) Since he cannot stay in the hanger he has leased during construction, Mr. Terry would lease Dan Garlick’s hanger and office for $1200/month during the time his hanger is under construction. B) If the bids are such that construction would be delayed again, Mr. Terry would like to lease Dan Garlick’s hanger and office on a permanent basis for $1000/month. Mr. Terry would essentially transfer his 20 year lease to Dan Garlick’s building and let the county have the other hanger back for whatever uses can be made of it. This item was discussed earlier during the meeting. Commissioner Jackel asked Mr. Pierce to check on the cost of adding a regular light at the Eastpoint boat ramp. Commissioner Jackel stated that Peggy Miller thanked Chairman Sanders and Attorney Shuler for their efforts with Waste Pro.

T. Michael Shuler – County Attorney Report (11:37 AM) Attorney Shuler informed the Board that Capital City filed an Administrative Challenge to the permit issued by DEP to do repairs and renovations to the area east of South Shoal.

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Attorney Shuler updated the Board on the cost of the Ell’s Court property, which is currently owned by Capital City, and he suggested that the Board gets its own appraisal of the property. Chairman Sanders stated that she would like this property purchased by the Florida Communities Trust. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Parrish, to authorize an appraisal on the Ell’s Court property, if funding is found for the purchase of the property; Motion carried 5-0. Attorney Shuler stated that he has a list of comments from County Attorneys regarding the draft rules and treasury matter. Chairman Sanders and Attorney Shuler discussed the public records request regarding Tate’s Hell. Chairman Sanders stated that if there are no objections she would represent the Board on upcoming hearings regarding this matter.

Commissioners’ & Public Comments (11:44 AM) Chairman Sanders reminded the Board of the afternoon sessions. There were no public comments from the floor.

Recess (11:44 AM) Chairman Sanders recessed the meeting until the afternoon sessions.

Reconvene (1:19 PM) Chairman Sanders reconvened the meeting and stated that the Board will now address the Bid Protest item on the agenda.

Bid Protest Hearing (1:19 PM) Attorney Shuler explained that this Bid Protest was filed by Anderson Columbia for the Bluff Road re-paving project. He stated that Attorney Megan Warren is representing Anderson Columbia and Attorney Brian Newman is representing C. W. Roberts. Attorney Shuler explained the process that would be followed for the hearing today. Attorney Warren introduced herself to the Board, made an opening statement and presented a timeline of the events that happened leading up to the bid protest. Attorney Newman introduced himself and presented some facts that differed with the timeline and events presented by Attorney Warren.

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Attorney Warren called Mr. Kevin Wall of Anderson Columbia as a witness. Mr. Wall was questioned by Attorney Warren and then by Attorney Newman of C. W. Roberts. Attorney Newman called Jonathan Paramore of C W Roberts as a witness. Mr. Paramore was questioned by Attorney Newman and Attorney Warren of Anderson Columbia. Commissioner Parrish also questioned Mr. Paramore about dates and timeline regarding the bid. Attorney Shuler called Amber Iverson of Jacob’s Engineering as a witness. Ms. Iverson was questioned by, Attorneys Shuler, Warren, and Newman. Commissioner Massey questioned Ms. Iverson regarding the timeline as to when the addendum was added to the bid packages. Commissioner Lockley asked Ms. Iverson to verify that the addendum was added to each of the bid packets, with the exception of C W Roberts who had already picked up their bid packet, which she did. Commissioner Jackel and Ms. Iverson discussed the error, which was the incorrect number of days for the project that was in the original bid. Attorney Warren presented her closing remarks. Commissioner Lockley asked if there was communication between AndersonColumbia employees regarding changing the bid amount once they realized there was an addendum. Mr. Paramore explained that he received notification on the addendum while his staff member was already in Apalachicola getting ready to deliver their sealed bid packet. Attorney Newman presented his closing remarks. Chairman Sanders asked Mr. Pierce for a copy of the original advertisement. Commissioner Jackel also wanted a copy of the ad and asked if there was a re-advertisement of the project. Mr. Pierce stated that the project was not re-advertised with the correct project time. Attorney Shuler commented on the situation. Attorney Newman stated what he felt is the purpose of the advertising the project. Attorney Shuler explained the process that the Board should follow and what facts should be considered with making a decision on this matter. Attorney Shuler, based on the facts presented recommended that the Board reject the bid protest and award the bid to C. W. Roberts. Commissioners Parrish and Lockley discussed the extra funding provided by FDOT for this project and other issues not raised during the hearing.

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Motion by Lockley, seconded by Parrish, to reject the bid protest and proceed with awarding the bid to C. W. Roberts as recommended by Attorney Shuler; Motion carried 5-0.

Recess (2:25 PM) Chairman Sanders recessed the meeting.

Reconvene (2:33 PM) Chairman Sanders reconvened the meeting.

Lucy Turner – Job Classification and Salary Range Evaluation (2:33 PM) Attorney Lucy Turner updated the Board on Leonard Brannen, an employee at the Road department who has been on workman’s compensation. She recommended that the Board take no action at this time until workman’s comp makes a final decision regarding Mr. Brannen’s case. Attorney Turner distributed and then discussed the proposed wage classification plan. The Board and Turner discussed some of the items and recommendations in the plan in detail and how it would affect certain County employees. Board discussed the plan further and was in favor of Attorney Turner’s recommendation for base salaries and salary increases versus the current method of across the board salary increases. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, directing Attorney Turner to create job evaluation forms, to move forward with completing the job classification plan that was discussed today, and when completed present it to the Board at a future meeting; Motion carried 5-0. Mrs. Millender, Parks and Recreation Director, asked if the Board had made any final decisions regarding the salary increase that she requested earlier during the year and the transfer request that is pending for an in employee in her department that wants to move to the Road Department. Mrs. Griffith of the Finance Department stated that the employee requesting the transfer wanted to keep his current salary. The Board, Attorney Turner, and Mr. Nabors the Road Department Superintendent discussed the transfer matter further. Motion by Lockley, seconded by Parrish, approve transfer of Leon O’Neal to the Road Department with his current salary from Parks and Recreation; 5-0.

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Board discussed decided that until Attorney Turner completes the job classification and salary plan a decision cannot be made on any salary increases. Board informed Mrs. Brownell the Emergency Management Director that they will make a decision on the starting salary for the vacant position in her department in two weeks.

Adjourn (3:39 PM) There being no further business, Chairman Sanders adjourned the meeting.

____________________________ Cheryl Sanders, Chairman – FCBCC Attest: _____________________________ Marcia M. Johnson, Clerk of Courts

FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX OCTOBER 15, 2013 9:00 AM MINUTES

Commissioner’s Present: Cheryl Sanders – Chairman, William Massey – Vice Chairman, Pinki Jackel, Noah Lockley, and Joseph Parrish

Staff Present: Marcia Johnson – Clerk of Court, Alan Pierce – Director of Administrative Services, Michael Shuler – County Attorney, Michael Morón – Deputy Clerk/Board Secretary

Call to Order (9:01 AM) Chairman Sanders called the Meeting to order.

Prayer and Pledge (9:01 AM) There was a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes (9:02 AM) There were no Minutes submitted for approval.

Payment of County Bills (9:02 AM) Motion by Lockley, seconded by Massey, to approve the payment of the County’s Bills as presented; Motion carried 5-0.

Department Supervisors Report Howard Nabors – Superintendent of Public Works (9:03 AM) Mr. Nabors stated that Road Department is behind on regular projects due to the transportation of milled asphalt. He updated the Board on interviews for the vacant positions in his Department. The Board and Mr. Pierce discussed this matter further.

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Fonda Davis – Solid Waste Director (9:05 AM) Mr. Davis had no items requiring Board action. Mr. Pierce discussed a small paving project needed at the Landfill. The Board discussed and decided that they would like to put together a more comprehensive paving package before advertising for bids.

Nikki Millender – Parks & Recreation (9:07 AM) Mrs. Millender asked for Board action to advertise publicly for a vacant position in the Parks and Recreation Department. Motion by Massey, seconded by Jackel, to approve public advertising for a vacant position in the Parks and Recreation; Motion carried 5-0.

Pam Brownell – Emergency Management (9:08 AM) Mrs. Brownell presented her report to the Board. Mrs. Brownell asked for Board action to advertise for the vacant position in her department based on the language in Attorney Turner’s recommendation. Commissioner Lockley requested a copy of the job description and discussed the requirements with Mrs. Brownell. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to approve for competitive advertising for the EOC Coordinator position; Motion carried 5-0.

Action Items: None Information Items: 1. Working on solving Drainage Mitigation Issues. 2. I will be attending the Local Emergency Preparedness Council meeting in Tallahassee on October 16th, 2013 3. Working on putting together the Debris Monitoring Contracts. 4. Still working with county attorney on Nuisance and Abatement Ordinance.

Bill Mahan – County Extension Director (9:11 AM) Mr. Mahan had no items requiring Board action but discussed items from his report.

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Planning & Zoning Consent Agenda (9:13 AM) Mr. Pierce presented items from the Planning & Zoning Consent Agenda. CRITICAL SHORELINE REVIEW: 1-RECOMMENDED APPROVAL (Unanimous) Consideration of a request to construct a Single Family Private Dock at 1373 East Gulf Beach Drive, Lot 7, Tract 4, East End, St. George Island, Franklin County, Florida. The Dock will be 390’ X 4’ with a 20’ X 6’ Terminal Platform and (2) 20’ X 11’ Boatlifts. This application has State and Federal Permits and meets all county requirements. Request submitted by Garlick Environmental Associates, Inc, agent for Martin and Cynthia Falb, applicant. (Proposed House on Site Plan)

2-RECOMMENDED APPROVAL (Unanimous) Consideration of a request to construct a Single Family Private Pier at 1635 Forsythia Trail, Lot 9, Sandpiper Village, St. George Island, Franklin County, Florida. The Pier will be 261’ X 4’ with a 26’ X 6’ Terminal Platform. This application has State and Federal Permits and meets all county requirements. Request submitted by Garlick Environmental Agency, Inc., agent for Joseph S. Emert, Applicant. (Proposed House on Site Plan) Motion by Massey, seconded by Jackel, to approve a request to construct a Single Family Private Dock at 1373 East Gulf Beach Drive on St. George Island and a request to construct a Single Family Private Pier at 1635 Forsythia Trail, Lot 9, Sandpiper Village, St. George Island; Motion carried 5-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS: 3-RECOMMENDED APPROVAL (Unanimous- Member Riegelmayer abstained from vote and discussion) Consideration of a request for Special Exception in the C-4 Commercial Mixed Use District to construct a 600,000 gallon ground storage tank, new pump station, and a chlorine building and related water system improvements and appurtenances on Lots 12-19, Block 3, Unit 1 West, St. George Island, Franklin County, Florida. Request submitted by Gene Brown, agent for the Water Management Services, Inc., applicant. Motion by Massey, seconded by Lockley, to approve request for Special Exception in the C-4 Commercial Mixed Use District to construct a 600,000 gallon ground storage tank, new pump station, and a chlorine building and related water system improvements and appurtenances on Lots 12-19, Block 3, Unit 1 West, St. George Island; Motion carried 5-0.

Marcia M. Johnson- Clerk of Courts- Report (9:16 AM) Mrs. Johnson presented her report to the Board.

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1-For information, I just wanted to make you aware my office received the Certification of Final Taxable Value from the Property Appraiser’s office, and there was a decrease of .16% in value from the value provided us to prepare the budget. As a result, at the millage rate you adopted, we’ll collect less ad valorem, and that difference is $16,723. 2-For information, below is the list of my office’s holiday schedule for 2014: New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Martin Luther King’s BD Monday, January 20, 2014 Good Friday Friday, April 18, 2014 Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2014 Independence Day Friday, July 4, 2014 Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2014 Veteran’s Day Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27, 2014 Friday After Thanksgiving Friday, November 28, 2014 Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2014 Day After Christmas Friday, December 26, 2014 3-I have some resolutions for adoption on unanticipated revenues as part of the end-of-the-year bookkeeping. This involves funds that weren’t included in your initial budget last year because we didn’t know at the time they would be received. The resolutions need to be adopted in order for the money to be appropriated and expended for the purposes it was received to comply with Florida Statute 129. The first resolution deals with $43,820 received from the FL Dept of Transportation in grant funds for the payment of expenses relative to the construction of the Alligator Drive Multi-Use Path. We put the funds in the General Fund into account 001.20.572.6301, Alligator Drive Multi-Use Path. The second resolution deals with $242,000 received from the FL Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Energy, in grant funds for the payment of expenses relative to the installation of energy efficient lighting at Vrooman Park. We put the funds in the General Fund into account 001.20.572.6303, Upgrades to Vrooman Park. The third resolution deals with $72,331 received from the Gulf Coast Workforce Board for payment of expenses relative to the local workforce services program which provided workers for our parks and recreation. We put the funds in the General Fund into the following accounts: 001.70.572.1300 Parks & Recreation-Workforce Program Wages $65,890.00 001.70.572.2100 Parks & Recreation-Workforce Program FICA $ 5,041.00 001.20.511.3400 Other Contract Services-Drug Screening Service $ 1,400.00

RESOLUTION FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and

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WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and WHEREAS, Franklin County has received unanticipated grant revenues in the amount of $43,820.00 from the Florida Department of Transportation for the payment of expenses relative to the construction of the Alligator Drive Multi-Use Path, and WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2) (d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of: 001.20.572.6301 Alligator Drive Multi-Use Path $43,820.00 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $43,820.00 in the GENERAL FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d). THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 15th day of OCTOBER 2013.

RESOLUTION FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and WHEREAS, Franklin County has received unanticipated revenues in the amount of $242,000.00 from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Energy for the payment of expenses relative to the installation of energy efficient lighting at Vrooman Park, and WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2) (d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of: 001.20.572.6303 Upgrades to Vrooman Park $242,000.00 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $242,000.00 in the GENERAL FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d).

FCBOCC Regular Meeting 10/15/2013 Page 6 of 11

THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 15th day of OCTOBER 2013.

RESOLUTION FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and WHEREAS, Franklin County has received unanticipated revenues in the amount of $72,331.00 from the Gulf Coast Workforce Board for the payment of expenses relative to the Local Workforce Services Program, and WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2)(d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of: 001.70.572.1300 Parks and Recreation - Workforce Program Wages $65,890.00 001.70.572.2100 Parks and Recreation - Workforce Program FICA $ 5,041.00 001.20.511.3400 Other Contract Services - Drug Screening Services $ 1,400.00 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $72,331.00 in the GENERAL FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d). THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 15th day of OCTOBER 2013.

Motion by Parrish, seconded by Massey, to approve the three Resolutions presented by Mrs. Johnson; Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Sanders congratulated Mrs. Johnson on receiving the award for Most Influential Person in the County as stated by the local newspaper.

Alan Pierce – Director of Administrative Services – Report (9:20 AM) Mr. Pierce presented his report to the Board. 1-Board action to sign Notice to Proceed for C.W. Roberts on the Bluff Road Project. Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to approve the Chairman’s signature on the Notice to Proceed for C.W. Roberts on Bluff Road Project; Motion carried 5-0.

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2- Inform Board that Mr. Nick Wiley, FWC Executive Director, has responded to the Board’s request for a change in days of harvesting oysters. The short answer is that because of the lack of oysters in the Bay, Mr. Wiley expects that the harvesting week will be shorten to five days a week, M-F, in the very near future. Mr. Wiley says that FWC will be working with the Board and the local community to determine how to manage the oyster harvest. 3- Inform Board that on Wed., Oct 9, I met with Lee Edmiston, Shannon Hartsfield, and representatives from DACS, to discuss where and what should be tested regarding the substrate in the western end of the Apalachicola Bay. The agreed scenario is this: there appears to be a strong spat set on the eastern end of the Bay, but that is not the case on the western end. While there is some spat in the Miles and Hagan’s Flat oyster bars, it is not as prevalent as it is around Cat Point and East Hole. That is partly because there is a lack of mature oysters in the western end producing spat, but there has been a concern that the fossilized shell DACS was using in 2009 is somehow causing a problem. In order to rule out the substrate as a problem this is what we agreed to do. Lee Edmiston and the Reserve will organize a sampling trip and on the boat will be Shannon and some other seafood workers. The sites to be sampled will be: somewhere in the Miles, Hagan’s Flat, Summerside, and then as a control site- Cat Point. The substrate will be tested for the presence of oil, dispersant, and any other foreign factor that they find on the fossilized shells at the mine. The theory is that dust/mud on the fossilized shells used in the western Bay contained some contaminant that is leaching into the water and is contributing to the poor spat set. The first test will be to get unwashed shells at the mine and test them to see what they contain. After we know the materials contained in the unwashed shells from the mine then we will proceed to sample the substrate in the Bay. The testing on the fossilized shell has to be done for another reason as well. If there is going to be extensive re-shelling of the oyster bars, and we all know that in order for the oyster industry to come back thousands and thousands of cubic yards of oyster shells need to be placed in the Bay, the only source of shell stock in enough quantity to do the job is the fossilized shell. Fossilized shells have been used before. Fossilized clams were used with great results after the 1986 hurricanes but those shells are no longer available. 4- Inform Board that the Governor and Cabinet approved a single lease to Mr. Andy Arnold for oyster aquaculture in the Apalachicola Bay on Thursday, Oct. 10. Mr. Cal Knickerbocker called me Friday to inform me of the action. Mr. Knickerbocker said Mr. Arnold wanted to move forward with his one lease and that DACS felt that the location of Mr. Arnold’s lease was not in conflict with any natural occurring oyster bars. Mr. Knickerbocker said DACS would not consider any more leases without a full vetting of the issue with the Board and the industry. 5-Inform the Board that FEMA has reimbursed the county for the purchase of the four Secon Village lots on Alligator Point. The funds have gone back into the Bald Point Trust Fund. PrebleRish is now seeking the DEP permit to construct a new road over those four lots. I hope to advertise for bids to build that section by Jan, 2014. We need to have all of the Alligator Point relocation and revetment project completed by June, 2014 as I am not sure FEMA will continue

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to grant extensions. Some of these FEMA funds are 9 years old and if they are not expended FEMA has the authority to re-direct funds elsewhere. If Capital City Bank continues to file lawsuits on stabilizing the revetment east of Tom Roberts it is possible the revetment will fail during a winter storm and the road will be damaged. There are no FEMA funds available if that road gets damaged. We only have funds to repair the revetment. Chairman Sanders and Mr. Pierce discussed this issue with possible solutions for repairing the revetment. 6- The FRDAP program has contacted the county and advised us that only 2 projects may be submitted now. It was 3 but they restricted the program so that each county can only submit two projects. The Board action on which 2 projects it wants to submit. The projects are: D.W. Wilson Park, Kendrick Park, and Vrooman Park. Commissioner Parrish was in favor of D.W. Wilson Park staying on the list. Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to submit D.W. Wilson and Vrooman Park as projects for the FRDAP program; Motion carried 5-0. 7- Commissioner Jackel asked me to investigate grant opportunities through the Office of Greenways and Trails. A grant cycle is open through Oct. 31 for applications. The grant has a cap of $75,000, and it has a matching requirement of 20%, and that match must be in cash or in-kind. I have reviewed possible projects and have advised Commissioner Jackel that the best project in her district for the funds available will be to seek funds to solve some existing drainage problems on the bike path on St. George Island. Since the bike path is within the ROW I believe her match requirements can be cash out of her district’s share of road paving funds. Board action to allow for the submission of a $75,000 grant to the Office of Greenways and Trails for improvements to the St. George Island Bike Path. Motion by Jackel, seconded by Massey, to approve submission of a $75,000 grant to the office of Greenways and Trails for improvements to the St. George Island Bike Path, with the match requirements being paid out of Commissioner Jackel’s district share of road paving funds; Motion carried 5-0. 8- Hand out report prepared by Florida Dept. of Health. This report is a snapshot of where the state and its residents are regarding health. It is not specific to Franklin County. 9- Board direction on the installation of 4 speed humps on the Crooked River Road. As the Board may recall, residents of St. James Bay hired an engineer to do a traffic study because of the continuing complaints about speeders on the road. The engineer recommended the installation of 4 speed humps, which are low profile traffic calming devices, in specific areas in the St. James Bay Golf Course area. I have reviewed the report and visited the site with Mr. Clay Smallwood, Preble-Rish Engineers. The sites identified in the study are appropriate according to

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Mr. Smallwood. The residents of St. James Bay are willing to pay for ½ the cost of installation if the county will pay for the other half. The total estimated cost for installation, including signage, is $11,149, so each share will be approximately $5600. Board direction. The Board discussed this matter further. Motion by Massey, seconded by Jackel, to approve installation of 4 speed humps and signage on Crooked River Road at St. James Bay at a cost of $11,149, with the residents of St. James Bay paying half of the cost; Motion carried 5-0. 10- Airport Update. The Airport Advisory Committee met in a lengthy meeting on Monday, Oct. 7 to review the bids for the renovation of the hanger that Mr. Randall Terry is currently leasing, and to discuss other improvements at the airport. As the Board is aware, Mr. Terry has a lease paying $500 a month for a building that needs renovation, and the low bid on the proposed renovation is $348,000. While funds might be made available, they would come from other airport projects the Committee wants to get done. In the final analysis, the Committee recommends that Randall Terry lease Dan Garlick’s building and hanger for $1000/ month for 20 years. The lease fee would be reviewed every five years with a cap on increase of not more than 20%. Mr. Terry would not be able to sublease any part of the hanger or office without prior approval from the Board. Mr. Randy Randolph would like to move into the building that Mr. Terry currently has leased. Mr. Randolph does not need all the improvements that Mr. Terry had requested so Mr. Lee Lewis, AVCON, is reviewing the bids to see if the $94,000 of grant funds that were targeted for the hanger can be used to produce a building suitable for Mr. Randolph. Final lease payments were not agreed at the meeting. The Committee wants $500/month, and Mr. Randolph thought that $350/month was more reasonable. Board direction on the lease with Mr. Terry. (The lease for Mr. Randolph is open for discussion but does not need final action at this time as it depends on what improvements will be made with the grant funds available.) Chairman Sanders expressed concerns of the change of the lease amount based on the Board’s motion at the last Meeting. Mr. Pierce explained the hangar issues that need to be resolved. The Board discussed possible solutions to repairing the hangar in order to accommodate the lease holders and also setting lease amounts for both hangars. Commissioner Parrish stated that one of the hangars is empty and suggested using that hangar for the storage of County equipment instead of leasing it for $350 per month. Chairman Sanders stated that in the future the Board should not make any decisions until the Airport Committee has forwarded a recommendation regarding the Airport. Commissioner Lockley stated that the County should get more than $1,000 a month for that building. Commissioner Jackel suggested enforcing the six month temporary lease and then starting the lease approved by the Airport committee.

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Motion by Parrish, seconded by Massey, to approve hangar lease with Mr. Terry as recommended by the Airport Committee in the amount of $1,000 per month after the six month temporary lease in the amount of $1,200 per month is completed and use the vacant hangar for the storage of the County equipment; Motion carried 5-0. 11- Inform the Board the DOT is required to update the functional classification of the state highway system in every county every ten years. I have been sent the draft functional classification for review electronically. The only change is that CR67 has been upgraded to a rural major road from a rural minor road. The upgrade means that CR67 would be eligible for Federal Highway funds if it ever got damaged by a hurricane. When it was a rural minor road it was only eligible for FEMA funds. If the new designation goes through then the road will be eligible for Federal Highway funds and DOT would assist in getting those funds. However, CR67 will still be a county owned and maintained road. All the other functional classifications of the other state roads in the county remain the same. The Board and Mr. Pierce discussed this matter further. Mr. Pierce stated that Senator Montford’s Agriculture committee met this week and they are creating a report on the status of the Apalachicola Bay and is seeking input from the County, the City, and State agencies on what work has been done on the Bay. Mr. Pierce stated that he is in the process of creating a narrative that will state what action the County has been involved in regarding the Bay, especially after past hurricanes and storms. Commissioner Massey asked for an update on the old Highway Patrol building in Eastpoint. Mr. Pierce provided some information on recent discussions with Mr. Curt Blair of the TDC. Commissioner Jackel stated that she was supposed to bring some numbers on that but she decided to wait and bring more definite numbers from the contractor. Commissioner Lockley asked for the potential use of this building and asked if what is going to be done at this location is done at the other welcome centers. Commissioner Massey stated that they planned to incorporate a museum and display pictures of Eastpoint. Chairman Sanders commented that this work would have to be bid out based on the numbers for construction.

Michael Shuler- County Attorney- Report (9:55 AM) Attorney Shuler had no report for the Board.

Commissioners and Public Comments (9:55 AM) Commissioner Jackel stated that Jay Abbott asked her to inform the Board that someone donated a boat to the Chili Cook-Off board that will be raffled off and the raffle tickets will be available in the near future.

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Chairman Sanders commented on a meeting that she attended regarding the military’s use of Tate’s Hell. She stated that she will keep the Board informed of any new information. Chairman Sanders reminded the Board of the Eastpoint Library Ribbon cutting ceremony on October 22, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Cal Knickerbocker, of DACS, stated that his department will keep the communication lines open by attending more Board meetings. He updated the Board on some local actions by DACS. Commissioner Parrish commented on the time line of receiving data and recommendations from the ongoing studies. Commissioner Lockley and Mr. Knickerbocker discussed the lease that was recently approved and also the aquaculture leases. Chairman Sanders and Mr. Knickerbocker discussed what role the local government’s opinion will play in decisions made by DACS in the future. Bobby James stated that his property adjoins the property where Gene Brown will construct the new water well and expressed some concerns. Mr. Pierce discussed the project with Mr. James. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Knickerbocker discussed the new building for the aquaculture office. Commissioner Lockley stated that the County is interested in the building currently used by his division once it is vacated. Motion by Lockley, seconded by Massey, to send a letter to DACS requesting the use of the building that currently houses the DACS offices once it is vacated; Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Sanders reminded the Board of the upcoming NWFTCA meeting.

Adjourn (10:08 AM) There being no further business, Chairman Sanders adjourned the Meeting.

____________________________ Cheryl Sanders, Chairman – FCBCC Attest: _____________________________ Marcia M. Johnson, Clerk of Courts

Franklin County Road Department Report to Board of County Commissioners November 5, 2013 Summary of Material Hauled and Work Performed by District
District 1- Pink Jackel Material Hauled from within6 Cubic Yards of Debris 72 Cubic Yards of Ditch Dirt 9 Cubic Yards of Trees 1 Black Plastic Culvert Pipe 15” x 20’ 1 Black Plastic Culvert Pipe 18” x 20’ 9 Cubic Yards of Black Dirt 72 Cubic Yards of Milled Asphalt 57 Cubic Yards of Yellow Lime Rock

Material Hauled to-

Work Performed- Cleaned and dug out ditches cleaned out and installed culverts, cut grass and trim along county right ways, ditches, mailboxes, street signs and culverts; repaired driveways, graded roads, picked up litter, road repair, filled in pot holes, shoulder maintenance, sign maintenance and Transfield service maintenance along US HWY 98 in Eastpoint. District 2- Cheryl Sanders Material Hauled from within14 Cubic Yards of Debris 90 Cubic Yards of Sand 27 Cubic Yards of Trees 99 Cubic Yards of and 71.15 tons of #57 Shells 90 Cubic Yards of Sand 54 Cubic Yards of Yellow Lime Rock

Material Hauled to-

Work Performed- Box drag, cleaned ditches, cut grass and trim along county right ways, ditches, mailboxes, street signs and culverts; repaired driveway, cleaned Ochlocknee River Boat Landing, flagged traffic, graded roads, picked up litter and shoulder work. District 3- Noah Lockley Material Hauled to-

108 Cubic Yards of #57 Shells 9 Cubic Yards of Lime Rock 18 Cubic Yards of Yellow Lime Rock

Work Performed- Box drag, cleaned ditches, cut grass and trim along county right ways, ditches, mailboxes, street signs and culverts;, repaired driveways, flagged traffic, ground maintenance at the Courthouse, picked up litter and sign maintenance.

District 4- Joseph Parrish Material Hauled to-

18 Cubic Yards of #57 Shells 18 Cubic Yards of Yellow Lime Rock

Work Performed- Box drag, cut grass and trim along county right ways, ditches, mailboxes, street signs and culverts; repaired driveways, ground maintenance at Emergency Management and Health Department, picked up litter, filled in pot holes and sign maintenance. District 5- William Massey Material Hauled from withinMaterial Hauled to-

7 Cubic Yards of Debris 171 Cubic Yards of Ditch Dirt 18 Cubic Yards of Trees 36 Cubic Yards of Black Dirt 4.5 Cubic Yards of Milled Asphalt 96 Cubic Yards of Yellow Lime Rock

Work Performed- Box drag, cleaned cemeteries, installed culverts, dug out ditches, cut grass and trim along county right ways, ditches, mailboxes, street signs and culverts; graded roads, picked up litter, parking lot repair, road repair, shoulder repair, filled in pot holes and Transfield service maintenance along US HWY 98 in Eastpoint.

FRANKLIN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
Solid Waste & Recycling  Animal Control
210 State Road 65 Eastpoint, Florida 32328 Tel.: 850-670-8167 Fax: 850-670-5716 Email: [email protected]

DIRECTOR’S REPORT FOR: The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners DATE: November 5, 2013 TIME: 9:00 A.M. SUBJECT(S): MECHANIC POSITION: FOR BOARD ACTION: On October 31, 2013, Leonard Brannan retired from the Solid Waste Mechanic position. Jonathan Kelley has been filling in as the Mechanic at the Solid Waste Department since March 2013. Since Leonard has retired, I would like to request that the Board allow me to post a promotional vacancy to allow for in house transfers to permanently fill the Mechanic position. Jonathan has been doing a great job for the department and I would like to give him and any other interested employee the opportunity to apply for permanent placement in that position. In the proposed compensation plan presented by Lucy Turner - there was a probationary starting salary of $30,450 listed for that position and a permanent base of $32,052. ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the posting of a promotional vacancy for the Solid Waste Mechanic and the establishment of the starting salary. Right-of-Way Debris Pickup / Recycle Material Hauled October 10th – October 30th FOR BOARD INFORMATION: OCTOBER 10th – OCTOBER 30th RIGHT–OF–WAY DEBRIS PICKUP Apalachicola Eastpoint St George Island Carrabelle Lanark Alligator Point
145.37 TONS 67.61 TONS 52.13 TONS 15.15 TONS 20.06 TONS -0- TONS

Apalachicola Cardboard Plastic,Paper, Glass, Aluminum
6.83 TONS 2.77 TONS

RECYCLE MATERIAL HAULED Eastpoint St George Carrabelle Lanark Island
3.52 TONS 1.01 TONS 3.87 TONS 3.66 TONS .63 TONS 3.57 TONS .21 TONS 1.62 TONS

Alligator Point
-0- TONS -0- TONS

St James
.20 TONS -0- TONS

REQUESTED ACTION: None

28 Airport Road Apalachicola, Florida 32320 (850) 653-8977, Fax (850) 653-3643 [email protected]

Report to Board of County Commissioners Date: November 5, 2013 Action Items: 1.The Florida Division of Emergency Management now requires that line item expenditures be separated by funding source, State, Federal, and Local. My approved budget will remain unchanged for this current fiscal year at $196,286-I simply need to amend the expenditure line items to reflect the different funding sources. I request the Board to approve the line- Item Budget amendments for the 2013/2014 Fiscal Year. Information Items: 1. October 30, 2013 Franklin County Emergency Management met with The Management Experts to start the first planning session for the upcoming Wide Area Search exercise. 2. Emergency Management is hosting a SARC training (awareness small animal emergency sheltering course) November 9th, at the EOC starting at 8:00am. 3. Emergency Management is conducting a G300 training course for the agencies in the county that need this course to keep their agency and the county in National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance. This is a requirement if you receive Federal grants. This training will be at the EOC on November 13-15, 2013 starting at 8:30am till 4:30pm.

Sincerely,

Pamela Brownell
Pamela Brownell Director

CEO REPORT Board of County Commissioners Meeting November 3, 2013 1. USDA – On November 4, Ray Leadbetter, Jim Bachrach and I will meet with Mary Gavin, USDA. We are seeking to have a better understanding of the USDA evaluation of our project and what it will take to proceed to the application phase. We will begin the process of inputting data into the Underwriting Software. I spoke with Mary on 10/23/13 and she did indicate that the increase in reimbursement from our cost report for Depreciation and Interest would be accepted as legitimate as it would be for other capital purchases. Discussion on alternate financing as viable options occurred at the Weems Board meeting on 10/31/13. Based on discussions at the board meeting, I will notify Adams Consulting to proceed with their part of the feasibility study rather than holding off pending a joint meeting between the Weems Hospital Board and The Board of County Commissioners. With this we will soon need to get approval for step two of the study which will include the opinion letter. This meeting is hopefully scheduled for 11/19/13 or alternate dates determined by the time of this reading. 2. Construction Project – We are continuing with the renovations to Weems West Clinic and hope to be ready to move in by Thanksgiving. We are waiting on furniture and doors. We need to meet with the Board of County Commissioners for a workshop to work out the difference between their estimate budget of 6 to 7 million dollars and our estimate of 12.2 million dollars. I have provided you with a position paper on the feasibility of our project and what I will be providing to the USDA. This tentatively is scheduled for 11/19/13. In our last Board meeting, the topic of Design Build came up and it noted to be a potential format to consider. With this recognition by the Board, Austin Healthcare was invited to attend the 10/31/13 Hospital Board meeting and discuss the benefits of this concept. They met with Craig and I on 10/24/13 for an evaluation of our proposed construction/renovation project. They have offered to provide alternative designs and pricing at no cost based on the design/build concept. This will be at no cost and does not commit Weems. The firm is aware that we are not accepting proposals due to county bid requirements but would entertain them along with others if design/build was designated as the construction format. This will be a decision that the board will need to consider after we are approved by the USDA or other lender. 3. Ray Leadbetter - has been on site twice already and recently participated in our strategic planning. We are all very excited about this and are confident he will provide significant value to Weems. He was here for the board meeting another day this week and four days the following week. Ray provided the Hospital Board with several updates on his evaluations to date. 4. Cost reduction activities – The following are currently underway: Evaluating our Revenue Cycle processes for redundancies in staffing Evaluating the use of HealthTrust as our GPO which is expected to save 10% or more off our supply costs. Establishing par levels to reduce on-hand stock and reduce the occurrence of supplies going out of date. Implementing new materials management software as part of the CSS installation which Glenda is currently working with CSS. 5. Cash Improvement - The following are currently underway:

A 4 year retrospective review of our cost report based on contingency fees Obtaining a cost report model allowing us to evaluate our possible payback or receipt of additional reimbursement from Medicare/Medicaid on a live basis throughout the year. With this we will be able to see the impact of operational decisions on the cost report. Developing a payor contract matrix which will allow us to determine the rates different payors provide us as well as other key information Updating our Point of Admission Form to make sure we capture all the necessary information at admissions allowing us to get paid timely Evaluating and redesigning clinic processes based on our recent clinic strategy and standards of performance The following will soon occurring A review and update of the charge master Audit of charts and payments to determine deficiencies; and improve our coding and billing. Will also work with staff and doctors to educate them. Implement claims denial management processes Documentation improvement to gain revenues via assuring we have all the appropriate documentation in the patient chart Developing a Point of Service strategy to collect co-pays and deductibles at the time of registration. 6. CSS – The following are occurring: Onsite visits by CSS are underway to evaluate work processes and collect data for input into the system. Leadership staff are filling out questionnaires for CSS to assist in implementation The ED system goes live by November 11th. De-conversion of Healthland data will begin soon. Equipment is currently being ordered and arriving for installation Training of staff and physicians begins in early November 7. Clinic Volumes – Volumes are as follows: Weems East – Provider volumes are flat, nurse visits are up Weems West – Provider and nurse volumes are up

Practitioner Visits

Nurse Visits

TOTAL CLINIC VOLUMES
700 600 500 400 300 Weems West Clinic Visits Weems East Clinic Visits

200
100 0 May June July Aug Sept

8. Medicaid Incentive Attestation – we have registered for the Medicaid attestation and are awaiting further direction from them on any additional needed information. 9. Clinic Strategy – as part of the hospital’s strategic plan, the hospital board provided direction on the following: To continue with the current mix of walk-in and scheduled patients allowing the clinic to meet both the primary and urgent care needs at Weems East. This will continue to be monitored. To evaluate the utilization of the extended hours on Monday and Friday and determine whether or not they are justified. Extended hours for Saturday will continue.

To have M-F clinic days at Weems West once it moves to the Weems Annex in Apalachicola. MF will be covered by Susan Hardin and Fridays will be covered alternately by Dana Whaley and Dr. Gene Charbonneau. To evaluate the utilization of the extended hours on M-T and determine if they are justified. If not, adjustments may be made to the practitioners hours. At a later date, Saturday hours may be added if volumes justify it. Ray Leadbetter, Interim CFO, is currently evaluating the processes at the Clinics for efficiency and profitability. In concert with me, adjustments will be made to processes and staffing. The objective is to reach a break even or better financial position for the clinics. 10. Joint Workshop – On November 19, 2103 after the normally schedule evening Board of County Commission meeting in Carrabelle, the Weems Hospital Board has requested to meet in a workgroup to bring the County Commission. This meeting is sought to update the Commission on the scope of services being looked at in the proposed construction and to build confidence in the affordability of the project.

Governing Board of Directors 2013
September 26, 2013
Members Present: Tammi Hardy, Chair; Jim Bachrach, Vice-Chair; Duffie Harrison, Secretary; Deborah Huckeba; Robert Davis; Pat Conrad MD, Homer McMillan (via phone) Lauren Faison, TMH; Allan J. Feifer, Concerned Citizens of Franklin County, Inc. Ray Brownsworth, CEO; Becky Gibson, DON; Craig Gibson, POD; Ginny Griner, HR/ Med Staff Coordinator; Heather Huron, Administrative Assistant

Guests Present: Staff Present:

TOPIC/ DISCUSSION Call to Order Approval of Minutes Tammi Hardy

ACTION

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:14am.
Minutes from the 08/29/2013 regular meeting were presented for approval.



Motion made by Harrison to approve the 08/29/2013 minutes as presented, second by Davis. Motion carried unanimously.

County Report



No report available. Discussion was held regarding county presence at the regular meetings. Bachrach would like a liaison present for improved communication. Hardy requested clarification as to who will be the continued county liaison. Per the board’s d irection, Brownsworth will contact the county to discuss.

TMH Report





Faison reported that she is assisting WMCE with approximately one telemedicine consultation per week. Due to DOH grant funding, TMH has been able to pay the physicians for tele-consultations. The goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of telemedicine so that tele-health reimbursement will be passed at the next legislative session. A tele-health demonstration, attended by ten legislative staff members, was given last week by Faison, assisted by N. Sandoval. As a result of the demonstration, Faison was invited to make a presentation to the Senate Health Policy Committee on October 8th. Faison expressed that the main focus of tele-health is increased patient access. Dermatology Associates has joined the network and has agreed to provide two tele-consults per month free of charge. The TMH Annual Report was provided. Page 1 of 6

Governing Board of Directors 2013
 
CEO Report Ray Brownsworth

September 26, 2013
Faison reported that the recently opened, free-standing ER is seeing approximately 60 patients per day. The ER is focused on pediatric and geriatric care. Effective October 8th, TMH goes live with COPE, an electronic order system.

Patient Satisfaction  Patient Satisfaction reports were provided to the board for individual review. Financial Report  The Statement of Operations and Hospital Statistics was reviewed. Conrad stated that a dip in census in the month of August is typical annually in most hospitals.  Brownsworth expressed concern that the Income Statement continues to show negative net incomes. He stated that the estimated contractual allowances and bad debt to charity write-off amounts have been higher than expected for the past few months. This will be reevaluated during the annual audit. Brownsworth stated that while the bottom line is negative, the hospital continues to have a positive cash flow. Brownsworth stated that problems continue with the clinics’ Medisoft system. He also expressed concern with the ambulance write-offs. Davis questioned if the write-offs were being booked in same month as they occurred or later. Brownsworth stated that this was one of the issues being questioned. Brownsworth stated that he is the sole source of authority for the hospital and clinics bad debt / charity write-offs; however, the ambulance has 3rd party write-offs per contract. Brownsworth is researching this issue. Harrison stated that he thought the ambulance should be a separate issue when determining net revenue. Conrad stated that there were too many ill-defined variables to determine correct projections. Trend analysis and financial indicators were discussed. Hardy questioned if the correct benchmarks were being presented as she felt she still did not have enough information. Brownsworth agreed to appropriately define key indicators. Bachrach stated that until the CFO position is filled, there will not be assurance in regards to the accuracy of financial reports.  Brownsworth shared that Hometown Health is assisting the hospital in regards to updating the chargemaster and improving the revenue cycle processes.

Page 2 of 6

Governing Board of Directors 2013
September 26, 2013
Interim CFO  An offer was made to Joe Devin for the Interim CFO position but Devin has not responded. Brownsworth has moved on to the recommendation made by Hometown Health for Ray Leadbetter. Leadbetter would be on-site approximately 2 days every other week, and would work via remote connection. Discussion was held regarding the agreement terms. Clarification and specification regarding the term agreements was requested. Brownsworth stated that the agreement would be cleared through the county attorney. Bachrach requested more on-site presence the first month. Brownsworth stated that on-site presence is being discussed. Leadbetter’s on-site days would be extended days; staff schedules will need to be adjusted to accommodate this. Brownsworth stated that he would also prefer presence 2 to 3 days each week, but he has been unable to gain a commitment for a full time CFO. Brownsworth stated the recruitment search for a long term CFO commitment will continue. IT Contract  As a result of the RFP, one set of bids was received by EagleTree Technologies. EagleTree Tech. is currently providing IT services per a short term agreement. The cost for services was increased due to the provision of year round/ 24 hour coverage and the increased time anticipated with the implementation of EHR. Medicare Interim Reimbursement  The final results of the 2012 Medicare Cost Report have been received. Interim settlement to the hospital was previously received in the amount of approximately $140,000. The final settlement requires a repayment to Medicare of $22,000. The payback is due to successful reduction in costs. AHCA Survey  AHCA has performed their follow up survey. The hospital is clear of all tags. Strategic Plan Update  Brownsworth has provided a review of the Strategic Plan to board members. Brownsworth recommended scheduling the next meeting within 2 weeks. Huron will follow up with board members to schedule. A break was taken from 10:25am to 10:36am. Page 3 of 6  Motion to approve contracting with Ray Leadbetter for Interim CFO made by McMillan, second by Harrison. Motion carried unanimously.



Motion to approve the EagleTree Technologies agreement was made by Bachrach, second by Davis. Motion carried unanimously. Brownsworth will take the IT contract to BOCC for approval.

Governing Board of Directors 2013
September 26, 2013
Scope of New Construction Update  Brownsworth stated that $2 million needs to be cut from the project that was chosen by the board (option 2). Discussion was held regarding possible changes to reduce the cost of the construction project. The desired budget is $12.2 million with a $¾ million contingency fund. o As a result of recent discussion with Mary Gavin, Brownsworth relayed USDA concerns regarding the hospital’s current utilization rate and the hospital’s dependence on the sales tax revenue. Brownsworth voiced to the board that the current plans are frugal yet expandable. Concern regarding the dependence on sales tax revenue was generated after Mary Gavin contacted Alan Pierce as a county representative. At Brownsworth’s direction, the hospital’s cost accountant will figure the interest and depreciation rate based on a cost of $13 million. From this, he will determine an amount expected back from Medicare and Medicaid that will supplement as revenue for loan payments. Brownsworth expressed that he would draft a narrative outlining the hospital’s business model, strategic plan, interim CFO and other improvements. Brownsworth will continue to relay information to Mary Gavin that explains why the plans are feasible, why the hospital can meet the debt service coverage, and why the hospital will receive additional reimbursement. Options for project cost reduction were discussed. Considerations for additional services were discussed, including geriatric psychiatric services and increased Swingbed utilization. McMillan made a motion to dictate to the architect firm that the project budget is $12.2 million and request that the architects develop an expandable design that will conform to the budget. Discussion was held regarding the Interlocal Agreement for Small County Surtax. Harrison questioned if renovation would meet the dictates of the agreement. Davis agreed that the perception of the community is for new construction. Huckeba stated that an exterior update would be mandatory. Joe Bynum, TRO JB, was contacted via phone to discuss the cost increase with the project option 2. Bynum stated that since the presentation of the initial project plans, additions were made to the scope of work that increased the total estimated cost. Brownsworth spoke to Bynum stating the board’s request that they work together to work to develop options within a $12.2 million budget, recognizing the give and take in some areas such as surgical and the North wing. Bynum stated that he suspected the USDA would  Motion was made by McMillan to dictate to the architect firm that the budget is $12.2 million and request that the architects develop an expandable design that will conform to the budget, second by Harrison. Motion carried unanimously.

Page 4 of 6

Governing Board of Directors 2013
September 26, 2013
request of a scope of work, as well as the sources and use of funds to meet the scope of work. He stated the scope of work should detail what will be renovation versus new construction. After discussion, Brownsworth stated he would work with Bynum to meet the board’s requests, anticipating the additional work with Bynum would cost approximately $3,000 to $4,000. Hardy clarified that the board was comfortable with the exclusion of the gift shop, chapel, covered walkway, and clinic renovations. Brownsworth stated he and Bynum would bring 2 to 3 concepts back to the board. PM Service Contract  CT Injector service contract was presented at a cost of $4,000 per month. Brownsworth advised that this contract is within his signature authority.  CT preventive maintenance agreement was presented at a cost of $15,000/year. Hardy questioned if pricing was obtained from more than one vendor. Brownsworth advised that he would be returning with a modified full service agreement, to include parts and labor. The preventive maintenance agreement would be incorporated into the full service agreement. Brownsworth anticipated the full service agreement cost to be a minimum of $60,000. McMillan made a motion to accept Brownsworth’s recommendations. Following additional discussion, Brownsworth withdrew his recommendation and stated he would return with additional recommendations and pricing from multiple vendors.
Old / New Business Hardy

   



Brownsworth will sign the CSS agreement today. Brownsworth is meeting with EMS Consultants Friday to discuss EMS billing. He has been given full access to the EMS Consultants billing software. The Personnel Committee recently met with an employee regarding a grievance. It was decided that the disciplinary action would stand. Brownsworth will contact Comm. Jackel again regarding the board vacancy in her district. At Comm. Sanders request, Hardy agreed to remain in her position for a limited time, pending an appointment. Officer elections will be scheduled for the October meeting. Davis’ term will expire next month as he filled a vacancy. It is expected that Comm. Lockley will renew his term. Electronic attendance will be addressed at the next meeting. Any changes to the byPage 5 of 6

Governing Board of Directors 2013
September 26, 2013
 laws will require board approval. Huckeba questioned a recent vendor issue. Discussion was held regarding security procedures. Brownsworth recommended instituting vendor badges for frequent visitors. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 am.

Adjournment Hardy



Page 6 of 6

Weems Memorial Hospital Statement of Operations and Hospital Statistics

Fiscal Year 2013/2012/2011 Rolling 12 Months
12 Mth Avg Sept Fy 2013 Dec Nov Oct 12 Month Total FY 2013 Total FY 2012 Total FY 2011 Total

Aug

July

June

May

April

March

Feb

Jan

INPATIENT SERVICES Admissions - Medical Medicare Medicaid Other Total Medical Admissions Admissions - Swing Bed Medicare Medicaid Other Total Swing-Bed Admissions Admissions - TOTAL

13 2 6 22

11 1 4 16

7 6 6 19

15 5 4 24

10 1 3 14

11 1 11 23

15 3 8 26

20 4 4 28

20 3 6 29

11 2 10 23

16 0 6 22

8 3 3 14

14 0 7 21

158 29 72 259

2 0 0 2 24

3 0 0 3 19

0 0 0 0 19

2 1 1 4 28

1 0 0 1 15

0 0 0 0 23

2 0 1 3 29

1 0 0 1 29

4 0 0 4 33

5 0 0 5 28

1 0 1 2 24

3 0 0 0 17

2 0 0 0 23

24 1 3 23 287

158 29 72 259 24 1 3 23 287

192 36 79 307

174 16 72 262

12 12 319 -

16 2 18 278

Patient Days - Medical Medicare Medicaid Other Total Medical Patient Days

37 7 16 59

28 6 19 53

26 23 12 61

34 17 5 56

25 3 12 40

28 4 27 59

41 5 16 61

51 10 6 67

60 8 19 87

37 2 32 71

44 0 19 63

23 6 5 34

42 0 17 59

439 84 189 711

439 84 189 711

516 82 189 787

551 36 183 770

Patient Days - Swing Bed Medicare Medicaid Other Total Swing Bed Patient Days Patient Days - TOTAL

15 0 3 18 78 30 1.98 0.64 0.97 3.58 2.76 7.22 3.27 13 28

16 0 0 16 69 30 1.77 0.54 0.94 3.24 3.50 5.31 3.77 10 27

0 0 6 6 67 31 1.97 0.20 0.97 3.13 2.70 13.00 2.92 7 30

6 3 7 16 72 31 1.81 0.52 0.81 3.15 2.60 3.00 2.66 8 21

4 0 0 4 44 30 1.34 0.14 1.27 2.75 2.88 4.00 2.95 10 37

0 0 0 0 59 31 1.91 0.00 1.00 2.91 2.57 0.00 2.57 16 28

22 0 12 34 95 30 2.04 1.13 1.17 4.34 2.35 11.34 3.28 12 40

18 0 0 18 85 31 2.17 0.78 0.84 3.79 2.30 10.50 2.86 18 24

24 0 0 24 111 28 3.11 0.86 1.43 5.40 3.04 6.25 3.40 17 31

24 0 0 24 95 28 2.54 0.86 0.90 4.30 3.12 6.00 3.38 14 27

4 0 14 18 81 31 2.04 0.58 0.65 3.27 2.95 9.00 3.50 16 21

50 0 0 50 84 30 1.14 1.67 0.80 3.61 2.29 14.25 4.95 10 25

11 0 0 11 70 31 1.91 0.36 0.84 3.11 2.86 4.00 2.96 13 27

179 3 39 221 932 362 24 8 12 43 33 87 39 151 338

179 3 39 221 932 362 24 8 12 43 33 87 39 151 338

81 81 868 366 25.79 2.67 10.63 36.48 30.46 43.84 31.88 226 343

185 8 193 963 365 25.36 6.33 31.69 36.79 113.20 41.92 278 102

Total Days In Period

Average Daily Census - Medical IP Average Daily Census - Swing Bed Average Daily Census- Obs Total ADC

Average Length of Stay - IP ALOS - Swing Bed Total ALOS

ER PT ADM/IP ER PT ADM/OBS

Weems Memorial Hospital Statement of Operations and Hospital Statistics

Fiscal Year 2013/2012/2011 Rolling 12 Months
12 Mth Avg Sept
Registrations - Observation Status Medicare Medicaid Other Total Obs Registrations FY 2013

Aug 13 6 11 30

July 17 3 5 25

June 14 4 17 35

May 8 8 14 30

April 23 6 6 35

March 17 5 4 26

Feb 18 5 6 29

Jan 13 4 8 25

Dec 13 0 7 20

Nov 14 1 10 25

Oct 17 1 8 26

12 Month FY 2013 Total Total 180 44 110 334 180 44 110 334

FY 2012 Total 188 39 123 354

FY 2011 Total 147 20 112 279

15 4 9 28

13 1 14 28

Patient Days - Observation Status Medicare Medicaid Other Total Obs Patient Days

17 4 11 32 536 224

16 2 19 37 541 203

15 7 13 35 543 209

20 3 5 28 579 194

15 4 19 38 563 210

8 8 15 31 559 232

25 6 8 39 512 282

20 7 5 32 564 251

21 5 14 40 447 251

15 4 10 29 549 221

15 0 7 22 543 209

16 1 10 27 497 192

19 1 9 29 538 237

205 48 134 387 6435 2691

205 48 134 387 6,435 2,691

212 30 148 389 6,488 3,385

210 21 144 360 7,282 4,171

Emergency Room Visits Outpatient Encounters

OTHER STATISTICS - Total Exams GI Lab Procedures Laboratory EKGs Physical Therapy Respiratory Therapy Sleep Studies Radiology Cat Scans Mammograms Total Exams Xray @ East Nuse East E. Charbonneau Dana Whaley Susan Hardin Weems East Clinic Visits Nurse West Susan Hardin Weems West Clinic Visits EMS Transports EMS Dry Runs (non-Transports) Dietary Meals Served

11 10 2439 2384 108 112 56 0 703 711 0 0 300 320 98 77 4 0 3718 3614 11 24 35 97 94 215 112 239 2 0 616 551 15 47 61 129 125 176 116 130 29 44 628 625

8 2416 126 0 439 0 305 82 0 3376 36 94 286 248 0 628 40 127 167 115 22 686

7 2343 123 30 542 0 305 90 0 3440 31 120 253 218 0 591 40 188 228 88 33 670

9 2298 105 11 648 0 298 99 0 3468 36 93 139 331 0 563 44 140 184 112 47 551

14 2474 120 1 548 0 322 106 0 3585 6 20 229 307 25 581 8 153 161 149 39 549

11 2752 126 81 679 0 287 94 0 4030

19 2506 115 82 771 0 306 105 0 3904

10 2392 101 117 692 0 254 83 0 3649

14 2724 111 347 1038 0 297 116 11 4658

0 2474 92 0 1095 0 302 104 9 4067

15 2215 83 0 744 0 289 96 0 3442

19 2285 87 0 525 0 320 122 23 3381

626

643

621

553

632

675

722

112 104 24 684

135 103 28 677

126 130 20 784

137 152 15 708

78 114 26 514

106 24 462

90 26 628

136 29263 1301 669 8432 0 3605 1174 43 44614 133 424 1122 1343 25 7386 179 737 1504 1393 348 7538

136 29,263 1,301 669 8,432 3,605 1,174 43 44,614 133 424 1,122 1,343 25 7,386 179 737 1,504 1,393 348 7,538

160 34,008 1,450 74 9,472 1 3,888 1,436 58 50,547

178 33,322 1,257 367 6,833 26 3,957 1,059 86 47,085

5,289

2,615

1,706 7,660

1,373 7,405

IFAS Extension
Northwest District Director

155 Research Road Quincy, FL 32351 850-875-7137

November 5, 2013 To: Franklin County Commission From: Dr. Pete Vergot, Northwest District Extension Director University of Florida/IFAS Extension: Update for Franklin County Commission We are here today to discuss plans to continue the almost 100 year partnership between Franklin County and University of Florida/IFAS Extension. As the District Director, it is my responsibility to share with you the information you need to make the best decisions for the people of Franklin County. University of Florida is unique in that it provides to you the service of Extension in addition to Teaching and Research. Our mission at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) as a federal, state, and county partnership is dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life for the citizens of Florida. I would like to introduce Ms. Shelley Swenson, as Interim County Extension Director for UF/IFAS Extension in Franklin County. I would also like to introduce the Extension team, of County Extension faculty and staff, in place to assist Ms. Swenson and myself to work in the Franklin County Extension office to seek input from you and the various clientele groups in determining what type of educational Extension programing should be the focus of Franklin County Extension. To help you understand what UF/IFAS Extension does, I have attached information on our Extension program areas, an update on the financial resources we both contribute to this partnership, and a draft of a possible future Franklin County Extension position posting. The posting will only be completed and posted after a series of discussions and listening sessions between you and potential clientele of Franklin County and your approval to move forward with a posting. In the short term, the County Extension Faculty team will continue to operate the Franklin County Extension office with coordination of your Director of Administrative Services, Alan Pierce. Over the next weeks the Extension team will be working to implement short term Extension programs, partnering and grant funding opportunities, develop the listening sessions, and then develop a long range plan for Franklin County Extension. Attachments: 1. UF/IFAS Extension Faculty team working in Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla 2. Franklin County Extension Posting Draft 3. Partnership funding reports Franklin County and UF/IFAS Extension 4. UF/IFAS Extension Programs

The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Institution

University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) Franklin County Extension Team Shelley Swenson – Interim CED
Wakulla County Family and Consumer Sciences/ Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and 4-H Agent 850-926-3931 [email protected] 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, Florida 32327 Educational Program Focus: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety To aid Wakulla County families to change their nutritional, food preparation and food safety practices the following focus has been adopted: To provide educational programming leadership and individual consultations to over 600 adults and 1200 youth yearly who will learn to make healthier choices and to manage their family’s food budget. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is utilized to provide in-school classroom experiences at the qualifying elementary schools.

Scott Jackson
Agriculture and Technology for the Northwest Extension District (850) 606-5200 [email protected] 615 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301 Extension Responsibilities: Utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Agriculture Production, Stewardship of Natural Resources for Adult and 4-H/Youth and Extension Leadership and Application of Technology.

Roy Lee Carter
Gulf County Extension Director, Small Farm/Home Horticulture/4-H (850) 639-3200 or 229-2909 [email protected] 200 North 2nd Street Wewahitchka, FL 32465 Educational Program Focus: County Extension Director: Responsible for the supervision of 1 Agent, 2 Para Professionals and a secretary. Maintain a good relationship with county commissioners, various governmental agencies and civic groups. Home Horticulture: Provide training programs for master gardeners. Instrumental in coordinating community educational programs for vegetable gardeners and CEU’s for pesticide applicators. Small Farms: Plans, coordinates and offer programs to small and prospective small farmers in the area of: beef cattle, forages, vegetables crops, forestry and beekeeping. 4-H: Provide educational enrichment programs in livestock judging, equine management and vegetable gardening with 228 youth involved.

Melanie G. Taylor
Gulf County 4-H/Family and Consumer Sciences (850) 639-3200 or 229-2909 [email protected] 200 North 2nd Street, Wewahitchka, FL 32465 Educational Program Focus: 4-H Youth Development: Provide leadership and individual consultation to 4-H youth and adults. Plan, implement, and evaluate 4-H programs, (community clubs, school enrichment, camps, and other activities). Recruit, screen, train, and supervise adult and teen volunteers. Family & Consumer Sciences: Plan, implement, and evaluate 4-H Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program offered to limited-resource youth in the areas of nutrition, health, food safety, and meal planning and food resource management.

Les Harrison
Wakulla County Extension Director, Agriculture, Small Farms, Horticulture and 4-H (850) 926-3931 [email protected] 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL 32327 Educational Program Focus: Administrative/Leadership in Wakulla County, Niche Crop Farming, Natural Resource, Horticulture Education, and 4-H

Heather Kent
Northwest Regional Specialized 4-H Agent (850) 633-4086 [email protected] 3925 Highway 71 Marianna, FL 32446 Educational Program Focus: Strengthening 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology. Provide statewide leadership and support for 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology mission mandate. Strengthening 4-H Programs to Reach Diverse Audiences and Mentoring and Supporting 4-H Faculty

John Wells
Information Technology Expert for the Northwest Extension District (850) 491-0718 [email protected] 155 Research Road, Quincy, Florida 32351 Extension Responsibilities: Provide technical support and training. Major duties include troubleshooting hardware, software, and network problems, upgrading and replacing hardware and software, website updates, and providing training for users throughout the district.

Pete Vergot III, Ph.D.
Professor and District Extension Director (850) 875-7137 [email protected] 155 Research Road, Quincy, Florida 32351 UF/IFAS Extension Responsibilities: The District Extension Director, provides leadership, instruction, support of educational program development, and administration of the extension program for the 70+ county extension faculty and 50+ staff located in the 16 counties of the Northwest Extension District across the panhandle of Florida.

Attachment #2

Position Posting Information for Franklin County Extension
This position is conceptual at this time based on our perception of the most immediate needs for the Franklin County, this is a discussion we will like to continue with Franklin County Commissioners, their colleagues from surrounding counties, and with the Franklin County citizens. Information below is used to formulate the position. UF/IFAS Sea Grant Extension can assist the Franklin County economy by working closely with a focus on the commercial seafood industry and citizens of Franklin County.  The Franklin County Extension Agent with expertise in seafood safety training, marketing, and other related skills can provide important programs and benefits to support and assist shellfish harvesters, seafood processors, and others engaged in the commercial seafood industry in Franklin and surrounding counties to help create a strong regional seafood industry.  An Extension Agent with these skills will complement existing extension strengths and work with other Extension Faculty to bring additional programs to Franklin County. By working collaboratively with others, this position will bring additional expertise to Franklin County and is a value-added strategy.  As with other UF/IFAS County Extension Faculty, this position will be able to address local needs, such as: sea turtle lighting programs; utilization of shellfish and fisheries resources; seafood safety (HACCP); and other education programs related to marine and coastal ecosystems.  By sharing expertise beyond the county borders, it will be possible to develop strong extension teams and bring outside expertise and possibly monetary support from other local counties to Franklin County as part of a cluster, reciprocal arrangement.  Using a Cluster County Extension Faculty approach Franklin County citizens will have the complete resources of all of the University of Florida IFAS Extension in all program areas including.  Agriculture  Environment  Families & Consumers  Lawn & Garden  Sustainable Living  Disaster Prep & Recovery  4-H Youth Development

DRAFT Position Posting for Franklin County Extension

Page | 1

Attachment #2 DRAFT Position Posting for Franklin County Extension Position # 000x-xxxx Requisition # Franklin County Extension Director RSA Rank II, III or IV University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Franklin County Apalachicola, FL (Northwest Extension District) Closing Date: Month day, 2014 [4 weeks after initial posting date] Position Summary University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Franklin County seeks to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing County Extension Director in Franklin County. The Franklin County Extension Director/Regional Specialized Agent (CED/RSA) will be responsible for administration, supervision, coordination and leadership of the total Franklin County Extension program. This person must represent UF/IFAS Extension and Franklin County, market all county Extension programs and develop working relations with community leaders, county and city governments, appropriate agencies, various non-profit groups, and an overall advisory committee in serving the clientele of Franklin County. Experience with extension office operations, budgeting and grant management, personnel management, information technology, and educational delivery methods are necessary. The County Extension Director will be part of a cluster of Extension faculty serving the counties of Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla Counties. Duties and Responsibilities The County Extension Director/RSA will:  Provide for the leadership, administration, supervision, teaching and coordination of the overall University of Florida IFAS Extension program in Franklin County, in concert with the Extension faculty and staff responsible for their respective educational programs.  Maintain effective working relationships with Extension administration, county government, community leaders, private sector clientele, media, related agencies, and the general public.  Provide leadership for development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive Sea Grant program in cooperation with local citizens and county/cluster area/ district/state Extension colleagues.  Provide for educational programing in the many areas of Sea Grant and Marine education including but not restricted to: o seafood safety training, marketing, and other related skills can provide important programs and benefits to support and assist shellfish harvesters, seafood processors, and others engaged in the commercial seafood industry, Sea Turtle education, Commercial Fisheries, Sea level rise, Climate variability, Watersheds, Wetlands & Rivers, Enhancing and conserving natural resources and environmental quality  Target programs to achieve program balance reflective of the county’s population diversity and to address the unique educational needs of county residents.  Establish and maintain an effective system for accountability.

DRAFT Position Posting for Franklin County Extension

Page | 2

Attachment #2    Provide leadership for the management of all program components including program policies, enrollments and records, risk management, communications, and educational materials. Assume other assignments and responsibilities in support of the total Extension program as assigned by the District Extension Director. Follow all University and county policies and procedures.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to:        Design, implement, and evaluate community-based educational programs based on needs assessment with input from a county advisory committee and community members. Manage volunteer systems and apply experiential education and community development methods. Work with community agencies and groups in collaborations and partnerships. Work with and enhance strong local advisory committees. Develop and maintain good media relations. Work cooperatively with youth and adults as a leader and team member. Work independently with minimal supervision.

In addition, the County Extension Director/RSA must possess good verbal and written communication skills; have qualities of resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm and innovativeness; and have good organizational development and management skills. Knowledge and experience with computer technology are essential. A minimum of five years of Extension experience is required with roles as a County Extension Director, Extension Agent, experience in Sea Grant and Marine programs desirable. Franklin County is located in Florida's Northwestern Panhandle approximately 80 miles southwest of the State capitol, Tallahassee. The county is comprised of 545 square miles and 348,800 acres making it one of the State's largest counties. Franklin County serves more than 11,000 residents. The Franklin County Extension office is located in Apalachicola. The five Franklin County Board of Commissioners are partners with UF/IFAS Extension in funding the Extension Program. Qualifications A Master’s Degree is required, a PhD is preferred, and the degree must be from an accredited college or university. Degrees considered are of marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, commercial fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics or other related disciplines. Extension programming experience in the commercial or recreational fisheries area is preferred. The candidate must be willing to work irregular hours and weekends; occasional overnight travel is required. Must be able to obtain a Florida Driver’s license; must be willing to travel using personal transportation. Employment is contingent upon the results of a national background screening. Franklin County residency is preferred, and the Agent is expected to be an active member of the community. The successful candidate will be required to???? pass a county physical, criminal background check and drug test. Franklin County ???? has ???? hiring policy. DRAFT Position Posting for Franklin County Extension Page | 3

Attachment #3

UF/IFAS EXTENSION PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO FRANKLIN COUNTY EXTENSION UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE 2012-2013 FRANKLIN COUNTY (NORTHWEST DISTRICT - I)

FACULTY & STAFF (Agent Salary and Fringe) IFAS DIRECT SERVICE SUPPORT FOR EXTENSION Specialist & Administrative Support Professional Development & Training Operating Support (Pesticide Certification Reimbursement) Publications Postage TOTAL provided by UF/IFAS Extension

98,807 41,337 606 9 487 600 $141,847

UF/IFAS EXTENSION PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS TOTAL COUNTY BUDGET - FINANCIAL INVESTMENT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE 2012-2013 FRANKLIN COUNTY (NORTHWEST DISTRICT - I)

PROFESSIONAL Wages only - Faculty PARA PROFESSIONAL Wages & Benefits-Para Prof & Prog Assistants CLERICAL/SECRETARIAL Support Staff provided by County. TRAVEL Travel related expenses. OPERATING CAPITAL OUTLAY Assets in excess of $1,000 budgeted. ALL OTHER EXPENSES All other budgeted funds. TOTAL provided by Franklin County

18,997 0 39,721 2,200 0 6,700

$67,618

UF/IFAS Extension Partners for Progress – Franklin County

Sea Grant Extension
Sea Grant Website: http://seagrant.noaa.gov

Nationally, roughly 400 people compose what is now called Sea Grant Extension, conducting extension educational programming throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states and territories. Nationally, Sea Grant has grown from the four legacy programs that received college program status in 1971 (Oregon State University, University of Rhode Island, Texas A & M University, and University of Washington) to a network of 33 Sea Grant programs (including Guam and Puerto Rico), the National Sea Grant Library and National Sea Grant Law Center. The network involves more than 300 institutions nationwide. This idea of a Sea Grant Program has also been adopted in several parts of the world, with established programs in Korea and Indonesia. Sea Grant Extension (SGE) programs appear in many forms and shapes. They are universitybased educational programs that seek to apply knowledge and understanding gained through research to aid individuals and groups. Programs that extend university knowledge require a dedicated group of individuals whose advanced education, training, and expertise may involve segments of biology, sociology, economics, public policy, engineering, law, and a host of related fields. A SGE professional may be known by many names — specialist, educator, marine advisor or agent. Each works directly with people in coastal, ocean or Great Lakes-related sectors. Extension professionals are also schooled in approaches that can be used to improve information transfer, as well as deal with complex and often controversial areas. Within Sea Grant there are several mechanisms to disseminate science-based information. Sometimes the terms used to describe them are employed interchangeably. Assume that the overall goal of extension education is to effect change by having individuals, groups or institutions use science-based information. Collectively, these mechanisms can be referred to as outreach. Outreach can be defined as those activities that extend Sea Grant and other relevant coastal, ocean and Great Lakes information to people. Any activity that extends new understanding fits this definition and may come in many forms. Hosting a webinar or responding with research-based information to an email inquiry are both outreach activities. Working with a shellfish grower to develop better spawning techniques; summarizing Sea Grant research results in a fact sheet; teaching educators who will, in turn, teach their students; training seafood processors in the safe handling of seafood; and helping a coastal municipality review its planning and zoning regulations to address local water quality concerns are all techniques to extend university knowledge.

Florida Sea Grant
Science Serving Florida's Coast Florida Sea Grant Website: http://www.flseagrant.org Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida.

We are a partnership between the Florida Board of Education, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Florida's citizens and governments. Our extension, education and outreach programs are done in partnership with UF/IFAS Extension and coastal counties of Florida. We tap into the research expertise of more than 800 coastal and ocean scientists at the state’s 16 major universities and research laboratories, and we are an integral part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, one of the nation’s leading Land Grant universities. Our 20 extension agents live and work in coastal communities. They have a breadth of experiences and tremendous trust from their local residents as reliable sources of sciencebased information. Our seven statewide extension specialists lead highly relevant programs including seafood safety, boating and waterway management, coastal conservation law, aquaculture and fisheries management. Our vision and mission Florida Sea Grant envisions a future where people use our coastal and marine resources in ways that capture the economic and social benefits they offer, while preserving their quality and abundance for future generations. Florida Sea Grant’s mission is to support integrated research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida The following are brief examples of Florida Sea Grant Extension programming that might be appropriate for Franklin County.

Seafood Safety
Since 1995, the National Seafood HACCP Alliance has trained more than 20,000 people, including all federal FDA seafood inspectors, most state-based inspectors, over 90% of all nationally based seafood processing firms, plus another 5,000 international participants from 30 nations.

The U.S. seafood industry faces many challenges – global competition, complex trade policies, strict regulations and a limited seafood supply. Keeping seafood fresh and safe for consumers is a challenging task for importers, wholesalers, restaurants and retailers. Florida's 400-plus licensed processing and wholesaling plants—more than any other state—account for over $500 million in annual processed value, and include some of the world's largest shrimp and fish processors, as well as specialized processors of oysters, blue crabs and stone crabs. Florida Sea Grant keeps the seafood industry up to date on the latest handling and processing techniques, relevant regulations, and other critical information. All seafood processors in the U.S. follow the strict set of safe handling techniques known as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point protocol, or HACCP. Through participation in the Seafood HACCP Alliance, Florida Sea Grant provides essential training that helps seafood processors and importers meet federal food-safety regulations. In addition to coordinating the publication and distribution of HACCP curriculum, Florida Sea Grant leads the Alliance steering committee and maintains a cadre of approved HACCP trainers.

Fisheries
Recreational and commercial fisheries are multi-billion dollar industries in Florida. Increasing demands for both high-quality seafood products and memorable recreational fishing opportunities have placed increased pressure on the stocks of finfish and shellfish species which inhabit the coastal waters of Florida. This increase pressure creates a need for more effective fisheries management programs. In addition to collaborating with fisheries managers, Florida Sea Grant:  educates commercial and recreational fisherman on safe handling practices  restores fisheries habitat by deploying artificial reefs  funds fisheries related research projects By focusing on the wise use of Florida’s fisheries resources, we can help ensure that these resources can be appreciated by generations to come.

Model ordinance aims to help beachfront properties save turtles
Written August 22, 2013 by flseagrant

Every year, thousands of imperiled loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles come ashore to nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Yet because of dwindling nesting habitat and a host of other threats, the long-term recovery of sea turtle populations is at risk.
A green turtle laying eggs.

Florida's nesting turtles dig tens of thousands of nests each summer. Each nest contains about 100 eggs, but it is estimated that only one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to maturity. In large part, this is due to too much artificial beachfront lighting. Because newly hatched sea turtles use natural light and reflections to help them locate the water, excessive light on beaches can cause hatchlings to become disoriented. When this happens, hatchlings head inland or wander along the beach instead of out to sea. Lights can also discourage females from coming ashore to nest. The female turtle digs a nest cavity with her rear flippers, and lays between 60 and 160 ping-pong ball sized eggs per nest. After covering the eggs with sand, she returns to the sea. And after about 60 days incubation, the hatchlings dig their way out of the nest at night to avoid predators. With support from Florida Sea Grant, students and faculty in the Conservation Clinic at the University of Florida Levin College of Law reviewed current artificial lighting laws and found them inadequate. The clinic worked with lighting experts at the Sea Turtle Conservancy to develop a set of best lighting practices and tested local ordinances against the best practices. “We concluded that advances in lighting technology and a greater understanding of sea turtle biology, as it relates to lighting have rendered many, if not most, existing ordinances outdated,” said Tom Ankersen, Conservation Clinic Director and Sea Grant legal specialist. “Our new model ordinance best reflects the current state of the art in sea turtle friendly lighting.”

Walton County Sea Grant extension agent Brooke Saari, left, talks to a Gulf Trace homeowner about the new turtle friendly street lights.

While Ankersen and Conservation Clinic students were developing the model ordinance, Florida Sea Grant extension agent Brooke Saari, has been helping one beachfront community comply with the existing Walton County sea turtle lighting ordinance. The Gulf Trace community on south Walton County’s Grayton Beach is a neighborhood of 86 homes that is nestled between two state parks on one mile of beach. “Because of its location, Gulf Trace was making what would normally be a naturally dark beach, and good nesting grounds for turtles, too bright,” said Saari. “They contacted me about helping them comply with the ordinance, but after I explained that they could do better than the ordinance requires, the homeowners decided to take things a step further and become part of the Florida Sea Grant Turtle Friendly Beach Program.” Saari, who already had a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to purchase turtle friendly lights, helped the community receive an additional grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy. With these grants, Gulf Trace was able to install 249 fixtures and 163 bulbs on 36 homes, and the community received six solar turtle friendly street lights. In addition, language was added to the homeowner's association rules promoting proper turtle friendly beach practices for residents and visitors. Gulf Trace homeowner Nancy Lewis, who spearheaded the project, said the community has seen immediate results. “Right now we have two turtle nests--one on the east end and one on the west end,” Lewis said. “It’s the first time in my 13 years living here that turtles have nested on our beach.” If you want to learn more about the Conservation Clinic’s model ordinance, the full report is available on the clinic website.
Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean.

Agriculture and Natural Resources And Home Horticulture The following are the High-priority initiatives: 1. Increasing the sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural enterprises. 2. Enhancing and protecting water quality, quantity, and supply. 3. Enhancing and conserving Florida's natural resources and environmental quality. Panhandle Agriculture - Web site: http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/ Panhandle Outdoors - Web site: http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/
Agriculture and Natural Resources and Energy offers information and programming in the following areas:

Agriculture  Aquaculture,  Citrus,  Forest Resources,  Nursery & Greenhouse  Small Farms, Environment  Ecosystems & Species,  Insects,  Water,  Recreation,  Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants  Coastal Systems Course--Florida Master Naturalist Program  Florida Master Naturalist Program Lawn & Garden  Maintenance & Care,  Plants & Grasses,  Problems,  Types of Gardens,  Industry Professionals,

Farm to School Programs
As the country becomes more health-conscious and concerned about eating habits, an increasing number of schools have embraced the farm to school movement. Farm to school refers to programs that encourage agriculture-related education (such as gardening and farm visits) and support for locally-produced food.

Small Farms Programs
Small farms represent over 90% of all farms in Florida, based on the USDA definition of a small farm as one with up to $250,000 in sales.

Program Titles
The Pond Owner Series Getting Ready for a Spring Garden Getting Ready for a Fall Garden Small Farms as a Business Growing Edible Mushrooms Choosing the Right Citrus Tree Big Livestock on Small Acreage - Raising Beef at Home Small Ruminant Production - Goats and Sheep in North Florida Home Poultry Production for Eggs and Meat Establishing a Wildflower Garden Identifying Exotic Invasive Plants Insect Garden Pest - The Good, the Bad, and the Buggy Getting Your Trees Ready for Hurricane Season

Providing Positive Youth Development
The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system. For more than 100 years, 4-H has been committed to the idea that youth are the single strongest catalyst for change. Over 222,000 youth, ages 5-18, and more than 19,000 youth and adult volunteers make Florida 4-H what it is today. After more than a year of gathering input from thousands of citizens across the state, Florida 4-H is focusing its future on the highest priority needs identified in the process:    Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (S.T.E.M.) Healthy Lifestyles Citizenship & Leadership

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs with more than

222,000 youth
ages 5-18, and 19,000 youth and adult volunteers in the state of Florida

A renewed focus will be on establishing 4-H clubs led by trained volunteers, and broadening 4-H participation by valuing inclusiveness and increasing diversity so even more kids can benefit from a 4-H experience.

How Do We Reach Youth?
Number of Florida Youth Involved: 4-H Clubs 22,088 4-H Camps 12,045 Special Interest Programs 23,574 School Enrichment 167,940 After School Programs 3,516
4-H is one of the largest youth development programs with more than

What Does 4-H Offer Youth Today?
4-H Youth Excel in School & the Sciences
According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development conducted by Tufts University   Young people in 4-H report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school. 4-H youth are two times more likely to plan to go to college to pursue a degree in science, engineering, or computer technology.

229,243 youth

4-H Youth Make More Healthy Choices
4-H members, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race, or gender, thrive through health and safety they receive through 4-H programs. In fact, young people in 4-H are    2.4 times more likely to delay sexual intercourse by grade 11 Have had significantly lower drug, alcohol and cigarette use than peers 2.3 times more likely to exercise and be physically active

Committed to Improving their Communities
 Grade 11 youth are 3.3 times more likely to actively contribute to their communities when compared with youth who did not participate.

Top 5 Project Areas
1. Communications and Expressive Arts 2. Animals 3. Environmental Sciences 4. Food and Nutrition 5. Biological Sciences

Ethnicity of Youth
Hispanic or Latino: 45,084 American Indian or Alaskan Native: 1,134 Asian: 3,810 Black or African American: 43,522 Pacific Islander: 419 White: 166,049 Other: 8,008

Residence of Youth
City (over 50,000): 28,704 City Suburbs: 69,820 Towns (10,000-50,000): 71,844 Towns (less than 10,000): 43,170 Farms: 9,404

4-H is the statewide youth development program of the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The Foundation for the Gator Nation is An Equal Opportunity Institution.

October 2013

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)
Living Well in the Panhandle Website: http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/ Family and Consumer Sciences offers information and programming in the following areas: Health and Nutrition1  Heart Health  Diabetes  Osteoporosis  Making Nutritional Choices for Your Family  County-wide Wellness Programs  Cooking With Your Extension Agent 1 o Cooking with Herbs o No Time to Cook o Meals Prepared in a Slow-Cooker o Fabulous Seafood o Winter Salads o Cooking with Diabetes o Using Garden Vegetables in Salsas Food Safety2  Food Preservation Workshops  Florida Cottage Food Legislation
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Money Management3  Women and Money  Calendar Budgeting  Trained Volunteers to Provide Confidential Counseling Home Concerns  Simple Home Maintenance  Household Record Keeping  First Time Home Buying Seminars  Storm Recovery Relationships  Building Stronger Marriages  Family Communication Skill Building  Marriage Preparation Others  Sustainable Living Practices

Over the past 30 year, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has tripled. Almost 14% of the population lives below the poverty level and as poverty levels rise, the nutritional and health risks to people of all ages increase. Furthermore, Florida adults with the lowest incomes and the least education have the highest prevalence of obesity. Obesity is linked to increased risk for a number o chronic disease, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers. Prevalence of chronic disease increases the medical costs of families. (Source: UF/IFAS Specialists)
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Foodborne illnesses continue to be a major health concern (Center for Disease Control Center data), especially for persons with compromised immunity such as infants, young children, older adults and persons with certain medical conditions. A majority of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. are attributed to commercial food service and foods prepared in private homes.
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Women earn less than men resulting in women having lower lifetime earnings. They tend to live longer thus their money has to last longer. Women are more likely to experience poverty, especially in their older ages. (Source: UF/IFAS Specialists) The resources are intended to help you whether you are retired, a first-time parent, a teen, or someone in between. UF/IFAs Extension provides Floridians with life-long learning programs in cooperation with county government.

Clerk’s Report to the Board 11-5-2013: 1-) I have 2 resolutions for adoption on unanticipated revenue as part of the end-of-the-year bookkeeping. This involves funds that weren’t included in your initial budget last year because we didn’t know at the tim e they would be received. Approval is needed to comply with Florida Statute 129. The 1st resolution deals with $4,167 received from the State of Florida for E911 Maintenance. We put the funds into E911 fund account 163.47.525.4600, Maintenance. The 2nd resolution deals with grant revenues of $4,479 from the Florida Dept. of State for library expenses. We put the funds into the Library account 137.37.571.5200, Operating Supplies.
RESOLUTION FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and WHEREAS, Franklin County has received unanticipated revenues in the amount of $4,167.00 from the STATE OF FLORIDA for E911 Maintenance, and WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2011-2012, and WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2)(d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of: 163.47.525.4600 Maintenance $4,167.00

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $4,167.00 in the E911 FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d). THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 5th day of November 2013.

RESOLUTION FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Franklin County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida and subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 129 regarding preparation of budgets, and WHEREAS, FS 129.06 provides for budget amendments for unanticipated revenues, and

WHEREAS, Franklin County has received unanticipated grant revenues in the amount of $4,479.00 from the Florida Department of State for the payment of expenses relative to the library, and WHEREAS, said revenue is needed to pay certain expenditures incurred in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and WHEREAS, FS 129.06(2)(d) provides for budget amendments in relation to receipts and expenditures of the nature that is received, and WHEREAS, this section requires the Board of County Commission to spread on its minutes the expenditures for the purpose of: 137.37.571.5200 Operating Supplies $4,479.00 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners appropriates these unanticipated revenues in the amount of $4,479.00 in the LIBRARY FUND in order to comply with FS129(2)(d).

2-) I have some line-item budget amendments for approval for the 2012-2013 budget year. #1 On August 21, 2012, the Board approved the emergency purchase of two new spray trucks for the Mosquito Control Dept. after the flooding from TS Debby. The trucks and spray attachments costs a total of $51,959.50 and the invoices were paid in late October and early November of 2012 with funding provided by the reserve for contingency line item. We would increase 001.20.511.6401, Capital Outlay by $51,959.50 and decrease 001.99.584.9600, Reserve for Contingency by $51,959.50; #2: The Tourist Development Council approved at their 09/04/13 meeting to compensate Allyn, Inc. up to $8,800 for additional administrative hours worked in FY 2012/2013. A line item budget amendment is needed to move $8,775.00 from Promotional Activities to Contractual Services within the TDC Budget. The overall budget of the TDC didn’t increase; however, the budget amendment is necessary because a contract exists for administrative services. We would increase 130.33.552.3400, Contractual Services $8,775.00 and decrease 130.33.552.4800, Promotional Activities $8,775.00. #3: On February 2, 2013, the Board approved the replacement of a $37,179.00 knuckle boom attachment for the Solid Waste Dept. with funding provided by the reserve for contingency line. We would increase 001.40.534.6401, Capital Outlay by $37,179.00 and decrease 001.99.584.9600, Reserve for Contingencies by $37,179.00. #4: On July 16, 2013, the Board approved increasing the library budget by $15,000 to cover expenses incurred during the move to the new facility. We would increase 137.37.571.4400 Rentals and Leases by $8,100, increase 137.37.571.4600, Repair and Maintenance by $6,900, and decrease 137.99.584.9600, Reserve for Contingencies by $15,000. Action needed: Motion to approve the line item budget amendments for the 2012-2013 fiscal year as described above.

Report to the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners November 5, 2013 (After payment of bills, recognize speaker from Hospice will be asking the Board to adopt a Resolution recognizing November as National Hospice Month.) 1- Board action to ask DOT for permission to close US 98 in Eastpoint for the Eastpoint Christmas Parade, on Dec. 13. 2- Inform Board that Ms. Brownell has advertised for the Emergency Management Coordinator position. The applications must be submitted to the Planning Office by Nov. 8. My office will turn over the applications to Ms. Brownell for her review. 3- Inform Board that I provided a short narrative to Senator Montford’s Ag Committee for inclusion in his hearing on the Apalachicola Bay that occurred last night, Monday, Nov. 7, in Tallahassee. Senator Montford asked each state agency with responsibilities in the Bay to describe to his committee what each agency was doing to bring the oyster industry back. In the narrative I sent in I described the many steps the Franklin County Commission has taken over the years to protect and enhance the oyster industry. 4- Inform Board that FWC has made a request to the US Sec. of Commerce for Federal Fishery Disaster Assistance Funding as a result of the declaration of fishery failure for the oyster industry. The FWC request includes $52M for the restoration of approximately 2400 acres of oyster harvesting areas in Apalachicola Bay. There is approximately 4100 acres of oyster harvesting area in the Bay so this request, if funded, would provide funds for shells and labor to put the shells out on about half the Bay. This would be a 4 year project. 5- Inform Board that Dept. of Economic Opportunity has released its report “Franklin County Long-term Economic Diversification Strategy.” Pass out copies. There will be a workshop on Nov. 18, from 2-4:30, at the Reserve Bldg in Eastpoint to present the strategy. The public is invited. 6- Airport Committee update. The Airport Advisory Committee met on Monday, Nov. 4, and makes the following recommendations. 7- Inform the Board that CW Roberts should have finished paving CC Land Road over the weekend. 8- Board action to extend the FCT Agreement to purchase land in Eastpoint. The Board may recall that last spring FCT informed the Board that additional funds had become available. The county had an unfunded request in to purchase the property known owned by Ms. Sandra Fields, the project had ranked high enough that FCT was willing to move forward with acquisition. Some time in the summer the county asked for a modification to the acquisition to purchase not only Ms. Fields’ property but also the property between Ms. Fields and the Eastpoint Pavilion. FCT agreed to the modification so that both

properties would be considered for purchase. On a regular basis I get a phone call from the owners wanting to know when they are going to get a offer from FCT. As of Oct. 30, I received an email from FCT staff saying that the program has had “management turnover which has held up the approval forms for the offer but nothing has changed on the approval.” FCT went on to say they hope to get the offer out ASAP. Board action to extend the FCT Agreement until July 31, 2014. If we do not extend the current FCT Agreement runs out Jan. 31, 2014. 9- Chairman Sanders had asked me several meetings ago to investigate options to purchase the land currently owned by Capital City Bank that used to be “El’s Court Motor Inn” just east of Carrabelle on US 98. Mr. Shuler has spoken to the Bank and I have spoken with Mr. Doug Hattaway, Trust for Public Lands. There are no current state land acquisition programs taking applications at this time, but TPL is working on a $50M Florida Forever allocation with the upcoming legislative session. Mr. Hattaway also said TPL is spearheading a constitutional amendment for dedicating funding for Florida Forever, and the website is floridawaterlandlegacy.org. As the Board may recall, TPL is a non-profit with the ability to purchase land that ultimately is purchased from them with state or federal funds, so TPL is a strong ally in any land acquisition program. In the past, TPL was the agent for the purchase of the Indian Creek Park, which became county property, and TPL was the agent that bought the marina at 11 Mile (Schoelles property), and last week that property was transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife for management by St. Vincent.