FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING
FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX
MARCH 20, 2012
9:00AM
MINUTES
Commissioners: Pinki Jackel- Chairman, Bevin Putnal- Vice Chairman, Cheryl Sanders, Noah
Lockley, Joseph Parrish
Others Present: Marcia Johnson - Clerk of Court Alan Pierce - Director of Administrative
Services, Michael Shuler - County Attorney, Michael Mor6n - Deputy Clerk/Board Secretary
Call to Order (9:00 AM)
Chairman Jackel called the Meeting to order.
Prayer and Pledge (9:00 AM)
There was a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes - March 6. 2012 Regular Meeting (9:01 AM)
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to approve the Minutes of the March 6, 2012
Regular Board Meeting; Motion carried 5-0.
Payment of County Bills (9:01 AM)
Motion by Lockley, seconded by Putnal, to approve the payment of the bill list as presented;
Motion carried 5-0.
Dave McLain - Update - ACF Water Issues (9:02 AM)
Dave McLain, of the ACF Stakeholders, updated the Board on efforts being made to support an
equitable distribution of the tri-state basin. He discussed a recent meeting with contractors
and recognized Betty Webb and her staff for doing such a good job in hosting the meeting.
Mr. McLain discussed the addition of an agreement with the DEP to exchange data to come up
with the right solutions concerning ACF water issues. He invited the Commissioners to attend
the meetings in order to gather more understanding of the ACF.
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Commissioner Putnal and Mr. McLain issues with conchs invading oyster beds
because of the lack of fresh water in the Bay.
Alan Pierce discussed Item 16 from his report.
16- Inform Board that the USACO is holding a public scoping meeting in Eastpoint this
Thursday, March 22,4-8 PM, to receive public input for a proposed reservoir north of Atlanta
that will be filled be waterfrom the Chattahoochee River. Board direction on sending a letter
objecting to more water being removed from the river system.
Motion by Putnal, by Lockley, to send a letter objecting to more water being
removed from the reservoir of the Chattahoochee River system; Motion carried 5-0.
Department Supervisors Report
Hubert Chipman - Superintendent of Public Works (9:09 AM)
Mr. Chipman had no items for Board action.
Commissioner Sanders and Mr. Chipman discussed an issue on Gulf Shore Blvd. at Alligator
Point.
Commissioner Sanders, Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Chipman discussed an area on Pine Street for
storing rocks that might be coming off of the revetment at Alligator Point.
Chairman Jackel and Mr. Chipman discussed the clean-up of trash at areas in Eastpoint.
Commissioner Sanders discussed issues with the right of way at the Timber Island Boat Ramp.
Van Johnson - Solid Waste Director (9:13 AM)
Mr. Johnson had no items for Board action.
Mr. Johnson discussed the upcoming opening weekend of the Day of Ball at the Kendrick Sports
Complex in Carrabelle.
The Board and Mr. Johnson discussed Day of Ball.
Pam Brownell- Emergency Management Director (9:14 AM)
Mrs. Brownell was attending a conference.
Action Items: None
Information Items:
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1. The Emergency Management is hosting an ESF17 (animal protection) meeting on March 23'd
at 11:00am at the EOC office. This allows animal control to coordinate with the animal control
department in Leon County for support during and evacuation and to update the county plan for
animals in a disaster. The Humane Society will also be there to help our countyJs humane society
to coordinate their animal evacuation plan.
2. Mike Rundel and I will be attending the Geographic Response Plan (GRP) Workshop on March
19-20.
3. The Emergency Management office will be participating in the Media event sponsored by
Forgotten Coast on March 21
st
for public outreach to remind residents to get a plan and their re
entry tags before Hurricane Season.
Bill Mahan - Extension Office Director (9:14 AM)
Mr. Mahan had no items for Board action.
Mr. Mahan discussed Chef Chris Hastings, of Birmingham, Alabama mentioning Alligator Point
clams on the television show Iron Chef America.
Commissioner Putnal and Mr. Mahan discussed a potential plan regarding regulations for
commercial fishing and seafood workers.
Commissioner Putnal discussed a potential problem with the Progress Energy project and the
oyster bars.
Alan Pierce - Director of Administrative Services - Report (9:22 AM)
Mr. Pierce presented his report to the Board.
1- Inform the Board that the FAC has contacted the county to remind the Board and its
employees that they are eligible to participate in a Deferred Compensation Program sponsored
by NACo. The Deferred Compensation program is a voluntary program where employees select
how much of their paycheck they would like deferred to receive upon retirement. The program
does not cost the county any money and it could save employees on their federal income taxes.
Interested employees can see me for contact information.
2- At the last meeting Commissioner Putnal asked that the Dept. of Agriculture be contacted
about assisting people when the time comes for renewal of seafood harvester licenses. I have
spoken to Ms. Leslie Palmer, DACS Bureau chief, who wants the Board to know that the
Department has upgraded the renewal process so that most of the information from this year's
license is being put on an individuafs license by a DACS computer. According to Ms. Palmer
essentially all you are going to have to do is come to DACS office and sign your name as the
computer will have filled out the form electronically.
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What Ms. Palmer requests is that the Board encourages seafood workers to renew their
licenses eorly sa that there is not such a stampede on the last few days.
Commissioner Sanders asked Mr. Pierce to check into eliminating the fees for a harvesting
license.
The Board discussed this matter further.
3- Also at the last meeting Commissioner Putnal asked for assistance in removing a beaver dam.
I have received permission from the property owner and the Planning Office has contacted a
trapper licensed to remove beavers. The trapper will remove the beavers for no charge at
certain times of the year.
Commissioner Putnal and Mr. Pierce discussed this matter further.
4- The Board asked for more information regarding the spouse of a former employee continuing
on the county's health insurance plan after the member had died. In the case at hand, the
spouse is entitled to 36 months of coverage under COBRA. I had previously reported that COBRA
coverage was for only 18 months- which is true in instances of voluntary termination; however,
if a member dies, COBRA coverage is available for 36 months (3 years). COBRA is the federal
mandate that makes existing coverage available to people who wauld atherwise be excluded
the COBRA coverage is exactly the same coverage the member and their spouse had with the
county. In the case at hand, the dependent was on the member's plan at the time of death.
The Board could take no action and the surviving spouse could remain on the COBRA division of
the county health plan for up to 3 years, or the Board could vote to allow the surviving spouse to
stay on the regular plan so long as they were insured at the time of the member's death but
with certain eligibility restrictions to be determined by the county labor attorney in conjunction
with the county's health insurance provider.
Commissioner Parrish wanted to be sure that the County would not be responsible for paying
any premiums.
Commissioner Lockley expressed the same type of concerns as Commissioner Parrish regarding
any County liability.
Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to allow spouses to remain on insurance policy as
long as the spouse continues to make all payments and direct the County's labor attorney to
look into creating a policy that would apply to this issue, including the spouse remarrying;
Motion carried 5-0.
5- Chairman lackel has arranged for the April11
h
Board meeting to take place at the Estuarine
Research Reserve in Eastpoint. Board action to hold the Aprill1
h
Board meeting at the
Research Reserve Meeting Room, starting at 5 PM.
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Motion by Sanders, seconded by Putnal, to hold the April 17, 2012 Board Meeting at the
Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint, providing that sound and recording arrangements
can be made; Motion carried 5-0.
6- Ralph Robertson, CPA, is interested in bidding on the county's audit business. While the
current auditing firm has held its fees in place for the last 5 years it is the Board's pleasure about
whether it wants to seek bids on performing the audit. If the Board is going to change auditors
now is the time to seek bids. There is a process established in Florida Statutes regarding
selecting a county auditor. The most important part is that Section 218.391, FS, requires the
Board appoint an audit committee that must include one Board member, and one member from
each county of/ice elected pursuant to Section l(d), Article VIII, of the State Constitution, which
are a/l the county constitutional offices.
The Board discussed possibly finding a lower price and providing the job locally.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to start the bid process for the County's audit;
Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Parrish, seconded by Sanders, to appoint Chairman Jackel to the audit committee;
Motion carried 5-0.
7- The ARPC, which provides staff to the Franklin County Transportation Disadvantaged
Committee, has asked for assistance in getting an elected of/icial to serve as Chairman of the
Transportation Disadvantaged Committee meetings. Since the meetings are here in
Apalachicola I have asked City Commissioner Frank Cook if he would be willing to serve in a one
year appointment. He said he would. Board action to appoint Apalachicola City Commissioner
Frank Cook as Chairman of the county's Transportation Disadvantaged Committee.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Lockley, to appoint Frank Cook as Chairman of the County's
Transportation Disadvantaged Committee; Motion carried 5-0.
8- Board action to adopt a Resolution naming March 26 to April 1, 2012 as Tobacco Free Florida
Week, and a Resolution proclaiming March 21, 2012 as "Kick Butts" Day.
Motion by Lockley, seconded by Putnal, to approve a Resolution naming March 26 to April 1,
2012 as Tobacco Free Florida Week and a Resolution proclaiming March 21, 2012 as "Kick
Butts" Day; Motion carried 5-0.
9- Board action to approve a letter requested by the Franklin County Early Childhood of/ice to
support a grant application to the US. Dept. of Health and Human Services for a Head Start and
Early Head Start program in Bay and Franklin counties. The grant would be to continue the
services that are currently being provided in the county.
The Board discussed this matter and expressed concerns about lack of information on this item.
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Motion by Putnal, seconded by Sanders, to table this item and ask a representative from the
Dept. of Health and Human Services to attend the next meeting to discuss this matter with
the Board; Motion carried 5-0.
10- Inform the Board that on Thursday, March 15, the solar panels on the Courthouse Annex
were activated so the building is now being partially powered by solar energy. The amount of
electrical energy actually saved depends on the time of year and the amount of cloud cover on
any particular day. The consultants estimates that on a bright sunny day the Board the solar
panels will be producing 20% of the energy consumed, so the Board should see a 20% savings in
the utility bill for the Annex.
11- Board direction on letter requested by FAC to the Governor asking him to veto HB 5301.
Chairman Jackel provided additional information on this matter. She said this Bill would require
that each County pay the State for their outstanding Medicaid bills.
Commissioners Sanders and Parrish also discussed this matter and expressed concerns.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to send a letter to Governor Scott along with a copy
to Legislative Delegation, Small County Coalition and Florida Association of Counties opposing
HB 5301; Motion carried 5-0.
12- Inform Board that $2500 has been spent out of the Bald Point Trust Fund to pay for the
appraisal of the 4 SECON Village lots the Board is attempting to purchase on Alligator Point.
13- Board action to approve contract with ARPC for $3500 to do the biennial Hazardous Waste
Generator Report. The state requires the report be done. The cost is budgeted.
Motion by Putnal, seconded by Sanders, to approve contract with ARPC for $3,500 to do the
biennial Hazardous Waste Generator Report; Motion carried 5-0.
14- Board action to approve 2 Resolutions- one supporting the application for the dock
extension at Abercombie Boat Ramp, and the other for bathrooms and other improvements at
the boat ramp on St. George Island. These 2 Resolutions will be submitted with their respective
Boating Improvement grant applications.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to approve a Resolution to support the application
for the dock extension at Abercrombie Boat Ramp and to approve a Resolution to provide
bathrooms and other improvements at the SGI Boat Ramp; Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Putnal discussed an issue with a light on the St. George Island Boat Ramp.
Commissioner Jackel explained that the light is solar powered so it probably doesn't get a good
charge on cloudy days.
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Commissioner Lockley and Mr. Pierce discussed the possibility of asking Progress Energy to run
power lines for the light.
Chairman Jackel asked Mr. Pierce to ask Progress Energy to get a cost estimate to run power to
the Boat Ramp on St. George Island.
Commissioner Parrish asked that the same is done on the Abercrombie Boat Ramp.
There was further discussion on this matter.
15- Inform Board thot Eastpoint Sewer District is not going to sign a letter of credit to cover any
future damage to Ridge Road but they are also not going to make any additional cuts. They
made 3 complete cuts out of the 10 proposed, and the part of the road with those 3 cuts will be
overlaid with one continuous layer of asphalt. Eastpoint also worked on the north side of the
Avenue A and 4St intersection and they will repair that cut, and they will also fix the large dip on
the south side of the same intersection that the Board had previously discussed. Clay Kennedy
with Preble-Rish has advised Royol American on what needs to happen to fix the dip. According
to Debbie Roumellis there is enough funds remaining in the CDBG grant to fix both sides of the
intersection.
Commissioner Sanders asked for Attorney Shuler for a legal opinion on this matter, which he
provided.
Commissioner Sanders expressed her displeasure on this matter and the actions ofthe County
CDBG contractor.
The Board and Mr. Pierce discussed problems with this project and EPWS further, including the
cutting of roads and not providing water and sewer service to four residences.
The Board also discussed issues with the CDBG contractor.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Putnal, to direct Staff to attend the next EPWS meeting and
discuss the problems with this project and the concerns of the Board, including connecting
the residents that are not scheduled for connection and ask EPWS to call a special meeting, if
necessary; Motion carried 5-0.
16- Inform Board that the USACOE is holding a public scoping meeting in Eastpoint this
Thursday, March 22A8 PM, to receive public input for a proposed reservoir north of Atlanta
that will be filled be water from the Chattahoochee River. Board direction on sending a letter
objecting to more water being removed from the river system.
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Commissioner Putnal updated the Board on his meeting with the Commissioner of Agriculture.
He said they discussed how the Dept. of Agriculture could help the County with the seafood
industry.
Commissioner Putnal asked the Commissioner to attend a Meeting in order to hear input from
all of the Board members and also input from the pUblic.
Chairman Jackel stated that she and Commissioner Putnal discussed some ofthe same things
with the Agriculture Commissioner. She also shared some other issues she discussed with him
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and let him know that it was made clear that they didn't want individual meetings but wanted
him to meet with a full Board in the future.
Commissioner Parrish stated that he and the Agriculture Commissioner discussed a lot of the
same issues discussed at the ISSC meeting held in Seattle. He said he told the Commissioner
that the Board would support him in trying to gain funding for the oyster producing states.
Commissioner Sanders stated that she and Commissioner Lockley were disrespected by the
Agriculture Commissioner by not receiving any notification that he was here in the County to
meet with members of the Board.
The Board discussed this matter further.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Lockley, to send a letter directly to the Agriculture
Commissioner stating that he disrespected the two Commissioners he didn't meet with while
he was in the County and to meet with all five members and the public when he is the
County; Motion carried 5-0.
Recess (10:20 AM)
Chairman Jackel called for a recess.
Reconvene (10:37 AM)
Chairman Jackel reconvened the Meeting.
Marcia M. Johnson - Clerk of Courts - Report (10:37 AM)
Mrs. Johnson presented her report to the Board.
l-l've prepared a Resolution for adoption requiring that all budgets be turned in by May 1
st
instead of June 1
st
as required by law, to facilitate an earlier start to the budget process as
we've done the pastfew years. I also need to know if the Board has any specific directions for
the budget submissions.
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
FRANKLIN COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board Of County Commissioners of Franklin County, Florida, are
concerned about the economic situation existing, and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to begin the budget process earlier to ensure enactment of
their proposedfiscal policies, and
WHEREAS, more time is needed to make sure the budget is in compliance with county
requirements and is tentatively prepared.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Franklin
County, Florida, that all Constitutional Officers, Department Heads, and any other entity
requesting funds, be directed to submit their tentative budget by May 1, 2012 for the fiscal year
FCBOCC Regular Meeting
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2012-2013.
Motion by Lockley, seconded by Sanders, to approve a Resolution to request that all
Constitutional Officers, Department Heads, and any other entity requesting funds, be
directed to submit their tentative budget by May 1, 2012 for the fiscal year 2012-2013;
Motion carried 5-0.
Mrs. Johnson and the Board discussed using the same language as previous years regarding
submission of budgets.
2-lt was brought to my attention that although the Board passed a motion on May 20, 2008
raising the threshold for the bid process from $5,000 to $10,000, the Board's written bid policy
was never changed. Action is needed to approve the written policy below which is identical to
the earlier policy with the exception of the amounts being changed from $5000 to $10000.
APPENDIX G AMENDED
Adopted FCBCC: July 18, 2000
Amended by Motion May 20, 2008:
Amounts increased to $10,000
Adopted FCBCC: March 20, 2012
FRANKLIN COUNTY BID POLICY
To insure open and fair competition, to insure an equal opportunity to all for the
County's business and to obtain the most advantageous price consistent with quality needed
for the proper operation of the various County facilities, $10,000 shall be the Bid threshold.
Bids will be in written form and shall require publishing a legal notice in a newspaper of
general circulation, once a week for at least two weeks prior to the opening of the Bids.
BIDS SHOULD BE REQUESTED WHEN THE COST OF:
One (1) item will exceed $10,000 or
The cost of multiples of one item will exceed $10,000, or
The cost of a group of items for one (1) project will exceed $10,000, or
The cost reflected on a single invoice from one (1) supplier will exceed $10,000, or
The cost of one item or group of items that are purchased on a regular basis and the cost
in any three (3) month period ohime will exceed $10,000.
Bids shall not be requested when the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners
determines by motions at any regular or special meeting that:
An emergency exists, or
There is a sole source supplier, or
Items are purchased from the State Bid list, or
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This Board determines that it is in the best interest of the County to purchase from a
GSA, Federal, State or other Governmental contract, or
This Board determines that it is in the best interest of the County to negotiate purchase
of a vehicle, the cost of which does not exceed $25,000.00.
Motion by Putnal, seconded by Sanders, to approve changing the County's bid threshold from
$5,000 to $10,000, with all other wording remaining the same; Motion carried 5-0.
3 The Board previously took action to raise the travel expense total, but there needs to be a
new resolution adopted under Florida Statutes setting the policy and separoting the total into
amounts far breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I am getting inquiries from your departments
pertaining to their travels. For in-state travel, the Board set an amount of $55.00. In
researching the U.S. General Services Administration website, I found that thefederal standard
rate is $46.00. If the adopted rate is greater than the established federal rate, the difference
then becomes taxable income to the traveler. My suggestion is to adopt the Federal Standard
Rate of $46 per dayfor in-state travel, but it is at the pleasure of the Board. Regardless of what
rate is chosen, there still needs to be a formal Resolution adopted to enact the rate.
Additionally, the Boord will have to adopt a separate Resolution establishing the out-of-state
travel and per diem rate with breakdowns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I will be glad to
prepare the Resolution once you establish the breakdowns.
RESOLUTION FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TRAVEL AND PER DIEM POLICY
March 20, 2012 Revision
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Boord of County Commissioners, in accordance with Florida
Statutes 112.061(14)(0) adopts this resolution establishing a revised travel and per diem policy:
WHEREAS, effective April 1, 2012, Franklin County will pay the following per diem, food and
mileage allowances for authorized travelers on behalf of Franklin County. Travel claims
containing a statement the expenses were incurred as necessary travel expenses in the
performance of official duties must be submitted and must be verified by written declaration
that the statement is true and correct as to every material matter. Any person who submits a
fraudulent claim commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. Additionally, any person who
receives a reimbursement based upon a false claim is civilly liable for the amount of the
overpayment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners
has determined that Franklin County will pay the following Per Diem:
Lodging: Actual Cost
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Mileage: Standard Mileage Rate established by the Internal Revenue Service on
January 1
st
of each year.
Meals: Breakfast: When travel begins before 7:00 a.m. and extends beyond 8:00
a.m. -$8.00
Lunch: When travel begins before 12:00 noon and extends beyond 2:00
p.m. - $12.00
Dinner: When travel begins before 5:00 p.m. and extends beyond 7:00
p.m., OR when travel occurs during nighttime hours due to special
assignment $26.00
These reimbursement rates fall within the travel per diem rate guidelines established by
the Federal Government.
All travel must be approved by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners prior to
traveling in order to receive the payment/reimbursement.
This Resolution adopted by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners this 20
th
day of
March.. 2012.
Chairman Jackel stated that she was in favor of Mrs. Johnson's recommendation.
Motion by Parrish, seconded by Lockley, to adopt the Resolution to revise the travel and per
diem reimbursement rates based on the Federal Standard Rate, as recommended by Mrs.
Johnson, which includes both in-state and out of state amounts; Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Jackel asked Mrs. Johnson to give the Board's condolences to Shelia Monroe and
family for the loss of her husband, Curtis Monroe.
Michael Shuler - County Attorney - Report {IO:44 AM)
Attorney Shuler presented his report to the Board.
1. Capital City Bank
a. Attached is the bank's motion for emergency injunctive relief scheduled for hearing on
March 28, 2012. No action is required.
b. Attached is the bank's request for a stipulation granting them a temporary injunction.
I recommend rejection of their request, in part because it is just for the benefit of the bank and
also because it fails to resolve all outstanding Issues between the parties.
c. Attached is a copy of the statutorily required notice offering to purchase the four Se
Can Cove lots at the intersection ofAlligator Drive and Harbor Circle for $420,000.00. The notice
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Pagello/l4
was mailed March 16, 2012, which is the date I received the appraisal. If the bank accepts, then
we process payment to them. If not, then after thirty days we can file the eminent domain case.
d. I will be presenting you with a resolution for adoption next meeting. The resolution is
mandatory prior to filing suit.
e. Alan and I are scheduled to meet with the bank's representatives either in Apalach or
at Alligator Point on Thursday, March 22, 2012, to discuss possible settlement.
Board Action: I recommend a motion rejecting the bank's request for a stipulation.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to reject the bank's request for a stipulation, based
on Attorney Shulers recommendation; Motion carried 50.
Attorney Shuler provided additional information on this matter.
2. Highway Patrol Station Property, Eastpoint, Florida
Attached is the letter I sent to the Bureau of State Lands requesting re-conveyance of the
old Highway Patrol Station to Franklin County. I have not received a reply yet. No action is
required.
3. Special Fire Assessment - Possible Placement Onto Tax Bill
The Board asked that I report back regarding the possibility of placing the special fire
assessment onto the tax bill. Presently, it is billed separately from the tax bill and, if unpaid, a
lien is filed against the property. I have spoken with both the Property Appraiser's office the Tax
Collector's office. They have no objection to my recommendation to continue billing the special
fire assessment separately from the tax bill. No action is required.
4. Resolution Opposing Mesh Restrictions
I gave the two original resolutions to Buddy Page, who said he was taking them to
Ronald Crum. No action is required.
Commissioner Putnal asked Attorney Shuler to make sure the EPWS Board understands that the
Board wants to ensure that residents who are not scheduled to be connected are connected
and expressed other concerns that he wanted stated by Attorney Shuler at the next EPWS
meeting.
Attorney Shuler stated that the Board's comments will be clearly communicated.
Chairman Jackel and Attorney Shuler discussed the status of the contracts for the FBD and the
hangar at the airport. She expressed her concerns of the current FBD agreement ending.
Attorney Shuler stated that he is still waiting on the draft contract.
Commissioners and Public Comments (10:53 AM)
Commissioner Lockley requested that Staff gather information on the Hospital billing status.
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Commissioner Parrish stated that there is a problem with a concrete slab at the Daly house in
Lanark Village, which was donated by the County to the Land Trust.
Motion by Parrish, seconded by Sanders, to direct Mr. Chipman of the Road Department to
remove concrete slab from the house in Lanark Village that was donated by the County to the
Land Trust; Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Pierce provided some information regarding the census data of Franklin County compared
to other counties in the State.
Chairman Jackel and Mr. Pierce discussed the issues with Otter Slide Road and 4th St. in
Eastpoint and also EPWS wanting to trade off for their project.
Commissioner Sanders discussed the upcoming ARPC upcoming meeting and the Northwest
Florida Transportation meeting in Panama City.
Chairman Jackel discussed the Media Day meeting that will be held on Wednesday. She stated
that she wanted to ensure that it will not be stated that Franklin County has recovered. She
said we don't know what the impact on the tourism will be from spending the 1.8 million
dollars. She said she wants the seafood workers and seafood industry to know that this will be
an update as to the process of the recovery.
FWC Report - Bill Cline - Development of Public Shooting Range (11:04 AM)
Bill Cline, of FWC, discussed a public shooting park project in Franklin County. He provided the
Commissioners with a handout and gave some background on the park project. Mr. Cline
stated that at the last FWC Meeting, Sheriff Shiver had suggested a location for the park near
the Sheriffs Office on Highway 65. He shared the vision ofthis park and explained how certain
areas of the park would be utilized. He also discussed several different partnerships that would
need to be initiated in order to make the project work.
Commissioner Putnal said he had fought for this park for a long time.
Chairman Jackel explained the many benefits this park would provide for the County and she
thanked Mr. Cline and Adam Young for attending the Meeting.
Commissioner Sanders expressed her enthusiasm for this project.
Mr. Pierce suggested informing the School Board of plans for the property and voiding any
other previous agreements for use of the property.
Motion by Sanders, seconded by Parrish, to send a Letter of Support for the shooting range,
along with a copy to the School Board and designate Mr. Pierce as the County point person
for this project; Motion carried 5-0.
Adjourn (11:21 AM)
There being no further business, Chairman Jackel adjourned the Meeting.
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Page 14 of1.4
Pinki C. Jackel, Chairman - FCBCC
Attest:
Marcia M. Johnson, Clerk of Courts
28 Airport Road
Apalachicola, Florida 32320
(850) 653-8977, Fax (850) 653-3643
Em3frt;tnk@gtcom.net
Report to Board of County Commissioners
Date: April 03, 2012
Action Items: Requesting the Board to approve and sign the contract with The Management Experts for training and exercise for
the 2012 Homeland Security Grant and to piggyback the Jefferson County contact in order to save the county
monies and time.
Request Board sign Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) contract modification for Small Drainage Project
in Franklin County. Franklin County will receive an increase in funding for the construction of 10 cross drains
throughout the county in order to meet engineering criteria.
Original Grant Funding: New Grant Funding:
Federal Share $39,365.00 (75%) Federal Share $70,743.00 (75%)
Local Share $13,122.00 (25%) Local Share $23,581.00 (25%)
Total Cost $ 52,487.00 (100%) Total Cost $94,324.00 (100%)
Information Items:
1. Franklin County Emergency Management Director, Pam Brownell, along with your Public Information Officers, Tom
Durham and Rachel Ward, took part in the" Media Event" on S1. George Island March 21, 2012. This event was
sponsored by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
2. The weather siren and lightning detection presentation, requested by the Franklin County K-12 School and supported by
Emergency Management, was a success. We hope the school, the two municipalities and the Franklin County Parks and
Recreation Department consider purchasing similar weather sirens.
3. On March 23, 2012 Emergency Management met with local Animal Control, the Franklin County Humane Society, Leon
County Animal Control and the Animal in Disaster Agency to develop a workable disaster plan for animals.
4. Franklin County Emergency Management participated in training in the use of EMnet. This is a communications tool used
to activate the State Emergency Alert System sending emergency notifications to county residents from the EOC.
Training with this FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System will be ongoing.
5. Franklin County Emergency Management will be participating in the State Evacuation Exercise in Tallahassee on April 5,
2012.
6. Franklin County Mosquito Control will meet with State and Local ESF 17 (Animal Protection) on April 12,2012 at 1 0:00am
at the EOC.
7. Northwest Florida Water Management District expects to have approval soon from DOT on platforms for the hydrologic
monitoring stations for the Ochlockonee and Crooked Rivers. They have also been receiving monitoring and telemetry
equipment for these platfonns last month.
Sincerely,
Pamela Brownell / Director
UFIFWRIDA
IF AS Extensioll franklin UF/IFAS Extension
Franklin County 66 4
th
Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320-1755
850-653-9337
bmahan@ufl.edu
30 March 2012
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Bill Mahan, FranklinlUF - IF AS Extension Director Bill
SUBJECT: 03 April 2012, BeC Extension Update Report
Franklin - UF IFAS Updates
1} Franklin Extension Advisory Committee Meeting - My Advisory Committee will be holding a meeting on April 4th at
4:00 PM at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Complex. We will be reviewing the Extension
Offices activities from January - March, preparing for upcoming programs like the 4H Tropicana Public Speaking
Program and 4H Summer Camp, gardening programs, etc. as well as planning for future programming efforts.
2} New National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) Education Requirements - Beginning January 2014, new NSSP
requirements go into effect that will mandate 2-hours of shellfish harvester and dealer education every two years in
order to get a license or be recertified. I am working with FL Fish & Wildlife and Fl Department of Ag & Consumer
Services to develop a plan for delivery and teaching materials that will meet the new requirements.
3} 4H Robotics Day Camp -I attended a 4-H Robotics Day Camp in Walton County on March 29
th
to learn more about
the program and how it engages at-risk students and introduces them to engineering, computer programming and
teamwork.
4} Franklin County Tourist Development Council Media In/ormation Day-I participated in the in the FCTDC/Forgotten
Coast TV - Media Information Day held on March 21st.
5) Wiredfor Success - The pilot "Wired for Success" program I taught at the Franklin County School to a small class of
middle school students went very well. Plans are underway to expand the program to other middle school classes at
the school and to expand the program to the ABC Charter School.
6} Jr. Achievement Programs at ABC and Franklin County Schools - David Butler and I have begun teaching the Junior
Achievement Middle School Program's Economics for Success at the ABC School as part of the student's "career'
studies. Plans are underway to begin a middle school class at the Franklin County School as well.
7} 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Program - We have begun planning and contacting teachers about conducting our
5
th
Annual4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Program. The program is for 4
th
, , & 6
th
grade students.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC)
8) Groupers Opened, Spiny Lobsters Close in Gul/- Recreational fishing for Gulf of Mexico grouper species - red, black,
yellowfin, yellowmouth, rock hind, red hind and scamp opened on April 1
st
and will remain open through January 31,
2013. State waters in the Gulf are from shore to nine miles out.
Gulf of Mexico gag grouper also opened to harvest Aprill in state waters in the following counties only: Taylor,
Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin, including all waters of the Steinhatchee River, Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass.
This season is for 2012 only and will remain open through June 30. Gag grouper will be open to recreational
The Foundation for The Gator Nation
J\n Equal Opportunity Institution
harvest in Gulf of Mexico federal waters and the rest of state waters (not including Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla
and Franklin) from July 1 through October 31st.
Anglers targeting Gulf grouper must use circle hooks and have dehooking devices and venting tools aboard their
boats. Use of these devices helps increase the chance of survival for a fish that is caught and released.
The spiny lobster recreational and commercial season closed to harvest in state waters on April 1 and will
reopen Aug, 6. A two-day sport season will be held on July 25
th
and 26
th
,
9) Shore Birds Nesting on Beaches Requires Beachgoers to Beware - With nesting season under way for shorebirds
like the snowy plover, black skimmer and American oystercatcher, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) asks beachgoers to take care not to disturb their nests. Well-informed, courteous beachgoers can
provide needed relief to these stressed species.
"By recognizing the warning signs that you have entered an area of beach where shorebird nesting is taking place,
you can save chicks and eggs from a needless death," said Nancy Douglass, who works on shorebird conservation at
the FWC. "If you notice birds suddenly stand up, become agitated or fly about at your approach, you are likely
entering a nesting site."
Any disturbance by people, pets or vehicles can cause shorebirds to temporarily or permanently abandon their
nests, resulting in the death of young chicks or the destruction of the eggs by predators. Once shorebird parents are
frightened from the nest, exposed chicks or eggs can succumb to the heat of the Florida summer sun in as little as
five minutes, and predation by gulls and crows increases significantly when parents are forced to leave, even for a
few moments.
Gu/fofMexico Fishery Management CouncillGMFMCJ
10) GulfGrouper Recreational Season Opened April 11 2012 - The GMFMC reminds anglers that the recreational
harvest of shallow-water groupers - except for gag - reopens April! within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico
federal waters.
The annual February 1- March 31 closure of Gulf recreational shallow-water grouper includes gag, black, red,
yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind. The two-month closure during spawning season helps
reduce overfishing of gag and rebuild its populations so that larger annual harvests may be possible in the future.
Note the gag recreational season remains closed. Gag will open July 1 and close October 31. Size limits and bag limits
(22" and 2/person) for gag have not changed.
11) Council to Meet in Corpus Christi 1 Texas - The GMFMC will meet April 16 -19, 2012, at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, in
Corpus Christi, Texas. Committee meetings Monday include the SSC Selection Committee, Budget/Personnel
Committee, Outreach and Education, and the Artificial Reef Committee.
The Reef Fish Management Committee will meet all day Tuesday to review and discuss the following:
Update of the Red Snapper 5-Year IFQ Review
Scoping Documents for Amendment 28 - Grouper Allocation, and Amendment 33 - Limited Access Privilege
Program
Final Action on Amendment 35 - Greater Amberjack
Scoping Document for Red Snapper Provisions for Overage Adjustments
Interim Rule on Gray Triggerfish Annual Catch Limit & In-Season Closure Authority
Draft Options Paper for Amendment 37 - Gray Triggerfish Management Measures
Framework Action on Contractual Services for the For-Hire Sector
Sector Separation
Options Paper for Amendment 38 - Revise Post-Season Recreational Accountability Measures for Shallow-water
Grouper
Summary of the Goliath Grouper Workgroup Meeting
Pilot Studies Design for Headboat IFQ and Days at Sea
Immediately following the Committee recess Tuesday, the Council and NOAA Fisheries will hold an informal Question
and Answer session on general fishery management issues.
The full Council will convene Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Beginning at 1:45 p.m. the Council will take public comment on
Reef Fish Amendment 35 - Greater Amberjack; an Interim Rule for Gray Triggerfish Annual Catch Limit and In-Season
Closure Authority; and exempted fishing permits (if any).
Weems Administrative Report - 4/3/12
Financial Update
o 2011 Cost Report
Refund
I Part Ii $156,964 I Swing Bed $35,041 I
- - ~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
Reimbursable Bad Debt
Part A $19,724
I Part B $103,724 I I
Total $123A48
Total Due to Hospital: $ 522,032
o Financial Summary and Hospital Statistics (see attached)
o Pro forma for In-house Billing
Update on USDA loan application
Update House Bill 5301
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Drapal
Weems Memorial
Financial Report Summary
March 22, 2012
Current Bank Balances as of March 16 Accounts Receivable as of Feb 29
1) Operations Account $65,542.50 #ofDays Weems Ambulance Weems East
I
2) Money Market Account $108,884.85 o - 30 days old $842,190.00 $33,794.80 $25,772.42
3) Grant Account (restricted) $79,795.42 31 - 60 days old $443,620.00 $74,379.20 $25,376.99
I
4) Health Care Trust Fund (restricted) $542,650.79 61 - 90 days old $334,403.00 $65,884.35 $20,737.23 Total AIR
Total Balance to Date $796,873.56 91 - 120 days old $282,663.00 $87,810.07 past 90 days: $289,234.67 $4,075,105.25
121 -150 days old $258,810.00 $80,967.29 Allowance for Uncollectable
151 - 180 days old $242,816.00 $170,990.23 $3,077 ,883.98
Statistics 181 + days old $795,656.00 - Accounts Receivable Net
I
Hospital Statistics Avg Daily Census Feb 2012 Totals: $3,200,158.00 $513,825.94 $361,121.31 $997221.27
Inpatient Patient Days 2.79
Swing Bed Days 0.5 Payor Collections Comparison - Jan - Feb AIR By Category Feb (3,552 patient accounts)
Observation Patient 1.17 Payor Jan 2012 Feb 2012 (Does not count Weems East Oinc or Ambulance)
Average Dally Census Medicare $106,321.61 $ 230,219.47 Payor 3.96 # Acct. Total Amounts
Medicaid $67,825.27 $ 68,526.80 Medicare $531,415.43' 439
WMCE Average Daily Visits Feb 2102 Blue Cross $45,493.00 $ 36,370.26 Medicaid 251 $237,766.41
15
I
Commercial $81,945.99 $ 81,944.78 Blue Cross 171 $124,817.74
Self Pay $18,207.95 $ 15,296.02 Commerdal 541 $359,331.07
Refunds $0.00 $0.00 Self Pay No Insurance 1773 $1,607,083.32
Accounts Payable as of March 16 Ambulance $8,270.00 $ 47,947.28 Workers Camp 35 $17,897.00
o - 30 days old $241 ,730.52 Weems East $ 5,205.03 $7,320.80 Medicaid HMO 24 $17,373.00
31-60 days old $117,196.54 Non AIR $266,073.74 $ 229,332.45 Medicare HMO 121 $211,306.04
61-90 days old $80,704.32 Total Collections $601,458.36 $ 714,842.09 Medicare/Self Pay 163 $69,054.86
Payment Plan 29 $23,056.26
Private Pay 5 $1,056.55
TOTAL: 3552 $3,200,157.68
$381,282.03
$820,913.41
Notes Payable
Name Due 5/31/2012 IRemaining Balance
OTIED#1 $11,758.921 $139,285.80
OTIED#2 $11,839.281 $150,000.08
Loans were r e c e i ~ e d in 2000 from the Office of Tourism, Trade,
and Economic Development and are paid quarterly.
Notes will be paid off in May and August 2015.
Weems Memorial Hospital
In-House Billing and Outsoured Billing Cost Comparison
## Needed
1
3
In House Costs Out Sourced Costs
Annual Cost
o
NNUAL PROJECTED COST OF BllUNG IN HOUSE:
rrent Cost of Billing Outsourced to ARX:
sed on 2011 Collections of $4,132,389 x 4.5% Collection Fee)
Collections are historically 10% less annually by billing in house.
otal amount collections would be reduced by billing in house:
$4,132,389 (2011 collections x 10%) = $413,238 Annually
$413,328
$222,586
Total cost of outsourcing
Annual Cost Savings Projected
Cost after ARX Fee Change from 4.5% to 2%
$635,914
$185,000
outsourced: $450,914
Collections in 2013: $82,477
Annual Cost Savings by keeping billing outsourced in 2013:
In House Cost: ($635,914) minus Outsourced Cost ($82,477)
5-Year Cost Savings by keeping billing Outsourced:
$553,437
$2,767,185
Weems Memorial Hospital
In-House Billing and Outsoured Billing Cost Comparison
Reasons to Outsource Patient Billing at Weems Memorial Hospital
Reduced Administrative Costs
Software expense for billing system
Cost of billing forms
Salaries and benefits
Cost of hiring, training, turnover
Experienced personnel
Space (existing expense for rented or leased business office space)
Required hours for the preparation of weekly and monthly reports
Reducing overall cost to collect
Statement costs
Postage costs
Reduced supply costs
Underpayment discrepancy recoveries (if applicable)
Avoid delays in billing and recoveries through:
o Tracking! feedback of incorrect patient and insurance information
o Tracking/ feedback of denials with recommendations for process improvement
o Tracking/ feedback of re-bill issues with recommendations for process improvement
Ability to address payer issues on behalf of several hospitals for greater impact
Compliance trained personnel on governmental regulations
Electronic posting capabilities
Document Imaging for electronic retrieval of data
Warehousing data for seven years to meet audit requirements
Skip tracing cost and capabilities