MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

March 22, 2007

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special/workshop session on March 22, 2007, at 10:02 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chairperson Jackie Colon, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Chuck Nelson, Helen Voltz, and Mary Bolin, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox. 

 

 

 

Housing and Human Services Lead Planner Paula Davis advised over the past fifteen months the Persons with Disabilities Assessment Project has been exploring the needs of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County; the committee has gathered information regarding the numbers of individuals with disabilities, services currently available, and the areas for improvement when serving individuals with disabilities; and will present the work they have accomplished since 2005.  She noted this is a difficult time for the Board due to budget constraints; and if funding were to become available in the future, the PDAP would appreciate the Board’s consideration of the recommendations to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and benefit citizens of Brevard County in general. 

 

PDAP Chair Bob Seemer advised the project was established in 2005 by Resolution 05-223; it is composed of a diverse group of representatives from the community which represent provider agencies and other parties interested in serving people with disabilities; and they have formed a plan for the future of the people with disabilities in Brevard County.  He noted the primary goals were to develop a data driven community plan, determine appropriate continuum of care, conduct needs assessment, seek revenue, grant funding and other resources to provide services, and improve access to services for individuals with disabilities.  He stated with over half a million residents in Brevard, about 18% are people with disabilities; 51% of the disabled are of working age between the ages of 16 and 64; and 43% are individuals with disabilities who are 65 or older.  He displayed a chart showing the breakdown of people with disabilities by age group. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough noted the percentage of the population over 85 years of age has approximately doubled; it is that group that the propensity for dementia and Alzheimer’s is greatest; if the trend continues, the population for years 2010 and 2020 could be underestimated; and requested the project look at the information further. 

 

Mr. Seemer presented another chart showing the breakdown of people with disabilities by communities; noted the unincorporated area has the highest percent at 38%; Palm Bay is the second highest, Melbourne the third, and Titusville; and these four areas represent 80% of the disabled population. 

 

Vice President of Human Resources with Circles of Care Linda Brannon advised PDAP members  are  considered  to be experts in their field;  during  the  initial  meeting  in  November

2005, the committee listed eight areas of service to look at which are education, employment, emergency management, family services, health care, housing, recreation, and transportation; and from the list of eight, the members chose employment and transportation to focus on the first year.  She noted in keeping with the requirements of the Resolution, the committee has identified the priorities, supported the Project Search Grant Application which was successful, supported the increase in Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) funding for additional service hours and routes, supported development of Brevard Business Leadership Network (BBLN), supported a Space Coast Advocates Network (SCAN) legislative issue regarding the improvement of Medicaid Non-emergency Transportation service in Brevard County, and supported successful Florida Development Disabilities Council (FDDC) grant application.  She stated four subcommittees were established to conduct work: one is asset mapping, which gathers information on current services available in Brevard and conducts gap analysis of what may be missing; two is data analysis, which gathers data on population of individuals with disabilities and other scope areas; the third is employment, which explores the components of employment and makes recommendations to increase the number of individuals with disabilities obtaining meaningful, gainful employment; and the fourth is transportation, which quantifies transportation issues for this population and makes recommendations to increase services.

 

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Vice Chair Arthur Barndt displayed a chart on how the asset mapping subcommittee broke down the issue of employment based on supply and demand; stated since it is such a big issue, the subcommittee decided to focus on the demand side, being the employers of Brevard County; there are some concerns employers or business owners have such as if they will need an increased liability or how much would accommodations cost; and the subcommittee can identify these concerns and educate the business community to help them understand that there is not usually an increased liability and accommodations are generally cheap.  He noted in fact, the main accommodation for a person with a disability is a change of schedule; it usually does not cost an employer a dime but changing the schedule can be a great benefit to getting a great employee; and displayed a slide showing the employment continuum based on level of assistance needed to obtain employment.  He noted a person with a disability can be anywhere on the continuum so it is not a process that goes from A – Z; people are employment ready but unfortunately are not able to get a job because of the barriers;  another barrier is people not knowing whether they can work or not because of the confusing message on the Social Security Administration website that says if a person is receiving disability or supplemental income it is because they cannot work; and that is not necessarily true because the Social Security Administration has many work incentive programs.  He stated a person that does not know they can work is not actively looking for a job, therefore might not make the unemployment numbers; it is a hidden labor market; three areas of concern related to the demand side were identified after reviewing potential causes; and the concerns are awareness, employer network, and employer needs determination. 

 

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Employment Coordinator Judy Denning advised the subcommittee focused on creating the employers awareness regarding the individuals abilities and the sources of assistance for the employers and increasing the number of individuals with disabilities to get employed; the subcommittee’s first concern was awareness; they wanted to educate businesses about the potential contributions by persons with disabilities integrating into the workforce; and awareness covers a variety of areas, everything from the financial cost of accommodations to providing career advancement opportunities for employees who have been hired.  She stated the second concern is employer network;  the employer network could consist of potential employers and also employers who had hired individuals with disabilities to network and discuss best practices on the recruiting, hiring and retaining of these employees in the workplace; and the network would also act as a point of contact for the potential employers with agencies that had resources and information that could assist the employers with issues and concerns with employing individuals with disabilities.   She noted the third concern is the employer’s needs determination; this would be done with the employers to evaluate and break down job descriptions and responsibilities into job tasks; and this task analysis would enable a closer match of a job seeker’s profile in skills, attitudes, and abilities to the employer’s job needs, therefore successfully matching one job to one person. 

 

Interagency Council of Brevard Chairperson Philip Antos expressed his appreciation to the Board for the opportunity to serve on the Persons with Disabilities Assessment Project (PDAP) and noted it was enlightening, educational, and fun.  He stated as part of the PDAP, the transportation subcommittee was to identify some of the barriers these individuals have in accessing public transportation; and he thanked Jim Liesenfelt from Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) for providing the information that was needed to help make recommendations.  He noted the committee is committed to providing these individuals with the same opportunities that everyone else has, such as self determination and independence to access employment, schooling, etc.

 

Interagency Council of Brevard Taskforce Chair Thomas Hargrave noted the transportation subcommittee distributed a transportation survey that was provided to 39 area service providers; of the 400 surveys distributed, staff received 223 responses, at a rate of 53%; the transportation survey addressed a variety of questions such as what transportation barriers do you face within the community; and the choices were not enough public transportation routes, stops, or hours, do not know what public transportation is available, location accessibility of stops, and do not know how to use the public transportation system.  He advised the survey results showed 23% replied they do not know how to use the public transportation system; 27% replied that they do not know what is available; and these two barriers can be removed if the Board supports the transportation subcommittee recommendation.  He noted the other key barriers were 27% replied that location or accessibility of stops is a barrier, 32% replied that there are not enough routes, 57% replied that they are unable to drive themselves, and 35% replied that there are not enough stops or hours.  He expressed his appreciation to the Board for the successful expansion of SCAT services to include weekend services and extended hours; noted transportation is not only a local issue but a national issue as shown from the 2003 U.S. Department of Transportation Freedom to Travel Report; and the parallel point between the transportation survey and the Freedom to Travel Report showed that there are not enough public transportation routes.   

 

PDAP Chair Bob Seemer stated the project has provided both recommendations for employment and transportation; the recommendations are focused on the issues that were identified in the survey and all of these recommendations are based on measurable outcomes to demonstrate value back to the Board; and under employment the recommendations were to provide $50,000 through an RFP process to increase employer awareness, develop an employer network of employers, and begin determining the needs of employers interested in hiring individuals with disabilities.  He noted the recommendations for transportation are to create  and  fund  a  full-time  travel  coordinator  position  to  be  housed  within  SCAT  with  an estimated annual cost of $53,000 and to continue to support local efforts to increase local transportation funding. 

 

Interagency Council of Brevard Taskforce Chair Thomas Hargrave stated the PDAP members will be addressing the remaining priority areas including educating students and parents on the Americans with Disabilities Act Rights and Laws, educating individuals with disabilities on how to properly register to County shelters in times of emergency, providing a road map of services and support available in Brevard County; addressing clients that do not belong in group homes and the successful placement of these varying individuals who could live in a community with proper supports; and educating officials at all levels of government regarding accessible housing, recreation, and ensuring the quality of life for all residents and visitors alike.  He noted PDAP will provide follow-up and oversight of actions taken as related to the employment and transportation subcommittees recommendations; and will investigate a centralized tracking system for data gathered that relates to individuals with disabilities that has previously not existed.

 

Chairperson Colon commented on a family not being told the laws pertaining to the schooling of their deaf child; and inquired what does the School Board do to educate the community and to let parents know the things that are available to them.  Director of Exceptional Education Eva Lewis replied a student is tested before he or she is placed into a special program and it is at that time the parents should be notified of their rights; it is the responsibility of the school staff to inform parents; and if anyone has any questions they can contact her or for a younger child, call Child Find at 321-633-1000, Ext. 540.

 

Commissioner Bolin encouraged people who need assistance to please call Emergency Management and sign up for the special needs registry because it is an excellent program; and noted it would be much easier for people to do it now rather than once the hurricane season starts again.  She requested the Board consider having a volunteer in their offices that has a disability to help out.  Chairperson Colon noted her support of the idea; stated Commissioners should lead by example; and the work ethic of the disabled is incredible.  Commissioner Scarborough suggested recognizing several of the key employers who have hired disabled persons at the Commission Meetings and have them testify to the wonderful work ethic that they are receiving from these special individuals; and noted it could be a special recognition that perhaps Housing and Human Services develops.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to direct Housing and Human Services to develop a special recognition program for the Board to recognize key employers who hire persons with disabilities, and have the employers testify at the Board meetings concerning the work ethic of the disabled individuals.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Vice Chair Arthur Barndt advised Project Search is a school transition program for young adults who are transitioning beyond students; it kicked off in February at Healthfirst Hospitals with twelve students; they are working in areas of the hospital such as the surgical, equipment cleaning, and doing rotations throughout the hospital; and he displayed pictures of the students working.  He advised the outcome for the project was to turn volunteerism or internships into jobs;  another  program  is  the  LEAP program which is another school transition program where over 40 people have received employment; there is the County Government Development Disabilities Grant Project and Brevard County will be hiring two people with developmental disabilities in government positions; and the amount of money that has come up is phenomenal, for example Brevard County Public Schools has put in over $220,000, a grant from the ABC for workforce innovation came in for $175,000, Healthfirst has put in matching funds, staffing, and hired a fulltime coordinator for Project Search, and classroom space in the business, and Mercedes Homes is beginning their program in the spring.  Chairperson Colon noted the partnership with the private sector is a key element.

 

 

Betsy Farmer advised she has been an advocate for people with disabilities for the last 21 years; for the last couple of years she has been with the Brevard Business Leadership Network whose goal is to develop a network of employers that hire people with disabilities and discuss the benefits of hiring people with disabilities to other organizations; the Leadership Network helped to bring Project Search to Brevard County because it is about employers hiring people with disabilities; and it is a nationally recognized program that was started at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  She noted she came before the Board a while ago asking for support of the workforce grant for $175,000, which they did receive; they also had $382,000 in matching funds from the community going in for the grant request which was phenomenal; the employment success rate in Cincinnati is 85% and in Georgia it is 100%; and there are State-wide initiatives all over the country.  She stated Project Search puts these students right in the middle of the workforce and the employers are getting to meet them and see their work; there is an unemployment rate of 3% in this community that could be offset with the untapped workforce with people with disabilities; it is not about charity, it is about giving the disabled an opportunity to become productive tax-paying citizens; and expressed her appreciation to the Board for its leadership. 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT – HEATHER MACK, RE:  PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS          WITH             DISABILITIES                                                                                                                             

 

Heather Mack noted she works for Brevard County Public Schools as a Resource Teacher for Special Populations in the Career and Technical Office; there are approximately 5,000 students in the School District right now that are in secondary education, grades 7-12; the School District has a continuum of services that it has been delivering for several years now; and one service is to help students who are at the more independent level with resume development, how to do an interview, and presentation.  She advised the goal is to move this continuum of services throughout the school system so that students graduate with the skills necessary to obtain and retain a job; Don Lusk, of Parks and Recreation, has taken in some interns and she would love to have that with the rest of the Departments in County government; the goal is to expose these students to the different opportunities that are out there and give them the experience that they need prior to graduation; and expressed her appreciation to the Board for their support.

 

 

Wanda Bauer advised she sits on the Board for Space Coast Center for Independent Living; the Center does awesome work; she also teaches for Brevard Community College career analysis and redefining one’s self in the workplace; and she would like to talk about the hidden disabilities she sees in these women.  She stated they come in with so much fear; sometimes they are suffering from ADD, Dyslexia, or Bipolar but other times it is because they have gone through a divorce and now have to enter the workforce for the first time in their lives; she helps them with the resume, mock interviews, and self esteem; and the community is becoming more and more aware that there are people with hidden disabilities such as hearing or low vision.  She stated the Center helps them to overcome their challenges; she does try to go as often as she can to Tallahassee to advocate for money for book rehab and for transportation; expressed her appreciation to the Board for their support; and advised the Center does have scholarships for women who want to take the courses and get into the workforce.

 

 

Space Coast Center for Independent Living’s Executive Director Donna Taylor advised she is in support of PDAP; several of the Center’s board members are present as well to show support; the Center for Independent Living serves persons with all types of disabilities at various levels and at all ages; and commented on a few of the programs offered.  She noted the Center offers High School High Tech, which is for students with disabilities to explore career options and help transition from high school into hopefully secondary education; High Tech also provides the students with some hands-on activities and outreaching into the community to access professional mentors; and the Center also provides programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals such as assistive technology in addition to hearing aids and the distribution of equipment that is for telephone use.  She stated the Center has the capability and the funding to provide all types of telephones for the hearing impaired or deaf; it is for any resident that is within the State of Florida at no cost whatsoever; and it is supported and mandated by the State of Florida.  She advised they also provide other services for day to day living activities; staff must maintain 51% of individuals with disabilities, as well as the board members; it is an interaction of peers themselves working together to go forward; and requested there be inclusion for all in the community.  She noted every day she sees obstacles whether it is for wheelchairs or people with hidden disabilities; she has seen many changes in the community and hopes to see many more; and expressed her appreciation to the Board for their support and anything else they can do.  

 

 

 

Nancy Taback advised she has been with Parks and Recreation since 1978; each service sector provides programs for persons with disabilities providing leisure services and all kinds of programming opportunities; and commented on the Central Brevard Parks and Recreation’s Program for Persons with Disabilities.  She stated as part of their program they offer camping opportunities for children with disabilities during the summer, however they took the program a step further by hiring one of their participants to be a camp counselor at Camp Kaleidoscope.

 

 

 

Barbara Ray advised she is regional nursing director for the tri-county area; CMS offers services for children with special healthcare needs for ages 0-21; CMS is starting to look at transitioning the children to take more control over their special healthcare needs beginning at age 12; and it is very important because when these children reach the age of 21 they need to be able to move forward.  She noted if anyone has questions for her or CMS, they can call the Rockledge office at 321-690-3850 or Orlando 407-858-6148; and she has a team of people focused on enrolling families in both offices. 

 

 

Assistant County Manager Don Lusk noted former Commissioner Sue Carlson was an advocate for those with disabilities and acknowledged her support with this in the early stages.  He advised everyone is very cognizant of the special budget situation the Board is in right now; and the Board may wish to acknowledge the recommendations in the report and request staff as it monitors the budget situation, and if the County ends up in a better spot than it thinks it will, to look from a management standpoint at these recommendations and see if there is any funding.  

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to acknowledge the recommendations of the Persons with Disabilities Assessment Project (PDAP); and direct staff, as it monitors the budget, to look from a management standpoint at the recommendations for possible funding. 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson advised he was going to take it a step further; to not do something with the report would be a disservice; he thinks the Board should look at a couple of funding options; one would be mid year which will be coming up shortly; and the other which he found out may be a potential problem, is the CBO process.   Commissioner Scarborough noted the process is complex and very hard.  Chairperson Colon noted they did not want to go down that road again.  Commissioner Nelson requested a report on what that is; and noted he is uncomfortable with locking out potential applicants for those dollars and that is what has appeared to have happened.  Chairperson Colon advised there is a reason why they did that; one of the biggest things was the fact the dollars are so limited and unfortunately there are so many folks fighting for them; the decision was made by the majority of the Board because seeing the fighting that was going on for the dollars was extremely heart wrenching; and every year they would have to wonder whether the rug was going to be pulled out from under them.  She stated it was an extremely uncomfortable position to be in; if the Board wants to allocate more dollars to the services she is in favor of that; but to watch the people fight for the little bit of dollars that is there is really difficult to watch and she does not want to go down the road again.  She advised if Commissioner Nelson would like to get more information she would encourage that. 

 

Commissioner Nelson noted he would like to get a report because as difficult as it is there is still a fairness question; sometimes being fair is not easy; and he would at least like a report on what has been done and what the numbers are.  He further noted he would like the Board to consider looking at funding some of these options at the mid-year supplement; this is about putting people to work and that is the kind of thing the Board should do; and he would like to have this on their discussion for mid-year for potential funding.

 

Commissioner Voltz noted when the Board looks at mid-year she does not think it will know exactly what is going on with the State; at this point, she is not sure anything should be done at mid-year; and they can list a whole bunch of things but if they do not know what is going on with the State, it is a waste of time.

Commissioner Nelson noted he agrees with Commissioner Voltz; the Board is faced with the uncertainty of what the State is going to do and it is causing them to almost act schizophrenic; but in some cases they just have to act like the State is going to do the right thing because if  not, it is going to be so catastrophic that this will just be a minor issue compared to the layoff’s and other issues that will result; and it still structures the Board to move forward if the State does the right thing, as opposed to delaying it.  Commissioner Voltz stated she does not mind making a list.

 

Chairperson Colon advised the Board is in support of the issue; she is excited about all the work the project has done and she would love to back it up with dollars; everyone knows the dilemma the Board is faced with but they are optimistic that everything will work out for the best; and she would like to move forward. 

 

Chairperson Colon called for a vote on the motion.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough noted there may be other things that the Board can do, short of dollar expenditures; the information that has been gathered could be put into a formatted plate and played on the community college channel; the key factor, and it has been said over and over, is it is not about charity, it is about making society work; and it is just understanding the nature of the disability.  He advised everybody is disabled; everyone has strong points and weak points; that is why there are five Commissioners because each one has a different thought process and a different perspective; and in every organization there are key points that a person with disabilities can serve well and advance.  He stated if the person is physically disabled but can work a computer, it is one skill; if a person has mental limitations but is physically strong there is another skill; it is showing that everybody has a place; and it may be a little more challenging but they will become the best employee.  He noted this is not just about funding, it is about getting the message out.

 

Chairperson Colon advised it really comes down to changing the philosophy and the culture of the community; there is no dollars involved in that; and expressed her appreciation to all who were involved in this. 

 

 

The meeting recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:31 a.m.

 

 

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten advised there is a request to purchase the Judicial Inquiry System; the revision states to add local data sources from Metatomix, Inc; this is the system that allows the Board to meet the Article V requirement to fund and implement an Integrated Computer System (ICS); and last year, staff came to the Board requesting to negotiate  with  the  company  for  an  approximate  cost  of  $950,000 with a reoccurring cost of $70,000.  Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten noted Debbie Raydar, from the State Attorney’s Office, has worked with the company to allow the Board to acquire the System at approximately $259,220 with some additional expenses for consultant travel, hardware, and data base licenses, estimated at $18,500; and all of the funding would come from the $2 technology fee that is provided to the County as part of the Article V requirements. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the purchase of the Judicial Inquiry System (JIS), and adding local data sources from Metatomix, Inc., to comply with the County’s Article V requirement to fund and implement an Integrated Computer System capable of exchanging certain Court related data.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

Commissioner Voltz advised the Town of Malabar’s Attorney is not able to make it to the meeting on March 23, 2007; the attorney was not at the Town of Malabar Council meeting when the date was arranged; there is another attorney available, but he is not informed enough to come before the Board on this issue; and it looks like the meeting will be cancelled.  She noted the new date for the meeting may be April 19, 2007.  County Manager Peggy Busacca advised she would verify it and get back with the Board; this will require the formal extension of the deadline; and she has spoken with Mayor Eschenberg and he said he will speak for the Town Council saying it requests the formal extension.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if he could do that; with Ms. Busacca replying he said he would stick his neck out.  Deputy County Attorney Shannon Wilson inquired if he is saying that he is representing the rest of the Council in making this decision; with Ms. Busacca responding he said he could not speak for the Council, but he believes the Council would not want to go forward without their attorney and there is no Council meeting to make that determination.  Commissioner Voltz noted maybe the Town should schedule an emergency meeting; with Ms. Wilson replying that would be her recommendation, but she cannot give legal advice to the Town of Malabar.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the Board could unilaterally make that decision to extend without a request; with Ms. Wilson replying she thinks it puts the Board in an awkward position.   Ms. Busacca advised it is her understanding that it has to be an agreement by both parties.  Ms. Wilson inquired if this is under the Conflict Resolution process; with Chairperson Colon responding in the affirmative.  Ms. Busacca noted the Town has no Town Manager either.   Commissioner Scarborough suggested making a motion stating the Board will take whatever action it can to extend but it is with the understanding that it may require bilateral action, and if bilateral action is required it is incumbent upon the Town of Malabar to take it.  Ms. Wilson advised she will review the Statute again, get in touch with the Town Attorney, and notify the Board with her findings. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve taking whatever action is necessary to extend the deadline with the Town of Malabar for the Law Enforcement MSTU, with the understanding that such extension may require bilateral agreement; and if bilateral agreement is required, it would be incumbent upon the Town of Malabar to concur.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Upon motion and vote, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                  JACKIE COLON, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                                  BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ATTEST:                                                                   BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

 

 

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK                             

 

 

 

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