MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

November 21, 2006

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on November 21, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chair Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough and Jackie Colon by phone, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.  Also present were newly-elected Commissioners Chuck Nelson and Mary Bolin.

 

 

The Invocation was given by Pastor Dan Stallbaum, East Coast Christian Center

 

 

Commissioner Helen Voltz led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  OATH OF OFFICE, RE:  COMMISSIONER CHUCK NELSON

 

Honorable Judge Tonya Rainwater administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Chuck Nelson. 

 

Commissioner Nelson received an applause from the audience.

 

 

Honorable Judge Tonya Rainwater administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Mary Bolin. 

 

Commissioner Bolin received an applause from the audience.

 

 

Chair Helen Voltz stated she would like to say a few things regarding her past year as Chair; it was an honor to serve the people of Brevard County as the County Commission Chair for 2005-2006; and in the past year many challenges have been faced and together the Board has achieved great things.  She stated as promised, the Commission has addressed many concerns of the citizens; acknowledged much more has to be done to achieve collective goals; and  transportation was a top priority in this past session.  She stated in her last statement a year ago, she said she proposed in the budget process that the Commission make transportation a primary factor when appropriating funding.  She commented on what she had stated a year ago and how she accomplished those goals.  She stated this year the existing Local Option Gas Tax was corrected from its previous and final $1.6 million diversion into the General Fund back to what it was originally designed to do, which is build local roads; and examples of roads that  were under construction with Local Option Gas Tax were Palm Bay Road, Micco Road, Hollywood Boulevard, and many more projects in phases of completion.  Chair Voltz stated on May 11, 2006 there was a phone call to her office and a recommendation by resident Dale Davis of Melbourne; she requested a name change from the Palm Bay Parkway to the St. John’s River Heritage Parkway at the MPO meeting; this name change and shift in ownership paradigm was the start of a significant momentum; and expressed her gratitude to Mr. Davis.  She stated Commissioner Ron Pritchard inserted the word heritage into that.  She stated the MPO, Brevard Legislative Delegation, and Department of Transportation got the ball rolling on road improvements.  She stated in September, with Senator Mike Haridopolis’ support and coordination, Florida’s Secretary of Transportation Denver Stutler toured the County and met with community leaders in a workshop to brainstorm out of the box ideas to complete the Pineda extension and the St. John’s River Heritage Parkway.  She stated she spearheaded the recommendation by the County Commission to increase transportation impact fees on new construction to fund transportation improvements.  She stated as Chair she advocated fiscally conservative measures through restraint in tax millage, proposing freezes on limitations, property valuation increases, and cutting line items in the budget.  She stated in 1825 Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Never spend your money before you have it;” too many times the Board looked at quarterly budget updates for budget surpluses; and there are many variables and unknowns when forecasting budget surpluses, such as hurricanes, market volatility, tourism cyclical paradigm, and fuel costs to name a few. She stated on July 26, 2005 Florida TODAY revealed an online poll which contained multiple choice questions and showed that half of the citizens of Brevard wanted tax breaks with transportation as a strong second.  She inquired how a tax break could be given and an increase in transportation appropriation at the end of a fiscal year if the Board is pre-spending any adjusted revenue.  She recommended highly that the Board adopt a policy where budget decisions made by the Commission are clearly identified in the quarterly update so citizens and the Board do not get sticker shock when budget workshops begin later in the fiscal year.  She stated cost of living has increased in Brevard County and the State; and housing, insurance costs, gas prices, and taxes are great concerns.  She commented on her commitment, made in November 2005, to fight increases of property taxes, to offset impacts for the incorporated residents created by the fire assessment.  She stated she advocated for over eight million dollars of line item cuts to the proposed 2006-2007 budget, fought for a fire assessment rebate program to assist some of the most vulnerable constituents, and challenged the Commission and staff to identify fat in the budget and cut appropriately.  She stated property valuation is a significant portion of the al valorem formula used when factoring taxes; therefore, she strongly supported efforts to cap property valuation increases on all property and all homestead portability. She stated she did not believe that the County should consider a sales tax referendum; and the Board did not raise the gas tax this year.  She stated decorum and the agenda format are important aspects of the County Commission’s image and efficiency; the County Commission meetings should run smoothly, have a decorum of respectful debate, and each Commissioner should make it a priority to effectively participate; agendas should be complete and downloaded on Friday before the Tuesday meeting; Commissioners’ reports should be moved to the end of the agenda; and there should be no time certains in the morning except for special circumstances.  She stated decorum is also important for the reputation of the Board and fellow citizens.  She stated Sally Lewis has done a fabulous job of compiling the agendas, having them prepared in a timely manner; and expressed her thanks.  She stated even though the Board did not choose to move the Commissioner reports to the end of the meeting, she hopes the new Chairperson sees the benefit of such a change and moves it to somewhere else in the meeting. She stated time certain opportunities were not abused; and she strove to limit them to one time certain per meeting in the afternoon.  She stated economic development is still a priority of the Board and the community; the County Commission approved eight Tax Abatement Programs this year resulting in the creation of 463 jobs; and most importantly the Economic Development Commission and many community leaders endeavored to maintain global authority in space exploration; and Brevard County will be home to the new crew exploration vehicle Orion.  She stated growth management has become a common term within county policies; and she participated and encouraged others to participate in How Shall We Grow, creating a shared vision for Central Florida.  She stated the tone from most residents in Brevard County is quality growth, not quantity; and as a result and in conjunction with the Growth Management Coalition and many local leaders who are concerned with this issue, joint meetings with municipalities to discuss important issues relating to annexations, concurrency, and State Legislation were initiated this past year.  She stated she approved less than twenty additional units in her District, becoming stricter on zoning applications. She stated finally environmental and historic preservation was a keystone to her Chairmanship.  She stated First Lady Laura Bush stated that a goal of the community is using its past to build a better future; and she also stated open spaces are sanctuaries for learning and reflection. She stated on December 1, 2005 she initiated and fought to protect almost 11,000 acres, now known as the San Sebastian River Preserve State Park with the assistance of staff and volunteers like Ed Bradford and Steve Bedden; and the Board will consider a new historic ordinance, which will protect many Indian Burial Mounds in Brevard County and other historical sites.  She stated in District three there was much accomplished or initiated with the help of her fellow Commissioners; after decades of work there was success in efforts to negotiate between the developers and the residents of Aquarina; they took 15 years or more to get it settled; and it was settled this past year with the help of her fellow commissioners.  She stated the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute is closer to becoming a reality in South Melbourne Beach.  She stated Snug Harbor residents were glad to see the Commission reconsider connection fees that were deemed unfair, it was an historic year in the addition of a new municipality, the Town of Grant Valkaria.  She stated it was a banner year; there are many volunteer and advisory appointments that need to be recognized; and apologized that she cannot recognize all of them today.  She stated Florida TODAY has labeled her as being in the pockets of developers, but from impact fees to zoning and growth management her record speaks for itself.  She stated much has been accomplished in the past year, none of which could have been done without a team effort by all involved.  She stated she has faith that the next Chairman will listen to the people as she has and looks forward to continuing as District Three County Commissioner.  She stated one final thing is when she was Chair in 1998 Brevard County had no hurricanes and this year there were no hurricanes.

 

Commissioner Scarborough presented a plaque to Chair Voltz in recognition of service to the citizens of Brevard County as Chairperson of the Brevard County Commission.       

 

Commissioner Bolin nominated Commissioner Jackie Colon as the Chairman.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to appoint Commissioner Jackie Colon as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2006-07.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

Chairperson Jackie Colon received an applause from the audience.  She expressed appreciation to the Board for appointing her as Chairman.

 

 

Chairperson Colon apologized to the new Commissioners because she was not able to be with them at the meeting; and stated it will be her great honor to work with them.  She stated there are many great things happening with roads and parks.  She encouraged everyone to remember to count their blessings.  She wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving; and expressed desire that God continue to bless our beautiful nation. She expressed to the families and loved ones of troops serving all over the world her love and gratitude.  She requested the Griffin Group to stand as the audience applauded to express thanks for all they do. She congratulated Commissioner Bolin and Commissioner Nelson.  She requested the reports be moved after Awards and Resolutions on the agenda. She expressed her appreciation to the Board again for appointing her as Chairman.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz nominated Commissioner Truman Scarborough as Vice Chairman of the Board.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to appoint Commissioner Truman Scarborough as the Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2006-07.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

COMMENTS, RE:  CHAIRPERSON JACKIE COLON (CONTINUED)

Chairperson Colon inquired if her parents were at the meeting; and requested they stand to be recognized as the audience applauded.

 

 

Commissioner Bolin thanked Judge Rainwater for administering the Oaths of Office and fellow Commissioners who were present to witness the ceremony.  She introduced her mother Emma Jean and her father who was present in spirit; and stated they encouraged her, taught her strong morals, to reach for her dreams, strong work ethic, value of trust, and importance of family.  She introduced her husband Bob Bolin; and thanked him for his faithful unwavering support and dedication to her pursuit of public office.  She gave a special thanks to the Brevard Republican party and the Brevard County Firefighters Union 2969 who worked very hard on her campaign.  She expressed her gratitude to her team.  She commented on her time spent working for Howard Futch when he was a House Representative; stated he taught her about public service and the importance of working for your constituents; and as her mentor he instilled in her the desire, showed her the possibilities of what can be done and that one person can make a difference.  She stated her campaign was one of integrity, focused on the issues, and never pointed fingers.  She stated she feels compelled to clarify one issue that was broadcasted over and over to the public and the people of District Four; it was reported she wanted to eliminate the impact fees, allow Brevard County to become another Miami-Dade County and overload the schools by encouraging uncontrolled growth; nothing could be farther from the truth; and thanked the good people of Brevard County for not believing that and believing in her instead.  Commissioner Bolin stated her first statement as a County Commissioner is that she does not support the elimination of impact fees; she does, however, want to ensure that the money that is collected from them goes to the proper use; and she is for controlled managed growth and for improving quality of life. 

 

She introduced the new staff of County Commission District Four Office, Dave Dingley, her Lead Aide, Susan Yonce and Nina Galligan, her Aides. 

 

She stated she looks forward to earning trust through hard work, dedication, and compassion; building roads, not big government; and working hand-in-hand with municipalities.  She expressed her thanks and blessings to everyone and to those in the Armed Forces.

 

 

 COMMENTS, RE:  COMMISSIONER CHUCK NELSON

Commissioner Nelson thanked Pastor Dan Stallbaum for his words at the beginning of the meeting because they spoke so well to the difficult job that the Commission is faced with.  He commented on his journey running for office; the meeting of terrific people and so many that he couldn’t begin to recognize them all but he will be reaching out and touching as many of those folks that he can for the effort of standing on corners and waiving.  He encouraged everyone when seeing someone standing and waving to wave back.  He introduced his youngest brother Dale from Clearwater; his almost youngest brother Andy who lives in Merritt Island, his lovely sister Linda who is living in North Carolina, and his oldest brother Riley.  He stated his mother ran for office in 1960 in North Carolina in the Deep South as a Republican and almost won; as a result they moved to Florida; and it taught him about public service because at nine years old he was stuffing envelopes and doing things that it takes to be involved in an election.  He introduced his mother Ruth Nelson; and stated his dad passed away a couple years ago.  He introduced his staff; Aide Al Yorston; Lisa Nicholas who has experience with the Pennsylvania State Legislature; Special Assistant Liz Alward.  He introduced his son Morgan and his wife Gail. 

 

He stated he is optimistic with the County staff and he believes folks will see things beginning to happen.  He thanked everyone who helped with his campaign; and stated he hopes in four years he is able to say he did not let anyone down.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated he feels Brevard County is truly blessed to have two wonderful individuals such as Commissioner Bolin and Commissioner Nelson. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Helen Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution recognizing and congratulating Tom Harmer on his distinguished service to the citizens of the City of Titusville and Brevard County, and extending its best wishes for good health and happiness during his retirement.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.                                                              

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to grant permission to continue to use the current Chairman’s signature plates for signing the Payroll and Accounts Payable checks until new signature plates can be obtained with the new Chairman’s signature.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

Commissioner Voltz requested that all Commissioners have a name plate made.

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

                                                                                   _____________________________

                                                                                    HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIR

                                                                                    BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK    

 

          ( S E A L )