November 16, 2004

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on November 16, 2004, at 6:01 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Vice Chairman Ron Pritchard, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Susan Carlson, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox. Also present was newly-elected Commissioner Helen Voltz.

The Invocation was given by Pastor Ken Delgado, House of Prayer, Palm Bay, Florida.

Commissioner Ron Pritchard led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OATH OF OFFICE, RE: COMMISSIONER TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH

Honorable Judge Lisa Davidson expressed appreciation to the Board for letting her administer the oaths to newly-elected Commissioner Helen Voltz and re-elected Commissioners Truman Scarborough and Jackie Colon; and stated it is an honor for her.

Honorable Judge Lisa Davidson administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Truman Scarborough.

Commissioner Scarborough received an applause from the audience.

OATH OF OFFICE, RE: HELEN VOLTZ

Honorable Judge Lisa Davidson administered the Oath of Office to Helen Voltz.

Commissioner Voltz received an applause from the audience.

OATH OF OFFICE, RE: COMMISSIONER JACKIE COLON

Honorable Judge Lisa Davidson administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Jackie Colon.

Commissioner Colon received an applause from the audience.

SELECTION, RE: CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Scarborough nominated Commissioner Ron Pritchard as the Chairman.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to appoint Commissioner Ron Pritchard as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2004-05. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Ron Pritchard received an applause from the audience. He expressed appreciation to the Board for appointing him as Chairman.

SELECTION, RE: VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Colon nominated Commissioner Helen Voltz as Vice Chairman of the Board.

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to appoint Commissioner Helen Voltz as the Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2004-05. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

COMMENTS, RE: COMMISSIONER TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH

Commissioner Scarborough congratulated Commissioners Colon and Voltz; stated it has been a pleasure working with Commissioner Colon; he can remember working with Commissioner Voltz previously and her passion for the people of the County; and he knows she continues to have that, and looks forward to working with her again. He noted he came to the meeting from a funeral; the daughter of the deceased had a comment that was read, which was everybody must die, but the issue is whether we live; a part of living is not just in ourselves, but in the sphere of the public life; and when people help set the stage, they enable individuals to envision a fuller life. He stated Brevard County is a wonderful place to be and there are a lot of great people here; and there cannot be anything better than to try to make the lives of the people of Brevard County fuller and more enjoyable. He expressed appreciation to the citizens for returning him to office.

COMMENTS, RE: COMMISSIONER HELEN VOLTZ

Commissioner Voltz stated four years ago she said she was excited to see what God had for her after she lost her bid for reelection; while she was not too pleased with what had happened, God did a work in her life the past four years; and she recognized the importance of the little things in life, including the individual, not passing up those opportunities to do what you can for whoever you can at the time, having no regrets with your children, and the importance of family and friends, without whom she would not have won the election. She noted first and foremost she would like to thank her friend and husband of 36 years, Norman, for his unwavering dedication to insure that she won the election; and he walked precincts with her, waived signs, stuffed and stamped envelopes, made phone calls, and encouraged her all the way. She expressed appreciation to all those individuals who believed in her and that she could win again; there were people who stuck by her and encouraged her frequently, including Ronnie McClellan and Giles Malone; these two individuals helped her raise money when it seemed as though everyone was giving to her opponent; and Mr. McClellan and Mr. Malone were encouraged to support the other side, but they were loyal to her because they knew her and knew she could win. She expressed appreciation to Mr. McClellan and Mr. Malone. Commissioner Voltz thanked all of the people who financially supported her; stated their loyalty to her means more than they could possibly know; Senator Mike Haridopolos did more than she ever could have imagined; and thanked Senator Haridopolos. She expressed appreciation to the volunteers who assisted in her campaign; stated without them she would not be sitting here tonight; and the following people helped walk precincts, stuff envelopes, stood on street corners waving, stood at the polls, and made phone calls: Liz and Gene Ortiz, Rosemary and Zester Taylor, Mike and Debra McCollom, Art and Judy Irvine, Barbara Crain, Susan and Eric Wright, Bill Stewart, Sandy Vanderby, Bob and Margaret Rossman, Christine Slaughter, Debbie O’Keefe, Derek Vaughn, Dottie Treadwell, Dottie Seleck, Dolly Edwards, Dylan Alfano, Eileen Nasca, Jim and Mary Frankenfield, Jim and Siena Monroe, Giles Malone and girls from Cocoa Expo, John and Debbie Powers, Lee Craig, Mike Maillie, Ted and Dolly Stahre, Ron Holzermer, Ronnie McClellan, Joyce D’amico, Jessie and Marion Marshall, Mike and Kim Couture, Joyce Cleveland, Jane Vanwie, Tom and Leslie Hoadley, Perry and Vickie Stites, Bill Norbury, Bill and Ann Tanner and children, Judy Burr, Mariam Murbe, Rob and Susan Purdy, Frank Guillermo and Anita Capote, Sam Gilpin, Linn Walters, Valkaria Airport Association, Kenny Height, and the Brevard County firefighters. Commissioner Voltz stated all of those people have been a blessing to her; she hopes she did not forget anyone; and if she did, she apologizes. She noted she purposely named each person because she wants them to know how important they are.

Commissioner Voltz stated she will look to the future in what she would like to accomplish; the extension of the EELS Program with the $60 million bond referendum passed overwhelmingly; the voters have spoken and said they want the County to continue buying environmentally- endangered lands; and the Board has a clear mandate to do so and should purchase those lands that are truly environmentally endangered. She noted she would like to see the County purchase lands in the central and northern parts of the County, not just in the south; she would like Brevard County to hold the deeds to the lands purchased and not turn them over to the State; the citizens should have every right to maintain control of the lands; such lands should be maintained so the citizens can enjoy them; and citizens pay for the lands and should have the right to use them. Commissioner Voltz stated there are pieces of property the County should sell, including the Mormon property on U.S. 192 of 3,000 acres; the County should negotiate on the entire parcel or part of it; she does not believe it is ever going to use the property for a landfill, especially after paying over $7 million for the Sarno Road landfill; and she plans on getting to the bottom of that issue. She noted the other piece of property is near the water treatment plant as the County has no reason to keep it. She stated she wants to see the repeal of the $4,400 school impact fee and would like the issue placed on the agenda in January 2005; and she also wants to see the indirect costs that are billed to each department cut to a minimum. She noted the departments are being charged too much money and have to raise fees and charges to meet the amount billed by the County Manager’s Office; the taxpayers already pay for the departments; and it is double-dipping the taxpayers. Commissioner Voltz stated she wants to see the Board cut annexations into the cities as much as possible; it would mean being more friendly to those who are being pushed into the cities; developers are forced into the cities because the densities are much greater than the County would permit; the densities need to be reasonable so that the County does not push lands into the cities; and it is loosing taxes by doing so.

Commissioner Voltz introduced her staff, Tres Holton, Christopher Hill, Jan Conrad, and Rosemary Taylor.

COMMENTS, RE: COMMISSIONER SUSAN CARLSON

Commissioner Carlson congratulated Commissioners Scarborough, Voltz, and Colon; and stated all of them brought supporters and ran a good campaign.

COMMENTS, RE: COMMISSIONER RON PRITCHARD

Chairman Pritchard congratulated Commissioners Scarborough and Colon on their re-elections; stated their bosses overwhelmingly recognized their contributions and efforts for a better Brevard; and congratulated Commissioner Voltz on her election. He stated Commissioner Voltz served on the Board from 1996-2000; it is happy she is back; and expressed appreciation to the Board for the honor of being selected Chairman. He promised the Board, County staff, residents, and taxpayers he will meet and hopefully exceed their expectations throughout the next year; and stated if he falls off track, he will hear about it. He stated two years ago, when he was elected District 2 County Commissioner, he said he would not be parochial in his decision-making and that he would represent all of Brevard County; he also said that he would question everything; he believes he has fulfilled that promise; and to that end, he will continue to address the issues and pursue increased fiscal accountability and responsibility. He noted during his life, he has had the pleasure of being an elected official, firefighter, public servant, community volunteer, and a small business owner; additionally, he proudly served as a member of the United States Air Force; he understands the complexities of many of the issues facing the County and the Board; and he intends to fight for the homeowner and business owner for fiscal responsibility, economic development, managed growth, and development of recreational areas for all to use and enjoy. Chairman Pritchard stated quality of life is subjective; he will work hard to insure it keeps getting better and better; he will continue to take a stand on issues that he considers bad for Brevard County; as the citizens’ fiscal steward, he will not shy from the bully pulpit because it may not be the politically correct thing to do; and the citizens have always been and will always be his only special interest. He noted Brevard County has experienced severe damage and high costs from unprecedented hurricanes this year; he has lived in Florida since 1956 and has never seen anything like it; the County pulled together dramatically, working to assist the bruised and battered community while securing necessary resources from local, State, and federal agencies; and he witnessed acts of kindness unsurpassed in County history. He stated he is humbled and grateful; it is amazing how much the County can accomplish when everyone works together; he received a picture and a letter from Caleb Jordan Davis, who attends Trinity Church in Omaha, Nebraska; and read the letter, as follows: “Hello. My name is Caleb Jordan Davis. I am two years old and I like to play with trains. I drew you this picture. Do you like it? My family told me a bad storm messed up your stuff. I’m sorry. I hope my picture made you feel better. My family and I are praying for you and your loved ones. Signed, Caleb Jordan Davis. My family calls me Bubbaroo. You can too.” Chairman Pritchard stated it is precious to have a two-year old draw this picture; it is probably better than he could do; and how nice of someone living in Nebraska to take the initiative and send the County something to make it feel better.

Chairman Pritchard stated this is the beginning of a new year and a new opportunity to review programs and expenditures to insure the citizens receive value for what they pay; the County needs to look at all it does to make sure it is doing what the citizens need; frivolous programs and excess bureaucracy need to be eliminated; and feel-good solutions must stop. He noted the County cannot afford to waste one dime of taxpayer money with irresponsible spending; the voters have spoken to continue the EELS Program to insure Brevard County does not become another South Florida; he lived in South Florida for 39 years; and he saw firsthand what can happen if responsible action to limit growth is not taken. He stated to that end, he gives the citizens his pledge that he will be their watchdog and the monies will be spent appropriately to purchase environmentally-sensitive lands, manage the lands, and construct facilities that will encourage public use; he does not want EEL properties managed like it is someone’s hobby; government is a business; and the taxpayers are not only the Board’s bosses, they are also its customers. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to chair the Board.

Chairman Pritchard introduced his staff, Rose Lyons, Sally Lewis, and Sharon Luba; and stated everyone thinks he does it all, but it is not exactly true. He further introduced his wife Donna; stated between Donna at home and the ladies in the office, he does not get much chance to stray; he appreciates all they do; and his wife has always been the love of his life.

COMMENTS, RE: COMMISSIONER JACKIE COLON

Commissioner Colon thanked Judge Davidson for administering the Oaths of Office; stated it is a perfect evening to have wonderful people here; and Judge Davidson is one of them. She stated it has been a journey; she wants to most importantly thank her Lord; He has been incredible as He has been in charge of her campaign from the very beginning; and God is good all the time. She noted He has definitely given her wisdom because it was a trying year; as elected officials, they must never lose themselves in regard to what they believe in; she would not do anything different; and this is her fourth time being sworn in as a public servant. She stated every time she stands before a judge and raises her right hand, her heart beats fast; she is an immigrant who did not speak a word of English; she is able to stand before a judge and be able to swear to uphold the law; and it has been an incredible feeling. She expressed appreciation to her family, Charles, C.J., and Jasmine for always being there for her; stated Charles is a wonderful husband, incredible partner, and father; when she is working hard, Charles can always be counted on to help with homework and making sure everything is done; and a wife and mother cannot ask for more than that. She noted Jasmine will be 15 years old in March 2005; and she is a beautiful young lady. Commissioner Colon expressed appreciation to her parents, sister, brother, and Erin, who are an incredible blessing; and thanked her Christian family, Pastor and Sister Betsy, who prayed with her throughout the year, which was a very trying year. She stated she stepped out in her faith; she hopes she has made her Pastor proud; and expressed appreciation to all of her friends present tonight who supported her this year and the past 10 years. She noted she is truly blessed to have her friends who have been there for close to a decade; and expressed appreciation to Mary Redmond, Evelyn Guadalupe, Rob Medina, Tom Redmond, Louie Guadalupe, and Lissette Martinez. She noted everybody who is an elected official knows when he or she is campaigning, he or she’s family goes through a lot of sacrifices; the children have been incredible; and expressed appreciation to Christian, Louie, Frankie, Amanda, Thomas, D.J., Tiera, and Brianna. She extended best wishes to the Ilecki family; stated they worked a hard campaign, which is not easy to do; and wished her opponent and her family lots of luck. She expressed appreciation to County staff for the last four years; stated she hopes to continue to work closely with staff and the Commissioners to accomplish some of the goals that were started as a team; and she is looking forward to the next four years. Commissioner Colon stated she was eight years old when she came to the United States; it was frightening to come into a new country; America shows one that if he or she works hard, is a person of integrity, and makes sure he or she never compromises with his or her faith, he or she is definitely able to achieve the American dream; and that is what is represented to her every time she is sworn into office. She noted this year has been very trying for the County due to many hurricanes; people have shed many tears together; it has been an incredible year; and the citizens of Brevard County were able to prove that they are extremely strong and help each other. She thanked all the men and women who are fighting overseas; stated citizens are able to vote and the next day go on with their lives; in another country it would not happen; and America is extremely blessed. She stated there is no amount of money that can describe friendship; she loves all of her friends who are in this room and watching on television; and thanked them for working hard, believing in her, and knowing that she is still the same person.

Commissioner Colon stated when she called Florida TODAY to let it know she wanted to decline its endorsement, one of the comments from it was, “You know that quote in regard to ‘Walk through the valley of the shadow of death’; it told her that maybe that information should come out; and she told it she would repeat the scripture, “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death and I will fear no evil.” She noted it stayed there; if someone is not of faith, he or she does not have a clue what she is talking about; she told Florida TODAY it might have the power of the pen, but she has the power of her bosses, the citizens of Brevard County; 66% was nothing to sneeze at; and she is extremely humbled. She stated the last three weeks have been very trying; she fell down and was in a wheelchair for close to three weeks; it was the worst timing as she was in the middle of a campaign; but she had support of her family and friends. She noted they kept her spirits up; she knew there was a reason for her to be in the wheelchair; it has to do with being patient and she has learned that, including getting in touch more with who you are and the things you want to be. Commissioner Colon stated she loves the community; it is an honor for her to be here and represent the citizens; her goal is the same one she has had for almost 10 years, to continue to be the citizens’ voice; and she is happy to be back on the Board and looking forward to working very closely with it and staff to achieve the missions that were started. She noted she will be listening and working hard for her bosses; and to everybody, God bless them and she loves them.

APPRECIATION, RE: FORMER COMMISSIONER NANCY HIGGS

Commissioner Helen Voltz stated she would be remiss if she did not take a minute to thank former District 3 Commissioner Nancy Higgs for her service; she and Ms. Higgs are probably politically on opposite ends of the spectrum, but Ms. Higgs served District 3 for 12 years; and she gave up a lot of her own personal life. She noted whether she and Ms. Higgs agreed or not, Ms. Higgs was a hard worker and is definitely entitled to time off; and she worked hard for everything she believed in.

AUTHORIZATION, RE: USE OF PAST CHAIRMAN’S SIGNATURE PLATE

Commissioner Scarborough stated the County would be using the signature of Nancy Higgs who is no longer a Commissioner; and inquired does it create a new problem.

County Attorney Scott Knox responded probably, as Ms. Higgs is not the Chairman anymore. Commissioner Scarborough stated in the past, the Board has had somebody continue on and there are some logistics in shifting over, but with this particular case, there is somebody who is not in office; and he does not know if it would meet the legal requirements to have somebody that is not a commissioner. Attorney Knox inquired how long will it be before the new signature plate is available.

County Manager Tom Jenkins responded he does not know, as County Finance handles it.

Chairman Pritchard stated his signature is on file as Vice-Chair. Mr. Jenkins stated a plate has to be manufactured that goes in the machine that runs all the checks.

Commissioner Voltz noted that could be a problem. Mr. Jenkins stated yes it could. Chairman Pritchard stated he does not want to sign 2,000 checks. Attorney Knox stated the Board could authorize continuation of the existing signature, even though Ms. Higgs is not sitting on the Board any longer, for the purposes of delegating the Clerk responsibility to issue checks under the signature. Commissioner Scarborough inquired is Attorney Knox sure it is all right; with Attorney Knox responding he will check into it. Attorney Knox suggested the motion be made contingent upon him verifying it is okay.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to authorize the use of the past Chair’s signature plate until a new plate with the current Chairman’s signature is installed, subject to the County Attorney reviewing the legality of using the signature of an official who is no longer on the Board. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

APPOINTMENTS, RE: NORTH MERRITT ISLAND DEPENDENT SPECIAL DISTRICT
BOARD

Chairman Pritchard advised citizens are elected to the North Merritt Island Dependent Special District Board; however, there were no qualified candidates, so he will recommend appointments of Heather Harris and Sean Campbell.

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to appoint Heather Harris and Sean Campbell to the North Merritt Island Dependent Special District Board, with terms of appointments expiring November 15, 2008. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

ATTEST:
__________________________________
RON PRITCHARD, D.P.A.,CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
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SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

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