Board of County Commissioners

DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes 9:00 AMTuesday, January 14, 2025 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Commissioner JC Deriso Commissioner Judy Schaefer Commissioner Steven Hickox Commissioner Elton Langford Commissioner Jerod Gross Present: TURN OFF OR SILENCE ALL CELL PHONES PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chaplain Ken Wilson with DeSoto Correctional Institute offered the invocation. INTRODUCTION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS None. SET/AMEND Commissioner Gross made a motion to set the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Langford. The motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC FORUM FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS Carolyn Mahler announced the DeSoto County Historical Society’s 21st Pioneer Day is scheduled for March 29, 2025, at the Turner Center. Ms. Mahler expressed appreciation for the facility and its staff. She highlighted the need for sponsors, with sponsorship levels ranging from $25 to $2,500. Don Van Stee from Tri-County Human Services presented a power point presentation regarding a project to build a new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and detox facility in Wauchula. The project was initiated due to legislative appropriation and support from local sheriffs and officials. Mr. Van Stee discussed the need for the facility based on a survey showing high transport rates of individuals from DeSoto County to other counties for mental health and substance abuse services. He noted that the current CSUs serve about 100 individuals monthly across three counties, with DeSoto County being a significant contributor. He explained deputies face long travel times (over an hour one way) to transport individuals to facilities in Charlotte County or Lakewood.The new facility reduces travel time to about half an hour, allowing law enforcement to focus more on their duties. Mr. Van Stee stated Sheriff Potter emphasized the need for individuals to remain off the streets post-admission, with stabilization typically requiring 72 hours. Funding for Construction: $5.2 million allocated for a 20-bed facility (10 Page 1 of 6

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes January 14, 2025 beds for CSU, 10 for detox) estimated at $3.5 million annually, covering staff (psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health professionals) and operational needs. Department of Children and Families provides recurring funds. Insurance companies contribute through contracts, offering preferred rates ($800-$900/day for detox). Mr. Van Stee stated additional state appropriations sought for funding gaps. Ashley Brown introduced herself as the Community Outreach Coordinator for DeSoto County Schools, focusing on public relations and community partnerships. She is collaborating with the Education Foundation to honor outstanding teachers and employees. CONSENT AGENDA-MOTION TO APPROVE Approval of the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Langford, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: 1. Acceptance of Right of Way Deed Donation from VCH Citrus, LLC for Second Bunker Ave. 24-634 Attachments: ROW Deed-VCH Citrus, LLC 2. Accounts and Warrants Drawn Per Schedule of Bills Payable. 24-635 Attachments: AP Check Report - Warrants 11-19-24 to 12-16-24 3. Resolution / FDOT LAP Agreement for S.W. Kingsway Circle. 24-638 Attachments: 446395-1-38-01 Resolution 446395-1-38-01 SW Kingsway Circle Sidewalk Design Agreement Enactment No: 2025-001 4. Resolution - 2025 DeSoto County Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group 24-643 Attachments: Resolution LMS WG 2025 2025 LMS WG List Enactment No: 2025-002 5. Minutes/BOCC Public Meeting Minutes for 12/17/2024. 25-647 Attachments: 12-17-2024 BOCC Meeting 6. Appointment of Lauri Benson as DeSoto County representative for StepUp Suncoast Board of Directors. 25-651 Attachments: 2025 Letter.pdf 7. Agreement/DeSoto County Public Safety 25-659 Attachments: 31385459v3 - DeSoto County Fire Rescue EMT & Paramedic Agreement 2024 Rev approved 8. A Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners appointing and reappointing members on the DeSoto County Economic Development Advisory Committee and providing for an effective 25-660 Page 2 of 6

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes January 14, 2025 date. Attachments: EDAC Resolution 2025 Enactment No: 2025-003 REGULAR BUSINESS 9. Resolution/Budget Amendment Fiscal Year 2024/2025 24-640 Attachments: Resolution Summary and Narrative FBF Final 2025-24 Fund Balance Carryover Final 2025-26 Hurricane Milton 2025-27 Non Departmental 2025-28 Opioid Settlement Brian Wagner presented a request to adopt a Resolution amending the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year Budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Hickox, to adopt a Resolution amending the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year Budget as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: Enactment No: 2025-004 10. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Task Order #6 - Utility Water/Sewer Revenue Sufficiency Study 25-652 Attachments: desotocounty_taskorder6_water_sewer_rsa_20241211 Greg Harris presented a request to approve a water/sewer revenue sufficiency study, the last study conducted in 2018, to assess and justify current rates. Commissioner Gross made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Langford, to approve Task Order #6 with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. authorizing a Water/Sewer Revenue Sufficiency Study. The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: 11. Purchase Request- Sarasota County Ambulances 25-644 Chief Jorgensen presented a request to purchase two ambulances from Sarasota County. The county currently has four rescue trucks in service, leaving station three without a rescue truck and no reserve trucks available. He explained efforts to purchase a new rescue truck have been ongoing for three years. The original company has withdrawn from the agreed price, and the lowest current price from a new company is approximately $418,000, which is nearly $100,000 over the budgeted amount from three years ago. There have been significant challenges in acquiring truck chassis due to supply chain issues, causing delays in building and deploying new rescue trucks. Commissioners expressed support for the creative approach to address the rescue truck shortage, acknowledging the need for backup vehicles. Three personnel have inspected the trucks, confirming their condition and readiness. Commissioner Gross made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Langford, to purchase two ambulances from Sarasota County and authorized the County Page 3 of 6

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes January 14, 2025 Administrator to approve the purchase orders.The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: 12. Weiler Work Authorization 24/25-03 for the Deep Creek Park boat ramp improvements and dock addition 25-645 Attachments: WORK AUTHORIZATION FORM weiler 24-25-03 Deep Creek Park Boat Ramp Improvements WAXX_DeSotoDeepCreekParkBoatRamp Cindy Talamantez presented a request to approve a work order with Weiler Engineering for the Deep Creek Park boat ramp improvements and dock addition funded by Florida Fish and Wildlife Florida Boating Improvement Program. The design will be wider than previous projects. Questions were raised about the presence of a sandbar near the boat ramp. Commissioner Langford made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hickox, to approve Work Authorization 24/25-03 for the Engineering Design and Permitting for the Deep Creek Park boat ramp improvements and dock additions. The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: 13. Weiler Work Authorization 24/25-04- Utilities Standards Handbook Update 25-646 Attachments: WORK AUTHORIZATION FORM weiler 24-25-04 Utilities Standards Handbok Update WA_UtilitiesStandardsHandbookUpdate Cindy Talamantez presented a request to approve a work authorization with Weiler Engineering to update the Utilities Standards Handbook. Ms. Talamantez explained the handbook has been used since 2010 with minor updates and this will refresh and update all that is needed. Commissioner Langford made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gross, to approve Weiler Work Authorization 24/25-04 for an Update to the Utilities Standards Handbook. The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: 14. Resolution / Agreement F.D.O.T. Locally Funded Agreement for County Road 661 Bridge 25-648 Attachments: 452692-1-62-01 Resolution - LFA 452692-1 LFA Quantaties Based Draft with Exhibit B - approved Mike Giardullo presented a request to adopt a Resolution and approval of an agreement for FDOT funding for repairs on the County Road 661 Bridge. Mr. Giardullo explained that FDOT will fund a portion of the project costs with the County responsible for 20% amounting to $20,849.23. A motion was made by Commissioner Gross, seconded by Commissioner Langford, to adopt a Resolution and approve an Agreement acknowledging and accepting the FDOT Locally Funded Agreement FM#45692-1-62-01 for permanent repairs on the County Road 661 Bridge. that this Resolution be adopted. The motion carried unanimously. Page 4 of 6

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes January 14, 2025 Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: Enactment No: 2025-005 15. Agreement / FDOT Three Party Escrow Agreement for County Road 661 Bridge 25-649 Attachments: Escrow Agreement Draft for CR 661 Bridge Mike Giardullo presented a request to acknowledge and accept the FDOT Three Party Escrow Agreement. He explained FDOT entered into an agreement with AIM Engineering to provide Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for the rehabilitation of Bridge on County Road 661. As presented in the previous Agenda Item, the County will be responsible for 20% of the CEI cost. He stated this is the approval to accept the FDOT's escrow agreement for that 20% of the construction. Commissioner Langford made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gross, to acknowledge and accept the FDOT three-party escrow agreement for financial project number 452692-1-62-01, for the permanent repairs of County Road 661 bridge number 040044. The motion carried unanimously. Deriso, Schaefer, Hickox, Langford, and GrossAye: ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Mandy Hines addressed the Board regarding the reappointment of the Medical Examiner, Dr. Vega. The Gubernatorial appointment expires on July 1st, 2025 and the Ethics Commission is recommending the reappointment and are seeking local input. After discussion, the Board approved the reappointment of the Medical Examiner. Ms. Hines stated she handed out a resume for Mr. Rodriguez for the Multi-County Citrus Agent which the County funds 5% of the salary cost. The board discussed the importance of filling the role, which is not strictly limited to citrus education and approved the candidate. She stated she would transmit the acknowledgement and approve issuing the offer to Mr. Rodriguez. Ms. Hines provided a list of upcoming events at the Turner Center. Positive feedback was received for staff members, including Tara Wilson and Morgan Ray, for their excellent service. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Hickox addressed a problem with Residents which are experiencing flooding issues due to water mismanagement. There was further discussion regarding water mismanagement. The Board discussed challenges with SWFWMD and the need for better regulation and proof of burden. The Board encouraged community support for local events and highlighted employment opportunities. There was discussion regarding the Work Program with DCI and the Sheriff's office helping with the work shortage.Comments were made regarding disconnecting from technology for mental health improvement especially the youth. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business before the Board, Chairman Deriso adjourned the meeting at 10:20 am. Page 5 of 6

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes January 14, 2025 ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA _______________________________ ________________________________ MANDY HINES J.C. DERISO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CHAIRMAN NOTE: For quasi-judicial matters, any party desiring a verbatim record of the proceeding of this hearing for the purpose of an appeal is advised to make private arrangements for the production of a record and anyone wishing to present documents or other written evidence to the Board must provide eight (8) copies of the written material . If special accommodations are required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals should contact the County Administrator's Office by calling 863-993-4800 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. Page 6 of 6