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1 MINUTES OF THE GLADES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING ON MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM, GLADES COUNTY COURTHOUSE,MOORE HAVEN, FLORIDA ______________________________________________________________________ The Glades County Board of County Commissioners met on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. with the following Commissioners present: Tim Stanley, Chairman Weston Pryor, Vice Chairman John Ahern Donna Storter Long Donald Strenth Others present: Julie Mann Braddock, Administrative Secretary Sandra H. Brown, Clerk of Court Martin Murphy, County Manager Tiffany Patterson, Finance Director Bob Jones, Public Safety Director Jeffrey Patterson, TDC Member April Hartseil, Code Enforcement Officer 21 citizens CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stanley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PRAYER Commissioner Storter Long gave the invocation. PLEDGE Vice Chairman Pryor led the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA AMENDMENTS Note: Unanimous Board Action is required to amend agenda for official vote. Commissioner Storter Long requested that a discussion regarding the MSBU program and the scheduling of a workshop date be added to the agenda. She stated the Board had voted at the last meeting to hold a workshop but had not set the date. ON MOTION of Commissioner Storter Long seconded by Vice Chairman Pryor the Board amended the agenda as proposed. Motion carried by 4 – 0 vote. Commissioner Strenth was not present yet.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 2 County Manager Murphy introduced April Hartseil, the County’s newly hired Code Enforcement Officer. He stated she had started the job last Wednesday and had allof the certifications needed to properly do the job. Ms. Hartseil thanked the Board for the opportunity and stated she would do her best. PRESENTATIONS / AWARDS There were none. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were none. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approved payment of County Warrants (Exhibit A) General Fund: 85271 – 85360 ACH Payments: 117 – 121 SHIP: 1795 – 1796 Intergovernmental Radio: 10377 Buckhead Ridge Utility: 245 2. Approved the minutes of the January 8, 2019 Workshop ON MOTION of Vice Chairman Pryor seconded by Commissioner Ahern the Board approved the Consent Agenda items. Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. PUBLIC INPUT ON BUSINESS AGENDA ITEMS Anyone wishing to provide public comment on an Agenda Item please fill out a comment card on the table at the entrance to the Commission Chambers. Commissioner Strenth arrived at the meeting at 6:04 p.m. County Manager Murphy stated 2 individuals had signed up to speak regarding the MSBU Fire Assessment discussion. Chairman Stanley stated he would call those individuals for comment when the discussion was held. BUSINESS AGENDA 3. Glades County Resolution No. 2019- Re-Evaluation of Lake Okeechobee Operations by the US Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act Assessment for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual Chairman Stanley stated this resolution was being passed around to various surrounding counties and a lot of them had endorsed it. He stated Attorney Pringle had revised the resolution as it related to Glades County and had added a line opposing any impoundments within the County.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 3 Vice Chairman Pryor stated a section regarding Palm Beach County being deleted from the resolution as well. Chairman Stanley explained that the resolution basically opposed lowering the Lake level to 10.5 feet. ON MOTION of Vice Chairman Pryorseconded by Commissioner Storter Long the Board adopted Glades County Resolution No. 2019-5, on the Re-Evaluation of Lake Okeechobee Operations by the US Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act Assessment for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual; providing for scrivener’s errors; providing for conflict; providing for liberal construction; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Vice Chairman Pryor stated the 16- County Coalition had met on Friday and wasalso entertaining a resolution of this sort. Chairman Stanley called a roll call vote: Commissioner Ahern – Yes Commissioner Storter Long – Yes Vice Chairman Pryor – Yes Chairman Stanley – Yes Commissioner Strenth – Yes Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. 4. Glades County Resolution No. 2019- Supporting Florida Senate Bill 7068 and Offering a Letter of Support Vice Chairman Pryor stated Senate Bill 7068 had been introduced by Senator Galvano and the Small County Coalition was supporting it. He stated the bill addressed rural infrastructure and a proposed “turnpike” that would come down the west side of the State. He stated the “turnpike” would help with evacuations. He stated the “turnpike” may very well come down the west side of Glades County. ON MOTION of Commissioner Ahernseconded by Commissioner Strenth the Board adopted Glades County Resolution No. 2019- 6, Supporting Senate Bill 7068 and offering letter of support; providing for scrivener’s errors; providing for conflict; providing for liberal construction; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Chairman Stanley called a roll call vote: Commissioner Storter Long – Yes Commissioner Strenth – Yes Commissioner Ahern – Yes Vice Chairman Pryor – Yes Chairman Stanley – Yes

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 4 Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. 5. Glades County Resolution No. 2019- Surplus Property County Manager Murphy stated this resolution would declare certain County owned property surplus to the County’s needs. He stated the County had received a request from a Moore Haven citizen (Mr. Patrick) to purchase the property. He stated the property consisted of .07 tenths of an acre and had no current or future use. Commissioner Ahern stated this parcel was adjacent to a parcel that the citizen had recently purchased. He stated there had been numerous code enforcement on the parcel. Vice Chairman Pryor questioned how the Board would come up with a sales price. Commissioner Storter Long stated Lorie Ward, Glades County Property Appraiser, had appraised the property at $4,582.00 and stated her email had been included in the agenda summary. County Manager Murphy stated Florida Statute allowed the Board to enter into a direct sale of this parcel because of the size of the lot, the fact that it was not a buildable lot, and there was only one adjacent property owner.He stated the Board could sellthe parcel for whatever price they felt was appropriate. Commissioner Storter Long asked if Mr. Patrick had made an offer. County Manager Murphy stated no offer had been made; only a request to purchase. Commissioner Ahern stated the property was of no value to the County and once owned by someone else, it would be kept clean and maintained. Chairman Stanley stated the property would also go back on the tax rolls. He asked the Board for direction on what to include in the resolution for the sales price. County Manager Murphy stated the Board would need to set a value on the property. He stated the sales price would be at the discretion of the Board. Chairman Stanley stated the Board could declare the property surplus, put it up for sale and allow Mr. Patrick to make an offer. County Manager Murphy stated he could meet with Mr. Patrick and let him know how the Board voted and see what his position was. Commissioner Strenth suggested going to Mr. Patrick with an offer and allowing him to counter-offer.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 5 Commissioner Storter Long stated Mrs. Ward had not indicated that $4,582.00 was the market value of the parcel. ON MOTION of Commissioner Storter Long the Board moved to declare the property as surplus, make it available for sale, and ask Mr. Patrick to make an offer. Chairman Stanley read the portion of the resolution that stated Mrs. Ward had determined the value of the said property to be $4,582.00. Commissioner Storter Long withdrew her motion on the floor. ON MOTION of Commissioner Strenth secondedby Commissioner Ahern the Board adopted Glades County Resolution No. 2019- 7, to effect a private sale of County owned property at a price of $4,582.00; providing for scrivener’s errors; providing for conflicts; providing for liberal construction; providing for severability; providing an effective date and authorizing the Chairman to sign on behalf of the Board. Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. 6. TDC Board Appointments Chairman Stanley stated the TDC Board had been having a lot of trouble getting 5 members to show up to the meetings so that a quorum was present. He stated Amy Perry and Becky Delsanto had expressed an interest on serving on the Board. He requested that Susan Lauren be removed from the Board due to non-attendance. Sandra H. Brown, Clerk of Court, stated these appointments would require a resolution. ON MOTION of Commissioner Storter Long seconded by Commissioner Ahern the Board approved Glades County Resolution No. 2019-14, authorizing the appointment of Amy Perry and Becky DelSanto to the Tourism Development Counciland rescinding the appointment of Susan Lauren to the Tourism Development Council. Vice Chairman Pryor stated Amy Perry had listed him as a relative and that he would abstain from the vote. County Manager Murphy clarified that the resolution would not have to be brought back to the next meeting for approval if the vote on the floor passed. Motion carried by 4 – 0 vote. Vice Chairman Pryor abstained from the vote on the floor. (See Exhibit B) 7. Glades County Library Board Resignation Chairman Stanley stated the Glades County Library Board had received a letter of resignation from Board Member – Jeri Lynn Schlueter. He asked that the Board approve the resignation.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 6 ON MOTION of Vice Chairman Pryor seconded by Commissioner Storter Long the Board approved the resignation letter of Glades County Library Board member Jeri Lynn Schlueter. Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. 8. Discuss Rescheduling Two (2) BoCC Meetings County Manager Murphy stated the May night meeting would fall onMemorial Day this year and the June day meeting would fall on the first day of the FAC Annual Conference. He asked that these 2 meetings be rescheduled. Commissioner Storter Long asked Clerk Brown if the Board had already scheduled the night meeting in May for May 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Brown stated she believed the Board had already taken this action. ON MOTION of Commissioner Storter Long seconded by Vice Chairman Pryor the Board approved rescheduling the May 27, 2019 regular night meeting to May 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. and the June 11, 2019 regular day meeting to June 10, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. 9. Discussion regarding MSBU for Fire and Scheduling of Workshop Commissioner Storter Long stated the Board had approved holding another workshop on the possible MSBU for Fire. She stated more information was needed; however, there was no interest in pursuing more information by spending $7,500.00 to determine what the cost would be per unit. She stated there were a lot of rumors flying around about the proposed assessment. She stated even though the Board did not have a set figure, the proposal from GSG for $7,500.00 would have determined that figure, and the preliminary study had shown .05 cents per square foot based on the size of a dwelling in a RV Park. She stated she would like to either set a date for the workshop or decide whether or not to have GSG get the actual figures. Chairman Stanley suggested holding the workshop after the next day meeting or the month after. Commissioner Storter Long stated there was a legal schedule to adhere to if the Board moved forward with the MSBU. She stated if the Board was going to hold a workshop it should be after the next meeting. She stated the Board would not have any more information than it had now. She asked how much more information the Board wanted. Chairman Stanley stated he felt the Board should first discuss what level ofservice it wished to provide. He stated he could not support a fire tax at this time because he had numerous citizens coming to him in opposition. He stated the Board needed to come up

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 7 with what it could afford and what it wanted to do first before deciding on an amount to tax. Commissioner Storter Long stated all of this information had already been given to the Board. Chairman Stanley called for public input. Tony Ashby, resident of Sportsmans Village, expressed concern with his taxes increasing over the past few years. He stated Glades County only had 13,754 residents. He stated the average income was approximately $34,000.00 per year and 20% of the population was below the poverty line. He stated there were also numerous residents on fixed incomes. He stated he would like to see the facts and figures showing what the residents would receive for the amount being spent. He commented on the residents deciding to live in a rural area and them understanding that certain services would not be available. Commissioner Strenth stated he believed the GSG study would break the figures down and show how much it would cost for one, two, or three stations, etc. Commissioner Storter Long stated the study should show this. She stated the County needed to tell GSG what it wanted and provide the costs. Chairman Stanley stated all of this discussion could be held during the workshop. He expressed concern with what the people could afford. Roger Fry, resident of Daniels Road, concurred with Mr. Ashby’s previous remarks. He stated he was a volunteer fireman for over 20 years. He stated his home town in Michigan had a population of over 1 million and the fire services were all manned with volunteers. He stated the system had worked out very well. He commented on having a full time fire department and all of the annual costs for retirement, raises, benefits, etc. He stated Glades County was one of the poorest counties in the State. He suggested having the voters decide if they wished to have the fire tax. Joe and Betty Scavone, residents of Daniels Road, did not speak but requested that their opposition to the fire tax be read into the record. (Comment on card: Moved to Moore Haven because of affordable living since we are retired and on a fixed income). Theron Wright, resident of Daniels Road, did not wish to speak but requested that his opposition to the fire tax be read into the record. (There was no further comment on Mr. Wright’s comment card). Chester Delano, resident of Yacht Club Way, expressed opposition to the fire tax and concurred with previously made comments. Eugene and Becky Rautenstrauch, residents of Daniels Road, did not wish to speak but requested that their opposition to the fire tax be read into the record. (There was no further comment on Mr. & Mrs. Rautenstrauch’s comment card).

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 8 Chairman Stanley stated he believed the Board needed to discuss what the people could afford and what funds could be provided through the Safer Grant. Diane Cianfrani, resident of Muse, asked what information would be provided at the workshop that was not already known. She stated Bob Jones, Public Safety Director, had supplied an outline for 4 fire houses with a cost of $258.00 per year to residents. She stated this did not include the RV Park residents. She stated she did not understand why the Board would not vote to pay the $7,500.00 for the study. She stated everyone in the County would benefit from this. She stated everyone would pay a different price depending on where they lived. She stated time was running out. She stated there were areas within the County that had no protection. She behooved the Boardto get the information and do what was best for this County. Vice Chairman Pryor explained where the $440.00 figure had originated from. He stated Mr. Jones had indicated on his report that it would cost the residents $440.00 for 5 stations. He stated this was a bare minimum price. Mr. Jones stated this was correct. He stated he had given options from 1– 5 stations. He stated he had asked GSG to provide the tax assessment for a $1.5 millionbudget. He stated they had indicated that the tax would be $258.00 annually. He stated this was a fairly decent number for what it would cost per household for 4 stations. Vice Chairman Pryor asked if this costs included the fire house, trucks, equipment, etc. Mr. Jones stated this was correct and this cost would provide for 24 firemen and a supervisor. He stated to get an exact number the commercial properties would have to be figured in at .05 cents per square feet and for certain RV’s. He stated these were figures that a study would show. He stated he had provided all of the information he could at this point. Commissioner Storter Long asked if these figures were based on the 2014 tax rolls. She stated the assessment could actually be lower. Mr. Jones stated GSG had taken the 2014 study and used that data to come up with the number he had just given. He stated GSG would need the current tax roll and convert the numbers to come up with a current assessment. He stated this could be done for $7,500.00 if all of the data was sent via email and $9,000.00 if they had to come down here in person to gather the information. He stated the Board needed to decide how many stations they wished to have. He stated he felt 4 stations would cover the County from one end to the other. He stated there would be an ambulance combination unit in Buckhead Ridge. Vice Chairman Pryor asked if Mr. Jones had enough equipment to support 4 stations. Mr. Jones stated there would be some minor equipment that would need to be purchased. He stated he had the trucks, however; a few air packs may need to be purchased as well

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 9 as some bunker gear. He stated a grant could be used to purchase the bunker gear. He explained that the Safer Grant would pay for 75% of the total costs (benefits and salaries) for 2 years and the third year would provide for 35% of the costs. He stated this would give the department a reserve of over $3 million. He stated the Safer Grant was done for this year. He stated the grant ended in March. Chairman Stanley stated he would like to see some paperwork on the Safer Grant prior to the workshop. He stated Mr. Jones kept talking about paramedics in Buckhead Ridge but they could not be paid for with the Safer Grant. Mr. Jones stated the only thing a paramedic could not do was transport under the terms of the grant. He stated the grant wouldadjust back to how much those 3 people in Buckhead Ridge would cost. Commissioner Strenth stated he would like to leave one thought with everyone tonight. He asked that each of them figure out what it was worth to them to know that if their home caught on fire that someone would be there quicker with the additional firemen. He stated if someone had a heart attack or stroke the response times would also be quicker. He stated the residents would get more live saving equipment and a quicker response time for their money. Commissioner Storter Long stated the Safer Grant would not be paying for the operating costs. She stated those funds would be reserved because they would be taxing the people for the operating costs. ON MOTION of Commissioner Storter Long seconded by Commissioner Strenth the Board moved to pay GSG $7,500.00 to get the assessment figures based on the 2018 figures from the Tax Collector. Chairman Stanley asked what the Board would be asking for. Commissioner Storter Long stated they would need to know how many units and how much money. Commissioner Ahern stated he was not prepared to do this yet. He stated when he looked at the study Ms. Brown had done looking at counties similar in size to Glades County, they used a lot of different vehicles to fund their fire departments. He stated he believed more information needed to be gathered. Commissioner Storter Long suggested figuring out what information was needed to make a determination. She stated her people had no fire protection. Chairman Stanley stated he would like to know what a $50.00 annual assessment would fund for the fire department. Commissioner Storter Long called for the question.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 10 Motion denied by 3 – 2 vote. Commissioner Strenth and Commissioner Storter Long voted for the motion on the floor. Chairman Stanley, Vice ChairmanPryor, and Commissioner Ahern voted against the motion on the floor. Commissioner Ahern asked that Ms. Brown expand the study that she had previously done up to counties with a population of 40,000. It was the consensus of the Board to hold a workshop regarding a MSBU for Fire Services immediately following the April 9, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Regular Board meeting. Chairman Stanley stated it was evident by the people that were present tonight were opposed to this assessment. He stated he believed people could afford $50.00 annually and believed the Board should start small and work its way up. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS / DEPARTMENT HEADS Sandra H. Brown, Clerk of Court, reminded the Board that the one cent sales tax would expire in December of 2021. She stated the Board would need to consider doing a referendum next year for the local option sales tax. She stated it would need to be on next November’s ballot. COUNTY ATTORNEY There was no discussion. COUNTY MANAGER County Manager Murphy stated he was very happy to report that the County had received a 2 year extension on the Moore Haven Canal dredging permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He stated there were a lot of contingencies on the permit and there would be an additional expense to the County to maintain the section that had already been dredged. He stated he had attended a productive meeting with the developers of the Glen Harvey project. He stated the County had concurred with their decision to commence with Phase 2 of the project and to postpone Phase 1. He stated they were seeking a grant for a package plant to accommodate any future growth. He stated if they could not secure the grant, they were under the 90 unit threshold and they could still proceed with the 83 planned residential units. He commended Archie Branch, Public Works Director, on his leadership in bringing the Animal Control Department into cooperation with the Gulf Coast Humane Society. He stated the County was now offering spay and neuter services on the first Thursday of every month. He stated residents of Glades County could drop their pet off at the Training Center by 7:00 a.m. and could pick up their pet at 5:00 p.m. the same day. He stated the cost would also include rabies shots. He stated the cost would be $35.00 for dogs and $25.00 for cats. He stated 6 pets had been served in March and as of last week they had 15 reservations for April. He stated the Supplemental Planting Plan for the 3 wetlands by the Training Center that was

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 11 submitted by Johnson Engineering had been included in the Commissioner’s packets. He stated this plan had been approved by the Water Management District and the County would be seeking bids for the removal of the nuisance and exotic vegetation and the planting of native and desirable species. He stated the projected cost was a minimum of $28,000.00. He stated he would be looking at alternatives for the ongoing maintenance. Commissioner Storter Long asked what additional expenses the County would have on the Moore Haven Canal project. County Manager Murphy stated the project would now have to be done in phases. He stated every phase that was completed would be considered a separate complete project. He stated at the end of 2 years they would go back to the ¼ mile that was dredged and monitor it to make sure that it was in compliance as if the entire project was final. He stated once the monitoring report was received he would be able to determine if there would be any additional expenses. Commissioner Ahern stated Congressman Stuebe would be rescheduling his trip to look at the Moore Haven Canal project. He stated he would be asking for Congressman Stuebe’s help with obtaining additional funding for the project. PUBLIC INPUT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS There was none. COMMISSIONERS ITEMS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Strenth had no further comments. Commissioner Ahern stated the population at GCDC was at 480 as of today. He stated they had received the audit for this past year and it looked a lot better than the prior year. He stated Attorney Pringle and Mr. Cortez’s attorney had been working back and forth on the hotel project. He stated they had determined that the USDA would not finance the project unless Mr. Cortez owned the property. He stated the County had been somewhat hesitant to do this. He stated there was now some discussion regarding selling Mr. Cortez the property that would be needed for the hotel only. Commissioner Storter Long asked when someone was appointed to a Board how their mileage was paid. She asked if this was paid at the rate other employees were paid or at the IRS rate. Tiffany Patterson, Finance Director, stated as long as the Board member was not paid with grant funds they were paid the IRS rate for mileage. Commissioner Storter Long asked if the TDC members were paid for mileage. Chairman Stanley stated he had not seen any request for mileage.

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 12 Commissioner Storter Long stated she knew the Planning & Zoning members were paid mileage. She asked when an employee traveled for the County and did not use the County vehicle how much they were paid. Mrs. Patterson stated the IRS rate was paid. Commissioner Storter Long asked if they were paid their regular work hours if they were traveling for the County. Mrs. Patterson stated they were paid their regular 8 hours. She explained that if they traveled outside that they would be paid for that time as well. Ms. Brown explained that only the driver was paid for mileage. She stated passengers were not paid for mileage or travel timefor weekends or after work hours. She stated this would apply to employees that were appointed to a Board as well. Commissioner Storter Long asked if there was a limit on how far an employee could travel in the County vehicle. There was a discussion regarding the differences in exempt and non- exempt employees. Commissioner Storter Long reported the Ortona Community Association had served 287 dinners at their final spaghetti dinner. She stated Muse had hosted the best Honey Festival they had held in years. Vice Chairman Pryor welcomed Ms. Hartseil on board. He stated he had attended a 16- County Coalition meeting last Friday. He stated there had been a lot of discussion regarding lowering the Lake levels to 10.5 feet. He stated the Coalition was also entertaining a resolution in opposition to the lowering of the levels. Chairman Stanley also commented on the 16-County Coalition meeting. He stated the Corps would be taking the Lake down to 11.5 feet this year to try and get some vegetation to come back into the Lake. He stated the representative from the Corps had indicated that they had no intention of taking the levels to 10.5 feet. He stated there was only approximately 5,000 acres of submerged vegetation on the Lake right now and it used to be up to 35,000 – 40,000 acres. He stated the Corps would also be trying to burn a lot of the marsh while the level was down. He stated the Lake levels had been up for so long it had caused a lot of problems. He stated he had attended the GEO Facility’s quarterly meeting last Thursday and commented on the dog training program they were doing there. He commented on the Barber School the facility offeredand the CDL Training program. He stated he was amazed at what they were doing for these inmates.He invited everyone to attend Buckhead Ridge’s Community Association meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ADJOURN

GLADES COUNTY COMMISSION – MARCH 25, 2019 REGULAR MEETING 13 ON MOTION of Commissioner Ahern seconded by Commissioner Strenth the Board adjourned the meeting. Motion carried by 5 – 0 vote. There being no further discussion, Chairman Stanley adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. ________________________________ Tim Stanley, Chairman ATTEST: _______________________________ Sandra H. Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court Approved: April 9, 2019 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT A VERBATIM RECORD. TAPES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN LISTENING TO THE ENTIRE MEETING.