LEON COUNTY

Chairman Tony Grippa and Commissioner Cliff Thaell met in a publicly-noticed meeting on December 11, 2002, at the Radisson Hotel. Also present were Erin VanSickle, Chairman Grippa’s Commission Aide, Bob Fulford, and Carol Kio-Greene.

The meeting began at 10:15 a.m.

Commissioner Grippa stated that Rudy Maloy had been reinstated as a County Commissioner by Executive Order of the Governor.

Commissioner Thaell stated the "groundrules" of the meeting: it had been publicly-noticed, the Commissioners would have a discussion, and this would be followed by questions or comments from the Public.

Commissioner Grippa asked Commissioner Thaell which Boards he was interested in serving on. He mentioned that Commissioner Thaell currently served on the Economic Development Council (EDC) Board, and Commissioner Thaell said he also served on the Value Adjustment Board and the Twenty-First Century Council. He stated that he thought the EDC Board was interesting and he appreciated that it was a non-profit; he had already been re-confirmed as a Board Member in October.

Commissioner Grippa agreed that Commissioner Thaell had a good attendance record at all of the meetings, and he was sure he would continue to serve as a productive member.

Commissioner Grippa noted that Commissioner Rackleff had indicated that he wanted to serve on the Downtown Improvement Authority Board, and he would appoint him to that Board. Commissioner Thaell agreed.

Commissioner Thaell said he would like to serve on the Civic Center Board, especially since he felt like significant events were occurring there. He wants to proceed with establishing a group for a Capital City Performing Arts Center. He also mentioned he is familiar with the Civic Center Board.

Commissioner Grippa asked if Commissioner Thaell had any interest in the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Board, since he had marketing expertise. Commissioner Thaell replied that he would serve on either Board. Commissioner Grippa stated that he did not plan on remaining on the Civic Center Board, and that he would like to be on the Senior Area Agency.

Next Commissioner Grippa mentioned that the Liaison Program between the Commissioners and County departments had not been successful in the past, and asked if Commissioner Thaell had any ideas on how to improve upon it. Commissioner Thaell replied that the role of liaisons between Universities and the Commission, and surrounding counties and the Commission could be more formalized. He also mentioned that he was interested in being the liaison between the Board of County Commissioners and Wakulla County, since he is so involved with the Sprayfield issue, and there is no proof that increased nitrate levels in Wakulla County are related to the Sprayfield.

Commissioner Grippa asked what Commissioner Thaell thought about the elimination of liaisons between Commissioners and staff and instead pairing each Commissioner with a County. He said the Commissioners could go to one liaison County Commission meeting per quarter and report back to the Leon County Commissioners on the status of issues in the county with which they are paired.

Commissioner Grippa said that they could also establish a liaison with the Constitutional Officers and make recommendations to the Board based on those liaisons. This way, Commissioners would have a closer relationship with the Constitutional Officers and could make suggestions on how to save taxpayer money.

Commissioner Thaell replied that this was important, especially with the issue of Article V. He said the County needed a cohesive network, and if one Officer had a problem or an issue, he or she could go to his or her Liaison Commissioner instead of P.A. This would be a good way to send a message to State Constitutional Officers that the County Commission would not adopt any more funding obligations.

Commissioner Grippa stated that he would appoint Commissioner Thaell as a liaison to the State Constitutional Officers.

Commissioner Grippa asked if there were any other Board Appointments that Commissioner Thaell was interested in. He replied that he was interested in the Big Bend Cares Board.

Commissioner Grippa then mentioned that he wanted to go over his Chairman’s Speech and elaborate on some issues he brought up. First, he discussed Consolidation. He said there was a divide between the City and the County, especially over certain issues: the Sprayfield, the CRA, the transfer station, EMS Services, 911 Systems, Indigent Health Care, accountability to citizens, and stormwater standards. Commissioner Grippa went on to say the caveats should be an elected Sheriff, Collective Bargaining for law enforcement personnel, reduction of the additional city property tax, and ensuring that Consolidation would not violate the NAACP lawsuit. He said to suggest to the NAACP representatives the creation of one additional at-large seat, a strong Mayor with veto-power, and a County Manager hired by the Mayor.

The Commissioners then discussed a broad-based citizen discussion through Town Hall Meetings. They agreed it was important not to cut any official’s term short and to maintain the regular election process.

Commissioner Grippa stated that another major issue was University Park. He mentioned that he would like to see the representatives from Raleigh come to Tallahassee to do a presentation on greenways and trails, a program in which they excel. He noted the importance of debating the issues of Innovation Park and University Park as a Board. He said he was disappointed in the lack of cooperation between Innovation park and FSU.

Commissioner Thaell stated his bottom line was to see success because Innovation Park is the County’s economic engine. The Board members convey the interests of Leon County. Commissioner Grippa said that it was important to define the role of the County and the role of Innovation Park in University Park.

Next the Commissioners discussed Courthouse space. Commissioner Thaell noted that soon the County would be facing major space problems. In order to retain and expand productivity, we need to increase the space. He noted that this issue has been before the Commission since 1995. Commissioner Grippa stated that he is not afraid to make a decision on this issue. He stated that the Bank of America Building cannot have mold or asbestos in it–it must have indemnification first.

Bob Fulford stated that there is a remote possibility that the Transfer Station will have to be destroyed because it is being constructed while the issue is still in litigation; this happened in Martin County.

Carol Kio-Greene stated that the liaisons to County departments is a holdover from the time when Commissioners actually ran the departments. This changed in the 1980's. It is complicated for employees. She stated that liaisons with Court Officers and Commissioners breaks down numerically because there are seven of each. There is no logical reason to have ex-officio members on Community Boards if the Commission does not have any funding or oversight powers. Next she stated that FSU has historically railroaded the areas in close proximity to it. Its actions illustrate that it does not care about the students. She stated that the County should use its leverage by ensuring that the people most affected, i.e. those that live near FSU, have a say in issues. Next she stated that she has supported Consolidation for a long time. She advised the Commissioners that if they really want to be sure they are saving money, to instate budgetary reporting so that the books are open. This ensures oversight and accountability to citizens.

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Tony Grippa Date Cliff Thaell Date