LEON COUNTY

Chairman Tony Grippa and Commissioner Dan Winchester met in a publicly-noticed meeting on December 12, 2002, at the County Courthouse in the 5^th-Floor Conference Room. Also present was Erin VanSickle, Chairman Grippa’s Commission Aide.

The meeting began at 2:15 p.m.

Commissioner Grippa asked Commissioner Winchester which Boards he was interested in serving on. Commissioner Winchester replied that he was interested in either the Civic Center Board or the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Board. He said he would rather serve on the Civic Center Board because he has already served on the TDC Board. He mentioned that it seems like the Civic Center Board needs some focus and he thought he could provide that. Commissioner Grippa agreed to consider appointing him to the Civic Center Board.

Commissioner Winchester stated that he is the liaison to Grady County and Thomas County and that he would like to continue to be the liaison to both counties.

Commissioner Grippa brought up his Speech from when he was elected Chairman during the Re-Organization of the Board. One of his priorities, he said, was the establishment of uniform stormwater standards, and he stated that he supported the establishment of Youth Centers throughout the County.

Commissioner Winchester asked if he could foresee the County being financially supportive of these Youth Centers, specifically Boys and Girls Clubs. Commissioner Grippa replied that hopefully the County would offer financial, administrative, and other services. He noted that if the one in the Southside was a success, the County could move on from there.

Commissioner Winchester replied that the priority definitely needs to be placed in the Southside, but noted that there are needy children everywhere in the County and those children cannot be forgotten.

Commissioner Grippa replied that it would be great to open a Youth Canter on the western side of town, and utilize college students who have volunteer hour requirements.

Commissioner Winchester stated that the Community Centers Model, such as the one in the Chaires Community, is a good model to follow. This is where the County and the Community build the shell of the building together, and the Community raises the funds for the rest of the building. He mentioned that for the Northwest Community, they could utilize the Community Center or Youth Center model, and incorporate a Senior Center. Also, the Community could designate certain County schools as "Community Schools," which would allow Seniors, children, and others to use the building after-hours. Commissioner Grippa noted that existing Community Centers should designate two or three days a week during certain hours for use by Seniors.

Commissioner Grippa brought up Consolidation next. He stated that he supported Collective Bargaining for Law Enforcement personnel, an Elected Sheriff, increased services in the unincorporated area, and decreased taxes within the city and county. He said first we need to get public sentiment on the issue of Consolidation, and this could be achieved through Town Hall Meetings. It would be important to stress that the goal of Consolidation is NOT to urbanize rural areas.

Commissioner Winchester replied that people in the unincorporated area do not want city services or higher taxes. The County has to be able to show those citizens that their taxes will not increase. He stated that the County would have to reduce City taxes to the County level, and then build support through the citizen base. He stated the importance of ensuring the people get all of the information they need.

Commissioner Grippa mentioned that there are many divisive issues between the City and the County.

Commissioner Winchester said that a Consolidation proposal should address several options for the citizens of Leon County.

Commissioner Winchester said the Town Hall Meeting concept should be kept to one meeting per quarter, and an agenda should be prepared for each meeting. He advised that the County representatives explain the proposal, and then take questions for as long as necessary.

Next the Commissioners discussed University Park. The agreed that Lee Vause is a pillar of the Community.

Commissioner Grippa stated that he was not ready to concede Innovation Park over to FSU. He mentioned the idea of establishing one uniform Board for both Innovation Park and University Park. He said that the Workshop scheduled for January would help the Commissioners address these questions.

Commissioner Grippa ended the meeting by thanking Commissioner Winchester for his leadership over the past two years. He said it would be hard, but that he would make every effort to fill his shoes during his term as Chairman.

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Tony Grippa Date Dan Winchester Date