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Chairman O'Bryan noted for the record that three e-mails (on file) had been received <br />opposing the additional tax on commercial property. They were from: Jeff Brewster with Total <br />Golf Construction, Bill Mills who owns 130,000 feet of commercial property, and William <br />Shelly. <br />Godfrey Gibson, 4136 57th Court, Executive Director of the Gifford Community Center, <br />said the Gifford Community Center is used by all citizens in Indian River County, and that it <br />benefits not only the Gifford community, but the entire County. He stated that there had never <br />been intentions of adding an additional tax burden on the commercial property owners nor the <br />citizens. He emphasized that the Community Center was 22 years old and that it only shows <br />signs of wear and tear, not abuse. Mr. Gibson told the Board that the Gifford community had <br />raised excess money, but due to hurricane repairs, there were no longer additional funds for <br />expenses or insurance premiums. He asked the Board to support improvements to the Gifford <br />Community Center. <br />There was a brief discussion regarding the high cost of insurance, and possibly insuring <br />the facility as a rider on the County Insurance Policy. <br />Freddie Woolfork, 4590 57th Avenue, President of the Progressive Civic League, <br />conveyed that the Progressive Civic League did not want to create a hardship on the residents or <br />commercial property owners with additional taxes. He felt that Gifford should be considered as <br />a City or Township, not a separate subdivision. He believed the Gifford Community Center was <br />another opportunity to obtain and maintain pride in the community, and he wanted long term <br />support. <br />Administrator Baird reiterated that this project should be treated as a renovation project, <br />covered under the Optional Sales Tax, and brought back to the Board in a couple weeks with a <br />funding source. <br />20 <br />December 1, 2009 <br />