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On December 20, 1979, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners entered into an agreement for the Division of Blind Services, State of Florida, to sell food products, coffee, cold drinks, etc. in the County Administration Building. Mr. Gary Metzler operated this business until he retired the first of this year. In February of 1993, the service in our cafeteria area had deteriorated and so many people were complaining that this writer telephoned the Bureau Chief for Blind Services in Tallahassee and complained about the level of service we had been receiving. I was informed that action would be taken immediately to rectify -the problem. The following day, District Manager, Terry Jones called to inform me he had talked with Gary Metzler and we would see a improvement in service. However, over a period of time the service did not improve and if anything there was a further deterioration. In July of 1993, this writer wrote a letter to the Division in Tallahassee and gave them thirty (30) days to upgrade the service or I would request the Board of County Commissioners cancel their lease. Within a few days representatives from Tallahassee along with Mr. Jones were in my office to assure me that appropriate changes would definitely take place. Some improvement was made but not to the capacity to where it should have been. However, in March of 1994, Gary Metzler retired and Blind Services advised they were hiring a part time individual to fill in until such time as a person meeting the requirements of Blind Services could be hired to take the job. On March 28, 1994, Ilse "Cricket" Brown was employed to fill the vacant position with the understanding that she would be temporary until a qualified blind person could be located to take over the food service. She did a very good job during her tenure. Approximately a month ago, Terry Jones was in my office to meet with myself And the new person, who was partially blind, thathad been hired to fill the position. However, the person did noshow up that day. Mr. Jones called later and advised that the person they hired had drawn advance monies from the State to move on but had not been heard from since. About two weeks ago a lady, April Heats was hired temporarily by Blind Services to keep the cafeteria going until such time as another qualified person could be employed. This isY'G the operation is at this time and information has not beeneived from Mr. Jones as to how long it will take to get someone in a permanent status. Staff is requesting guidance from the Board as to the direction they wish to proceed with this matter. SEPTEMBER 27, 1994 , 30