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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/29/1983a Wednesday, June 29, 1983 The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in Special Session at the County Commission Chambers, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, June 29, 1983, at 1:30 o'clock P.M. Present were Richard N. Bird, Chairman; Don C. Scurlock, Jr., Vice Chairman; Margaret C. Bowman; Patrick B. Lyons; and William C. Wodtke, Jr. Also present were Michael J. Wright, County Administrator;. L. S. "Tommy" Thomas, Intergovernmental Coordinator; Gary Brandenburg, Attorney to the Board of County Commissioners; Jeffrey K. Barton, Finance Director; and Virginia Hargreaves, Deputy Clerk. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Commissioner Bowman led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPOINTMENT OF REPLACEMENT DIRECTOR FOR COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. Chairman Bird informed the Board that Dr. Flood, Director of the County Health Department is retiring soon. The Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services has submitted some recommendations for his replacement, and Dr. Flood feels there is some urgency in presenting these to the Board as there have been legislative changes in the way his replacement is to be chosen, which would become effective July 1st, i.e., prior to July 1st, we pick the replacement and the State concurs; after July 1st, the State picks the person and we have the right to concur. Chairman Bird continued that there are three applicants who have been screened and qualified for the position by the DHRS; we,., however, are not limited by these. Chairman Bird reported that he tentatively had tried to schedule interviews with the three doctors tomorrow morning in the event the Board did wish to get this accomplished prior to July 1st. JUN 29 1983 JUN 2 9 1993 Question arose as to whether there is not a specific discipline taught called Public Health, as well as a special Public Health Certificate, and Dr. Flood confirmed that there is such training and certification, but unfortunately none of the applicants with whom he has talked have such a certificate. Florida does not have a Public Health School, and he believed the closest place with such training is North Carolina, which is where he received his degree in Public Health. Dr. Flood cited his considerable background and experience in working in public health for a goodly number.of Florida counties and believed it is unlikely that the Board will find anyone with similar training because our salary scale is so low that most doctors are not interested in pursuing such training. Commissioner Lyons asked about the present salary scale, and Dr. Flood stated that it is between $45,000 to $50,000, but he did not know what they are offering these a applicants. Some discussion ensued as to the fact that the Commission members are entirely unfamiliar with the process involved in finding a new County Health Director, and it was generally agreed that finding a replacement for a position of this nature, which entails supervising about 38 employees, is of such significance to the county that it would not be proper for us to move ahead too quickly, regardless of the new legislation. Commissioner Scurlock emphasized that he personally wished to interview candidates. Dr. Flood pointed out that he notified HRS as well as the County Commission at the end of May that he was contemplating retirement, but he got no reaction from HRS at all until he personally recruited some candidates. This is very discouraging to him as he was hoping to have some time to break in a replacement before his retirement which is set 2 M M M up for the 22nd of July, at which time his salary stops. Dr. Flood continued that all three of the physicians now recommended are local; one other candidate, not local, bowed out because the salary was too small. He noted that Dr. Vinson is already associated with the Health Department, working with him in pediatrics. Chairman Bird asked what the next logical step would be if the Commission did not wish to make a choice from the three presented today. Dr. Flood stated that if the Board so informed him, he would pass it on to HRS and they would come up with additional applicants. He noted that after six months, the DHRS has the right to appoint someone without the County having any say. Attorney Brandenburg confirmed that if there is a vacancy, the DHRS has the right after six months to appoint anyone, not necessarily even a doctor. Discussion ensued as to the standard practice followed in other counties, with Dr. Flood noting that in some counties this job is so poorly paid and unattractive that no doctor will accept it. Commissioner Scurlock noted that a major part of public health work is administrative duties, and felt you could get a competent administrator who would accept $40-50,000 whereas a physician could make much more. He asked if counties that have this position filled by someone other than a physician, contract for the services of a doctor, and Dr. Flood believed this is the practice in some of the southern states. He felt .any such administrator would have to be a medical administrator. Commissioner Wodtke inquired if any doctors other than Dr. Vinson assist Dr. Flood, and Dr. Flood reported that Dr. Taylor assists with Family Planning. 3 Commissioner Wodtke JUS 2 9 1983 stated that although he values Dr. Flood's thoughts and recommendations, he felt this puts the doctor in a difficult spot, and he hoped we try to get as many applicants who are qualified in the field of public health as possible. Commissioner Wodtke then asked how long it takes to get a certificate of Public Health Training, and Dr. Flood stated that it took him 9 months, but he did not know how long the new course might be. He noted that Dr. Tucker has indicated he would be interested in attending such a course. He continued that only two of the applicants have a smattering of health training. Dr. Lier had some months in a Health Department in St. Petersburg where he handled one particular area. Dr. Tucker had a few years in the military, and he is very good with venereal diseases, which, he felt, is why 'HRS chose him above the other two. None of the applicants are trained public health physicians. a MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED by Commissioner Scurlock, that we defer action on this matter and request HRS to give us addi- tional candidates within the next 30 days, stressing that we are looking for candidates with public health training, and also that we do not conduct interviews until we have heard from HRS. Commissioner Wodtke wished to be sure that this will keep the three present applications active. He noted that he did not wish to infer in any way that these are not capable applicants, but noted the problem is that the only comments we hear about them relate only to their particular specialty. Commissioner Bowman wished to know what percentage of the job of Public Health Director is pure administration, 4 and Dr. Flood stated that it is about 60%, but he has tried to fight it down to about 40%. Commissioner Scurlock felt that along with the Motion we should authorize the Chairman to contact HRS and express our concerns about the process, etc. COMMISSIONERS LYONS AND SCURLOCK agreed to add the above authorization to their Motion. Further discussion ensued re contracting for physicians, etc., and it was noted that the result of the Motion would be that we would accept these applications and hold them until more are submitted by HRS. It was also emphasized that we would like this to be accomplished by July 15th. Commissioner Lyons felt the Chairman could emphasize the urgency in his letter, but he believed because of the timing, we probably are stuck with having an interim person and he believed we can only make it a minimum of 30 days. Chairman Bird stated that he would work with Dr.Flood on writing such a letter. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. It was voted on and carried unanimously. ADDITION TO AGENDA Commissioner Lyons stated that he would like to add an item to the agenda in regard to having a labor relations caucus after the meetings is adjourned. MOTION WAS MADE BY Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED by Commissioner Bowman, for the Commission to have a labor relations caucus as above. 5 BUN 2 9 1983 Attorney Brandenburg did not feel a Motion was neces- sary. He explained that Union caucuses are not subject to the Sunshine law so there is no notice required and the Commission can call one at any time. The only thing that can be discussed at those meetings is Union negotiations, and he believed the Chief Negotiator must be present. Commissioner Lyons and Bowman withdrew their Motion, and the Board agreed to caucus after this meeting is adjourned, as requested. SAVE OUR COAST PROGRAM Chairman Bird reminded the Board that at the last meeting when we agreed to purchase beach properties with our own funds, we also instructed staff to proceed as quickly as possible to prepare other parcels to submit to the state under the Save Our Coast Program. Community Services Director Thomas and Environmental Planner Art Challacombe have been working on that, and we have received a call indicating additional urgency because the Governor and Cabinet are going to meet on July.7th with the idea of adding some parcels to the master list. Therefore, direction is needed from the Commission today so we can send our submissions and backup by courier to Tallahassee tomorrow evening. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Challacombe proceeded to review the recommendations for submittal in the state program, noting that they have tried to incorporate as many of the parcels as possible into clusters to create one large park. They are proposing to combine parcels in the area of the Bell Road/Erdo parcel, for instance, to come up with a contiguous parcel of about 3,600 lin. ft., or about 2/3 of a mile of oceanfront. These new pieces consist of the Morris Tract and the Howell/Chapman Tract, aswellas the western part of the Erdo parcel. The Morris Tract is separated from the Howell/Chapman property by a small tract owned by a Mr. 6 Perlini, who is willing for his piece to be included in the State program also. This would tie all the above into one cluster or complex. Mr. Challacombe continued that the next complex to be submitted is made up of Number 11 Corporation and the east portion of the Sirk property; they are submitting the northern portion and western portion of the Golden Sands parcel to make that an additional complex; and lastly, they are including the Pfeiffer Tract, which is somewhat to the south. Mr. Thomas reported that these parcels would add up to a total of $8,318,000, and he felt our match would be more than adequate without including the Stanny property. He also felt the prices are favorable and may be subject to negotiation. He explained that for each parcel submitted, we must have a conceptual design as well as a proposed management and development program, and staff can have these ready to submit by tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Thomas further noted that the State also would like an updated resolution as we originally agreed to match money, and now we are matching land. Commissioner Scurlock asked if this means the title of these properties we have already acquired will remain with the state.. Attorney Brandenburg explained that if you pledge property, you will retain a percentage undivided interest in the parcel, i.e., if we pledge 5 million and the state pledges 10 million, then we will have a 1/3 ownership, which would be the original 5 million. We could not sell our property without state approval, and they would be giving us a management lease to their percentage. He did not believe they have a set format for the management interest. He confirmed that the State would like a new Resolution laying F Boa ?AGE 871 r JUN 291983 BOOR ,ol UE 872 this out specifically, and stated he would be glad to assist Mr. Thomas with this. Commissioner Scurlock left the Commissions Chambers for a few minutes to answer a phone call. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED by Commissioner Wodtke, to approve Resolution 83-46 setting out specific properties and amounts that are pledged and requesting the state to purchase the other named properties; the properties to be pledged to amount to 1/3 of what we are requesting the state to purchase. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. It was voted and carried 4 to 0. Commissioner Scurlock returned to the room and indicated he would vote in favor of the Motion, which then carried unanimously 5 to 0. 8 I� J RESOLUTION NO. 83-46 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY C0MMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, CLARIFYING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY'S DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA "SAVE OUR COAST" PROGRAM WHEREAS, Indian River County has recognized the need to acquire and preserve for recreational purposes beachfront land on the Atlantic Ocean, and WHEREAS, Indian River County has called for a referendum of qualified voters of the County on the question of whether to issue up to $5,000,000 in general obligation bonds to be used for the purchase of beachfront property on the Atlantic Ocean, and WHEREAS, the vote.rs of Indian River County approved the issuance of the bonds and the County Commission subsequently adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, and WHEREAS, the bond issue has been validated by the Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit and WHEREAS, Indian River County now desires to participate in the State of Florida "Save Our Coast" Program to maximize the resources of the County and the State in -a cooperative manner and further desires to define the extent to which the County is willing to participate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA,.that: 1. Indian River County has purchased the following beachfront property for a total of $4,055,867.50: Bellroad $1,750,000 Ed Schlitt, Trustee 871,200 Golden Sands 1,434,667.50 It is the County's desire to enter into an agreement with the State of Florida using the above properties as the Coiinty's share to request the state purchase the following properties under the "Save Our Coast" Program: 9 JUN 9 � d�K 073 JUN Fr - JUN 2 9 1983 Allen Morris, Trustee Richard Perlini Howell & Chapman Ed Schlitt, Trustee Number 11 Corporation Sirk $ Burke, Trustees Golden Sands International Pfeifer & Heikes s ix 7t $1,000,000 350,000 3,000,000 311,850 1,000,000 425,000 931,157.50 1,300,000 $8,318,007.50 It is the County's understanding however, thdt the total con- tribution of lands contributed by the County will not exceed , 33 1/3 per cent in value of the total land purchases. 2. Indian River County will develop the property as County, State and Federal funds become available as needed to facilitate its appropriate public use for outdoor recreation. 3. Indian River County will attempt to open the facility to public use as soon after acquisition as is practicable. 4. Indian River County desires to enter into a management and operation's agreement for the parks consistent with the County's park and recreation program and philosophies and the goals of the State of Florida. S. Indian River County intends to manage, operate and keep the facilities open for public recreational purposes in perpetuity. The foregoing resolution was offered by Commissioner Patrick B. Lyons who moved its -adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner William C. Wodtke and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Chairman Richard N. Bird Aye Commissioner Margaret C. Bowman Aye Commissioner Patrick B. Lyons Aye Commissioner Will"am C. Wodtke Jr. Aye Commissioner Don � . Scurlocl.�, fir . Aye The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 29th day of June, 1983. Attest: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FR DA WRIGHT Clerk OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA APPROVED AS TO FORM AAND 'D.e By LEGAL SU .I'CIENCY RICHARD N. BIRD Chairman By ARYL URANIDENBURG �unty Attorney 10 Commissioner Bowman inquired about the status of the Gordon Nutt property by Wabasso Beach, and Chairman Bird reported that the state was bound by their appraisals, which were so far from Mr. Nutt's valuation of his property, that nothing has happened. He believed the next move is up to Mr. Nutt. Commissioner Bowman noted that people are already inquiring if we intend to abandon Wabasso Beach, and the Chairman stated that is not our intention. He noted that he wrote Mr. Nutt asking him to consider a donation of some of his property and is still trying to talk with him about this. OUT -OF -COUNTY TRAVEL Attorney Brandenburg informed the Board of an Environ- mental Law Seminar to be held at Captiva Island, which he felt was worthwhile, and stated he would like to attend and take Assistant County Attorney Paull with him. - ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by Commissioner Bowman, the Board unanimously authorized out -of -county travel for Attorney Brandenburg to attend the Environmental Law Seminar to be held at Captiva Island August 5th and 6th, as well as whomever he felt should attend; this to be handled within his budget. FURTHER DISCUSSION RE COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR Commissioner Scurlock reported that he had received a phone call from Mr. Hodgkins, Administrator of Pinellas County, who indicated they are going through the same process re their Health Director. He indicated that Dr. Lier was Assistant Health Administrator over there in charge of all the clinics. He served for over a year, and they gave him a very positive recommendation. Apparently Dr. 11 JUN 29 1983 c 53 %6876 Lier only left Pinellas County because he inherited a home in Vero Beach and he was commuting from Vero Beach to Pinellas County. There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the Board adjourned at 2:37 o'clock P.M. ATTEST: Clerk 4 t - � ��- ; e Chairman 12 _ M M