BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 23, 2004

 

     The following is a non-verbatim transcript of the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING OF SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA, held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2004, in the SEMINOLE COUNTY SERVICES BUILDING at SANFORD, FLORIDA, the usual place of meeting of said Board.

     Present:

     Interim Chairman Randy Morris (District 2)

     Commissioner-Elect Bob Dallari (District 1)

     Commissioner-Elect Dick Van Der Weide (District 3)

     Commissioner Henley (District 4)

     Commissioner-Elect Brenda Carey (District 5)

     County Manager Kevin Grace

     County Attorney Robert McMillan

     Deputy Clerk Carylon Cohen

 

     The Invocation was given by Pastor Bill Feist, Church of Christ, Altamonte Springs.

     Presentation of the Colors was by Battalion Chief Rick Chabot and the Seminole County Fire Rescue Honor Guard.

     Commissioner Henley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

SEATING OF SEMINOLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

     Interim Chairman Morris stated this is a specially called meeting for the express business of swearing in a returning Commissioner and two new Commissioners and the reorganization of the Board for 2004-2005.  He recognized honored guests from Osceola County, the municipalities of Seminole County, Justices and Constitutional Officers in the audience.


     Interim Chairman Morris asked Commissioner-Elect Van Der Weide to come forward to be sworn in.  He was joined by his wife, Judy.

     Judge O. H. Eaton, Jr., administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Van Der Weide.

     Judge Eaton thanked the County Commissioners and Seminole County Government for the wonderful, new Criminal Justice Center.  He said they now have a facility they can be proud of.  He invited everyone to come see them and take a look at the facility.

     Interim Chairman Morris asked Commissioner-Elect Dallari to come forward to be sworn in.  He was joined by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Dallari, sister Pat, and Mr. Bill Culbert.

     Judge Donna McIntosh administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Dallari.

     Commissioner Dallari expressed thanks to Judge McIntosh and Mr. Culbert.

     Judge McIntosh stated she is very proud of Commissioner Dallari.  She also thanked the Commissioners for the new Criminal Justice Center, saying it is beautiful and it is going to define Seminole County.

     Mr. Culbert expressed his sentiments for Mr. Dallari.

     Interim Chairman Morris thanked the Judges for what they do for the County. 

     Interim Chairman Morris advised this will be the first female County Commissioner in the New Millennium.  He asked Commissioner-Elect Carey to come forward to be sworn in.  She was joined by her husband, Fairley.

     Chief Judge E. C. Perry administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner-Elect Carey.

     Chief Judge Perry expressed thanks also for what the County Commission has done for the Judges.  He said the Judges have had nothing but a good working relationship with the Commissioners.

     Chief Judge Perry stated he was proud to have been asked to swear in Commissioner Carey and he is sure she will do a great service to the citizens and residents of Seminole County.

     Commissioner Carey expressed thanks for those who came today and to her family and friends for supporting her through the campaign and election. 

     Interim Chairman Morris welcomed Commissioners Carey and Dallari to the Board.

     Commissioner Henley expressed he is looking forward to working with the new Commissioners, and he thinks it is going to be a great experience.  They have great opportunities before them in the County and if they all work together on one accord, they can accomplish good things.

     Commissioner Dallari expressed thanks to everyone who has helped him along the way the past 12 years and those who helped the past one and a half years during his campaign.  He also thanked the voters for electing him, and thanked his sister, parents, and friends.

     Commissioner Carey expressed thanks to everyone for coming and wished all “Happy Thanksgiving.”

REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD FOR 2004/2005

     Commissioner Morris passed the gavel to County Attorney Robert McMillan to conduct the Reorganization of the Board.

     Mr. McMillan explained the procedures for nominations and opened the floor for nomination of Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

     Commissioner Dallari nominated Commissioner Henley for Chairman of the BCC for 2004/2005.

     Motion by Commissioner Morris, seconded by Commissioner Van Der Weide, that the nominations be closed.

     Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

     The vote was taken on the nomination of Chairman Henley as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2004/2005.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

Mr. McMillan surrendered the gavel to Chairman Henley to conduct the election of the Vice Chairman.

Chairman Henley expressed thanks to the members of the Board.  He said it’s an honor to serve in this capacity.  He thanked Commissioner Morris for his work serving as Interim Chairman.

Commissioner Morris nominated Commissioner Carey for Vice Chairman.

Commissioner Van Der Weide closed the nominations.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

The vote was taken on the nomination of Commissioner Carey as Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2004/2005.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

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Chairman Henley stated the people have selected these five people to be their leaders for the next few years and their lives will be impacted by the decisions the Board makes.  That is an awesome responsibility.  When you think about leadership, there are really two options that come:  one is to serve yourself and the other is to serve the people you were elected to lead.  He thinks that is the responsibility they have today.  He believes the people of Seminole County have selected five people who will put them first.

Chairman Henley asked for consensus to give direction to the County Manager and staff to begin immediately a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the people of Seminole County.  Then they can begin selectively to set priorities so these needs and priorities can drive the budget for the next few years.  He said keep in mind they need to provide the opportunity for input from the public.  They will come back in the next few weeks with more details.  He thinks it is necessary before they begin talking about spending dollars to have a consensus about how those dollars should be spent.  There were no objections from the Board.

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Chairman Henley acknowledged Mr. & Mrs. Kim (from Burma) in the audience who are visitors through an intern program and came to witness the activities this afternoon.  He welcomed them to the meeting and to America.

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Motion by Commissioner Van Der Weide, seconded by Commissioner Carey, to authorize Commissioner Morris’ signature on payroll and other checks until the Clerk obtains the signature plate for the new chairman.

Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 voted AYE.

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Chairman Henley stated the Board appreciates very much those who came today and their presence made it a special occasion.  He announced that refreshments are available in the lobby after the meeting. 

Commissioner Morris asked all the elected officials to stand and be recognized. 

Chairman Henley stated they have been fortunate in Seminole County over the years to have good relationships with the cities.  He said it is the Board’s desire to continue that.  He realizes there will be times they will have differences of opinion, but intelligent people can work through those issues.

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There being no further business to come before the Board, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m., this same date.

 

ATTEST: ______________________ Clerk ___________________Chairman

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