The Madison County Commissioners gathered for their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 13 at 9 a.m.
Before the Public Works Department presented their items, Sheriff Ben Stewart took to the podium to commend the Road Department for their “job well done” during the flooding that took place throughout the county. Stewart stated that the Road Department, Madison County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Operations Center had a good level of coordination. Stewart also stated that law enforcement patrolled Wonderwood after issues of speeding were brought up at the last county commission meeting. “We rarely encountered a car,” said Stewart. “[There were] no major issues at all.” Stewart commented that there were no posted speed limit signs on the paved side of Wonderwood. He also invited the commissioners to take a look at the jail, as it has been repainted; he also thanked the commissioners for approving consent agenda items revolving around the sheriff's office, as the expenditures approved allowed them to gain a vehicle with seized drug money.
In Public Works, the commissioners approved the maintenance map for SE Rogers Sink Road. and approved tree removal from a private property in Sirmans. They also approved the paving for Midway Collection Site and the establishment of a service road between SE Dale Leslie Drive and SE Bisbee Loop. While on the subject of SE Dale Leslie Drive, County Coordinator Allen Cherry asked the board to approve the establishment of a drainage collection area for SE Dale Leslie Drive. The board voted to move forward with this project.
In new business, the first item on the agenda was Resolution 2016-04-13: Building Department schedule of fees. There has not been an increase in fees in 15 years; for mobile homes, the permit fee will be $300; a roof permit will cost $5 per square foot and annual RV pole inspections will cost $30. The board approved the schedule of fees unanimously.
Next, the board also approved the relocation of the Sirmans Voting House and appointed Commissioner Ronnie Moore to attend the North Florida Regional Planning Council meeting on Friday, April 15 in Lake City.
The commissioners then voted to send a letter of support for Amtrak to the Southern Rail Commission.
Last on the agenda was the discussion of the schedule for the hiring process of County Coordinator, since the current County Coordinator, Allen Cherry will be retiring in July. The board voted to review each of the 14 applicants and create a short list of potential interviewees, who will be selected by the next meeting. This interview process was approved unanimously.
Commissioner Wayne Vickers inquired about the noise ordinance for Cherry Lake, as there were several complaints of boat radios being too loud while on the water during the Cherry Lake water quality meeting on March 29. The ordinance's specific wording will be brought up next meeting.
The next county commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m.