Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
During the regular meeting of the Board of Madison County Commissioners on Wednesday, July 5, concerns were raised about increased traffic and speeding on Hickory Grove Rd. During the public input portion of the meeting, Joan Keene expressed gratitude for the paving on Hickory Grove Rd., but she said along with the newly paved road, traffic had increased, and people have been speeding on the road. The posted speed limit is 35 m.p.h. “People go 50, 60, or even 70 miles an hour,” said Keene. “They either don't see children, or they don't care.” Keene asked if it would be possible to put speed bumps on the road. Commissioner Rick Davis told her that it was his experience that in some cases, speed bumps actually cause more of a safety hazard than they correct. Another suggestion was to possibly place a three-way stop sign in order to control traffic in the area. Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart said his department could occasionally increase patrols in the area, which could provide some temporary help with the problem.
Another citizen, Deloris Jones, addressed the Board asking them to contact Sen. Marco Rubio and request that funding for Elder Care Services not be cut. Elder Care is a volunteer program for senior citizens. More information about Elder Care can be found at www.ecsbigbend.org. A representative from Sen. Bill Nelson's office was in attendance at the meeting, and the message was passed along to Sen. Nelson's office as well.
The Board voted to accept the consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda included a contract with Inspired Technologies to provide managed computer services, budget amendment requests for Sheriff's Office employee payouts totaling $29,193.32, approval of Sheriff's Office confiscated currency expenditures totaling $27,813.32, approval to place additional parcels on the list of lands available for taxes, and an amended interlocal agreement between the City of Madison and the Board of County Commissioners concerning a fiscal year community development block grant application.
There was discussion regarding safety concerns over parking and traffic patterns on US Hwy. 90 near the Agricultural Center. It was suggested a section of College Loop be closed directly behind O'Neal's Restaurant in order to provide more parking around the Agricultural Center, O'Neal's, Lanier Field, etc. Concern was raised about the number of accidents and near accidents caused by cars backing out of O'Neal's onto US Hwy. 90. There was also discussion about US Hwy. 90 improvements near SE Arrowhead Dr. It was suggested making the intersection more of a 90 degree angle. It is possible the Department of Transportation would fund the project since it is a safety issue. County Coordinator Brian Kauffman's office will contact the land owner of the affected property regarding permission to make the intersection improvement.
The Commissioners heard from Jeff Rackley of Government Services Group, regarding a report on a proposed solid waste special assessment. The Board also heard from Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Jerome Wyche regarding using a paid work crew from Madison Correctional Institution.
The Commissioners considered a recommendation from the insurance committee to continue with current insurance providers. The Board voted to remain with Brown and Brown, but will examine possible ways to save money. Sheriff Ben Stewart told the Board that the Florida Sheriff's Association offers insurance to members of the Sheriff's Office. It is unknown what effect it may have if those in the Sheriff's Office were to pull out of the insurance pool for the County and get insurance through the Sheriff's Association. Stewart told the Board that if pulling out of the County's insurance pool would cause the other county employee's rates to increase - or if it caused the County to incur greater expense - the Sheriff's Office would remain with the County's insurance plan.
Clerk of Court Billy Washington reminded the Board the budget process begins Friday, July 14. The next meeting of the Board of Madison County Commissioners is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the courthouse annex, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.