Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the commissioners had a public hearing on a request from the Ironhead Gallon Family Foundation (IGFF). The IGFF was requesting the use of the County Recreation Complex on Anastasia Way, in Madison, to hold an event on Friday, Nov. 27. Deshawntee “Ironhead” Gallon spoke to the commissioners, making his request to host the event, labeled as “Camo Day.” Gallon estimated as many as 2,500, or more, attendees may be at the event. This number led to concerns from nearby residents, who spoke in opposition to the event being held there. Existing county ordinances require a 660 foot setback from any surrounding property owners, unless the property owners agree to sign a waiver. County Attorney Tom Reeves stated that those required setbacks would not leave much space in which to hold the event. Considering the opposition expressed during the public hearing, it was unlikely the adjacent property owners would agree to sign such a waiver. Although County Recreation Department Director Tommy Gardner praised Gallon and the Foundation on previous events, he expressed concern over an event this large. “I just don’t think we’re big enough,” said Gardner. A motion to deny the request was passed unanimously. Outgoing Commissioner Donnie Waldrep said he was I favor of the event itself and he appreciated Gallon for the positive work he does in the community. Waldrep suggested Gallon could possibly find a private land owner will to house the event.
The Commissioners heard a presentation from Clyde Johnson Contracting and Roofing, Inc. for consideration of a Master Service Agreement. The company specializes in repairs, along with disaster relief and mitigation. The County would be under no obligation to use the company and would only pay for services once those services are utilized. One benefit to the County would be having the company make a video record of all county buildings and rooms, to which the County would have full access. This would be provided to the County at no charge. The Commissioners asked county staff to move forward with drafting an agreement which would be brought back to the commissioners at a later date.
The Commissioners agreed to use the services of Clemons, Rutherford and Associates for the remodel of a building to be used by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The building, located where the old Bank of Madison once existed, is expected to offer a more centralized location for the MCSO, rather than having several smaller buildings at various locations within the County. Funding for the $262,050 will come from grant money already awarded to the County from the State of Florida.
There will be only one meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners during the month of November. That meeting is set to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in the meeting room, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.