Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners Meeting
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The following are highlights from the April 13th, 2021 Jackson County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
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Annual Litter Removal Contract Approved
In keeping with the Counties goals and objectives of the Keep Jackson County Outdoors Beautiful Campaign, also known as #KeepJCOBeautiful, the Board of Commissioners approved an Annual Litter Removal Contract with Collins Land Services in the amount of just over $300,000.00 for one year. The contract includes 12 one-month cycles of litter cleanup up on County maintained right of ways and a one time mass trimming cycle on all brush and vegetation around signs, culvert ends, guardrails, drainage ditches, and other items located within the County ROW.
Month of April recognized as Autism Acceptance Month
The month of April has historically been recognized as Autism Awareness Month. This year, in recognition of the differences autism individuals and to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services, the terminology has changed to reflect autism acceptance.
The board was presented this request by Syntha and Benjamin Alvarez. Syntha is with the Chipola Area Autism Resource Center, Inc and serves on our local Autism Advisory Board, which has been working with First Place Arizona to develop the autism transition program at Endeavor.
Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC )Resiliency Partnership
The ARPC has had a long history with Jackson County, helping to serve our citizens and local government by providing technical assistance and a forum for communication and collaboration to preserve and enhance the economic, natural and social environments of the Apalachee Region. Their latest initiative, presented to the board by ARPC staff member Josh Adams, is the Resiliency Partnership which is an MOU with several Counties in our area (Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and their municipalities) to support a program to convene stakeholders across disciplines and the Apalachee Region to develop the framework for a regional resilience collaborative. By joining as a member, the County expresses intent to work together on a regional level to identify and address challenges due to sea level rise and flooding.
Jackson County Economic Development Council Report
Zach Gilmore with the Jackson County Economic Development Committee (EDC) gave an update to the Board of County Commissioners. The EDC exists to champion for a successful business climate in the County and acts as catalyst for a robust economy in our region. The update to the board was overall positive considering the ongoing difficulties associated with Covid-19. Click here for more information on the economic developments in the County.
Jackson County Applies for the Florida Boating Improvement Program
Hot off the heels of completing the boat ramp improvements at Howell’s Landing Park at Lake Seminole Public Works Director, Rett Daniels, is eager to apply for additional funding to expand and improve the parking lot at Howell’s Landing. At the meeting, Daniels asked the board to approve a resolution to allow the County to apply for funds under the Florida Boating Improvement Program with the Florida Wildlife Commission.
The Board Secures an Economic Development Agreement
To expand and encourage economic development in Jackson County, the Board entered into an Economic Development Agreement with DDCU, LLC. in which the County will allow DDCU to utilize approximately 100 acres of County owned property off Mashburn Rd in Marianna, FL. Pursuant to the agreement DDCU will construct commercial/industrial buildings on the property suitable to an industrial park, the buildings would then be leased and occupied to commercial tenants.