Polk County Board of County Commissioners

Meeting Minutes - Final

September 02, 2025 Regular BoCC meeting

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CALL TO ORDER - 9:00 a.m. (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)

Rollcall

Commissioner Becky Troutman

Commissioner Rick Wilson

Commissioner Bill Braswell

Commissioner Martha Santiago

Commissioner Michael Scott

Present:

INVOCATION

Brian Lynch, Polk County Fire Rescue

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)

PRESENTATIONS and RECOGNITIONS

A.1. Dave Carter, P.E. Chairman of the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee

(STAC), to provide an update on Committee activities.

Minutes: Dave Carter, P.E. Chairman of the Stormwater Technical Advisory

Committee (STAC) showed slides and provided an update on committee activities. He

said STAC was established over ten years ago and he gave background information on

completed projects. He reviewed the CIP funding from fiscal years 2015 to 2029. He

said there are 100 lakes that are tested and sampled about four times a year. He said

twice as many lakes are improving than are declining. He discussed structure

maintenance and street sweeping. He discussed Lake Lulu, Lake Annie, Lake Pierce,

Tiger Creek, Peace Creek Canal, and Lena Run/Simmers Young Park. He showed a

list of STAC approved projects.

Upon question, Mr. Carter said the MSTU brings in $2.5 million and there is also grant

revenue.

Upon question, Tabitha Biehl, Parks and Natural Resources, said a water goat is a

device they put in a canal system that has a net that catches the floatables and trash

and prevents them from flowing into a lake. She said there is a Polk County Water

Atlas that is maintained by the University of South Florida and she said a lot of these

projects get uploaded to that.

Upon question, Mr. Carter said they have had about $50 million in grant revenue over

the last ten years. He said the grant effort the county does is substantial.

Chair Wilson thanked Mr. Carter for the update.

PUBLIC COMMENTS CONCERNING AGENDA ITEMS

B.1. Comments.

Minutes: There was no one from the public wishing to speak on Agenda Items.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

C.1. Approve Consent Agenda.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Martha Santiago

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

COUNTY COMPTROLLER (STACY M. BUTTERFIELD, CPA)

D.1. Disbursements.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Bill Braswell

Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

Troutman

Absent:

D.2. Minutes of Regular Board meeting held on August 19, 2025.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Michael Scott

Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

Troutman

Absent:

COUNTY MANAGER (BILL BEASLEY)

G.1. Confirm the appointment of Ms. LaShanda Salters to serve as the Director of the

Polk County Court Services Division.

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley requested the Board confirm the appointment

of Ms. LaShanda Salters to serve as the Director of the Polk County Court Services

Division. He said that she has 25 years of experience in the criminal justice field. He

reviewed her qualifications.

Ms. Salters said she is honored and humbled to be to chosen as the next Director of

the Polk County Court Services Division. She thanked the Board and the County

Manage for their trust and confidence. She said she is ready for the task and she is

excited to continue the journey. She thanked her family for supporting her career goals.

She recognized the court services staff and thanked them for their continued support.

Chair Wilson thanked Ms. Salters and stated that we look forward to working with her.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

G.2. Request Board approve construction contract with CenState Contractors, Inc. for

the Holly Hill UFA No. 2 and Oak Hill No.4 wellheads project ($3,379,950.00

one-time expense)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the construction contract with

CenState Contractors, Inc., for the Holly Hill UFA No. 2 and Oak Hill No.4 wellheads

project. He recommended approval.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

G.3. Approve Land Purchase Agreement between Rosaleda Enterprises, Inc. and

Polk County for the purchase of property in conjunction with the Courthouse

Electrical Upgrade Project. ($1,812,222, one-time expense)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the Land Purchase Agreement

between Rosaleda Enterprises, Inc., and Polk County for the purchase of property in

conjunction with the Courthouse Electrical Upgrade Project. He recommended

approval.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

G.4. Approve Consultant Services Agreement (CSA) No. 2022-062-04 with Dewberry

Engineers Inc. to provide professional engineering services for Lake Marion

Boat Ramp. ($496,930.66 one-time expense)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the Consultant Services Agreement

with Dewberry Engineers Inc., providing professional engineering services for Lake

Marion boat ramp. He recommended approval.

Upon question, Mr. Beasley said the state looks for shovel ready projects. He said a

year or so to design and a year or two to build.

Parks and Natural Resources Director Gaye Sharpe said we have already done

preliminary work and they are further along on this had it been new. She confirmed that

once this is complete they will decommission this for another boat ramp. She said it will

allow people to be more safe. She said they are looking at 20-25 boat trailer parking

spots. She said they will have grassed spots for future parking and they have space for

a second boat ramp.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 (BECKY TROUTMAN)

H.1. Appoint Harriet Rewis Rust as a Member (Seat 2) of the Polk County Historical

Commission, for the three-year term, October 1, 2025 through September 30,

2028. (District 1 Appointment)

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

H.2. Commissioner Troutman Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Troutman had no comments.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 (BILL BRASWELL)

I.1.

Reappoint Pauline Simmonds-Brown as a member of the Citizens Health Care

Oversight Committee, representing Minorities, for the four-year term, September

15, 2025 through September 14, 2029. (District 3 Appointment)

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Martha Santiago

SECONDER:

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

AYE:

I.2.

Commissioner Braswell Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Braswell had no comments.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4 (MARTHA SANTIAGO)

J.1. Reappoint Tracy M. Grey as a Member of the Citizens HealthCare Oversight

Committee, representing Children’s Interest, for the four-year term, October 1,

2025, through September 30, 2029.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

J.2. Reappoint Ann M. Barnhart to serve as the Hospital Executive member of the

Citizens HealthCare Oversight Committee for the four-year term, October 1,

2025, through September 30, 2029.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

J.3. Commissioner Santiago Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Santiago had no comments.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 (MICHAEL SCOTT)

K.1. Commissioner Scott Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Scott had no comments.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)

L.1. Reappoint Peter S. Verrill, MD as a member of the Citizens Health Care

Oversight Committee, representing Specialist Physicians, for the four-year term,

September 19, 2025 through September 18, 2029. (Chairman’s Appointment)

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Martha Santiago

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

L.2. Reappoint Christina Criser Jackson as a member of the Citizens Health Care

Oversight Committee, representing Quality of Life Professional, for the four-year

term, October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029. (District 2 Appointment)

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

L.3. Chair Wilson Comments.

Minutes: Chair Wilson had no comments.

LAY BOARD APPOINTMENTS

M.1. Appoint new members to the Community Relations Advisory Council (CRAC).

(No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Commissioner Santiago said all three members are here and asked them to

stand to be recognized.

Abdul Alklatis said we are privileged to serve and said they will serve with honor.

Reverend Shandale Terrell thanked God for this opportunity to serve. He thanked the

Board, the County Manager, and staff. He said as he has served he saw what they can

accomplish together. He said it is people, progress and Polk County. He thanked them

for the opportunity to serve.

Sharon Mathis said 40 years of service and she is continuing to work in the

neighborhoods. She thanked the Board and the County Manager. She said that we are

here to serve.

Commissioner Santiago said congratulations to all three of them and we look forward

to their work.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

EXPEDITED HEARINGS PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 2022-089

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reminded the audience for the procedures for

expedited and public hearings. He swore in those who plan to speak.

N.1. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2025-18 Christina Fire Station) (Adoption Hearing) to

consider the adoption of a Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment to

change the Future Land Use designation from Residential Low (RL) to

Institutional (INST) on ±4.57 acres for a future County Fire Rescue Station and a

change from Residential Low (RL) to Preservation (PRESV) on ±2.89 acres to

recognize a County stormwater management facility. (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed land use

change. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval.

Upon question, Mr. Ziskal said it is an existing stormwater management facility and

there is no intent of building anything on this site. He said the Residential Low

designation is inappropriate and there is no desire to build homes on this site. He said

designating it as Preservation will clarify that it will stay a stormwater retention pond.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

N.2. Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-12 Mobile Home Sales LDC Text Amendment)

(First Reading) to allow Retail, Home Sales Offsite as a permitted use in the

Industrial-X (INDX) land use district. (No Fiscal Impact).

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed text

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval. He

said this is the first reading and there is no action today.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

N.3. Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-16 Heavy Equipment Sales and Services LDC Text

Amendment) (First Reading) to allow Heavy Machinery Equipment Sales and

Services as a conditional use in the Industrial-X (INDX) land use district. (No

Fiscal Impact).

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed text

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval. He

said this is the first reading and there is no action today.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

O.1. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Two Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Wheeler Road North, Near

Lakeland. (estimated $10,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, showed slides and reviewed the proposed

request for a resolution allowing for the installation of two traffic calming devices on

Wheeler Road North, near Lakeland. She said that this received the required favorable

votes. She said that staff recommends approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Elissa Lee asked for a speed hump and said she lives behind a school. She discussed

speeding. She said she hopes that the speed hump can be installed.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Martha Santiago

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.2. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Four Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Avenue U Northwest, Near

Winter Haven. (estimated $20,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, reviewed the request for a resolution allowing

for the installation of four traffic calming devices on Avenue U Northwest, near Winter

Haven. She said the required favorable votes have been received. She said that staff

recommends approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.3. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Nine Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Dean Street, Near Mulberry.

(estimated $45,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, reviewed the request for a resolution allowing

for the installation of nine traffic calming devices on Dean Street, near Mulberry. She

said that this meets the favorable required votes. She said that an additional speed

hump was discussed on Friday at the Agenda Review and that can be done the same

time as this.

Chair Wilson said that is what he would like to see past the curb. He said it is best and

keeps them slowed down.

Mr. Beasley said there will be a tenth speed hump put in.

Upon question, Ms. Gregory said the length if Dean Street is 4,100 feet. She said they

try to put them 400-500 feet apart. She said the Board can direct them to add the

speed hump and it does not technically meet the policy.

Mr. Beasley said the Board has used some discretion and the issue here is to get the

other hump installed.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Jonathan Bass discussed his property and said that kids play in the neighborhood. He

discussed the traffic flying down the road. He said there are two schools and people

treat this as a short cut.

Ashley Prevratil said she lives on the corner. She said she appreciates the additional

speed hump. She said this is an ongoing issue and said the road needs to be

reclassified. She said the bridge cannot accommodate the semis coming through. She

asked for more speed bumps placed down Kidd School Road.

Commissioner Troutman said for Ms. Prevratil to work with Ms. Gregory to get that

process started. She said we are here to work with her.

James Collins said they are in support of the speed humps. He said people are cutting

through to get to 37 at excessive speeds. He said it is dangerous.

David Gilbreath said he is the one who brought this up. He said the traffic is

horrendous and people use it as a cut-through. He discussed trucks cutting through

and he said that they need speed humps.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

Upon discussion, Ms. Gregory will verify if there are truck restrictions on Deen Street

and Kidd School Road.

Commissioner Scott asked for follow up on when the bridge on Kidd School Road was

last inspected and if there are deficiencies that need to be addressed.

Mr. Beasley clarified that the additional speed bump will be installed before the road is

reclassified.

Motion to approve with one additional speed bump on Kidd School Road.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.4. Consider adoption of an Ordinance of the Polk County Board of County

Commissioner, establishing Vessel Exclusion Zones and Designated Swim

Areas on Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch, and Lake Ariana.

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reviewed the proposed Ordinance of the Polk

County Board of County Commissioner, establishing Vessel Exclusion Zones and

Designated Swim Areas on Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch, and Lake Ariana. He said that

the Sheriff's office has submitted letters to the Board raising safety issues due to the

amount of swimmers mixing with vessels in these areas. He said the Sheriff is asking

them to adopt this ordinance. He said their deputies have reported a growing number

of complaints from residents and documented situations where vessel operations are

unsafe and unsafe speeds in proximity of swimmers that are creating hazardous

conditions.

Lieutenant Varnadore said they did make an arrest for someone driving a jet ski at a

high rate of speed in and amongst swimmers in the Lake Winterset area. He discussed

other incidents that are occurring. He said swim zones that excludes vessels will help

ensure that nobody gets hurt.

Mr. Mink said they would have to adopt an ordinance to expand or add additional

boundaries on the lakes for swim zones. He said FWC would have to approve

boundary changes.

Upon question, Lieutenant Varnadore said they are seeing the same issues over and

over again. He said the amount of boats have decreased slightly since the arrests. He

said they have made five arrests in the last three days. He said the majority of them are

the same crowd.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Robert Sheffield said he lives on the north side of Lake Winterset. He said the lake has

changed a whole lot over the last 25 years. He discussed the water quality tests being

submitted to the state. He said he is not sure that this is a good idea. He said we need

to give people more options with boat ramps.

Kathryn Nantz said she is here to talk about respect. She said there is no respect

anymore on the lake. She discussed jet skis and loud music. She asked for respect

back on our lakes.

Don Mason thanked the Sheriff's office. He said it has slowed things down and said

they are hoping to get the swim zone in place. He said without the noise ordinance it

will not matter. He said there is not a public boat ramp on Lake Winterset and said they

boat in from other areas. He said he is in favor of the noise and swim ordinance.

Frank Fulco discussed the loud music and said it has gotten worse. He said he does

not understand how adding additional boat ramps would make that better. He said we

have to do something. He said there are a lot of incidences. He spoke in support.

Joshua Meeks said it is out of hand and said taking away peoples' rights to the water is

not the way to go about it. He said they need to put in a noise ordinance and said he

likes to be on the water. He said there are other ways to handle this. He said to arrest

people who are on other peoples property and not rope out the areas. He said to allow

people to legally be there.

Linda Phillipp said they were skiing and people do not look and it is usually the jet skis.

She discussed the things that are left in their yard and said the language is awful. She

said they love to see people having fun on the water. She discussed the noise. She

asked to pass this and said it would go a long way to make it peaceful and enjoyable.

Ed Phillipp said this will allow a buffer and will make it more peaceful. He discussed a

swimmer popping up and said he was 50 feet from killing her. He said that the safe

swim zones need to be established. He said somebody is going to get killed.

Celeste Leonard said she cannot enjoy the lake and discussed how she is afraid. She

said boats and jet skis are flying through. She said she has had trespassers in her yard

and had to install a fence. She said it is a dangerous situation and someone will get

hurt. She said she hopes they pass this.

Candace Resmundo showed aerial photos of her property. She discussed people

being hurt on the lake and said they have been battling the reckless behavior for four

years. She said children are always present in these crowds. She said she is in full

support of swim zones. She asked when do they get to enjoy their own property. She

said she has 120 signatures in opposition.

Doreen Nystrom thanked the Sheriff's office for their time. She said she cannot bring

her grandchildren out due to the language. She said that they have asked people to

turn down the music, they leave, and come back with bigger speakers. She said the

respect is gone. She said as homeowners this is enough. She said for the boaters to

grow up.

Susan McIntee said there has been a major shift in culture and respect. She showed

pictures of people on boats and on private properties. She said there are safety issues.

She asked who is driving these people home safe and said people must be held

accountable for their actions. She said she has had to pull her kids inside several times

for vulgar words and behavior.

Michael Hart said he has witnessed the progression of bad behavior. He discussed the

noise. He discussed people squeezing as many boats in and he discussed safety

concerns with this. He said that people are not respectful. He discussed the noise and

said it is necessary to address the noise ordinance.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

Mr. Mink said that the public bathing areas are different areas from the vessel

exclusion and swim areas.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Martha Santiago

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.5. Consider adoption of an Ordinance of the Polk County Board of County

Commissioners entitled the “Polk County Noise Ordinance”, repealing and

restating Ordinance 14-030, as amended.

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reviewed the proposed ordinance entitled the

"Polk County Noise Ordinance", repealing and restating Ordinance 14-030, as

amended. He said the testimony from the previous hearing can be incorporated into

this public hearing.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

Upon question, Mr. Mink clarified that this can be in any lake in Polk County if it is

considered a noise disturbance. He said there are not set hours for the noise for

boating activities. He said sporting activities have certain hours.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

REQUEST FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC/AUDIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE

HEARD

P.1. Shawna Davis to discuss neighboring property's code enforcement violations.

Minutes: Ms. Davis was not present.

P.2. Comments.

Minutes: James Abercrombie congratulated them on their two hour meeting and said

we have not accomplished a lot. He said he is here to talk about public records. He

said he will now email them his public records requests. He said there is stopping on

everything he does. He said he would like to have rebuttals from the emails to the

commissioners. He said he does not like the three minute rule. He said be brought a

specific complaint about this park. He said he expects them to communicate through

email.

County Attorney Randy Mink said the County Attorney's office does provide guidance

to the divisions on public records requests.

Chair Wilson said that Mr. Abercrombie has received everything he has asked for as of

today. He said we gave him everything he wanted and he keeps coming back.

Ailigh Vanderbush showed slides and discussed TNVR. She said unfed cats prey on

wildlife and we should be feeding community cats. She discussed research materials.

Pam Taylor said she has been in rescue for 16 years. She said she is concerned that

we are not making any changes. She said they can modify and amend the Sheriff's

budget. She spoke in support of the animals.

Kay Bourque said their goal is to see change. She discussed an ordinance revision and

said she will wait for a response. She asked for an animal advisory committee. She

said we cannot adopt or kill our way out of this.

Eve Salimbene said she thinks they are missing the point. She said TNVR works and if

you take away the breeding capabilities there are less cats. She discussed an opinion

letter from Commissioner Braswell and said they have debunked his six points.

Saralyn Smith said the heart of a man can be judged by his treatment of animals. She

said this is not a problem that is going away. She said Animal Control should be run by

veterinarians with advisory boards. She said she will vigorously campaign against those

not for change.

Commissioner Troutman responded to Ms. Smith and said she opened with a quote.

She said the heart of a person can also be shown as treatment towards children. She

said she will quote her, "maybe when you graduate from high school and have some

real life experiences you can weigh in on this". She said when you tell that to a child on

social media it also shows your heart.

Debbie Hicks said at the last meeting it was clarified that the county owns the Animal

Control facility. She discussed the facility and said there have been no upgrades to the

facility. She said Stacy Butterfield is here and she reports to the Board and she asked

that the Sheriff also report.

Brenda Haley discussed the Pasco County Animal facility. She discussed the staff and

volunteers in Pasco and said the facilities are climate controlled and have an in house

pharmacy. She discussed all the things that Pasco county does and the programs that

they have. She discussed a new facility being built in Tampa.

Betty Jean Ammarell discussed Pasco County Animal Control. She said they are

ranked at the top and they wanted to see the facility. She asked how many of the

commissioners have been out to the facility.

Diane Schaffer said there is no safe haven for cats in Polk County. She discussed the

euthanasias and deaths in the Animal Control facility. She said the cats continue to

multiply. She discussed the benefits of TNVR. She said the caring of animals reflects

righteousness.

Shannon Medina discussed the Polk County Bully Project. She discussed the animals

pulled from the Animal Control facility. She said they pulled 65% of the dogs from the

facility. She said there needs to be an ordinance change to stop the flow of animals to

the facility. She said they are here to help Animal Control and they are stumbling

backwards.

Jhoanna Mukai Allende discussed animal welfare. She said we are not just pet owners

and we are a voice. She said to visit the rescues.

Cherylann McGirt said she was a volunteer at Animal Control. She said the facility is

next to the dump and discussed the smell. She said the problem is the people not

caring for their pets. She said people dump their animals and this is the problem. She

said having the sheriff do two jobs is too much. She said now we do not have

volunteers. She said to give guidance and she wants people to take care of their

animals.

Commissioner Scott said some in the community have accused him of being silent. He

said he reached out to adjacent counties. He said one of the directors said that TNVR

had only a minimal impact on cat population control. He said another one stated that

they are sterilizing 2,200 cats that come into the shelter and they have not seen a

decrease in kitten intake. He said there is a lot of parts to the puzzle and he said we all

hear you. He said he encourages more solutions-based information. He said at the

facility new fans have been installed and he was there when it was 96-97 degrees and

it is not that bad inside. He said they also have the screen enclosures. He said this is

about the communities. He discussed disaster response and said that the reasons that

people get help and things get built quicker is because of the volunteering

organizations. He said money does not solve the problem it takes people, compassion,

care and time. He said to keep building those volunteer organizations, the ones who

can take in more animals to rescue. He said Animal Control still takes in animals

regardless if they are full or not. He said we will hear their voices and there is more

behind it. He said all the other counties do not have it all figured out.

Chair Wilson said we listen and we will always let them speak. He said there is nothing

that is going to change at the Board. He said they are not going to make something

happen. He said the Sheriff's office is the one you need to talk to. He discussed how

the Sheriff is in charge of Animal Control. He said that until the Sheriff or their staff tells

them that new ordinances are needed this board will not take actions. He said this

Board does not tell any duly elected official or constitutional officer how to do their job.

He said they are elected by voters and not hired by this Board. He said we fully trust

and appreciate the Sheriff's office for their efforts. He said we have heard their opinions

and there are plenty of organizations that disagree with what they say. He said their

time would be better spent by taking this directly to the Sheriff's office.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.