THE VOTER

www.LWVVC.org P.O. Box 9695, Daytona Beach, FL 32120

Nov/Dec

2015

Saturday, November 14, 2015

League of Women Voters of Volusia County

Actual Innocence:

When Justice Fails

By James Purdy Public Defender for the 7th Circuit

Ormond Beach Regional Library

30 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Check in at 9:45 a.m., Program begins 10 a.m.

Coffee and Doughnuts provided

RSVP by November 10, 2015 to Jeanne Tanke,

jeanne622LWVVC@cfl.rr.com

Hot Topics

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Money and Politics Study:

What Does Personhood Mean?

By Carla Christianson and Committee

DeLand Public Library

130 E. Howry Street, DeLand 32724

Check in at 5:15 p.m., Program begins 5:30 p.m.

RSVP by Nov. 28, 2015 to Jeanne Tanke, Jeanne622LWVVC@cfl.rr.com

2

What’s In This Voter?

November and December Meeting Announcements—p. 1-2

Welcome New Members—p. 3

Renew Your Membership Reminder—p. 3

In Memoriam—Cecile Rice—p. 3

November Speaker—p. 4

Upcoming Hot Topics—p. 4

January 2016 Consensus Meeting—p. 5

Membership Report and New Member Orientation Announcement—p. 5

Volusia County Legislative Delegation Meeting Report from President, Claudia Roth—p.

6-7

Voter Service Report—p. 7-8

Suze & Fred Peace at Seneca Falls—p. 9

Observer Corps Report—p. 10- 18

LWVVC Board invites LWVVC Members to the

Annual Holiday Social Event Wednesday, December 2, 2015—5 to 7 p.m.

St. Maarten Condominium Social Room (1st floor, north end of building)

2403 S. Atlantic Blvd., Daytona Beach Shores (south of Hawaiian Inn)

Hors D’Oeuvres, Wine and Soft drinks provided

Please Join Us on this Festive Occasion!!

RSVP by Nov. 29, 2015 to Pat Drago PDDrago@aol.com

3

In Memoriam

The League mourns the passing of their long time member Cecile Rice.

Known as Celie to all of us, we remember her passion for education, early

childhood and children rights. She developed and chaired the first

Education Committee and was instrumental in the development of a

position to improve and standardize the quality of childcare in Volusia

County. The Education Committee that she initiated lives on. Thanks

Celie!

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS!!

Susan Bayley

Chantel Day

Pepper Day

Karen Finstad

Kayla Hathaway

Patti Humphries

Sadie McConner

Rita Scheeler

Carol Sheehan

Douglas Williams

Renew Your

Membership

For 2015-2016

$50 per individual

$75 per household

$25 per student

Send check to LWVVC

P.O Box 9695

4 James Purdy—November Speaker

James S. Purdy has served as the elected Public Defender of the Seventh Judicial Circuit

of Florida since January, 2005. He graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in

1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He then attended law school at Nova

University Center for the Study of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1978.

Prior to being elected Public Defender, Mr. Purdy spent seven years in the private practice

of law after serving as both an Assistant Attorney General and an Assistant State Attorney

in the Seventh and Twelfth Judicial Circuits of Florida.

Mr. Purdy has also been active in the community. He served as the Chairman of the Volusia County

Republican Party in 1999 and as district chairman of both the Kings Road and Three Rivers districts of

the Boy Scouts of America from 2008 through 2010. He is also an Eagle Scout. In 2008, Mr. Purdy was

appointed by then Governor Charlie Crist to serve as a member on the Florida Medical Examiners

Commission, where he continues to serve to this date. Since 2013, Mr. Purdy has been a volunteer for the

National Park Service at the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, where he serves on the 1740

Spanish Cannon Crew and Musket Team.

To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Mr. Purdy and his son Matthew spent 10 days in northern Spain

walking the Camino de Santiago, “The Way of St. James”, as Christian pilgrims in what he describes as

one of the most important and memorable experiences of his life.

Mr. Purdy and his wife Marilyn have been married for 34 years and live in Port Orange.

Upcoming Hot Topics Schedule Date and Time Place Program & Presenter Tuesday, December 1, 2015

5:30- 6:30 p.m.

DeLand Public Library

130 E. Howry Dr.

DeLand, 32724

Money in Politics

Carla Christianson and Committee

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

5:30-6:30 p.m.

New Smyrna Beach

Library

1001 S. Dixie Freeway

NSB, 32168

Panel from Winward Behavioral led

by Trudy Duffy

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

5:30-6:30 p.m.

New Smyrna Beach

Library

1001 S. Dixie Freeway

NSB, 32168

William Van Norwick

Access to Civil Justice

Head of Access to and Delivery of

Legal Services Subcommittee

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Port Orange Public Library

1005 City Center Circle

Port Orange 32129

Or

DeLand Public Library

130 E. Howry Dr.

DeLand, 32724

TBA

5

Save the Date: January 9, 2016

Money and Politics Consensus Meeting

Carla Christianson and Committee

Holiday Inn LPGA 137 Auto Mall

LWVVC Membership Report

Currently, we have 92 members who have renewed

plus 13 new members!

Thank you all for your special efforts in recruiting new members.

Welcome New Members:

Sadie McConner, Patti Humphries,

Jacie Dascoli, Sharon Leboffe, Janet Mark,

Chantel Day, Pepper Day, Kayla Hathaway, Rita Scheeler,

Karen Finstad, Susan Bayley, Carol Sheehan, and Douglas Williams.

New Member Orientation

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016

4:30 - 6:00 pm

Hosted by Libby Hildebrandt and Pat Gadbaw

48 Silk Moss Ct., South Daytona, FL.

Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

All committee chairs are invited

Please RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016.

viking10@earthlink.net .

6

President’s Claudia Roth’s Report

Annual Volusia County Legislative Delegation Meeting October 16, 2015

DeLand City Hall Commission Chambers

Hello Leaguers:

It was my privilege this year to share the LWVF Legislative Priorities with state

senators and legislators serving Volusia County.

Chairman Senator David Simmons hosted this year’s annual Volusia County

Legislative Delegation. Joining him on the dais were Senator Dorothy Hukill, Senator

Travis Hutson, Representatives Fred Costello, Representative David Santiago, and

Representative Dwyane Taylor.

Public notification of the meeting was in the newspaper. Applicants submitted eight copies of their

legislative priorities the Monday before the meeting and were given three minutes to speak.

Representatives from the county, cities, the school board, and the Seventh Judicial Circuit addressed the

delegation, followed by representatives from social services, nonprofit, and business organizations.

You may be interested to know what your county council and city councils requested from our

representatives in Tallahassee.

Vice-Mayor Leigh Matusick, City of DeLand:

1. Funding for Orange Baker Post 187 for building repairs

2. Support for airport infrastructure for a sports aviation village that would promote light sport

aviation, similar to the skydiving village

3. DeLand opposes legislation requiring cities to bear the cost of relocating utilities

Heidi Herzberg, Commissioner, City of Deltona representing the Volusia League of Cities stated the

Volusia League of Cities also opposes legislation requiring them to bear the cost of relocating utilities

Brandon Young, Vice-Mayor of South Daytona requested support for three projects:

1. A project to address flooding

2. Assistance with a quiet zone

3. The Reed Canal growth management project

Councilwoman Deb Denys:

1. The county council also opposes legislation requiring local government to bear the cost of

relocating utilities

2. Councilwoman Denys reminded the delegation that Volusia County overpaid the Department of

Juvenile Justice. There was a planned deviation from the agenda led by Senator Hutson to discuss

factors contributing to Volusia’s bills, which are higher than the surrounding area, the number of

detention days, and the change in Tallahassee’s formula applied to cost share.

3. Requested dedicated funding for water and support to require connection to sewer treatment from

septic in vulnerable areas

Jake Johansson, City Manager, Port Orange presented the city’s key community issues and budget

requests:

1. Challenges include increased sea level rise, aging infrastructure, and increased growth

2. Budget requests include six drainage projects

Mayor James Hathaway, City of New Smyrna Beach requested assistance for the Isleboro stormwater

improvement project

7

Terence Perkins, Chief Judge, Seventh Judicial Circuit

1. Requested money to finish funding court technology that increases transparency and efficiency,

safety, and decreases the need for staff

2. Appealed for an end to the rule requiring retired judges to sit out one year before they can return to

the system. Their skills are in high demand and they are being recruited away from a system that

needs their expertise and experience.

Bill Parrington, Deputy Mayor City of Ormond Beach

1. Fund aging infrastructure

2. Protect pedestrians

Gerald Chancellor, Public Works Director /City Engineer City of Deltona requested future alternative

water supply funding

Hardy Smith, Government Relations Administrator City of Daytona Beach wants emphasis on homeless

children

Tom Russell, Superintendent, Volusia County School District stated the state’s district cost differential

puts Volusia County at an competitive disadvantage with the surrounding counties who are able to offer

higher salaries to recruit and retain teachers

Linda Costello, Chair, Volusia County School Board proposed legislation to make Volusia a charter

county. Representative Taylor volunteered to sponsor her proposal and Representative Costello

volunteered to co-sponsor

Claudia Roth

LWVVC President

Voter Service Report

Money in Politics Review

The panel of political insiders Oct 17th was a great kickoff to

the education process before we reach consensus January

9th. Next we will have a presentation at Hot Topics on

“What Does Personhood Mean” at the DeLand Library

December 1.

We are about to experience bottom up democracy! The

League process of deciding positions is an amazing

opportunity for each of us as individuals to have our voices

heard by the National League. We will discuss and decide

at our own meeting how we want the League to proceed on

the huge issues around money in politics. Plan to join us in

January. It feels wonderful to participate in the democratic

process with your friends!

Ms. Dotti Lewis, County Council Chair Frank Bruno and Senator Evelyn Lynn at the October 17 panel discussion.

8

Voter Service

We have begun registering voters and find with the Presidential Primary March 15, 2016 and the General

Election November 8, 2016 including the presidential race, people want to get ready.

We started with Port Orange Family Days, made registration available at the October meeting, and Volusia

Pride.

We will also be at the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, November 21-22 with Suze Peace and her petition

gathers.

If you would like to join the voter registration team, give me a call at 386-677-1176 and we will get you on

the team. It is very rewarding to help the public become prepared to vote!

The Supervisor of Elections office is conducting has a complete schedule of when and where the new

equipment will be demonstrated.

NEW VOTING EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATIONS

November 9, 2015 - 5p-7p

Ormond Beach Regional Library

20 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, 32174

November 12, 2015 - 5p-7p

New Smyrna Beach Regional Library

1001 S Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, 32168

November 14, 2015 - 2p-4p

City Island Library

105 E Magnolia Ave, Daytona Beach, 32114

November 18, 2015 - 5p-7p

Historic Courthouse, 2nd Floor Training Room

125 W New York Ave, DeLand, 32720

November 21, 2015 - 9a-11a

Deltona Regional Library

2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona, 32725

Ann McFall the Supervisor of Elections also mentioned that historically the county loses about 100 poll

workers because of new equipment. That does not include those who, for whatever reason, can no longer

assist. New poll workers are needed. To volunteer go to the website of the Department of Elections:

volusiaelections.org

In the middle of the page, where it looks like a ballot, is a section for Poll worker recruitment/training.

Use that box to get questions answered and/or apply to be a poll worker.

Carla Christianson

Voter Service Chair

9

Suze & Fred Peace at Seneca Falls

Hear Ye, Hear Ye ALL Leaguers! Fred and I touched the bosom of

the Women's Suffrage Movement on our recent LWVF sponsored

"Seneca Falls" four day trip. These are a few reasons NOT to miss

this trip next year.

This trip was packed wall to wall with great stuff, starting with a

private dinner lecture by University of Rochester Prof. Dr.

Catherine Cerulli, Head of the Susan B. Anthony Center. This

lecture set us on "fire" for the continued push for REAL equality in

the area of women's rights. In doing so, Dr. Cerulli, revealed many

letters written by the powerful proponent, and subtle leader, Susan

B. Anthony, recognized as the "Mother of Women's Rights".

That was DAY 1. Our group consisted of eight people, lead by the formidable couple Cecile Scoon and

Ivan Peters. Their day jobs are lawyers, but Cecile is a new LWVF board member and Ivan leads the

"charge" for the LWVF's endorsed Floridians for Solar Choice petition statewide. PLEASE SIGN ONE!!!

(But watch out what you sign, as FPL and Duke Energy are passing around their petition too, for "Smart

Solar", which allows no solar" choice" and keeps things solidly in their court.)

Susan B. Anthony's House was toured the next day in Rochester. You could feel her quiet presence in the

rooms with her original pieces of furniture and see her sense of decoration. Yes, who knew she liked

interior decorating, a nice contrast to careful accounting and neat proposals. Most touching was the

important attic workroom she created by adding a third floor to her home. Here the solid wood desks were

back to back and wedged into the corners for secretaries and friend, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. In the

afternoon, it was hallowed ground in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, where we stood before Fredrick Douglass'

and Susan B. Anthony's tombstones. Earlier, we had witnessed the bed where Susan had died, in her

home. Auburn, New York, was our next stop on the way to Seneca Falls. We toured Harriet Tubman's

farmhouses, relishing our meeting and lunch with author and relative, Michele Jones Galvin. She is

Harriet's great-great grandniece.

A stop in town to see Abe Lincoln's Secretary of State's William H. Seward's House, was thrilling and

chilling. The house was chocked-full of gorgeous original furniture, artwork, and ceramics. It was chilling

though to see a swatch of bloody bed sheet from the viscous knife attack by the same conspirators that put

Lincoln in his grave. The town of Seneca Falls is nearby. On the way we viewed colored leaves that

flashed at us from every hill and valley, a feast for Floridian's eyes! But it was

cold and windy! We toured "Women's Rights National Park", which includes a

host of historical sights and buildings, such as the Wesleyan Chapel where the

FIRST ever Women's Convention occurred, and it was there that the

momentum began! Next, we toured Elizabeth Cady Stanton's house where you

could imagine the joyful play of her seven children while Susan B. Anthony,

fastidiously said "HUSH!" The National Woman's Hall of Fame was touching

and brought out a humble gene from somewhere inside of me!

All said and done, we find out the famous film "It's a Wonderful Life", was

based on the town of Seneca Falls, due to the director Frank Capra's chance

encounter with a Seneca Falls' barber, while on a trip from Buffalo to New

York City. We were charmed yet again by our WONDERFUL trip! Thank you

LWVF!!.

Suze and Fred Peace

10

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT

City of New Smyrna Commission, 9/8/15

Nora Jane Gillespie, Observer/Reporter

Passed O (Ordinance) 58-15 for an annexation of application, number A -7-15, parcel number 7326-00-

00-007F,

O 59-15, same parcel, Paige Avenue east of S. Glencoe Road, under one acre, small scale

Comprehensive Plan amendment; O 60-15, same parcel, rezoned to City R3co, mixed.

Passed O 67-15 LDR (Land Development Regulation) amendment CCSL relocation at 801 North

Atlantic Ave, for concrete pavers to be installed on an existing parking area, single family residence.

There will be another public hearing on this matter.

O 70-15 another LDR amendment MH-2co, Mobile Home Park and recreation vehicle park classification.

Add to city chapter 504.2, new zoning category.

Passed small scale annexation application numbers: -A-9-15, A-10-15, A-11-15. 255 South Walker

Dr.,1104 Julia St., Enterprise Ave, 1976 Pioneer Trail and a vacant parcel on Warren Ave, as Ordinances

71, 72, 73, three acres with rezoning, area south of Julia St. medium density.

Passed O 75-15 a transmittal, large scale comp plan amendment: Pioneer Trails PUD. Attorney Glenn

Storch, for the owner, stated the name will be changed formally to Coastal Woods for the development.

O 79-15 large scale amendment package for Pioneer Trails future land use element text amendments,

allows big box store, property is east of I-95.

O 77-15 Land Development Regulation change for side lot line fence height, atypical lots. Chapter

change 803.3.

Under consent agenda passed Beach/Park construction east of the CCSL/ Marianne Clancy Park, east of

S. Atlantic Ave and north of Lazy Sago Lane.

New Smyrna Commission 9/22

City Finance Dept. awarded fifth straight Distinguished Budget Award for Oct. 1, 2014 until Sept 30,

2015 to start the regular meeting.

Passed Ordinance 67-15 Land Development Regulation amendment approving a CCSL relocation for 801

North Atlantic Ave, for Concrete pavers to be installed on an existing single family residence. Passed 4-1,

Commissioner Jake Sachs, voted no. (The entire house is presently east of the CCSL line)

O 74-15 continued untill December 8th (annexation of Pioneer Trails PUD)

Passed their annual agreement for Team Volusia to provide development support services to the city.

After much discussion and explanation approved $55,000 for tax credits from the FHFC, to ADS

Services Inc who will put up $11,520 to develop ten acres at Enterprise and Hallock into seventy

three units, low income (one $23,000) SENIOR housing, stays this way minimum of fifty years. By law

the age limit is 55. Discussed possible purchase of the First Baptist Church property between Sams Ave

and Julia Street, application for Echo grant was discussed at length. Staff to proceed.

Parking meters will begin to be installed next week.

11 New Smyrna Commission, 9/26

The Commission passed Ordinance 081-15 setting the mileage for the coming year at

3.5699 mills, debt service 0.4300, total mileage 3.999.

Passed 082.15 resets costs for expenditures, Capital Outlay Oct 1, 1915 till September 30, 1916.

Finally passed 083-15 Utilities Commission Budget, to include $1.2 million for cleaning the Swoope and

Smith Street sites. This was the first confirmation that the Smith Street site on US1 is being revamped to

close and clear for redevelopment. It is in the new CRA.

New Smyrna Commission 10/13

Declared October Florida Native Plant Month. Accepting the proclamation was Sonya Guidry, for the

Paw Paw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society next year's state conference will be in Daytona

Beach with five out trips to New Smyrna Beach. The Paw PAW plant only grows in east Volusia County.

Gail Henrikson was presented a plaque for her service to the city; she has resigned as Planning Zoning

Director and is moving to the west coast.

After much discussion staff was directed to work on a potential agreement with Rick Grissom regarding a

possible future Balloon and Sky Fest.

Approved Volusia County agreement for mid-block crosswalk improvements along S. Atlantic Ave.

Commission will take part in the New Smyrna High School Homecoming Parade.

Discussion took place about the Turnbull drainage system, which is an Historical registered land mark in

our area. The city needs county maintenance schedule and projects for enhancement of drainage. Two

universities will be doing digs along the banks of several parts of the

drainage system shortly. (goes to the Turnbull Colony history of our founding)

New Smyrna Commission 10/25

A special promotion ceremony was held by Fire Chief Anglin and Mayor Hathoway for Lt. James

Roberts. Elizabeth "Sissie" Barr was honored with the "Good Neighbor Award" by Mayor Hathoway.

Commission passed Ordinance 99-15 amending the parking limits on Flagler

Avenue from two to four hour parking, recommended by the city parking task force. Passed

O 100-15 amending the current budget which began October 1, 2015. Nancy Mattox was hired as Leisure

Services Director (she will be working with the Historical Preservation Board on special projects and

directives)

Submitted by Nora Jane Gillespie

City of Oak Hill Commission Meeting Sept 14, 2015

Loretta Clemente, Observer/Reporter

A. OPENING:

Commissioner Biddle was absent.

CITY ADMINISTRATION REPORTS:

Review of the bills and paid interim bills for Sept. 14, 2015;

There will be a City of Oak Hill Survey of Properties. It's the first survey ever done of the

properties of the City Oak Hill, which was a surprise to all.

12 CODE ENFORCEMENT contract renewal was approved on for another 6 months due to satisfactory

performance.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT was written in and approved in the new charter. This changes

the role of the City Manager to City Administrator with new responsibilities and power. Vice Mayor

asked for a Workshop to help understand the changes. The date was set for 5:30 PM before the next City

Council Meeting.

VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF contract renewal was approved after a discussion regarding a $15,000

salary increase. City Administrator explained that this amount was already budgeted. Mayor reminded

everyone that this is still cost effective as opposed to having their own Police Department.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ordinance #2015-21 was approved amending the ideas for usage, further discussion and clarification

of Oak Hill's Comprehensive Plan by adopting remedial amendments stipulated in the settlement

agreement in DAVID HALL VS OAK HILL, DOAH case #15-003435GM amending certain policies of

future land use relating to the Activity Center; providing for severability, & providing for an effective

date.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 2015-08 objecting to the proposed homeless Shelter, Volusia Safe Harbor, to be

located in Daytona Beach, FL on land donated by Volusia County was passed after Mayor

shared what was happening at the Volusia County's Mayors Round Table on this subject. It

seems many Cities have already declined to participate, even though the assessment of cost to

cities is according to size. (Oak Hill was assessed at $3500.) At this time, there is no plan on

how to service Oak Hill's Homeless in a Center in Daytona Beach. The Mayor explained what a

good job the Salvation Army was doing for the homeless Veterans; training & job placement.

Resolution 2015-09 was passed adopting the budget for 2015-2016. Final reading next meeting

Resolution 2015-10 was passed adapting the levying of Ad Valorem taxes for Volusia County

read and approved on 9/28, the final reading of the budget. Final reading next meeting.

Resolution 2015-11 asked for interest in the community of a possible 1/2% increase in sales tax

to fund the transportation failed after much discussion from the Mayor, Vice Mayor and

Citizens. By voting "NO" sends a message without a survey & expresses the feelings of the Oak

Hill Community.

CITY GOALS:

Annexations None, but there was much conversation and interest in the County's Boundary

Agreement, regarding how annexations will proceed in the future. New Smyrna Beach has been

using one from the County and Edgewater is getting theirs this week. The Mayor, Vice Mayor &

Citizens added to the discussion. Can South Waterfront Park annex to Edgewater legally? City

Administrator will follow up on this.

Road repairs-None all budgeted money already spent.

Water and Sewer-

MAYOR’S REPORT ON THE ROUND TABLE MEETINGS

-St John's Water Management, DEP & EPA mandates the removal of septic tanks along the River

in Volusia County.

All interested parties, cities & county, must work together and submit a single (one) plan.

13 Mosquito Lagoon will be/needs to be the name used for all the contiguous river waters up to

Flagler County when submitting the plan, eliminating/changing other names; example Halifax River

will be changed to Mosquito Lagoon.

Edgewater has already received a grant to eliminate septic tanks. What about New Smyrna Beach?

We need to call them.

Problem for Oak Hill is that there is no infrastructure in place, no sewer pipes.

There is talk that Volusia County may become part of Orange County due to lack of funds/money.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

EZDA (Enterprise Zone Development Agency)is having a meeting 10/1/15 to work on getting

internet access on Oak Hill.

Waterfront Committee-None

PLDRC (Planning and Land Development Commission) having a meeting Thursday.

Parks and Recreation-None

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION non agenda items none

COMMENTS AND CONCERNS FROM COMMISSIONERS:

The Mayor brought to the attention of the Community the $7,000 in fees billed from the City

Attorney's Office, were incurred by Vice Mayor Bracy for 9 phone calls he made this year. The total bill

year to date was $26,000. Vice Mayor Bracy said he did not make these phone calls. The mayor suggested

contacting the City Attorney Officed to straighten things out.

The Mayor asked Vice Mayor to make a public apology for his comments and accusations at the last

PLDRC Meeting on 2/15. He denied that he said anything wrong or untrue. The Mayor then asked him to

watch and listen to the recording of the 2/15 PLDRC Meeting. He refused. He said he felt the recording

must have been "tampered with".

Then followed a heated discussion between Mayor and Vice Mayor regarding violations of the

Sunshine Law. It seems that there may be Sunshine Law issues that are being violated by Vice Mayor and

other City Councilmen, which the Mayor has addressed, regarding discussions before and after

Committee or City Council Meetings by elected officials not in a Public Forum. Someone in the audience

spoke to this saying that she had witnessed and heard his comments. Once again, the Vice Mayor denied

this and called on an audience member to back him up, but none did.

Submitted by Loretta Clemente

School Board Meeting – September 8, 2015 – 4 pm.

Ann Harrell, Observer/Reporter

The School Board of Volusia County, Florida, met on September 8, 2015, with all Board members, except

Mrs. Melody Johnson, in attendance.

Agenda Items Included:

The acceptance of donations to the VCS from individuals, organizations and businesses totaled

$7,459.98; fiscal year-to-date $76,990.28.

Mr. Russell advised the board that GCA (contracted Custodial Services) will be bringing updates

to the board the first meeting of each month.

Dr. Robert Moll, Chief Financial Officer, provided a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed

final ad valorem property tax levy of 7.197 Mills and the districts recommended final budget of

$781,255,984. It was noted that 73% of the general operating budget goes to instruction and

instructional support. The final budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 was approved.

14 Items of interest from Board members and Superintendent included:

Board members voiced many concerns regarding testing.

Mr. Russell stated the student Uniform Survey had begun.

The implementation of the district’s half cent sales tax project list will be beginning soon.

Mr. Russell stressed it is important that appointments be made to the Project Oversight

Committee. The Committee is responsible for ensuring the half cent sales tax is spent in a manner

consistent with the approved project list. A total of six appointments should be made to the committee,

one by each Board member and the Superintendent. Recommendations are requested by October 13,2015.

A competitive selection for design services must occur for any capital project with an estimated

value in excess of $1,000,000.

An Architect Selection Committee will be appointed by the superintendent and be comprised of:

site based administrator (principal), representatives from facilities, finance, and a citizen.

Mr. Russell suggested the idea of having a school board representative serve each year on that

Committee. Mrs. Cuthbert volunteered and was accepted by the board to serve on the Architect Selection

Committee. The representative would be invited to all interviews of design and construction firms for

projects with an estimated value in excess of $1,000,000; during 2015-16, it is anticipated that the

Architect Selection Committee will meet to interview and evaluate architects for the Pierson Elementary

Replacement School and the Chisholm Elementary Replacement School, additionally, it is anticipated that

the committee will meet to interview and evaluate construction managers for the Pine Trail

Elementary HVAC replacement.

Public Participation Mr. John Huger, Atlantic High Parent Football Booster Club, requested board consideration of a football

stadium at Atlantic High School.

Mr. Zach Rigney, Athletic Director, Atlantic High School, and Mr. Matt Dixon, Head Football Coach,

Atlantic High School, voiced concerns about the need for improvements to the athletic facilities at

Atlantic High and asked for consideration of an athletic complex or a football stadium on site.

Submitted by Ann Harrell

Volusia County School Board Meeting Summary – October 27, 2017

Nicki Junkins, Observer/Reporter

All board members were present for the October 27th school board meeting. The following topics were

discussed.

Chief financial officer, Deb Muller, presented the monthly financial update that included a list of

capital outlay projects that are moving forward. Projects include cameras for buses needed to meet

state security requirements and a new master management system as well as several school based

maintenance projects. These projects have been on hold due to the economic downturn and a

reduction in the state’s capital outlay fund. The board was informed that the district is in need of $6

million to offset district deficits and staff is working on a 3-5 year plan to restore the reserve fund

balance that has been used to meet general fund needs.

Facilities staff presented the High School Athletic Facilities Improvement Plan that prioritizes projects

to be funded by the half cent sales tax beginning in 2017. Priorities were based on the following

criteria: safety, equity, role of partnerships, promises to voters, and a pay as you go assumption. Staff

recommended an allocation of $1.5M over a 15 year period with track replacement and high school

athletic field maintenance and updates the priority. These priorities were in the original half cent sales

tax proposal. The plan was questioned by Spruce Creek parent boosters who voiced concern that the

recommendations do not reflect the school’s lack of athletic field seating. Some board members

15 voiced concern that the plan did not match the priorities presented by school athletic directors such

as gymnasium improvements. Staff explained the long term policy of not funding athletic stadiums

due to significant ongoing costs. Staff also explained that requests such as gym improvements often

involve more comprehensive, costly building improvements that go beyond the scope of athletic

program upgrades funded through the half cent tax. No action was taken and staff was directed to

investigate alternatives to the Spruce Creek seating issue. The board indicated interest in having a

discussion related to a possible Spruce Creek re-build that is not currently on the district’s master

building plan.

The Future’s foundation recognized 28 Superintendent's Outstanding Achievement Award nominees

and the annual winner. Ms. Carrie Fiorica, principal's secretary at Sunrise Elementary School, was

awarded the 2015 Superintendent's Achievement Award for support services.

The board approved a request to prepare the paperwork to refund certificates of participation that is

projected to save $5.1M over the lifetime of the certificate.

Staff presented an overview of the employee health insurance selection process. Currently, the district

offers 5 different plans offered by 2 providers. In 2018, 2 of the plans offered by Blue Cross will

exceed the cost threshold allowed by the Affordable Care Act. As a result, the district is expected to

incur a $1.4M excise tax if it continues to offer these plans. Staff also indicated that little savings is

expected to result from a new RFP unless there is a change in plan benefits, or if the board requires

additional contributions from employees. Staff also informed the board of union negotiation requests

that could impact future health care benefit decisions. The aboard agreed to hold off on issuing the

RFP until the next board meeting so that district staff could hold non-binding discussions with Florida

Health Care.

During school board member comments, each board member provided an update on their meetings

with high school students regarding the possibility of instituting a district-wide uniform policy.

Submitted by Nicki Junkins

Halifax Health Board of Commissioners, September 14, 2015

Helen Scott, Observer/Reporter

Chairman Glenn Ritchey, called the meeting to order at 4 P.M..Invocation, Pledge, Roll Call and the

Mission Statement with approval Commissioners meeting as well as Strategic Planning, with approval of

Agenda as presented. Medical Staff report was given by Dr. John Meyers introduced the new staff

doctors who had recently joined the staff at Halifax Health. Dr. Peter Singh, who has been in practice for

20 years as a kidney doctor was just rejoining the Staff at Halifax Health.

Management Report given by CEO, Jeff Feasel.

the University of Florida wants to start a Volusia Gator Club, group in the area.

reported on the new Hospice in Ormond Beach.

sent out surveys to all the Teams as well as the community to ask about their treatment while in

the Halifax Health as a patient.

Audit and Finance report was given by Eric Peburn.,

including Investment Committee, Investment Performance Report,

Capital Expenditures 25,000-50,000.(Working Capital) Installation of Workstations

Door replacements, locking storage shelves and Ultra Cleaning Cabinets (Surgical Supplies).

Consent Agenda was read to the committee

Appointment of Halifax Health Safety Officer & Patient Safety officer.

16 Financial Statements ended July 2015

Investments policy revisions such as Hospice,

Foundation . Pension Plan Brokerage Accounts.

Audit Committee Charter Revisions, and Capital Expenditures, 50,000 and over working capital.

Purchase of Building, Equipment & Furnishing for Ophthalmology Practice (517 Clyde Morris

Blvd.) All totals were $772 .

Greg Favis,, Hemotologist, retired from Halifax after 40 years and KatherineSchunnanark, Oncology

Nurse are part of a new Hospice in Ormond Beach, Halifax Health Survivors of cancer,located at Twin

lakes. For those survivors, staying healthy in the future is the Goal. There are over 14 million folks who

have survived.

Submitted by Helen Scott

Port Orange City Council Meeting 10/6/15

Nancy Vaughn, Reporter/Observer

Present: Councilman Bob Ford, Councilman Donald Burnette, Councilman Scott Stiltner, Vice Mayor

Drew Bastian, Mayor Allen Green

Also Present: Jake Johansson, City Manager, Margaret T. Roberts, City Attorney

Robin Fenwick, City Clerk

Public Hearing 2nd reading of Ordinance 2015-34: LDC Amendment/Medical Marijuana Related Uses.

The ordinance’s purpose is to change the current commercial zoning to accommodate medical marijuana

dispensaries in anticipation of the passing of the upcoming medical marijuana amendment.

The ordinance passed 4-1 with Mayor Green voting no.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of Minutes: September 22, 2015 - Regular City Council Meeting

Resolutions

Resolution No. 15-68 - Florida City Government Week

Resolution No. 15-69 - Encouraging Congress to fund the Community Development Block Grant

Program

Resolution No. 15-70 - Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary

Resolution No. 15-72 - ICMA-RC Manager 401(a) Retirement Plan

Resolution No. 15-74 - Lien Amnesty Program

FY 2016 Expenditure Authorization for AT&T Mobility Wireless

Communication Services & Equipment

FY 2016 Expenditure Authorization for Level 3 Communications (Formerly Time Warner

Telecom, Inc.)

FY 2016 Expenditure Authorization for SunGard Public Sector, Inc.

FY2016 Spending Authorization and Amendment for Aaron’s Backflow Services, Inc.

Joint Project Agreement with Pioneer Community Development District for utility relocates for

Williamson Blvd. Widening

17 Infrastructure Accounting Procedure

Proposed Write off of Bad Debts (Miscellaneous Receivables)

Utility Billing back-billing policy

Bid Awards and Contract Items

a. Street Sweeping Services Contract with USA Services of Florida, Inc. via Piggyback of Pinellas

County Contract 134-0287-B (LN)

b. Change Order No 1 to Task Authorization No 3 to the contract for Engineering Services with

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

c. Piggyback City of Lakeland Contract with SiteSecure, LLC for Security Systems Repairs,

Maintenance, and Upgrades and approve Task Authorization No 1 Public Utilities Security

System Upgrade.

d. Task Authorization No. 3 to the Contract for Engineering Services with Wade Trim, Inc. for

Spruce View Way Water Main Design and Permitting

e. Change Order No 1 to Task Authorization No 1 to the contract for Engineering Services with

Wade Trim, Inc.

f. Award RFP #15-31 for Commercial/Industrial Realtor Services

g. Change Order No 1 to Task Authorization No 4 to the contract for Engineering Services with

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

FY 15/16 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Countywide Program Support

Motion to approve Consent Agenda as amended was made by Vice Mayor Bastian, and Seconded

by Councilman Burnette. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Passed:

Item #22 - Joint Project Agreement with Pioneer Community Development District for utility

relocates for Williamson Blvd. Widening. 4-1 by roll call vote with Councilman Burnette voting

no.

Infrastructure Accounting Procedure Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

REGULAR AGENDA

Cypress Head Clubhouse Alteration Request. Motion to approve was made by Vice Mayor

Bastian, and Seconded by Councilman Burnette. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

First Reading - Ordinance No. 2015-36 - Amending Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding the

Golf Course. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Resolution No. 15-73 - Half Cent Sales Tax for Transportation, for local transportation infrastructure.

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Financial Report- August 31, 2015

Motion to accept was made by Vice Mayor Bastian, and Seconded by Councilman Ford. Motion

carried unanimously by voice vote.

COMMENTS

City Attorney Comments

Agreement for 5126 Ridgewood Avenue. Ms. Roberts advised Council of the agreement with Mr. Adams

for 5126 Ridgewood Avenue. Mr. Adams has moved forward with his promises as discussed with

Council. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

18

Ms. Roberts advised Council that an actuarial report has been requested but is exempt. She asked Council

if they would like to release it. Motion to release the report was made by Vice Mayor Bastian, and

Seconded by Councilman Stiltner. Motion carried 4-1 by roll call vote with Mayor Green voting no.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS

City Council Committee Reports:

General Employee's Pension Board – Councilman Stiltner reported that the quarter was not great.

The year has positive gains though.

River to Sea TPO – Councilman Ford reported they are preparing for the major study.

YMCA – Report was provided by Ms. Riehm with a Financial Report.

Submitted by Nancy Vaughn

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