Highlights from the November 9, 2016 Council Meeting at the Sebring Civic Center
Finance Committee Recommendations
- The Finance Committee met on October 28, 2016, in Bartow and discussed the following items: upcoming annual audit with the Council’s auditor, CliftonLarsonAllen; the current and historic per capita assessment rates for the Council; and the Executive Director’s and staff’s compensation. The Finance Committee recommended that the Council discuss the Executive Director’s and the staff’s compensation further at the December 2016 Council Meeting along with the audit report.
- MOTION: To approve the final amended budget for FY 2015-16 as presented carried unanimously.
- MOTION: To approve the Proposed Amended Budget for FY 2016-17 as presented carried unanimously.
New Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Members and Update on CEDS Process
- Shannon McPherson, Program Director, provided an update on the CEDS process. View the presentation.
- She shared the CEDS Committee, which works with staff to produce the CEDS updates, has several vacancies. A list of proposed CEDS Committee members was presented.
- MOTION: To approve the CEDS Committee members as presented carried unanimously.
Transportation Disadvantaged and Rural Transit Programs Overview and Grant Resolutions
- A presentation of the efforts being made to enhance mobility in the Heartland through the Heartland Rural Mobility Plan (HRMP) was given including the Council’s role of managing and implementing goals and objectives. View the presentation.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11B, FTA Section 5311 Capital Grant
as presented carried unanimously. - MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11C, FTA Section 5311 Operating Grant as presented carried unanimously.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11D, FTA Section 5310 Operating Assistance Grant as presented carried unanimously.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11E, FTA Section 5310 Capital Vehicle Grant as presented carried unanimously.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11F, FTA Section 5339 Capital Grant
as presented carried unanimously.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11B, FTA Section 5311 Capital Grant
Council Consideration of Accepting Transportation Disadvantaged Designated Official Planning Agency (DOPA) Designation For DeSoto County
- The DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners notified the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged that DeSoto County desires to decline to continue to serve as the DOPA beyond June 30, 2017.
- In anticipation of the Council being asked to fulfill the role as DOPA for DeSoto County, Ms. Steed asked the Council if they would consider accepting that designation. The HRTPO would also be required to authorize the change.
- MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2016-11G, which would authorize the Council to be designated as DeSoto County’s TD Designated Official Planning Agency carried unanimously.
Status Report for the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization
- At the next meeting of the HRTPO, scheduled for November 30, 2016 in Highlands County, staff will present the results of the RFQ process for the Congestion Management Plan.
- A workshop is scheduled for January 11, 2017 to assist local governments as they submit FDOT Priority Project Applications to the HRTPO in early 2017 for funding consideration.
Other Items of Interest
- Chairman Buddy Mansfield appointed Jackie Tucker, Pat Huff, and Don Elwell to serve as the Nominating Committee.
- Jennifer Codo-Salisbury, Deputy Director, distributed information regarding the Highlands County Voluntary Visioning Process and Framework and their Pilot Vision Project the proposed Sebring Airport Encouragement Zone/Spring Lake Mixed Use Development Area Overlay (SAEZ/SLMUD). This project was awarded a 2016 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations, which will be presented to Highlands County. View the presentation.
- The Okeechobee County Gubernatorial Appointee, Elvie Posey, and Arcadia City Councilmember, Joseph Fink, will be leaving the Council and were recognized for their service.