Commissioners to approve workshops schedule, talk live streaming

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners discussed holding evening workshops and a schedule of meetings when they met in a workshop Feb. 9.

During last month’s meeting, commissioners discussed the option of holding workshops at night in order to make it easier for the public to attend. Approval of the new schedule is expected during the next regular session meeting. Three evening workshops will be held on April 17, June 19 and Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. March will be the lone month without a workshop, the remaining months will be held at 9 a.m.

County Administrator Jeff Massey is expected to bring the board several options for live streaming at the March regular session meeting. Massey advised the board he had two options thus far but wanted to research a third before making a presentation. Once commissioners approve of the company to be utilized it is expected to take two to three months before live streaming is up and running.

Code Enforcement Officer Janet Riedel proposed updating the public nuisance ordinance verbiage to cover a wider ground than appliances. Commissioners tasked the county attorney to work with Riedel to complete the task and bring it back before the board.

FEMA Coordinator Kevan Parker updated commissioners on the road projects and Hurricane Michael funding. $56.9 million has been spent on paving roads with $56 million already being approved and $917,000 in validation. A notice to proceed is expected to be approved next week for the next set of roads to be paved.

Holmes Creek (Culpepper) Landing will be up for discussion concerning the addition of floating docks for installation. The plan was completed by Engineer Cliff Knauer and is expected to cost the county $15,290 for the freight charge. The idea behind the floating docks is to help ease the kayak and boat traffic at the landing.

Dewberry Engineers advised commissioners of a request from FDOT to write a letter stating the county would cover the remaining roughly $200,000 for the Crystal Lake Drive paving project. $1.2  million in appropriations has been awarded to the county over the last two years for the project but due to construction cost increases the project will cost approximately $1.4 million. The board is expected to approve the letter at the next meeting. Once approved the project will go to bid. Funding is expected to come out of the general fund. 

Bids for the Sunday Road resurfacing project are expected to be opened next week with the board making their final decision at the February meeting.

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will meet again in regular session at 9 a.m. Feb. 16.