David Edwards

The meeting agenda included the approval of the official agenda and citizen comments. Key consent items addressed the approval of bills and vouchers, the purchase of a new MowerMax and disposal of current equipment, a resolution to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant Program for the Big Bend Maritime Center, a letter of support for the Wakulla Senior Center's application, awarding an RFQ for professional engineering services for lift station retrofits in Coastal Panacea, and a purchase order for network equipment for the new Emergency Operations Center. General business included the acceptance of the FY 2025-26 Capital Spending Plan. Public hearings were scheduled to designate Pearce Cemetery as a Historic Site and to adopt an ordinance amending the Land Development Code related to Certified Recovery Residences.

The agenda for the regular public meeting includes approval of the agenda itself, a period for citizens to be heard, and awards and presentations. The consent agenda features several items for a single motion vote, including the approval of minutes from the January 5, 2026, meeting, approval of bills and vouchers for January 15-28, 2026, a request for board approval to purchase a new MowerMax and dispose of current equipment, a request for approval of a resolution to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant Program for improvements at the Big Bend Maritime Center, approval of a letter of support for the Wakulla Senior Center's application for the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinator, and approval/award of an RFQ for professional engineering services for lift station retrofits. General business includes accepting the FY 2025-26 Capital Spending Plan. Public hearings are scheduled for designating Pearce Cemetery as a Historic Site and adopting an ordinance amending land development code sections related to Certified Recovery Residence.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, noting that two tabs were tabled. Citizens addressed the board regarding topics such as street lights, the airport, and board control over rezoning. Awards and presentations included announcements for the Employee of the Fourth Quarter (Q4 2025) and the Employee of the Year (2025), followed by a 2025 In Review presentation. The consent agenda, approved unanimously, covered the approval of bills and vouchers for early January 2026 and requests for approval concerning a temporary road closure permit for a parade and scheduling public hearings for amendments to the Land Development Code regarding zoning and vending businesses. The board also approved a grant agreement for a new aerial fire truck. General business included the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Wakulla County and Tallahassee State College to coordinate a Firefighter I Dual Enrollment Program. In Planning and Zoning, applications for comprehensive plan amendments and changes of zoning were tabled. The board proceeded with a public hearing and adopted an ordinance amending sections of the Land Development Code related to Certified Recovery Residence.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items discussed included the approval of the agenda, noting the removal of two planning items (a rezoning request and a comprehensive plan amendment) at the applicant's request, with speakers on those topics directed to the citizens to be heard segment. During citizens to be heard, residents spoke in support of 4-H programs, detailing youth achievements in sharpshooting and food challenge competitions, and requesting community support through events like the Clover Gala. Another resident raised concerns about delays in receiving permission to install street lights at bus stops, emphasizing student safety. Subsequent citizens expressed frustration regarding the current rezoning process, advocating for the Board to take a more active leadership role in reviewing development proposals to protect neighborhood character and property values. The meeting also included recognizing the Q4 Employee of the Quarter and presenting the 2025 Employee of the Year award, which highlighted significant professional achievements in building code compliance and flood plane management.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the swearing-in ceremony for the chair and vice chair. Key discussion points included presentations from community members regarding 4H achievements, environmental concerns about clear-cutting and its impact on property values, and an invitation to a 4H award gala. The board addressed agenda modifications, approved the agenda, and handled the consent agenda, with one item pulled for discussion due to a commissioner's recusal regarding a contract for professional services. General business involved the confirmation of a new Extension Director and discussions/approvals concerning the reduction of code enforcement liens for two separate properties, where one property owner pleaded to have the fine dismissed due to significant personal investment in remediation efforts.