Franklin County

The workshop served as a listening session regarding the implementation of mandatory garbage pickup and the utilization of over one million dollars secured from the state to purchase bear-resistant trash cans. Key discussions involved confirming that the state funds are strictly for purchasing bear-proof cans, not mandating service, and exploring implementation strategies such as whether residents would own the cans and methods for tracking them. Concerns were raised about the administrative feasibility of mandatory collection without the county having a utility arm to track service compliance, as well as the financial impact on residents on fixed incomes. Further discussion addressed the county's impending landfill closure (expected within five years), the transition to a transfer station, and the future sustainability of free services like Amnesty Days and roadside debris pickup, which incur significant annual costs and new tipping fees at a transfer station. Representatives from the can manufacturer and waste haulers provided input on distribution logistics and the effectiveness of different bear-resistant products.

The special meeting focused on the approval of emergency department doctors' contracts and the associated malpractice insurance premium for Weems Memorial Hospital. Commissioners and the County Attorney discussed contractual details, including the one-year term, modification allowances, dispute resolution clauses (specifically regarding mediation costs and the removal of arbitration language), and the identity of the contracting entity ('company' vs. 'Fund' vs. 'Franklin County'). Further discussion covered the CEO's authority for physician termination based on quality metrics and compassionate care standards, as well as the handling of collections shortfalls. The motion to approve the contracts, contingent upon agreed-upon revisions, carried unanimously.

The primary discussion focused on a Public Hearing for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Enabling Ordinance, Section S-8 of the land development code. Key components of the proposed ordinance reviewed included requirements for PUD eligibility, such as a minimum of five acres, single entity ownership, mandatory connection to public water/sewer if available, and a mixture of at least two uses and two housing types. Specific development standards detailed included a maximum building height of 47 feet above predevelopment grade and requirements for retaining 30% of native vegetation, alongside provisions for community benefits. The approval process outlined a conceptual review stage followed by final detailed PUD approval, with specified timelines. Significant public commentary and discussion among Commissioners revolved around the minimum acreage requirement (whether it should be five or ten acres), the exclusion of coastal barrier islands like St. George Island from PUD applicability due to environmental fragility, potential conflicts of interest related to commissioner voting, and the interpretation of 'centralized' public water and sewer versus private package plants. Commissioners also debated the height limitations concerning adjacent parcels and the precedence of the Comprehensive Plan over zoning regulations.

The meeting included approval of the agenda, which accounted for two bill lists requiring ratification. Department Director reports were presented with no action items from Roads and Bridges, Solid Waste, Emergency Management, Mosquito Control, or EMS. The Library Director received approval for the 2025-2026 Plan of Service. The Interim Airport Manager secured contingent approval for an APT grant application of $2.5 million and approval to proceed with the preliminary budget for the Haney project rehab and construction. The Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator's items were largely approved, excluding items pulled for later discussion. Key actions included approving an agreement for a Florida Commerce Grant related to a Retail Recruitment Strategic Plan, approving additional CEI services for the RESTORE SGI Storm Water Project change orders, and approving the primary use of TDC funds for roadway resurfacing in the SGI Commercial District, contingent on TDC review. The Board also authorized an FDOT Transportation Alternatives Grant Application for the North Bayshore Path Project, approved financing for the refurbishment of the landfill compactor, and approved an amendment to the Old Ferry Dock Boat Ramp grant agreement regarding sign size. Notice of intent to award the County Wide Dune Construction Project was approved. The E911 System Recorder Upgrade was approved for purchase order issuance. Public Hearings addressed the adoption of an updated Capital Improvement Plan, which included adding Lighthouse Road improvements, and two public hearings regarding a land use change (Agricultural to Commercial) and a zoning change (A-2 Agricultural to C-2 Commercial) for property at 216 Airport Road. A third set of public hearings resulted in the adoption of an ordinance changing land use from Commercial to Residential and a zoning change from C-1 Commercial to R-4 Residential for property at 595 Highway 98. Discussions also covered follow-up on the Fort Coombs Armory Convention Center Project delay due to structural issues and miscellaneous project updates, including the Triumph Gulf Coast System communication project. The Board deferred a decision on paving at the Sheriff's Department pending further quote details and funding discussion. Approval was granted to schedule Customer Service and First Amendment Auditors training courses provided by FACT.

The meeting agenda was approved, and payment of county bills, including the minutes from the 11/18/2025 meeting, was approved. During public comments, a member of the public discussed stepping down from the TAC committee role in favor of the new county planner. Department reports covered updates on roads and bridges, solid waste, emergency management, mosquito control, and the Extension Office Director's impending retirement, including requirements for his replacement and tree disease research. The Library Director received approval for out-of-state travel related to an Infinite Sums Grant. The Board approved the adoption of the 2023 State of Florida's Building Codes. Fiscal actions included approving extensions for the SGI Boat Ramp Breakwater Design Grant and the FDOT Airport Taxiway A Design Grant, awarding construction and CEI services for the CIGP Patton Drive Widening & Resurfacing Project, approving furnishings and window tinting for the new Lanark EMS Station, and approving a task order for CEI services for 2025 Road Paving Segments. Information was presented regarding the upcoming public hearing for the TDC Spending Plan update and miscellaneous project updates including grant awards. The Board approved several Planning and Zoning actions, including authorizing a public hearing for a zoning change request and approving three critical shoreline applications contingent on existing structures being replaced. A fourth critical shoreline application was approved contingent upon permanent power hookup for the residence. A variance request was approved contingent upon site plan approval, which was tabled pending execution of a dedication agreement. The County Coordinator reported on approving a small overage for a SHIP project, establishing new code enforcement procedures with a designated manager, approving an amended 2026 holiday schedule to include the Seafood Festival, and approving membership in the TriRivers Association. The County Attorney reported on the approved early termination of an airport hanger lease agreement and the denial of a request to authorize the public bidding process for county-owned land.