by KATHRYN DENTATO
Hernando Sun Reporter

The meeting was opened by Pastor Kent Heaton of Brooksville Church of Christ, who led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. 

Agenda Approval/Modifications - Vice Mayor Joe Bernardini, requested the addition of the introduction of the graduates of the Jericho Road Ministries in the Proclamation and Certificate portion of the meeting. City Manager Mark Kutney asked for time to review the proposed ordinance format of the Parks and Recreation Rules and requested the item be removed from the agenda. 

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Chuck Gordon spoke again about the phone menu system one encounters when calling the government offices.  According to Gordon, the option to reach a live representative should be stated in multiple places in the menu tree.

Pat and Shirley Miketinac and Pam Everett made remarks about the restoration project at Lake Townsen(d) Preserve. 

by LISA MACNEIL
Hernando Sun Reporter

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

Bill Loomis continued a discussion of previous concerns regarding a frontage road in Ridge Manor. 

A Spring Hill resident spoke about loose trash littering roadways following trash collection.

BOARD/STAFF RESPONSES

County Administrator Garth Coller advised Loomis and the public in general that he cannot compel a commissioner to answer a question immediately when posed during Citizen’s Comments.

By LISA MACNEIL 

The first meeting of the newly formed Airport Advisory Committee on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.   

DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY JON JOUBEN
Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Members and Sunshine Law Overview

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

Election of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Second Vice Chairman

Commissioner Wayne Dukes nominated  Commissioner John Mitten for Chairman.  “It is my distinct pleasure, based on his growth in his short time here, and the amount of effort he puts in to this job to nominate Commissioner John Mitten as our Chair. 

BOCC Chairman Steve Champion asked for a second, for which there was none. 

CITIZEN COMMENTS

On Shoal Line Blvd. Property Acquisition

WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE DISTRICT MANAGER 
DAVID GONZALEZ

Presentation by Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc., of 2018 Capital Credit Refund totalling $149,517.35

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

Requesting compensation

by KATHRYN DENTATO
Hernando Sun Writer

School Superintendent John Stratton called the meeting to order, explaining that because of the recent election, he was presiding over the meeting as the school board was being reorganized. He introduced each board member, the student representative and the school board attorney. 

FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE 
DANIEL B. MERRITT, JR.

Swearing In of Elected Commissioners

Judge Merritt read the Oath of Office, officially swearing in the incumbent Commissioners Wayne Dukes and Jeff Holcomb for another term serving Hernando County. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY GARTH COLLER

Attorney/Client Executive Session to Discuss Proposed Settlement Related to Case of Christopher Soto vs. Hernando County (Docket No. 18-03-BCC)

APPROVAL/MODIFICATIONS OF THE AGENDA

The council unanimously approved the agenda without modification.

CERTIFICATES AND PROCLAMATIONS

Vice Mayor Robert Battista read the proclamation designating November 24, 2018 as Small Business Saturday.  Pat Crowley, CEO of the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce accepted the proclamation with several business leaders of the county.

CORRESPONDENCE TO NOTE

1. Correspondence From Various Customers Expressing Appreciation for Services Provided by Utilities Department Staff

Several staff members of the Utilities Department received written or verbal commendations.  The employees were recognized by Utilities Business Manager Nancy Stopps-Libengood, who entered her memorandum of recognition into each employee’s personnel file. 

2. Notification From Southwest Florida Water Management District of Proposed 2019 Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program

Compiled by Lisa MacNeil, Hernando Sun Writer

Citizen’s Comments

Please not that this is an abbreviated list of citizens comments

Riverside Restaurant

by KATHRYN DENTATO
HERNANDO SUN WRITER

The meeting opened honoring Mark Johnson and Beth Narverud for their service on the school board.  It was the final meeting of their elected terms.

Students from Deltona Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced themselves to the school board afterward. Superintendent John Stratton thanked the students and told them to wave during his visit planned for Nov. 7, 2018.  

RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

Resolution Proclaiming October 2018 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month -  Brooksville Mayor Betty Erhard accepted

CITIZENS' COMMENTS

Please note that this is an abbreviated list of citizen comments.

Frances Monzo brought to the BOCC's attention the erection of an 18-foot high shed in her neighbor's yard in back of her property.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER CONSULTANT WILLIAM BURNHAM

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

An agenda item was added proclaiming a State of Emergency in the county due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Michael’s track at the time of the meeting.   Emergency Operations Director Cecilia Patella reminded the board that even a 5-foot storm surge (as Hurricane Hermine caused in 2016) resulted in significant flooding along costal Hernando County, from Bayport to Aripeka.  The proclamation was also added to Correspondence to Note.

Change in Board of County Commissioners meeting format:  

Starting with the October 9, 2018 meeting, 
citizens comments will be heard immediately following Resolutions and Proclamations, except when citizens are commenting on specific items on the meeting agenda for that day. 
 

PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RONALD PIANTA

• Hernando County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Adoption Public Hearing

PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS

Recognition of Weeki Wachee River Rangers for Volunteer Cleanup Efforts Along Weeki Wachee River
RES-2018-129 : Resolution Proclaiming October 5, 2018 as Florida Manufacturing Day
RES-2018-130 : Resolution Recognizing Emilio "Sonny" Vergara for Years of Service on Fine Arts Council
RES-2018-131 : Resolution Recognizing Terlep Chiropractic for Significant Contributions to Hernando County

HERNANDO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS