BOCC gives firefighters time limit to certify

EBRO – The Washington County Board of County Commissions unanimously approved Board Member Eddie Holman’s motion that unless volunteer firefighters become certified with the proper EVOC certification within the next 30 days, they will not be allowed to operate emergency vehicles. The action was taken during the BOCC’s regularly scheduled meeting May 28.
An update given by Chairman Bill Howell was that Glen Zanetic had his title shifted to Fire Administrator, instead of Fire Chief, until he completes his certification.
“We aren’t going to fire a firefighter just because they aren’t qualified,” he said. “Training of those who need it are already in the works.”
County Public Safety Director Roger Dale Hagan assured that all efforts are being made to maintain the utmost in public safety while reaching those requirements set by the state.
“We are doing everything in our power to meet requirements as fast and as efficiently as possible,” said Howell. “Bickering amongst ourselves isn’t going help resolve the situation any faster, if at all.”
Board member Donnie Strickland motioned that those who pay for their own pipe should have the $500 driveway fee waived.
“I’ve been approached by quite a few of the elderly that just couldn’t afford these fees,” said Strickland. “During these times of economic strain, can’t we afford to give a little dirt and labor?”
The motion passed three to two with Strickland, Holman and Charles Brock voting yes and Bill Howell and Joel Pate voting no.
County Parks and Recreation Director David Corbin reported that the total for building the Sunny Hills community building is almost $100,000, with $35,000 to go to complete it.
Some expenses included the 10-phone system at an estimate of $6,500 and a fire alarm system estimated at $3,500.
“When this building is finished, I know it is something that we can all be proud of for many years to come,” said Corbin.
The Board was presented with a proposal for reviewing zoning issues in relation to airport zoning regulations for a concern with possible bird afflictions that some airports have faced recently.
This was explained as only a preventative measure to reduce the risk of attracting bird populations into the fly zones.
The Board also recognized May as Mental Health Month, with part of the proclamation reading: “Healthy individuals and healthy communities are essential elements of any strong and vibrant society, mental health disorders and mental health problems affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and at all stages of life and Washington County’s mental health providers and advocate partners are working to dispel the fears, myths and misunderstandings commonly associated with mental illness, and increase access to treatment and support services.”
The Life Management Center of Northwest Florida is joining with Mental Health America to observe Mental Health Month each May to “raise awareness and understanding of mental illness.”
The Board approved advertising for the “Elms Nickel,” which is a five-cent per gallon fuel tax that would contribute to road construction or the matching grants.
“Right now we don’t even have the ability to go after grants because we have nothing to match them with,” said Howell. “This isn’t approving it, it’s only advertising it, so that if we do decide this is the course of action to take, we have the ability to do so.”
The Board approved of Tommy McDonald filling the vacant position on the Tourist Development Council and Jim Lassiter for the position on the Planning Commission as soon as he resigns from his position in Chipley Codes Enforcement.
County Engineer Cliff Knauer gave an update to various projects in progress.
“Water distribution permits for the Industrial Park are in and the access roads are coming along,” said Knauer. “FEMA will be here till the end of July, so they’re here for a while if we need them.”
He explained that they were ready to proceed with the needed work on Old Bonifay Road.
It was announced that a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the new bus loop and classrooms at Vernon Elementary School on June 2 at 11 a.m.
A reminder was given for the Vernon Bridge Celebration for Saturday, starting at 10 a.m.
The next workshop is scheduled for June 11 and the next Board meeting is scheduled for June 16, resuming at the usual location and time at the County Annex on South Boulevard at 1 p.m.