Hernando County

Board of County Commissioners

Regular Meeting

Minutes

January 14, 2025

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in the John Law

Ayers County Commission Chambers, Government Center, Brooksville, Florida.

Attendee Name

Brian Hawkins

Jerry Campbell

John Allocco

Title

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Second Vice Chairman

Commissioner

Ryan Amsler

Steve Champion

Toni Brady

Carla Burrmann

Todd Crosby

Omar DePablo

Jon Jouben

Commissioner

Deputy County Administrator

Aquatic Services Manager

Assistant County Engineer

Development Services Director

County Attorney

Christopher Linsbeck

Gordon Onderdonk

Jeffrey Rogers

Carla Rossiter-Smith

Erin Thomas

Community Services Director

Utilities Director

County Administrator

Chief Procurement Officer

Interim Emergency Management Director

Deputy Clerk

Patricia Tapia

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

AGENDA

Motion

To approve the Agenda with changes.

(Note: Item No. F-7 [First Amendment to Interlocal Agreement With Hernando County Sheriff

for Animal Services] was added to the Agenda.)

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Jerry Campbell

Steve Champion

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

INTERIM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR ERIN THOMAS

Ratification of License/Use Agreement With Federal Emergency Management Agency,

and U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Establish Disaster Recovery Center at

East Hernando Branch Library

Ratification of Proclamation No. 2024-16 Eleventh Extension of Declaration of State of

Local Emergency Due to Hurricane Helene and Ninth Extension of Declaration of State

of Local Emergency Due to Hurricane Milton

Ratification of Proclamation No. 2024-17 Twelfth Extension of Declaration of State of

Local Emergency Due to Hurricane Helene and Tenth Extension of Declaration of State

of Local Emergency Due to Hurricane Milton

Motion

To approve Item Nos. C-1 through C-3.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Jerry Campbell

John Allocco

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis commented on various topics and issues.

COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTIONS

Resolution Proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2025-001).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

John Allocco

Steve Champion

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

Resolution Proclaiming January 20, 2025, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2025-002).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Ryan Amsler

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

CONSENT AGENDA

Amendment 100 to Purchase Order Agreement 3 With Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.,

d/b/a LSF Health Systems, a Florida Non-Profit Corporation, for Management of

Florida’s Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network of Addiction Care in Hernando County

Amendment No. 1 to Grant Agreement With State Department of Environmental

Protection for Northcliffe Boulevard Force Main Project

Amendment No. 3 to Grant Agreement With State Department of Environmental

Protection for Septic Upgrade Incentive Program and Associated Budget Resolution

Non-Profit Construction Deferred Loan Agreement With Mid Florida Community

Services, Inc., d/b/a You Thrive Florida Through State Housing Initiatives Partnership

Program

Request by County Attorney’s Office to Retain Outside Legal Counsel With Levin Team

for Potential Per and Polyfluoroalkyl a/k/a PFAS Related Litigation Including Approval of

Contingent Fee Agreement

Request Submitted by Library Services to Apply for 2025 Seeds of Knowledge Library

Demonstration Garden Grant With Florida Wildflower Foundation

First Amendment to Interlocal Agreement With Hernando County Sheriff Regarding

Operation of Hernando County Animal Shelter

Declaration of Various Tangible Property as Surplus for Disposal and Removal From

Fixed Asset Inventory

Transmittal of List of Accounts Payable Disbursements for Weeks Ended December 6,

2024, December 13, 2024, and December 20, 2024

Various Satisfactions of Second Mortgages Through State Housing Initiative

Partnership Program; and Satisfactions of Second Mortgages for Rachel Sterlein; and

Erica M. Grant and Carlton V. Grant Through Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Purchase Assistance Program

Final Plat for Lake Hideaway Pods A & B

Final Plat for Wentworth’s Replat

Release of Performance Bond for Caldera Phase 1 and Acceptance of Maintenance

Bond for Caldera Phase 1 and Caldera Phase 2

Resolution Ratifying Denial of Master Plan Revision Petition Submitted by Sunny Pines

of Hernando, LLC (H2414)

Motion

To approve the Consent Agenda (Budget Resolution No. 2025-003 and Resolution No.

2025-004).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

John Allocco

Jerry Campbell

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

CORRESPONDENCE TO NOTE

Letter of Appreciation From Florida Paddling Trails Association for Support Provided by

Parks and Recreation Department During Annual Cleanup Effort at Ten Palms Primitive

Campsite

Notice of Purchasing Policy Exceptions for October 2024, November 2024, and

December 2024

Notice of Special Exception Use Permit Actions Taken by Planning and Zoning

Commission on December 9, 2024

Notification From Southwest Florida Water Management District of Proposed 2025

Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Proofs of publication of Notices of Public Hearing were noted for the scheduled public

hearings.

Ex Parte Communications

Chairman Hawkins and Comms. Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion announced the ex

parte communications that they had had concerning the quasi-judicial petitions being

considered at this meeting.

County Attorney Jon Jouben advised the Commissioners that any ex parte communications,

however received, could play no part in their deliberations.

Adoption of Informational Packet

The Agenda packet that was submitted to the Board included written information regarding the

cases to be considered which needed to be accepted into evidence for the hearings.

The staff recommended that the Board accept the Agenda packet, including the staff reports,

into evidence as if read aloud in their entirety.

Motion

To approve.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

John Allocco

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

Petition Submitted by Barbara Denny and Chad Denny to Vacate Utility and Drainage

Easements Located in High Point Mobile Home Subdivision

There was no public input.

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2025-005).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

John Allocco

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

Petition Submitted by C&W Land Holdings, LLC, to Vacate Utility and Drainage

Easements Located in Ridge Manor Estates

There was no public input.

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation (Resolution No. 2025-006).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Jerry Campbell

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

Proposed Ordinance Prohibiting Abandonment of Newspaper Vending Machines on

Public Property

There was no public input.

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation (Ordinance No. 2025-01).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

John Allocco

Jerry Campbell

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

RECESS/RECONVENE

The Board recessed at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:55 a.m.

Ordinance Amending Hernando County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article IV;

Division 2: Name; Subsection 14-102 Definitions; Subsection 14-104 Creation of Unit

and Legal Description of Hernando County Solid Waste Collection Municipal Services

Benefit Unit

The Board accepted public input on this matter.

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

DEFEATED

Jerry Campbell

John Allocco

Campbell

Hawkins, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

NAYES:

There was Board consensus to direct the staff to prepare an Agenda Item regarding a

potential referendum for the ballot in 2026 to determine whether universal collection in the

mandatory area should be expanded, and to bring it back to the Board for discussion on a

future Agenda.

Resolution Amending Universal Solid Waste Collection District

This item was moot and not heard based on the denial of Item No. H-5 [Ordinance Amending

Hernando County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article IV; Division 2: Name; Subsection

14-102 Definitions; Subsection 14-104 Creation of Unit and Legal Description of Hernando

County Solid Waste Collection Municipal Services Benefit Unit].

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PLANNING DIRECTOR OMAR DEPABLO

Comm. Champion temporarily left the meeting and returned shortly thereafter.

Mediated Settlement Agreement With A&I Land Association, LLC, Dated October 7,

2024, and Associated Resolution

Motion

To deny.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

John Allocco

Ryan Amsler

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

COUNTY ATTORNEY JON JOUBEN

Chairman Hawkins passed the gavel to Vice Chairman Campbell and temporarily left the

meeting, and upon returning shortly thereafter, he resumed the Chairmanship.

Request Submitted by Jovite C. Palardis for Waiver of Civil Penalty and Administrative

and Investigative Costs Ordered by Special Master in Public Nuisance Case

Motion

To deny.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

John Allocco

Jerry Campbell

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Champion and Amsler

DEPUTY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TONI BRADY

Comm. Champion made the following Motion:

Motion

To approve Item Nos. K-1 through K-3.

The Motion died for lack of a vote.

Budget Amendment to Reallocate Funds From Capital Improvement Project to General

Fund to Cover Costs Associated With Lake Townsen Boat Ramp Project for Aquatic

Services and Waterways Department

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Ryan Amsler

Hawkins, Campbell, Amsler and Champion

Allocco

NAYES:

Budget Resolution Recognizing Purchase Orders Carried Over From FY 2024

Budget Resolution to Balance Grant Funds for Grant With State Department of

Environmental Protection for Installation of Hut Pumping Station and Force Main

Project for Utilities Department

Motion

To approve Item Nos. K-2 and K-3 (Budget Resolutions Nos. 2025-007 and 2025-008).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Ryan Amsler

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER CARLA ROSSITER-SMITH

Amendment No. 1 to Construction Project Agreement With Manhattan Construction

Company, LLC, for Construction Management Services for Fire Station No. 16 and

Associated Budget Amendment (Contract 23-RFQ00466/AP; Amount: $67,709.83)

Award of Construction Agreement to Goodwin Bros. Construction, Inc., for County

Road 581/Emerson Road From Powell Road to State Road 50/Cortez Boulevard

Resurfacing Project (Contract No. 24-CG00745/JG; Amount: $1,296,225.00)

Award of Contract to American Standard Landscaping, LLC, for Mowing Services for

South Brooksville (Contract No. 24-T00865/JC; Amount: $74,172.00)

Award of Contract to Eutek Systems, Inc., d/b/a Hydro International for Airport Water

Reclamation Facility Grit Removal for Utilities Department (Contract No. 24-T00872/JC;

Amount: $287,010.00)

Award of Contract to Megascapes Landscape Services, Inc., for Sod Purchase, Delivery

and Installation for Department of Public Works (Contract No. 24-T00836/JC; Amount:

$763,539.00)

Award of Quote to Seggie Custom Builders, LLC, for Americans With Disabilities Act

Parking Lot and Drive Replacement Project at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference

Center (Contract No. 23-T00040/AP Q21; Amount: $298,917.00)

Award of Sole Source Purchase From Verathon, Inc., for GlideScope Video

Laryngoscope System for Hernando County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services

(Contract No. 25-SS0208/JC; Amount: $68,844.00)

Award of Term Contracts to Air Mechanical & Service Corp, Help You Cool, LLC,

Kenyon & Partners, Inc., and Sherman Mechanical Contractors, LLC, for Air

Conditioning Repairs of Systems Up to Twenty-Five Tons for Facilities Maintenance

Department (Contract No. 24-T000690/JG)

Award of Term Contracts to Air Mechanical & Service Corp, Kenyon & Partners, Inc.,

and Sherman Mechanical Contractors, LLC, for Air Conditioning Repairs of Systems

Over Twenty-Five Tons for Facilities Maintenance Department (Contract No.

24-T00692/JG)

Change Order No. 1 to Purchase Order With Ring Power Corporation, for Equipment

Rental and Related Services for Solid Waste and Recycling Department (Contract No.

25-P0191B; Amount: $58,200.00)

Change Order No. 2 to Purchase Order With iParametrics, LLC, for Support

Coordination of Ongoing Response Efforts Resulting From Hurricane Helene and

Hurricane Milton (Contract No. 25-P0193; Amount: $113,197.20)

Increased Annual Expenditure for Utilization of Sourcewell Contract With Stryker Sales,

LLC, for Critical Care and EMS Equipment for Fire Emergency Services (Contract No.

24-P0120U; Amount: $175,000.00)

Professional Services Agreement With Forvis Mazar, LLP for Financial Auditing

Services for Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller (Contract No. 25-PS0212/CT;

Amount: $1,215,713.08)

Work Authorization Agreement With S. Culp Enterprises d/b/a Property Services GC for

County Administration Office Renovation Project, Phase 1, for Facilities Maintenance

Department (Contract No. 23-T00040/AP Q22; Amount: $78,529.00)

Utilization of Contracts and Agreements With National Association of Counties Public

Promise Procurement Competitive Contract Program With Various Vendors for

Purchase of Services and Supplies by Various County Departments

Utilization of Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract With Ari Phoenix, Inc., for Heavy

Equipment for Fleet Department (Contract No. 24-P0121B; Amount: $106,841.00)

Utilization of National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance an Omnia Partners Contract

With Vertosoft, LLC, Including Invoice Cloud, Inc., for Purchase of Software Products

and Services for Utilities Department and Solid Waste Department (Contract No.

25-P0210A; Amount: $294,000.00)

Utilization of Sourcewell Contract With Liftnow Automotive Equipment Corp., for

Vehicle Lifts and Garage Equipment for Fleet Department (Contract No. 25-P0191E;

Amount: $115,532.20)

Motion

To approve Item Nos. L-1 through L-18.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Ryan Amsler

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JEFFREY ROGERS

Appointment of Brian Woolfolk to Waterways Advisory Committee Until December 31,

2028

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Jerry Campbell

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

Proposed Revision to 2025 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Schedule

Motion

To approve the staff recommendation.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

John Allocco

Hawkins, Campbell, Allocco, Amsler and Champion

RECESS/RECONVENE

The Board recessed at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 12:20 p.m.

Review of Whole Cent Sales Surtax Referendum and Request for Direction on Capital

Projects

The was Board consensus to direct County Administrator Jeffrey Rogers to proceed with

transportation projects for Barclay Avenue, Cortez Oaks (State Road 50 to Star Road) and

Ayers Road/Culbreath Road/Hayman Road, the landscape beautification project and the

I-75/State Road 50 Planned Development District (PDD); and economic development

regarding tangible taxes, and to bring it back to the Board for discussion at a future meeting.

Update Regarding Ongoing Board Directives

Comm. Champion left the meeting.

CITIZENS' COMMENTS

Citizens commented on various topics and issues.

Comm. Champion returned to the meeting.

BOARD/STAFF RESPONSES

The Board and/or staff responded to questions and concerns expressed during Citizens'

Comments.

Chairman Hawkins passed the gavel to Vice Chairman Campbell and temporarily left the

meeting, and upon returning shortly thereafter, he resumed the Chairmanship.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Board commented on various issues.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.