Official Minutes of MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS December 16, 2009 The Marion County Board of County Commissioners met in a workshop session in Commission Chambers at 10:26 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at the Marion County Governmental Complex located in Ocala, Florida. Upon roll call the following members were present: Chair Barbara Fitos, District 4; Vice-Chairman Stan McClain, District 3; Commissioner Mike Amsden, District 1; Commissioner Jim Payton, District 2; and Commissioner Charlie Stone, District 5. Also present were Deputy Clerk Cassandra Li, Acting County Attorney Robert J. Fowler, and County Administrator Lee Niblock. Legislature/Projects & Programs – Procurement Services Director Susan Olsen stated there were three firms that would provide a presentation, with the first being Timmins Consulting. She advised that the Selection Committee had shortlisted the three firms and asked that the Board score the presentations. Ms. Olsen noted each firm would present and be allowed approximately 30 minutes for questions and answers. She advised that as soon as there was Board consensus as to the first ranked firm, staff would enter into negotiations and bring back specific details to the Board, including fees and Scope of Work. Contract Manager Becky Jayne, Procurement Services, presented a 10 page double-sided bound document (totaling 20 pages) from Timmins Consulting, LLC; a 6 page bound document from Southern Strategy Group; and a 21 page bound document from Akerman Senterfitt. Mr. Niblock noted the Commissioners had a commitment and would have to leave around 11:50 p.m. He advised staff to divide the time accordingly. Missy Timmins, Managing Partner, Timmins Consulting, LLC, stated as she reviewed the Request for Quotes (RFQ), she wanted to put together a team to complement the needs of the County. She advised that the team before the Board today had worked for over 5 years on many issues and successes ranging from elder affairs to criminal justice. Ms. Timmins commented on the team approach and addressed the ever-changing political climate. She provided a brief background of her history, noting her concentration in healthcare, environment, natural resources, water, local government and appropriations. Ms. Timmins provided Natalie Kelly’s background and advised that she was selected for her personal knowledge from growing up in Marion County. She advised that Ms. Kelly concentrated on healthcare, local government, regulated professions, natural resources and emergency management. Ms. Timmins commented on Keri Rayborn’s qualifications and emphasizing on her concentrations in growth management, criminal justice, economic development, insurance and risk management. Ms. Timmins addressed Matt Farrar’s background, noting he was the media consultant and concentrated on healthcare, children’s issues and natural resources. Ms. Kelly stated there were 13 reasons as to why the “Timmins Team” was the best match for Marion County. She referred to the back page of the booklet provided and elaborated on each reason listed. Ms. Kelly noted key relationships with leaders were important, as well as the staff that were involved in the appropriations process. Book O, Page 199

December 16, 2009 Ms. Kelly commented on the little number of turnover with clients because of their success and passion. She addressed the aggressive approach of the team, public relations experience and focus on clients. Ms. Kelly stated the team would not accept clients with conflicts of interest and provided personalized service. She noted the Commission and staff would have 24/7 access to the team and advised of their familiarity with the North Florida Agriculture and Civic Center (formerly known as (f/k/a) the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (SELP)) and Sharpes Ferry Bridge. Ms. Kelly commented on the amount of passion in their work. Commissioner Payton referred to the economic issues and inquired as to any specific strategies to bring to the table in the difficult environment to help ameliorate the pain and suffering in Marion County. Ms. Timmins noted the Board could take advantage of the geographic location at the center of the State as there were many economic development packages from the Federal government that could be obtained. She addressed the Marine Industries Association of Florida and how she helped them resolve their economic issues. Ms. Timmins noted a Constitutional Amendment was passed to help lower property taxes for working waterfronts so as not to be taxed as high-rise condominiums. She advised that staff needed to consider what other States were implementing to entice Florida businesses to leave in order to provide incentives for them to stay. Chair Fitos asked what familiarity the team had with the economic action team in Marion County and how they would interact with the other group. Ms. Kelly stated the Heart of Florida started from Bio-Tech Corridor, etc. and stated she was familiar with what was occurring. She advised that the Legislative leaders were in Marion County and surrounding areas and noted she would take proactive measures to bring in higher waged jobs to Marion County. Chair Fitos questioned the type of impact that would result if the team was engaged as Marion County’s lobbyists. Ms. Kelly stated they would be a part of the team and work with the leaders. She advised that they would work hands-on with the Delegation members and follow the direction of the Commission to parallel and help move things forward. Ms. Kelly noted urgency was of the utmost importance and they would help take a role in implementing things. Chair Fitos inquired why it took two Legislative cycles to get an Enterprise Zone declared for the west side of Ocala and asked what could have been done to intercede in order to make things occur quicker. Ms. Kelly noted there were two passionate Legislators that would not stop to get the Enterprise Zone for Marion County and stated when the leaders in the area went beyond their means to get things done, it would be accomplished. She advised that the Legislators went out and convinced other Legislators, which was what the team would do with the Delegation members to explain why there was a need. Ms. Kelly addressed the dedication and passion of leaders to get the Bill approved and advised that this team would be a major part in that process. Larry Williams and Monica Rodriguez, Akerman Senterfitt, appeared to present to the Board. Mr. Williams noted Akerman was a full service law and relations firm, comprised of 500 lawyers and policy professionals in 14 locations around the Country. He stated what made them better was their hard work and availability of personnel based on what the Commission needed. Mr. Williams addressed their extensive experience in legislative, administrative and regulatory facets of State government. He noted their biographies would explain who they were in regard to what was offered and

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December 16, 2009 done in the past. Mr. Williams noted their success stories helped explain what could be done in Marion County. Mr. Williams commented on what made Akerman different than the rest, which included their diversity. He stated the firm covered the Republican and Democratic parties well and had the opportunity to contribute through other clients to participate in the process. Mr. Williams noted the firm was a consensus builder, which was important in a time when there were term limits. He commented on how the firm utilized its lobbyists, noting there were two employees assigned to every client. Mr. Williams stated the law firms dealt with ethical or business related conflicts all the time. He addressed the depth of knowledge within the firm and provided brief backgrounds of experts within their firm in regard to water issues, growth management, etc. Mr. Williams noted they had a Washington office that practiced on Federal issues on behalf of Florida clients that dealt with funding at that level. He addressed the different forms of expertise required from a lobbyist. Ms. Rodriguez commented on a success story regarding Jacksonville Memorial Hospital with Shands, noting they were able to secure an additional $54,000,000 last session for charity care and $30,000,000 for Shands from the State budget. She commented on personal services, noting the guidance and information provided to each client. Commissioner Payton questioned how conflicts of interests would be resolved for Marion County. Mr. Williams noted there was a high standard to make sure both clients were happy with the resolution and staff would attempt to obtain a waiver after it was decided whether the conflict was ethical or business related. He advised that staff would go to the clients and discuss the situation. Ms. Rodriguez noted staff would contact their clients if an issue arose. Commissioner Payton noted the unemployment rate was currently 13.4% with no indication that there would be a substantial change and asked if there were any specific strategies to help attack those problems. Ms. Rodriguez stated there was an economic incentive team in the firm that worked to find companies to locate into municipalities and obtain economic incentives. She commented on staff obtaining a $1,000,000 grant for Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. Mr. Williams stated the firm tried to think “outside-thebox” as to ways to resolve the problems. Chair Fitos referred to the Enterprise Zone and inquired what could have been done to expedite that process. Mr. Williams noted he did not know what occurred and what he would have done differently. He commented on failures and successes. Paul Bradshaw, President and Founder of Southern Strategy Group, noted the three year relationship with the County. He provided qualifications and backgrounds of the team members present, noting many important issues were addressed over the past several years. Mr. Bradshaw commented on the philosophy of the firm, which was to draw from the highest levels of government to assemble a team with broad experience, both Legislatively and Executively, to best represent clients and advance through issues. He stated there was a strong culture of advocacy as their job was to help solve problems. Mr. Bradshaw commented on recent changes made in their firm. He provided background information on the newer members of the firm. Mr. Bradshaw stated the firm connected to the clients and were zealous advocates. He addressed their cooperation in order to put together an agenda to reflect their client’s goals. Mr. Bradshaw stated the firm proposed a reduction in their fee as Book N, Page 201

December 16, 2009 these were difficult economic times for local government. He stated it was currently $84,000 a year and they were proposing $66,000 a year. Mr. Bradshaw commented on having powerful advocates that understood the importance of having Marion County as a client, noting there was also a continuity that came along with maintaining a relationship with staff. In response to Commissioner Payton, Mr. Bradshaw stated he was a lawyer, but no longer practiced law. He noted he was an active member of the Bar and stated there were several attorneys in the firm, who focused on more efficient ways of doing things. Stacey Webb commented on issues that Marion County was working on and addressed the water policy. She advised that sometimes it may take longer to get results and stated when the firm represented Marion County, they had to identify their top priorities, such as Springs Legislation. Ms. Webb noted while trying to advance the County’s agenda forward, staff was also playing defense against getting policies passed that would be an unfunded mandate on local government. She commented on the method of putting an issue in place, meeting with the Delegation, broadening the basis and involving the rest of the Legislature to evolve the issue as to what to accomplish. Ms. Webb noted how time management was done effectively over the past years, along with the preparation, efforts and guidance provided. Commissioner Payton commented on the malaise of the economy with the current unemployment rate and inquired as to specific strategies to take to the Legislature that may help in that regard. Ms. Webb commented on the significant plant closings and job losses that were detrimental to the County, which had been embedded in other issues that staff had worked on over the years, such as affordable housing. She noted she worked with the Legislature and Workforce Florida at the State level, as well as Pete Tesch, President, Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Ms. Webb commented on the relationship that could be garnered for the County to identify whether policy changes or opportunities for diverse industry needed economic incentives. Commissioner Payton inquired as to what came to mind as resolved issues since their firm started working with the County. Ms. Webb noted issues with regard to transportation in which staff secured funding for, as well as working with Federal lobbyists in preparation for the economic stimulus plan to help make sure that what occurred at the Federal level was coordinated at the State level and the County was able to secure funding for projects. She stated there were many issues resolved by being able to block some of the Bills from being adopted. Ms. Webb stated there were issues with power plant transmission lines and local government input, noting staff was successful in that regard. Commissioner Stone commented on working with Ms. Webb over the years, noting the attentiveness and responsiveness of the firm. He advised of instances where Ms. Webb would provide guidance and information as to proposed Bills. Commissioner Stone commented on a critical issue in regard to the Special Acts of ’85 and inquired as to whether the County was on the right trail. Ms. Webb noted that was an issue staff worked on last year, but the decision from the Courts came down that made it impossible to meet the deadlines for last year. She commented on its repeal and advised of support from the local Delegation. Ms. Webb noted it was important that the lobbying firm work on the issue as it had to be carefully coordinated. She advised that the County would still need assistance in getting the Bill adopted as the process for the local Bill was specific.

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December 16, 2009 Chair Fitos noted the economy was the main issue for the Board and commented on growth management Bills, water policies, etc. She inquired as to how staff would create the synergy in regard to upcoming issues as well as working with and influencing the Economic Action Team at the local level. Ms. Webb noted Mr. Bradshaw specialized in growth management and stated some of the issues to address in the water policy related to that matter. She recommended that it be made part of the future lobbyists’ scope of work in regard to the Economic Action Team as it was a critical issue. Ms. Webb noted the entire team should work together to figure out the priorities and accomplish goals. There was a recess at 11:32 a.m. The meeting resumed at 11:39 a.m. with all members present, except Commissioner McClain. Ms. Olsen noted Southern Strategy ranked first, Timmins ranked second and Akerman ranked third. She stated staff would arrange negotiations with Southern Strategies to bring back to the Board at a meeting for a vote. In response to Commissioner Amsden, Ms. Olsen noted it was 335 points for Southern Strategy, 300 for Timmins and 270 for Akerman. Ms. Olsen noted staff would work with Administration to establish a team for negotiations. Mr. Niblock agreed, noting the lobbyist firm was a direct service provider with the Commission as the client. He suggested appointing a Board member to the negotiating team. Chair Fitos stated she would serve as Chair of that committee. Mr. Niblock stated he wanted to bring the item back to the Board for ratification as the existing contract expired January 9, 2010. In response to Chair Fitos, Ms. Olsen noted the members of the original selection committee for the record. Chair Fitos thanked everyone for their efforts in this endeavor. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting thereupon adjourned at 11:41 a.m.

________________________________ Barbara Fitos, Chair Attest:

_______________________________ David R. Ellspermann, Clerk Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

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