The Hendry County Board of County Commissioners meeting was held on Tuesday, December 17, at the County Commission chambers in LaBelle. The meeting opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting opened with the reorganization and appointments for the 2019-2020 Board of County Commissioners. Appointed to represent the Hendry BOCC for Florida Heartland Transportation and Planning Administration was Mitchell Wills. Appointed to represent the Hendry BOCC for Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) was Karson Turner with Mitchell Wills as an alternate representative. Some confusion was expressed about what the Hendry-Glades County Community Alliance was, “Mr. Chair, I’m embarrassed to ask this, what’s the Hendry-Glades Counties Community Alliance?” Silence overcame the room as no one had an answer, “I’m not as embarrassed anymore, because y’all don’t know either,” said Karson Turner.

The commissioners then moved on to discuss bids, first discussing RFQ #2019-25 Architectural and Structural Engineering Services for Jail and Jail Annex Facility, a motion was made to reflect the current offer as only one bid was received. It was then suggested to re-advertise in hopes of an increase bid response. Next was RFQ #2019-32 Architectural and Structural Engineering Services for Clewiston Sub-Office, meeting scheduled regarding this RFQ for January 6, 2020 which had no public comment, and was scheduled for further discussion and investigation.

Payment of Bills & approval of minutes for the BOCC Hendry-Glades Joint Meeting, held on October 2, and the BOCC meeting, held on November 12, was discussed, and approved.

Awards and Appearances

Lisa Sands, LaBelle United Way House, introduced Margaret England, who presented a snapshot regarding Hurricane Irma Recovery, and the local advisory board formed by volunteers, known as the Unmet Needs Coalition. The snapshot provided details on how funds were used from local fundraising, Red Cross, Kiwanis, other entities. England reported that 76 homes were repaired or are under repair, 283 families were referred to disaster case management, they plan to continue to make sure they seek families in need and provide safe and secure housing for them. Darryl Harris and Emma Byrd both reported that they knew of people in their districts that still have not received help. Lisa Sands recommended that they call 211 to see if they qualify for assistance or to follow up on qualifications. The commissioners praised the Unmet Needs Coalition, thanking them for all their hard work.

CPA19-0004 (Adoption Hearing)
BHT Properties Group, LLC (RJ 77), represented Johnson- Prewitt & Associates, Inc., 4164 County Road 833, Clewiston, FL 33440 1-34-43-34-A00-0001.0200

+/-201.25 acres, The applicant requested to amend the Hendry County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map by changing the future land use designation from Agriculture to Industrial on the subject property. This Adoption Hearing had no public comment and was approved by unanimous vote (5-0.)

A Land Development Code Amendment to amend the Hendry County Code of Ordinance Airglades Planned Industrial District (APID) and create a new zoning district called Airport Operations Planned District (AOPD) Zoning District and rezone land from APID and A-2 to AOPD; presented by Margaret Emblidge. There was no public comment and this agenda item was approved to move forward by unanimous vote (5-0.)

The last part of the meeting consisted of District Reports and comments from commissioners. Swindle urged Turner to heavily advertise Pioneer Community Meetings to encourage attendance and input. Byrd asked for a Public Hearing in order to allow for legal and safe nighttime driving of golf carts, and making possible amendments to the existing Golf Cart Ordinance. The meeting was adjourned with the Hendry BOCC wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year.

Meetings are also Live Streamed on the Hendry County Facebook Page. Meetings start at 5:00PM unless otherwise announced.