[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6081305,"mediaKeyId","2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1","parentId",2942872,"title","Votes at a glance — Putnam County Board of County Commissioners (meeting actions)","audioSeconds",3747,"startMs",837000,"endMs",4584000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1&start=837&end=4584","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1/thumbnail_837000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081305/Putnam-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Putnam-County-Board-of-County-Commissioners-meeting-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081305-3962bc71460f8db1cc9414737ec4a638/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184755&Signature=oU4DKv7ZlHuQpzQtypFnUNXB1VzfZytm4hD6U5GvyPn6QKuA7yD4WQ~CaDJvGtURt2esTPiYxVwQo9zdGqVOnFLWbZ-W6hB82LwgkdfKLpBrpe-n52Gp6mcVrX7-6M3h8-pRZVKY3mkT7EUOa0YlLqDg4lNEq3oqnsIgTQbOWk9K2Qd3pvTW86FuF0VqppXZdOJFFEiSkUmfruKnuZpvYwxuEdzS6X62Z6d6UrZASEQ-Ia1wkUvGcW44HiS1ktBttAjaGegt2YB0j1Zn2Jt49Nrh0kh-kg12UoWR~uD3AZxI7JAD0OKQHx1~FteBlQKJlkociL62IQBW8zYm91oBnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Putnam County","date","2025-04-10T12:11:07.83Z","article","This meeting produced several formal actions. The items below are a concise listing of motions, recorded outcomes and key details drawn from the public transcript.

1) Approval of minutes
- Motion: Approve Board of County Commission regular meeting minutes (March 11) as stated in packet.
- Mover/Second: Not specified in transcript for attribution.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

2) Ratification of Putnam County Health Department director
- Motion: Ratify appointment of Sherry Duncan as director of Putnam County Health Department.
- Mover/Second: Motion and second recorded in the meeting; names of mover/second not specified on the public record excerpt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote (aye recorded); board congratulated Duncan and ratified the position.

3) Contractors licensing changes
- Motion: Adopt revisions to county contractor licensing, including reducing the passing score from 75 to 70 and adding proof-of-financial-security in the application packet (staff-recommended changes).
- Mover/Second: Motion made and seconded; individual mover/second not specified in the transcript excerpt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

4) Acceptance of drainage easement (Resolution No. 25-25)
- Motion: Accept the drainage easement located at 122 Pinal Store Road (Resolution No. 25-25) to permit finalization of drainage repairs.
- Mover/Second: Motion and second recorded; mover/second names not specified in the excerpt.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

5) Land Development Code text amendment (LDC25-000001)
- Motion: Table the proposed county-initiated text amendment to the Putnam County Land Development Code and schedule a workshop for additional staff review and clarification.
- Mover/Second: Motion and second recorded; names of mover/second not specified in the transcript excerpt.
- Outcome: Motion to table approved; adoption was postponed pending a workshop.

Notes on procedure and attribution: Where the transcript did not record an explicit mover or seconder for a motion, this summary lists the motion as passed or tabled while noting that mover/second were not specified in the public excerpt. All outcomes described above are based on the meeting transcript's voice-vote confirmations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Putnam County BOCC Meeting April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Key formal actions taken at the meeting: approval of minutes and consent agenda; ratification of the Putnam County Health Department director; approval of contractor-licensing changes; acceptance of a drainage easement; LDC text amendment tabled for workshop.","taxTitle","Putnam County, Florida","taxId",53569,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081310,"Putnam County recognizes Fire & Rescue apprenticeship program, announces paid trainee positions",111,893000,1004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1&start=893&end=1004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1/thumbnail_893000.jpg","/articles/6081310/Putnam-County/Florida/Putnam-County-recognizes-Fire-Rescue-apprenticeship-program-announces-paid-trainee-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081310-06bcf5e35161606083686e79386f8b1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184755&Signature=YyT5ttSCbb~6D3LWuQjX8ELcm8-7VTls0pCctSPir0JWq9-cNyNCHsaJDYFZFRy0HAesqxMpU1-XuFLxpSO2juJt9jfZwcB7uX0cqGzPwaz0QsYXlRcB3EBsEvPoysk74KDQA-wQXiohxONBcdCbEuxKNHUOTIsciWEKpgcAIkD32ywJts~bfh~XhS8XnhLe5ra5EFSzBs0t1hLkjwrn0g0VLZ7xUVi1yQnrJtIQPywfS2Yskg-uhroO6Gam0n3-3P0P4WLR9b8mPJxjlJ1vDDrRoqgBqCVxDQ0eBx5pCKYNrsz6OIcMhgZJVe2NCwLyGP3-nFGQfeHMnvHNLmQMvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Putnam County commissioners and fire-rescue leadership recognized a cohort of apprentices and new paid trainees who completed a local apprenticeship and public-safety training program designed to expose high-school-age and older candidates to fire-service careers.

Deputy Administrator Grimes and the fire chief described a program started about a year earlier that allowed interested youths (age 16 and up) to ride with fire trucks for about 10 hours per week to determine whether a fire-service career suited them. Staff then created a 40-hour paid trainee position to allow participants to remain in school while gaining workplace experience and retaining local talent. Chief Grimes introduced trainees by name and noted one recent apprentice, Jordan Campbell, completed EMT training and is enrolled in fire school.

Officials said the program helps retain local candidates who might otherwise be recruited by other counties or drop out for financial reasons. Commissioners and county administration praised the program as “homegrown” workforce development that gives early exposure to maintenance, fleet and logistics work as well as front-line operations. County officials also recognized staff members and volunteers who support the program’s operations and student follow-up.

Why this matters: The apprenticeship and paid trainee positions create a local recruitment pipeline for emergency services, give students on-the-job exposure before committing to fire-school tuition, and address turnover and staffing shortages in public safety.

What’s next: Officials said they will conduct further trainee interviews in June after area high-school graduations and continue to expand the apprentice pool and trainee slots.","County officials and emergency-services leaders recognized apprentices who completed a Putnam County Fire & Rescue apprentice and trainee program that offers ride-along exposure and paid 40-hour trainee slots to help recruit and retain entry-level staff.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081314,"County gives updates on parks, ports, boat ramps and utilities; approves drainage easement on Pinal Store Road",3548,1878000,5426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1&start=1878&end=5426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1/thumbnail_1878000.jpg","/articles/6081314/Putnam-County/Florida/County-gives-updates-on-parks-ports-boat-ramps-and-utilities-approves-drainage-easement-on-Pinal-Store-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081314-293dc8480bac7ba17de85fa1b333ba0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184755&Signature=V3avbTK7Gi2h8t6mwCAuLPWHvLXYPlXfjwET2iQXUlI5ocTKxUKWU0gaaPYB48Ff5iBZJIi9xfMdfEb2TzJLk239BRyxiZ-hIfyBtjIhaT0XPagDWpXIoSY-COYUqyeVuJYKo1k59DAMInjLAHy0MKt-4cnjZ8NgUlkD7PmQ70OP2dzamTIbmQKz8lK8BJIxTG7qpQ8XfE-dsct5wN~~qiLd0in0Vd1b0SCcNdDxm5GyaewmsCxhwkdnuHoWLHJYzD9ZfSxqyuVevWNeXW4cJSsmsYwu5zwV0gHoP0YD~153TL~~f0cjKx2ImuZYaYQkA8lzRnwraLZnPTwQSwGLdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff provided a quarterly snapshot of capital and infrastructure projects across Putnam County and commissioners approved a drainage easement necessary to complete a local drainage repair project.

County project highlights presented by staff included:
- Port Putnam: the Port Infrastructure Development Plan is complete; bulkhead design, engineering and permitting are underway; an advanced port security system and buildings for port control and kennel facilities are under construction and moving toward completion.
- Parks and recreation: John Theobald Sports Complex parking lot resealed and relined; batting cage pavilion installed; playground installation planned at San Mateo Community Park; Putnam Aquatic Center opened for the season.
- Roads and resurfacing: several dirt-to-pave projects are at various stages; County Road resurfacing projects for multiple fiscal years reported as design or construction complete or underway; guardrail repairs for FY25 have been awarded and expected to begin in April.
- Utilities and water projects: Paradise Point sewer hardening and generator work is proceeding under HMGP and county coordination with DEP; San Mateo water extension has a completed main and meter installations ongoing; St. John’s Harbor water plant is operational with ongoing repairs and retention-pond design work in coordination with FDEP.

Boat ramps: Dunn’s Creek and Georgetown ramps have received funding and design/permitting is in process; permitting for boat ramps typically requires additional time due to DEP review and any dredging is not anticipated for these sites.

Animal control: staff said the animal control facility opening has been delayed but remains targeted for a summer grand opening.

Drainage easement acceptance: The board voted to accept a drainage easement (Resolution 25-25) for work at 122 Pinal Store Road granted by the landowner, who provided access to correct a recurring flooding/drainage problem. Staff reported that roughly 90% of the repair work has already been completed on county authority and the easement will allow finalization and closeout of the project. The board voted to accept Resolution 25-25 by voice vote.

Why this matters: The project updates reflect capital investments in transportation, parks, water and port infrastructure that affect access, recreation and storm resilience in Putnam County. Acceptance of the drainage easement formalizes right-of-entry and recorded authorization to finalize roadside drainage improvements after significant flooding last year.

What’s next: Staff will continue permitting and design work for the projects on the countywide list, pursue HMGP and other grants for generators and lift-station hardening, and complete the work connected to Resolution 25-25. Staff said the impact-fee study draft report has been received and the consultant will present final findings at an upcoming meeting (April 22 as announced).","Staff presented a quarterly project update covering Port Putnam infrastructure, parks, resurfacing and water/sewer work; commissioners accepted a drainage easement for road drainage work at 122 Pinal Store Road by resolution 25-25.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":46,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081319,"Commission approves lower passing score for county contractor licensing; trustees say state standard is acceptable",688,3896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1&start=3896&end=4584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1/thumbnail_3896000.jpg","/articles/6081319/Putnam-County/Florida/Commission-approves-lower-passing-score-for-county-contractor-licensing-trustees-say-state-standard-is-acceptable","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081319-1cef8cc1478c16211976c6a178cbe0f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184755&Signature=GkZVu9SH-Qe0voIO5zPkOimlbUZfDV1lVJ20be6NQiA5y2zX~CdGJYshLtvV27MxCkuVQNcI-j~dwByNIvvFn2OZCifMYsl6Ffgj-I-xHkwwDtq4Hp-VDx-P4udwslUyG6sBhrqgxpCQO6wmQLJL5mmpXlSP27a~ZIEoOWgWs~6QeaqmftxpoI4fi-3qN2iWze5jyAnzz-j0ldTtGtG7sP0qhtUpF5KC4OzCbhNBie1MHqCwbicq8hbYOtyivdpSS~Ley-VtBbr-MeQq9wZXzftLAa4ym2-0gkVacOe2CYcH2qYf-XTaw1C9WVBffRT7omTGDU7xfBaHH0JMefhaOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Putnam County commissioners approved revisions to the county contractor-license procedures after hearing a staff presentation comparing the local testing regimen to state standards.

Planning and Development contractor-administration staff and Leo Waitson of Planning and Development explained the differences between the state and county contractor tests and noted the county’s testing format has fewer questions but a higher pass threshold than many neighboring counties. Waitson characterized the choice as a local “policy decision.” He told commissioners: “So, really, it's just a policy decision on your part.”

Under the changes discussed at the meeting, staff proposed dropping the county passing score from 75 to 70 and adding proof-of-financial-security as part of the packet for local licensing. Commissioners noted that state-licensed contractors are still subject to the Florida Building Code and county inspections; several board members said inspections and enforcement processes apply regardless of the local test score.

Following discussion, a motion to approve the contractor-license changes (lower passing score to 70 and adopt recommended application updates, including financial-security proof and application vetting) passed by voice vote.

Why this matters: Contractors who start at the local level can expand into state licensing; lowering the threshold aligns Putnam’s passing score with neighboring counties and reduces a barrier for local firms while keeping inspection and code enforcement protections in place.

What’s next: Staff will implement the updated passing threshold and update the candidate packet and contractor-review procedures. The county will continue to inspect construction work under the Florida Building Code regardless of the applicant’s original licensing route.

","After staff briefings, the board voted to adopt changes to local contractor licensing procedures including lowering the passing test score from 75 to 70 and adding proof-of-financial-security requirements. Supporters said inspections and the Florida Building Code still apply.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081324,"Commission tables Putnam County Land Development Code text amendment after lengthy debate; workshop ordered",1462,2402000,3864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1&start=2402&end=3864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2942872-e95d02650b1a0aeccad25723fb4ba4a1/thumbnail_2402000.jpg","/articles/6081324/Putnam-County/Florida/Commission-tables-Putnam-County-Land-Development-Code-text-amendment-after-lengthy-debate-workshop-ordered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081324-45b4585e6f168ff175795bb8f83073df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184755&Signature=GpOqzdtWDF2~jBVFzw~eSg5I6NgujvPzI4VnikLp-bHyuwBYF9RJln9qopKW1kTTJkU7-Vk9xWW4DmoegI6x6f33YjH8e8gdoLPUgcAd4XxvTAWdsSgMptjPJnc0QpsBIvbPBIilNK44C6fRSj7Eh0coY3uLRnkZzTN-HIY5CASLEQ2flkyuqvU75LtyR8xIvrLs2SeNUsKqgVUWq39YjImKY7tYtmc5L4InoR6Xr~8OazH0Z16QKBpRMQFmmzSzRGV8EFYYJaqVvMhKYWbn8aB0t6fifDCk6SobSo7qMpm1cSLWZ0aEpazF3M4tdfHYjVfPguBbDPU8J1grjwzAng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Putnam County commissioners voted to table a proposed, county-initiated text amendment to multiple articles of the county Land Development Code (LDC) after extended debate and requests for clarification from commissioners and members of the public.

Planning staff presented the amendment as a consistency and enforceability update covering Articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13 of the LDC, identified in the packet as LDC25-000001. Planning and Development Services staffer Zachary Baker summarized the changes and said the Planning Commission recommended approval at its March 12 public hearing, with modifications noted in the commission minutes. “For the record, Zachary Baker, Planning and Development Services. This is LDC25Dash000001,” Baker told the board during the initial presentation.

The amendment package would, among other changes, remove or modify several current requirements: it would permit certain emergency-services uses by right in some commercial zones, add accessory dwelling unit clarifications, change minimum right-of-way widths for previously platted subdivisions, adjust setbacks for structures adjacent to artificial ponds, add definitions (including “canal” and “de facto subdivision”), and revise mobile home park and drainage language. Staff also proposed reducing the minimum right-of-way width that the public works director may approve from 35 feet to 30 feet for previously approved developments.

Much of the debate centered on three contested areas:
- Emergency services zoning: The Planning Commission recommended that emergency services remain subject to a Special Use Permit (SUP) in agricultural, residential and the CPO/C1 commercial districts so the community would receive notice and have a chance to comment on specific proposals. Several commissioners, notably Commissioner Harvey, pushed the opposite view, saying public-safety facilities should not be constrained by additional zoning barriers. Resident commenter (public) Woodard urged preserving the SUP requirement so that neighbors and professional offices in CPO/C1 districts would get notice and a hearing before an emergency-services use is located nearby.
- Recreational vehicles on vacant property: The draft tightens limits on storing or living in RVs on vacant parcels, language introduced by code enforcement and the magistrate to enable abatement where long-term occupation or dereliction occurs. Commissioners expressed concern about enforceability and potential overreach on property owners who temporarily park campers or have marginal housing options; staff agreed to return with clarification and enforcement mechanisms.
- Technical standards and minor thresholds: Commissioners asked staff to revisit an 8-foot maximum height for well-house/pump-house structures and the 60-square-foot area limit, and to remove hard-coded pipe material names from culvert and cross-drain standards so the county can accept materials approved by public works or other up-to-date standards. Staff indicated these provisions stemmed from public-works and code-enforcement requests and agreed to refine the language.

After a wide-ranging discussion in which multiple commissioners requested more time for staff to provide clarifying detail, Commissioner Alexander moved that the board refer the item to a workshop for additional review; the board seconded the motion and voted in favor to table the item and schedule a workshop. The board did not adopt any of the proposed LDC changes at the meeting.

Why this matters: The amendment would revise standards that affect where emergency services, accessory dwelling units, mobile-home park drainage and other development patterns are allowed in Putnam County. Commissioners signaled support for some of the consultant and staff changes but asked for more precision on enforcement pathways, public notice, and technical specifications before a final vote.

What’s next: The board directed staff to coordinate a workshop with commissioners and relevant department leads to address the questions raised on RV enforcement, pump-house dimensions, culvert/material standards and the SUP vs. use-by-right decision for emergency services in CPO/C1 zoning. Staff said the package will return for an adoption hearing after the workshop and required advertising under section 125.665(b), Florida Statutes.

","Putnam County commissioners postponed a decision on a comprehensive Land Development Code text amendment after extended discussion over emergency-services zoning, RV restrictions and technical standards. The board voted to table the item and direct staff to schedule a workshop for more review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance — Putnam County Board of County Commissioners (meeting actions)

Putnam County recognizes Fire & Rescue apprenticeship program, announces paid trainee positions

County gives updates on parks, ports, boat ramps and utilities; approves drainage easement on Pinal Store Road

Commission approves lower passing score for county contractor licensing; trustees say state standard is acceptable

Commission tables Putnam County Land Development Code text amendment after lengthy debate; workshop ordered