Here are some topics from the last Board of County Commissioners meeting. If you want to know more about what was discussed and decided, you can read the agendas and minutes as they get posted. You can watch the meeting in full on our Facebook page or website.
CCUA outlines public health and safety strategies for the future
CCUA is working hard to expand its services to meet growing demand and manage water resources sustainably in North Florida. Executive Director Jeremy Johnston briefed commissioners on CCUA’s strategic plan for the next ten years. Priorities include modernizing enterprise systems and procedures through a new ERP platform, implementing a SCADA automation program to improve efficiency and reduce service interruption risks, enhancing cyber security, and developing an enterprise asset management program to improve capital improvement planning. Additional strategies include creating a proactive communications plan focused on web-based account access, implementing a workforce development program, and developing long-term financial plans that use grants and other funding sources for capital projects. For more information about the future of CCUA, visit the 38:19-minute mark.
Improving the health of our community by targeting identified needs
The Florida Department of Health in Clay County works to evaluate and meet the health needs of our community. In 2023, a comprehensive Health Needs Assessment identified key themes to be addressed through public health and planning initiatives targeting behavioral health, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare access. The assessment data was used to create a Community Health Improvement Plan for 2024-2028 targeting lifestyle behaviors such as obesity, nicotine use, and reducing chronic and infectious diseases. Behavioral health initiatives address health education and awareness of behavioral health resources and services, increased access to substance use prevention and education, and suicide prevention. Healthcare access initiatives include increasing access to primary and specialty healthcare education and resources by removing transportation, health insurance, and health literacy barriers. Listen to the presentation at the 2:05:18-minute mark.
More paddleboard/kayak rental locations coming to Clay County parks
Commissioners approved the staff’s evaluation and recommendation to award RFP No. 23/24-068 to PADL, LLC. for up to eight new paddleboard/kayak rental stations at Clay County parks and boat ramps. PADL LLC. is the current provider of paddleboard/kayak rental kiosks at Camp Chowenwaw Park and Doctors Lake Park. Staff will negotiate an agreement for the Board to approve that identifies the new locations where residents and visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, paddles, and safety gear through an app on their smartphones. This agreement will include a 20 percent revenue share with the County. Listen to the discussion at the 2:45:15 time stamp.
Supporting St. Johns River State College’s efforts to expand baccalaureate programs in Clay County
Commissioners are pleased to offer a letter of support to St. Johns River State College to help them secure funding to expand the baccalaureate programs available at their Clay County campus. The proposed degree programs include BS degrees in Exceptional Student Education, Biological Sciences, and Social and Human Services, and BAS degrees in Digital Art & Media and Performance Design & Production. These programs will all prepare graduates for entry into high-wage, high-demand careers locally. The proposed programs will enable the residents of Clay County to earn a high-quality, low-cost baccalaureate degree from the only public college offering such degrees in our County, greatly increasing the likelihood that we retain these graduates in our local community and workforce. You can read the letter of support attached to the agenda. Listen to the discussion at the 2:44:36- minute mark.
