Jett

Mr Jett and his SUV has been the topic of conversation here before, just check out the archives.  I'd not heard the latest story.

Another time a misunderstanding that I myself had (actually caused) with the Clerk of Courts Office was handled brilliantly. I'm sorry to say I cannot remember the nice ladys name but she came in here, created an account, blogged to everyone, offered me her name and phone number so she could help me out.

I only wish this was the worst of what there is to get bent over.  I think I have more of a problem with driving a taxpayer funded gas guzzler then I do where he drove it to.

 http://24.23.126.8/  Sign the Petition for Choice in Nov of 7 Commissioners or 5

 

PBinCC;

If you keep this up I'm going to have to start questioning your choice of 'friends'. Didn't your Mommy ever explain to you that you are known by the company you keep?

Let's see, Christy was too arrogant to think that she was doing anything wrong and didn't have the good common sense to ask if either of those county employees was on the clock.

Jett is too arrogant to know that it is pretty obvious to the most casual observer that his use of a County Vehicle is already giving the appearance of wrong doing. He did make one really telling statement though: 'It's good-old-boy politics', and he is the one practicing them.

"It may not have been smart, but I didn't think there was anything wrong with it,"

Trust me on this. If it is not smart, then there is something wrong with it. If he can't figure that out perhaps he needs to take a class in ethics 101. 

The average voter isn't nearly as dumb as some politicians think they are. We are getting sick and tired of the BS they people put out.

"It could be construed to campaigning -- that's unfortunate -- but I campaign 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," Jett said.

So when the heck does he do what we pay him to do?

Sucking up to Mike Taylor and the FOP at a free BBQ is NOT County business. It is for personal gain (hopes of being re-elected) and should NOT be supported by taxpayer dollars.

Sometimes he attends a public function after church? Was that the case every time he drove the County SUV to church? A really good deal for him. Especially when darn near every citizen in Clay County is struggling to pay over $3.50 a gallon for gas.

Did the 'Little Blonde' irritate you recently? From reading some of her articles (I assume we're talking Susan Armstrong) I'd say Jett got off easy. News4Jax played softball with him from what I can see.

ironic how there is no mention of this on MCS. I'd say you just mentioned it. Thanks. I love to hear stories about how well our elected officials are taking care of our money. Real fiscal conservatives.

Mike Heemer http://24.23.126.8/ Petition for choice (5 or 7) in Nov.

I get so tired of the people in the county who would get on tv and insult the citizens of the county with lame excuses. They have a survey on News4Jax asking if you think this is an abuse of taxpayers dollars. I hope everyone takes the survey.

I guess Susan Armstrong was busy with the article that identifies Bradley and Scruby as requesting a copy of the CTLAC petition back in November. Pick up Folio and read the article in this week's paper. Great article!

Good ole boys in Clay County.

I'd like to know the specific requirements of the County's vehicle use plan before I drive any stakes into Jimmy's heart over this issue.  Unnecessary - yes.  Unethical, illegal - I don't think so.

If the County issued the Clerk of the Court (who just happens to be Jimmy Jett - it could have been anyone else) a vehicle for personal use, then this is a non-issue.  If the vehicle comes with restrictions that require it be used only for "official" business - then maybe he's abusing a policy.  Until someone (Angela?) posts the specifics of the vehicle use plan, then any other hyperbole is just that.

The most interesting part of this story is that is old news and Jim Piggot got suckered into chasing it again.  Someone must be running against Jimmy for Clerk of the Court.  Good ol' politics.

Campaigning 24-7-365?  Give me a break - all elected officials do it.  If you say different, you're kidding yourself.  It goes with the territory.  The more time I spend watching and analyzing elected officials, the more I realize what a pain in the butt being an elected anything must be.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't.  But - if you can't stand the heat . . .

What SHOULD be examined is the policy of using gas-hog vehicles for the County period.  I know they were bought when gas wasn't SO high, but still, a more economical vehicle seems to be more appropriate.

Where would one find out information on the clay county  vehicle fleet program and how they can be used?

  I am too often amazed how often I see these county vehicles on the road on weekends and traditional non-working hours.  I like you don't want to unfairly accuse government officials of using public vehicles for private matters, but would be intersted in shining some light on this issue ( it appears that light is what changed Mr. Jett's mind from driving a county car to his beach condo).  It's amazing how light can change people's behavior.

I'm curious on the following...............

  ..............Issues such as who gets a vehicle, how are they to be used, and not used, what records are kept to keep officials accountable to the vehicles, do they also receive a gas card?  How is that monitered?  Are the vehicles driven home each night or are they all returned after each work day, with the employee then driving their car home?

 Would be interesting to find out, especially with gas prices flirting with the $4.00 a gallon mark (higher on diesel)

To put it in perspective......I wonder what everyone would think if the Florida water patrol used their state issued boats for recreation on the weekends?   Just a thought.

 

godoggo

Now, correct me if i'm wrong, but the CCSO uses the indianapolis car plan.  Pretty mush drive the county issued vehicle anywhere in the county anytime unless otherwise instructed.  I'm not bashing the CCSO b/c of the dignified service provided.  I'm not bashing the Orange Park Fire Department for driving the largest engine not only in the town but in the county to resturants frequently.  Just wondering why we may or may not have aproblem with an elected official doing the same.  Is it public scrutiny?  Is it the fact and only the fact that gas prices are so high right now, b/c i doubt this would be an issue if the prices were say, 2 bucks. 

I do have a problem with the vehicle being taken out of the county on the part of the Clerk, the CCSO, op fire department.......anyone.  However, the major point i'd like to convey is that we only complain about such actions when it dramatically affects us or our pocket book. 

More gas effiecient vehicles would be nice......start a petition.  The use of the vehicle outside of the county should never be allowed or sanctioned.

So, we don't care that say, however many CCSO office vehicles are running around all over the county whenever, but hell, Jett better not drive that vehicle unless he is on the way to work, don't take it to lunch, just to work, pack your lunch.

Personally, Mr. Jett makes enough money, probably more than most of us to pay his own way without the usage of a county vehicle, the CCSO deserves a take home car, however, drving the car to wal-mart and running errands, not so much.  It just seems in my opinion that those of you opposed to the overunning of county issued vehicles have some inconsistencies in your views, now i am opposedto such, but i'm opposed to all of the subject in regards to overunning the vehicles.  What say you?

Great book - godoggo.  My grandkids love it.  Great questions - seems like a good story idea for the MCS print version.  Inquiring minds want to know.

Jimmy Jett has been a servant of this county since I moved here 30 some years ago. Is he a glad handing politician? You bet he is. He has campaigned 24/7 since the first time I met him. However, he is one of the only politicians I’ve ever met that sincerely listens to each individual talking to him and will give you an honest answer to any question you have. If he doesn’t know the answer he will tell you so and won’t give you a double talk reply just to make you feel better. He has always been aboveboard whenever I’ve talked with him. I wish more servants of the people were like him. (A sub-compact car might be better though)

I have blogged about vehicles in several blogs for quite a while. I have for a long time suggested the county put GPS tracking systems on all county vehicles. I did hear the County Manager say recently some vehicles have them. I say all vehicles should have GPS tracking placed in them. We should monitor both mileage and gasoline. Public works just indicated they need additional money for gasoline to cover this fiscal year.

As far as public records go. I have seen complaints filed against law enforcement for siphoning gas out of their county vehicle and putting it in their private vehicle. I've seen emails where 6 animal control personnel take vehicles home. If these people are not on emergency call then they should leave that vehicle at work and drive their private vehicles home. Numerous complaints have been filed about people using county vehicles for personal use.

Many places have placed GPS tracking on vehicles and have saved taxpayers money and caught people goofing off on the clock.

As far as Jett unethical, illegal, or what ever name you want to place on this abuse of taxpayers money. It is an abuse of taxpayers money to use our money for private purposes. If he says he campaigns 24/7/365 days a year then I think that would be illegal to campaign while on county time and using county resources. That would be based off his own statements in the article. Taking his county vehicle to another county for personal use should be illegal if it's not.

Link: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WireStory?id=3872325&page=1

If I am not mistaken, the only folks allowed to take vehicles to and from home are folks that are required to be available 24/7 for county emergencies, and on call status. I think that would be a reasonable assumption. 

Now the next question is, which departments fall into this category? I wish I had the answer for you, but  I don't.

My guess would be that the county's human resourses department must have a policy manual that describes vehicle usage rules for county employees. How one would obtain that is unknown to me.

 

TRUTHHURTS

Here's a link to the policy: http://www.claycountygov.com/Departments/HR/Policy_Manual_2006.pdf

Mr. Jett is a constitutional officer and under State Ethics and the voters just passed the ethics laws in Clay County as well.

He may want to look into Code of Ethics Prohibition on Misuse of Official Position and Public Resources.

Of course anyone who would like to could file a complaint with the Ethics Commission and I'm certain it would be investigated.

Here's a link to the Ethics Commission: http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/

Truth,

Your correct regarding take home vehicles. If your subject to be called out 24/7 then you get the previleage of taking a vehicle home.

All Department Heads and Division Directors are not allowed to take home vehicles even though some are subject to call out 24/7.

The County Manager takes his vehicle home. When does he show up at any location that he would need a take home vehicle??

George Bush has pushed this issue for many years. But it seems as though it only depended on who you are. Why would Don Moore need to drive home a vehicle when oversees the finance department?

Once again, our fine government at its best.

In my opinion, there should not be any take home vehicles unless you are on call. That includes the county manager, the finance director and Jett amongest others.

Oh I wanted to say a special hello to Truth.

While I'm on the subject of county vehicles, BCC vehicles as well as SO vehicles need to adhere to the speed limits just like everyone else.

I was passed by a county truck today going about 50 in a 35 zone. Oh maybe he had to go potty.

I observed another county truck turn right on red doing something called a rolling stop. They are not exempt from the laws.

I've  been passed by the SO only to have them pull into a substation. What a hurry cant miss role call.

Ms. Angela,

Could you direct me to a location that a Folio can be found? Thanks

I think they can be found at all of the Larry's Giant Subs and libraries. I remember seeing them at Whitey's Fish Camp before but I don't know if they still have them there.

Thank you.

 

Years ago when I worked for a local city government, we would have to take a vehicle to different parts of Duval county to buy things that werent available in Clay county, Most of the time it would be around lunch time so I would stop along the way to have lunch. Most of the time employees don't get paid for that hour anyway. So there are instances where a County owned vehicle will be seen out of the county boundries. CCSO encourages the off duty deputies to park their vehicles at their homes. My neighborhood even has a JSO car in one of our driveways. I know of a county employee that picks his child up from a private school every day in his county vehicle. U know who U are.

I wrote a letter to the county, suggesting that the vehicles not be left running in the parking lot of a convience store when the worker was having lunch inside. Boy did I get hell over that. My house was gone over with a fine tooth comb and checked to make sure that I had all the proper building permits. I received a warning to take down my 10x20 tarp that I had over my boat at the time. My neighbor got one too. We took them down in the allotted amount of time and never heard another word about it. As a matter of fact, my neighbor put his back up a fews weeks later and so many YEARS later it is still there.

So the person responsible for leaving his car running in the parking lot, wasted a lot of taxpayers resources, making sure that I got what was coming to me.  GOB

 Ms. Cookie

A big special hello back at you.

I hope all is well with you and yours.

 

TRUTHHURTS

VEHICLE USE POLICY

SECTION 17A

A. PURPOSE.

This section sets forth the vehicle use policy of Clay County. Its purpose is to establish operational guidelines and policies related to the operation of County vehicles, permanent 8-hour vehicle assignments, 24-hour vehicle assignments, and utilization of private vehicles to conduct official County business and to maximize utilization of all County vehicles to ensure the highest return available for capital, operating, and maintenance dollars.

B. ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED.

All departments and divisions under the Board of County Commissioners which utilize sedans, utility vehicles, pickup trucks, vans, panel and utility trucks for County business shall comply with this policy.

C. GENERAL.

Certain employees have vehicles provided to them in order to properly and efficiently carry out their job duties. County vehicles are distinctly marked and the way they are operated directly reflects on the public image of our County. County vehicles are to be used as necessary to conduct business of the County and its operations. Employees shall not operate County vehicles for the purpose of pleasure travel or conducting a private business or enterprise. However, it is recognized that a minimum amount of personal use of a County vehicle may be required for those employees who are assigned a take-home vehicle and, therefore, commute to and from work in the County vehicle; conduct their daily work in or from a vehicle; or are on County authorized travel. Each Department Head shall insure that only authorized personnel are allowed to operate County vehicles and equipment.

D. RULES APPLICABLE TO THE USE OF ALL COUNTY VEHICLES.

The following provisions shall apply to all employees who operate County vehicles. Failure to comply with these provisions will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

(1) Safety belts shall be used properly at all times when operating a County vehicle.

(2) Under no circumstances shall alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs be consumed, used or transported in County vehicles. In this regard, the driver of the vehicle will be held primarily responsible for the vehicle and its contents.

(3) Smoking in County vehicles is strictly prohibited. 85

(4) The Department or Division specifically assigned a non-motor pool vehicle is responsible for maintaining the vehicle in a clean condition. Washing of the vehicle may be accomplished using the County’s car wash facilities.

(5) Any employee operating a County vehicle or a privately owned vehicle utilized in conducting County business must possess and maintain the appropriate Florida Driver's License and observe all traffic regulations and anti-littering regulations. Such employee must promptly report driver license restrictions, expiration, denial, suspension, or revocation immediately to his or her supervisor.

(6) The current vehicle registration and insurance carrier card must be maintained in a plainly marked envelope within the glove compartment of each County vehicle at all times. The person assigned the exclusive use of a vehicle shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this paragraph regarding such vehicle. The head of the Department or Division to which a motor pool vehicle has been assigned shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this paragraph regarding such vehicle.

(7) Each year, persons assigned take home County vehicles must complete and file all necessary forms with the Finance Department in order to comply with applicable Federal tax regulations.

(8) Personal use of a County vehicle shall be restricted to the time the employee is en route to or from work (8-hour and 24-hour vehicles only). Brief stops such as at banks or convenience stores are permitted. Using the vehicle to go to a business establishment or other location after returning home is not permitted, unless it is for an assigned County function or meeting, or unless the employee has been specifically instructed by the County Manager to have the vehicle in his/her possession for immediate response because of special, unique circumstances. Any visit to a legitimate business site while en route to or from work must be brief and must not subject the vehicle to undue danger, nor may said business establishment be illegal or lend discredit to the County Government or its operations.

(9) Under no circumstances shall a County vehicle be driven by a person not employed by the County, except in case of an emergency.

(10) Except as may be limited, prohibited or otherwise provided under a collective bargaining agreement applicable to a particular employee, each employee who is assigned a County vehicle to perform official duties shall be permitted to take all authorized breaks and lunches within the assigned area, but shall not leave the assigned area without authorization from his or her immediate supervisor.

(11) In using a County vehicle, anyone failing to comply with this Vehicle Use Policy or with State or local traffic regulations will be subject to disciplinary action. In 86

addition to warranted discipline, the appropriate Department Director or County Manager shall have the right to deny, until suitable remedial steps have been imposed and satisfactorily completed, the use of a County vehicle to anyone so failing to comply.

E. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES.

(1) All employees are required to comply with this vehicle policy as set forth herein, or as the same subsequently may be amended from time to time.

(2) All employees who operate County vehicles must exercise reasonable care in the safekeeping, use and maintenance of County vehicles to which they are assigned. Accordingly, negligence in the use and care of County vehicles, including but not limited to, abuse, misuse, willful or negligent loss, and/or destruction may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Serious cases of negligence may result in the filing of a civil and/or criminal action against the employee.

(3) All employees who operate County vehicles must do so in a safe manner; Must comply with all State and local traffic regulations including safety restraint laws for driver and all passengers and including not littering from the vehicle; and must display safe and courteous driving habits which reflect favorably on Clay County and its employees.

(4) Any employee who receives a traffic citation while operating a County vehicle must comply with the lawful requirements imposed by the issuing agency and notify his or her immediate supervisor of the citation, and the effect (if any) that the citation may have on the employee's ability to maintain the required driver's license should the employee plead to or be found guilty of the offense charged in the citation.

F. VEHICLE ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES.

(1) 8-HOUR ASSIGNED VEHICLE.

The assignment of an 8-hour vehicle to an employee will be determined by the Director of the Department to which the vehicle has been assigned. In order for an employee to be eligible for an 8-hour vehicle assignment, one of the following criteria must be met:

a. The vehicle is subjected to frequent abnormal, excessive, or hazardous conditions which cannot be avoided.

b. The vehicle is required to carry special equipment, parts and tools, or emergency response equipment. 87

c. The employee’s position is one of inspection, deliveries, enforcement, investigation, community outreach directly associated with daily authorized work programs, grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance, facilities, or road maintenance in which 70% of the employee's work day is spent at a site other than his or her reporting location.

(2) DEPARTMENT MOTOR POOLS.

As required for efficient use of personnel and equipment, departments may maintain a small motor pool at a location as designated by the Department Director. An employee requiring a vehicle for a day or portion thereof will request such vehicles from his or her departmental motor pool through the Department Director or Division Manager who will make assignments from the motor pool as available provided the employee is otherwise qualified under this Vehicle Use Policy.

(3) EXTENDED OVERNIGHT USE.

A Department Director may authorize an employee under his or her supervision to take a County vehicle assigned to the Department on an occasional basis home when the Director determines the same to be in the best interest of the County. "Occasionally" is defined as occurring on an infrequent and irregular basis, and typically less than five consecutive working days in duration. An example of this would be during times of emergency or during disasters. This authorization must be granted at the Department Director level for departmental employees and by the County Manager for Department or Division Directors.

(4) 24-HOUR ASSIGNED VEHICLE.

The County Manager shall have the exclusive authority to approve all 24-hour vehicle assignments. To qualify for the assignment of a vehicle to be driven home at night, an employee must live within the boundaries of Clay County and must meet one or more of the following conditions:

a. An employee must be designated for on-call duty 24 hours per day, and must actually be called out for bona fide emergencies on an average of three times per month for the preceding three month period. Such employee must be on-call specifically for emergencies and must require transportation and tools or equipment on board the vehicle to perform his or her emergency duties.

b. An employee must be assigned the use of a marked 24-hour County response vehicle that is equipped and operated for the purpose of providing support during a bona fide emergency response to the public safety functions of the County by establishing or repairing 88

access to areas and people in need of fire suppression or emergency medical response service; or rescue or protection from accidents, severe weather, loss of roadway, loss of traffic signals or barricades, or drainage washouts; provided, the assignment of employees to on-call status with a County vehicle under this subparagraph shall be accomplished, to the extent reasonably and safely practicable, on a rotating basis among qualified personnel, and with the minimum staffing reasonably necessary and appropriate.

c. An employee must be assigned to an administrative or executive position which requires routine weekend and/or evening attendance at public meetings or functions.

d. An employee has been provided with a County vehicle as part of an employment agreement.

e. Employee’s position is one of inspection or enforcement where it is to the advantage of the County for that work to be conducted either on the way to or from work.

f. As a condition of employment for any position that has been authorized by the County Manager.

G. RULES REGARDING 24-HOUR ASSIGNED VEHICLES.

Each employee who is assigned a County vehicle that is driven home at night must adhere to the following rules:

(1) In order to provide a greater margin of protection for the County's vehicle and equipment from collision, damage, or theft, the employee must have available and actually use off-street parking for the vehicle when it is parked at the employee’s residence.

(2) Under no circumstances shall the vehicle be used for transporting members of the employee’s family or for anything pertaining to personal business or pleasure.

(3) The vehicle must be turned in to the employee’s department when the employee is absent for any reason in excess of two days. In case of illness or inability to turn the vehicle in, the Department or Division Director is to be notified immediately.

(4) The employee is responsible for having the vehicle washed when necessary to keep the vehicle in clean condition. 89

VEHICLE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

SECTION 17.B

A. PURPOSE.

This policy establishes responsibilities and procedures to ensure proper operation, purchasing, disposal, inventory, and maintenance of all BCC - County owned vehicles.

B. POLICY.

The Fleet Division of Public Works oversees and is responsible for the maintenance of the BCC vehicle fleet. This policy will address the proper methods of determining whether a County Vehicle is needed, the process to purchase a County vehicle, the proper use of a County vehicle, maintenance procedures, the requirements of the vehicle operator, the requirements for inventorying and tracking County vehicles, and how to dispose of the County vehicle.

C. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS.

Before purchasing a vehicle, the department head is responsible for conducting an analysis of the cost and benefits of the purchase to include the options of a new or used vehicle, long-term rental or payment of personal reimbursement of employees using a personal vehicle (if practical). Such cost – benefit analysis shall be conducted through the annual budget process. The Budget Manager and Fleet Manager are available to assist departments in this analysis, by providing historical data and standards.

(1) Safety belts shall be used properly at all times when operating a County vehicle

 

Thank you very much!!!

Perfect.  Thanks a million.

Somebody's got some 'splaining to do...

You gotta love Clay County politics.  It's a thrill a minute.  About the time you think it's safe to go back in the water, BAM!!

Before the County starts privatizing subdivision roads - an idea being floated to help cut costs for road maintenance - maybe they should tighten up the belt on vehicle use - er, abuse.

I'm headed to the mini-fair at St. Lukes with the Grandkids (bet I don't see any County vehicles).  Ya'll have a good weekend.  See ya.

The Loop Restaurants usually has Folio.

Great story last week and a great story this week. Pick up a copy!

Susan?  Is that you?  Come on - you can tell us.

Bill Garrison.

No, I'm not Susan. I'm not any of the myriad of names I've been called on the blogs either. My name is Angela. I thought we had passed this little bump in the road, but thanks for the compliment. Now don't forget to pick up a copy of Folio.

I've decided that I don't really care if the person is Angela (Teresa Martin) or Susan (Susan Armstrong).

What makes the difference? They both have interesting conversation and there's never a dull moment. So I say who cares as long as they stay the way they are.

Don't forget Cruella. It doesn't bother me but it may bother the people that I am being called because sometimes I can be a little rough around the edges. It does give me something to research when they throw names out there. I'll just keep on being Angela.

Baxley I think a blog about the privatizing of subdivision roads would be a good one to start.

This is an interesting topic and has been discussion several times at BCC meetings years ago. I recall that former Sheriff Jennings Murrhee who served 24 years in office drove his personal car every day to work. Sheriff Murrhee shared a story with me that in 1968 or 1969 he had just purchased himself a new car and he heard a police pursuit with a stolen car out of Putnam County on the police radio. He joined in the pursuit outside of Green Cove Springs and when the pursuit ended at Rice Creek in Putnam County his new car looked like it had been in a derby race. He never had a county issued car. Now that says a lot for an elected Sheriff who may have to respond to the scene of a serious incident and represent the agency.

Former Clerk of the Court George Carlisle who served 32 years always drove his personal car to work and around the county. So I am not sold on the idea that every elected official needs a county vehicle assigned to them for use 24/7.

County employees that are really on call that are needed in an emergency response for situations that are a matter of life and death should be issued a vehicle. I am still trying to figure out what kind of an emergency call would require the Clerk of the Court to respond too that would justify him having a vehicle. Surely an alarm after hours at the courthouse couldn’t be justification.

The new article in Folio is along these same lines and talks about the State Attorney candidate using his county vehicle and other county resources for political gain.

People who take vehicles home because they leave from their home each day to go to work is not justification either. I leave my home and go to work each day just like all of us do.

Using a county vehicle to attend a campaign rally for the purpose of campaigning doesn't look appropriate to me either for either of these gentlemen.