Board appoints members to Arts Council; presents canine veterans proclamation and managers linchpin awards

The board considered appointments to the Arts Council and heard brief remarks from applicants, including Carol Velasquez Richardson, Arman Lowry and Diane D'Imperio. Commissioners voted to appoint Diane D'Imperio, Arman Lowry and Carol Velasquez Richardson to full terms through 09/30/2022 and Michael Bruckman, Deborah Douglas and Jennifer Garrett to terms through 09/30/2020; the motion passed unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting the board adopted a proclamation declaring March 13, 2018, as Canine Veterans Day in Alachua County; representatives from military working dog organizations and a retired working dog were on hand and a reader recited a handler's tribute.

The county manager introduced the inaugural Manager's Linchpin Award to recognize employees who went above and beyond during Hurricane Irma; recipients named during the meeting included Michael Drummond, Jean Sysowski, Joel Granshaw and Amy Childs, with citations for long service, process improvements and emergency response work.