Special Committee Meeting
October 7, 2025
DRAFT
Via Teams
The following individuals were present: Randall Crosby, Chairman; Sead Bekric, Vice Chairman.
District Representatives: Mike Sumler, District 1 Representative; Patrick Martin, District 2 Representative; Jim Gaudette, District 3 Representative; Darryl Brinton, District 4 Representative; David Stevens, District 5 Representative; Phil Hubbard, District 6 Representative; Jose Quintanilla, District 7 Representative; T.J. McCormick, District 8 Alternate; Mike McCrea, District 9 Representative; Antonio Gonzalez, District 10 Representative.
Bureau of Business Enterprise Staff: Alan Risk, Bureau Chief; Maureen Fink, Operations Manager; John Ahler, Business Analyst; Brian Ashworth, Region 1 Business Consultant; Bernie Kaiserian, Region 2 Business Consultant; Jay Payne, Region 3 Business Consultant; Tony Arduengo, Region 4 Business Consultant; Alecia Brown, Region 5 Business Consultant; Yusnay Torrens, Region 6 Business Consultant; Angela Elgaard, Region 7 Business Consultant; Mary Ellen Harding, Administrative Services Consultant; Andrea Mendez, Administrative Assistant III.
43 people were in attendance.
Motion to approve the agenda made by Patrick Martin. Second by Antonio Gonzalez. Motion carried unanimously.
Military Base Arbitration Discussion
- Informational item regarding upcoming meeting with Terry Smith on October 13.
- Topic: Arbitration involving military bases and potential legal action.
- Committee will consider recommending a $1,000 refundable retainer for legal representation.
- Alan Risk shared that while SLA and Director Doyle support participation, the Florida DOE currently does not.
- Committee agreed to hear from Terry Smith before voting.
- Discussion included:
- Possibility of vendors funding the retainer independently.
- Importance of showing support even if DOE is not currently on board.
- Suggestion to seek further clarification from the Commissioner as to why DOE will not join the lawsuit.
Vistar/Blast Seminar in Orlando (March 2026)
- Discussion on recommending reimbursement for vendor expenses to attend the Vistar/Blast Seminar.
- Expenses include registration, travel, meals and lodging.
- Vistar may cover one night’s lodging for customers.
- NABM may assist with negotiated hotel rates.
Motion made by Jose Quintanilla to open discussion for the agency to pay for vendor attendance at the Vistar/Blast seminar. Second by Darry Brinton. recommend the state agency pursue reimbursement for attendees. Seconded by Darrell Brinton.
Discussion included:
- Financial feasibility (estimated cost: $40,000–$50,000).
- Confirmation from Alan Risk and Maureen Fink that funds are available.
Hubbard called the question. Second by Quintanilla.
Hubbard made a motion that the Committee send a recommendation to the State to pay for the Vistar/Blast seminar in March 2026. Second by Darryl Brinton.
Vote:
Mike Sumler – yes
Patrick Martin – yes
Jim Gaudette – yes
Darryl Brinton – yes
David Stevens – unavailable
Phil Hubbard – yes
Jose Quintanilla – yes
T.J. McCormick – yes
Mike McCrea – yes
Antonio Gonzalez – yes
Randall Crosby – yes
Sead Bekric – yes
Motion passed unanimously.
Charger Go Go Pilot Program
- Proposal to conduct a 6-month pilot trial with Charger Go Go units (standalone and countertop).
- No cost to vendors; 30% net profit under consignment model.
Motion made by Bekric to conduct a six-month pilot trial with Charger Go Go. Second by Hubbard.
Discussion included:
- Monitoring by the Generic Machines Work Group.
- Suitability for outdoor use.
Bekric called the question. Second by Quintanilla.
Vote to end debate:
Mike Sumler – yes
Patrick Martin – yes
Jim Gaudette – yes
Darryl Brinton – yes
David Stevens – yes
Phil Hubbard – yes
Jose Quintanilla – yes
T.J. McCormick – yes
Mike McCrea – yes
Antonio Gonzalez – yes
Randall Crosby – yes
Sead Bekric – yes
Motion passed unanimously.
Voice vote on main motion passed unanimously.
Subcommittees and Work Groups
- Clarification of standing subcommittees per Policy Manual Section 8:
- Grievance
- Training & Retraining
- Promotion
- Public Relations
- Retirement & Infringement
- Discussion on whether chairs must be committee members.
Motion made by Bekric to require committee members as chairs of permanent subcommittees who may choose who they wish as members of the subcommittees. Second by McCrea.
Motion was tabled until December Committee meeting by Patrick Martin. Second by Phil Hubbard.
Vote to table motion:
Mike Sumler – yes
Patrick Martin – yes
Jim Gaudette – yes
Darryl Brinton – yes
David Stevens – yes
Phil Hubbard – yes
Jose Quintanilla – yes
T.J. McCormick – yes
Mike McCrea – no
Antonio Gonzalez – yes
Randall Crosby – yes
Sead Bekric – yes
Robert’s Rules of Order Training
- Proposal to engage Susan Leahy’s “Robert’s Rules Made Simple” training.
- Includes webinar and online modules with certification for one year.
- Cost: $2,995 for 1-year access for up to 24 participants.
Motion made to recommend the state agency pursue Roberts Rules of Order training made by Crosby. Seconded by Bekric.
Discussion included:
- Accessibility concerns for screen reader users.
- Alternative suggestions (e.g., using AI tools like ChatGPT).
- Clarification that training would be for current committee members and alternates.
- Robertsrulessimple.com – Susan Leahy for more information.
Motion made by Martin to extend meeting 15 minutes. Seconded by Quintanilla
Vote passed 11-1.
Motion made to table motion until the December meeting by Jim Gaudette. Second by Patrick Martin.
Voice vote was unanimous to table the motion.
Adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
