ALACHUA COUNTY, FL
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

11:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.

County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium

12 SE 1 Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601

An in-person Public Comment period follows all non-ministerial motions. There are two General Comment periods: Noon and 5:30 p.m. (or at the end of the morning meeting if there is no evening meeting).  Members of the public may only speak during one of the two designated General Comment periods.  At Noon, commenters may be in person or call in. Commenters have 3 minutes for agenda items and 3 minutes for non-agenda matters. Those addressing agenda items can't comment again when that item comes up.

 

Noon call-in instructions (3 minutes for agenda items and 3 minutes for non-agenda matters):

     ● Dial 1-929-205-6099,
     ● Enter meeting ID 873 5974 1977.
     ● "Raise" your hand by hitting *9 (star 9). When called on, hit *6 (star 6) to speak.

 

For Quasi-Judicial Items, it is best to speak when the item comes up, as the Commission can only consider testimony given at the public hearing.

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The meeting can be viewed on Cox Channel 12, the AC TV app (Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku), the County’s Facebook and YouTube sites, and the county’s Video on Demand website.
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Citizens attending Alachua County public meetings downtown can enjoy free parking in the S.W. Parking Garage (105 SW 3rd St, Gainesville) starting on the 2nd floor in zones marked 35200. To obtain parking validation, download the “Passport” app on your smartphone and pay for your session. Then visit the Alachua County Manager's Office, located on the 2nd floor of the County Administration Building, on noticed public meeting days to receive a validation code.
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All persons are advised that, if they decide to contest any decision made at any of these meetings, they will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose they may need to ensure that verbatim record of the proceedings is made which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. (Section 286.0105 Florida Statutes) 
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If you have a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at [phone] at least 2 business days prior to the meeting. TTY users please call 711. (Florida Relay Service)

 

12 SE 1st Street ■ Gainesville, Florida 32601 ■ Tel. [phone] ■ Fax [phone] ■ TDD call 711 Relay ■ Commissioners’ E-Mail: ■ Home Page: www.alachuacounty.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer M.F.V.D

 

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A.

Invocation

Rev. Dr. Marie Herring, Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church. Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Commission meeting shall be the voluntary offering of, a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Commission. The views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the Commission, and the Commission is not allowed by law to endorse the religious beliefs or views of this, or any other speaker.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Call to Order

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

• Recommended Action:

  To approve the Regular and Consent Agenda. 

E.

Announcements

F.

Approval of Recognitions

1.

Employee Length of Service 1st Quarter Recognition 2026 - 26-00187

Fiscal Note:
The purchase of three retirement plaques and four service plaques will be supported with existing appropriations in account 001.1851.513.48.00 (Promotional Activities).

Strategic Guide:
All other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Receive Presentation

2.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April 12th through April 18th as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00242

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Emergency Services, Public Safety and Social Justice

• Recommended Action:

  Read and present the proclamation

3.

Presentation of a proclamation declaring April 12th through April 18th as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00246

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Emergency Services

• Recommended Action:

  Read and present the proclamation

4.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April as “National Poetry Month”, in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00235

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social

• Recommended Action:

  Read and present the proclamation

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Arts Council Appointments - 26-00211

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Appoint one (1) Citizen at Large member to the Arts council with a term ending September 30, 2029. If Jay Rosen is selected, choose another applicant to fill his resulting Alternate member vacancy.

2.

Human Rights Board Annual Report FY26 - 26-00264 - 26-00264

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Economic Development and Housing Security

• Recommended Action:

  Accept the Report.

3.

Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Presentation - 26-00162

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety and Social Justice

• Recommended Action:

  Hear presentation

H.

Public Comment

12:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible.
Limit comments to 3 minutes on non-agenda items & 3 minutes on agenda items.  Those speaking to items on the agenda cannot speak to them later. For Quasi-Judicial Items, it is best to speak when the item comes up, as the Commission can only consider testimony given at the public hearing.

I.

Land Conservation Projects

1.

East Newnans Lake – Putz & Romero Tract Option Contract to Purchase Real Property - 26-00210

Fiscal Note:
There is $656,380 available in the FY26 approved budget to complete this acquisition.

From the WSPP Surtax Fund: 140.41.4160.537.61.00 (land); Project: 6194101 (WSPP Land Acquisition) - East Newnans Lake – Putz & Romero. Due Diligence costs will be paid from 140.41.4160.537.31.00 (professional services); Project: 6184160 (WSPP General Operating & Due Diligence) and transferred to the acquisition project upon successful completion of the purchase.

See Exhibit 6 (Acquisition and Stewardship Costs) for additional details.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:
  1. Approve and authorize the Chair to exercise the East Newnans Lake - Putz & Romero Option Contract to purchase Real Property, subject to the County’s rights to conduct due diligence inspections and notice Seller of Title Defects and Environmental Defects as set forth in the Contract; and

  2. Delegate to the County Manager the authority to decide whether to accept or reject title exceptions #3, #5, #6, #7 and #8 based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exception will substantially impair the County’s proposed use of the property; and

  3. Delegate to the County Manager the authority to decide whether to close the acquisition subject to title exceptions #3, #5, #6, #7 and #8 based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exception will substantially impair the County’s proposed use of the property; and

  4. Authorize staff to execute additional documents as necessary to close the transaction.

J.

Public Hearings

1.

Hearing on Ordinance Amendments to Whistle-Blower Ordinance - 26-00234

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Hold public hearing and amend PART II, TITLE 2, CHAPTER 23 ON PERSONNEL, ARTICLE III (Whistle-Blower) of the Alachua County Code

2.

Z25-000034 – A Request for a Small-Scale Land Use Amendment to Alachua County Future Land Use Map from Medium Density to Medium-High Density at 7816 SW Archer Road, 26-00183

Fiscal Note:
NA

Strategic Guide:
Land Use and Infrastructure;

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends that the Board adopt the ordinance approving the requested land use amendment

K.

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings

1.

Z26-000001 – A Request to Rezone from R-1b (Single-Family Residential, 4-8 du/acre) district to R-2a (Multi-Family Residential, 8-14 du/acre) district - 26-00184

Fiscal Note:
None

Strategic Guide:
Land Use and Infrastructure

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends that the Board adopt Resolution Z-26-05 approving the requested zoning change.

L.

Items Pulled From Consent

M.

NOTE: This meeting will NOT reconvene at 5:01 PM

N.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

Public Comment - 5:30 p.m. (Or at the end of the morning meeting if no evening meeting is scheduled).  Members of the public may only speak during one of the two designated General Comment periods.

2.

County Attorney Comment

3.

County Manager Comment

4.

Commission Comment

O.

Adjournment

• Recommended Action:

  To adjourn the meeting. 

P.

Consent Items

1.

Clerk of the Court

a.

Request Approval of the Attached BOCC Minutes - 26-00260

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Approve Publication of Final BOCC Minutes

2.

Commission Services Office

a.

Proclamation recognizing May 7th, as National Day of Prayer in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00250

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Approve proclamation

3.

Community Support Services

a.

Agreement with Alachua County Housing Authority Agreement for Housing Facility Management - 26-00185

Fiscal Note:
Management Fee: Twelve percent (12%) to thirteen percent (13%) of the Effective Gross Income for such operating month, based on occupancy rates. In addition to the Management Fee, Alachua County Housing Authority may request that the County reimburse reasonable costs and expenses incurred in performing the Services required if the Management Fee is insufficient to provide the Services. The additional expenses and costs will come from the revenue received or fund balance carried.

Strategic Guide:
Housing Security

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize Chair to sign agreement with Alachua County Housing Authority for the management of East Tumblin Creek

4.

County Attorney's Office

a.

4/14/26 Litigation Report – Request for Authority to Initiate or Defend - 26-00232

Fiscal Note:
Any costs associated with the cases being initiated are listed. Sufficient budget exists to cover this expense.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the County Attorney’s authority to initiate or defend the cases in the attached list.

5.

County Manager's Office

a.

Request Approval of Art Loan Agreements - 26-00213

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the two attached Art Loan Agreements in substantially the same form as attached and authorize the Chair and Clerk to sign once each has been approved to form by the County Attorney’s Office.

b.

Third Amendment to Agreement No. 10741 with MV Transportation Inc. - 26-00303

Fiscal Note:
The additional needed funds will come from General Fund Reserves in a subsequent budget amendment.

Strategic Guide:
Emergency Services; Public Health, Social, and Youth Services; Transportation

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Agreement modifications.

6.

Environmental Protection

a.

Addition of Land Conservation Projects to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List – Agricultural Easement Category - 26-00176

Fiscal Note:
Paynes Prairie Additions – Kahn Property (Agricultural Easement) - Cost Estimates:

Alachua County Property Appraiser (ACPA) Property Value: $98,370*

Total estimated cost for acquisition due diligence, and 10-year stewardship: $76,800.

The current annual property tax revenue of all the project parcels is: $3,323.18

*Easements are valued as a portion of the independently appraised property value based on the property rights sold and property rights retained in the easement deed.

Purchase and maintenance would be funded from the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.

Additional details can be found in the attached exhibits. (Exhibits 2 and 3).

Strategic Guide:
Environment and Conservation

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the addition of the following property to the Active Acquisition List, agricultural easement category:

  1. Paynes Prairie Additions – Kahn Property, Daniel Kahn (Full Price List) – Agricultural Easement Category

7.

Human Resources

a.

Request to add (2) 1.00 Full Time Equivalent Battalion Chief positions for the Fire Rescue Department - 26-00221

Fiscal Note:
The additional Battalion Chief positions will be funded primarily by a reduction in “additional hours” worked by adding one Battalion Chief per shift but remaining at a minimum three Chief staffing requirement per shift. This better aligns with the primary goal outlined when shifting to a “Kelly Day” model of a stronger work-life balance. This should result in a minimal budgetary impact.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the request to add (2) 1.00 FTEs Battalion Chief positions for the Fire Rescue Department.

8.

Procurement

a.

Interlocal Agreement (14762) with the Alachua County Library District (ACLD) for Staff Support Services. - 26-00196

Fiscal Note:
$483,713.86 Revenue is budgeted in 001.00.0000.347.1000

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Interlocal Agreement 14762 with the Alachua County Library District.

b.

Purchase Order to ETR, LLC, in the amount of $855,232.00 for Fire Rescue through Public Works. - 26-00231

Fiscal Note:
The $855,232.00 for this purchase is budgeted in the approved FY26 budget in the capital expense category. The purchase order is being charged to account: 091.54.5450.526.64.00 (Machinery & Equipment over $15,000).

Strategic Guide:
Emergency Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the issuance of a purchase order to ETR, LLC, in the amount of $855,232.00.

9.

Public Works

a.

Transfer of a portion of SW 47th Way to City of Gainesville - 26-00255

Fiscal Note:
Recording fees for the resolution of less than $100 in account 149.79.7910.541.49.00 with the description of other charges and obligations.

Strategic Guide:
Transportation

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the resolution transferring jurisdiction of a portion of SW 47^th Way, as shown on Exhibit “A” to the resolution, to the City of Gainesville, with responsibility for operation and maintenance; and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution and all documents approved by the County Attorney that are necessary to complete the transfer.

10.

Sheriff's Office

a.

Request Approval for Crime Stoppers Chair Letter - 26-00230

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety and Social Justice

• Recommended Action:

  Authorize the Chair to sign the attached letter

11.

Tourism & Economic Development

a.

Request Approval of the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Special Event Sponsorship Application - 26-00180

Fiscal Note:
$300,000 is allocated annually, with the amount subject to review and evaluation as part of the annual budget process.

Tourist Development Grants Event Sponsorship Fund: 005.45.4530.552.83.05

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the updated Special Event Sponsorship application as presented, and make the legislative factual determination that activities funded with Tourist Development Tax revenue through the Special Event Sponsorship program serve a public purpose and are primarily used for the promotion of tourism in Alachua County. The Grant Program will remain open on a rolling basis. Following a thorough review by staff, all recommended funding allocations will be submitted for approval through the Public Purpose approval process.

Q.

Notation for Record

1.

Equity Advisory Board Minutes - 26-00233

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  No Action Necessary, for Informational Purposes Only

2.

Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Minutes of February 17, 2026 - 26-00236

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Governance

• Recommended Action:

  No Action necessary. For Informational purposes only.

3.

Local Planning Agency & Planning Commission Minutes - 26-00256

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Land Use and Infrastructure

• Recommended Action:

  No Action necessary. For Informational purposes only.

R.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

Below is the link to the most up-to-date Alachua County Meetings & Events Calendar.
https://alachuacounty.us/events/Pages/default.aspx