ALACHUA COUNTY, FL
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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.

________________________________________________________________________________
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.
________________________________________________________________________________ 
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.
________________________________________________________________________________ 
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) 
________________________________________________________________________________ 
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

 

---

A.

Invocation

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.

Approval of a Proclamation Declaring October 1, 2024, as National Arts and Humanities Month in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00929

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Proclaim October 2024 as National Arts and Humanities Month in Alachua County, Florida

2.

Approval of a Proclamation Declaring October 24, 2024, as Lights on After School Day in Alachua County Florida - 24-00946

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity,

• Recommended Action:

  Proclaim October 24, 2024 as Light on After School Day in Alachua County, Florida

3.

Approval of a Proclamation Declaring October 2024, as American Pharmacists Month in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00950

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Proclaim October 2024 as National Pharmacists Month in Alachua County, Florida

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Annual Work Plan and Accomplishments - 24-00764

Fiscal Note:
NA

Strategic Guide:
Housing

• Recommended Action:

  Hear and receive the 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.

Presentations

1.

Cuscowilla Nature & Retreat Center Summer Camp Recap and Facility Update, 24-00975

Fiscal Note:
There is no fiscal impact at this time.

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Hear presentation

J.

Land Conservation Projects

1.

Watermelon Pond – Biro Tract Option Contract to Purchase Conservation Easement - 24-00961

Fiscal Note:
The attached Journal Entry requests $448,855 to complete this acquisition. (Exhibit 7)

WSPP – Land Acquisition (Capital Expense) = $359,550

Fund#: 140.41.4160.537.68.00 – 6194101 Watermelon Pond – CE-3 Conservation Easement - Biro

&

General Operating & Due Diligence (Operating Expense) = $48,500

Fund #: 140.41.4160.537.31.00 – 6184160

Please see exhibits 7 (Budget Amendment) & 8 (Acquisition and Stewardship Costs) for additional detail.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:
  1. Approve and authorize the Chair to:
     1. Exercise the Watermelon Pond – Biro Option Contract to purchase a Conservation Easement, 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. Execute the Watermelon Pond – Biro Conservation Easement Deed in advance of closing;

  2. Approve the acquisition subject to the non-permitted title exceptions, #5, #6, and #7, and to the subject to the concurrence of the county attorney and of the closing attorney;

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

  4. Approve the attached budget amendment authorizing the expenditure of funds for due diligence and associated closing costs.

K.

Public Hearings

1.

Transmittal Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Clarify Fire Level of Service Guidelines. - 24-00941

Fiscal Note:
There is no cost to the County associated with this item.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment for transmittal to the State Land Planning Agency and other agencies for review and comment pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes.

2.

Transmittal Public Hearing for County-Initiated Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to Implement New Requirements of House Bill 1379 Relating to Sanitary Sewer Connection Feasibility - 24-00958

Fiscal Note:
There is no cost to the County associated with amending the Comprehensive Plan to add the proposed policies. There may be costs to the County in the future associated with conducting the feasibility analysis for connection of existing developments on septic to sanitary sewer as required by the new statute and the proposed Comprehensive Plan policies. Staff anticipates doing the required feasibility analysis in-house to the extent possible. Some consultant assistance may be required but is not expected.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment for transmittal to the State Land Planning Agency and other agencies for review and comment pursuant to Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes.

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.

Budget & Fiscal Services

a.

Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption Opt-Out Resolution – Authorization to Advertise - 24-00908

Fiscal Note:
The potential negative financial impact of the credit on the tax rolls has not been established long enough to provide a reliable estimate at this time.

Strategic Guide:
Housing, Environment

• Recommended Action:

  Review Alachua County’s option to opt out of a part of the Live Local Act tax exemption; Direct County staff to set for public hearing a resolution for the Board to elect to opt-out of the tax exemption for qualified properties that house persons or families whose annual household income is greater than 80% and not more than 120% AMI, and otherwise follow the required procedural steps as provided in the law; and authorize a letter from the Chair to municipalities in Alachua County notifying of the certain property tax exemption opt-out option.

b.

FY25 Unanticipated Revenue Non-Ad Valorem Hospital Assessment - 24-00957

Fiscal Note:

The Board shall set the assessments in amounts that, in the aggregate, will generate sufficient revenue to fund the non" federal share of the Medicaid hospital directed payment program to be funded by the Assessments.

The amount of the assessments required of each Assessed Property may not exceed an amount that, when added to the amount of other required assessments, exceeds the maximum percent of the aggregate net patient revenue of all Assessed Properties in the state permitted by 42 C.F.R. § 433.68(f)(3)(i)(A). The amount of the assessments is to be collected pursuant an additional and alternative method, as specified in § 197.3631, Fla. Stat., for non-ad valorem special assessments.

Budget Amendment Attached $67,972,796

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve adoption of resolution for unanticipated revenues which includes budget amendment to recognize non-ad valorem hospital assessment

c.

Additional Unanticipated revenues from FEMA Public Assistance Program for Hurricane Helene - 24-00972

Fiscal Note:
Approve resolution for unanticipated revenues from FEMA which includes a budget amendment increasing the estimated amount from $4,000,000 to $9,750,000 for reimbursement of damages from the Public Assistance Program. 164.00.0055.525.34.00

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve adoption of resolution for unanticipated revenues which includes budget amendment to account for recovery for damages from Hurricane Helene. Approve a revised inter-fund loan amount not to exceed $9,750,000 for purposes of cash flow until the FEMA reimbursement is received. The original request was not a not to exceed amount of $4,000,000.

2.

Community Support Services

a.

Sunrise Residence Inn Agreement with Alachua County Housing Authority for Third Party Administration - 24-00937

Fiscal Note:
Management Fee: Twelve percent (12%) of the Effective Gross Income for such operating month. 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 out of the revenue received or fund balance carried.

Strategic Guide:
Housing

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Agreement with the Alachua County Housing Authority for Housing Facility Management; and authorize the Chair to sign the Agreement.

b.

First Amendment to State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Home Repair Program Provider Agreement with Neighborhood Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) to Extend Term to Dec. 21, 2024- 24-00967

Fiscal Note:
No fiscal increase, funds already encumbered on grant.

242.29.2975.554 Local Housing Assistance – SHIP Projects 3212905, 3222906

Strategic Guide:
Housing

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the agreement and authorize the Chair to sign

c.

Interlocal Agreement with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office for Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center services. - 24-00924

Fiscal Note:
n/a

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Interlocal Agreement

d.

Community Health Worker (CHW) On the Job Training (OJT) Addendum and Contract - 24-00925

Fiscal Note:
There is no fiscal impact.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve revisions to the CHW OJT Procedures Addendum A and contract template

e.

Third Amendment to an agreement with the City of Gainesville providing funding for a Victim Advocate - 24-00962

Fiscal Note:
Fund 263 – GPD Violence Against Women

Revenue $73,247 - 263.29.2970.337.1010

Expense $73,247 – 263.29.2970.569.XX.XX Various Personal Services Accounts

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Third Amendment and Authorize the Chair to execute it.

f.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding Contract for Fiscal Year 24-25 - 24-00867

Fiscal Note:
VOCA Grant Fund 018 $200,000 interfund loan.

Fund 018 - $401,370.00

018.29.2971.331.6900 revenue account

018.29.2971.569.xx.xx various personal services expense accounts

Detailed budget amendment attached.

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Waive the County Policy on Intellectual Property, approve the agreement and authorize the Chair to execute it. Approve the attached budget amendment and inter-fund loan of $200,000.

3.

County Attorney's Office

a.

10/22/24 Litigation Report – Request for Authority to Initiate or Defend - 24-00935

Fiscal Note:
N/A.

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.

4.

County Manager's Office

a.

Approve Public Art Loan and Display Agreement with Laura Predny and authorize the Chair to sign. - 24-00919

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve Public Art Loan and Display Agreement with Laura Predny and authorize the Chair to sign.

5.

Court Services

a.

Inter-Agency User Agreement with the Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) for Access to Criminal Justice Information via the Judicial Inquiry System (JIS) - 24-00956

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Chair to sign the Inter-Agency Agreement with OSCA, which provides for access to criminal history and other criminal justice-related information through the Judicial Inquiry System (JIS)

6.

Environmental Protection

a.

Rayonier Right of Entry Agreement, 24-00982

Fiscal Note:
N/A, no new expenditures are authorized through this action.

On 8/13/24, the addition of these parcels to the Active Acquisition list authorized due diligence expenditures on this property funded through Project 6184160- WSPP-General Operating & Due Diligence: 140.41.4160.537.31.00.

If a contract is negotiated, it will be brought to the Board for approval and execution or exercise, and acquisition will be funded through Project 6194101-WSPP-Land Acquisition: 140.41.4160.537.61.00.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommend the following Board motions:

  1)Waive County’s non-indemnification policy with regards to this Right of Entry Agreement with Rayonier.

  2)Approve Right of Entry Agreement and Authorize Chair signature.

7.

Fire Rescue

a.

Revised Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the Fire Assessment. - 24-00906

Fiscal Note:
The fiscal impact of the recertification of the Non-Ad Valorem Roll is a decrease of $21,438.82. The original certification was $23,336,272.00 (011.00.0000.325.2000 Special Assessments Service Charges) and the revised certification is $23,314,833.18.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Accept the Revised Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll and authorize the Chair to sign

8.

Growth Management

a.

Replat for Heatherwood Lot 23 - 24-00970

Fiscal Note:
None

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  The Development Review Committee reviewed the replat at its October 17, 2024, hearing and recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the replat based on a finding of consistency with Florida Statutes, the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code.

9.

Human Resources

a.

FY 24-25 Revisions to the Senior Management and Non-Bargaining Pay Plans: request to reclassify Chief Transformation Officer, Executive Liaison-Public Safety & Community Relations and add Tourist & Economic Development Senior Office Director  - 24-00955

Fiscal Note:
The Assistant County Manager-Chief Transformation Officer will be a grade 29, base hourly rate $56.3425; $117,192.40 annual replacing the Deputy County Manager, grade 30 base hourly rate $59.3282; $123,402.56 annual on the SR Management Pay Plan. The Executive Liaison-Public Safety & Community Relations is a grade 24, the base hourly rate is $43.5202. The Tourist & Economic Development Senior Office Director is a grade 26, base hourly rate is $48.2555; $100,371.44 annual.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary

• Recommended Action:

  Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 revisions to the Senior Management and the Non-Bargaining Pay Plans.

b.

Waive Recruitment and Confirm Appointment for Assistant County Manager Chief Transformation Officer - 24-00947

Fiscal Note:
Annual compensation of $194,560.21,

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Waive recruitment for the new position of Assistant County Manager – Chief Transformation Officer and confirm appointment of Heather Akpan to the position effective October 21, 2024, or as soon as the position is approved and designated by the Florida Retirement System.

10.

Procurement

a.

Agreement for Request for Proposal (RFP) 24-465-LC Program Manager Services for Alachua County's Fresh Food Pathways Program for Tourism and Economic Development. - 24-00903

Fiscal Note:
$962,618 in total is budgeted for the Fresh Food Pathways Program. This project will utilize the balance of the budget from American Rescue Plan Act Project# ARP2021x008 Emergency Food Assistance ($212,618.12) and $750,000 from Project# ARP2021x016.

Fresh Food Pathways broken out in the following manner:

052.00.0064.564.64.00 - $183,000 Machinery & Equipment

052.00.0064.564.52.00 - $107,000 Operating

052.00.0064.564.34.00 - $80,000 Contractual Services

052.00.0064.564.12.00 - $380,000 Salary

052.00.0064.564.82.93 - $212,618.12 Aid to Organizations

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14269 with New Venture Advisors, in the amount of $ 963,200.00.

b.

Agreements for Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-172-MM Annual Vegetation Management for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation Program. - 24-00899

Fiscal Note:
EPD has sufficient funds available in the departmental budget to cover these expenses in accounts: 001.41.4160.537 and 021.41.4160.537.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreements with Earth Balance Corporation (14334), Bio-Tech Consulting LLC (14336), and Barge Design Solutions, Inc. (14335) for Annual Vegetation Management, for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation Program, NTE $450,000.00 annually.

c.

Second Amendment to Agreement with Cedars Business Services (13572). - 24-00923

Fiscal Note:
There is sufficient FY24 Operating budget to cover the estimated additional cost related to collection services. When an account is sent to collection, the collection cost is added to balance due in an attempt to recover the cost. This revenue for FY24 has exceeded the budget by over $18,000.00 (091.54.5450.369.6001 Other Miscellaneous Rev Collection Fees) which offsets the expenditure increase. Staff estimates the FY24 expenditure will exceed the $50,000.00 not to exceed amount by approximately $7,000.00 (091.54.5450.526.34.00 Contractual Services). There is sufficient operating budget to cover this increase.

Staff recommends increasing the not to exceed amount from $50,000.00 to $65,000.00 to cover future year expenditures.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Second Amendment to Agreement with Cedars Business Services (13572), in the amount not to exceed (NTE) $65,000.00.

d.

Second Amendment to Agreement with W.W. Gay Fire Protection, Inc. (13481). - 24-00927

Fiscal Note:
Facilities budgeted $200,000 in accounts: 001.19.1912.519.46.00; 001.19.1912.519.46.80; 001.19.1912.712.46.00; 001.19.1912.712.46.80; 001.19.1912.529.46.00 and 001.19.1912.529.46.80 (46.00 Repairs & Maintenance) (46.80 Maintenance Contracts).

Strategic Guide:
Infrastructure

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Second Amendment to Agreement with W.W. Gay Fire Protection, Inc. (13481), in the amount NTE $252,000.00 annually.

e.

Purchase Order to CalAmp Wireless Networks Corp, in the amount of $85,000.00 for Public Works. - 24-00932

Fiscal Note:
Fleet Management charges these services to an inventory account 503.141.2300 with the description of Inventories - Materials and Supplies Fleet Inventory-commercial services and then bills each department using the services monthly after marking up the cost per the fee schedule.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the issuance of a purchase order to CalAmp Wireless Networks Corp, in the amount of $85,000.00.

f.

Purchase Order to SHI International Corp., in the amount of $53,381.38 for Court Administration. - 24-00934

Fiscal Note:
Court Admin budgeted $53,381.38 in accounts: 066.33.3300.713.52.31, 076.33.3300.713.52.31.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the issuance of a purchase order to SHI International Corp., in the amount of $53,381.38.

11.

Solid Waste & Resource Recovery

a.

Revised Certified Non-ad Valorem Assessment Roll - 24-00952

Fiscal Note:
This Revised Non-ad Valorem Assessment Roll indicates that an additional $17,961.46 will be collected.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Revised Certified Non-ad Valorem Assessment Roll and authorize the Chair to sign it.

12.

Tourism & Economic Development

a.

Approve Recommended FY25 Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Program Funding Awards - 24-00926

Fiscal Note:
Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement grants are funded by the third penny of Tourist Development Tax collections. The total award amount for the FY25 Grant is $1,600,000.

Tourist Development Destination Enhancement Fund # 006.45.4540.552.82.61

OMB Note: There is sufficient budget in the fund; however, only $1,300,000 was included for the FY25 adopted budget. The additional $300,000 will be put into the correct account line when OMB does Carry Forward at the November BCC Meeting.

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the scoring evaluation committee funding recommendation of $1,600,000 for the FY25 Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grants comprised of $1,395,403.67 in regular funding allocations plus $204,596.33 for 8 of the organizations who experienced state funding cuts. Accept and include the application from the Star Center Theatre which was turned in past the deadline. Approve the contract agreement template and authorize the County Manager to execute agreements with each grantee, including those where the funding recommendations exceeds $50,000. Make the legislative factual determination that the events, venues and activities recommended for funding have as one of their main purpose of the attraction of tourists as evidenced and as set forth in their respective applications, and that each grant award, inclusive of allowable operations and marketing expenditures, is primarily related to the advancement and promotion of tourism.

Q.

Notation for Record

1.

Report of Contracts signed by County Manager or Designee in the month of August 2024. - 24-00888

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  No action necessary; for informational purposes only. The report and a copy of the contracts have been submitted to the Clerk for inclusion into the minutes.

2.

Economic Development Advisory Committee – August 22, 2024 Minutes - 24-00942

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• 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