ALACHUA COUNTY, FL
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

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

Dr. Taraneh Darabi, Baha'is Faith. 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.

Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing February 23, 2025 as “Mathew Lewey Day” in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00119

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity,

• Recommended Action:

  Read and present the proclamation

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Arts Council Annual Advisory Board Presentation - 25-00085

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Hear presentation

2.

Nominate One Applicant to the Alachua County Library Board of Trustees with a Term Ending on Mar. 31, 2028 - 25-00125

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Nominate One Applicant to the Alachua County Library Board of Trustees with a Term Ending on Mar. 31, 2028

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.

Action Items

1.

A Request to Advertise Amendments to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Regarding Special Exception Approval Criteria - 25-00108

Fiscal Note:
The are no budgetary impacts from the proposed amendments

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends that the Board direct staff to advertise the proposed ULDC amendments for Board adoption at a hearing date to be determined (tentatively scheduled for March 25, 2025)

2.

Alachua County Youth Commission Presentation - 25-00090

Fiscal Note:
There is no fiscal impact directly associated with this presentation. However, budget is available for the program in account 001.17.1700.512.48.00 (Promotional Activities).

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends the board:

  1. Place a student representative on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO) under the same general advisory rules and amend resolutions as necessary.
  2. Develop a Youth Academy based on the Citizen’s Academy to run concurrent with the school year.
  3. Return to the Board in one year with an update.

J.

Land Conservation Projects

1.

Watermelon Pond – Eichhorn Contract to Purchase Real Property - 25-00122

Fiscal Note:
The attached Journal Entry requests $159,061 to complete this acquisition (Exhibit 6).

WSPP – Land Acquisition (Capital Expense) = $125,000

Fund#: 140.41.4160.537.61.00 – 6194101 Watermelon Pond – Eichhorn

&

Fund #: 021.41.4160.537.61.00 – 6184160 Watermelon Pond – Eichhorn

&

General Operating & Due Diligence (Operating Expense) = $19,601

Fund #: 140.41.4160.537.31.00 - 6184160

Please see Exhibit 6 (Budget Amendment) & Exhibit 7 (Acquisition and Stewardship Costs) for additional details.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:

  1.Approve and authorize the Chair to exercise the Watermelon Pond - Eichhorn 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 (#6, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14 & #15) based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions 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 (#6, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14 & #15) based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions 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; and

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

2.

Watermelon Pond – Moore, Purcell, and Trammell Contract to Purchase Real Property - 25-00123

Fiscal Note:
The attached Journal Entry requests $258,684 to complete this acquisition (Exhibit 6).

WSPP – Land Acquisition (Capital Expense) = $210,000

Fund#: 140.41.4160.537.61.00 – 6194101 Watermelon Pond – Moore, Purcell, and Trammell

&

Fund #: 021.41.4160.537.61.00 – 6184160 Watermelon Pond – Moore, Purcell, and Trammell

&

General Operating & Due Diligence (Operating Expense) = $25,167

Fund #: 140.41.4160.537.31.00 - 6184160

Please see Exhibit 6 (Budget Amendment) & Exhibit 7 (Acquisition and Stewardship Costs) for additional details.

Strategic Guide:
Environment

• Recommended Action:

  1.Approve and authorize the Chair to exercise the Watermelon Pond - Moore, Purcell, and Trammell 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 (#5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12 & #13) based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions 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 (#5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12 & #13) based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions 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; and

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

K.

Items Pulled From Consent

L.

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

M.

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

N.

Adjournment

• Recommended Action:

  To adjourn the meeting. 

O.

Consent Items

1.

Clerk of the Court

a.

Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Report Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Quarter 1. - 25-00098

Fiscal Note:
N/A

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Accept Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Reports of Budget to Actual Expenditures for FY2025 Quarter 1.

2.

Community Support Services

a.

Annual State Housing Initiatives Partnership Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) - 24-01072

Fiscal Note:
NA This is a technical update only

Strategic Guide:
Housing

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the LHAP 2020-2023, amended as presented, and authorize submission of the same to the State

b.

Interlocal Agreement with School Board of Alachua County for Social Services to Homeless Children and Families - 25-00077

Fiscal Note:
There is no direct fiscal impact to the County for this interlocal agreement as existing programs such as Rapid Re-housing and Permanent Supportive Housing have been established to address this need.

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the interlocal agreement and authorize chair to sign

c.

Children’s Trust Literacy Initiative Agreement - 24-01057

Fiscal Note:
The not to exceed amount of $62,500 is budgeted for FY25 in 001.04.0490.519.31.00 Professional Services.

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the a and authorize chair to sign

3.

County Attorney's Office

a.

Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services with Carlton Fields PA - 25-00088

Fiscal Note:
Increase of $25,000, to a total not to exceed $75,000. Fiscal Impact Funds are set aside in general Fund Special Expense

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Amendment to Engagement Letter for Professional Services with Carlton Fields PA

b.

Employment-Based Visa for Current Information and Telecommunication Services Employees-Approval of Special Attorney - 25-00113

Fiscal Note:
H-1B application fees must be paid by the employees, and the employer cannot seek reimbursement for these fees from the employee(s). See schedule attached for new H-1B applications and legal costs. For the extension application, Ms. Cabrera’s firm offers a discount fee for existing clients where the firm completed the original H-1B application as follows:

Legal Fee: $3300 flat fee (per beneficiary) (+$400 for premium processing, if desired)

USCIS Fee: Base fee:

•$730 if filing online – employers with 25 or more employees

•$780 if paper filing – employers with 25 or more employees

Asylum Program Fee (Required)

•$600 – employers with 25 or more employees

ACWIA Fee (Required)

•$1500 – employers with 25 or more employees

Premium Processing Fee (Optional)

•$2,805

This estimated cost of $14,000 will be paid from General Fund Special Expense

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the hiring of special attorney Laura Cabrera, Esq. of dePaz Cabrera Immigration Law to complete and submit applications on behalf of the County for an extension H-1B Visa, and new H-1B visa.

c.

2/11/25 Litigation Report – Request for Authority to Initiate or Defend - 25-00136

Fiscal Note:
The County Attorney has budget established in 001.03.0300.514 to be able to initiate or defend cases.

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.

Fire Rescue

a.

Renewal Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CoPCN) application for Amerimed Emergency Medical Services, LLC - 25-00079

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

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the application and sign the certificate

b.

Agreement between Alachua County and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. - 25-00114

Fiscal Note:
The agreement will ensure that Community Hospice pays claims at the Medicare allowable rate, the standard rate for a Medicare patient claim (091.54.5450.342.6001 Charges for Services Ambulance Regular).

Staff recommends approving the agreement to allow ambulance claim reimbursement by Community Hospice of Northeast Florida at the Medicare allowable amount.

Strategic Guide:
Public Safety

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the Agreement between Alachua County and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. for reimbursement of ambulance service claims at the Medicare allowable amount.

5.

Procurement

a.

Agreement for Request for Proposal (RFP) 24-480-LC Architectural and Engineering Services (A&E) for the New Animal Resources & Care Facility for Facilities Management. - 25-00099

Fiscal Note:
Facilities budgeted $1,699,672.78 between accounts 052.25.2500.562.61.00 (Land) and 62.00 (Buildings), under Project ARP2021x006.

Strategic Guide:
Infrastructure

• Recommended Action:

  Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement with Borrelli & Partners, Inc. (14324), in the fixed amount of $1,699,672.78 for RFP 24-480-LC A&E Services for the New Animal Resources & Care Facility for Facilities Management

b.

Purchase Order to Texas Trailers, in the amount of $54,175.01 for Alachua County Fire Rescue MIHC (Mobile Integrated Health Clinic) via Public Works - 25-00064

Fiscal Note:
$54,175.01 has been budgeted in G/L Account 138.54.5413.529.64.00 - Machinery and Equipment, Project 3255401 - Mobile Integrated Health Clinic (MIHC) Grant.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Texas Trailers, in the amount of $54,175.01.

6.

Public Works

a.

Bike Path on SW 170th Street to US 41 in Alachua County Local Agency Program Agreement - 25-00082

Fiscal Note:
Approve resolution for unanticipated revenues which includes a budget amendment increasing budget by $5,853 in the FDOT Grant Fund in expense account 329.79.7910.541.63.01 which has the account description of Infrastructure Sidewalks/Trails/Signals.

Strategic Guide:
Infrastructure

• Recommended Action:

  Adopt Resolution approving the SW 170^th Street to US 41 bike path design LAP Agreement which includes recognizing unanticipated revenue which includes budget amendment, authorizing the Chair to execute the agreement and authorizing the County Manager or Public Works Director to execute subsequent amendments and agreements related to the project provided said amendments or agreements do not increase the County’s obligations to fund the project. In addition, the County staff requests that the Board waive its anti-indemnification policy due to the fact that section 15.b. of the LAP Agreement requires the County to indemnify, defend and hold harmless FDOT to the extent and within the limits of section 768.28, Florida Statutes.

7.

Risk Management

a.

Special Pay request for Wellness promotional item purchases. - 25-00116

Fiscal Note:
This purchase of $3,716.66 exceeds the $3500 limit. The funds will be covered by the Wellness funds provided by Fl Blue and will come out of 507.04.0490.519.49.00.

Strategic Guide:
All Other Mandatory and Discretionary Services

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the special pay request for the 4Imprint invoice for Wellness.

8.

Tourism & Economic Development

a.

Request to Approve the FY25 Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Awards - 25-00120

Fiscal Note:
Local Sports Destination Enhancement grants are funded by the third penny of Tourist Development

Tax collections. The total award amount for the FY25 grants is $130,000. There is sufficient funding

available in the budget for the awards.

1. Easton Sports Development Foundation$37,220.62
2. Gator Water Polo, Inc. $36,849.71
3. Gainesville Area Rowing $5,158.96
4. High Springs BMX, Inc. $9,826.59
5. National Hot Rod Association $40,944.12

    

Tourist Development Grants Fund: 005.45.4530.552.82.62

Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity

• Recommended Action:

  Approve the five Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant funding awards as recommended by

  the Grant Scoring Committee. Approve the agreement template and authorize the County Manager to execute agreements that are substantially consistent with the template for each grantee; with all grant awards to be payable on a reimbursement basis. Make the legislative factual determination that the events, venues, and activities recommended for funding have as one of their main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced and as set forth in their respective applications, and that each grant award is primarily related to the advancement and promotion of tourism.

P.

Notation for Record

1.

Report of Contracts signed by County Manager or Designee in the months of October, November, and December 2024. - 25-00102

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.

Q.

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