Chair Cornell recognized Jim Konish who presented comments regarding illegal construction work on a parcel next to his home. He claimed environmental damage was being done and requested the County intervene.
City Manager of Hawthorne Robert Thompson thanked the Commission for their support of the development in Hawthorne and advised that he would keep the Board up to date on the progress.
Patricia Antonucci, Melissa Wilcox, Pamela Bocchetti, Lynn Moore, and Crystal expressed concerns about the operation of the Animal Services facility. They requested the Board look into the matters and uphold the commitment to being a no kill shelter.
Ceo of Fortify Financial Chris Narr presented comments regarding having PACE Agreements that were issued in Alachua County be added to the Tax Roll.
CEO of Kinetic Internet Services Michael Hunsucker stated that he is proud to have a partnership with the County in bringing internet to the rural parts of the County. He encouraged the Board that if there are any issues with the process to contact him so he may work to resolve them.
Pastor Joy stated that his organization is currently receiving funding from the Children's Trust and Partnership for Strong Families. He stressed that this is allowing them to keep the doors open and help families in need. However, more funding is needed to meet the demand, and he would like an update on the process the County started months ago to explore possible funding of Community Centers.
Chair Cornell recognized Kali Blount who presented comments regarding the quilt exhibit at the Matheson Museum opening January 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Soya Linberg advised the public that the Terra April Development Meeting will be this evening in the City of Alachua. She encouraged the public to attend. She inquired of the Board regarding the Santa Fe Hills transition to municipal water services. She is concerned about the path of the water pipe and the effects on two large trees.
Chair Cornell recognized Mark Van Soestbergen who presented comments to the Board regarding placing roadside signage to educate the public on the pollinators roll in the ecosystem.
Chair Cornell recognized Telford Cartwright who presented comments regarding the wound he received on his leg from the County Court Services ankle monitor. He stated that he was falsely arrested and the charges were dismissed.
Chair Cornell recognized Carl Summers who expressed safety concerns regarding Sage Boulevard in Alachua on which he resides. He stated that the City of Alachua and CSX on portions of the roads. He has been unable to get response to his concerns and requested assistance. He stated that his address is 11212 Sage Boulevard in Alachua 32615.
Chair Cornell requested that someone from staff look into the situation on Sage Boulevard to see what if anything can be done.
County Attorney Torres advised that the property owner Mr. Konish discussed was just before the Code Magistrate last week and the matter is being addressed.
Civil Engineer Lalit Lalwani stated that the water project Mrs. Linberg expressed concerns about is a project that he is working on and that he will email an update to the Board.
County Attorney Torres stated that as to Mr. Narr's concern regarding the PACE Agreements the matter is currently being litigated. It is her opinion that there was no ruling on whether or not the County must put these projects on the Tax Roll.
Commissioner Alford stated that she met with an Eagle Scout who is contemplating a project to match animals with appropriate foster homes. She stated the need for a healthy spay/neuter program is very urgent to reduce the population.
Commissioner Wheeler stated that it would be helpful to have cost estimate for operating a free spay/neuter program. She further stated that she liked the signage idea for pollinators.
Commissioner Chestnut stated that there were many citizens that came to the Board with complaints about the PACE Program and the citizens did not fully understand the agreements they were signing. This is the reason the County took the position they have and withdrew support of the program.
Commissioner Prizzia stated that she feels it would be worth a Special Meeting to discuss the policies and operations of the Animal Services Shelter.
Commissioner Prizzia moved to direct staff to schedule a special meeting to discuss the Policies and Operation of the Animal Shelter.
County Manager Lieberman requested the Board wait till the next Regular Meeting which will have a comprehensive update on the Animal Services Operations and Policies as well as the Shelter location discussion.
Commissioner Prizzia withdrew the motion but stated she would like a substantive conversation about what the County is doing with spay/neuter, managed intake, licensing, vaccination, and euthanasia.
Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck stated that the information on the Community Resource Centers has been collected by staff. The information will be provided next week to the Board and discussion can proceed from there.
Chair Cornell requested that staff review the video of this meeting and make sure the matters raised by the citizens regarding the Animal Services Center are addressed at the next meeting. He further stated that the County needs to find partners that can take seed money and establish sustainable services. Government budgets are under attack right now and should not be relied on as a critical source of funding.