Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

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County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium
12 SE 1 Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601
Present:
  • Commissioner Mary Alford, 
  • Commissioner Charles S. Chestnut, IV, 
  • Chair Ken Cornell, 
  • Vice Chair Anna Prizzia, 
  • and Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler 

Reverend Melissa Pisco of Celebration United Methodist Church provided the Invocation.

Chair Cornell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chair Cornell called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m.

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she did not wish to pull any items for discussion. However, the hydroseeding contract is on the Consent Agenda for approval, and she just wanted staff to work with the vendors to ensure that they are buying native wildflower seeds for planting along the roadways.  

Commissioner Prizzia moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

  • A video of the Alachua County Conservation Trust Holiday Mingle was displayed for the public.
  • The launch of the My Alachua County APP was announced. The public is encouraged to download the app as it is the quickest way to receive notifications from the County.
  • December 17, 2025, there was a 4 H trip to Tallahassee to attend the Governor's Cabinet Meeting. They were able to observe the vote to remove the Deed Restrictions for the Weseman Tract to the County Equestrian Center. They were also able to meet the Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and tour the facility.

County Manager Lieberman stated that now that the Deed Restrictions have been moved the Weseman Tract is not available for the County's use. At the next Regular Meeting there will be a comprehensive review of the Animal Services Department as well as the proposed facility site. The Board will have the option of the lease site with the University of Florida or building a facility on the Weseman Tract.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to discontinue the negotiations with the University of Florida and free staff to focus on the finalization of the required paperwork for the use of the Weseman Property for the new Animal Shelter. The motion failed for lack of a second. 

Chair Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Alford moved approval all Proclamations on the agenda. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to County Arborist Lacy Holtzworth, Forester/Landscape Inspector Andrew Coniglio, and Arborist Doug Parasol who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Human Resource Manager Wanda Santana presented the above item.

Those employees in attendance gathered and took pictures with the Commissioners. 

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. 

Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby, Procurement Manager TJ White, and Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano presented the above item.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to adopt the Signature Authority resolution, adopt the Annual Procurement Renewal Report resolution and adopt the ordinance to amend Chapter 22 of the Alachua County Code of Ordinances, known as the “Alachua County Procurement Code”.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Commissioner Prizzia moved the following substitute motion:

Adopt the Signature Authority resolution, adopt the Annual Procurement Renewal Report resolution and adopt the ordinance to amend Chapter 22 of the Alachua County Code of Ordinances, known as the “Alachua County Procurement Code” with the following amendments:

Draft Edits to subsection 22.2-203(1) and (2) re County Manager’s authority to renew contracts. The underlining below indicates changes to staff’s proposed language that is attached to the agenda item. Replace the current version of proposed subsections (1) and (2) with the following:

(1)  The County Manager or designee shall have the authority to approve and award bids/solicitations and to approve, execute and modify all purchase orders, contract and contract amendments, in the amount of Category 2 or less, provided that the Board has approved the budget appropriation for the purchase. The authority delegated to the county Manager under this subsection (1) does not apply to Contract renewals, which is addressed in subsection 22.2-203(2) of this Code.

(2)  The County Manager or designee shall have the authority to approve Contract renewals which do not alter the original term, inclusive of contract renewal terms, the annual price, or scope of service, regardless of contract amount, the not to exceed amount, or contract amount escalator, provided: (i) that by no later than March June 1st of each year, the County Manager provides a report to the Board in a regularly scheduled meeting of all Contracts that the County Manager intends to renew for the coming year; (ii) the Board does not overrule the County Manager’s intent to renew a Contract by majority vote taken at the first Regular Meeting in April of each year within 30 calendar days of the date of the meeting at which the report was provided to the Board; and (iii) the Contract renewal is funded by annual budget appropriation approved by the Board. The report must provide the following information regarding each Contact that the County Manager or designee intends to renew: (iv) the name of the vendor/contractor; (v) a general description of the scope of the Contract; (vi) the annual contract amount/not-to-exceed amount; (vii) the length of the proposed renewal term (e.g., one year, two years; etc.); and (ix) the number of renewal options remaining under the Contact.

 

Additionally, modify Subcategory 2 up to $200,000.

2nd Commissioner Alford

The substitute motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Wheeler voting "Nay"

Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Chestnut, and Chair Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Alford moved to update the Resolution to match the Code changes. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Commissioner Wheeler and Commissioner Chestnut presented comments. 

County Attorney Torres presented the rules and procedures for the Quasi-Judicial Hearing.

Deputy Clerk Donahey inquired of the Commission if there were any ex parte communications if so please disclose them.

There were no communications disclosed.

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the Oath to all those who wished to participate in the hearing.

Senior Planner Gerald Brewington presented the above item.

Commissioner Alford moved that the Board adopt Resolution Z-26-02 approving the requested zoning change. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

There was no one present who wished to address the item.

  • Staff recommends that the Board adopt Resolution Z-25-10 approving the requested zoning change.

There were no items pulled from Consent to address.

There was no one present who wished to address the Board.

There were no comments offered.

There were no comments offered.

Mill Creek Sink

Commissioner Wheeler advised that she would be attending the meeting in the City of Alachua this evening involving the Mill Creek Sink development. 

Water Tables

Commissioner Wheeler stated that her pond is drying up. She is not sure if the County needs to put out any advisories regarding the drought conditions in the County or issue a burn ban. She just wants to ensure the County is taking the appropriate measures.

Chair Cornell stated that Lake Santa Fe is down 3 to 5 feet. EPD has advised him that they are expecting 3 to 5 months of drought conditions. They are planning an update to the Board shortly.

Truth and Reconciliation Project

Commissioner Wheeler inquired if it would be worth bringing up the Truth and Reconciliation Project Plaque at the Florida Association of Counties Meeting. She said the County did a tremendous amount of work and it is disappointing to not get a response. 

Commissioner Chestnut stated that there is a field trip to EGI in February. He will be attending and will definitely address the matter. 

 Armory Project

Commissioner Wheeler requested an update on the Armory Project as there is a lot of land clearing in the area.

County Manager Lieberman started initially there was a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for next week. That will be delay a few months as they are getting much of the site work done. The building itself is substantially complete. There was an encampment on the property that is being cleared out.

RPPC Applications

Commissioner Prizzia stated that the RPPC Applications for funding will be opening up soon. She wanted to know if the County intends to pursue funding since the County has an active Ag Program. The funding is for Ag Land Easements. 

Jail Employment Fair

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she attended a Job Fair at the County Jail. She would like to see the County HR and the City of Gainesville there next time.

Mugshots on Social Media

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she had a discussion with the Sheriff who committed to not putting mugshots on social media. As a result, she would like to not send the Chair Letter regarding the matter if it has not been sent out yet.

Commissioner Prizzia moved to withdraw the Chair Letter. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Library Cards

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she recently learned the inmates cannot obtain a library car. This limits the inmates access to some of the services provided by the Library District. It seems counterproductive to the rehabilitation efforts.

Chair Cornell stated that he will bring the matter up at the next library meeting to see if there is an issue.

Jail Phone Calls

Commissioner Wheeler raised questions about the current phone system used at the Jail. There are concerns from the Detention Officers who have to monitor the phone situation at the Jail, and she shares some of their concerns. 

Ankle Monitor Device

Commissioner Wheeler stated that today is the third time she has seen the wounds on someone's leg caused by the ankle monitors being used. She knows at one time a different type of monitor was being considered. She is concerned about the weight of the devices causing injuries. 

By consensus, the Board referred the matter to the Court Services Review Group/staff for recommendations for the ankle monitor program. 

Jail Program Updating

Commissioner Alford stated that the Board had requested quarterly updates on Jail Programs. She would like to make sure that mental health statistics be included in the updates as there is anecdotal evidence that there are increases in suicide attempts at the Jail.

Commissioner Wheeler asked if the next Jail update could be at a Policy Meeting as it is more conducive of a productive dialogue.

By consensus, the Board requested to have the next update at a Policy Meeting. 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:28 p.m.

  • 1.    Appoint Khushman Hans to a citizen-at-large vacancy on the Victim Services Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council for term ending 9/30/2027
    2.    Appoint Shereka Nicole Williams to a citizen-at-large vacancy on the Victim Services Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council for term ending 9/30/2027

  • Approve the addition of the following property or properties on the Active Acquisition List, agricultural easement category:
    1. Paynes Prairie Additions – Brown’s Organic Farm LLC (Full Price List) 
    2. Paynes Prairie Additions – Siembra Farm with Flairy Farm Parcel (Full Price List with Siembra Farm designated as keystone parcels)

  • The Development Review Committee reviewed the Replat at its December 18, 2025 hearing and recommended that the BoCC 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.

  • Approve the Award and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14799 with Watson Construction Company, LLC, substantially in the form attached to this agenda item, for Bid 25-556-LC Intersection Improvements at SW 24th Avenue & SW 122nd Street, for a total fiscal impact of $1,424,063.85. Approve the budget amendment moving funds from project 9237908 - NE1 St/CR2082/CR234 Major) PP Maint. Office to US441 to 9197901-FY22-Traffic Signal - Intersection Improvements at SW 24th Avenue & SW 122nd Street.

  • Approve the Award and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14936 with Hydrograss Technologies, Inc., substantially in the form attached to this agenda item, for Bid 26-09-LC Annual Hydroseed with Native Wildflower Mix and Seed, in the amount not to exceed $75,000.00 per fiscal year.

  • Approve the Award of Bid 25-552-LCC and issuance of a Purchase Order in the amount of $93,000.00 to Drummond Construction Group for Alachua County Central Warehouse Fencing.

  • Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 26-499 with Elite Auto Center of Gainesville, FL, Inc. d/b/a “Elite Towing”, in the amount of $25,000.00. The revised Blanket Purchase Order is $75,000.00.

  • Approve the issuance of a purchase order to AVI-SPL Inc. in the amount of $396,350.94. At Fiscal Services’ request, deem the attached budget request evaluation sufficient and approve the use of General Fund Reserves in the amount of $396,352.00 for the purchase and installation of an audio/visual system for the Emergency Operations Center at the new Fire Rescue Headquarters. Approve Budget Amendment 26-682 to move the necessary funds.

  • Approve special pay request for Hydrograss Technologies, Inc – Invoice 10188 in the amount of $8,712.00

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