Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.

County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium

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

Present:

• Chair Mary Alford, 
• Commissioner Ken Cornell, 
• Commissioner Anna Prizzia, 
• and Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler 

Absent:

• Vice Chair Charles S. Chestnut, IV 

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A.

Invocation

Senior Paster Steve Langford provided the Invocation.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Alford led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C.

Call to Order

Chair Alford called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

Chair Alford requested that Item #3a, Public Records Policy 24-00447 be moved to items pulled from consent for discussion.

County Manager Lieberman requested that Item #J1, Post-Disaster Recovery Presentation 24-00348 be heard as the last item on the agenda.

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as amended. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent.

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins and Jo Beaty presented comments. 

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

• Mr. Sexton highlighted that the County website has all the videos of Board meetings with Jump links that will take citizens to the specific item they are interested in reviewing. 
• Staff recently completed an interview with Dorothy Thomas and Mclinda Gilchrist which covers the Genisus of the SWAG area and is available on the County website. 
• Bark in the Park is coming on June 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Depot Park. There will be free information and services such as vaccines and emergency supplies for pets.  

F.

Approval of Recognitions

Commission Cornell moved approval all Proclamations on the agenda. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

1.

Approval of a Proclamation declaring May, 2024, as International Internal Audit Awareness Month in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00398

Commissioner Cornell read and presented the Proclamation to Clerk of Court Internal Auditor Mark Crain who accepted it with gratitude. 

2.

Approval of a proclamation declaring May 19th through May 25th as National Public Works Week in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00399

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Alford and Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

3.

Approval of a proclamation declaring May 2024, as National Drug Court Month in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00400

Commissioner Prizzia read and presented the Proclamation. 

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Equity Advisory Board Workplan 2024 - 24-00328

Equity Manager Diedre Houchen and Equity Advisory Board Member Ronald Rawls presented the above item. 

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Prizzia, and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve the equity work plan.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins, Kali Blount, James Maggio, and Anthony Johnson who presented to the Board. 

Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent.

H.

Public Comment

Chair Alford recognized Kali Blount, Tamara Robbins, Jo Beaty, Bill Radunevitch, Anthony Johnson, Matthew Hurst, and Catheline Rupert who presented comments.

Citizen Tamara Robbins made a public records request for the list of action items and referrals along with the status of those items. 

Commissioner Wheeler, County Attorney Torres, County Manager Lieberman, and Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

I.

Items Pulled From Consent

1.

Public Records Policy - 24-00447

County Attorney Sylvia Torres presented the above item. 

Chair Alford and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to approve the Public Records Policy and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution adopting the Policy as presented. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Alford recognized Jo Beaty, Tamara Robbins, Commissioner Prizzia, and Assistant County Attorney Diane Johnson who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

J.

Presentations

1.

Post-Disaster Recovery Presentation - 24-00348

Emergency Manager Director Jen Grice presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler, County Manager Lieberman, and Chair Alford presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to accept the presentation.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins, County Manager Lieberman, and Communications Coordinator Sexton who presented comments. 

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

K.

Action Items

1.

Board-Initiated Charter Amendment: Discussion of Process and Authorization to Advertise - 24-00377

County Attorney Sylvia Torres presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize staff to authorize advertisement of the included ordinance for public hearing to consider the placement of a referendum question on the November 2024 ballot which would, if approved by the majority of qualified electors of Alachua County voting in the referendum, amend the charter to return to at-large voting for all county commission members.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Alford recognized Kali Blount, Anthony Johnson, Jay Maggio, Evelyn Fox, Roberta Grassmyer, Ted Debracky, Wess Wheeler, Susan Bottcher, Bobby Mermer, Tamara Robbins, Tyler Force, Jo Beaty, Ms. Smith, and Dottie Faber who presented comments to the Board. 

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

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

L.

Public Hearings

1.

Adoption Hearing for Amendments to the Land Development Code (ULDC) related to Temporary Use Permits and Recreational Vehicles. - 24-00367

Planner Angela Jacobs presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

The Board of County Commissioner recessed and the LDR Commission convened at 2:04 p.m.

LDR Commissioner Cornell moved to find the proposed amendments to the Unified Land Development Code consistent with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent.

The LDR Commission adjourned, and the Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 2:05 p.m.

Commissioner Cornell moved to approve the Ordinance and authorize the Chair's Signature. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia 

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

M.

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

N.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

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

2.

County Attorney Comment

There were no comments provided. 

3.

County Manager Comment

Recovery Funds Discussion

County Manager Lieberman advised the Board and public that the budget discussion for the remaining Recovery Funds is schedule for August 8, 2024. 

4.

Commission Comment

Investment Policy

Commissioner Cornell stated that after being advised on the County's investment policy he would like to have the policy revised if it is the will of the Board. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to direct staff to bring back a policy that would eliminate any corporate investments.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Chestnut absent. 

43rd Street and US 441 Concerns

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she has a citizen contacting her about concerns in the area and wondered if anyone else is receiving these concerns and has any information on the matter. 

Commissioner Cornell stated that he believes the survey markers across from Westchester are related to the parking lot for Four Creeks Park but he is not certain. The citizen further wanted to know if the Commission had any intentions of requesting a traffic study on the intersection from the City of Alachua. She also wanted the Board to consider lowering the speed limit on 43rd Street. 

By consensus, the Board requested the County Manager look into these matters and report back to the Board. 

Tourist Development Acknowledgements

The City of Gainesville received a trophy in recognition for the Spring Break Shootout. Also, the World Masters event provided a plaque that has a countdown to the event, and it is less than a year away. 

O.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:51 p.m.

P.

Consent Items

1.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Request approval of the attached BOCC minutes - 24-00397

• Approve publication of final BOCC minutes

2.

Community Support Services

1.

CHOICES Indigent Care Surtax Use Plan October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025 - 24-00418

• Approve the CHOICES Indigent Care Surtax Use Plan October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025

3.

County Attorney's Office

1.

5.14.24 Litigation Report - Request for authority to initiate or defend. - 24-00464

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

4.

County Manager's Office

1.

Alachua County School Board Ballot Initiative to Renew Existing One Mill Ad Valorem Tax for Four Years for Necessary Operating Expenses - 24-00442

• Direct staff to provide to the Supervisor of Elections for inclusion on the November ballot, as directed by the School Board of Alachua County, a Ballot Initiative to renew their existing One Mill Ad Valorem Tax for four years for necessary operating expenses

2.

Approval of Process for Alachua County Reconveyance of vacant property located at 4500 SE 122nd Terrace - 24-00379

• Authorize the Chair to sign the Letter Agreement and Reconveyance Deed authorizing the Government Services Administration to market the property located at 4500 SE 122d Terrace for sale to the public in the ordinary manner under the Property Act for the disposal of surplus federal property. Authorize the County Manager to complete and sign the Property checklist.

5.

Environmental Protection

1.

Land acquisition reimbursement grant contract LPS0106 between Alachua County and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection - 24-00429

• 1.Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Grant Contract Agreement LPS0106 between Alachua County and the FDEP (Exhibit 1), and associated; and

  2.Adopt the Resolution to recognize unanticipated revenue from the grant award (Exhibit 5) and approve the attached Budget Amendment for unanticipated revenue for the grant award and project budget (Exhibit 2); and

  3.Authorize the County Manager to execute all related documents and amendments as needed to receive grant approval and administer the grant, except any contract to purchase a conservation easement shall require BOCC approval.

6.

Fire Rescue

1.

Special pay request for invoice from John Sly $4,500.00 for grant writing assistance - 24-00401

• Approve the Special pay request

7.

Growth Management

1.

Replat for Countryside Forest Lot 7 - 24-00416 - 24-00416

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the Replat at its April 18, 2024 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.

2.

Replat for Wyngate Farms Planned Development (PD) Lot13A - 24-00423

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the Replat at its April 18, 2024 hearing and recommended that the BoCC approve the Replat based on a finding of consistency with Florida Statutes, the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code, and the approved Zoning Master Plan.

3.

Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Appointment - 24-00420

• Appoint Melissa Norman to a partial term beginning 05/14/2024 and ending 09/30/2026 in the membership category Actively Involved in Agriculture and/or Silviculture.

8.

Human Resources

1.

Request to add 4.5 new Full Time Equivalent (FTE)’s for the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Program (CORe) for the Court Services Department., 24-00343

• Approve the addition of 4.5 FTEs for the grant funded CORe Program

2.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 – 2024 Revisions to the Bargaining (LIUNA) Pay Plan-Add Preserve Ranger - 24-00432

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 revisions to the Bargaining (LIUNA) Pay Plan.

3.

MOU Between BOCC and LIUNA for Merit Increase and Parental Leave - 24-00438

• Request approval of the MOU between Alachua County Board of County Commissions and LIUNA for Merit Increase and Parental Leave.

9.

Procurement

1.

First Amendment 13891 with Powerhouse Recycling, Inc. for Invitation to Bid (ITB) 24-81 Annual E-Scrap Disposal, for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. - 24-00380

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Powerhouse Recycling, Inc., for ITB 24-81 Annual E-Scrap Disposal, identified as #13891.

2.

Purchase Order to Deland Truck Center, Inc., in the amount of $87,409.00 for Public Works. - 24-00428

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Deland Truck Center, Inc., in the amount of $87,409.00. Also, Fiscal Services is requesting approval of budget amendment 2024-1726 to move funds.

3.

Purchase Order to Strykers Sales Corporation, in the amount of $84,667.23, for Fire Rescue. - 24-00430

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Strykers Sales Corporation, in the amount of $84,667.23.

4.

Second Amendments to Agreements for Annual Asphalt Concrete Surfacing Services, for Public Works. - 24-00435

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the following Second Amendments to the following Agreements for ITB 23-07 Annual Asphalt Concrete Surfacing Services:

  Second Amendment to Agreement 13740 with Creative Concrete Design of Colombia County;

  Second Amendment to Agreement 13741 with Preferred Materials, Inc.; and

  Second Amendment to Agreement 13742 with V.E. Whitehurst & Sons, Inc

5.

First Amendment to Addendum Agreement 13889 with Watson Construction Company, LLC for Annual Pavement Management Services for Public Works. - 24-00437

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute First Amendment to the Addendum Agreement 13889 with Watson Construction Company, LLC, for Annual Pavement Management Services.

10.

Public Works

1.

Unanticipated revenues for Intersection Improvements Grant at NW 39th Ave and NW 97 Blvd - 24-00385

• Adoption of resolution for unanticipated revenues with approval of budget amendment included to account for this grant from FDOT on intersection improvements at NW 39^th Ave and NW 97^th Blvd

2.

Authorization to Advertise a Public Hearing and Notice of Intent to Use the Uniform Method to impose Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for a Special Assessment District for Quail Street. - 24-00388

• Adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the advertisement of a Public Hearing to consider the establishment of a Special Assessment District to use an alternative surface treatment on Quail Street and Notice of Intent to use the uniform method for collecting non-ad valorem assessments. Authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution.

3.

Acceptance of donation of Drainage Easement from City of Gainesville - 24-00396

• Adopt the Resolution accepting the Drainage Easement and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution, the Drainage Easement and any other documents approved by the County Attorney that are necessary to complete the conveyance.

4.

Acquisition of Pena and Arango/De La Cruz Flooded Houses in Hills of Santa Fe - 24-00412

• Approve the acquisition of the properties located at 10002 NW 25^th Place (06236-002-000) and 10012 NW 25^th Place (06236-003-000) in Alachua County, Florida for demolition and use as a storm water basin, authorize the Chair to sign the Purchase Agreements, acceptance of the Deeds, Dedication to Public Use and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants, and any other documents, approved by the County Attorney, necessary to complete the acquisitions.

5.

Purchase of Property adjacent to Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management Department - 24-00417

• Approve the purchase of Parcel # 16092-001-000, authorize the Chair to sign the Purchase Agreement, acceptance of deed and any other documents, approved by the County Attorney, necessary to complete this acquisition.

6.

Second Amendment to Contract between County and North Florida Regional Medical Center for Realignment of SW 41st Boulevard - 24-00266

• The Board approve the Second Amendment, the Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Exhibit A to the Second Amendment), and the Indemnification Agreement as to Pipeline Easement and Encroachment (Exhibit B to the Second Amendment), and authorize the Chair to sign the same.

11.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Fiscal Year 2023 Byrne Grant and Fiscal Year 2022 Byrne Grant Revision - 24-00422

• 1. Authorize the Sheriff, or his designee, to serve as the County Coordinator for Fiscal Year 2023 Byrne Grant Countywide application.
  2. Approve the revised Fiscal Year 2022 Byrne Grant Countywide “51% Letter,” authorizing the changes to program description for the City of High Springs.

Q.

Notation for Record

1.

Report of Contracts signed by County Manager or Designee in the month of March 2024. - 24-00382

• Accept the report and include a copy of the contracts to the Clerk’s copy of the agenda for inclusion into the minutes.

2.

Rural Concerns Advisory Board Minutes of March 19, 2024 - 24-00411

• No Action necessary, For informational purposes only.

3.

Health Care Advisory Board Approved Minutes March 6, 2024 - 24-00419

• No action necessary; for informational purposed only

4.

Infrastructure Surtax Oversight Board – February 26, 2024 Minutes - 24-00440

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

R.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings