Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, April 08, 2025 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:

• Commissioner Mary Alford, 
• Chair Charles S. Chestnut, IV, 
• Vice Chair Ken Cornell, 
• Commissioner Anna Prizzia, 
• and Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler 

---

A.

Invocation

Senior Pastor Jesse Byran provided the Invocation.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Chestnut led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

C.

Call to Order

Chair Chestnut called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

Commissioner Alford moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed and to authorize Commissioner Cornell to participate remotely due to extraordinary circumstances. The motion carried 4-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Chestnut recognized Anthony Johnson and County Manager Lieberman who presented comments to the Board. 

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

• A Fair Housing Resources Fair will be hosted on April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center. Citizens are encouraged to attend and learn about housing laws and the resources available.
• A demonstration of the new Commission Email Page was demonstrated for the public. This website will allow citizens to access 2 years worth of all Commissioners emails. 
• A video of the World Masters Event was displayed as well as a presentation and awards given. 

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

F.

Approval of Recognitions

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

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

1.

Employee Length of Service 1st Quarter Recognition - 25-00211

Assistant County Manager Heather Akpan presented the recognitions. 

Public Works Director Gavarrete presented comments regarding the retirement of Terry "Pete" Jackson after 16 years of service to the County.

2.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April 1st through April 30th, 2025, as National Poetry Month in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00257

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to E. Stanley Richardson, Annika Gamad, and Jenna Nishida who accepted it with gratitude. 

3.

Presentation of proclamation recognizing April 13th through April 19th, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00258

Chair Chestnut read and presented the Proclamation to Sheriff Chad Scott, 911 Operator David Gibson, and Communications Center Division Manager Patricia Fort Thomas, who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

4.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00259

Commissioner Prizzia read and presented the Proclamtion to Human Rights Chair Arron Kelly and EO Manager Jacqueline Chung who accepted it with gratitude. 

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Non-Gainesville Municipal Representative – MTPO - 25-00246

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nominee for the Non-Gainesville Municipal Representative to the MTPO. 

Commissioners Cornell, Prizzia, and Wheeler nominated Monique Taylor.

Commissioner Alford nominated Kevin Putansu.

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Tommy Howard. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved Monique Taylor as the Non-Gainesville Municipal Representative to the MTPO to term consistent with the bylaws and the interlocal agreement. Further refer to staff that some procedures be put in place for this nomination process and as part of that process a request for each municipality to send a nominee to the Board for selection and that the term be for 2 years.  

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Chestnut recognized Monique Taylor who expressed her desire to serve on the MTPO.  

Transportation Planning Manager Allison Moss stated that staff will take the feedback develop procedures within the confine of the bylaws and interlocal agreement. 

The motion carried 5-0.

2.

Alachua County Housing Authority Board Appointment - 25-00232

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nomination for the Alternate Representative to the Alachua County Housing Advisory Board.

Commissioners Alford, Chestnut, Cornell, Prizzia, and Wheeler nominated Michelle Beans.

Commissioner Prizzia moved appointment of Michelle Beans as the Alternate Representative to a term ending July 31, 2027.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Chestnut recognized Commissioner Alford, Kali Blount, and Robert Hall who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 5-0. 

3.

Human Rights Board Annual Report 2025 - 25-00237

Human Rights Board Chair Arron Kelly presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

4.

Local History Presentation by the Alachua County Historical Commission of the History and Significance of a Block of Buildings on Main Street. - 25-00272

Growth Management Kaneisha Hines and Chair of the Historical Commission Chair Melony Barr presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

H.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Anthony Johnson, Melissa Wright, and Julie Stokes who presented comments.

County Attorney Torres presented comments. 

I.

Public Hearings

1.

Community Development Block Grant Application First (1st) Public Hearing - 25-00294

Housing Program Manager Ralston Reodica presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Alford moved to hold the public hearing; direct staff to submit application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and select funding category(ies); and authorize signature authority to the County Manager or designee to submit CDBG application for funding and other required forms to apply for the CDBG Grant, including any modifications. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler 

J.

Items Pulled From Consent

K.

NOTE: This meeting will reconvene at 5:01 PM

L.

Presentations

1.

Presentation on State Required Closure Plan for Florence Landfill - 25-00228

EPD Director Stephen Hoffstetter and EPD Hazard Materials Manager Chris Gilbert presented the above item. 

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

M.

Action Items

1.

Air Quality Monitoring Options at Florence Landfill - 25-00207

Hazardous Materials Manager Chris Gilbert and EPD Director Stephen Hoffstetter presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Prizzia moved Scenario C - 3 units, PM & H2S only for 6 months with the addition of a 4th background monitor then reassess. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

Assistant County Attorney Corbin Hanson presented comments. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Marley Prichard, Sarah Younger, Suzmiche Morris, Kali Blount, John L Gainey, Anthony Johnson, Bracken Camp, and Marilyn Wendy who presented comments to the Board.

Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Prizzia, Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, Assistant County Attorney Corbin Hanson, and Chair Chestnut presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0. 

N.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Anthony Johnson and Kali Blount who presented comments to the Board. 

2.

County Attorney Comment

There were no comments offered.

3.

County Manager Comment

There were no comments offered.

4.

Commission Comment

Lochloosa Slough Public Engagement Meeting

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she noticed that the County engagement meeting is at the same time as the Hawthorne City Commission Meeting. She requested that staff try to not schedule meetings at times that would be competing with other public meetings as it may limit community involvement. 

Farmers Market

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she knows the County has to move the farmer's market to make space for the Fire Department Training Facility. She would like to have a parallel process with staff working with the Farmer's Market to do a survey to determine their needs in terms of space, what the customers want, and the venders need.  She would like to have the information brought to a special meeting for discussion. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to direct staff to work with our farmer's market vendors and customers to solicit information about the farmer's market needs so the Board can begin to explore what next steps are for that. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford 

Commissioner Alford and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Meeting Funding

Commissioner Prizzia stated the last AHAC meeting there was a lot of discussion around the infrastructure surtax. None of the funds have been spent as the County has struggle to develop the structure of the program. She feels the County needs to have a policy conversation regarding the legal and structural questions but also the criteria used and how the County will vet proposed projects. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to schedule the matter for discussion at the May Policy Meeting. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford 

O.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

P.

Consent Items

1.

Budget & Fiscal Services

1.

Fund 037 Budget Reallocation for Miscellaneous Projects - 25-00256

• Approve the attached budget journal

2.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Request approval of the attached BOCC minutes - 25-00253

• Approve publication of final BOCC minutes

3.

Community Support Services

1.

Unanticipated Revenue for Community Development Block Grant – Corona Virus and Children’s Trust of Alachua County - 25-00303

• Approved both Unanticipated Revenues resolution and journal attachments

4.

County Manager's Office

1.

Value Adjustment Board Appointment - 25-00247

• Appoint one full term member to the Citizen (must own homestead property in Alachua County) – has the homestead exemption – position with a term ending in March 2026.

5.

Facilities Management

1.

Parking Space Rental Agreement 14641 with First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville for Parking - 25-00265

• Approve the Parking Space Rental Agreement 14641 (Agreement) & authorize the County Manager to execute the Agreement

6.

Fire Rescue

1.

Request to donate surplus self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment to Loften High School, City of High Springs Fire Department, and City of Newberry Fire Department - 25-00233

• Adopt the Resolution authorizing the donation of surplus SCBA equipment to Loften High School, City of High Springs Fire Department, and City of Newberry Fire Department

2.

Interlocal Agreements for 911 Emergency Addressing Services with Five (5) Municipalities - 24-00803

• Approve the interlocal agreements between the County and the Town of La Crosse, City of Waldo, City of Hawthorne, City of Newberry and City of High Springs

7.

Procurement

1.

Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-109 with Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc., increasing the amount by $20,000.00 for Animal Resources. - 25-00220

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-109 with Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc., increasing the amount by $20,000.00. The revised Blanket Purchase Order is $60,000.00.

2.

Purchase Order to Emergency Vehicles, Inc., in the amount of $584,490.00 for Public Works. - 25-00224

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Emergency Vehicles, Inc., in the amount of $584,490.00.

3.

Purchase Order to Emergency Vehicles, Inc., in the amount of $1,185,397.00 for Public Works. - 25-00225

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Emergency Vehicles, Inc., in the amount of $1,185,397.00.

4.

Purchase Order to Alan Jay Fleet Sales, in the amount of $66,096.00 for Supervisor of Elections Office Via Public Works - 25-00234

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Alan Jay Fleet Sales, in the amount of $66,096.

5.

Purchase Order to Strykers Sales Corporation, in the amount of $63,362.58 for Fire Rescue. - 25-00241

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Strykers Sales Corporation, in the amount of $63,362.58.

6.

Agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast LLC “Green for Life” (14243) for Waste Collection at Alachua County Facilities for Facilities Management. - 25-00248

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast LLC (14243) for Waste Collection at Alachua County Facilities for Facilities Management.

7.

Award and Agreements for BID 25-33-LC Rebid Annual Concrete Construction and Repair Services for Public Works. - 25-00249

• Exempt the following four contracts from the payment and performance bond requirements of 255.05, Florida Statutes, for individual tasks that cost $200,000 or less, approve the award and authorize the Chair to execute the following contracts for BID 25-33-LC Rebid Annual Concrete Construction and Repair Services, NTE $250,000.00 annually:

  Agreement 14634 with Richard Sean Construction Inc.

  Agreement 14635 with AJ General Construction Services, Inc.

  Agreement 14636with Hicks Asphalt, Paving & Concrete, LLC

  Agreement 14637 with Southeastern Concrete Pumping, Inc. d/b/a Silverback Concrete

8.

Agreement with Watson Construction Company, LLC (14491) for BID 25-488-LC Rebid NW/NE 53rd Avenue Resurfacing from US Highway 441 to State Road 24 Project #919-7907, for Public Works. - 25-00261

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14491 with Watson Construction Company, LLC for BID 25-488-LC Rebid NW/NE 53rd Avenue Resurfacing from US Highway 441 to State Road 24 Project #919-7907, in the amount of $7,229,632.65 with a Contingency of $361,481.63, for a total fiscal impact of $7,591,114.28.

9.

Award of Bid 25-71-MB Annual On-Demand Repairs, Maintenance, Upgrades, Installation and Emergency Services for the LenelS2 OnGuard Access Control System. - 25-00263

• Approve the Award of Bid 25-71-MB Annual On-Demand Repairs, Maintenance, Upgrades, Installation and Emergency Services for the LenelS2 OnGuard Access Control System for Facilities Management to BCI Integrated Solutions as the primary and Security 101 Holdings, LLC, as the secondary, lowest, most responsive, and responsible vendors.

10.

Addendum Agreements for On-Call Electrical Services, for Facilities Management based on University of Florida Agreements. - 25-00266

• Approve the following Addendum Agreements and authorize the Chair to sign the agreements:

  14598 ADDENDUM AGREEMENT between Alachua County and Del Sol Electric, LLC

  14600 ADDENDUM AGREEMENT between Alachua County and Preston-Link Electric, Inc.

8.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Fiscal Year 2023 Byrne Grant Countywide Funds – Unanticipated Revenue - 25-00251

• Approve the resolution and budget amendment for unanticipated revenue.

9.

Tourism & Economic Development

1.

2025 Update to Small Farmer Grant Methodology - 25-00271

• Approve the 2025 Small Famer Grant Methodology and authorize the County Manager to advertise and solicit grant applications.

Q.

Notation for Record

1.

Local Planning Agency and Planning Commission - 25-00242

• No action necessary; for informational purposes only

2.

Land Conservation Board (LCB) Approved Minutes - 25-00252

• No action necessary; for informational purposes only

3.

Recreation and Open Space - 25-00270

• No action necessary; for informational purposes only

R.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings