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

A.
Invocation

 

Bishop Christopher Stokes 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 11:30 a.m.

D.
Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda with the following amendments:

Removed from Consideration:

Item #L2 Request Approval of Joint Wild Spaces Public Places Project with the City of Gainesville for the NE 31 Avenue Trail - 24-00090

Item Pulled from Consent for Consideration:

Item #6A, Request to Advertise the Fire Rescue Special Event Ordinance - 24-00067

To be heard in the place of L2.

The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Prizzia, County Manager Lieberman, and County Attorney Torres who presented comments. 

E.
Announcements

 

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcement:

  • Advisory Board Vacancies were presented to the Public and citizens were encouraged to apply and volunteer. 

Commissioner Prizzia requested a monthly update on the Advisory Board vacancies by email.

F.
Approval of Recognitions

 

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

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

1.
Approval of a proclamation declaring December 18th 2024, as Matthew Lewey Day in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00074

 

Commissioner Chestnut read and presented the Proclamation to N Kwanda Jah and Dr. Paul Ortiz who accepted it with gratitude. 

2.
Approval of a Proclamation Declaring February 2, 2024, as World Wetlands Day in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00107

 

Commissioner Prizzia read and presented the Proclamation to EPD Director Stephen Hoffstetter who accepted it with gratitude. 

3.
Approval of a Proclamation Declaring January 2024, as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Alachua County Florida - 24-00108

 

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to Alison Ungaro who accepted it with gratitude. 

4.
Approval of a proclamation declaring January 2024 as National Radon Action month in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00109

 

Commissioner Cornell read and presented the Proclamation to Courtney Oliver who accepted it with gratitude. 

5.
Approval of a proclamation declaring January 21st -27th, 2024, as National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist week in Alachua County, Florida - 24-00110

 

Chair Alford read and presented the Proclamation.

G.
Board and Committee Items

 

1.
Alachua County Veteran Services Advisory Board Annual Work Plan and Accomplishments 2023-2024 - 24-00063

 

Veteran Services Director Kim Davis presented the above item. 

Goals for 2023-2024

  • Continue to support the creation of a North Central Florda Honor Guard. 
  • Make recommendations to the BoCC about items of interest to the Veterans community.
  • Assist in dissemination of information for the Veteran community throughout Alachua County.
  • Provide information and feedback to the VA Hospiital about veterans' care and services.
  • Continue to support Veterans events as planed and presented by Alachua County Veteran Services.
  • Continue to collaborate with the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Prizzia, and Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented comments. 

2.
Children’s Trust of Alachua County Recommendations to the Governor, 23-00192

 

Chair Alford recognized Lisa Denning Tate who expressed her desire to serve on the Children's Trust of Alachua County Board. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their three nominees.

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Denning-Tate, McGinnis-Brown, and Peoples.

Commissioner Cornell nominated Denning-Tate, McGinnis-Brown, and Purcell.

Commissioner Prizzia nominated Denning-Tate, DePaola, and McGinnis-Brown.

Commissioner Wheeler nominated Denning-Tate, Graham, and Peoples.

Chair Alford nominated Denning Tate, DePaolo, and Peoples. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey announced that Lisa Denning-Tate, Denise McGinnis-Brown, and Sabrina Peoples were the top nominees. 

Commissioner Cornell moved that Lisa Denning-Tate, Denise McGinnis-Brown, and Sabrina Peoples be sent to the Governor for consideration. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

H.
Public Comments

 

Chair Alford recognized Jim Konish, Laila Fakhoury, Chris Peterson, Beshar Alzghoul, Linda Maurice, Saif Kahn, Aviva Asher, Imam of ICCG, Amanda, Bill Radunovich, Johnny Rawl, Eshan Ho Yixin, Caroline Herd, Telford Cartwright, Alfredo Morales, Maza Black, JoJo Sacks, Amber Pescatore, Mary Barr, Marvin Slot, Lamot Watson, David Schwartz, Tamar, Allise, Donna Shapiro, Renata Shih, Johsua, Marlowe, a citizen, Joseph, Neta, Dennis, Jamie, Jen Chia, Mayor, Armondo Grundy-Gomez, Trey Guwahati, Hallandale Beach Commissioner Michele Lazarow, Vice Mayor Hallandale Beach Anabelle Lima-Taub, Veronica Robleto, Chris Arias, Steve Scott, James, Rebecca, Daneil Robleto, Genesis, Abigail Fletcher,  Niko Signori, Arthur Groveland, N Kwanda Jah, Ms. Lee, Cocoa, A, Rabbi Goldman, David Jones, Jeffrey Meldon, Doe, Ray Thomas, Merely Gomez, Maya Velazco, Mark Venzke, Patricia Lee, Ramon Hopkins, Dr. Denise Brown, Dallas Young, and Katherine Riley who presented comments.

COMMISSION RECESSED AT: 3:35 P.M.

COMMISSION RECONVENED: 3:50P.M.

I.
Commission Response to the Public

 

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

J.
Items Pulled From Consent

 

K.
Presentations

 

1.
Annual Animal Resources Update - 24-00069

 

Animal Resources and Care Director Julie Johnson presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia and Chair Alford presented comments.  

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins and Steven Scott who presented comments. 

L.
Action Items

 

1.
Approval to Negotiate Lease with UF for Animal Resources Site - 24-00071

 

Facilities Director Dan Whitcraft presented the above item. 

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

County Manager Lieberman advised the Board that the County can only do a lease for 30 years. The agreement will be arranged so that the first lease will be for 30 years with a renewal that will match the lease the University of Florida has with the State of Florida. There is a term sheet that has been agreed to. There is not a contract at this time. The details still have to be negotiated but the site must be ready to turn dirt within 12 months from execution of the agreement. During that 12-month period the County will be proceeding with site design and other functions so the time will not be wasted. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to direct staff to move forward with the negotiation of a lease with the University of Florida (UF) for an Animal Resources Site to be brought back to this Board for approval. The motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Wheeler voting "Nay".

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Alford recognized Tamara Robbins who presented comments.

2.
Request Approval of Joint Wild Spaces Public Places Project with the City of Gainesville for the NE 31 Avenue Trail - 24-00090

 

(This Item was removed from consideration by motion.) 

  • Approve the Joint Wild Spaces Public Places Project with the City of Gainesville for the NE 31 Avenue Trail; authorize the County Attorney’s Office to develop the corresponding agreement; once the agreement is executed by the City of Gainesville, authorize the Alachua County Chair and Clerk to sign.

3.
Request to Advertise the Fire Rescue Special Event Ordinance - 24-00067

 

Growth Management Director Jeff Hays and Zoning Administrator Holly Banner presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia requested to refer to staff to align the application process with the tiers so that there is the least possible confusion and the easiest possible approach for any of these organizations planning these events.  

Commissioner Prizzia moved to authorize Staff to advertise a Public Hearing to Consider and Adopt updates to the Fire Rescue Special Event Ordinance with staff reviewing the timelines before advertising. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Cornell out of the room. 

4.
Request to advertise amendments to the Land Development Code (ULDC) related to Building Design, Development Review, Temporary Use Permits and RVs - 24-00014

 

Planner Angela Jacobs and Transportation Planning Manager Chris Dawson presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved that for the Preliminary Development Plans for rural/agricultural subdivisions would come to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Transportation Planning Manager Dawson stated that other changes to the Code may be necessary to implement the Board approval of Preliminary Development Plans for rural/agricultural subdivisions directed by the Board so this may be pulled from this approval to allow the time needed to make those changes. 

The Board expressed concerns regarding the requirement for different materials to be used on the facade of the building.

Growth Management Director Hays stated that there is some architectural expertise on staff, and they will review those code requirements. 

Commissioner Prizzia exited at 6:45 p.m.

Chair Alford would like staff to look into using a recreational vehicle as alternative housing. She would like staff to see what other places in Florida have done in this regard. 

Commissioner Wheeler moved to approve a request to advertise for a Notice of Public Hearing for proposed amendments to the ULDC. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Prizzia out of the room.

2nd Commissioner Cornell 

M.
Public Hearings

 

1.
Z23-000007: A request for a special use permit to allow a 265 ft. Personal Wireless Services Facility (PWSF) on a portion of tax parcel number 07605-000-000. - 24-00039

 

Assistant County Attorney Corbin Hanson read and presented the rules and procedures for the hearing.

There were no ex parte communications disclosed. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the Oath to all those who wished to address this matter. 

Planner Mehdi Benkhatar presented the above item. 

Commissioner Wheeler, Chair Alford, and Agent for the Applicant Robert Hulky presented comments.  

Commissioner Cornell moved that the Board of County Commissioners approve Z23-000007 with the conditions and bases as listed in the Staff Report amended with the following added condition:

That the non-flashing lights be programed to flash synchronized with the other flashing lights. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

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

The motion carried 5-0.

2.
Public Hearing for Board Consideration to Vacate a Portion of the Unimproved Rights-of-Way in the F.H. Thompson’s Subdivision. - 24-00062

 

County Attorney Torres read and presented the rules and procedures for the Public Hearing. 

There were no ex parte communications disclosed. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the oath to all those who wished to address this matter. 

Assistant Public Works Director Brian Kauffman presented the above item.

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption the Resolution to vacate a portion of the streets as requested in the application for the Right-of-Way Vacation of a portion of the Right-of-Ways in the Plat of F.H. Thompson’s Subdivision. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

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

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

 

O.
Public Comments

 

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

P.
Commission Response to the Public

 

Q.
Reports and Comments

 

1.
County Attorney Report

 

There were no reports offered.

2.
County Manager Report

 

There were no reports offered.

3.
Board Reports and Commission Comment

 

Live Local Legislation

Commissioner Cornell stated that he received a call from a Pasco County Commissioner regarding the Live Local Legislation. He advised that the legislation stated that if you produce multifamily units on commercial property that it receives exemptions from ad valorem taxes. If it is less than 120% of area median income (ami) it is 75% exempt if it is less than 80% of ami it is 100% exempt. The idea is to make more affordable housing available. Locally it is being used to subsidize student housing. Pasco County is filing a lawsuit against the State. Seven applicants have filed with the State for the exemption. He would like the County legal staff to work with the Pasco County legal staff to understand the lawsuit. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to refer to legal and staff to determine the ad valorem impact for future discussion by this Board to determine if they wish to join the lawsuit or not. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Prizzia out of the room.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Florence Landfill

Commissioner Cornell stated that he had a long discussion with the County Attorney regarding this special use permit. He is very frustrated with the situation.

Commissioner Cornell moved to direct the County Attorney to file a motion to intervene in the Division of Administrative Hearings Case 23-4067 to represent the interest of the County in the matter of the Florence C&D landfill permit which allows additional impacts for years to come. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Prizzia out of the room. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Assistant County Attorney Corbin Hanson and Chair Alford presented comments. 

Condolences Offered

Commissioner Chestnut thanked the Board and the Community for the outpouring of affection regarding the passing of his father.

Font used in PowerPoint

Chair Alford stated that she has received complaints about the font used in PowerPoint presentations not being readable on TV. She would like to have some standard to accommodate the viewing public. 

Communications Coordinator Sexton stated that there is a County Policy, and he will circulate it to staff to make sure they are informed. 

R.
Adjournment

 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

S.
Consent Items

 

1.
Budget & Fiscal Services

 

1.
Fiscal Year 2024 Fee Schedule Amendment - 24-00049

 

  • Approve the adjusted Fiscal Year 2024 Fee Schedule

2.
Clerk of the Court

 

1.
Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Report Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Quarter 1. - 24-00068

 

  • Accept Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Reports of Budget to Actual Expenditures for FY2024 Quarter 1.

3.
Community Support Services

 

4.
County Attorney's Office

 

1.
1.23.24 Litigation Report - Request for authority to initiate or defend. - 24-00084

 

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

5.
Environmental Protection

 

1.
Addition of Land Conservation Projects to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List - 24-00060

 

  • Approve the addition of the following properties on the Active Acquisition List.

    1.Lake Forest Creek – Friedman (Full Price List)

    2.Lake Forest Creek – Olster (Full Price List)

6.
Fire Rescue

 

1.
Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant Application and Resolution for ventilator purchase. - 24-00076

 

  • Approve the Grant Application and Resolution for seven (7) Ventilators for the Rural Rescue Units.

7.
Growth Management

 

1.
Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Appointments - 24-00065

 

  • Appoint Marie “Mickey” McMillan to a partial term beginning 02/01/2024 and ending 9/30/2026 for the membership category Actively Involved in Agriculture and/or Silviculture.

8.
Procurement

 

1.
Agreement 13863 with V.E. Whitehurst & Sons, Inc. for BID 23-411 Mill and Resurface NW 23rd Avenue From I-75 to NW 58th Boulevard, Project 917-7914 for Public Works. - 24-00012

 

  • Approve the Award and Agreement 13863 with V.E. Whitehurst & Sons, Inc. for ITB 23-411 Mill and Resurface NW 23rd Avenue From I-75 to NW 58th Boulevard, Project 917-7914, for a total fiscal impact of $8,978,287.24. Also, Fiscal Services is requesting approval of Budget Amendment 24-1035 and Resolution.

2.
Purchase Order to Ring Power, in the amount of $197,270.00 for Environmental Protection, Conservation Lands Division via Public Works. - 24-00043

 

  • Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Ring Power, in the amount of $197,270.00.

3.
Purchase Order to Trane U.S. Inc., in the amount of $2,490,000.00 for Facilities Management. - 24-00058

 

  • Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Trane U.S. Inc., in the amount of $2,490,000.00.

4.
Agreement 13981 with EDA Consultants, Inc. for Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-430 Civil Engineering for the New County Court Complex, for Facilities Management. - 24-00077

 

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 13981 with EDA Consultants, Inc. for the Civil Engineering of the New County Court Complex.

5.
Addendum Agreement 14051 with Bliss Products & Services, in the amount of $325,990.00, for a Pavilion at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, for Parks & Open Space. - 24-00082

 

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Addendum Agreement 14051 with Bliss Products & Services, in the amount of $325,990.00.

9.
Public Works

 

1.
CR 231 at NW 156th Avenue – Intersection Improvements FDOT Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement - 24-00112

 

  • Adopt Resolution for the CR 231 at NW 156th Avenue Intersection Improvements LAP Agreement which includes recognizing unanticipated revenue, approving budget amendment, authorizing the Chair to execute the agreement and authorizing the County Manager, Public Works Director, or County Engineer to execute subsequent agreements related to the

    project.

10.
Risk Management

 

1.
Examination of Sufficiency of Public Official Bond for County Officers - 24-00072

 

  • Examine and Approve the Public Official Bonds for County Officers

11.
Solid Waste & Resource Recovery

 

1.
12th Amendment to Agreement #9675 between Alachua County and GFL Solid Waste Southeast - 24-00053

 

  • Approve the 12th Amendment to Agreement #9675 between Alachua County and GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC for Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials, and Yard Trash Collection

T.
Notation for Record

 

U.
Notice of Upcoming Meetings

 
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