Poe Springs Concerns
Commissioner Prizzia inquired about the concerns expressed by Mr. Konish and wanted to know if staff is monitoring the situation.
County Manager Lieberman stated that Assistant County Manager Daniels has been provided the materials from Mr. Konish and will be handling the matter.
Sunrise Inn Property
Commissioner Wheeler requested an update on the Sunrise Inn and if staff is monitoring the project. There are also questions regarding how much the rooms at the hotels purchased for low-income housing will charge.
County Manager Lieberman stated that the Alachua County Housing Authority is monitoring the project. The emergency repairs have been performed since the purchase of the property. Some units are currently empty to be renovated. Once that work is completed current occupants will be moved to the renovated units to empty out the occupied units for renovation.
Ms. Lieberman stated that she does not have an answer regarding the cost of the hotel rooms but that she will provide an update to the Board.
Commissioner Prizzia requested a presentation on the proposed management of the hotels as they are coming online soon. Things such as security, management entity, price, case management, etc.
Commissioner Prizzia moved to request the presentation at a future meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
2nd Commissioner Wheeler
Federal Budget Cuts
Commissioner Prizzia stated that she is concerned about the effects of the federal budget cuts on food and housing assistance programs in the County. She would like to have an estimate of the impact on County programs so that the Board can consider steps to mitigate the impacts.
Commissioner Prizzia moved that staff bring back any impacts from Federal and State budget cuts on housing and food assistance programs during the budget process. The motion carried 5-0.
Children's Trust Update
Commissioner Cornell stated that the Children's Trust used a large portion of fund balance this year. The use of fund balance is not sustainable so there will be some cuts to services coming in the next budget. The Board also received an update on the Gun Violence Initiative and are not happy with the results. There is a Spark 352 out of the University of Florida. The trust maybe switching funding from the City of Gainesville Gun Violence program to Spark 352. Also, an update on the literacy program was provided to the Trust and he has sent the update to his fellow Commissioners to review.
Meeting Regarding Medical Debt
Commissioner Alford stated that she met with some students regarding medical debt and discussed some projects to settle medical debt of residents. The buyout rate seems to be 100 to 1 and she would like to investigate the possibility of a similar program in Alachua County.
Commissioner Alford moved to direct staff to investigate working with one of the groups to pay off medical debt for residents of Alachua County. Staff is to talk to Leon and Orange County to see how their programs worked and results. The motion carried 5-0.
2nd Commissioner Cornell
Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) Meeting
Commissioner Prizzia stated that the meeting was very productive. Carl Smart provided an update on gun violence. She stated that there is a small number of reoffenders that perpetuate the majority of violent crime. There needs to be appropriate wrap around services for these individuals.
The jail staff is having difficulty dealing with the need for mental health services for the number of people in the jail that need that help. The Judges are waiting for bed space to be available for these individuals, but the demand is high, and the supply is very limited. She feels these efforts to provide mental health services need to start earlier while the individuals are in jail.
Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler and Commissioner Alford provided comments.