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 

Senior Pastor Jesse Bryan provided the Invocation.

Chair Alford called the meeting to order at 11:35am.

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Prizzia exits meeting at 11:35am

  • To approve the Regular and Consent Agenda. 

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

- Introduced Travis Parker the new Facilities Director

- Gainesville/Alachua County Employment Law Seminar June 26, 2024, via zoom. This will be for all business who have an interest in varies topics like social media policy and best practices for employers and many other topics. 

- Department of Health asked the county to put mosquito awareness out. A video was displayed encouraging citizens to protect themselves from mosquitos. 

- A video was played displaying the Unveiling of the Soil Collection Jar Exhibit Honoring victims of lynching

Chair Alford, Commissioner Cornell, Deputy County Manager Carl Smart, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, County Manager Lieberman, and Commissioner Chestnut all presented comments.

Commissioner Prizzia returned to the meeting at 11:37am

Commissioner Cornell moved approval all Proclamations on the agenda.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Prizzia presented the above proclamation declaring June 2024 as immigrant Heritage Month.

 

Garcia Hernandez and other staff accepted the proclamation.

  • Proclaim June 2024, as Immigrant Heritage Month in Alachua County, Florida

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each Commissioner for their nomination to appoint one voting member with a term ending November 2026 to the Equity Advisory Board Vacancy.

 

All commissioners unanimously voted for applicant Nancy Dean to a term ending November 2026.

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to appoint Nancy Dean to a voting position ending in November 2026.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 5-0. 

 

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each Commissioner for their nomination to appoint one alternate member with a term ending November 2027 to the Equity Advisory Board Vacancy.

 

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Chestnut and Chair Alford nominated applicant Michael Raburn.

Commissioner Prizzia nominated applicant Siri Blumberg.

Commissioner Cornell nominated applicant Jerald Cheeseborough.

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to appoint applicant Michael Raburn to an alternate position ending in November 2027. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 5-0.

  • Appoint a voting position ending in November 2026 and an alternate position ending in November 2027.

Staff Liaison Summer Waters introduced John Rosenbek EPAC Chair who presented the above item to the Board.

 

EPAC Major Accomplishments FY 2023

  • Completed recommendation to BOCC regarding the Lee Special Area Study and presented at public meeting. 
  • Discussed Weyerhaeuser's proposed development boarding SR 121 with Jennie Ford, City of Gainesville Environmental Planner.
  • Analyzed Alachua County landfill diversion practices and recommended updates to comprehensive plan policy 1.2.5 regarding plastics as a fuel source or as feedstock for a waste to energy facility. 
  •  Advised Alachua County to collaborate with the Florida Springs Council on legislative issues
  • Made suggestions to Water Resources Program regarding Water Conservation and Irrigation Code updates 
  • Encouraged BOCC to pass a resolution in support of Right to Clean and Healthy Waters state constitutional amendment

 

Commissioner Cornell exits meeting at 12:45pm 

Commissioner Cornell returns to meeting at 12:46pm

 

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

  • Approve annual report

Chair Alford recognized Dr. Illangkoon Grasshopper who presented comments

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each commissioner for their nominations to appoint three citizens to a full-term ending June 30, 2027.

 

Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler and Chair Alford all nominated Bettina Moser, Dr. Illangkoon Grasshopper, and Neesha Anderson.

 

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Bettina Moser, Dr. Illangkoon Grasshopper, and Krista Kilburg. 

 

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to appoint Bettina Moser, Dr. Illangkoon Grasshopper, and Neesha Anderson to a full-term ending June 30, 2027.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

The motion carried 5-0. 

 

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each commissioner for their top three nominations to appoint one citizen to a term ending June 30, 2026, one citizen to a term ending June 30, 2025 and one alternate to a term ending June 30, 2026.

 

Commissioner Cornell, nominated Blake Jacoby, Krista Kilburg, and Gwen Stone.

Commissioner Wheeler nominated David Vania, Blake Jacoby, and Krista Kilburg.

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Blake Jacoby, Gwen Stone, and Amy Clark.

Commissioner Prizzia and Chair Alford nominated David Vania, Blake Jacoby, and Krista Kilburg. 

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to appoint Blake Jacoby to a term ending June 30, 2026, Krista Kilburg to a term ending June 30, 2025, and David Vania to alternate term ending June 30, 2026. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

The motion carried 5-0. 

 

 

  • Appoint six (6) citizens to three (3) full term citizen-at-large positions ending June 30, 2027, one (1) citizen-at-large stub term ending June 30, 2026, one (1) citizen-at-large stub term ending June 30, 2025, and one (1) alternate stub term ending on June 30, 2026.

Chair Alford recognized Patricia Lee, and Tamara Robbins who presented comments.

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

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to provide a letter of support......(49mins)

2nd Chestnut 

5-0.

Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels presented the above item. 

 

Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels states there is one minor amendment to the agreement that states there will still be a $70 fee for the site visits as adopted in the fee code. There is a line added that states from time to time the County will look at the number of cases they have and cost to make sure that they can still afford going forward. 

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement allowing the County to provide code enforcement services for the City of Hawthorne. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 5-0.

Equity and Community outreach manager Deidra Houchin introduced Immigrant and Language Access Coordinator Gracia Hernandez who presented the above item.

 

Purpose and Authority

  • Establish effective guidelines in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166
  • Provide direction for Alachua County employees when interacting with individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) 
  • Ensure meaningful access to all county services, programs, and activities

Immigrant Support and Staff Compliance

  • Alachua County will offer free language assistance services to LEP individuals upon encounter or request.
  • Departments can choose between using a certified professional vendor or an in-house interpreter
  • Language needs will be determined based on primary languages spoken by students in Alachua County Public Schools, those 
    requested through our communications center, and from our partner organizations 

Interpretation Services: 

  •  Live, simultaneous over-the-phone interpreting.
  •  Designation of qualified interpreters 

Translation of Vital and Necessary Documents:

  •  Prioritization of translation for vital documents based on importance and consequences to LEP individuals.

Emergency notices will be translated promptly into languages spoken by significant portions of our community to facilitate effective communication and ensure everyone's safety and well-being. 

 

Recommendation to adopt the following Language Access Policy:

It is the policy of Alachua County to provide timely meaningful access for individuals who are of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in all Alachua County government services, programs, and activities. All language assistance services are free to all LEP individuals who request language assistant services in the provision of County programs, services, and provisions. 

 

Commissioner Prizzia, and Gracia Hernandez presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve the Language Access Policy with the addition of the feedback process for updating the policies as needed.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

 

Commissioner Wheeler, Garcia Hernandez, Commissioner Cornell, Chair Alford, County Attorney Torres, Commissioner Prizzia, County Manager Lieberman, and Chair Alford presented comments.  

 

Public Comment

Ethan Dell coordinator for the Gainesville Immigrant Neighborhood Inclusion Initiative (citizen gave handout to commissioners), Robbin Luey, and Veronica Robleto presented comments. 

 

Staff revised the recommended Language Access Policy to the Board as follows:

It is the policy of Alachua County to provide timely meaningful access for individuals who are of limited English proficiency (LEP) in all Alachua County BOCC government services, programs, and activities. All language assistance services are free to all LEP individuals who request language assistance services in the provision of county programs, services and provisions. Staff will regularly review and evaluate this policy with meaningful engagement on language services and procedures with relevant external and internal stakeholders.  

 

Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

 

Chair Alford exits meeting at 2:02pm

Chair Alford returns to meeting at 2:04pm

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to amend her above motion to approve the new recommended Language Access Policy as follows:

It is the policy of Alachua County to provide timely meaningful access for individuals who are of limited English proficiency (LEP) in all Alachua County BOCC government services, programs, and activities. All language assistance services are free to all LEP individuals who request language assistance services in the provision of county programs, services and provisions. Staff will regularly review and evaluate this policy with meaningful engagement on language services and procedures with relevant external and internal stakeholders.  

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 5-0.

 

Communications Director Mark Sexton presented comments. 

  • Hear the presentation; Approve Language Access Policy.

Deputy County Manager Carl Smart presented a brief update on the above item to the Board. 

 

Completed Actions

  • Fully executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) completed forming the Alachua County Gun Violence Prevention Alliance
  • Provided a letter of support to the City of Gainesville for its Community Based Violence Intervention Grant application
  • Meetings with and reviewed a proposal from the Pleasant Street Civil Rights and Cultural Arts Center and the Strong-Minded Mentors for a Cease Violence in the Hood program
  • Meetings with and reviewed a proposal from Cure Violence Global which follows a public health model and supports sites throughout the United States and several international communities.
  • Participated in meetings of the Alachua County Gun Violence Prevention Alliance to finalize a logo, plan for and hold an initial Community Stakeholders Strategic Planning session.
  • Met with staff of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County to discuss ideas for use of joint funding
  • Working with our Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Intern, completed research on prevention efforts undertaken in Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia.
  • Met with the Circuit 8 Administrator for the Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole to discuss programming ideas for those re-entering the community and others under supervision including the formation of a Gun Violence Court
  • Obtained a supply of 75 gun safety locks

 

In Progress Activities 

  • Developing a Small Grant Initiative RFA for qualified non-governmental emerging small businesses to conduct primary, secondary, and tertiary gun violence prevention programs
  • Attending monthly Black on Black Crime Task Force meetings
  • In collaboration with Gainesville Fire Rescue Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is planning a Family Fun Day at Cone Park
  • The Alachua County Crisis Center is planning a Crisis Intervention and De-escalation series of trainings for first responders and other individuals in partnership with Gainesville Fire Rescue
  • Monthly meetings with the City of Gainesville Gun Violence Program Manager to strengthen coordination of activities.
  • Distribution of gun safety locks at no expense that promote the Veteran’s Crisis Line and 988

 

Chair Alford, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Prizzia, Chair Alford, Deputy County Manager Carl Smart, Brittany Coleman, and Commissioner Chestnut all presented comments. 

  • Hear update and provide staff with direction

Commissioner Prizzia, and Chair Alford presented comments.

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve staff recommendations. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

 

Public Comment

David presented comments. 

 

The motion carried 5-0.

  • That the Board adopt the Resolution of Intent to Use the Uniform Method of Collection of Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for Roadway Improvements to Quail Street in Melrose, authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution and Notice of Intent and authorize staff to record the Notice of Intent and distribute the Notice pursuant to statute.

County Attorney Torres presented the rules of procedure for the hearing.


Deputy Clerk Miller inquired of any ex-parte communications and issued the Oath to all those who wished to participate. 


No ex-parte communications were disclosed. 

 

Senior Planner Leslie Mclendon presented the above item.

75th Street Self Storage Facility

  • 110,000 sf self-storage facility
  •  606 NW 75th Street
  • 2.02 acres
  • Commercial Future Land Use
  • Business Highway (BH) Zoning District

 

Commissioner Prizzia, Chair Alford, and Senior Planner Leslie Mclendon presented comment

 

Applicants Michelle Bach and Alejandro Santizo gave a brief presentation of their site plans.

 

1784 Holding plans to build and operate a modern self-storage facility on the subject property:

  • 109,337 square feet, 3 story building
  • Building height 42'-8"
  • Climate Controlled self-storage
  • Contemporary design
  • Consistent with urban office building aesthetic

The building architecture will be designed to resemble a contemporary office building versus a traditional storage facility. Customer parking will be provided on the south side of the building.  

 

Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Cornell moved approval of staff recommendations approving the Preliminary Development plan for 75th Street Storage and Resolution DR242-24. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

The motion carried 5-0.

  • Approve the proposed Preliminary Development Plan and Resolution DR24-24 based on a finding of consistency with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code

There were no citizen comments made.

There were no attorney comments made.

There were no manager comments made.

Commissioner Wheeler stated the new cover is up at Cuscowilla and whenever you get a chance you should stop by and see it. Commissioner also stated she is concerned about the water temperature and people who are getting in the lake areas when its hot and there could be parasites and amoebas. If possible, commissioner would like someone from the health department to help relay the important information about getting in water with hot temperatures. She also would like to congratulate Commissioner Chestnut on being elected and presented a gift to him. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated a complaint email was received regarding the water and sewer conditions of the jail. The issue has been fixed now but she would like to discuss and get a clear understanding of what can be done to fix the issue long term. Also, in regard to the drinking water fountains she would like, if possible, to have some type of monitoring done on the fountains or a filter system put on the fountains whichever is the better option to ensure the water quality is best. 

Commissioner Chestnut stated with the help of Mark he was able to put something together for Juneteenth and some of the comments received were disappointing and he believes there is still a lot of work to be done. A lot of citizens had great things to say but then there were some disappointing remarks as well. 

Commissioner Cornell would like to talk about "The Nature of Oaks" book he passed out to the commissioners. Commissioner states there may be an opportunity in the August meeting to discuss the size of Oaks and if they would like to do something or not. He hopes the commissioners read the book and then they could possibly have a discussion with staff. 

Chair Alford had questions for staff regarding buffers and the development that is off 75th because a resident states she was to have a buffer that is missing. An email from staff showing the planning would be great to receive that way she can respond and answer the citizen questions the best she can. 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.

  • To adjourn the meeting. 

  • Designate $30,000 for a Feasibility Study for a Local National Center for Arts & Technology to the College Access Network Matching Challenge Grant

  • Approve payment of the invoice for Dr. Scott Young, PHD and Dr. Kathleen Moore, PHD for the evaluation of the Metamorphosis Therapeutic Program

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

    1.Santa Fe River – Robinson (Full Price List)

    2.Lochloosa Forest – Levy Prairie Connector – Wood, Ashley & Sara-Nett (“Wood”) (Full Price List)

    3.Watermelon Pond – Dumford & Palmer (Full Price List)

  • Authorize the Chair’s signature on the Interlocal Agreement, #14214, with the MTPO, City of Gainesville, and University of Florida.

    Also, approve the resolution for unanticipated revenues which includes a budget amendment to revise and increase budget to $254,700.

  • Appoint Brent Weisman to a 3-year term beginning 06/25/2024 and ending 05/31/2027 in the membership category Residing in the Unincorporated Area Outside the Urban Cluster designated in the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan.

  • Board Approval of the IAFF General Unit Collective Bargaining Agreement FY25-FY27 with three-year step plan.

  • Confirm Travis Parker as the new Facilities Management Director

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

  • Approve the request to add one full-time equivalent (FTE) Senior Fiscal Assistant position to the Budget and Fiscal Services Department.

  • Appoint Allen Kurian to Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee with a Term Ending September 30, 2027

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14136 with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. for the Preparation of the Alachua Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan, in the amount Not to Exceed amount of $254,700.00.

  • Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 24-1008 with SHI International Corp, in the amount of $29,000.00. The revised Purchase Order is $79,000.00.

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Addendum Agreement 14011 with SHI International Corp., for Information Technology Solutions and Services, as-needed and on-call not to exceed (NTE) $800,000.00 annually.

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14150 with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. for RFP 23-425 Alachua County Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan, NTE $286,326.50

  • Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Point Security, Inc, in the amount of $51,229.00.

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute First Amendment to Agreement 13482 with Hydradry for Bid 23-73-MM Annual Cleaning Services for Emergency Sites, in the amount not to exceed (NTE) $75,000.00 annually.

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14018 with Bentley Group Inc., for RFP 23-414 Architecture and Engineering Services for the Kincaid Loop Trail, in the amount of $377,033.00. Also, Fiscal Services is requesting approval of Budget Amendment 2024-2615 to move funds.

  • Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the following Addendum Agreements for Disaster Debris Monitoring, NTE $1,000,000.00 annually:

    Addendum Agreement 14225 with Rostan Solutions, LLC

    Addendum Agreement 14255 Tetra Tech, Inc.

  • Accept the list of regulatory traffic control devices placed, modified or removed by the County Engineer from January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 and include a copy of the list in the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners.

  • Authorize the Chair of the County Commission to sign forms for Sheriff or his designee to serve as the County Coordinator.

  • No action necessary. For informational purposes only. 

  • No action necessary; for informational purposes only

  • No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

  • No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

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