City of Alachua Meetings
Commissioner Wheeler stated that there are large developments occurring in the City of Alachua. She wanted to make sure that staff is aware and keeping abreast of the details of what is occurring to ensure that the environment is being protected.
County Manager Lieberman stated that County staff is aware and will be in attendance at the public meetings in the City of Alachua.
Policy Meeting on Animal Services
Commissioner Wheeler requested a meeting on the status of the Animals Services Contract with the University of Florida. She stated that it has been two years, and she would like to have a conversation with the Board regarding the matter. She wants to ensure the County has a backup plan should this agreement not workout.
County Manager Lieberman stated that progress is being made. The Board of Trustees for the University of Florida has agreed to the contract staff is working to establish the operation terms then it will be brought to the Board for approval. The lease has been executed.
Community Events
Commissioner Prizzia stated that the Anniversary Event was excellent. She would like to see the County continue with more community events and she feels Cuscowilla provides an excellent opportunity to host such events.
Animal Resources Response to calls
Commissioner Prizzia stated that she has had several conversations with citizens stating that it is very difficult to get a response from Animal Services to calls from citizens. She is hearing that calls are made regarding dogs running loose and there is no response.
Hotel Projects
Commissioner Prizzia requested an update on the Hotel projects status. They are intended to be permanent supportive housing. They have taken years, and she would like to know the status. She knows some of the delay was the State taking time with the Grant. She would also like to know if any responses have been received from the RFP on the infrastructure surtax for housing. If there have not been responses, then the Board needs to have a discussion to change the parameters to encourage projects.
County Manager Lieberman stated that updates on the matters will be provided.
SR 26/SR21 Accident History
Commissioner Cornell displayed a map of SR26/SR21 in Melrose. The Map displayed the accident history from 2019 to 2024. Putnam County Commissioner Harvey and he conducted a meeting and walked the road with 200 citizens and gathered suggestions. They would like to see Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) design some complete street options for the area as it has heavy pedestrian use.
Growth Management Director Jeff Hays presented comments.
Commissioner Cornell moved to refer to Alachua County staff to come up with recommendations that can be brought up to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) at a meeting. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Alford out of the room.
2nd Commissioner Wheeler
Commissioner Cornell requested that Transportation Planning Manager Alison Moss inform the participants from the list of the County efforts and encourage them to contact Putnam County Commissioner Harvey.
CDS Family and Behavorial Services Corporation
Chair Chestnut stated that the CDS Family Behavioral Services Corporation has requested a letter of support in their efforts to obtain funding to purchase buses.
Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize a Chair Letter of support. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Alford out of the room.
2nd Commissioner Prizzia
Juvenal Justice Center
Commissioner Wheeler expressed concerns about the violence that has taken place at the Juvenal Justice Center. Apparently, the staff did not act appropriately to the matters, and she wanted to know if the County has any authority with the facility.
County Manager Lieberman stated that the facility is owned and operated by the State of Florida. Alachua County provides funding which is required by law but has no say in the operation of the facility.