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

A.
Invocation

 

Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, United Church of Gainesville provided the Invocation.

B.
Pledge of Allegiance

 

C.
Call to Order

 

Chair Prizzia called the meeting to order at 11:32.

D.
Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

 

Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels stated there was a request to pull items 1b regarding the fee schedule and item 7b regarding the first amendment to agreement with Wellpath LLC. 

 

Commissioner Chestnut Moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed with the recommended changes:

- Pull the following items from consent to be discussed:

Item 1B FY26 Fee Schedule Update for Fire Rescue, Public Works, and Animal Resources - 26-00143

Item 7B First Amendment to Agreement with Wellpath LLC (13331) for Court Services - 26-00116

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent. 

 

E.
Announcements

 

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

- Burn Ban is still in effect 

-Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show will be March 5th-10th

F.
Approval of Recognitions

 

Commissioner Chestnut moved approval all Proclamations on the agenda.

2nd wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent.

 

Commissioner Prizzia exits the meeting at 11:36am

Commissioner Prizzia returns to the meeting at 11:37am

1.
Recognition of 2025 Leadership Academy Graduates - 26-00144

 

Elisha Cash, Training Manager presented the above item and recognized each graduate of the 2025 Leadership Academy.

 

Each graduate proudly accepted their certificate and recognition. 

2.
Presentation of a proclamation recognizing April 25th as “The Great American Cleanup Day” in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00119

 

Commissioner Prizzia presented the proclamation recognizing April 25th as "The Great American Cleanup Day" in Alachua County Fl

 

Carlos Gonzalez accepted the proclamation and presented remarks.

3.
Presentation of a proclamation recognizing February 23rd through March 1st as, Hazardous Materials Awareness Week in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00127

 

Commissioner Wheeler presented the proclamation recognizing February 23rd through March 1st as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week in Alachua County, Fl.

 

The Hazardous Materials Team and Inspectors gladly accepted the proclamation and presented brief remarks. 

4.
Presentation of a proclamation recognizing March 2nd through March 6th as Newspaper in Education Week in Alachua County, Florida - 26-00157

 

Commissioner Chestnut presented the proclamation recognizing March 2nd through March 6th as Newspaper in Education Week in Alachua County FL.

 

CJ Gauche, Senior Editor and Natalie Mitchell, Membership Coordinator both from Main Street Daily News gladly accepted the proclamation and presented remarks. 

G.
Board and Committee Items

 

1.
Presentation of Economic Development Advisory Committee Workplan and Accomplishments - 26-00134

 

Sean McLendon, Economic Development Manager presented the above item to the Board. 

 

Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

2.
Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (CCAC) - 26-00141

 

County Staff Liaison Jennison Kipp Searcy and CCAC Chair Terry Clark presented the above item to the Board. 

 

Citizen Climate Advisory Committee: FY 2026 Goals

1. Provide strategic guidance and technical input on CAP implementation, including developing and launching a Zencity dashboard.
2. Participate in and provide feedback to staff on the 2025 Climate Festival and guide plans for 2026 CAP community events.
3. Collaborate with municipalities, non-profits, stakeholders and others within Alachua County to increase citizen participation in, and knowledge of what the County and City of Gainesville are doing to address climate concerns.

 

Sustainability Manager Matt Williams, Commissioner Prizzia and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Prizza exits the meeting at 12:36pm

Commissioner Prizzia returns to the meeting at 12:37pm

 

 

  • Hear presentation

H.
Public Comment

 

Commissioner Prizzia recognized Jim Konish, Brian Brisher, Tamara Robbins, a citizen, Patricia Antty, and a citizen from Lacrosse who presented comments.

I.
Presentations

 

1.
City of Gainesville/Alachua County Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance Five-Year Strategic Plan - 26-00165

 

Executive Liaison Carl Smart presented the above item to the Board. 

 

Strategic Expectations:

  • Shared Accountability and Data Transparency
  • Systemwide Integration and Institutional Commitment
  • Early Prevention and Continuous Care for Youth and Families
  • Community Leadership, Healing and Economic Supports
  • Sustainable Investments and Collaborative Capacity 

Objective 1:

Deepen and sustain gun violence reduction and firearm related injuries 

Objective 2:

Institutionalize gun violence prevention across city and county systems

Objective 3:

Establish a coordinated system of care for school aged youth (K-12)

Objective 4:

Advanced healing centered systems and communities

Objective 5:

Increase youth voice and leadership

Objective 6:

Expand reentry pathways and access to employment opportunities

Objective 7:

Advanced economic and geographic equity in resource distribution

Objective 8:

Strengthening family stability and economic mobility support 

Objective 9:

Enhance cross-sector collaboration and data transparency 

Objective 10:

Increase community capacity and long term/multi-sector investments

 

Implementation and Next Steps:

  1. Confirm and prioritize strategic objectives
  2. Refine and adopt initiatives
  3. Develop a shared implementation roadmap

 

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

 

Commissioner Wheeler moved to authorize staff to continue planning and collaborative efforts toward prioritization of the strategies outlined in the plan.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent. 

J.
Public Hearings

 

1.
Public Hearing – CH 72 Animal Code Revision for Animal Enforcement - 26-00125

 

Assistant County Manager Chief of Staff Gina Peebles presented the above item.

 

Commissioner Wheeler moved staff recommendations to approve the Ch 72 Animal Code Revisions for Animal Enforcement as presented. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent.

  • Approve the CH 72 Animal Code revisions for Animal Enforcement as presented.

K.
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings

 

1.
Z25-000028: Taylor Rezoning - 26-00088

 

Deputy County Attorney Swain presented the rules and procedures for the Quasi-Judicial Hearing.

 

Deputy Clerk Miller asked for anyone who would wish to seek additional party status.

There were two citizens wishing to seek additional party status:

Dr. Barbara Henry - her home is near the location

Robby Fisher - owner of farm near the location

 

Each citizen explained to the Board why they feel they deserve additional party status. 

 

Commissioner Wheeler moved to grant Dr. Barbara Henry and Robby Fisher party status.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent. 


Deputy Clerk Miller inquired if the Commissioners have received any ex-parte communications and if so please disclose them.


There was no ex-parte communications disclosed.


Deputy Clerk Miller issued the oath to all those who wished to participate in the hearing.

 

Mehdi Benkhatar, Planner IIIAlachua County Growth Management presented the above item.

 

Analysis of Request:
• R-1a zoning implements Low Density Residential FLU
• Site is located on a County-maintained road within the Urban Cluster
• Rezoning would increase max # of units from 10 to 20
• EPD has reviewed the site and determined that the rezoning would be consistent with the protection of natural resources

 

Staff Bases for Approval:
• Policy 7.1.2 FLUE (approval criteria for rezoning)
• Policy 3.4.1 COSE (environmental resource checklist)
• Sec. 402.77 ULDC (approval criteria for rezoning)
• Table 403.07.1 ULDC (residential zoning density)

 

Staff Recommendation

• Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Z25-000028 with the bases as listed in the staff report.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation:

• At its meeting on 1/21/26 the Planning Commission recommended that the Board of County Commissioners 
approve Z25-000028 with the bases as listed in the staff report.

 

Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, Mehdi Benkhatar, Chris Dawson Principal Planner, Applicant Eric Taylor, Dr. Barbara Henry, Robby Fisher, and Commissioner Chestnut presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Chestnut moved approval of Z25-000028 with the bases as listed in the staff report.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent.

  • Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve Z25-000028 with the bases as listed in the staff report.

L.
Items Pulled From Consent

 

1.
FY26 Fee Schedule Update for Fire Rescue, Public Works and Animal Resources - 26-00143

 

This item was pulled at Commissioner Prizzia request.

 

Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby and Assistant County Manager Chief of Staff Gina Peebles answered any commission questions regarding the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia,  Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles, Commissioner Wheeler, and Heather Akpan presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Chestnut moved to approve the fee schedule with the recommended changes provided by staff to fire rescue, animal resources and public works. 

 2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent. 

2.
First Amendment to Agreement with Wellpath LLC (13331) for Court Services. - 26-00116

 

Heather Akpan and TJ White answered any questions the Board has regarding the above item.

Chair Prizzia passed the gavel to commissioner Chestnut. 

 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve and authorize the Chair to execute the First Amendment to Agreement 13331 with Wellpath LLC, for Medical Care Claims for Arrestees or Detainees of Alachua County Law Enforcement and the County Jail with the following amendments:

  1. Provision 9a: that rather than just saying best industry standards we ensure that is best industry standards for healthcare and they must deviate as little as possible from those non-detained or arrested individuals particularly with regards to physical comfort, health, privacy and informed decision making.
  2. Provide policy and procedures for these things in writing.
  3. The next renewal will come before the Board and Sheriff for a presentation during the budget process to discuss the healthcare and food contracts at the jail in time to be rebid if needed.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioners Alford and Cornell absent.

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

 

N.
Closing Comments

 

1.
Public Comment

 

no comments presented

2.
County Attorney Comment

 

There were no county Attorney comments presented. 

3.
County Manager Comment

 

Assistant County Manager Chief of Staff Gina Peebles stated staff would like to request that the board refer the lacrosse request for the fire pumper engine to the oversight board for discussion. The issue is that it's an allowable purchase per state statue however the ordinance is more narrowly defined and may not allow the purchase of the used fire pumper.

 

Commissioner Prizzia, and Sr. Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano presented comments. 

 

Commissioner Chestnut moved to refer to the surtax oversight committee for a discussion regarding the lacrosse request for the fire pump engine. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent.

4.
Commission Comment

 

Commissioner Wheeler states High springs sent a request for help paying for Pace. It used to be free and now they have to pay $9,000 for the rental space. They are being charged $150 each day they use it for custodial services; it used to be waved in the past but not anymore. 

Commissioner Prizzia states she is trying to help find business sponsorship for them but also understands the position the school board is in. She will refer them to CTAC, Marsha and Kristy to see if there may be emergency funds possibly to help.

 

Commissioner Chestnut stated he received an email asking for each commissioner to write a letter of support naming the Archer Community Center after Roberta C Lopez. Commissioner Chestnut suggested possibly doing a Chair letter instead.  

 

Commissioner Chestnut moved a Chair letter in support of naming Archer Community Center after Roberta C Lopez and to make sure its delivered to the community before March 4th.  

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Alford absent.

 

Commissioner Prizzia stated she would like to request a list of the locations and the number of units with Alachua County Housing Authority that are not available, none functioning and can't be rented out. 

Commissioner Prizzia would like to refer to staff to look into models that different counties are taking to provide transit in rural areas, non-urbanized areas that are taking a novel approach. Bring it back to the Board after staff has been able to research it. 

O.
Adjournment

 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:48 p.m.

  • To adjourn the meeting. 

P.
Consent Items

 

1.
Budget & Fiscal Services

 

1.
Resolution for Unanticipated Revenues for Transportation and Housing Surtax Fund - 26-00132

 

  • Approve resolution for unanticipated revenues which includes budget amendment increasing revenues and expenditures in the Surtax Fund for Transportation and Housing

2.
County Attorney's Office

 

1.
2/24/26 Litigation Report – Request for Authority to Initiate or Defend - 26-00153

 

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

2.
Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest - GrayRobinson - 26-00159

 

  • Authorize the Chair and County Attorney to sign the conflict waiver.

3.
County Manager's Office

 

1.
City of Gainesville Infrastructure Surtax Joint Project Application and Agreement for the Modification and Reconfiguration of NE 9th Street - 26-00150

 

  • Pursuant to Ordinance 2022-08, approve the attached Surtax Grant Application submitted by the City of Gainesville, and authorize the Alachua County Chair and Clerk to execute the grant agreement attached to this agenda item.

2.
Request Approval of Art Loan Agreements - 26-00152

 

  • Approve the Art Loan Agreements as presented and authorize the Chair and Clerk to sign

4.
Environmental Protection

 

1.
Addition of Land Conservation Projects to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List - 26-00138

 

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

    1. Paynes Prairie Additions – Emerson Preserve LLC (Full Price List)

5.
Fire Rescue

 

1.
2025 State Funded Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) Unit Equipment Sustainment and Cache Agreement. - 26-00084

 

  • Approve the Grant Agreement, Adopt the Resolution, Approve the Budget Amendment, and authorize and interfund loan not to exceed $16,500.00.

6.
Growth Management

 

1.
Resubmittal of BUILD Planning Grant for NW 23rd Avenue Bridge - 26-00172

 

  • Authorize signature authority to the County Manager or designee to submit BUILD Planning grant application for funding and other required forms to apply for the BUILD Planning grant, including any modifications.

7.
Procurement

 

1.
Change Order 2 to Blanket Purchase Order 26-941 with Preferred Materials Inc., in the amount of $184,500.00 for Public Works. - 26-00108

 

  • Approve the issuance of Change Order 2 to Blanket Purchase Order 26-941 with Preferred Materials Inc., in the amount of $184,500.00. The revised Blanket Purchase Order is $334,500.00.

2.
Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Procurement Renewal Report - 26-00126

 

  • To accept the 2027 Annual Procurement Renewal Report as provided in the attachments

Q.
Notation for Record

 

R.
Notice of Upcoming Meetings

 
No Item Selected