Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 at 11:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.

County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium

12 SE 1 Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601

Present:

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

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A.

Invocation

Deputy Clerk Donahey provided the Invocation.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Chestnut led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C.

Call to Order

Chair Chestnut called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

County Manager Lieberman requested that the following item be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda for consideration of the Board:

• Item #7a, Regional Transit Service (RTS) FY 2026 County Service Contracts - 25-00467

Commissioner Prizzia moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as amended.

2nd Commissioner Alford

Chair Chestnut recognized Tamara Robbins and Kali Blount who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 5-0.

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

• Disability Awareness Expo will be held on July 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the MLK Multipurpose Center.
• Commissioner Cornell was reappointed as the Chair of the Community and Urban Affairs Committee with the Florida Association of Counties. Commissioner Alford has been appointed as the district 9 Representative to the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors which includes Alachua, Levy, and Marion County. 
• A video of the Grand Opening of Fire Station 21 in the City of Alachua was displayed for the public.  

F.

Approval of Recognitions

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

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

1.

Employee Length of Service 1st Quarterly Recognition - 25-00507

HR Manager Wanda Santana presented the recognitions. 

2.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in Alachua County Florida - 25-00433

Chair Chestnut read and presented the Proclamation to Camp Cuscowilla Manager Jamie Bass and Parks Director Jason Mauer who accepted it with gratitude. 

3.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Awareness Month in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00505

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to Chair of the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Committee Christy King, Citizen with Disabilities Advisory Committee Member Arron Fields, and  Equal Opportunity Investigator Jill Weinsier who accepted it with gratitude. 

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Alachua County Citizens Disability Advisory Committee Annual Report - 25-00540

Chair of the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Committee Christy King presented the above item.

Ms. King stated that some of the accommodations offered are sign language interpreters, 711 relay services, and providing documents in large print or braille.  Training for County staff on the ADA law is also provided to ensure that county services and programs are accessible. Further the Committee provides awareness of disabilities during Disability Month. 

2.

Agricultural Land Conservation Board Appointments - 25-00543

Conservation Lands Program Manager Andi Christman presented the above item. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Nina Bhattacharyya, Scot Eubanks, Arden Oelke, and Jean-Paul Perez who expressed their desire to serve on the Agricultural Land Conservation Board. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their top five nominees for the representatives with qualifications including education and experience in agricultural lands management practices or land protection.

Commissioners Cornell, Prizzia, and Wheeler nominated Nina Bhattacharyya, Scot Eubanks, Erica Hernandez, Kelly McPherson, and John Nix.

Commissioner Alford nominated Nina Bhattacharyya, Scot Eubanks, Candace Gonzalez-Lantz, Erica Hernandez, and Kelly McPherson.

Chair Chestnut nominated Nina Bhattacharyya, Scot Eubanks, Candace Gonzalez-Lantz, Kelly McPherson, and John Nix.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Nina Bhattacharyya, Scot Eubanks, and Kelly McPherson as the representatives to terms ending April 30, 2029 and Erica Hernandez and John Nix as the representatives to terms ending April 30, 2028. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their four nominees to the Citizen-at-Large Representative.

Commissioner Alford and Cornell nominated Earl Betty, Paul Pritchard, Arden Oelke, and Jean Paul-Paul Perez.

Commissioner Prizzia nominated Paul Pritchard, Juan Silva, Arden Oelke, and Jean-Paul Perez.

Commissioner Wheeler nominated Tizrah Etherton, Paul Pritchard, John Salva, and Jean-Paul Perez.

Chair Chestnut nominated Joseph Matthew Cain, Paul Pritchard, Arden Oelke, and Jean-Paul Perez.

Commissioner Prizzia moved appointment of Paul Pritchard and Jean-Paul Perez as the representatives to terms ending April 30, 2029 and Arden Oelke and Juan Salva as the representatives with terms ending April 30, 2028. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

H.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Kali Blount, Jim Konish, Soya Lindbergh (documentation provided), Tamara Robbins, Debbie Ringhaver, Brianna, Bailey, Patricia Lee, Kathleen Ruppert, Hannah, Caroline Love, Hailey Dansby, Harrison Cuny, Anthony Verde, Makay, Jana Melean, Carol White, Amanda DeLorenzo, Jamie Church, Catherine Pastor, Jakim, Lisa Sinursky, and Hannah Gottesman who presented comments.

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

I.

Action Items

1.

Sports Event Center Update and Discussion - 25-00535

County Manager Lieberman presented the above item.

Ms. Lieberman stated that the County sent a letter of default to the provider which provides a 30-day time period to remedy the default. That time period will expire on July 10, 2025. Do to this being the only meeting in July it was placed on the agenda for discussion should the time period lapse staff can proceed with actions. The vendor did provide a response suggesting alternative remedies. Her recommendation is to transition the facility to County control. 

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

Commissioner Alford moved the following:

1. Find that by letter dated June 6, 2025, the County delivered written Notice of Default to the Operator. The Notice of Default was received by the Operator on June 10, 2025.
2. Find that pursuant to the Operating Agreement, the Operator is permitted 30 calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Default to cure the defaults, and that the 30-calendar day cure period will expire on Thursday, July 10, 1015.
3. Find that on Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Operator delivered to the County its reply to the Notice of Default. The Operator’s reply did not dispute any of the alleged defaults, did not state that it had or would cure the defaults, nor did it propose a plan to cure the alleged defaults.
4. Find that one of the options presented in the Operator’s reply was for a transition period to extend through the end of the Calendar year, during which the Operator would cooperate with County staff to transfer operational and management control of the Event Center from the Operator to County staff. The Board finds that the Operator’s proposed transition period is too long and finds that a more appropriate transition period should end on September 30, 2025.
5. If the Operator does not cure all defaults set forth in the County’s Notice of Default by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, then:

         a. The County Manager is hereby directed to deliver written Notice of Termination for Cause to the Operator with the Termination Date to be effective as of 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2025. The Board finds that establishing the Termination Date to be effective as of 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2025 is necessary for the purposes of: (a) preventing or minimizing the risk of disrupting the summer camps and other events currently schedule to occur at the Event Center on or before September 30, 2025; and (b) providing an orderly transition of operation and management of the Event Center from the Operator to County staff.

         b. The County Manager is directed to negotiate, approve and execute a transition agreement with the Operator for the Operator to provide limited continued operations of the Event Center through September 30, 2025 for the purposes of: (a) preventing or minimizing the risk of disrupting the summer camps and other events currently schedule to occur at the Event Center on or before September 30, 2025; and (b) providing an orderly transition of operation and management of the Event Center from the Operator to County staff. The transition agreement shall include the following as well as other provisions deemed necessary or advisable by the County Manager: (c) prohibit the Operator from booking any new camps or other new events at the Event Center that will take place after September 30, 2025; (d) the Operator shall refer all inquiries for booking new camps or other new events at the Event Center to County staff; and (e) require the County and Operator to cooperate to provide an orderly transition of operation and management of the Event Center from the Operator to County staff. The County Manager may not agree to waive or release the Operator from any claims, damages, or remedies that the County may have under the Operating Agreement. The County Manager is also directed to update the Board regularly on the progress of negotiating the transition agreement and, thereafter, the progress of the transition.

         c. The County Manager is authorized to use General Fund reserves in an amount up to $250,000.00 to pay for expenses of the Event Center deemed necessary by the County Manager to prevent or minimize the risk of disrupting the summer camps and other events currently schedule to occur at the Event Center on or before September 30, 2025.

      6.Nothing in this motion or in any transition agreement to be approved by the County Manager shall be deemed a waiver or release of any claims, damages or remedies that the County may have under the Operating Agreement nor shall it be deemed to relieve the Operator of its liabilities under the Operating Agreement, all of which shall survive termination of the Operating Agreement.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Chestnut recognized Tamara Robbins, Patricia Lee, and Soya Lindbergh who presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia, County Manager Lieberman, and Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

J.

Land Conservation Projects

1.

Lochloosa Creek Flatwoods - Weyerhaeuser Tract Purchase and Sales Agreement to Purchase Real Property - 25-00469

Conservation Programs Manager Andi Christman presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia moved the following:

1. Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Lochloosa Creek Flatwoods – Weyerhaeuser Purchase and Sales Agreement to purchase Real Property, including the Exhibit C License to Cut Timber, subject to the County’s rights to conduct due diligence inspections and notice Seller of Title Defects and Environmental Defects as set forth in the Contract; and
2. Delegate to the County Manager the authority to decide whether to accept or reject title exceptions #7, #8, and #9 based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions will substantially impair the County’s proposed use of the property; and
3. Delegate to the County Manager the authority to decide whether to close the acquisition subject to title exceptions #7, #8 and #9 based on the County Manager’s evaluation as to whether said title exceptions will substantially impair the County’s proposed use of the property; and
4. Authorize staff to execute additional documents as necessary to close the transaction; and
5. Approve the attached budget amendment authorizing the expenditure of funds for due diligence and associated closing costs; and
6. Authorize the incorporation of Alachua County Parcel # 19315-000-000 into the existing Cooperative Management Agreement for Little Orange Creek; and
7. Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the amendment to the existing Cooperative Management Agreement for Little Orange Creek for addition of the Weyerhaeuser parcel.
8. Approve and authorize staff to move forward with the purchase. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

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

The motion carried 4-0 with Cornell of the room.

Commissioner Cornell entered the room and stated that although he stepped out of the room, he wanted the public to know that he was in full support of the purchase.

K.

Public Hearings

1.

Special Assessment District for Quail Street roadway chip seal improvements - 25-00525

Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete presented the above item.

Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

1.To adopt resolution establishing and imposing a non-ad valorem assessment for roadway improvements to Quail Street, specifying the unit of measurement for the assessment and the amount of the assessment.

2.Staff to establish a standard policy of how far past the SID line is paved for transition on lime rock roads so that it can be clearly communicated to the participants at the beginning.

3.Refer to staff to review the SID process and return with recommendations to improve the process, communications, and options for the different types of roads.

4.The Board finds a public purpose to extend the chip seal an additional approximately 50 feet (or to where staff deems necessary to solve the dust issue) outside of the SID funded by the County. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

Commissioner Prizzia, David  Bonazzoli, Commissioner Cornell, County Manager Lieberman, Commissioner Wheeler, County Attorney Torres, Commissioner Alford, Chair Chestnut, and Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

The motion carried 4-1 with Chair Chestnut voting Nay.

L.

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing for a Preliminary Development Plan for Ironwood Industrial Park DR24-000055 - 25-00527

County Attorney Torres presented the rules of procedure to the public.

Deputy Clerk Donahey inquired if anyone wished to seek party status at this time. 

There was no one present who requested party status.

Deputy Clerk Donahey inquired if there were any ex-parte communications if so requested that each Commissioner disclose them. 

There were no ex-parte communications disclosed.

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the Oath to all those who wished to participate in the hearing.

Planner Jacob Stout presented the above item.

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, and County Engineer Lalit Lalwani presented comments.

Agent for the Applicant NV5 Representative Ryan Thompson presented the application.

Commissioner Cornell moved to approve with conditions the proposed Preliminary Development Plan and Resolution DR-25-17 based on a finding of consistency with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code. The added condition that structures can be no more than 40 feet in height within 200 feet of a residential structure. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, and Hazardous Materials Program Manager Chris Gilbert presented comments. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Michael Martin and Damon Watson, who presented comments to the Board.

Commissioner Prizzia, Assistant County Attorney Corbin Hanson, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Alford, and County Engineer Lalit Lalwani presented comments. 

The motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Wheeler voting Nay.

M.

Items Pulled From Consent

1.

Regional Transit Service (RTS) FY26 County Service Contracts - 25-00467

Transportation Planning Manager Allison Moss presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford stated that she pulled the item because she has received several complaints about routes being eliminated particularly routes to health facilities making it more difficult to access healthcare.

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she would like to see the City look to add bus shelters at the Airport, Grace Market Place, and the Jail. There are currently not structures to provide shade or shelter from the rain at these locations.

Ms. Moss stated that the request had been sent to RTS and that there are no planned improvements for the area at this time. RTS is preparing a formal response for the next MTPO Meeting. 

Commissioner Alford moved the following:

1. Approve contracts for FY25/26-FY26/27 with the City of Gainesville for Transit Services and the Fare Free program, totaling $ 1,828,607 and $ 190,000, respectively.​

2. Request that the City of Gainesville fund weekend transit service to Grace Marketplace and the Gainesville Regional Airport.

3. June 17, 2025 Joint City of Gainesville-Alachua County meeting – Request that Staff prepare a revised FY 26 budget including a 50/50 cost share for implementation of a new joint City-County Route 26, serving Grace Marketplace and The Gainesville Regional Airport on weekends.

The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Growth Management Director Jeff Hays, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, and Commissioner Alford, presented comments. 

COMMISSION RECESSED AT: 4:33 P.M.

COMMISSION RECONVENED: 5:00 P.M.

N.

NOTE: This meeting will reconvene at 5:01 PM

O.

Public Hearings

1.

FY26 Budget - 25-00516

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the Resolution 2025-28 setting the millage rates for the General County and Municipal Service Taxing Unit- (MSTU) Law Enforcement. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

2.

FY26 Fire Services: Initial Assessment Resolution and Authorization to Properly Notice the Public Hearing - 25-00517

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Cornell, County Manager Lieberman, Commissioner Prizzia, and Fire Chief Harold Theus presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved adoption of the Resolution and authorized staff to notice the public of the September 11, 2025, Public Hearing to set the rates for the Fire Non-Ad Valorem Assessments and authorize provision of the notice to affected property owners on the Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM). The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

3.

FY26 Sugarfoot Oaks/Cedar Ridge Special Assessment District: Initial Assessment Resolution and Authorization to Properly Notice the Public Hearing - 25-00519

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford moved to adopt the Resolution and authorized staff to notice the public of the September 11, 2025, Public Hearing to set the assessment for the Sugarfoot Oaks/Cedar Ridge Non-Ad Valorem Assessments and authorize provision of the notice to affected property owners on the Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM). Authorize incorporation of Sugarfoot Oaks/Cedar Ridge budget into the FY26 County Budget. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

4.

FY26 Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem Assessment: Initial Assessment Resolution and Authorization to Properly Notice the Public Hearing - 25-00518

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to adopt the Resolution and authorized staff to notice the public of the September 11, 2025, Public Hearing to set the rates for Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem Assessments and authorize provision of the notice to affected property owners on the Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM).

2nd Commissioner Cornell

5.

FY26 Stormwater Non-Ad-Valorem Assessment: Initial Assessment Resolution and Authorization to Properly Notice the Public Hearing - 25-00521

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Wheeler moved to adopt the Resolution and authorized staff to notice the public of the September 11, 2025, Public Hearing to set the rates for Stormwater Non-Ad Valorem Assessment and authorize provision of the notice to affected property owners on the Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM). The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

6.

FY26 Non-Ad Valorem Hospital Assessment - 25-00553

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve adoption of the resolution revenues which includes budget amendment to recognize non-ad valorem hospital assessment. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

7.

Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption Opt-Out Resolution - 25-00552

Alachua County Budget Manager Maureen Rischitelli presented the above item.

Commissioner Alford moved to Review Alachua County’s option to opt out of a part of the Live Local Act tax exemption; Approve a resolution for the Board to continue to elect to opt-out of the tax exemption for qualified properties that house persons or families whose annual household income is greater than 80% and not more than 120% AMI, and otherwise follow the required procedural steps as provided in the law; and authorize a letter from the Chair to municipalities in Alachua County notifying of the certain property tax exemption opt-out option. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell 

P.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Amy, County Manager Lieberman, Isabel Blackburn, Trevor Croman, Alasia, JoJo, and Ceresa who presented comments to the Board. 

2.

County Attorney Comment

Shade Meeting Request

County Attorney Torres stated that she is requesting a Shade Meeting to discuss the litigation with Juliana Witte in Case Number 2023-CA-4087 on August 5, 2025. The meeting participants will be the 5 County Commissioners, County Manager Lieberman, County Attorney Torres, Deputy County Attorney Bob Swain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano, and a certified Court Reporter.

Commissioner Alford moved to schedule the Shade Meeting as requested. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

3.

County Manager Comment

There were no comments offered.

4.

Commission Comment

MTPO Hiring Pool

Commissioner Cornell stated that he is concerned that there is only one applicant for the MTPO hire. He stated there were three but two have withdrawn. He would like to have more applicants with experience and interaction with the Florida Department of Transportation. The current applicant is from out of State.

Growth Management Director Hays stated that the issue of timing is that the applicant has booked his travel for the interview and there is not an MTPO meeting to discuss the matter until the day of the interview. He would recommend having the interview and then the Board can decide to open the process up to additional applicants or not. 

The consensus, of the Board was to interview the applicant and then make a decision from that point. 

County Attorney Torres stated that her understanding is that the applicant's travel is being paid. She advised that the MTPO Board can make the decision to expand the pool but that the County Commission only makes up a portion of the MTPO Board. 

North Florida Land Trust

Commissioner Prizzia stated that the North Florida Land Trust recently published "Common Ground" which is land conservation guide for local governments. Alachua County was featured in the publication. She stated the publication was really well received at the Florida Association of Counties. The online version is available with printed copies to follow. 

Update on Jail Programing

Commissioner Prizzia stated that Board had a conversation regarding Jail Programing. She would love for the Sheriff's Office to come and provide an update to the Board on Jail Programming to see what kind of impact it is having, the numbers of people accessing the programing, and the types of programs offered. What the goals and impacts are and how they are promoting the re-entry programing. 

County Manager Lieberman stated that she would make the request with the Sheriff.

Park Road Access Improvements

Commissioner Cornell inquired of his fellow Commissioners if they feel it is appropriate to use Wild Spaces funding to repair a road leading into a park. Black Creek Preserve has only one road to access the preserve, and it is in horrible condition. He feels it is an appropriate use but is not sure how the Commission feels or if the Oversight Board would feel it appropriate. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to ask the Oversight Board for an opinion on the eligibility of improving the road to the Black Creek Preserve as a conservation expenditure. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

Consultant Proposed Redistricting Maps

Commissioner Cornell stated that he has a serious issue with the proposed maps as they do not take into account where the current Commissioners live and would require several Commissioners move in order to continue to serve. He feels the districts should have been drawn to keep Commissioners in their districts.

County Manager Lieberman stated that this does happen sometimes when the State redraws voting districts. 

County Attorney Torres stated that when districts are redrawn, they are not typically drawn to protect incumbents. 

Commissioner Cornell requested that someone from the legal staff contact the consultant and discuss the matter with them in preparation for the August 12, 2025, meeting. 

Jail Visit

Commissioner Alford stated that she visited the Jail and had a meal. She stated that the food was better this time. There were still some issues, but it was improved. She had discussions in regard to request for the commissary. She has passed the request to the appropriate staff as she felt many of the request were reasonable. Her biggest concern was not one of the inmates had heard of the release re-entry program. She stated that there are some issues with re-entry staff not being able to access the Jail due to criminal history. She would like to discuss with the Sheriff the policies as her understanding is other facilities allow access. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she has heard similar concerns, and she would like to have the legal staff provide information on what procedures are legally required verses which are policies that can be flexible. 

Q.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

R.

Consent Items

1.

Animal Resources

1.

Request Approval of Revised Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Resolution - 25-00512

Maureen Riccitelli presented the above item.

• Approve the Resolution as revised and authorize the Chair and Clerk to sign.

2.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Request Approval of the Attached BOCC Minutes - 25-00542

• Approve Publication of Final BOCC Minutes

2.

Removal of Uncollectible Accounts from the Financial Statements - 25-00536

• Request the Board to adopt the resolution authorizing the removal of uncollectible accounts from the financial statements. All of the receivable accounts have allowances for doubtful accounts. The receivable accounts and correlating allowances will be written down by a total amount of $2,876,895.57. A breakdown of this amount by fund and type is provided in the following attachments: (1) by fund: Write-off Summary: (2) by type: see Exhibit A which is the last page of the attached Resolution.

3.

County Attorney's Office

1.

7/8/25 Litigation Report – Request for Authority to Initiate or Defend - 25-00538

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

4.

County Manager's Office

1.

ICMA Economic Mobility and Opportunity Grant Subaward Agreement - 25-00546

• As this is a grant agreement and requires the parties to mutually indemnify the other, Recommend that the County Commission waive the policy of the County to not indemnify another party as being in the best interest of the County and of negligible risk to the County and Approve the Subaward grant agreement and authorize the Chair to sign.

5.

Environmental Protection

1.

EMPOWER Coalition Collaboration Letter - 25-00541

• Sign updated collaboration letter (2025)

2.

Support for Alachua Conservation Trust’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant Application - 25-00560

• Approve and Authorize the Chair to sign the attached 1) Partner Contribution Statement, and 2) Matching Contribution Plan Statement for Alachua Conservation Trust’s NAWCA grant Phase 5 application.

6.

Fire Rescue

1.

First Amendment to Interlocal Agreement Between Alachua County and the School Board of Alachua County for Emergency Shelters - 25-00547

2.

Lutheran Services of Florida Agreement for the FY2024-25 Coordinated Opioid Recovery Program - 25-00396

• Approve Agreement, Adopt the Resolution, Approve the Budget Amendment, authorize 5.0 additional FTEs (2.0 MRT Peer Specialists, 1.0 Case Manager I, and 2.0 Paramedics), and authorize an interfund loan in an amount not to exceed $400,000.00.

7.

Growth Management

1.

Interlocal Agreement for the Reestablishment of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area (MTPO) - 25-00526

• Approve the Interlocal Agreement and authorize the Chair’s signature for the Reestablishment of the MTPO

2.

Replat of Willow Oaks Plantation Lot 215 - 25-00529

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the replat at its June 18, 2025, hearing and recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the replat based on a finding of consistency with Florida Statutes, the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code.

8.

Human Resources

1.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 – 2025 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan- add Artificial Intelligence Analyst - 25-00532

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan

9.

Procurement

1.

Second Amendment to Agreement with The Lunz Group Inc. (11814) for Architectural and Engineering (A&E) Services for Alachua County Fire Stations. - 25-00318

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Second Amendment to Agreement 11814 with The Lunz Group Inc. in the amount of $243,000.00 and direct staff to NOT issue a Task Authorization for Fire Station 3 until the County and The Laser Investment Group, LLC enter into the Donation Agreement. Also, Fiscal Services is requesting approval of Budget Amendment 25-2271 to move the funds.

2.

First Amendment to Agreement with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. (14136). - 25-00510

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute First Amendment to Agreement with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. (14136).

3.

Award of Bid 26-100-PM Annual Fiber Optic Cabling for Information and Telecom Services (ITS). - 25-00513

• Approve the Award of 26-100-PM Annual Fiber Optic Cabling to MCS of Tampa, Inc. d/b/a, Mission Critical Solutions, Inc. at the rates bid by Mission Critical Solutions as shown in the attached Bid Tabulation spreadsheet.

4.

Award of Bid 26-101-PM Annual Telephone Cabling-Network Cabling for Information and Telecom Services (ITS). - 25-00514

• Approve the Award of 26-101-PM Annual Telephone Cabling-Network Cabling to MCS of Tampa, Inc. d/b/a, Mission Critical Solutions, Inc. at the rates bid by Mission Critical Solutions as shown in the attached Bid Tabulation spreadsheet.

5.

Ranking of Request for Proposal (RFP) 26-247-A-MM Balu Forest – Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation. - 25-00523

• Approve the ranking and authorize staff to negotiate agreements with the top ranked hunt group for RFP 26-247-A-MM Balu Forest – Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services.

  1.Southern Dirt Works, Inc.

  2.Doug Mercer

  3.A.T.N & Associates, Inc.

  4.SIMS, Inc.

  5.Larry J. Smith

  6.RCM Utilities, LLC

  Should the staff be unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the top-ranked group, negotiations with the unsuccessful group will be terminated. Negotiations with the second ranked firm may be undertaken in the same manner in order of ranking until an agreement is reached, and so forth.

6.

Ranking of Request for Proposal (RFP) 26-247-E-MM Santa Fe Rivers Headwaters Preserve - East Tract -Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation. - 25-00524

• Approve the ranking and authorize staff to negotiate agreement with the top ranked hunt group for RFP 26-247-E-MM Santa Fe Rivers Headwaters Preserve - East Tract -Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services Agreement:

  1.A.T.N & Associates, Inc.

  2.SIMS, Inc.

  Should the staff be unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the top-ranked group, negotiations with the unsuccessful group will be terminated. Negotiations with the second ranked firm may be undertaken in the same manner in order of ranking until an agreement is reached, and so forth.

7.

Ranking of Request for Proposal (RFP) 26-239-MM Northeast Flatwoods - Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation. - 25-00568

• Approve the ranking and authorize staff to negotiate agreements with the top ranked hunt group for RFP 26-239-MM Northeast Flatwoods – Alachua County Preserves Hunting Services Agreement:

  1. Doug Mercer

  2. A.T.N & Associates, Inc.

  3. SIMS, Inc

  Should the staff be unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the top-ranked group, negotiations with the unsuccessful group will be terminated. Negotiations with the second ranked firm may be undertaken in the same manner in order of ranking until an agreement is reached, and so forth.

8.

Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-516 with VE Whitehurst & Sons Inc., in the amount of $38,500.00 for Public Works. - 25-00528

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-516 with VE Whitehurst & Sons Inc., in the amount of $38,500.00. The revised Blanket Purchase Order is $88,500.00.

9.

Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-16 with Wex Bank, increasing the amount by $14,000.00 for Fire Rescue. - 25-00545

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-16 with Wex Bank, increasing the amount by $14,000.00. The revised Purchase Order Total is $63,999.99.

10.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Byrne Grant Countywide Application, Fiscal Year 24-Project Approval - 25-00509

• Approve the Byrne Advisory Board’s recommendation for the distribution of the funds as presented in the attached “51% Letter”. Authorize the Chair to sign the letter and other forms related to the Fiscal Year 2024 application and award.

S.

Notation for Record

1.

Economic Development Advisory Committee March 27, 2025 Minutes - 25-00488

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

T.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings