Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 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:

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

Also Present:

• County Manager Michele Lieberman, 
• County Attorney Sylvia Torres, 
• Deputy County Manager Carl Smart, 
• Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby, 
• Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, 
• Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles, 
• and Deputy Clerk Steve Donahey 

Staff Absent:

• Deputy County Attorney Bob Swain, 
• Deputy Clerk Casey Miller , 
• Admin Kimberly Kittle, 
• and Admin Gina Peebles 

---

A.

Invocation

Bishop James Dixon provided the Invocation.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Prizzia led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

C.

Call to Order

Chair Prizzia called the meeting to order at 11:30 am.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins, Elizabeth Howard, Jo Beaty, Kali Blount, and Karen Herrington who presented comments. 

County Attorney Torres provided comments regarding the Board Rules of Procedure.

County Manager Lieberman stated that the Meat Processing Plant will be on the agenda for the July 10, 2023 Joint Meeting with the City of Newberry as well as on the July 11, 2023 Board Regular Meeting. 

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

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Alford

  Adoption of the Regular/Consent Agenda with moving the following items from Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda for discussion:

  Item #2a, Budget Amendment - Broadband - American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds  23-0309

  Item #14a, Cultural Facilites Capital Projects that Promote Tourism 2300314

  Carried (5 to 0)

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

1. A demonstration of the Alachua County Meeting and Events Calendar was presented for the public. 

2. A video of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Alachua County Sports and Event Center at Celebration Pointe.

3. A video of the Sankofa Statute unveiling was displayed for the public. 

F.

Approval of Recognitions

moved approval all Proclamations on the agenda.

1.

Grow Hub and Keep Alachua County Beautiful Award Presentation - 23-00315

Chair Prizzia read and presented the award to Grow Hub Executive Director David Banes who accepted it with gratitude. 

• Present award to Grow Hub and Keep Alachua County Beautiful

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (EPAC) Appointments - 23-00308

Chair Prizzia recognized Holly Florence who expressed her desire to serve on the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (EPAC). 

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their four nominees to the EPAC Committee. 

Commissioners Cornell, Wheeler, and Prizzia nominated George Papadi, Holly Florence, Richard W. Wilhelm, and Christopher R. Stoney.

Commissioner Alford nominated George Papadi, Holly A. Florence, Hella I. Shull, and Christopher R. Stoney.

Commissioner Chestnut nominated George Papadi, Holly A. Florence, Richard W. Wilhelm, and Hella I. Shull. 

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Chestnut

  The appointment of George Papadi, Holly A. Florence, Richard W. Whilhelm, and Christopher R. Stoney as the Citizen-At-Large Representatives to a term ending June 30, 2026. Hella I. Shull was appointed as the Alternate Representative to a term ending June 30, 2026. 

  Carried (5 to 0)

2.

Advisory Board Update – Citizen Climate Advisory Committee Update - 23-00241

EPD Director Stephen Hofstetter presented the above item. 

Mr. Hofstetter stated the goal is to have a climate action plan with recommendations and policy proposals for the Board to consider in 2024. Staff is looking for funding opportunities as well.

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

• Hear Presentation

3.

Historical Commission Reading - 23-00302

Senior Planner Kathleen Pagan and Historical Commission Member Melanie Barr presented the above item.

A PowerPoint Presentation on the Thelma Bulton Center was presented. Ms. Barr informed the Board and the public that the building is scheduled to be demolished by the City of Gainesville and that she is leading an effort to save the building. She stated that two walls of the building will be left but the rest of the building will be removed. 

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

The Board thanked Ms. Pagan for her years of service to the County and wished her well on her retirement. 

• Hear the presentation

H.

Public Comments

Chair Prizzia recognized Kali Blount, Elizabeth Howard, Lee Scott, Dijon Cain, Karen Herrington, Tamara Robbins, Jo Beaty, Debbie Martinez, Telford Cartwright, and Adele Franson, who presented comments.

Chair Prizzia and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

I.

Commission Response to the Public

J.

Items Pulled From Consent

1.

Budget Amendment – Broadband – American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - 23-00309

County Manager Lieberman presented the above item.

Ms. Lieberman stated that the purpose of this action is to transfer the funds to the General Fund so that the time limits on spending the funds will not apply. However, the funds will still be allocated to the projects as approved by the Board. Further she advised the Board that the Meat Processing Plant funding allocated by the State Legislature was vetoed by the Governor. Staff will continue to work on the effort as directed by the Board and seek other funding opportunities.

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

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins, Kali Blount, and Jo Beaty who presented comments. 

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell

  The motion failed for lack of a second

  1. To approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment.
  2. Direct staff to discontinue working on the Meat Processing Plant Project. Cancel the agenda item on the Joint Meeting with Newberry scheduled for July 10, 2023. Ask staff to bring back recommendations for alternative uses for the $2,500,000 in ARPA funding.
• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Chestnut

  Approve the Resolution and Budget Amendment. 

  Carried (5 to 0)

1.

Cultural Facilities Capital Projects that Promote Tourism - 23-00314

Tourism Manager Jessica Hurov presented the above item.

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

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins who presented comments to the Board. 

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Alford
  1. Approve the Non-Profit Cultural Facilities Capital Projects that Promote Tourism guidelines and grant application as presented. Authorize staff to advertise the funding grant and conduct two community workshops to inform eligible entities regarding the opportunity. Make the legislative factual determination that the Non-Profit Cultural Facilities Capital Projects that Promote Tourism program funded with revenue from Tourist Development Taxes (TDT) serves a public purpose and is primarily related to promoting and advertising tourism in Alachua County, and that the development of capital cultural facilities spotlights Alachua County as a desirable place to visit by promoting the positive qualities and numerous cultural, artistic, historic, natural and other tourist-related attributes and activities available in Alachua County for tourists to enjoy.
  2. Direct staff to return with an additional RFP process for capital projects that are non-cultural open to nonprofits but not municipalities that put heads and beds but is not limited buy the type of project for another $1,000,000.

K.

Presentations

1.

Alachua County Sheriff's Office Update on Alachua County Jail - 23-00282

Under Sheriff DeCoursey, Chief of Staff Major Lance Yaeger, Sheriff's Office HR Director Reshone Flanders, Major Dorian Keith, Chief Financial Officer Patti Justice, and Major Josh Cruz presented the above item. 

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

Chair Prizzia recognized James Dixon, Ian, Kimber, Kali Blount, Larry McDaniel, Karen Herrington, Tamara Robbins, Max Tipping, and Emily Westerhome who presented comments. 

• Hear presentation

2.

Reentry Services Resource Center - 23-00195

Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented the above item. 

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

Chair Prizzia recognized Larry McDaniels, James Dixon, Max Tipping, and Emilly Westerhome who presented comments.

• Moved By Commissioner Wheeler
  Seconded By Commissioner Cornell
  • Approve County Staff to work with stakeholders (who are not connected to potential respondents) to develop the Scope of Work for a Reentry Hub RFP.
  • Approve CSS staff to work with OMB to develop a budget for the program.
  • Approve CSS staff to work with Purchasing to release an RFP for the operation of a Reentry Hub.
  • Approve that if RFP is responsive, authorize CSS staff to develop and monitor the contract.
  • Approve that if the RFP is non-responsive, authorize staff to implement a pilot reentry hub in conjunction with input from stakeholders.
  • Staff to review past reentry programs and bring recommendations to resurrect past successful programs. 
  Carried (5 to 0)

L.

Action Items

1.

Parks and Open Space Master Plan Project Priority List - 23-00224

Parks and Open Space Director Jason Maurer and Project Coordinator Ed Williams presented the above item.

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

Chair Prizzia requested that the full list be provided to the Board as it would be helpful when they receive questions from the public as well as the link to the map of services. 

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Chestnut

  Approval of the Plan

  Carried (5 to 0)

2.

Exclusive Franchise Agreement Between Alachua County, Florida and GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC for the Collection of Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials - 23-00066

Solid Waste Director Gus Olmos and Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano presented the above item. 

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

• Moved By Commissioner Alford
  Seconded By Commissioner Chestnut

  1.Select GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC as the top rank proposal received in response to Request for Proposal (RFP) 24-26 Annual Collection Services of Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials; and

  2.Approve the contract for Exclusive Franchise for the Collection of Residential and Commercial Solid Waste between Alachua County and GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC and authorize the Chair to execute same on behalf of the County.

  Carried (5 to 0)

M.

Reports and Comments

1.

County Attorney Report

There were no reports offered. 

2.

County Manager Report

There were no reports offered. 

3.

Board Reports and Commission Comment

Coalition Against Bigger Trucks

Commissioner Cornell stated the coalition had a good trip to Washington D.C. There is a growing coalition pushing the initiative. The Florida Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, and the National Sheriff's Association were all present in Washington.

Groundbreaking of the Eastside Facility

Commissioner Cornell stated that he would like to refer to staff to see what can be done to have an inclusive and public groundbreaking so that the community can celebrate this achievement.

Small Farms Grant

Commissioner Alford stated she has received inquiries from the public regarding the small farms' grants. Her understanding is the matter is not progressing and she is wondering if additional staff is needed. 

County Manager Lieberman stated that Mr. McLendon is currently contacting the applicants to obtain information and that the process is moving forward. 

Seirra Club

Chair Prizzia stated that the Seirra Club has reached out to the Board regarding the development code in Bradford County. A previous Commission and different County Manager extended help to the Bradford Board in dealing with phosphate mines. The Chair inquired if this Board would like to extend an offer of assistance to Bradford County for this endeavor as well. 

GRACE Marketplace

Chair Prizzia stated that the Board received a letter from the City of Gainesville requesting financial support of GRACE Marketplace since the City is having to cut its funding. She would like to refer it to staff for a discussion during the budget meetings. 

Commissioner Cornell stated that he would like to know what the City's commitment is prior to the County discussion. 

Flooding

Chair Prizzia stated that the Board has discussed the flooding in Alachua Verde and Saddle Brook area off of 23rd. Residents are reporting that the flooding is getting worse and she feels the flooding is from the new development she would like for Public Works Director Gavarrete to visit the site and report back to the Board on the matter. 

Growth Management Direct Hays stated that the development in question is Tara Esmeralda. To his knowledge Tara 23 which is on 23rd has been resolved. 

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, County Manager Lieberman, and Assistant County Attorney Bob Swain presented comments on flooding. 

By consensus, the Board referred this matter to Public Works Director Ramone Gavarrete. 

• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Alford

  To refer to staff the matter of having a public and inclusive groundbreaking for the Eastside Facility.

  Commissioner Chestnut and Commissioner Wheeler out of the room. 

  Carried (3 to 0)
• Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Alford

  To offer County assistance to Bradford County with the Land Development Regulations that they are developing.

  Commissioner Chestnut out of the room. 

  Carried (4 to 0)
• Moved By Commissioner Alford
  Seconded By Commissioner Wheeler

  To refer to staff the GRACE Marketplace funding request from the City of Gainesville for a Board discussion during the budget process. 

  Commissioner Chestnut out of the room. 

  Carried (4 to 0)

N.

Public Comment

O.

Commission Response to the Public

P.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

• To adjourn the meeting. 

Q.

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

R.

Consent Items

1.

Animal Resources

1.

Request to Appoint Member to Animal Welfare Advisory Committee - 23-00264

• Appoint Deputy Perry Koon to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

2.

Budget & Fiscal Services

3.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Approve Board of County Commission Minutes - 23-00218

• Approve Minutes

4.

Community Support Services

1.

Amended Resolution in support of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) 2023 - 23-00263

• Approve the amended resolution

2.

Third Amendment to Agreement between Alachua County and MV Contract Transportation Inc. No. 10830 - 23-00272

• Approve the Third Amendment for transportation disadvantaged

5.

County Manager's Office

1.

Appoint Stephen Howard to Full Member Citizen-At-Large Infrastructure Surtax Oversight Board Vacancy with a Term Ending September 30, 2024 - 23-00245

• Appoint Stephen Howard to Full Member Citizen-At-Large Infrastructure Surtax Oversight Board Vacancy with a Term Ending September 30, 2024

6.

Equal Opportunity

1.

Human Rights Board Appointment - 23-00293

• Appoint LeAnn Campbell to serve in the Citizen at Large position of the Human Rights Board.

7.

Facilities Management

1.

Budget Amendment 2023-2486 for Court Complex Project #9201902 - 23-00244

• Approve budget amendment 2023-2486

8.

Fire Rescue

1.

Public Emergency Medical Transportation (PEMT) Fee for Service Reimbursement for $206,566.70. - 23-00229

• Adopt the resolution, and approve the budget amendment

2.

Interlocal Agreement Between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for the Acquisition of the Trunked Radio System - 23-00280

• Approve and sign the Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville

9.

Growth Management

1.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan Grant Agreement - 23-00169

• Approve the Safe Streets for All grant agreement with U.S. Department of Transportation and authorize the Chair’s signature

2.

Resolution - Archer Braid Trail Extension – City of Archer - 23-00249

• Adopt Resolution 2023-XX (Archer Braid Trail – Extension) and authorize the Chair’s signature.

3.

Replat for The Vue at Celebration Pointe, Phase 1A, Lots 90, 91, and 92 - 23-00274

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the Replat at its June 1, 2023 hearing and recommended that the Board of County Commission (BoCC) 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.

10.

Human Resources

1.

Request to transfer (1) 1.00 Full time Equivalent (FTE), position #2245-36001 Clinical Forensic Social Worker position from Court Services to Community Support Services as a Case Manager II position. - 23-00111

• Approve the request to transfer (1) FTE Clinical Forensic Social Worker position from Court Services to Community Support Services as a Case Manager II position and approve attached budget transfer.

2.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 – 2023 Revisions to the Bargaining (LIUNA) Pay Plan-Add Plumber classification - 23-00267

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 Bargaining (LIUNA) Pay Plan.

3.

Confirm Jeffrey Hays as the Growth Management Department Director - 23-00303

• Confirm Jeffrey Hays as the Growth Management Department Director Effective 6/27/2023

11.

Procurement

1.

Addendum Agreement to the University of Florida (UF) Contract for Underground Utility Construction for Facilities Management. - 23-00234

• Approve 13839 Addendum Agreement between Alachua County and Utility Service of Gainesville, Inc. and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.

2.

Award of ITB (Invitation to Bid) 24-34 Annual Lawn Maintenance Northwest (NW) and Southwest (SW) Landfills and Rural Collection Centers (RCC), to Boone Improvements Inc., in the amount of $67,207.40, for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. - 23-00254

• Approve the Solicitation Award of ITB 24-34 Annual Lawn Maintenance NW and SW Landfills and Rural Collection Centers, to Boone Improvements Inc., in the amount of $67,207.40, for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery.

3.

First Amendment with W.W. Gay Fire Protection, Inc., for Annual Fire Sprinklers, Risers, Extinguishers, Suppression Systems, and Alarm Panels Inspections, Maintenance, and Repairs for Facilities Management. - 23-00270

• Approve the First Amendment #13481 with W.W. Gay Fire Protection, Inc and authorize the Chair to sign same.

4.

Budget Amendment and Addendum Agreement to National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) with United Data Technologies (UDT) for a Hardware Refresh of the County Phone System (PBX) for Information & Telcom Services. - 23-00271

• Approve the Budget Amendment and Addendum Agreement #13816 between Alachua County and UDT and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.

5.

Contracts & Award of Invitation to Bid 23-947 CR 325 over Cross Creek & CR 241 over Santa Fe River-Bridge Rehabilitation - Project #919-7903-FY19-260027 & 919-7903-FY19-260086, to E&D Contracting Services, Inc., the amount of $1,160,220.00. - 23-00258

• Approve the Solicitation Award and Contracts for ITB 23-947 CR 325 over Cross Creek and CR 241 over Santa Fe River-Bridge Rehabilitation and authorize the Chair to sign the contracts:

  #13727 Project No. 919-7903- FY19-260086- CR241 over Santa Fe River in the initial contract amount of $685,450.00 and a 5% contingency of $34,272.50

  #13726 Project No 919-7903-FY19 -260027- CR 325 over Cross Creek in the initial contract amount of $474,770.00 and a 5% contingency of $23,738.50

6.

Purchase Order to Alan Jay Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc., in the amount of $78,410.00, for purchase of one 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD 8’ Bed Work Truck with Animal Transport Body, for Animal Resources via Public Works, Fleet Management, 23-00211

• Approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Alan Jay Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc., in the amount of $78,410.00, for the purchase of one (1) 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD 8’ Bed Work Truck with Animal Transport Body, for Animal Resources via Public Works, Fleet Management. Pricing per City of Tallahassee Contract 5179.

7.

Purchase Order to Dell Marketing LP., in the amount of $58,419.50, to purchase fifty Dell OptiPlex Micro (Plus 7010) Computers & Accessories for Alachua County Court Administration, Criminal Courthouse for Information & Telecom Department. - 23-00213

• Approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Dell Marketing LP., in the amount of $58,419.50, for the purchase of fifty (50) Dell OptiPlex Micro Computers and Accessories for Alachua County Court Administration, Criminal Courthouse for Information & Telecom Department. Pricing per NASPO ValuePoint Cooperative Master Agreement MNWNC-108, Florida Alternate Contract Source #43211500-WSCA-15-ACS.

8.

Purchase order to FL Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services in the amount of $78,750.00, for purchase 375,000 1st Generation Improved Containerized Longleaf Pine Seedlings, for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation & Management Program, 23-00292

• Approve the issuance of a Purchase Order 2023-1967 to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the amount of $78,750, for the purchase 375,000 1st Generation Improved Containerized Longleaf Pine Seedlings, for Environmental Protection, Land Conservation and Management Program.

12.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Unanticipated Revenue – Sheriff Justice Advocacy Grant (JAG) - 23-00286

• Approve the budget amendment and authorize the chair to sign the resolution

13.

Sustainability, Equity, Economic & Strategic Development Office (SEED)

1.

Alachua County Energy Efficiency and Weatherization for Affordable Housing Pilot Program: Contract Amendment - 23-00306

• 1: Extend the pilot program through September 30, 2023

  2: Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement Between Alachua County And Rebuilding Together North Central Florida For Energy Efficiency And Weatherization Of Affordable Housing Grant Program Management Services No. 13489

14.

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL

S.

Notation for Record

1.

Local Planning Agency and Planning Commission (LPA-PC) Meeting Minutes for March 22, 2023 - 23-00243

• No action necessary

2.

Arts Council of Alachua County – April 3 Minutes - 23-00265

• N/A. For informational purposes only

T.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

1.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings - 23-00313

• N/A. For informational purposes only