Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, October 14, 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

Senior Pastor Dr. Karl Anderson 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 11:32 am.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

Commissioner Prizzia requested the following item be pulled from Consent to the Regular Agenda for consideration:

Item 4a, Advisory Board and Committee Guidelines - 25-00686

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda moving Item 4a, Advisory Board and Committee Guidelines 25-00686 to the Regular Agenda for discussion. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

• A video was displayed for the Public of the Florida Association of Counties Conference that was hosted in Alachua County. 
• The County's Forward Focus Project is currently under way. The community is encouraged to fill out the Forward Focus questionnaire as well as participate in the Forward Focus Summit on October 25, 2025 from 9:00 am. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Space is limited to reserve a spot visit the County Website and click on the link.
• Cuscowilla was voted the best summer camp in the Community Choice Awards. 
• Alachua County has developed the Cents and Sensibility campaign to educate the public on the Alachua County Budget. There will be 8 chapters to educate the public on how to become involved in the budget process. The first chapter will be released today with a chapter a week being released for the next 8 weeks.
• County Manager Lieberman was credentialed by the International County Management Association (ICMA) which is the gold standard in accreditation for County Management. 

Commissioner Alford, Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

F.

Approval of Recognitions

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

2nd Commissioner Alford

1.

Employee Length of Service 4th Quarter Recognition - 25-00758

Assistant County Manager Heather Akpan presented the recognitions.

2.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing October as Community Planning Month in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00648

Commissioner Alford read and presented the Proclamation to Growth Management Director Jeff Hays who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Prizzia and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

3.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing October as National Pharmacists Month in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00768

Commissioner Wheeler read and presented the Proclamation to Kurt Ellison who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

4.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing October 23rd, 2025, as Lights on Afterschool Day in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00797

Commissioner Cornell read and presented the Proclamation to Marsha Kiner and Emily McCauley who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board (HCAB) Appointments - 25-00801

County Manager Lieberman announced that Shannon Dixon has withdrawn her application.

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nomination for the Non-Profit Provider Representative on the Health Care Advisory Board.

Commissioners Alford, Cornell, and Prizzia nominated Aaron Jarvis.

Commissioners Chestnut and Wheeler nominated Cynthia White.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Aaron Jarvis as the Non-Profit Healthcare Provider Representative to a term ending April 30, 2027, Erica Barnard as the Department of Health Representative to a term ending April 30, 2027, and Kathryn Ray as the Agency Serving Primarily Low-Income Patients Representative to a term ending April 30, 2027. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

2.

Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Appointments - 25-00794

Chair Chestnut recognized Richard Wilson who expressed his desire to serve on the Rural Concerns Advisory Committee.

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nomination for the Member Actively Involved in Agriculture/Silviculture Representative.

Commissioners Alford, Chestnut, Cornell, Prizzia, and Wheeler nominated Sarah Luther.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Rodney Clouser as the University of Florida IFAS Representative to term ending September 30, 2028 and Sarah Luther as the Member Actively Involved in Agriculture/Silviculture Representative to a term ending September 30, 2028. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

3.

Alachua County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Annual Workplan and Accomplishments - 25-00651

Housing and Strategic Director Ralston Reodica and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Chair RD Bonnaghan presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Cornell moved  to accept the annual accomplishments of 2025 and goals for 2026. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

4.

Approve Chair Letter to the City of Archer for Infrastructure Surtax Update - 25-00847

Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve a Chair Letter to the City of Archer for Infrastructure Surtax Update. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

County Manager Lieberman presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

1. That the Boad accept the determination of the Infrastructure Surtax Oversight Board and authorize the use of the 1/2 cent Infrastructure allocation of the County's Local Government Infrastructure Sales Surtax to improve that portion of Northeast 222nd Street from SR 26 to the trailhead of Blake Lake Preserve approximately 670 feet. In support thereof that the Board find that said road improvements are necessary to provide public access to Black Lake Preserve trailhead.

2. If the trailhead is moved from Northeast 225 Street to Northeast 221 Street, then this direction is brought back to the Board prior to the expenditure of any funds.  

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

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

The motion carried 5-0.

5.

Alachua County Bicentennial Moments: A Local History Presentation by the Alachua County Historical Commission. - 25-00817

Historical Commission Member Melanie Barr presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

H.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Xavier White and Kathleen Rupert who presented comments.

Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

I.

Presentations

1.

Jail Programs Update

Under Sheriff Joshua Cruz, Captain Ray Swallows, Jail Director Major Dorian Keith, and Inmate Support Bureau Chief Lt. Perry presented the above item.

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

Commissioner Prizzia requested that the volunteer orientation manual and the change screening tool be provided to the Board. She further requested that mugshots and names not be used in media press releases. She stated that in 2020 under Sheriff Darnell it was requested and honored. The practice seems to be returning, and she would like to see it not be used. 

Commissioner Alford moved to have staff request an update from the Jail every six months to see how the data collection is going and see how things are improving. Her primary focus is on the programs in line with this presentation. Further request a quarterly report that can be submitted to the Board for review without having a formal presentation. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Chestnut recognized Larry McDaniels who presented comments to the Board. 

2.

Fresh Food Pathways Food Hub Market Research Report - 25-00788

Agriculture Economic Development Coordinator Bailey Mccellan and NVA Consultant Avi Mallinger presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler, and Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented comments. 

3.

Facilities Management Master Space Plan Quarterly Update - 25-00735

Facilities Director Travis Parker presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Prizzia, and Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented comments. 

J.

Action Items

1.

Request to Advertise for Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Amendments Related to 2025 Legislative Session - 25-00715

Planner Mehdi Benkhatar and Principal Planner Chris Dawson presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia and Commissioner Alford presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved that the Board of County Commissioners authorize the advertisement of a public hearing for these ULDC amendments as required by the State Legislature and staff retain work that was done for opportunities to recommend best practices. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

2.

Discussion and Adoption of 2025-2026 State and Federal Legislative Agenda - 25-00862

Lobbyist Tom Griffin with The Griffin Group and Katie Schoettler with the Foley & Lardner LLP presented the above item.

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

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Agenda. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

3.

County Commission Redistricting Discussion - 25-00841

Growth Management Director Jeff Hays presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Prizzia moved to advertise an ordinance adopting Map 8 with the following amendments:

• Move Precinct 27 from district 3 to district 4.
• Move Precinct 17 from district 4 to district 3.
• Move Precinct 3 from district 4 to district 2.
• Move Precinct 37 from district 2 to district 4.
• Legal is to review the map to ensure it can meet a legal challenge.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Chestnut recognized Byron Williams, Larry McDaniels, Rodney Long, County Attorney Torres, Kali Blount, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, and Commissioner Cornell who presented comments.

The motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner Wheeler and Commissioner Chestnut voting "Nay".

4.

FY '25 Administrating Officials Performance Evaluation. - 25-00826

Assistant County Manager Heather Akpan presented the above item.

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

1. To accept the evaluations.

2.  Authorize a 3% merit raise. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Commissioner Prizzia moved the substitute motion of approval of the evaluations.  

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

The motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner Wheeler and Commissioner Cornell voting "Nay". 

K.

Items Pulled From Consent

1.

Advisory Board and Committee Guidelines, 25-00686

Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve proposed changes to Resolution 25-79 and authorize the Chair and Clerk to Sign with the direction that the Animal Welfare Submission Form concept be developed by staff and brought back to the Board with the necessary changes to the Board's supporting Resolution.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Commissioner Alford presented comments.

Commissioner Prizzia requested this be brought back to the Board before the new year. 

The motion carried 5-0.

L.

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

M.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Kali Blount and Jim Konish who presented comments to the Board. 

2.

County Attorney Comment

There were no comments offered.

3.

County Manager Comment

There were no comments offered.

4.

Commission Comment

Central Florida Community Action Agency

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she needs Board approval to continue to work with the agency as their Board Chair.

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize Commissioner Wheeler to continue to work with Central Florida Community Action Agency. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Open Carry

Commissioner Prizzia stated that with open carry now permitted in the State she has received concerns from some of the Citizen Advisory Board members regarding safety at meetings. She would like to consider providing a Deputy at the meetings as the Board has for security.

Commissioner Prizzia moved to direct staff to prepare a cost estimate to provide a Deputy at advisory board meetings for the Board to consider. The estimate can be provided to the Board by email. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

Animal Resources

Commissioner Prizzia inquired if there is an update on the Animal Resources Facility in partnership with the University of Florida.

County Manager Lieberman stated that staff is still working the Agriculture Department and the Environmental Protection Department on the deed restrictions. Staff has been diligently working on the matter, and it should be scheduled to be before the Board by the end of the year. 

Literacy Update

Commissioner Cornell stated that on September 17, 2025 a meeting was held regarding the literacy program with the Children's Trust. There will be community workshops on October 29th at Eastside High School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at Santa Fe High School on October 30, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Child Care Chamber Event

Commissioner Alford stated that she attended a Chamber of Commerce Event at the Blount Center and the President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce attend the meeting. There were participants from around the State and the event was well attended. She stated that she feels the timing of the County Pilot Program is optimal and there tends to be a lot of momentum on the topic.

Archer Road Oak Trees Cut Down

Commissioner Alford stated that she was very upset to see several large Oak Trees cut down in Archer. She has learned that the City of Archer really has no effective protection for trees. She inquired what it would take for the City of Archer to adopt the County's policy. 

County Attorney Torres stated that the County can implement its policy in the municipal district if the City Commission were to consent. It may be a more feasible option for the City of Archer to adopt it's on policy. 

Commissioner Cornell and Commissioner Prizzia presented comments. 

Community Remembrance Project

Chair Chestnut stated that there is a bus trip to Montgomery Alabama scheduled for February of next year. He will provide the exact date when available. He stated that there is growing frustration with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) regarding the Bronze Marker. The concept was that counties could make efforts to educate the public on equal justice matters and claim the marker to display. Alachua County has been a leader in this effort, yet the marker has not been able to be claimed, and the Equal Justice Initiative has yet to develop the criteria to claim the marker after eight years. The Committee is still working hard but Chair Chestnut fears participation will start to wain if there is no action on the matter. 

Commissioner Cornell suggested a Chair letter to the Equal Justice Initiative stating the County's efforts and a desire to claim the marker.

County Manager Lieberman stated that there has been acknowledgement on behalf of EJI as to the extraordinary efforts of Alachua County. She stated that staff has done a tremendous job and it would be nice to be recognized for the effort. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize a Chair Letter to the Equal Justice Initiative requesting the marker. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

N.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:49 p.m.

O.

Consent Items

1.

Budget & Fiscal Services

1.

FY25 Recognize Unanticipated Revenue in Sheriff Forfeiture Funds - 25-00858

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

2.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Request Approval of the Attached BOCC Minutes - 25-00837

• Approve Publication of Final BOCC Minutes

3.

Community Support Services

1.

Victim of Crime (VOCA) Funding Contract for Fiscal Year 25-26 - 25-00859

• Waive County policy on Intellectual Property. Approve contract and authorize the chair to sign contract. Approve the attached budget amendment, inter-fund loan of $200,000 and the Unanticipated Revenue Resolution.

4.

County Manager's Office

5.

Environmental Protection

1.

Application for Entity Status with USDA NRCA for partnership in Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Acquisition and Program Agreement Resolution - 25-00830

• Request for the Board to adopt a Resolution authorizing the County Manager or her designee to complete and execute the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Entity Application for an Agriculture Land Easement Agreement, and execute all documents associated with it including any amendments to the application. Also, authorizing the County Manager or her designee to negotiate, finalize the terms and conditions, and execute the Program Agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Alachua County for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) Agreement, and authorizing the County Manager or her designee to execute all the associated documents with this Program Agreement.

2.

Addition of Agricultural Land Conservation Projects to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List - 25-00829

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

  1. Lochloosa Creek Flatwoods – Frog Song Organics, LLC, John Bitter, and Amy Van Scoik (Agricultural Conservation Easement)

6.

Fire Rescue

1.

Renewal Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CoPCN) Application for the High Springs Fire Department - 25-00679

• Approve the renewal and sign the certificate

2.

Seventh Amendment to the Agreement with ESO Solutions, Inc. for medical and fire reporting software - 25-00825

• Approve the Seventh Amendment to the agreement with ESO Solutions, Inc.

7.

Growth Management

1.

Interlocal Agreement for the Enforcement of School Zone Speed Limits - 25-00717

• Approve the interlocal agreement, No. 14669 for the Alachua County School Zone Speed Enforcement and authorize the Chair’s signature.

8.

Human Resources

1.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan add Operations Unit Coordinator and Sports and Events Coordinator and remove Tourism and Economic Development Director and transfer to Senior Management Pay Plan - 25-00804

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan and Senior Management Pay Plan.

2.

Amended IAFF General Unit Collective Bargaining Agreement FY25-FY27 - 25-00828

• Board Approval of the Amended IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement FY25-FY27.

3.

Waive Recruitment and confirm appointment for Tourism and Economic Development Director - 25-00852

• Waive recruitment for the new position of Tourism and Economic Development Director and confirm the appointment of Jessica Hurov as the position is approved and designated by the Florida Retirement System as of 10/1/2025.

9.

Procurement

1.

Agreements with Advanced Environmental Labs, Inc. (14747) and Eurofins Environment Testing Southeast, LLC (14748), for Environmental Protection. - 25-00800

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute agreements with Advanced Environmental Labs, Inc. (14747) and Eurofins Environment Testing Southeast, LLC (14748), NTE $100,000.00 Annually.

2.

First Amendment to Agreement with M.P.H. Industries, Inc. d/b/a Boone Welding and Powder Coating (13877) for Public Works. - 25-00769

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the First Amendment to Agreement 13877 (substantially in the form attached to this agenda), with M.P.H. Industries, Inc. d/b/a Boone Welding and Powder Coating, in the amount NTE $100,000.00 annually.

3.

First Amendment to Agreement with Universal Security Guard Association, Inc. (14468) for Facilities Management. - 25-00807

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the First Amendment to Agreement 14468 with Universal Security Guard Association, Inc., in the amount NTE $450,000.00 annually.

4.

Purchase Order to Fonroche Lighting America, Inc., in the amount of $54,062.00 for Parks and Open Space. - 25-00762

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Fonroche Lighting America, Inc., in the amount of $54,062.00.

5.

Purchase Order to Bliss Products & Services, Inc., in the amount of $55,427.40 for Parks and Open Space. - 25-00821

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Bliss Products & Services, Inc, in the amount of $55,427.00.

6.

Second Amendment to Agreement with Pritchett Trucking, Inc.(, for Bid 24-66 Annual Back-up and Emergency Hauling for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. - 25-00812

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Second Amendment 13920 with Pritchett Trucking, Inc., in the amount NTE $900,000.00 annually.

7.

Second Amendment to Addendum Agreement with Zoll Medical Corporation (14405) for Fire Rescue. - 25-00820

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Second Amendment to Addendum Agreement 14405 with Zoll Medical Corporation in the amount NTE $62,127.50

8.

Sole Source and Second Amendment to Agreement with Stryker Sales, LLC (13974). - 25-00816

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Sole Source and Second Amendment to Agreement 13974 with Stryker Sales, LLC., in the amount NTE $84,045.60 annually.

10.

Tourism & Economic Development

1.

Legislative factual determination regarding marketing and promotional activities for the adopted FY26 Visit Gainesville, Alachua County budget - 25-00824

• Make the legislative factual determination that the promotional, marketing and advertising activities within the FY26 Tourism budget, which are purchased with Tourist Development Tax revenue, serve a public purpose and are primarily related to promoting and advertising tourism in Alachua County.

P.

Notation for Record

1.

Arts Council of Alachua County - Aug. 4, 2025 Minutes - 25-00795

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

2.

Local Planning Agency and Planning Commission Approved Minutes - 25-00819

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

3.

Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council Meeting Minutes - 25-00823

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

4.

FY25 Alachua County Board of County Commissioners’ Financial Report – 4th Quarter - 25-00834

• Receipt of the FY25 Alachua Board of County Commissioners Quarterly Financial Report – 4th Quarter

5.

FY25 Public Purpose Quarterly Report 4th Quarter - 25-00835

• Receipt of the Report for Public Purpose FY25 4th Quarter.

Q.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings