Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, August 26, 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

Pastor Brian Wilson of Northwest Baptist Church provided the Invocation.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Call to Order

Chair Chestnut called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

County Manager Lieberman requested that Item 6b, Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 – 2025 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan- add Sports and Events Manager - 25-00667 be moved from the Consent Agenda to be heard at the same time as Item H1, Sports Event Center Transition and Addition of 3 FTE’s - 25-00617 as they are related.

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

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Chestnut recognized Kali Blount, Anthony Johnson, Marilyn Poland, and Marianne Schmink who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 5-0.

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

• Alachua County wishes to inform citizens of two vital services provided by the County. The Smart 911 and Text to 911 system. On the County website citizens can create an account and provide medical information that will allow first responders to have vital information easily accessible if and when a citizen needs their services. 
• The County hosted an Agritourism Workshop at the Cuscowilla  Nature and Retreat Center. The event was very well attended and staff provided wonderful presentations on agritourism law, permitting, safety and operations, marketing, etc. 

F.

Approval of Recognitions

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

2nd Commissioner Alford

1.

Recognition of 2025 Certified Public Manager Graduates - 25-00668

County Manager Lieberman and the Board of County Commissioner recognized all those who completed the 2025 Certified Public Manager training. 

2.

Alachua County Recognition by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - 25-00599

Florida Department of Health Representative Courtney Oliver and AARP Associate State Director of Outreach & Engagement Jill Auld presented the above item. 

3.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing August 25th through August 29th as Be SMART week in Alachua County, Florida - 25-00671

Chair Chestnut read and presented the Proclamation to Susan Cone and Sheriff Chad Scott who accepted it with gratitude. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she would like to work with this group to try and get this message on all of the County's communications networks. 

G.

Public Comment

Chair Chestnut recognized Jim Konish, Anthony Johnson, Mark van Soestbergen, Spencer Morton, Judith Hamilton, High Springs Commissioner Katherine Weitz, Soya Lindeberg (documentation provided), Moe Chanel, Denise Mills, Telford Cartwright, James, Sarah Younger, Robert Skinner, and Tamara Robbins who presented comments.

Paratransit Commission Comments:

Commissioner Prizzia  and Commissioner Cornell presented comments regarding MV Transportation. 

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

1. To authorize a Chair letter and request the City pause any efforts to cancel the current para contract that also provides service to the County.
2. That the County further request this be schedule for the next Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) Meeting.
3. Direct staff to bring back information on how it will affect transit outside the City of Gainesville the contract in January 2026. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

General Manager for MV Transit Gary Luke, Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Prizzia, Chair Chestnut, Anthony Johnson, and Fire Chief Theus presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Alford wanted to thank the community for coming out to support MV Transit and informing the Commission on your concerns.

High Springs Fire Contract:

Commissioner Cornell stated that he has concerns of taking any actions that would set a Countywide precedent. He would like to see Chief Theus work with the City of High Springs to come up with solutions. 

Commissioner Wheeler stated that if she had heard about this earlier something may have been able to be done. At this point the budget is set and it will have to remain with Chief Theus's capable hands to work with the City of High Springs. 

SB 180

Commissioner Cornell stated that he would like to see the position the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) takes prior to the County taking a position on this bill. 

Bear Hunt

Commissioner Cornell inquired if Alachua County can stop a Statewide Bear Hunts on County owned or managed land or if there is a preemption. On lands owned by the County but managed by other entities he would like to inform those agencies that Alachua County is against the bear hunt and would not like to see them conducted on County land. The County should exercise any authority it has to prevent bear hunts in the County. Staff may express the communities desire to not have the bear hunt however staff feels is fit. 

Commissioner Wheeler inquired if it would be effective to contact the legislature about the community's desire on this matter.

Commissioner Prizzia stated that the County may wish to stop partnering with the State of Florida for management of lands based on the State's actions with bear hunts as well as expanded law enforcement authority for bodies that have some law enforcement authorities. She thinks the Board could have the discussion at the September 9, 2025, since there is a conservation land purchase with a contemplation of a state management agreement. 

4 Creek Park

Commissioner Cornell stated that he did not realize the 4 Creek Park was causing concerns. He would like to refer this to staff to brief the Board on the matter. The city are partners with the County on this and he would like to see that relationship not be strained. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she is surprised to hear the community is not in support of this facility. There has been request from this community to manage nearby conservation lands and this facility will allow that to happen. She would like to know of any opportunities to provide buffering or fencing to make the project successful. 

County Manager Lieberman stated that staff will provide an email to the Board regarding the plan and the status of the project that is proceeding through the City of Gainesville planning process as it is in their jurisdiction. 

Mill Creek Sink

Commissioner Cornell stated that he is not aware of the County's action to date, but he knows the County is vested in the project and has set aside funds for the County Attorney should legal actions be necessary. He would like for staff to provide some recommendations on how the County can support the city with regards to things we've already expressed desire to see. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Harvey Bynum (documentation provided) who presented comments to the Board regarding property taxes on a parcel of land that he owns. 

H.

Action Items

1.

Children’s Trust of Alachua County Literacy Initiative Update - 25-00660

Community Support Services Candy Nixon, Dr. Theresa Beachy, and Peak Literacy Director Leah Galione presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford stated that one of her particular goals is to work with pregnant mothers with literacy so that they can read prescriptions to care for their children and read books to develop literacy in their children. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she would love for this program to develop the network of agencies to move the needle to develop literate and productive adults. 

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she would encourage the workers to spend a day in the classroom, so they understand what these children are experiencing. 

2.

Sports Event Center Transition and Addition of 3 FTE’s - 25-00617

Tourism and Economic Development Director Jessica Hurov presented the above item.

Ms. Hurov stated that the Sports Center opened in the Spring of 2023. In July of 2025 the Board sent a letter of termination for the agreement and decided to take control of operations.  Staff is proposing a direct public management model which will give the County full control over the operations of the facility. The operations of concessions during events are still being worked out. 

The following three positions will be added to the county:

1. Sports Tourism and Events Manager
2. Sports Tourism and Events Coordinator
3. Maintenance Mechanic

Commissioner Wheeler stated that food trucks maybe an opportunity at the facility during events. She would also like to work with the owner regarding the vacant lots at the entrance of the facility to try and make a more inviting entrance to the facility.

Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano stated those lots are currently owned by a private entity and there are mortgages on the parcel as well as unpaid CDD assessments that exceed the value of the properties. The County is making efforts to acquire the lots but it is a complicated matter.

Commissioner Alford moved the following:

1. Approve the transition plan, as presented.
2. Approve the request to add three full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to Tourism & Economic Development
   1. Sports & Events Manager;
   2. Sports & Events Coordinator;
   3. Maintenance Mechanic.
3. To the extent not inconsistent with the County’s Procurement Code, authorize the County Manager or her designee to assume existing, executed, contracts held by the Operator and/or RaddSports pertaining to scheduled events and the operation/maintenance of the Sports and Event Center (without assuming liability to pay for work performed prior to assumption of the contracts by the County) and to amend existing County service, repair and maintenance contracts to provide such services to the Sports and Event Center.
4. Direct the County Manager to agenda the proposed FY26 Sports Event Center operating budget to be included in the first budget amendment to the BoCC after FY26 Final Budget Adoption.
5. Authorize the Manager to facilitate staffing needs to implement this transition plan such as temporary staffing, unclassified workers, and use of a staffing agency.
6. Authorize the Manager or her designee to negotiate and approve terms, conditions, and rates for current and future events to maximize space use and functionality, until the County’s Fee Schedule can be amended to add the Sports and Event Center.
7. Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan (Staff Recommended Action for Item 6b.)

Commissioner Cornell, County Manager Lieberman, Commissioner Prizzia, Chair Chestnut, Tamara Robbins, Anthony Johnson, and Soya Lindeberg presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

3.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 – 2025 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan- add Sports and Events Manager - 25-00667

The motion for Item #2, Sports Event Center Transition and Addition of 3 FTE's include approval of the Recommended Action for this item.

4.

Request Consideration to Host 2027 World Masters Event - 25-00556

Tourism and Economic Development Director Jessica Hurov presented the above item.

Ms. Hurov stated that there were 5,132 official registrants from 98 countries. Which resulted in a total of 17,433 visitors during the event. The average spent per visitor was $658.40. The top three airports used by participants in order where Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville Airport. 

Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, UF Tourism Heather Gibson, Commissioner Wheeler, and County Manager Lieberman presented comments.  

Commissioner Prizzia moved to authorize staff to proceed with necessary steps to host the 2027 World Masters Event as follows: Authorize travel to the international events listed below; to the extent not inconsistent with Florida law, authorize the County Manager, or designee, to prepare and submit a bid to host the 2027 World Masters and to negotiate and execute an agreement to host the 2027 world masters that is substantially similar to the 2025 host agreement (See Attachment 1); Authorize the Manager to approve any necessary budget adjustments from TDT reserves for FY25 and/or FY26 up to $750,000; and authorize a Chair Letter to the Local Organizing Committee requesting they pay the host fee. Staff is to come to the Board for approval of all non-required travel. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Soya Lindeberg, Tamara Robbins, UF Tourism Heather Gibson, and Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton who presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

I.

Presentations

1.

Food System Workforce Development Program: Year Two Report - 25-00694

Agricultural Economic Development Director Bailey Mccellan and Working Food Executive Director Shelby Dixon presented the above item.

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

Commissioner Prizzia moved to refer to staff to continue working on opportunities with entities such as Working Food, Santa Fe and others that can build an incubator on the scale that is needed and make sure that conversation is connected with the food hub conversation as we move forward.

2nd Commissioner Alford

Chair Chestnut recognized Nancy Darren who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 5-0.

J.

Public Hearings

1.

Adoption Hearing – Z25-000007 Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Water Supply Planning - 25-00597

Planner Mike Castine presented the above item.

Commissioner Prizzia and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to adopt the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.

2nd Commissioner Alford

There was no one present who wished to address the Board.

The motion carried 5-0. 

2.

Springhills North Community Development District Dissolution - 25-00665

Growth Management Director Jeff Hays presented the above item.

Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

Commissioner Alford moved to approve Ordinance 25-17 dissolving the Spinghills North Community Development District and authorize the Chair’s signature. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

3.

Public Hearing for the Proposed Vacation of a Portion of the plat of Carlton Grove - 25-00620

Public Works Director Ramone Gavarrete presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved that the Board adopt the Resolution to vacate a portion of the plat of Carlton Grove. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

K.

Items Pulled From Consent

L.

NOTE: This meeting will reconvene at 5:01 PM

M.

Presentations

1.

Climate Action Plan Workshop - 25-00659

EPD Director Stephen Hofstetter and PED Jennison Kipp presented the above item.

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Prizzia, Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, Sustainability Manager Betsy Riley, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler, Chair Chestnut, Transportation Planning Manager Allison Moss, Land Conservation Manager Andi Christman, and Solid Waste Director Gus Olmos presented comments. 

Chair Chestnut recognized Kali Blount, Mook Chiknow, Janice Gary, EPD Director Stephen Hofstetter, and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

N.

Closing Comments

1.

Public Comment

There was no one present who wished to address the Board. 

2.

County Attorney Comment

There were no comments offered.

3.

County Manager Comment

There were no comments offered. 

4.

Commission Comment

53rd Avenue Asphalt Dumping

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she has received concerns from citizens regarding the construction of 53rd during the evening. There is apparently asphalt being dumped in the evening hours which is disturbing the sleep of the area residents. She inquired if there is anything that can be done to alleviate the situation.

Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete stated that the contract was to have the work done in the evening due to traffic concerns. He stated that Watson Construction has changed the trucks they have been using to try and address the noise to some extent, but it is a construction site. Depending on the weather the project is expected to last another 30 days. 

Community Weatherization Funding

Commissioner Prizzia stated that the County established a new fund with the Stokes Foundation and the Empowerment Coalition. The solar array which will result in utility savings with 90% of the saving being set aside to fund further energy efficiency improvements through the Community Weatherization Coalition. They have developed a community center plan. She would like to consider any rebates that the County receives be directed into this fund. 

Commissioner Alford stated that if the rebate is necessary to make the project viable then she would like for the rebate to be used to fund the project. She does not want to see energy projects not be performed because of the rebate funding. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to direct staff to explore directing the County solar/energy efficiency rebates not our savings into this account to fund energy efficiency upgrades for low-income residents in the community. If the rebate is necessary for the project, then bring the matter to the Board for consideration. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Live Oak Lawsuit

Commissioner Cornell requested an update on the Live Oak issue with the Veterans Way Project.

County Attorney Torres stated that a number of regulated trees were removed without permits. The developer claimed an exemption, so they did not need permits. The County disagree and the magistrate ruled in the County's favor. The developer continued to cut trees even though there was a court injunction to cease. At this point the developer owes financial penalties to the County. There was another issue with the developer moving dirt without a permit and that action is still ongoing. The developer will have to obtain permits after the fact which are at double the cost to the developer. The County will put a lien on the property if the fines are not paid. 

Maddox Foundry Update

Commissioner Alford requested an update on the status of the Maddox Foundry proposed cement plant.

County Manager Lieberman stated that the EPD Director sent an email update on the matter this morning to all the Commissioners. 

Rebuilding Together Letter

Chair Chestnut stated that he has received a request for a letter of support for an application by Rebuilding Together North Central Florida for a USDA Rural Development Housing Grant. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to provide a letter of support to Rebuilding Together for the USDA Application. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford

COMMISSION RECESSED AT: 4:14 P.M.

COMMISSION RECONVENED: 5:01 P.M.

O.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

• To adjourn the meeting. 

P.

Consent Items

1.

Community Support Services

1.

FY 26 Funding Agreement with Meridian Healthcare - 25-00658

• Approve the agreement and authorize the Chair to execute it.

2.

New Lutheran Services of Florida Grant, July 1, 2025 - 25-00641

• Approve the Lutheran Services of Florida Agreement, Resolution, Budget Journal and grant the County Manager authority to sign amendments which do not increase or decrease the annual grant allocation.

2.

County Manager's Office

1.

Notice of Administrative Order to create a department - 25-00653

• Approve the Notice of Administrative Action to create a department.

3.

Environmental Protection

1.

First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for the Joint Water and Climate Policy Board - 25-00639

• Approve and execute this amendment to the interlocal agreement.

2.

Grant Awarded – Lydia B. Stokes Foundation Community Investment Fund Grant Award - 25-00101

• Approve County acceptance of the grant funding from the Lydia B. Stokes Foundation authorize the BOCC Chair to sign the grant agreement contract.

  Approve County staff to begin procurement processes for construction of a solar array per the scope of work.

  Approve County staff to create a new funding line structure for the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to receive Lydia B. Stokes grant dollars and future utility savings dollars for the life of the solar panel array.

  Approve County staff to expand the Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program (ACEEP) to include homeowners in EMPOWER Coalition partner neighborhoods.

  Approve County staff to begin procurement proceedings for a contractor to administer CIF per ACEEP and appropriate requirements.

  Authorize the Chair to sign the attached Resolution.

4.

Fire Rescue

1.

Public Emergency Medical Transportation (PEMT) Fee for Service FY23-24, Managed Care FY24-25, and 2016 and 2017 PEMT Audits in the net amount of $1,426,245.31 additional revenue. - 25-00549

• Adopt the resolution, and approve the budget amendment

2.

Request to donate an out of service fire tanker to Windsor Fire Department - 25-00642

• Adopt the resolution authorizing the donation of out of service Fire Rescue apparatus to Windsor Fire Department

3.

Lutheran Services of Florida Agreement for the FY2025-26 Mobile Integrated Health Clinic Program Agreement-request to increase Mobile Response Team Peer Specialist from .5 to 1.0 FTE Effective July 1, 2025 - 25-00585

• Adopt the Resolution and approve the Agreement and Budget Amendment, authorize the increase from .5 to 1.0 FTE for Mobile Response Team Peer Specialist effective 7/1/2025, and authorize an interfund loan not to exceed $1M for cash flow purposes.

5.

Growth Management

1.

Final Plat for Twenty Two Farms Rural Subdivision - 25-00649

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the Final Development Plan and Plat at its July 17, 2025 hearing and recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve the Plat for Twenty Two Farms based on a finding of consistency with Florida Statutes, the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code.

2.

Alachua County Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) Grant Agreement - Amendment 2 - 25-00564

• Amend Alachua County’s SS4A Grant Agreement (693JJ32340130) as proposed.

6.

Human Resources

1.

Request Approval of Updated Equity Advisory Board Resolution to add a Youth Member - 25-00544

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

2.

Authorization to Advertise the Designation of a new Sr. Management FRS position - 25-00654

• Approve request to the state for the designation of a new Sr. Management FRS position for the Director of Tourism and Economic Development Department

7.

Parks & Open Space

1.

Request Approval of Updated Recreation and Open Space Committee Resolution to add a Youth Member - 25-00534

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

8.

Procurement

1.

Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-254 with HD Supply Facilities Maint. LT, in the amount of $10,000.00 for Facilities Management. - 25-00647

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Blanket Purchase Order 25-254 with HD Supply Facilities Maint. LT, in the amount of $10,000.00 for Facilities Management. The revised Blanket Purchase Order is $60,000.00.

2.

Novation and Second Amendment 13701 with United Structural Systems, LLC d/b/a Foundation Services of Central Florida, Inc., for Bid 23-230 Annual Subsurface Injection and Grout Services for Public Works. - 25-00678

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Novation and Second Amendment 13701 with United Structural Systems, LLC d/b/a Foundation Services of Central Florida, Inc., for Bid 23-230 Annual Subsurface Injection and Grout Services, not to exceed (NTE) $60,000.00 annually.

3.

Award and Agreement with Recycling Services of America, Inc. (14733), for Bid 26-46-MM Annual Office Recycling Services, for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. - 25-00506

• Approve the Award and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement 14733 with Recycling Services of America, Inc., for Bid 26-46-MM Annual Office Recycling Services, in the amount not to exceed $100,000.00.

9.

Tourism & Economic Development

1.

Request Approval of Gainesville Sports Commission Carryforward - 25-00662

• Approve Gainesville Sports Commission Request for Carryforward

2.

Request to Approve the FY26 Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant Application - 25-00663

• Approve the Local Sports Destination Enhancement Grant application as presented.

Q.

Notation for Record

1.

Alachua County Housing Finance Authority Minutes - 25-00621

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

2.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Minutes - 25-00646

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

3.

Alachua County Veteran Services Advisory Board Minutes - 25-00650

• No action necessary. For informational purposes only.

R.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings