Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

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County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium
12 SE 1 Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601
Present:
  • Chair Mary Alford, 
  • Vice Chair Charles S. Chestnut, IV, 
  • Commissioner Ken Cornell, 
  • Commissioner Anna Prizzia, 
  • and Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler 

Pastor Azael Pitti provided the Invocation.

Chair Alford led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chair Alford called the meeting to order at 11:33 am.

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the Consent/ Regular agenda with the following amendments:

The following items to be heard under Items Pulled from Consent:

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Chair Alford recognized Candy Bergen, Aritza, Pat, Heather McDougal, Kenneth Davis, and Jessica who presented comments.  

The motion carried 5-0.

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the following announcements:

1. A tribute to former Commissioner Charles Chestnut III is being displayed on the County's website. Mr. Chestnut was an icon in the community and will be missed.

2. The Saving My Alachua calendar is available to the public. The calendar exhibits artwork from local students who participated in the environmental art contest. A special ceremony was held in April right before Earth Day to celebrate the winners. The 2024 contest has kicked off. Submissions must be submitted by February 9, 2024. 

3. A photo of the Commission was taken with the New Chair and Vice Chair. 

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

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Chair Alford recognized Bruce Blackwell, Ed Hunter, Jennifer Rocca, and Kristen Young who expressed their desire to serve on the Land Conservation Board.

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their two nominations for the Citizen-at-Large Representatives to a term ending September 30, 2027, 

The Commission unanimously selected Kristen Young and Bruce Blackwell.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Kristen Young and Bruce Blackwell. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nominee as the Natural Resources Professional Representative to a term ending September 30, 2027.

Commissioners Alford, Chestnut, Cornell and Wheeler nominated Ed Hunter.

Commissioner Prizzia nominated Jim Surdick.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Ed Hunter as the Natural Resources Professional Representative to a term ending September 30, 2027. The motion carried 5-0. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nomination as the Natural Resources Professional Representative to a term ending September 30, 2026.

Commissioner Alford, Chestnut, Cornell, and Wheeler nominated Jennifer Rocca. 

Commissioner Prizzia nominated Jim Surdick.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Jennifer Rocca to a term ending September 30, 2026. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of the County Commission Board and Committee appointments with the following amendments:

  • Item #15 Regional Planning Council North Central Florida having Commissioner Prizzia replacing Commissioner Cornell
  • Item #18 Tourist Development Board Commissioner Wheeler instead of Chair Alford. 

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

The motion carried 5-0.

Chair Alford recognized Nidal Boughannam, Aviva Asher, Diyonne McGraw, Patricia Lee, and Alfredo Morales who presented comments.

Commissioner Prizzia moved to refer the Cease Fire Resolution to County Staff and the County Attorney f                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             or review and to schedule for an agenda for consideration by the Board. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

Deputy County Manager Carl Smart informed Mr. Boughannam that the County Solid Waste Director Gus Olmos will be in touch with him regarding the new garbage providers. 

Deputy County Manager Carl Smart presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell, State Attorney Bryan Krammer, Alachua County Medical Examiner Thomas M. Coyne, M.D., Ph.D., Chair Alford, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby, Commissioner Chestnut, Deputy County Manager Smart, Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck, Medical Examiner's Office Operations Manager Richardo Camacho, State Attorney Krammer, Commissioner Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, County Attorney Torres, and Assistant County Manager Crosby presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

1.Approve the creation of a new department of the Medical Examiner under the Alachua County BoCC

2.Direct staff to negotiate contract with Medical Examiner (M.E) at a competitive rate and bring back to the Board for approval.

3. Direct staff to conduct a compensation study for necessary positions and develop a budget for the new department. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The motion carried 5-0.

Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented the above item. 

Chair Alford stated that she would like to explore the possibility of using Conservation Easements or other County owned lands for green burials. 

Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Chestnut, Assistant County Attorney Bob Swain, and Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to approve the cremation only policy with referral to staff to bring back recommendations and ideas on how the County might use County Conservation land for green burials of the indigent.  The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

Sheriff Emory Gainey presented the above item. 

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

 Commissioner Prizzia moved the following:

1. To request the Sheriff attempt implementing unlimited free phone calls and provide the Board an update in 60 days regarding the implementation.

2. Direct facilities staff to work with the Jail for options for additional phone spaces. 

3. Request a monthly report from County staff on how many phones there are, how many are working, how many aren't working, and how many are repaired. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Bruce Blackwell, Nkwanda Jah, Alfredo Morales, JoJo, Max Tipping, Tamara, Kelly Lynch, Julious Irving, Bobby Mermer, Kimber, Commissioner Cornell, and Sgt. St. Clair presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

Friends of Cuscowilla President Cynthia Holland, Vice President Jane Luzar, and Camp Manager Jamie Bass presented the above item.

A video of the amenities offered at the Cuscowilla facility was displayed a presentation as well on the status of the day camp and its offerings. 

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

NAACP Environmental Climate & Justice Committee Nkwanda Jah and Community Weatherization Coalition Marianne Schmink presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Prizzia moved direct staff to continue working with the empower coalition to explore ideas for green jobs, leadership, youth development and energy efficiency. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell 

Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Manager Sean McLendon, Kirkconnell Rusty Rhoades, and Army Core of Engineers Sonya Suggs presented the above item. 

The project is projected to generate 469 short term construction jobs and 110 long term operations jobs. The groundbreaking will be in 2025 the project has a $36,000,000 federal appropriation for construction. 

Commissioner Cornell and Chair Alford presented comments. 

Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Manager Sean McLendon and GCRA Director Rick Smith presented the above item. 

The presentation covered highlights of the Cornerstone, Eastside Health and Development Initiative, GTEC Refresh, NE 8th Avenue & Waldo Road, Heritage Trail, Heartwood Project, Downtown Strategic Plan, the Power District and the area surrounding the Gainsville Regional Airport.  

Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Prizzia, Chair Alford, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Chestnut, and Deputy County Manager Carl Smart presented comments. 

Chair Alford recognized Kali Blount and Patricia Lee who presented comments to the Board. 

Strategic Performance Manager Donna Bradbrook, Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins David Roberts, Emergency Services Consulting Michael Hogan, and Manager with Mauldin & Jenkins Graham Swiney presented the above item. 

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

Facilities Manager Dan Whitcraft presented the above item. 

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

Char Alford stated she would like to explore grants for putting EV Chargers in the garage.

Conservation Lands Manager Andi Christman presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia and Chair Alford presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved the following:

1. Approve and authorize the Chair to exercise the Lochloosa Slough – Jackson Heirs Option Contract to purchase Real Property, 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;

2. Approve the acquisition subject to the non-permitted title exceptions, #5, 6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, and #16, as listed in the attached Title Commitment, and subject to the concurrence of the county attorney and the closing attorney.

3. Authorize staff to execute additional documents as necessary to close the transaction including the pursuit of a non-public access easement over tax parcel # 20079-000-000; and

4. Approve the attached budget amendment authorizing the expenditure of funds for due diligence and associated closing costs.

5. The Board is to be apprised of any changes to the historic homestead by email. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut.

The motion carried 5-0.

Fire Chief Harold Theus and Assistant County Attorney Dave Forziano presented the above item. 

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

Commissioner Cornell moved that Contingent on the City Commission’s approval of the Estoppel Agreement on 12-14-2023, approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Purchase Sale Agreement, Co-Location Agreements, and Estoppel Agreement, approve and authorize the County Manager to sign all User Agreements with all 10 users of the Trunked Radio System, and authorize the County Manager to approve and execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction (e.g., application for FCC approval to transfer radio frequency licenses; assignment of Motorola maintenance agreement/software licenses). The motion caried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

Budget Manager Mo Riccitelli presented the above item. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to conduct a public hearing to adopt resolution and approve the December Budget Adjustment journal. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut. 

There was no one present who wished to address this matter. 

Growth Management Director Jeff Hays presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell disclosed ex-parte communications regarding this matter. 

County Attorney Torres read the rules and procedures for the hearing. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the oath to all those who wished to address this matter. 

Commissioner Cornell moved approval with conditions of the Revised Preliminary Development Plan and Resolution DR-23-39. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Chestnut 

Chair Alford recognized Kali Blount who presented comments. 

Senior Planner Gerald Brewington presented the above item. 

There were no ex-parte communications disclosed. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey issued the oath to all those who wished to address this matter. 

Agent for the Applicant Clay Sweger and EDA Engineer Sergio Reyes presented comments. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved that the Board adopt Resolution Z-23-04 approving the requested special use permit including the revisions as presented on the dais.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Commissioner Wheeler, Fire Chief Harold Theus, Commissioner Cornell, and Chair Alford presented comments. 

Chair Alford recognized Kali Blount who presented comments to the Board. 

The motion carried 5-0.

Micanopy Land Transfer Agreement

County Attorney Torres stated that the project has been with her office for a while and that it has been assigned to a different attorney. She provided an update of the issues with the agreement which involve whether the Board would wish to allow controlled burns on the property. There is also the matter of what to do with the existing structure on the property. 

The consensus, of the Board was that the existing struck was fine to remain or restore.as well as pervious trails on the property. The intent is to have a minimal footprint on the site. 

Community Engagement Plan for the East Gainesville Legacy Project

Deputy County Manager Smart advised the Board that a copy of the public engagement plan was provided to the Board via email. The intent is to have several public engagement meetings in January with the neighborhood residents. Staff will compile the suggestions from the citizens and then compile a list of top three that staff feel are viable. 

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she wants the staff to be clear with the public regarding the resources available so that the public expectations are realistic of what can happen. 

Deputy Manager Smart stated that staff will be clear and not promise any particular development in the area. The goal is to obtain the public input and ideas for the area. 

Commissioner Cornell stated that he hopes that whoever is programing the Kincaid Loop and 15th Avenue will have staff attend the meetings as there will be discussion about the County investment in the area. 

HeadStart Program

Commissioner Cornell stated that the Children's Trust approved funding for a pilot program over the summer for children that are 3 - 5 years of age. 

Youth Mentoring Application

Commissioner Cornell stated that the Children's Trust issued contracts with 6 entitles for a total of $387,000 to mentor children. 

Robinson Heights

Commissioner Cornell stated that the County had previously cleaned up a home site in the Robinson Heights neighborhood. Unfortunately, the conditions have returned. He would like to empower the County Attorney to take legal action in the matter. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize the County Attorney to move forward as early as December 17, 2023 with filing an injunction. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Prizzia

County Attorney Torres stated that there is an open code order in the matter till 12/16, 2023 so the 17th would be the appropriate date to file. 

Alachua Proclamation

Commissioner Chestnut stated that he was in a meeting in Alachua last night and received a Proclamation in honor of Matthew Louie. He feels it would be appropriate for the County to issue a similar Proclamation that would become part of the Remembrance Project. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize the Proclamation. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

CAPP Funding

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she has been having discussions with a day care regarding extending the age limit on providing funding for children through the Community Agency Partnership Program (CAPP). This would allow the provision of services to children in need of the services.

North Florida Regional Water Plan

Commissioner Prizzia stated that she feels the plan is woefully inadequate to protect the water supply. There are currently municipalities that are out of water and cannot approve development plans as a result. She would like to send a Chair letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Water Management District asking them to reconsider some of their decisions. 

Commissioner Prizzia moved to authorize the Chair letter. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

HB 253

HB 253 is a bill that would provide Medicaid coverage as a pilot program that would provide coverage for purchases and deliveries of prescribed health promoting foods.

Commissioner Prizzia moved to provide a Chair letter as well as lobbyist support for the bill. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

Ratification of Chair Letter

Deputy County Manager Smart stated that the Chair signed a letter calling for the protection of environmentally sensitive agricultural lands. 

Commissioner Cornell moved that the Board ratify the Chair Letter that was sent and copied to the commission regarding rural and family lands. The motion carried 5-0.

Chair Alford recognized Susan Morris, Brackin Camp, John Gainey, and Kali Blount who presented comments to the Board. 

Commissioner Cornell stated that he would like the Florence Landfill be scheduled for discussion. 

By consensus, the Board directed to schedule a discussion in January regarding the Florence Landfill application to get an update on what is the current state of the application and provide the public an opportunity to speak.

Chair Alford stated that she would also like the water testing in the area to be covered so that all parties can be informed.

Deputy County Manager Smart stated that no motion was needed. 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

  • Approve the Revised Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement as presented and authorize the Chair and Clerk to sign. Authorize the County Manager to sign any and all additional related documents.

  • Approve the 2023-2024 Federally Funded Subgrant EMPG Agreement, adopt the Resolution amending the Adopted Budget, approve the Budget Amendment (2024-00000125), and authorize an Interfund Loan not to exceed $88,356.00

  • Approve the Subgrant Agreement between Alachua County and State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management to receive reimbursement for incurred costs related to Hurricane Idalia and authorize staff to file supplemental paperwork associated with the reimbursements.

    Authorize the Manager to sign future documents associated with the Grant that do not commit the County to any additional actions or expenditures.

  • Rank the Waldo Greenway Extension Phase 1 Design Project as the County’s #1 Unfunded SUNTrail Priority and authorize staff to transmit the SUNTrail grant application to FDOT.

  • Approve the Multi-modal Transportation Mitigation Agreement (MMTM) between Alachua County and International Education Solutions, Inc. dba Premier Preschool and authorize the Chair’s signature

  • Approve the ranking and authorize staff to negotiate agreements for RFP 24-149 Annual Professional Geotechnical Engineering and Testing Services:

    1. GSE Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

    2. Universal Engineering Sciences, LLC

    3. ECS Florida, LLC

    4. Professional Service Industries, Inc.

    5. CSI GEO, Inc.

    Authorize staff to negotiate agreements with the top three (3) ranked firms. Should the staff be unable to negotiate satisfactory agreements with the top three (3) ranked firms, negotiations with the unsuccessful firms will be terminated. Negotiations may be undertaken in the same manner in order of ranking until three agreements are reached, and so forth.

  • Approve the ranking and authorize staff to negotiate agreements for RFP 23-432 Civil Engineering Services for Itemized Transportation Projects for Public Works:

    1.Causseaux, Hewett, & Walpole, Inc.

    2.Kimley-Hom and Associates, Inc.

    3.Hanson Professional Services Inc.

    4.Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC, LLC

    5.Bentley Group, Inc.

    6.Mott MacDonald, LLC

    7.DRMP, Inc.

    8.HNTB Corporation

    9.Kisinger Campo & Associates

    10.Traffic Signal Coordination LLC

    Authorize staff to negotiate agreements with the top five ranked firms. Should the staff be unable to negotiate satisfactory agreements with the top-ranked firms, negotiations with the unsuccessful firm(s) will be terminated. Negotiations may be undertaken in the same manner in order of ranking until five agreements are reached, and so forth.

  • That the Board adopt the proposed resolution to set a date and time to hold a public hearing to consider vacating a portion of the unimproved rights-of-way dedicated to the County by the Plat of F.H. Thompson’s Subdivision and authorizing the County staff to advertise same.

  • Approve a budget amendment to recognize unanticipated revenue and authorize the chair to sign the resolution.

  • Approve Second Amendment to Agreement #11937 with University of Florida for providing landfill and solid waste related research to the Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery Department and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the County.

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