Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, September 12, 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 

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A.

Invocation

Mike Raburn, PhD, GNV Bridge Church 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 a.m.

D.

Approval of Regular and Consent Agenda

Commissioner Alford moved approval of the Regular/Consent Agenda with the following amendment:

Pulled from Consent for Discussion

Item #12a, Approval of Budget Amendment for Small Farmer Grant Program - 23-00522

 The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

E.

Announcements

Communications Director Mark Sexton presented the following announcements:

1. Mr. Sexton demonstrated where the Advisory Board Information and Minutes can be found on the County Website.

2. Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15, to October 15, 2023. The County has a posting of events available such as the Hispanic Film Festival and more. 

F.

Approval of Recognitions

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

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

1.

Approval of a Proclamation Declaring September 2023, as “Suicide Prevention Month”, in Alachua County, Florida - 23-00540

Chair Prizzia read and presented the Proclamation to Crisis Center Director Allie Martinez who accepted it with gratitude. 

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Resolution - 23-00473

Community Support Services Assistant Department Director Candie Nixon presented the above item.

Chair Prizzia and Commissioner Wheeler presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to adopt the Resolution for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

2.

Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Advisory Council Presentation - 23-00523

Victim Services Project Manager Laura Kalt presented the above item. 

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

3.

Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Appointments - 23-00525

Commissioner Chestnut moved appointment of Cynthia Sanders as the member of the County Extension Office Representative to a term beginning October 1, 2023, and ending September 30, 2026 and John Nix as the member Actively Involved in Agriculture Representative to a term beginning October 1, 2023, and ending September 30, 2026. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Prizzia recognized John Nix who presented comments. 

Deputy Clerk Donahey called on each Commissioner for their one nominee for the Unincorporated Area outside the Urban Cluster Representative. 

The Board unanimously selected Janet Hearn.

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Janet Hearn to a term beginning October 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2026. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

• Appoint one applicant to a term beginning 10/01/2023 and ending 9/30/2026 for the membership category County Extension Office; appoint one applicant to a term beginning 10/01/2023 and ending 9/30/2026 for the membership category Actively Involved in Agriculture and/or Silviculture; and appoint one applicant to a term beginning 10/01/2023 and ending 9/30/2026 for the membership category Residing in the Unincorporated Area Outside the Urban Cluster Designated in the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan.

H.

Public Comments

Chair Prizzia recognized Al Schmidt, Jim Konish, Matthew Hurst, Todd Halverson, Telford Cartwright, and Mark Dake, who presented comments.

I.

Commission Response to the Public

Commissioner Alford presented comments regarding potholes and advised that citizens can email [email protected] which will put a work order in the system.

Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Cornell, and County Manager Lieberman presented comments regarding road conditions and truck traffic. 

Chair Prizzia requested an update on when the truck route map will be available. 

J.

Items Pulled From Consent

1.

Approval of Budget Amendment for Small Farmer Grant Program - 23-00522

Economic Development Director and Food Systems Manager Sean McLendon presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford moved to approve the budget amendment JE# 2023-3547. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

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

Commissioner Cornell requested when this item returns in November staff to provide a summary of all the grants and what was funded. 

K.

Presentations

1.

World Masters Update, 23-00287

Celebration Pointe Principal Owner Svein Dyrkolbotin and Consultant Steven Rodriquez presented the above item. 

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler, Richard Blalock, Svein Dyrkolbotin, Commissioner Wheeler, Chair Prizzia, and County Manager Lieberman presented comments. 

2.

Stormwater Update - 23-00500

Assistant Public Works Director Bryan Hoffman, Stormwater Engineer James Link, Civil Engineer Lalit Lalwani, and Property Coordinator Perry Peeples presented the above item.  

Commissioner Alford, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Cornell, County Attorney Sylvia Torres, Senior Assistant County Attorney Diane Johnson, and Chair Prizzia presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved the following:

• Authorize execution by the Public Works Director of Resilient Florida Grant award agreements.

• Authorize staff to obtain appraisals and draft contracts for the purchase of certain homes presented in Robin Lane, Hills of Santa Fe, and Pine Hills and the new ones.

• Authorize staff to submit grant applications for the acquisition of certain properties on SW 12^th Avenue, and the others from the list:

-Emerald Woods (Mark Dake) $349,070 Local Match

- Hills of Santa Fe (Pam O'Steen) $315,110 Local Match

- Hills of Santa Fe (Luisa Pena) $287,750 Local Match

- Pine Hills (Joanna Caputa0 $543, 610 Local Match

- Pine Hills (Joanna Caputa) $543,610 Local Match

- Robin Lane (Rodolfo Tobar) $448,450 Local Match

- SW 12th Avenue (Donna Blanchard) $315,950 Local Match

- SW 12th Avenue (Leonard Krasu) $432,250 Local Match

• Continue the restoration and move forward with the Tomoca Hills drainage easement and cancel the planned construction of the berm on SW 8th Avenue

2nd Commissioner Alford

Public Comments

Jefferson Braswell, Esq., Commissioner Wheeler, County Attorney Torres, Matthew Hurst, Chair Prizzia, and Mike Blanchard presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby joined the meeting at 2:17 PM.

L.

Action Items

1.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Housing Stability Services - 23-00130

Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck presented the above item. 

Robert Gwyer, Esq., Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Cornell, Chair Prizzia, Kevin Raven, Esq., and Commissioner Alford presented comments.  

Commissioner Cornell moved to approve the agreements with Three Rivers Legal Services and with Florida Legal Services and authorize the Chair to sign. Direct staff to bring back additional recommendations to improve the financial literacy component with regards to the educational seminars. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

Chair Prizzia requested that the educational seminars beheld at times that would be convenient for working families and she further requested that the curriculum be made available as well. 

Commissioner Cornell presented comments. 

Chair Prizzia recognized Bobby Mermer, Mike Blanchard, Matthew Hurst, and Mikel Bradley who presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0. 

M.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance to Repeal Residential Rental Unit Permit Program - 23-00458

Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to hold a public hearing and approve the proposed ordinance. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

By consensus, the Board agree to tentatively set the matter for hearing in November 2023. Mrs. Daniels stated that the November date would allow time to meet with community groups that are involved with this issue and develop recommendations. 

Public Comments

Bobby Mermer, Kevin Raven, Commissioner Chestnut, and Chair Prizzia presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

N.

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

Wood Ash from GRU

Commissioner Wheeler stated that she has received several phone calls regarding the wood ash from the GRU Biomass facility being shipped to a landfill. Local farmers would like to use the ash as an enhancement for their soil. 

Chair Prizzia stated that there can be long term effects of using the ash on soil so she would like to get recommendations from IFAS as well as other sustainable farming groups prior to the Board pushing for a policy change.  

Horse Crossing

Commissioner Wheeler inquired about the process for getting a horse crossing near Mr. Nix's property. She stated that she would speak to Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete about the matter. 

Legislation for consolidating Circuits

Commissioner Cornell spoke with the Public Defender about potential legislation to consolidate Judicial Circuits. The Public Defender has requested a Chair Letter in opposition to the proposed legislation. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to authorize a Chair Letter in opposition to consolidation of the Judicial Circuits and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Alford 

Robinson Heights Code Enforcement

Commissioner Cornell stated that the County used the new Code rules to clean up a property in Robinson Heights. Unfortunately, the owner of the property has let the property deteriorate again. He would like to have the County Attorney provide options to the Board to resolve the matter.

By consensus, the Board authorized the County Attorney to review the matter and provide a memo to the Board with recommendations. 

Stucco

Commissioner Alford stated that the County Code has an error which does not allow for some types of stucco to be used. She would like for staff to address the matter in the upcoming code amendments. 

Public Notice of Projects

Chair Prizzia inquired about the notification process for construction projects. 

County Manager Lieberman stated that construction projects are approved by the Board at Public meetings. Zoning issues are advertised in the paper, mailings in designated areas, and public hearings. 

Stormwater Pumps

Chair Prizzia noticed that some of the County Stormwater Pumps are fenced and covered, and some are not. She would like recommendations for best practices from the Public Works Director as this equipment is a substantial investment by the County. 

Language Liaison

Chair Prizzia inquired about the status of the Language Liaison position. She thought they County was close to hiring but has not heard anything. 

County Manager Lieberman stated that the interviews had to be rescheduled due to the hurricane but assured the Board the process is moving forward. 

O.

NOTE: This meeting will reconvene at 5:01 PM

Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

P.

Public Comments

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins who presented comments. 

Q.

Commission Response to the Public

R.

Public Hearings

1.

Adopt Fiscal Year (FY24) Proposed Millage Rates and Tentative Budget Public Hearing after 5:01 PM - 23-00543

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins and Ronald Steel who presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved adoption of resolution 2023-67 Establishing FY 2023-2024 Proposed General County Millage Rates.

2nd Commissioner Alford

The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Alford moved adoption of resolution 2023-68 adopting changed revenue estimates and FY 2023-2024 tentative General County Budget.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Chestnut moved adoption of resolution 20223-69 establishing FY 2023-20204 proposed municipal service taxing unit - law enforcement millage rate. 

2nd Commissioner Cornell

The motion carried 5-0. 

Commissioner Wheeler moved adoption of resolution 20223-70 adopting changed revenue estimates and the FY 2023-2024 tentative municipal service taxing unit - law enforcement budget. 

2nd commissioner Cornell

The motion carried 5-0. 

• Conduct public hearing and adopt the resolutions to approve the proposed FY24 millage rates for the General County and (Municipal Services Taxing Unit) MSTU-Law Enforcement budgets and adopt the FY24 Tentative Budget.

2.

Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Sugarfoot Oaks Cedar Ridge Final Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates Adoption Hearing - 23-00542

Commissioner Alford moved to adopt the Sugarfoot Oaks/Cedar Ridge Special Assessment District Final Non-Ad Valorem Assessments Rates and Final Rate Resolution. The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

3.

Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Fire Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Final Rate Resolution - 23-00546

Commissioner Cornell moved to adopt the Fire Service Final Assessment Rate Resolution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and authorize the Chair to certify the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll to the Tax Collector. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Alford

4.

Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Stormwater Non-Ad-Valorem Assessment Final Rate Resolution Adoption Hearing - 23-00545

Commissioner Chestnut moved to adopt the Stormwater Final Assessment Resolution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and authorize the Chair to certify the Stormwater Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll to the Tax Collector.The motion carried 5-0.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

5.

Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Final Rate Resolution - 23-00544

Commissioner Alford moved to adopt the Solid Waste Final Assessment Resolution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and authorize the Chair to certify the Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll to the Tax Collector. The motion carried 5-0. 

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

S.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.

T.

Consent Items

1.

Budget & Fiscal Services

1.

Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Budget Amendment – Use of Reserves and Reallocation - 23-00529

• Approve Budget Amendment - 2023-3545

2.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Removal Of Uncollectible Accounts from the Financial Statements and the Adoption of The Revised Board of County Commission (BOCC) Comprehensive Collection Policy - 23-00445

• Request the Board to adopt the resolution authorizing the removal of uncollectible accounts from the financial statements and adopt the revised BOCC Comprehensive Collection Policy to include the EMS Billing and Collection Policy effective October 1, 2023:

  1) All of the receivable accounts have allowances for doubtful accounts. The receivable accounts and correlating allowances will be written down by a total amount of $3,901,619.11. A breakdown of this amount by fund and type is provided in the following attachments: (1) by fund: Write-off Summary: (2) by type: see Exhibit A which is the last page of the attached Resolution.

  2) Adopt the revised BOCC Comprehensive Collection Policy which includes Alachua County EMS Billing and Collection Policy.

3.

Community Support Services

1.

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Annual Allocation - 23-00474

• Adopt the resolution and budget amendment, appropriate the revenue, and approve of the State Fiscal Year 2023-2024 funding, along with reallocations for Fiscal Year 2021/2022 (FY21/22) and Fiscal Year 2022/2023 (FY22/23).

2.

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Annual Report and Local Housing Incentives Certification - 23-00476

• Accept and approve the 2022 SHIP Annual Report, and authorize the Chair to execute the SHIP Annual Report and Local Housing Incentives Certification

3.

Contract with the State of Florida, Department of Health for the Operation of the Alachua County Health Department - 23-00487

• Approve the 2023-2024 Contract with the State of Florida, Department of Health for the Operation of the Alachua County Health Department and authorize the Chair to sign the Contract.

4.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding Contract for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 - 23-00541

• Approve the agreement, waive County policy regarding Intellectual Property, and approve the inter-fund loan of $200,000.

4.

County Attorney's Office

1.

County Attorney request for authority to initiate or defend. - 23-00479

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

5.

Court Services

1.

Resolution to Dissolve the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Grant (CJMHSAG) Planning Committee Advisory Board - 23-00482

• Accept and sign the attached Resolution to dissolve the CJMHSAG Advisory Board

2.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Annual Payment Increase - 23-00532

• Approve the budget adjustment for the increase in payment for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23)

6.

Environmental Protection

1.

Recognize Unanticipated Revenue for Springs Protection Tag Grants - 23-00481

• Approve and sign the Resolution and Budget Amendment to recognize $28,140 in unanticipated revenue in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 to fund 260-5511 (for $20,000 in Project Number 4235501 and $8,140 in Project Number 4235502), approve an Interfund loan of $28,140, and authorize the County Manager to sign the grant agreements.

2.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program - 23-00492

• Approve and sign both contracts.

3.

Interlocal Agreement and Budget Amendments for Water Quality Projects at Libraries - 23-00517

• Approve the interlocal agreements and budget amendments.

7.

Equal Opportunity

1.

Human Rights Board Appointment - 23-00489

• Appoint Attorney Aaron Kelley in the Attorney position with a term starting September 1, 2023 and ending August 30, 2026.

8.

Fire Rescue

1.

Provision of Fire Services -Town of Micanopy - 23-00499

• Authorize Chair to sign Interlocal Agreement and Lease Agreement with the Town of Micanopy with an effective date of October 1, 2023.

9.

Human Resources

1.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 – 2023 Revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan-Grade change for 911 Specialist classification - 23-00506

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 revisions to the No-Bargaining Pay Plan.

10.

Procurement

1.

Award of Invitation to Bid (ITB) 24-19 Annual Drugs and Medications with Bound Tree Medical, LLC, Henry Schein, Inc., and Life-Assist, Inc., for Fire Rescue - 23-00461

• Approve the Solicitation Award of ITB 24-19 Annual Drugs and Medications with Bound Tree Medical, LLC, Henry Schein, Inc., and Life-Assist, Inc.

2.

Agreement #13877 with M.P.H. Industries, Inc. doing business as Boone Welding and Powder Coating for Annual Welding Services and Supply Purchases (ITB 24-116), for Public Works. - 23-00457

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement #13877 with M.P.H. Industries, Inc. d/b/a Boone Welding and Powder Coating for (Invitation to Bid) ITB 24-116 Annual Welding Services and Supply Purchases, not to exceed $100,000.00 annually. Additionally, authorize the County Manager, or designee, to sign future amendments which do not increase the annual cost of the Agreement.

3.

Change Order 1 to Blanket Order 23-669 to United Rentals, in the amount of $60,000.00, for Public Works, Road and Bridge. - 23-00450

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to increase Blanket Order 23-669 to United Rentals, in the amount of $60,000.00 for a revised total of $150,000.00

4.

Addendum Agreements for Annual Pavement Management Services for Public Works. - 23-00475

• Approve the following Addendum Agreements and authorize the Chair to sign the agreements:

  #13887 Addendum Agreement with Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. for Annual Pavement Management Services.

  #13888 Addendum Agreement with Pavement Technology, Inc. for Annual Pavement Management Services.

  #13889 Addendum Agreement with Watson Construction Inc. for Annual Pavement Management Services.

5.

Award and Agreement #13873 for Invitation to Bid (ITB) 23-406 Rebid Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) Training Center Renovations to Hoffman Construction, Inc. for Facilities Management. - 23-00497

• Approve the Budget Amendment and Solicitation Award and authorize the Chair to execute Agreement #13873 with Hoffman Construction, Inc. for ITB 23-406 Rebid ACFR Training Center Renovations, for a total fiscal impact of $567,239.40.

6.

Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-650 to Cardinal Health 110 LLC, in the amount of $21,000.00 for Fire Rescue. - 23-00496

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-650 to Cardinal Health 110 LLC, in the amount of $21,000.00.

7.

Change Order (CO) 4 to Purchase Order (PO) 23-137 to Murray Dodge, to increase the amount by $25,000.00 for Public Works, Fleet Management. - 23-00498

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 4 to Purchase Order 23-137 to Murray Dodge in the amount of $25,000.00.

8.

Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-393 to Bound Tree Medical LLC., in the amount of $10,000.00 for Fire Rescue. - 23-00501

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-393 to Bound Tree Medical LLC., in the amount of $10,000.00.

9.

Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-390 to Henry Schein Inc., in the amount of $10,000.00 for Fire Rescue. - 23-00502

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-390 to Henry Schein Inc., in the amount of $10,000.00 for a new total of $103,500.00.

10.

Fiscal Year 2024 of Annual Blanket Purchase Orders over $50,000.00. - 23-00513

• Approve the issuance of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 of Annual Blanket Purchase Orders over $50,000.00.

11.

Sole Source and Purchase Order to Hamilton Medical Inc., in the amount of $67,574.52, for Fire Rescue. - 23-00514

• Authorize the Chair to execute the Sole Source to Hamilton Medical Inc. and approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Hamilton Medical, Inc. in the amount of $67,574.52.

11.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Unanticipated Revenue – Sheriff Justice Advocacy Grant (JAG) - 23-00531

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

12.

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

13.

Tax Collector's Office

1.

Extension of the 2023 Tax Roll - 23-00469

• Move to order the 2023 Tax Roll to be extended prior to completion of the Value Adjustment Board hearings.

U.

Notation for Record

1.

Rural Concerns Advisory Board Minutes of June 20, 2023 - 23-00526

• No Action necessary. For Informational purposes only

2.

Local Planning Agency and Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 07/19/2023 - 23-00527

• None

V.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

1.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings - 23-00520

• N/A