Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Minutes

Tuesday, August 08, 2023 at 11:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.

County Administration Building - Jack Durrance Auditorium

12 SE 1 Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601

Present:

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

Also Present:

• County Manager Michele Lieberman, 
• County Attorney Sylvia Torres, 
• and Deputy Clerk Casey Miller  

Staff Absent:

• Deputy County Manager Carl Smart, 
• Assistant County Manager Tommy Crosby, 
• Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, 
• Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles, 
• Deputy County Attorney Bob Swain, 
• Deputy Clerk Steve Donahey, 
• Admin Kimberly Kittle, 
• Admin Gina Peebles, 
• and Cricket Kittle 

---

A.

Invocation

Dr. W.G. Mayberry provided the Invocation.

B.

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 Cornell Moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

Chair Prizzia recognized Tamara Robbins who presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0.

• Resolution Number: Commissioner Cornell Moved adoption of the Regular and Consent Agenda as printed.
  Moved By Commissioner Cornell
  Seconded By Commissioner Wheeler

  To approve the Regular and Consent Agenda. 

  Carried

E.

Announcements

Communications Director, Mark Sexton, presented the announcements.

F.

Approval of Recognitions

1.

Recognition of Energy Reduction Success - Cenergistic - 23-00429

Steve Jones Vice President from Cenergistic presented awards and comments.

• Accept Recognition and $2,500 check towards sustainability

G.

Board and Committee Items

1.

Appoint Applicants to the Visit Natural North Florida Tourism Task Force - 23-00304

Chair Prizzia recognized applicant Julie smith and applicant Elizabeth Reyes who presented comments to the Board.

Commissioner Wheeler moved appointment of Elizabeth Reyes for term beginning August 2023 - April 30, 2025 and Christopher Stoney and Julie Smith for term beginning August 2023 - April 30, 2024.

2nd Commissioner Cornell

The motion carried 5-0.

• Appoint three applicants to the Visit Natural North Florida Tourism Task Force. Terms as follows:

  1. Citizen at large, term beginning August 2023 and ending April 30, 2024

  2. Citizen at large, term beginning August 2023 and ending April 30, 2024

  3. Citizen at large, term beginning August 2023 and ending April 30, 2025

2.

Request Appointment of One (1) Full-Member to the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO) with a Term Ending Sep. 30, 2027 - 23-00422

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each Commissioner for their nomination to the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO). 

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Peter Davis.

Commissioner Alford nominated Fred Posner.

Commissioners Cornell, Prizzia and Wheeler nominated Sherri Lillard. 

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Sherri Lillard to the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO) with a term ending September 30, 2027.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler

The motion carried 5-0.

• Appoint One (1) Full-Member to the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO) with a Term Ending Sept. 30, 2027

3.

Appointment of an At Large Full Member to the Arts Council of Alachua County with a Term Ending September 30, 2024 - 23-00392

Deputy Clerk Miller called on each Commissioner for their nomination to the Arts Council of Alachua County.

Commissioner Chestnut nominated Amy Koester.

Commissioners Wheeler, Alford, and Prizzia nominated Stephanie Silberman. 

Commissioner Cornell nominated Michael Blachly. 

Commissioner Cornell moved appointment of Stephanie Silberman to the Arts Council of Alachua County with a term ending September 30, 2024.

2nd Commissioner Wheeler.

The motion carried 5-0.

• Appoint at large to the Arts Council of Alachua County with a Term Ending September 30, 2024

4.

Advisory Board Update – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee - 23-00384

Cludia Tuck, Director of Alachua County Community and Support Services introduced staff RD Bonnaghan who gave a brief presentation showing accomplishments and Goals by the Affordable Housing Advisory Commitee to the Board.

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

• Hear presentation

H.

Public Comments

Chair Prizzia recognized Jim Conish, Khalil Blount, Paula Stammer, Karen Arrington, Matthew Hersch, and Tamara Robbins who presented comments.

I.

Commission Response to the Public

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

J.

Items Pulled From Consent

K.

Food System Workforce Agreement with Working Food - 23-00402

Sean Mclendon, Economic Development and Food Systems Manager gave brief comments and an introduction of what will be discussed regarding the above item.

Shelby Dixon, Executive Director of Working Foods gave a brief presentation of the Food System Workforce Development Funding. 

Jessie Wilson, Youth Program Director described the different programs offered. 

Some programs include the following:

- Young Chefs Culinary Program:  Provides eight free in person monthly cooking and meal presentation classes and free family meal kits delivered to the student's homes. 

- Project Youth Build: Provides eight consecutive cooking classes held once per week. All students receive ServSafe Training and the Opportunity to take certification exam. Upon completion of the program young chefs have career opportunities including at a local food business or in a scholarship funded culinary arts certification program offered by UF and Career Source. 

- Food Systems Youth Leadership Program: Students would be mentored by Chef Carl. Creates a new paid internship program for high school students. Students will gain experience in preparing and selling meals, running catering events and acting as teaching assistants. Students will receive direct mentorship with select food entrepreneurs, demonstrations from local food businesses, field trips to local farms and participation in leadership conferences. 

Shelby Dixon, Executive Director of Working Foods continued the presentation discussing the Culinary Arts Certification Program and the farmer subsidy program.

Commissioner Wheeler, Jessie Wilson, Youth Program Director, Commissioner Cornell, Jessie Wilson, Youth Program Director, Chair Prizzia, Commissioner Cornell, Shelby Dixon, Executive Director of Working Foods, Commissioner Wheeler, and Chair Prizzia presented comments. 

Commissioner Cornell moved to approve the agreement with Working Food, Inc. and authorize Chair to sign the agreement.

2nd Commissioner Alford.

Chair Prizzia recognized Val Lightner, Meg, Karen Arrington, and Tamara Robbins who presented comments. 

The motion carried 5-0. 

• Approve the agreement with Working Food, Inc., and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.

L.

Presentations

1.

Paid parental Leave - 23-00451

Commissioner Cornell exits room at 1:34pm

Commissioner Cornell returned to the meeting room at 1:35pm

Jessica Hurov, Tourist Development Manager and Heather Akpan, Human Resources Director presented the above item. 

Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Alford, Chair Prizzia, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Alford, Heather Akpan, Human Resources Director, and Chair Prizzia presented comments.

Commissioner Cornell Moved to approve staff recommendations of 6 weeks paid parental leave and to ask staff to bring back analysis for the Board to consider and review in 18 - 24 months. 

2nd Commissioner Alford.

The motion carried 5-0.

• Discuss the presentation and approve the recommendation.

2.

Hurricane Season Overview - 23-00352

Jen Grice, Director of Emergency Management presented the above item discussing Hurricane Season Preparedness. 

 Stay Informed 
– Text ALACHUA to 888-777 
– AlachuaCountyReady.com 
– WeatherSTEM 

Stay Ahead 
– Smart 911 

Commissioner Alford, Jen Grice, Director of Emergency Management, Chair Prizzia, Commissioner Alford, Jen Grice, Director of Emergency Management, Commissioner Cornell, Commissioner Wheeler, and Chair Prizzia all presented comments. 

Commissioner Chestnut exit meeting at 2:16pm

Commissioner Chestnut returns to meeting at 2:19pm

• Hear Presentation

3.

Facilities Management Master Space Plan Quarterly Update - 23-00438

Dan Whitcraft, Facilities Managment Director gave the quarterly update for the above item regarding the facilities management master space plan. 

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

• Presentation only, no action requested.

M.

Action Items

N.

Reports and Comments

1.

County Attorney Report

There were no County Attorney Reports. 

2.

County Manager Report

County Manager Lieberman called up Jeff Hayes, Growth Management Director who gave an update regarding Terra Vista and the construction traffic. Mr. Hayes stated the project has multiple ways in and out. The construction traffic will be diverted amongst multiple different roadways. Via the noise ordinance the construction activity can take place as early as 7:00 am and as late as 9:00 pm. 

3.

Board Reports and Commission Comment

Commissioner Wheeler stated she would hate to see the Thelma Bolton Center go away and looks forward to talking about it with the Board. 

Chair Prizzia read a message to the Board from City Commissioner Eastman regarding the Thelma Bolton Center.

Commissioner Chestnut stated he enjoyed the event over the weekend with the City of Gainesville regarding the gun violence prevention summit. 

Commissioner Alford stated she visited food hubs in New Mexico and would like to share all of the information she has gathered on meat processers and meat production in a report for the Board but it is not complete yet and would like to know if the Board is interested. 

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to direct staff to prepare a budget analysis on what programs are included in the FY2023-2024 budget to address either directly or indirectly the gun violence public health emergency resolution that was passed at the August 1st meeting.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The Motion Carried 5-0.

 

Chair Prizzia stated that she would like to have a discussion regarding finding alternate funding sources for the University of Florida mobile outreach clinic, and the college of dentistry. She feels these institutions should be funded but not competing for grant in the Community Agency Partnership Program (CAPP) with smaller community not for profits.

 

Commissioner Cornell moved to direct staff to compile a list of all awards given institutions such as the University of Florida and Santa Fe college and schedule a discussion so that the Board consider funding options for CAPP and other possible funding sources.

2nd Commissioner Chestnut

The Motion carried 5-0.

O.

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

P.

Public Comments

Q.

Commission Response to the Public

R.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

• To adjourn the meeting. 

S.

Consent Items

1.

Clerk of the Court

1.

Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Report Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Quarter 3. - 23-00380

• Accept Constitutional Officers’ Quarterly Reports of Budget to Actual Expenditures for FY 2023 Quarter 3.

2.

Community Support Services

1.

Special Projects and Community Enhancements (SPACE) RFA 24-416-LC Grant Review Committee Funding Recommendations - 23-00235

• Approve the recommendations of the Grant Review Committee and authorize the County Manager to execute resulting agreements with the entities on behalf of the County.

2.

City of Gainesville Second Amendment for a Victim Advocate Counselor - 23-00382 - 23-00382

• Approve the Second Amendment with the City of Gainesville for a Victim Advocate.

3.

No Cost Extension for the Justice Mental Health Collaborative Program (JMHCP) Grant - 23-00399

• Authorize the Chair to sign a letter requesting a No Cost Extension of the grant and authorize the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) Manager to submit the request electronically in Justgrants.gov.

4.

Florida Coalition Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) Amendment 10 - 23-00262

• Accept the award of funding, approve Amendment #10, approve the resolution and attached budget amendment, approve interfund loan request of $50,000.00 and authorize the Board Chair to execute the agreement.

3.

County Attorney's Office

1.

County Attorney request for authority to initiate or defend. - 23-00406

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

4.

Facilities Management

1.

First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Alachua County and Cinque Holdings, Inc. for space located at 249 West University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, No. 13376 - 23-00420

• Approve Amendment to Agreement #13376 between Alachua County and Cinque Holdings, Inc..

5.

Fire Rescue

1.

Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Grant Agreement - 23-00340

• Approve the 2023-2024 State-funded EMPA Agreement, adopt the Resolution amending the Adopted Budget, approve the Budget Amendment (2023-00002703), and authorize an Interfund Loan not to exceed $105,806.00.

2.

Amendment #2 to Agreement #7794 between EMS Technology Solutions, LLC and Alachua County - 23-00413

• Approve the Second Amendment to the agreement between EMS Technology Solutions, LLC and Alachua County.

6.

Growth Management

1.

Plat(s) for Tara Vista - 23-00390

• The Development Review Committee reviewed the Plats at the July 7, 2023 hearing and recommended approval of the Plats to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) based on a finding of consistency with Florida Statutes, the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code.

7.

Human Resources

1.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 – 2023 Revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan-Add Mental Health Counselor classification - 23-00396

• Request approval of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan

8.

Procurement

1.

Award and Agreement 13891 for Invitation to Bid (ITB) 24-81 Annual E-Scrap Disposal to Powerhouse Recycling, Inc., for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. - 23-00336

• Approve the Solicitation Award and Agreement 13891 for ITB 24-81 Annual E-Scrap Disposal to Powerhouse Recycling, Inc., for Solid Waste and Resource Recovery. Additionally, authorize the County Manager, or designee, to sign future amendments which do not increase the annual cost of the Agreement.

2.

Change Order 2 to Purchase Order 2022-1660 to Bliss Products & Services, in the amount of $17,360.00, at Santa Fe Lake Park, for Parks & Open Space. - 23-00355

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 2 to Purchase Order 2022-1660 to Bliss Products & Services, Inc. in the amount of $17,360.00.

3.

Sole Source to ETR (Emergency Tactical Rescue) LLC., for American Emergency Vehicle (AEV) Parts, Service, Warranty and Collision Repair for Public Works, Fleet Management. - 23-00298

• Approve the Sole Source to ETR LLC for American Emergency Vehicle Parts, Service, Warranty and Collision Repair for Public Works, Fleet Management and authorize the Chair to sign.

4.

Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-101 to Boulevard Tire Center, in the amount of $10,000.00, for Public Works, Fleet Management. - 23-00385

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-101 to Boulevard Tire Center, in the amount of $10,000.00.

5.

Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 23-489 to Blackham Contracting Group, LLC, in the amount of $30,000 for the Visitors and Convention Bureau. - 23-00386

• Approve the issuance of Change Order 1 to Purchase Order 2023-489 to Blackham Contracting Group, LLC, in the amount of $30,000.

6.

Award and Agreements for ITB (Invitation to Bid) 23-175 Rebid Annual Lawn Maintenance for County Parks for Parks and Open Space. - 23-00387

• Approve the Solicitation Award and Agreement 13866 with Kelly Klean LLC, in the amount of $185,000.00 annually and Agreement 13867 with Boone Improvements Inc., in the amount of $95,000.00 annually for ITB 23-175 Annual Lawn Maintenance for County Parks in the total amount not to exceed $280,000.00 annually. Additionally, authorize the County Manager, or designee, to sign future amendments which do not increase the annual cost of the Agreement.

7.

Second Amendment to Agreement #12082 with Global Tire Recycling of Sumter County Inc., for ITB (Invitation to Bid) 22-72 Annual Processing of Waste Tires. - 23-00389

• Approve and authorize the Chair to execute the Second Amendment to Agreement #12082 with Global Tire Recycling of Sumter County Inc., for ITB 22-72 Annual Processing of Waste Tires. Additionally, authorize the County Manager, or designee, to sign future amendments which do not increase the annual cost of the Agreement.

8.

Award of Invitation to Bid (ITB) 24-116 Annual Welding Services and Supply Purchases to M.P.H. (Moody, Peppel and Hylton) Industries, Inc. d/b/a Boone Welding & Powder Coating for Public Works. - 23-00397

• Approve the Solicitation Award of ITB 24-116 Annual Welding Services and Supply Purchases, to M.P.H. Industries, Inc. d/b/a Boone Welding & Powder Coating.

9.

Purchase Order to Motorola Solutions Inc., in the amount of $66,859.36 for Fire Rescue. - 23-00398

• Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Motorola Solutions Inc., in the amount of $66,859.36.

9.

Sheriff's Office

1.

Byrne Grant Application-Local Solicitation Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23) and Countywide Solicitation Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 22) - 23-00410

• 1. DOJ Local Solicitation: Authorize the Sheriff, or his designee, to apply for the $73,335 allocated to the County for the Local Solicitation and authorize the Chair to sign all forms related to the application and subsequent award and acceptance of funds.

  2. Countywide Program FDLE: Authorize the Chair to sign the Certificate of Participation to serve as the coordinating unit of government for the grant process and designating the Sheriff, or his designee, to serve as the County Coordinator.

10.

Solid Waste & Resource Recovery

1.

Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Gainesville for Recycling Processing - 23-00405

• Approve the Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for Recycling Processing and authorize the Chair to execute same on behalf of the County.

11.

Tax Collector's Office

1.

Tax Collector 2022 Report of Discounts, Errors, Double Assessments, and Insolvencies - 23-00378 - 23-00378

• Receive the Report.

12.

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL

1.

Request Approval to Transfer Reserves to the Tourism Operating Budget - 23-00379

• Approve the transfer of $300,000 from Tourism reserves to operating fund 150; approve the attached budget amendment.

T.

Notation for Record

1.

“FOR INFORMATION ONLY”, for inclusion into the Board’s minutes, Purchase Order to Ten-8 Fire Equipment Inc. for Public Works, Fleet. - 23-00400

• Accept this report and include the signed Emergency Purchase Order in the Board’s minutes.

2.

Healthcare Advisory Board Approved Meeting Minutes May 16, 2023 and June 18, 2023 - 23-00408

• No action necessary; for informational purposes only

3.

Report of Contracts signed by County Manager or Staff in the month of June 2023 - 23-00428

• Accept the report and include a copy of the documents in the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners.

U.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

1.

Notice of Upcoming Meetings - 23-00383

• N/A