City Commission Regular Meeting

MINUTES

Thursday, December 07, 2023 at 10:00 A.m. - 7:00 P.m.

City Hall Auditorium

200 East University Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32601

Members Present:

• Mayor Ward, 
• Commissioner Book, 
• Commissioner Chestnut, 
• Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, 
• Commissioner Eastman, 
• Commissioner Saco, 
• and Commissioner Willits 

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A.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m.

B.

INVOCATION

Dr. Saaed Khan

C.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES:

2023-1159 Mayor's Appointment to the Gainesville Housing Authority Board
(B) Recommendation Updated, Explanation: Requested by the Mayor

2023-1029 A Very GNV Holiday Parade Update (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by the Mayor

2023-1174 Resolution Supporting the Dual Naming of 8th Ave. between Main St. and Waldo Rd. as “Charles S. Chestnut III Avenue” and Requesting Action by the Florida Legislature to Extend the Dual Naming to 8th Ave. between NW 6th St. and Main St. (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda.

  Aye (7)

  Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (7 to 0)

D.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda.

  Aye (7)

  Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved On Consent (7 to 0)

1.

Approval of Minutes from the November 2, November 6, and November 16 (2), 2023 City Commission Meetings (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the November 2, November 6, and November 16 (2), 2023 City Commission meetings.

  Approved On Consent

2.

2023-1116 Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and City of Gainesville Pertaining to the Southwest Downtown Parking Garage (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: 1) City Commission approve the Interlocal agreement and 2) authorize the Mayor or designee to execute the agreement with Alachua County, and any other necessary or related documents, on behalf of the City, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

3.

2023-1122 Request for Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 – Article VI – Public Right-of-Way Use by Gainesville Regional Utilities (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: City Commission direct the City Attorney to advertise an Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 – Article VI – Public Right of Way Use by Gainesville Regional Utilities removing Gainesville Regional Utilities’ exemption to the code requirements.

  Approved On Consent

4.

2023-1129 Method of Source Selection for Alachua County Solid Waste Disposal Fees (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve an expenditure for fiscal year 2024 in an amount of $1,600,000.00 to pay for tipping fees with Alachua County for solid waste disposal; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the Method of Source Selection for solid waste disposal with Alachua County for $1,600,000.00 for fiscal year 2024.

  Approved On Consent

5.

2023-1132 Request for Proposal Award for Miscellaneous Sidewalk, Curb Ramp and Bus Stop ADA Improvements (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) award the Request for Proposal for Miscellaneous Sidewalk, Curb Ramp and Bus Stop ADA Improvement to CDM Contracting, LLC in the amount of $791,040.00 for the base bid plus bid alternates 1, 2 and 4; and 2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into a Design-Build Agreement with CDM Contracting, LLC, subject to approval of the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

6.

2023-1140 Non-Compliance with Attendance Requirements (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the removal of Fraleigh Krause from the Development Review Board, effectively immediately.

  Approved On Consent

7.

2023-1141 Resignation of Taite Miller from Voting Member of Public Recreation and Parks Board (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission accept the resignation of Taite Miller, effective immediately.

  Approved On Consent

8.

2023-1142 Appointments to the City Commission Advisory Boards and Committees (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission Appoint:
  - Saga Kumar to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development for a full term ending November 1, 2026.
  - Michael Granto to the City Beautification Board for a full term ending November 1, 2024.
  - Natalya Schoenwether to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board for a full term ending September 30, 2026.
  - Richard Allen, Nickolas Hill, Joakim Nordqvist to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board for a full term ending March 10, 2025.
  - Savanah Partridge to the Historic Preservation Board as Student Member for a one year term ending September 30, 2024.
  - Scot Smith to the Police Advisory Council for a full term ending October 18, 2027.
  - Sean Johnson to the Public Recreation and Parks Board for a full term ending June 1, 2026.
  
  

  Approved On Consent

9.

2023-1143 State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) Grant (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant application, 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to accept the grant if awarded, and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Funding Request form, and any other necessary documents, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality for the grant application.

  Approved On Consent

10.

2023-1145 SW 47th Avenue Extension Design Task Assignment (B)

Matthew Hurst

When doing the SW 47th Ave & SW 29th St road extension, please try to protect tree cover to the extent feasible and minimize the footprint of the design. This general area was part of the Alachua County Idywild / Serenola Special Area Study. That forested area was considered a "significant upland." I know this topic came up when the adjacent "Campus Lodge" apartments were developed in the late 1990s. I believe that the apartment complex was subject to extra tree protection requirements.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Task Assignment Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $480,783.78 for the design of the SW 47^th Avenue Extension, subject to approval of the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

11.

2023-1146 Catalyst Building Renovation Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with Oelrich Construction, Inc. in the amount of $457,882 for Catalyst Building Renovations, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

12.

2023-1158 Proposed General Government Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Development Calendar (NB)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the Fiscal Year 2025 budget development calendar.

  Approved On Consent

13.

2023-1160 FY 2024 Florida Department of Transportation’s Safety Office Subgrant Funding (B)

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
  Seconded by Commissioner Book

  Recommendation: The City Commission: (1) retroactively approve the Florida Department of Transportation State Safety Office’s FY 2024 Subgrant application for traffic safety initiatives, and (2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept each of the four Florida Department of Transportation subgrant awards for the above-listed traffic safety-related initiatives, and to execute any necessary documents related to the grant awards, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

E.

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Public Comment: Monica Cooper, Curtis Cooper, Kali Blount, Gary Gordon, Cindy Gordon, Pam Lahiff

F.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

1.

2023-1019 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report (B)

John Wachtel, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator, introduced the item.

Jaime Bell, Chair, State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (SHIP-AHAC), gave a presentation on the 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report.

SHIP-AHAC Board Members present: Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Saco (Alternate), Aymee Cepeda, Saeed Khan

Public Comment: Kali Blount

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) accept the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report; 2) approve the submittal of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 31, 2023; and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents required for the submittal of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

  Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (7 to 0)

2.

2023-823 Authorization of a Task Assignment Amendment with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. (B)

Tom Cunilio

Having finally moved back to Gnvl and knowing about the debt issues re our utility, I make the humble request that we put the Cntr up for sale with restrictions. The Thomas Cntr is already functioning in the Cntr's place.

Kathleen Pagan

July 2023 doc shows soil borings are included, yet it states the scope of services doesn't include soils investigation. Much of the site is in FEMA Flood Plain A. A 1%annual chance of flooding should be carefully analyzed; note that recent data indicates an average increase in rainfall nationally of 6%. I see that SJWMD analysis will determine the buildable area. Floodplain management is very important at this site. The CRS rating to ensure flood insurance is cost effective is important.

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, introduced the item.

Betsy Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave a presentation on the Authorization of a Task Assignment Amendment with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Leslie Ladendorf, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, spoke to the item relating to the plan for the back of the house, of the stage.

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item regarding the maintenance of city facilities.

Commissioner Willits - Discuss the priority work list for Wild Spaces Public Places funds at a future General Policy Committee meeting.

Public Comment: Paula Stahmer, Karen Arrington, Diane Bellomy, Reva Pachefsky, Melanie Barr, Matthew Hurst, Betsy Hurst, Robert Mounts, Ron Rawls, Kali Blount, Mike Ryan Simonavich, Tamara Robbins

• Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
• Moved by Commissioner Book
  Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

  Motion: 1) Rescind earlier allocation, 2) Allocate $1.5 million to repair the existing structure of the Thelma Boltin Center, 3) Pursue historic preservation funding options, and 4) send a letter to the Alachua County Board of Commission requesting matching funds.

  Aye (4)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Book
  Nay (3)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (4 to 3)

3.

2023-1035 Request for Proposals Award Recommendation for Construction Manager at Risk Services for the Thelma A. Boltin Center Project (B)

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the item on the feasibility of passing the recommendation in light of the action on the previous item.

Public Comment: Matthew Hurst, Tamara Robbins, Melanie Barr, Betsy Hurst, Karen Arrington, Robert Mounts

• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the Request for Proposal award to D.E. Scorpio Corporation and 2) authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (6)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Book
  Nay (1)	Commissioner Willits

  Approved (6 to 1)

4.

2023-1147 Selection of City Auditor (B)

Laura Graetz, Human Resource Director, introduced the item. 

• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission (1) select a City Auditor (2) authorize the Human Resources Department and City Attorney’s Office to work with the Mayor to negotiate an employment agreement with the selected candidate.

  Motion 1: Appoint Stephen Mhere as City Auditor.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
  Nay (2)	Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Eastman

  Approved (5 to 2)
• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Motion 2: Authorize the Mayor to negotiate an employment contract with Stephen Mhere as City Auditor, not to exceed $188,000.

  Aye (7)

  Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (7 to 0)

5.

2023-1125 Sixth Amendment to Agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC. for Solid Waste Collection Services (B)

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, gave an overview of the item.

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the Sixth Amendment to the Agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC., for collection of solid waste, recyclable materials and yard trash, which extends the term of the agreement through September 30, 2026, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the expenditure in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 annually during the term of the Agreement.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

  Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (7 to 0)

G.

RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 

Meeting recessed at 1:05 p.m.

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 1:36 p.m.

Commissioner Book did not return from recess.

I.

GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT

Ms. Donna Waller

J.

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Jim Konish - 2023-1122

K.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

Kali Blount, Linda McGurn, Niko Segal-Wright, Chris Arias, Gwendolyn Simmons, David Jones, Jacob Fiala, Kathryn Feerst, Jacob Caldwell, Veronica Robleto, Raymond Hopkins, Abigail Fletcher, Jem Lorenzana, Marilyn Wende, Hunter Holtzworth, Rama Hiba, Muntaha Islam, Nicholas Lloyd, Carly Shooster, Zachary Whiteman, Miriam Elliott, Doe Ermoloffsky, Ilana Bakal, Isabel de la Huerta,  Moksha Now, Aviva Asher

Commissioner Chestnut left the meeting at 2:00 p.m.

• Moved by Commissioner Willits
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Motion 1: The City Commission waive their rules and extend General Public Comment to 3:00 p.m.

  Aye (6)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (1)	Commissioner Book

  Approved (6 to 0)
• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Motion 2: The City Commission waive their rules and extend General Public Comment until 3:30 p.m.

  Aye (4)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Eastman
  Nay (1)	Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Commissioner Chestnut, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (4 to 1)
• Moved by Commissioner Saco

  Motion: Adopt nonbinding resolution calling for the United States to facilitate the de-escalation and cease fire, and for the Biden Administration to ensure provision of humanitarian aid of reliable access to water, electricity, and other human necessities for the people of Israel and Palestine.

  Died for lack of second
• Meeting recessed at 3:27 p.m.

  Meeting reconvened at 3:40 p.m.

  Commissioner Chestnut joined the meeting when it reconvened.

L.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

1.

2023-1159 Mayor's Appointment to the Gainesville Housing Authority Board (B)

Stephanie Seawright spoke to her appointment by the Mayor to the Gainesville Housing Authority Board.

Public Comment: Kali Blount

Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker left the meeting at 3:57 p.m.

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the Mayor’s appointment of Stephanie Seawright to the Gainesville Housing Authority Board.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

M.

RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-1126 Federal and State Grants for Traffic Operations (B)

Brian Singleton, Director of Public Works, gave an overview of the item.

Public Comment: Moksha Now

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution that authorizes the City Manager or designee to apply for, accept, if awarded, and execute grant agreements, and any other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality, for Traffic Operations projects and initiatives with United States Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Management Services, the University of Florida, the National Science Foundation or the Transportation Research Board.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

N.

ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

O.

ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-825 Quasi-Judicial Rezoning 0.16 Acres of Property Located at 1222 NW 16th Avenue (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

2.

2023-827 Vacation of Public Right-Of-Way – Portion of SW 3rd Avenue and SW 1st Street (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

P.

ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-904 Text Change – Deleting Probationary Period Requirement for Board Members (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

2.

2023-905 Text Change – Removal of Regulations Related to Occupancy Limitations (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

3.

2023-1144 Ordinance Clarifying Open Container and ACE District (B)

John Denny

Passing the proposed ACE ordinance will support First Magnitude Brewing Company's manufacturing operation as well as our retail and community partners. We have dozens of accounts that sell our products in the ACE area. We also regularly partner with Depot Park on our annual Springs Run benefitting the Florida Springs Institute and our monthly Birds and Brews hike with the local Audubon Society. Our guests should be able to enjoy our products while they enjoy Gainesville’s premier public park.

George

Please support the amendments allowing alcohol sales and open containers in the Downtown ACE District. This is critically important to not only downtown businesses but also greatly enhances the many wonderful special events.

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, gave an overview of the item.

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (5 to 0)

Q.

COMMISSION COMMENT

Commissioner Chestnut - There isn't a City Commissioner on the Children's Trust Fund. Dan Nee, City Attorney spoke to the item.

Commissioner Saco - Community celebration of Hanukkah at the Bo Diddly Plaza on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Ward - Spaghetti Dinner also on Monday, City Commission Assignments, Condolences to Commissioner Chestnut.

Recess: 4:27 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m.

S.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Gainesville High School Navy JROTC

T.

PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

1.

2023-1157 World AIDS Day (B)

• Recommendation: To be presented to Natalie Davis Douglas, Marvene Edwards, and Regina Livingston.

  Heard

2.

2023-1165 Eastside High School and Abraham Lincoln Middle School Speech & Debate Club (B)

• Recommendation: To be presented to Eastside High School and Abraham Lincoln Middle School Speech and Debate Students.                

  Heard

U.

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

V.

RESOLUTIONS - EVENING A (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-1174 Resolution Supporting the Dual Naming of 8th Ave. between Main St. and Waldo Rd. as “Charles S. Chestnut III Avenue” and Requesting Action by the Florida Legislature to Extend the Dual Naming to 8th Ave. between NW 6th St. and Main St. (B)

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, gave an overview of the process and next steps.

Public Comment: Michael Perkins, Evelyn Foxx, Carrie Parker-Warren, Latecia Richards, Winston Bradley, Yvonne Hinson, Stephanie Seawright, Ron Rawls, Tony Jones, Rose Marie Christy, Geraldine McGowan (Pastor), Yvonne Vinson Hughs, Barbara Park Porter, Barbara Moore Austin, Karen Alford

• Moved by Commissioner Book
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission: (1) adopt the resolution supporting the request to dual name 8th Avenue between Main Street and Waldo Road as “Charles S. Chestnut III Avenue,” and (2) request supportive action by the Florida Legislature to extend the dual naming of “Charles S. Chestnut III Avenue” to 8th Avenue between Northwest 6th Street and Main Street (SR 20).

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
  Conflict (1)	Commissioner Chestnut
  Absent (1)	Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Meeting recessed at 6:23 p.m.

  Meeting reconvened at 6:33 p.m.

  Commissioner Saco did not return from recess.

W.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING

1.

2023-1029 A Very GNV Holiday Parade Update (B)

Commissioner Chestnut gave a presentation on the update of the holiday parade.

Public Comment: Floda

• Recommendation: The City Commission receive an update on the “A Very GNV Holiday Parade.”
• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Motion: Schedule the parade for December 14, 2024.

  Aye (6)	Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (1)	Commissioner Saco

  Approved (6 to 0)

X.

RESOLUTIONS - EVENING B (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-1128 South Main St. Drainage Improvement-Request to Submit Application (B)

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, gave an overview of the item.

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) adopt the Resolution, and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute an application for the Use of State-owned uplands along the Gainesville to Hawthorne Downtown Connector Trail and related documents, for the South Main Street Improvement Project, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (5)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Commissioner Saco, and Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Approved (5 to 0)

Y.

PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions)

Z.

ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

AA.

ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

AB.

ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

1.

2023-615 Quasi-Judicial - Magnolia Parke Planned Development Amendment (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Continue item to January 4, 2024 City Commission meeting.

  Aye (5)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
  Absent (2)	Commissioner Saco, and Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

  Approved (5 to 0)

AC.

COMMISSION COMMENT

Commissioner Saco returned at 7:02 p.m.

Commissioner Willits - Spoke regarding the need for a park in Southwest Gainesville. Happy first day of Hanukkah.

Commissioner Eastman - Spoke in support of Commissioner Willits' comment.

Commissioner Book - Gainesville Downtown Refresh, Saturday December 16, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., meet at Lot 10.

Mayor Ward - Recognizes staff's effort, even in the face of a change of direction from the City Commission.

AD.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.