City Commission Regular Meeting

MINUTES

Thursday, March 07, 2024 at 10:00 A.m. - 10:00 P.m.

City Hall Auditorium

200 East University Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32601

Members Present:

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

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A.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 10:00 AM

B.

INVOCATION

Rabbi David Kaiman, Congregation B'nai Israel

C.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES:

2024-218 Invitation to Negotiate Award Recommendation for Broker and Consulting Services for Health and Group Life Plans (B) Item Added Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES:

2024-167 Ordinance Eliminating GRU Exemption from City ROW Regulations (B) New Backup
Explanation: Requested by the City Attorney

2024-216 Dessarae Bassil and Moisturizer Gallery Day (B) Item Removed Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

2024-217 How Bazar, Silvana Farjardo, Corey T. Williams, and Anne Gilroy Day (B) Item Removed
Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

2024-224 Women’s History Month (B) Item Added Explanation: Requested by the Mayo

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

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

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved (7 to 0)

D.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

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

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved On Consent (7 to 0)

1.

Approval of Minutes from the February 15, 2024 City Commission Meeting (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the February 15, 2024 meeting.

  Approved On Consent

2.

2024-183 Business Improvement Grant Award Recommendation for Akira Wood (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve Akira Wood Inc.’s Business Improvement Grant application totaling $150,000.00.

  Approved On Consent

3.

2024-173 Appointments to the City Commission Advisory Boards and Committees (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission appoint:
  - Laura Triulzi to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board for a term expiring December 1, 2026.
  - Bryce Donner and Nathaniel Pelton to the City Beautification Board for a term expiring November 1, 2026.
  - Bonnie Losak to the Nature Centers Commission for a term expiring November 1, 2026.
  - Michael Lim to the Regional Transit System Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2026.

  Approved On Consent

4.

2024-174 Resignation of Braxton Linton from the Development Review Board, Raymond Brady from the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board and Curtis Reynolds from the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission accept the resignations of Braxton Linton, Raymond Brady and Curtis Reynolds effective immediately.

  Approved On Consent

5.

2024-175 Use of State Forfeiture Funds for the Gainesville Police Department Drug Task Force Building Renovations (NB)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission approve the requested use of State Forfeiture Funds in an amount not to exceed $70,000 for the Drug Task Force building renovations.

  Approved On Consent

6.

2024-185 Invitation to Bid Award Recommendation for Lawn Maintenance at GRACE Marketplace (B)

Kathleen Walston Pagan

I encourage the planting of as many edible fruit trees as possible on the GRACE grounds. Also with more funding GRACEGrows could add more edible beds. Train the people there to grow and maintain gardens.

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) award the Invitation to Bid #FMGT-240013-GD to Big Sherm Lawn Service; and 2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Bid Sherm Lawn Service for Grounds Maintenance at GRACE Marketplace) in the amount of $188,600 total for a five year term, subject to approval by the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

7.

2024-186 Gainesville Police Department Drug Task Force Building Renovations Guaranteed Maximum Price (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with Oelrich Construction, Inc. in the amount of $792,270 for Gainesville Police Department Drug Task Force Building Renovations, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

8.

2024-189 Purchase of Real Property for Urban Forest Conservation (B)

EWEN THOMSON

This property will be a valuable asset in conserving the City's trees and protecting Hogtown Creek.

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property (including all documents to effectuate a closing) with Modern Trends Development LLC, for the purchase of Tax Parcel 07960-047-000, in the amount of $275,000 plus any associated closing costs, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

9.

2024-201 Florida Department of Law Enforcement Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide Grant Application (NB)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) retroactively approve GPD’s submission of an application for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), JAG22 – Countywide Grant, 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 forms/documents, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

10.

2024-202 Joseph Demaio v. City of Gainesville; Presuit Claim Arising from an Incident that Occurred in Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida on or about February 14, 2023 (NB)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Attorney to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claim of Joseph Demaio, arising from an incident that occurred on or about February 14, 2023 when the van that Demaio was driving was rear-ended by a City bus.

  Approved On Consent

11.

2024-203 Meshell Ferguson o.b.o. Karen Thorns v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2019-CA-3220; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida (NB)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Attorney to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claim of Meshell Ferguson, on behalf of Karen Thorns, arising from an incident that occurred on or about January 6, 2017 when Karen Thorns was involved in a crash between two City buses.

  Approved On Consent

12.

2024-204 Drainage Easement from City of Gainesville to Alachua County – Southwest 62nd Boulevard Connector Project (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) grant the drainage easement to Alachua County for the Southwest 62^nd Boulevard Stormwater Management Facility project as detailed; and 2) authorize the Mayor, or designee, to execute and the City Clerk to attest the drainage easement to Alachua County, subject to the City Attorney’s Office as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

13.

2024-218 Invitation to Negotiate Award Recommendation for Broker and Consulting Services for Health and Group Life Plans (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) award the Invitation to Negotiate, RMDX-230059-GD, to RSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc. / Gehring Group the Broker and Benefits Consulting Services contract for Health and Group Life Plans, the top ranked firm; and 2) if an agreement with RSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc. / Gehring Group is not reached, the City may move forward to negotiate with the second-ranked firm, and 3) authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the contract subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.

  Approved On Consent

E.

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Monica Cooper spoke to Item: 2024-181

F.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

1.

2023-523 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Quarterly Update (B)

Cintya Ramos, Chief of Staff, gave the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) quarterly update.

Public Comment: Kali Blount

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) decrease the budget of the Nonprofit Capacity Building completed project from $18,677.81 to $18,500.00 and move the remaining funding of $177.81 to the ARPA Revenue Replacement unallocated budget line currently budgeted at $31,931.48; 2) decrease the budget of the Personal Protective Equipment completed project from $134,602.40 to $100,122.38 and move the remaining funding of $34,480.02 to the ARPA Core unallocated budget line currently budgeted at $20,000.00; 3) approve the creation of a new project for the Gun Violence Prevention Manager in the Core ARPA budget totaling $250,500 and reduce City Administrative expenses by $250,500.00; 4) approve $51,745.00 allocated in the Violence Intervention project for the Juvenile Justice and Community Support Programs Department to Community Oriented Policing efforts managed by the Gainesville Police Department; 5) approve a reduction of $75,000 from the Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance Program for salary expenses for the Housing and Community Development department manager role; 6) approve a reduction of $75,000 from the Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program for salary expenses for the Housing and Community Development department manager role; 7) approve a reduction of $60,000 from the Affordable Housing Land Acquisition project to cover the homeless support services expenses.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved (7 to 0)

2.

2024-210 Quarterly Housing Update (B)

Corey Harris, Housing & Community Development Director, gave the Quarterly Housing Update. 

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, commented on the first reading of the Inclusionary Zoning ordinance coming back to the City Commission later in the Spring. 

Frank Wells, President of Bright Wells Community Trust commented on community land trust projects.

Public Comment: Kali Blount

• Recommendation: The City Commission hear the quarterly Housing update presentation from the Department of Housing & Community Development.

  Heard

3.

2024-206 Cultural Arts Center Feasibility Study (B)

Roxanna Gonzalez, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director, introduced the item and provided an update on current City initiatives. Steven Wolff, Principal of AMS Planning and Research Corp., gave a presentation on the Cultural Arts Center Feasibility Study.

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, commented on GCRA Downtown programming funds.

Roxanna Gonzalez, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director, commented on advertising, programming guide, and communications, the use of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process in utilizing City facilities for programming, the current use of partnership agreements, and Staff participation with community committees. 

Jertoyia Russell, Executive Assistant commented on the current vacancies for Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board.

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, commented on the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Cultural Arts programming.

Public Comment: Joy Banks, Ra'Chelle Banks, Kali Blount, and Armando Gomes.

• Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation from AMS Planning and Research Corp concerning the results and recommendations from the Cultural Arts Center in East Gainesville Feasibility Study, and 2) provide direction to the City Manager for any follow-up actions regarding the report recommendations.

  Heard
• Recess: 12:54 p.m.

G.

RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 1:31 PM

I.

GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT

Ms. Donna Waller

J.

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Public Comment: Curtis Cooper, 2024-181, Mark Leadon, 2024-181, Jo Beaty, 2024-167

K.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

Public Comment: Mr. Abrams, Jonny Law, Ms. Paula Stahmer, Ms. Melainie Barr, Chuck Ross, Jo Beaty

L.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

1.

2024-181 Authorization of a Task Assignment Under a Professional Design Services for Wild Spaces Public Places Projects Continuing Services Agreement (B)

Kathleen Walston Pagan

I only support pickleball courts in area with racquet ball now. Don't remove healthy trees or alter stormwater -- forest floor slows runoff. Why wasn't this planned at smaller scale when tennis courts were updated? Will pickleball noise impact dog park visitors?

Betsy Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave a presentation on the Tom Petty Park Master Plan.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, spoke to the item.

Public Comment: Mrs. Liz Janiszewski, Dennis MsGill, Melainie Barr, Jo Beaty, Brandon Shank, Tanis Bell, Chuck Ross

• Moved by Commissioner Book
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve a task assignment for Kimley-Horn, Inc. in the amount of $161,520.00 for the professional design, permitting, procurement assistance and construction administration with the Tom Petty Park Pickleball project; and 2) 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.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved (7 to 0)

M.

RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

1.

2024-180 Quasi-Judicial: Final Plat – Tara Serena, A Cluster Subdivision (B)

Dan Nee, City Attorney, introduced the item. 

Brittany McMullen, Planner IV, gave an overview of the item.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, spoke to the item.

Sergio Reyes, Applicant, spoke to the item regarding the proposed final plat.

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved (7 to 0)

2.

2024-205 Approval of Surplus Property List (B)

Kara Brecken, Land Rights Coordinator, gave an overview of the item and the process of how affordable housing providers get on the list and how they are selected for a property on the surplus list.

• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the Resolution declaring the City property, as further described in Exhibit “A”, as surplus; 2) approve disposition of the properties to affordable housing providers, per the Policies; 3) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all other closing documents; and 4) authorize the Mayor, or designee, to execute, then the City Clerk, or designee, to attest the Resolution and future deeds subject to review and approval of the City Attorney’s Office as to form and legality.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

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

  Approved (7 to 0)

N.

ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

O.

ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

P.

ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

1.

2024-167 Ordinance Eliminating GRU Exemption from City ROW Regulations (B)

Dan Nee, City Attorney, gave an overview of the item.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, spoke to the primary purpose of these permits.

Brett Goodman, Chief Operating Officer, Gainesville Regional Utilities, spoke to the possible cost implications of implementing this ordinance.

Commissioner Duncan-Walker left the meeting at 3:02 p.m.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

  Approved (6 to 0)

Q.

COMMISSION COMMENT

• Recess: 3:25 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 5:36 p.m.

Commissioner Book and Commissioner Duncan-Walker did not return from recess.

S.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

St. Patrick Interparish School Student Government

T.

PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

1.

2024-195 Magnolia B Jackson Special Recognition (B)

• Recommendation: To be presented to Magnolia Bradley Jackson, Retired Principal.

  Heard

2.

2024-224 Women’s History Month (B)

• Recommendation: To be presented to Women Leaders in the Community.

  Heard

3.

Helen Strain Birthday Proclamation

Public Comment: Diyonne McGraw, Mary Alford

• Recommendation: To be presented to Helen Strain.

  Heard

U.

COMMISSION COMMENT

V.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.