City Commission Regular Meeting

MINUTES

-
City Hall Auditorium
200 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Members Present:
  • Commissioner Book, 
  • Commissioner Chestnut, 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, 
  • Commissioner Ingle, 
  • Mayor Ward, 
  • and Commissioner Willits 
Members Absent:
  • Commissioner Duncan-Walker 

A.
CALL TO ORDER

  

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

B.
INVOCATION

  

Pastor Chipper Flaniken, City Church of Gainesville

Commissioner Eastman joined the meeting at 10:03 a.m.

C.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

  

CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES: None

REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES: 2025-55 Charter Officers’ Annual Performance Evaluations and Pay Increases (B) New Item Explanation: Requested by Human Resources

Public Comment: Kali Blount

  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

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

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

D.
CONSENT AGENDA

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

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

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved On Consent (6 to 0)

1.
Approval of Minutes from December 5, (2) and December 16, 2024 Meetings (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: Approval of Minutes from December 5, (2) and December 16, 2024 Meetings (B)

    Approved On Consent

2.
2025-03 2025 Schedule for the Joint City/County Special Meetings (NB)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission review and take action deemed necessary for the 2025 Joint City/County Special Meetings.

    Approved On Consent

3.
2024-930 2024 PRCA Billing and Collections Audit (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the City Auditor’s report, as approved and recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

4.
2024-931 2024 Data Management Audit (NB)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the City Auditor’s report, as approved and recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

5.
2024-933 City Auditor’s Quarterly Update (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the City Auditor’s Quarterly Report, as approved and recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

6.
2025-06 Authorization of an Amendment to a Task Assignment Under a Professional Design Services for Wild Spaces Public Places Projects Continuing Services Agreement (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the amendment for additional design services 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.

    Approved On Consent

7.
2025-07 Property Transfer from Gainesville Regional Utilities to General Government for Fire Rescue Administration (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Gainesville Regional Utilities, and any other documents required, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality, to transfer 0.40 acres of Tax Parcel 12720-000-000 from a Gainesville Regional Utilities asset to a General Government asset in consideration of $156,500.

    Approved On Consent

8.
2025-16 Authorization to Enter into Four Memorandums of Understanding Between Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Gainesville for Construction, Use and Maintenance of Multi-Use Paths within GRU’s Utility Right-Of-Way (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the memorandums of understanding and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all memorandum documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

9.
2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list.

    Approved On Consent

10.
2025-43 Appointments to the City of Gainesville Advisory Boards and Committees (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The Commission appoint Aymee Cepeda-Ginard, Jamie Bell and Helen Warren to the SHIP Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2026.

    Approved On Consent

11.
2025-44 Sara Decide v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-1484 (NB)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the settlement reached at court-ordered mediation; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Sara Decide v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-1484; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida.

    Approved On Consent

12.
2025-48 Approval of Change Order #1 with MKM Quality Construction, Inc. for the Boardwalk Replacement at Alfred A. Ring Nature Park Project (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve change order #1 with MKM Quality Construction, Inc. in the amount of $52,742.00 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.

    Approved On Consent

13.
2025-50 State Grant for the Architectural Assessment of the Federal Post Office/Hippodrome Theater (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the $50,000 grant from the State for an Architectural Assessment Report of the Federal Post Office Building/Hippodrome Theater.

    Approved On Consent

14.
2025-54 Children’s Trust of Alachua County Funding for Gun Violence Prevention (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The Commission 1) accept funding not to exceed $205,150.00; and authorize the City Manager or designee; 2) enter into an agreement with the Children’s Trust of Alachua County to memorialize the funding allocation; and 3) execute necessary documents subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

E.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

F.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

  

1.
2025-12 Wild Spaces & Public Places Update Presentation Proposed 2025-2027 Work Plan (B)

This item has attachments.  

Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, introduced the item, and spoke to the plans for Smokey Bear Park, and the emergent need for renovations at Thomas Center A, the historic residence.

Elizabeth Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave a presentation on the Wild Spaces & Public Places Update Presentation Proposed 2025-2027 Work Plan, and specifically the plan for TB McPherson Park.

Roxana Gonzalez, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Director, spoke to the item regarding plans for Smokey Bear Park, and park lighting.

Leslie Ladendorf, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, spoke to the item related to what is meant by visitor center at Evergreen Cemetery, and the setting aside of the plan for an observation tower at Sweetwater Wetlands Park.

Public Comment: Kali Blount

  • Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation, and 2) provide input on the Wild Spaces & Public Places Work Plan to establish priorities for 2025-2027.

  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion: Approve the Wild Spaces Public Places priority project list as presented, moving the TB McPherson Project to the top of the list.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

2.
Mayor Ward Report on Advocacy Trip

  

Mayor Ward spoke about his trip to the state capital to speak about the priorities for Gainesville with legislators. 

  • Heard

  • Recess: 11:35 a.m.

G.
RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 

  
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.
CALL TO ORDER

  

Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m.

I.
GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT

  

Ms. Donna Waller

  • Heard

J.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

Public Comment: Kali Blount, 2025-55, 2025-57; Kathleen Pagan 2025-49, 2025-45

K.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

  

Public Comment: Andrew Bertrond, Johnny Law, Reina Saco, Kali Blount

L.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

  

1.
2025-49 City of Gainesville Climate Resiliency Plan (B)

This item has attachments.  

Dan Zhu, Chief Resiliency Officer, gave a presentation on City of Gainesville Climate Resiliency Plan.

Public Comment: Bob Tancig

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, spoke to the item regarding the ecological analysis and the timeline for the tree inventory for city rights of way and city parks.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission receive presentation by staff and move toward final adoption.

     

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tem Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Motion: Approve the City of Gainesville Climate Resiliency Plan and return back with updates on including land use and transportation chapters and increasing tree canopy in tracts that lack tree canopy.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

2.
2025-45 Regional Transit System Zero Emission Transition Plan Presentation (B)

This item has attachments.  

Jesus Gomez, Director of Transportation, introduced the item and that it was the recommendation of the vendor to go with 150-kilowatt connections that can be modified for 50-kilowatts.

Jennifer Wheeler, Senior Project Manager, Zero Fleet Emissions Technology, 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company Inc., gave a presentation on Regional Transit System Zero Emission Transition Plan Presentation.

Jason Garrett, Assistant Director of Transportation - Fleet Operations, spoke to the item regarding bringing back information to the commission on the maintenance costs of buses running smaller routes versus a standard bus on a similar route.

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the Regional Transit System Zero Emission Transition Plan and authorize Regional Transit System Staff to continue identifying funds to implement the plan.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

3.
2025-46 6th Amendment to Master Services Agreement with the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the City of Gainesville (B)

This item has attachments.  

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

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tem Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Sixth Amendment to the Master Services Agreement with the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the City of Gainesville for Regional Transit System, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

4.
2025-57 New Terms for Service Agreement between the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the City of Gainesville Regional Transit System (B)

This item has attachments.  

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

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item regarding the positive negotiations with the University of Florida.

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tem Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission review the proposed terms and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute a new Master Services Agreement for FY 2025 - FY 2027.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

M.
RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

1.
2025-08 Resolution for Grants Related to Florida Hurricane Debby, DR-4806-FL (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tem Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution which authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute and enter into agreements, grant applications and any other necessary documents with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Public Assistance and the Public Assistance (PA) related to Hurricane Debby, DR-4806-FL, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

2.
2025-09 Resolution for Grants Related to Florida Hurricane Helene, DR-4828-FL (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Ingle
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution which authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute and enter into agreements, grant applications and any other necessary documents with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Public Assistance and the Public Assistance (PA) related to Hurricane Helene, DR-4828-FL, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

3.
2025-10 Resolution for Grants Related to Florida Hurricane Milton DR-4834-FL (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byMayor Pro Tem Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution which authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute and enter into agreements, grant applications and any other necessary documents with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Public Assistance and the Public Assistance (PA) related to Hurricane Milton, DR-4834-FL, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 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.
2024-510 Evergreen Cemetery Ordinance Chapter 7 Revisions (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as recommended on first reading.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

Q.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Commissioner Eastman: Mentioned the wonderful work by staff and citizens at Evergreen Cemetery.

Karen Pruss, Cemetery Coordinator, spoke to the comment and added that February 23, 2025, as the 169th Anniversary, there will be a celebration, and they have had tree giveaway.

Commissioner Book: Highlighted a few items that passed on the consent agenda.

Mayor Ward: Commended Gainesville Regional Utilities for passing the item enabling the funding of multi-use paths within GRU's Right-Of-Way.

Commissioner Willits: Commended staff on accurately monitoring the Wild Spaces Public Places taxpayer funds.

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the comment about yearly audits of WSPP and the Streets, Stations, and Strong Foundations funds.

Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, spoke to the comment.

  • Recess: 3:12 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

  

Eastside High School - NJROTC

T.
PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

  

U.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

V.
RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

  

1.
2024-905 Honorary Street Naming of NE 12th Terrace Between NE 23rd Avenue and NE 21st Avenue (B)

This item has attachments.  

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

Public Comment by the family of Bishop Walter Camps Sr.

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution to dual name NE 12th Terrace from NE 23rd Avenue to NE 21st Avenue, “Bishop Walter Camps Sr. Street.”

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

W.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING

  

1.
2025-55 Charter Officers’ Annual Performance Evaluations and Pay Increases (B)

This item has attachments.  

Laura Graetz, Human Resources Director, gave an overview of the item.

Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) review the performance of each Charter Officer; 2) establish appropriate performance ratings; and 3) consider pay increases.

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Ingle

    Motion: Accept Charter Officer evaluations and grant a 3% pay increase to the Charter Officers contingent on the finalization of the CWA labor contract giving a 3% pay increase retroactive to January 2025.

    Aye (1)Commissioner Willits
    Nay (5)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Failed (1 to 5)
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) review the performance of each Charter Officer; 2) establish appropriate performance ratings; and 3) consider pay increases.

    Motion: Approve as recommended, with a 3% pay increase for each charter officer.

    Aye (6)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner Ingle
    Absent (1)Commissioner Duncan-Walker
    Approved (6 to 0)

X.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions)

  

Y.
ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

  

Z.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

  

AA.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

  

AB.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Mayor Ward: requested the members of the commission bring three ideas/priorities to discuss at the retreat.

AC.
ADJOURNMENT

  

Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

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