City Commission Regular Meeting

MINUTES

-
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 

A.
CALL TO ORDER - 10:01 AM

  

B.
INVOCATION

  

Bishop Chris Stokes, The New Beginning Christian Worship Center, Inc.

  • Heard

  • Commissioner Duncan-Walker arrived at 10:02 AM.

C.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion: The City Commission adopt the agenda with the following modifications: Move to Consent 2023-278 and move to Regular 2023-282.

    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 byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion: The City Commission adopt the 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)

1.
Approval of Minutes from the February 15, February 27, and March 2, 2023 City Commission Meetings (B)

  

  

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

     

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from February 15, February 27 and March 2, 2023.

    Approved On Consent

2.
2023-240 Bid Award for Stormwater Management Continuing Services (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) award Bid #PWDA-230028 to Watson Construction LLC for Stormwater Management Continuing Services and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and enter into an agreement in the amount of $4 million per fiscal year through FY27, subject to approval by the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

3.
2023-244 Bid Award for Pavement Management Continuing Services (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) award Bid #PWDA-230027 to Asphalt Paving Systems Inc., Pavement Technology, Inc., Preferred Materials, Inc., V.E. Whitehurst & Sons, Inc. and Watson Construction Company LLC for Pavement Management Continuing Services and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and enter into an agreement with each vendor in the amount of $4 million per fiscal year through FY27, subject to the approval by the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

4.
2023-225 External Quality Control Review of the City Auditor’s Office for the period October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2022 (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the External Quality Control Review report, as recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

5.
2023-226 2022 Annual Report, Risk Assessment and Audit Plan (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the City Auditor's report and audit plan, as recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

6.
2023-227 Continuous Monitoring Program Part I- P-Cards (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

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

    Approved On Consent

7.
2023-228 City Auditor Quarterly Update (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    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

8.
2023-270 Resignation of Jenna Horner from the Gainesville Art In Public Places Trust (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission accepts the resignation of Jenna Horner effective immediately.

    Approved On Consent

9.
2023-269 Tree Board of Appeals Member Appointments (NB)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) appoint Ryan Klein to serve on the Tree Board of Appeals for a one-year term, ending March 3, 2024, and 2) appoint Larsen McBride to the Tree Board of Appeals for a two-year term, ending March 3, 2025.

    Approved On Consent

10.
2023-288 Authorization of a Cooperative Purchasing Contract with Rain Drop Products, LLC for the Purchase and Installation of a Slide for Dwight H. Hunter Pool (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    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.

    Approved On Consent

11.
2023-289 Bid Award with Andrews Paving, Inc. for the Tom Petty Park Improvement Project (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    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.

    Approved On Consent

12.
2023-291 Appointments to City Commission Advisory Boards and Committees (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission appoint:          
    - Nora Kilroy to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board for a full term expiring September 30, 2025.
    - Davonda Brown to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board for a partial term expiring October 3, 2024.
    - Cristina Palacio to the Gainesville Human Rights Board for a full term expiring June 13, 2025.
    - Lynn Buchanan to the Nature Centers Commission for a full term expiring November 1, 2025.
    - Hermudanato to the Student Seat of the Nature Centers Commission for a partial student term expiring September 30, 2023 and the next full student term expiring September 30, 2024.
    - Cloretta Daniels and David Gold to the Public Recreation and Parks Board for full terms expiring June 1, 2025.
    - Harrison Scoville and Sarah Erekson to the Regional Transit System Advisory Board for a partial term expiring September 30, 2024.
    - Claire Manley to the Tree Advisory Board for a full term expiring January 1, 2026.

    The City Commission recommends Bessie Jackson for appointment to the Library District Board of Trustees for a term expiring March 31, 2026.

    Approved On Consent

13.
2023-300 Approve a City Commission Budget Workshop (NB)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve a Budget Workshop scheduled for May 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM, located in the City Hall Commission Auditorium.

    Approved On Consent

14.
2023-309 Approval of the Local Housing Assistance Plan for FY2023-24, FY2024-25, and FY2025-26 (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) Adopt the resolution approving the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program Local Housing Assistance Plan for State Fiscal Years 2023/2024, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026; 2) authorize the submission of the Local Housing Assistance Plan to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation; and 3) authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents related to the Local Housing Assistance Plan, subject to review by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

15.
2023-331 City Commission Appointment to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (SHIP/AHAC) (NB)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The Mayor appoint Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut as an alternate to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (SHIP/AHAC) effective immediately.

    Approved On Consent

16.
2023-254 Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for Recycling Processing (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Alachua County for Recycling Processing and any additional amendments up to $200,0000 annually, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

17.
2023-278 Tyagiji LLC Voluntary Annexation Petition for 2.26+/- Acres of Property on SW 13th Street (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) receive the petitions for annexation and make findings that it contains the signature of the property owners or authorized agents; 2) authorize the Mayor to provide notice to the Board of County Commissioners; 3) direct the City Manager to analyze the area; and 4) authorize the City Attorney to prepare and the City Clerk to advertise ordinances relating to the annexation of the area, if appropriate.

    Approved On Consent

E.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

F.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

  

1.
2023-340 Mayor Ward: Discussion on Peaceful Sundays (NB)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager spoke to the item.

Lonnie Scott, Police Chief spoke to the item.

Roxanna Gonzalez, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs spoke to the item.

Tony Jones, Special Advisor for Juvenile Justice & Community Support Programs spoke to the item.

Public Comment: Joni Ellis, Donald Shepherd, Kendrick Hill, DeJeon Cain

  • Recommendation: The City Commission discuss and take action deemed necessary.

     

    Discussed

G.
RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 

  

1.
2023-186 Resolution for two Public Transportation Grant Agreements for the City of Gainesville’s Regional Transit System, for Mobility Improvements and Bus Stop Enhancements (B)

  

Jesus Gomez, Director of Transportation spoke to the item.

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the resolution.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    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)

2.
2023-215 Public Hearing and Resolution for the Regional Transit System (RTS) Program of Projects (POP) for Federal and State Fiscal Year 2023 (B)

  

Jesus Gomez, Director of Transportation spoke to the item.

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) accept comments at a Public Hearing on the Regional Transit System Program of Projects for Federal and State FY 2023; and 2) adopt the Resolution authorizing the Regional Transit System to file grant applications with the Federal Transit Administration and Florida Department of Transportation as outlined in the Regional Transit System Program of Projects for Federal and State FY 2023.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    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)

3.
2023-319 Resolution for Grants Related to Hurricane Ian (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager Introduced the item.

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

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd 

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    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 HMGP related to Hurricane Ian, DR-4673, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    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)

4.
2023-282 Gainesville Police Activities League Mentoring Grant (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager introduced the item.

John Alexander, Director of Community Resources spoke to the item.

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or their designee to sign the National Police Athletics League grant funding on behalf of the City of Gainesville for the grant award.

    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)

  • Recess - 11:48 PM

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.
CALL TO ORDER – 1:01 PM

  

I.
GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT

  

Omichele Nattiel-Williams, City Clerk, spoke about the digitized historical records that are now available to be searched on our city website.

J.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

Tana Silva

K.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

  

Angela Casteel. Debbie Martinez, Bob Chewing, John Barrow, Tana Silva, Ernesto Martinez

Commissioner Chestnut arrived at 1:19 PM.

Anthony Cunningham, General Manager of Utilities spoke to GRU's new billing system.

Kinnzon Hutchinson, Chief Customer Officer for GRU spoke to GRU's new billing system.

L.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

  

1.
2023-292 Appointment to the Utility Advisory Board (B)

  

Scott Hudson spoke to his application for the Utility Advisory Board.

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

    Recommendation: The City Commission discuss the appointment to the Utility Advisory Board and take appropriate action.

    Motion: Direct City Clerk's office to readvertise for an appointment to the Utility Advisory Board.

    Aye (7)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
    Approved (7 to 0)

M.
RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

1.
2023-280 Resolution for Resilient Florida Grants (B)

  

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

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopts the Resolution which authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute all agreements, and any other necessary documents, on or behalf of the City, with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Glen Springs Creek Restoration Project and Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan, subject to approval by the City Attorney or designee 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.
2023-304 Resolution Authorizing the Current Refunding of the Variable Rate Utilities System Revenue Bonds, 2020 Series B through the Issuance of Variable Rate Utilities System Revenue Bonds, 2023 Series B (B)

  

Anthony Cunningham, General Manager of Utilities introduced the item.

Mark Benton, Director of Accounting and Finance for GRU gave a presentation.

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd 

  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the resolution authorizing: 1) refunding of the $105,000,000 2020 Series B Bonds through the issuance of the 2023 Series B Bonds to be purchased by TD Bank in the principal amount of $105,000,000 and 2) amendment of the underlying fixed to floating swap on the 2020 Series B Bonds with Goldman Sachs to change the index on the swap from LIBOR to SOFR and the percentage of the index. In their 3/28/23 meeting, the UAB voted unanimously to advise the Commission to approve the staff recommendation.

    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)

3.
2023-305 Resolution for Current Refunding of Variable Rate Utilities System (VRUS) Revenue Bonds, 2017 Series B, and VRUS Revenue Bonds, 2017 Series C, thru Issuance of VRUS Revenue Bonds, 2023 Series A (B)

  

Mark Benton, Director of Accounting and Finance for GRU gave a presentation.

  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the resolution authorizing 1) refunding of the $45,000,000 2017 Series B Bonds and $115,000,000 2017 Series C Bonds through the issuance of the 2023 Series A Bonds to be purchased by Truist in the principal amount of $160,000,000 and 2) amendment of the underlying fixed to floating swap on the 2017 Series B Bonds with Citi Bank to change the index on the swap from LIBOR to SOFR and the percentage of the index. In their 3-28-23 meeting, the UAB voted unanimously to advise the City Commission to approve the staff recommendation.

    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)

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.
2023-243 Ordinance Changing the Methodology for Calculating Commissioner Salaries (B)

  

Daniel Nee, City Attorney spoke to the item.

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd

  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended, with Version A

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

Q.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Mayor Ward - Asked Anthony Cunningham to give an update on GRU bills moving forward, specifically the fuel adjustment charges.

Commissioner Book - Wants the City Manager and General Manager to provide an update on where we are with regards to JLAC findings. Anthony Cunningham and Cynthia Curry spoke to the item. 

Commissioner Willits - In middle of legislative session with a lot of items of interest. LGBTQ+ community are at center of a lot of actions taking place at state level and those in the community feeling the pressure from it. We need to be watchful of potential impacts and we need to voice our concerns to our State Legislators.

Adjourned - 3:02 PM

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.
CALL TO ORDER - 5:30 PM

  

S.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  

Metcalfe Elementary School Safety Patrol

T.
PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

  

1.
2023-323 Water Conservation Month Proclamation and Mayor’s Challenge (B)

  

  • Recommendation: Mayor Ward issue a proclamation for Water Conservation Month and announce the April 2023 water conservation contest, The Mayor’s Challenge.

    Heard

2.
2023-326 Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Cathy Winfrey.

    Heard

3.
2023-327 National Healthcare Decisions Month Proclamation (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Wendy Crews.

    Heard

4.
2023-328 Arbor Day Proclamation (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Dave Conser.

    Heard

5.
2023-329 International Dark-Sky Week Proclamation (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Leeann Muszynski.

    Heard

6.
2023-330 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Proclamation (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Patricia Ford-Thomas.

    Heard

7.
2023-333 National Poetry Month (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to E. Stanley Richardson, Poet Laureate for Alachua County.

    Heard

8.
2023-255 Resolution for the Honorary Street Naming of NE 19th Street (B)

  

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

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution to dual name NE 19th Street between NE 3rd Avenue and NE 7th Avenue as “Pastor Samuel Jones, Jr. Blvd.”

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    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)

U.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

V.
RESOLUTIONS - ROLL CALL REQUIRED

  

W.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING

  

X.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions)

  

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

  

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

  

1.
2022-591 Land Use Amendment for Property Located North of U.S. 441 and both East and West of SR 121 (B)

  

Daniel Nee, City Attorney introduced the item.

Sean McDermott, Assistant City Attorney Senior gave a presentation.

Forrest Eddleton, Interim Director of Sustainable Development gave a presentation.

Andrew Persons, Special Advisor to the City Manager spoke to the item.

Clay Sweger, EDA Consultant gave a presentation.

Public Comment: Stacey Waldrop, Ron Hix, Debra Stucki, Dave Wilson, Pete Wallace, Tim Jackson

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Saco

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

2.
2022-602 Quasi-Judicial – Rezoning Property Located North of U.S. 441 and both East and West of SR 121 (B)

  

Public Comment: Ron Hix

  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance. 

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

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

  

AB.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Commissioner Eastman - Need to revisit how we do subdivisions since frequency has increased.

AC.
 ADJOURNMENT - 8:33 PM

  
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