City Commission Special Meeting

MINUTES

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

A.
CALL TO ORDER

  

Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.

B.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tem Eastman

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

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

C.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS

  

1.
2025-264 FY 2026 Budget Development Update (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Cyntia Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, gave a presentation on the FY 2026 Budget Development Update.

Commissioner Chestnut joined the meeting at 9:04 a.m.

Brian Singleton, Public Works Director, gave an update on the revenue projections for solid waste fees and the impacts on the fund balance.

Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, gave an update on revenues from the Streets, Stations, and Strong Foundations, and Wild Spaces and Public Places, and their respective projects.

Public Comment: Scotty Welcome, Donald Shepherd

  • Recommendation: The City Commission 1) hear a presentation from staff, 2) approve recouping 53% of the assessable fire budget in FY 2026, and 3) provide any other direction as needed.

  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion 1: Direct staff to bring back options for use of general fund balances over ordinance requirements, focusing on capital needs and sustainable projects.

    Aye (7)Mayor Ward, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and James Ingle
    Approved (7 to 0)
  • Moved byMayor Pro Tem Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion 2: Approve recouping 53% of the assessable fire budget in FY 2026.

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

2.
2025-164 Budget Discussion (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cyntia Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, gave an overview of the item.

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item and gave background, spoke to the cuts by GRU to government services.

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd

Kristen Bryant, City Clerk, spoke to the item relating to the services her office still provides to GRU.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission review and discuss the information provided.

    Heard

3.
2025-229 Strategic Plan Update (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, gave an overview of the item.

Public Comment: Donald Shepherd

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Duncan-Walker

    Recommendation: The City Commission reaffirm and approve the Strategic Plan goals, critical organizational components and top priorities for FY 2026.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

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

4.
2025-227 Budget Administration Policy Update (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, gave an overview of the item.

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tem Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the proposed changes to the Budget Administration Policy.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

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

5.
2025-108 Proposed General Government Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Development Calendar (NB)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget development calendar.

    Motion: Approve as recommended.

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

6.
2025-259 Legislative Update (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

John Alexander, Government Affairs and Community Relations Director, gave a presentation on Legislative Update.

Dennis Nguyen, Director of Finance, spoke to the item related to the reimbursements from FEMA related to last year's hurricanes.
 
Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item related to the SB 96 Relief claim.
 
Public Comment: Donald Shepherd

  • Recommendation: The City Commission receive a presentation from staff.

    Heard

D.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - (Roll Call Required)

  

E.
MEMBER COMMENT

  

Commissioner Ingle - mentioned the gratitude he felt toward city staff, charter officers, and the City Commission for the support during recent family events he experienced.

F.
ADJOURNMENT

  

Meeting concluded at 11:22 a.m.

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