City Commission Regular Meeting

MINUTES

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

A.
CALL TO ORDER

  

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

B.
INVOCATION

  

Dr. Rev. Marie Herring, Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church

C.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

  

CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES:

2024-347 Resignation of Sarah Erekson from the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board (B) New Item Explanation: Requested by the City Clerk per Staff Liaison

2024-353 Establishment of Committee to Select Auditor to Conduct Audit of Annual Financial Statements (NB)  New Item  Explanation: Requested by City Auditor

REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES:

2024-336 Special Recognition of Dr. Thomas (B) Removed Item Explanation: Removed by the City Clerk at the Request of the Proclamation Recipient 

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Chestnut

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

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

D.
CONSENT AGENDA

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Chestnut

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

    Approved On Consent (6 to 0)

1.
Approval of Minutes from the April 4, 2024 City Commission Meeting (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the April 4, 2024 meeting.

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

2.
2024-277 Tree Board of Appeals Member Appointments (NB)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) appoint Marc Frank to serve on the Tree Board of Appeals for a two-year term, ending March 3, 2026 and 2) appoint Larsen McBride to serve on the Tree Board of Appeals for a three-year term, ending March 3, 2027.

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

3.
2024-284 Pavement Management Construction Services Work Order (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Work Order Agreement with Watson Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $2,260,400.00 for Pavement Management Construction Services, subject to approval of the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

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

4.
2024-310 Feasibility Study with CDM Smith for an Anaerobic Digester (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Task Assignment with CDM Smith, Inc. in the amount of $500,000.00 to conduct an Anaerobic Digestion Feasibility Study, subject to approval of the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

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

5.
2024-311 Woodland Park Demolition/Disposition Letter of Support (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the Mayor to send a letter supporting the Gainesville Housing Authority’s application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to demolish 79 obsolete housing units in Woodland Park in order to allow the development of 144 new affordable units, subject to City Attorney approval as to form and legality.

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

6.
2024-312 Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute the 2023 updated Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement with the State of Florida, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

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

7.
2024-282 Fiscal Year 2025 Strategic Plan (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the draft Fiscal Year 2025 Strategic Plan Placemat.

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

8.
2024-335 Non-Compliance with Attendance Requirements (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the removal of Scot Smith from the Police Advisory Council, effective immediately.

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

9.
2024-337 Kennetha Brown v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-1786; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida (NB)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Attorney to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claim of Kennetha Brown, arising from an incident that occurred on or about November 4, 2021 when Kennetha Brown was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a Gainesville Police Department patrol vehicle.

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

10.
2024-338 - Extending Deadline to Meet Vacation of Right-of-Way Conditions Imposed by Ordinance No. 210837 (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission direct the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance.

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

11.
2024-347 Resignation of Sarah Erekson from the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board (B)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission accept the resignation of Sarah Erekson, effective immediately.

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

12.
2024-353 Establishment of Committee to Select Auditor to Conduct Audit of Annual Financial Statements (NB)

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

    Recommendation: The City Commission to appoint the Audit Committee to serve as the auditor selection committee to select an external auditor to conduct the City of Gainesville’s annual financial audit.

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

E.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

F.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

  

1.
2024-235 Years of Service Recognition for Community Builders (B)

This item has attachments.  

  • Recommendation: The City Commission recognize those employees with 15 years of service or more for the second quarter of FY24.

    Heard

2.
2024-313 Presentation by Wild Spaces & Public Places on the City Hall Plaza Refresh Project (B)

This item has attachments.  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, gave an overview of the item; and clarified that staff is coordinating with the Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Commission of Florida, Inc.

Betsy Waite, Wild Spaces and Public Places Director, gave a presentation on the City Hall Plaza Refresh project.

Public Comment: Kali Blount

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission hear a staff update by Wild Spaces & Public Places, approve the proposed conceptual master plan and authorize staff to proceed with permitting and procurement.

    Motion: 1) Approve the Conceptual Master Plan and authorize staff to proceed with permitting and procurement on the City Hall Plaza Refresh Project; and 2) Direct staff to evaluate MLK changes (MLK Garden and Northeast Garden) and return to the City Commission with recommendations.

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

  • Recess - 11:25 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

  

Mangye Vivian Filer

  • Heard

  • Mayor Ward spoke about State Senator Bob Graham.

J.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

K.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

  

Public Comment: Dotty Faibisy, Kim Popejoy, Johnny Law

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to Ms. Faibisy's comment on the Wilhelmina Johnson Center, saying she was a relative.

L.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

  

1.
2024-352 Proposed Ordinance Calling for a Charter Amendment Referendum Regarding the City of Gainesville’s Local Public Utilities (Gainesville Regional Utilities) Governance (B)

This item has attachments.  

Dan Nee, City Attorney, gave an overview of the item and asked for direction.

Public Comment: Mr. Kim Popejoy, Dr. Bobby Mermer, Ms. Janice Gerry, Susan Botcher, Evelyn Foxx

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission review the draft proposed Ordinance, and provide direction to the Office of the City Attorney.

    Motion: Staff to bring the proposed ordinance back to the City Commission meeting on May 16, 2024 for first reading.

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

    Motion: Bring the proposed ordinance back for second reading, and create a Special City Commission meeting for May 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

    City Clerk will cancel the General Policy Committee meeting on May 23, 2024.

    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)

  

N.
ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

O.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

1.
2023-1136 Quasi-Judicial – Rezoning 2.57 Acres of Property Located at 605 SE Depot Avenue and 621 SE Depot Avenue (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    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.
2024-40 - Quasi-Judicial Rezoning 0.39 acres of Property Located at 415 NW 19th Street (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    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)

3.
2024-90 Allow Public Administration Buildings within the Medical Services Zoning District (B)

This item has attachments.  
  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    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)

P.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

Q.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Mayor Ward - 1) Please stay up to date on the RTS issue; and 2) Thanked the City Manager and staff for education and information gathering.

Commissioner. Willits - District 3 Virtual Town Hall, 6:00 p.m. April 24, 2024.

Commissioner Eastman - Asked if the Town Hall needed to be noticed in order for him to attend. The City Clerk stated as long as there isn't a back-and-forth in communication with the Commissioners, there isn't a need to notice.

Commissioner Book - 1) Great discussions for the Town hall; and 2) Support for the work that is being done at St. Francis House, specifically the work that they provide for the homeless women and children. Hopes a provider comes forth to discuss the way we fund the various pieces of continuum of care. 

Commissioner Saco - Soccer home game at Forrest Park.

  • Recess - 2:22 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.
CALL TO ORDER

  

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

Commissioner Duncan-Walker did not return from recess.

S.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  

T.
PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

  

1.
2024-339 Earth Day (B)

This item has attachments.  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Curtis Peterson, and NKwanda Jah.

    Heard

2.
2024-340 Johnny Kalaf Day (B)

This item has attachments.  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Johnny Kalaf, Paramedic

    Heard

3.
2024-341 Child Abuse Prevention Month (B)

This item has attachments.  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Jacob Clore, and Jenny McGovern.

    Heard

4.
2024-342 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (B)

This item has attachments.  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Emery A. Gainey, Patricia Ford-Thomas, and Kimberly Kutner.

    Heard

U.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

V.
RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (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)

  

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

  

AB.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

AC.
ADJOURNMENT

  

Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

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