General Policy Committee Meeting

MINUTES

Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 1:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

City Hall Auditorium

200 East University Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32601

Members Present:

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

---

A.

CALL TO ORDER

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

B.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Motion: The General Policy Committee adopt the agenda. 

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

  Approved (6 to 0)

C.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

1.

Approval of Minutes from the November 9, 2023 General Policy Committee (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut

  Recommendation: The General Policy Committee approve the minutes from the November 9, 2023 meeting.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

  Approved (6 to 0)

D.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS

1.

2024-31 Discussion Item: Commissioner Eastman - Expanding Homeownership Opportunities and Starter Homes through Lot Dimension Standards (B)

Kathleen Pagan

I support reasonable zoning reform measures to increase affordable housing. In my central GNV neighborhood, close to transit, there are a mix of types- SF, duplex and most are small dwellings. Many are rentals and others are owner occupied. One property urgently needs redevelopment.

Danielle Johnson

The increased population density from this proposed change will compromise infrastructure, increase traffic and noise pollution, lead to road damage and will radically shift the historic charm of many neighborhoods, including many underserved communities. Lack of insurance in Florida is already a concern and creating more, tiny homes susceptible to storm damage could result in many neglected properties and homes in the coming years, reducing property values for neighbors of the rezoned lots.

Commissioner Saco joined the meeting at 1:02 p.m.

Commissioner Eastman gave a presentation on Expanding Homeownership Opportunities and Starter Homes through Lot Dimension Standards.

Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, spoke to the item indicating Alachua County allows cottage neighborhoods.

Public Comment, Motion 1: Joy Glanzer, Teri Hamill, Thomas Barron, Dave Weiss, Monica Frazier, Kim Tanzer, Tana Silva, Clay Sweger, Kali Blount, Robert Mounts, Abe Goldman, John Penn, Michael Pellet, Bobby Mermer, Dean Mimms, Melainie Barr, Faye Williams, Peggy Carr

Public Comment, Motion 2: Monica Frazier

• Moved by Commissioner Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Saco

  Recommendation: Staff review and bring back ordinance altering the single-family zoning code reflecting "Residential Conservation" lot dimension standards as well as the minor subdivision standards.

  Motion 1: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (4)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
  Nay (3)	Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut, and Commissioner Book

  Approved (4 to 3)
• Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Motion 2: Staff bring back Gainesville information, specifically: 1) How many housing units are allowed across the city in all zoning districts; 2) Where are the vacant lots relevant to this proposal located; 3) Which neighborhoods have restrictive covenants that would exclude the subdivision of lots; 4) How many new homes would likely be built in five years and where and; 5) Whether neighborhoods opting out of the proposal is feasible.

  Aye (4)	Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tempore Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Book
  Nay (3)	Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (4 to 3)

2.

2022-677 Information Update on Inclusionary Zoning Policy (B)

Juan Castillo, Planner III, gave a presentation on an update for inclusionary zoning.

Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, spoke to the item.

Public Comment: Tana Silva, Kali Blount, Bobby Mermer, Clay Sweger

• Recommendation: The City Commission to hear an update, provide feedback and direction to staff on next steps.
• Moved by Commissioner Saco
  Seconded by Commissioner Eastman

  Motion: 1) Direct staff to return with an ordinance for an Inclusionary Zoning Policy for ten units; and 2) Request staff to bring back information on the diversity of senior living and alternatives.

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

  Approved (6 to 1)

E.

MEMBER COMMENT

Commissioner Duncan-Walker: Brought up the Charter Officers reviews at the last meeting and spoke to comments that were made.

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, responded and gave context for information relayed in her evaluation from Commissioner Duncan-Walker.

Commissioner Willits: Spoke about his experience at the White House in discussing municipal gun violence offices and requested a sunshine meeting with Commissioner Duncan-Walker.

Dan Nee, City Attorney, commented on his evaluation from Commissioner Duncan-Walker.

F.

NEXT MEETING DATE

February 8, 2024

G.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.