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

  

Meeting called to order at 10:00 am.

B.
INVOCATION

  

Rabbi David Kaiman, Congregation B'nai Israel

C.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

  

CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES:

2023-847 Invitation to Negotiate Award Recommendation for Historic Consulting Services for the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Historic Heritage Trail (B), move to afternoon Business Discussion, Explanation: Requested by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES:

2023-927 Establishing a Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (B), Backup Added, Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

2023-928 Final General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (B), Backup Added, Explanation: Requested by the City Manager

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified 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)

D.
CONSENT AGENDA

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman
    Approved On Consent

1.
Approval of Minutes from the August 17, and September 7, 2023 City Commission Meetings (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the August 17, and September 7, 2023 City Commission meetings.

    Approved On Consent

2.
2023-899 Ironwood Golf Course Financial Controls Limited Review (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

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

    Approved On Consent

3.
2023-900 City Auditor Quarterly Update (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

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

    Approved On Consent

4.
2023-902 Purvis, Gray & Company, LLP Contract Extension for Professional Auditing Services for General Government Annual Financial Statement Audits (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve a one-year extension to the Purvis Gray contract for external audit services, as recommended by the Audit Committee.

    Approved On Consent

5.
2023-871 Authorization of a Task Assignment under a Professional Design Services Agreement (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the task assignment to Jones Edmunds & Associates totaling $298,878.52, 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

6.
2023-876 Use of Federal Forfeiture Funds for Police Video Production Services (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the requested use of Federal Forfeiture Funds in an amount not to exceed $49,500 for video production services. 

    Approved On Consent
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    The City Commission approve the requested use of Federal Forfeiture Funds in an amount not to exceed $49,500 for video production services. 

    Approved On Consent

7.
2023-891 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare and City of Gainesville Cooperative Agreement for Co-Responder Team (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize 1) the City Manager and/or designee to proceed with entering into the Cooperative Agreement with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., and 2) execute the Cooperative Agreement, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

8.
2023-908 Interlocal Agreement Concerning the Preparation and Funding of the Alachua Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the Interlocal agreement between the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, and the University of Florida, and 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the Interlocal Agreement, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

    Approved On Consent

9.
2023-929 Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlement – Matthew N. Walters (B)

  
  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission authorize Special Counsel to prepare and execute the appropriate documents for a lump-sum settlement payment of $132,000.00 for the workers’ compensation claim of Matthew N. Walters.

    Approved On Consent

E.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

Anne Haisley

Robert Mounts

F.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

  

1.
2023-88 Approval of Employment Contract for the Equal Opportunity Director (B)

  

Laura Graetz, Director of Human Resources, presented the item.

Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item as it relates to the Equal Pay Act.

Public Comment: Dejeon Cain, Armando Grundy-Gomez

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the employment contract for the Equal Opportunity Director.

    Motion 1: Approve staff recommendation with the modification setting the salary at $173,100.

    Died for lack of second
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Recommendation: The City Commission approve the employment contract for the Equal Opportunity Director.

    Motion 2: Approve as Recommended.

    Approved

2.
2023-823 Authorization of a Task Assignment Amendment with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Elizabeth Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave a presentation on the authorization of a task assignment amendment with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Leslie Ladendorf, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, spoke to the item regarding programming differences comparing the former space with the proposed space.

Bill Warriner, Vice-Chair, Historic Preservation Board, spoke to the history of this item before the board.

Melanie Barr, Director of Duckpond Neighborhood Association Board, spoke to the item indicating the board sent an email requesting a pause on the plans for the Thelma Boltin Center.

Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the item on the maintenance plan for city historic buildings consisting of inspections and addressing issues as the need arises. Future emergency repairs would come out of the General Fund.

Phil Mann, Special Advisor on Capital Projects, spoke to the item indicating a work plan is being developed to be preventive in the future.

Public Comment: Pam Lahiff, Melanie Barr, Karen Arrington, Jo Beaty, Emma Black, Gary McGill, Joanne Auth, David Gold, Matthew Hurst,  Tamara Robbins, Bill Warinner, Betsy Hurst, Jim Konish, Kathleen Pagan, Paula Stahmer

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    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.

    Motion 1: Table the current recommendation and hold a community engagement meeting, with a return on November 2 to the City Commission.

    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)
  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion 2: 1) Direct staff to mitigate incremental deterioration of the Thelma Boltin Center, 2) Request the County to participate in the community forum, and 3) Research other funding sources to supplement the project.

    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)

  • Meeting recessed at 12:35 pm.

G.
RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 

  
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.
CALL TO ORDER

  

Meeting called to order at 1:02 pm.

I.
GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT

  

Ms. Vivian Filer

J.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

K.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

  

Gladys Perkins, Tom Cunilio, Jim Konish

L.
RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

  

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

  

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

  

1.
2023-527 Land Development Code Amendment To Outdoor Lighting (B)

  

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

  • Moved byCommissioner Book
    Seconded byCommissioner Eastman

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    Aye (5)Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
    Absent (2)Commissioner Saco, and Commissioner Chestnut
    Approved (5 to 0)

2.
2022-678 Quasi-Judicial: LD22-69 Alachua County Courts Complex Planned Development Petition (B)

  

Commissioner Saco joined the meeting at 1:33 pm.

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    Aye (5)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
    Nay (1)Commissioner Eastman
    Absent (1)Commissioner Chestnut
    Approved (5 to 1)

3.
2023-277 Quasi-Judicial: LD22-000154 300 Club Rezoning (B)

  

Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item regarding changing the location of the entrance would restart the process.

Del Bottcher, applicant, spoke to the item.

Commissioner Chestnut joined the meeting at 1:43 pm.

Public Comment: Ken Duffield, Helen Warren

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

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

  

1.
2023-754 Deleting Residential Rental Unit Permit Program (B)

  

Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item giving an overview.

Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, spoke to the item on the options presented by Alachua Labor Coalition, staff will bring back a proposal hopefully in December.

Public Comment: Bobby Mermer, Alex Hood, Jim Konish, Helen Warren

  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion 1: 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)
  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Saco

    Motion 2: Direct staff to report at the next General Policy Committee meeting the progress and current status of the landlord - tenant mediation program.

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

P.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

  

1.
2023-847 Invitation to Negotiate Award Recommendation for Historic Consulting Services for the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Historic Heritage Trail (B)

  

Ricky Smith, Director of Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, gave a presentation on the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Heritage Trail; and spoke to the item related to protecting the intellectual property of those giving oral history, where that oral history will be housed, and turning the A. Quinn Jones Center into a museum.

  • Moved byMayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Seconded byCommissioner Willits

    Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the ranking of the evaluation committee, 2) award ITN #GCRA-230050-GD, Historic Consulting Services for the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Historic Heritage Trail to Community Planning Collaborative, LLC for an amount not-to-exceed $151,380, and 2) authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute the agreement subject to review by the City Attorney 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)

Q.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Commissioner Book - Forrest Park Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Mayor Ward – The former fountain and water feature on the road next to the fire station and near Royal Park. He is interested in finding out what our responsibilities are, and what our plan might be for that, and how we might move forward. Phil Mann, Special Advisor on Capital Projects stated that staff has been working on it and they have been coordinating with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). They are working on replacement and modifications to the fountain (turning it into more of a garden).The stormwater pond will continue to be there.

Commissioner Willits – Had a good Joint City Commission/University of Florida Student Senate meeting. The Senate sent the City Commission resolutions regarding crosswalks and public safety. (In backup of September 19, 2023 Special Meeting Post Agenda, Item 2023-930.)

Commissioner Chestnut - spoke with students regarding transit issues. Gave an update on the Holiday Parade, Coach Spurrier will be Grand Marshall.

Meeting recessed at: 2:41 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.
CALL TO ORDER

  

Meeting called to order at 5:40 pm.

Mayor Pro Tempore did not return from recess.

S.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  

Girl Scout Troop 2370

T.
PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

  

1.
2023-909 Mirror Image Leadership Academy (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to James Miller, Executive Director.

    Heard

2.
2023-910 Central Florida Community Action Agency Day (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Caroline W. Ruff-Looney, CEO.

    Heard

3.
2023-911 The 100th Anniversary of Gainesville Fine Arts Association (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Susan Fulford, President.

    Heard

4.
2023-912 Fire Prevention Week (B)

  

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Joe Dixon, Fire Chief.

    Heard

U.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

  

V.
BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING

  

W.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions)

  

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

  

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

  

1.
2023-810 Appendix A Schedule of Fees, Rates And Charges FY2024 – GRU (B)

  

Anthony Cunningham, General Manager for Utilities, introduced the item.

Public Comment: Jim Konish, Armando Grundy-Gomes

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Saco

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    Aye (5)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
    Nay (1)Commissioner Chestnut
    Absent (1)Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Approved (5 to 1)

2.
2023-809 Appendix A Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges FY2024 – GG (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Public Comment: Jim Konish, Armando Grundy-Gomes

  • Moved byCommissioner Chestnut
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

3.
2023-832 Ordinance Amending Electric System Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Added to Public Streetlight and Rental Outdoor Light Services (B)

  

Anthony Cunningham, General Manager for the Utility, spoke to the item giving.

Public Comment: Jim Konish, Armando Grundy-Gomes

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Saco

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

Z.
RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required)

  

1.
2023-901 Resolution Adopting a Final Budget for the City of Gainesville D/B/A Gainesville Regional Utilities for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2023 and Ending September 30, 2024 (B)

  

Public Comment: Jim Konish, Armando Grundy-Gomes

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Saco

    Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution.

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

    Aye (4)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Book
    Nay (2)Commissioner Chestnut, and Commissioner Willits
    Absent (1)Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Approved (4 to 2)

2.
2023-927 Establishing a Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager spoke to the item.

  • Recommendation: City Commission 1) set the Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 at 6.4297 mills and 2) adopt the proposed Resolution.

  • Moved byCommissioner Willits
    Seconded byCommissioner Book

    Motion 1: Adopt the ordinance but reduce the millage rate to 6.4052.

    Aye (3)Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner Willits
    Nay (3)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Chestnut
    Absent (1)Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Failed (3 to 3)
  • Moved byCommissioner Saco
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion 2: Approve as Recommended.

    Aye (5)Commissioner Saco, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner Willits
    Nay (1)Commissioner Book
    Absent (1)Mayor Pro Tempore Duncan-Walker
    Approved (5 to 1)

3.
2023-928 Final General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (B)

  

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item.

Anthony Cunningham, General Manager for the Utility, spoke to the item.

Public Comment: Jim Konish

  • Recommendation: The City Commission 1) adopt the Final General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and 2) adopt the proposed Resolution.

  • Moved byCommissioner Eastman
    Seconded byCommissioner Chestnut

    Motion: Approve as Recommended.

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

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

  

AB.
COMMISSION COMMENT

  

Mayor Ward - Thanked the Utility and General Government staff for the enormous lift that this year has been faced with for the FY 2024 budget. He appreciates and admires what staff have put into it, on behalf of this Commission and the people that live in the City of Gainesville, and the people who depend on our community.

Commissioner Book – Agreed with the Mayor regarding the budget. 

AC.
 ADJOURNMENT

  

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

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