City of Gainesville
City Commission Regular Meeting
AGENDA

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City Hall Auditorium
200 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601

 

Commission Members

Mayor Harvey L. Ward, Jr.

Mayor Pro Tempore Cynthia Moore Chestnut (At Large, Seat B)

Reina Saco (At Large, Seat A)

Desmon Duncan-Walker (District 1)

Ed Book (District 2)

Casey Willits (District 3)

Bryan Eastman (District 4)

 

The City Commission makes policy and conducts City business in an open forum. For information on how to attend the meeting and submit public comment, visit the City Agendas & Meetings website

Neighbors are welcome to attend meetings in person. Seating capacity may be limited. Fill out a comment card and give it to the meeting clerk to request to speak. Speakers will be called to share their comments in the order of sign-up.

 

The City Hall Auditorium and Roberta Lisle Kline Conference Room are equipped with hearing loop assistive listening systems. When using your own hearing aid, you must switch your device to Telecoil or “T” mode. If your hearing aid does not have a Telecoil mode, broadcast staff can provide a headset.

 

If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (352) 334-5051 at least two business days in advance. TTY (Text Telephone Telecommunication Device) users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service). For Speech to Speech (STS) relay, please call 1-877-955-5334. For STS Spanish relay, please call 1-877-955-8773.  For STS French Creole relay, please call 1-877-955-8707.


A.

  

Agenda Statement: The City of Gainesville encourages civil public speech. The Gainesville City Commission expects each person entering this chamber to treat others with respect and courtesy. Speakers are expected to focus on agenda items under discussion and avoid personal attacks or offensive comments. Threatening language is not allowed. Anyone who repeatedly disrupts the proceedings will be asked to leave. Signs, props, posters, food, and drink should be left outside the auditorium.

B.

  

Bishop Christopher Stokes, New Beginnings Worship Center

C.

  

Includes Consent and Regular Agenda Items

D.

  

Department: Public Works


Description: Request for City Commission approval, an Agreement for Annual Processing and Beneficial Recycling/Composting of Vegetative Waste with Life Soils Florida, LLC.


Fiscal Note: Funding for this agreement, not to exceed $200,000 annually, will be allocated in the Solid Waste Fund budget.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into an Agreement with Life Soils, LLC. in an amount of $200,000 annually, for the annual processing and beneficial recycling/composting of vegetative waste through September 30, 2029, with the option to renew for one additional five year term, subject to approval by the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

Department: Housing and Community Development


Description: Request for the City Commission to authorize the Mayor to send a letter supporting Standard Communities’s request for funding from the Alachua County Housing Finance Authority. Standard Communities intends to use the funding to renovate 100 apartment units in Carver Gardens.


Fiscal Note: N/A

  • Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the Mayor to send a letter supporting Standard Communities’s request for funding from the Alachua County Housing Finance Authority to renovate the Carver Gardens Apartments, subject to City Attorney approval as to form and legality.

Department: Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs


Description: Request for the City Commission to award the Invitation to Bid for Mowing and Grounds Maintenance of the City’s Rail Trail to Kelly Klean LLC. The initial contract will be for two years with up to three annual extensions.


Fiscal Note: The annual cost of this service will be $54,000.00 per year and is budgeted for in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department operating budget.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) award the Invitation to Bid to Kelly Klean LLC for an initial two year contract with three annual extensions at a cost of $54,000 annually, 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any related contracts, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

Department: Wild Spaces & Public Places


Description: Request for the City Commission to award the Invitation to Bid for the Boardwalk Replacement at Alfred A. Ring Nature Park project to MKM Quality Construction, Inc. in the amount of $337,369.00.


Fiscal Note: Funds in the amount of $337,369.00 are available for the Boardwalk Replacement at Alfred A. Ring Nature Park project from the Wild Spaces & Public Places Fund.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the Invitation to Bid award to MKM Quality Construction, Inc. in the amount of $337,369.00 and 2) authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

Department: Wild Spaces & Public Places


Description: Request for City Commission approval to amend a task assignment to add additional design services to accommodate the Phase 1 roadway extension of SW 47th Avenue. The design of the SW 47th Avenue Multiuse Trail and SW 47th Avenue Roadway Extension is by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.


Fiscal Note: The additional services cost $61,505.00 which result in a revised total project cost of $191,270.00. Funds in the amount of $61,505.00 are available for professional design services from the Transportation Mobility Program Area (TMPA) Fund.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the amendment for additional design services 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.

Department: Wild Spaces & Public Places


Description: Request for City Commission approval to amend a task assignment to add alternative alignment analysis design services to the scope of work. The work on the Wild Spaces & Public Places Multiuse Trail (Sweetwater Wetlands Park to Sweetwater Preserve) is by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.


Fiscal Note: The additional services cost $27,175.00 which result in a revised total project cost of $148,950.00. Funds in the amount of $27,175.00 are available for alternative alignment analysis design services from the Sweetwater Recreational Trail Wild Spaces & Public Places ½ cent sales tax project account.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the amendment 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.

Department: Office of the City Manager


Description: Request for the City Commission to award the Request for Proposal for State Lobbyist Services to Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.


Fiscal Note: Funding for lobbying services is included in the FY 2025 operating budget. This proposal awards an initial three (3) year contract totaling $252,000 ($84,000 annually). After the initial three-year period, the contract may be extended for up to two (2) one-year extensions at the same annual rate as the initial contract term.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the ranking of the firms for the Request for Proposal Award for State Lobbyist Services; 2) award the Request for Proposals to Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. for an initial three-year contract term with two optional one-year renewals at an annual cost of $84,000; and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate a contract with the top ranked firm, and if not successful, negotiations will be terminated and will be initiated with the second ranked proposer; and 4) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval of the City Attorney or designee as to form and legality.

Department: Office of the City Manager


Description: Convey city properties collectively known as the Reichert House properties back to the Black on Black Crime Task Force.


Fiscal Note: This agenda item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: That the City Commission: 1. Waive the City’s Real Estate Policy; 2. Authorize tax parcels 11610-000-000 and 11613-000-000 to revert back / be conveyed to the Black on Black Crime Task Force; and, 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest the Special Warranty Deed to Black on Black Crime Task Force and the City Manager, or designee, to execute all other documents subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

Department: Office of Communications & Marketing


Description: An informational report to summarize upcoming events of interest to the City Commission.


Fiscal Note: There is no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list.

Department: Risk Management Department


Description: The City Commission accept the recommendation of RSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc./Gehring Group, and staff to award the contract for the Health Plan with Stop Loss to Florida Blue and extend the contract for Group Term Life with The Standard.


Fiscal Note: The FY 2025 operating budget includes funding allocations in the Employee Health and Accident (EHAB) Fund and the Retiree Health & Accident Fund to cover these expenditures. The proposed Florida Blue agreement is a three (3) year contract with two (2) options for one (1) year renewals. The administrative services and stop loss will cost the City less than $2 million annually with pass-through claims ranging from $24-$28 million annually. The Standard is a one (1) year extension with a rate guarantee to expire December 31, 2025. The Group Term Life contract is not expected to exceed $465,000.00.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission: accept the recommendations of RSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc./Gehring Group and staff to 1) contract with Florida Blue for Administrative Services for an initial three (3) years with the option of two (2) one-year renewals, 2) execute an agreement with Florida Blue for Specific Stop Loss for an initial one (1) year with the option of four (4) one-year renewals; 3) extend the contract for Group Term Life with The Standard for one (1) year, 4) authorize the issuance of purchase orders in amounts sufficient to cover applicable charges for the administrative services and Stop Loss to Florida Blue and Group Term Life to The Standard; and 5) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate the contracts subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.

Department: Gainesville Police Department


Description: Request for the City Commission to authorize the execution of the “Letter of Agreement and Contract” between the Institute of Police Technology and Management and the City of Gainesville in the amount not to exceed $39,878.89 for the Gainesville Police Department to conduct overtime high visibility education and enforcement operations regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety through May 9, 2025.


Fiscal Note: There is no match requirement with the General Fund.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the “Letter of Agreement and Contract” between the Institute of Police Technology and Management and the City of Gainesville in the amount not to exceed $39,878.89 for the Gainesville Police Department to conduct overtime high visibility education and enforcement operations regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety through May 9, 2025, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

Department: Risk Management


Description: Requesting City Commission approval for a full and final settlement of Pamela Bakewell’s workers’ compensation claim totaling $39,000. This settlement includes all future medical and indemnity payments, representing a significant cost advantage to the city.


Fiscal Note: The $39,000 settlement amount is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget of the General Insurance Fund.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission authorize Special Counsel to prepare and execute the appropriate documents for a lump-sum settlement of Pamela Bakewell’s workers’ compensation claim of $39,000.

Department: Office of the City Auditor


Description: The Office of the City Auditor contracted with an outside internal audit-consulting firm to conduct an audit of the City Commission office fund. The objective of the engagement was to assess internal controls relating to the office fund.


Fiscal Note: The consultant, Plante & Moran, carried out all audit steps, including report writing and presentation, for a total amount of $26,250. This is paid out of the Office of the City Auditor’s FY 2024 budget.

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

Department: Office of the City Auditor


Description: The Office of the City Auditor conducted an audit of fire inspections in Gainesville Fire Rescue. The objectives of the audit were to assess if (i) the internal control system for fire inspections is operating effectively to reduce fire risk, (ii) fire inspection operations comply with relevant statutes and city ordinances, and (iii) GFR collects appropriate fees for fire inspection services.


Fiscal Note: N/A

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

Department: Office of the City Auditor


Description: City of Gainesville Ordinance Sec. 2-176 requires the City Auditor to report internal audit activities to the Audit Committee and City Commission. The Institute of Internal Auditors and the Government Accountability Office’s professional standards also provide that internal audit functions communicate results of their work to stakeholders. The annual report is presented to comply with both the ordinance and professional standards.


Fiscal Note: N/A

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

Department: Office of the City Auditor


Description: The Office of the City Auditor is required to apply internal auditing standards from both the Government Accountability Office and the Institute of Internal auditors. This year the Institute of Internal Auditors updated its standards for internal auditing and the revised standards are required to be adopted by January 2025. They are critical for effective internal auditing. This presentation is a summary of the updated standards which deal with governing the internal audit function.


Fiscal Note: N/A

  • Recommendation: The City Commission accept the presentation and take any action deemed necessary.

Members of the public who are unable to wait for their agenda item(s) to be called during the meeting may speak during Early Public Comment. Comment is limited to three (3) minutes on one agenda item or five (5) minutes on two or more agenda items. Speaking during Early Public Comment waives the right to comment on later agenda items.

Department: Transportation


Description: Staff will provide a presentation on a proposed framework to regulate valet parking services.


Fiscal Note: None at this time.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt Option 3 and direct the City Attorney’s Office to modify the proposed draft ordinance as needed and advertise it on first reading.

Department: Gainesville Fire Rescue


Description: Quarterly update presentation from Gainesville Fire Rescue for the third quarter of FY 2024.


Fiscal Note: NA

  • Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation from Gainesville Fire Rescue.

Unless mandated by statute to occur in the evening; may include Advocacy Resolutions and Binding Resolutions.

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break

H.

  

I.

  

Ms. Donna Waller

Members of the public who are unable to wait for their agenda item(s) to be called during the meeting may speak during Early Public Comment. Comment is limited to three (3) minutes on one agenda item or five (5) minutes on two or more agenda items. Speaking during Early Public Comment waives the right to comment on later agenda items.

K.

  

Members of the public may speak for up to three (3) minutes per meeting on any item not on the agenda. General Public Comment may be submitted in advance by pre-recorded voice message only. The General Public Comment period shall not exceed 30 minutes total.

Department: Office of the City Commission


Fiscal Note: This item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission discuss the appointment of MTPO subcommittee members and take action deemed necessary.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No. 2022-677: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Gainesville by amending the Future Land Use Element to allow for density bonuses related to affordable housing or tree preservation, as more specifically described in this ordinance; providing directions to the City Manager; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.


Fiscal Note: N/A

  • Recommendation: The City Commission to adopt the proposed ordinance.

Department: City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No: 2022-679: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Land Development Code (Chapter 30 of the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances) relating to residential density bonuses and the provision of affordable housing, as more specifically described in this ordinance; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an immediate effective date.


Fiscal Note: This item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No. 2024-267: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending Policy 4.1.1 in the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan by amending the Single-Family (SF) land use category, as more specifically described in this ordinance; providing directions to the City Manager; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.


Fiscal Note: N/A

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No. 2024-263: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Land Development Code (Chapter 30 of the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances) to provide more flexibility for single-family home development by reducing minimum lot size and building setback requirements, as more specifically described in this ordinance; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.


Fiscal Note: This item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

Q.

  
4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break

R.

  

S.

  

Saint Francis Catholic Academy - Jose Aponte

Department: Office of the City Clerk


Description: Proclamation


Fiscal Note: This item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: To be presented to Co-Event Directors Shauna Dixon and Kristen Bryant.

Members of the public who are unable to wait for their agenda item(s) to be called during the meeting may speak during Early Public Comment. Comment is limited to three (3) minutes on one agenda item or five (5) minutes on two or more agenda items. Speaking during Early Public Comment waives the right to comment on later agenda items.

Department: Office of the City Commission


Description: Highlighting the impact of the One Mill on schools and students located within the City of Gainesville and on the entire community.


Fiscal Note: Not Applicable

  • Recommendation: The City Commission, hear a presentation about the One Mill for Schools.

Department: Office of the City Commission


Description: The City Beautification Board Annual Report will be presented by the Vice-Chair.


Fiscal Note: This item does not have a fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation and take action deemed necessary.

 Required by state law to be heard at 5:00 pm or later.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Resolution No. 2024-663: A resolution of the City of Gainesville, Florida, approving the final plat named “OAKS PRESERVE PHASE III & IV, A CLUSTER SUBDIVISION” located in the 5000 block of SW Archer Road, south side, Gainesville, Florida, as more specifically described in this resolution; authorizing the City Manager to execute a security agreement to secure required public improvements; accepting the dedication of the public rights-of-way, easements, and other dedicated portions as shown on the plat; providing directions to the City Clerk; and providing an immediate effective date.


Fiscal Note: This item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No. 2024-465: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan by changing the land use category of approximately 7.03 acres of property known as the Oaks Mall Plaza located at the 6700 Block of Newberry Road, as more specifically described in this ordinance, from Commercial (COM) to Urban Mixed-Use (UMU); providing directions to the City Manager; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.


Fiscal Note: This agenda item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

Department: Office of the City Attorney


Description: Ordinance No. 2024-464: An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Zoning Map Atlas by rezoning approximately 7.03 acres of property known as the Oaks Mall Plaza located at the 6700 Block of Newberry Road, as more specifically described in this ordinance, from General Business (BUS) to Urban 8 (U8); providing directions to the City Manager; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.


Fiscal Note: This agenda item has no fiscal impact.

  • Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed Ordinance.

AB.

  

AC.

  

If later than 10:00 pm, the Commission may waive the rules to extend the meeting or may schedule a date/time to continue the meeting.

No Item Selected