Alachua public meetings in 2022

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting to discuss a loan commitment for the development of 96 affordable family housing units. The body will also consider appointments to the Citizen Advisory Task Force.

• Proposed $37,500 low-interest loan to Alachua County Housing Authority for 96 replacement affordable family housing units in the Merrillwood neighborhood
• Appointment of five members to the Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF) for terms expiring in 2023 and 2025
• Approval of October 10, 2022, and October 24, 2022, City Commission meeting minutes

The City Commission approved a low-interest loan commitment to support the Alachua County Housing Authority's application for funding. This funding is intended for the development of 96 new replacement affordable housing residential units in Merrillwood.

• Approved loan commitment for 96 affordable housing units in Merrillwood (3-0)
• Approved appointments of Shaun Collins, Christopher G. Mallinson, Phyllis Wilcox Strickland, and Ruth Green to the Citizen Advisory Task Force (3-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous consent)
• Approved reading of proposed ordinances and resolutions by title only (unanimous consent)

Senior Resources Advisory Board

The board is meeting to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson for one-year terms and approve a quarterly meeting calendar for 2023. Members will also receive presentations on parliamentary procedures, Sunshine Law, and a senior book club.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of 2023 SRAB Meeting Calendar
• Approval of September 7, 2022, meeting minutes
• Presentation on 'As the Page Turns' senior book club
• Review of Parliamentary Procedures and Sunshine Law

The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from March 15, 2022. Members received presentations on parliamentary procedures and Sunshine Law. The board discussed senior meal delivery and upcoming holiday events at the Hathcock Center.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous consent)
• Approved March 15, 2022, meeting minutes (unanimous consent)

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting to address a budget amendment for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund. The body will also receive presentations regarding a community remembrance quilt and student artists.

• Resolution 23-01: Amending FY 2021-2022 General Fund budget to increase it from $13,933,763 to $13,938,763
• Appropriation of $5,000 in unanticipated revenues (fuel tax refund of $1,850 and extra duty of $3,150) to cover Police Department operating overages
• Presentation of the Alachua County Community Remembrance Quilt Project
• Presentation of art certificates to W.W. Irby Elementary students

The City Commission approved a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund budget to address unanticipated revenues and police department variances. The commission also authorized legal action and representation for litigation involving 'Harvest' and 'Carol'.

• Approved Resolution 23-01 to amend FY 2021-2022 General Fund budget and increase Police Department budget (5-0)
• Authorized final demand letter and potential complaint filing against Harvest, Trulieve, and bonding company
• Retained law firm Rush & Frisco for 'Harvest' litigation at a reduced rate of $170 per hour
• Retained law firm Rush & Frisco for 'Carol' litigation at a reduced rate of $170 per hour

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council is meeting to discuss updates on proposed projects. The board will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from October 27, 2022.

• Discussion of mural for community equity
• Discussion of sanitary kits for students
• Discussion of recycling in the City
• Approval of October 27, 2022 meeting minutes

The Youth Advisory Council met on November 17, 2022. The meeting consisted of procedural items and a discussion regarding possible projects for the year, but no formal actions were taken.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Adjourned meeting

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a quasi-judicial hearing to consider a request to subdivide a ±45.16 acre property into 145 lots. The body will also appoint members to the Citizen Advisory Task Force and discuss the Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project.

• Final Plat for Briarwood Phase 2 and 3 (145 lots) at 17000 block of CR 235A
• Performance bond of $5,703,808.01 for Briarwood infrastructure
• Performance bond of $245,875.08 for Briarwood house sidewalks
• Appointment of five members to the Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF)
• Purchase of Transformers (Consent Agenda)

The City Commission approved the final plat for Briarwood Phase 2 and 3 and an agreement for the Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project. An appointment to the Citizen Advisory Task Force was deferred.

• Approved Final Plat for Briarwood Phase 2 and 3 to subdivide 45.16 acres into 145 lots (5-0)
• Accepted $245,875.08 Common Law Performance Bond from Arson Creek, LLC (5-0)
• Approved agreement for Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project (5-0)
• Deferred appointment to the Citizen Advisory Task Force to November 28, 2022

Community Redevelopment Agency

The Community Redevelopment Agency is meeting to establish its 2023 calendar and approve previous minutes. The body will also receive staff updates regarding downtown infrastructure and holiday events.

• Resolution CRA22-08: Adopting the public meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
• Approval of September 12, 2022 CRA Minutes
• Staff update on downtown parking lot construction awarded to Andrews Paving
• Planning updates for Holiday Nights events scheduled for December 2, 3, 10, and 17

The Community Redevelopment Agency approved the meeting minutes from September 12, 2022, and adopted the public meeting schedule for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Staff provided updates regarding agency activities.

• Approved September 12, 2022 CRA Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution CRA22-08 to adopt the FY 2022-2023 public meeting schedule (unanimous)

Special Magistrate

Special Magistrate Michael Durham found several properties in violation of city code, setting compliance deadlines and potential daily fines. Other cases were continued to December 29, 2022, or noted as compliant.

• Dolgencorp LLC: Found in violation; grass/debris compliance by Nov 10 ($50/day fine), fencing by Dec 29 ($100/day fine)
• Scott & Scott Co-Trustees: Found in violation; inoperable vehicles and junk/debris compliance in 30 days ($100/day fine)
• Polk & Polk: Found in violation; inoperable vehicles, grass/weeds, sanitary conditions, and shed removal compliance in 30 days ($50/day fine)
• Florida Brown Heirs: Found in violation; house demolition compliance in 60 days ($25/day fine)
• Beverly Ann Wurts: Found in violation; tall grass and weeds compliance in 30 days ($50/day fine)
• Case #22-0110 (Dreyers Cleaning & Restoration Inc.): Continued to Dec 29, 2022
• Case #22-0104 (Virginia Daugherty): Continued to Dec 29, 2022
• Case #22-0176 (Ayurveda Health Retreat Inc.) and Case #22-0011 (Troy & Michelle Jackson): Noted as compliant

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council will discuss potential projects for the year and their involvement in the Christmas Parade on Main Street. The council is also scheduled to review and approve meeting minutes from September 22, 2022.

• Discussion of possible projects for the year
• Discussion of participation in the December 10, 2022, Christmas Parade on Main Street
• Approval of September 22, 2022 meeting minutes

The Council discussed three project ideas: a community equality mural, sanitary kits for students, and city recycling. Members reached a consensus that they cannot participate in the Christmas Parade on Main Street due to scheduling conflicts.

• Consensus reached to not participate in the Christmas Parade on Main Street due to scheduling conflicts

City Commission

The City Commission approved the 2023 City Commission Meeting Calendar and appointed Vice Mayor Jennifer Blalock as the city's representative to the Opioid Task Force. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of presentations, citizen comments, and commissioner announcements.

• Approved 2023 City Commission Meeting Calendar (5-0 roll call)
• Appointed Vice Mayor Blalock as Opioid Task Force representative (4-0 roll call)

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting to consider resolutions for the 2022 tax year and the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget. The body will also discuss waste management contracts and a request for opioid awareness funding.

• Resolution 22-27 (General Purpose Ad Valorem Taxes) and Resolution 22-28 (2022-2023 Budget)
• Resolution 22-29 (TK Stormwater Basin Maintenance Assessment Annual Rate)
• Ordinance 22-23 (Residential Solid Waste)
• Proposed $10,000 contribution to the City of Newberry Opioid Task Force
• Waste Pro Solid Waste Contract amendment and extension

Community Redevelopment Agency

The Community Redevelopment Agency is meeting to adopt the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget and approve previous meeting minutes. The body will also receive staff updates regarding downtown infrastructure and upcoming holiday events.

• Resolution CRA22-06: Proposed FY 2022-2023 budget of $678,330
• Downtown Parking Lot: Construction awarded to Andrews Paving with $88,036 programmed for FY 2022
• Theater Park: Planned renovations to activate the space for Holiday Nights
• Holiday Nights: Schedule for December 2, 3, 10, and 17
• Approval of July 25, 2022 CRA Minutes

Senior Resources Advisory Board

The Senior Resources Advisory Board will receive an update from City Manager Mike DaRoza regarding the distribution and results of the 2022 Alachua Senior Community Survey. The board will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from June 15, 2022.

• Presentation of 2022 Alachua Senior Community Survey results
• Approval of June 15, 2022, Senior Resources Advisory Board minutes

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing requests to change a ±45.3 acre property from agricultural to community commercial use. The body will also consider a final plat for a 122-lot subdivision and updates to utility and waste ordinances.

• Ordinance 22-20 and 22-21: Proposed land use and zoning change for ±45.3 acres (Tomoka Hills Non-Residential) to Community Commercial
• Final Plat – Alachua West: Proposal to subdivide ±35.82 acres into 122 lots
• Ordinance 22-22: Amending Code Section 38 regarding Water & Wastewater utility rates
• Ordinance 22-23: Amending Section 30-34 relating to Residential Solid Waste
• Consent Agenda: FY 2021-2022 write offs and FY 2022 Compensation Plan revisions

City Commission

The City Commission held a workshop to receive updates on the proposed FY 2022-2023 budgets for Enterprise and Internal Service Funds. The session covered budget totals, revenue summaries, and the remaining budget process calendar.

• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Enterprise Funds total: $36,559,494
• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Internal Service Fund total: $3,842,021
• Proposed FY 2022-2023 General Fund budget total: $14,651,246
• Proposed Electric Utility budget: $25,043,180
• Proposed Water Utility budget: $7,187,458

Community Redevelopment Agency Board

The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board is meeting to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget. The board will also receive staff updates regarding the downtown parking lot and holiday decorations.

• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Budget with total estimated revenue and expenditures of $676,669
• Allocation of $88,036 for the Downtown Parking Lot capital improvement project
• Proposed $28,000 for decorations in operating expenses
• Proposed $25,000 for grants and aids
• Approval of July 18, 2022 meeting minutes

Planning and Zoning Board

The Planning and Zoning Board is meeting to discuss a request to amend land development regulations. Staff has recommended deferring the decision on self-service storage permits to the September 13, 2022 meeting due to an advertising error.

• Request by Seth Wood of Causseaux, Hewett & Walpole, Inc. to allow self-service storage as a permitted use in the Industrial Light Warehousing (ILW) zoning district
• Approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2022 PZB Meeting

City Commission

The City Commission held a workshop to receive a presentation on the proposed FY 2022-2023 budgets for the General, Debt Service, Special Revenue, and Capital Projects Funds. The session provided an overview of fund totals, departmental budget enhancements, and the remaining budget process calendar.

• Proposed FY 2022-2023 General Fund total of $14,541,416
• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Debt Service Fund budget of $802,217
• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Special Revenue Funds budget of $1,788,769
• Proposed FY 2022-2023 Capital Projects Funds budget of $5,983
• Proposed General Fund millage rate of 5.3900

Special Magistrate

The Special Magistrate is reviewing several properties for city code violations. The body will consider imposing daily fines on three properties that failed to comply with previous orders and hold initial hearings for two new cases.

• Case # 20-0004 (Pauline Collins Heirs): Recommended daily fine for non-compliance
• Case # 22-0011 (Troy & Michelle Jackson): Recommended daily fine for non-compliance
• Case # 20-0007 (Norman & Mary King): Recommended daily fine for non-compliance
• Case # 22-0084 (Willie James Washington Heirs): Hearing for tall grass and abandoned building at 13502 NW 155 Pl.
• Case # 22-0083 (Eric Burger): Hearing for inoperable vehicles and automotive repair at 13917 NW 146 Ave.

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing the initial status of the FY 2022-2023 budget process. Discussions include millage rate options, operating revenues, and proposed utility rate changes. The body is also reviewing the Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023-2027.

• Proposed 6% increase to water rates and 3% increase to wastewater rates
• Proposed 15% increase to Capital Facilities Charges for water and wastewater
• Staff recommendation to set preliminary millage rate at 5.3900 mills
• Budgeted debt payments of $1,968,125 for FY 2022-2023
• Proposed capital outlay items: APD vehicles ($162K), APD tablets ($24K), PW Road Infrastructure ($200K), and IT infrastructure ($150K)

Community Redevelopment Agency Board

The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive staff updates. Discussions will focus on downtown infrastructure and seasonal event planning.

• Downtown parking lot project update
• CRA Budget update
• Christmas Decorations/Holiday Nights update
• Wayfinding Signage update
• Approval of April 18, 2022 meeting minutes

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing a request by V3 Capital Group to amend Land Development Regulations. The proposal would allow certain vehicle sales and service businesses to be located closer to schools, day care centers, and residential areas if they front US Hwy 441 or have an intervening arterial or collector street.

• Ordinance 22-15: Proposed text amendment to reduce minimum separation from 250 feet to as low as 50 feet for specific vehicle services
• Resolution 22-20: Amended and Re-stated Bylaws of the Community Development Block Grant Citizen Advisory Task Force
• Purchase of Switchgears (Consent Agenda)

City Commission

The Joint City-County Commission will discuss a proposed 1% sales surtax for a ten-year period to fund conservation, roads, fire stations, and affordable housing. The body will also receive an update on Alachua County Fire Rescue services and Station 21.

• Proposed 1% sales surtax for 10 years starting January 1, 2023
• Surtax revenue allocation: 50% for Wild Spaces Public Places and 50% for roads, fire stations, and affordable housing
• Proposed $6 million for joint projects in the City of Gainesville and $6 million for joint projects with all nine municipalities
• Station 21 construction cost of $7.0M and proposed Station 25 construction of $7.0M+
• Proposed Quint 21 aerial device with $1.65M capital cost and $1.6M in recurring costs

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council will meet to discuss the progression and potential completion date of the Alachua County Quilt Remembrance Project. The council is also scheduled to review and approve meeting minutes from March 31, 2022.

• Discussion of Alachua County Quilt Remembrance Project progression
• Approval of March 31, 2022 meeting minutes

Senior Resources Advisory Board

The board will review proposals for a summer health and wellness project from University of Florida nursing students and a senior art class partnership with Good News Arts. The board is also scheduled to approve the March 15, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Nursing Students Health and Wellness Project presentation
• Good News Arts senior art class presentation
• Approval of March 15, 2022, meeting minutes