Gainesville public meetings in 2022

City Commission - Regular Meeting

The City Commission adopted an ordinance for fair chance hiring and changed the method for calculating commissioner salaries. The board also approved several real estate acquisitions, legal settlements, and a watershed planning grant.

• Approved ordinance for Fair Chance Hiring (6-0)
• Approved ordinance changing commissioner salary calculation method (4-2)
• Approved $216,000 purchase of conservation lands near Loblolly Woods Nature Park
• Approved $100,000 settlement for Kaila Brown
• Approved $100,000 settlement for Taylor Collings
• Approved purchase of real property from Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinics, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved Hogtown Creek Watershed Master Plan grant agreement (6-0)
• Approved amendment to outdoor lighting standards to include FDOT standards (6-0)

Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board

The board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the October 26, 2022 meeting. Several business items were discussed, including holiday events and a feasibility study for a Cultural Arts Center, but no formal actions were recorded for these items.

• Adopted the meeting agenda
• Approved minutes from the October 26, 2022 meeting

Public Recreation and Parks Board

The board approved the final draft of the PRPB 2022 Annual Report. Members received staff updates for October and November 2022 and discussed nominations for the Albert “Ray” Massey Citizen’s Volunteer Award.

• Adopted the agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved PRPB 2022 Annual Report draft

SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

The meeting was conducted as a workshop because it lacked a quorum. No formal votes were taken, and the approval of previous minutes was deferred. The committee discussed and agreed upon a schedule for community engagement regarding inclusionary zoning for early 2023.

• Deferred approval of October 11 and November 1, 2022 minutes
• Agreed to request more information from Department of Sustainable Development for January 10, 2023 meeting
• Agreed to lead inclusionary zoning engagement at East Gainesville Alliance meeting on January 23, 2023
• Agreed to participate in City Services Fair on February 4, 2023

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee approved and recommended that the City Commission accept the FY21 Audited Financial Statements and three auditor reports. These reports covered the RTS Limited Scope Review, Public Records Policy Compliance, and a quarterly update from the City Auditor.

• Approved September 6, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Recommended City Commission accept FY21 Audited Financial Statements and Auditor's Reports (3-0)
• Recommended City Commission accept RTS Limited Scope Review report (3-0)
• Recommended City Commission accept 2022 Public Records Policy Compliance Audit report (3-0)
• Recommended City Commission accept City Auditor Quarterly Update report (3-0)

Joint Water and Climate Policy Board

The Board approved the recommended 2023 meeting schedule. Members also received a presentation on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (CCAC) annual report.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes from October 24, 2022 meeting (6-0)
• Approved recommended 2023 meeting schedule (6-0)

Utility Advisory Board

The Utility Advisory Board unanimously recommended that the City Commission approve a resolution to amend a forward starting swap with Wells Fargo Bank and enter a new swap to manage interest rate fluctuations. The board also received presentations on weatherization, home energy scores, and community engagement consulting.

• Recommended City Commission approve resolution to amend 2019A Forward Starting Swap with Wells Fargo Bank (Unanimous)
• Recommended City Commission approve entering a new forward starting swap for future bond issuance (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda with modifications

Nature Centers Commission

The Commission approved the PR & Awards Committee's recommendations for Star Awards with one modification. The board also voted to fund a 6-minute filming segment for WUFT's Greater Good. Members provided feedback on the Boulware Springs conceptual plan regarding light pollution and low-impact development.

• Approved agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved PR & Awards Committee recommendations for Star Awards with modification regarding Tropic Traditions (Unanimous)
• Approved funding for WUFT Greater Good segment, anticipated cost no more than $495 (Unanimous)

City Plan Board

The City Plan Board approved a rezoning request to MU-2 and two special use permits. Several items, including inclusionary zoning amendments and a fueling position request, were deferred for further staff work.

• Approved rezoning petition LD22-000084 ZON from PD to MU-2 (Unanimous)
• Approved petition LD22-000129 TCH regarding Certified Mail Requirement (Unanimous)
• Approved petition LD22-000118 SUP for Redemption Orthodox Presbyterian Church with conditions (Unanimous)
• Deferred petition LD22-000130 TCH regarding street setback measurement to January 26th (Unanimous)
• Deferred petition LD22-000080 SUP for ten fueling positions to January 26th (Approved)
• Deferred petition LD22-000092 SUP for a new sanctuary to February 23rd, 2023
• Tabled inclusionary zoning petitions 2022-677 and 2022-711 for further staff work

Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust

The Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust approved the purchase of a new artwork and the placement of another piece at City Hall. The Trust also authorized inquiries into the relocation of existing sculptures.

• Approved purchase/installation of 'Spiritflow' by Anthony Castronovo for $15,000.00 at the Aquatic Center
• Approved placement of #UN LITTER artwork at City Hall
• Approved motion for Chair to request information from City management regarding the relocation of Richard Heipp's piece from City Hall lobby
• Authorized Russell Etling to communicate with owner regarding moving Victor Delfin's sculptures

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Thelma Boltin Center with five specific conditions. These conditions require the restoration of the historic auditorium and the preservation of site trees.

• Approved November 1, 2022 minutes (8-0)
• Approved Petition COA22-000126 for 516 NE 2nd Avenue with conditions (5-1)
• Required restoration of the historic auditorium and original windows as a condition of approval
• Required new wing design to be comparable to existing diagonal wing and return for final approval
• Allowed slight expansion of gymnasium to the rear for backstage facility subject to final approval
• Required preservation and protection of on-site trees
• Required gallery space to highlight the Gainesville Servicemen’s Center and Thelma Boltin
• Moved January meeting date to January 9 (7-0)

City Commission - Regular Meeting

The City Commission approved funding for a Downtown Management Organization and capital projects including Sweetwater Park. The board also passed a second budget amendment for the FY 2023 General Government Financial and Operating Plan and updated the method for calculating commissioner salaries.

• Approved $6M contract amendment for GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC
• Approved $523,152.50 for self-contained breathing apparatus
• Approved $131,564.41 award to Vetted Security Solutions for CSAC Phase II
• Approved $155,000 for Workday training credits
• Approved $20,000 for Downtown Management Organization legal/funding structure and $50,000 seed funding
• Approved $200,000 for Sweetwater Park, Streatery, and Festival Street projects (5-0)
• Approved $248,100 for Community Engagement Consulting Services
• Approved waiver of 12-month rezoning restriction for 1015 South Main Street (3-2)

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission approved funding for an affordable rental housing project and adopted several ordinances regarding rezoning, parking, and residency prohibitions. The commission also appointed a temporary Mayor Pro-Tem and requested research on commissioner censure processes.

• Approved $460,000 from ConnectFree Program for Woodland Park, Phase 2 Affordable Rental Housing Project (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 25.38 acres west of I-75 and north of SW 8th Avenue (6-0)
• Approved amendment to Sexual Offender and Sexual Predator Ordinance residency prohibitions (5-0)
• Approved Land Development Code amendments to parking regulations and minimums (6-0)
• Approved Fair Chance Hiring revisions to City Code of Ordinances (6-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Ward as Mayor Pro-Tem until January 5, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved request for staff research on commissioner censure and removal for misconduct (6-0)
• Continued items 2022-536, 2022-537, 2022-591, and 2022-602 to January 19, 2023

Nature Centers Commission

The Commission approved a $250 allocation for the Cully Project request and Austin Cary fire Festival support. Members also decided on the design specifications for the Star Award plaque. Discussion regarding the city website was tabled, and plans for a nature park brochure were deferred to January.

• Allocated $250 for Cully Project request and Austin Cary fire Festival support (Unanimous)
• Approved keeping the same medium for Star Award plaque with larger font for 'Star Award' (Unanimous)
• Accepted imagery of the 'Parnassus Grandifolia' for Star Award plaque (Unanimous)
• Tabled business regarding the City Web Site (Unanimous)
• Deferred nature park brochure discussion to the January meeting (Unanimous)

City Commission - Regular Meeting

The City Commission approved a directive to draft an ordinance aligning commissioner salaries with the state population-based formula for county commissioners, effective October 1, 2023. The commission also appointed several individuals to city boards and approved a new office spending policy. Multiple zoning and budget items were continued to November 29, 2022.

• Approved directive for new salary formula based on state county commissioner rates (5-1)
• Appointed Brecka Anderson as Interim City Auditor (6-0)
• Approved City Commission Office Spending Policy effective January 1, 2023 (6-0)
• Appointed Jason Sanchez and Renz Torres to City Plan Board (4-3)
• Appointed Rebecca Herrin and Fraleigh Krause to Development Review Board (4-3)
• Appointed Kevin Thorpe and Curtis Reynolds to Gainesville/Alachua Regional Airport Authority (7-0)
• Appointed Jonathan Stephens to Human Rights Board (7-0)
• Appointed Bridgette Murphey to Historic Preservation Board (7-0)

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission heard presentations and public comment regarding the GPD Canine Unit. The Commission decided to direct staff to provide additional information on modified K9 unit models, citizen oversight frameworks, and a cultural audit of the department.

• Approved motion to direct staff to report on modified K9 unit versions and other municipal practices (5-0)
• Approved motion to direct staff to report on citizen oversight board frameworks used by other cities (5-0)
• Approved motion to request a cultural audit of the K9 department and subsequent recommendations (5-0)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (4-0)

BOT of The Consolidated Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement Plan

The Board of Trustees approved a non-line of duty disability retirement for Ronald Pinkston while denying his request for a line of duty disability. The Board also approved a fee increase for State Street Bank and requested more information on procurement processes for investment consulting services.

• Denied Line of Duty Disability for Ronald Pinkston (Unanimous)
• Granted Non-Line of Duty Disability for Ronald Pinkston (Unanimous)
• Approved fee increase to State Street Bank
• Requested staff provide information on RFP, RFQ, or RFI processes for investment consulting services by February 22, 2023

Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board

The board did not reach a quorum, preventing votes on the agenda or previous meeting minutes. Members received reports on GCRA housing programs and the Heartwood Community project. The December meeting is canceled.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee recommended that the City Commission adopt the seventh budget amendment to the FY 2022 General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget. The committee also approved the minutes from the August 31, 2022 meeting with one title amendment.

• Recommended adoption of Seventh Budget Amendment to the FY 2022 General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget 2022-685 (B) (2-0)
• Approved August 31, 2022 meeting minutes with amendment to Mayor Pro Tempore Saco's title (2-0)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (2-0)

City Beautification Board

The board reviewed the 2022 City Beautification Awards and discussed potential dates for the 2023 ceremony. No formal votes were taken on the awards timing or follow-up actions.

• Adopted the agenda (Unanimous)

Pension Review Committee

The committee received investment presentations from Loomis and AndCo regarding fixed income and equity performance. Members discussed potential shifts in asset allocation and the use of closed-end real estate funds. No substantive policy or funding changes were decided.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved the previous meeting minutes

Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust

The Trust approved a mural to be painted by Renier Gamboa during DFAS. The board also approved a change to the meeting start time to 4:30pm and accepted the resignation of member Jenna Horner.

• Approved minutes from October 5, 2022 meeting
• Approved change of meeting start time to 4:30pm
• Approved mural by Renier Gamboa to be painted during DFAS
• Accepted resignation of member Jenna Horner

Historic Preservation Board

The Board approved several property modifications and restorations within historic districts. Members also reviewed a structural assessment for the Thelma Boltin Center, which estimated restoration costs between $4.8 million and $6.18 million.

• Approved rear addition at 411 NW 3rd Street (6-0)
• Approved new home and ADUs at Parcel 14190 with 12-inch batten siding condition (6-0)
• Approved after-the-fact fence at 504-516 SW 10th Street with requirement for a compliant plan within 12 months (5-1)
• Approved rear porch and pool at 415 NE 5th Avenue (6-0)
• Approved fire restoration of 'Rosewood House' at 320 NW 1st Street (6-0)
• Approved September 6, 2022 minutes (6-0)
• Approved October 18, 2022 minutes (6-0)

SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

The Committee discussed the implementation of Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) and agreed to develop a community engagement plan. Members decided to conduct approximately four town-hall style meetings before March 1, 2023, and seek a presence at the January 2023 City Services Fair.

• Agreed to conduct approximately four IZ-focused community engagement meetings before March 1, 2023
• Agreed to seek a presence at the January 2023 City Services Fair
• Agreed to use a town hall format for engagement meetings including food and presentations
• Agreed to study IZ further and request a concise educational document with FAQs

City Plan Board

The City Plan Board approved a sidewalk text amendment to include duplexes and crosswalk funding. The board also elected a new Chair and Vice Chair. Several zoning and inclusionary zoning items were continued to future meetings.

• Elected Robert Ackerman as Chair (Unanimous)
• Elected Stephanie Sutton as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Approved Sidewalk Text Amendment 2022-680 (B) with modifications to include duplexes and crosswalk funds (4-0)
• Continued Alachua County Courts Complex Rezoning 2022-678 (B) to November 9th or December 8th (3-1)
• Continued Inclusionary Zoning Amendments 2022-679 (B) to November 9th (4-0)
• Continued Inclusionary Zoning Comprehensive Plan Amendment 2022-677 (B) to November 9th

General Policy Committee

The General Policy Committee directed GRU staff to develop more options for efficient air conditioner upgrades and exchange systems. The committee also requested a review of housing programs in the Gainesville Reinvestment Area and a comparison of professional standards for the City Internal Auditor.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes from October 13, 2022 meeting (7-0)
• Directed Policy Program to bring back professional standards from comparable cities for the City Internal Auditor Ordinance (7-0)
• Directed GRU General Manager to bring back options for efficient window AC upgrades and an exchange system (5-1)
• Directed staff to review Gainesville Reinvestment Area neighborhoods and propose housing program changes (6-0)
• Received GRU quarterly report update
• Received ARPA program implementation update
• Received GPD, GFR, and Parking Program updates

Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board

The board appointed Saeed as Chair, Nate as Secretary, and Taylor as Vice Chair. Members also approved the Art Award nomination form and reviewed the board's bylaws and Ord 210356. A call for sculptures for the HS Spurgeon Cherry Aquatics Center was issued on October 26, 2022.

• Approved appointment of Saeed (Chair), Nate (Secretary), and Taylor (Vice Chair)
• Approved Art Award nomination form
• Approved Cultural Affairs bylaws and Ord 210356 relating to Boards and Committees
• Adopted meeting agenda
• Adopted previous meeting minutes

Police Advisory Council

The council reviewed the September monthly arrest report and closed Internal Affairs cases. A motion to ask the City Commission to suspend or disband the GPD Canine Unit failed and was withdrawn. The council also approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Approved motion to listen to presentations and ask questions regarding the Chief's update (unanimous)
• Rejected motion to request the City Commission suspend or disband the GPD Canine Unit (withdrawn due to failed voting)

Utility Advisory Board

The board reviewed its work plan and discussed the draft Energy Policy 2022-673 (B). Members agreed to include the policy as a recurring item on future workshop agendas for further review and alignment with GRU's strategic plan.

• Approved adoption of the agenda
• Agreed to add Energy Policy review as a recurring item on UAB Workshop agendas

Joint Water and Climate Policy Board

The Joint Water and Climate Policy Board appointed three members to the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee. The board also directed staff to move forward with water conservation policy recommendations. Presentations were heard regarding the Deerhaven Renewable Biomass Facility and climate vulnerability analysis.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved July 11, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Directed staff to move water conservation policy recommendations forward (Unanimous)
• Appointed Danielle Cuccielle to a 3-year term on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (Approved)
• Appointed Nathan Fox to a 1-year term on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (Approved)
• Appointed Terry Harpold to a 1-year term on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (Approved)