[0:00] [0:08] [0:24] [0:40] [0:56] [1:12] [1:25] [1:41] [1:57] [2:13] [2:29] [2:45] [3:01] [3:17] [3:17] >> mayor: good morning, [3:25] everyone. [3:25] welcome to the gainesville cit [3:27] y [3:28] commission. [3:28] as we speak, there are three [3:30] americans and a canadian on [3:32] their way to the moon from [3:36] florida. [3:36] from right here in the sunshine [3:38] [3:38] state. [3:38] one of those americans is a [3:41] black man piloting the ship. [3:43] one is a woman for the first [3:46] time, it's the first time a [3:48] black man or a woman have gone [3:50] [3:50] to the moon. [3:50] we should take note of this, and [3:52] [3:52] it gives me hope that if we as [3:55] a [3:56] nation and a world are able to [3:58] [3:59] send people to the moon -- [4:00] again, from the sunshine state, [4:01] [4:02] not anywhere else, that we can [4:04] [4:04] do some great things for our [4:07] folks right here in this room [4:08] [4:08] today. [4:08] madam clerk? [4:10] >> mr. Mayor, we have the [4:12] invocation, given by reverend [4:22] [4:22] katherine dearlove. [4:23] >> thank you. [4:24] I invite you to pray or reflect [4:28] [4:28] with me. [4:28] let's pause for a moment of [4:30] reflection. [4:30] grounding ourselves in the [4:37] shared reason that brings us [4:39] today. [4:39] we come from many shared [4:43] experiences, some of us name t [4:44] he [4:44] sacred as god, the spirit, [4:46] creator or source of life. [4:47] some of us find meaning in hum [4:50] an [4:50] connection and justice and [4:52] compassion. [4:52] or in the quiet wisdom of [4:55] conscience. [4:55] whatever our path, we are united [4:58] [4:58] in the responsibility serving [4:59] [4:59] the common good. [4:59] may this gathering be guided b [5:05] y [5:06] wisdom. [5:06] the wisdom to weigh decisions [5:10] [5:10] carefully, and seek [5:11] understanding even in [5:12] disagreement. [5:12] may we be guided by courage, t [5:18] he [5:18] courage to act with integrity. [5:20] [5:20] to stand for what is right and [5:22] [5:22] just. [5:22] and to make decisions that ser [5:24] ve [5:24] not only the present but the [5:25] future. [5:25] may we be guided by compassion [5:34] , [5:35] that every policy, every [5:36] discussion, every vote touches [5:38] [5:38] the lives of the real people I [5:40] n [5:40] our community. [5:40] especially those whose voices [5:43] [5:43] are too often unheard. [5:44] and may we be guided by [5:47] humility, recognizing that non [5:48] e [5:48] of us holds all the answers, b [5:56] ut [5:56] together we can move through a [5:58] [5:58] more just and inclusive and [6:00] thriving community. [6:01] in this spirit, let the work [6:04] begin today with open minds, [6:07] steady hearts and a dedication [6:09] [6:09] to the well being of all. [6:10] amen. [6:10] >> mayor: thank you, pastor. [6:19] >> we are on to the agenda, we [6:23] [6:23] have the update list on the [6:24] screen. [6:24] >> mayor: commissioner willit [6:33] s? [6:33] >> I'd like to pull 2026-024 - [6:46] - [6:46] >> what number? [6:47] >> number ten on the consent. [6:50] >> let's move that to item one [6:52] [6:52] on the morning. [6:53] >> that sounds good. [6:54] >> s [6:55] changes. [6:55] >> mayor: before we move on. [7:04] is there public comment? [7:05] >> there is no public comment. [7:07] [7:07] >> I would point out to you tha [7:09] t [7:09] on the consent agenda, are a [7:15] multiplicity of items that the [7:17] [7:18] audit committee considered and [7:21] [7:22] passed on to us, if anyone has [7:23] [7:23] any questions about those, our [7:24] [7:25] city auditor is here, and I [7:26] would encourage you to make tim [7:28] e [7:28] to speak with him offline. [7:29] about that, they all received [7:37] [7:37] unanimous vote, all two of us, [7:38] [7:40] from the audit committee. [7:40] I don't want those to go [7:43] unnoticed. [7:43] but I'm glad we can keep them [7:45] the consent agenda to receive. [7:49] [7:49] that said, madam clerk, all in [7:51] [7:52] favor? [7:52] >> aye. [7:53] >> mayor: any opposed? [7:54] that passes unanimously. [7:55] >> mr. Mayor, 2026-234, oak par [8:03] k [8:03] public housing development [8:11] disposition letter of support. [8:11] [8:11] for rehabilitation of oak park [8:22] [8:22] development in gainesville, [8:22] florida. [8:22] >> mayor: commissioner willits, [8:26] [8:26] you had the question? [8:27] >> mr. Harris remind us abo [8:31] what support we've provided to [8:33] [8:33] this project in particular, [8:33] through gainesville housing. [8:41] >> mayor: certainly. [8:41] mr. Manager? [8:42] >> good morning, mr. Mayor, to [8:44] [8:45] the commission. [8:45] our support has been related t [8:49] o [8:49] our connect free funds as a par [8:52] t [8:52] of the sale applications. [8:53] so it's a grant for 37,500, so [8:57] [8:57] they can apply for the sale [8:59] program. [8:59] >> okay, and this is a park [9:02] which is going to be -- these [9:04] [9:04] are all single units. [9:06] my understanding of, it's not [9:08] [9:08] our project, it's the [9:11] gainesville housing authority' [9:12] s [9:15] product. [9:15] >> if you don't mind, the [9:18] developer is here, gha is here [9:20] . [9:20] I'm going to allow him to talk [9:22] [9:23] about the project. [9:23] >> that was who I was looking [9:26] [9:26] for real quick. [9:26] if you can give us the 30 second [9:30] [9:30] reminder. [9:30] >> malcolm kynes. [9:39] oak park is a six story [9:43] development, off main street a [9:47] nd [9:47] 8th avenue. [9:48] we have 1 two bedroom, 60 [9:53] studios and 401 bedroom units. [9:56] [9:56] this is a total redevelopment o [9:58] f [9:58] the oak park building. [9:59] it needs a lot of love. [10:01] it was -- I think it opened in [10:03] [10:03] 1968 or '69. [10:05] and so you can imagine how many [10:07] [10:07] individuals and families that [10:10] [10:10] building has serviced over it' [10:12] s [10:13] 56 or so year life. [10:15] total development costs are in [10:16] [10:16] the range, I don't want to [10:19] misspeak, in the range of 38 t [10:22] o [10:22] $39 million of this developmen [10:23] t. [10:23] we have hired a relocation [10:26] specialist, similar to our [10:28] woodland park project, which [10:29] will help enable those [10:31] individuals to relocate. [10:31] they will walk them through it [10:33] , [10:34] they have certain rights [10:35] assigned by the federal [10:36] government, we ensure those [10:38] folks are taken care of. [10:39] once the building has been [10:41] totally redeveloped. [10:42] this letter is basically a [10:45] letter saying that the city of [10:47] [10:48] gainesville supports us in [10:49] redeveloping the property, and [10:51] [10:51] it's provided to hud, it's a [10:53] form letter we sent over to th [10:54] e [10:54] manager's office. [10:54] >> thanks. [10:55] a few comments on this before w [11:00] e [11:00] move forward. [11:00] we support gainesville housing [11:02] [11:03] authority in different ways, [11:04] sometimes big chunks, sometimes [11:06] [11:06] small chunks. [11:07] this is something that app [11:08] for our larger chunk, affordabl [11:12] e [11:12] development housing funds that [11:14] [11:14] were leftover from arpa and to [11:17] [11:17] general fund. [11:18] did not receive, but we did hav [11:19] e [11:19] at least the small amount. [11:22] our community has a lot of [11:24] expectations on how we spend o [11:26] ur [11:26] affordable housing dollars, [11:28] there's currently some concerns [11:29] , [11:29] I know that commissioner dunca [11:31] n [11:32] walker, speak of the devil -- [11:36] [11:36] speak of the commissioner, [11:37] excuse me. [11:38] some on going concerns, maybe [11:44] [11:44] this is out of frustration, [11:46] general housing crisis or at [11:48] least tightness in the market, [11:50] [11:50] where below 100% of ami, we [11:53] really need more units, more [11:55] affordability, so that -- I [11:57] think it's part of our -- [12:00] tension we're feeling, we're [12:02] looking at all of our partners [12:03] [12:03] to achieve at their highest and [12:05] [12:06] best. [12:06] but that also means not just [12:08] the -- I'm a big fan of new [12:11] units, existing units about the [12:12] [12:12] quality of them, and how peopl [12:14] e [12:14] live in those -- how our [12:16] neighbors live in those homes, [12:17] I [12:17] want to bring it up as a conce [12:20] rn [12:20] of mine. [12:21] and when we put our stamp of [12:24] approval on the letter and cas [12:25] h [12:26] funds, the auditor, I spoke to [12:29] [12:29] the auditor recently about, how [12:30] [12:30] on some of our grant funding, w [12:32] e [12:32] don't have a strict policy abo [12:34] ut [12:34] the ability to audit, at least [12:36] [12:36] the funds we give of our [12:38] nonprofit partners, that is [12:40] something suggested by the [12:41] auditors, something we need in [12:43] [12:44] every time we give money. [12:47] because we are responsible for [12:48] [12:49] the money we give. [12:49] to our taxpayers, to our [12:52] residents, to our neighbors, I [12:53] [12:53] bring this up as a concern I'm [12:55] [12:55] hearing in the community about [12:57] [12:57] the long term relationship [12:58] between the city and gainesvil [13:00] le [13:00] housing authority and that it [13:02] [13:02] goes forward. [13:02] again, I say some of this to m [13:05] y [13:05] colleagues is about the tension [13:06] [13:06] we feel, the angst we feel, [13:10] we're trying to figure out eve [13:11] ry [13:11] last thing we do, limited [13:13] budget, but how we spend it wit [13:15] h [13:15] whom, which partners, we have [13:17] [13:17] several partners, some of them [13:22] [13:22] are private developers who we [13:26] [13:26] provide a substitute and it's a [13:31] [13:33] subsidy per door that brings t [13:34] he [13:34] prices down, even up to 120% of [13:36] [13:36] ami. [13:36] mr. Kiner thank you for being [13:41] [13:41] here. [13:41] it's a comment to my fellow [13:44] commissioners how we spend our [13:44] [13:45] money. [13:45] there's some concerns about the [13:51] [13:51] balance between having to keep [13:53] [13:53] enough money in all of our [13:56] partners pockets so they can [13:57] build new housing or do [14:00] renovations, what happens in th [14:01] e [14:01] meantime between now and then. [14:02] [14:02] how our neighbors have to live [14:04] [14:04] w they're being serviced by who [14:10] by whohey pay thr rent to. [14:10] that's all I got. [14:11] [ inaudible ] [14:17] >> our board has challenged us [14:19] , [14:19] we just completed a new [14:21] strategic plan that will take u [14:23] s [14:23] from 2025 to 2030. [14:25] has challenged us to bring bac [14:27] k [14:27] on line 600 housing [14:30] opportunities. [14:30] and an additional 100 through [14:33] [14:33] our instrumentality. [14:34] that's our goal, we're [14:35] aggressive pursuing that, [14:36] through things like the choice [14:38] [14:38] program, and also through rfa' [14:40] s [14:42] at the state level [14:46] >> mayor: very good. [14:47] we have multiple lights, [14:50] commissioner chestnut. [14:50] >> this facility is in my [14:55] neighborhood, and as I recall, [14:56] [14:56] the only thing that's been [14:58] renovated there has been the [14:59] parking lot. [14:59] but it is in very dire need of [15:05] [15:05] renovation, and I think that t [15:07] he [15:07] residents totally welcome this [15:11] . [15:11] and it's the facility that has [15:13] a [15:13] mixture of residents, and I [15:15] think that's what's very good [15:16] [15:16] about it as well. [15:16] >> mayor: thank you, [15:23] commissioner chestnut. [15:25] >> how many units? [15:26] >> it's 101 units. [15:32] it's a 60/40 split between one [15:35] [15:35] bedrooms and studios. [15:36] >> thank you. [15:38] I missed your initial comments [15:40] , [15:41] but I can certainly prern what [15:43] I' [15:43] I've heard thus far from my [15:44] colleagues, I would like to ask [15:47] [15:47] this. [15:47] when was the last time that we [15:49] [15:49] had a meeting with gha? [15:52] was it about two years ago, [15:55] three? [15:55] >> spring of '23? [15:58] >> it was april 4, 2023. [16:02] >> april 4 of 2023. [16:04] >> that was the date the [16:06] decision came out for the [16:07] choice. [16:07] >> I would like to see us meet [16:09] a [16:09] little more frequently. [16:10] >> no problem. [16:11] >> I think there is -- clearly [16:13] [16:13] we field a lot of questions tha [16:15] t [16:15] we can't or shouldn't even [16:17] attempt to answer, but also, I [16:18] n [16:18] light of our partnership, how I [16:21] t [16:21] may be expanding or what your [16:23] [16:23] desires are, I feel the need t [16:25] o [16:26] expand our opportunities to [16:26] speak with you, so I am curious [16:29] [16:30] about my colleagues and what [16:31] your thoughts are on maybe [16:35] literally slid fig an annual [16:37] meeting at least. [16:37] maybe something in -- with roo [16:40] m [16:40] to do something every six month [16:41] s [16:41] or quarterly, if you want to. [16:43] but I certainly would like to [16:45] [16:45] touch bases with gha on an [16:49] annual basis. [16:51] >> beginning as soon as [16:53] possible? [16:53] >> absolutely. [16:53] and that will be a motion. [16:55] >> mayor: would you like to [16:56] include that with a motion for [16:58] [16:58] staff recommendation or -- [16:59] >> sure, let me refresh my [17:02] memory on that. [17:02] and as you see I'm just sittin [17:05] g. [17:05] thank you. [17:06] so I move that the city [17:15] commission authorize the mayor [17:16] [17:17] to send a letter supporting the [17:18] [17:19] gainesville housing authority' [17:20] s [17:20] application to the u.s. [17:21] department of housing and urban [17:23] [17:23] development for the dispositio [17:24] n [17:25] and rehabilitation of the oak [17:30] [17:30] park development, and arrange [17:32] [17:32] for a meeting to take place at [17:34] [17:34] least annually with the gha to [17:37] [17:37] check in. [17:38] >> second. [17:38] >> mayor: we have a motion and [17:40] a [17:40] second. [17:40] we have one more light, then [17:43] we'll go to public comment. [17:44] >> I support the development. [17:47] clearly for oak park, it's in [17:51] [17:51] dire need as you said, mr. [17:53] manager, I don't know who [17:55] executes the letter, but the [17:57] letter itself, very minor, it [17:59] [17:59] doesn't have language, it [18:00] doesn't bring the full city [18:02] commission behind it, just the [18:03] [18:03] mayor at this point. [18:04] so whoever executes the letter [18:06] , [18:06] make sure that will benefit gh [18:09] a [18:10] for an amendment to the [18:12] template. [18:12] thank you, mr. Mayor. [18:13] >> thank you, commissioner book. [18:15] [18:15] >> I did too want to be specific [18:18] [18:18] in my comments about this [18:20] particular development, thank [18:21] [18:21] you for your attention to it. [18:22] I believe, and I said this [18:27] before from the dais, that it [18:28] is [18:28] a beautiful facility. [18:28] that needs some shining up, the [18:34] [18:34] atrium at the bottom is such a [18:36] n [18:36] asset. [18:36] I can't wait to see what you a [18:38] ll [18:38] do with the greenery down ther [18:40] e. [18:40] I have obviously been through, [18:43] [18:44] and I've seen the severe need [18:46] [18:46] for the renovation, so I'm [18:48] looking forward to that. [18:49] mr. Kiner, can you speak to wha [18:52] t [18:52] we should expect. [18:53] can you speak to what we should [18:56] [18:56] expect in terms of the overall [18:57] [18:58] renovation? [18:58] >> we're taking down to the [18:59] studs. [18:59] >> okay, thank you. [19:00] >> oak park needs love, it needs a lot [19:08] a lot of love. [19:08] we've dealt with a lot of [19:09] systems issues. [19:10] and it's hoard to keep up on [19:14] sustaining maintenance on a [19:15] property like that. [19:15] we redid the parking lot, we p [19:18] ut [19:18] a new roof on it about 10 years [19:20] [19:21] ago, some exterior coating, but [19:23] [19:23] down to the studs, new elevator, [19:26] [19:26] every apartment, every community [19:28] [19:28] amenity will be redone. [19:30] somewhere in the area of -- [19:32] between 39 and $40 so million o [19:35] f [19:35] redevelopment on oak park. [19:37] new building, but good bones. [19:39] just like you love the building, [19:41] [19:41] lovitz design, it just needs [19:45] some love. [19:46] >> every unit? [19:47] >> every unit. [19:48] >> I will say that you probabl [19:51] y [19:51] faced an issue with some water [19:53] [19:54] intrusion in there. [19:55] >> we face many issues. [19:56] >> I'm glad to hear we're going [20:01] [20:02] down to the studs. [20:02] >> total redevelopment. [20:03] >> thank you. [20:05] >> mayor: commissioner eastman [20:08] . [20:08] >> it's in district 4, it's a [20:12] [20:12] great society era, '50s, '60s [20:17] [20:17] era. [20:17] >> whatever, mid modern. [20:20] >> '68 I believe it was built. [20:22] [20:22] >> it definitely needs some [20:24] love. [20:24] I'm glad to see you guys put [20:28] some work into that. [20:29] can we get a reread of what the [20:31] [20:31] motion was? [20:32] I'm always happy to have joint [20:33] [20:35] conversations with other [20:36] governmental bodies, I want to [20:39] [20:39] know what we're committing to. [20:40] [20:40] >> I can reread it, approve -- [20:44] [20:45] as recommended and set a joint [20:46] [20:47] meeting for both boards to recu [20:48] r [20:48] annually. [20:48] >> I am happy to have a joint [20:55] [20:55] meeting. [20:55] I am more receipt sent to set u [20:59] s [20:59] up for something that we're now [21:00] [21:01] structuring for an annual [21:03] amount, if there's something [21:06] that's more ad-hoc if we have [21:08] [21:08] something to discuss. [21:09] I don't think we really -- [21:11] setting this up for an annual [21:13] [21:13] meeting, I think might be a bit [21:15] [21:16] much at this particular time, a [21:17] s [21:17] opposed to scheduling a meeting [21:21] [21:21] in the future, is my only [21:24] reticence about it. [21:24] >> mayor: thank you. [21:28] >> the gainesville housing [21:31] authority has a number of [21:34] facilities within its portfolio, [21:36] [21:36] and I think we would have a lot [21:38] [21:38] to talk about. [21:38] they have a lot of new projects [21:40] [21:41] they're bringing online, I thi [21:42] nk [21:42] there's always one meeting per [21:44] [21:44] year. [21:44] I don't think we'll struggle [21:48] with an agenda. [21:48] thank you. [21:48] >> mayor: thank you. [21:51] mr. Duncan walker? [21:53] are there any public comment? [21:56] >> no public comment. [21:56] >> mayor: all in favor? [21:59] >> aye. [22:02] ma [22:02] >> mayor: that passed [22:04] unanimously. [22:04] we will get that letter [22:05] procsed as quily as [22:06] possible. [22:06] >> mr. Mayor, I did neglect to [22:15] [22:15] call for early public comment, [22:17] [22:18] but there is none, so we're mov [22:21] e [22:21] on to f1, 2026-164 discuss cit [22:24] y [22:26] manager recruitment time line. [22:28] [22:28] >> mayor: let me preface real [22:30] [22:30] quick. [22:30] I appreciate you bringing this [22:31] [22:31] forward and look forward to my [22:33] [22:34] colleagues comments. [22:34] I will say, as I have said [22:40] before, it's going to cost us [22:43] [22:43] between 50,000 and $100,000 to [22:45] [22:46] do a search. [22:49] and given the free state of [22:58] florida, given lots and lots o [23:03] f [23:03] things, have a hard time [23:06] believing we're going to spend [23:07] [23:07] $100,000 and come out with a [23:09] different product than what we [23:11] [23:11] have in front of us right now. [23:12] [23:12] I do not believe this process I [23:16] s [23:16] necessary. [23:16] I think we should stick with [23:18] what we have, frankly. [23:19] that's my thought, I wanted to [23:22] [23:22] preface that. [23:22] >> good morning, laura gretz, [23:27] [23:27] human resources director of [23:29] gainesville. [23:29] happy to be before you today, a [23:33] s [23:33] you'll recall. [23:34] sorry, let me grab this real [23:36] quick. [23:36] just a bit of background on [23:38] october 20, 2025, mr. Andrew [23:42] persons was named as the interim [23:43] [23:43] city manager by the commission [23:45] . [23:45] we met on october 23 of 2025 t [23:50] o [23:50] discuss what a recruitment [23:53] search would like like if the [23:54] [23:54] commission opted to go in that [23:56] [23:57] direction. [23:57] and during that meeting, we [23:59] agreed to come back. [23:59] it was in march, but we shifted [24:03] [24:03] it to this meeting, here we ar [24:06] e [24:06] april 2nd to discuss it. [24:07] just a brief refresher on how w [24:09] e [24:09] got here. [24:10] this is a reiteration of some o [24:12] f [24:12] the talking points that we [24:14] discussed back in october. [24:15] some of which -- some of the [24:20] uncertainties may be a bit [24:22] clearer is my best way to say [24:23] that, but at the time, we had [24:28] [24:28] not received from the state of [24:31] [24:31] florida -- [24:32] [ inaudible ] [24:32] and have some more insight fro [24:34] m [24:34] what their findings were. [24:35] there was a gru referendum tha [24:38] t [24:38] was currently in litigation, I [24:40] t [24:40] remains in litigation, in [24:41] addition to what we discussed I [24:43] n [24:43] october, as we're all well [24:44] aware, there was some actual [24:49] state legislation that has bee [24:49] n [24:50] passed by house and senate, but [24:51] [24:52] remains at the desk of the [24:53] governor currently. [24:54] we talked about the need for [24:57] momentum and stability. [24:57] and I think I heard a series o [25:00] f [25:01] meetings since mr. Persons too [25:02] k [25:02] on this role that that is [25:04] something we've been able to s [25:05] ee [25:05] materialize. [25:05] and as a reminder, and the may [25:08] or [25:08] just discussed that, there is a [25:10] [25:10] cost associated if you chose t [25:12] o [25:12] move forward with the [25:14] recruitment, and could range [25:15] anywhere from 22 to just shy o [25:17] f [25:17] $100,000. [25:17] as a reminder, the process tak [25:21] es [25:21] 16 to 20 months. [25:22] and when we had met back in [25:25] october, we talked about [25:29] consideration the budget [25:29] preparation we do here at the [25:31] [25:31] city as well as upcoming [25:33] commission elections in august [25:34] . [25:34] so I did not share this [25:37] information at the last meetin [25:38] g. [25:38] and it's just a reminder to kin [25:40] d [25:40] of walk you through the [25:43] different steps in the process, [25:44] [25:44] I think it will help in our nex [25:46] t [25:46] slide of discussion. [25:47] the key point to remember is, [25:52] [25:52] it's about in the 3rd or 4th [25:56] month when the commission would [25:57] [25:57] select candidates to bring [25:59] forward and interview those [26:01] candidates. [26:01] I think that's relevant as we [26:05] [26:05] talk about the options. [26:06] so in october. [26:07] I just brought one visual for [26:10] [26:10] you all to consider. [26:11] based on the discussions and [26:13] comments from the commission [26:14] october, I brought forth [26:17] two options based on the [26:19] feedback we were hearing when w [26:21] e [26:21] last met. [26:22] option one looks at starting t [26:25] he [26:25] search in august. [26:26] you can see our fiscal year for [26:28] [26:28] october, for fiscal year 27 [26:31] begins in october. [26:32] and if there were runoff [26:35] elections that would be needed [26:36] [26:36] that occur in november, it giv [26:40] es [26:40] a smidge of time for any [26:45] commissioners to be part of th [26:46] at [26:46] final selection process. [26:47] the second option is below, [26:50] where commission elections occ [26:54] ur [26:54] in august. [26:54] at that point if the comment [26:57] commissioners are re-elected a [26:59] nd [26:59] there's no runoff needed we kno [27:02] w [27:02] who they are, and they can be [27:04] [27:04] part of the process from the [27:06] beginning, if there are runoff [27:07] s, [27:07] they're able to be candidates a [27:11] s [27:11] part of the selection. [27:12] so I will leave it to you all [27:14] to [27:14] discuss at this time. [27:15] >> mayor: very good. [27:17] thank you. [27:17] commission eastman? [27:19] >> thank you. [27:20] mr. Mayor. [27:22] so the -- so it -- the last cit [27:31] y [27:31] manager, we did a public search [27:34] [27:34] around 2020 -- [27:36] >> I believe it was for the [27:37] acting city manager. [27:38] >> yes, I'm just a little bit - [27:41] - [27:41] >> for the -- so cynthia curry [27:46] [27:46] came in, she had come in, I [27:48] think we selected her, there w [27:49] as [27:49] not an active search for that, [27:51] [27:51] correct? [27:51] >> yes, mayor and commissioner, [27:54] I wasn't in this role at the [27:56] time, I recall there was a [27:58] search, I believe it was for t [27:59] he [27:59] acting position, and then miss [28:02] [28:02] curry was selected as the actin [28:04] g [28:04] city manager and was [28:06] subsequently appointed after a [28:07] [28:07] period of time. [28:07] >> okay, and then prior to that [28:10] , [28:10] we did, we had an acting, but [28:14] [28:14] then we had a public search, I [28:22] s [28:22] that correct? [28:22] >> I believe that's correct, [28:23] yes. [28:23] >> we ask all of our employees, [28:26] [28:26] I guess we have hr here. [28:28] generally speaking for our [28:30] employees, we do panels, public [28:31] [28:32] services, I'm sure there are [28:33] instances where you may select [28:34] [28:34] someone to come into the city [28:36] [28:36] that is not through that [28:37] process, that's generally the [28:40] [28:40] process, correct? [28:40] >> correct. [28:41] our employee process says [28:43] generally, we will conduct a [28:45] search for our positions. [28:46] there are circ umstances in whi [28:50] ch [28:50] we elect direct hires, it's [28:54] usually based on the can dwi [28:56] date's specific experiences. [28:56] what the needs are of the [28:58] organization at the time, if I [28:59] t [28:59] seems to be a good match, [29:01] sometimes a decision is made t [29:02] o [29:03] conduct a direct hire. [29:03] >> I think our system of [29:07] government is a funny one, the [29:09] re [29:09] are seven of us here, we're the [29:12] [29:13] legislative branch, we don't [29:15] communicate with one another. [29:16] so the city manager ends up [29:19] being a strong mayor type role [29:20] , [29:21] but working for the seven of u [29:23] s [29:24] as it goes forward. [29:24] it is far and away the most [29:27] important decision we make as a [29:28] [29:28] city. [29:28] it -- I would say our city is [29:32] [29:32] more defined even by which cit [29:33] y [29:34] managers we had at various tim [29:36] es [29:36] and who we have sitting in the [29:38] se [29:38] seats. [29:38] I think having a public search [29:41] [29:42] for something as important as [29:43] [29:43] this makes a lot of sense for [29:45] [29:45] our employees otherwise, I lik [29:48] e [29:50] the idea of looking around [29:52] the -- and I think it ends up [29:54] [29:54] coming into that role, whether [29:55] [29:55] it be our acting or not our [29:57] acting, however it goes. [29:58] it gives legitimacy that they [30:01] [30:01] went through the same process [30:03] [30:03] every other city did. [30:04] they've been selected by the [30:06] city commission, and meeting t [30:08] he [30:08] community, introducing [30:09] themselves, I think that's a [30:11] good process, I don't -- I thi [30:14] nk [30:14] when cynthia curry was coming I [30:16] n [30:16] before us acting. [30:17] we're going through a period [30:19] where we needed someone to com [30:20] e [30:21] in, step into the role, we are [30:23] [30:23] now in a place where -- there's [30:26] [30:26] always uncertainties, this [30:28] question as to what the future [30:29] [30:30] holds. [30:30] where we stand now, I don't see [30:32] [30:32] this getting any better. [30:33] I think the process is what the [30:35] [30:35] process is, and we should [30:37] probably go forward with our [30:37] standard process. [30:38] >> thank you, commissioner [30:41] eastman. [30:41] commissioner chestnut? [30:43] >> and I think we owe it to the [30:46] [30:46] public to do a search, a [30:50] thorough search. [30:51] so that they can see the [30:55] competition, whose available o [30:56] ut [30:56] there, but a public search is [31:00] [31:00] something that I totally [31:01] support. [31:01] and I would look at option one [31:04] [31:04] in terms of time. [31:07] time line. [31:08] I just don't see delaying the [31:10] [31:10] beginning of the process to [31:12] october. [31:12] I'll be happy to place that as [31:23] a [31:23] motion later on if others wish [31:25] [31:25] to comment. [31:26] >> mayor: thank you. [31:28] commissioner willits? [31:28] >> there's always uncertainty, [31:30] [31:35] and I was looking at option 2. [31:37] [31:37] if the legislature passes a [31:43] constitutional amendment on [31:44] taxes, people who have applied [31:45] [31:46] may be like, no, that's not a [31:48] [31:48] battle I want to fight, about [31:50] [31:50] how you completely refigure [31:52] local government while everyon [31:53] e [31:53] in the state is also doing it. [31:58] [31:58] we have a little more recent [32:04] knowledge of communities not [32:07] having to make these decisions [32:08] [32:09] recently. [32:09] I think elections should have [32:13] [32:13] consequences. [32:13] that like voters should be abl [32:14] e [32:15] to vote for things, and every [32:19] [32:19] decision a city makes should n [32:20] ot [32:20] be shielded from democracy, in [32:22] a [32:23] way that's like, we're going t [32:25] o [32:25] make all these decisions right [32:26] [32:26] before an election, as opposed [32:28] [32:28] to, okay, since we're already in [32:30] [32:30] this range, where it's like, o [32:31] h, [32:31] maybe it could be done after, [32:33] [32:33] decisions could be made [32:34] afterwards, so if this is a big [32:36] [32:37] issue, then elections can [32:39] matter -- you know, people [32:41] that -- our voters can talk [32:42] about like, this is what we wan [32:44] t [32:44] in a city manager or city staf [32:46] f, [32:46] city charters in general. [32:49] we ran two elections here, whe [32:51] re [32:51] we wanted the elections to [32:53] matter, where the voters wante [32:55] d [32:55] to bring gru back under us. [32:57] someone's changing the rules a [32:59] nd [32:59] making it this impenetrable, [33:02] nothing can happen. [33:03] doesn't matter how you vote, w [33:06] ho [33:06] you elect, nothing can happen. [33:07] [33:07] I like option 2 just for the [33:09] sake of, if this is something [33:12] [33:12] that is so important or off, [33:13] that people need an election, t [33:16] o [33:16] say, no, no, we really want mor [33:18] e [33:18] candidates, x candidate or just [33:21] [33:22] generally, we want a city [33:24] manager, the whole process, I [33:27] [33:27] lean toward option 2. [33:27] I like this idea of having thi [33:30] [33:30] public search, I'll remind us [33:32] [33:32] the budget is $466 million [33:35] total. [33:35] the idea of spending 22 or [33:37] 99,000 on a search for -- as [33:40] eastman said, it's our most [33:42] consequential decision. [33:45] and sometimes we make it quick [33:48] [33:48] and fill in the gap of what we [33:50] [33:50] need immediately, and sometimes [33:52] [33:52] we can make it looking forward [33:53] [33:56] into the unknown. [33:57] I like option 2 particularly [34:01] because of the opportunity to - [34:02] - [34:02] if the voters, the legislature [34:04] [34:04] and the voters pass a ballot [34:08] measure or to a very large [34:09] degree. [34:09] I would hate to be in option o [34:14] ne [34:14] and then all our candidates dro [34:16] p [34:16] out right at the end, as oppos [34:18] ed [34:18] to, they may drop out in [34:20] november, and then we know a [34:21] little more of where we're at. [34:23] [34:23] I lean toward option 2. [34:26] and also to commissioner [34:29] chestnut's point, we owe it to [34:31] [34:31] the public, it may very well be [34:33] , [34:33] I you is suspect if the [34:36] candidates say, their current [34:39] [34:39] interim is about taking names, [34:40] [34:40] they themselves probably won't [34:41] [34:42] apply. [34:42] why am I going to apply for [34:45] something where it looks like [34:46] [34:46] it's going well. [34:47] they will be able to see the [34:54] names we can't see. [34:54] other city managers mand [34:56] say, no, no, no this is [34:58] something I offer, that -- [35:00] >> I support option 2. [35:01] because of both elections, and [35:03] [35:03] then also the consequence of [35:05] knowing a little bit about [35:08] whether there's going to be a [35:09] measure. [35:09] I suspect there may be a ballo [35:12] t [35:13] measure of some sort, which one [35:14] [35:14] it is. [35:15] in a month or two. [35:16] thank you, mr. Mayor. [35:17] >> thank you, commissioner [35:21] willits, commissioner ingle? [35:24] >> I would say, in general the [35:26] [35:26] idea of doing a search -- I [35:31] think the last time we did a [35:34] public search for a city [35:36] manager, the city was in prett [35:39] y [35:39] rough shape, we've been cycling [35:41] [35:41] through a lot of people, we we [35:42] re [35:42] looking for someone who could [35:44] [35:44] change the direction things wer [35:45] e [35:45] going. [35:45] and it worked pretty well. We [35:48] we found someone that did an [35:50] amazing job. [35:51] I don't think we're in that sam [35:53] e [35:53] situation. [35:53] right now, things have been [35:55] steady, I think we kind of bui [35:58] lt [35:58] on that stability. [35:59] so I feel like we're in a [36:02] different situation, and I'm n [36:03] ot [36:03] entirely sure we need to do a [36:06] [36:06] search, if we have a qualified [36:08] [36:08] person that's already doing tha [36:09] t [36:09] job. [36:09] I'm not 100% on that one way o [36:12] r [36:12] another. [36:12] I could see the advantage of [36:14] putting that out there, and [36:16] looking at, that's not a hill [36:18] I'm going to die on. [36:19] I can see both sides of it. [36:22] I would say, I am a bigger fan [36:25] [36:25] of option number two. [36:27] mostly because as we said, thi [36:30] s [36:30] is going to be a very [36:37] consequential decision. [36:38] starting the first part of [36:39] january, we're going to have a [36:41] t [36:41] least one new commissioner and [36:43] [36:43] potentially four new [36:44] commissioners. [36:44] so I would think if we're [36:46] looking at a long term -- [36:50] something that's going to have [36:51] [36:51] that big of an impact, I think [36:53] [36:55] it makes sense to wait until [36:58] we've got the new commission [37:00] seated and those people that are [37:01] goin [37:01] goin to be dealing with this [37:03] new city manager potentially n [37:04] ew [37:04] city manager. [37:05] have the ability to weigh-in o [37:13] n [37:13] that. [37:13] regardless of whether there's a [37:15] [37:15] runoff or not, those new [37:17] commissioners will not be part [37:19] [37:19] of this board until january. [37:20] so that option 2 makes a lot o [37:23] f [37:23] sense to me, and I think [37:25] commissioner willits makes a [37:27] good point, a whole lot of [37:28] things change in november, [37:30] depending on what goes on on t [37:32] he [37:32] state level. [37:33] I'm sorry, I said that option 2 [37:34] [37:35] makes more sense, plus, we're [37:39] [37:39] pushed past budget season. [37:41] that's where I am. [37:42] >> thank you, commissioner [37:44] ingle. [37:44] commissioner book? [37:45] >> thank you. [37:46] hr manager, I'm in agreement [37:49] with several of my colleagues, [37:50] [37:51] as it relates to legitimacy and [37:53] [37:53] trust, you follow process, and [37:54] [37:54] you've had to do that for many [37:56] [37:56] other employees across all [37:59] ranges in an organization, [38:00] that's how you instill to them [38:01] [38:02] we follow the same rules at the [38:03] [38:03] same time for the same group, I [38:05] [38:05] think that's really important. [38:06] [38:06] this is notwithstanding the fac [38:08] t [38:08] that the interim city manager I [38:11] s [38:11] doing an excellent job. [38:12] that's a fact. [38:12] I think that's not arguable [38:15] but that's different from when [38:18] [38:18] we follow process. [38:19] miss manager, if you were to [38:23] pursue a process in hire, do yo [38:25] u [38:25] have a preference for one of [38:29] these options? [38:29] >> mayor and commissioner, we [38:31] [38:31] could make either of those work [38:33] . [38:33] because we're in april right [38:34] now, we have ample time to [38:37] prepare for that, we should be [38:38] [38:39] fine. [38:39] I appreciate the consideration. [38:41] [38:41] >> well, I was thinking about [38:43] [38:43] that, and also the last two [38:45] processes we did for charter [38:46] officers, our city leaders, we [38:49] [38:49] did go through the process. [38:49] we followed process, and we had [38:53] [38:54] internal candidate, and here's [38:55] [38:55] the internal candidate. [38:57] and we had an external [38:59] candidate, and there he is [39:01] sitting at the back. [39:02] we had tremendous skill and [39:05] continuity, as commissioner [39:07] engle was talking about very [39:09] different than we were in 2022 [39:10] , [39:11] and I like what you said, [39:13] commissioner eastman. [39:14] you want to make sure that [39:15] employees feel that we're doing [39:16] [39:18] the same thing. [39:20] so I do favor a process, I thi [39:22] nk [39:22] it's probably the best way to [39:26] [39:26] instill the legitimacy and [39:27] trust, and I hope the candidates [39:29] [39:29] rise to the top, that's what you [39:31] [39:31] want. [39:31] internal or external. [39:34] I don't have a preference for [39:37] [39:37] option, but doi o support the [39:39] [39:39] external process. [39:40] >> mayor: thank you, [39:42] commissioner book. [39:42] is there any public comment? [39:45] >> yes, ron rawles. [39:48] >> mayor: welcome, pastor [39:51] rawles. [39:51] >> I think we should definitel [39:55] y [39:56] have a search. [39:57] I think communication is [40:00] extremely important from our [40:01] side when we're dealing with th [40:02] e [40:02] city, and so sometimes what you [40:06] [40:06] feel you have, the relationshi [40:08] ps [40:08] you feel you have, you may not [40:10] [40:11] find you have those [40:12] relationships until you need [40:13] something. [40:13] and so recently, we tried to [40:16] assist one of our senior [40:19] citizens. [40:19] I had a horrible experience [40:23] trying to deal with a person I [40:25] n [40:26] permitting, and so I walked it [40:28] [40:28] up the ladder, didn't get [40:32] response from the director ove [40:33] r [40:33] in permitting, tried to walk it [40:36] [40:36] up the ladder, couldn't get a [40:38] [40:38] response from the city manager' [40:40] s [40:40] office. [40:40] and so we need more than a [40:45] smile. [40:45] I need to know if we need to communic [40:49] communicate with you to get som [40:50] e [40:50] clarification that we have tha [40:53] t [40:54] ability. [40:54] not your previous city manager, [40:56] [40:56] but the one before that that w [40:58] as [40:58] a horrible experience. Th [41:00] the previous manager was a goo [41:07] d [41:07] experience. [41:07] you could communicate, walk it [41:09] [41:09] up the ladder and follow the [41:10] process. [41:10] as citizens, we need to have a [41:15] n [41:16] input to see who it is that [41:22] applies, the credentials and [41:25] have a feel that we're heard [41:27] from our side. [41:28] this is no complaint against mr. [41:30] [41:30] persons, but I do feel that we [41:31] [41:33] need to have a -- for our [41:35] comfort and our ease, to make [41:40] [41:40] sure that it's nothing you get [41:41] [41:42] from entitlement or a few peopl [41:44] e [41:44] like you. [41:44] it's because the community [41:46] trusts the leadership that we' [41:47] re [41:47] about to spend $55,000 on a [41:53] private company to make sure [41:55] that they can be sustained. [42:02] we're about to give away $55,000 [42:04] [42:04] to a private entity that's for [42:07] [42:08] profit, definitely we could [42:10] spend $100,000 to make sure we [42:12] [42:13] have a great leader. [42:13] >> mayor: thank you, pastor [42:18] rawles. [42:18] >> that was our last speaker. [42:22] >> mayor: commissioner duncan [42:26] [42:26] walker? [42:26] >> my comments are brief. [42:28] I support the public process fo [42:30] r [42:30] most of the reasons most of us [42:31] [42:31] have stated up here today. [42:32] I have had the opportunity to [42:35] [42:35] watch the community really [42:36] enjoy, and not just get [42:38] something out of, but be able t [42:40] o [42:40] provide what I consider valuable [42:41] [42:41] input to us, when they've had [42:43] [42:43] the opportunity to interact wit [42:45] h [42:45] those individuals who were [42:47] applying for this position in [42:48] [42:48] the meet and greets and in the [42:55] [42:56] varying ways they can when the [42:58] [42:58] process is public. [42:58] it's accessibility, it's [43:04] transparency, and it's the kin [43:05] d [43:06] of trust we need to continue t [43:07] o [43:07] build with the public, so [43:11] certainly I support that. [43:11] I'm on the fence about the tim [43:13] e [43:14] frames, because while part of m [43:16] e [43:16] would like to jump into it. [43:19] another part of me thinks from [43:20] [43:20] the perspective of where we may [43:22] [43:23] be down the line, and that lev [43:26] el [43:26] of just not knowing who will b [43:27] e [43:27] here, and I remember some [43:30] comments by some of my [43:31] colleagues who are here with u [43:32] s [43:32] now about wishing they had had [43:34] [43:34] the desire to be a part of the [43:37] [43:38] process n making a selection [43:40] that occurred just before they [43:41] [43:41] got here. [43:42] I'm sensitive to throws types o [43:44] f [43:44] things, if I put myself in that [43:46] [43:46] situation, where I had just [43:48] missed that opportunity and [43:49] literally the individuals who [43:50] [43:50] were a port of that process, [43:52] were no longer at the dais, tha [43:53] t [43:53] would really be something. [43:56] I'd like to get down to [43:58] business, absolutely, but I als [44:00] o [44:00] am sensitive to the fact that [44:03] [44:03] whoever is sitting at this dai [44:05] s [44:05] should be a part of making tha [44:10] t [44:10] decision in who they will have [44:11] [44:12] the opportunity to work with, [44:13] [44:13] when they're seated here. [44:14] I'll conclude my comments with [44:16] [44:17] that but the public being [44:18] involved in this process is [44:20] really my most important piece [44:21] . [44:21] >> thank you, commissioner [44:25] duncan walker. [44:26] commissioner eastman? [44:27] >> thank you. [44:27] before I spoke on doing the [44:29] public process, before I do [44:30] that, I want to say, mr. Mayor [44:33] [44:33] in the last process that we ha [44:35] d, [44:35] where we were deciding about - [44:37] - [44:38] when you first came into office [44:39] , [44:39] there was a slew of -- everyon [44:41] e [44:42] was interim at that point. [44:43] one permanent. [44:45] you made the recommendation to [44:47] ma [44:47] make all of those -- to move [44:48] from interim to the permanent [44:53] [44:53] positions. [44:53] that was brand new in the role. [44:54] [44:54] I would say you were 100% right [44:57] abou [44:57] about that. We [44:57] we had no idea what we were [44:59] about to go through. [45:00] there's no way we could have [45:02] told the future, I was thankful [45:04] [45:04] for you for taking that kind o [45:05] f [45:05] a stance, and in this instance [45:07] , [45:08] I -- I still feel now as I do [45:10] [45:10] then, that this is an important [45:12] [45:13] process to go through. [45:15] but just to give some credence [45:17] [45:17] to what your point was at the [45:24] [45:24] time. [45:24] I am in favor, but I didn't get [45:27] [45:27] into option one or option two, [45:29] I [45:30] support commissioner chestnut's, [45:32] what you said about option one, [45:33] [45:34] I think there's always going t [45:35] o be [45:35] be more questions, more thought [45:36] s [45:36] as to where we -- you know, that [45:39] [45:39] we could hold this off for [45:41] longer, I think it's important [45:42] [45:42] to get someone in that is [45:44] permanent and get this done as [45:45] [45:46] opposed to have this holdout for [45:47] [45:47] a while. [45:47] regardless of what we do, I'll [45:49] [45:50] point out this ends. [45:51] if you look at the time line, we [45:54] [45:54] are interviewing folks, and this [45:55] [45:55] comes to a decision point in [45:59] december. [45:59] we do the final employment [46:03] agreement in week 16, we selec [46:04] t [46:05] the charter officer week 14 and [46:08] [46:08] 15. [46:08] there's ample opportunity for [46:10] [46:10] whoever runs and wins, which m [46:12] ay [46:12] end in august, aas opposed to [46:15] [46:15] november and december. [46:16] even if there is a runoff for [46:19] [46:19] that person to come in and hav [46:20] e [46:20] a say in that. [46:20] I would rather just have this. [46:22] [46:22] I would rather get this done, [46:24] [46:24] have this off the table and be [46:26] [46:26] able to move through to other [46:28] [46:28] priorities. [46:28] I would support option one. [46:30] thank you. [46:30] >> mayor: thank you, [46:33] commissioner eastman, [46:34] commissioner willits? [46:38] >> thank you, mayor. [46:39] new commissioners may have a [46:41] say, which I like input, but a [46:43] [46:43] say is a vote, you know, and t [46:45] he [46:45] thing is, we go with option 1, [46:47] [46:47] you can literally have a [46:50] majority of this commission [46:51] that's not going to work with [46:52] [46:52] this new manager. [46:54] not people who lose an electio [46:56] n [46:56] are going to say -- oh, I'm [46:58] going to stick you with the dud [47:00] [47:00] or something, but they won't [47:02] have to face the consequences of [47:04] [47:04] working with the next manager. [47:06] [47:06] and I have a lot of trust in m [47:08] y [47:09] colleagues, we try to do what' [47:10] s [47:11] right, kind of for the long [47:13] term, not necessarily what an [47:14] [47:14] individual needs or wants, wha [47:16] t [47:16] the community needs or wants. [47:18] that's why I lean toward optio [47:20] n [47:20] two, I get a -- I don't always [47:22] [47:22] think that we should have to [47:24] like -- there's always going t [47:25] o [47:25] be an election, an issue, if w [47:29] e [47:29] were doing this last fall, wou [47:30] ld [47:30] I have said yeah, let's get it [47:32] [47:32] done right there. [47:33] in my mind, we're close enough [47:35] , [47:36] looking out that, okay, make [47:37] this that process, and the new [47:39] [47:40] commissioners would be able to [47:41] [47:42] in january -- even in october, [47:43] [47:44] they will know who applicants [47:48] [47:48] are. [47:48] by december, know who the [47:51] finalists are, there's a [47:52] process, and they can hit the [47:54] [47:54] ground in january, having [47:58] conversations and be able to [48:00] vote, that's what I lean toward [48:01] [48:01] too. [48:01] thanks. [48:01] >> mayor: thank you, [48:06] commissioner chestnut? [48:08] >> yes, I just want to add, [48:10] commissioner eastman was elected [48:12] [48:12] in august and could not be [48:16] seated until january. [48:17] we involved him in each -- he [48:19] [48:19] was invited to sit at the table [48:21] [48:22] in each discussion, so that he [48:23] [48:23] was involved in the process. [48:25] while he did not have a vote, h [48:29] e [48:29] had a voice. [48:29] and we heard his voice. [48:32] so that's why I was going with [48:34] [48:34] option one, because I think -- [48:38] I [48:38] suspect all of you will be [48:41] re-elected in august, except f [48:45] or [48:45] one -- [48:47] [ inaudible ] [48:48] and you'll be at the table unt [48:49] il [48:49] we begin that process in [48:51] january. [48:51] thank you. [48:51] >> mayor: thank you. [48:54] commissioner chestnut, I [48:56] appreciate your optimism, but I [49:00] [49:00] do want us to be mindful that [49:04] [49:04] because of what we've said, thi [49:06] s [49:06] is likely -- or at least [49:08] potentially to become a campaig [49:10] n [49:10] issue if we do it with option [49:14] [49:14] one. [49:14] I don't think you want to chose [49:20] [49:20] a city manager by ballot, that' [49:25] s [49:25] not our system. [49:26] I'm not saying it's a bad [49:28] system, but that's not what our [49:29] [49:30] system is supposed to be. [49:34] I for that reason would be more [49:37] [49:37] comfortable with making it [49:38] option two. [49:39] if there are four new people [49:41] here, I want to make sure they [49:42] [49:42] get a vote. [49:43] the one we know is going to be [49:45] [49:45] different, gets a vote on who [49:50] [49:50] they're going to be working wit [49:51] h [49:51] as city manager. [49:52] I'm generally open to the other [49:54] [49:55] one, but the politicization of [49:58] [49:58] it leads me to option 2. [50:01] and I want to say, also, [50:05] commissioner willits, I hear [50:06] what you're saying about the [50:08] property tax vote and that sor [50:09] t [50:10] of thing, anyone who might app [50:14] ly [50:14] who is anyone we want to hire [50:16] is [50:16] already watching that they're [50:17] [50:17] already on it. [50:18] and if they're not again, [50:20] they're probably not someone w [50:23] e [50:25] want to hire. [50:27] everything that we take for [50:30] granted because we're in the [50:31] middle of it, people from the [50:32] [50:32] outside are saying, is that [50:35] something I want? [50:37] but I would just caution us wit [50:40] h [50:40] that. [50:40] and again, that probably seeks [50:42] [50:43] better to option two. [50:44] I'm open to option 2. [50:51] >> I'll try not to say the sam [50:54] e [50:54] thing twice. [50:55] I would like to throw another [51:00] [51:00] reason on why I'm in favor of [51:02] [51:02] option 2. [51:04] is that, just the other things [51:06] [51:06] going on at the time. [51:07] in august you were looking at [51:09] [51:09] elections that I think a lot o [51:10] f [51:11] us would be focused on, and the [51:13] n [51:13] september you were going to be [51:14] [51:14] looking at the middle of budge [51:16] t [51:16] season, which is probably one o [51:19] f [51:19] the most intense things we do. [51:21] [51:21] and it seems like a lot of [51:23] overlap to start this process I [51:26] n [51:26] the middle of. [51:27] if this is going to be a long [51:30] [51:30] process, I just assume it be t [51:31] he [51:31] focus of what we're doing, I [51:34] think option two puts the bulk [51:35] of [51:35] of that work into a time that w [51:37] e [51:37] usually got the ability to foc [51:39] us [51:39] on that issue, instead of [51:42] looking at the budget, looking [51:44] [51:44] at all these other things that [51:46] [51:46] are going on. [51:46] I'm an option 2 fan, but that' [51:48] s [51:48] where I stand on that. [51:48] >> mayor: thank you, [51:52] commissioner ingle. [51:53] commissioner book. [51:53] >> just hearing so many comment [51:56] s [51:56] makes me lean toward the first [51:58] [51:58] option. [51:58] and the reason for that, I [52:00] always like to depoliticize [52:08] anything we're doing. [52:09] I know people will know we're [52:13] [52:13] looking at decisions, whether I [52:15] t [52:15] benefits us or doesn't benefit [52:16] [52:16] us. [52:16] the least political decision w [52:22] e [52:22] can make, we always have [52:24] tremendous amounts of other big [52:25] [52:25] things going on. [52:26] I think the fact that anybody, [52:28] [52:28] even if I'm not rerunning, for [52:31] [52:31] example, you -- I feel like I [52:33] [52:33] will have a voice regardless. [52:34] I'm going to support either [52:36] option, I think the process is [52:38] [52:38] much more important than any o [52:40] ne [52:40] of us. [52:41] but I think taking any of the, [52:43] [52:43] who's going to be elected and [52:45] [52:45] who's going to be sitting up [52:46] here out of the equation is [52:49] possible, even though people [52:50] will give, they will think tha [52:52] t [52:53] we may have explanations that [52:54] [52:54] lean toward one or the other I [52:57] s [52:58] important. [52:58] that's just me. [53:00] >> mayor: thank you, [53:00] commissioner book. [53:01] does someone want to make a [53:07] motion, commissioner chestnut? [53:08] [53:08] >> it looks like we would have [53:13] [53:13] support, total support for [53:14] option two, so I will move tha [53:17] t [53:18] we begin the search process and [53:21] [53:22] start that process beginning I [53:26] n [53:26] october. [53:26] hopefully to conclude in [53:28] february. [53:28] >> second. [53:29] >> mayor: we have a motion and [53:30] a [53:31] second. [53:31] all in favor? [53:32] >> aye. [53:33] >> mayor: any opposed? [53:34] that passes unanimously. [53:34] thank you all for the excellent [53:38] [53:39] conversation on that. [53:42] and miss gretz you have your [53:46] work ahead of you. [53:47] >> we're on to 2026-225 public [53:55] [53:56] works department update. [53:58] >> mayor: welcome. [53:59] >> good morning mr. Mayor, [54:02] commissioners. [54:02] this is our very first public [54:06] [54:06] works departmentwide update. [54:06] and I know there are a lot of [54:08] [54:08] slides -- it will be a longer [54:10] [54:10] presentation than what we'll d [54:11] o [54:11] in the future, but we'll try to [54:13] [54:13] keep it rolling through. [54:14] I want to talk about the [54:24] origination of public works, [54:26] started in 1933, with the new [54:29] [54:29] deal and the public works [54:31] administration, and the civil [54:35] [54:35] conservation core. [54:36] streets, highways, bridges, [54:41] hospitals, even though the pwa [54:42] [54:42] was short lived it shut down in [54:44] [54:44] 1944, it created a lot of [54:46] infrastructure, including the [54:49] [54:49] hoover dam, which I think I hav [54:50] e [54:50] the right pointer. [54:51] >> mayor: I was going to ask you [54:53] [54:53] what district that was in. [54:53] >> and the reason why I -- the [54:59] [54:59] hoover dam started in 1931, so [55:01] [55:02] before the public works [55:03] administration, it was finished [55:04] [55:05] with the help of pwa. [55:08] I chose to use that photo, [55:17] because it was named after [55:20] herbert hoover. [55:21] we also have some gainesville [55:24] [55:24] area, early public works, and [55:27] [55:27] that includes the bullwart [55:32] springs, it started in 1891, a [55:34] nd [55:34] it was part of the city's first [55:36] [55:37] municipal water utility, until [55:40] [55:40] 1913, and then it later [55:43] functioned as an auxiliary wat [55:45] er [55:45] source. [55:45] now it's an historic place. [55:47] I included in a smaller level, [55:50] the apwa acronym, so we [55:57] are -- [55:58] [ inaudible ] [55:58] it was founded originally in [56:00] 1937, and we've been a long [56:02] accredited member, what does [56:04] that mean in short terms? [56:05] it means we follow a certain [56:07] standard of policies and [56:08] procedures, and we implement a [56:11] [56:11] best management, standard [56:13] practice of work that meets the [56:16] [56:16] pwa standards. [56:18] we go through an accreditation [56:22] [56:22] process for years. [56:23] we're one of 172 agencies in [56:28] north america and canada that [56:29] [56:29] are credited. [56:30] and 27 in florida. [56:32] we're currently going through [56:34] [56:34] the reaccreditation process no [56:38] w. [56:38] just real quick on our public [56:41] [56:41] works mission, it's to basically [56:43] [56:43] enhance the quality life for [56:46] gainesville community by [56:48] maintaining and managing our [56:52] infrastructure and solid waste [56:54] [56:55] services. [56:55] we do have a lot of assets tha [56:58] t [56:58] we manage, that includes 401 [57:02] center line miles of road. [57:04] sidewalks, 205 miles, we hav [57:08] some significant assets out [57:09] there. [57:09] traffic infrastructure, we hav [57:13] e [57:14] 251 interconnected traffic [57:16] signals, we maintain the entire [57:18] [57:18] traffic signals for the county [57:19] , [57:19] that includes ourselves, dot, [57:22] [57:22] alachua county, and what we cal [57:23] l [57:23] the seven cities. [57:24] if I can remember them all, [57:27] archer, alatch way, high [57:30] springs, micanopy, waldo, and I [57:33] [57:33] think I hit them all, newberry. [57:34] [57:34] and that's a large revenue [57:43] source for us too. [57:43] over a million dollars, I think [57:45] [57:45] it's over 1.3 or $4 million tha [57:49] t [57:49] we get from seven cities, from [57:53] [57:53] the dot in alachua county. [57:55] we are a city of creeks, some [57:57] of [57:57] our major creeks being hog tow [58:00] n [58:01] possum creek, sweetwater branch [58:02] , [58:02] and we have other little creek [58:05] s [58:06] that are tributaries to the [58:07] larger creeks. [58:08] so a lot of water quality [58:10] concerns and issues, a lot of [58:12] [58:12] water quality and flood plain [58:16] [58:16] type concerns and issues. [58:17] we manage all of this on a $57 [58:19] [58:19] million budget, and this is kin [58:21] d [58:21] of a breakdown of the budget, [58:24] [58:24] solid waste being our largest [58:27] [58:27] component. [58:27] but then general fund, storm [58:30] water fund and we go down from [58:35] [58:35] there. [58:35] public works does come in lots [58:39] [58:39] of sizes, right? [58:41] some public works might only [58:44] have an operation section. [58:44] some might have an engineering [58:46] [58:47] section, some might have [58:49] utilities, we are five [58:50] divisions, we have our [58:53] operations team led by mr. Jar [58:54] ed [58:54] lloyd, we have our engineering [58:56] [58:57] team led by dr. Chase knight, w [58:59] e [58:59] have facilities management, led [59:03] [59:03] by mr. Derry kaufmann. [59:04] our administrative team is led [59:09] [59:09] by miss anissa booth who was [59:13] unable to be here today. [59:14] and our technology team is led [59:18] [59:18] by steve rossi. [59:19] I wanted to include slides on [59:21] [59:21] overall performance for us. [59:21] we have -- these are some raw [59:29] [59:29] overall scores -- raw overall [59:32] [59:32] numbers for the entire [59:35] department that represent [59:35] service requests that come in, [59:37] [59:37] service requests that are close [59:41] d [59:41] and work order centers that ar [59:43] e [59:43] open, work orders that are [59:45] closed. [59:45] one of the things that I want t [59:47] o [59:47] make sure I note, the reason why [59:49] [59:49] the service request here in th [59:50] e [59:51] blue and the orange seem low I [59:54] s [59:54] because there was a period of [59:55] [59:55] time where solid waste was onl [59:57] y [59:57] going into gru's utility [1:00:02] software, then they changed int [1:00:03] o [1:00:03] a different platform. [1:00:04] we don't have those numbers [1:00:06] available to us right now. [1:00:06] you'll see that we have a sudde [1:00:10] n [1:00:10] increase in the service reques [1:00:12] t, [1:00:12] but that just reflects what [1:00:15] we're doing in city works, whi [1:00:16] ch [1:00:16] is where we track everything. [1:00:18] and the overall trend for us, [1:00:24] [1:00:24] for service request is up, we [1:00:27] [1:00:27] basically averaged in fiscal [1:00:29] '24, an average of 53 service [1:00:32] [1:00:32] requests a day, we're currently [1:00:33] [1:00:34] up to 76 a day. [1:00:35] those are basically every singl [1:00:37] e [1:00:37] day we get approximately that [1:00:40] [1:00:40] many service request calls. [1:00:41] that's basically called -- it [1:00:43] [1:00:43] doesn't mean we do any work [1:00:45] associated with it, that's [1:00:46] different than the work orders [1:00:47] [1:00:48] which is the green and lighter [1:00:49] [1:00:49] blue on the top. [1:00:50] in general, with those, those [1:00:51] [1:00:51] are accurate for all of the [1:00:53] departments, all the groups, [1:00:57] from fiscal '21, we started wit [1:00:59] h [1:00:59] 42.6 work orders a day, and now [1:01:02] [1:01:03] we're at 51, we've gotten as [1:01:05] high as 58 per day. [1:01:08] so a lot of work going through [1:01:11] [1:01:12] the department. [1:01:12] these ended up a little smaller [1:01:14] [1:01:14] than I anticipated, but I wante [1:01:16] d [1:01:16] to kind of also reflect the [1:01:18] total cost of the work orders. [1:01:19] [1:01:19] you'll see we have a steady [1:01:22] trend up, that's something to d [1:01:24] o [1:01:24] with -- we also have increasing [1:01:26] [1:01:26] number of work orders, it also [1:01:28] [1:01:28] has to do with the cost of [1:01:30] things going up, asphalt, [1:01:32] concrete, supplies, thing wez [1:01:33] [1:01:33] need to do the actual work. [1:01:34] and then the last slide really [1:01:42] [1:01:42] just speaks to more of the [1:01:43] service request and work order [1:01:44] s [1:01:45] and where we are in terms of [1:01:46] efficiency, what I call [1:01:48] efficiency, how many are we [1:01:50] closing through the fiscal year [1:01:53] . [1:01:53] so we're going from -- the blu [1:01:56] e [1:01:56] line is service requests, and [1:01:58] [1:01:58] how many we're closing, but you [1:01:59] [1:01:59] can see, if you remember, the [1:02:01] [1:02:01] numbers were going up a lot for [1:02:02] [1:02:02] service requests, we were [1:02:04] averaging 76 per day right now, [1:02:05] [1:02:06] you can see our efficiency is [1:02:08] [1:02:08] kind of decreased a little bit. [1:02:09] [1:02:09] because our staff is the same [1:02:11] [1:02:11] number, so it's harder to get to ever [1:02:12] everybody. [1:02:12] as quickly. [1:02:13] as we go through, as the [1:02:26] division manager goes through, [1:02:27] [1:02:27] there are individual groups and [1:02:28] [1:02:29] teams and what they're doing, [1:02:31] [1:02:31] they'll be touching on the [1:02:32] strategic goals as we go along [1:02:34] [1:02:34] through there. [1:02:34] and I'm going to turn it over, [1:02:37] [1:02:38] first to garrett kaufmann our [1:02:41] [1:02:41] facilities manager. [1:02:41] >> mayor: welcome. [1:02:46] >> good morning. [1:02:47] I'm gary kaufmann, the [1:02:50] facilities manager, and [1:02:52] facilities division of public [1:02:53] [1:02:53] works, I'm here to give you a [1:02:55] [1:02:55] brief overview of what we're [1:02:56] doing in the facilities [1:02:57] division. [1:02:57] first of all, I want to give y [1:03:01] ou [1:03:01] guys a rundown of what our [1:03:04] department looks like, we have [1:03:06] [1:03:06] 24 1/2 fte in our department, [1:03:08] [1:03:08] including myself. [1:03:09] I am the manager, we have an [1:03:11] assistant manager, we have two [1:03:13] [1:03:14] supervisors, we have seven [1:03:16] mechanical staff covers, [1:03:18] mechanical electrical plumbing, [1:03:19] [1:03:20] which is hvac and firearms, we [1:03:26] [1:03:26] have three structural personnel. [1:03:28] [1:03:28] it's a very lean subdivision o [1:03:30] f [1:03:31] our department. [1:03:31] we have two carpenters and one [1:03:34] [1:03:34] painter. [1:03:34] we have nine custodial staff I [1:03:37] n [1:03:37] our department, and one capital [1:03:39] [1:03:39] projects manager, and then the [1:03:42] [1:03:42] second part time -- temporary [1:03:44] [1:03:44] part time capital projects [1:03:44] manager. [1:03:44] our department is broken down [1:03:55] [1:03:55] into several different [1:03:56] categories, operations and [1:03:58] maintenance, which basically [1:04:00] covers a wide variety of [1:04:02] maintenance on roofs and walls, [1:04:06] [1:04:07] operations, that's for [1:04:10] structural, and we do [1:04:14] mechanical, we do a lot with [1:04:15] firearms. [1:04:15] operations and maintenance and [1:04:18] [1:04:18] custodial, we do custodial wor [1:04:20] k [1:04:21] for a few of the buildings in [1:04:22] [1:04:22] the city's portfolio, we do not [1:04:24] [1:04:24] take all of them, we take care [1:04:26] [1:04:26] of all the major ones, I think [1:04:28] I [1:04:29] shared this with you guys [1:04:33] previously. [1:04:33] the police department, the fir [1:04:35] e [1:04:35] department, parks takes care o [1:04:37] f [1:04:37] most of themselves. [1:04:40] operations and maintenance [1:04:43] administration, we take care, [1:04:44] [1:04:44] make sure that we watch after [1:04:47] [1:04:47] our budget and prepare for [1:04:50] purchase orders, do a lot of [1:04:52] administrative work that way. [1:04:53] capital preservation, do a lot [1:04:56] [1:04:56] of small projects for [1:04:58] replacement of structural [1:05:00] components. [1:05:00] replacing doors, rollout doors, [1:05:03] [1:05:04] fire departments. [1:05:04] hvac systems, we go a lot of [1:05:07] replacements, fire alarms, fir [1:05:09] e [1:05:09] alarm panels, different things [1:05:11] [1:05:11] like that. [1:05:11] I'll say we do facilities [1:05:15] restoration and expansion. [1:05:15] we do some remodeling work. [1:05:19] we did the lobby out here with [1:05:21] [1:05:21] the security improvements, stu [1:05:23] ff [1:05:23] like that. [1:05:24] we do large projects, involve in [1:05:27] [1:05:27] the new construction of fire [1:05:30] station number three, number 9 [1:05:32] [1:05:32] and the eoc, all the projects [1:05:34] [1:05:34] that falls on our department t [1:05:35] o [1:05:35] take care of those things. [1:05:35] >> as far as our portfolio of [1:05:46] [1:05:46] buildings, we eliminated some [1:05:48] [1:05:48] buildings, touch on that you I [1:05:50] n [1:05:50] a minute. [1:05:51] we have greater than 135 [1:06:04] buildings, we have over 200,00 [1:06:05] 0 [1:06:06] square feet of buildings that [1:06:07] [1:06:07] are older than 50 years old, w [1:06:09] e [1:06:10] have a lot of very old [1:06:12] buildings, and a lot of old [1:06:13] equipment. [1:06:13] so our staff stays quite busy [1:06:16] [1:06:16] trying to keep up with it. [1:06:18] this is the list of buildings. [1:06:30] [1:06:30] we reduced it last year, we hav [1:06:33] e [1:06:33] taken away the boltin building [1:06:36] [1:06:36] in the northeast complex. [1:06:41] that should help our department [1:06:43] [1:06:43] get a little more efficient. [1:06:45] we have quite a bit to do with [1:06:48] [1:06:48] these buildings, keeping up wi [1:06:51] th [1:06:51] the maintenance on them. [1:06:51] facilities capital projects, o [1:06:55] n [1:06:56] the left we have 21 projects [1:06:58] that our staff is currently [1:07:00] working on, and I'll break tho [1:07:02] se [1:07:02] down a little more in a minute [1:07:04] . [1:07:04] those are small projects, but [1:07:06] [1:07:06] are very important, they inclu [1:07:07] de [1:07:07] things like hvac systems, fire [1:07:10] [1:07:10] alarm replacements. [1:07:12] this building specifically is [1:07:15] [1:07:15] getting two new chillers. [1:07:16] we're also working in the next [1:07:18] [1:07:18] couple weeks to start replacing [1:07:20] [1:07:20] the fire alarm, so we're reall [1:07:22] y [1:07:22] excited about that. [1:07:23] >> that will be fun. [1:07:25] >> let's hope not, let's hope [1:07:28] we [1:07:28] can keep that uneventful. [1:07:29] >> on the right, we have the [1:07:32] large projects shown again, the [1:07:34] [1:07:34] gpd property and evidence [1:07:38] building, public works, [1:07:40] safety -- southwest safety [1:07:43] annex, and hurricane hardening [1:07:45] [1:07:46] for the hurricane works comple [1:07:48] x. [1:07:48] of the capital preservation [1:07:50] projects that were on the bigge [1:07:51] r [1:07:51] list on the page prior. [1:07:52] six of those currently are [1:07:54] completed. [1:07:54] 300 in construction, we have 1 [1:07:58] 0 [1:07:58] with equipment, including the [1:08:00] [1:08:00] chillers, we're hoping to get [1:08:01] [1:08:01] those shipped to us late april, [1:08:03] [1:08:03] so we should be starting work o [1:08:05] n [1:08:05] that, hopefully may, june, we' [1:08:07] ll [1:08:07] have those completed. [1:08:08] once we get the equipment in, [1:08:10] [1:08:10] that stuff should move really [1:08:11] [1:08:11] fast. [1:08:11] we were finalizing, the time w [1:08:14] e [1:08:15] create the slide, we were [1:08:17] finalizing procurement on the [1:08:19] [1:08:19] project. [1:08:19] one of them is a phased project [1:08:21] [1:08:21] where we're doing some further [1:08:22] [1:08:22] stud byes, we're waiting on [1:08:25] finalizing the report on that, [1:08:26] [1:08:26] so we can continue on with that [1:08:27] [1:08:27] process. [1:08:27] not included in that last slid [1:08:31] e, [1:08:31] we're also working on four [1:08:33] different roof projects, one o [1:08:34] f [1:08:35] them is completed, one of them [1:08:36] [1:08:37] is completed today. [1:08:40] we were doing the flat roof [1:08:44] portion of that. [1:08:44] this week we're supposed to [1:08:46] start the td mcpherson roof. [1:08:48] we're waiting for the insulatio [1:08:51] n [1:08:51] to come n that's being torn off [1:08:54] [1:08:54] and getting ready to get [1:08:57] started. [1:08:57] . [1:08:57] that was not on the list, but I [1:09:01] [1:09:01] just want to point that out, w [1:09:02] e [1:09:02] have quite a bit going on. [1:09:03] street stations -- [1:09:09] >> mayor: commissioner chestnut [1:09:10] ? [1:09:10] >> yes. [1:09:11] in replacing the roof, are we [1:09:14] [1:09:14] using our own team or are you [1:09:15] [1:09:15] contracting that out? [1:09:16] >> we're contracting it out, [1:09:18] these are relatively small [1:09:23] roofs, you probably haven't see [1:09:25] n [1:09:25] these, they fall within our [1:09:27] purchasing guidelines. [1:09:28] they're small roofs. [1:09:32] they fall under our agreement t [1:09:35] o [1:09:35] make things happen quickly. [1:09:36] street stations and strong [1:09:38] foundations, the gpd property [1:09:40] business building, we should s [1:09:43] ee [1:09:43] the walls of the old building [1:09:45] [1:09:45] start falling down. [1:09:47] construction should start [1:09:49] beginning -- it should be in [1:09:51] may, actually, for the gfr [1:09:55] administration, the eoc parking [1:09:57] [1:09:58] lot, the fire station number 9, [1:10:01] [1:10:01] number 3, we should start site [1:10:03] [1:10:04] work on that early in may. [1:10:05] public works hardening, we have [1:10:08] [1:10:08] design completed, and that [1:10:09] project is pretty much on hold [1:10:11] [1:10:11] at the moment, but we are [1:10:14] anxious to get that one going [1:10:16] [1:10:16] to. [1:10:16] kpi's, primarily on kpi's, we [1:10:20] [1:10:20] are looking at how many work [1:10:22] orders we received, and how fas [1:10:23] t [1:10:23] we can get them done, our [1:10:26] efficiency in getting them done [1:10:27] . [1:10:27] you see in 25, we had almost [1:10:30] 5600. [1:10:30] and we set a goal for 55 00 thi [1:10:33] s [1:10:33] year, for a total number of wor [1:10:35] k [1:10:35] orders, right now at the end o [1:10:37] f [1:10:39] fiscal year 56 quarter one, [1:10:41] we're at 11 00, we're on track [1:10:43] [1:10:43] with what our goals are, and a [1:10:44] s [1:10:45] far as the actual numbers [1:10:48] completed, we're probably just [1:10:49] a [1:10:49] little bit behind on that our [1:10:52] [1:10:52] completion rates, you see on [1:10:54] this slide are at 89.5% at the [1:10:58] [1:10:59] end of our first quarter, and [1:11:01] [1:11:01] our goal was 95% at the end of [1:11:03] [1:11:03] the year. [1:11:04] we should be a little better off [1:11:06] [1:11:06] on that, a lot of the [1:11:08] incompletion rates have to do [1:11:12] [1:11:12] with things like that. [1:11:17] average days of getting work [1:11:20] orders done. [1:11:20] this is something we're trying [1:11:21] [1:11:22] to speed up in getting work [1:11:23] orders addressed, and get them [1:11:25] [1:11:25] completedagain. [1:11:25] this has to do a lot with [1:11:28] waiting on parts and materials, [1:11:29] [1:11:29] that kind of thing holds us up. [1:11:31] [1:11:31] I think we've done a pretty goo [1:11:37] d [1:11:37] job of improving this, and you [1:11:39] [1:11:39] can see that our goal was for [1:11:41] [1:11:41] ten days and we're at about 18 [1:11:47] [1:11:47] for the first quarter. [1:11:48] and we're moving in the right [1:11:51] [1:11:51] direction, we're much better [1:11:53] than what our actuals were [1:11:54] showing last year, but we have [1:11:55] a [1:11:55] little bit of work to do on [1:11:58] that. [1:11:58] that completes everything that [1:12:00] I [1:12:00] have to share with you guys, I [1:12:02] [1:12:02] want to hand this over to jared [1:12:04] [1:12:04] lloyd, the operations manager [1:12:05] [1:12:05] for public works. [1:12:06] >> mayor: thank you. [1:12:07] welcome. [1:12:07] >> thank you. [1:12:08] good morning mr. Mayor, [1:12:12] commissioners, jared lloyd, [1:12:13] operations manager. [1:12:13] with the operations division, [1:12:18] [1:12:18] there's 7 of us on the [1:12:21] administrative team that runs [1:12:24] [1:12:24] operations. [1:12:24] two of which are currently [1:12:26] vacant working on fixing that. [1:12:27] [1:12:27] I would love to have a full tea [1:12:29] m [1:12:29] to assist. [1:12:34] in the operations team, there's [1:12:35] [1:12:36] 129fte's, we're currently [1:12:39] sitting at roughly 20 1/2% [1:12:42] vacancy, but in operations, I [1:12:43] [1:12:43] know I've been up here a lot [1:12:45] about solid waste, but I also [1:12:48] [1:12:48] oversee construction, drainage, [1:12:50] [1:12:50] right-of-way,ing urban forestry [1:12:53] , [1:12:53] mosquito control as well as [1:12:56] solid waste, and a small engine [1:12:57] [1:12:58] mechanic that we have at our [1:12:58] warehouse. [1:12:58] >> mayor: apology there, in [1:13:04] your -- maybe you'll address [1:13:05] this going-forward, of that [1:13:08] 20.5%, is there a particular [1:13:11] department that's heavier with [1:13:12] [1:13:12] vacancies than others. [1:13:13] >> no, not necessarily, it's a [1:13:17] [1:13:17] lot of your workforce, grounds [1:13:22] [1:13:23] workers, it's a high turnover [1:13:25] [1:13:25] position, we're constantly [1:13:27] restocking employees in those [1:13:29] [1:13:29] positions. [1:13:29] >> mayor: okay, thank you. [1:13:29] >> we'll start with our [1:13:34] construction section. [1:13:35] my slides are going to be a [1:13:37] little different than the [1:13:38] previous ones you've seen, on [1:13:39] [1:13:39] the left, you're going to see [1:13:41] [1:13:41] numbers, they're strictly for [1:13:43] [1:13:43] quarter one of this year. [1:13:43] and then I'm providing a pictu [1:13:48] re [1:13:48] that I feel like best describes [1:13:51] [1:13:52] the section I'm discussing. [1:13:53] and then I'm really not going t [1:13:54] o [1:13:54] speak to the numbers, I'm going [1:13:56] [1:13:56] to talk about the sections [1:13:58] themselves. [1:13:58] and then this picture, this is [1:14:00] [1:14:01] really a great representation o [1:14:04] f [1:14:04] the construction team. [1:14:04] you have your sidewalks, you [1:14:07] have your curb inlets, your [1:14:08] curbs themselves, your roadways [1:14:11] , [1:14:11] your signs, your markings, all [1:14:13] [1:14:13] of this is done by our [1:14:17] construction team. [1:14:18] so asphalt is one of the [1:14:21] subsections of construction, [1:14:22] it's a 12 person crew, they ar [1:14:23] e [1:14:23] in charge of all the potholes, [1:14:26] [1:14:26] all of the full reconstruction [1:14:27] [1:14:28] of roadways, that essentially [1:14:32] [1:14:32] saves us money from contracting [1:14:33] [1:14:33] it out, we do it in house. [1:14:39] and we've got our concrete [1:14:44] subsection which are responsible [1:14:44] [1:14:44] for all the pedestrians [1:14:48] pathways, ada compliance for [1:14:51] ramps, sidewalks and curbs [1:14:52] themselves on the roadways. [1:14:53] the pavement preservation [1:15:00] program is done at the [1:15:03] administrative level, but we've [1:15:04] [1:15:04] just recently introduced the d [1:15:07] ot [1:15:07] software, which uses the new sb [1:15:09] I [1:15:09] indexes to weight in and [1:15:12] prioritize the roadways with t [1:15:18] he [1:15:18] sbi in mind. [1:15:20] this is a picture putting down [1:15:28] a [1:15:28] binder on the roadway. [1:15:30] it's getting rolled in, two, [1:15:40] three weeks after this, they'll [1:15:42] [1:15:42] top it with a micro surface, I [1:15:44] t [1:15:45] gives you a much loaninger lif [1:15:47] e [1:15:47] out of your roadways. [1:15:49] pavement preservation is [1:15:50] important to maintain our good [1:15:51] [1:15:52] roadways so that we don't fail [1:15:55] [1:15:56] and get to a point where we're [1:15:57] [1:15:58] spending a bunch of money. [1:15:59] a lot cheaper to do it this wa [1:16:04] y. [1:16:04] our drainage section, we have a [1:16:06] n [1:16:06] open water course and closed [1:16:09] water course subsection. [1:16:10] the open water course is simpl [1:16:12] y [1:16:13] ditches, retention ponds, [1:16:14] anything that's open to the ai [1:16:15] r, [1:16:15] closed water course is going t [1:16:17] o [1:16:17] be all of your pipes, boxes, [1:16:20] stuff that's buried that you [1:16:25] ca't see. [1:16:25] so this is our open water [1:16:29] course, crew correcting a bridg [1:16:32] e [1:16:32] deficiency that was found by t [1:16:35] he [1:16:35] contractor that inspects our [1:16:37] bridges. [1:16:37] so we have to go in, divert [1:16:40] water, and come in and fix the defi [1:16:44] deficiency so we can pass [1:16:51] inspection. [1:16:51] and then this is a great pictu [1:16:53] re [1:16:53] showing what the closed water [1:16:55] [1:16:55] course team does, this is a [1:16:56] project, this is when we put I [1:16:59] n [1:17:00] the new northeast 9th avenue [1:17:03] roadway. [1:17:03] this pipe system was placed, [1:17:07] that's 8th avenue, so we built [1:17:09] [1:17:09] 9th just behind this, this is [1:17:11] [1:17:11] exactly what they do, this is a [1:17:13] [1:17:13] smaller team of about 5. [1:17:14] and they just come in, and [1:17:18] really have a ton of pipes. [1:17:20] miles and miles in pipes to [1:17:23] maintain, they do a great job. [1:17:24] [1:17:24] very good at their jobs. [1:17:25] so we'll move on to our [1:17:31] right-of-way section, the [1:17:32] picture on the right, you see [1:17:36] [1:17:36] this is the mad vac mini-that w [1:17:39] e [1:17:39] had to buy when we started [1:17:42] putting in the one way pavers, [1:17:44] [1:17:45] it's been a phenomenal machine. [1:17:46] [1:17:46] and then we've got our full [1:17:50] sized street sweepers that run [1:17:53] [1:17:53] just curbed roadways. [1:17:55] so the only roadways that will [1:17:57] [1:17:58] get swept are curbed. [1:17:59] a lot of people think the street [1:18:01] [1:18:01] sweeper is here to clean the [1:18:03] roadways, and they do that. [1:18:05] the main purpose is to pull the [1:18:07] [1:18:07] debris out of the roadway, so I [1:18:09] t [1:18:09] doesn't get flushed down into [1:18:10] [1:18:10] the pipes and waterways, so it' [1:18:13] s [1:18:13] actually a water quality thing [1:18:15] [1:18:15] more than it is a street [1:18:19] cleaning thing. [1:18:20] >> I'll pause you there and pas [1:18:21] s [1:18:21] on something that we heard in a [1:18:23] [1:18:23] presentation many years ago, [1:18:24] that was an eye opener for me. [1:18:26] [1:18:26] that if you -- if your street I [1:18:29] s [1:18:29] a curb and gutter street, that [1:18:31] [1:18:31] is -- if you have a curb, that' [1:18:33] s [1:18:33] part of our storm water [1:18:36] management system. [1:18:36] not every street is part of our [1:18:38] [1:18:38] storm water management system, [1:18:39] [1:18:39] if you have curb and gutter, [1:18:40] that's part of it. [1:18:41] >> it's very important. [1:18:48] and then the maintenance and [1:18:52] mowing section of our [1:18:53] right-of-way team is extremely [1:18:54] [1:18:56] important, they handle the [1:18:57] medians, keeping the medians [1:18:59] nice and clean. [1:18:59] they make sure our sidewalks a [1:19:01] re [1:19:01] edged, cut back to keep our [1:19:04] clearances for the pedestrians [1:19:05] [1:19:05] walking the sidewalks. [1:19:06] make sure we got our 7 foot [1:19:09] height on everything, so peopl [1:19:11] e [1:19:11] aren't bumping heads walking [1:19:12] down sidewalks. [1:19:16] this is the downtown detail [1:19:21] crew, we have the mad vac in t [1:19:23] he [1:19:23] streeterry area, they spend 10 [1:19:25] 0% [1:19:25] of their time in core downtown [1:19:27] , [1:19:28] really cleaning, making sure [1:19:29] they're keeping up with [1:19:31] graffiti, and garbage, any [1:19:33] spills, they're fully dedicated [1:19:36] [1:19:36] to downtown, they do a great [1:19:37] job. [1:19:37] we'll move into solid waste. [1:19:45] I want to touch on a couple of [1:19:47] [1:19:47] the key strategic goals before [1:19:49] I [1:19:49] get into it. [1:19:50] we're currently in the final [1:19:53] phases of our I.t. Negotiations [1:19:58] . [1:19:58] and we're in the scoring phase [1:20:01] [1:20:01] for the food waste rfp. [1:20:02] I can't get too much into it, [1:20:05] [1:20:05] just wanted to give you an [1:20:08] update on where we're at with [1:20:09] [1:20:09] it. [1:20:09] we'll go ahead and start with [1:20:11] [1:20:11] solid waste, as you can see, [1:20:12] this is an issue here with mov [1:20:18] e [1:20:18] n someone didn't plan for the [1:20:19] [1:20:19] boxes. [1:20:19] our inspector team is a team o [1:20:22] f [1:20:22] four. [1:20:22] their entire job is to go out [1:20:27] [1:20:27] and enforce our ordinances. [1:20:29] and they do a phenomenal job. [1:20:32] this one will I point at the [1:20:35] numbers. [1:20:35] this is impressive. [1:20:36] just in the first quarter of [1:20:38] this year, they've made contact [1:20:40] [1:20:40] with 2700 residential and [1:20:44] commercial properties. [1:20:44] out of all of those only 4 wou [1:20:48] nd [1:20:48] up with a civil citation, it [1:20:51] means they're doing a very goo [1:20:53] d [1:20:53] job educating people on the [1:20:56] ordinance, what's required and [1:20:57] [1:20:57] the residential and commercial [1:20:58] [1:20:58] properties are following them. [1:21:02] [1:21:02] our litter crew are up and dow [1:21:04] n [1:21:04] the sides of the roadways, [1:21:07] cleaning up encampments that [1:21:09] have been abandoned, they're [1:21:11] constantly out running, picking [1:21:14] [1:21:14] garbage cans up, a very [1:21:16] important part to keeping all of [1:21:18] [1:21:18] the city of gainesville clean [1:21:22] [1:21:22] our surplus department, this, I [1:21:24] [1:21:24] know this -- anyone who's a [1:21:26] fleet freak, this picture may [1:21:28] [1:21:28] freak you out, but essentially [1:21:29] [1:21:30] this is the storage building f [1:21:33] or [1:21:33] all of the city's no longer [1:21:36] needed items. [1:21:36] so what we do, we turn the [1:21:41] city's trash into treasure with [1:21:45] [1:21:46] surplus. [1:21:46] they made, I believe, right at [1:21:49] a [1:21:50] quarter million dollars last [1:21:52] year out of disposed items and [1:21:54] [1:21:54] kept them out of the land year [1:21:55] . [1:21:55] quarter one, they turned $57,0 [1:21:58] 00 [1:21:58] out of unwanted city items. [1:22:01] they're very good at what they [1:22:02] [1:22:03] do, very passionate. [1:22:03] a lot of times my construction [1:22:05] [1:22:06] crews will take a bent form fro [1:22:09] m [1:22:09] a concrete team, throw it in th [1:22:11] e [1:22:11] dumpster, recover it and sell, [1:22:13] [1:22:13] and very good at what they do. [1:22:14] [1:22:14] zero waste team, we're in a [1:22:19] rebuilding phase on the zero [1:22:20] waste team, we had some [1:22:22] turnover, we just -- we're in [1:22:23] [1:22:23] the process of getting our [1:22:28] second and final zero waste [1:22:32] specialist, this team is very [1:22:34] [1:22:34] important when it comes to [1:22:36] presenting to the community, [1:22:37] getting out to the community a [1:22:52] nd [1:22:52] let them know what is expected [1:22:54] [1:22:54] from our ordinances. [1:22:54] >> how do organizations and [1:22:59] nonprofits and citizens access [1:23:02] [1:23:02] that and purchase things? [1:23:03] can you tell us things about [1:23:05] that? [1:23:05] >> how dony purchase -- [1:23:07] >> our surplus goods. [1:23:08] >> oh, okay. [1:23:08] our surplus team will post the [1:23:13] [1:23:14] goods. [1:23:14] they first will put it back out [1:23:16] [1:23:16] to city blo employees and say, [1:23:21] is [1:23:21] there anything here you're [1:23:23] interested in? [1:23:24] and when people come and get [1:23:25] what they want, they'll turn [1:23:27] around, take pictures of it, [1:23:29] they inventory everything, and [1:23:30] [1:23:30] put it on a go deals website, [1:23:35] [1:23:35] either as a batch, if they hav [1:23:36] e [1:23:36] a bunch of matching chairs or [1:23:38] [1:23:38] they have something special, a [1:23:39] [1:23:40] computer unit, they'll put it o [1:23:41] n [1:23:41] there, people will bid on, and [1:23:42] [1:23:42] buy it. [1:23:42] >> very good, thank you. [1:23:48] >> so then we have urban [1:23:57] forestry. [1:23:57] our tree crew, very important [1:24:01] [1:24:01] crew, they're actually -- their [1:24:05] [1:24:05] actual title is tree surgeons, [1:24:07] I [1:24:08] thought that was funny until I [1:24:09] [1:24:09] saw them with a chain saw and [1:24:13] [1:24:13] realized they are true [1:24:14] craftsman. [1:24:14] they can take a tree like this [1:24:16] , [1:24:16] I wouldn't know what to do, the [1:24:18] y [1:24:18] have it cut, pushed, out of [1:24:20] there, before you know it. [1:24:21] they're phenomenal, very [1:24:23] important to keeping the city o [1:24:25] f [1:24:25] gainesville roadways open and [1:24:26] [1:24:26] running. [1:24:26] our horticulturalist team loves [1:24:32] [1:24:32] to plant trees. [1:24:33] on the right, that's our edibl [1:24:35] e [1:24:36] grove that's in smokey bear [1:24:38] park. [1:24:38] off in the distance, you can't [1:24:40] [1:24:40] see, there's one of our [1:24:41] neighbors who picked some fruit [1:24:42] [1:24:43] an was eating on the way out. [1:24:44] this team's very passionate, [1:24:47] they would plant a tree where [1:24:49] [1:24:49] I'm standing if you would let [1:24:50] [1:24:50] them. [1:24:50] they're amazing. [1:24:52] we have the program coordinator [1:24:54] [1:24:56] who is the lead liaison to our [1:24:59] [1:24:59] tree advisory board, also deals [1:25:01] [1:25:03] directly with the public, [1:25:04] sponsoring trees and really is [1:25:07] [1:25:07] the -- kind of the outreach [1:25:09] voice for urban forestry. [1:25:13] and then we have mosquito [1:25:17] control, so mosquito control [1:25:19] kind of holds a special place I [1:25:20] n [1:25:20] my heart, this is where I [1:25:23] started my journey with the [1:25:29] city. [1:25:29] so you may or may not know, [1:25:32] mosquitos are the deadliest [1:25:34] animal on the planet, they kil [1:25:38] l [1:25:38] 700,000 to a million people [1:25:42] every year. [1:25:43] in my opinion, mosquito control [1:25:45] [1:25:46] is one of the best bangs for [1:25:48] your puck that the city has. [1:25:49] in 2016, we had some zeka cases [1:25:53] [1:25:53] that came in with transient [1:25:55] students. [1:25:55] and the mosquito control team [1:25:58] [1:25:58] had to go out and actually [1:26:01] spray, treat and really make [1:26:02] sure that we didn't take [1:26:04] imported cases and make them [1:26:05] locally acquired cases. [1:26:08] very important part of the cit [1:26:11] y [1:26:11] of gainesville. [1:26:12] the city of gainesville has a [1:26:16] [1:26:16] very, very good integrated pes [1:26:19] t [1:26:19] management program, part of tha [1:26:20] t [1:26:20] is biological control, so thes [1:26:26] e [1:26:27] six ponds are on the public [1:26:29] works compound. [1:26:33] we raise fish that are native [1:26:37] [1:26:37] species, they're ferocious [1:26:39] eaters. [1:26:39] any time a pond fills up, or w [1:26:42] e [1:26:42] have a new wet area that fills [1:26:44] [1:26:44] after the rain, these fish go t [1:26:47] o [1:26:47] work, and they keep the [1:26:50] population down. [1:26:50] proactive treatment is done with [1:26:53] [1:26:53] the vectomax, a dual active [1:26:58] bacteria, that focuses on [1:27:00] mosquito larvae, and when they [1:27:02] [1:27:02] eat, they are unable to turn [1:27:03] into adults. [1:27:04] this is kind of a really short [1:27:12] [1:27:12] sweet breakdown of a really goo [1:27:14] d [1:27:14] integrated pest management [1:27:16] program. [1:27:16] you have your surveillance whe [1:27:18] re [1:27:18] you're really going out there [1:27:21] [1:27:21] and looking at what mosquitos [1:27:23] [1:27:23] are popping off. [1:27:23] you identify that mosquito, you [1:27:25] [1:27:26] say, that's a swamp mosquito, a [1:27:28] [1:27:29] container brieeder. [1:27:32] our guys are doing that [1:27:34] continuously, they're removing [1:27:36] [1:27:37] tires, buckets they find on the [1:27:38] [1:27:39] side of the road or a swamp, [1:27:40] they're picking that stuff up [1:27:43] [1:27:43] and physically removing the [1:27:45] environment. [1:27:45] they're treating proactively [1:27:47] with the vectamax granules I w [1:27:52] as [1:27:52] previously speaking of. [1:27:54] on the cattails you see, there's [1:27:56] [1:27:56] two different types of mosquitos [1:27:58] [1:27:58] that don't have to comment to [1:28:00] [1:28:00] the surface for air. [1:28:02] they tap into the roots of [1:28:05] cattails so you can get what [1:28:13] they're eating. [1:28:13] with that, I will turn it over [1:28:15] [1:28:16] to dr. Chase knight. [1:28:17] >> mayor: thank you. [1:28:18] I would recommend anyone who h [1:28:20] as [1:28:20] not spent any time with the [1:28:23] mosquito control team, I would [1:28:24] [1:28:25] strongly recommend that, we do [1:28:26] [1:28:26] some really cool work with tha [1:28:28] t [1:28:30] and it was -- I haven't been o [1:28:31] ut [1:28:31] in a few years, I have to go [1:28:34] back out and take a look. [1:28:35] it's a high-tech use to this, [1:28:39] [1:28:39] it's functional. [1:28:39] spend a little time in our [1:28:41] neighbors and one further out I [1:28:42] n [1:28:42] the county, you'll see a [1:28:43] difference. [1:28:43] >> good morning, I'm chase [1:28:46] knight, the city engineer, I [1:28:48] have the honor of leading the [1:28:51] [1:28:51] engineering division with the [1:28:52] [1:28:52] public works department. [1:28:52] as with everybody else, I start [1:28:55] [1:28:55] by reviewing the team. [1:28:59] and I want to pause and make [1:29:01] sure that I recognize the heart [1:29:02] s [1:29:02] and brains of the engineering [1:29:05] [1:29:05] division. [1:29:05] our greatest asset, our people [1:29:08] . [1:29:08] because without them, none of [1:29:10] [1:29:10] the work or numbers that I'm [1:29:11] about to go through will be [1:29:13] possible. [1:29:13] so the team here consists of [1:29:18] 40.5fte's, we're divided into 5 [1:29:23] [1:29:23] sub teams, it's the capital [1:29:25] projects and development review [1:29:26] , [1:29:26] right-of-way permitting and [1:29:28] inspections, storm water [1:29:30] engineering, survey and traffi [1:29:31] c [1:29:31] management. [1:29:31] so in terms of the high level [1:29:37] [1:29:37] overview of some of the more [1:29:39] important kpi's that we have, [1:29:43] [1:29:43] and starting with the number o [1:29:46] f [1:29:46] design projects completed for [1:29:48] [1:29:48] both roadway and storm water [1:29:49] projects, we're right on track [1:29:52] [1:29:52] through quarter one for fy '26, [1:29:54] [1:29:54] and one thing I wanted to [1:29:55] highlight here is, the majority [1:29:59] [1:29:59] of projects that we're designing [1:30:01] [1:30:01] are in house, that's been a key [1:30:03] [1:30:03] focus for us, just to be able t [1:30:05] o [1:30:05] build up that expertise in [1:30:06] house, so we can begin to [1:30:09] balance our dependency. [1:30:13] in terms of construction [1:30:15] projects completed, we're on [1:30:18] track with our goal for this [1:30:22] fiscal year through quarter 1, [1:30:23] [1:30:24] and just there are two examples [1:30:25] [1:30:25] of projects that were completed [1:30:28] during that [1:30:29] during that quarter. [1:30:30] and moving on to review tasks for [1:30:39] for developments, this is really a [1:30:40] a cross function of kpi's, so w [1:30:42] e [1:30:42] have multiple team members tha [1:30:45] t [1:30:47] review plans for development a [1:30:48] nd [1:30:48] building permits, along with [1:30:50] other city departments in [1:30:52] conjunction with the city [1:30:53] departments. [1:30:53] so again, for this one, we are [1:30:56] [1:30:56] on track looking at our quarter [1:30:58] [1:30:58] one numbers to meet our [1:31:01] expectations for this fiscal [1:31:05] year. [1:31:05] and switching to traffic [1:31:08] operations, again, we are on [1:31:11] track for this particular kpi [1:31:13] [1:31:13] looking at the number of traffic [1:31:16] [1:31:16] engineers and related service [1:31:19] [1:31:19] requests. [1:31:19] our goal for this year is 100 [1:31:24] [1:31:24] through quarter one. [1:31:25] we're just about on track to [1:31:28] meet that expectation. [1:31:29] we are slightly off our goal o [1:31:32] f [1:31:32] having 100% response time, les [1:31:39] s [1:31:39] than 40 hours, and that [1:31:41] certainly is something that [1:31:42] we'll continue to focus on [1:31:43] improving. [1:31:43] and then just to take a break [1:31:47] [1:31:47] from the numbers for a little [1:31:50] [1:31:50] bit, I do want to highlight som [1:31:54] e [1:31:54] general collaborations and key [1:31:55] [1:31:57] initiatives that we've been [1:32:00] working with other departments [1:32:00] [1:32:00] and agencies, with the traffic [1:32:03] [1:32:05] engineering side. [1:32:06] so we've continued collaborati [1:32:07] on [1:32:07] with law enforcement partners, [1:32:09] [1:32:10] on cctv integration, so we can [1:32:13] [1:32:13] get realtime feeds, also, [1:32:15] working with the sheriff's [1:32:17] office as they explore buildin [1:32:18] g [1:32:18] a realtime intelligence center [1:32:21] . [1:32:21] and then we just continue with [1:32:25] [1:32:25] preventative maintenance on all [1:32:27] [1:32:28] 251 traffic signals. [1:32:29] and the number is growing, tha [1:32:31] t [1:32:31] are maintained by the city. [1:32:32] so that helps us to reduce [1:32:36] calls, which saves time and [1:32:39] money. [1:32:39] moving to some numbers for a [1:32:44] survey team. [1:32:44] number of surveys completed. [1:32:46] we're on track here for goal [1:32:51] this fiscal year. [1:32:52] number of right-of-way [1:32:54] determinations, in support of [1:32:55] reactive services for [1:32:59] operations, gpd, code [1:33:02] enforcement. [1:33:02] also on track to meet our [1:33:07] expectation for this year. [1:33:09] likewise on track 4, the numbe [1:33:12] r [1:33:12] of legal descriptions complete [1:33:14] d. [1:33:14] one thing to highlight here tha [1:33:17] t [1:33:17] I show on the slide, basically, [1:33:19] [1:33:20] it's not eligible, the picture [1:33:23] s [1:33:23] is an expert from the 42 page [1:33:26] [1:33:26] legal description of the city [1:33:27] [1:33:27] that our surveyor completed. [1:33:27] I find it hard sometimes to kee [1:33:33] p [1:33:33] up with a half page legal [1:33:36] description, not to mention one [1:33:37] [1:33:38] that's 42 pages long. [1:33:39] that's impressive. [1:33:39] moving on to our right-of-way [1:33:44] [1:33:44] permitting and inspections [1:33:46] group, so looking at the numbe [1:33:47] r [1:33:47] of permits that I've been [1:33:51] issued, for work in the [1:33:52] right-of-way. [1:33:52] again, right there on track for [1:33:56] [1:33:57] what we expect this year. [1:33:59] and then finally, looking at t [1:34:02] he [1:34:02] number of inspections that tha [1:34:06] t [1:34:06] team has completed per month, [1:34:07] [1:34:07] and I do want to apologize, [1:34:10] there's an update for this [1:34:13] slide. [1:34:13] so for the quarter one, the fy [1:34:16] [1:34:17] '26 quarter one numbers, it is [1:34:19] a [1:34:19] total of 538 on average for [1:34:22] those first three months of the [1:34:23] [1:34:24] year. [1:34:24] and that broke down to 173 for [1:34:28] [1:34:29] building inspections, building [1:34:30] [1:34:30] related inspections and building [1:34:32] [1:34:32] permit related inspections. [1:34:35] and 365 right-of-way permit [1:34:41] inspections. [1:34:41] and that concludes what I have [1:34:46] [1:34:47] >> mayor: very good, thank I. [1:34:48] I'll pass it on to mr. Rossi. [1:34:50] >> mayor: welcome. [1:34:51] >> steve rossi, computer syste [1:34:55] ms [1:34:55] analyst for public works. [1:34:57] we're one of the smaller [1:34:59] divisions of public works with [1:34:59] [1:35:00] only two full time employees, [1:35:01] [1:35:01] one of which is standing before [1:35:03] [1:35:04] you. [1:35:04] as such, we wear many, many [1:35:05] different hats. [1:35:06] anything from helping staff [1:35:11] provide reportreports, procurem [1:35:15] ent, [1:35:15] how tos, training, anything that [1:35:17] [1:35:17] happens to involve technology. [1:35:20] [1:35:20] or as we like to think of it, [1:35:21] [1:35:21] anything that plugs into the [1:35:22] wall. [1:35:22] the bulk of our workforce in [1:35:26] public works is mobile. [1:35:27] they're in the field all day [1:35:30] long. [1:35:30] they need mobile devices and [1:35:32] communications. [1:35:32] we keep track of almost 300 [1:35:34] devices for our staff. [1:35:35] we also manage systems for the [1:35:46] [1:35:47] gis system, some are shared by [1:35:49] [1:35:50] public works and parks. [1:35:51] and we also maintain our own [1:35:54] cloud environment, where we run [1:35:56] [1:35:56] and host these applications, [1:35:57] most of the stuff that our [1:35:58] department is using, we're [1:36:00] providing the front line suppo [1:36:01] rt [1:36:01] and the back end infrastructure [1:36:03] [1:36:03] support of it. [1:36:03] our goals with having that man [1:36:08] y [1:36:08] mobile devices is to try to [1:36:11] replace them every four years. [1:36:12] [1:36:12] this helps ensure that we have [1:36:13] [1:36:14] the latest technology in front [1:36:15] [1:36:15] of them, and they also have the [1:36:18] [1:36:18] most recent can communications [1:36:19] [1:36:19] and good battery life, since [1:36:20] they're going to be in the fie [1:36:22] ld [1:36:22] all day. [1:36:22] we try to make the most use of [1:36:24] [1:36:24] our technology assets, we [1:36:26] promote the use of technology, [1:36:27] [1:36:28] try to find efficiencies, [1:36:30] anything to help the departmen [1:36:31] t [1:36:32] reach their goals, and we [1:36:33] provide the front line support [1:36:36] [1:36:36] for all of our staff, anything [1:36:37] [1:36:37] that doesn't get covered by [1:36:39] gru I.t. Is what falls back to [1:36:42] [1:36:42] us, most of that is department [1:36:46] [1:36:46] specific things are specialized [1:36:48] [1:36:48] that only public works would be [1:36:49] [1:36:49] utilizing. [1:36:49] and our performance indicators [1:36:54] , [1:36:54] we try to keep our systems [1:36:57] available. [1:36:57] 99.9% up time. [1:36:59] that leads to less than 45 [1:37:02] minutes of downtown every month [1:37:05] [1:37:05] for these systems. [1:37:06] as we refresh the mobile phone [1:37:08] s [1:37:08] with the volume we have,s 25% o [1:37:10] f [1:37:10] them each year, that equates t [1:37:12] o [1:37:12] about 6 devices every month tha [1:37:14] t [1:37:14] we swap out. [1:37:15] and we try to pride ourselves o [1:37:18] n [1:37:18] resolving all of these issues [1:37:20] [1:37:20] the first time that staff [1:37:21] reaches out to us, we want to [1:37:22] [1:37:22] make sure that they can complete [1:37:25] [1:37:25] whatever task they needed, and [1:37:26] [1:37:27] not have to defer it or circle [1:37:31] [1:37:31] back around. [1:37:32] our success in trying to make [1:37:34] [1:37:34] sure that our staff can do the [1:37:36] ir [1:37:36] duties is what helps lead to th [1:37:38] e [1:37:38] kpi's for the rest of the [1:37:42] department. [1:37:42] and that is all I have. [1:37:44] >> mayor: very good. [1:37:47] hold on a second. [1:37:47] commissioner willits? [1:37:49] >> a question about how your [1:37:51] team interacts or fitz into the [1:37:55] [1:37:59] burgeoning department under [1:38:00] director nagy. [1:38:01] I know lots of different [1:38:04] departments operate technology. [1:38:05] [1:38:05] a little insight on how that's [1:38:07] [1:38:07] been working or what our plans [1:38:08] [1:38:08] for the future? [1:38:09] >> we've been sharing some of [1:38:11] [1:38:11] the efforts that we do within [1:38:13] [1:38:13] the department, a couple things [1:38:15] [1:38:15] like the enterprise wide [1:38:18] software before the department [1:38:18] [1:38:19] existed. [1:38:19] there wasn't anyone else to [1:38:21] maintain and carry it forward. [1:38:22] [1:38:22] we've been holding the torch f [1:38:24] or [1:38:24] a couple of the enterprise [1:38:26] contracts. [1:38:26] hoping to eventually be able t [1:38:28] o [1:38:28] turn them over to them, once [1:38:30] they start picking up on that we [1:38:34] [1:38:34] don't overlap with what gru I. [1:38:39] t. [1:38:39] does, it may not be on the [1:38:42] horizon for that group yet, [1:38:43] until they take over all of [1:38:45] those duties. [1:38:45] >> that is kind of where I was [1:38:47] [1:38:47] getting at. [1:38:48] the gru things, very clearly w [1:38:51] e [1:38:51] think a plan or it's the scope [1:38:54] [1:38:54] of director nagy, the nongri, I [1:38:58] [1:38:58] was a little less aware of wha [1:39:00] t [1:39:00] our plans are for the non-gru [1:39:03] [1:39:03] items, you've been holding dow [1:39:04] n [1:39:05] our other departments where [1:39:06] there's some opportunities, [1:39:07] perhaps where it's easier or [1:39:08] more efficient to house them [1:39:10] under the I. Dd. Department, a [1:39:13] n [1:39:14] enterprise software that needs [1:39:15] [1:39:15] to be maintained there, because [1:39:16] [1:39:16] he this can be the expert on [1:39:19] maintaining, we can do the work [1:39:19] [1:39:19] we need to do. [1:39:20] >> thank you. [1:39:23] >> mayor: thank you. [1:39:26] welcome back. [1:39:26] >> thank you, we're on to the [1:39:28] [1:39:28] last division of our team, the [1:39:31] [1:39:31] administrative team division. [1:39:33] I think of steve's team and the [1:39:35] [1:39:36] demonstrative team as being the [1:39:40] [1:39:40] glue that holds us all together. [1:39:41] [1:39:41] the administrative team is led [1:39:43] [1:39:44] by abeesag walken booth. [1:39:45] she has 18 fte's, they're [1:39:50] helping us with budget prep for [1:39:53] the [1:39:53] the [1:40:00] grant coordinator coming in [1:40:01] soon, I hope, crossing our [1:40:05] fingers. [1:40:05] grants can be challenging to [1:40:07] make sure you check all the -- [1:40:09] all the -- cross all the [1:40:11] t's, so -- and then they help [1:40:15] [1:40:15] out with the supply chain. [1:40:16] they oversee one of the [1:40:19] warehouse staff helps us with [1:40:21] [1:40:21] that, and then solid waste [1:40:23] customer service, which gets a [1:40:24] [1:40:24] huge amount of calls. [1:40:24] their key performance [1:40:32] indicator -- I should have take [1:40:33] n [1:40:33] a drink of water before I came [1:40:34] [1:40:34] back up. [1:40:35] for them, largely, we're looking [1:40:37] [1:40:37] at a large number of [1:40:38] acquisitions that get processe [1:40:40] d, [1:40:40] purchase orders, around 600 per [1:40:42] [1:40:43] year. [1:40:43] last year was a little low, but [1:40:45] [1:40:46] we're already up for the [1:40:46] quarter, you can see we're [1:40:48] around 300 for both requisition [1:40:51] s [1:40:51] requested, and the purchase [1:40:53] orders generated. [1:40:55] they do a variety of finance [1:40:57] reports for us, and then proce [1:40:59] ss [1:40:59] thousands of invoices every [1:41:04] year. [1:41:04] and then jared and I are going [1:41:06] [1:41:06] to move on to -- just some of [1:41:08] [1:41:08] our emergency response [1:41:10] activities, I'll let jared -- [1:41:12] [1:41:12] he's going to start first. [1:41:15] >> thank you. [1:41:16] hello again, I want to [1:41:18] apologize, I forgot to mention [1:41:20] [1:41:20] one of our key strategic goals [1:41:22] [1:41:22] for the land ranking. [1:41:23] we're working on. [1:41:24] we've been in collaboration wit [1:41:26] h [1:41:26] prca. [1:41:26] we come to what we feel is a [1:41:32] good place for ranking land for [1:41:33] [1:41:33] purchase. [1:41:33] and we will be bringing that t [1:41:36] o [1:41:36] you for discussion and hopefull [1:41:37] y [1:41:37] approval. [1:41:37] >> mayor: very good. [1:41:39] >> on may 7th. [1:41:41] police, fire and public works [1:41:48] [1:41:48] are all first responders. [1:41:53] so what kind of kicks off the [1:41:58] [1:41:58] operations -- kind of kicks off [1:42:00] [1:42:00] the operations, emergency [1:42:02] response here, in the may time [1:42:03] [1:42:03] frame, will start doing [1:42:05] preparations where we test out [1:42:07] [1:42:07] our equipment by making 10,000 [1:42:09] [1:42:09] sandbags, and we make 10,000 [1:42:12] sandbags, we store them so tha [1:42:14] t [1:42:14] if we do get a declaration of a [1:42:16] n [1:42:16] emergency, we're not starting [1:42:18] [1:42:18] from 0, because when those car [1:42:20] s [1:42:20] start lining up, if you're [1:42:22] starting from 0, you're never [1:42:24] [1:42:24] ever ever going to give [1:42:25] everybody a sandbag. [1:42:26] that's what you see here on the [1:42:27] [1:42:29] left, early preparations on th [1:42:32] e [1:42:32] far right. [1:42:32] those cars are coming through, [1:42:34] [1:42:34] we're able to go ahead and sta [1:42:35] rt [1:42:35] handing out those bags. [1:42:37] this is also the handsout phas [1:42:39] e, [1:42:39] but with the addition of the ml [1:42:43] k [1:42:43] property where we have the [1:42:46] self-serve and we have our ski [1:42:48] d [1:42:48] steer on site, make bags as [1:42:49] well. [1:42:49] so people, if they don't feel [1:42:51] [1:42:51] like waiting, they can go ahead [1:42:53] [1:42:53] and fill their sandbags and we [1:42:55] [1:42:55] have folks on site to assist. [1:42:56] storm rolls through, winds die [1:43:05] [1:43:05] down, this is the norm. [1:43:05] you have a roadblock with the [1:43:08] [1:43:08] tree in the middle of it, what [1:43:09] [1:43:09] you can't see, there's power [1:43:11] lines all through that. [1:43:12] we have to wait for gru to giv [1:43:14] e [1:43:15] us the all clear, and our tree [1:43:17] [1:43:17] crew strike teams will move n [1:43:19] [1:43:19] take that out of the roadway, s [1:43:21] o [1:43:21] people can traverse the featur [1:43:25] e. [1:43:25] the top right picture is one [1:43:27] that took out a light pole. [1:43:29] >> we had to wait under the [1:43:42] daytime comes n we have to wai [1:43:44] t [1:43:45] for gru to clear it. [1:43:47] our nighttime crews will go out [1:43:49] [1:43:49] to a tree downcall. [1:43:54] if there's no wires in it, the [1:43:55] y [1:43:55] will cut it, push it out of th [1:43:57] e [1:43:57] roadway and leave. [1:43:58] they have to get to another [1:44:01] call. [1:44:01] our alpha team or daytime team [1:44:03] [1:44:04] will come in and collect the [1:44:05] tree debris they left on the [1:44:08] side of the road, and move on t [1:44:11] o [1:44:11] the next location. [1:44:15] this is one where a tree fell o [1:44:16] n [1:44:16] to a car. [1:44:17] we had to get the tree off the [1:44:19] [1:44:20] car and out of the roadway, so [1:44:22] [1:44:22] traffic could continue to flow [1:44:23] [1:44:23] on that road. [1:44:23] >> another part of our emergency [1:44:31] [1:44:31] response investigation is the [1:44:35] [1:44:35] flood investigation team. [1:44:36] as I mentioned earlier, we hav [1:44:38] e [1:44:38] several creeks in the city, what [1:44:39] [1:44:39] we do, as they rise, we will [1:44:42] send teams out to do what we [1:44:44] call measure downs. [1:44:47] we can later use that data to [1:44:54] terpret what storm did we [1:44:55] have. [1:44:55] is there something different w [1:44:57] e [1:44:57] should be looking at in terms o [1:44:59] f [1:44:59] storm water measures. [1:45:01] so very big effort from that [1:45:05] team. [1:45:05] I want to mention to the [1:45:09] administration efforts, as wit [1:45:10] h [1:45:10] any storm event there's a lot o [1:45:12] f [1:45:12] paperwork so we can be [1:45:14] reimbursed by fema. [1:45:16] it's a huge effort to track all [1:45:22] [1:45:24] the 211s that we make during th [1:45:26] e [1:45:26] event. [1:45:26] it's a big administrative [1:45:28] effort, and they do a great job [1:45:31] [1:45:31] with that. [1:45:31] the last thing we wanted to [1:45:34] mention, our special events, w [1:45:36] e [1:45:36] have a lot of special events we [1:45:38] [1:45:38] part in. [1:45:40] we're currently working on [1:45:45] something with uaa and uaf for [1:45:48] [1:45:48] live event assistance. [1:45:49] that may be coming through [1:45:54] pretty soon. [1:45:55] the parade efforts are very coo [1:46:02] l [1:46:02] to see. [1:46:03] and motifs, I can't forget the [1:46:05] [1:46:05] guys that set it up at the [1:46:06] beginning. [1:46:06] it's really interesting to lea [1:46:11] rn [1:46:11] about some of the groups or the [1:46:15] [1:46:16] people that get named for the [1:46:18] [1:46:18] street naming. [1:46:18] that's been a super fun part o [1:46:23] f [1:46:23] the experience of public works. [1:46:24] [1:46:24] and that is the end. [1:46:26] I would like to give a special [1:46:28] [1:46:28] thank you for the leadership [1:46:30] team that support me, they are [1:46:32] a [1:46:32] fabulous group as you just [1:46:34] heard. [1:46:34] there's a lot going onon any [1:46:37] given day withteam, [1:46:40] they're always up for the [1:46:40] challenge, looking to make [1:46:41] things better in the city. [1:46:41] >> mayor: thank you. [1:46:42] >> I have several slides, the [1:46:53] [1:46:53] budget for tree mitigation, [1:46:54] that's something, that's just [1:46:55] [1:46:55] the full amount of the fund, a [1:46:57] nd [1:46:57] every year we roll it over as w [1:47:00] e [1:47:00] don't spend, correct? [1:47:02] or is that what we're spending [1:47:06] [1:47:06] in fy '26? [1:47:10] >> I'm not sure how to get to I [1:47:13] t [1:47:13] quickly. [1:47:13] >> a budget number of 16 [1:47:17] million? [1:47:17] >> 6.3 is what it said under [1:47:20] premitigation. [1:47:20] it said fund at the top, so I [1:47:24] [1:47:24] imagine it's the whole fund. [1:47:25] >> I pulled that straight off [1:47:32] [1:47:32] the adopted budget number [1:47:37] current fund total is higher [1:47:38] than the -- what is that current [1:47:40] [1:47:40] total, 15, 16? [1:47:44] >> it's going to be, I would [1:47:45] have to double check, it would [1:47:46] [1:47:46] have to be over 12 at this [1:47:48] point, I would have to double [1:47:51] [1:47:51] check. [1:47:51] >> is that what we're planning [1:47:53] [1:47:55] to -- [1:47:56] >> budget expenditure for this [1:47:58] [1:47:58] fiscal year, I believe fund [1:48:00] balance at the end of last [1:48:03] fiscal year was in the 15 dolla [1:48:06] r [1:48:06] range. [1:48:06] >> it's a big number, I was [1:48:09] remembering a bigger number, I [1:48:10] [1:48:10] was trying to remember if [1:48:11] that -- if we don't close on a [1:48:13] [1:48:13] property, we didn't manage it, [1:48:15] [1:48:16] rollover to the next year, [1:48:17] hopefully, that's just one [1:48:19] where -- I just wanted to have [1:48:21] [1:48:21] the understanding. [1:48:21] thank you. [1:48:22] and then a deeper question abo [1:48:26] ut [1:48:26] under facilities manager, they [1:48:27] [1:48:28] talked about custodial, we had [1:48:29] [1:48:30] the conversation last week, [1:48:32] about who cleans what [1:48:33] facilities, and because the -- [1:48:34] [1:48:35] one of the potential bills for [1:48:37] [1:48:38] property tax amendment propose [1:48:41] d [1:48:44] wouldn't let us -- first [1:48:47] responders or police -- is that [1:48:48] [1:48:49] something where even custodial [1:48:50] [1:48:50] service should come back under [1:48:52] [1:48:52] public works? [1:48:54] because then we have more [1:48:57] flexibility -- if it's at all [1:48:59] [1:48:59] being paid for under fire. [1:49:01] an amendment says you can't [1:49:03] touch fire's budget, well, you [1:49:05] [1:49:05] know, and I don't know what the [1:49:07] [1:49:08] full amendment will envision, [1:49:09] [1:49:09] but just that kind of looking [1:49:13] [1:49:13] ahead like do we need to plan [1:49:15] [1:49:15] now to have flexibility, becau [1:49:17] se [1:49:17] the voters may pass something [1:49:18] [1:49:18] that is quite restrictive in o [1:49:22] ur [1:49:22] ability to build the budget.>> [1:49:25] we're still reviewing the [1:49:26] bills, the way I read them, [1:49:30] there's -- [1:49:30] [ inaudible ] [1:49:31] firefighter in accordance with [1:49:32] [1:49:32] the definition of state statut [1:49:34] e. [1:49:34] emt in coordination with the [1:49:37] state statute. [1:49:38] my initial read of it is, no, [1:49:40] [1:49:40] these employees would not fall [1:49:41] [1:49:41] under those definitions. [1:49:41] >> thank you. [1:49:42] >> good job on in house for [1:49:48] roadway, and storm water [1:49:50] projects engineering, it's goo [1:49:51] d [1:49:51] to have capacity within the [1:49:53] city, that's great to hear. [1:49:55] and then technology. [1:49:56] and then on page 68 there's som [1:49:59] e [1:49:59] budget numbers for, I think, fy [1:50:02] [1:50:02] '24 that ended in 0, numbers [1:50:05] that end in 0 aren't real. [1:50:06] I will follow up on that [1:50:09] privately. [1:50:09] >> mayor: thank you so much. [1:50:11] commissioner chestnut? [1:50:14] >> I want to compliment you and [1:50:16] [1:50:16] your staff on the excellent and [1:50:17] [1:50:18] efficient job you do, in [1:50:18] delivering service. [1:50:20] you are a very good face for t [1:50:22] he [1:50:22] city, very friendly face, your [1:50:26] [1:50:26] sidewalk people, your streets [1:50:27] [1:50:27] people are out there, and peopl [1:50:29] e [1:50:29] really appreciate the work tha [1:50:30] t [1:50:30] is done. [1:50:30] and I can't believe 76 request [1:50:35] s [1:50:37] per day. [1:50:37] that's a lot. [1:50:37] so thank you. [1:50:38] thank you for your service. [1:50:39] >> thank you. [1:50:39] >> mayor: commissioner chestnut, [1:50:43] [1:50:43] commissioner duncan walker? [1:50:45] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:50:46] and thank you, miss mowry and [1:50:49] [1:50:49] staff for really good and [1:50:50] informative presentation. [1:50:52] I want to start off with a [1:50:57] compliment. [1:50:57] a group from public works was [1:51:01] [1:51:01] traveling down a particular roa [1:51:06] d [1:51:06] where my mother engaged with [1:51:07] them. [1:51:07] she shared this with me. [1:51:10] she had a wonderful experience [1:51:12] [1:51:16] with the tree crew I want to [1:51:17] shout them out and say what a [1:51:19] [1:51:19] great service they provided. [1:51:20] tree limbs were over into a [1:51:22] particular yard. [1:51:25] and that's not what they were [1:51:27] [1:51:27] out there to do. [1:51:27] but they responded in the mom [1:51:30] to the neighbors, and took car [1:51:34] e [1:51:34] of some tree limbs and some [1:51:36] debris that had fallen into [1:51:37] neighboring yards, thank you [1:51:39] very much for a responsive, [1:51:41] professional and kind team. [1:51:42] thank you. [1:51:42] I have maybe two questions, I [1:51:44] [1:51:44] believe. [1:51:44] back to page 7 where your slide [1:51:53] [1:51:53] is with regards to the budget. [1:51:57] [1:51:57] I believe there was a number o [1:52:00] f [1:52:00] $2 million that's allotted for [1:52:02] [1:52:03] resurfacing. [1:52:03] and my question is just this, I [1:52:05] [1:52:06] know we do the resurfacing out [1:52:08] [1:52:08] at the gas tax as well. [1:52:09] that number is different from [1:52:11] [1:52:11] this. [1:52:11] these are two separate pots of [1:52:15] [1:52:15] money we chose, where we do our [1:52:16] [1:52:17] resurfacing from? [1:52:17] >> yes, we have a pavement [1:52:21] preservation program, every [1:52:22] year, the plan is for us to -- [1:52:24] [1:52:24] on newer roads. [1:52:24] we'll use rejuvenator product. [1:52:31] [1:52:31] that helps extend the life of [1:52:35] [1:52:35] that newer section of road. [1:52:35] we'll look at other roads, [1:52:37] that's where he mentioned the [1:52:39] [1:52:39] dot software, which we're now [1:52:42] [1:52:42] using, it will predict out wha [1:52:44] t [1:52:44] we need to do in terms of road [1:52:48] [1:52:48] maintenance. [1:52:48] which roads do we need to look [1:52:52] [1:52:53] at -- [1:52:53] [ inaudible ] [1:52:53] and we set aside a certain [1:52:56] amount of money for that, which [1:52:57] [1:52:58] will involve some sort of [1:52:59] repaving, and we also have par [1:53:01] t [1:53:01] of that 2 million, we'll have [1:53:04] [1:53:04] associated concrete work, [1:53:05] whether it's curb or ada ramp [1:53:06] [1:53:06] maybe. [1:53:06] >> yes, that's correct, exactly [1:53:16] [1:53:16] what we were saying. [1:53:16] the $2 million here for roadway [1:53:19] [1:53:19] resurfacing, is a transfer fro [1:53:21] m [1:53:21] solid waste for damage done by [1:53:26] [1:53:26] the trash trucks. [1:53:26] this comes from the solid waste [1:53:28] [1:53:28] and transfers to the roadways. [1:53:32] [1:53:32] >> thank you very much for that [1:53:35] . [1:53:35] this software that we have, am [1:53:36] I [1:53:36] hearing that the software is [1:53:38] doing the prioritization of th [1:53:40] e [1:53:41] streets? [1:53:41] or how are we prioritizing? [1:53:43] >> yes, so we -- basically, the [1:53:46] [1:53:46] first cut at it, our pavement [1:53:49] [1:53:49] condition index. [1:53:49] the pci, what's the rating of [1:53:52] [1:53:52] the road. [1:53:52] we also have the sbi, the socia [1:53:57] l [1:53:57] vulnerability index is also put [1:53:59] [1:54:00] into that scenario, so it's a - [1:54:03] - [1:54:03] in the end, it's 80% functional [1:54:06] [1:54:06] class, and pci is factored int [1:54:09] o [1:54:09] that and 20% sbi to determine [1:54:12] [1:54:12] what we call the krit kalety [1:54:14] score. [1:54:14] and then what the team will do [1:54:17] [1:54:17] from there. [1:54:18] we look at it on a map, and loo [1:54:20] k [1:54:20] at it in the field to assess, [1:54:22] [1:54:22] and make sure that what's being [1:54:24] [1:54:25] predicted by the program is wha [1:54:26] t [1:54:26] we should be doing, and so [1:54:29] generally speaking, as we use [1:54:31] [1:54:31] this program multiple years in [1:54:33] a [1:54:33] row, it will become more [1:54:36] predictable, we will be able to [1:54:37] [1:54:37] better set or just, where we s [1:54:39] ee [1:54:39] there may be an error in the [1:54:42] program. [1:54:42] it's brand program for us, and [1:54:43] [1:54:44] we're still working out some o [1:54:45] f [1:54:45] the bugs. [1:54:45] that is the plan. [1:54:48] >> is it safe for me or this [1:54:50] commission to assume that -- I [1:54:51] [1:54:51] mean, obviously, your [1:54:53] professional expertise will [1:54:55] override any glitches that you [1:54:56] [1:54:56] see in the system. [1:54:57] because I mean, I -- software I [1:54:59] s [1:54:59] wonderful and it's helpful, but [1:55:01] [1:55:01] there is nothing in my mind tha [1:55:05] t [1:55:05] can substitute for a human eye [1:55:08] [1:55:08] on a lot of these situations [1:55:12] that hear from community et [1:55:13] cetera. [1:55:13] you all will be making final [1:55:15] decisions, and especially since [1:55:16] [1:55:16] this is new, we will be relying [1:55:19] [1:55:19] on you now? [1:55:19] >> what will be relying on me [1:55:22] [1:55:22] now? [1:55:22] >> in other words, you're not [1:55:23] [1:55:23] solely relying on the software [1:55:25] . [1:55:25] you're going to be making these [1:55:26] [1:55:26] egs doeses as human beings [1:55:28] first? [1:55:28] >> that is correct. [1:55:29] we will definitely be taking [1:55:32] what the software gives us, and [1:55:33] [1:55:33] then, does that make sense, and [1:55:35] [1:55:36] ground truth. [1:55:36] and also look at mapping? [1:55:39] where are the numbers hitting, [1:55:40] [1:55:41] and trying to make sure we stay [1:55:43] [1:55:43] distributed. [1:55:43] but also, incorporating in the [1:55:46] [1:55:46] sbi. [1:55:46] >> thank you. [1:55:47] >> you're welcome. [1:55:50] >> mayor: thank you, [1:55:53] commissioner duncan walker. [1:55:53] madam clerk, do we have any [1:55:56] public commeon this? [1:55:59] >> no public comment on this. [1:56:00] >> mayor: thank you all for wha [1:56:01] t [1:56:01] you do. [1:56:02] we appreciate you spending the [1:56:03] [1:56:03] time with us today. [1:56:03] >> thank you. [1:56:07] >> mayor: madam clerk. [1:56:08] >> we're on to our next item, [1:56:13] [1:56:13] 2026-235 request to amend budge [1:56:19] t [1:56:19] for office of city auditor, to [1:56:23] [1:56:24] authorize the office of [1:56:25] management and budget to amend [1:56:26] [1:56:27] the city auditor's office [1:56:28] budget. [1:56:28] >> mayor: welcome mr. Auditor. [1:56:31] [1:56:31] >> good morning, mr. Mayor, [1:56:35] members of the city commission [1:56:36] . [1:56:36] I'm the city auditor. [1:56:38] I do not have any presentation [1:56:40] [1:56:41] slides, I don't intend for thi [1:56:44] s [1:56:44] to be long. [1:56:45] and also, prior to this meeting, [1:56:46] [1:56:46] I have held one on one decisio [1:56:49] ns [1:56:49] with each and every member of [1:56:51] [1:56:51] the city commission and each a [1:56:53] nd [1:56:53] every member of the city [1:56:55] commission knows my request. [1:56:57] the office of the city is [1:57:01] helping us better carry out the [1:57:02] [1:57:03] office. [1:57:03] we're asking for an amount of [1:57:08] [1:57:08] $45,000 to do two things. [1:57:10] we would like to be able to use [1:57:11] [1:57:12] the services of private internal [1:57:14] [1:57:14] audit consulting firms. [1:57:15] in this process, we go out to [1:57:20] [1:57:20] ask external auditors to come I [1:57:23] n [1:57:23] and work with us on projects n [1:57:26] [1:57:26] an approach we call cost [1:57:33] servicing. [1:57:33] this helps us to move along in [1:57:36] [1:57:37] our -- in the incorporation of [1:57:38] [1:57:38] the audit plan. [1:57:39] the other thing we'd like to be [1:57:41] [1:57:41] able to do with this amendment [1:57:43] [1:57:44] is to promote a member in our [1:57:47] [1:57:47] office who is now a staff [1:57:48] auditor to the position of [1:57:51] senior internal auditor. [1:57:53] let me pull this up for you to [1:57:56] [1:57:56] see. [1:57:56] this is the organizational cha [1:58:03] rt [1:58:03] of the city office. [1:58:07] the red that you see is the [1:58:09] senior auditor position, at thi [1:58:11] s [1:58:11] time it is not funded. [1:58:13] we have it, but it's frozen. [1:58:15] on this side -- what I'm tryin [1:58:17] g [1:58:17] to do is to move the staff [1:58:21] auditor from being staff audit [1:58:22] or [1:58:22] from the position to the [1:58:24] position of senior auditor. [1:58:25] he's been with us for close to [1:58:27] [1:58:27] four years now. [1:58:32] he's a good auditor. [1:58:34] during the time he's been with [1:58:36] [1:58:36] us, he's been able to get his [1:58:39] [1:58:39] auditor qualification. [1:58:40] he's a cia internal auditor. [1:58:42] the qualification is an [1:58:46] international qualification. [1:58:48] international credential. [1:58:49] that means, wherever he goes, [1:58:52] [1:58:52] he's recognized as a competent [1:58:53] [1:58:54] auditor. [1:58:54] I would like to ask you to [1:58:58] unfreeze the senior auditor [1:59:00] position, to enable me to move [1:59:05] [1:59:06] the stuff into that, I would a [1:59:10] sk [1:59:10] you to freeze the staff auditor [1:59:13] [1:59:13] position that we continue to [1:59:15] have. [1:59:15] one that is not funded but [1:59:17] available to us at any time. [1:59:18] I would like to mention, again, [1:59:25] [1:59:25] I mention that we're asking for [1:59:27] [1:59:29] $45,000. [1:59:29] this year, fiscal fy '26, my [1:59:36] office absorbed a 6% reduction [1:59:39] [1:59:39] in its budget. [1:59:40] if you approve this request I'm [1:59:44] [1:59:45] making now, my office will sti [1:59:49] ll [1:59:49] have absorbed 11.6% in the [1:59:54] reduction of budget from last [1:59:56] [1:59:56] year, so we are still in [2:00:01] difficult budgetary times. [2:00:02] but still, 45,000 does does not [2:00:06] [2:00:06] mean all of a sudden, we're not [2:00:08] [2:00:12] contributing to trying to [2:00:13] ameliorate the problems we're [2:00:14] [2:00:14] having in our city budgets. [2:00:16] that is the position we am be, [2:00:17] [2:00:18] if you approve this [2:00:23] recommendation. [2:00:23] in the document o taking that I [2:00:24] [2:00:24] have, you will find all of this [2:00:26] , [2:00:26] you will find a little bit of [2:00:31] [2:00:31] some numbers that we have [2:00:35] alongside our budget office, t [2:00:36] o [2:00:37] show you how much will go towar [2:00:39] d [2:00:39] funding the senior auditor [2:00:41] position if it happens. [2:00:42] you will also find that I [2:00:46] provided some descriptions of [2:00:48] [2:00:48] the jobs of senior auditor. [2:00:52] staff auditor. [2:00:53] you have it with you, other tha [2:01:01] n [2:01:01] that. [2:01:01] unless you have any questions, [2:01:03] I [2:01:04] would like to ask for you to [2:01:06] approve my request. [2:01:07] >> mayor okay, any questions o [2:01:08] r [2:01:08] a motion or anything? [2:01:13] commissioner eastman? [2:01:14] >> yes, thank you. [2:01:16] it seems to me like we -- that [2:01:20] [2:01:20] this is -- as you said, you've [2:01:22] [2:01:22] split this up into two, right? [2:01:23] [2:01:23] one of which is about fte's and [2:01:26] [2:01:26] how you would like to structure [2:01:28] [2:01:28] your fte's internally, which I [2:01:30] [2:01:31] think is a conversation that - [2:01:33] - [2:01:34] we froze about 30 positions las [2:01:35] t [2:01:35] time. [2:01:35] do we want to continue to have [2:01:38] [2:01:38] those frozen, do we eliminate [2:01:40] [2:01:40] these positions, how do we rig [2:01:43] ht [2:01:43] size departments. [2:01:43] having a stock of frozen [2:01:45] positions that are held year [2:01:46] over year, doesn't make a lot o [2:01:48] f [2:01:48] sense, and it would make sense [2:01:49] [2:01:50] in the budget cycle to look at [2:01:52] , [2:01:52] what positions do we want [2:01:55] going-forward. [2:01:55] because we're looking at a [2:01:58] budget gap, does it make sense. [2:01:59] [2:01:59] setting that to the side, the [2:02:01] [2:02:01] other one is the expansion of [2:02:04] [2:02:04] the auditor's ability to do mor [2:02:06] e [2:02:06] of the audits, I'll say that - [2:02:08] - [2:02:09] you have a very aggressive aud [2:02:11] it [2:02:11] plan that you guys were looking [2:02:13] [2:02:13] at in increasing the [2:02:14] >> that is correct. [2:02:19] we have 10 audit topics on the [2:02:20] [2:02:20] awed it the plan. [2:02:21] this time the mayor already [2:02:23] mentioned the fact that we have [2:02:24] [2:02:24] some items on the consent [2:02:26] agenda. [2:02:26] two of these items are audits [2:02:28] [2:02:28] that we completed. [2:02:28] >> right. [2:02:29] [2:02:29] >> we are currently working on [2:02:34] [2:02:34] two audits that we hope to [2:02:36] complete by june in the next [2:02:38] audit committee meeting. [2:02:38] we would like to do more. [2:02:40] we have an internal performance [2:02:42] [2:02:43] metric of 85% completion of our [2:02:45] [2:02:47] audit plan. [2:02:47] that is very aggressive. [2:02:50] we might not be able to hit [2:02:52] that, but we want to be able to [2:02:54] [2:02:54] move towards it. [2:02:54] there are certain performance [2:03:00] [2:03:00] levels that cause people to [2:03:03] wonder what's going on. [2:03:04] I'll just put it that way. [2:03:08] if you, say, complete only 50% [2:03:10] [2:03:11] of your audit plan, this is jus [2:03:13] t [2:03:13] a number I'm just throwing, [2:03:16] compared to, say, 80% of the [2:03:19] audit plan, people might begin [2:03:20] [2:03:20] to think -- and by people, I [2:03:22] mean industry experts, people [2:03:24] [2:03:24] might think, there has to be [2:03:25] some reason why this is the [2:03:26] case. [2:03:26] when they do that and whethey [2:03:30] [2:03:30] have those thoughts, when tito [2:03:30] be audited like [2:03:32] we are here, late last year, w [2:03:35] e [2:03:35] begin to look into that to fin [2:03:37] d [2:03:37] out exactly why that is the [2:03:38] case. [2:03:38] and we don't want that to [2:03:40] happen. [2:03:40] that is why we want to move as [2:03:42] [2:03:43] aggressively as we can, as muc [2:03:43] h [2:03:44] as we can. [2:03:44] >> why does a gap between what [2:03:46] [2:03:46] we had our audit plan versus [2:03:49] what we were able to accomplis [2:03:50] h [2:03:50] in the audit plan? [2:03:51] is that what you are saying? [2:03:52] >> that is right. [2:03:53] when auditors come, one of the [2:03:54] [2:03:54] things they look at is they loo [2:03:55] k [2:03:55] at the audit plan, and they loo [2:03:57] k [2:03:57] at what you have accomplished. [2:03:58] [2:03:58] they want to know if you are t [2:04:02] oo [2:04:02] far away from completing your [2:04:04] [2:04:04] audit plan, they don't expect [2:04:06] [2:04:06] that you complete it. [2:04:07] it's not easy, but they expect [2:04:10] [2:04:10] that you heed a benchmark is [2:04:12] 85%. [2:04:12] so if you are far from that 85%, [2:04:17] [2:04:17] you might begin to wonder, why [2:04:19] [2:04:19] is that the case? [2:04:20] and then we don't want to be I [2:04:22] n [2:04:22] such position. [2:04:22] >> right, right. [2:04:24] and so I'll just say, I mean - [2:04:26] - [2:04:27] so we had a reduction overall I [2:04:30] n [2:04:30] the administrative oversight o [2:04:31] f [2:04:32] multiple departments within the [2:04:32] [2:04:33] city, right? [2:04:34] because gainesville utilities [2:04:36] [2:04:36] moved out from under there. [2:04:36] so a number of departments wer [2:04:39] e [2:04:39] reduced at that time. [2:04:40] we now, I would say that gener [2:04:43] al [2:04:43] government is probably being [2:04:45] audited more so than it had in [2:04:46] [2:04:46] the past because it is about 1 [2:04:47] /3 [2:04:47] of your overall auditing was a [2:04:50] t [2:04:50] the g.r.u. Side. [2:04:51] and then there was a reduction [2:04:52] [2:04:53] in overall, but there's still, [2:04:54] [2:04:54] you know, a significant amount [2:04:55] [2:04:55] of resources going over the [2:04:57] general government. [2:04:57] I guess my point is, as of [2:04:59] yesterday we were six months [2:05:00] into our overall budget. [2:05:01] october 1 was when the budget [2:05:03] [2:05:03] started. [2:05:03] april 1 is our six-month time. [2:05:07] [2:05:07] and I could consider freezing [2:05:12] [2:05:12] the one position, unfreezing [2:05:14] that position, which would put [2:05:15] [2:05:16] -- it's 11,000 for the rest of [2:05:17] [2:05:17] the year. [2:05:17] it's 22,000 going forward, plus [2:05:20] , [2:05:20] I'd imagine, some amount of [2:05:23] increase that would come from [2:05:24] [2:05:24] cost of living. [2:05:25] but I think all of our [2:05:27] departments across the board w [2:05:28] e [2:05:28] have froze a number of [2:05:29] departments and eliminated -- [2:05:30] [2:05:30] frozen a lot of positions. [2:05:31] I think everyone, we need to [2:05:33] really hold the line on trying [2:05:34] [2:05:34] to say the level of service and [2:05:35] [2:05:35] what we have agreed to is what [2:05:37] [2:05:37] we're going to accomplish withi [2:05:38] n [2:05:38] the budget is what we're [2:05:40] agreeing to, and roll the rest [2:05:41] [2:05:41] of that over into the next [2:05:42] budget year. [2:05:43] and so those are my thoughts, [2:05:45] [2:05:45] mr. Mayor. [2:05:46] >> mayor: thank you. [2:05:46] commissioner eastman. [2:05:47] and commissioner book. [2:05:48] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:05:50] just a few questions. [2:05:52] do you know, what was the [2:05:54] position levelling that we have [2:05:56] [2:05:56] this in some previous documents [2:05:57] [2:05:57] of the auditor's office pre-gr [2:05:59] u [2:06:00] split? [2:06:00] how many positions was that? [2:06:02] >> so it would be 2022 and back [2:06:05] . [2:06:05] >> I believe it was seven. [2:06:08] I might be wrong. [2:06:08] maybe six. [2:06:10] but it was maybe an intention t [2:06:12] o [2:06:12] have a seventh. [2:06:12] >> I see. [2:06:15] I see. [2:06:16] I see your staff nodding their [2:06:17] [2:06:17] head. [2:06:17] that is really important becau [2:06:19] se [2:06:19] what commissioner eastman is [2:06:20] talking about is when you move [2:06:21] [2:06:21] different pieces away from a [2:06:23] city, we should have appropria [2:06:23] te [2:06:23] reductions to deal with the -- [2:06:27] [2:06:27] but that was already done in th [2:06:28] e [2:06:28] auditor's office. [2:06:28] and as it relates to the total [2:06:30] [2:06:31] figure, we're talking about [2:06:33] $45,000 across these two [2:06:34] different aspects. [2:06:35] one is for services and one is [2:06:37] a [2:06:38] percentage of a year for a [2:06:40] position upgrade is what I loo [2:06:42] k [2:06:43] at. [2:06:43] is that -- has that, the piece [2:06:45] [2:06:45] related to the position, been [2:06:47] [2:06:47] run through h.r.? [2:06:47] because you have already kind o [2:06:48] f [2:06:48] focused on a specific process [2:06:50] [2:06:50] and upgrading a position. [2:06:52] just want to make sure, as [2:06:54] always, are we following the [2:06:55] process there? [2:06:55] and what is h.r.'s thoughts [2:06:58] about that? [2:06:58] >> yeah, and before we can sta [2:07:01] rt [2:07:01] with all this, I consulted wit [2:07:03] h [2:07:03] the h.r. Director. [2:07:04] I also consulted with the budge [2:07:06] t [2:07:06] office, and we made sure that w [2:07:08] e [2:07:08] followed the proper process. [2:07:11] and the process we are following [2:07:13] [2:07:13] is within policy. [2:07:15] >> and so if this were to move [2:07:18] [2:07:18] forward, there would be no iss [2:07:20] ue [2:07:20] with pre-identifying a person [2:07:22] [2:07:22] who was in a position that bas [2:07:23] ed [2:07:23] on their skills and abilities [2:07:26] [2:07:26] and probably the job [2:07:27] description, where the job aud [2:07:28] it [2:07:28] itself, and they would, in fact [2:07:30] , [2:07:30] be able to ascend to that [2:07:32] position and creates no problem [2:07:33] [2:07:33] in the process. [2:07:33] >> absolutely. [2:07:36] >> okay. [2:07:36] well, I just -- mr. Manager, I [2:07:40] [2:07:40] don't know if you want to weigh [2:07:40] [2:07:41] in or should weigh in, but fro [2:07:42] m [2:07:42] a standpoint of the 45,000 rig [2:07:44] ht [2:07:44] now at the middle of the budge [2:07:46] t [2:07:46] year, and any thoughts about [2:07:49] where that would come from? [2:07:50] or what that means for us moving [2:07:54] [2:07:54] on our potential finances [2:07:56] through the fiscal year? [2:07:57] >> mr. Mayor, I don't have [2:08:01] anything, I guess, specific in [2:08:03] [2:08:03] terms of weighing in. [2:08:06] I do -- as the auditor [2:08:11] indicated, he has been meeting [2:08:12] [2:08:12] about the budget. [2:08:13] I haven't received anything fro [2:08:14] m [2:08:14] the budget office in terms of [2:08:18] [2:08:18] concern about the $45,000, and [2:08:18] I [2:08:19] think that's largely in part d [2:08:20] ue [2:08:20] to the auditor's willingness t [2:08:23] o [2:08:23] swap essentially one position [2:08:24] [2:08:24] for the other in terms of [2:08:26] frozen. [2:08:26] >> just the fact we have over [2:08:29] [2:08:29] 1,200 employees and we've been [2:08:31] [2:08:32] scrutinizing them basically [2:08:32] position by position is a reall [2:08:35] y [2:08:35] good thing in different, you [2:08:37] know, in difficult financal [2:08:38] times, that is what we've done [2:08:40] . [2:08:40] that is what has led us to [2:08:41] freeze essentially 30 positions [2:08:42] [2:08:42] through the fiscal year that [2:08:44] will probably come up in other [2:08:45] [2:08:46] agenda items, but just would [2:08:48] like when equal opportunity cam [2:08:50] e [2:08:50] to forest to mrak slight [2:08:52] adjustment, and we supported it [2:08:56] . [2:08:56] I'm always -- I'm hesitant to [2:08:58] [2:08:58] increase things through the [2:09:00] budget year during the budget [2:09:03] [2:09:03] year. [2:09:03] on the other hand, our city [2:09:04] leaders should have the ability [2:09:05] [2:09:06] to make small and incremental [2:09:08] [2:09:08] additions, subtractions that [2:09:10] allow them to be efficient and [2:09:10] [2:09:11] tell us what they need, and I [2:09:12] [2:09:12] think this is one of those [2:09:15] cases. [2:09:15] as the money comes through [2:09:18] general revenue, I would suppo [2:09:20] rt [2:09:20] it. [2:09:20] but again, we have to be looki [2:09:21] ng [2:09:21] across all positions and across [2:09:24] [2:09:25] all charters actually when the [2:09:26] y [2:09:27] come before us. [2:09:28] so thank you for that [2:09:29] information. [2:09:29] >> thank you, commissioner book [2:09:32] . [2:09:32] commissioner duncan-walker. [2:09:34] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:09:36] thank you for being very, very [2:09:37] [2:09:38] thorough and making sure you [2:09:39] covered many, if not all, of th [2:09:41] e [2:09:41] bases in regards to speaking [2:09:42] with h.r., speaking to budgeting [2:09:43] [2:09:43] so that you could come to us [2:09:45] with something that was not hal [2:09:46] f [2:09:46] baked but very well thought ou [2:09:48] t. [2:09:48] I do remember our conversation [2:09:53] , [2:09:54] and I could appreciate your [2:09:54] level of thoroughness then jus [2:09:56] t [2:09:56] as I appreciate it today. [2:09:57] I think this is a reasonable [2:10:00] request. [2:10:00] and I think the ability of you [2:10:02] [2:10:02] to be having to trade off a [2:10:04] position is something that I [2:10:06] consider very, very important. [2:10:08] [2:10:08] I think that the request is [2:10:10] small. [2:10:11] it's reasonable considering what [2:10:12] [2:10:12] it is that your office has to [2:10:13] [2:10:13] do, and I support it. [2:10:15] thank you. [2:10:15] >> mayor: thank you, [2:10:17] commissioner duncan-walker. [2:10:17] commissioner chestnut. [2:10:19] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:10:24] I support the $11,000 towards [2:10:27] [2:10:27] your staff, your senior staff [2:10:30] [2:10:30] auditor. [2:10:30] where I have the concern is wit [2:10:32] h [2:10:32] the, I guess the overall $33,00 [2:10:38] 0 [2:10:38] increase. [2:10:38] now, prior to this year, this [2:10:46] [2:10:46] year I'll say, for average [2:10:48] number of audits was at six? [2:10:50] >> I would say we moved from [2:10:53] five, six, sometimes four. [2:10:54] >> but it wasn't 10. [2:10:55] it wasn't 10. [2:10:56] >> I don't remember it ever [2:10:58] being 10. [2:10:58] >> no. [2:10:59] it was not 10. [2:11:01] I think we had a reduction whe [2:11:04] n [2:11:05] we moved from having g.r.u. Plu [2:11:07] s [2:11:07] general government, and then I [2:11:09] [2:11:09] think you went up from six to [2:11:13] [2:11:13] 10. [2:11:13] while that's very ambitious and [2:11:17] [2:11:18] I appreciate that, I think tha [2:11:20] t [2:11:20] that's what's causing the [2:11:23] increase here. [2:11:24] so I would support the 11,000. [2:11:30] [2:11:30] I can't support 44,000. [2:11:32] >> thank you, commissioner [2:11:35] willits. [2:11:35] >> mayor: thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:11:38] [2:11:38] I think the fte kind of swap I [2:11:42] s [2:11:42] great. [2:11:42] I think it makes sense partial [2:11:45] ly [2:11:45] because through some budgeting [2:11:47] [2:11:48] cuts, we were -- I think as I [2:11:50] [2:11:50] remember, some of the practice [2:11:52] [2:11:53] was that sometimes an open [2:11:55] position is what we kept froze [2:11:58] [2:11:58] or it was cut. [2:11:59] as opposed to firing someone [2:12:02] from a lower position and then [2:12:04] [2:12:05] having to go through a process [2:12:06] [2:12:06] of hiring an open position. [2:12:09] and so this just seems like, yo [2:12:13] u [2:12:13] know -- this makes a lot of [2:12:16] sense to me. [2:12:16] to structure your office and [2:12:19] because we just have to do it [2:12:20] [2:12:20] through the fte budget process, [2:12:24] [2:12:24] that makes sense. [2:12:24] partially because you've got t [2:12:26] o [2:12:26] keep your people. [2:12:27] and sometimes you really have t [2:12:29] o [2:12:29] -- as they progress in their [2:12:31] career, it makes a lot of sens [2:12:32] e. [2:12:32] that makes sense. [2:12:33] the other issue, I can [2:12:35] understand the concerns, but I [2:12:36] [2:12:36] do encourage my colleagues to g [2:12:38] o [2:12:38] back and if you didn't read [2:12:40] consent agenda item 7 and 8, t [2:12:42] he [2:12:42] reports from audit, and [2:12:45] particularly some of them are [2:12:46] [2:12:46] confidential because they [2:12:47] contain security issues. [2:12:48] I was very impressed by just t [2:12:51] he [2:12:51] past, those two, and one [2:12:53] previously this spring. [2:12:54] the ones I've seen this spring [2:12:56] [2:12:56] and maybe it was a culminati [2:13:00] of a lot of work and the [2:13:03] findings about where managemen [2:13:05] t [2:13:05] and the office has worked with [2:13:06] [2:13:06] you and identified several [2:13:07] concerns to make sure that we [2:13:09] [2:13:09] can prevent future fraud or any [2:13:14] [2:13:15] kind of security threat. [2:13:15] and so I just -- it reminded m [2:13:18] e [2:13:19] why you have to do these becau [2:13:22] se [2:13:22] all of our departments are bus [2:13:23] y [2:13:24] getting all their work done and [2:13:26] [2:13:26] maybe that level of reflection [2:13:28] [2:13:29] of process is not the first [2:13:30] thing they do, but our auditor, [2:13:32] [2:13:32] that is the first thing you do [2:13:33] . [2:13:33] that's your first concern. [2:13:35] and so I want to pose a questio [2:13:37] n to m [2:13:37] to m colleagues is, was the [2:13:39] level of general government [2:13:42] audit appropriate before 2024? [2:13:43] [2:13:43] we can reference the past, but [2:13:45] [2:13:45] were we getting enough done? [2:13:48] and we know before fy24 going [2:13:52] [2:13:52] back a few years before that, [2:13:54] [2:13:54] there were issues with certain [2:13:55] [2:13:55] parts of our government that l [2:13:57] ed [2:13:57] to staff transition. [2:13:58] that led to us devolving part o [2:14:01] f [2:14:01] your government away and I'm [2:14:03] talkin [2:14:05] tal [2:14:05] talking about riker house, lik [2:14:11] e [2:14:12] real concerns. [2:14:12] and more of our contracts when [2:14:14] [2:14:14] we give money to a nonprofit [2:14:16] partner, that we have some [2:14:17] ability to audit a portion of [2:14:18] [2:14:18] what we give to bee to kind [2:14:20] of peel back the onion and loo [2:14:21] k [2:14:21] a little bit. [2:14:22] so that is if -- if we want to [2:14:24] [2:14:24] do that, but we don't want to [2:14:26] [2:14:26] have a little more budget wiggl [2:14:27] e [2:14:27] room so that the auditor can [2:14:29] hire outside, we need to know [2:14:32] [2:14:32] that before we even propose or [2:14:34] [2:14:36] put that policy in because we [2:14:38] [2:14:38] can't give them more work [2:14:39] without some more resources. [2:14:40] because we have an item coming [2:14:44] [2:14:44] up in the afternoon, similar [2:14:45] dollar amount coming out of [2:14:47] proposed to be spent out of [2:14:49] excess fund balance where we [2:14:50] will talk about the ability to [2:14:52] [2:14:52] audit the money we give them. [2:14:55] so I will -- it will be hard t [2:14:58] o [2:14:58] understand someone voting yes [2:15:00] [2:15:00] and we want oversight over the [2:15:01] [2:15:03] [2:15:03] $55,000 for heartwood, but not [2:15:10] [2:15:10] the money to go track and the [2:15:13] [2:15:13] person potentially being part o [2:15:13] f [2:15:13] that audit process. [2:15:14] I don't know where we're going [2:15:15] [2:15:15] to land on both of those, but I [2:15:17] [2:15:17] just wanted to bring that up. [2:15:18] I have similar concerns about [2:15:20] [2:15:20] understanding, commissioner [2:15:22] eastman, about is this [2:15:23] necessary? [2:15:23] is the volume? [2:15:24] but I will say it is hard for m [2:15:26] e [2:15:26] to make that decision right now [2:15:28] [2:15:28] without using part of the trust [2:15:30] [2:15:30] of the auditor to say this is [2:15:32] [2:15:32] what we've been working on. [2:15:33] this is how much gamed out. [2:15:35] this is how many hours of help [2:15:37] I [2:15:37] need as opposed to I need an [2:15:41] extra position mid year. [2:15:42] thank you, colleagues. [2:15:43] thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:15:45] >> mayor: thank you, [2:15:47] commissioner willits. [2:15:47] commissioner ingle. [2:15:49] >> looking at your overall [2:15:50] chart, it looked like a pretty [2:15:54] [2:15:54] tight organization. [2:15:55] so I'm assuming the work of a [2:15:58] [2:15:58] senior auditor is being done [2:16:01] now. [2:16:01] it's being done by an auditor w [2:16:03] e [2:16:03] are not calling a senior [2:16:05] auditor, is that correct? [2:16:05] >> you could say that pretty [2:16:07] much. [2:16:07] our staff auditor has been [2:16:09] working very hard under the [2:16:10] supervision of our senior [2:16:13] auditor and yourself and our [2:16:14] I.t. Audit monitor. [2:16:15] we do cooperate on every audit [2:16:18] [2:16:18] and we do provide that kind of [2:16:20] [2:16:21] supervision. [2:16:21] when somebody becomes a senior [2:16:23] [2:16:23] auditor moving from staff [2:16:25] auditor position, they need -- [2:16:26] [2:16:26] they will require less [2:16:28] supervision, thereby kind of [2:16:29] allowing the other auditors to [2:16:32] [2:16:32] regulate more time to other [2:16:34] projects. [2:16:34] >> that makes a lot of sense t [2:16:38] o [2:16:38] me. [2:16:38] if that will free up the other [2:16:42] [2:16:42] time because this person issed [2:16:42] a [2:16:43] vanced enough in their -- is [2:16:45] advanced enough in their caree [2:16:46] r [2:16:47] they don't have to have that [2:16:48] constant oversight, then I thi [2:16:50] nk [2:16:50] if everybody was given that type [2:16:51] [2:16:51] of responsibility, they would b [2:16:53] e [2:16:53] given the pay commensurate wit [2:16:54] h [2:16:54] that. [2:16:54] otherwise, we are just saving [2:16:56] [2:16:56] money off the back of one [2:16:57] worker, and I am in no way in [2:16:59] [2:16:59] favor of that. [2:17:00] I'm okay with this. [2:17:04] I think it's a relatively small [2:17:06] [2:17:06] about of money and the charter [2:17:07] [2:17:08] office coming and telling me [2:17:10] this small amount of money is [2:17:11] [2:17:11] what it will take to correctly [2:17:12] [2:17:12] do it, I am all right with thi [2:17:13] s [2:17:13] for myself. [2:17:14] thanks. [2:17:14] >> mayor: all right. [2:17:16] thank you, commissioner ingle. [2:17:17] [2:17:17] is there any public comment, [2:17:19] madam clerk? [2:17:19] >> mr. Mayor, there is no publi [2:17:21] c [2:17:21] comment. [2:17:21] >> mayor: anyone else? [2:17:23] commissioner eastman? [2:17:24] >> I'm make a motion and if [2:17:26] someone wants to make a motion [2:17:27] [2:17:27] about the seconart. [2:17:28] as I mention, I support th firspart [2:17:32] firspart that the city [2:17:33] commission authorize the [audio [2:17:34] [2:17:37] disruption] [2:17:37] and authorize to amend the cit [2:17:38] y [2:17:39] auditor's budget in the amount [2:17:42] [2:17:42] of $11,488. [2:17:42] >> mayor: motion and a second. [2:17:44] [2:17:44] all in favor say aye. [2:17:46] any opposed? [2:17:46] all right. [2:17:47] that passes unanimously. [2:17:48] anyone want to approach the [2:17:51] other issue? [2:17:51] commissioner duncan-walker. [2:17:55] >> I vote that we apply the [2:18:01] $33,600 towards the co-sourcin [2:18:03] g [2:18:03] of a selected audit project wit [2:18:06] h [2:18:06] qualified external audit [2:18:09] consulting firms. [2:18:10] >> second. [2:18:10] >> mayor: we have a motion and [2:18:11] a [2:18:12] second. [2:18:12] any discussion? [2:18:13] commissioner eastman? [2:18:13] >> I think that any kind of [2:18:16] change in budgeting that would [2:18:17] [2:18:17] change the oversaul scope, I [2:18:19] mean, I'm not a blanket opposed [2:18:21] [2:18:21] to it. [2:18:21] obviously we did it in the las [2:18:23] t [2:18:23] one, but I think that is the [2:18:25] purpose of the budget process [2:18:26] [2:18:26] that we do starting -- that [2:18:28] we've already started and goes [2:18:30] [2:18:30] through the end of october [2:18:31] figuring out where our [2:18:32] priorities are, how that [2:18:34] balances out with other [2:18:35] positions we have frozen or not [2:18:37] [2:18:37] kept frozen. [2:18:38] I am not opposed, commissioner [2:18:40] [2:18:41] willits, what overall level of [2:18:42] [2:18:43] service we want from our [2:18:45] administrative departments [2:18:46] versus public works, versus [2:18:49] parks, and that is what that [2:18:51] overall budget process would be [2:18:52] . [2:18:52] I am comfortable looking at the [2:18:54] [2:18:54] overall scope of the audit [2:18:57] department just like I am [2:18:58] looking at everyone else durin [2:18:59] g [2:18:59] that process, not necessarily [2:19:00] [2:19:00] during this one. [2:19:01] so I'll vote no on it. [2:19:02] >> mayor: thank you, [2:19:04] commissioner eastman. [2:19:05] any other comments? [2:19:07] commissioner book? [2:19:09] >> yeah, I'm similarly situated, [2:19:11] [2:19:11] mr. Mayor, commissioner eastma [2:19:14] n, [2:19:14] that I think we can address tha [2:19:15] t [2:19:15] and I think that would be [2:19:16] appropriate to put that in the [2:19:17] [2:19:17] middle of the fiscal year in th [2:19:20] e [2:19:20] budget process. [2:19:20] I think it would be supported. [2:19:21] [2:19:21] it's reasonable. [2:19:23] it's incremental. [2:19:24] I think probably merely because [2:19:25] [2:19:25] we're six months in and we nee [2:19:27] d [2:19:27] a little more clarity, we [2:19:29] probably shouldn't do that at [2:19:30] [2:19:30] this point. [2:19:30] I think we have another -- jus [2:19:31] t [2:19:31] the fact I look ahead as we all [2:19:33] [2:19:33] do and look at the other budge [2:19:36] t [2:19:36] requests that are coming, and w [2:19:37] e [2:19:37] kind of have to weigh them all [2:19:39] [2:19:39] collectively and kind of at a [2:19:41] [2:19:41] 30,000-foot level from what's [2:19:43] [2:19:43] best. [2:19:43] so I support it. [2:19:44] I just don't support it today. [2:19:46] [2:19:46] and that's because we need to [2:19:47] [2:19:47] see what our total financial [2:19:49] picture is. [2:19:49] thank you. [2:19:50] >> mayor: thank you, [2:19:52] commissioner book. M [2:19:53] m sorry. [2:19:53] commissioner willits. [2:19:55] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:19:56] so I have similar concerns abo [2:19:58] ut [2:19:58] the full, how we build out [2:20:00] budget and the level of servic [2:20:02] e, [2:20:02] but I just want to remind folk [2:20:04] s, [2:20:04] when we talk about the core [2:20:06] functions of the city. [2:20:07] this is in our charter. [2:20:09] public safety is in a lot of [2:20:11] different places throughout the [2:20:13] [2:20:13] state charter, ordinances, but [2:20:15] [2:20:15] the office of auditor and the [2:20:17] [2:20:17] job to be done is a core servic [2:20:19] e [2:20:19] of the city. [2:20:21] it is a service to ourselves o [2:20:23] n [2:20:23] behalf of our residents. [2:20:24] and so it is -- it is tough [2:20:28] because, you know, there's a [2:20:29] charter office for a reason. [2:20:30] the voters put it there. [2:20:33] and so yeah, it is tough. [2:20:36] I know it's an amount of money [2:20:38] [2:20:38] that doesn't seem like it is t [2:20:39] he [2:20:39] toughest decision in the world, [2:20:40] [2:20:40] but I fully understand the [2:20:43] weight of the decision about [2:20:45] this. [2:20:45] thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:20:46] >> mayor: thank you, [2:20:49] commissioner willits. [2:20:50] madam clerk, since this is goi [2:20:51] ng [2:20:51] to be a close vote, call the [2:20:54] roll please so I don't miss t I [2:20:55] . [2:20:55] >> yes, mr. Mayor. [2:20:57] commissioner book. [2:20:57] >> nay. [2:20:58] >> a commissioner chestnut [2:20:59] >> no. [2:21:00] >> commissioner duncan-walker. [2:21:02] [2:21:02] >> aye. [2:21:03] >> commissioner eastman. [2:21:04] >> nay. [2:21:05] >> commissioner ingle. [2:21:06] >> aye. [2:21:09] >> mayor pro tem willits. [2:21:11] >> aye. [2:21:13] >> mayor ward. [2:21:13] >> aye. [2:21:14] >> that passes 4-3 with book, [2:21:18] [2:21:18] eastman and chestnut in dissent. [2:21:20] [2:21:20] madam clerk? [2:21:23] >> all right. [2:21:24] mr. Mayor, we're on to our [2:21:29] 2026-235 request to amend budge [2:21:31] t [2:21:31] for office of the city auditor [2:21:33] [2:21:34] with recommendation the city [2:21:35] commission authorize human [2:21:37] resources to unfreeze -- [2:21:38] >> mayor: no. [2:21:38] >> an I apologize. [2:21:40] sorry. [2:21:40] I'll get there. [2:21:42] hold on one minute. [2:21:43] >> mayor: we're going to [2:21:45] reconsider the whole thing? [2:21:46] >> no. [2:21:47] we are moving on. [2:21:48] sorry. [2:21:48] 2025-170, contract for red lig [2:21:53] ht [2:21:53] detection camera enforcement [2:21:55] system between redspeed florida [2:21:56] [2:21:56] llc and the city of gainesvill [2:21:59] e. [2:21:59] the recommendation the city [2:22:00] commission approve the contrac [2:22:01] t [2:22:02] with redspeed florida llc and [2:22:04] [2:22:04] authorize the city manager or [2:22:07] [2:22:07] designee to take up the redspee [2:22:08] d [2:22:08] florida contract and execute a [2:22:09] ll [2:22:09] documents and contracts related [2:22:11] [2:22:11] subject to approval of the cit [2:22:13] y [2:22:13] attorney as to form and [2:22:14] legality. [2:22:14] >> mayor: welcome. [2:22:16] >> good afternoon, mayor, city [2:22:18] [2:22:18] commissioners, mr. Manager. [2:22:19] thank you for having me today. [2:22:22] [2:22:22] this is part of our florida [2:22:25] state statute requirement, whi [2:22:27] ch [2:22:27] mandates that we bring this [2:22:29] contract back to you. [2:22:30] allow it to not go on a consent [2:22:32] [2:22:32] agenda so if the public had a [2:22:35] [2:22:35] comment about it that they could [2:22:35] [2:22:35] make a comment about it. [2:22:36] we did on may 15 adopt the [2:22:40] ordinance 2025-170, and it's [2:22:43] related to, of course, the [2:22:45] contract for the red light [2:22:47] cameras. [2:22:47] this is the contract. [2:22:48] this is the backup items of th [2:22:49] e [2:22:50] scope of services and how we [2:22:52] will move forward, and so we [2:22:56] have been in contact both with [2:22:58] [2:22:58] the vendor and lee libby has [2:23:00] helped us all the way through [2:23:02] [2:23:02] this because it is new for us a [2:23:03] t [2:23:03] the gainesville police [2:23:04] department. [2:23:04] I'm here for any questions or [2:23:06] [2:23:06] any of that, and to allow for [2:23:09] [2:23:09] public comment. [2:23:09] >> mayor: very good. [2:23:10] thank you. [2:23:10] >> and I would remind everyone, [2:23:12] [2:23:12] this is about the red light [2:23:14] cameras, not about school zone [2:23:16] [2:23:16] cameras to be specific. [2:23:17] I know that is easy to conflate [2:23:18] [2:23:19] the two. [2:23:20] we're not on school zones [2:23:22] contract just yet. [2:23:23] is there any public comment? [2:23:25] >> there is no public comment. [2:23:27] [2:23:27] >> mayor: okay. [2:23:28] all right. [2:23:28] commissioner book. [2:23:29] >> I remain fully in support. [2:23:32] we have taken several votes for [2:23:33] [2:23:33] both of these forms of [2:23:35] technology. [2:23:35] it is all about public safety, [2:23:36] [2:23:37] and it's definitely not about [2:23:38] [2:23:38] revenue. [2:23:38] if anything, it appears that o [2:23:40] ur [2:23:40] analysis shows that it will be [2:23:42] [2:23:42] revenue neutral. [2:23:43] I suspect it will probably be [2:23:46] [2:23:46] revenue negative for plan [2:23:47] implementation, at least for a [2:23:48] [2:23:48] while. [2:23:48] definitely has nothing to do [2:23:51] with fees and definitely has [2:23:52] nothing to do with leveraging [2:23:54] [2:23:54] safety and the fact that we [2:23:56] identified some of our most [2:23:57] dangerous areas to pilot it [2:23:59] means that maybe a year down t [2:24:01] he [2:24:01] road if we've not done it well [2:24:02] , [2:24:02] it is not implemented in a way [2:24:03] [2:24:04] that gives trust to the [2:24:05] community, then the commission [2:24:07] [2:24:07] has the ability to ramp it back [2:24:08] . [2:24:08] that is the whole point of the [2:24:10] [2:24:10] pilot. [2:24:10] I say this just as another [2:24:14] bureaucratic step in support, [2:24:16] [2:24:16] and so with that, I recommend [2:24:18] [2:24:18] approval of 2025-170, approve [2:24:20] [2:24:20] the contract with redspeed, [2:24:22] authorize the city manage [2:24:25] areer and [2:24:26] designee to accept the contrac [2:24:27] t, [2:24:27] execute the documents and [2:24:29] contracts subject to the [2:24:30] approval of the city attorney. [2:24:31] [2:24:31] >> second. [2:24:32] >> mayor: thank you, [2:24:34] commissioner book. [2:24:34] commissioner willits? [2:24:35] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:24:36] my understanding it is a [2:24:38] three-year contract with two [2:24:39] potential extensions of a year [2:24:41] . [2:24:41] but it can be terminated early? [2:24:44] [2:24:44] pursuant to the contract. [2:24:46] how -- what are the terms for [2:24:49] [2:24:49] terminating early? [2:24:49] if we only -- if we got a year [2:24:51] [2:24:52] into it and we don't like it o [2:24:53] r [2:24:53] a future commission doesn't like [2:24:54] [2:24:54] it. [2:24:54] >> so if for some reason we -- [2:24:59] [2:24:59] if legality in the state level [2:25:00] [2:25:01] like the statute went away that [2:25:02] [2:25:02] allows us to have them, at any [2:25:04] [2:25:04] time we wanted to be able to [2:25:06] negate that contract. [2:25:07] we also put a stipulation in [2:25:10] there. [2:25:10] I think it's 30 days. [2:25:11] letting each other know if for [2:25:13] [2:25:13] some reason, maybe the camera I [2:25:15] s [2:25:15] not functional. [2:25:16] maybe we are not getting enoug [2:25:19] h [2:25:19] -- the decision has changed and [2:25:20] [2:25:21] is not supported by the [2:25:23] legislative body at that time, [2:25:26] [2:25:26] we could ask -- [2:25:27] yes. [2:25:27] >> with a simple majority vote [2:25:30] [2:25:30] of the commission, this contract [2:25:32] [2:25:32] can be and -- and sorry I did [2:25:34] [2:25:34] not go look through for [2:25:35] penalties. [2:25:35] just so that I understand, you [2:25:40] [2:25:40] know, cancellation, terminatio [2:25:40] n, [2:25:40] for cause, without cause, loss [2:25:44] [2:25:44] of funding. [2:25:45] so I just want and maybe this [2:25:47] is [2:25:47] deeper, so it's an attorney [2:25:49] question. [2:25:49] I just want to fully understand [2:25:51] . [2:25:51] if we end up just hating it f [2:25:54] [2:25:54] the public hates it, everybody [2:25:56] [2:25:57] hates it, whatever, can we jus [2:26:00] t [2:26:01] make a -- for no cause, besides [2:26:03] [2:26:03] it is unpopular decision to [2:26:06] terminate what kind of -- I use [2:26:07] [2:26:07] the term penalty because I don [2:26:09] 't [2:26:09] know any better word. [2:26:10] can we get out of it at some [2:26:11] point before the three years? [2:26:12] >> so all of our contracts with [2:26:15] [2:26:15] the city say the vast majority [2:26:18] [2:26:18] have a termination for [2:26:20] conveyance. [2:26:20] this one says after ayear. [2:26:22] with 30 days notice, we can [2:26:24] cancel the agreement. [2:26:25] >> a year. [2:26:26] >> and give it a year. [2:26:27] and then if it's just, like, [2:26:31] outside -- now, obviously, les [2:26:32] s [2:26:33] than a year for cause, there's [2:26:35] [2:26:35] some listed in the contract. [2:26:36] that makes sense. [2:26:37] if it's really not working and [2:26:38] [2:26:39] they really failed and if [2:26:40] there's cause that we can prov [2:26:41] e. [2:26:41] but I'm thinking of the no [2:26:43] cause, merely convenience, giv [2:26:44] e [2:26:44] it a year, and then 30 day, [2:26:47] which makes me feel a little [2:26:49] more comfortable with it so try [2:26:51] [2:26:53] it out on just two. [2:26:54] does this contract allow [2:26:56] expansion of the two to more [2:26:58] than two should we want within [2:26:59] [2:27:00] this three-year period? [2:27:03] >> it is my understanding from [2:27:05] [2:27:06] lee that we would have to enter [2:27:08] [2:27:08] into an addendum to the contract [2:27:09] [2:27:09] if we were going to do that. [2:27:11] it does allow for some leeway [2:27:14] [2:27:14] for that. [2:27:14] >> it would involve the same [2:27:16] steps of, you know, it's got t [2:27:17] o [2:27:18] come before it. [2:27:18] it can't be on continue sent I [2:27:21] f [2:27:21] we do an addendum. [2:27:22] >> I apologize. [2:27:24] that is a legal question I don [2:27:25] 't [2:27:25] have the answer to. [2:27:27] >> mr. City attorney? [2:27:28] >> mr. Mayor, this contract, I [2:27:30] [2:27:30] think, is for the two [2:27:32] intersections that were [2:27:34] identified. [2:27:34] and I'm not aware of any reaso [2:27:37] n [2:27:38] why they wouldn't be willing t [2:27:39] o [2:27:39] expand fit it if we wanted to [2:27:44] [2:27:44] add -- [2:27:44] >> my question is, would this [2:27:47] [2:27:47] return to us in a similar [2:27:50] fashion? [2:27:50] would it go through the same [2:27:52] process? [2:27:52] >> if you add additional [2:27:54] intersections, it would come [2:27:55] back before you. [2:27:56] >> a yes, statute requires all [2:27:58] [2:27:58] approvals from the governing [2:28:00] body to be done on a regular [2:28:02] agenda item for all these [2:28:03] automated enforcement efforts. [2:28:05] [2:28:05] the ordinance you adopted liste [2:28:07] d [2:28:07] additional intersections as an [2:28:09] [2:28:10] authorization, but the [2:28:11] contracts, yes, would have to [2:28:12] [2:28:12] come back and that is for schoo [2:28:13] l [2:28:13] zones and for the red lights. [2:28:14] >> perfect. [2:28:15] I do remember a list. [2:28:17] and the contract comes back. [2:28:18] that's wonderful. [2:28:19] I would just say, I think I'm [2:28:21] [2:28:21] going to support this, and [2:28:23] because we are down the road. [2:28:23] we're getting down on this. [2:28:25] but I do like the idea, and my [2:28:27] [2:28:28] colleagues agree, that I want a [2:28:30] [2:28:30] real one-year deadline that we [2:28:31] [2:28:31] bring back and look at it so [2:28:33] that we know and if it's [2:28:34] something we don't like, that w [2:28:36] e [2:28:36] look at data, hear community [2:28:38] feedback, you know, that kind o [2:28:40] f [2:28:40] set in stone that ewith're goi [2:28:41] ng [2:28:41] to do in a year. [2:28:42] >> statute actually requires a [2:28:44] n [2:28:45] annual report with a regular [2:28:46] agenda item on the regular [2:28:47] meeting, not on consent as well [2:28:49] . [2:28:49] >> not everything we do is [2:28:52] mandated by the state [2:28:52] government, but in this case, I [2:28:54] [2:28:54] think -- [2:28:54] it shows that there is an [2:28:56] interest. [2:28:56] and so I think I can support [2:28:58] this. [2:28:58] thank you. [2:28:58] >> mayor: thank you, [2:29:00] commissioner willits. [2:29:01] xhing commissionerening I I [2:29:04] think? [2:29:04] >> this is an issue I really [2:29:08] have beencommissioner ingle? [2:29:21] >> this is an issue I really is [2:29:22] sue [2:29:23] of folks who don't get mail and [2:29:25] [2:29:26] move a lot and missing something [2:29:27] [2:29:27] like this and turning from a [2:29:28] fine they didn't know they had [2:29:29] [2:29:30] into a suspended license and a [2:29:32] [2:29:32] bench warrant and all the thing [2:29:33] s [2:29:33] that go along with that. [2:29:34] I really wrestled back and for [2:29:36] th [2:29:36] with those things. [2:29:38] in addition to that, there was [2:29:41] [2:29:41] recently a case in south flori [2:29:42] da [2:29:42] where these cameras were [2:29:46] declared unconstitutional. [2:29:47] between those two things, I [2:29:54] would be more comfortable [2:29:56] waiting on actually executing [2:29:57] [2:29:57] this contract until we had som [2:30:00] e [2:30:00] word back from the appeal that' [2:30:01] s [2:30:01] going on to that as to whether [2:30:03] [2:30:03] or not these are going to [2:30:05] continue to be legal. [2:30:05] I don't want to go into putting [2:30:07] [2:30:07] in the expense of getting [2:30:09] special magistrate, getting the [2:30:11] [2:30:11] equipment to, or hiring someon [2:30:12] e [2:30:12] to review all the tickets, doi [2:30:14] ng [2:30:14] all the things that we would [2:30:15] have to do to make this [2:30:17] functional, only to find out a [2:30:19] [2:30:19] few months from now that it's [2:30:21] [2:30:21] not considered constitutional I [2:30:24] n [2:30:24] florida anymore. [2:30:25] I'm also a little, not [2:30:30] concerned, but curious, as to [2:30:32] [2:30:32] whether or not the traffic [2:30:33] patterns that we used to make [2:30:34] [2:30:34] this decision would hold up if [2:30:37] [2:30:37] now that they're talking about [2:30:39] [2:30:39] closing stephen foster and one [2:30:43] [2:30:43] of the intersections we have [2:30:43] been looking at was the corner [2:30:45] [2:30:45] of 6th and 23rd. [2:30:47] I would imagine a good deal of [2:30:50] [2:30:50] that traffic was some school [2:30:51] traffic for that. [2:30:51] so I'm a no on this today. [2:30:53] and I would say I would be jus [2:30:55] t [2:30:55] as happy pushing this off until [2:30:56] [2:30:57] we've got some real answer as t [2:30:59] o [2:30:59] whether or not this is going t [2:31:02] o [2:31:02] continue to be found [2:31:04] unconstitutional and not barri [2:31:07] ng [2:31:07] the appeal in south florida. [2:31:08] that's where I am on it. [2:31:09] >> mayor: thank you, [2:31:11] commissioner ingle. [2:31:12] I will continue to be a yes on [2:31:16] [2:31:16] this. [2:31:16] I have been through. [2:31:17] I understand the concerns. [2:31:18] the thing that we have not [2:31:22] talked about is the tremendous [2:31:23] [2:31:23] danger, and I would almost -- I [2:31:25] [2:31:25] won't call it an epidemic, but [2:31:28] [2:31:28] close to that, of people runni [2:31:29] ng [2:31:29] red lights. [2:31:30] I watched three of them [2:31:32] yesterday in the space of half [2:31:34] [2:31:35] an hour. [2:31:35] they weren't at these two [2:31:37] intersections. [2:31:37] these two intersections are the [2:31:39] [2:31:39] ones that the data show us hav [2:31:43] e [2:31:43] the most trouble. [2:31:45] and some weren't even in the t [2:31:47] op [2:31:47] two. [2:31:47] public safety is a thing we ar [2:31:50] e [2:31:50] 100%, as you mentioned earlier, [2:31:51] [2:31:54] responsible for. [2:31:55] no question about that. [2:31:55] if we are committed to vision [2:31:58] [2:31:58] zero, we've got to do something [2:32:00] [2:32:00] to lower the number of people [2:32:04] [2:32:04] running red lights. [2:32:05] if somebody's got a better idea [2:32:06] , [2:32:06] I'm all ears. [2:32:07] but until a better idea comes [2:32:09] [2:32:09] along, I'm a yes on this. [2:32:11] is there any public comment, [2:32:14] madam clerk? [2:32:15] >> no public comment. [2:32:16] >> mayor: we have a motion on [2:32:18] [2:32:18] the floor. [2:32:19] all in favor vote aye. [2:32:21] opposed nay. [2:32:22] that passes 6-1 with [2:32:24] commissioner ingle in dissent. [2:32:25] [2:32:25] madam clerk? [2:32:26] >> mr. Mayor, that is our [2:32:30] morning agenda. [2:32:30] >> mayor: thank you. [2:32:31] commissioner duncan-walker? [2:32:32] >> mr. Mayor, I do have a quick [2:32:34] [2:32:34] question with regards to the [2:32:36] previous agenda item. [2:32:37] thank you, commissioner ingle, [2:32:39] [2:32:40] for your concerns. [2:32:41] the police advisory council tha [2:32:44] t [2:32:44] is seated. [2:32:45] is it possible to utilize them [2:32:46] [2:32:46] in review of some of these cas [2:32:48] es [2:32:48] as they come through? [2:32:51] because what commissioner ingl [2:32:53] e [2:32:53] was stating is certainly not [2:32:55] anything that's lost on me. [2:32:56] and I wonder if there is a way [2:33:00] [2:33:00] for us in an ongoing way as [2:33:02] opposed to at this year point [2:33:03] [2:33:03] where we will have to review [2:33:05] this, that if we could kind of [2:33:07] [2:33:08] have probably a more consistent [2:33:09] [2:33:09] review and/or analysis of the [2:33:12] [2:33:12] data that we're collecting, so [2:33:14] e can be more apprised of [2:33:16] what's actually happening. [2:33:16] is that a way it could be used [2:33:20] ? [2:33:20] >> commission, sergeant lynn [2:33:24] valdez, traffic unit. [2:33:26] with the statutory requirement, [2:33:28] [2:33:29] part of it is they would like [2:33:29] [2:33:29] the public forum, but the vendo [2:33:31] r [2:33:31] actually produces reports and [2:33:34] [2:33:34] statistical analysis that is [2:33:35] easily available to everybody. [2:33:36] [2:33:36] so we could also present to the [2:33:39] [2:33:39] police advisory commission. [2:33:40] but part of the formality is, I [2:33:41] [2:33:41] believe, they want it in this [2:33:44] [2:33:44] public setting on record to be [2:33:47] [2:33:47] able to comment about what has [2:33:48] [2:33:48] gone on in the previous year. [2:33:50] >> so that happens once per yea [2:33:52] r [2:33:52] is what you are talking about. [2:33:53] [2:33:53] >> yes, ma'am. [2:33:54] >> what I am talking about is [2:33:56] [2:33:56] the police advisory council tha [2:33:58] t [2:33:58] meets how often? [2:33:59] >> good morning, commissioner. [2:34:00] [2:34:00] good morning, mr. City manager, [2:34:02] [2:34:03] mr. Mayor. [2:34:03] absolutely. That council is th [2:34:08] ere for [2:34:08] several reasons, one of which I [2:34:10] s [2:34:10] to give us advice. [2:34:11] to have some degree of oversigh [2:34:12] t [2:34:12] to our processes. [2:34:14] I see this as just that. [2:34:17] so if the commission wanted to [2:34:19] [2:34:19] give direction to that council, [2:34:20] [2:34:21] certainly that would be within [2:34:22] [2:34:22] the purview. [2:34:23] and we would make whatever [2:34:27] reported timeline, so on a [2:34:29] monthly, ongoing, status repor [2:34:30] t [2:34:31] because we meet with council [2:34:32] every month, then that is what [2:34:33] [2:34:34] we would do. [2:34:34] despite the annual reported [2:34:37] mandate statutorily. [2:34:38] >> I would be interested in [2:34:39] that. [2:34:39] I wonder if it's the appetite [2:34:42] of [2:34:42] my colleagues, but I will make [2:34:44] [2:34:44] that motion because I think to [2:34:47] [2:34:47] put us at ease, to put the [2:34:49] community at ease, and to make [2:34:50] [2:34:50] sure we are staying on top of [2:34:52] [2:34:52] what's happening with our [2:34:53] neighbors, I definitely, [2:34:54] especially if it's going to not [2:34:55] [2:34:55] be that much of an impact, we d [2:34:57] o [2:34:57] have a board that sits there for [2:34:59] [2:34:59] this particular reason, and I [2:35:01] [2:35:01] think that a lot of them might [2:35:03] [2:35:03] be interested in this as well. [2:35:06] [2:35:06] but I move that we enlist the [2:35:09] [2:35:09] police advisory council to [2:35:12] provide a monthly, ongoing -- [2:35:15] [2:35:15] commissioner? [2:35:15] >> sorry. [2:35:16] the only thing that is still [2:35:17] unknown to us. [2:35:17] >> yes. [2:35:18] >> is the impact on how we're [2:35:20] [2:35:20] going to capture the data, [2:35:22] right? [2:35:22] the instrument to capture data [2:35:24] [2:35:25] is yet unknown. [2:35:26] so a lot of this will be all [2:35:29] hands on deck using our [2:35:30] analysts, using our traffic [2:35:32] personnel, so I don't have a [2:35:33] clear picture yet as to how eas [2:35:35] y [2:35:35] it is going to be. [2:35:36] >> right. [2:35:36] >> so maybe we can have further [2:35:38] [2:35:38] dialogue whether it's monthly, [2:35:39] [2:35:40] whether it's quarterly, not [2:35:41] sure. [2:35:41] but whatever the commission [2:35:43] arrives at at a reasonable [2:35:44] timeline, I think we can deliver [2:35:45] [2:35:45] that. [2:35:45] >> okay. [2:35:47] so let me take the monthly out [2:35:50] [2:35:50] now. [2:35:50] I'll take the monthly out. [2:35:53] let me just say it like this. [2:35:57] in response to community need, [2:36:02] [2:36:02] in response to a level of [2:36:07] transparency, I'm interested I [2:36:09] n [2:36:09] us being able to provide [2:36:11] additional information. [2:36:11] I'm interested in additional [2:36:15] analysis, okay, that can [2:36:17] apparently be done through our [2:36:18] [2:36:18] police advisory council. [2:36:19] now, if that's not done on a [2:36:21] monthly basis, maybe that's [2:36:23] fine. [2:36:23] but maybe a quarterly basis. [2:36:26] because I hear you. [2:36:27] ther are still a number of [2:36:30] unknowns here. [2:36:30] >> commissioner, we can always [2:36:34] [2:36:34] as we go along adjust that. [2:36:36] >> yeah, that's what I'm [2:36:38] thinking. [2:36:38] right now let's do quarterly [2:36:41] because maybe that's the lowes [2:36:42] t [2:36:42] burden. [2:36:42] and it allows you a chance to [2:36:47] [2:36:47] figure things out. [2:36:48] give your advisory council a [2:36:49] chance to figure things out an [2:36:51] d [2:36:51] you all speaking with them and [2:36:53] [2:36:53] as developments arise in terms [2:36:55] [2:36:55] of how the data will be [2:36:57] captured, all of that can come [2:36:58] [2:36:58] in. [2:36:58] you hear my concern. [2:36:59] I'm trying to cobble this [2:37:02] together on the fly here. [2:37:04] but the motion is essentially t [2:37:07] o [2:37:07] involve the police advisory [2:37:09] council in an ongoing way to b [2:37:12] e [2:37:14] able to analyze this -- the dat [2:37:15] a [2:37:15] that has been captured from the [2:37:17] [2:37:18] red light cameras. [2:37:19] >> got it. [2:37:21] >> mayor: is there a second? [2:37:22] we have a motion and a second. [2:37:24] [2:37:24] commissioner ingle? [2:37:27] >> I will get it after this [2:37:29] motion. [2:37:29] >> mayor: gotcha. [2:37:30] okay. [2:37:30] mr. Manager? [2:37:32] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:37:33] I was going to point out, too, [2:37:35] [2:37:35] we can certainly include this [2:37:36] [2:37:36] information as we collect it I [2:37:37] n [2:37:37] the quarterly reports and [2:37:39] presentations that g.d.p. Gives [2:37:40] [2:37:40] you all, too. [2:37:41] >> excellent. [2:37:42] >> mayor: very good. [2:37:43] commissioner book? [2:37:44] >> yeah, commissioner [2:37:46] duncan-walker, more community [2:37:47] [2:37:47] sentiment and evaluation does [2:37:49] [2:37:49] not hurt is us in any way. [2:37:51] it is a good thing, and I think [2:37:52] [2:37:52] the mayor pro tem was eluding t [2:37:54] o [2:37:54] that, too. [2:37:55] any way we get that and as [2:37:57] things go on, I think is a goo [2:37:58] d [2:37:58] idea. [2:37:58] thank you. [2:37:59] >> mayor: thank you, [2:38:00] commissioner book. [2:38:01] all in favor please say aye. [2:38:02] any opposed? [2:38:03] all right. [2:38:03] that passes unanimously. [2:38:04] commissioner ingle, did you hav [2:38:06] e [2:38:06] something to add? [2:38:06] >> yeah, just to throw onto [2:38:09] that. [2:38:09] I think we have talked about I [2:38:11] t [2:38:11] every time this has come up, a [2:38:12] n [2:38:13] issue and the concerns as part [2:38:14] [2:38:14] of the report and as part of the [2:38:16] [2:38:16] feedback and everything else, I [2:38:17] [2:38:18] really want to get some answer [2:38:20] [2:38:20] on how many of those red light [2:38:21] [2:38:23] tickets are rolling over into [2:38:25] [2:38:25] traffic tickets and not just a [2:38:27] [2:38:27] civil violation, but actually [2:38:28] [2:38:28] rolled over to that. [2:38:29] and I know you said there was [2:38:32] [2:38:32] complications in figuring out [2:38:33] [2:38:33] where that information was hel [2:38:34] d [2:38:34] and all that, but I want to mak [2:38:35] e [2:38:35] sure as part of the report we [2:38:36] are getting an update of how [2:38:38] many of these civil violations [2:38:40] [2:38:40] end up rolling over into the [2:38:43] standard traffic violations. [2:38:44] thank you. [2:38:45] >> mayor: all right. [2:38:46] thank you, commissioner ingle. [2:38:47] [2:38:47] all right. [2:38:48] I see no no further lights. [2:38:51] we will reconvene at 1:00. [0:00] . [23:48:52] >> mayor: good afternoon, [3:42] everyone. [3:42] welcome to the afternoon [3:43] association of this april 2nd, [3:47] [3:47] 2026, city commission meeting. [3:47] [3:47] the afternoon will be just as [3:49] packed as the morning was. [3:51] madam clerk. [3:52] >> mr. Mayor, we have the [3:57] gainesville history moment to b [3:58] e [3:58] presented by ms. Donna waller. [4:00] [4:00] >> mayor: welcome. [4:04] good to see you. [4:06] >> always nice to see you [4:09] folks. [4:09] today some of you may remember [4:15] [4:15] that I was, that last time I was [4:17] [4:17] here, I talked about essential [4:22] ly [4:22] the african american background [4:26] [4:26] of gainesville and own one of [4:30] the things I pointed out was t [4:31] he [4:31] pleasant striet plez -- [4:34] pleasant [4:34] street neighborhood wasn't jus [4:36] t [4:36] gainesville's first african [4:36] american neighborhood but it wa [4:37] s [4:37] really gainesville's first real [4:42] [4:42] neighborhood, and so today wha [4:45] t [4:45] I want to talk about is what w [4:49] as [4:49] actually the first real white [4:54] neighborhood in gainesville. [4:56] and I want to start and ask you [5:00] [5:00] to sort of consider this fact, [5:04] [5:04] which plays off something else [5:06] I [5:06] said last month. [5:08] which is that in 1860, which I [5:12] s [5:12] the year when the civil war [5:14] broke out, gainesville had 223 [5:21] [5:21] white residents according to th [5:25] e [5:25] 1860 census. [5:26] so when you think about the [5:29] development of gainesville, yo [5:32] u [5:32] want to recognize that at, sor [5:39] t [5:39] of the moment of chartering in [5:41] [5:41] many ways, gainesville really [5:45] only had what we would think o [5:48] f [5:48] as a block of permanent white [5:53] residents. [5:53] and just like pleasant street [5:58] and the african american [6:00] population grew because of the [6:04] [6:04] war and the railroads, so did [6:08] the white population, and you [6:10] might recall that I said that [6:14] african americans and people o [6:16] f [6:16] color were majority of this [6:18] county. [6:18] up through the 1880s. [6:24] and it was, it was the railroads [6:27] [6:27] that changed all that. [6:30] gainesville was very lucky tha [6:32] t [6:32] the union armies did not pull u [6:34] p [6:34] the railroad tracks during the [6:37] [6:37] war. [6:37] and by the 1880s, the [6:39] railroads had expanded greatly [6:43] [6:43] in florida, but I'm always [6:46] learning new stuff, and this I [6:49] s [6:49] the new one for this time. [6:51] I did not properly understand [6:53] until last week that gainesvil [6:57] le [6:57] was essentially the last [7:00] railroad stop in central flori [7:05] da [7:05] until after 1900. [7:10] if you wanted to come to florida [7:12] [7:12] and go further south, you had t [7:16] o [7:16] take a wagon train or some oth [7:19] er [7:19] kind of vehicle. [7:23] so when you think about why we [7:25] [7:25] have that train on our seal up [7:29] [7:29] above the mayor's head, it's [7:32] because this town was really [7:34] made by the railroads in a ver [7:37] y [7:37] real sense. [7:39] and by the 1880s, what, what [7:43] that railroad had done was to [7:45] make this area the single [7:49] largest producer of sea island [7:54] [7:54] cotton in the entire state of [7:56] florida. [7:56] and two-thirds of the state's [8:02] agricultural products were [8:04] shipped out of gainesville. [8:09] and so what you kind of have t [8:16] o [8:16] understand is that after the w [8:20] ar [8:20] and by the 1880s, people were [8:22] moving into the area and movin [8:24] g [8:24] into gainesville for economic [8:28] reasons. [8:28] it was really boom time here. [8:31] there hadn't been a lot of [8:34] damage during the war, and it [8:37] was all about cotton and [8:40] oranges, and then in the [8:42] 1890s, there were series of [8:46] big freezes that simply wiped [8:50] out agriculture, but lucky for [8:53] [8:53] us, by the time that occurred, [8:59] [8:59] florida had begun to be a [9:02] tourist attraction. [9:04] and again, the railroads broug [9:09] ht [9:09] the tourists down here. [9:12] and what happened around 1900 [9:17] was the first of the florida [9:21] great real estate booms, and [9:24] gainesville really benefited [9:28] from that, and the specific [9:34] neighborhood I want to talk [9:35] about today is actually the duc [9:39] k [9:39] pond. [9:39] if you think about the growth o [9:44] f [9:44] gainesville and those 223 [9:49] people, most of them lived on [9:50] warlz or plantation houses. [9:52] if you look at that little hou [9:54] se [9:54] over on the math eosin propert [9:57] y, [9:57] that was the original farm [9:59] house, and it was up on a hill, [10:02] [10:02] and there was nothing around I [10:04] t [10:04] until the math matheson's b [10:11] uilt [10:11] the better house where the muse [10:12] [10:12] ement is and that did not happe [10:13] n [10:13] until the 1890s. [10:16] so beginning in the early [10:19] 1900s, there was a real estate [10:23] [10:23] boom, and one of the developer [10:25] s [10:25] is a name that you've heard a [10:27] lot from me, mr. William ruben [10:33] [10:33] thomas of the thomas center. [10:36] and you'll recall that someone [10:39] [10:39] else started his house, which [10:41] was called sun kissed villa, a [10:45] nd [10:45] he took it over and finished I [10:47] t [10:47] in 1910 and while that was goi [10:51] ng [10:51] on, he started developing an [10:55] adjacent area to his house, [10:58] which is now the thomas center, [11:01] [11:01] and it was called sun sunkist [11:07] [11:07] like the sun kissed villa, and [11:09] a [11:09] number of the houses in the duc [11:11] k [11:11] pond that are built in the [11:14] 1890s are part of the original [11:19] [11:19] sun kissed development which w [11:24] as [11:24] around thomas' house, but the [11:26] real story of the duck pond is [11:29] [11:29] one of his neighbors. [11:32] in 1910a man named james [11:36] videl -- vidal moved into a [11:40] house pretty close to where [11:43] thomas lived about a block awa [11:46] y [11:46] from the thomas estate. [11:50] and in 1922, he talked william [11:56] [11:56] ruben thomas into selling him a [12:00] [12:00] lot of the acreage around the [12:03] thomas center, and it was to [12:07] become a development that came [12:09] [12:09] to be called the highlands [12:14] neighborhood. [12:14] and in 1926, vidal who was [12:20] actually a kind of a sybil [12:22] engineer and a city planner [12:27] dammed a part of sweetwater [12:29] creek and created what was [12:34] maybe, there's a contending, [12:38] another contender here, but in [12:42] [12:42] 1926 what vidal did was to [12:46] create the first public park I [12:50] n [12:50] gainesville. [12:50] inside the city of gainesville. [12:52] [12:52] and that was the duck pond. [12:56] and if you walk around the duc [12:59] k [12:59] pond area, you'll see that man [13:04] y [13:04] of the houses are from the [13:07] 1920s in the northeast [13:10] historic area. [13:11] some of them date from the fir [13:14] st [13:14] wave, the sun kissed [13:16] development, but a lot of the [13:19] houses in the duck pond were [13:20] built in the 1920s as part of [13:23] the highland neighborhood. [13:27] and it really was in many ways [13:32] [13:32] the first downtown white [13:36] neighborhood in gainesville [13:39] starting in the -- around 1900 [13:42] [13:42] and then with a big growth spu [13:46] rt [13:46] in the 1920s. [13:48] and that was when the duck pon [13:50] d [13:50] appeared, and in 1980, the [13:56] entire northeast historic [14:00] district was put on the nationa [14:03] l [14:03] register of historic places, a [14:07] nd [14:07] if you walk around the duck [14:09] pond, you see a huge range of [14:12] architectural styles in these [14:15] houses that were essentially [14:17] built from 1900 through about [14:23] 1927 or so. [14:25] >> mayor: thank you so much. [14:26] appreciate it. [14:28] all right. [14:28] madam clerk. [14:30] >> mr. Mayor, we have early [14:32] public comment, but we don't [14:33] have anyone signed up there. [14:35] we currently have six speakers [14:36] [14:36] for general public comment. [14:39] I'm going to say the person [14:40] speaking and then a couple of [14:42] after so people know who's [14:43] coming up next. [14:45] margaret delisle followed by [14:46] billy rohan and then ryan [14:49] bornet. [14:49] >> mayor: okay, so before anyon [14:51] e [14:51] starts let me just give a quick [14:53] [14:53] primer because I know there are [14:54] [14:54] some folks here who are going t [14:56] o [14:56] want to speak who have not bee [14:57] n [14:57] regulars here so just as a [14:58] reminder, when we call you up t [15:03] o [15:03] lectern, first of all, let me [15:06] say we've had am some folks [15:08] soo-- had some folks sign up f [15:10] or [15:10] general public comment and [15:11] that's great. [15:11] if you're here to speak to an [15:12] item that's on the agenda later [15:14] [15:14] on, we'll call you for that ite [15:16] m [15:16] as well just please make sure [15:17] you fill a form out so the [15:18] clerk's office can do that [15:20] effectively. [15:20] when you come up, there is thr [15:23] ee [15:23] little lights on the lectern a [15:25] nd [15:25] a light is green, you have the [15:28] , [15:28] you'll start off with three ful [15:29] l [15:29] minutes to talk and I'm not [15:30] going to court cut you off [15:35] midsentence but if the light I [15:36] s [15:36] green, you've got plenty of [15:37] time. [15:37] light turns yellow you want to [15:39] [15:39] start winding down. [15:40] when the light turn reds when [15:41] you get to the end of a thought [15:42] [15:42] I'm going to ask you to please [15:43] [15:43] wrap up so that's just the [15:44] general way of how we do it. [15:47] so. [15:47] >> so our first speaker is [15:48] margaret delisle, also to let [15:51] you know room 16 has been opene [15:53] d [15:53] because we are packed full in [15:55] here so we may need to have som [15:56] e [15:56] time to get people from there. [15:59] [15:59] followed by billy rohan and the [16:01] n [16:01] prien ryan burnette are on [16:04] [16:04] deck. [16:04] >> mayor: all right, [16:06] ms. Delisle. [16:08] hello, I'm margaret. [16:10] I have cept many e-mails of [16:13] various topics, but today I cam [16:15] e [16:15] to talk about the traffic [16:17] lights. [16:17] I didn't know the first session [16:18] [16:18] was going to be about traffic [16:21] lights, so it's a fun [16:22] coincidence but as I've driven [16:25] [16:25] around this town and I came her [16:27] e [16:27] from atlanta and so I've drive [16:28] n [16:28] through atlanta, I've noticed [16:30] how much an impact improperly [16:33] timed lights have on pretty muc [16:34] h [16:34] every aspect of our day to day [16:37] [16:37] lives. [16:37] and how strange it is that we' [16:40] re [16:40] still relying on such as stati [16:44] c [16:44] way of viewing traffic, which I [16:45] s [16:45] inherently adaptable and ever [16:47] shifting according to condition [16:50] s [16:50] that include both just how you [16:53] r [16:53] populous is doing mentally, the [16:54] [16:54] weather, the things that happe [16:57] n [16:57] on I-75, and so I really came [17:00] down here just today to bring u [17:03] p [17:03] the topic of finding new ways t [17:06] o [17:06] direct traffic that have more t [17:09] o [17:09] do with how life actually works [17:11] [17:11] and how we want liev to be [17:14] because I understand you know, [17:16] [17:16] the routines that we have [17:17] throughout the day are what [17:19] causes congestion in the morni [17:21] ng [17:21] and the evening, but when I was [17:23] [17:23] driving here, today even, I was [17:26] [17:26] stopped at a stoplight on main [17:29] [17:29] street, next to southwest 16 [17:32] ave., and there were no cars [17:34] coming from the other direction [17:35] s [17:35] but we just sat there for like [17:36] [17:36] about a minute, maybe two, and [17:40] [17:40] that's just not the way that y [17:43] ou [17:43] most efficiently direct people. [17:45] [17:45] so you asked the question of [17:47] what can you do to make people [17:49] [17:49] stop for stoplights, for publi [17:51] c [17:51] safety, and one of those thing [17:53] s [17:53] is that you need to build up [17:55] that trust between the [17:57] individual driving and the [17:59] infrastructure itself because a [18:00] s [18:00] it currently is, I've lost tru [18:03] st [18:03] in it. [18:04] I'm willing to respect the [18:05] government because I enjoy thi [18:07] s [18:07] town. [18:07] I enjoy the commissioners. [18:09] I love that they have put up [18:11] with, you know, some of my [18:12] shenanigans, but just because I [18:16] [18:16] have that trust does not mean [18:17] that everyone else in the [18:19] community is going to maintain [18:20] [18:20] that trust. [18:21] whether we're constantly being [18:23] [18:23] left to sit on university and [18:28] 441 and just not be able to mov [18:31] e [18:31] when there is nobody on the [18:32] way. [18:32] so if you really, really truly [18:34] [18:34] do want to address the issue [18:36] with the red lights, then we [18:38] need to find a better solution [18:40] [18:40] instead of tying every single [18:42] aspectf our infrastructure to [18:44] three badly timed lights light [18:46] s [18:46] on 441. [18:47] thank you. [18:48] >> mayor: thank you. [18:49] >> billy rohan followed by rya [18:51] n [18:51] bornet and annie rochelle. [18:55] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Rohan. [18:56] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [18:58] [off mic] [19:01] greetings and good afternoon, [19:04] mayor ward, commissioners [19:05] eastman, commissioner ingle, [19:09] commissioner desmon walker and [19:11] [19:11] commissioner books and [19:12] commissioner willits. [19:14] thank you for your time. [19:16] my name is billy rohan. [19:17] for years I have stood at this [19:19] [19:19] podium in the city hall to [19:21] ensure the voices of district 3 [19:24] [19:24] are heard. [19:25] now I am asking for the [19:27] opportunity to bring that same [19:28] [19:28] dedication to the dais. [19:30] our neighbors in southwest [19:32] gainesville deserve a [19:33] representative who prioritizes [19:35] [19:35] fiscal accountability and commo [19:37] n [19:37] sense solutions. [19:39] citizens' concerns about [19:40] addressing utility [19:42] accountability, addressing the [19:46] [19:46] $1.7 billion gru debt, and [19:48] stabilizing rates for residents [19:49] [19:49] of gainesville. [19:51] a smart infrastructure, by [19:53] fixing traffic, the bottlenecks [19:55] [19:55] along the archer road corridor, [19:57] [19:57] and ensuring pedestrian safety [20:00] [20:00] near haile plantation and tower [20:03] [20:03] road, and finally, through [20:04] community investment, protecting [20:07] the public spaces and parks [20:11] deaght life here in gainesville [20:12] , [20:12] florida, that we all enjoy. [20:14] and gainesville in general. [20:17] thank you for your time. [20:18] I look forward to serving the [20:20] community of gainesville. [20:23] thanks for giving me so much [20:25] this city has in the last 45 [20:27] years growing up here from goin [20:29] g [20:29] to school at duval elementary [20:31] school to gainesville high [20:33] school to new pathways and [20:35] horizons, everything that the [20:37] city has offered me, I really [20:39] appreciate it. [20:40] I hope y'all have a great rest [20:41] [20:41] of your day, and a wonderful a [20:43] nd [20:43] happy easter. [20:44] thank you for your time agod [20:45] bless you. [20:50] >> mayor: thank you. [20:50] >> we have ryan bornet followed [20:51] [20:51] by -- and jim konish. [20:52] to. [20:52] >> mayor: very good. [20:53] welcome. [20:53] >> hi. [20:55] mr. Mayor and commissione [20:56] appreciate your time and [20:59] attention. [20:59] -- on behalf of multiple [21:02] stakeholders when it comes to [21:03] the business community, and I [21:04] wanted to readdress something, [21:06] a [21:06] change that took place in [21:09] december and in january with [21:11] one-way pairs. [21:13] I speak on behalf of bagels [21:15] company gator beverage which I [21:17] s [21:17] my business, it's been our [21:18] family business in town for 35 [21:20] [21:20] years, the sweetwater coffee [21:22] company, jungle boys and then [21:25] smokeville. [21:25] since this change has taken [21:29] place, we've seen a significant [21:32] [21:32] impact financially to all of o [21:34] ur [21:34] businesses in a very negative [21:36] way, and it, it certainly has [21:39] been a struggle to keep up [21:41] with. [21:41] access for businesses is very [21:44] important. [21:44] when I grew up I grew up in a [21:46] divorced household. [21:47] my mother and father both ran [21:48] their own businesses, and they [21:51] [21:51] instilled a philosophy in me [21:53] that I carry and credit a lot o [21:55] f [21:55] our success in the business [21:58] scope, which is competition [22:00] makes you better. [22:02] if it's bad, you turn it into [22:04] a [22:04] good. [22:04] and the reason I'm standing up [22:06] [22:06] here today is I'm struggling [22:08] deeply along with everyone in [22:11] the business community I [22:12] mentioned, with finding the [22:14] positive with the changes that [22:15] [22:15] have taken place. [22:17] what we've experienced is worse [22:19] [22:19] traffic. [22:19] we've experienced the financial [22:21] [22:21] impact, our roadways are now [22:24] worse than they were previousl [22:25] y [22:25] as far as the condition of the [22:28] [22:28] roads. [22:28] the neighborhood is suffering. [22:30] [22:30] back in the december 4th [22:31] meeting that the community spo [22:34] ke [22:34] in in a prominent business [22:35] leader spoke, everyone spoke I [22:38] n [22:38] opposition of the changes, and [22:40] [22:40] becauseof this arpa money, it [22:42] really came off after the fact [22:45] [22:45] that this was a railroad [22:46] project. [22:46] this was just shoved down our [22:50] throats, and I would love to [22:53] find the optimistic side of [22:54] these changes. [22:54] I watch public safety as a maj [22:57] or [22:57] issue. [22:57] I had a police officer running [22:59] [22:59] down the one way -- wrong way [23:00] two days ago because there was [23:02] a [23:02] criminal on the loose. [23:04] and what does that tell me? [23:05] that tells me that access to [23:06] emergency response is worse. [23:08] I'm a bicyclist. [23:10] I am the definition of vision [23:13] zero, I ride my bike four days [23:15] a [23:16] week 30 minutes both ways to [23:17] work. [23:17] and not one time when we had t [23:21] he [23:21] bike boulevard before the [23:22] changes did I ever think that I [23:23] [23:23] needed more bike lanes. [23:24] or mike changes to the [23:27] infrastructure. [23:27] this is a transient community. [23:29] [23:29] we train everyone on the one [23:30] ways, wait until august. [23:32] we have to train everyone all [23:33] over again. [23:34] it's -- everyone goes the wrong [23:36] [23:36] way on the one ways. [23:37] it's dangerouses, and no one's [23:40] , [23:40] we're not slowing down drivers [23:41] . [23:41] we're not changing drivers. [23:42] and frankly I think it's very [23:44] biased towards all the people [23:46] that deserve the right to [23:47] drive. [23:47] I talk to neighborhood people [23:50] all the time and now they're [23:51] more inconvenienced than ever. [23:52] [23:52] they can't ride a bike. [23:54] they have to drive. [23:55] and now they're circling back [23:58] five different ways to [23:59] accomplish something. [23:59] I know I've spoken withyou [24:00] individually. [24:00] and we've talked about -- [24:04] obviously that's something tha [24:05] t [24:05] I would like to continue to mov [24:07] e [24:07] towards with the commission, but [24:09] [24:09] I just want to be on the recor [24:11] d [24:11] and open that the two-way was a [24:17] [24:17] successful model and this chang [24:18] e [24:18] has been very, very harmful to [24:19] [24:19] the businesses in the community [24:22] , [24:22] and you know at the commission [24:23] [24:23] meeting that you voted against [24:25] [24:25] everyone in the community, tha [24:26] t [24:26] was also said and now the [24:29] businesses are here trying to [24:30] also acknowledge that. [24:31] thank you. [24:32] >> mayor: thank you. [24:34] so I will ask that we, we [24:36] generally try not to clap or [24:38] cheer or jeer because the side [24:41] [24:41] you're on right now might not b [24:42] e [24:42] the side that you're on next [24:43] time it happens so please try t [24:44] o [24:44] keep that from doing that. [24:48] >> annie rochelle followed by [24:49] jim konish and justin smith. [24:52] >> mayor: welcome. [24:53] >> thank you all. [24:56] unfortunately but fortunately [24:57] I'll sorry I have to be here [24:58] with this but fortunately I'm [25:01] glad I can bring it to you guy [25:03] s' [25:03] attention. [25:03] on 3/9 I was concerned with my [25:12] [25:12] electric bill being so high, s [25:14] o [25:14] I with gan to research over [25:15] maybe -- began to research ove [25:17] [25:17] maybe what could cause it to go [25:19] [25:19] to that level and I realized [25:19] that my, the container garbage [25:25] [25:25] container fee on there was not [25:27] [25:27] what I thought it should be. [25:30] that I was supposed to be payin [25:32] g [25:32] for. [25:32] so I rirched my bill for march [25:37] [25:37] it was consistent of this year. [25:40] [25:40] for '25 I had four different [25:43] fees for that. [25:45] 20.56, 31.80, 33.50, 41.52. [25:50] so I called. [25:53] I said that can't be. [25:55] and I've had that problem [25:57] before, so I called, and I [25:59] talked with the young lady. [26:01] she said yes, ms. Rochelle. [26:03] inconsistency. [26:03] let me get back, let me get bac [26:07] k [26:07] with you so she put me on hold [26:12] [26:12] and said so she said well, som [26:13] e [26:13] of the prices changed. [26:15] something, I could have maybe [26:19] overlooked. [26:19] so we go on that was on a [26:21] monday. [26:21] so I said well, I don't need a [26:24] [26:24] bigger container. [26:25] I want what I initially started [26:27] [26:27] with. [26:27] I moved there 2020. [26:32] and so therefore it wasn't the [26:36] [26:36] price that for that retainer. [26:39] and -- container. [26:40] and so therefore, I said no, [26:42] this is not right. [26:43] this is just not good. [26:44] and so she said okay well I'll [26:47] [26:47] forward it forward. [26:49] that was that monday. [26:51] tuesday, wednesday, they came [26:52] and changed out the garbage can [26:55] [26:55] to what I really wanted. [26:58] and so thursday go by, friday [27:01] come, I never heard anything [27:03] back. [27:03] I pick up the phone, I called [27:05] them. [27:05] and I asked them. [27:08] I said hey, what was the deal o [27:10] n [27:10] this? [27:10] what what happened? [27:12] they said well ms. Rochelle, I [27:15] 'm [27:15] sorry, there is nothing we can [27:16] [27:16] do because you called before. [27:17] I said I did. [27:19] and they say, I said yes, about [27:21] [27:21] my, about the rates not being [27:23] the same before, consistent [27:24] before. [27:24] she said no, that was gru [27:28] fault. [27:28] and so therefore they say I sa [27:31] id [27:31] well that was warranted then. [27:34] and so, and so she said no, you [27:38] [27:38] call before, and I said yeah, I [27:42] [27:42] said I did. [27:43] I called back about debris bei [27:45] ng [27:45] put in my yard, by the city [27:47] workers. [27:47] and so she said yes, that is [27:49] what I'm talking about. [27:52] I said, she said because of that [27:55] [27:55] and you did not bring that to [27:56] our attention then, we can't [27:58] help you now basically. [28:01] and I said but that was then a [28:04] nd [28:04] that was about something else [28:05] and this is now. [28:07] when I did that, that was in ' [28:10] 23 [28:10] and '24, october -- [28:14] >> mayor: I'm going to ask you [28:16] [28:16] to wrap up if you will. [28:17] -- manager's office -- [28:18] >> okay. [28:19] well nevertheless, I was told [28:21] that there was nothing -- I [28:22] don't feel that I should or [28:23] anybody else should be [28:25] retaliated against for making a [28:26] [28:26] complaint. [28:26] I pay my taxes. [28:28] I pay my utility fees. [28:30] I pay my state taxes. [28:32] I do what I'm supposed to, and [28:34] I [28:34] have a right I did not know that [28:36] [28:36] the city had a limit on the [28:40] complaints or a timeline. [28:42] >> mayor: so there is clearly a [28:43] [28:43] misunderstanding. [28:43] we'll have someone from the [28:45] manager's office talk with you [28:46] , [28:46] okay? [28:46] all right. [28:47] thank you. [28:48] >> thank you. [28:49] thank you all. [28:50] no that was for them to see. [28:51] [laughter] [28:51] >> we have jim konish followed [28:55] [28:55] by justin smith and kali [28:58] blount. [28:58] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Konish. [29:00] [29:00] >> mr. Mayor, jim konish, good [29:01] [29:01] afternoon. [29:01] like the overhead, please. [29:04] in 1997, alachua county rolled [29:09] [29:09] out a, what was called a [29:10] privilege fee. [29:12] and everyone that was anyone I [29:16] n [29:16] intervened, and the honorable [29:20] frederick smith an iconic judge [29:22] [29:22] concluded that this was an [29:29] unconstitutional tax and that' [29:30] s [29:30] because when you let a utility [29:31] [29:31] into your right-of-way for fre [29:33] e [29:33] for 100 years, and they get [29:36] comfortable in there, you can't [29:38] [29:38] like have second thoughts about [29:41] [29:41] it and sap a franchise fee [29:43] because a franchise fee has to [29:45] [29:45] be negotiated in a contract. [29:48] so the city of gainesville and [29:51] [29:51] alachua county commission let [29:53] gru enter their rights-of-way [29:55] without any kind of contract a [29:58] nd [29:58] they're going to stay there [30:00] forever without any kind of [30:01] contract and your franchise fee [30:02] [30:02] that you're discussing is [30:03] illegal, sir. [30:05] it's a tax, and mr.-- knows [30:09] this. [30:09] in terms of you meeting your [30:11] budget, the first thing you [30:12] should do is stop paying for t [30:13] he [30:13] county street lights. [30:15] they're not entitled to any [30:17] compensation for gru's use of [30:21] their right-of-way and in fact [30:22] [30:22] they have to get on their knees [30:23] [30:23] and beg to save a few live oak [30:25] [30:25] trees because they cannot even [30:27] [30:27] regulate the use of right-of-wa [30:28] y [30:28] and I want to remind you you'v [30:30] e [30:30] passed an ordinance purporting [30:32] [30:32] to require gru permits in your [30:34] [30:34] right-of-ways, and they have [30:35] ignored it because it's [30:36] illegal. [30:36] not that they can't impose [30:41] franchise fees. [30:41] you can't impose conditions on [30:44] [30:44] their occupancy of [30:45] rights-of-way, sir, and I'm [30:47] abhaized like you're eving -- [30:49] amazed you're even talking abo [30:50] ut [30:50] this. [30:50] it's settled law, that's just [30:52] the way it is. [30:53] but the ult of gru to -- abili [30:56] ty [30:56] of gru to pay you any money is [30:58] [30:58] limited by the legacy costs of [31:02] [31:02] this commission's mismanagement [31:04] [31:04] of gru. [31:06] gru loses $46 million a year o [31:09] n [31:09] european style solar feeder [31:12] tariff enjoyed by a former may [31:14] or [31:14] and her cronies. [31:15] four to $6 million a year we're [31:17] [31:17] in year 17 of a 20-year [31:19] agreement, sir: gru pays [31:26] $1.2 million to -- pollution a [31:28] t [31:28] depot park, sir, after spending [31:30] [31:30] tens of millions. [31:32] gru provides the county with [31:33] free fire hydrants. [31:35] costs them about a million a [31:36] year. [31:36] no justification for thithere [31:40] is no recognition of it [31:40] either. [31:40] group -- $2 million a year [31:43] because the services they [31:45] provide to the city, the county, [31:46] [31:46] and school board do not cover [31:47] the costs so you're freeloading [31:50] [31:50] on that level. [31:53] private developer got gru to [31:55] install a package plant in cro [31:58] ss [31:58] creek 16 miles from gru -- lin [32:02] es [32:02] it's failed gru is trucking the [32:03] [32:03] sewage out of there. [32:05] weekly at a loss of a third of [32:07] a [32:08] million dollars and I could go [32:09] [32:09] but I'm out of time. [32:10] thank you, sir. [32:11] >> mayor: thank you, [32:12] mr. Konish. [32:12] I would remind everyone that t [32:14] he [32:14] city commission doesn't run [32:15] gru. [32:15] >> mr. Mayor, we're onto justin [32:18] [32:18] smith, followed by kali blount [32:21] [32:21] and andrew miles. [32:22] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Smith. [32:28] >> good afternoon, mr. Chair. [32:30] I'm here today on behalf of th [32:32] e [32:32] community of individuals who [32:33] live here downtown. [32:35] they have many struggles. [32:37] many suffer varying degrees of [32:39] [32:39] mental health challenges, many [32:41] [32:41] are victims of severe trauma a [32:43] nd [32:43] abuse, sometimes as children, [32:46] sometimes in service of our [32:48] country. [32:48] sometimes both. [32:51] often these friends of mine are [32:52] [32:52] struggling to overcome [32:53] addictions. [32:53] many of them have spent [32:56] significant time in prison. [32:59] for a host of reasons, most hav [33:01] e [33:01] no support from family or [33:04] friends, and now they are [33:06] trapped and living a life on th [33:08] e [33:08] street. [33:08] they are commonly lonely, [33:11] afraid, anxious, angry, [33:15] depressed, cold. [33:17] and hungry. [33:20] but there is one message that [33:22] nearly all of these folks are [33:24] given day in and day out; one [33:27] lie that these image bearers o [33:28] f [33:28] god are constantly told. [33:32] they are told that they are [33:33] worthless. [33:33] that tay don't matter. [33:37] that it is the same lie that [33:39] many of them have been told for [33:40] [33:40] so long that they've come to [33:44] believe it. [33:44] mr. Chair, I don't think you [33:46] believe this lie anymore than I [33:47] [33:47] do. [33:47] and I would like to thank you [33:50] and our city for the many [33:52] efforts made to support this [33:53] vulnerable portion of our [33:55] population. [33:55] however. [33:55] as you are aware, our community [34:00] [34:00] has recently suffered an [34:01] incredible loss in services due [34:04] [34:04] to the closure of st. Francis [34:06] house. [34:06] it is impossible to overstate [34:09] the importance of providing [34:12] daily hot meals and a shower t [34:15] o [34:15] people in need. [34:18] therefore, I encourage you to [34:21] look for and doggedly pursue [34:23] future partnerships to help fil [34:25] l [34:25] this gap as opportunities [34:29] arise. [34:29] please continue the work of [34:31] serving these members of our [34:33] community. [34:33] my friends on the street. [34:36] thank you for your time. [34:38] >> mayor: thank you. [34:40] >> mr. Mayor, we have kali [34:43] blount and then mr. Andrew [34:44] miles. [34:44] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Blount. [34:49] [34:49] >> thank you. [34:50] I attended an event about net [34:53] zero the other day at the bloun [34:56] t [34:56] center, and as is too ovthe cas [35:00] e [35:00] in -- often the case in the cit [35:03] y [35:03] outreach events we the public [35:04] got to sit and hear [35:05] presentations from staffs of [35:07] several departments and the we [35:10] [35:10] the public did not get to give [35:12] [35:12] our questions and statements to [35:14] [35:14] the whole room to all staff and [35:17] [35:17] public present. [35:17] that is, we were told well vis [35:20] it [35:20] each table and but that's not [35:22] speaking to the room and to [35:24] everybody. [35:24] so about these, about net zero. [35:28] [35:28] I'm going to rattle off as lis [35:30] t [35:30] as quick as I can in this time [35:31] [35:31] frame. [35:31] all offender ignition interlock [35:35] [35:35] laws, has to do with d.u.I., [35:38] .05% blood alcohol content and [35:40] [35:40] strict penalty laws as far as [35:41] revocation for repeat [35:42] offenders. [35:42] primary front seat belt laws. [35:45] primary rear seat belt laws. [35:50] speed cameras. [35:50] reduced speed limits where [35:52] appropriate. [35:52] all driver handheld devices [35:55] banned. [35:55] graduated driver licensing for [36:00] [36:00] teens including younger permit [36:01] [36:01] age. [36:01] not younger license but a longer [36:05] [36:05] supervised learning period. [36:06] mandatory supervised hours fra [36:10] t [36:10] learning. [36:10] nighttime driving restrictions, [36:12] [36:12] passenger restrictions, this I [36:13] s [36:13] again with young people. [36:14] intermediate license age. [36:17] other safety laws. [36:19] rear facing carseat law for [36:21] small children. [36:21] booster seat law. [36:24] motorcycle helmet laws. [36:25] that one stands out to me havin [36:27] g [36:27] seen many scrambled [36:28] motorcyclistsbrains in the e.r [36:31] . [36:31] all driver alcohol open [36:33] container law. [36:34] slow down move over laws. [36:36] this list of laws is done in [36:40] those states that have the [36:41] lowest traffic accident deaths. [36:45] [36:45] so I favor your net zero effor [36:49] ts [36:49] here but your problem is in [36:51] tallahassee. [36:51] florida has three of these 17 [36:55] laws. [36:55] and if they care about the [36:58] public, in tallahassee, they [37:00] ought to be passing these laws. [37:04] [37:04] instead of listening to private [37:07] [37:07] interests that want to limit [37:10] these laws. [37:10] for instance, motorcycle helme [37:13] ts [37:13] used to be the law. [37:15] and some people put on a [37:17] powerful lobbying effort to get [37:19] [37:19] rid of that and in fact the lea [37:22] d [37:22] lobbyist died of head injuries [37:23] [37:23] in a motorcycle crash. [37:27] so these laws are needed to [37:28] really reach your goal. [37:31] >> mayor: I don't think anybody [37:32] [37:32] here disagrees with you, [37:32] mr. Blount. [37:34] >> andrew miles. [37:36] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Miles. [37:37] >> our last speaker. [37:42] >> good afternoon, y'all. [37:45] I'm here at this particular [37:46] point to talk to y'all about [37:48] property boundaries on the [37:50] northeast side of town. [37:52] the properties on the west, [37:54] east, south and north side of [37:57] all the properties in east [37:59] gainesville, it's all by about [38:02] [38:02] five feet. [38:06] and on all the sides now, it's [38:09] [38:09] started to affect the residents [38:12] [38:12] because we got lot of new homes [38:13] [38:13] that are being built on the eas [38:15] t [38:15] side now. [38:17] all before when people rur [38:18] building their most of it was [38:21] residents that was living there [38:23] [38:23] before, and so they didn't arg [38:24] ue [38:24] with each other and they kind o [38:26] f [38:26] let people kept their fences up [38:28] [38:28] and stuff like that. [38:29] but now there's a lot of new [38:31] properties that have been built [38:32] [38:32] by homeowners and they're [38:36] measuring the property, and [38:38] they're finding that it's five [38:39] [38:39] feet off on all sides all the [38:41] way around in fact my property [38:43] [38:43] my front yard goes five feet [38:46] into a roadway so half of the [38:49] roadway is part of my property. [38:51] [38:51] and I found out that in my [38:53] backyard where I had got a [38:55] permit to build a garage stora [38:59] ge [38:59] unit back there, that four fee [39:03] tf [39:03] that property does not belong t [39:03] o [39:03] me. [39:03] and so it's some problems that [39:07] [39:07] are occurring right now and the [39:09] n [39:09] find out that property on the [39:11] other side of me is right up to [39:13] [39:13] the sliding door glass of a [39:16] homeowner and their porch and [39:18] all is actually on my property. [39:22] [39:22] so that really needs to be [39:23] looked at and see how we can [39:26] work some of this out because [39:26] it's going to be lot more [39:28] problems very soon about this [39:31] because in the pas [39:33] built the home in '82 after [39:36] realizing -- say something abo [39:37] ut [39:37] it, I came a couple years ago [39:40] about it and say something to [39:41] the commission. [39:41] I talked to the property [39:42] appraiser office a couple times [39:43] [39:43] and reported it and ask them [39:46] could they look at it. [39:48] they came out and did [39:49] measurements and now recently [39:50] they are doing lot of [39:51] measurements but it really nee [39:53] ds [39:53] to be looked into because it's [39:54] [39:54] going to be a lot of fights and [39:56] [39:56] pushes about who owns what [39:59] property and I don't know if [40:01] you've been taking care of tha [40:02] t [40:02] property for 40, 50 years if [40:03] that going to give you the right [40:04] [40:04] to still keep that property or [40:06] [40:06] not, but I know this is about t [40:09] o [40:09] come up real soon because like [40:12] I [40:12] said four feet of my backyard [40:13] has been pointed out to me tha [40:15] t [40:15] it don't belong to me. [40:17] and according to when they com [40:18] e [40:18] out and shoot the property line [40:20] [40:20] now, it's pretty much actual [40:23] what they're saying. [40:24] but when they shot it before, [40:26] when we got the permit, to bui [40:28] ld [40:28] a shed there they said [40:30] everything was aligned. [40:31] so it's going talqestamab a lot [40:32] [40:32] of confusion. [40:33] I hope that y'all try to get [40:35] this addressed real soon instead [40:36] [40:36] of later because a lot of new [40:38] homes been built out on the eas [40:40] t [40:40] side right now at this present [40:41] [40:41] time. [40:41] new that was our last speaker, [40:50] [40:50] mr. Mayor. [40:52] >> mayor: very good. [40:52] >> we are onto our discussion [40:53] items for the afternoon. [40:54] 2026-92. [40:54] heartwood soundstage funding [40:57] with the recommendation the cit [40:58] y [40:58] commission approve allocating [41:01] $55,000 from excess fund balance [41:03] [41:03] in the general fund for [41:04] heartwood sound' stage funding [41:05] [41:05] request and provide direction o [41:07] npreferred option for [41:09] disbursement. [41:09] >> mayor: all right, [41:10] mr. Manager, did you want to -- [41:10] [41:10] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [41:13] the march 5th meeting you all [41:14] asked for us to come back with [41:16] [41:16] options for y'all to consider [41:18] about how to accommodate the [41:23] heartwood soundstage's request [41:27] . [41:27] we are recommending that if the [41:28] [41:28] commission did decide to move [41:30] forward with, with funding, it [41:33] [41:33] would come from excess fund [41:35] balance. [41:35] we provided three options for [41:37] your consideration, a loan [41:42] format, importantly we don't [41:45] have terms to discuss and that [41:49] [41:49] may be something that y'all [41:51] could discuss if that was a [41:53] desired option. [41:55] in advance the grant with [41:56] required backup documentation [41:59] for expended funds and city [42:01] audit right to, audit right [42:04] languageige there. [42:05] that would be a similar to wha [42:08] t [42:08] the city commission did for the [42:11] [42:11] hippodrome, and then a [42:13] reimbursable grant with required [42:15] [42:15] backup documentation right to [42:16] audit requirements. [42:19] I think importantly, there are [42:24] [42:24] the soundstage I think during [42:27] the last presentation gave you [42:28] [42:28] some, some items by which I [42:31] think they have some outstanding [42:33] [42:33] debt, some operational [42:34] expenses,. [42:34] I think for purposes of the [42:40] commission's decision we would [42:45] [42:45] want to at least put it on the [42:47] [42:47] record that we would need to v [42:50] et [42:50] any potential expenditures wit [42:54] h [42:54] in conjunction with financial [42:57] services and the attorney's [42:57] office to make sure that any [43:00] expenses were sort of public [43:04] interest meaning if, if there [43:07] was old debt as a private [43:09] institution or a private [43:10] company, those things would nee [43:12] d [43:12] to be vetted to make sure that [43:13] [43:13] we could actually expend publi [43:15] c [43:15] dollars on it versus ongoing [43:17] operational expenses, which [43:18] would be certainly I think a [43:21] more allowable use than paying [43:23] [43:23] for old private debt if that [43:25] makes sense. [43:27] >> mayor: okay, thank you, [43:28] mr. Manager. [43:30] did anyone from heartwood want [43:32] [43:32] to make any further [43:34] presentation? [43:34] or did we want to go straight t [43:37] o [43:37] discussion? [43:37] you don't have to. [43:38] I mean, we were all here last [43:39] time? [43:39] okay. [43:39] very good. [43:42] all right. [43:42] any thoughts from the [43:43] commission? [43:43] commissioner willits. [43:52] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [43:53] I agree that if, that future [43:57] facing needs under the current [43:59] [43:59] structure of the 501(c)3 that [44:01] is heartwood now makes the most [44:03] [44:03] sense if that's what it is, it' [44:05] s [44:05] about what they need now to [44:06] continue being, you know, [44:09] successful. [44:09] but I also understand that the [44:13] ir [44:13] business model is their rapidly [44:15] [44:15] switching from their for profi [44:17] t [44:17] to nonprofit structure and [44:20] rebuilding kind of rebuilding [44:22] the airplane as it's flying to [44:24] [44:24] go off into the future [44:25] successful as possible as a, a [44:27] n [44:27] arts presenting institution in [44:30] [44:30] downtown. [44:30] so some of this is a little [44:33] confusing to me just about lik [44:36] e [44:36] because I know the sport is -- [44:37] [44:37] it's kind of a general support [44:39] [44:39] kind of a bridge to get to the [44:41] [44:41] future, but at the same time I [44:43] [44:43] do see that we have some [44:44] instances of, you know, some [44:46] transparency about, you know, [44:49] the expenses they have. [44:51] I don't feel good about retiring [44:53] [44:53] debt. [44:53] I feel much better about, [44:55] know, basically paying people' [44:59] s [44:59] salaries who have been -- and [45:01] I'm still a little not sure tha [45:03] t [45:03] I will support this because of [45:05] [45:05] this midyear, I don't know, it' [45:08] s [45:08] tough because it is a really [45:10] good chunk of entertainment [45:12] downtown, and it does make a l [45:13] ot [45:13] of sense I would prefer it be [45:15] normal budget process with [45:17] changes to our other program [45:21] eligibility. [45:21] thank you, mr. Mayor. [45:22] >> mayor: thank you, [45:23] commissioner willits. [45:23] to be clear, this is a [45:25] nonprofit, and as they provide [45:31] [45:31] a, an opportunity for a variety [45:35] [45:35] of arts for the community, som [45:40] e [45:40] of it open to the community, [45:42] some of it ticketed talso is a [45:45] n [45:45] economic development issue, and [45:47] [45:47] that's the way I look at this [45:49] 100%. [45:49] there are businesses surrounding [45:52] [45:52] it that are there because [45:54] heartwood is there. [45:56] and that is an important [46:00] consideration as we move forwa [46:01] rd [46:01] with this thought. [46:02] but commissioner book. [46:04] >> yeah, thank you, mr. Mayor. [46:05] [46:05] so when we kind of spoke about [46:07] [46:07] this at length on march 5th [46:09] almost a month ago, we were [46:11] talking -- what's the current [46:12] financial picture? [46:14] maybe -- this is a unique one. [46:17] [46:17] I don't think in the time that [46:18] [46:18] I've been on the commission tha [46:19] t [46:19] we've had a situation for a for [46:22] [46:22] profit converted to a nonprofit [46:24] [46:24] and then we provided them money [46:25] [46:25] to get up and running. [46:27] if there is, I'm unfamiliar wit [46:29] h [46:29] it and so it's really difficult [46:31] [46:31] to consider but I thought what' [46:33] s [46:33] the current financial picture [46:34] for heartwood? [46:35] we've had about a month to get [46:37] [46:37] that. [46:37] I wonder if any of the heartwo [46:39] od [46:39] staff would be willing to [46:40] provide some updates. [46:47] >> thank you, my name is chels [46:48] y [46:48] karns I'm the executive directo [46:50] r [46:50] of heartwood sound stage. [46:52] so financial picture, I give t [47:00] he [47:00] full spiel last time but minor [47:02] [47:02] updates since then. [47:03] just to repeat for the folks I [47:05] n [47:05] the audience who weren't here [47:05] last time, some of those [47:06] numbers, you know, we brought I [47:10] n [47:10] 23,0 concert goers last year, [47:11] across 160 events, generated [47:15] $864,000 in ticket revenue. [47:16] there's a lot of studies that [47:18] show that performing arts [47:20] centers like ours, the amount o [47:22] f [47:22] economic activity that happens [47:23] [47:23] around those events that's [47:25] people eating downtown, getting [47:26] [47:26] hotel rooms, even the bands who [47:28] [47:28] come in I shop their writers [47:30] which are often $1,000 writers [47:32] [47:32] where I'm going to local, you [47:33] know, I just put in a $200 orde [47:35] r [47:35] at paper bag last week for [47:37] sandwiches for our, for a big [47:39] band that was touring through. [47:40] you [47:40] you know, so the economic [47:42] activity that happens around [47:42] these events is like five times [47:44] [47:44] what we're generating internally [47:46] [47:46] not to mention we're providing [47:48] [47:48] jobs for 40-plus local [47:51] individuals who work in the art [47:53] s [47:53] that's steam jobs like sound [47:54] engineering and audio teching, [47:58] [47:58] light design, and also [48:00] hospitality and event managemen [48:02] t [48:02] positions. [48:02] we have close relationships [48:04] with, I don't know how far to g [48:05] o [48:05] into the spiel but we have clo [48:07] se [48:07] relationships with uf, santa f [48:10] e [48:10] college, there is a university [48:10] [48:10] of florida class base a [48:13] videoraphy class based on our [48:15] campuses, teaching viddography [48:20] . [48:20] they can go on to do live event [48:23] [48:23] photography and videography, a [48:25] nd [48:25] you know financially one thing [48:27] I [48:28] said last time that I was here [48:28] [48:28] and that I'll reiterate is tha [48:32] t [48:32] this isn't a story of a busines [48:33] s [48:33] that failed or a project that [48:35] you know failed to meet goals. [48:36] [48:36] it's actually the opposite. [48:38] we've been incredibly [48:39] successful. [48:39] the people who founded this [48:41] institution four years ago nev [48:43] er [48:43] imagined that it would grow into [48:45] [48:45] this thing that it is today. [48:47] it was a small listening room [48:48] for videography and for 100 [48:50] people to sit and quietly liste [48:51] n [48:51] to sconsert and now it's a [48:52] festival and event space a [48:53] performing arts center, a campu [48:56] s for [48:56] for learning, and a place that [48:58] [48:58] employs again over 40 local [49:01] professionals. [49:01] so you know, with that growth [49:07] comes a need for you know, [49:10] better supplies, better [49:12] equipment, we're also hitting [49:14] our 10-year anniversary so a l [49:15] ot [49:15] of things were purchased 10 [49:16] years ago and we need -- we put [49:18] [49:18] $4,000 into lights. [49:19] we needed new lights on the top [49:20] [49:20] of our stage so this request [49:22] comes from a place of we're [49:23] really growing we're really [49:25] expanding we're doing our part [49:27] [49:27] to bring people downtown to [49:28] support arts and community, [49:30] community resilience through t [49:31] he [49:31] arts, and downtown gainesville [49:32] . [49:32] making it a place for people's [49:35] [49:35] to feel safe and comfortable a [49:36] nd [49:36] bring their families. [49:38] and supporting the local [49:39] businesses around us with our [49:42] activities. [49:42] so this request is, you know, t [49:44] o [49:44] so we can continue doing that. [49:47] [49:47] those are kind of a lot but I [49:49] don't know specifically if you [49:50] [49:50] want a certain number let me [49:51] know. [49:51] >> yeah, I think we had -- than [49:53] k [49:53] you very much for that [49:54] synopsis. [49:54] I think that probably my thoug [49:56] ht [49:56] about optimism for [49:57] heartwoodicize an economic [49:59] driver clearly it is that, [50:00] mr. Mayor is that you have [50:03] somebody who's come in and the [50:04] [50:04] executive director who has [50:06] extensive knowledge about how t [50:08] o [50:08] manage things just like this. [50:09] so that's why I feel good about [50:11] [50:11] heartwood going forward. [50:13] what have we raised as a [50:14] nonprofit? [50:14] we've been a nonprofit for about [50:16] [50:16] seven months? [50:18] >> yes, so let me pull those [50:20] numbers for you. [50:31] so yeah, we've raised over [50:35] $5,416 in friends of heartwood [50:37] s [50:37] donations that's our membershi [50:38] p [50:38] program since becoming a [50:40] nonprofit. [50:40] we've raised over 5,000 -- we [50:44] have over $5,000 incoming just [50:47] [50:47] in the past few weeks of peopl [50:48] e [50:48] supporting us, supporting our [50:50] upcoming events, mostly like [50:51] sponsorship corporate [50:53] sponsorship type donations. [50:55] from our online giving platform [50:56] [50:56] that we launched when we became [50:58] [50:58] a nonprofit in september we've [51:00] [51:00] raised $3,815 that's just from [51:03] a [51:03] donate now button on our web [51:06] site. [51:06] from event sponsors, this is a [51:08] [51:08] lot of this came from our at th [51:10] e [51:10] end of the year tom petty [51:11] weekend last year, we had 25,785 [51:15] [51:15] corporate sponsors that was the [51:17] [51:17] very tail end of last year for [51:18] [51:18] tom petty, one of our signature [51:20] [51:20] events. [51:20] we received over $4,000 actual [51:26] ly [51:26] $6,000 total in ira disbursemen [51:28] t [51:28] since becoming a nonprofit so [51:29] that's where you can use your [51:31] retirement funds there's a way [51:32] [51:32] to kind of reduce your taxes o [51:34] n [51:34] your retirement plan by doing a [51:36] n [51:36] ira disbursement, so yeah, [51:39] $6,000 from that. [51:41] and then from a single donor, w [51:43] e [51:43] received $58,000 at the end of [51:47] [51:47] last year, and this kind of ti [51:50] es [51:50] into you know that donor was o [51:51] ne [51:51] of the founders of heartwood. [51:53] that was kind of where we were [51:54] [51:54] at with this one donor pitching [51:56] [51:56] in heavenally to pick up the - [51:57] - [51:57] heavily to pick up on slack whe [51:59] n [51:59] we fell low on things. [52:02] this is since september when w [52:04] e [52:04] became a nonprofit. [52:05] that adds up in total to [52:07] $94,016. [52:07] so we're doing quite well with [52:10] [52:10] sponsorships. [52:10] this is another reason that I [52:12] say I don't expect to be back here n [52:17] here next year asking for this [52:17] [52:17] kind of money, so -- really wel [52:18] l [52:18] it's just I've inherited some [52:20] problems, you know, some debt. [52:23] [52:23] and to address the conversatio [52:24] n [52:24] about whether it should go [52:26] towards debt or future expenses, [52:27] [52:27] either one would do the trick. [52:30] [52:30] it's, I'm we're amenable to, y [52:33] ou [52:33] know, aplooiing the money where [52:36] [52:36] it's, where it feels best [52:38] applies by the commission. [52:41] >> thank you. [52:42] the figures that you just [52:43] provided for what's being raise [52:45] d [52:45] is another source of optimism [52:47] going forward. [52:48] that for me, where I struggle I [52:51] s [52:51] just this morning we stopped [52:53] providing money internally at [52:55] the city for our own staff [52:57] because we said we're in the [52:58] middle of a budget process, and [53:00] [53:00] you know, where we can't provi [53:02] de [53:02] money internally, I really [53:04] struggle even though the fundi [53:06] ng [53:06] sources are different, to [53:07] provide those monies [53:08] externally. [53:08] we have 30 frozen positions at [53:11] [53:11] the city. [53:11] these are 30 people that we're [53:12] [53:12] not hiring across various [53:15] divisions because we ourselves [53:18] [53:18] are holding the line on some [53:19] fiscal restraint, and then I, [53:22] what worries me is we just got [53:23] [53:23] another email this week from [53:25] another nonprofit that wants t [53:27] o [53:27] increase their funding. [53:29] they may be within one of our [53:30] existing processes, but they [53:32] want between 50 -- instead of [53:34] what they got is $65,000 they [53:35] want double that at least [53:36] they're hoping that we'll [53:37] provide double. [53:38] and it's another worthwhile [53:40] nonprofit organization. [53:41] so these are the things I [53:43] struggle with which is funding [53:45] [53:45] internally that we have versus [53:46] [53:46] funding externally even though [53:48] [53:48] again I know the funding strea [53:50] ms [53:50] are different. [53:51] so thank you, mr. Mayor. [53:54] >> mayor: thank you,. [53:57] commissioner chestnut. [53:59] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [54:00] if you could just very [54:01] succinctly tell us again what [54:05] the 55, what the 55,000 would b [54:08] e [54:08] used for. [54:10] is it your retired debt or [54:12] exactly what? [54:13] >> sure. [54:13] so initially I thought the bes [54:15] t [54:15] thing to use it for -- well [54:17] first I'll say where the numbe [54:19] r [54:19] 55,000 came from. [54:19] so the past two years in a row [54:22] , [54:22] bate end of the budget year, [54:24] we've been $250,000 -- we've [54:26] needed $250,000 from our [54:28] founder'spitched in to keep the [54:31] [54:31] thing going so I have no reason [54:32] [54:32] to suspect that number is going [54:34] [54:34] to be any different this year. [54:35] [54:35] that number will be different [54:38] from this year moving forward [54:39] because we have reduced expensed [54:42] [54:42] by $100,000. [54:44] I got the nature and culture [54:46] enhancement grantwhich I [54:47] believe we will get a grant [54:48] every year through the county's [54:50] [54:50] ed tax so not local taxpayers [54:51] paying that money. [54:52] it's for events and services [54:54] like ours that bring in tourist [54:56] s [54:56] and fill hotel beds. [54:58] so we got $100,000 from that s [55:01] o [55:01] between the cost that I've [55:03] reduced about $100,000 and the [55:05] [55:05] grant that we received of [55:08] 100,000 that leaves me with the [55:09] [55:09] 55,000 that where suspect we're [55:10] [55:10] going to be short this year tha [55:12] t [55:12] we're tracking to be short on s [55:13] o [55:13] before we get to the part of [55:14] like closing doors or laying [55:15] people off or reducing services, [55:18] [55:18] I came to you all to say can y [55:19] ou [55:19] help me with this 55,000. [55:21] and as far as what it will be [55:23] spent on? [55:24] I thought it made the most sen [55:27] se [55:27] to spend it on past debts eso [55:29] then our monthly expenses payin [55:30] g [55:30] off of those debts are reduced [55:32] [55:32] and that sets us up month to [55:34] month to be saving money on the [55:35] z [55:36] those debts and interest but I [55:37] [55:37] mean we have single shows comin [55:39] g [55:39] up where the artist fees are [55:40] about $50,000. [55:41] so like one, I could use this t [55:43] o [55:43] pay one artist fee and it would [55:44] [55:44] save us $50,000 that I could u [55:46] se [55:46] to address other issues. [55:48] that's the kind of how the [55:50] business works, there's major [55:52] expenses, so so whether the [55:55] 55,000 is spent on past [55:56] expenses, whether we applied [55:58] donor fees to past expenses and [55:59] [55:59] applied this to labor for the [56:01] next calendar year, apply it t [56:03] o [56:03] artist fees or apply it to we [56:05] have some major -- I'll name a [56:08] [56:08] few things I'd love to apply I [56:09] t [56:09] to. [56:09] I mentioned production upgrade [56:11] s [56:11] so 10 years old with most of o [56:13] ur [56:13] production equipment and you [56:14] know we need computer upgrades [56:15] [56:15] software upgrades, systems [56:18] upgrades, we've already begun [56:19] that. [56:19] like replacing the lights like [56:21] [56:21] we did last week but you know [56:22] lighting, seating, electrical [56:24] upgrades, our outdoor sound [56:28] system, and maintenance to our [56:29] [56:29] current production equipment. [56:32] >> so it could be considered a [56:33] [56:33] windfall. [56:33] >> a wind -- I'm not sure what [56:36] [56:36] that means. [56:41] >> I don't know how to explain [56:41] [56:41] it. [56:41] >> mayor: okay. [56:47] anything else? [56:48] okay. [56:48] anyone else? [56:49] all right. [56:50] is there any public comment on [56:51] [56:51] this, madam clerk? [56:52] >> I do not have public comment [56:53] [56:53] on this item. [56:56] >> mayor: okay. [56:57] would anyone like to make any [56:57] sort of recommendation? [56:59] commissioner duncan-walker. [57:01] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [57:02] I just have some questions and [57:03] [57:03] then I want to make the comments [57:06] [57:06] because clearly I think so men [57:08] a [57:08] of us are appreciative of the [57:09] work that is done out of [57:10] heartwood and I know that when [57:11] [57:11] we spoke, I had a subsequent [57:14] conversation with our arts [57:17] grants programs, prca. [57:21] and of course the question was [57:23] [57:23] you know what is existing there [57:25] [57:25] and what we found was [57:27] unfortunately that heartwood d [57:29] id [57:29] not fit into the neat boxes tha [57:31] t [57:31] we currently have prescribed a [57:34] s [57:34] arts presenters and for me tha [57:35] t [57:35] was a bit of a challenge. [57:36] so what I want to say to my [57:38] colleagues here is we have I [57:40] think a case where we have an [57:42] arts presenter that is not [57:44] fitting within our definition o [57:45] f [57:45] arts presenter, and I'm [57:48] interested as a board to figur [57:50] e [57:50] out a way how we might be able [57:52] [57:52] to reconcile that. [57:53] now I clearly understand that [57:55] those arts organizations that [57:57] we're currently funding out of [57:58] [57:58] those buckets of monies fit [58:00] within a particular description [58:01] [58:01] but I think that we have to be [58:03] [58:03] mindful and we have to be [58:07] responsive when we know that [58:08] there are organizations that a [58:09] re [58:09] doing that thing that we just [58:10] haven't considered how we, we [58:12] are able to address that, okay [58:15] [58:15] in terms of money so what we [58:19] hear is an organization that [58:23] needs some help. [58:25] and there are a lot of [58:27] organizations that need help. [58:31] so I'm struggling now with [58:33] making sure that there is a fai [58:36] r [58:36] way as we move forward that [58:43] we'll be able to do this in the [58:44] [58:44] future because we're already [58:45] getting e-mails. [58:46] should we do this, there will [58:47] be [58:47] more and there will be the [58:48] question of well, the city [58:50] funded heartwood why won't you [58:52] [58:52] fund us. [58:53] and nobody's going to be [58:54] concerned. [58:54] nobody's concerned with our [59:00] budget or bottom line is, [59:02] they're just going to say you [59:03] funded heartwood. [59:04] so for me it's a matter of [59:05] making sure our processes can [59:06] accommodate what the needs are [59:08] [59:08] artistically here, and I want t [59:09] o [59:09] have another conversation and [59:11] intertain and she's not in her [59:12] e [59:12] so I don't want to do it right [59:14] [59:14] now, but I think that I'm [59:16] interested in coming back to t [59:18] he [59:18] table with parks, rec and [59:21] cultural affairs or the cultura [59:23] l [59:23] affairs board, whichever entit [59:25] y [59:25] it is, it's our cultural affai [59:27] rs [59:27] department is who it is, to ha [59:29] ve [59:29] a conversation around what we [59:35] would need to do to address the [59:37] [59:37] organization's like heartwood. [59:39] [59:39] heartwood is not the only one [59:40] but it's the one that's in [59:41] downtown that's doing a large [59:43] volime of business -- volume o [59:46] f [59:46] business that is feeding into [59:47] the economic development piece [59:48] [59:48] that is important and vital to [59:50] [59:50] the city. [59:52] it's just a shame that we da wa [59:57] y to fund it right now [59:57] through the city. [59:58] and flow have to look -- now [1:00:00] have to look at doing this an [1:00:02] alternate way that will be a b [1:00:04] it [1:00:04] controversial. [1:00:04] so I want to say before I make [1:00:06] [1:00:06] any comment about the current [1:00:07] request that I'd like for us t [1:00:09] o [1:00:09] look internally at our process [1:00:11] [1:00:11] and ask the cultural affairs [1:00:15] council what they would need I [1:00:16] n [1:00:16] order to move this forward, a [1:00:19] definition or grant program that [1:00:25] [1:00:25] would include organizations li [1:00:29] ke [1:00:29] what are the financial needs. [1:00:32] who do we need to reach out to? [1:00:33] [1:00:33] I did want to ask you this. [1:00:38] have you in any way engaged wit [1:00:39] h [1:00:39] the gainesville community [1:00:40] foundation? [1:00:40] >> gainesville community [1:00:43] foundation? [1:00:43] >> yes. [1:00:44] >> is that the center for [1:00:45] nonprofit excellence? [1:00:48] >> they're a part of that. [1:00:49] >> okay. [1:00:50] >> the center for nonprofit [1:00:51] excellence is a part. [1:00:52] >> we have been in touch with [1:00:53] the center for nonprofit [1:00:54] excellence. [1:00:54] I don't know specifically about [1:00:56] [1:00:56] the foundation that you speak o [1:00:57] f [1:00:57] though. [1:00:57] >> mm-hmm. [1:00:58] so what was the outcome of tha [1:01:00] t [1:01:00] interaction? [1:01:00] >> they've been supportive and [1:01:03] [1:01:03] you know, they reached out [1:01:07] actually one of the leaders of [1:01:08] [1:01:08] our organization reached out [1:01:09] right when we became a nonprof [1:01:10] it [1:01:10] and said hey, you know, we're [1:01:12] here if you need resources and [1:01:13] [1:01:13] we reached out back to her to [1:01:14] connect her with our developme [1:01:15] nt [1:01:15] director when we hired him, so [1:01:17] [1:01:17] we've been in contact but there [1:01:18] [1:01:18] has been no discussion of here' [1:01:20] s [1:01:20] some money we have for you or [1:01:21] anything like that. [1:01:23] >> mayor: so to be clear they' [1:01:24] re [1:01:24] no longer with the north centr [1:01:28] al [1:01:28] florida community foundation? [1:01:29] >> okay. [1:01:30] >> mayor: and their missionis [1:01:31] to help train nonprofits be goo [1:01:34] d [1:01:34] nonprofits -- [1:01:37] >> correct I'm definitely [1:01:37] familiar with what the nonprof [1:01:39] it [1:01:39] center for nonprofit excellence [1:01:42] [1:01:42] does but I also know that the [1:01:43] gainesville community foundation [1:01:45] [1:01:45] has been a grant making [1:01:46] organization so I was wondering [1:01:47] [1:01:47] if there was any conversation o [1:01:49] r [1:01:49] any movement in that way. [1:01:51] >> I'll write it down. [1:01:52] I'll definitely reach out. [1:01:55] >> I'll conclude for now. [1:01:58] >> mayor: thank you. [1:01:59] commissioner ingle. [1:02:02] >> so I was not present for the [1:02:04] [1:02:04] previous discussion on this, b [1:02:09] ut [1:02:09] I was I can certainly see the [1:02:10] concerns about we strike a che [1:02:17] ck [1:02:17] when the first nonprofit comes [1:02:18] [1:02:18] and asks us for money. [1:02:20] there are certainly going to be [1:02:20] [1:02:20] a lot of people asking for mon [1:02:21] ey [1:02:21] like this. [1:02:22] I will say heartwood to me, I [1:02:25] greatly enjoy the place. [1:02:26] it's -- but more than that, if [1:02:31] [1:02:31] you remember the baird center [1:02:33] prior to heartwood, there was [1:02:36] nothing there. [1:02:37] I mean, there was a one bla [1:02:39] box theater and the old [1:02:42] crosstown was there. [1:02:43] but I'll say it was pretty muc [1:02:45] h [1:02:45] a derelict building so I reall [1:02:47] y [1:02:47] do think that this is an ancho [1:02:50] r [1:02:50] business that is keeping I mea [1:02:54] n [1:02:54] just another half dozen [1:02:56] businesses going and then just [1:02:57] [1:02:57] in general adding an awful lot [1:03:02] [1:03:02] to the economy of kind of south [1:03:05] [1:03:05] main and it's been a kind of a [1:03:06] n [1:03:06] anchor that I feel has drawn l [1:03:08] ot [1:03:08] of things down that way. [1:03:10] it's kind of dove tailed very [1:03:12] nicely with depot park and [1:03:14] really turning that into a muc [1:03:17] h [1:03:17] different economic area than it [1:03:18] [1:03:18] was prior to heartwood being [1:03:20] there. [1:03:20] I don't know the best way of [1:03:25] going about supporting them but [1:03:27] [1:03:27] I know we've done plenty of [1:03:28] grants for other organizations [1:03:30] [1:03:30] that were everything from [1:03:32] picking an area of town that we [1:03:34] [1:03:34] want to put some money into mak [1:03:35] e [1:03:35] sure that their, there's options [1:03:38] [1:03:38] there for businesses to get -- [1:03:39] [1:03:39] built up and facades of [1:03:42] buildings to get cleaned to [1:03:44] those types of things to helping [1:03:45] [1:03:45] out the hippodrome. [1:03:46] so I would really like to find [1:03:48] [1:03:48] some way to move forward with [1:03:49] this. [1:03:49] I think it's, it's important n [1:03:51] ot [1:03:51] only to heartwood but also to [1:03:53] a [1:03:53] lot of other businesses around [1:03:54] [1:03:54] there and generally the economi [1:03:55] c [1:03:55] health of the area but whether [1:03:56] [1:03:56] that looks like, like a low or [1:04:01] [1:04:01] no interest loan, whether that [1:04:02] [1:04:02] looks like a grant, whether tha [1:04:03] t [1:04:03] looks like whatever, I think [1:04:05] it's a very important driver f [1:04:07] or [1:04:07] the area that I think it would [1:04:11] [1:04:11] be very detrimental if we let [1:04:12] fail. [1:04:12] more than that, like I also [1:04:16] think it is very unique in the [1:04:19] [1:04:19] arts community in town that it's [1:04:21] [1:04:21] one of the few kind of regiona [1:04:24] l [1:04:24] draws for music in the area. [1:04:27] you know it's not national act [1:04:28] s [1:04:28] but it's larger than local act [1:04:31] s, [1:04:31] and it really does pull in, it' [1:04:35] s [1:04:35] kind of well known I don't kno [1:04:39] w [1:04:39] what you would call it, second [1:04:40] [1:04:40] tier stars or whatever, there [1:04:41] aren't quite national touring [1:04:43] acts but are that kind of level [1:04:44] [1:04:44] that pulls a lot of people int [1:04:45] o [1:04:45] gainesville. [1:04:45] like I know a lot of people tha [1:04:47] t [1:04:47] are familiar with gainesville [1:04:49] because of heartwood. [1:04:50] they came here to see shows [1:04:51] there. [1:04:51] and that's why they're coming t [1:04:54] o [1:04:54] town. [1:04:54] so I don't know the best way t [1:04:58] o [1:04:58] move forward with it but I thi [1:04:59] nk [1:04:59] it's important we find some way [1:05:00] [1:05:00] to move forward with it. [1:05:01] >> mayor: all right. [1:05:02] thank you, commissioner ingle. [1:05:04] [1:05:04] commissional willits. [1:05:05] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:05:07] you know, it's not lost on me [1:05:08] that about a block away we're [1:05:09] trying to sell a property, an [1:05:12] old fire station location. [1:05:13] $55,000 could be the [1:05:15] difference -- I mean a good [1:05:17] functioning business community [1:05:18] [1:05:18] on south main street versus one [1:05:20] [1:05:20] with a you know a big hole in [1:05:22] it, could be the difference in [1:05:24] [1:05:24] how -- how much we sell that [1:05:25] property for. [1:05:26] you know? [1:05:27] so that's, to me it's economic [1:05:30] [1:05:30] development and arts. [1:05:32] these are the two things kind o [1:05:33] f [1:05:33] combined. [1:05:33] and so the fact that the count [1:05:36] y [1:05:36] tourism bed tax is being [1:05:37] supported that leads me more [1:05:38] towards hey this is the county [1:05:40] [1:05:40] has done their part, can we do [1:05:43] [1:05:43] part, and ms. Karns can you [1:05:45] remind me did the full county [1:05:47] commission have to vote on tha [1:05:48] t [1:05:48] grant? [1:05:48] does it go through them or is [1:05:50] it [1:05:50] part of a committee or an [1:05:52] administrative decision? [1:05:54] >> the alachua county arts [1:05:55] council I want to say decides on [1:05:58] [1:05:58] the grant, and then they send [1:06:00] that to the county commissione [1:06:01] rs [1:06:01] to approve. [1:06:02] >> okay. [1:06:03] so in the end it is -- [1:06:04] >> it was vetted both by the [1:06:05] council and by the commission. [1:06:06] [1:06:06] >> okay. [1:06:08] county commission's kind of done [1:06:09] [1:06:09] part of their part. [1:06:10] this leads me more towards -- [1:06:12] I'm very in the middle. [1:06:13] I don't know. [1:06:14] because it is, it's so importa [1:06:16] nt [1:06:16] to the business development. [1:06:17] if this was ngcra in a different [1:06:21] [1:06:21] way or in our arts programs mor [1:06:25] e [1:06:25] aligned out I would feel more [1:06:26] comfortable but I'm looking at [1:06:27] [1:06:27] your calendar just through jul [1:06:29] y [1:06:29] and there's all kinds of stuff [1:06:30] [1:06:30] on here. [1:06:31] all kinds of great stuff. [1:06:33] ani defranko and juvenile are [1:06:36] definitely national acts. [1:06:37] and rightly so some of the act [1:06:38] s [1:06:38] on here that I'm sure the [1:06:39] florida legislature does about [1:06:40] [1:06:40] want to talk about. [1:06:42] blues society presents women I [1:06:43] n [1:06:43] blues showcase if we're allowed [1:06:45] [1:06:45] to showcase women in music. [1:06:47] or black -- there is just whole [1:06:50] [1:06:50] list. [1:06:50] I do it for my city festival I [1:06:53] n [1:06:53] master class these are things [1:06:54] people in the state legislature [1:06:55] [1:06:55] probably don't want us to [1:06:56] participate, but we're free to [1:06:58] [1:06:58] do it for now. [1:07:01] so I'm leaning more towards [1:07:03] let's find this 55,000 but in [1:07:05] the best I don't have a [1:07:07] preference on the format or [1:07:09] version. [1:07:09] a zero interest loan is where I [1:07:12] [1:07:12] lean towards if we're capable o [1:07:15] f [1:07:15] doing that. [1:07:15] a zero interest loan. [1:07:16] that way they figure out what [1:07:19] they need to do, whether it's [1:07:20] pay off debt or whatever, and [1:07:22] they have less in their monthly [1:07:25] [1:07:25] you know costs and they can pay [1:07:26] [1:07:26] us back over a period of time. [1:07:28] [1:07:28] city manager, I would need a [1:07:30] little more guidance on -- I [1:07:33] know loans are not impossible. [1:07:34] [1:07:34] we do it in certain formats, b [1:07:37] ut [1:07:37] this is one where it's a littl [1:07:38] e [1:07:38] out of my -- I was not prepped [1:07:39] [1:07:39] for that portion of this today [1:07:42] , [1:07:42] so can you answer a little bit [1:07:43] [1:07:43] about loans or somebody? [1:07:47] >> to be honest, this is kind o [1:07:48] f [1:07:48] new territory for the city wit [1:07:52] h [1:07:52] respect to this, the examples o [1:07:56] f [1:07:56] loans that I can give you that [1:07:57] [1:07:57] we do do are the connect three [1:08:01] [1:08:01] funds are typically structured [1:08:03] [1:08:03] as a very low interest loan. [1:08:09] we have certain aspects of our [1:08:11] [1:08:11] housing programs. [1:08:15] we are technically a forgivabl [1:08:17] e [1:08:17] loan with a sort of soft side [1:08:19] mortgage that gets forgiven yea [1:08:21] r [1:08:21] after year in a prorated sense [1:08:25] . [1:08:25] I think as I mentioned like we [1:08:26] [1:08:26] don't have terms if for this f [1:08:28] or [1:08:28] the, for the loan. [1:08:30] we would look for the commissio [1:08:31] n [1:08:31] if they wanted to be forgivabl [1:08:34] e [1:08:34] or zero interest. [1:08:35] like we could work with them a [1:08:36] nd [1:08:36] then come up with terms. [1:08:39] >> okay. [1:08:39] I mean, by all means, if we giv [1:08:42] e [1:08:42] $55,000 loan with zero interes [1:08:43] t [1:08:43] and forgivable and they're ali [1:08:44] ve [1:08:44] and kicking in three or four [1:08:46] years, great. [1:08:47] we've achieved, you know, the [1:08:49] goal. [1:08:49] so that's, I just ask that but [1:08:50] [1:08:50] I'm leaning more towards let's [1:08:52] [1:08:52] figure this out and find it as [1:08:54] [1:08:54] an economic development piece [1:08:55] with the county already having [1:08:56] [1:08:56] put in their portion and then [1:08:59] you know an opportunity. [1:09:00] it is out on the edge of what [1:09:01] I'm comfortable with. [1:09:02] it's a bit of leap of faith not [1:09:05] [1:09:05] in you ms. Karns or the [1:09:07] soundstage but a leap of faith [1:09:09] [1:09:09] of what the community does and [1:09:10] [1:09:10] doesn't support as an entire [1:09:13] whole. [1:09:13] I think that's all I got for [1:09:15] now. [1:09:15] >> mayor: thank you, [1:09:17] commissioner willits and let m [1:09:17] e [1:09:17] throw an idea out there and the [1:09:18] n [1:09:18] we'll go back around to the res [1:09:20] t [1:09:20] of the lights. [1:09:21] what if we thought of this and [1:09:24] I [1:09:25] am, I don't have a proposal [1:09:26] ready I'm just putting this ide [1:09:29] a [1:09:29] out there. [1:09:30] what if we went in the direction [1:09:31] [1:09:31] of a loan very low interest loa [1:09:34] n [1:09:34] that we could then turn into a [1:09:41] [1:09:41] revolving loan opportunity for [1:09:44] [1:09:44] arts presenting organizations? [1:09:45] [1:09:45] so as that is paid back, we the [1:09:48] n [1:09:48] make that available to other [1:09:50] arts presenting organizations on [1:09:53] same sort of basis. [1:09:56] just that's a thought. [1:09:57] that's a way for us to honestl [1:09:59] y [1:09:59] put our money where our mouth is [1:10:01] [1:10:01] when we talk about supporting [1:10:02] the arts for arts presenting [1:10:03] organizations and see if maybe [1:10:06] [1:10:06] there's an opportunity to use [1:10:09] that as seed money for other [1:10:11] arts presenting organizations. [1:10:14] [1:10:14] then we could do that [1:10:15] geographically. [1:10:15] we could -- there are any numbe [1:10:17] r [1:10:17] of ways that we could think [1:10:19] about that. [1:10:20] consider that as we do this. [1:10:22] it would be good to have you [1:10:24] know, options a, b, and c for u [1:10:28] s [1:10:28] to choose from up here rather [1:10:29] than us trying to create a loa [1:10:33] n [1:10:33] package as we go. [1:10:34] but I would like to have that a [1:10:37] s [1:10:37] a, an option. [1:10:39] I would also like us to consider [1:10:42] [1:10:42] that there are a bit of a [1:10:43] timeline. [1:10:43] I mean they know there is a [1:10:45] money crunch coming down the [1:10:46] road in summer. [1:10:47] I mean they indicated to us [1:10:48] whether they were here last [1:10:49] time. [1:10:49] -- when they were here last time [1:10:51] [1:10:51] so we need to keep that in min [1:10:52] d [1:10:52] as well. [1:10:53] all right, commissioner [1:10:54] duncan-walker. [1:10:54] >> thank you, mr. Mayor.to ask [1:10:57] the city [1:10:57] manager, did the city provide, [1:11:02] [1:11:02] was what we did with the reggae [1:11:05] [1:11:05] shack, was that a loan through [1:11:07] [1:11:07] gcra? [1:11:07] >> the related to the -- are y [1:11:16] ou [1:11:16] talking -- [1:11:17] >> I know it particular [1:11:17] owner and there were ways the [1:11:20] city interfaced and worked wit [1:11:22] h [1:11:22] this person on I believe a few [1:11:23] [1:11:23] different projects. [1:11:24] I don't recall whether it was, [1:11:26] I [1:11:26] do believe it was southern char [1:11:28] m [1:11:28] but I thought it was also regga [1:11:30] e [1:11:30] shack and another one of the [1:11:32] restaurants that they were [1:11:33] trying to do. [1:11:35] the twisted peacock I believe [1:11:37] >> that would've been outside o [1:11:39] f [1:11:39] cra area. [1:11:40] the twisted peacock.I believe w [1:11:44] ithout you know [1:11:45] without having to do some [1:11:46] research, I believe reggae sha [1:11:49] ck [1:11:49] receive received a facade g [1:11:52] rant [1:11:52] for the front of the building [1:11:54] and then the southern charm was [1:11:56] [1:11:56] a, you know, was a complete yo [1:11:58] u [1:11:58] know we built a restaurant [1:12:01] essentially for that. [1:12:02] but I don't think that it's an [1:12:03] [1:12:03] equivalent in this case. [1:12:05] >> not a loan that the city [1:12:07] created for that. [1:12:09] >> correct. [1:12:10] I would, I just want -- the [1:12:12] opportunity. [1:12:12] I would suggest that the [1:12:16] commission separate creation o [1:12:17] f [1:12:17] a new loan program from this [1:12:22] discussion like because I think [1:12:24] [1:12:24] if you all give direction that [1:12:26] [1:12:26] that's something you want to d [1:12:27] o [1:12:27] then we would work that into t [1:12:30] he [1:12:30] budget but I think for all the [1:12:31] [1:12:31] reasons that you know that have [1:12:32] [1:12:32] been listed both in terms of [1:12:35] the, the timing for heartwood, [1:12:37] [1:12:37] and then not coming up with [1:12:39] something on a daises separatin [1:12:41] g [1:12:41] the two -- dais, separating the [1:12:43] [1:12:43] two, they may both have the [1:12:45] reasons would probably be the [1:12:48] best course in this case. [1:12:51] >> mm-hmm. [1:12:53] andrew, can I ask you this. [1:12:54] you see no reason it can't be [1:12:56] arts specific though, the [1:12:57] discussion you come back with, [1:13:00] [1:13:00] correct? [1:13:00] >> from a loan program? [1:13:01] yeah, of course. [1:13:01] I think that would be the focus [1:13:07] [1:13:07] based on y'all discussion. [1:13:09] >> okay. [1:13:09] thank you. [1:13:10] I conclude for now, mr. Mayor. [1:13:12] [1:13:12] >> mayor: thank you, [1:13:13] commissioner. [1:13:13] so for all of you wondering why [1:13:15] [1:13:15] didn't they just talk about thi [1:13:16] s [1:13:16] beforehand. [1:13:16] because we can't. [1:13:18] the sunshine law says if we're [1:13:21] [1:13:21] going to talk about things tha [1:13:22] t [1:13:22] we're going to vote on, this is [1:13:23] [1:13:23] the way that we do that. [1:13:25] and it is, it is uncomfortable [1:13:28] [1:13:28] watching the sausage get made I [1:13:30] n [1:13:30] public but this is how it [1:13:31] works. [1:13:31] so commissioner eastman. [1:13:35] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:13:36] I agree with everything that [1:13:37] commissioner ingle said from [1:13:38] before. [1:13:38] I think that losing heartwood [1:13:40] sound stage would be, I mean, [1:13:43] devastating for south main which [1:13:44] [1:13:44] we have invested lot of money I [1:13:46] n [1:13:46] over time to we're seeing the [1:13:48] fruits of that and it is truly [1:13:50] [1:13:50] an anchor business that is dow [1:13:52] n [1:13:52] there. [1:13:52] it would be a loss to our music [1:13:55] [1:13:55] community which has lost a lot [1:13:57] [1:13:57] of its medium sized venue over [1:13:59] [1:13:59] the last couple of years. [1:14:00] there are very, very few place [1:14:01] s [1:14:01] that medium sized band or group [1:14:03] [1:14:03] would be able to play in here [1:14:06] just in our entire city and [1:14:07] heartwood really serves that [1:14:09] purpose and it's why -- [1:14:11] potentially the only one that [1:14:12] serves that purpose right now [1:14:14] within the city of gainesville [1:14:16] . [1:14:16] but I also I mean I agree [1:14:17] withition comer willits and som [1:14:18] e [1:14:18] of the other folks that have [1:14:18] spoken that said, you know, you [1:14:20] [1:14:20] also -- because I spent the rest of t [1:14:22] of this time up here on the [1:14:22] commission today arguing about [1:14:24] [1:14:24] following processes and that [1:14:27] making one -- when you start [1:14:28] making one off decisions here, [1:14:30] [1:14:30] that ends up bek-78ing bec [1:14:32] oming [1:14:32] the process in and of itself. [1:14:34] if people come and ask you mon [1:14:36] ey [1:14:36] and you make an exception, [1:14:37] eventually there is not a rule, [1:14:38] [1:14:38] right? [1:14:38] you're now the exception to the [1:14:41] [1:14:41] rule. [1:14:41] and so yeah I've struggled wit [1:14:43] h [1:14:43] it in exactly the same way. [1:14:46] so we're now talking about the [1:14:48] [1:14:48] needs of heartwood that have [1:14:51] been up until this point kind o [1:14:52] f [1:14:52] spoken about as a, some way tha [1:14:56] t [1:14:56] funding would go straight to [1:14:57] heartwood that would then, tha [1:14:59] t [1:14:59] would work in some way. [1:15:00] and I said at the last meeting [1:15:02] [1:15:02] I'll say it this one that [1:15:03] anything like this I think it [1:15:04] has to be focused on what the [1:15:05] community gets from it, what t [1:15:07] he [1:15:07] benefits are, that would to me [1:15:08] [1:15:08] mean open community events, [1:15:11] community gatherings that, tha [1:15:13] t [1:15:13] you guys are either doing [1:15:14] currently or that you would be [1:15:16] [1:15:16] putting into place that, that [1:15:18] I [1:15:18] mean that is what our taxpayers [1:15:19] [1:15:19] expect. [1:15:19] is they expect that our funding [1:15:21] [1:15:21] is going to supporting overall [1:15:23] [1:15:23] something that benefits the [1:15:24] community, but as someone had [1:15:26] mentioned a, just a regular, n [1:15:30] o [1:15:30] interest loan. [1:15:31] I don't know if that,and you [1:15:33] mentioned, I mean you had a [1:15:33] couple of -- trying to fill a [1:15:35] gap, right, but then too, you'r [1:15:37] e [1:15:37] trying to pay off old debts, a [1:15:39] nd [1:15:39] get rid of the, the interest [1:15:42] that's on that. [1:15:42] I mean, what -- I know just cam [1:15:45] e [1:15:45] up here today, but what are you [1:15:47] r [1:15:47] thoughts overall about it? [1:15:48] a no interest loan for that [1:15:49] amount? [1:15:49] >> I think any of those three [1:15:51] you said the loan, the advanced [1:15:53] [1:15:53] grant, or the reimbursable [1:15:54] grant, we could work within the [1:15:57] [1:15:57] measures of any of those three [1:15:58] , [1:15:58] and I would want as much as yo [1:16:00] u [1:16:00] all for it to be completely [1:16:01] transparent completely reported [1:16:03] [1:16:03] on like I want no, you know, I [1:16:05] 'm [1:16:05] not interested in negative press [1:16:06] [1:16:06] for heartwood. [1:16:07] I want to be completely [1:16:08] transparent in everything we're [1:16:09] [1:16:09] is happy to provide whatever [1:16:13] receipts are needed and you kno [1:16:15] w [1:16:15] to make sure that it's all don [1:16:16] e [1:16:16] above board and nothing's [1:16:18] seedy. [1:16:18] >> right but there is -- one's [1:16:20] a [1:16:20] forgivable loan which would be [1:16:22] I [1:16:22] mean similar to a grant in tha [1:16:23] t [1:16:23] we would give you the up front [1:16:24] [1:16:24] money and then over time when [1:16:26] it [1:16:26] could be certain provisions are [1:16:28] [1:16:28] met then that is, that gets [1:16:30] taken off of the total amount o [1:16:32] r [1:16:32] it could be just a grant that' [1:16:33] s [1:16:33] on the front end or I guess a [1:16:35] rerebimersable grant doesn't f [1:16:38] ix [1:16:38] the cash crunch in the [1:16:39] short-term because as you said [1:16:40] [1:16:40] at the last one, the summer is [1:16:43] [1:16:43] where the cash crunch is comin [1:16:44] g [1:16:44] in but the other one would be a [1:16:45] [1:16:45] no interest lane loan. [1:16:48] cash eventually that would be [1:16:50] paid back over a point of time [1:16:52] [1:16:52] so it's really a loan at that [1:16:53] point. [1:16:53] it's not a grant or some amoun [1:16:54] t [1:16:54] that is spent. [1:16:56] >> that's, less helpful than t [1:16:59] he [1:16:59] other options maybe a band aid [1:17:01] [1:17:01] but then we owe you a money in [1:17:03] [1:17:03] the year or two so it's just a [1:17:04] s [1:17:04] we're kind of breaking even and [1:17:07] [1:17:07] so yeah not -- I would favor t [1:17:09] he [1:17:09] options of a forgivable loan o [1:17:13] r [1:17:13] an advanced grant. [1:17:17] >> I mean, that is what I walke [1:17:18] d [1:17:18] into this discussion with the [1:17:19] idea of the with a forgivable [1:17:21] loan of some amount that would [1:17:24] [1:17:24] be forgiven upon the contingen [1:17:28] t [1:17:28] upon having publicly accessible [1:17:30] [1:17:30] community events throughout th [1:17:31] e [1:17:31] year at some number that would [1:17:33] [1:17:33] be, the over three-year period [1:17:36] [1:17:36] is what I had written down her [1:17:36] e [1:17:36] that would just to ensure that [1:17:39] [1:17:39] which I think is the best thing [1:17:41] [1:17:41] that solves the cash crunch on [1:17:43] [1:17:43] the front end and then ensures [1:17:44] [1:17:44] that there is some community [1:17:45] benefit to this on the back [1:17:46] end. [1:17:46] but does not solve the overall [1:17:50] [1:17:50] question of, of how do you [1:17:52] ensure that this is done [1:17:53] fairly. [1:17:53] we just don't I mean if we're, [1:17:56] [1:17:56] if we believe, if we believe [1:17:58] that this is something that [1:17:59] needs to happen immediately, [1:18:00] this has to happen before the [1:18:03] summer, then we don't have [1:18:04] time -- to the mayor's point I [1:18:06] [1:18:06] like the idea of having [1:18:06] revolving loans, mr. Mayor, [1:18:08] making sure that we have that I [1:18:10] n [1:18:10] place, you know, to city [1:18:12] manager's point we just don't [1:18:13] have the time for that at the [1:18:14] moment. [1:18:14] but I do think that there is [1:18:16] some kind of a solution we cou [1:18:18] ld [1:18:18] find here. [1:18:18] thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:18:19] >> mayor: thank you, [1:18:20] commissioner eastman. [1:18:20] I do want to point out that [1:18:22] speaking of process, speaking to [1:18:23] [1:18:23] process, we have off the top o [1:18:26] f [1:18:26] my head I can name three times [1:18:28] [1:18:28] in the last few years when we' [1:18:29] ve [1:18:29] done almost exactly the same [1:18:30] thing for more money. And [1:18:33] and that is got a $75,000 grant [1:18:41] , [1:18:41] came and made a proposal, we [1:18:43] said okay, here is your money. [1:18:44] [1:18:44] the hippodrome didn't even make [1:18:46] [1:18:46] a proposal just walked up and [1:18:49] said we need $250,000. [1:18:51] we said how about 150 I think [1:18:53] was the number. [1:18:54] and by the way, I voted for [1:18:55] every one of these and I'm [1:18:56] pretty sure that they were all [1:18:58] [1:18:58] unanimous so I'm not casting a [1:19:00] ny [1:19:00] apirations -- aspersions here. [1:19:03] [1:19:03] and last year we gave bread of [1:19:05] [1:19:05] the m$100,000. [1:19:06] now that waserary specifically [1:19:08] [1:19:08] to go feed -- not saying that [1:19:11] they're all the same. [1:19:11] they're not. [1:19:13] but I am saying that this is n [1:19:16] ot [1:19:16] out of the ordinary in the [1:19:18] greater scheme of things, and I [1:19:23] [1:19:23] think the lesson is that we nee [1:19:24] d [1:19:24] to find a way to make it less [1:19:25] out of the ordinary and find a [1:19:26] [1:19:26] way to create actual process s [1:19:30] o [1:19:30] that when people come say hey, [1:19:32] [1:19:32] we need money, we say well [1:19:34] there's a process for that ther [1:19:36] e [1:19:36] are right now processes that a [1:19:41] re [1:19:41] very much boxes that are built [1:19:43] [1:19:43] and if you don't fit one -- if [1:19:45] [1:19:45] you fit one of the boxes you [1:19:47] probably don't need the money I [1:19:48] n [1:19:48] the first place. [1:19:48] but if you don't, then there I [1:19:49] s [1:19:49] really nowhere where we can say [1:19:51] [1:19:51] here, go there and do this and [1:19:53] [1:19:53] we'll work through it with you [1:19:56] . [1:19:56] so but it is not out of the [1:19:57] ordinary for this to happen a [1:19:59] thing that we are asked of and [1:20:01] [1:20:01] that we respond affirmatively [1:20:03] to. [1:20:03] commissioner ingle. [1:20:10] >> I want to say I like the ide [1:20:12] a [1:20:12] that commissioner eastman [1:20:13] floated about having some actua [1:20:14] l [1:20:14] deliverables for the community [1:20:17] [1:20:17] that this would be going towar [1:20:18] ds [1:20:18] so there was some accountable [1:20:20] for what that money was -- [1:20:22] accountability for what that [1:20:22] money was for. [1:20:23] but then also I would really [1:20:24] like to take a look at what we [1:20:27] [1:20:27] could do to establish a kind o [1:20:30] f [1:20:30] long-term program on making som [1:20:30] e [1:20:30] of these loans available both [1:20:32] for economic development and [1:20:36] arts programs and that, it's a [1:20:41] [1:20:41] little bit of a cost on the up [1:20:43] [1:20:43] front but it should be coming [1:20:45] back and about break even, the [1:20:47] [1:20:47] type of thing I talked to a lot [1:20:48] [1:20:48] of businesses and developers [1:20:49] that are like well I would rea [1:20:50] l [1:20:50] ay like to be able to do x but [1:20:53] [1:20:53] money is 6.5% right now so it' [1:20:55] s [1:20:55] not even necessarily need, not [1:20:57] [1:20:57] necessarily that everybody jus [1:21:00] t [1:21:00] needs a check but like the [1:21:01] ability to get some pay backabl [1:21:04] e [1:21:04] money at a reasonable price tha [1:21:05] t [1:21:05] could keep economic development [1:21:07] [1:21:07] going in the town if interest [1:21:11] rates continue to explode and [1:21:13] the economy in general slows [1:21:14] down. [1:21:14] so I think it might be a timely [1:21:16] [1:21:16] thing for us to take a look at [1:21:18] [1:21:18] in general. [1:21:20] like I said as manager mentioned [1:21:22] [1:21:22] I don't think you're going to [1:21:23] be [1:21:23] able to put that together to [1:21:25] address this, but I think those [1:21:27] [1:21:27] two things in tandem are [1:21:29] something I can probably get [1:21:30] behind. [1:21:30] >> mayor: okay. [1:21:31] thank you, commissioner ingle. [1:21:33] [1:21:33] commissioner chestnut. [1:21:35] >> okay. [1:21:36] my question was going to be on [1:21:39] [1:21:39] process. [1:21:39] last year for the hippodrome. [1:21:42] the hippodrome was in dire [1:21:44] straits. [1:21:44] they couldn't meet their [1:21:45] payroll. [1:21:45] and we stepped in to help them. [1:21:50] [1:21:50] bread of the mighty -- food [1:21:56] stamps. [1:21:56] we had to meet that need [1:21:57] immediately for our community. [1:22:01] [1:22:01] trying to think of the other [1:22:02] one. [1:22:02] so that's the one thought. [1:22:07] then I do not like reimbursabl [1:22:10] e [1:22:10] loans or payments because that [1:22:12] [1:22:12] really doesn't help the [1:22:14] organization you're trying to. [1:22:15] [1:22:15] if they have to put up the money [1:22:17] [1:22:17] first, then submit papers to y [1:22:20] ou [1:22:20] to be reimbursed it really [1:22:24] doesn't serve their purpose. [1:22:30] I don't think we can create the [1:22:31] [1:22:31] program sitting up here today, [1:22:33] [1:22:33] but just -- I'm just thinking [1:22:35] that of course we have the [1:22:37] tourist development council, and [1:22:39] [1:22:39] I think that's probably where [1:22:39] you got the money from from the [1:22:41] [1:22:41] county was the tourist [1:22:42] development council. [1:22:44] then we have the north central [1:22:47] [1:22:47] florida -- community [1:22:52] foundation. [1:22:52] I'm trying to think if there I [1:22:54] s [1:22:54] some kind of program we could [1:22:56] create with them where we could [1:22:57] [1:22:57] deposit funds and then let the [1:23:01] m [1:23:01] be the distributor. [1:23:08] I don't know I'm just having, [1:23:09] I'm just having a problem with [1:23:10] [1:23:10] this one right here today. [1:23:11] I'm having a -- I'm having a [1:23:13] real problem with it. [1:23:15] maybe something we need to sen [1:23:17] d [1:23:17] back to the manager. [1:23:18] I thought we would -- with som [1:23:20] e [1:23:20] more direction, with some more [1:23:22] [1:23:22] direction. [1:23:22] but in the end they really may [1:23:27] [1:23:27] generate the $50,000 they need [1:23:29] [1:23:29] anyway by summer. [1:23:32] she's gotten part of it. [1:23:36] so I'm just having a problem [1:23:38] with signing off on it today. [1:23:41] I did not support giving money [1:23:44] [1:23:44] for an auditor this morning. [1:23:47] for our city program so I reall [1:23:49] y [1:23:49] have a problem trying to fund [1:23:51] this now. [1:23:52] so I probably would not vote t [1:23:54] o [1:23:54] fund it. [1:23:58] >> mayor: thank you, [1:23:58] commissioner chestnut. [1:23:59] commissioner book. [1:24:02] >> yes, mr. Mayor. [1:24:02] so I'm in a similar place, [1:24:03] right? [1:24:03] I want to stay consistent with [1:24:06] [1:24:06] the way that we fund [1:24:07] organizations even those that [1:24:09] have great potential and are [1:24:10] greatly worthwhile, which is [1:24:12] this one. [1:24:13] but it's been a nonprofit for [1:24:14] seven months, and it ran a [1:24:16] deficit for several years, and [1:24:17] [1:24:17] the only way I know that is [1:24:19] because their own staff and the [1:24:20] [1:24:20] folks who've funded it told us [1:24:22] [1:24:22] that. [1:24:22] that it run at deficit for [1:24:24] several years, and it's only [1:24:26] because they've moved to a [1:24:27] nonprofit model and you have [1:24:29] really proactive aggressive [1:24:31] staff that they're in a positio [1:24:32] n [1:24:32] that they're far more [1:24:34] financially solvent now. [1:24:36] so that's a testament to the [1:24:37] folks who are working there, a [1:24:40] nd [1:24:40] the director. [1:24:41] kind of on the back end, [1:24:43] commissioner duncan-walker was [1:24:44] [1:24:44] talking about a process that's [1:24:45] [1:24:45] more inclusive for arts and [1:24:47] cultural affairs. [1:24:48] I support that. [1:24:49] that might be on the back end [1:24:50] something that comes out. [1:24:51] I think you have a little more [1:24:52] [1:24:52] knowledge than I do in that. [1:24:53] that we should in fact move [1:24:55] forward a process to research [1:24:57] that. [1:24:57] because I think is it mayor pr [1:25:01] o [1:25:01] tem is the papi grant that is [1:25:07] the one that is very narrowly [1:25:08] tayered taylered. [1:25:11] well it probably shouldn't be s [1:25:12] o [1:25:12] narrowly tailored at this point [1:25:14] [1:25:14] with the, with the plethora of [1:25:16] [1:25:16] organizations. [1:25:16] >> you may eat those words. [1:25:19] [laughter] [1:25:19] >> I don't think so. [1:25:21] I won't. [1:25:23] I just think there should be a [1:25:25] [1:25:25] second motion that comes out [1:25:26] that deals with allowing the [1:25:29] city to determine better ways [1:25:31] for potentially -- and it may [1:25:34] not even be that grant. [1:25:35] I'm pretty broad thinking in [1:25:37] this regard. [1:25:37] but I do think we need mike sur [1:25:39] e [1:25:39] that we're looking and -- make [1:25:41] [1:25:41] sure that we're looking up and [1:25:42] [1:25:42] staying up with times and [1:25:43] friends for the way the -- [1:25:46] trends for the way those [1:25:46] organizations provide those [1:25:47] types of events and cultural [1:25:48] development to the city. [1:25:49] so that's second. [1:25:51] as it relates to this money [1:25:53] again I voted against providing [1:25:54] [1:25:54] money to our own city this [1:25:56] morning. [1:25:56] and I know it's a different [1:25:57] funding source. [1:25:59] but there's no mechanism that [1:26:01] after seven months as a [1:26:02] nonprofit I could say that [1:26:03] that's enough runway to see tha [1:26:05] t [1:26:05] we've done everything, and the [1:26:06] re [1:26:06] are some other options to look [1:26:09] [1:26:09] at. [1:26:09] it sounds to me like you [1:26:10] director have actually you're [1:26:13] uncovering quite a few options [1:26:14] [1:26:14] and pursuing all those. [1:26:15] couple others have been [1:26:16] mentioned here. [1:26:18] surplus equipment, and I think [1:26:20] [1:26:20] we should see what happens in [1:26:21] the coming months, and perhaps [1:26:23] [1:26:23] after a year as a nonprofit tha [1:26:27] t [1:26:27] puts us on equal footing with [1:26:29] other nonprofits asking us for [1:26:31] [1:26:31] money and other existing fundi [1:26:32] ng [1:26:32] sources and then there are, and [1:26:33] [1:26:33] then we're considering them [1:26:35] amongst the other competition [1:26:36] for such good work. [1:26:37] so it is, this is merely about [1:26:40] [1:26:40] the same process we are talkin [1:26:41] g [1:26:41] about this morning for me. [1:26:42] thank you. [1:26:44] >> mayor: all right, thank you [1:26:45] [1:26:45] commissioner book. [1:26:46] commissioner duncan-walker. [1:26:47] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:26:49] just a really quick question t [1:26:50] o [1:26:50] staff. [1:26:50] mr. Manager, how quickly, I know [1:26:53] [1:26:53] we have a gpc coming up next [1:26:55] week, but how quickly probably [1:26:57] [1:26:57] not at that one do you think [1:26:59] staff might be able to come bac [1:27:00] k [1:27:00] with some options for a process [1:27:03] [1:27:03] to the commission based on wha [1:27:04] t [1:27:04] you've heard here today? [1:27:09] >> can you be more specific? [1:27:10] like what kind of process? [1:27:11] >> so you've heard us today tal [1:27:14] k [1:27:14] about the, you've heard us talk [1:27:15] [1:27:15] about a few things. [1:27:16] you've heard us talk about [1:27:17] grants but you've also heard u [1:27:18] s [1:27:18] talk about loans. [1:27:20] you've heard us talk about pap [1:27:21] I [1:27:21] and I would personally be [1:27:23] interested in entertaining all [1:27:24] [1:27:24] of the options. [1:27:25] now what I do understand about [1:27:26] [1:27:26] papi is there was a little bit [1:27:30] [1:27:30] of 3ugsback -- pushback by sta [1:27:34] ff [1:27:34] of altering that because there [1:27:35] [1:27:35] are already major institutions [1:27:37] [1:27:37] getting money out of the pot [1:27:38] that max out with that grant [1:27:39] which is why we -- none of us [1:27:41] are the professionals up here [1:27:43] that understand of the financing [1:27:45] [1:27:45] behind that, et cetera, [1:27:46] et cetera, so I'm curious if [1:27:48] based on everything you've heard [1:27:50] [1:27:50] us say here today from loans t [1:27:53] o [1:27:53] grants and to specifically the [1:27:55] p [1:27:57] api grant so we can be reminded [1:27:59] [1:27:59] or informed about what the [1:28:00] restrictions are or what our [1:28:03] options are if we did decide we [1:28:05] [1:28:05] wanted tosee staff kind of [1:28:08] revisit and reformat that. [1:28:09] those options and anymore that [1:28:11] [1:28:11] staff could come back with, how [1:28:14] [1:28:14] quickly do you think we could [1:28:15] have that conversation or an [1:28:16] agenda item? [1:28:17] >> so I guess couple things. [1:28:21] for the papi grants, those are [1:28:26] [1:28:26] grants but they're essentially [1:28:27] [1:28:27] sort of more baked into your [1:28:28] budget. [1:28:28] there is less of a competitive [1:28:31] [1:28:31] process that goes into it. [1:28:34] and my understanding is the [1:28:38] issue that we discussed last [1:28:40] time was that there are for art [1:28:44] s [1:28:44] producing organizations not art [1:28:46] s [1:28:46] presenting. [1:28:46] so there is, so in one sense [1:28:51] it's very easy because we can [1:28:53] just change that to include art [1:28:55] s [1:28:55] presenting organizations as [1:28:57] eligible as well, but then the [1:28:59] re [1:28:59] is the money piece and the [1:29:01] existing organizations that are [1:29:03] [1:29:03] already funded, and I think we [1:29:05] [1:29:05] would, what we had talked about [1:29:06] [1:29:06] last time was potentially if [1:29:07] that was direction from the [1:29:08] commission, we would bring tha [1:29:10] t [1:29:10] any recommendations back throu [1:29:13] gh [1:29:13] your budget process this year. [1:29:15] [1:29:15] there is also the outside agenc [1:29:18] y [1:29:18] grant which is more competitive [1:29:20] , [1:29:20] and it has like a larger [1:29:21] diversity of nonprofits that [1:29:25] apply. [1:29:25] of which I believe heartwood I [1:29:27] s [1:29:27] eligible for but that's a [1:29:28] smaller pot of money than papi. [1:29:31] [1:29:31] similarly, I think that would b [1:29:39] e [1:29:39] something less of a programmati [1:29:42] c [1:29:42] change and more of a discussio [1:29:43] n [1:29:43] that you would all probably wan [1:29:45] t [1:29:45] to have around the actual total [1:29:50] [1:29:50] amount. [1:29:50] I think commissioner willits y [1:29:52] ou [1:29:52] brought up last time that both [1:29:53] [1:29:53] of those funding sources have [1:29:54] not been increased in a long [1:29:55] time, so I'm not sure it's [1:29:59] like -- we can come back for [1:30:02] options for programmatic chang [1:30:04] es [1:30:04] that are relatively short but I [1:30:05] [1:30:05] don't think that gets to the [1:30:06] commission's point about if yo [1:30:07] u [1:30:07] all want to make room for a [1:30:09] fourth organization to fund, [1:30:12] that's going to be a budget [1:30:13] discussion through your budget [1:30:14] [1:30:14] process. [1:30:14] I'm not worried about staff [1:30:19] being able to come up with [1:30:22] something in that sense, but I [1:30:24] [1:30:24] don't want it to be a situation [1:30:25] [1:30:25] where we rush staff forward and [1:30:27] [1:30:27] we're still in the middle of [1:30:28] this existing budget, in the [1:30:29] middle of your budget process. [1:30:30] [1:30:30] I would want to wrap that up [1:30:32] with the discussion of [1:30:33] everything else that we're going [1:30:34] [1:30:34] to talk about with budget [1:30:36] process this year. [1:30:37] but we can certainly I think [1:30:40] come back with some programmati [1:30:43] c [1:30:43] recommendations through that [1:30:46] budget process and make sure [1:30:47] that that, if that's the [1:30:49] direction of the commission, [1:30:50] that could be something that w [1:30:52] e [1:30:52] discuss during when parks comes [1:30:53] [1:30:53] and presents the budget or I [1:30:54] think those are maybe a [1:30:56] nondepartmental right now so w [1:30:57] e [1:30:57] can have [1:30:57] >> thank you. [1:31:06] >> thank you. [1:31:07] >> mayor: that leaves us at [1:31:08] zero. [1:31:08] I don't make motions as chair. [1:31:12] [1:31:12] I would think what we would -- [1:31:21] I [1:31:21] think what we would probably [1:31:26] like is for the manager's offic [1:31:27] e [1:31:27] to come back to us with an ide [1:31:30] a [1:31:30] of what a loan might look like [1:31:33] [1:31:33] and what a grant might look [1:31:34] like, and how that would be [1:31:41] possible and if nobody wants t [1:31:42] o [1:31:43] make that motion, that means we [1:31:44] [1:31:44] don't want to do this, and [1:31:45] that's okay as well. [1:31:46] commissioner willits? [1:31:48] >> I think I'm getting closer t [1:31:50] o [1:31:50] a motion. [1:31:50] I know delay is not great, but [1:31:57] [1:32:00] we do have -- the potential [1:32:08] option to advance was for city [1:32:10] [1:32:10] funds and audit rights. [1:32:11] that's where I'm leaning right [1:32:14] [1:32:14] now with 55,000. [1:32:15] with some sort of option for - [1:32:17] - [1:32:18] I'm sure you'll open to lots o [1:32:20] f [1:32:20] public things when a nonprofit [1:32:21] [1:32:21] is hosting this, that or the [1:32:22] other. [1:32:22] some sort of build in about [1:32:29] public access. [1:32:30] the grant suggests the public [1:32:32] [1:32:32] has to be involved somehow, [1:32:34] there has to be an option. [1:32:34] some sort of -- I don't know [1:32:43] what city staff would envision [1:32:44] ,s [1:32:44] maybe between now and next week [1:32:46] , [1:32:46] come up with -- yeah, we do hav [1:32:50] e [1:32:50] a need for a location. [1:32:53] we're going to record somethin [1:32:55] g. [1:32:55] commissioner eastman plays [1:32:59] guitar? [1:32:59] banjo, maybe he's going to hav [1:33:02] e [1:33:03] a city commission band who wan [1:33:05] ts [1:33:05] to. [1:33:05] I say that as a joke, but if [1:33:07] there's something we could be [1:33:09] [1:33:09] useful for us, it could be [1:33:11] slotted in, public access, [1:33:12] benefiting the city directly o [1:33:15] r [1:33:15] just the public. [1:33:16] I'm leaning toward that secon [1:33:18] option to bring it back next [1:33:21] week. [1:33:21] which I know is a further dela [1:33:23] y, none wants thear. [1:33:24] none wants thear. [1:33:24] my motion is that we look at t [1:33:30] he [1:33:30] next gpc, staff brings back the [1:33:32] [1:33:33] option of an advanced grant wit [1:33:35] h [1:33:35] required backup documentation, [1:33:38] [1:33:38] with specific funds and [1:33:43] public -- some sort of [1:33:45] expectation of public access [1:33:47] events for a time period or in [1:33:49] a [1:33:49] time period for the full [1:33:51] $55,000. [1:33:51] >> mayor: how about the 23rd [1:33:57] instead of next week. [1:33:58] >> let's do the 23rd. [1:34:05] >> second. [1:34:12] >> mayor: thank you. [1:34:13] >> I did want to hear. [1:34:16] I was going to -- I thought we [1:34:18] [1:34:18] needed to make a call on it, I [1:34:20] [1:34:20] would be curious what the city [1:34:22] [1:34:22] manager had to say. [1:34:23] from my understanding of this [1:34:25] [1:34:25] conversation, I don't think [1:34:26] staff thought this was a [1:34:28] complicated thing that it neede [1:34:30] d [1:34:30] to be written, prewritten, we [1:34:33] [1:34:33] could have that direction here [1:34:35] [1:34:35] today. [1:34:35] you have your light on, is that [1:34:36] [1:34:36] right? [1:34:36] >> yeah. [1:34:38] >> I think commissioner willits [1:34:47] [1:34:47] motion is clear. [1:34:48] we can take that, what I would [1:34:50] [1:34:50] say in terms of the public [1:35:01] facing, if it's open to the [1:35:03] public, that's something that [1:35:05] [1:35:05] hartwood is amenable to. [1:35:07] that gives us action, we make [1:35:12] [1:35:12] that session here today. [1:35:12] I don't think we need to bring [1:35:14] [1:35:14] it back, the only complicated [1:35:16] [1:35:16] factor would be if there was - [1:35:19] - [1:35:20] if there was a desire to walk [1:35:23] [1:35:23] down the loan front. [1:35:24] then we would need to come up [1:35:27] [1:35:27] with repayment terms, et cetera [1:35:28] , [1:35:28] et cetera. [1:35:29] if the commission wants to do [1:35:32] [1:35:32] the advance grant with those [1:35:35] stipulations, and the discussio [1:35:36] n [1:35:36] that we had about making sure [1:35:40] [1:35:40] that it is for eligible [1:35:42] expenses, on going eligible [1:35:46] expenses, not past debt, I thi [1:35:48] nk [1:35:48] it's -- our preference would [1:35:51] probably be, as miss carnes [1:35:53] indicated, some of the equipment [1:35:55] [1:35:55] costs because those are long [1:35:57] term capital investment that I [1:35:59] [1:36:00] think would have benefit beyon [1:36:03] d [1:36:04] just necessarily paying for [1:36:06] staffing or salaries or things [1:36:08] [1:36:08] like that, that would be our [1:36:18] [1:36:18] if that's the will of the [1:36:21] commission, we could decide tha [1:36:23] t [1:36:23] today and give staff enough to [1:36:24] [1:36:24] move forward. [1:36:25] >> to me, it's important that I [1:36:28] t [1:36:28] have -- it doesn't feel right [1:36:33] [1:36:33] paying for equipment. [1:36:33] it's for a multiprivate [1:36:36] organization. [1:36:36] I think structuring -- whether [1:36:38] [1:36:38] it's a grant or forgivable loan [1:36:41] [1:36:41] that is based on a certain [1:36:43] number of events that get done [1:36:45] [1:36:45] over the course of time. [1:36:45] 15 years seems like a bit. [1:36:50] a three-year forgivable loan [1:36:53] that were open to the public, [1:36:54] [1:36:54] which I think are pretty much I [1:36:55] n [1:36:55] there, I'm happy to defer that [1:36:57] [1:36:58] to staff to kick that over, wha [1:36:59] t [1:36:59] the community expects and what [1:37:01] [1:37:01] the city already does, we have [1:37:02] [1:37:03] events that are open to the [1:37:04] public that people can come to [1:37:06] . [1:37:06] we -- that is a part of what w [1:37:08] e [1:37:08] do as a community. [1:37:09] this is an extension of that t [1:37:12] o [1:37:12] an organization that does that [1:37:14] [1:37:14] very well. [1:37:15] I guess I'm comfortable with [1:37:17] what you have. [1:37:18] I think that gets in the same [1:37:19] [1:37:19] direction. [1:37:19] >> mayor: thank you, [1:37:23] commissioner eastman. [1:37:23] I like the idea of a three-year [1:37:25] [1:37:28] forgivable loan. [1:37:29] as opposed to straight out. [1:37:29] >> my original. [1:37:32] >> mayor: commissioner duncan [1:37:35] [1:37:35] walker? [1:37:35] >> I was going to ask if the [1:37:38] maker of the motion would be [1:37:39] willing to add that to the [1:37:41] motion? [1:37:41] >> my preference is, it is [1:37:44] forgivable. [1:37:44] we give the money now. [1:37:45] >> to have staff to bring back [1:37:48] [1:37:48] loan options so we can see. [1:37:49] >> I side more with commissione [1:37:52] r [1:37:52] eastman, let's get this done [1:37:54] right now. [1:37:55] if it didn't need to come back [1:37:57] , [1:37:57] the motion was clear enough, I [1:37:58] [1:37:59] would prefer today. [1:38:00] in my heart of hearts, I like [1:38:02] [1:38:02] the had idea of a forgivable [1:38:04] loan. [1:38:04] we get some documentation at [1:38:06] some point and we see some -- I [1:38:08] f [1:38:08] it's four events a year, you [1:38:12] know, then they say yeah, we d [1:38:13] id [1:38:13] this, it was great, it was fun, [1:38:16] [1:38:16] at the end, it's a forgivable [1:38:19] [1:38:19] loan. [1:38:19] a forgivable loan is less of ou [1:38:22] r [1:38:22] knowledge base, that's why I [1:38:24] lean more toward getting [1:38:26] something done today. [1:38:26] just to be clear, you know what, [1:38:29] [1:38:29] I withdraw my motion and we wi [1:38:31] ll [1:38:31] start a new motion. [1:38:32] this is literally how the [1:38:34] sausage is made. [1:38:35] >> that is why I said that, I [1:38:43] [1:38:43] like something the mayor [1:38:44] brought up, it would take us I [1:38:46] n [1:38:46] a different direction in terms [1:38:47] [1:38:47] of giving us the ability to be [1:38:49] [1:38:49] able to regenerate the pot of [1:38:53] [1:38:53] money. [1:38:53] so a loan, whatever the options [1:38:56] are [1:38:56] are from all of us. [1:39:02] we're still able to provide a [1:39:04] [1:39:04] service, now we don't have the [1:39:06] [1:39:06] responsibility of, here we hav [1:39:07] e [1:39:07] to carve this out in the budget [1:39:09] . [1:39:09] I think that's very important [1:39:10] [1:39:10] for us, it's part of our [1:39:14] responsibility for the people [1:39:16] [1:39:16] who expect us to be able to [1:39:19] support the arts, but also in [1:39:21] [1:39:21] these lean times, do it as [1:39:24] fiscally responsible as we can [1:39:25] . [1:39:25] >> we can make the motion. [1:39:28] >> I can definitely make the [1:39:31] motion. [1:39:31] let's see. [1:39:33] I move that staff come back wit [1:39:41] h [1:39:41] options for a loan program tha [1:39:44] t [1:39:44] will support arts organization [1:39:46] s, [1:39:46] not currently served. [1:39:49] and I guess I could put the [1:39:52] period there. [1:39:52] does that cover what we need? [1:39:53] >> second. [1:39:53] >> mayor: we have a motion and [1:39:57] a [1:39:57] second. [1:39:57] anything snels. [1:39:58] >> no, I think that's it. [1:40:00] >> mayor: commissioner eastman? [1:40:01] [1:40:01] >> that's fine, we can move on [1:40:03] [1:40:03] the current motion. [1:40:06] >> mayor: okay. [1:40:07] we need to ask for public [1:40:08] comment. [1:40:08] we don't have any. [1:40:10] >> I would like to see what the [1:40:12] [1:40:12] motion is that we're voting on. [1:40:13] [1:40:13] there have been several. [1:40:15] >> mayor: it will take us a [1:40:18] moment to get it on screen. [1:40:19] >> broadcast, I have it up. [1:40:22] there we go. [1:40:24] >> mayor: do you want to put a [1:40:33] n [1:40:33] amount on there? [1:40:34] >> no, I don't want to put an [1:40:37] [1:40:37] amount on there. [1:40:37] I want staff to. [1:40:43] >> mayor: do you want to put a [1:40:44] [1:40:45] date on there? [1:40:45] >> can you bring it back to gp [1:40:47] c [1:40:48] on the 23rd? [1:40:49] I'm trying to take a little [1:40:51] pressure off from you. [1:40:52] >> that's the second gpc of th [1:40:58] e [1:41:00] month. [1:41:00] we can, yes. [1:41:01] is this to serve heartwood or? [1:41:12] [1:41:12] I'm confused. [1:41:16] does this need to be done for [1:41:18] [1:41:18] her to apply? [1:41:18] >> well, this is great for the [1:41:20] [1:41:21] community, it's not actually [1:41:22] what hartwood was requesting. [1:41:22] we were requesting money we won [1:41:26] [1:41:27] the owe you to kind of -- I'm [1:41:29] [1:41:29] trying to avoid being back her [1:41:31] e [1:41:32] next year asking again. [1:41:33] so a loan we would have to pay [1:41:40] [1:41:40] off doesn't fix that need. [1:41:42] it won't be ready for us in tim [1:41:44] e [1:41:44] for summer. [1:41:45] >> understood. [1:41:45] >> I think it's a great motion [1:41:50] . [1:41:50] >> I think if this is the [1:41:54] direction that the commission [1:41:55] [1:41:55] wants to do from a programmati [1:41:58] c [1:41:58] standpoint, then I think that' [1:42:00] s [1:42:00] a separate motion than dealing [1:42:03] [1:42:03] with heart wood. [1:42:04] we can do this, we don't need [1:42:08] [1:42:08] necessarily, if you all want I [1:42:09] t [1:42:09] on the 23rd for initial [1:42:11] discussion. [1:42:11] I think part of the budget [1:42:14] process, we wouldn't need to [1:42:15] actually put some money in to [1:42:17] [1:42:17] the initial loan amount. [1:42:18] and my recommendation would [1:42:20] again be let's do that as part [1:42:23] [1:42:23] of the budget process. [1:42:24] but I think if the commission [1:42:26] [1:42:26] wants to deal with hartwood, [1:42:34] they're two separate things. [1:42:35] does that make sense? [1:42:38] >> it does. [1:42:38] >> and again n a competitive [1:42:45] way. [1:42:45] >> in a competitive process, [1:42:47] where the city is able to recou [1:42:49] p [1:42:49] their funds. [1:42:50] I have no problem with that [1:42:52] being a part of the budgetary [1:42:54] [1:42:54] solution. [1:42:54] we have this one on the table. [1:42:56] [1:42:56] but it's not applied to [1:43:00] heart wood. [1:43:01] we need another one going to [1:43:04] heart wood. [1:43:07] >> am I taking the 23rd off? [1:43:07] >> yes. [1:43:08] >> thank you. [1:43:19] >> okay. That is something [1:43:21] that is something we can handl [1:43:22] e [1:43:23] during the -- should we vote [1:43:25] affirmatively on this, that's [1:43:26] [1:43:26] something we can do during the [1:43:27] [1:43:28] budget process. [1:43:28] we still have the question to [1:43:31] [1:43:31] deal with, but is there any [1:43:32] other question about this [1:43:36] particular motion? [1:43:36] all in favor? [1:43:39] any opposed? [1:43:40] that passes unanimously, as par [1:43:43] t [1:43:43] of the on going process. [1:43:45] at some number. [1:43:45] now, that's not a definite [1:43:48] number, and we can work that o [1:43:49] ut [1:43:49] as we go. [1:43:50] I do think that has tremendous [1:43:54] [1:43:54] long term potential, even at a [1:43:55] [1:43:56] low number. [1:43:56] I think it gets a lot of [1:43:58] organizations over a hump, [1:44:00] without having to put it on [1:44:02] someone's credit card. [1:44:02] the truth,that's what arts [1:44:07] organizations get funded with, [1:44:08] [1:44:09] someone's high interest credit [1:44:11] [1:44:11] card. [1:44:11] it's rarely a situation with [1:44:14] nonprofits and particularly art [1:44:16] s [1:44:16] nonprofits and for profit, to [1:44:18] [1:44:18] make a profit. [1:44:19] and it's harder to be stable [1:44:22] without the community's suppor [1:44:24] t. [1:44:24] that still leaves us with the [1:44:26] [1:44:26] question we have on the agenda [1:44:28] [1:44:29] today. [1:44:29] commissioner eastman? [1:44:31] >> for the point of this, I'm [1:44:33] [1:44:33] happy to review it, I think [1:44:35] there's a lot that need -- how [1:44:37] [1:44:37] we're going to make up our [1:44:40] budget gap that we have, I [1:44:41] consider this part of the [1:44:42] overall policy process, and I'l [1:44:44] l [1:44:44] be curious what staff comes bac [1:44:46] k [1:44:46] with. [1:44:46] I hope just to be on the up [1:44:49] front about it, in the same vie [1:44:52] w [1:44:52] as the hippo drome came out for [1:44:55] [1:44:56] $250,000 initially? [1:44:57] >> mayor: that's what think [1:44:59] asked, I don't think we gave [1:45:01] them 250. [1:45:02] >> I think in that same spirit [1:45:04] , [1:45:04] I hear what you're saying about [1:45:06] [1:45:06] the 55,000. [1:45:06] I move to approve $45,000 to b [1:45:10] e [1:45:11] taken out of excess fund balan [1:45:13] ce [1:45:13] to be forgiven over three year [1:45:15] s, [1:45:15] contingent on continued [1:45:17] operations, and hosting at lea [1:45:19] st [1:45:19] four free community accessible [1:45:23] [1:45:23] events per year. [1:45:24] >> second. [1:45:24] >> mayor: okay. [1:45:28] we have a motion and a second. [1:45:32] [1:45:32] is there any conversation or [1:45:34] misunderstanding about that. [1:45:35] >> what we're doing right now, [1:45:36] [1:45:37] events downtown, about $5,000 [1:45:39] [1:45:39] per. [1:45:39] so events over a three-year [1:45:42] period, it would be $60,000 for [1:45:44] [1:45:44] what we're currently putting o [1:45:45] ut [1:45:45] there. [1:45:45] >> this is less than that. [1:45:47] >> yeah, this is less than that [1:45:49] . [1:45:49] >> mayor: any questions about [1:45:55] [1:45:55] the current motion? [1:45:55] all in favor, please say aye. [1:45:56] >> aye. [1:45:59] >> mayor: any opposed? [1:46:00] >> nay. [1:46:03] >> 45,000? [1:46:05] >> yes. [1:46:06] so you were -- [1:46:12] >> yes, I just want to make sur [1:46:14] e [1:46:14] we're talking about 45 instead [1:46:15] [1:46:16] of 55. [1:46:16] >> yes. [1:46:17] >> and commissioner duncan [1:46:20] walker you were nay? [1:46:21] >> nay. [1:46:23] >> mayor: I'm yea. [1:46:27] that passes 4-3, with book, [1:46:30] chestnut and duncan walker in [1:46:32] [1:46:32] dissent. [1:46:32] is that accurate? [1:46:33] >> correct. [1:46:33] >> mayor: all right. [1:46:37] there you go. [1:46:38] >> I want to thank you all for [1:46:41] [1:46:41] taking the time to discuss thi [1:46:43] s [1:46:43] in multiple meetings. [1:46:45] we're thankful for your su [1:46:48] heart wood and the arts. [1:46:51] mr. Manager and mr. Attorneys [1:47:00] [1:47:00] [ inaudible ] [1:47:00] >> mayor: madam clerk. [1:47:03] >> madam mayor, 2026-226, [1:47:07] northeast 8th avenue corridor [1:47:08] [1:47:08] improvements. [1:47:08] the city commission authorize [1:47:12] [1:47:12] the city manager to proceed wit [1:47:14] h [1:47:14] the redesign of northeast 8th [1:47:17] [1:47:17] avenue from waldo road to loft [1:47:22] en [1:47:22] high school. [1:47:24] return to the city commission [1:47:26] [1:47:26] with a construction agreement [1:47:28] [1:47:28] with the northeast 8th avenue. [1:47:36] [1:47:36] >> mayor: welcome back. [1:47:36] >> we have a presentation today [1:47:38] [1:47:39] to show you some proposed [1:47:42] concept you'll concepts of the [1:47:43] [1:47:44] northeast 8th avenue corridor [1:47:47] [1:47:47] improvements. [1:47:47] this presentation is going to [1:47:49] [1:47:49] provide some options, and then [1:47:50] [1:47:50] what our recommendations are [1:47:54] currently. [1:47:54] the portion of the road -- I'm [1:47:59] [1:47:59] sorry, there's two parts. [1:48:07] dr. Chase and I will be [1:48:10] presenting on the portion of th [1:48:11] e [1:48:11] road that we are designing. [1:48:13] ultimately, we're just looking [1:48:15] [1:48:15] for some recommendations for [1:48:17] approval to move forward with [1:48:18] [1:48:18] some recommendations that we [1:48:22] have. [1:48:22] >> mayor: good. [1:48:28] >> good afternoon, mona konach [1:48:32] et [1:48:32] with nb5. [1:48:35] I'm going to go through what [1:48:41] informed our options and design [1:48:42] [1:48:43] decisions. [1:48:43] for the corridor. [1:48:44] we'll talk about public [1:48:46] involvement, how we got citizen [1:48:47] s [1:48:47] involveds in neighborhood [1:48:50] residents. [1:48:50] I'll go through a general [1:48:52] project overview, where we are, [1:48:53] [1:48:53] what we're doing, go through t [1:48:54] he [1:48:54] existing conditions. [1:48:56] some data, traffic and [1:48:58] transportation data. [1:48:58] the options we came up with, a [1:49:00] nd [1:49:00] then our recommendations. [1:49:06] so that's the title. [1:49:08] last year on the 29th of may. [1:49:11] we held a public workshop. [1:49:14] this was an opportunity for us [1:49:16] [1:49:16] to present not only the citizens [1:49:19] [1:49:19] field revitalization plan for [1:49:21] [1:49:21] the site, but as well as our [1:49:23] street scapes plan. [1:49:24] we had about 60 attendees, and [1:49:27] [1:49:28] we set up stations so that [1:49:29] residents could come and speak [1:49:30] [1:49:30] with us, ask us questions and [1:49:32] [1:49:32] tell us their concerns or thing [1:49:33] s [1:49:33] they want to see in their [1:49:37] neighborhood. [1:49:37] some feedback we got on that, [1:49:40] [1:49:40] definitely speed was an issue [1:49:41] [1:49:41] through some segments of eight [1:49:43] h [1:49:44] avenue. [1:49:44] they wanted bike lanes with the [1:49:47] [1:49:47] green pavement markings, some [1:49:50] [1:49:50] enhanced pedestrians crossings, [1:49:51] [1:49:52] whether that's the raised [1:49:54] intersections and spied humps o [1:49:56] r [1:49:56] flashing beacons and fluorescent [1:49:59] [1:49:59] signage. [1:49:59] some landscape medians, [1:50:02] especially west of waldo. [1:50:04] some had concerns with the [1:50:06] median openings along eighth [1:50:08] avenue. [1:50:08] and we also requested -- spoke [1:50:11] [1:50:11] about a pedestrians bridge ove [1:50:14] r [1:50:16] waldo road. [1:50:16] >> good afternoon, chase knigh [1:50:18] t [1:50:19] city engineer, based on their [1:50:22] [1:50:22] review and analysis of the [1:50:24] corridor, like lana said, and [1:50:27] [1:50:27] incorporating some of the [1:50:29] feedback they just spoke about, [1:50:30] [1:50:30] they came up with options and [1:50:33] [1:50:33] recommendations, staff [1:50:35] subsequently took those [1:50:37] recommended options to provide [1:50:39] [1:50:44] information and feedback to the [1:50:46] [1:50:46] community. [1:50:46] I do apologize, there's a typo [1:50:48] [1:50:49] on the date for the last one, I [1:50:51] s [1:50:51] 2026. [1:50:51] so I'll circle back later on I [1:50:55] n [1:50:55] the presentation, after you've [1:50:56] [1:50:56] had a chance to see those [1:50:58] recommendations and summarize [1:50:59] [1:50:59] what the feedback was at these [1:51:00] [1:51:00] events. [1:51:00] >> so project overview, where w [1:51:08] e [1:51:08] are, what we're doing. [1:51:11] so part of our citizens field [1:51:14] [1:51:14] site plan, we were tasked with [1:51:15] [1:51:17] reviewing the street scapes [1:51:18] along eighth avenue and waldo [1:51:20] [1:51:20] road. [1:51:20] our approach to this was using [1:51:22] [1:51:23] something called complete [1:51:24] streets and a multimodal [1:51:26] approach. [1:51:26] that's a mouthful. [1:51:27] this approach focuses on makin [1:51:30] g [1:51:30] drive ways -- driving and [1:51:33] roadways safe for not only [1:51:35] drivers, but pedestrians, [1:51:38] cyclists, motorcyclists, and [1:51:41] even people using public [1:51:43] transit. [1:51:43] some examples of street scapes, [1:51:45] [1:51:46] you'll see those zippers, green [1:51:48] [1:51:48] bike line markings, adding bik [1:51:51] e [1:51:51] lanes, planting trees on [1:51:53] sidewalks for protection. [1:51:53] and shade. [1:51:56] you'll see flashing pedestrians [1:51:59] [1:52:00] signs. [1:52:00] updating bus stops with those [1:52:03] [1:52:03] shelters, so people are more [1:52:05] comfortable while they're [1:52:06] waiting. [1:52:06] we broke up the corridor. [1:52:09] our focus was really eighth [1:52:12] avenue. [1:52:12] that will be west of waldo and [1:52:15] [1:52:15] east of waldo. [1:52:16] so west of waldo, we went from [1:52:19] [1:52:19] the round about on 9th to waldo [1:52:22] [1:52:23] road. [1:52:23] we shifted gears east of waldo, [1:52:25] [1:52:26] we have from waldo road to [1:52:29] northeast 22nd street, that's [1:52:30] [1:52:30] where our limits stopped. [1:52:32] and then city of gainesville [1:52:34] staff picked up on northeast [1:52:37] 22nd all the way to lofton hig [1:52:39] h [1:52:40] school. [1:52:40] some existing conditions, what' [1:52:42] s [1:52:42] out there now. [1:52:43] west of waldo, you got a curb [1:52:47] [1:52:47] and gutter section, have you [1:52:49] landscape medians throughout, [1:52:51] [1:52:51] with nice planted trees and lef [1:52:53] t [1:52:53] turn lane openings, there's a 3 [1:52:55] 5 [1:52:55] mile per hour speed limit, the [1:52:57] [1:52:58] sidewalks are five feet on bot [1:52:59] h [1:52:59] sides, there are no bike lanes. [1:53:03] [1:53:03] east of waldo, so for a segment [1:53:06] [1:53:06] of it, waldo road to 22nd, hav [1:53:09] e [1:53:10] you a 30 mile per hour design [1:53:11] [1:53:11] speed, it's a little lower, you [1:53:14] [1:53:15] have five foot sidewalks as [1:53:16] well, no bike lanes, you have [1:53:19] [1:53:19] really wide travel lanes, so [1:53:21] it's about 34 feet of total [1:53:23] pavement width, so 17 -- 16 1/2 [1:53:27] [1:53:27] foot travel lanes. [1:53:28] and then the segment that city [1:53:30] [1:53:31] of gainesville staff worked on [1:53:32] , [1:53:32] that was northeast 22nd to [1:53:37] lofton high school. [1:53:38] the pavement varies, you have [1:53:40] [1:53:40] curb and gutter for the first [1:53:43] [1:53:43] segment, from 22nd street to [1:53:45] 22nd terrace, and then you hav [1:53:48] e [1:53:48] those 34 feet of pavement. [1:53:49] from 22nd terrace to 25th [1:53:52] street, it narrows down to abo [1:53:54] ut [1:53:54] 23 feet of pavement. [1:53:55] and then from 25th to lofton I [1:53:57] t [1:53:58] kind of widens a little bit, to [1:53:59] [1:53:59] a foot. [1:53:59] also through here, 30 miles per [1:54:03] [1:54:03] hour, with your five foot [1:54:06] sidewalk. [1:54:06] I'm an engineer, I like data t [1:54:09] o [1:54:10] inform my design decisions. [1:54:11] we pulled # some traffic data, [1:54:13] [1:54:14] looked at how many cars were o [1:54:14] ut [1:54:14] there. [1:54:14] we had counts west of waldo, [1:54:20] east of waldo, we also had som [1:54:22] e [1:54:23] estimated geospatial data that [1:54:25] [1:54:26] we worked with the traffic gro [1:54:27] up [1:54:27] to get those numbers, as you can [1:54:29] [1:54:29] see for a local road that is [1:54:31] really truly a neighborhood. [1:54:32] there is a lot of traffic out [1:54:34] [1:54:34] there, especially around [1:54:36] citizens field which was our [1:54:38] focus area. [1:54:39] you've got cyclists, so again [1:54:41] [1:54:41] our focus area was around [1:54:43] citizens field, you have block [1:54:44] s [1:54:45] right there on eighth avenue [1:54:47] west of waldo, a lot of bikes, [1:54:49] a [1:54:49] lot of pedestrians going throu [1:54:53] gh [1:54:53] there. [1:54:53] like I mentioned, 35 miles per [1:54:55] [1:54:56] hour west of waldo, 35 miles p [1:54:59] er [1:54:59] hour east of waldo. [1:55:00] you can see west of waldo, [1:55:03] people pretty go at 32.5 miles [1:55:07] [1:55:07] an hour, they're following the [1:55:08] [1:55:08] speed limit. [1:55:08] east of waldo is where we [1:55:11] noticed -- we start to see an [1:55:14] [1:55:14] uptick in speed, they're going [1:55:15] [1:55:15] about 38 miles per hour. [1:55:16] and then the city of gainesvil [1:55:19] le [1:55:19] segment, which is 22nd to [1:55:26] loften, it drops to 26, what [1:55:28] people are driving out there [1:55:29] where it narrows. [1:55:29] my least favorite part of the [1:55:36] [1:55:36] data is the crash history, so w [1:55:37] e [1:55:37] did a five-year crash analysis. [1:55:40] [1:55:40] this is from january 2020 to [1:55:44] december 24. [1:55:45] 75 crashes, which may not seem [1:55:48] [1:55:48] like a lot in five years, but I [1:55:50] t [1:55:50] is. [1:55:50] you're going through a local [1:55:52] road, a neighborhood. [1:55:53] that's about one crash a month. [1:55:56] [1:55:56] there were no fatalities which [1:55:59] [1:55:59] was great, but there were four [1:56:00] [1:56:00] that resulted in a serious [1:56:02] injury, and six that included [1:56:05] [1:56:05] bicyclists, pedestrians or [1:56:07] motorcycles. [1:56:07] ultimately our goal is to make [1:56:09] [1:56:09] the streets safe, especially f [1:56:11] or [1:56:11] vulnerable users like [1:56:13] pedestrians and cyclists. [1:56:14] so using this data, we came up [1:56:17] [1:56:17] with some options. [1:56:18] our first option here, this is [1:56:25] [1:56:25] going to be west of waldo road. [1:56:27] [1:56:27] the curb and gutter position [1:56:30] with the medians. [1:56:31] we're proposing maintaining the [1:56:34] [1:56:35] existing curbline, maybe [1:56:36] enhancing them a little bit. [1:56:37] but we'd like to say let's add [1:56:41] a [1:56:41] 10-foot shared use path on the [1:56:44] [1:56:44] north side of the road, and kee [1:56:45] p [1:56:45] the existing sidewalk on the [1:56:47] other. [1:56:47] this gives an option for maybe [1:56:52] [1:56:53] cyclists like maybe families o [1:56:54] n [1:56:55] bikes that don't necessarily [1:56:56] feel comfortable riding on the [1:56:58] [1:56:58] road. [1:56:58] this makes room for two-way [1:57:01] traffic on bikes, and it reall [1:57:02] y [1:57:03] makes it a gateway to citizens [1:57:05] [1:57:05] field. [1:57:05] total estimated cost for just [1:57:07] [1:57:07] the resurfacing, and restriping [1:57:09] , [1:57:09] no path, came out to about [1:57:12] $900,000. [1:57:12] and to add the path on the nor [1:57:14] th [1:57:14] was an additional 800,000. [1:57:18] option 2 for west of waldo, thi [1:57:22] s [1:57:22] is complete redesign of the [1:57:24] typical section, you have your [1:57:26] [1:57:26] curb and gutter section, you'r [1:57:27] e [1:57:28] taking out those land scape [1:57:29] medians and putting in bike [1:57:32] lanes. [1:57:32] you would have to reconstruct [1:57:34] [1:57:34] the road under the medians, you [1:57:36] [1:57:36] would add striping. [1:57:37] we do like the idea of the [1:57:39] protected bike lanes, whether [1:57:41] [1:57:41] that's with zippers or striping, [1:57:42] [1:57:42] and particularly using that [1:57:45] green pavement marking. [1:57:46] that bike lane would be 4 1/2 [1:57:49] [1:57:49] feet. [1:57:49] and we would propose that share [1:57:52] d [1:57:52] use path. [1:57:53] total cost without the path [1:57:55] would be 1.6 million. [1:57:58] with the path with be an [1:58:00] additional 100,000. [1:58:01] now we're shifting gears, we're [1:58:03] [1:58:03] on the other side of waldo roa [1:58:07] d [1:58:08] now. [1:58:08] still a curb and gutter section [1:58:13] [1:58:13] with the stripings. [1:58:14] we're going to restripe it to [1:58:17] [1:58:17] add the protected bike lanes [1:58:19] with the zippers and potential [1:58:20] ly [1:58:20] add a shared use path on the [1:58:23] north or south side of the road [1:58:25] . [1:58:25] currently there's no shared use [1:58:27] [1:58:27] path, it's just sidewalks. [1:58:29] so some challenges with that. [1:58:31] right now on this portion of [1:58:34] eighth, we have really mature, [1:58:37] [1:58:37] beautiful large trees on the [1:58:38] north side of the road. [1:58:39] and on the south side of the [1:58:41] road, you have a lot of overhe [1:58:43] ad [1:58:43] utilities, so if you were to [1:58:48] just do the path -- if you were [1:58:49] [1:58:49] just to do the road, resurface [1:58:51] [1:58:51] the road, restripe it and add [1:58:54] [1:58:54] the bike lanes, that would be [1:58:56] [1:58:56] 1.9 million. [1:58:57] for the traffic calming, you [1:58:59] have your raised intersections [1:59:00] [1:59:00] and enhanced crosswalks, that [1:59:02] [1:59:02] would be an additional 1.7 [1:59:04] million. [1:59:04] if you were to take out those [1:59:07] [1:59:07] trees which add a lot of [1:59:08] character to the neighborhood. [1:59:09] [1:59:09] add shading and protection to [1:59:11] [1:59:11] the sidewalk, that's going to [1:59:12] be [1:59:12] an additional 1.3 million. [1:59:15] on the other side, in order to [1:59:17] [1:59:17] underground the utilities, add [1:59:19] [1:59:19] lighting and add other [1:59:21] utilities, that would be an [1:59:22] additional $3 million. [1:59:23] some of these, you start to -- [1:59:25] I [1:59:25] tried to make it modular, so w [1:59:27] e [1:59:27] could look at it in sections. [1:59:31] here's option two. [1:59:34] we would still maintain the [1:59:37] existing curbline. [1:59:37] we don't want to widen the road [1:59:39] , [1:59:39] there's not a lot of room out [1:59:41] [1:59:41] there. [1:59:41] we don't want to reconstruct [1:59:43] things. [1:59:43] we're trying to use what we [1:59:46] have. [1:59:46] here we're proposing two new [1:59:48] landscape medians, there's onl [1:59:50] y [1:59:50] two locations along the projec [1:59:51] t. [1:59:51] I have a slide later so becan [1:59:54] [1:59:54] talk about the openings. [1:59:55] there's only two locations whe [1:59:56] re [1:59:56] we can add some landscape [1:59:59] medians and a center turn lane [2:00:00] . [2:00:00] we can add a shared use path o [2:00:02] n [2:00:03] the north, south or no path at [2:00:04] [2:00:05] all. [2:00:05] that breakdown kind of [2:00:07] discussing those mature trees, [2:00:08] [2:00:09] the utilities and how that's [2:00:11] broken down with the additional [2:00:11] [2:00:11] cost [2:00:11] so northeast 22nd. [2:00:19] waldo to northeast 22nd, we hav [2:00:22] e [2:00:22] our proposed option 3. [2:00:23] this is everything. [2:00:24] how do we go through and add [2:00:27] everything we can. [2:00:28] we started with maintaining the [2:00:32] [2:00:33] existing sidewalks. [2:00:33] providing two more narrow [2:00:37] medians, it wouldn't necessarily [2:00:39] [2:00:39] meet that turn lane width, it [2:00:41] [2:00:41] would be a little more narrow. [2:00:42] [2:00:42] and then you have -- you would [2:00:44] [2:00:44] utilize the curb and gutter to [2:00:46] [2:00:46] get a five foot bike lane, and [2:00:48] [2:00:48] the travel lanes would be more [2:00:50] [2:00:51] narrow, 10 feet instead of 11 [2:00:52] [2:00:52] feet, like on the other side o [2:00:54] f [2:00:55] waldo road. [2:00:55] same thing here, we broke it [2:01:00] down. [2:01:00] without the path, that would b [2:01:01] e [2:01:02] 2.1 million, to add in those [2:01:04] landscape medians, add in those [2:01:07] [2:01:07] raised intersections, and [2:01:08] whether we put the path on the [2:01:09] [2:01:09] north or south, or whether we [2:01:11] [2:01:11] don't at all. [2:01:11] so this was that breakdown I w [2:01:14] as [2:01:14] talking about earlier with the [2:01:17] [2:01:18] median openings, so when we [2:01:20] looked at the -- all the drive [2:01:22] [2:01:22] way entrances and side street [2:01:24] [2:01:24] entrances, you can see there's [2:01:25] a [2:01:26] ton along that road. [2:01:27] it's a lot of -- there's not a [2:01:30] [2:01:30] lot of opportunity to put in n [2:01:32] ew [2:01:32] medians without blocking [2:01:35] someone's access, and our goal [2:01:37] [2:01:37] was to not impact any access for [2:01:39] [2:01:39] homes, churches, businesses, [2:01:41] anything along this road. [2:01:49] >> it looks like we may have a [2:01:51] [2:01:52] little formatting issue here. [2:01:53] I apologize for that. [2:01:55] these next three slides really [2:01:59] [2:01:59] represent one overall option [2:02:02] broken into three mini-segment [2:02:03] s. [2:02:03] overall, we're looking at [2:02:06] northeast 22nd street to the [2:02:08] school property line or the end [2:02:09] [2:02:09] of the road, as I call it. [2:02:11] so that total estimated cost I [2:02:14] s [2:02:14] $2.1 million, so that [2:02:17] encompasses all three here, not [2:02:18] [2:02:18] each slide that we're looking [2:02:20] [2:02:20] at. [2:02:20] the first portion here continu [2:02:23] es [2:02:23] from northeast 22nd street to [2:02:27] [2:02:27] 22nd terrace, where there is t [2:02:30] he [2:02:30] section that continues from tha [2:02:32] t [2:02:32] previous section. [2:02:34] really, this one would just be [2:02:36] [2:02:37] matching the proposed option [2:02:39] one, and continuing the [2:02:41] protected bike lanes, through [2:02:43] [2:02:43] the end of the curb section at [2:02:44] [2:02:44] 22nd terrace. [2:02:45] once we get past 22nd terrace, [2:02:50] [2:02:51] we move into a narrower, overal [2:02:53] l [2:02:53] narrower pavement with no curb [2:02:55] [2:02:55] and gutter. [2:02:56] and the proposal here is to kee [2:03:01] [2:03:01] that pavement and add a multiu [2:03:03] se [2:03:03] path on the north side of the [2:03:09] [2:03:09] road. [2:03:09] as we move past northeast 25th [2:03:11] [2:03:12] street, going toward the end o [2:03:13] f [2:03:13] the road, similarly, the [2:03:18] pavement would remain in [2:03:20] existence, and be resurfaced. [2:03:22] and then the ten foot multiuse [2:03:27] [2:03:27] path would switch over to the [2:03:29] [2:03:29] south side of the road due to [2:03:33] [2:03:33] the alignment of the ditch which [2:03:36] [2:03:36] is part of the creek system on [2:03:38] [2:03:38] the north side of the roadway. [2:03:38] [2:03:38] >> based on all that, we have [2:03:48] [2:03:48] our proposed recommendations, s [2:03:53] o [2:03:53] we propose option 1 for west o [2:03:55] f [2:03:56] waldo, so this would be [2:03:58] maintaining that existing [2:03:59] curbline in the landscape [2:04:01] medians, and adding a 10-foot [2:04:04] [2:04:04] shared use path on the north [2:04:05] side of the road and keep the [2:04:08] [2:04:08] existing sidewalk on the other. [2:04:08] [2:04:08] this will be a total existing [2:04:12] [2:04:12] cost of 1.7 million. [2:04:15] for waldo road to 27th street, [2:04:19] [2:04:19] we recommend maintaining [2:04:24] existing curbline and we do not [2:04:26] [2:04:27] propose put youing in a shared [2:04:29] [2:04:29] use path because of those trees [2:04:31] [2:04:31] and overhead utilities. [2:04:32] that would come to an estimated [2:04:35] [2:04:35] cost of 3.6 million. [2:04:36] >> going back to the section [2:04:40] east of 22nd street to the [2:04:42] school to losten school, the [2:04:45] property line, that is the sam [2:04:48] e [2:04:48] recommended option broken into [2:04:50] [2:04:50] the three sections at a total [2:04:52] [2:04:52] cost of 2.1 million. [2:04:56] >> some other recommendations [2:04:58] [2:04:58] are some pedestrians [2:05:00] improvements, especially at som [2:05:02] e [2:05:02] mid block crossings. [2:05:04] >> mayor: commissioner duncan [2:05:06] [2:05:06] walker, did you want to ask now [2:05:07] [2:05:07] or later? [2:05:08] >> no. [2:05:09] >> mayor: go ahead. [2:05:09] >> some examples of that are [2:05:13] going to be your rectangular [2:05:16] flashing beacons. [2:05:18] your fluorescent crosswalksign [2:05:20] s [2:05:20] with flashing beacons. [2:05:26] they flash, people stop, you can [2:05:27] [2:05:27] cross. [2:05:27] we're suggesting raised median [2:05:35] s. [2:05:35] it provides extra safety for [2:05:38] pedestrians, and traffic calmi [2:05:40] ng [2:05:40] for those people that are [2:05:41] speeding. [2:05:41] >> there are two designs alrea [2:05:47] dy [2:05:47] in progress, at northeast 11th [2:05:49] [2:05:51] terrace, and in between 13th a [2:05:53] nd [2:05:53] 14th which is right around [2:05:56] citizens field and the fire [2:06:00] station location. [2:06:00] east of waldo road, we have a [2:06:04] [2:06:04] couple mid block crossings, [2:06:05] which will be your rapid [2:06:07] flashing beacons, and we have a [2:06:08] [2:06:09] couple raised intersections. [2:06:10] this would be at 15th, 17th [2:06:16] street, 19th terrace, which wil [2:06:18] l [2:06:18] be a raised intersection. [2:06:19] and 22nd street, which be a [2:06:21] raised intersection. [2:06:21] and then two mid block [2:06:26] crossings, which already exist [2:06:27] [2:06:28] would be your rapid beacons. [2:06:31] we also coordinated with rts t [2:06:34] o [2:06:34] see if they were doing any [2:06:36] improvements through here based [2:06:37] [2:06:37] on ridership. [2:06:38] they are planning ada [2:06:41] improvements at six bus stops o [2:06:44] n [2:06:44] eighth avenue, these costs wer [2:06:45] e [2:06:46] not included add part of our [2:06:47] scope. [2:06:47] they are also doing an [2:06:51] improvement to the mid block [2:06:51] crossing at waldo road. [2:06:52] >> so we've looked at the [2:06:59] recommended options and what [2:07:01] this slide does is total those [2:07:05] [2:07:06] recommendations for the portion [2:07:08] [2:07:08] between waldo road and loften [2:07:13] [2:07:13] school. [2:07:13] that estimate is $5.7 million, [2:07:15] [2:07:15] that would be the resurfacing [2:07:17] [2:07:17] project, plus the recommended [2:07:20] [2:07:20] improvements that we are [2:07:22] proposing to move forward with [2:07:23] . [2:07:23] and as promised, I wanted to g [2:07:26] o [2:07:26] back to this slide while I [2:07:28] discuss some of the feedback [2:07:30] that we got on the recommended [2:07:31] [2:07:34] options. [2:07:34] so first was discussion on [2:07:36] speeding. [2:07:36] there were neighbors present a [2:07:38] t [2:07:39] the meetings that didn't [2:07:41] necessarily feel that speeding [2:07:42] [2:07:42] was a concern. [2:07:42] we did reiterate the data that [2:07:45] [2:07:45] we have, that shows that there [2:07:49] [2:07:49] is an increase speed along tha [2:07:51] t [2:07:51] section of the roadway. [2:07:53] there was also concern about t [2:07:55] he [2:07:55] installation of the raised [2:07:59] intersection, traffic calming [2:08:01] [2:08:01] measures, and we did provide t [2:08:02] he [2:08:02] examples of -- and provide the [2:08:05] [2:08:06] clarification that these aren' [2:08:07] t [2:08:07] the speed humps, but they're [2:08:09] raised intersections, which are [2:08:11] [2:08:13] more gentle than what you [2:08:15] experienced driving over a spe [2:08:16] ed [2:08:16] bump or a speed hump. [2:08:18] the second discussion was [2:08:23] surrounding the bike lanes. [2:08:24] there were neighbors concerned [2:08:25] [2:08:25] about the installation of [2:08:28] zippers, and staff did express [2:08:31] [2:08:32] that during the design phase. [2:08:33] if we do more forward with the [2:08:36] [2:08:36] zippers, the placement of the [2:08:40] [2:08:40] zippers would be thoroughly [2:08:43] thought out in consideration o [2:08:44] f [2:08:44] drive ways and access points. [2:08:45] and turning radius. [2:08:49] third there was a discussion o [2:08:55] n [2:08:55] trees. [2:08:55] there were neighbors concerned [2:08:58] [2:08:59] about trees causing damage to [2:09:00] [2:09:00] the roadway, and falling [2:09:03] branches, and we did express [2:09:04] that would be a consideration [2:09:07] [2:09:07] during the design phase. [2:09:08] we could evaluate trees and see [2:09:10] [2:09:10] if any of that would need to be [2:09:12] [2:09:13] removed, and potentially [2:09:13] replanted. [2:09:13] and then there were drainage [2:09:18] concerns in some specific area [2:09:19] s, [2:09:19] and again those are items that [2:09:21] [2:09:21] we would definitely be able to [2:09:23] [2:09:24] review during the design phase [2:09:25] [2:09:25] and look at ways to mitigate [2:09:27] those concerns. [2:09:27] >> I just want to add a few mor [2:09:40] e [2:09:40] things. [2:09:40] there were some concerns about [2:09:42] [2:09:43] the usage of the road through [2:09:46] [2:09:46] the corridor and in are a lot o [2:09:48] f [2:09:48] churches along that stretch of [2:09:49] [2:09:49] road, that utilize the roadway [2:09:51] [2:09:51] for funerals, church events, [2:09:54] things like that, that was one [2:09:55] [2:09:56] of the asks from the community. [2:09:57] [2:09:57] I know we're going to set up a [2:09:59] [2:09:59] second meeting with a couple o [2:10:01] f [2:10:01] the different pastors to talk [2:10:03] [2:10:03] about how they generally have [2:10:05] [2:10:05] events, and where people park, [2:10:06] [2:10:07] because with cycle lanes, you [2:10:09] [2:10:09] know, obviously there may be [2:10:11] somewhat of a, do we need to [2:10:14] move people off on to a path o [2:10:18] r [2:10:18] sidewalk. [2:10:18] we're going to be paying [2:10:20] particular attention to and [2:10:22] visiting some of the usages of [2:10:23] [2:10:23] the road. [2:10:24] we do have some more meetings [2:10:27] [2:10:27] that we have promised to set u [2:10:30] p [2:10:30] to get with folks about what [2:10:34] they see, because as chase [2:10:35] mentioned, there's a differenc [2:10:37] e [2:10:37] of opinion on speeding. [2:10:38] there were some drainage [2:10:41] concerns that we can address, [2:10:42] [2:10:42] based on what I saw with my [2:10:44] initial assessment. [2:10:46] and just overall usages, bike [2:10:49] [2:10:49] pass. [2:10:49] the general consensus on the [2:10:52] bike pass. [2:10:52] a lot of folks weren't sure if [2:10:55] [2:10:55] folks would use a cycle lane, I [2:10:57] f [2:10:57] you don't have one, there's not [2:10:59] [2:10:59] an opportunity for that, there [2:11:00] 's [2:11:00] only the sidewalk, the zippers [2:11:02] [2:11:02] were the big concern. [2:11:03] that was a big note for them. [2:11:06] a big note for a lot of folks. [2:11:08] [2:11:08] I think there's -- there's no [2:11:12] [2:11:12] design that's been done. [2:11:13] there's no survey, we just nee [2:11:16] d [2:11:16] the general direction of, we're [2:11:17] [2:11:18] resurfacing the road with the [2:11:19] [2:11:19] comp plan and edcm engineering [2:11:23] [2:11:23] design and construction manual [2:11:25] , [2:11:25] we are required to consider [2:11:27] multimodal facilities, that's [2:11:29] [2:11:29] prt of our overall requirement, [2:11:30] [2:11:30] which is one of the reasons why [2:11:31] [2:11:31] you're seeing the bike lanes [2:11:32] proposed. [2:11:32] the last thing I wanteto [2:11:42] mention was, there are medians [2:11:42] [2:11:42] on the west side of waldo, and [2:11:43] [2:11:43] that was at that community's [2:11:47] request. [2:11:47] I think I may have covered all [2:11:49] [2:11:49] that. [2:11:49] and you guys can move on to th [2:11:50] e [2:11:50] next slide. [2:11:51] >> so the recommendation at han [2:12:03] d [2:12:03] is the city commission [2:12:05] authorized the city manager to [2:12:07] [2:12:07] proceed with the design and [2:12:09] permitting of the northeast [2:12:11] eighth avenue project from wal [2:12:13] do [2:12:13] road to the western property [2:12:16] line of loften high school, and [2:12:18] [2:12:19] return to the city commission [2:12:20] [2:12:20] with a construction agreement [2:12:21] [2:12:21] for the northeast eighth avenu [2:12:26] e [2:12:26] construction project to the [2:12:27] property line of the loften hig [2:12:28] h [2:12:28] school. [2:12:28] >> mayor: okay. [2:12:30] thank you. [2:12:31] commissioner duncan walker. [2:12:34] >> thank you, mr. Mayor, and [2:12:36] thank you, staff for that [2:12:37] presentation. [2:12:37] I have a couple questions to [2:12:42] begin with. [2:12:42] I'll be very forthcoming in [2:12:45] saying I'm interested in hearing [2:12:46] [2:12:46] what the community members who [2:12:47] [2:12:48] have shown up here today have t [2:12:50] o [2:12:50] say. [2:12:50] because what has become clear [2:12:52] [2:12:52] is, they have not had an [2:12:54] opportunity to weigh-in on his. [2:12:55] [2:12:55] my first question is, what types [2:12:57] [2:12:57] of notices did you all send ou [2:12:59] t [2:12:59] to the community? [2:12:59] >> for the public workshop? [2:13:07] >> any types of notices that [2:13:09] would have let anyone who's [2:13:11] impacted by this project know [2:13:13] [2:13:13] what you're proposing. [2:13:13] >> I can't speak for the may [2:13:18] 2025 one, but in terms of the [2:13:20] [2:13:20] most recent event, so we first [2:13:23] [2:13:23] heard about some concerns with [2:13:25] [2:13:25] northeast eighth back in [2:13:26] december at one of our greater [2:13:28] [2:13:28] duvall meetings, public works [2:13:30] [2:13:30] does participate in a monthly [2:13:33] [2:13:33] meeting on the second monday o [2:13:34] f [2:13:35] every month from 12:00 to 1:00 [2:13:37] , [2:13:37] it's just a free come and go, [2:13:39] [2:13:39] and we chat with whoever's [2:13:41] there, and find out what their [2:13:42] [2:13:43] concerns are. [2:13:43] there's also a greater duvall [2:13:46] [2:13:46] neighborhood association meeti [2:13:47] ng [2:13:47] on the 3rd monday night of eve [2:13:49] ry [2:13:49] month and we participate in [2:13:53] that. [2:13:53] we had been talking with all [2:13:54] those folks who attended. [2:13:56] we were going to have a [2:13:57] particular meeting, and that w [2:14:01] as [2:14:01] three mondays ago -- maybe thr [2:14:04] ee [2:14:04] mondays ago. [2:14:04] we went ahead -- and had a [2:14:10] meeting on march 25th. [2:14:11] we did not send out flyers or [2:14:14] [2:14:14] anything like that we sent out [2:14:15] [2:14:16] emails tough the greater [2:14:20] duvall exchange. [2:14:20] we have more work to do with [2:14:23] communication and meeting with [2:14:23] [2:14:23] people, and a lot of it has bee [2:14:25] n [2:14:25] word of mouth. [2:14:26] >> so let me -- in the interest [2:14:28] [2:14:28] of saving a little bit of time [2:14:31] [2:14:31] and being very forthright. [2:14:33] I did share this with you, tha [2:14:35] t [2:14:36] is a hot button issue and a [2:14:38] problem for me. [2:14:39] right now, one of the reasons [2:14:41] [2:14:41] that this room is full of peopl [2:14:43] e [2:14:43] from east gainesville, and I [2:14:46] believe a few are also [2:14:47] downstairs, is because they [2:14:49] received no notification. [2:14:50] I'm looking at at least four [2:14:53] people that live directly on [2:14:55] northeast 8th avenue west of [2:14:56] waldo road, who received no [2:14:59] notification. [2:14:59] I know the duncans received no [2:15:02] [2:15:03] notification, I know my next [2:15:05] door neighbor received no [2:15:06] notification. [2:15:06] you hear from this commission [2:15:09] [2:15:09] just about every commission [2:15:10] meeting now, when we have these [2:15:12] [2:15:12] major projects, that [2:15:14] notification is something that [2:15:17] the communi [2:15:18] the community expects, and [2:15:19] something that we expect. [2:15:20] I'm not prepared to make any [2:15:24] kind of decision today on those [2:15:25] [2:15:25] grounds alone. [2:15:26] at the end of the day, we've n [2:15:29] ot [2:15:29] had the opportunity to engage [2:15:32] [2:15:32] with the people in the way tha [2:15:33] t [2:15:34] we have said we are going to. [2:15:37] and frankly, we can take a loo [2:15:39] k [2:15:39] at what a lot of people have [2:15:41] serious issues with on northwest [2:15:45] [2:15:45] eighth avenue, and see why the [2:15:46] re [2:15:46] are a lot of concerns. [2:15:47] I call it the 3c's, what [2:15:51] happened with northwest 8th [2:15:53] avenue, that's brought about [2:15:54] contention, confusion and [2:15:58] congestion. [2:15:58] and the individuals on the [2:16:02] eastside of waldo road and [2:16:03] probably a little bit before [2:16:04] that, but certainly, I've had a [2:16:06] [2:16:06] chance to hear from the [2:16:08] individuals on the eastside of [2:16:09] [2:16:10] waldo road who do not want to [2:16:11] [2:16:11] see that happen, but you have [2:16:13] [2:16:13] not engaged with them. [2:16:14] so you cannot properly provide [2:16:17] [2:16:17] this commission with any type o [2:16:19] f [2:16:19] information regarding that. [2:16:19] I understand there were some [2:16:21] meetings that were convened, I [2:16:23] 'm [2:16:23] glad you went to them. [2:16:24] but a lot of the people in thi [2:16:27] s [2:16:27] room, don't go to those [2:16:28] meetings. [2:16:28] there are people in this room [2:16:30] [2:16:30] who didn't receive the emails. [2:16:33] [2:16:33] so I am suggesting that until a [2:16:35] [2:16:36] much more robust community [2:16:40] engagement experience is had, [2:16:41] this commission is not in [2:16:43] anyway prepared to have this [2:16:47] discussion. [2:16:47] I have engaged with a number o [2:16:50] f [2:16:50] people who are using multimodal [2:16:52] [2:16:53] transport. [2:16:53] some of them want bike lanes, [2:16:56] [2:16:56] and some of them don't for a [2:16:57] number of reasons. [2:16:58] but you won't know that unless [2:17:02] [2:17:03] the table is prepared for them [2:17:04] [2:17:04] to come sit with us, and have [2:17:05] [2:17:05] that conversation. [2:17:05] I'm going to conclude for now, [2:17:13] [2:17:14] because I'm very interested in [2:17:15] [2:17:15] hearing what the people who cam [2:17:16] e [2:17:16] to speak to this issue have to [2:17:18] [2:17:18] say. [2:17:18] I want to hear what my [2:17:21] colleagues have to say. [2:17:22] but I'm a little more intereste [2:17:24] d [2:17:24] in hearing from them today, [2:17:26] because they've been cheated o [2:17:29] ut [2:17:29] of an opportunity to speak. [2:17:31] I'm not interests in a decision, [2:17:34] [2:17:34] I'm interested in a conversatio [2:17:36] n [2:17:36] today that will lead to the [2:17:40] broader discussion that is rea [2:17:42] l [2:17:42] community engagement, and [2:17:45] frankly that I'll probably put [2:17:47] [2:17:47] out there, it will probably be [2:17:49] a [2:17:49] meeting that I'll convene. [2:17:50] I'm going to stop talking, mr. [2:17:52] [2:17:53] mayor, for now. [2:17:54] I'm happy to hear from my [2:17:56] colleagues, and I'm certainly [2:17:58] [2:17:58] happy to hear from the [2:18:00] community. [2:18:00] I'm sorry this has been the [2:18:01] experience. [2:18:01] this is is what we said we would [2:18:04] [2:18:04] not do, and I do have this [2:18:06] question, before I release wit [2:18:11] h [2:18:11] my comments. [2:18:11] did we in anyway engage with the [2:18:14] [2:18:14] office of governmental [2:18:16] affairs -- government relations [2:18:17] [2:18:17] and community affairs, I believe [2:18:18] [2:18:18] it is, aren't they now a part o [2:18:21] f [2:18:21] our process? [2:18:22] did we engage with them? [2:18:24] >> they were at the same [2:18:25] meetings as us, yes. [2:18:26] >> no, did we engage with them [2:18:29] [2:18:30] to ask them -- [2:18:30] >> not to coordinate any [2:18:33] additional meetings. [2:18:33] >> correct. [2:18:35] andrew, let me ask you this [2:18:38] question. [2:18:38] help me understand what our [2:18:42] community engagement process I [2:18:43] s [2:18:43] now with that office? [2:18:44] >> yes, to your point, we are [2:18:48] [2:18:48] working on a community [2:18:50] engagement guide going-forward, [2:18:51] [2:18:52] that's still in draft form, we [2:18:53] [2:18:53] will be finalizing it,ing and [2:18:55] [2:18:55] sending it on to the commission [2:18:57] . [2:18:57] it talks about how the [2:18:59] departments do engagement with [2:19:04] [2:19:05] my office through the governmen [2:19:06] t [2:19:06] affairs community relations [2:19:08] team. [2:19:08] I do want to -- I think gail m [2:19:10] ay [2:19:10] have touched on this, but I [2:19:13] do -- miss mowry may have [2:19:14] touched on this, this was [2:19:18] originally part of that -- the [2:19:19] [2:19:19] overall 8th and waldo process. [2:19:21] [2:19:21] the overall engagement. [2:19:25] during that process, there had [2:19:28] [2:19:28] been, I think programmed an [2:19:32] engagement workshop just about [2:19:34] [2:19:34] the street scapes. [2:19:35] but because of all the changes [2:19:37] [2:19:37] that we went through with the [2:19:40] [2:19:40] scope and changing the design, [2:19:45] [2:19:45] the streetscape portion got [2:19:48] broken out as a separate [2:19:51] project, and it didn't have a [2:19:52] [2:19:52] specific engage thamt was part [2:19:54] [2:19:54] of the original scope with the [2:19:56] [2:19:56] eighth and waldo overall [2:19:59] project. [2:19:59] I do want to mention a couple [2:20:02] [2:20:02] things that I think are -- wou [2:20:04] ld [2:20:04] probably be relevant now. [2:20:06] this is still very early on. [2:20:09] so I think the -- to your poin [2:20:14] t, [2:20:14] if there's -- I know staff has [2:20:20] [2:20:20] already had additional engage a [2:20:22] m [2:20:22] coming up with community. [2:20:23] certainly, if the commission [2:20:30] provides that direction and [2:20:31] decides to delay any sort of [2:20:34] design vote, that's certainly [2:20:36] [2:20:36] the commission's prerogative, [2:20:39] [2:20:39] and we would understand that. [2:20:40] importantly too, I do not [2:20:42] believe we actually have [2:20:44] construction funding lined up [2:20:45] [2:20:45] for any of this. [2:20:46] right now, all we're talking [2:20:48] about is the $500,000 roughly [2:20:50] [2:20:50] for design. [2:20:50] so we would need to identify h [2:20:53] ow [2:20:53] to actually fund construction. [2:20:54] [2:20:54] so I do want to make sure, [2:20:58] because we've had a couple roa [2:20:59] d [2:21:00] projects that have been designe [2:21:01] d [2:21:01] a long time ago, and then [2:21:04] finally funded. [2:21:04] I don't want the commission to [2:21:06] [2:21:06] think this is one of those [2:21:10] processes where the community [2:21:11] [2:21:11] that construction is imminent. [2:21:13] [2:21:13] you can make a vote, two months [2:21:15] [2:21:15] from now we're going to be out [2:21:16] [2:21:16] there doing the work, that's n [2:21:17] ot [2:21:17] the case, we don't have the [2:21:19] funding lined up for it yet. [2:21:21] I do think there's still time t [2:21:24] o [2:21:24] have additional dialogue, and I [2:21:26] f [2:21:26] that's the will of the [2:21:28] commission, in terms of design [2:21:29] [2:21:30] on any of the segments and the [2:21:31] [2:21:31] options presented today. [2:21:32] >> I'm glad to hear that. [2:21:34] I do not believe that staff [2:21:36] should ever make any [2:21:37] recommendations that have not [2:21:39] [2:21:39] been fully vetted through a [2:21:41] process with the community. [2:21:42] somehow that was circumvented, [2:21:45] [2:21:46] we missed it. [2:21:47] and we shouldn't be making any [2:21:49] [2:21:50] recommendations today at all. [2:21:50] I'll conclude for now. [2:21:51] >> thank you, commissioner [2:21:56] duncan walker, commissioner [2:21:57] chestnut? [2:21:57] >> thank you, I think the [2:22:01] community is still reeling fro [2:22:02] m [2:22:03] the changes that were made on [2:22:05] [2:22:05] northwest eighth avenue from [2:22:06] main street to sixth street, t [2:22:08] he [2:22:08] community has not gotten over [2:22:10] [2:22:10] that, they don't like it, and I [2:22:11] [2:22:12] don't think they want to see [2:22:17] this extended any further. [2:22:18] now, how many bike lanes are [2:22:21] from waldo road to mt. Carmel [2:22:27] [2:22:27] church. [2:22:27] we have bike lanes on both sid [2:22:29] es [2:22:29] now currently? [2:22:30] >> no, there's just sidewalks. [2:22:32] [2:22:32] >> just two sidewalks. [2:22:32] all right. [2:22:36] that's one. [2:22:37] how many bikers do you have fro [2:22:41] [2:22:41] waldo road to mt. Carmel church [2:22:45] ? [2:22:45] what do you -- [2:22:48] >> there was data past a certa [2:22:51] in [2:22:51] road point for bike traffic. [2:22:53] that there's no count. [2:22:54] I'm not sure what the [2:22:56] intersection was. [2:22:56] >> well, I don't think people [2:23:00] [2:23:00] want to see eighth avenue [2:23:05] enter -- how many? [2:23:06] >> no data east of waldo, and [2:23:09] [2:23:09] that was a question from many o [2:23:10] f [2:23:10] the folks we talked, to they [2:23:12] weren't sure the bike lanes [2:23:13] would be utilized. >> [2:23:13] >> had now, there are lots of [2:23:18] [2:23:18] churches on that stretch. [2:23:19] there are lots of -- I guess y [2:23:22] ou [2:23:22] would call them curb cuts, but [2:23:24] [2:23:24] there are lots of drive ways [2:23:26] turning into people's street. [2:23:27] turning into the streets, which [2:23:30] [2:23:30] this would just really disrupt. [2:23:36] [2:23:36] and just the thought of taking [2:23:39] [2:23:39] out trees, as much as [2:23:42] gainesville talks about trees, [2:23:43] [2:23:43] you would have to remove trees [2:23:46] [2:23:46] here at some point. [2:23:46] the raised intersections, are [2:23:52] [2:23:52] you talking about raised [2:23:54] intersection similar to what y [2:23:55] ou [2:23:55] have over on university avenue [2:23:57] , [2:23:58] as you go into target copy? [2:24:01] what would the raised [2:24:03] intersection look like? [2:24:03] >> a couple good use of them, [2:24:09] [2:24:09] there's one on northwest 5th a [2:24:11] nd [2:24:11] 22nd. [2:24:11] >> okay. [2:24:13] I got it. [2:24:14] I know. [2:24:15] >> so it's a -- [2:24:17] >> okay. [2:24:19] >> so the intersection is [2:24:21] elevated. [2:24:21] it's not the increase you get [2:24:28] [2:24:28] with a speed bump, it's the [2:24:29] whole thing. [2:24:29] >> I am interested in hearing [2:24:32] [2:24:32] from the community. [2:24:33] particularly since what we've [2:24:34] [2:24:34] gone through with northwest [2:24:36] eighth avenue to sixth street, [2:24:39] [2:24:40] the community has not gotten [2:24:41] over that. [2:24:41] we did not have any input in [2:24:45] that. [2:24:45] and the next thing we knew, our [2:24:48] [2:24:48] street was being torn up, bike [2:24:50] [2:24:51] lanes were being put in, zippe [2:24:52] rs [2:24:52] were being put in, we had no [2:24:54] input. [2:24:54] now, what we were told is that [2:24:57] [2:24:57] the input was several years ag [2:24:58] o, [2:24:58] we did not have input on that. [2:25:01] [2:25:01] just as I think these people a [2:25:04] re [2:25:04] here today to tell you they've [2:25:04] [2:25:05] had no input. [2:25:06] I would not want to see what [2:25:09] happened to us on northwest [2:25:13] eighth avenue, when we're told [2:25:15] [2:25:15] that the public engagement was [2:25:17] [2:25:17] held years before, but we did [2:25:19] [2:25:19] not have an opportunity to [2:25:21] participate there. [2:25:23] so I have some concerns about [2:25:25] [2:25:25] this. [2:25:25] concerns of how this would [2:25:29] disrupt our community. [2:25:29] I have concerns about putting I [2:25:31] n [2:25:31] these bike lanes, and people [2:25:33] have not requested those. [2:25:35] and taking out trees. [2:25:39] so I'll wait to hear what the [2:25:41] [2:25:41] community has to say, thank yo [2:25:42] u. [2:25:42] >> thank you, commissioner [2:25:45] chestnut. [2:25:45] commissioner eastman. [2:25:46] >> taking a step back here, what [2:25:48] [2:25:48] we're talking about now is, [2:25:50] we -- this road is due for [2:25:52] resurfacing, correct? [2:25:53] >> what we're talking about [2:25:55] doing, is taking a road, and [2:25:57] I'll say, I've tried to ride m [2:25:59] y [2:26:00] bike on every street in the cit [2:26:01] y [2:26:01] of ga [2:26:02] this needs help, I will hear [2:26:07] from the community, but the -- [2:26:09] [2:26:09] [ inaudible ] [2:26:09] this is a road that has cracks [2:26:11] [2:26:11] in it, it is clearly has not [2:26:14] gotten the love that it [2:26:16] deserves. [2:26:16] and that's true with -- just t [2:26:19] o [2:26:19] be candid, a lot of east [2:26:22] gainesville infrastructure, whe [2:26:23] n [2:26:23] we're going through that [2:26:24] process, naturally what happen [2:26:25] s, [2:26:25] how should this be designed in [2:26:27] [2:26:27] the future, whether it was has [2:26:31] ty [2:26:31] to come out with recommendatio [2:26:33] ns [2:26:33] or -- this is the process of h [2:26:35] ow [2:26:35] we decide what wire going to d [2:26:38] o [2:26:39] when we're making large [2:26:40] investments, I think it's great [2:26:41] [2:26:42] we're making large investments. [2:26:43] [2:26:43] this road clearly needs it, you [2:26:45] [2:26:45] guys are asking for right now, [2:26:47] [2:26:47] I'm hearing -- I know that roa [2:26:48] ds [2:26:48] are the sort of funny thing, y [2:26:51] ou [2:26:51] make plans in the beginning, y [2:26:52] ou [2:26:52] go to the state for grants and [2:26:54] [2:26:55] you try to get gas tax out of, [2:26:57] [2:26:59] or whatever the pop of funding [2:27:00] [2:27:01] is. [2:27:01] you mentioned briefly, what are [2:27:02] [2:27:03] you guys looking for? [2:27:04] you wouldn't be coming and [2:27:07] asking us if you didn't want [2:27:08] some sort of direction to move [2:27:10] [2:27:10] forward to this investment. [2:27:12] what kind of direction are you [2:27:13] [2:27:13] looking for, aside from the -- [2:27:15] [2:27:16] just overall design you [2:27:17] mentioned, can you repeat that [2:27:18] [2:27:18] again? [2:27:18] >> I think in general, the [2:27:21] recommendations are to look at [2:27:23] [2:27:24] speed control and do we need t [2:27:25] o [2:27:25] have raised intersections. [2:27:26] I know the graphic proposes [2:27:29] three. [2:27:29] it may not be three, we may not [2:27:33] [2:27:34] need three when we start looki [2:27:35] ng [2:27:35] at design. [2:27:35] I don't think anyone had issue [2:27:38] s [2:27:38] with the rfp's or pedestrians [2:27:42] [2:27:42] crossings. [2:27:42] bike lanes are tricky, not [2:27:45] everyone thinks those will be [2:27:46] [2:27:46] used, do we look at trying to [2:27:49] [2:27:49] offer a wider sidewalk you for [2:27:50] [2:27:51] certain stretches so folks can [2:27:52] [2:27:52] stay on a multiuse trail of som [2:27:54] e [2:27:54] sort. [2:27:54] we do have a multiuse trail fro [2:27:58] m [2:27:58] the end, like 25th terrace on, [2:28:00] [2:28:01] there's multiuse trails. [2:28:02] we're looking for simple [2:28:04] guidance in terms of -- [2:28:06] obviously, everybody's on board [2:28:07] [2:28:07] with the road paving, what do [2:28:09] [2:28:09] the bike lanes look like, and d [2:28:12] o [2:28:12] we offer bike lanes or do we [2:28:14] more focus on a sidewalk or [2:28:16] multiuse situation. [2:28:17] I don't know if we have enough [2:28:19] [2:28:20] right-of-way to do that. [2:28:23] generally speaking that's what [2:28:25] [2:28:26] we're looking for, comp plan [2:28:29] indicates we're looking for [2:28:31] those multimodal opportunities. [2:28:31] [2:28:31] when it comes to trees, it [2:28:40] depends if it's a healthy tree [2:28:41] [2:28:41] or not. [2:28:42] some of the oaks may be dying [2:28:44] [2:28:44] inside, and they were dropping [2:28:45] [2:28:45] logs every time it rained. [2:28:46] that was one of the reasons the [2:28:48] [2:28:48] trees came up. [2:28:49] we would look at that. [2:28:52] we want long term safety, the [2:28:54] [2:28:54] trees are providing shade, [2:28:56] they're dropping limbs, is that [2:28:58] [2:28:58] a problem? [2:28:58] >> right. [2:28:59] >> to that point, when we tal [2:29:03] about tearing down the trees a [2:29:06] nd [2:29:06] the bike lanes. [2:29:06] in most of these, we had bike [2:29:09] [2:29:09] lanes. [2:29:09] what are you referring to. [2:29:13] those there, that is a question [2:29:15] [2:29:15] that is there, whether or not w [2:29:16] e [2:29:16] want to extend that one side, [2:29:20] [2:29:20] which for folks that walk, wha [2:29:21] t [2:29:21] we're talking about is a large [2:29:23] r [2:29:23] sidewalk in a lot of ways, of [2:29:30] [2:29:30] course it's nice. [2:29:31] yeah, I mean, so when you were [2:29:33] [2:29:33] telling us about the time line [2:29:36] , [2:29:36] you said you wanted some kind o [2:29:38] f [2:29:38] direction related to -- I mean [2:29:40] , [2:29:41] kind of the broad swaths, [2:29:43] specifically east of waldo, the [2:29:45] [2:29:45] 9th to waldo, I don't see as [2:29:47] part of the motion in here. [2:29:48] >> no, we're specifically [2:29:51] looking for more east. [2:29:51] I don't know -- it was a median [2:29:55] , [2:29:55] 10 foot wide on -- [2:29:58] >> it was conceptual [2:29:59] recommendation for what we wou [2:30:00] ld [2:30:00] say, this is what we would [2:30:02] propose to put out here, if [2:30:05] we're going to do west waldo. [2:30:06] that would be resurfacing and [2:30:08] [2:30:08] restriping. [2:30:08] adding a 10 foot top. [2:30:11] >> that's not in the [2:30:13] recommendation I saw in the [2:30:14] back? [2:30:14] >> 00, the last part, no. [2:30:16] >> yeah, for the direction, [2:30:18] which I think would be nice to [2:30:19] [2:30:20] gear us in on which portion of [2:30:22] [2:30:22] the direction. [2:30:23] that western portion is my [2:30:25] district, be and it's also whe [2:30:28] re [2:30:28] we're about to build citizens [2:30:30] [2:30:30] field, and there's a lot of [2:30:31] questions within there. [2:30:32] yeah, I mean, I do think -- you [2:30:33] [2:30:34] know, you have duvall, which I [2:30:37] s [2:30:37] now going to remain open it [2:30:38] seems, so this is a place where [2:30:40] [2:30:40] kids are riding their bikes fro [2:30:42] m [2:30:42] the surroundi ing neighborhoods [2:30:46] to [2:30:47] [laughter] [2:30:47] >> I think there is lot of [2:30:52] benefit to having these [2:30:52] discussions about this, figurin [2:30:53] g [2:30:53] out what makes sense here and [2:30:54] where that makes sense, and so [2:30:55] [2:30:55] yeah, I'm interested in seeing [2:30:57] [2:30:57] how we can move forward this. [2:30:58] all right. [2:30:58] thank you. [2:30:59] >> mayor: thank you, [2:31:00] commissioner eastman. [2:31:00] commissioner willits. [2:31:03] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:31:05] so just remind me, so our comp [2:31:07] [2:31:07] plan says when we go to [2:31:08] resurface, this type of, you [2:31:11] know, road, we have to [2:31:13] consider. [2:31:13] that's why we're here today, [2:31:14] right? [2:31:14] because our comp plan says, hey [2:31:16] , [2:31:16] if you're going to spend a but [2:31:17] ch [2:31:17] of money on asphalt, is it tim [2:31:19] e [2:31:19] for something that we didn't [2:31:21] envision 30 years ago or 20 [2:31:22] years ago or 15 when we last, s [2:31:24] o [2:31:24] this process is not because [2:31:26] someone on staff said hey this [2:31:27] [2:31:27] is a good idea or anyone on the [2:31:29] [2:31:29] commission. [2:31:29] it's just is that our process [2:31:31] from the comp plan which is, y [2:31:32] ou [2:31:32] know, like the plan for the cit [2:31:35] y [2:31:35] just, it says hey you're about [2:31:37] [2:31:37] to resurface, go look at some [2:31:39] other options. [2:31:40] >> yes, our comp plan says tha [2:31:42] t [2:31:42] also our edcm, our engineering [2:31:44] [2:31:44] design and construction manual. [2:31:46] [2:31:46] the same as you would also [2:31:48] provide ada ramps you know, if [2:31:49] [2:31:49] we're doing work like that we [2:31:51] would also upgrade the ramps [2:31:53] along the roadway. [2:31:54] >> right, okay, so I just want [2:31:55] [2:31:55] to make sure I understand [2:31:57] because it's been asphalt, are [2:31:58] [2:31:58] there safety improvements that [2:32:00] [2:32:00] can be done, safety, ada [2:32:01] accessibility, issues. [2:32:03] while we're there. [2:32:05] while we're laying asphalts. [2:32:08] while that makes sense to look [2:32:09] [2:32:09] at it. [2:32:09] questions and part of this is [2:32:11] because 8th avenue is this [2:32:13] weer beast because it's got all [2:32:15] [2:32:15] these different sections. [2:32:16] just what we're talking about I [2:32:18] s [2:32:18] three different sections. [2:32:19] every section is a little bit [2:32:20] different and it's been cobbled [2:32:21] [2:32:21] together over decades, some of [2:32:23] [2:32:23] it's disjointed about biking [2:32:25] [2:32:25] biking and walking and where [2:32:26] it's easy for buses and where [2:32:28] it's easy for cars and we're [2:32:29] going to continue to struggle [2:32:30] with this because city road and [2:32:34] [2:32:34] state road in some sections, [2:32:36] unfortunately. [2:32:36] the thing that stuck out to me [2:32:41] [2:32:41] was the traffic data on the [2:32:42] speed. [2:32:42] northeast 9th to waldo so the [2:32:45] western portion, posted at [2:32:48] 35 miles an hour, and 8th [2:32:50] percentile is less than that. [2:32:55] yet from waldo to 22nd, posted [2:32:57] [2:32:57] 35 miles per hour, 38.3 miles [2:32:59] per hour. [2:33:00] that tells me the story of [2:33:01] engineering absolutely matters [2:33:03] [2:33:03] because there is -- little [2:33:05] fundamental difference between [2:33:06] [2:33:06] the people who are driving eas [2:33:07] t [2:33:07] and west to waldo. [2:33:09] they're people, they're [2:33:11] neighbors. [2:33:11] some of them are going the who [2:33:13] le [2:33:13] route, some of them are turning [2:33:15] [2:33:15] at some point. [2:33:15] that tells me the engineering, [2:33:17] [2:33:17] and why the people on the the [2:33:20] west side get the benefit of a [2:33:21] [2:33:21] slower road. [2:33:22] you can say it's only 6 miles [2:33:23] per hour. [2:33:24] averaged out, that 85th [2:33:25] percentile, there are plenty o [2:33:28] f [2:33:28] people flying down the road, [2:33:29] particularly the section, you [2:33:31] know, between wawltdo and -- so [2:33:33] [2:33:33] I think there is some sort of [2:33:35] infrastructure that needs to [2:33:35] happen that slows that down and [2:33:37] [2:33:37] makes it safer. [2:33:37] what exactly? [2:33:38] we're going to have lot -- lots [2:33:39] [2:33:39] of opinion in the community is [2:33:40] [2:33:40] going to give us some. [2:33:42] but it's, you see 34 feet wide? [2:33:45] [2:33:45] between wawltdo and 22nd? [2:33:47] waldo and 22nd? [2:33:49] like basically 17-foot travel [2:33:50] lanes. [2:33:50] >> there are segments where it' [2:33:52] s [2:33:52] 35 even wider. [2:33:53] >> what did we just agree to [2:33:55] northeast 9th and mr.-- [2:33:59] northeast, is it 9th where we [2:34:02] had, we're doing work on that, [2:34:03] [2:34:03] 9th street, and there was an [2:34:05] argument whether it was 11 1/2 [2:34:07] [2:34:07] foot lanes versus, do we end u [2:34:09] p [2:34:09] on 11 1/2? [2:34:10] >> 10 1/2 foot lanes. [2:34:13] >> did we end up on 10 10 1/ [2:34:15] 2? [2:34:15] I thought we ended up on [2:34:17] 11 1/2. [2:34:17] so just for some example like I [2:34:21] [2:34:21] think those lanes need to be [2:34:23] narrowed some way. [2:34:24] the quick quick easy is you [2:34:27] put [2:34:29] a lane of parking in on the [2:34:30] south side so it's still [2:34:32] available for parking, church, [2:34:33] [2:34:33] you know, events, something [2:34:36] needs to happen on that [2:34:37] section. [2:34:37] and and the crash data seem to [2:34:40] [2:34:40] suggest that. [2:34:41] what exactly, the idea of a [2:34:43] 10-foot path from 22nd and [2:34:46] that street not terrace, right [2:34:48] ? [2:34:48] northwest 22nd street. [2:34:50] >> yes. [2:34:51] >> 26th street, yes. [2:34:53] >> there are two houses on that [2:34:53] [2:34:53] corner right there on the corne [2:34:54] r [2:34:54] that are, that abut the [2:34:56] sidewalk. [2:34:56] I mean, I don't know, their [2:34:59] stoop is two feet from the [2:35:01] sidewalk, and then there's you [2:35:02] [2:35:02] know there's a grass strip [2:35:05] between the sidewalk and the [2:35:05] street but a 10-foot path there [2:35:07] [2:35:07] eats up from their front door [2:35:10] it's nothing but sidewalk. [2:35:11] plus 34th feet of or however [2:35:14] many feet of section of asphalt [2:35:18] [2:35:18] on the other side so that [2:35:18] doesn't sound pleasant. [2:35:19] so, and what -- so there's no [2:35:24] discussion of maybe we just, [2:35:27] what if you had a two-way cycle [2:35:31] [2:35:31] lane on the north side of the [2:35:32] road where you took out the [2:35:33] medians from northeast 9th to [2:35:35] waldo, so that you don't have t [2:35:37] o [2:35:37] create a 10-foot path on the [2:35:38] north side. [2:35:39] I'm trying to think of lots of [2:35:40] [2:35:40] different ways, things that we [2:35:42] [2:35:42] find in the nack nacto [2:35:49] standards. [2:35:49] that's not a question. [2:35:50] I'm going to keep on moving on [2:35:51] [2:35:51] with maybe some more comments [2:35:52] about is there any way that we [2:35:55] [2:35:55] could do more envisioning where [2:35:58] [2:35:58] we you know go out and put the [2:36:00] [2:36:00] cones and show what it would [2:36:02] look like, particularly in wal [2:36:03] do [2:36:03] to 22nd, so what a potential [2:36:06] could look at. [2:36:07] you put out the cones and you [2:36:08] tell the neighborhood, hey, we [2:36:10] [2:36:10] just seeing what it would look [2:36:11] [2:36:11] like and then people go, oh, I [2:36:12] [2:36:12] would like the lane to be [2:36:14] narrower or whatever. [2:36:18] so it's just a thought. [2:36:19] I know this is early in the [2:36:21] process. [2:36:21] when I saw the work of the, the [2:36:25] [2:36:25] outreach, I even thought this I [2:36:27] s [2:36:27] rushed. [2:36:27] normally we get outreach and [2:36:29] couple months later, you know, [2:36:31] [2:36:31] things have trickled up to us [2:36:34] and we hear some and we go oh [2:36:37] yeah, we're going to drive and [2:36:39] [2:36:39] see what people were talking [2:36:41] about. [2:36:41] this feels a little fast. [2:36:43] I don't understand why it's so [2:36:44] [2:36:44] compressed getting back to us [2:36:45] after that amount of feedback. [2:36:47] [2:36:47] let me see if there is anything [2:36:48] [2:36:48] else like a specific. [2:36:51] where they said, you said there [2:36:52] [2:36:52] was a lot of trees on one of th [2:36:53] e [2:36:53] sides. [2:36:53] I think they said north side [2:36:55] with the 10-foot path is that [2:36:56] the eastern portion or the [2:36:57] western portion? [2:36:58] >> eastern portion. [2:37:00] >> eastern, oi got that [2:37:03] confused. [2:37:03] thanks for -- and -- [2:37:05] >> [off mic] [2:37:07] bullet we would go out there [2:37:08] with an arborist to make sure [2:37:09] they're healthy and not -- [2:37:11] >> thank you and the concern [2:37:11] over median opens, again, was [2:37:13] that the section west of waldo [2:37:16] ? [2:37:16] so potential median. [2:37:19] okay it was concerns. [2:37:20] it wasn't over existing -- [2:37:24] sorry, we are talking about lot [2:37:26] s [2:37:26] of different sections. [2:37:27] >> mm-hmm. [2:37:27] it's a lot. [2:37:28] so each of those little diamond [2:37:32] [2:37:32] stick points, that's a driveway [2:37:33] [2:37:33] access. [2:37:33] >> right. [2:37:36] >> so nose are all the [2:37:37] openings -- those are all the [2:37:38] openings. [2:37:38] so the medians, those would be [2:37:40] [2:37:40] the two options. [2:37:41] in terms of the concerns with [2:37:44] median openings, is that what [2:37:46] you're asking? [2:37:46] >> yeah, I thought -- I that [2:37:47] thought was coming from I think [2:37:49] [2:37:49] the neighbors. [2:37:50] >> west waldo. [2:37:50] I'm sorry. [2:37:51] I misunderstood. [2:37:51] >> yeah, so that was the west o [2:37:52] f [2:37:52] waldo section. [2:37:53] is that there weren't enough? [2:37:54] or there -- too many -- I don't [2:37:57] , [2:37:57] what was the concern. [2:37:57] >> some of the median, like the [2:37:59] [2:37:59] actual turn lane lengths they [2:38:00] felt were short. [2:38:01] when we did look at the crash [2:38:03] data nothing stuck out to [2:38:05] indicate that they were a [2:38:06] problem. [2:38:06] but I guess as, when I was [2:38:10] driving through there doing sit [2:38:11] e [2:38:11] visits taking pictures, things [2:38:13] [2:38:13] like that even just driving [2:38:14] along I could see where someone [2:38:15] [2:38:15] would be up comfortable with the [2:38:16] [2:38:16] rush to get into a shorter tur [2:38:19] n [2:38:19] lane. [2:38:19] >> well if they were going 38 [2:38:20] instead of 32 I can imagine it [2:38:22] [2:38:22] felt -- [2:38:22] [laughter] [2:38:22] >> so. [2:38:24] >> okay, that helps me [2:38:25] understand a little bit about [2:38:26] that concern because just the [2:38:28] fact that it's so much slower, [2:38:29] [2:38:29] six miles an hour on average [2:38:31] slower, on a street that is [2:38:34] signaled higher you know or yit [2:38:36] tells me we did maybe [2:38:39] some -- on that section -- the [2:38:41] [2:38:41] other section needs something. [2:38:45] [2:38:45] I think that's, I think that's [2:38:46] [2:38:46] all I got for -- oh, and just, [2:38:48] [2:38:48] oh, just the idea is also like, [2:38:50] [2:38:50] is there any opportunity for [2:38:51] quick build things where we, [2:38:52] where we don't spend 3 or [2:38:55] $5 million where we do put in [2:38:56] things that are much more quick [2:38:59] , [2:38:59] temporary, try for six months, [2:39:02] I [2:39:03] just had that, and then, sorry [2:39:05] , [2:39:05] that's -- maybe this is just [2:39:07] conversation for my colleagues [2:39:08] [2:39:08] to hear. [2:39:09] and then can you, this is one [2:39:12] you may be able to answer. [2:39:13] why is there hashing on the [2:39:15] eastern portion in front of the [2:39:17] [2:39:17] slab basically at 17th. [2:39:19] there is some hashing s. That t [2:39:20] o [2:39:20] keep people from parking there [2:39:21] [2:39:21] on the north side? [2:39:23] it's kind of marked off. [2:39:24] it's not parking, but it -- lik [2:39:25] e [2:39:25] I said it's got a hash mark. [2:39:26] is that to keep people from [2:39:28] parking there. [2:39:29] >> because the lane is 17-foot [2:39:30] [2:39:30] wide? [2:39:30] >> it's right there by steven [2:39:34] kelly. [2:39:34] >> that was part of an [2:39:35] initiative a few years back to [2:39:36] [2:39:36] prevent people from parking [2:39:38] there. [2:39:38] there are no parking signs and [2:39:39] [2:39:39] the hatching is just to enforce [2:39:43] [2:39:43] that. [2:39:43] >> I think that's my example o [2:39:44] f [2:39:44] that kind of quick build to see [2:39:45] [2:39:45] how it goes, does it help, not [2:39:47] [2:39:47] the millions of dollars where - [2:39:49] - [2:39:49] where there is -- because that [2:39:51] [2:39:51] came I believe from community [2:39:52] feedback originally, right? [2:39:53] >> it came from the community [2:39:54] and gpd it was a request that [2:39:56] was facilitated from them to [2:39:58] public works to facilitate. [2:39:59] >> okay. [2:40:00] I just, I bring that out as an [2:40:02] [2:40:02] example where we did a small [2:40:04] intervention to see if it [2:40:05] helped, and I don't know about [2:40:07] [2:40:07] the feedback since then, but [2:40:10] because it's 17-foot wide lane [2:40:12] [2:40:12] you could do that. [2:40:13] those lanes are way too wide. [2:40:14] one-way or another they need to [2:40:19] [2:40:19] be narrowed pee people street I [2:40:20] t [2:40:20] like the -- so that people [2:40:22] street it treat it like the [2:40:25] neighborhood street it is. [2:40:26] thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:40:27] >> mayor: I would encourage [2:40:28] everybody let's not try to [2:40:29] design the road today because [2:40:30] that's not where we are in the [2:40:31] [2:40:31] process at all. [2:40:33] there is. [2:40:42] we have three lights and we ar [2:40:43] e [2:40:43] trying to hear from the public, [2:40:45] [2:40:45] but we are not in that phase. [2:40:46] >> yes, mayor, I'm not in the [2:40:48] design phase, either, so thank [2:40:49] [2:40:49] you to staff and thank you to [2:40:50] nv5 for providing some [2:40:52] conceptual plans and ideas. [2:40:56] it's a great start. [2:40:57] commissioner dunker walker sai [2:40:59] d [2:40:59] that -- duncan-walker. [2:41:03] 2700 block of northeast 8th [2:41:05] avenue wants to do all the way [2:41:07] [2:41:07] to 9th street, the 900 block, [2:41:09] and so the designs are great. [2:41:12] but there is a number of [2:41:14] faith-based and community and [2:41:15] resident leaders here, and, and [2:41:18] [2:41:18] they'll be great opportunity t [2:41:20] o [2:41:20] reach out through those [2:41:21] networks, especially the [2:41:22] churches because there's five [2:41:23] churches right there on the [2:41:25] northeast 8th avenue -- [2:41:26] >> northeast 8th avenue. [2:41:31] >> 808. [2:41:32] >> what she said. [2:41:33] 8. [2:41:33] so, I was thinking from [2:41:36] northeast from 15th street to [2:41:38] 25th street there were five [2:41:39] right there. [2:41:40] did I miss -- there are three [2:41:41] more? [2:41:41] okay. [2:41:41] so to those other three churche [2:41:44] s [2:41:44] sorry because I know there are [2:41:48] [2:41:48] five at least. [2:41:48] at least that many. [2:41:48] but -- to get information so I'm [2:41:51] [2:41:51] very interested in hearing wha [2:41:53] t [2:41:53] the people who are here have t [2:41:54] o [2:41:54] say about the designs, what the [2:41:57] y [2:41:57] may be interested in and the [2:41:58] mechanisms that we're going to [2:41:59] [2:41:59] do to find out more. [2:42:00] at one question for you, [2:42:01] mr. Manager, before we hear fro [2:42:03] m [2:42:03] I hope we go right to public. [2:42:05] they've been waiting for a lon [2:42:07] g [2:42:07] time. [2:42:07] is if all we did today, I felt [2:42:10] [2:42:10] no pressure to make a decision [2:42:11] [2:42:11] today, none at all, especially [2:42:13] [2:42:13] the folks showing up, [2:42:15] if all w did was say okay, [2:42:16] let's get some more robust [2:42:19] information, that would not [2:42:20] require a motion because that' [2:42:21] s [2:42:21] something you would do on in th [2:42:23] e [2:42:23] diseme of things or would you b [2:42:24] e [2:42:24] looking for something from [2:42:25] someone on the dais? [2:42:27] >> I think a motion would be [2:42:28] appropriate. [2:42:28] >> okay. [2:42:30] all right. [2:42:30] well that's something to [2:42:31] consider. [2:42:31] I'd love to hear from all the [2:42:34] people who've probably been [2:42:36] waiting for a while, mr. Mayor. [2:42:37] [2:42:37] >> mayor: thank you, [2:42:38] commissioner book. [2:42:38] commissioner ingle. [2:42:41] >> just kind of short and sweet [2:42:42] [2:42:42] on this. [2:42:42] it certainly sounds like the [2:42:44] community doesn't feel like it' [2:42:45] s [2:42:45] been heard. [2:42:47] look forward to hearing public [2:42:48] [2:42:48] comment on this, but in general [2:42:50] [2:42:50] my first kind of reaction is [2:42:53] just the inclination to table [2:42:54] this until we've got some bette [2:42:56] r [2:42:56] community feedback. [2:42:58] we don't have construction fun [2:42:59] ds [2:42:59] for it. [2:43:00] there is nothing pressing. [2:43:01] there is no thing going on so [2:43:03] as [2:43:03] far as I can see there is no [2:43:04] downside to tabling this and [2:43:08] getting some better community [2:43:09] feedback on that. [2:43:11] that being said, I'm sure there [2:43:13] [2:43:13] are a lot of people here to tal [2:43:13] k [2:43:13] so I will be happy to hear fro [2:43:17] m [2:43:17] them now. [2:43:18] >> mayor: commissioner duncan [2:43:18] and then I've gut a brief [2:43:20] comment and then we will go to [2:43:21] [2:43:21] the public. [2:43:21] >> thank you, mr. Mayor, and I [2:43:22] [2:43:22] know I said y wasn't going to [2:43:23] say anything until after the [2:43:25] public. [2:43:25] I lied. [2:43:27] but only to say this. [2:43:29] it is important to consider the [2:43:30] [2:43:30] functionality of this street. [2:43:33] not just the street where peopl [2:43:35] e [2:43:35] just drive past. [2:43:36] there are a number of activitie [2:43:38] s [2:43:38] that take place on this street, [2:43:39] [2:43:39] and what I would've been [2:43:40] interested in hearing in today [2:43:43] 's [2:43:43] conversation since your [2:43:44] recommendation is to get us to [2:43:46] [2:43:46] do something today that I'm not [2:43:49] [2:43:49] interested in doing, I would'v [2:43:50] e [2:43:50] been interested in you telling [2:43:52] [2:43:52] us how much on-street parking [2:43:53] there currently is. [2:43:55] because many of the eight [2:43:56] churches that I just told you [2:43:58] there were on northeast 8th [2:44:00] avenue take advantage of that [2:44:01] onstreit parking. [2:44:02] not just for sunday services o [2:44:04] r [2:44:04] saturday services at the 7th [2:44:05] day adventant church but for t [2:44:07] he [2:44:07] mere yatd of services that -- [2:44:09] myriad of services they [2:44:10] provide. [2:44:10] many of the residents in that [2:44:11] community utilize thrking -- p [2:44:18] ark [2:44:18] there -- there was a slide in [2:44:25] the public works presentation a [2:44:26] [2:44:26] little bit earlier today, and I [2:44:28] [2:44:28] don't -- you don't have to pul [2:44:29] l [2:44:29] it up right now, but it was on [2:44:31] [2:44:31] page 53. [2:44:32] I wrote it down during your [2:44:33] presentation bots because I [2:44:36] thought about asking the [2:44:37] question then, but I said no [2:44:38] we're going to have this [2:44:39] conversation a little bit later [2:44:39] [2:44:39] on today and perhaps I'll be [2:44:41] able to get that information [2:44:43] then. [2:44:43] don't find it now but just kno [2:44:45] w [2:44:45] on page 53 of the previous [2:44:47] public works conversation you [2:44:49] told us about the northwest [2:44:51] 1st avenue resurfacing, and [2:44:55] I'm very curious to know how y [2:44:56] ou [2:44:56] incorporated or how you're [2:44:58] looking at a completed so how [2:45:00] did you incorporate multimodal [2:45:02] [2:45:02] there. [2:45:02] because don't tell me right [2:45:04] now. [2:45:04] don't tell me right now. [2:45:07] but I want you to show me. [2:45:09] don't tell me. [2:45:10] show me. [2:45:13] northwest 1st avenue is a [2:45:14] tiny street. [2:45:16] northeast 8th avenue east of [2:45:19] waldo road is strange. [2:45:22] and the reason that it expands [2:45:24] [2:45:24] is to accommodate traffic -- I [2:45:25] [2:45:25] think the engineering there [2:45:27] waserary wise, and I think it [2:45:28] should remain exactly how it is [2:45:29] [2:45:29] right now. [2:45:30] because it helps to facilitate [2:45:34] [2:45:34] everything that goes on in tha [2:45:35] t [2:45:35] community. [2:45:35] where there is church activity, [2:45:37] [2:45:37] the road expands, and where [2:45:39] there are buses, the road [2:45:40] expands to allow for on-street [2:45:41] [2:45:41] parking. [2:45:41] and the traffic can continue t [2:45:44] o [2:45:44] move through without [2:45:45] congestion. [2:45:45] and without problems. [2:45:48] keeping safety in mind. [2:45:49] it then narrows again after [2:45:51] duval and I'm glad that it was [2:45:53] [2:45:53] noted that yes, duval is still [2:45:55] [2:45:55] in play. [2:45:56] it is not closing. [2:45:58] and I don't believe a [2:45:59] conversation with the school [2:46:00] board has been had to learn wha [2:46:02] t [2:46:02] their plans are. [2:46:04] and how we need to incorporate [2:46:05] [2:46:05] what those plans are in our [2:46:07] transportation plans for the [2:46:09] street. [2:46:09] I'm going to close my mouth [2:46:11] now. [2:46:11] I have a lot mthat I could [2:46:13] say, but I felt the need to [2:46:15] bring those things before my [2:46:17] constituents had the opportuni [2:46:18] ty [2:46:18] to speak and anybody else who [2:46:18] wants to speak on this because [2:46:23] [2:46:23] this is a major issue. [2:46:28] nobody needs to talk about 8th [2:46:30] [2:46:30] avenue needing to be [2:46:31] resurfaced. [2:46:31] I think I asked you in our [2:46:33] meeting the other day how long [2:46:35] [2:46:35] it's been. [2:46:37] 20 years? [2:46:39] it's been a very, very long tim [2:46:41] e [2:46:41] since that road has been [2:46:41] addressed. [2:46:41] if I had a dime for every time [2:46:46] [2:46:46] am faal family asked me abo [2:46:50] ut [2:46:50] when that road was going to be [2:46:51] [2:46:51] resurfaced, I would be rich. [2:46:55] I'm glad we're going to do [2:46:56] that. [2:46:56] I think that's a given. [2:46:59] that's the no-brainer part. [2:47:00] it's everything else that [2:47:02] everyone else has questions [2:47:03] about. [2:47:03] everyone else even has [2:47:05] questions -- there are a numbe [2:47:06] r [2:47:06] of people who don't want to se [2:47:07] e [2:47:07] the street narrowed. [2:47:08] and we need to hear that. [2:47:11] I understand that there is a [2:47:12] belief that narrowing a road [2:47:14] would control speed. [2:47:15] maybe, maybe not. [2:47:17] but those are the conversations [2:47:18] [2:47:18] that you need to have the [2:47:20] opportunity to have with the [2:47:21] people. [2:47:21] I'll conclude for now and then [2:47:23] [2:47:23] I'll come back afterwards. [2:47:25] thank you, commissioner [2:47:25] duncan-walker. [2:47:25] so I just have a couple of [2:47:27] comments and then we'll hear [2:47:28] from you all. [2:47:34] so the two things that are dea [2:47:35] l [2:47:35] breakers for me when we finally [2:47:36] [2:47:36] get around to voting on [2:47:38] something about actual design, [2:47:40] [2:47:40] which is not today, it's a goo [2:47:41] d [2:47:41] way ways off, the two things [2:47:44] that are deal breakers for me [2:47:45] are number one, safety, it has [2:47:48] [2:47:48] to be a safer street. [2:47:49] fewer people have to git [2:47:50] has to be the sort of thing th [2:47:53] at [2:47:53] people are less likely to get [2:47:54] hurt on. [2:47:55] I don't have data to corroborate [2:47:59] [2:47:59] this but I would bet 41 injurie [2:48:01] s [2:48:01] is more than we would normally [2:48:02] [2:48:02] expect on a two-lane street. [2:48:04] over a five-year period. [2:48:06] I want a safer street. [2:48:11] safe dozen always feel like [2:48:12] what -- safe doesn't always fee [2:48:15] l [2:48:15] like what the data tell us, tha [2:48:16] t [2:48:16] safe doesn't always feel like [2:48:18] what we want it to feel like. [2:48:19] slower is safer. [2:48:20] there's no way to argue with th [2:48:22] e [2:48:22] physics of that. [2:48:23] slower is safer. [2:48:25] and talking about a relatively [2:48:27] [2:48:27] short road, if it's, if it tak [2:48:30] es [2:48:30] you, takes anybody a shorter a [2:48:33] [2:48:33] little bit longer to get where [2:48:34] [2:48:34] we're going, a minute or so [2:48:35] longer to get where we're going [2:48:36] , [2:48:36] and people don't die as a [2:48:38] result, twel that's a good [2:48:39] thing. [2:48:39] safer is the number one thing. [2:48:43] [2:48:43] I also want to make sure that [2:48:45] whatever gets done adds to the [2:48:48] [2:48:48] value of the neighborhoods. [2:48:50] that it does not detract from [2:48:52] the value of the neighborhoods [2:48:53] . [2:48:53] that means we need to save as [2:48:54] many trees as possible because [2:48:57] I [2:48:57] know we have a few realtors in [2:48:59] [2:48:59] the room, there is no realtor [2:49:01] that will tell you fewer trees [2:49:03] [2:49:03] makes property more valuable. [2:49:05] mature trees add to the value o [2:49:08] f [2:49:08] property so we don't want to [2:49:09] reduce the value of anybody's [2:49:11] property. [2:49:11] we want to increase it, but [2:49:13] mostly we want to be sure that [2:49:16] [2:49:16] people don't get hurt on the [2:49:18] road if we can possibly avoid [2:49:19] it. [2:49:19] those are the two deal breaker [2:49:22] s [2:49:22] for me when we finally get [2:49:23] around to voting for something. [2:49:27] [2:49:27] that's a long way off. [2:49:28] we need to hear from the [2:49:32] public. [2:49:32] we do have years of data and o [2:49:38] f, [2:49:38] you know, ability to check wit [2:49:40] h [2:49:40] other cities because we're not [2:49:43] [2:49:43] all that special. [2:49:44] there are other cities just lik [2:49:45] e [2:49:45] us. [2:49:45] and we can tell what works in [2:49:47] other cities to make them safe. [2:49:49] [2:49:49] and what keeps people alive, [2:49:51] what keeps people not hurt on [2:49:53] our streets. [2:49:54] we have plenty of time for all [2:49:55] [2:49:55] of that, and I want to make sure [2:49:59] [2:49:59] that we include all of that wit [2:50:01] h [2:50:01] also the idea that the longer w [2:50:04] e [2:50:04] take to make it a safer street [2:50:06] [2:50:06] the more people get hurt on tha [2:50:08] t [2:50:08] street. [2:50:08] and is it is a street that has [2:50:11] [2:50:11] lots of kids on it. [2:50:14] I mean there are just lots of [2:50:18] kids. [2:50:18] we want lots of kids on the [2:50:19] street. [2:50:19] I'm very familiar with 8th [2:50:21] avenue. [2:50:21] and no, they're not all riding [2:50:24] [2:50:24] their bike to duval. [2:50:25] we all understand that. [2:50:26] but there are a lot of kids in [2:50:29] [2:50:29] the neighborhood, a lot of kid [2:50:29] s [2:50:29] on the street, and we want the [2:50:32] m [2:50:32] to grow up to be adults who can [2:50:33] [2:50:33] come to a city commission [2:50:34] meeting. [2:50:34] so those are the things that a [2:50:38] re [2:50:38] foremost in my mind as we move [2:50:40] [2:50:40] forward. [2:50:40] so I'm asking you all to step [2:50:43] out of the way and let's hear [2:50:44] from the public. [2:50:44] >> yes, mr. Mayor, and y us [2:50:47] I [2:50:47] just wanted to let every bn [2:50:49] [2:50:49] everyone know that everyone who [2:50:50] [2:50:50] was down in room 16 has been [2:50:52] able to come up and find seats. [2:50:54] [2:50:54] room 16 is empty. [2:50:59] I'm going to say a few names - [2:51:00] - [2:51:00] people who signed up on deck t [2:51:00] o [2:51:00] come up to the podium. [2:51:02] pamela anderson followed by [2:51:04] carolyn eason and then juanita [2:51:11] [2:51:11] miles hamilton. [2:51:13] is pamela here? [2:51:19] >> mayor: welcome. [2:51:22] >> afternoon, commissioners. [2:51:24] my respect to all of you. [2:51:27] whether when I first heard a [2:51:30] bout [2:51:30] the plan for the improvements o [2:51:32] f [2:51:32] 8th avenue, I just happened to [2:51:34] [2:51:34] be there at the time that they [2:51:37] [2:51:37] were at the, when the city com [2:51:39] es [2:51:39] out on the second monday at the [2:51:41] [2:51:41] clarence kelly center. [2:51:43] I said well, why don't you com [2:51:44] e [2:51:44] to the seniors on the move at [2:51:46] clarence kelly center and [2:51:48] present that to them because [2:51:50] there are so many people that [2:51:51] don't know about this. [2:51:53] so from there we had those two [2:51:55] [2:51:55] meetings, and with them, and I [2:51:57] [2:51:57] saw some improvements over wha [2:52:00] t [2:52:00] was presented back then as [2:52:03] well. [2:52:03] I was against it, and still am [2:52:05] [2:52:05] against the zippers, and the [2:52:10] bike lanes on this eastern [2:52:14] portion of 8th avenue because [2:52:16] seeing it every day and [2:52:19] traveling that corridor and [2:52:21] seeing how it was done over by [2:52:26] [2:52:26] chestnut as far as the zippers [2:52:28] [2:52:28] and the turn lane, the bike [2:52:30] lanes rather, and I'm going to [2:52:33] c [2:52:33] church twice a week over there [2:52:33] [2:52:33] and seeing how dangerous this I [2:52:35] s [2:52:35] so I thought, we can't just -- [2:52:37] [2:52:37] we got to find out what's going [2:52:38] [2:52:38] on and why and we just wile [2:52:41] we're just hearing about this [2:52:42] plan. [2:52:42] I understand safety and the [2:52:49] children, I'm all for children [2:52:50] [2:52:50] and everybody being safe [2:52:51] certainly, but I don't think [2:52:53] that when it comes down to thi [2:52:55] s [2:52:55] portion of 8th avenue, I have [2:52:59] my sayings about the other [2:53:01] portion as well that I wouldn' [2:53:03] t [2:53:03] care to be talking about right [2:53:05] [2:53:05] now but going threw thet [2:53:06] roundabout at -- through that [2:53:08] roundabout at night, but I'm [2:53:10] just saying as far as the east [2:53:12] [2:53:12] 8th avenue corridor, and it is [2:53:14] [2:53:14] special and yes, there are a l [2:53:16] ot [2:53:16] of things that happen down the [2:53:18] re [2:53:18] on that street that people [2:53:20] didn't take into consideration [2:53:21] [2:53:21] and maybe they've looked into I [2:53:23] t [2:53:23] now. [2:53:23] I didn't see that data before [2:53:25] about the accidents and not tha [2:53:27] t [2:53:27] I've heard about that many [2:53:30] accidents on that part of 8th [2:53:31] avenue. [2:53:31] safety is a goal, and it's my [2:53:34] goal. [2:53:34] and there'll be other comments. [2:53:36] [2:53:36] I don't want to be redundant b [2:53:38] ut [2:53:38] I was opposed to the bike lanes [2:53:43] , . [2:53:45] the traffic calming what they [2:53:46] talked about, those tables, [2:53:48] first when I saw the first pla [2:53:49] n [2:53:49] it was three of them. [2:53:50] I see it's been cut down to two [2:53:53] [2:53:53] proposed median locations. [2:53:55] I am for the flashing lights. [2:53:56] the beacons for crossing the [2:53:59] roadway, put as many as you can [2:54:02] [2:54:02] down there. [2:54:02] I am all for that. [2:54:04] but there's those few other [2:54:06] things that pertains to as far [2:54:09] [2:54:09] as the traffic flow, that's a [2:54:12] different thing. [2:54:13] as far as those are my, what I [2:54:16] [2:54:16] see after 50 years of living [2:54:18] down there in cedar grove, whi [2:54:20] ch [2:54:20] they say duval, my neighborhood [2:54:23] [2:54:23] is cedar grove part 1, but wha [2:54:26] t [2:54:26] I see for 50 years of going bac [2:54:29] k [2:54:29] and forth, I've not heard of [2:54:31] that many people getting reall [2:54:32] y [2:54:32] hurt. [2:54:32] that, on that portion of 8th [2:54:36] avenue. [2:54:36] thank you. [2:54:37] >> mayor: thank you. [2:54:39] >> carolyn eason followed by [2:54:43] juanita miles -- I apologize. [2:54:47] juanita miles hamilton. [2:54:49] thank you for the correction. [2:54:50] >> mayor: welcome. [2:54:51] >> and kali blount. [2:54:53] >> thank you, juanita miles [2:54:54] hamilton. [2:54:54] and I'm standing today in [2:55:01] support, I hope it was a motio [2:55:04] n, [2:55:04] that there was not proper [2:55:06] community input from the staff [2:55:08] [2:55:08] regarding this issue. [2:55:12] transparency, accountability, [2:55:14] and public involvement are [2:55:16] critical in decision making [2:55:19] processes. [2:55:19] gentrification at best, at [2:55:25] best. [2:55:25] I'm standing because of the fac [2:55:30] t [2:55:30] that the northwest 8th avenue [2:55:33] just yesterday I was traveling [2:55:35] a [2:55:35] sloppy. [2:55:35] and it creates a problem I've [2:55:41] sat and monitored the traffic [2:55:42] for several hours several times [2:55:45] [2:55:45] a day different times of day [2:55:47] morning, noon, and evening and [2:55:50] [2:55:50] pretty much I have yet to see a [2:55:52] [2:55:52] bicycle on the bike lane. [2:55:57] and but yet it imposes a [2:55:59] problem. [2:55:59] just yesterday I was coming fro [2:56:02] m [2:56:02] therapy, and the traffic was [2:56:06] flowing good. [2:56:06] it was right at 5:00. [2:56:08] a lot of traffic. [2:56:09] and I was stuck headeeast on [2:56:14] 8th avenue at northwest -- the [2:56:17] [2:56:17] traffic suddenly stopped bec folk were cr [2:56:21] folk were crossing the lane -- [2:56:22] [2:56:22] down the street. [2:56:23] stopped abruptly. [2:56:25] several other cars and myself [2:56:27] had to hit the bike lane to [2:56:30] get -- to stop from getting hit [2:56:33] [2:56:33] with cars headed north on 6th [2:56:35] street. [2:56:35] the police department. [2:56:39] we were stuck out if the I [2:56:42] n the [2:56:42] lane. [2:56:42] the traffic light changed on u [2:56:44] s [2:56:44] because the traffic had abruptly [2:56:45] [2:56:45] stopped. [2:56:45] it's a problem. [2:56:47] it is a problem. [2:56:49] I think that we need to revisit [2:56:51] [2:56:51] our comp plan because in that [2:56:53] comp plan it clearly states tha [2:56:56] t [2:56:56] you need to make other changes [2:56:59] [2:56:59] to roads when you resurface a [2:57:02] street or do the sidewalks. [2:57:04] we don't, I ride. [2:57:06] I see the children walking, [2:57:08] parents walking, we don't walk [2:57:09] [2:57:09] in the streets. [2:57:11] we don't ride our bikes in the [2:57:12] [2:57:12] street. [2:57:12] we ride on the sidewalk. [2:57:15] because we were taught not to [2:57:19] be [2:57:19] in the streets and compete wit [2:57:21] h [2:57:21] a car or truck. [2:57:21] this is a community, a [2:57:23] neighborhood. [2:57:23] a neighborhood. [2:57:25] and bike lanes doesn't apply to [2:57:29] [2:57:29] the concept that we we will [2:57:33] build it now and they will [2:57:34] come. [2:57:34] this is an existing community [2:57:37] and we need to respect it as [2:57:39] such: there are several projects [2:57:42] [2:57:42] if you are looking for project [2:57:43] s [2:57:43] that can be beneficial to us. [2:57:47] one is getting rid of that [2:57:50] recycling plant right on waldo [2:57:52] [2:57:52] and 8th avenue that provides [2:57:56] dust to residents of us living [2:57:59] [2:57:59] in the community creating healt [2:58:01] h [2:58:01] issues. [2:58:01] folk can't open their windows [2:58:04] boss of because of the noi [2:58:06] se and [2:58:06] air pollution. [2:58:07] that you can relocate that [2:58:12] convenience store on 8th [2:58:15] avenue that you gave permissio [2:58:17] n [2:58:17] to sell beer and wine or [2:58:19] whatever else out of it, and [2:58:21] plaster the signs all over the [2:58:24] [2:58:24] window right in front of a [2:58:26] recreation center and a [2:58:28] nursery. [2:58:28] >> mayor: I am a going to ask [2:58:31] you to wrap up. [2:58:34] that's not how we do it. [2:58:36] you know that. [2:58:37] >> and the same thing happens o [2:58:39] n [2:58:39] southeast 4th avenue. [2:58:41] this is, this is not good for [2:58:42] our community. [2:58:46] it creates all kind of problem [2:58:47] s [2:58:47] for our children at they young [2:58:50] [2:58:50] age and now you have come in [2:58:52] talking about bicycles putting [2:58:53] [2:58:53] them in the streets. [2:58:54] trying to kill them. [2:58:56] >> mayor: ms. Miles hamilton I'm [2:58:57] [2:58:57] going to ask you to wrap up. [2:58:58] you're at four minutes. [2:58:59] >> okay, I will, thank you, [2:59:00] sir. [2:59:00] and another thing we can do is [2:59:05] [2:59:05] to provide avenues for economic [2:59:08] [2:59:08] development, provide [2:59:09] recreational after-school [2:59:11] programs for our kids so that [2:59:14] they can continue to do -- the [2:59:15] [2:59:15] city used to do that. [2:59:17] >> mayor: I'm going to ask you [2:59:18] [2:59:18] to wrap up, please. [2:59:19] >> we appreciate it and I would [2:59:20] [2:59:20] like to say that if you continue [2:59:22] [2:59:22] to ignore our safety, our [2:59:25] children, our peace, and our [2:59:26] survival, we will target your [2:59:28] seats. [2:59:28] >> amen. [2:59:33] >> mayor: ms. Miles hamilton, I [2:59:34] [2:59:34] would love to schedule a meeti [2:59:35] ng [2:59:35] with you. [2:59:35] please. [2:59:35] >> okay. [2:59:36] thank you. [2:59:37] >> we have kali blount followed [2:59:40] [2:59:40] by andrew miles and dejohn [2:59:42] dijon [2:59:48] cane. [2:59:48] >> they brought up removing [2:59:50] trees. [2:59:50] it should be part of the study. [2:59:53] [2:59:53] trees really are removable, [2:59:54] which ones are alien. [2:59:56] if you remove the only more [2:59:57] a3w-7bdant abundant trees [3:00:00] will [3:00:00] that clear a path on either sid [3:00:02] e [3:00:02] of the street. [3:00:02] we don't want to expand heat [3:00:03] islands, so you should be [3:00:05] preserving the trees. [3:00:10] and with these street changes [3:00:12] and you're talking later about [3:00:13] [3:00:13] utility changes, even if you [3:00:17] weren't putting utilities under [3:00:18] [3:00:18] ground, you're dealing with the [3:00:21] [3:00:21] surface water drainage, which, [3:00:25] [3:00:25] and there's a couple areas whe [3:00:26] re [3:00:26] you have swales on the [3:00:27] roadside. [3:00:27] it would be great to turn that [3:00:29] [3:00:29] into level ground over pipe and [3:00:30] [3:00:30] no longer have swales. [3:00:32] but that's going to involve the [3:00:34] [3:00:34] utilities cooperation. [3:00:37] and since you and gru are now [3:00:39] frien-emies, you need to know [3:00:41] well ahead of time what are the [3:00:43] y [3:00:43] going to participate, what wil [3:00:44] l [3:00:44] be their participation. [3:00:46] and I mentioned earlier when I [3:00:49] [3:00:49] talked about the zero project -- [3:00:52] [3:00:52] the project zero event the oth [3:00:53] er [3:00:53] day, what I think of the quali [3:00:55] ty [3:00:55] of outreach. [3:00:57] too often the outreach is bring [3:00:59] [3:00:59] a citizens in, let them hear a [3:01:01] [3:01:01] presentations, and they don't [3:01:03] get to speak back to the room [3:01:05] and each other and the staff. [3:01:07] or they just get to take two [3:01:09] cookies and go home or they're [3:01:11] [3:01:11] told write your question on an [3:01:12] [3:01:12] index card. [3:01:13] that's not good enough. [3:01:16] and that feeds into one giant [3:01:20] apprehension for this [3:01:21] neighborhood. [3:01:21] they've seen what happened in [3:01:23] 5th avenue and pleasant street [3:01:26] [3:01:26] and porters. [3:01:27] is this a prequell to [3:01:30] gentrification? [3:01:30] they need some reassurance. [3:01:33] and for $500,000, do we get [3:01:38] anywhere into the kinetic part [3:01:39] [3:01:39] of this work? [3:01:41] you know, since I've been in [3:01:42] town in '87 I'm sure there's [3:01:44] been 6 or $7 million spent on [3:01:46] consultants and studies that [3:01:47] have given you lots of paper t [3:01:49] o [3:01:49] protect your shelves from d [3:01:53] ust, [3:01:53] but we want to see it become [3:01:54] actual action so does this get [3:01:56] [3:01:56] us into -- even if it's just a [3:01:58] [3:01:58] coordination with d.o.t., I [3:02:01] think the park west of waldo [3:02:02] might be d.o.t. Concern, or [3:02:05] required testing, maybe a test [3:02:09] [3:02:09] soil on where you're going to [3:02:10] pay new, put new pavement make [3:02:13] [3:02:13] sure it's good. [3:02:15] so for $500,000, I hope we're [3:02:17] getting into some part of the [3:02:20] kinetic part of this work. [3:02:22] a shovel in the dirt, somewhere [3:02:24] [3:02:24] for that $500,000 and not just [3:02:26] a [3:02:27] new pile of paper. [3:02:29] >> mayor: thank you, [3:02:30] mr. Blount. [3:02:32] >> andrew miles followed by [3:02:35] dijon cane and pastor earnestee [3:02:43] n [3:02:43] butler. [3:02:43] >> welcome, how are you doing [3:02:45] again. [3:02:45] I'm coming to talk to you about [3:02:48] [3:02:48] the road construction as well. [3:02:50] [3:02:50] and I want to go straight to th [3:02:51] e [3:02:51] crash data because the crash [3:02:53] data that they're talking is [3:02:54] about for the safety and so [3:02:56] forth, is somewhat inconclusiv [3:02:59] e [3:02:59] andit don't really related to [3:03:01] speed or to any particular thi [3:03:04] ng [3:03:04] that's why they have all the [3:03:05] incidents. [3:03:05] so we can't exactly say that al [3:03:10] l [3:03:10] of those incidents is because o [3:03:11] f [3:03:11] speed. [3:03:11] first of all. [3:03:13] so that's kind of screwed a [3:03:14] little bit. [3:03:17] the speed tables and the zippe [3:03:22] rs [3:03:22] along for the bike path and so [3:03:23] [3:03:23] forth is by biggest objection. [3:03:26] [3:03:26] 8th avenue definitely, [3:03:27] definitely need to have some [3:03:29] renovation done to so forth but [3:03:31] [3:03:31] the speed tables I think is an [3:03:34] [3:03:34] unnecessary, little bit [3:03:35] overkill, and we don't have [3:03:37] enough data that directly [3:03:40] relates it to speeding, and so [3:03:43] [3:03:43] forth because as far as we know, [3:03:45] [3:03:45] it could be from people texting, [3:03:47] [3:03:47] it could be from folks talking [3:03:49] [3:03:49] on the phone or just not payin [3:03:51] g attent [3:03:51] attentn. So [3:03:51] soforth so a lot of that is the [3:03:53] [3:03:53] reason why we have lot of [3:03:55] accidents in the first place [3:03:56] more so than speeding. [3:03:59] the other thing is that some of [3:04:05] [3:04:05] the causes that you do have [3:04:06] superspeeding is somewhat could [3:04:08] [3:04:08] be related to that on the west [3:04:11] [3:04:11] side of 8th avenue before you [3:04:13] cross waldo, the speed limit I [3:04:15] s [3:04:15] 35 miles an hour. [3:04:16] so coming across waldo road it' [3:04:20] s [3:04:20] kind of hard transitioning [3:04:21] there. [3:04:21] I drive that way quite a bit a [3:04:22] nd [3:04:22] so forth myself coming back and [3:04:27] [3:04:27] forth every day. [3:04:27] a little speed transition coming [3:04:28] [3:04:28] through there, but having the [3:04:30] speed tables up on 8th avenue [3:04:31] is going to slow down traffic, [3:04:34] [3:04:34] it's going to slow down traffic [3:04:35] [3:04:35] so much until I think it's [3:04:36] possibly even make it dangerous [3:04:38] [3:04:38] for us that are living there [3:04:40] because we have a lot of traff [3:04:41] ic [3:04:41] that's flowing through that [3:04:44] little -- there and we and [3:04:48] so [3:04:48] forth. [3:04:48] we do want the road to be fixed [3:04:52] [3:04:52] and so forth, and some other [3:04:54] ated stuff, and some bike paths [3:04:57] [3:04:57] could be some additional stuff [3:04:58] [3:04:58] that could be help it a little [3:05:00] [3:05:00] bit, but like I said, the [3:05:01] zipper's going to impede a who [3:05:02] le [3:05:02] lot. [3:05:02] even widening the sidwould [3:05:04] make it a little bit better. [3:05:07] some folks don't want -- but I [3:05:08] [3:05:08] don't know who if the world [3:05:10] in [3:05:11] the world decided to put large [3:05:12] [3:05:12] oak trees in the middle of a [3:05:13] sidewalk that's going to grow [3:05:15] this big around as this table, [3:05:17] [3:05:17] and it's going to tear up the [3:05:18] roads, it's going to tear up t [3:05:20] he [3:05:20] sidewalk as soon as you fix the [3:05:21] [3:05:21] roads, five, six years from now [3:05:23] , [3:05:23] we have to resurface the road [3:05:24] again because of all of the [3:05:25] roots. [3:05:25] I don't care how you trim the [3:05:28] trees, it's going -- some [3:05:31] consideration or replacing tho [3:05:32] se [3:05:32] oaks with some more manageable [3:05:35] [3:05:35] trees, possibly would be [3:05:37] better. [3:05:37] but again, my biggest objection [3:05:42] [3:05:42] is the speed tables and zipper [3:05:46] [3:05:46] ties, but having a path for [3:05:48] bikes, that would be okay [3:05:50] because I ride a bike quite a [3:05:52] bit but I don't have any probl [3:05:54] em [3:05:54] riding bikes over on the east [3:05:56] side of town and so forth and I [3:05:58] [3:05:58] have been riding for over 67 [3:05:59] years. [3:05:59] over there haven't had any [3:06:02] problems and as I said the [3:06:04] speeding and so forth the data [3:06:05] [3:06:05] is too inconclusive and not too [3:06:09] [3:06:09] much to say it's directly [3:06:10] related to a speed problem and [3:06:13] [3:06:13] so forth. [3:06:13] but I hope you consider making [3:06:16] [3:06:16] the changes but some of the [3:06:18] stuff which is zippers and the [3:06:22] [3:06:22] speed humps like I said that's [3:06:23] [3:06:23] my biggest complaint and so [3:06:25] forth because if an emergency [3:06:26] happened on the east side of [3:06:27] town, it's going to be a probl [3:06:30] em [3:06:30] with all those people trying t [3:06:31] o [3:06:31] get out because it's only so [3:06:34] many exits coming from the eas [3:06:36] t [3:06:36] side of town. [3:06:37] 8th avenue, university avenue, [3:06:40] [3:06:40] 12th avenue. [3:06:41] we used to have 10th avenue [3:06:42] but it was closed off when the [3:06:43] y [3:06:43] put that little place down [3:06:44] there. [3:06:44] so a lot of people coming out o [3:06:49] f [3:06:49] east side of town -- not reall [3:06:51] y [3:06:51] going to benefit -- [3:06:52] >> mayor: thank you. [3:06:52] >> we have dijon cane followed [3:06:54] [3:06:54] by pastor earnesteen butler and [3:06:56] [3:06:56] then corey brunson. [3:06:58] >> mayor: welcome. [3:06:58] >> all right, good afternoon, [3:06:59] commission. [3:06:59] I grew up on the east side. [3:07:02] I'm running for commission in [3:07:03] district 3, which is all of [3:07:04] southwest. [3:07:04] and I preach this all the time [3:07:06] [3:07:06] when you're from gainesville y [3:07:08] ou [3:07:08] know gainesville. [3:07:09] and when I heard about this,I [3:07:10] looked it up I was like wow [3:07:12] that's crazy. [3:07:12] I thought about the fune rlt [3:07:15] best thing about -- funerals. [3:07:17] let's think about how those [3:07:18] funerals go -- you're going it [3:07:21] [3:07:21] take going to take tha [3:07:24] t away. [3:07:25] they ain't going to have [3:07:27] anywhere to do the funerals an [3:07:28] d [3:07:28] the cars will not know where t [3:07:29] o [3:07:29] park. [3:07:29] the other thing is the amount o [3:07:31] f [3:07:31] money you want to spend on this [3:07:31] [3:07:31] when we really don't need it, [3:07:33] you could just do the [3:07:34] reconstruction, we need a [3:07:36] grocery store. [3:07:37] we need better development. [3:07:40] we need better things for the [3:07:41] kids.we have programs called the [3:07:43] [3:07:43] outlet. [3:07:43] all that stuff, the city did [3:07:45] post-917 gainesville police [3:07:49] explorers, other programs in [3:07:50] this community, that's what we [3:07:50] [3:07:50] need. [3:07:50] but if we going -- it amaze me [3:07:53] [3:07:53] that -- amazes me nat we that w [3:07:57] e [3:07:57] spend this kind of money hon [3:07:59] this but we can't get a growsy [3:08:00] [3:08:00] store. [3:08:00] that's a problem. [3:08:03] many of you are like wow. [3:08:04] no, it's the truth. [3:08:05] when we say we want economic [3:08:06] development, what do you reall [3:08:07] y [3:08:07] want? [3:08:07] why are you really here? [3:08:09] I know one commissioner can't d [3:08:11] o [3:08:11] it. [3:08:11] because that's her district. [3:08:12] but we got to work together to [3:08:14] [3:08:14] do it. [3:08:15] because I'm going to tell you, [3:08:16] [3:08:16] this is a mess. [3:08:17] but it's funny to me how we wan [3:08:18] t [3:08:18] to put this infrastructure in [3:08:20] right now when we didn't care [3:08:21] about it 20 years ago. [3:08:25] time comes about change. [3:08:26] but we got to be careful when [3:08:28] we're spending this kind of [3:08:29] money on this. [3:08:31] when we need so much more in [3:08:34] that community. [3:08:35] and it's lacking because guess [3:08:37] [3:08:37] what? [3:08:37] we have not made the investmen [3:08:39] ts [3:08:39] over the years. [3:08:40] it ain't just this commission. [3:08:42] blame you. [3:08:44] it's past commissions, past [3:08:46] problems. [3:08:46] it is piled on top of each oth [3:08:49] er [3:08:49] and on top of each other and [3:08:51] people are tired. [3:08:52] these folks are tired. [3:08:54] when is things going to change? [3:08:56] [3:08:56] when is it going to get better? [3:08:58] [3:08:58] I remember being, you know, in [3:09:01] a [3:09:01] black on black crime task force [3:09:02] [3:09:02] at 14, and we had this plan eas [3:09:05] t [3:09:05] gainesville they lied. [3:09:06] we keep lying. [3:09:07] when are we going to do what we [3:09:09] [3:09:09] need to do? [3:09:09] when are we going to hear the [3:09:10] need? [3:09:10] when are we going to spark the [3:09:13] [3:09:13] change, and whether are we [3:09:14] really -- when are we really [3:09:16] going to serve the people and [3:09:17] I'm going to tell you it is a [3:09:19] big problem we haven't heard [3:09:20] from the community. [3:09:21] that won't happen on any other [3:09:23] [3:09:23] side of the town, so why is it [3:09:24] [3:09:24] happening with us? [3:09:25] and I think that every [3:09:26] commissioner up there should [3:09:27] listen to what I'm saying. [3:09:28] it don't happen on no other sid [3:09:30] e [3:09:30] of town. [3:09:32] why is it happening on the [3:09:34] east? [3:09:34] so if you're really wanting to [3:09:35] [3:09:35] do your job, for the people and [3:09:37] [3:09:37] serve the people, vote this dow [3:09:39] n [3:09:39] today. [3:09:39] and when they do the right job [3:09:43] [3:09:43] then we can come back and have a [3:09:45] [3:09:45] conversation. [3:09:45] we're here for the people. [3:09:46] you're not getting paid to get [3:09:47] [3:09:47] paid. [3:09:47] you're working for the people. [3:09:48] [3:09:48] let's do it. [3:09:49] it's not hard. [3:09:50] so thank you very much. [3:09:52] I look forward to you hearing [3:09:53] the needs, serving the people, [3:09:55] [3:09:55] and sparking the change. [3:09:56] something we're missing in thu [3:09:57] s [3:09:57] community. [3:09:57] thank you very much. [3:10:00] >> mayor: thank you. [3:10:00] I do want to before anybody els [3:10:01] e [3:10:01] comes up I want to point out [3:10:03] that it is right now a [3:10:04] $2 million grant out to help [3:10:06] folks who live in the community [3:10:07] , [3:10:07] invest in that community. [3:10:08] >> yes, mr. Mayor, I tote sale [3:10:10] [3:10:10] understand that and respect [3:10:10] that. [3:10:10] my only thing with that is gue [3:10:13] ss [3:10:13] what? [3:10:13] it's a little late. [3:10:14] we need more, I get you -- [3:10:15] >> mayor: if not now, when? [3:10:18] >> I been asking you that [3:10:19] question since I have 14 years [3:10:20] [3:10:20] old. [3:10:20] >> if not now, when. [3:10:22] >> mr. Mayor, with all due [3:10:24] respect I have been asking tha [3:10:25] t [3:10:25] since I was 14, and -- [3:10:27] >> mayor: we're trying, for [3:10:28] goodness sake. [3:10:29] that's what we're doing. [3:10:29] >> let's work together, [3:10:30] mr. Mayor. [3:10:31] >> mayor: come on. [3:10:32] let's get some more folks [3:10:33] talking. [3:10:33] >> all right, we have pastor [3:10:35] ernesteen butler followed by [3:10:37] corey brunson and then mr. Kip [3:10:39] [3:10:39] hayes senior. [3:10:40] >> mayor: welcome, pastor. [3:10:41] >> hello. [3:10:44] I've been sitting there for [3:10:45] awhile little stiff. [3:10:49] but the things that they're [3:10:52] asking and talking about on [3:10:54] 8th avenue as far as I too can [3:10:58] [3:10:58] talk about lots more that we [3:11:01] need on 8th avenue. [3:11:02] but right now I will focus on [3:11:08] the transportation, the streets, [3:11:09] [3:11:09] the things that are happening [3:11:11] right now. [3:11:13] and right now one of the thing [3:11:15] s [3:11:15] that I'm seriously against is [3:11:18] the bicycle lane. [3:11:20] yes, we ride our bicycle. [3:11:23] I have a tricycle, and y ride I [3:11:26] t [3:11:26] on the -- I ride it on the [3:11:27] sidewalk. [3:11:27] so yes, that's what we do. [3:11:32] I did sit no one else have any [3:11:36] [3:11:36] data on how many bicycles that [3:11:38] [3:11:38] go from 8th avenue down. [3:11:40] well guess what? [3:11:41] I was sitting there and every [3:11:45] night then at antioch where [3:11:46] they're talking about, I sat [3:11:48] there and every now and then I [3:11:50] [3:11:50] would say there is a bicycle. [3:11:51] there is a bicycle. [3:11:54] I think I counted about two, [3:11:58] ipabout a in about a wee [3:12:03] k's time [3:12:03] of people riding their bicycle [3:12:07] s [3:12:07] out there. [3:12:08] other than that, there was n [3:12:09] and as far as the trees are [3:12:11] concerned -- I love trees. [3:12:14] I garden. [3:12:15] I love trees. [3:12:17] but a water oak is different. [3:12:23] the leaves are slippery when [3:12:25] wet. [3:12:25] how many times I've almost [3:12:29] slipped down just walking acros [3:12:32] s [3:12:32] the street because of the leave [3:12:34] s [3:12:34] and no, we don't have them [3:12:36] coming cleaning as often. [3:12:39] so those oak trees, now they're [3:12:43] [3:12:43] water oaks, plant something [3:12:46] else. [3:12:46] some other kind of trees like [3:12:49] they have on the other side on [3:12:52] [3:12:52] west side. [3:12:53] they have different types of [3:12:53] trees. [3:12:53] they don't have water oaks. [3:12:56] we do. [3:12:58] and yes, I was sitting there, [3:13:00] and all of a sudden this limb [3:13:03] big limb green fell. [3:13:07] it was like, why? [3:13:11] limb was still green but it [3:13:13] fell. [3:13:13] big limb. [3:13:15] I'm not talking about a little [3:13:16] [3:13:16] twig. [3:13:16] so therefore, yeah, there is a [3:13:20] [3:13:20] lot of things that are [3:13:22] happening. [3:13:22] no one here would disagree tha [3:13:27] t [3:13:27] it need to be paved or [3:13:29] surfaced. [3:13:29] no one because I'm trying to [3:13:35] dodge potholes as I drive along [3:13:38] , [3:13:38] and to come and just patch one [3:13:40] [3:13:40] here and patch one there is a [3:13:43] mess. [3:13:43] and since I am a pastor and I d [3:13:45] o [3:13:45] go to church not that -- is not [3:13:48] [3:13:48] my church, but I've had to do [3:13:50] funerals there, can you imagine [3:13:53] [3:13:53] if we had to bring the body [3:13:56] around the back because of tho [3:13:57] se [3:13:57] big ugly zippers? [3:14:00] parked out front of the church, [3:14:03] [3:14:03] and by the way, I was born and [3:14:06] [3:14:06] raised on off of 5th avenue. [3:14:09] I literally got lost the other [3:14:12] [3:14:12] day, and I was riding in a [3:14:14] bicycle lane, didn't, it was [3:14:18] like my god, then I had to go [3:14:22] down the wrong road, turn, and [3:14:24] I [3:14:25] literally didn't know how to g [3:14:27] et [3:14:27] back to the new restaurant [3:14:28] that's down 5th avenue. [3:14:31] I didn't know how to get back. [3:14:33] [3:14:33] it was like it's too many littl [3:14:36] e [3:14:36] one-way little things, and I w [3:14:38] as [3:14:38] like, but I was born and raise [3:14:40] d [3:14:40] here. [3:14:40] no one told me, no one did [3:14:45] anything, and yes we're still [3:14:46] going through that shock of [3:14:51] having the street redone from [3:14:56] west of main street. [3:14:58] >> mayor: I'm going to ask you [3:15:00] [3:15:00] to wrap up, please. [3:15:01] >> west of main street. [3:15:02] so no, I disagree with them [3:15:04] changing things on east -- [3:15:10] >> mayor: so again, I'm going to [3:15:11] [3:15:11] be clear that we're not voting [3:15:13] [3:15:13] to -- there won't be a vote [3:15:14] today to do anything. [3:15:20] >> [off mic] [3:15:21] we don't like it. [3:15:23] >> mayor: yes, ma'am, that's [3:15:24] what we're here to hear, not t [3:15:27] o [3:15:27] decide how to vote on it because there's [3:15:29] there's no vote today on pavin [3:15:30] g [3:15:30] it or on adding speed bumps or [3:15:33] [3:15:33] anything else. [3:15:33] who's next. [3:15:34] >> we have corey brunson [3:15:36] followed by kip hayes and ryan [3:15:38] [3:15:38] undine who is the last one on [3:15:40] the list. [3:15:41] >> mayor: welcome. [3:15:42] >> hi. [3:15:43] corey brunson, and just speaking [3:15:44] [3:15:44] for myself, I also was confused [3:15:51] [3:15:51] when reading the item on the [3:15:53] agenda a couple of days ago or [3:15:55] a [3:15:55] few days ago in that it looked [3:15:57] [3:15:57] like something was about to be [3:15:58] [3:15:58] decided that I had not been [3:15:59] aware of for quite sometime, a [3:16:01] nd [3:16:01] sent a kind of frantic email [3:16:02] suggesting this needs to be [3:16:04] considered alongside the options [3:16:06] [3:16:06] that are proposed in this [3:16:08] report. [3:16:08] and so I want to apologize for [3:16:11] [3:16:11] acting like I was trying to mak [3:16:12] e [3:16:12] a recommendation to do this [3:16:14] instead of that. [3:16:15] I am glad that this is an [3:16:17] ongoing conversation. [3:16:19] and so I want to emphasize tha [3:16:22] t [3:16:22] I think what I'm going to speak [3:16:23] , [3:16:23] what I'm going to say is more [3:16:25] towards the procedural than [3:16:27] towards the infrastructural. [3:16:30] the community needs to exert the [3:16:32] [3:16:32] greatest influence on how this [3:16:33] [3:16:33] resurfacing is done. [3:16:35] but the -- but the procedure [3:16:37] sets a precedent that the whole [3:16:39] [3:16:39] city is eventually going to fee [3:16:41] l [3:16:41] the impact of. [3:16:43] one thing to be aware of is tha [3:16:46] t [3:16:46] narrowing car lanes from 11 to [3:16:48] [3:16:48] 10 feet, from 10 to 9 feet, [3:16:50] reduces speeds, which prevents [3:16:53] [3:16:53] injury, reduces injury, even if [3:16:55] [3:16:55] it doesn't reduce number of [3:16:56] crashes. [3:16:56] motorists can be spect expecte [3:17:01] d [3:17:01] to drive the streets facilitat [3:17:04] ed [3:17:04] by the street and road design, [3:17:05] [3:17:05] more lively than the posted [3:17:06] speed limits. [3:17:07] we've seen evidence of that. [3:17:08] and I would say the city stree [3:17:10] ts [3:17:10] nee to be appropriately narrowed [3:17:13] [3:17:13] if they are wider than necessa [3:17:15] ry [3:17:15] in general regardless of the [3:17:17] impacts of pedestrian -- on [3:17:18] pedestrians and cyclists. [3:17:21] speaking as a cyclist, bicycli [3:17:23] ng [3:17:23] may not be may not expand at a [3:17:28] [3:17:28] appreciable rate unless or unt [3:17:31] il [3:17:31] the infrastructure is improved. [3:17:34] [3:17:34] but e-cycling, microtransits, [3:17:37] are going to expand regardless [3:17:39] [3:17:39] because they are convenient for [3:17:41] [3:17:41] people who can't or won't put [3:17:42] themselves in traffic at a [3:17:44] relatively low speed bicycle. [3:17:47] and so infrastructure [3:17:49] redevelopment needs to [3:17:50] accommodate at least these thr [3:17:54] ee [3:17:54] tiers. [3:17:54] when you separate at the very [3:17:56] least we need to separate [3:17:57] pedestrians from e-bikes. [3:17:59] and that can't be safely done b [3:18:01] y [3:18:01] forcing e-bikes and cyclists [3:18:03] into the same lanes as traffic [3:18:04] . [3:18:04] as car traffic. [3:18:08] my suggestions were just to [3:18:10] narrow the lanes by a foot or [3:18:11] two in each direction, which [3:18:13] would admit plenty of buffers [3:18:15] separating a two-way bike path [3:18:19] [3:18:19] which would then reduce the [3:18:20] number of zippers by about hal [3:18:22] f, [3:18:22] the number of -- and cyclists b [3:18:29] y [3:18:29] half by putting all the bike [3:18:30] infrastructure on one side of [3:18:32] the road. [3:18:35] and make it more inviting to [3:18:37] people riding together. [3:18:40] ideally incre use. [3:18:46] >> mayor: ask you to wrap up, [3:18:46] please. [3:18:46] >> that'll be fine. [3:18:48] I'll wrap up there. [3:18:49] thank you. [3:18:49] >> mayor: thank you. [3:18:51] >> mr. Kip hayes senior, [3:18:53] followed by ryan undine. [3:18:55] >> mayor: welcome, mr. Hayes. [3:18:56] >> thank you. [3:18:58] thank you for having me. [3:19:01] make this brief. [3:19:02] I'm a property owner of [3:19:05] property, I have property on the [3:19:07] [3:19:07] corridor of east gainesville [3:19:09] duval area. [3:19:10] and I own what's called the [3:19:12] slab. [3:19:12] I own the two-story building [3:19:15] that used to be russell henry's [3:19:17] [3:19:17] barber shop. [3:19:18] I own the property between the [3:19:21] [3:19:21] me and the church of unity. [3:19:23] we split the lot. [3:19:23] I own 10 other slots behind the [3:19:26] [3:19:26] slab and behind the other [3:19:27] building itself. [3:19:31] I just got my permits to build [3:19:34] , [3:19:34] to build out the russell henry [3:19:37] [3:19:37] building to a restaurant to a [3:19:40] food downstairs. [3:19:43] also applying for the grant to [3:19:46] [3:19:46] redo the slab and some of the [3:19:48] parcels behind the slap to put [3:19:51] a [3:19:51] small convenient grocery store [3:19:53] [3:19:53] there. [3:19:53] right? [3:19:53] with a pharmacy because we got [3:19:56] a [3:19:56] lot of people in duval, you [3:19:58] know, that need to get to a [3:20:00] pharmacy that's not I think it' [3:20:01] s [3:20:01] either wal-mart or cvs. [3:20:03] so we also need to do something [3:20:05] [3:20:05] about the store that's next do [3:20:07] or [3:20:07] to the slab, it's on that [3:20:10] corridor as well. [3:20:12] and I figure if we put a bette [3:20:16] r [3:20:16] product on 8th avenue, better [3:20:20] services, better sort of a [3:20:23] better convenience store but a [3:20:24] [3:20:24] small grocery store, it will [3:20:27] eliminate a lot of the things [3:20:28] going on at that store. [3:20:29] I'm saying all that because the [3:20:30] [3:20:30] bike lanes even in the future [3:20:34] with the traffic that this [3:20:35] particular project that I'm [3:20:36] working on is, that I'm [3:20:37] developing, there would be no [3:20:40] need, there would be no room for [3:20:42] [3:20:42] a bike lane with the traffic [3:20:43] that's going to increase with [3:20:45] the businesses that I'm trying [3:20:46] [3:20:46] to set up there. [3:20:48] right? [3:20:48] I agree with the resurfacing. [3:20:52] and I agree with that [3:20:53] wholeheartedly. [3:20:53] we been needing that. [3:20:55] but as far as adding bike lanes [3:20:59] , [3:20:59] now or in the future, to what I [3:21:01] [3:21:01] plan on doing, over there as fa [3:21:04] r [3:21:04] as enhancing that community, [3:21:06] putting a better product out [3:21:07] there, having a better service [3:21:10] [3:21:10] for the community itself, I [3:21:14] don't see how that's going to [3:21:15] work. [3:21:15] I'm from that area. [3:21:17] I grew up in that area. [3:21:18] I grew up in duval. [3:21:20] my mom still lives over there. [3:21:21] [3:21:21] I'm -- the people in the -- [3:21:23] sitting behind me they see me [3:21:24] over there every day cleaning u [3:21:26] p [3:21:26] that property. [3:21:26] cleared those lots, those, the [3:21:29] [3:21:29] trees, the bushes, overbrush, [3:21:32] all that stuff. [3:21:32] I did all that with my own dim [3:21:33] e, [3:21:33] I bought this property with my [3:21:34] [3:21:34] own money. [3:21:35] so I invested my own money int [3:21:37] o [3:21:37] this area because this is my [3:21:39] area. [3:21:39] this is my property. [3:21:41] I hate to see what's going on [3:21:42] over there, but I'm one man. [3:21:45] if the city really wants to [3:21:46] help, help me put a grocery [3:21:47] store on my property. [3:21:48] help me develop it. [3:21:49] help me hire -- you know, [3:21:51] whatever you want to do, as fa [3:21:53] r [3:21:53] as developing that area, getti [3:21:54] ng [3:21:54] rid of the slab, and running [3:21:56] that convenience store out of [3:21:57] business because I don't think [3:21:58] [3:21:58] they can be bought out, so let [3:22:01] 's [3:22:01] do that. [3:22:02] thank you. [3:22:04] >> mayor: thank you. [3:22:05] >> brian undine. [3:22:08] >> question for him. [3:22:09] >> mayor: hold on. [3:22:09] just a minute, mr. Hayes. [3:22:10] come back up. [3:22:11] we have a question for you. [3:22:14] commissioner chestnut. [3:22:14] >> thank you. [3:22:15] thank you, mr. Hayes. [3:22:16] it sounds like you are taking [3:22:17] advantage of the grant that the [3:22:20] [3:22:20] city -- [3:22:20] >> yes, ma'am, I have a -- [3:22:22] >> made available -- [3:22:23] >> yes, ma'am, I have a grant [3:22:24] writer on it right now. [3:22:24] we're going to submit it in the [3:22:25] [3:22:25] next couple of days hopefully t [3:22:27] o [3:22:27] help with the slab part and some [3:22:31] [3:22:31] facade work on the russell hen [3:22:32] ry [3:22:32] building as well. [3:22:34] I just was permitted, thanks t [3:22:37] o [3:22:37] the andrew persons in the offic [3:22:38] e [3:22:38] really helping me get my permi [3:22:40] ts [3:22:40] and stuff going through and [3:22:42] commissioner desmon. [3:22:43] they really helped me because [3:22:45] this permit with the building [3:22:47] department took a year. [3:22:50] and then gun violence helped m [3:22:51] e [3:22:51] up a year on the wastewater -- [3:22:53] [3:22:53] gru helped help held me up [3:22:55] a [3:22:55] year on the wastewater. [3:22:56] when I got them involved, when [3:22:58] I [3:22:58] got mr. Persons involved and [3:23:06] commissioner duncan-walker [3:23:07] involved, I got my permits. [3:23:09] I got my permits last month and [3:23:11] [3:23:11] now they comup with the grant, [3:23:13] [3:23:13] so I slowed down on what I was [3:23:15] [3:23:15] doing because I'm spending my [3:23:16] own money like I say to apply [3:23:17] for some of that money as well [3:23:19] [3:23:19] because I believe if we put a [3:23:20] pharmacy over there with a nic [3:23:22] e [3:23:22] little grocery store, it doesn [3:23:24] 't [3:23:24] have to be really big. [3:23:25] it just has to be what the [3:23:26] community needs and a pharmacy [3:23:27] [3:23:27] in that put it over there, man [3:23:29] , [3:23:29] and I think we'll do real well. [3:23:30] [3:23:30] I think that it'll change the [3:23:32] way it looks. [3:23:33] and the way it feels walking [3:23:35] down the street of east [3:23:36] gainesville. [3:23:36] it doesn't feel good, doesn't [3:23:39] feel safe. [3:23:39] you know, I'm over there all t [3:23:41] he [3:23:41] time and I'm like it's just [3:23:43] don't feel right, don't feel [3:23:44] like home and it's supposed to [3:23:47] [3:23:47] be my home, you know? [3:23:48] >> well, I want to thank you f [3:23:50] or [3:23:50] your due diligence and being [3:23:53] steady and applying for the [3:23:54] grant. [3:23:54] >> thank you. [3:23:55] >> so thank you. [3:23:55] >> thank you too. [3:23:56] >> mayor: thank you. [3:23:57] commissioner chestnut, and the [3:23:59] n [3:23:59] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:24:01] >> mr. Mayor, mine is just [3:24:02] simply a comment. [3:24:03] I wanted to also thank you, [3:24:05] mr. Hayes. [3:24:06] we've had numerous conversatio [3:24:08] ns [3:24:08] over quite sometime now with [3:24:10] regards to the type of [3:24:12] innovation that you want to [3:24:13] bring to that area that is, tha [3:24:16] t [3:24:16] is different, and I think [3:24:18] colleagues expect to hear from [3:24:20] [3:24:20] him based on a much more recen [3:24:23] t [3:24:23] conversation and a more formal [3:24:25] [3:24:25] way in terms of a different typ [3:24:25] e [3:24:25] of proposal that will also [3:24:28] impact that area, and so that' [3:24:29] s [3:24:29] why this conversation is so [3:24:30] important. [3:24:30] I'll conclude right here but [3:24:33] just to be on the look out for [3:24:34] [3:24:34] something that I believe is [3:24:35] coming forward. [3:24:37] I think andrew I mentioned it t [3:24:38] o [3:24:38] you as well, so thank you once [3:24:41] [3:24:41] again, mr. Hayes, for trying to [3:24:44] [3:24:44] be a part of the solution with [3:24:46] [3:24:46] regards toic economic [3:24:49] development on 8th avenue.you. [3:24:50] [3:24:50] >> mayor: thank you, [3:24:51] commissioner duncan-walker -- [3:24:55] >> I d't have a lot to say. [3:24:56] so thank you for resurfacing [3:24:59] that road that is fan fastic, [3:25:01] well needed, fixing the [3:25:02] sidewalk, that will be great. [3:25:04] I would like to point out that [3:25:05] [3:25:05] you're seeing differences in [3:25:06] speeding from west of waldo, [3:25:09] they're totally different. [3:25:10] totally different neighbors and [3:25:11] [3:25:11] smrkt east of waldo is totally [3:25:13] [3:25:13] different than any other secti [3:25:15] on [3:25:15] of 8th avenue because it's a [3:25:17] neighborhood. [3:25:17] that's a neighborhood street. [3:25:19] the reason you're seeing those [3:25:21] [3:25:21] speeds is because people are [3:25:22] coming down waldo road and [3:25:23] trying to dodge that [3:25:25] intersection and they come dow [3:25:26] n, [3:25:26] they turn right, and they fly [3:25:27] down that road. [3:25:29] I live on the corner, I own my [3:25:31] [3:25:31] home on the corner of 23rd [3:25:33] street and 8th avenue. [3:25:34] that's where I live. [3:25:35] we don't have a sidewalk there [3:25:37] . [3:25:37] don't care. [3:25:37] it can come in and not come in, [3:25:40] [3:25:40] I don't care. [3:25:40] the crosswalks is a great idea, [3:25:42] [3:25:42] as long as you're not ticketing [3:25:43] [3:25:43] people that don't use them [3:25:44] because it's a neighborhood [3:25:45] street. [3:25:45] people are going to want to go [3:25:47] [3:25:47] back and forth, right? [3:25:48] it is a neighborhood. [3:25:49] having no intralines telling u [3:25:52] s [3:25:52] how -- extra lines telling us [3:25:55] how we have to use the road is [3:25:56] [3:25:56] okay with us. [3:25:57] if you want to cut down the [3:25:59] speed, you have to deter peopl [3:26:01] e [3:26:01] from trying to use that as a c [3:26:03] ut [3:26:03] through. [3:26:03] as far as those trees go, those [3:26:05] [3:26:05] trees can be beautiful healthy [3:26:06] [3:26:06] trees water oak or not. [3:26:08] they are designed to get heavy [3:26:09] [3:26:09] with acorns, load up and break [3:26:11] , [3:26:11] and fall down. [3:26:13] that's how they're evolved and [3:26:15] [3:26:15] if we're cutting these close t [3:26:18] o [3:26:18] the trunk they are going to hav [3:26:18] e [3:26:18] rot problems. [3:26:19] and that's the problem we have [3:26:21] . [3:26:21] you send in city crews and [3:26:23] they're destroying the trees. [3:26:24] they get unhealthy and are goi [3:26:25] ng [3:26:25] to fall. [3:26:27] I think I said everything. [3:26:29] oh it food store, yeah. [3:26:32] if we have accidents on the [3:26:33] street people getting hit and [3:26:35] killed that's because they're [3:26:36] coming from across the street [3:26:37] of [3:26:37] the food store stumbling to th [3:26:38] e [3:26:38] clarence thomas center and sit [3:26:41] [3:26:41] down and do whatever. [3:26:42] I can't even go to that park no [3:26:43] [3:26:43] more, right wmy daughter. [3:26:44] I have a 6-year-old daughter. [3:26:46] that's another thing. [3:26:46] kids on the street, that's whe [3:26:48] re [3:26:48] I taught her to ride her bike. [3:26:50] [3:26:50] not on that street. [3:26:50] we don't go on 8th avenue to [3:26:52] go on that street, all right? [3:26:53] if we start putting lines on [3:26:55] there, we got extra laws and [3:26:56] extra enforcement and we alrea [3:26:57] dy [3:26:57] have predatory police trying t [3:26:59] o [3:26:59] fill quotas watching for [3:27:01] teenagers driving slow. [3:27:02] so please, like we don't need a [3:27:03] [3:27:03] bunch of extra lines. [3:27:04] it's just a neighborhood. [3:27:06] do you want extra lines on the [3:27:07] [3:27:07] road outside of your house? [3:27:09] probably not. [3:27:10] probably not. [3:27:11] so I hope y'all have a great [3:27:12] day. [3:27:12] god bless. [3:27:13] thank you. [3:27:14] for fixing it and next time I [3:27:15] see you I'll probably be angry [3:27:16] , [3:27:16] who knows, I'm crazy, right? [3:27:18] >> mayor: thank you. [3:27:18] >> we did have another sign up, [3:27:21] [3:27:21] arb armando grundy gomez. [3:27:24] >> welcome, mr. Gundy. [3:27:25] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:27:26] armando grundy gomez. [3:27:27] I guess I want to do a contrac [3:27:29] ts [3:27:29] when it comes -- contrast when [3:27:31] [3:27:31] it comes to public works [3:27:32] projects of this nature when I [3:27:33] t [3:27:33] comes to quote, unquote, [3:27:35] complete streets. [3:27:35] I remember the last time a few [3:27:37] [3:27:37] iterations ago a few years ago [3:27:38] [3:27:38] when we talk about complete [3:27:39] streets, we talk about [3:27:40] university avenue which also [3:27:42] goes also into our community a [3:27:43] nd [3:27:43] district 1. [3:27:44] and in that during that [3:27:46] conversation and that time, the [3:27:48] [3:27:48] only real section of university [3:27:49] [3:27:49] avenue that's really a complete [3:27:51] [3:27:51] street is in and around and by [3:27:53] [3:27:53] the definition of a complete [3:27:54] street, I'm talking about for [3:27:55] the department of transportatio [3:27:56] n [3:27:56] and what civil engineers will [3:27:58] recognize as you having a mu [3:27:59] multimodal pedestrian friendly [3:28:02] [3:28:02] slowing down of traffic, [3:28:03] et cetera, you have that in and [3:28:05] [3:28:05] around the university but if yo [3:28:06] u [3:28:06] have it down in district 1, pas [3:28:09] t [3:28:09] waldo road you don't pretty muc [3:28:10] h [3:28:10] you don't see that too much. [3:28:12] you don't see it slowing down. [3:28:14] [3:28:14] of course we have traffic death [3:28:15] s [3:28:15] but we also have traffic deaths [3:28:17] [3:28:17] in district 1 too. [3:28:18] so I just find it interesting [3:28:19] that we're having the tale of [3:28:22] two streets. [3:28:24] so it I guess I want to [3:28:26] understand where all this energ [3:28:27] [3:28:27] is coming from to want to have [3:28:32] [3:28:32] this -- one person would say [3:28:34] we're resurfacing it. [3:28:35] is that really the reiteration [3:28:37] [3:28:37] of why we're doing this? [3:28:39] of course we want to have bike [3:28:40] [3:28:40] lanes and they're good, but if [3:28:41] [3:28:41] that was the case why didn't w [3:28:44] e [3:28:44] complete university avenue all [3:28:45] [3:28:45] the way down too and make it a [3:28:47] [3:28:47] real complete street? [3:28:47] because it is the same [3:28:48] university avenue if I turn off [3:28:49] [3:28:49] of williston road and turn lef [3:28:51] t, [3:28:51] and go toward university of [3:28:53] florida, it's not a complete [3:28:54] street when you come off [3:28:58] williston road. [3:29:01] oh urmy, my my god it slo [3:29:04] ws down [3:29:05] and is beautiful and wonderful [3:29:06] [3:29:06] and gorgeous. [3:29:07] so that would be my question why [3:29:09] [3:29:09] now. [3:29:09] where is all this and it's not [3:29:10] [3:29:10] simply because we're resurfacing [3:29:13] [3:29:13] it. [3:29:13] make it make sense. [3:29:19] and what's the total cost of [3:29:21] this? [3:29:21] so but what we would be great I [3:29:24] s [3:29:24] when we're having the [3:29:25] conversation about the 8th and [3:29:27] [3:29:27] waldo road project is why is [3:29:28] waldo road looking the same as [3:29:29] [3:29:29] it has for 40 years, why are w [3:29:31] e [3:29:31] not having real economic [3:29:33] investment in economic in that [3:29:35] [3:29:35] corridor, real economic [3:29:36] investment. [3:29:36] I'm not talking about parts and [3:29:38] [3:29:38] piece3450e8ing we're doing [3:29:40] street cafes with gcra money. [3:29:44] I want to have real [3:29:45] conversations about what we ca [3:29:46] n [3:29:46] do to have meaningful impact in [3:29:49] [3:29:49] the community that sees [3:29:51] disinvestment from you and not [3:29:52] [3:29:52] real investment. [3:29:52] thank you so much. [3:29:53] >> mayor: thank you, [3:29:54] mr. Grundy. [3:29:55] I do want to point out we have [3:29:56] [3:29:56] been trying to get the funds [3:29:58] released to do the similar wor [3:30:00] k [3:30:00] on the east end of university [3:30:03] avenue that fdot released to d [3:30:06] o [3:30:06] in front of the university of [3:30:07] florida for a number of years, [3:30:09] [3:30:09] some of those times while you [3:30:10] were sitting in the room, [3:30:11] mr. Grundy. [3:30:13] but I would love to be able to [3:30:15] [3:30:15] get a safer east university [3:30:17] avenue as I'm on the record [3:30:19] voting for a number of times. [3:30:20] so thank you for that. [3:30:22] anyone else? [3:30:23] >> [off mic] [3:30:25] >> mayor: okay. [3:30:26] as we move forward, I want to [3:30:28] let everybody know that unless [3:30:31] [3:30:31] there is a objection we're goi [3:30:34] ng [3:30:34] to move the two land use -- th [3:30:36] e [3:30:36] land use and zoning item forwa [3:30:38] rd [3:30:38] to the end of the agenda becau [3:30:39] se [3:30:39] we clearly don't have time for [3:30:40] [3:30:40] them this afternoon. [3:30:44] and again, what we're talking [3:30:45] about here is where do we go [3:30:49] forward as far as more, more [3:30:51] engagement and more planning, w [3:30:54] e [3:30:54] have not had the opportunity t [3:30:57] o [3:30:57] have funding available to do [3:31:00] anything yet as we've said fro [3:31:01] m [3:31:01] the beginning of this item. [3:31:03] so I don't want anybody to thin [3:31:05] k [3:31:05] once again that we are in the [3:31:06] process of rolling out [3:31:10] crosswalks and all that sort o [3:31:11] f [3:31:11] thing right now because it's n [3:31:13] ot [3:31:13] funded at this point. [3:31:16] many, many lights. [3:31:17] before we move on from this [3:31:19] item, so commissioner ingle. [3:31:23] >> I would like to make a motio [3:31:24] n [3:31:24] his item until there [3:31:26] has been community input. [3:31:29] >> second. [3:31:30] >> mayor: would [3:31:31] >> would the maker of the [3:31:33] motion -- well, let me just say [3:31:35] [3:31:35] this. [3:31:35] I'm speaking out of turn. [3:31:36] >> mayor: go ahead, it's all [3:31:37] right. [3:31:37] >> in the interest of clarity [3:31:40] I'm going to convene a meeting [3:31:44] [3:31:44] as the district 1 commissioner. [3:31:45] [3:31:45] I I am going to convene a [3:31:47] meeting. [3:31:47] it is something that I've [3:31:49] already mentioned to staff. [3:31:52] because there is a certain way [3:31:53] [3:31:53] that I know that I can convene [3:31:55] a [3:31:55] meeting. [3:31:55] there are certain things that [3:31:56] are important to me about the [3:31:57] way that these meetings should [3:31:58] [3:31:58] go but also it's important to m [3:32:02] e [3:32:02] that I can convene this. [3:32:04] understand that when I say I'm [3:32:05] [3:32:05] going to convene the meeting t [3:32:06] he [3:32:06] meeting that I'm talking about [3:32:07] [3:32:07] is going to be very similar to [3:32:10] [3:32:10] what we did over at cone park a [3:32:12] [3:32:12] couple of weeks ago and it will [3:32:13] [3:32:13] be a robust experience, not jus [3:32:16] t [3:32:16] where you're being provided [3:32:18] information, but where you wil [3:32:20] l [3:32:20] have the opportunity to speak [3:32:21] because that's the whole point [3:32:23] . [3:32:23] so I'm sorry I was going to ask [3:32:26] [3:32:26] you to add something to that a [3:32:28] nd [3:32:28] I don't think I need to in lig [3:32:29] ht [3:32:29] of that. [3:32:29] >> all right. [3:32:30] >> mayor: all right. [3:32:31] you good, commissioner [3:32:32] duncan-walker? [3:32:32] >> I think so. [3:32:33] >> mayor: all right. [3:32:34] commissioner willits. [3:32:37] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:32:37] can staff just read from our [3:32:39] comp plan why it is that we're [3:32:40] [3:32:40] doing this? [3:32:43] can it be read just so it's [3:32:44] clear? [3:32:44] I can't find it searching comp [3:32:46] [3:32:46] plan. [3:32:46] or comp plan specifically says [3:32:48] [3:32:48] when we resurface, I'm trying t [3:32:51] o [3:32:51] remember the type of road, but [3:32:53] [3:32:53] there's a specific type of roa [3:32:54] d [3:32:54] that when we go to resurface I [3:32:56] t, [3:32:56] we must begin this process of [3:32:59] considering, correct? [3:33:02] bike lanes, safety improvement [3:33:03] [3:33:03] whether that's I think it's the [3:33:08] [3:33:08] whole that's why it's here [3:33:10] because if we weren't [3:33:11] resurfacing this would never [3:33:12] come up, right? [3:33:15] so-- [3:33:15] >> chase -- city engineer. [3:33:18] I apologize I don't have the [3:33:19] specific comp plan right here. [3:33:20] [3:33:20] I do have the engineering desig [3:33:22] n [3:33:22] and construction manual. [3:33:25] >> forget -- I typically say [3:33:26] comp plan because comp plan [3:33:27] references a, does it not [3:33:29] reference the design and [3:33:31] construction manual, the edm? [3:33:35] roughly that's how I [3:33:36] understand -- I said comp plan [3:33:37] [3:33:37] so it references. [3:33:38] somewhere there is written [3:33:39] policy that says when we go [3:33:41] forward before we go spending a [3:33:44] [3:33:44] bunch of money on paving let's [3:33:45] [3:33:45] look and see if the thing we [3:33:47] missed 20 years ago needs to be [3:33:48] [3:33:48] done today. [3:33:51] >> yes, in general so [3:33:53] transportation element [3:33:55] underneath the comprehensive [3:33:55] plan, and then the bicycle [3:33:57] facilities underneath our edcm [3:33:59] [3:33:59] references pretty close to the [3:34:01] [3:34:01] same language but it's bicycle [3:34:03] [3:34:03] facilities shall be provided o [3:34:04] n [3:34:04] resurfacing projects if [3:34:05] sufficient right-of-way and/or [3:34:07] [3:34:07] pavement with width exists a [3:34:10] nd [3:34:10] on all new roadways and then I [3:34:12] t [3:34:12] references nacto or bike way [3:34:16] standards, et cetera, [3:34:17] et cetera. [3:34:18] and it goes into a little bit [3:34:20] more detail from there. [3:34:22] >> thank you. [3:34:22] I wanted to clarify that's why [3:34:23] [3:34:23] we're here. [3:34:24] I agree there is way more [3:34:25] conversation. [3:34:25] I'm still a little confused by [3:34:26] [3:34:26] the motion often because it's [3:34:29] sometimes we're doing contracts, [3:34:30] [3:34:30] sometimes we're doing, whateve [3:34:33] r, [3:34:33] 90% plans. [3:34:34] what does proceed with the [3:34:35] design and permitting of [3:34:36] northeast 8th avenue [3:34:37] resurfacing project from waldo [3:34:39] [3:34:39] to the western property line o [3:34:41] f [3:34:41] loftin high school with the [3:34:42] scope as recommended mean? [3:34:44] >> mayor: we're not doing it [3:34:46] anyway. [3:34:46] it's not a motion -- [3:34:49] >> okay, because I want to know [3:34:50] [3:34:50] the original motion. [3:34:51] that's right. [3:34:53] >> only one motion. [3:34:54] >> you're right. [3:34:55] forgive me. [3:34:57] and so the last thing I will s [3:34:58] ay [3:34:58] is like, just in the future lik [3:35:01] e [3:35:01] I said the easy cheap option I [3:35:04] s [3:35:04] literally a line of parking [3:35:05] either on the north or the sou [3:35:06] th [3:35:06] side of 8th from waldo out [3:35:09] however far. [3:35:10] which does allow churches to d [3:35:13] o [3:35:13] what they need to do with more [3:35:14] [3:35:14] flexible street and would allow [3:35:15] [3:35:15] potential businesses. [3:35:17] I always envision that corner [3:35:18] anywhere between 15, 17th, [3:35:20] 18th as being an idea of our [3:35:22] grant program was it's mixed u [3:35:24] se [3:35:24] sort of commercial maybe theywa [3:35:27] nt, maybe they could use [3:35:28] on-street parking on side [3:35:30] streets so they can actually [3:35:31] have commercial activity becau [3:35:33] se [3:35:33] you need a couple parks spaces. [3:35:35] [3:35:35] so the quick and easy cheap is [3:35:36] [3:35:36] resurface, repaint your normal [3:35:37] [3:35:37] lines, put in a row of parking [3:35:39] , [3:35:39] that gets you now lanes that a [3:35:41] re [3:35:41] somewhere less than 17 feet [3:35:44] wide. [3:35:44] but I want to make sure I'm [3:35:47] adamant that the reason why [3:35:48] people speed there is not [3:35:50] because of magic cut through. [3:35:51] it's because it is a 17-foot [3:35:54] wide lane cut through because [3:35:56] 8th on the other side is just [3:35:58] as much of a cut through, but [3:35:59] those lanes are much narrower [3:36:00] with a median, you know curves [3:36:03] [3:36:03] that were done however many [3:36:04] years ago. [3:36:07] I just, the people, the east [3:36:08] side deserves frankly they [3:36:11] deserve 32 miles an hour avera [3:36:13] ge [3:36:13] or not average but 85th [3:36:14] percentile instead of 38. [3:36:16] I think they deserve the same [3:36:18] speeds running through their [3:36:19] neighborhood because it is a [3:36:20] neighborhood. [3:36:20] it's a mixed use, you know, old [3:36:23] [3:36:23] kind of older school tradition [3:36:25] al [3:36:25] neighborhood format, and it doe [3:36:26] s [3:36:26] not deserve 38 miles an hour a [3:36:29] t [3:36:29] the 85th percentile. [3:36:30] I want to to figure out how w [3:36:33] e [3:36:33] can get it down to 32. [3:36:35] thank you. [3:36:35] >> mayor: thank you, [3:36:36] commissioner willits. [3:36:37] thank . [3:36:38] commissioner chestnut. [3:36:40] >> commissioner willits, I think [3:36:41] [3:36:41] the key word you keep saying [3:36:43] regarding the comp plan is [3:36:44] consideration. [3:36:44] consideration. Not [3:36:49] not a mandate to do anything. It [3:36:50] it's just to consider it. [3:36:53] and that is the key word. [3:36:54] thank you. [3:36:56] >> mayor: thank you, [3:36:56] commissioner. [3:36:56] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:37:02] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:37:04] what I wanted to say has alrea [3:37:05] dy [3:37:05] been said. [3:37:05] hopefully this motion will [3:37:06] carry, and hopefully we are [3:37:07] sending the message to the [3:37:09] people that we won't miss these [3:37:11] [3:37:11] critical steps to pull them in [3:37:12] to [3:37:12] the process in a meaningful way [3:37:14] [3:37:14] on something that is so critical [3:37:15] [3:37:15] in the future. [3:37:17] thank you. [3:37:17] >> mayor: thank you, [3:37:18] commissioner dunk [3:37:20] duncan-walker. [3:37:20] mr. Manager. [3:37:21] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:37:22] I do have the comp plan policie [3:37:24] s [3:37:24] if you all want to hear them. [3:37:28] so is that a yes or -- [3:37:29] [laughter] [3:37:29] I'm getting mixed like faces. Al [3:37:35] all right. [3:37:35] >> mayor: thank you. [3:37:37] commissioner chestnut? [3:37:37] >> yeah, again, I just want to [3:37:39] [3:37:39] be sure that the key word in the [3:37:41] [3:37:41] comp plan is consider. [3:37:46] >> it is not. [3:37:47] >> it is not? [3:37:48] what is it then? [3:37:49] >> yeah, there's three policies [3:37:52] [3:37:52] in your transportation element [3:37:55] . [3:37:55] the first is policy 3.1.5 which [3:38:00] [3:38:00] says essentially street [3:38:02] modifications including [3:38:05] restriping or resurfacing shall [3:38:06] [3:38:06] not increase the difficulty of [3:38:08] [3:38:08] bike transit or pedestrian [3:38:10] travel such changes shall [3:38:12] include safety features for [3:38:13] bicycle, transit and pedestrians [3:38:15] [3:38:15] to offset any negative impact [3:38:17] and modification might otherwise [3:38:20] [3:38:20] create then policy 4.1.7 says [3:38:22] new cluks, reconstruction, [3:38:24] and -- construction, [3:38:25] reconstruction, and resurfacing [3:38:26] [3:38:26] of arterials and collectors [3:38:27] shall be designed using complet [3:38:29] e [3:38:29] streets and context sensitive [3:38:30] street design principles. [3:38:33] and then policy 6.1.4 says the [3:38:35] [3:38:35] city shall use street [3:38:37] resurfacing projects as an [3:38:39] opportunity to install or [3:38:40] enhance sidewalks, bike lanes, [3:38:43] [3:38:43] raised medians, brick or brick [3:38:45] [3:38:45] and printed paver or painted [3:38:46] croswalks where feasible if not [3:38:48] [3:38:48] a city project the city shall [3:38:50] recommend to the state or county [3:38:53] [3:38:53] make such enhancements. [3:38:55] >> mayor: all right. [3:38:55] thank you, mr. Manager. [3:38:58] commissioner book. [3:39:01] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:39:02] coincidentally when we did the [3:39:03] [3:39:03] comp plan and we needed to get [3:39:04] [3:39:04] out information, we had a [3:39:05] flier. [3:39:05] we had a qr code. [3:39:07] we had a couple of forums that [3:39:09] [3:39:09] were hosted by two of the [3:39:10] commissioners on the dais here. [3:39:12] [3:39:12] and we got tremendous amounts o [3:39:14] f [3:39:14] feedback so it's easy to do and [3:39:16] [3:39:16] in this northeast 8th avenue [3:39:18] corridor no matter what segment, [3:39:19] [3:39:19] you're talking about, eight [3:39:21] churches, was we said, I learn [3:39:23] ed [3:39:23] it was even more than I thought [3:39:24] , [3:39:24] but you got the school board. [3:39:26] we asked them to come for us f [3:39:28] or [3:39:28] listen we sent out information [3:39:29] [3:39:29] to the school board and say it' [3:39:30] s [3:39:30] going to impact them, you got a [3:39:32] [3:39:32] number of residents on that [3:39:34] thing. [3:39:34] you have a number of [3:39:35] businesses. [3:39:35] you have the high aff right [3:39:37] there. [3:39:37] so there is plenty of [3:39:40] opportunity for people to come [3:39:41] [3:39:41] to any forum hosted by anyone [3:39:43] here through the city manager's [3:39:46] [3:39:46] office and when we -- and we a [3:39:48] [3:39:48] large multifamily housing [3:39:50] complex right there in northea [3:39:51] st [3:39:51] 8th avenue and 17th street. [3:39:53] so I think we're going to get [3:39:54] plenty of feedback, and we'll [3:39:55] all be better for it. [3:39:57] whatever comes, if out, if it [3:40:00] 's [3:40:00] merely resurfacing down the [3:40:01] road, that's fine, or if it's [3:40:03] resurfacing plus enhancements, [3:40:05] [3:40:05] well we'll know that we have [3:40:06] community backing to do it. [3:40:07] so thank you. [3:40:09] I appreciate the fact that [3:40:09] you're going to host a forum, [3:40:11] and if it comes time to go and [3:40:13] [3:40:13] maybe walk or distribute some [3:40:15] information, I'd be happy to [3:40:16] assist in a public way. [3:40:18] thank you. [3:40:19] >> mayor: thank you, [3:40:19] commissioner book. [3:40:20] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:40:22] >> thank you, mr. Book. [3:40:22] thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:40:23] I did want to just mention tha [3:40:25] t [3:40:25] as a part of this discussion, [3:40:27] the comp plan will be [3:40:29] discussed. [3:40:29] because we're still within the [3:40:31] [3:40:31] time frame where any necessary [3:40:33] [3:40:33] tweaks can be made. [3:40:35] thank you. [3:40:36] >> mayor: thank you, [3:40:36] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:40:38] so the short answer to the thi [3:40:40] ng [3:40:40] that I heard several people ask [3:40:42] [3:40:42] as to why now is because we're [3:40:46] [3:40:46] at a point where we need to [3:40:48] spend money on that road. [3:40:49] on that stretch of road. [3:40:50] so if we're going to spend it [3:40:51] money, let's have a conversatio [3:40:53] n [3:40:53] about exactly what it ought to [3:40:54] [3:40:54] be. [3:40:54] a place we need to get to as a [3:41:00] [3:41:00] city is when we say, hey, what [3:41:03] [3:41:03] should we do, is not have folks [3:41:07] [3:41:07] understand -- it's a catch-22. [3:41:10] [3:41:10] if folks understand it as we [3:41:12] need to do a thing, here's wha [3:41:14] t [3:41:14] we're going to do out front, [3:41:16] then of course people push back [3:41:18] [3:41:18] on that. [3:41:19] but usually what it is is when [3:41:22] [3:41:22] we put something out, is here' [3:41:23] s [3:41:23] a discussion item. [3:41:25] here's something to get a [3:41:26] conversation started. [3:41:27] because if we just have a, a [3:41:30] meeting and say what should we [3:41:31] [3:41:31] do, there will be every from [3:41:34] well, we ought to put an [3:41:37] interstate there to we shouldn [3:41:41] 't [3:41:41] do anything. [3:41:41] so the idea is you got to put [3:41:43] something on the table to have [3:41:44] a [3:41:44] discussion about. [3:41:44] if you don't, experience in thi [3:41:47] s [3:41:47] building has taught me you don [3:41:49] 't [3:41:49] get anywhere at all and then y [3:41:50] ou [3:41:50] get ten years down the road and [3:41:52] [3:41:52] somebody says how come you nev [3:41:53] er [3:41:53] spent any money on this. [3:41:55] we can't be there either. [3:41:57] so when we get to this point, [3:41:59] this is the opportunity to [3:42:03] figure out what it is that oug [3:42:04] ht [3:42:04] to be done, and that vote is n [3:42:07] ot [3:42:07] today. [3:42:07] it never was supposed to be par [3:42:10] t [3:42:10] of today. [3:42:11] we need to have more opportunity [3:42:13] [3:42:13] for everybody to weigh in that [3:42:15] [3:42:15] uses the road or that lives on [3:42:17] [3:42:17] the road for what it ought to [3:42:19] be. [3:42:19] that's where we are. [3:42:21] and that's why now. [3:42:23] that's the answer to why now. [3:42:26] yeah, and I know we're a coupl [3:42:29] e [3:42:29] folks are going with it. [3:42:30] it's always election year. [3:42:32] it's always election year so I [3:42:34] t [3:42:34] ain't that. [3:42:37] this is the opportunity to [3:42:38] figure out what's, what we do [3:42:40] because we're going to spend [3:42:42] some money. [3:42:42] we're fought going to come back [3:42:43] d spend the money again [3:42:44] later. [3:42:44] we need to figure out what the [3:42:47] [3:42:47] right way to do it now is. [3:42:48] that's why now. [3:42:50] all right. [3:42:50] so we have a motion on the [3:42:51] table, all in favor, please say [3:42:53] [3:42:53] aye. [3:42:53] any opposed? [3:42:55] all right that passes [3:42:56] unanimously. [3:42:56] madam clerk. [3:42:59] >> mr. Mayor, pause just a [3:43:02] moment. [3:43:02] we have 2026-171, appointments [3:43:13] [3:43:13] to the city plan board and the [3:43:14] [3:43:14] gainesville human rights board [3:43:15] [3:43:15] with recommendation the city [3:43:17] commission review and discuss [3:43:18] the applications received for [3:43:20] the appointments to the city [3:43:21] plan board and gainesville hum [3:43:23] an [3:43:23] rights board and take action [3:43:24] deemed necessary. [3:43:28] and mr. Mayor I did want to let [3:43:30] [3:43:30] you know one of the application [3:43:35] s [3:43:35] for the city plan board has bee [3:43:36] n [3:43:36] updated and printed and you wil [3:43:37] l [3:43:37] find it in the file folders in [3:43:39] [3:43:39] front of you. [3:43:40] essentially there was a questio [3:43:41] n [3:43:41] about a financial disclosure, [3:43:43] and that answer was changed fro [3:43:45] m [3:43:45] no to yes. [3:43:48] >> mayor: very good, thank you [3:43:49] , [3:43:49] and before we move any farther [3:43:50] [3:43:50] forward I want to remind [3:43:52] everyone here for the land use [3:43:52] [3:43:52] and zoning items that we've [3:43:54] pushed those forward to the end [3:43:55] [3:43:55] of the meeting. [3:43:57] so we're not going to do that [3:43:59] before dinner. [3:44:01] okay. [3:44:01] all right. [3:44:10] so we have two folks here for [3:44:11] the city plan board [3:44:12] appointment. [3:44:12] would y'all like to speak? [3:44:14] all right. [3:44:14] so I'm going to ask -- to go [3:44:16] first because we'll do the [3:44:18] alphabetically. [3:44:18] welcome. [3:44:18] >> thank you. [3:44:25] and thank you, mr. Mayor and [3:44:27] commissioners. [3:44:27] my name is jayne moras ki. [3:44:38] prior to my time in gainesville [3:44:39] [3:44:39] I complete admasters in urban [3:44:40] and regional planning where I [3:44:42] did comp plan review for iowa [3:44:44] city another university town. [3:44:45] dollar I was a commercial -- [3:44:47] there was a commercial real [3:44:48] estate appraiser, actually the [3:44:49] [3:44:49] only commercial real estate [3:44:50] appraiser that was a woman in [3:44:52] the state of iowa for men a [3:44:52] years. [3:44:52] >> mayor: in the whole state? [3:44:54] >> in the whole state, yeah. [3:44:55] at the time. [3:44:56] it's changed since then. [3:44:58] but my specialty was low-income [3:45:00] [3:45:00] housing tax credits. [3:45:02] since then moving here, I know [3:45:04] [3:45:04] many of you in my work as the [3:45:07] director of the homeless shelt [3:45:08] er [3:45:08] called family promise of [3:45:10] gainesville. [3:45:10] I've worked in nonprofits for [3:45:16] the last two decades here. [3:45:17] my specialty was housing and n [3:45:20] ow [3:45:20] it's education as well. [3:45:21] it took a -- gainesville is my [3:45:25] [3:45:25] home. [3:45:25] my children grew up here. [3:45:26] went to gainesville high [3:45:29] school. [3:45:29] went to glen springs [3:45:30] elementary. [3:45:30] and I want to be part of the [3:45:35] planning board because one, a [3:45:36] friend asked me to do this [3:45:37] because they knew of my [3:45:38] experience in it, but because [3:45:40] this is my home. [3:45:41] it will continue to be my home [3:45:45] [3:45:45] and it's where my family has [3:45:48] chosen to be. [3:45:49] I'm happy to answer any [3:45:49] questions you have about my [3:45:50] background or experience. [3:45:52] and I believe that the sum tot [3:45:55] al [3:45:55] of that experience would make m [3:45:58] e [3:45:58] a good part of the planning [3:45:59] board. [3:45:59] thank you. [3:46:00] >> mayor: very good. [3:46:00] thank you. [3:46:03] mr. Willis. [3:46:11] >> good afternoon, it's a [3:46:11] pleasure to be here today. [3:46:13] little bit about me is I'm [3:46:15] currently civil engineering [3:46:17] student at university of [3:46:18] florida. [3:46:18] I'm a senior. [3:46:20] I currently have a year left, [3:46:22] and I really discovered a [3:46:24] passion for sustainable [3:46:25] development which is why I [3:46:26] applied to be on the city [3:46:27] planning board after the lovel [3:46:30] y [3:46:30] city clerk came to our class a [3:46:32] nd [3:46:32] made me aware that it was an [3:46:33] opportunity. [3:46:33] and which I believe mayor ward [3:46:36] [3:46:36] you will be speaking at in a [3:46:37] couple weeks. [3:46:38] so I'm excited for that. [3:46:40] but yes, I want to serve my [3:46:43] community. [3:46:43] I've only been in gainesville [3:46:44] since august, but I really gro [3:46:48] wn [3:46:48] to love it. [3:46:48] been a lifelong gator fan so I [3:46:50] [3:46:50] hope to stay here for a long [3:46:51] period of time, and I hope wit [3:46:54] h [3:46:54] this opportunity I can initiat [3:46:57] e [3:46:57] some resilience and [3:46:58] sustainable -- sustainability I [3:47:01] n [3:47:01] this community, and serve as a [3:47:03] [3:47:03] lifelong commitment to the [3:47:05] people. [3:47:05] and as we've seen today, it is [3:47:08] [3:47:08] important to listen to the [3:47:09] people, so I hope to bring tha [3:47:11] t [3:47:11] along too. [3:47:11] thank you. [3:47:12] >> mayor: very good. [3:47:13] thank you. [3:47:14] all right. [3:47:16] commissioner willits. [3:47:17] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:47:18] a quick question. [3:47:19] so for, for the clerk first. [3:47:22] for ms. Moraski application I [3:47:25] don't see the, the address has [3:47:27] [3:47:27] been blacked out. [3:47:28] I know there are lots of [3:47:29] potential reasons why, but I [3:47:30] just want to really confirm tha [3:47:32] t [3:47:32] ms. Moraski lives inside the [3:47:35] incorporated gainesville city [3:47:37] limits. [3:47:37] >> yes. [3:47:37] I have the map if you would like [3:47:38] [3:47:38] to see. [3:47:40] >> I'm a map person. [3:47:41] you already knew where I was [3:47:42] going. [3:47:42] thank you. [3:47:43] and then so then just outside [3:47:45] this I would make a pitch if n [3:47:47] ot [3:47:47] in this vote but into the futur [3:47:49] e [3:47:49] for all of our boards but [3:47:50] particularly even this one [3:47:51] board, we are a community of 6 [3:47:53] 0% [3:47:53] renters. [3:47:53] I don't know that we have any [3:47:55] renters on the city plan board [3:47:56] [3:47:56] right now. [3:47:58] I would have to double check. [3:48:02] but mr. Willis lives in my [3:48:03] district and I'm a little [3:48:05] partial to my district because [3:48:06] [3:48:06] my district is 90% multifamily [3:48:07] , [3:48:07] and we're, and in a city that' [3:48:11] s [3:48:11] 60% renters, renters and [3:48:12] multifamily are part of whatwe [3:48:14] [3:48:14] have to plan for, what we were [3:48:15] [3:48:15] gifted from the county in the [3:48:16] case of southwest gainesville, [3:48:17] [3:48:17] moving forward so I actually [3:48:18] want to make a pitch that we [3:48:20] need more diversity on some of [3:48:21] [3:48:21] our boards, and that includes [3:48:23] income, age, where you live in [3:48:25] [3:48:25] this city, and whether you are [3:48:27] [3:48:27] an incumbent property owner, you [3:48:31] [3:48:31] know or you're a renter so I [3:48:32] just want to make that pitch [3:48:35] because, because we have a [3:48:37] community that is 60% renters [3:48:39] and when all of our policymaker [3:48:41] s [3:48:41] are homeowners and when everyon [3:48:42] e [3:48:42] on our boards are homeowners, o [3:48:44] r [3:48:44] live in a, a family -- a home [3:48:47] owned by their family, where y [3:48:49] ou [3:48:49] don't pay rent, because that's [3:48:50] [3:48:50] how homeownership is typically [3:48:52] [3:48:52] measured, if you're not paying [3:48:54] [3:48:54] rent, you live in a owned home, [3:48:56] [3:48:56] a family owned home of some [3:48:58] sort. [3:48:58] anies with just want to make [3:49:00] that pitch out there. [3:49:01] but also understand that [3:49:02] ms. Moraski is pretty well [3:49:05] qualified both with the [3:49:06] knowledge of our community but [3:49:07] [3:49:07] also the basics of urban [3:49:09] planning. [3:49:09] though I will say some people [3:49:10] think that we have plenty of [3:49:13] urban planner in the city. [3:49:14] they're called staff. [3:49:15] they're everywhere. [3:49:17] and they guide us a lot so to [3:49:20] some degree that plan board is [3:49:21] [3:49:21] still just our neighbors' [3:49:23] knowledge, not necessarily. [3:49:25] we can hire, even more city [3:49:26] planners we could just have a comm [3:49:28] commtee of city planners that [3:49:29] we hire. [3:49:29] so just putting that out there [3:49:31] [3:49:31] as conversation. [3:49:32] we've had interesting, deep [3:49:34] conversations today so I just [3:49:34] wanted to throw it out there. [3:49:36] and just to be clear we have a [3:49:38] n [3:49:38] urban planner as our interim [3:49:39] city manager as well, so thank [3:49:42] [3:49:42] you, madam clerk, for answering [3:49:44] [3:49:44] that question. [3:49:45] thank you. [3:49:46] >> mayor: thank you. [3:49:48] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:49:49] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [3:49:50] I have a question and it's kin [3:49:51] d [3:49:51] of to your point, commissioner [3:49:53] [3:49:53] willits in terms of the [3:49:55] composition but do we currently [3:49:57] [3:49:57] have -- we don't have a student [3:49:59] [3:49:59] seat on this board, do we? [3:50:02] I don't see one indicated here? [3:50:03] [3:50:03] >> we -- the staff liaison [3:50:04] hasn't requested for us to fil [3:50:06] l [3:50:06] it but I do believe that this [3:50:07] is [3:50:07] one of our boards that does ha [3:50:09] ve [3:50:09] a student seat. [3:50:10] we typically don't advertise f [3:50:12] or [3:50:12] those until september or octob [3:50:13] er [3:50:13] when students are back in [3:50:16] session because everyone sort o [3:50:19] f [3:50:19] gearing now towards finals and [3:50:21] [3:50:21] graduation and all of those [3:50:22] types of things, so we typically [3:50:25] [3:50:25] don't advertise for student [3:50:27] seats until usually it's aroun [3:50:32] d [3:50:32] the homecoming time frame gives [3:50:34] [3:50:34] them a chance to get their foo [3:50:35] t [3:50:35] in the door, for the semester, [3:50:37] [3:50:37] get their head on their [3:50:39] shoulders about what they want [3:50:40] [3:50:40] to do for professional, you [3:50:42] know, experience, and we send [3:50:45] that out to the schools and our [3:50:48] [3:50:48] different contacts to get [3:50:51] student applications, and as y [3:50:53] ou [3:50:53] heard, I do speak to college [3:50:56] classes, and wave the flag for [3:51:00] [3:51:00] our advisory boards. [3:51:02] >> that's good. [3:51:03] that's good. [3:51:05] because I appreciate [3:51:07] mr. Brantley coming to us today [3:51:09] , [3:51:09] and he clearly is making all [3:51:11] sorts of efforts to educate [3:51:13] himself in this way, and what [3:51:15] I [3:51:15] would say based on how I'm [3:51:17] probably going to vote today, I [3:51:19] s [3:51:19] mr. Willis, I hope you will com [3:51:20] e [3:51:20] back around the time that we [3:51:22] open that application for the [3:51:23] student seat because what when [3:51:27] I [3:51:27] take a look at the experience [3:51:31] that ms. Jayne moraski brings t [3:51:35] o [3:51:35] the board, I have to lean in [3:51:35] that direction. [3:51:36] and you'll get there. [3:51:38] you will get there. [3:51:40] >> [off mic] [3:51:41] [laughter] [3:51:41] good. [3:51:41] good. [3:51:41] good. [3:51:41] good. [3:51:41] good. [3:51:41] and I mean, for me, it is the [3:51:51] diverse wealth of experience [3:51:52] that she brings to this. [3:51:54] and how that can just make tha [3:51:59] t [3:51:59] board so much more robust. [3:52:00] commissioner willits, I am [3:52:01] certainly willing to entertain [3:52:02] a [3:52:02] conversation about the ways tha [3:52:04] t [3:52:04] we can continue to diversify t [3:52:06] he [3:52:06] board. [3:52:06] but I certainly, mr. Willis, [3:52:10] please come back in september or [3:52:11] [3:52:11] whenever it is that that we [3:52:13] advertise this again because I [3:52:14] [3:52:14] certainly appreciate your [3:52:16] application as well. [3:52:18] >> mayor: thank you, [3:52:18] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:52:19] so madam clerk, I have a concern [3:52:21] [3:52:21] that if we're waiting until [3:52:24] october or sod to aert adverti [3:52:28] se [3:52:28] for a student position, that [3:52:29] means they don't really start [3:52:30] until january, and we may end u [3:52:34] p [3:52:34] putting somebody on the board [3:52:36] that's only here for one [3:52:37] semester. [3:52:37] >> mr. Mayor, it's a point wel [3:52:39] l [3:52:39] taken. [3:52:39] most of the student seats we d [3:52:41] o [3:52:41] with you all in camera in your [3:52:43] [3:52:43] chambers, and so we get them o [3:52:49] n [3:52:49] the appointment and on the [3:52:50] consent agenda much more [3:52:51] quickly. [3:52:51] we usually have them on there [3:52:55] with by the end of october ear [3:52:58] ly [3:52:58] november. [3:52:58] it does eat into -- it's just [3:53:01] our experience when we've done [3:53:03] [3:53:03] applications for students we [3:53:06] don't get the pool that you all [3:53:07] [3:53:07] want to see. [3:53:09] >> mayor: okay. [3:53:09] all right. [3:53:10] thank you. [3:53:11] commissioner ingle. [3:53:13] >> make a motion to appoint [3:53:15] jayne moraski to the city plan [3:53:18] [3:53:18] board -- [off mic] [3:53:25] >> sentiments that we you jus [3:53:29] t [3:53:29] stay involved. [3:53:29] more opportunities for you. [3:53:31] >> second. [3:53:33] >> mayor: all right we have a [3:53:34] second. [3:53:34] we did not sahave the giv [3:53:37] e the [3:53:37] other folks an opportunity. [3:53:38] >> oh, whoops, sorry. [3:53:40] >> mayor: that's okay. [3:53:40] I can do that before we vote. [3:53:41] >> neither of those folks [3:53:43] indicate -- they let us know [3:53:45] they weren't going to be able t [3:53:46] o [3:53:46] attend. [3:53:46] >> mayor: all right, well that [3:53:47] [3:53:47] makes it easier, doesn't it. [3:53:48] all right. [3:53:49] commissioner eastman, did you [3:53:49] have anything else? [3:53:50] >> I was going do do exactly [3:53:51] what commissioner ingle did. [3:53:57] >> there is no public comment. [3:53:58] [3:53:58] >> mayor: all in favor, I rirya [3:53:59] n [3:54:00] aye. [3:54:00] any opposed? [3:54:02] congratulations ms. Moraski. [3:54:05] thank you for being willing. [3:54:06] and mr. Willis, please do stay [3:54:08] [3:54:08] involved. [3:54:08] there are many other boards out [3:54:09] [3:54:09] there. [3:54:09] okay, madam clerk. [3:54:11] >> mr. Mayor, 2026-203, [3:54:13] application to the audit [3:54:14] committee with recommendation [3:54:15] the city commission review the [3:54:17] [3:54:17] application received for [3:54:18] appointment to the audit [3:54:19] committee and take action deeme [3:54:21] d [3:54:21] necessary. [3:54:21] we did have only one applicant [3:54:24] , [3:54:24] who is here with us today, and [3:54:27] [3:54:27] he did also attend the audit [3:54:30] committee meeting. [3:54:31] >> mayor: all right, would you [3:54:33] [3:54:33] like to speak? [3:54:35] >> just want to say happy frida [3:54:43] y [3:54:43] eve. [3:54:43] I used to travel a lot when I [3:54:45] was down in the rider systems [3:54:46] always rider trucks always [3:54:48] traveled sunday night hated [3:54:49] being away from my family so I [3:54:51] [3:54:51] always counted down to fried s [3:54:52] o [3:54:52] I do want to -- friday. [3:54:53] so I do want to appreciate you [3:54:54] [3:54:54] all as far as inviting me here [3:54:55] [3:54:55] today. [3:54:55] just give you a background of [3:54:57] myself. [3:54:57] my name is mark modus. [3:54:59] I have my cpa license I have a [3:55:01] [3:55:01] masters in taxation I'm a [3:55:02] professor over at santa fe [3:55:05] college teach as far as -- [3:55:08] courses over there and also [3:55:09] created and put together the [3:55:11] advanced government accounting [3:55:12] [3:55:12] course. [3:55:12] prior to coming up here, I was [3:55:14] [3:55:14] the head of a accounting -- for [3:55:18] [3:55:18] broward county school board, s [3:55:19] o [3:55:19] we were the sixth largest schoo [3:55:21] l [3:55:21] system in the nation, and prior [3:55:23] [3:55:23] to that I was over at rider [3:55:28] systems. [3:55:28] my wife asked me why are you [3:55:29] interested in doing this? [3:55:31] because as far as you know [3:55:32] volunteering, and I would say [3:55:34] well two things. [3:55:35] I said as far as being head ove [3:55:37] r [3:55:37] broward county for financial [3:55:39] reporting, was I was conductin [3:55:43] g [3:55:43] meetings with the audit [3:55:43] committee. [3:55:43] conducting meetings with the [3:55:46] board. [3:55:46] every month and with rider [3:55:50] systems it was pretty much the [3:55:51] [3:55:51] same thing. [3:55:52] you know what? [3:55:53] this gives me the opportunity t [3:55:54] o [3:55:54] see how it's done on the other [3:55:55] [3:55:56] on the other side. [3:55:57] on the flip being professor ove [3:55:59] r [3:55:59] santa fe college, I'm also on [3:56:03] the community connect and [3:56:04] community connect board what [3:56:04] we're doing is reaching inside [3:56:07] [3:56:07] alachua county, outside the [3:56:08] county as well, and looking for, [3:56:10] [3:56:10] to get that connection, [3:56:13] opportunities for business, [3:56:13] opportunities for governments. [3:56:15] [3:56:15] not only for to extend santa f [3:56:18] e [3:56:18] college out more, but also to [3:56:20] help our students as far as we [3:56:21] [3:56:21] got a lot of different [3:56:23] apprenticeships that are going [3:56:24] [3:56:24] on, and I figured you know [3:56:26] what? [3:56:26] what's a better way to learn [3:56:28] about such a good size city as [3:56:30] [3:56:30] gainesville, what the [3:56:31] opportunities are there, and [3:56:35] just -- as you can tell, as I [3:56:37] tell my students and my class, I [3:56:39] [3:56:39] talk and never shut up, so the [3:56:40] re [3:56:40] we go. [3:56:41] appreciate the time. [3:56:42] >> mayor: all right, thank you. [3:56:44] [3:56:44] commissioner book? [3:56:47] >> this is so easy. [3:56:49] mr. Mayor, so professor modus [3:56:51] has the knowledge, the skills, [3:56:52] [3:56:52] the abilities, he's a current [3:56:54] educator so he is going to be u [3:56:56] p [3:56:56] on trends related to auditing [3:56:59] in [3:56:59] the field so under 2026-203 I [3:57:01] recommend approval of professor [3:57:02] [3:57:02] mark modus to the audit [3:57:03] committee. [3:57:03] >> second. [3:57:07] >> mayor: we have a motion and [3:57:08] a [3:57:08] second. [3:57:08] commissioner duncan-walker. [3:57:10] >> I was going to simply [3:57:13] support. [3:57:13] that's it. [3:57:15] >> mayor: all right. [3:57:15] commissioner eastman? [3:57:21] >> I called around to some [3:57:21] friends in the city of newberr [3:57:23] y [3:57:23] who -- mr. Modus here has a [3:57:25] great reputation. [3:57:25] you're very involved within you [3:57:27] r [3:57:27] community from what I've heard [3:57:30] . [3:57:30] yob ryan undine been helpful I [3:57:31] n [3:57:31] the -- you've been helpful in [3:57:32] the city of newberry in trying [3:57:34] [3:57:34] to work through the of the [3:57:35] financials there so I think [3:57:37] you'll be a great addition to [3:57:38] our audit committee and this I [3:57:39] s [3:57:39] great for your record, we how [3:57:41] long was our last board member [3:57:44] [3:57:44] there? [3:57:44] >> several years. [3:57:45] >> several years. [3:57:48] I'm looking forward have to [3:57:51] having you in there, have a [3:57:52] fresh pair of eyes on [3:57:54] everything. [3:57:54] >> appreciate you. [3:57:56] >> I think he's already attended [3:57:57] [3:57:57] a meeting. [3:57:57] >> yeah, last week, yes, ma'am. [3:57:59] [3:57:59] >> yes, yes. [3:57:59] >> yes, ma'am. [3:58:00] >> mayor: very good. [3:58:00] all right. [3:58:01] thank you, commissioner [3:58:01] eastman. [3:58:01] seeing no further lights, is [3:58:03] there any public comment? [3:58:06] >> there is no public comment. [3:58:07] [3:58:07] >> mayor: all right, all in [3:58:07] favor, please say aye. [3:58:09] any opposed? [3:58:10] all righty, that passes [3:58:10] unanimously. [3:58:10] madam clerk. [3:58:12] >> mr. Mayor, we're onto [3:58:14] commission comment. [3:58:15] >> mayor: all right. [3:58:16] I have multiple commission [3:58:17] comments, but I'll save those [3:58:18] for, for the end of the [3:58:20] meeting. [3:58:20] anyone else? [3:58:22] anyone else? [3:58:22] we will be back here at 5:45 o [3:58:25] r [3:58:25] yeah, 5:45. [3:58:37] [0:00] [23:49:32] >> mayor: good evening, [3:07] everyone. [3:07] welcome to the evening session [3:08] [3:08] for this thursday april 2nd [3:11] meeting of the gainesville city [3:13] [3:13] commission. [3:13] we are lucky to have with us a [3:16] [3:16] great group of cub scouts and [3:18] I'm going to invite you all to [3:20] [3:20] come forward and lead us in the [3:22] [3:22] pledge please. [3:24] come on up. [3:25] good marching. [3:33] so we're going to follow your [3:39] lead. [3:39] >> start it off. [3:41] >> group: I pledge allegiance to [3:47] [3:47] the flag of the united states of [3:47] [3:47] america and to the republic for [3:49] [3:49] which it stands one nation und [3:49] er [3:49] god indivisible with liberty a [3:51] nd [3:51] justice for all. [3:55] >> mayor: very, very good. [3:57] y'all turn around and let's get [3:59] [3:59] some photos. [4:01] >> you want to take a picture? [4:03] [4:03] >> get in here. [4:06] [indistinct conversation] [4:22] >> mayor: between that and the [4:24] [4:24] rocket launch last night, I'm [4:26] feeling all kinds of patriotic [4:28] . [4:28] good work. [4:29] [applause] [4:29] madam clerk. [4:36] >> mr. Mayor, oh, my goodness. [4:38] [4:38] it's a hard act to follow. [4:39] >> mayor: yes. [4:43] >> oh, my gosh. [4:45] [indistinct conversation] [4:45] >> give them a minute. [4:52] >> they may need just a sec. [4:57] mr. Mayor, we have 2026-251, [5:07] national public safety [5:08] telecommunications week. [5:27] >> mayor: whereas the professio [5:38] n [5:38] of public safety [5:39] telecommunicator in alachua [5:40] county plays a crucial role in [5:42] [5:42] the protection of life, propert [5:43] y [5:43] and delivery of public safety [5:44] services. [5:44] and whereas, each day hundreds [5:47] [5:47] of neighbors dial 911 for help [5:50] [5:50] in emergencies and the [5:51] telecommunicators who answer [5:53] these calls gather essential [5:55] information and dispatch the [5:56] appropriate assistance which c [5:58] an [5:58] often make the difference [5:59] between life and death for [6:00] persons in need. [6:01] and whereas, these well trained [6:04] , [6:04] highly dedicated and deeply [6:05] motivated individuals proudly [6:07] and selflessly serve the [6:08] neighbors of gainesville 24 [6:10] hours a day, seven days a week [6:12] , [6:12] and sometimes during extreme [6:14] situations such as hurricanes, [6:16] [6:16] making them unable to be with [6:17] their own families or protect [6:19] their personal homes and [6:20] property. [6:20] and whereas, telecommunicators [6:23] [6:23] who are the original first [6:24] responders are honored to [6:26] receive recognition by the [6:27] neighbors and agencies who [6:28] depend on them and benefit fro [6:30] m [6:30] their services. [6:31] and whereas, the congress of t [6:33] he [6:33] united states has proclaimed I [6:35] n [6:35] support and recognition to the [6:37] se [6:37] employees and their profession [6:38] [6:38] and the city commission wishes [6:39] [6:39] to publicly recognize the local [6:42] [6:42] telecommunicators who serve the [6:43] [6:43] neighbors of gainesville in suc [6:46] hmanner. [6:46] now, therefore, I harvey l. Ward [6:50] [6:50] jr. By the authority vested in [6:51] [6:51] me by the city of gainesville d [6:52] o [6:52] hereby proclaim april 12 throu [6:57] gh [6:57] 18, 2026 as national [7:00] telecommunicators week and [7:02] invite our neighbors to [7:04] recognize our heroes in witness [7:05] [7:05] whereof, I have caused to be [7:09] affixed the official seal of t [7:12] he [7:12] city of gainesville, florida [7:13] this 31st day of march, 2026. [7:15] thank you, all. [7:17] [applause] [7:17] and I want to tell you, this o [7:21] ne [7:21] is special to me. [7:22] when I was a kid, my dad was a [7:24] [7:24] radio operator/early [7:28] telecommunicator at gpd. [7:30] and so I grew up when we had a [7:34] n [7:34] emergency, my dad was -- it was [7:36] [7:36] a hurricane or whatever, dad w [7:37] as [7:37] at gpd. [7:38] and so I respect what youall do [7:44] [7:44] very much and what your families [7:45] [7:45] offer as well. [7:45] >> hello, my name is kristoffer [7:51] [7:51] orwig, I'm at the alachua count [7:55] y [7:55] training center. [7:56] on behalf of my co-workers, I'd [7:58] [7:58] like to thank the chair and [8:00] citizens of alachua county for [8:01] [8:01] taking the time to recognize [8:05] telecommunicators safety week [8:06] 2026. [8:06] thank you. [8:07] [applause] [8:23] >> mr. Mayor, we have 2026-197, [8:38] [8:38] child abuse prevention month. [8:42] >> mayor: all right. [8:42] who is receiving this? [8:43] there we go. [8:45] whereas, prevention is possible. [8:51] [8:51] every family and child are [8:52] filled with tremendous promise. [8:54] [8:54] we all have a collective [8:56] responsibility to prevent [8:58] adverse childhood experiences, [9:00] [9:00] foster the potential of every [9:02] child and promote positive [9:03] childhood experiences. [9:04] and whereas, families who [9:05] receive the support they need [9:08] before a crisis occurs are [9:09] better equipped to provide saf [9:11] e, [9:11] healthy and nurturing [9:13] environments leading to children [9:14] [9:14] who are safer, healthier and [9:16] more hopeful about their [9:17] futures. [9:17] whereas childhood trauma [9:19] including abuse and neglect can [9:22] [9:22] have long-term psychological, [9:23] emotional and physical effects [9:26] [9:26] throughout an individual's [9:27] lifetime and impact future [9:28] generations. [9:28] and whereas, we acknowledge that [9:31] [9:31] we must work together as a [9:33] community to increase awareness [9:35] [9:35] about child abuse and contribut [9:37] e [9:37] to promoting the social and [9:38] emotional well-being of children [9:40] [9:40] and families in a safe, stable [9:43] [9:43] and nurturing environment. [9:45] and whereas, investments in [9:47] prevention initiatives are [9:48] essential to building safer and [9:49] [9:49] healthier communities for all. [9:52] [9:52] therefore, I harvey l. Ward jr. [9:55] [9:55] as the mayor of the city of [9:57] gainesville harborby proclaim [9:58] april 2026 as child abuse [10:00] prevention month in the city of [10:02] [10:02] gainesville and invite all our [10:03] [10:03] neighbors to join me in [10:04] recognizing this month by [10:05] dedicating ourselves to the tas [10:07] k [10:07] of improving the quality of life [10:08] [10:08] for all children and families. [10:10] [10:10] in witness whereof, I have [10:12] hereunto set my hand and cause [10:14] d [10:14] to be affixed the official sea [10:15] l [10:15] of the city of gainesville, [10:17] florida this 11th day of [10:17] march, 2026. [10:20] harvey ward jr. Mayor. [10:21] congratulations. [10:21] [applause] [10:21] >> thank you, thank you. [10:27] on behalf of the alachua count [10:29] y [10:29] child abuse prevention task [10:31] force in partnership for stron [10:33] g [10:33] families, I want to thank you s [10:35] o [10:35] much for standing with us in [10:36] recognizing april as child abu [10:38] se [10:38] prevention month. [10:39] child abuse prevention needs t [10:40] o [10:40] happen all year long, but we'd [10:42] [10:42] like to set aside this month t [10:44] o [10:44] especially recognize it. [10:45] and with that, I'm going to han [10:48] d [10:48] it over to sherry kitchens with [10:50] [10:50] the child advocacy center. [10:52] >> good afternoon. [10:54] mayor, thank you so much for [10:55] this acknowledgment. [10:57] city commissioners, thank you [10:58] for all you do for children [10:59] throughout the year. [11:00] my name is sherry kitchens,the [11:03] [11:03] director of the child advocacy [11:04] [11:04] center and the chair of the [11:06] alachua county child abuse [11:07] prevention task force. [11:07] you may have noticed if you hav [11:09] e [11:09] been by u.f. Health children's [11:12] [11:12] hospital since yesterday, there [11:13] [11:13] is a beautiful display of [11:15] pinwheels out front. [11:16] that is due to the support and [11:19] [11:19] effort of the children's trust [11:21] [11:21] of alachua county and 12 [11:23] organizations that make up the [11:26] abuse prevention task [11:30] force, got out there yesterday [11:31] . [11:31] there were over 50 of us [11:31] planting those pinwheels, over [11:34] [11:34] 200 pinwheels. [11:35] you'll also see them throughou [11:36] t [11:36] the community. [11:37] everywhere where prevention is [11:39] [11:39] happening in the community wit [11:40] h [11:40] our agencies. [11:41] so we really appreciate this [11:43] acknowledgment and your focus [11:46] and support in taking care of [11:47] chinch in our community. [11:49] >> and I'm emily mccauley with [11:53] [11:53] the children's trust of alachua [11:55] [11:55] county. [11:55] I will echo what has been said [11:57] [11:57] here in that we are proud to [11:58] fund and support efforts all [12:00] around our community to make [12:02] alachua county safer for [12:03] children and families. [12:05] the pinwheels are a visual [12:06] reminder of that role that we [12:08] all collectively play. [12:09] I'll give a shout-out to the [12:11] students at the u.f. Center for [12:13] [12:13] autism and related disabilitie [12:14] s [12:14] who helped us assemble about 600 [12:16] [12:16] of those pinwheels in our offic [12:18] e [12:18] last week. [12:19] and we have 10 different ctac [12:21] funded partners who will also b [12:23] e [12:23] planting pinwheels and it reall [12:25] y [12:25] is a community wide collective [12:27] [12:27] effort because we all play a [12:29] role, wis providing a [12:35] sa and supportive [12:35] out-of-school time provider to [12:37] [12:37] an individual and the children' [12:39] s [12:39] trust of alachua county in [12:40] supporting our children and [12:41] families absolute the county. [12:58] >> mr. Mayor, we have 2026-198, [13:19] [13:19] pray then play day. [13:27] >> mayor: okay. [13:28] mr. Sweger, do you have this [13:30] one? [13:30] I'm sorry. [13:33] all right. [13:34] whereas, individuals and [13:35] families thrive when think com [13:36] e [13:36] together in unity, community a [13:38] nd [13:38] harmony to engage in wholesome [13:41] [13:41] fellowship. [13:41] whereas the strength of a city [13:43] [13:43] lies in how well the residents [13:45] [13:45] collaborate and share positive [13:46] [13:46] interactions, commonalities and [13:48] [13:48] bonds. [13:48] whereas, pray, then play day I [13:51] s [13:51] a significant occasion dedicated [13:52] [13:52] to encouraging godly reflectio [13:54] n [13:54] followed by joyful community [13:56] engagement. [13:56] whereas, this event promotes [13:58] peace, togetherness and holistic [14:00] [14:00] well-being through [14:01] christ-centered prayer and [14:02] recreational activities to bring [14:03] [14:03] different people of all races, [14:05] [14:05] genders and socioeconomic [14:08] statuses to one accord. [14:09] whereas the observance of pray [14:11] [14:11] then play day serves as a [14:12] purposeful opportunity for [14:14] individual families to connect [14:16] [14:16] and celebrate their shared [14:17] values, beliefs and ideologies. [14:20] [14:20] I harvey l. Ward jr. By the [14:22] authority vested in me as the [14:25] mayor of city of gainesville, [14:28] florida as pray then play day [14:29] and invite all our neighbors t [14:31] o [14:31] join me in recognizing this [14:34] special day. [14:34] I have where unto set my hand [14:36] and cause to be affixed this t [14:40] he [14:40] official seal of the city of [14:43] gainesville, florida, the 11th [14:44] [14:44] day of march, 2026. [14:45] set that aside. [14:49] >> mr. Mayor, we have 2026-200. [14:52] [14:52] spring migration season. [14:54] >> mayor: all right. [14:55] who's got this one? [14:56] come on up. [15:09] whereas each spring, millions o [15:16] f [15:16] migratory birds travel thousan [15:18] ds [15:18] of miles publish flashes of [15:20] color and song through [15:21] gainesville as they journey [15:23] between wintering and breeding [15:24] [15:24] grounds. [15:24] whereas gainesville's birding [15:27] community and parks, forests a [15:29] nd [15:29] wetlands make palm point, [15:32] sweetwater park and l loblolly [15:35] [15:35] among some of the best birding [15:37] [15:37] locations in florida. [15:38] whereas, an observant may catch [15:41] [15:41] the yellow of a prothontory, t [15:50] he [15:50] inindigo bunting or standigger [15:56] as [15:56] they because in trees and [15:58] wetlands. [15:58] students and nature lovers [16:00] throughout gainesville celebrate [16:01] [16:01] the fleeting season stepping [16:04] outdoors to listen for bird [16:05] association arn watch the tree [16:07] [16:07] tops for passing migrants. [16:08] whereas, as a city known for [16:12] welcoming new neighbors around [16:14] [16:14] the world, gainesville also [16:15] welcomes the arrival of these [16:16] seasonal migrants who briefly [16:18] call our parks, wetlands and [16:19] forests home each spring. [16:21] therefore, I harvey l. Ward jr. [16:23] y the authority vested in me a [16:24] s [16:24] mayor of the city of gainesville [16:26] [16:26] hereby appoint march 15 through [16:29] [16:29] april 15, 2026 as spring [16:31] migration season in the city of [16:32] [16:32] gainesville and invite all our [16:33] [16:33] neighbors to inveto me in [16:36] stepping outside and watching [16:37] for the flashes of red, yellow, [16:39] [16:39] blue and black that mark this [16:41] remarkable season of migration. [16:43] [16:43] I have hereunto set my hand and [16:44] [16:44] cause to be affixed the officia [16:49] l [16:49] seal of the city of gainesville [16:52] , [16:52] florida. [16:52] if you want to say a few words [16:54] . [16:54] >> thank you,mayor, [16:55] commissioner, for recognizing [16:55] birds and nature and [16:57] conservation here in alachua g [17:01] ainesville. [17:01] we are so lucky to have so man [17:04] y [17:04] preserves, so many parks [17:05] throughout the area. [17:07] and it's really drawn attention [17:09] [17:09] to the value that we place in [17:10] nature here in this community. [17:12] [17:12] I want to give a shout-out to [17:14] sweetwater wetlands park and t [17:17] he [17:17] wonderful habitat that it [17:18] provides to wildlife, but also [17:21] a [17:21] great venue for environmental [17:25] education and passive [17:27] recreation. [17:27] and your may be surprised to [17:29] know that sweetwater just in I [17:32] ts [17:32] short 10 years being open to t [17:34] he [17:34] public has risen to the very t [17:36] op [17:36] in popularity of birding hot [17:39] spots in the state of florida. [17:41] [17:41] out of over 5,000 it's in the [17:44] top 10 now which is phenomenal. [17:46] [17:46] something even more phenomenal [17:47] [17:47] about sweetwater, last year the [17:50] [17:50] bird conservancy just added [17:52] sweetwater to its list of the [17:53] top 15 most recommended birding [17:55] [17:55] places to go in the entire [17:58] united states. [17:59] so that's amazing. [18:00] and so what that translates int [18:02] o [18:02] is it shows that gainesville, [18:04] alachua county is a place where [18:06] [18:06] we value our nature, where we [18:08] value conservation and wildlif [18:09] e [18:09] and it also translates into an [18:12] [18:12] untold amount of ecotourism [18:14] dollars for the things that we [18:16] [18:16] value. [18:16] so thank you very much for thi [18:18] s. [18:18] >> mayor: thank you. [18:33] >> mr. Mayor, we are on to [18:50] 2026-201, national public heal [18:53] th [18:53] week -- [19:03] [inaudible] [19:03] >> mayor: all right. [19:06] this is national public health [19:08] [19:08] week. [19:08] pwhereas the week of april 6th [19:27] , [19:27] 2026 is national public health [19:28] [19:28] week and the theme is ready, [19:30] set, action. [19:31] highlighting that public health [19:32] [19:32] actions occurring through [19:34] scientific conferees, [19:35] legislation and community [19:37] initiatives have significantly [19:39] [19:39] improved the health of all [19:40] americans since its inception I [19:43] n [19:43] 1994. [19:43] and whereas, racial and ethnic [19:46] [19:46] minority populations of the [19:47] united states continue to [19:48] experience disparities in the [19:50] burden of illness and deaths a [19:51] s [19:51] compared with the entire [19:52] population of the united states [19:54] . [19:54] and whereas, a person's health [19:56] [19:56] status can differ drastically b [19:58] y [19:58] zip code due to differences in [20:00] [20:00] environment quality, community [20:02] [20:02] context, access to healthy foo [20:04] d, [20:04] access to education, and acces [20:05] s [20:05] to healthcare. [20:07] and whereas, efforts to [20:08] adequately support public [20:10] health, the prevention of [20:10] disease and the injury continue [20:13] [20:13] to transform a health system [20:15] focused on treating illness and [20:17] [20:17] to a health system focused on [20:19] preventing disease, injury and [20:21] [20:21] promoting wellness. [20:23] therefore, I harvey l. Ward jr. [20:25] [20:25] as mayor of the city of [20:26] gainesville proclaim april 6th [20:28] [20:28] through 12th at national [20:29] public health week in the city [20:31] [20:31] of gainesville and invite all [20:31] our neighbors to join me in [20:33] observing this week by helping [20:34] [20:34] our families, friends, neighbo [20:36] rs [20:36] and co-workers and leaders to [20:39] recognize the contribution of [20:42] scientists, loyal city and [20:44] community activists including [20:45] the public health workers as t [20:46] he [20:46] theme states ready, set, actio [20:48] n. [20:48] in witness whereafter I have [20:51] here unto caused to be affixed [20:54] [20:54] the official seal of the city [20:57] of [20:57] gainesville, florida. [21:00] >> on behalf of the beta for [21:11] recognizing public health and [21:13] what it has on our communities [21:16] . [21:16] and thank you for proclaiming [21:19] national public health week. [21:20] thank you. [21:34] >> mr. Mayor, we have 2026-204. [21:42] [21:42] s landscape architecture [21:44] month. [21:44] >> mayor: all right. [21:46] who's got this wurp? [21:52] whereas landscape architecture [21:54] [21:54] encompasses the analysis, [21:56] planning, design and stewardship [21:58] [21:58] of the natural and built [21:59] environment, translating visio [22:01] n [22:01] into action to shape places that [22:03] [22:03] are healthy, safe and resilient [22:05] . [22:05] landscape architecture is a [22:06] regulated profession in all 50 [22:08] [22:08] states and the department of [22:09] business and professional [22:10] regulation ensures the highest [22:11] [22:11] standards of professional [22:14] competence through education, [22:16] experience and examination [22:17] requirements. [22:17] whereas, during april, landsca [22:20] pe [22:20] architecture month is celebrated [22:21] [22:21] under the theme landscape [22:23] architecture in action, where w [22:25] e [22:25] recognize the tangible impact [22:27] this has on parks, streetscape [22:30] s, [22:30] campuses across urban, suburba [22:32] n [22:32] and rural communities. [22:33] and whereas, the license to [22:35] practice landscape architecture [22:37] [22:37] is a critical safeguard for [22:39] public health, safety and [22:40] welfare ensuring outdoor [22:44] environments are designed with [22:48] [22:48] technical rigor and ethical [22:50] responsibility. [22:50] whereas landscape architects a [22:53] re [22:53] nuniquely qualified through [22:57] resilient green infrastructure [22:58] [22:58] design strategies that restore [23:00] [23:00] ecosystems and mitigate [23:02] environmental hazards and [23:03] decrease the long-term disaste [23:05] r [23:05] recovery on state and local [23:06] governments. [23:06] whereas the economy of the city [23:08] [23:08] of gainesville is strengthened [23:10] [23:10] by the work of these landscape [23:11] [23:11] architects and the accredited a [23:14] t [23:14] florida international universit [23:16] y [23:16] and the university of florida [23:17] who together foster tourism, [23:18] economic development and [23:19] environmental protection. [23:20] I harvey l. Ward jr. As [23:23] authority of the mayor of [23:30] gainesville, florida and invite [23:30] [23:30] all our neighbors to join me I [23:32] n [23:32] celebrating landscape [23:33] architecture in action and the [23:35] [23:35] essential role landscape architects [23:39] architects play in the shaping [23:39] [23:39] of resilient, safe environment [23:41] s. [23:41] I have hereunto set my hand and [23:42] [23:42] caused to be affixed the [23:44] official seal of gainesville, [23:46] florida this 26th day of [23:47] march, 2026, harvey ward jr., [23:50] mayor. [23:50] welcome. [23:50] >> you're all set. [23:54] if you want to hand those to [23:56] francisco. [23:56] >> mayor: I'll do that. [24:01] >> we'll make sure those get [24:03] where they need to go. [24:11] next mr. Mayor is the early [24:14] public comment. [24:14] and I don't believe -- no, we [24:15] do [24:15] not have anyone signed up for [24:17] early public comment. [24:19] so we are going to go on to our [24:21] [24:21] first discussion item -- I'm [24:23] sorry, not discussion item, the [24:25] [24:25] ordinance for the evening. [24:28] we have ordinance number [24:30] 2025-998, an ordinance of the [24:33] city of gainesville, florida [24:33] amending the future land use m [24:35] ap [24:35] of the comprehensive plan by [24:36] changing the land use category [24:37] [24:37] of approximately .64 acres of [24:40] property generally located at [24:42] the 800 block of east universit [24:45] y [24:45] avenue as more specifically [24:46] described in this ordinance fro [24:48] m [24:48] planned use district and mixed [24:50] [24:50] use low intensity to mixed use [24:53] [24:53] office residential, providing [24:54] directions to the city manager, [24:56] [24:56] providing severability clause, [24:58] [24:58] providing repealing clause and [24:59] [24:59] providing an effective date. [25:02] >> mayor: very good. [25:03] thank you for your patience. [25:06] >> good evening, mr. Mayor and [25:07] [25:07] commission. [25:07] my name is ari rabbinvich, thi [25:14] s [25:14] is the 800 block east universit [25:16] y [25:16] project item ld25-000143. [25:22] so the parcel seen here located [25:30] n the 800 block of east [25:33] university avenue, the current [25:35] [25:35] land use designation is planned [25:37] [25:37] use district and mixed use low [25:39] [25:39] intensity with a proposed [25:41] designation of mixed use offic [25:43] e [25:43] residential. [25:43] the planned use district land [25:45] use designation corresponded t [25:49] o [25:49] planned ordinance which existed [25:51] [25:51] to enable the restoration and [25:52] rehabilitation of the former b [25:54] ed [25:54] and breakfast use that was at [25:55] the property and allowed for [25:57] uses that were consistent with [25:58] [25:58] those enabled by the former 02 [26:02] [26:02] general office zoning [26:03] designation. [26:03] the requested designation ofmor [26:08] e of mor [26:10] would establish a range of [26:11] allowable uses and development [26:14] [26:14] consistent with the surrounding [26:15] [26:15] area which is a mix of uses [26:17] including offices, residences, [26:19] [26:19] retail, commercial and civic [26:20] uses. [26:20] so here's a map just showing t [26:25] he [26:25] current land uses for the [26:27] subject parcel as compared to [26:28] the surrounding area. [26:30] you see largely mor. [26:36] versus the proposed land use a [26:38] s [26:38] requested under the application [26:40] . [26:40] so looking at the surrounding [26:43] uses and land use designations [26:46] [26:46] for the parcels nearby, you can [26:48] [26:48] see that the majority of the -- [26:51] [26:51] or all of the abutting parcels [26:53] [26:53] are designated mixed use offic [26:56] e [26:56] residential with existing uses [26:58] [26:58] that are primarily residential [26:59] [26:59] and multi-family and [27:00] single-family. [27:00] and so here is an image that [27:08] illustrates what the area looks [27:11] [27:11] like. [27:11] it's a total of approximately 73 [27:14] acres of land designated mor [27:16] in this area before you hit [27:19] waldo road to the east. [27:24] so this is a property that is [27:28] within an historic district. [27:30] the designation pud existed to [27:33] [27:33] restore a former bed & [27:39] breakfast. [27:39] today it lies in the southeast [27:42] [27:42] district and has one [27:44] contributing historic [27:45] distributing which is the [27:46] mccreary house. [27:47] the allowable uses per the pd [27:48] were those that were consistent [27:50] [27:50] with the former 02 general [27:54] designation with factors like [27:55] setbacks and parking determine [27:56] d [27:56] by the requirements of that [27:58] former use category. [28:04] so regarding historic [28:07] preservation, the historic [28:09] preservation officer has [28:09] provided some comments on this [28:10] [28:10] project. [28:10] she left the comment that land [28:13] [28:13] uses which would allow for [28:14] additional infill that adds to [28:15] [28:15] the character of the district I [28:17] s [28:17] appropriate. [28:17] additionally, any new [28:19] development that would occur [28:21] within any historic district [28:23] would be subject to review for [28:24] [28:24] certificates of appropriateness [28:26] [28:26] per land development code [28:28] section 30-4.28 which regulate [28:34] [28:34] design and the subject [28:35] properties in the surrounding [28:37] area. [28:37] this is a land use change which [28:39] [28:39] is subject to review against [28:41] the set of criteria defined by [28:43] [28:43] the land development code. [28:44] we have conducted this review [28:45] and conclude that the criteria [28:46] [28:46] of the code are met including [28:48] consistency with comprehensive [28:50] [28:50] plan goals, policies and [28:51] objectives surrounding the [28:52] diversity of housing, retail a [28:55] nd [28:55] workplace choices encouraging a [28:57] [28:57] mix of uses and discouraging [28:59] sprawl towards the periphery o [29:01] f [29:01] the city and compatibility with [29:02] [29:02] scrownding land uses. [29:04] this would encourage a diverse [29:05] [29:05] range ever uses consistent wit [29:07] h [29:07] what exists in the area today [29:08] and impacts on affordable [29:10] housing. [29:10] this project would enable [29:12] residential uses at the site [29:13] which is currently prohibited [29:15] under the planned development [29:17] and pud designation today. [29:18] so there may be impacts to [29:20] affordable housing in that thi [29:21] s [29:21] change would allow housing at [29:22] that site. [29:23] so with that, staff recommends [29:26] [29:26] approval of ld25-000143. [29:33] we have a rezoning to follow I [29:35] f [29:35] you have any questions. [29:35] I don't know if the applicant I [29:36] s [29:36] here to speak on this item. [29:39] you can if you'd like to. [29:41] >> mayor: ocome on up, [29:46] mr. Sweger. [29:48] welcome. [29:48] >> good afternoon or evening, [29:49] mr. Mayor and commissioners. [29:51] I'm clay sweger. [29:52] glad to be here tonight. [29:53] this is a relative [29:55] administrative type of [29:56] consideration for you all [29:57] tonight. [29:57] the owners of this property [30:00] which includes the mccreary [30:02] house, one of the old victorian [30:04] [30:04] homes on east university heavy [30:06] [30:06] has purchased the property and [30:08] [30:08] is putting significant into [30:11] revitalizing and bringing it [30:13] back to a bread of the mighty [30:14] which is very exciting. [30:15] but in the weeds on the planning [30:16] [30:16] side it's an expired from the [30:21] 1980s, that era of pds [30:23] doesn't have a reverter clause [30:26] [30:26] so the pd expired and it doesn [30:29] 't [30:29] go back to the office zoning [30:30] that it was before. [30:31] the action before you is to [30:33] address that issue on the land [30:34] [30:34] use map to go to mor in the [30:36] zoning to u-4 which would allow [30:39] [30:39] that bed & breakfast use. [30:41] but, of course, the analysis by [30:42] [30:42] your staff was to consider all [30:44] [30:44] uses in that area. [30:46] properties in essentially every [30:48] [30:48] direction are u-4 for a block o [30:49] r [30:49] two, so it's very consistent [30:51] with the pattern. [30:52] this would allow that [30:54] revitalization of the historic [30:56] [30:56] structure, which happy to say [30:57] that your historic preservatio [30:58] n [30:58] planner has been involved and [31:00] she's integral in the design a [31:02] nd [31:02] permitting of the improvements. [31:04] [31:04] as you drive by there, you can [31:06] [31:06] see them happening. [31:07] so thank you for consideration [31:08] [31:08] on this. [31:09] if you have any questions for m [31:10] e [31:10] tonight, please let me know. [31:11] thank [31:11] >> mayor: very good. [31:13] thank you. [31:15] commissioner ingle. [31:18] >> so looking quickly at the [31:20] map, there's two old victorian [31:23] [31:23] houses there, the mccreary [31:24] house and another one right [31:25] beside it. [31:26] >> yes, sir. [31:27] >> is this considering both of [31:28] [31:28] those? [31:28] >> no, mr. Mayor. [31:30] it's just the one to the east. [31:32] [31:32] >> okay. [31:34] >> the owner of the property to [31:35] [31:35] the west, the other home was n [31:36] ot [31:36] interested in participating in [31:38] [31:38] the application. [31:41] >> mayor: very good. [31:44] commissioner willits. [31:44] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [31:46] staff, we heard this back in [31:47] october. [31:47] is there a reason why there's [31:49] such a long period between fir [31:51] st [31:51] and second reading? [31:55] >> which item did you hear bac [31:56] k [31:56] in october? [31:58] >> it said we heard the petitio [31:59] n [31:59] in october. [32:00] is that accurate? [32:03] >> is this not first reading f [32:04] or [32:04] this item? [32:07] >> this is on for first reading [32:08] . [32:08] >> mayor: this is first reading. [32:10] [32:10] >> why did I just see a chart [32:11] that said we had already heard [32:12] [32:12] it? [32:12] >> that may be for the sheriff's [32:15] [32:15] office rezoning that's later. [32:17] >> mayor: maybe. [32:18] >> I'm looking at the wrong one [32:19] . [32:19] no, no. [32:27] maybe there's a chart [32:28] accidentally on the historic [32:32] preservation one. [32:33] if you tell me it's not, but o [32:35] n [32:35] one of those slides it says [32:37] 10/ 16/25. [32:41] >> that was an error. [32:42] >> in our backup, perfect. [32:44] we are looking at different [32:46] documents. [32:46] >> sorry about that. [32:48] >> I didn't think I was -- [32:50] that's why I was wondering. [32:51] but I remember we heard [32:52] somewhere in the back of my [32:53] brain, we heard something about [32:54] [32:54] this. [32:54] but maybe there was conversatio [32:57] n [32:57] about what's going on and then [32:58] I [32:58] think staff said something is [32:59] coming down the pike. [33:00] >> that sounds like it could be [33:01] [33:01] it, yeah. [33:02] >> perfect. [33:03] so is there -- but all three o [33:06] f [33:06] the -- well, not parcels, but [33:07] lots. [33:07] it's basically three lots in a [33:09] [33:09] row. [33:09] but it's the middle and eastern [33:12] [33:12] one. [33:12] >> right. [33:14] >> are we splitting up the pud [33:16] [33:16] then? [33:16] are we leaving a remnant? [33:19] for the land use, that pud, is [33:21] [33:21] it one pud originally that we [33:24] are then splitting and leaving? [33:25] [33:25] >> so the pud that you're [33:29] referencing, I think I have som [33:31] e [33:31] images here. [33:32] I believe it counts for both o [33:35] f [33:35] these properties. [33:36] but this proposal is just to [33:38] apply to the lot, like you sai [33:43] d, [33:43] east of the other historic sit [33:48] e. [33:48] so the pud would still be in [33:50] effect for that. [33:51] >> that's the land use. [33:52] >> right. [33:53] >> that's a land use and then [33:55] even later on the zoning. [33:57] >> the pud would also still [33:58] apply to that other piece of [34:00] property. [34:00] >> even though it is kind of an [34:02] [34:02] old -- [34:02] >> even still, yeah. [34:03] >> all right. [34:04] it feels a little weird, but I [34:05] t [34:05] does make sense. [34:06] if everything else is mor aarou [34:08] nd it, this is just [34:12] returning potential [inaudible] [34:16] . [34:16] airbnbs have probably taken a [34:18] lot of wind out of the sail of [34:21] [34:21] actual b&bs, there could be [34:25] somebody living on the site to [34:27] [34:27] help the east side and downtown [34:28] [34:28] have more people living there to [34:30] [34:30] do everything that we want to d [34:32] o [34:32] in getting more people to live [34:34] [34:34] downtown or close to downtown. [34:35] [34:35] so I just want to be in support [34:39] [34:39] and I'll make the motion. [34:41] >> mayor: thank you. [34:42] commissioner eastman. [34:43] >> yeah, thank you. [34:44] I mean this seems like a [34:45] no-brainer. [34:45] there's mixed use office [34:48] residential all around it. [34:52] you know, for years, the [34:53] community has been asking what' [34:54] s [34:54] going to happen with this house [34:56] . [34:56] it is a very stark house. [34:58] I believe it is on bo diddley [35:00] plaza. [35:00] it was originally in downtown, [35:02] [35:02] correct? [35:02] it was originally on bo diddley [35:05] [35:05] plaza. [35:05] the city had a bit of history, [35:09] [35:09] eminent domain this entire [35:11] section of our downtown to [35:13] create city hall, bo diddley [35:14] plaza and what should have bee [35:16] n [35:16] a civic center from there. [35:19] it was high historic [35:22] preservation and moved it to [35:24] university avenue. [35:24] and people have been curious [35:25] what is going to happen to it. [35:27] [35:27] it is a beautiful stately house [35:28] [35:28] that now looks sort of ghostly [35:30] [35:30] and wasn't entirely clear. [35:32] I'm glad someone wanted to ste [35:35] p [35:35] up and do something good with [35:36] it. [35:36] I'm very happy they came forwa [35:38] rd [35:38] with it. [35:38] it's a really good reminder to [35:40] [35:40] everyone why we should be tryin [35:41] g [35:41] not to approve pds. [35:43] I understand there's reverters [35:45] [35:45] nowadays. [35:45] we have learned some thingover [35:48] [35:48] time. [35:48] what happens with planned [35:52] developments which are these [35:52] kind of costly parcels, they [35:54] just linger there. [35:56] and then the whole code changes [35:57] [35:57] all around it. [35:58] and then eventually somebody is [36:00] [36:00] just trying to already put in [36:02] enough time and effort to make [36:03] [36:03] the house look nice and hires [36:04] eda to come and go for the pla [36:07] n [36:07] board and I think I saw july [36:09] when this first came forward. [36:10] just a lot of work for people to [36:12] [36:12] go through. [36:12] so it's nice for it to just be [36:14] [36:14] part of the rest of the process [36:15] [36:15] as the code changes. [36:17] so I'm very happy to support I [36:19] t. [36:19] with that, I'd like to approve [36:20] [36:20] ordinance number 2025-998. [36:23] >> second. [36:24] >> mayor: we have a motion and [36:25] a [36:25] second. [36:25] madam clerk, is there any public [36:27] [36:27] comment? [36:27] >> there's no public comment. [36:30] >> mayor: anything either staff [36:31] [36:31] or the applicant want to add t [36:33] o [36:33] the land use? [36:34] all right. [36:35] seeing no further lights, madam [36:36] [36:36] clerk, please call the roll. [36:38] >> commissioner ingle. [36:39] >> aye. [36:39] >> commissioner chestnut. [36:40] >> aye. [36:41] >> commissioner duncan-walker. [36:41] [36:41] >> aye. [36:41] >> commissioner book. [36:42] >> aye. [36:43] >> commissioner willits. [36:43] >> aye. [36:44] >> commissioner eastman. [36:44] >> aye. [36:45] >> mayor ward. [36:45] >> mayor: aye. [36:46] that passes unanimously. [36:47] madam clerk. [36:50] >> mr. Mayor, ordinance number [36:52] [36:52] 2025-997, an ordinance of the [36:55] city of gainesville, florida [36:56] amending the zoning map atlas b [36:58] y [36:58] rezoning approximately .64 acr [37:00] es [37:00] of property generally located a [37:02] t [37:02] the 800 block of east universi [37:04] ty [37:04] avenue as more specifically [37:05] described in this ordinance fro [37:07] m [37:07] planned development to urban 4 [37:08] , [37:08] providing directions to the city [37:09] [37:09] manager, providing severabilit [37:11] y [37:11] clause, prov providing repeali [37:13] ng [37:13] clause and providing effective [37:16] [37:16] date. [37:16] >> ari rabinovich, this is the [37:26] [37:26] 800 block of east university [37:28] avenue. [37:28] so the requested zoning [37:32] designation is urban zoned 4 [37:34] which is transect. [37:36] this is a zoning designation [37:38] that would establish a range o [37:40] f [37:40] allowable uses and allowable [37:45] development which is a mix of [37:46] uses including offices, [37:47] residences, retail, commercial [37:49] [37:49] and civic uses. [37:53] so a map of the current zoning [37:55] [37:55] designations which are both pd. [37:58] [37:58] and the requested u4. [38:03] same set of surrounding active [38:06] [38:06] uses, surrounding zoning [38:08] designations are both u4 and u [38:13] 3. [38:13] and rooking at that same clust [38:16] er [38:16] of land it's about 73 acres [38:19] that are zoned either u3 or u4 [38:21] [38:21] in this area. [38:25] same historic considerations. [38:28] and same set of review criteri [38:33] a [38:33] that historic preservation wou [38:37] ld [38:37] conduct. [38:37] and just real quick synopsis o [38:42] f [38:42] the transect zone. [38:45] this is being -- u4 falls withi [38:49] n [38:49] the designation that consists [38:50] of [38:50] a wide range of residential [38:51] building types with the higher [38:53] [38:53] numbered zones providing for t [38:55] he [38:55] integration of offices and [38:57] neighborhood services within a [38:58] n [38:58] increasingly urban fabric, [39:01] setbacks that vary and streets [39:03] [39:03] with curbs and sidewalks that [39:05] define medium-sized blocks. [39:07] and the intent of the transect [39:08] [39:08] zoning is to establish [39:09] development standards that [39:10] encourage a more efficient and [39:12] [39:12] sustainable forum by allowing a [39:13] [39:13] range of housing, employment, [39:15] shopping and recreation choices [39:17] [39:17] within a compact and [39:19] pedestrian-friendly environmen [39:23] t. [39:23] comparing the u4 designation [39:25] against what was basically [39:27] applied within the pd which was [39:29] [39:29] o2 back then, we see that [39:31] there's some outdated standards [39:33] [39:33] for things like setbacks where [39:37] [39:37] the o2 require setbacks relative [39:41] [39:41] to the angle of light [39:42] obstruction. [39:42] o2 disallowed residential uses [39:46] [39:46] so this request would introduce [39:48] [39:48] residential uses and modernize [39:49] [39:49] code requirements to meet the [39:50] design and development standards [39:51] [39:51] that are set by our transect [39:53] code relating to density, [39:55] height, setback, sidewalks. [40:00] so staff are required by code t [40:03] o [40:03] review rezoning against a set o [40:04] f [40:04] criteria and have found that [40:05] this request does meet the [40:07] requirements of the land [40:09] development code. [40:10] this involves compatibility wit [40:12] h [40:12] the surrounding development, a [40:13] ny [40:13] changes to the character of the [40:15] [40:15] area that warrant the requested [40:16] [40:16] change and the goals, policies [40:19] [40:19] and objectives of the [40:20] comprehensive plan, specificall [40:20] y [40:20] foes surrounding the [40:22] encouragement of diverse [40:23] housing, office, retail and [40:25] workplace choices as well as the [40:26] [40:26] discouraging of sprawl through [40:28] [40:28] infill development. [40:28] so with that, staff does [40:30] recommend approval of [40:31] ld25-000141. [40:31] thank you very much for your [40:35] time and I'm here for any [40:37] further questions. [40:38] >> mayor: very good. [40:38] thank you. [40:39] I see no questions. [40:43] mr. Sweger, did you want to [40:44] offer anything? [40:45] all right. [40:46] very good. [40:48] commissioner willits. [40:49] >> mr. Mayor, seeing as the [40:51] property is immediately across [40:53] [40:53] the street and then to the two [40:54] [40:54] blocks towards downtown are all [40:55] [40:55] that u4, on that kind of half [41:00] block abutting the university. [41:01] [41:01] it seems to make sense. [41:02] it's a little bit of corridor o [41:05] f [41:05] u4 that makes sense. [41:07] I move the city commission ado [41:08] [41:08] the proposed ordinance 2025-995 [41:14] [41:14] quasi-judicial the 800 block [41:16] east university rezoning. [41:17] >> second. [41:19] >> mayor: is there any public [41:19] comment on this, madam clerk? [41:20] >> no public comment. [41:22] >> mayor: would you call the [41:22] roll, please. [41:23] >> commissioner chestnut. [41:24] >> aye. [41:25] >> commissioner duncan-walker. [41:25] [41:25] >> aye. [41:26] >> commissioner book. [41:27] >> aye. [41:27] >> commissioner willits. [41:28] >> aye. [41:28] >> commissioner eastman. [41:29] >> aye. [41:29] >> commissioner ingle. [41:30] >> aye. [41:31] >> mayor ward. [41:31] >> mayor: aye. [41:32] that passes unanimously. [41:34] nice work. [41:35] >> mr. Mayor, ordinance number [41:36] [41:36] 2025-992, an ordinance of the [41:38] city of gainesville, florida [41:39] amending the future land use m [41:40] ap [41:40] of the comprehensive plan by [41:41] changing the land use category [41:43] [41:43] of approximately 25.55 acres o [41:45] f [41:45] property generally located wes [41:47] t [41:47] of southwest 13th street, [41:48] south of southwest archer road, [41:51] [41:51] east of southwest 16th street [41:53] and north of southwest 16th [41:54] avenue as more specifically [41:56] described in this ordinance fro [41:58] m [41:58] urban mixed use high intensity [42:01] [42:01] to office, providing directions [42:03] [42:03] to the city manager, providing [42:05] [42:05] severability clause, providing [42:06] [42:06] repealing clause and providing [42:08] [42:08] an effective date. [42:09] >> mayor: very good. [42:09] welcome. [42:09] >> hello, good evening, mayor [42:11] and commissioners. [42:11] thank you for having me this [42:12] evening. [42:12] my name is allison payinger. [42:16] I'm a in the department of [42:20] sustainable development. [42:21] u.f. South campus will consist [42:24] [42:24] of two applications, one for t [42:26] he [42:26] land use that is legislative a [42:28] nd [42:28] one for the map change which I [42:30] s [42:30] quasi-judicial. [42:30] this presentation is [42:31] specifically for the land use [42:32] amendment identified by petitio [42:34] n [42:34] number. [42:34] the applicant is in attendance [42:40] [42:40] and will have a presentation [42:42] after the conclusion of staff's [42:44] [42:44] presentation. [42:44] this petition is for three [42:50] subject parcels equaling in [42:52] total approximately 25.55 acres [42:55] . [42:55] for the record identified as [42:56] parcels 1548200000145490000 and [43:09] [43:09] 154-60-0000. [43:09] the three parcels are south of [43:11] [43:11] the university of florida xuts [43:12] [43:12] and bounded by archer road, [43:15] southwest 16th ave. [43:17] southwest 13th street and [43:18] southwest 16th street. [43:19] the current land use category I [43:23] s [43:23] umuh urban mixed use high [43:24] intensity. [43:24] the proposed change is for [43:27] office. [43:27] the subject parcels are [43:28] currently developed. [43:30] this area is referred to as u.f [43:32] . [43:32] healthsouth campus. [43:34] please note that the three [43:35] parcels are not within the u.f [43:37] . [43:37] campus development agreement [43:38] this. [43:38] however it is part of the u.f. [43:40] [43:40] master plan and largely part o [43:42] f [43:42] the u.f. Health shands complex. [43:44] [43:44] the parcels are currently home [43:46] [43:46] to u.f. Health heart and [43:50] vascular hospital and u.f. [43:52] health shands, and trauma [43:54] center. [43:54] the purpose of the request is I [43:57] n [43:57] two parts. [43:58] to have the property be [43:59] consistent in land use and [44:00] zoning designation with other [44:01] hospital complexes throughout [44:03] the city. [44:04] and to bring the existing [44:05] hospital facility structures [44:07] into conformance and provide [44:08] land use and zoning that is [44:10] needed for any future [44:12] redevelopment and site [44:13] improvements as needed. [44:15] for additional context, this [44:18] area of the city was part of t [44:20] he [44:20] form-based city initiated land [44:22] [44:22] use change and rezoning efforts [44:24] [44:24] in 2017 with transect zoning. [44:29] in this case, it was near the [44:31] u.f. Campus in the periphery o [44:32] f [44:32] downtown. [44:32] and the next few slides are jus [44:35] t [44:35] going to provide some context to [44:36] [44:36] the area before we get into the [44:37] [44:37] criteria of the land use chang [44:39] e. [44:39] so this is an overhead imagery [44:42] [44:42] showing the area and the [44:43] structures. [44:43] hihere is showing the u.f. Cam [44:51] pus [44:51] master plan agreement. [44:51] so it's outside of it, but it I [44:53] s [44:53] directly north of the parcels. [44:57] [44:57] here is just a quick location [44:58] map for reference. [45:00] so north of the subject area I [45:02] s [45:02] archer road and then the main [45:05] u.f. Health shands facilities. [45:07] [45:07] south is southwest 16th ave [45:10] and kind of a mixture of [45:12] apartments and restaurants, [45:14] office uses. [45:15] east is southwest 13th street [45:17] and then some multi-family and [45:18] [45:18] restaurant uses. [45:19] and west of the subject area I [45:23] s [45:23] southwest 16th street and then [45:24] [45:24] additional medical facilities [45:26] and the v.a. Hospital. [45:28] this is just a summary of those, [45:30] [45:30] of what was just described. [45:33] and just to kind of give a [45:36] visual, so this would be if you we [45:38] were on archer road where it [45:40] intersects with southwest 16th [45:42] [45:42] street looking towards southwest [45:45] [45:45] 13th. [45:45] so like the grass and trees [45:46] area, that's like the v.a. Are [45:48] a. [45:48] and then you're staring directly [45:50] [45:50] at the emergency room building. [45:51] [45:51] just to kind of show how large [45:53] [45:53] this area is. [45:55] this is at the intersection of [45:56] [45:56] southwest 16th ave and [45:58] southwest 13th street looking [46:01] at northwest at the u.f. [46:03] healthsouth campus and seeing [46:05] the majority of the structures. [46:06] [46:06] and lastly, if you are on [46:08] southwest 13th street looking [46:10] towards archer road which is [46:11] past the dna bridge, the trees [46:15] [46:15] on the left are the smaller [46:17] parcels that are part of this. [46:20] [46:20] and then just a quick recap of [46:23] [46:23] the petition timeline, so there [46:25] [46:25] was a pre-application meeting, [46:26] a [46:26] neighborhood workshop, the cit [46:28] y [46:28] staff review and then it went [46:30] before the plan board on [46:31] september 18th. [46:33] now it's before you today for [46:33] the first reading. [46:34] and this is just a quick recap [46:36] [46:36] of all the public notice for [46:37] those meetings being held [46:40] including the neighborhood [46:41] workshop. [46:41] the plan board meeting and the [46:44] [46:44] city commission meeting [46:45] including property signs, [46:47] postcards and the newspaper ads [46:51] . [46:51] so this petition was reviewed [46:53] using the criteria outlined in [46:55] [46:55] section 30-3.13 of the land [46:58] development code and [46:59] corresponding sections of the [47:00] comp plan for the city of [47:01] gainesville. [47:01] the criteria shown on this sli [47:03] de [47:03] are explored in more detail in [47:04] [47:04] the backup and staff report. [47:06] I just have a few quick points [47:08] I [47:08] wanted to expand on. [47:09] just to recap, the proposed [47:11] changes to go from umuh to o f [47:15] or [47:15] office, to hit on redevelopment, [47:18] [47:18] the site is already developed [47:20] and has established [47:22] streetscapes, multimodal forms [47:24] [47:24] of transportation, vehicular a [47:26] nd [47:26] pedestrian circulation and [47:27] building frontage. [47:28] any future development would [47:29] retain the pattern per the [47:31] submittal by the applicant but [47:33] [47:33] would still be held to office [47:36] and the proposed md zoning if [47:39] approved in the companion [47:40] application. [47:40] for compatibility, on this map, [47:45] w [47:45] we can see directly to the wes [47:48] t [47:48] where the v.a. Hospital is, tha [47:50] t [47:50] has the office land use. [47:52] so this would let it extend on [47:57] [47:57] to the u.f. Health south campu [48:00] s. [48:00] on that compatibility, here is [48:02] a [48:02] table showing other hospital [48:05] complex properties in the city [48:06] [48:06] just to kind of show how those [48:08] [48:08] have similar land use and zonin [48:10] g [48:10] districts of what the purpose o [48:12] f [48:12] this application is for to have [48:14] [48:14] consistency in that. [48:16] so a couple are listed here, [48:18] including like north florida, [48:19] the v.a. Hospital, hca archer, [48:23] [48:23] showing they also have that [48:24] office land use designation. [48:25] and with the companion rezoning [48:28] [48:28] application, the medical [48:29] services. [48:29] and then to touch on conformance [48:38] [48:38] with the land use categories, [48:40] this is just a brief summary o [48:42] f [48:42] some of the differences between [48:43] [48:43] the current land use category [48:45] and the proposed one. [48:46] this is taken from the future [48:47] land use element of the [48:48] comprehensive plan. [48:49] policy. [48:55] so when comparing them with [48:57] highlight, umuh which is the [48:58] current one has a six-story [49:00] maximum, eight stories with [49:03] bonus. [49:03] office has a five-story maximum [49:05] [49:05] and then it also has the [49:07] addition of specifically for [49:09] large scale medical facilities [49:11] [49:11] that are located in medical [49:13] services zoning, they can go u [49:17] p [49:17] to 14 stories but they have to [49:17] [49:17] have a special use permit whic [49:19] h [49:19] is a special review process. [49:21] those also go before the city [49:23] plan board. [49:24] just something to keep in m [49:25] with that. [49:28] and in addition, this petition [49:31] [49:31] specifically is just for the [49:32] land use but I did want to [49:34] provide context that the next [49:36] petition will be for the zonin [49:38] g. [49:38] per our land development code [49:39] and comprehensive plan, the onl [49:41] y [49:41] future land use category that [49:42] allows for the proposed medical [49:45] [49:45] services zoning is the office [49:46] land use. [49:47] so just important to keep in [49:48] mind for compatibility purpose [49:52] s. [49:52] and my last point on this is t [49:53] he [49:53] office land use in our [49:55] comprehensive plan does [49:56] highlight that it is for like [50:00] hospital uses, as one of the [50:02] parts that it's for. [50:04] in addition to that, the [50:05] specific use of hospital is onl [50:08] y [50:08] permitted in that medical [50:10] services zoning which is only [50:11] allowed in the office land use [50:13] . [50:13] so just to connect all the dot [50:14] s [50:14] on that. [50:18] this was just a broader map to [50:20] [50:20] use if needed. [50:22] and that brings us to the end, [50:24] [50:24] so based on the review of this [50:25] [50:25] criteria, staff recommends [50:26] approval of this petition. [50:28] and the city plan board on [50:30] december 18th, 2025 voted 6-0 [50:33] to recommend approval of [50:35] petition ld 25-000104 as well. [50:39] [50:39] we are available for any [50:40] questions. [50:40] and the applicant also has a [50:42] presentation. [50:42] >> mayor: okay. [50:44] >> thank you. [50:45] >> mayor: thank you. [50:46] the applicant want to come up [50:48] and walk us through it? [50:53] >> good evening, mr. Mayor, [50:54] commissioners. [50:54] ryan thompson, mv5, the agency [51:00] [51:00] agent for the applicant. [51:03] essentially we're here to allow [51:06] [51:06] this property to develop like [51:07] all of their hospital campuses [51:09] [51:09] in the city of gainesville. [51:10] when the city went through the [51:15] [51:15] transect zone it was the u9. [51:23] the previous zoning district [51:25] standards, there's a concern [51:26] that there may be some [51:32] conformance challenges with th [51:35] e [51:35] property. [51:35] and we just want to make sure [51:37] that none of that is the case. [51:38] [51:38] then we also want to maximize [51:41] the opportunities on this site [51:45] [51:45] for u.f. Health and our [51:47] community. [51:47] the first application is -- and [51:54] [51:54] by the way, I do have a combine [51:56] d [51:56] presentation if that's okay wit [51:57] h [51:57] this commission. [51:58] okay. [51:58] the first application is for [52:03] comprehensive plan amendment [52:04] from umuh to office. [52:07] and a rezoning from u9 to [52:09] medical services. [52:10] and again, we're just looking [52:13] for what all other hospital [52:14] campuses have within the city o [52:18] f [52:18] gainesville. [52:18] we did properly notice the [52:21] public for our neighborhood [52:22] workshop. [52:22] we had four attendees, [52:25] discussions about the zoning [52:27] change and what is most [52:29] appropriate for this site given [52:31] [52:31] the context of development [52:32] that's already occurred. [52:34] we have followed the city's [52:36] process for small scale [52:39] comprehensive plan amendment a [52:40] nd [52:40] rezoning applications. [52:45] the justification for the [52:47] request, there's multiple point [52:48] s [52:48] here that should be made. [52:50] one that's not on here is the [52:52] demand for hospital beds is [52:54] going up as our population age [52:57] s. [52:57] and they desire -- and industry [53:00] [53:00] trends that are going towards [53:02] single occupancy rooms. [53:03] so the amount of square footag [53:04] e [53:04] in the facilities that u.f. [53:06] health has currently will reduc [53:08] e [53:08] the number of people that they [53:11] [53:11] will be able to treat, switching [53:14] [53:14] from multiple occupant rooms t [53:16] o [53:16] single occupant rooms. [53:21] and they are obviously [53:22] constrained in their capacity [53:24] with their existing facilities. [53:26] [53:26] the south campus is [53:28] substantially built and site [53:29] constrained. [53:29] redevelopment on this site nee [53:32] ds [53:32] to occur vertically. [53:35] and on site hospitals were [53:37] permitted under umu2 standards [53:40] [53:40] as I mentioned before. [53:42] and this is the only hospita [53:43] campus in the city of [53:47] gainesville that does not have [53:47] [53:47] the offic land use designation [53:50] [53:50] of medical services district. [53:53] and the md zoning district was [53:55] [53:55] specifically intended for these [53:56] [53:56] types of facilities. [54:02] this is a context map of the [54:03] site. [54:03] I will work through these [54:06] quickly due to staff's thorough [54:08] [54:08] presentation. [54:08] we're bound to the north by [54:12] archer road and to the east by [54:14] [54:14] 13th street. [54:16] and immediately south of the [54:19] university of florida main [54:21] campus. [54:21] it's effectively an extension o [54:24] f [54:24] u.f. Health facilities there. [54:27] this is a close-up of the site. [54:29] [54:29] again, the adjacent roadways. [54:31] u.f. Health shands to the north [54:35] , [54:35] the v.a. Hospital which has the [54:37] [54:37] office land use and medical [54:39] services zoning to the west. [54:41] and typically, apartments or [54:46] auto-oriented retail type uses [54:48] [54:48] to the east and to the south. [54:52] we did a little bit of site [54:54] assessment on the property. [54:55] there are two primary areas tha [54:57] t [54:57] would develop on this site. [54:58] there's a surface parking lot [55:00] along 16th to the west and [55:02] then a surface parking lot and [55:04] [55:04] one story building along 13th [55:08] street. [55:08] you can see that this site is [55:11] substantially developed. [55:13] it's already established. [55:16] the frontage and streetscape [55:17] along archer road and 13th [55:19] street and redevelopment on the [55:20] [55:20] site would continue in that [55:21] pattern. [55:21] there is substantial pedestria [55:25] n [55:25] facilities enter into the site [55:29] [55:29] with wide sidewalks, some of [55:30] which are even covered and [55:32] amenities around the stormwate [55:34] r [55:34] ponds as well. [55:37] u.f. Health has done a [55:39] conceptual master plan as [55:41] identified these two areas for [55:42] [55:42] development. [55:42] this is the existing land use of [55:50] [55:50] the property. [55:51] it's umuh high as described in [55:55] [55:55] the comprehensive plan. [55:56] it's aligned with multi-family [55:57] [55:57] and commercial uses which [56:00] typically abut the university of [56:02] [56:02] florida except in this case. [56:05] and the proposed is office whi [56:08] ch [56:08] is specifically allows hospita [56:13] ls [56:13] and medical uses. [56:14] the existing zoning is u9 which [56:17] [56:17] is characterized in the land [56:19] development code for high [56:20] density residential and [56:21] commercial uses. [56:23] and the proposed md zoning [56:24] district is the only zoning [56:26] district specific for hospitals [56:30] . [56:30] and it's consistent with all [56:31] others in the city. [56:34] this is a step back from that [56:37] zoning map. [56:37] you can see that there are [56:40] medical facilities including t [56:41] he [56:41] v.a. Hospital that are along [56:43] this segment of archer road tha [56:45] t [56:45] share our requested land use a [56:47] nd [56:47] zoning. [56:47] and then looking at the other [56:50] facilities, we have north [56:53] florida to the north. [56:55] we have the v.a. Hospital to o [56:56] ur [56:56] west. [56:56] and we have the new hca facilit [57:01] y [57:01] on archer road and I-75 all [57:03] sharing the office land use and [57:05] [57:05] md zoning. [57:07] staff has reviewed the [57:09] applications and found them [57:10] consistent with the [57:11] comprehensive plan. [57:15] this, in fact, would discourag [57:17] e [57:17] urban sprawl being that bewould [57:21] [57:21] redevelop an infill and focus o [57:23] n [57:23] maximizing this campus. [57:26] and staff has also found the [57:29] code compliant -- or the [57:30] application compliant with the [57:32] [57:32] land development code. [57:35] staff has recommended approval [57:36] [57:36] for both the small scale [57:37] comprehensive plan amendment a [57:39] nd [57:39] rezoning applications. [57:41] and the city plan board [57:42] unanimously recommended approva [57:43] l [57:43] in december. [57:45] so with that, I'm happy to [57:46] answer any questions. [57:47] I hope I didn't belabor it too [57:48] [57:48] much. [57:48] I know staff's presentation was [57:51] [57:51] very thorough. [57:52] thank you very much. [57:53] >> mayor: thank you. [57:55] all right. [57:57] commissioner willits. [57:58] >> some quick questions for [57:59] staff. [57:59] would changing this land use - [58:03] - [58:03] and I guess potentially the [58:06] zoning. [58:06] I have a couple of specific -- [58:09] [58:09] >> mayor: hold on a second. [58:12] >> broadcast, we have a screen [58:13] [58:13] that shows we are in recess. [58:18] >> the broadcast light is still [58:21] [58:21] on. [58:21] >> mayor: yes. [58:25] we just need confirmation that [58:26] [58:26] we are definitely broadcasting. [58:28] [58:28] >> there's a thumb's up back [58:34] there. [58:34] >> I saw the light on. [58:36] >> mayor: all right. [58:36] if we're comfortable that we [58:37] have a thumb's up, go ahead. [58:39] >> sorry. [58:40] so the changing this to the [58:43] office, potential redevelopment [58:45] , [58:45] would this require -- the answe [58:47] r [58:47] is probably both the current a [58:49] nd [58:49] the proposed. [58:51] putting an additional sidewalk [58:53] [58:53] on southwest 14th street on [58:54] the east side of that? [58:56] because right now there's one o [58:57] n [58:57] the west side closer to hotel [58:59] ellio. [58:59] but in the undeveloped one, [59:03] single story building and [59:05] parking lot, there's not a [59:06] sidewalk on that side. [59:07] I would assume both of these [59:09] zonings if redeveloped, they [59:11] would have to build a sidewalk [59:13] [59:13] internal to the whole project [59:14] but along 14th street. [59:16] >> yeah, potentially. [59:18] it would come down to the land [59:21] [59:21] development review and the sta [59:22] ff [59:22] analysis of that. [59:23] we'd work with transportation [59:25] and evaluate the code [59:26] requirements to verify like wh [59:30] at [59:30] is needed based on the scale a [59:32] nd [59:32] intensity of what is proposed [59:34] for redevelopment. [59:35] >> everything that was already [59:37] [59:37] there under the current, you [59:41] know, development, there's a [59:41] sidewalk on every street [59:43] fronting face I believe [59:45] almost -- besides a little pie [59:48] ce [59:48] of 14th ave does not have a [59:50] sidewalk next to it. [59:51] so I just wondered what will [59:53] force -- will that force chang [59:55] es [59:55] on the opposite side. [59:56] so this -- why did we move it t [1:00:00] o [1:00:00] this? [1:00:00] well, we moved to transect [1:00:04] zones. [1:00:04] why that parcel? [1:00:05] how did it kind of get there [1:00:07] instead of being -- I know [1:00:10] decades ago or not that long [1:00:12] ago, there was an old hotel on [1:00:13] [1:00:13] the site, which is much more a [1:00:17] n [1:00:17] ofurban use than office. [1:00:20] >> yes. [1:00:21] from my understanding from the [1:00:22] [1:00:22] research for this staff report, [1:00:23] [1:00:23] we looked back so prior to 2017 [1:00:27] [1:00:27] it was the umu-2. [1:00:29] and in 2017 when the transect [1:00:33] zoning and associated land use [1:00:34] [1:00:34] categories were implemented, [1:00:37] with the comprehensive plan, t [1:00:40] he [1:00:40] umuh written in that category I [1:00:42] s [1:00:42] to use it for research and [1:00:45] development along the periphery [1:00:47] [1:00:47] of u.f. Campus along the east [1:00:48] and west. [1:00:48] and I think that's where it ki [1:00:50] nd [1:00:50] of fell looking that way in [1:00:52] terms of the analysis of where [1:00:55] [1:00:55] the campus was. [1:00:56] so I think that's why it was [1:00:58] rezoned that way. [1:01:02] that's what we found in the [1:01:03] analysis. [1:01:03] >> mayor: that rezoning, did I [1:01:05] t [1:01:05] happen in between the building [1:01:08] [1:01:08] of the cancer center and the [1:01:10] heart and vascular hvn? [1:01:13] I'm trying to remember the [1:01:14] order. [1:01:14] I'm trying to remember when th [1:01:18] at [1:01:18] was done? [1:01:19] are they eight story hospitals [1:01:20] [1:01:20] and this opens up to a 14 story [1:01:29] ? [1:01:29] >> I'm dial trying to remember. [1:01:31] [1:01:31] the built environment is [1:01:33] determined by the rules. [1:01:34] >> certainly, mr. Mayor, thank [1:01:35] [1:01:35] you. [1:01:35] so the cancer hospital and the [1:01:43] [1:01:43] 13th garage were in 2009. [1:01:45] the hvn hospital was -- [1:01:51] >> it was before that. [1:01:53] >> they were both under the umu [1:01:56] [1:01:56] 2 standards. [1:01:56] >> and now looking to the next. [1:01:58] [1:01:58] >> mr. Mayor, if I may opine o [1:01:59] n [1:01:59] your previous question. [1:02:01] certainly, they would put [1:02:03] sidewalks there when that [1:02:04] portion of the site is [1:02:04] redeveloped regardless of what [1:02:09] [1:02:09] the uldc or land development [1:02:12] code requires. [1:02:13] >> I was wondering because [1:02:15] southwest 14th ave swimming [1:02:16] pools to 14th street doesn't [1:02:18] have sidewalks. [1:02:19] as someone who has walked that [1:02:21] [1:02:21] site many, many times as it's [1:02:23] between work and home, it is [1:02:24] frustrating there is not a [1:02:26] sidewalk on southwest 14th. [1:02:27] I understand maybe that's not [1:02:28] where you want people to walk [1:02:29] because that's where the [1:02:30] ambulances are coming in and [1:02:31] out. [1:02:31] but the truth is, you know -- [1:02:33] >> I understand. [1:02:34] >> people would prefer to walk [1:02:35] [1:02:35] through the middle of a [1:02:36] beautiful campus than down on [1:02:37] some of the arterial roads. [1:02:39] >> certainly. [1:02:40] >> that's why I asked about the [1:02:41] [1:02:41] internal because I know I use I [1:02:45] t [1:02:45] to cut through. [1:02:47] it's very pleasant. [1:02:48] fountains and ponds and ducks o [1:02:51] r [1:02:51] whatever. [1:02:51] >> certainly. [1:02:52] thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:02:53] >> and then so I think that's [1:02:54] it. [1:02:54] this could potentially be a muc [1:02:57] h [1:02:57] larger tower on that southeast [1:02:58] [1:02:58] corner. [1:02:58] like it could be a 14 story [1:03:00] hospital or support office for [1:03:05] a [1:03:05] hospital in the future. [1:03:08] >> yes. [1:03:08] and just as confirmation, with [1:03:12] [1:03:12] the office land use if approve [1:03:14] d, [1:03:14] they would have to apply for a [1:03:16] [1:03:16] special use permit. [1:03:18] that would have to go through [1:03:19] staff review. [1:03:20] there would be public engagemen [1:03:22] t [1:03:22] associated with that, a [1:03:24] neighborhood workshop. [1:03:25] and it would go before the cit [1:03:27] y [1:03:27] plan board. [1:03:27] >> but not before the city [1:03:29] commission because special use [1:03:30] [1:03:30] permits are only done -- [1:03:32] >> correct, yeah. [1:03:33] >> through the plan board. [1:03:34] well, this all makes sense. [1:03:35] I did see when the sign got [1:03:37] stakeholder and asked city sta [1:03:38] ff [1:03:38] so I got a little head's up [1:03:40] about some of this internal. [1:03:41] I'm glad some members of the [1:03:45] public went to the meeting at [1:03:46] least through zoom or teams. [1:03:49] it is a little weird, but it [1:03:50] does make sense that if office [1:03:52] [1:03:52] is more appropriate, like the [1:03:53] other ones. [1:03:57] do you know this personally in [1:03:58] [1:03:58] your district? [1:03:58] >> uh-huh. [1:04:00] >> that very little corner. [1:04:01] I don't think they are going t [1:04:02] o [1:04:02] build anything on it. [1:04:03] on my corner, they might. [1:04:05] with that, I would like to mov [1:04:10] e [1:04:10] adoption of 2025-992, u.f. [1:04:13] health south campus land use [1:04:15] change. [1:04:15] >> second. [1:04:17] >> mayor: motion and second. [1:04:18] commissioner -- excuse me, [1:04:19] mr. Manager. [1:04:23] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:04:24] mr. Thompson answered the [1:04:27] question. [1:04:27] I think I wrote the staff repor [1:04:29] t [1:04:29] back in the day but mr. Thompso [1:04:31] n [1:04:31] answered it. [1:04:32] >> mayor: commissioner eastman. [1:04:32] [1:04:32] >> you answered a lot of my [1:04:33] questions. [1:04:33] I was confused similarly why we [1:04:36] [1:04:36] would be going down in intense [1:04:41] [1:04:41] to medical. [1:04:42] first it says here in permitted [1:04:44] [1:04:44] use, hospital not listed. [1:04:46] health services permitted. [1:04:47] I was looking through our code. [1:04:49] [1:04:49] is a hospital considered health [1:04:51] [1:04:51] services because it's two [1:04:52] different sections of our code. [1:04:53] [1:04:53] >> yeah. [1:04:54] that's a great question that w [1:04:55] e [1:04:55] looked into as well. [1:04:58] so for context, urban 9, the [1:05:00] current zoning district allows [1:05:02] [1:05:02] for health services. [1:05:03] health services in our land [1:05:04] development code is defined as [1:05:06] [1:05:06] establishments primarily engag [1:05:08] ed [1:05:08] in furnishing medical, surgical [1:05:10] [1:05:10] and other health services to [1:05:12] persons and pets. [1:05:14] hospitals specifically does no [1:05:15] t [1:05:15] have a definition in our [1:05:17] definition section. [1:05:18] medical services is the only [1:05:21] zoning district that allows by [1:05:23] [1:05:23] right the hospital use. [1:05:27] we differentiate the two uses [1:05:29] when it comes down to intensity [1:05:31] [1:05:31] mostly. [1:05:31] so we consider like hospitals t [1:05:34] o [1:05:34] have a higher intensity in ter [1:05:37] ms [1:05:37] of use, size, types of health [1:05:38] services that they are offering. [1:05:40] [1:05:40] especially when we start [1:05:41] considering like number of bed [1:05:43] s [1:05:43] and patient/outpatient hours o [1:05:46] f [1:05:46] service. [1:05:46] so we mainly scale it down to [1:05:49] intensity for what that [1:05:51] difference is. [1:05:52] >> okay. [1:05:53] because I mean one of the [1:05:54] benefits of u9 is when you hav [1:05:57] e [1:05:57] that flexibility of uses, you d [1:05:59] o [1:05:59] things like you can build a [1:06:01] hotel. [1:06:01] if you are in that zoning [1:06:02] district, hotel ellio, would [1:06:05] that be considered conforming [1:06:06] under the new zoning district? [1:06:13] [1:06:13] >> yes. [1:06:14] hotel is also permitted in the [1:06:15] [1:06:15] md zoning district. [1:06:17] >> then I guess md is more [1:06:19] flexibility than the title may [1:06:21] [1:06:21] suggest. [1:06:21] I'm comfortable with it. [1:06:22] it makes sense. [1:06:23] yeah, those are my questions. [1:06:25] thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:06:26] >> mayor: thank you. [1:06:27] madam clerk, there any public [1:06:28] comment on this? [1:06:29] >> there is no public comment, [1:06:30] [1:06:30] mr. Mayor. [1:06:31] >> mayor: I so he no further [1:06:31] lights, let's call the roll. [1:06:37] >> commissioner duncan-walker. [1:06:38] [1:06:38] >> aye. [1:06:38] >> commissioner book. [1:06:39] >> aye. [1:06:39] >> commissioner willits. [1:06:39] >> aye. [1:06:40] >> commissioner eastman. [1:06:40] >> aye. [1:06:41] >> commissioner ingle. [1:06:42] >> aye. [1:06:42] >> commissioner chestnut. [1:06:43] >> aye. [1:06:44] >> mayor ward. [1:06:44] >> mayor: aye. [1:06:44] that passes unanimously. [1:06:46] madam clerk, before we go on, I [1:06:47] [1:06:47] don't want to let this pass [1:06:49] without mentions this when you [1:06:53] [1:06:53] look at the map of the 10 bloc [1:06:55] ks [1:06:55] between basically southwest [1:06:57] 23rd street to southwest [1:06:59] 13th street along archer road [1:07:01] and southwest 16th avenue, it [1:07:05] repeating that this is [1:07:08] among the most, ifot the most [1:07:10] dense employment area. [1:07:12] it probably in florida, maybe [1:07:14] throughout the southeast [1:07:15] consistently because it is [1:07:16] almost all 24/7 employment. [1:07:19] and it includes everything fro [1:07:22] m, [1:07:22] you know, world-class medical [1:07:25] college to to the associated [1:07:32] hospitals with that and all the [1:07:33] [1:07:33] offices that support u.f. Healt [1:07:35] h [1:07:35] throughout and the largest v.a [1:07:42] . [1:07:42] hospital headquarters. [1:07:50] all that is something you don't [1:07:52] [1:07:52] encounter in most communities. [1:07:53] [1:07:53] we take it for granted but [1:07:54] should not take it for granted [1:07:56] , [1:07:56] not only for the jobs, the ver [1:07:58] y [1:07:58] good jobs that it provides [1:07:59] throughout that sector, but the [1:08:02] [1:08:02] opportunity for people to come [1:08:03] [1:08:03] and be healed in our community [1:08:06] [1:08:06] in a way that other communities [1:08:07] [1:08:07] are envious of. [1:08:09] it's important when we have any [1:08:11] [1:08:11] opportunity to repeat all that, [1:08:13] [1:08:13] so that we don't ever forget I [1:08:15] t. [1:08:15] it's something we should walk [1:08:16] out of here feeling pretty dar [1:08:18] n [1:08:18] good about. [1:08:19] madam clerk. [1:08:25] [inaudible] [1:08:25] >> mayor: that's the theory. [1:08:27] [laughter] [1:08:27] >> mr. Mayor. [1:08:30] >> mayor: yes, we are very [1:08:31] grateful for that. >> [1:08:32] >> we are very grateful. [1:08:32] mr. Mayor, we are on to [1:08:34] ordinance number 2025-993, an [1:08:36] ordinance of the city of [1:08:38] gainesville, florida amending [1:08:40] the zoning map atlas by rezoning [1:08:41] [1:08:41] approximately 25.55 acres of [1:08:44] property generally located wes [1:08:45] t [1:08:45] of southwest 13th street, [1:08:47] south of southwest archer road, [1:08:48] [1:08:48] east of southwest 16th street [1:08:51] and north of southwest 16th [1:08:53] avenue as more specifically [1:08:53] described in this ordinance fro [1:08:56] m [1:08:56] urban 9 to medical services [1:08:59] providing directions, providing [1:09:02] [1:09:02] severability clause, providing [1:09:04] [1:09:04] repealing clause and providing [1:09:06] [1:09:06] an effective date. [1:09:07] >> mayor: welcome back. [1:09:08] >> thank you. [1:09:09] good evening again. [1:09:12] allison pedder, to preface in [1:09:16] this presentation will be [1:09:17] identical to the previous item [1:09:18] [1:09:18] so I'll skip past those and [1:09:20] briefly summarize them. [1:09:22] feel free to stop me if you'd [1:09:23] like me to go more in-depth. [1:09:25] so for the record, this is the [1:09:27] [1:09:27] presentation before you now for [1:09:28] [1:09:28] the zoning map change which is [1:09:30] [1:09:30] quasi-judicial for petition [1:09:32] number ld 25-000106 for u.f. [1:09:37] health south campus. [1:09:39] for this request, the current [1:09:40] zoning designation is urban 9 [1:09:42] and the proposed change [1:09:43] requested is for medical [1:09:44] services md. [1:09:56] but nothing has changed in the [1:10:01] m. [1:10:01] this petition was reviewed usi [1:10:02] ng [1:10:02] the criteria outlined in secti [1:10:05] on [1:10:05] 30-3.14 of the land development [1:10:07] [1:10:07] code and the corresponding [1:10:09] sections of the comprehensive [1:10:10] plan for the city of [1:10:12] gainesville. [1:10:12] the criteria shown on this sli [1:10:13] de [1:10:13] are explored in the backup and [1:10:15] [1:10:15] staff report. [1:10:16] I have a couple of quick point [1:10:17] s [1:10:17] I wanted to expand in more [1:10:19] detail. [1:10:19] so this proposal is to change [1:10:22] from urban 9 which is a transec [1:10:23] t [1:10:23] zone to medical services which [1:10:25] [1:10:25] is one of the special zoning [1:10:26] districts. [1:10:26] and then as a quick reminder a [1:10:30] nd [1:10:30] recap with the last item being [1:10:31] [1:10:31] approved for the change in lan [1:10:33] d [1:10:33] use to office, our land [1:10:36] development code and [1:10:37] comprehensive plan do state tha [1:10:38] t [1:10:38] the only future land use [1:10:39] category that allows for the m [1:10:42] d [1:10:42] zoning is office. [1:10:45] and some other things to keep I [1:10:47] n [1:10:47] mind in terms of permitted use [1:10:49] s, [1:10:49] the use of hospitals only [1:10:50] permitted in medical services [1:10:52] md. [1:10:52] this is a reminder of the [1:10:59] compatibility element of this t [1:11:00] o [1:11:00] bring it into consistency with [1:11:02] [1:11:02] the other hospital campuses see [1:11:04] n [1:11:04] around the city that also have [1:11:06] [1:11:06] that md zoning. [1:11:09] and this is just a quick [1:11:10] comparison table of the two [1:11:11] zoning districts. [1:11:13] so u9 which is a transect zone [1:11:15] [1:11:15] and medical services which is a [1:11:17] [1:11:17] special district, a lot of the [1:11:19] se [1:11:19] have already been kind of talked ab [1:11:21] about but the main ones being [1:11:23] the permitted uses, the height. [1:11:25] [1:11:25] just a quick glance over that [1:11:28] with the special district [1:11:29] medical services, it's five [1:11:32] stories by right, 14 with a [1:11:34] special use permit for those [1:11:38] larger medical facilities. [1:11:39] other than that, medical [1:11:40] services is a special district [1:11:42] [1:11:42] hathat has its own section. [1:11:48] and this is just a broader map [1:11:50] [1:11:50] showing the zoning of the area. [1:11:54] [1:11:54] and lastly, based on the revie [1:11:56] w [1:11:56] of this criteria, staff [1:11:57] recommends approval of petition [1:11:59] [1:11:59] ld 25-000106 and the city plan [1:12:02] [1:12:02] board on december 18th of 2025 [1:12:05] [1:12:05] voted 6-0 to recommend approva [1:12:06] l [1:12:06] of the petition as well. [1:12:10] we are available for questions [1:12:15] [1:12:15] and mv5 is also here. [1:12:16] >> mayor: would the applicant [1:12:17] like to add anything to this? [1:12:21] >> not other than having my [1:12:23] presentation from the previous [1:12:24] [1:12:24] item reflected in the record. [1:12:26] thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:12:27] >> mayor: absolutely, yes. [1:12:29] thank you. [1:12:30] commissioner ingle. [1:12:31] >> move staff recommendation o [1:12:34] f [1:12:34] 2025-993. [1:12:34] >> second. [1:12:36] >> mayor: motion and second. [1:12:37] and commissioner book. [1:12:39] >> yeah, thank you. [1:12:39] this is precisely the type of [1:12:41] presentation that helps us be [1:12:43] prepared to make something lik [1:12:44] e [1:12:44] this. The [1:12:44] the nuances of something like a [1:12:47] [1:12:47] health use versus a hospital an [1:12:49] d [1:12:49] the fact that it has different [1:12:50] [1:12:50] densities in the same area and [1:12:52] [1:12:52] really doesn't change the [1:12:54] overall character of the area I [1:12:55] s [1:12:55] very helpful for this. [1:12:57] so this is very, very good [1:12:59] preparation by staff. [1:13:00] and this was a really -- I [1:13:02] didn't even know why this was [1:13:03] coming before us. [1:13:04] seemed like I would have thoug [1:13:06] ht [1:13:06] that this was a use that could [1:13:07] [1:13:07] have been done in that area, b [1:13:09] ut [1:13:09] for the fact that we have very, [1:13:11] [1:13:11] very precise land use and zonin [1:13:13] g [1:13:13] standards. [1:13:13] I appreciate staff in this [1:13:19] particular case and support the [1:13:20] [1:13:20] motion. [1:13:20] >> mayor: commissioner willits [1:13:22] . [1:13:22] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. Yo [1:13:24] you know, it's like -- it feels [1:13:26] [1:13:26] like a small change but in [1:13:27] essence it is also saying [1:13:28] there's less land. [1:13:30] we have just dezoned a chunk of [1:13:37] [1:13:37] land that could be -- [1:13:43] [inaudible] if u.f. Said let's [1:13:47] [1:13:47] build a dorm for nursing [1:13:48] students and now 20 per acre, w [1:13:50] e [1:13:50] do remove some -- the changes [1:13:53] aren't completely minimal. [1:13:54] it does change with the future. [1:13:56] [1:13:56] but I think this is more in line [1:13:58] [1:13:58] with what u.f. Health is looki [1:14:00] ng [1:14:00] at. [1:14:00] people can't say we never do [1:14:02] anything for u.f. Health. [1:14:03] like this is, you know, a help [1:14:05] [1:14:05] for them to build that. [1:14:06] and I just want to also give [1:14:08] thanks to ms. Pager. [1:14:20] I'm glad you're the person here [1:14:22] [1:14:22] to do all the research to answe [1:14:24] [1:14:24] my questions. [1:14:25] thank you. [1:14:26] >> happy to help. [1:14:27] >> mayor: thank you, [1:14:28] commissioner willits. [1:14:28] commissioner eastman. [1:14:30] >> thank you. [1:14:31] since I got on my soapbox last [1:14:33] [1:14:33] time about pds when making the [1:14:35] [1:14:35] change, another thing that is on [1:14:37] [1:14:37] that staff looking at that [1:14:39] spreadsheet of all the work th [1:14:40] at [1:14:40] you guys are doing is to look a [1:14:41] t [1:14:41] our allowed use tables. [1:14:43] I have not asked this directly [1:14:45] [1:14:45] but I'm guessing the differenc [1:14:46] e [1:14:46] between medical services and [1:14:47] hospitals is the main purpose o [1:14:48] f [1:14:48] this changeover. And [1:14:51] and well, regardless, I think it [1:14:53] [1:14:53] is important that we have that, [1:14:55] [1:14:55] you know, if there are [1:14:57] allowances that make sense [1:14:58] within certain zoning districts [1:14:59] [1:14:59] that we simply make those [1:15:01] updates, we might not have tak [1:15:07] en [1:15:07] a different look since we made [1:15:09] [1:15:09] transects. [1:15:09] now we have lots of time and [1:15:11] experience under our belt as t [1:15:12] o [1:15:12] what makes sense where and wha [1:15:14] t [1:15:14] applicants are coming and askin [1:15:16] g [1:15:16] us for. [1:15:16] I'm looking forward to getting [1:15:18] [1:15:18] that back whenever the plan [1:15:19] board gets done with that. [1:15:21] I think it's well overdue to [1:15:24] take a second set of eyes. [1:15:26] >> mayor: thank you, [1:15:27] commissioner eastman. [1:15:28] is there any public comment, [1:15:29] madam clerk? [1:15:31] >> no public comment. [1:15:32] >> mayor: let's call the roll. [1:15:32] [1:15:32] >> commissioner book. [1:15:33] >> aye. [1:15:33] >> commissioner willits. [1:15:34] >> aye. [1:15:34] >> commissioner eastman. [1:15:35] >> aye. [1:15:36] >> commissioner ingle. [1:15:36] >> aye. [1:15:37] >> commissioner chestnut. [1:15:37] >> aye. [1:15:38] >> commissioner duncan-walker. [1:15:38] [1:15:38] >> aye. [1:15:40] >> mayor ward. [1:15:40] >> mayor: aye. That [1:15:41] that passes unanimously. [1:15:42] madam clerk. [1:15:42] >> mr. Mayor, we are on to [1:15:44] ordinance number 2025-994, an [1:15:49] ordinance of the city of [1:15:50] gainesville, florida amending [1:15:51] the future land use map of the [1:15:53] [1:15:53] comprehensive plan by changing [1:15:54] [1:15:54] the land use category of [1:15:56] approximately 1.38 acres of [1:15:58] property generally located at [1:15:59] the 1200 block of northeast [1:16:01] 8th avenue as more [1:16:04] specifically described in this [1:16:05] [1:16:05] ordinance from mixed use [1:16:07] office/residential to urban [1:16:09] mixed use. [1:16:09] providing directions to the cit [1:16:11] y [1:16:11] manager, providing a [1:16:12] severability clause, providing [1:16:13] a [1:16:13] repealing clause and providing [1:16:15] [1:16:15] an effective date. [1:16:16] >> mayor: very good. [1:16:19] commissioner chestnut. [1:16:20] >> thank you. [1:16:22] thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:16:23] I will be abstaining on this [1:16:26] vote on ordinance number [1:16:29] 2025-994 as well as ordinance [1:16:32] number 2025-995. [1:16:34] I have a conflict of interest, [1:16:37] [1:16:37] both forms have been filed wit [1:16:38] h [1:16:38] the clerk's office. [1:16:40] >> mayor: very good. [1:16:40] thank you, commissioner [1:16:41] chestnut. [1:16:41] mr. Chen. [1:16:43] >> thank you. [1:16:43] good evening, mayor and [1:16:44] commissioners. [1:16:44] nathan iel chen. [1:16:53] this is the chestnut northeast [1:16:54] [1:16:54] 8th avenue land use change. [1:16:59] so this is the 1200 block of [1:17:02] northeast 8th avenue with [1:17:04] those four parcels listed. [1:17:06] the existing land use and zonin [1:17:08] g [1:17:08] district allow for mixed use [1:17:10] development. [1:17:10] so it is currently mixed use [1:17:13] office residential or mor and [1:17:16] currently urban 4 or u4 zoning. [1:17:19] [1:17:19] as I said, it allows [1:17:20] it is bounded on four sides by [1:17:26] [1:17:26] streets, so northeast 8th avenu [1:17:30] e [1:17:30] to the north. [1:17:31] northeast 12th street, northea [1:17:35] st [1:17:35] place to the south, and [1:17:37] northeast to the east. [1:17:38] as I said, it's the 1200 block [1:17:42] [1:17:42] of northeast 8th avenue. [1:17:44] approximately 1.38 acres, and [1:17:46] the proposed land use and zonin [1:17:49] g [1:17:49] is mixed use and urban 6. [1:17:53] the site is currently vacant. [1:17:55] here's the subject property on [1:17:58] [1:17:58] northeast 8th avenue. [1:17:59] as I said, charles chestnut iii [1:18:03] [1:18:03] avenue. [1:18:03] the subject property is in [1:18:04] orange, and the surrounding [1:18:06] developments are called out in [1:18:08] [1:18:08] blue. [1:18:08] mainly of course the 8th and [1:18:11] waldo road, located within [1:18:15] walking distance of the subject [1:18:17] [1:18:17] property. [1:18:17] and that of course proposes [1:18:20] reutilization of the site, [1:18:22] including improved facilities [1:18:24] and other improvements, and also [1:18:27] [1:18:27] note I wanted to point out tha [1:18:29] t [1:18:29] the city-approved rezoning [1:18:32] petitions of this office complex [1:18:35] [1:18:35] on the southwest corner of wal [1:18:37] do [1:18:37] and northeast 8th avenue. [1:18:39] that was removing old pud and [1:18:42] going to mixed use, which is [1:18:44] proposed on this site as well. [1:18:45] [1:18:45] mixed use office residential f [1:18:56] or [1:18:56] the blue and outlined in orang [1:18:58] e. [1:18:58] the mixed use exists o to the [1:19:00] east of the site. [1:19:00] to the north is of course [1:19:02] citizen's field, and the army [1:19:05] reserve parcel that has public [1:19:06] [1:19:06] facilities, pf future land use [1:19:09] , [1:19:09] and to the west is more mixed [1:19:13] use residential use. [1:19:16] and the proposed future use is [1:19:19] [1:19:19] urban mixed use. [1:19:21] just comparing a little bit [1:19:23] between the descriptions in the [1:19:26] [1:19:26] comprehensive plan for urban [1:19:27] mixed use and the mixed use [1:19:30] office residential category. [1:19:32] here is the mixed use office [1:19:36] residential description. [1:19:38] allowing for more development. [1:19:55] [1:19:55] you'll see in the re-zoning [1:20:00] petition, the u6 zoning allows [1:20:02] [1:20:02] up to 50 units per acre, which [1:20:05] [1:20:05] is requested for the rezoning. [1:20:07] [1:20:07] for height, mixed use is limit [1:20:09] ed [1:20:09] to three stories max yum, and [1:20:11] urban mixed use allows four [1:20:13] stories by rate, and five if [1:20:16] granted with a high bonus for [1:20:18] affordable housing or other [1:20:20] bonuses. [1:20:20] here's the description for urb [1:20:22] an [1:20:22] mixed use. [1:20:22] as I said, up to 60 units per [1:20:24] acre. [1:20:24] allows for residential office [1:20:28] retail, essentially more [1:20:30] commercial uses at the site wit [1:20:32] h [1:20:32] urban mixed use. [1:20:45] mor compatibility buffers or [1:20:54] land-use buffers, that identify [1:20:57] [1:20:57] minimum requirements for the [1:21:00] separation of land uses, so the [1:21:01] [1:21:01] table is read with the a-- or [1:21:04] the subject property on the lef [1:21:05] t [1:21:05] x then the abutting property o [1:21:07] n [1:21:07] the top, so, you'll see that [1:21:10] with the subject property, if I [1:21:12] t [1:21:12] were to be changed to urban [1:21:14] mixed use and the abutting [1:21:17] property having mixed-use [1:21:19] residential, a type-a buffer [1:21:22] would be applied to the [1:21:24] remaining portion. [1:21:25] currently, of course, no come [1:21:27] bability buffers are required [1:21:29] because the whole block is mix [1:21:31] ed [1:21:31] use residential, but with this [1:21:34] [1:21:34] change a type a buffer would b [1:21:35] e [1:21:35] applied, and I'm showing some o [1:21:37] f [1:21:37] the detailed language for what [1:21:39] [1:21:39] the buffer would entail, which [1:21:41] [1:21:41] includes landscaping, shade [1:21:43] trees and an additional [1:21:44] distance, if you will. [1:21:50] staff reviewed and pound it [1:21:52] meets the criteria for future [1:21:56] land use change outlined in the [1:21:59] [1:21:59] comprehensive plan, and of the [1:22:05] [1:22:05] land development code. [1:22:06] it allows a mix of uses and [1:22:08] supports infill and [1:22:10] redevelopment of the vacant [1:22:11] site. [1:22:11] it is a site that's well [1:22:13] connected to existing facilitie [1:22:15] s [1:22:15] and services, including [1:22:17] sidewalks on both sides o [1:22:18] northeast 8th avenue, and land uses -- [1:22:26] [1:22:26] mixed use and mixed use office [1:22:26] [1:22:26] residential. [1:22:26] [indistinct] there are no [1:22:28] significant environmental [1:22:30] resources or wetlands on the [1:22:32] property as well. [1:22:34] more details on the petition [1:22:36] meeting review criteria found I [1:22:38] n [1:22:38] the staff report. [1:22:39] staff recommends based on the [1:22:42] analysis that we recommend [1:22:44] approval of the petition [1:22:46] ld25-000124, the chestnut ne 8t [1:22:53] h land use change, and at [1:22:55] the city plan board meeting, t [1:22:56] he [1:22:56] plan board recommended approval [1:22:57] [1:22:57] of the petition. [1:23:00] the applicant is here and has a [1:23:02] [1:23:02] presentation if you'd like, but [1:23:03] [1:23:03] I'm here to answer any [1:23:04] questions. [1:23:04] >> mayor: very good, thank [1:23:08] you. [1:23:08] would the applicant want to giv [1:23:11] e [1:23:11] us a presentation? [1:23:12] >> good evening, mr. Mayor, and [1:23:19] [1:23:19] commissioners. [1:23:19] I'm clay swayinger representin [1:23:24] g [1:23:24] the property tonight. [1:23:25] I'd like to make com comments a [1:23:29] bout [1:23:29] the land use and zoning, and [1:23:30] answer questions you may have. [1:23:32] [1:23:32] this is obviously an area of a [1:23:35] [1:23:35] lot of interest. [1:23:35] I was with you in the other room [1:23:38] [1:23:38] this afternoon, but it's an [1:23:39] exciting area, and it's an are [1:23:41] a [1:23:41] where revitalization and [1:23:43] investment is a city priority. [1:23:46] [1:23:46] see the chestnut family's owned [1:23:48] [1:23:48] this property for quite some [1:23:49] time, and we have been engaged [1:23:52] [1:23:52] to bring to the city a land-use [1:23:54] map change from mor to umu, and [1:23:58] [1:23:58] the change from zoning from u4 [1:24:01] [1:24:01] to u6. [1:24:02] it's sort of a step up on the [1:24:05] ladder. [1:24:05] this is very consistent with t [1:24:07] he [1:24:07] approval by the commission for [1:24:09] [1:24:09] the, what's commonly known as [1:24:11] the former jones edmonds [1:24:15] property. [1:24:15] I'm not sure if the guys in the [1:24:18] [1:24:18] back could put this overhead o [1:24:19] n. [1:24:19] I think this helps describe the [1:24:22] [1:24:22] area a little bit better. [1:24:22] it's about 1.4 acres in size [1:24:30] outlined in red, so in this are [1:24:32] a [1:24:32] you have jones edmonds property, [1:24:35] [1:24:35] changed to umu and u6. [1:24:39] you have city properties to the [1:24:40] [1:24:40] north. [1:24:40] the armory, east end eatery, t [1:24:45] he [1:24:45] firefighter union, baptist [1:24:49] church west, and a mix of [1:24:52] residential use to the south. [1:24:53] you have a lot of different [1:24:55] mixed uses. [1:24:56] the properties to the north mul [1:24:59] , [1:24:59] that's one of the older [1:25:00] designations and the zoning tha [1:25:02] t [1:25:02] is mu1, and so obviously back I [1:25:06] n [1:25:06] 2017 the city approved the [1:25:08] zonings for properties around [1:25:11] town. [1:25:11] u4 was placed on the property [1:25:17] with the land use designation. [1:25:19] [1:25:19] this used to be an mu1 property [1:25:23] [1:25:23] and mul property. [1:25:26] some of the older ant ain't ant [1:25:35] iquated [1:25:35] designations. [1:25:35] the owner held back on that [1:25:37] idea. [1:25:37] that was a permitted use for [1:25:39] decades on this property. [1:25:41] the u4 and mor does not allow [1:25:44] that permitted use. [1:25:45] that's something that the [1:25:46] property owner is considering, [1:25:48] [1:25:48] just wanted to mention sort of [1:25:50] a [1:25:50] little history and why we're here. [1:25:51] here. [1:25:51] there's a reason why someone's [1:25:53] [1:25:53] here before you. [1:25:54] all this area has been chartered [1:26:08] [1:26:08] out for a mix of uses for highe [1:26:10] r [1:26:10] density, so we feel like this [1:26:12] increase and change would be [1:26:13] appropriate with the land use [1:26:14] map that you have on the books [1:26:18] , [1:26:18] along with its location along [1:26:20] collector city treat. [1:26:22] so I feel it's very compatible [1:26:25] [1:26:25] with that pattern. [1:26:27] as far as building height, lan [1:26:28] d [1:26:28] use and zoning would allow [1:26:30] three-story buildings. [1:26:32] this would allow four-story [1:26:35] buildings by right. [1:26:36] we did hold a neighborhood [1:26:38] workshop in the fall. [1:26:39] we had one community attendee, [1:26:41] and they did not have any [1:26:43] objection to the application. [1:26:46] we sent out notification to the [1:26:48] [1:26:48] nearby property owners and the [1:26:50] [1:26:50] notification radius, along wit [1:26:52] h [1:26:52] registered neighborhood [1:26:54] associations. [1:26:54] you're plan back in december [1:27:00] recommended approval unanimously [1:27:02] [1:27:02] of the change, and your staff I [1:27:04] s [1:27:04] recommending approval. [1:27:05] I preernght that. [1:27:06] I -- I appreciate that. [1:27:08] we've got something put together [1:27:10] [1:27:10] that will benefit the community, [1:27:12] [1:27:12] benefit the property, and [1:27:13] hopefully bring something [1:27:14] positive to area and continue t [1:27:15] o [1:27:15] build on that momentum. [1:27:17] so, I think with that, I'll [1:27:20] conclude and answer any [1:27:22] questions y'all have tonight. [1:27:23] >> mayor: thank you. [1:27:24] all right! [1:27:25] any questions? [1:27:27] any comments? [1:27:29] is there any public comment? [1:27:32] >> yes, mr. Mayor. [1:27:33] first, we have petria davis. [1:27:36] [1:27:36] >> mayor: welcome. [1:27:39] >> good afternoon, mayor, and [1:27:50] commissioners. [1:27:50] I live 30 feet from the parcel [1:27:53] [1:27:53] being considered for the futur [1:27:54] e [1:27:54] land use changed from 4 unit p [1:27:57] er [1:27:57] acre to 6 unit per acre. [1:28:00] I am here today to respectfull [1:28:02] y [1:28:02] oppose this change. [1:28:03] increasing the k density open t [1:28:11] he [1:28:11] development far more intense [1:28:12] than currently exists in our [1:28:14] neighborhood. [1:28:14] although the request is tied t [1:28:17] o [1:28:17] a funeral home, this could wou [1:28:19] ld [1:28:19] allow much larger structure, [1:28:21] including the possibility of a [1:28:23] [1:28:23] multi-story building extremely [1:28:26] [1:28:26] close to my home that would [1:28:28] significantly affect my privacy [1:28:30] , [1:28:30] sunlight, and overall quality of [1:28:31] [1:28:31] life. [1:28:31] this area is a family-oriented [1:28:34] [1:28:34] neighborhood. [1:28:34] we have children under the age [1:28:37] [1:28:37] of 10 who regularly play [1:28:40] outside, riding bicycle, playi [1:28:42] ng [1:28:42] basketball, and kicking soccer [1:28:43] [1:28:43] balls in the yard. [1:28:45] introducing a commercial-scale [1:28:48] [1:28:48] facility with increased traffic [1:28:51] [1:28:51] and frequent visitation would [1:28:53] create safety risks for these [1:28:55] children who use the street and [1:28:57] [1:28:57] surrounding area daily. [1:28:58] a funeral home will also be [1:29:01] additional vehicle trips, [1:29:03] deliveries of peak time [1:29:07] congestion within a short time [1:29:14] [1:29:14] conflict of our home. [1:29:15] beyond safety, placing a [1:29:17] commercial building so close t [1:29:18] o [1:29:18] my property would negatively [1:29:21] impact my home expral primarily [1:29:23] [1:29:23] change the character of the [1:29:25] neighborhood. [1:29:25] for these reasons I respectfull [1:29:27] y [1:29:27] ask you not to approve the land [1:29:31] [1:29:31] use change from 4 units to 6 [1:29:33] units. [1:29:33] thank you for your time and [1:29:34] consideration. [1:29:34] >> thank you. [1:29:35] >> sharon bower. [1:29:41] >> I have a graphic I'd like t [1:29:45] o [1:29:45] project. [1:29:45] this shows not the zoning, but [1:29:56] [1:29:56] the actual land use. [1:29:57] here are the chestnut propertie [1:30:00] s [1:30:00] here. [1:30:00] [indistinct] it's surrounded b [1:30:07] y [1:30:07] all sides by residential, singl [1:30:10] e [1:30:10] family and duplexes. [1:30:12] most of them, or many of them [1:30:15] like 40 feet away. [1:30:16] after december 18th plan board [1:30:18] [1:30:18] meeting, our neighborhood [1:30:20] association northeast neighbors [1:30:21] [1:30:21] asked why the chestnut familie [1:30:24] s [1:30:24] needed to use 6 zoning instead [1:30:28] [1:30:28] of the current 3, and 50 acres [1:30:30] [1:30:30] instead of 20 for their [1:30:33] northeast avenue property. [1:30:33] what they were planning that [1:30:35] they couldn't do under the [1:30:36] current zoning. [1:30:37] we got no answer. [1:30:38] then we saw the table of [1:30:41] permitted uses in the code of [1:30:43] ordinances and saw that a [1:30:48] funeral home, which a sign on [1:30:52] the site had announced isn't [1:30:56] allowed in the u4, even with a [1:30:58] [1:30:58] special-use permit. [1:31:00] it would be allowed by right I [1:31:02] n [1:31:02] the proposed u6. [1:31:04] now that the land use is being [1:31:07] [1:31:07] used to 20 units per acre to [1:31:09] urban mixed use, 50 units with [1:31:11] a [1:31:11] possible 50% density bonus for [1:31:14] [1:31:14] things like tree preservation [1:31:17] and an extra two stories for [1:31:19] landscaping and pedestrian [1:31:21] access. [1:31:21] instead of the two units and [1:31:23] three stories allowed, there [1:31:25] would be 90 units -- there cou [1:31:27] ld [1:31:27] be 90 units and seven stories. [1:31:30] [1:31:30] the chestnut property's next a [1:31:34] [1:31:34] church on northeast 8th avenue, [1:31:36] [1:31:36] and it's surrounded on three [1:31:38] side by residences, 14 [1:31:40] single-family homes, and three [1:31:42] [1:31:42] duplexes. [1:31:42] the people most likely to suffe [1:31:47] r [1:31:47] the most negative impact on [1:31:50] their property values, if a [1:31:51] funeral home or a seven-story, [1:31:54] [1:31:54] 90-unit apartment building is [1:31:57] built, or the owners of the [1:32:00] single-family homes that were [1:32:05] built in 200 #9 by the housing [1:32:09] [1:32:09] and neighborhood corporation. [1:32:10] the only one that has changed [1:32:12] hands was sold in 2024. [1:32:14] I'm sure that you if you lived [1:32:17] [1:32:17] in a residential neighborhood, [1:32:19] [1:32:19] just single family and d duple [1:32:23] xes, [1:32:23] would you not be happy having a [1:32:27] [1:32:27] funeral home there. [1:32:28] that is why we are requesting [1:32:30] that you delay action on this [1:32:32] and hold a neighborhood [1:32:34] workshop. [1:32:34] there's been some confusion. [1:32:37] people didn't understand the [1:32:38] implications and the postcard [1:32:40] they got about today said it [1:32:43] would be voted on as early as [1:32:45] 10:00 a.m., so people thought [1:32:47] they were supposed to come thi [1:32:48] s [1:32:48] morning and they couldn't, [1:32:49] because they're working, so [1:32:51] please, please listen to the [1:32:52] people in this neighborhood [1:32:53] because this is going -- you [1:32:55] would not want this across the [1:32:56] [1:32:56] street from you. [1:32:57] >> that was our last speaker, [1:33:04] mr. Mayor. [1:33:06] >> mayor: commissioner book. [1:33:07] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:33:09] such an interesting avenue [1:33:12] because we have so many [1:33:13] components going on, we [1:33:14] discussed it today. [1:33:16] we talking about mlk and the [1:33:19] citizen's field. [1:33:20] the way we develop the roadway [1:33:22] [1:33:22] and the resurfacing, and land [1:33:25] use and zoning right in there. [1:33:27] [1:33:27] I wish sometimes we were able t [1:33:29] o [1:33:29] consider them all together, and [1:33:32] [1:33:32] it's very difficult to do that [1:33:33] [1:33:33] because one piece holds up [1:33:35] another piece, and there's a lot [1:33:36] [1:33:36] of dominoes in that regard. [1:33:38] I had a couple questions. [1:33:39] this is probably for city staff [1:33:43] , [1:33:43] but in driving down the [1:33:45] ne 8th avenue and looking at t [1:33:47] he [1:33:47] map there are two large parcels, [1:33:49] [1:33:49] and it does not affect the [1:33:50] second parcel, and they're [1:33:54] identical. [1:33:54] this is one parcel that's about [1:33:57] [1:33:57] 1.5 acres plus. [1:33:58] is that right? [1:34:00] >> that's right. [1:34:06] so, there's four parcels in [1:34:09] consideration for the future [1:34:11] land use change in the rezoning. [1:34:14] [1:34:14] I'll go back to the map that [1:34:18] shows the parcels, but [1:34:22] generally, it's considered -- [1:34:23] there's three parcels actually, [1:34:25] [1:34:25] sort of fronting northeast [1:34:29] 8th avenue. [1:34:29] >> so the land use clang in this [1:34:32] [1:34:32] particular case, as it's [1:34:33] currently situated, could not [1:34:35] have a funeral home and has to [1:34:36] [1:34:36] change if that was a potential [1:34:38] [1:34:38] use that the applicant was [1:34:40] interested in. [1:34:41] >> that's correct. [1:34:41] so with the current urban 4 [1:34:46] district does not allow funeral [1:34:47] [1:34:47] homes by right. [1:34:48] it's not a permitted use in u4. [1:34:51] the u6 zoning district does I [1:34:54] law for funeral homes. [1:34:55] >> my last question is more jus [1:34:57] t [1:34:57] a comment. [1:34:57] we talked about engagement. [1:34:59] there's always a big differenc [1:35:01] e [1:35:01] between engagement in the [1:35:05] business area because there's [1:35:07] not a lot of homes around there [1:35:08] . [1:35:08] so the people we get more [1:35:10] feedback in are more intereste [1:35:13] d [1:35:13] in the commercial enterprise, [1:35:15] but the northeast 8th avenue h [1:35:17] as [1:35:17] residents all the way down fro [1:35:19] m [1:35:19] really from here all the way t [1:35:23] o [1:35:23] horizon and to our school there [1:35:24] . [1:35:24] so always want to make sure we [1:35:26] [1:35:26] have a really good feedback fro [1:35:29] m [1:35:29] the folks who are most impacte [1:35:33] d. [1:35:33] we had one person attend the [1:35:34] feedback. [1:35:34] we talked about having [1:35:37] engagement related to the [1:35:39] roadway. [1:35:39] I don't want to complicate [1:35:42] things. [1:35:42] it's always good to have that [1:35:44] type of engagement, as far as [1:35:46] people impacted, and this abuts [1:35:48] [1:35:48] business and single family. [1:35:50] that's just my comment. [1:35:51] thank you for the work. [1:35:52] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:35:54] >> mayor: thank you. [1:35:55] commission willis? [1:35:56] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:35:57] so this is -- I'm a little [1:36:01] shocked that a funeral home is [1:36:03] [1:36:03] not allowed in u4 but allowed I [1:36:06] n [1:36:06] u6. [1:36:06] I would imagine funeral home I [1:36:09] s [1:36:09] almost a very suburban-ish in [1:36:14] [1:36:14] nature. [1:36:14] it is not really urban use, in [1:36:19] [1:36:19] my mind. [1:36:20] so why is it -- can you chart a [1:36:23] [1:36:23] little bit more -- that's later [1:36:24] . [1:36:24] I'll wait for my zoning until [1:36:27] the actual zoning. [1:36:28] [1:36:28] so I know that there was [1:36:30] reference that we did change t [1:36:33] he [1:36:33] land use of some of the parcels [1:36:34] [1:36:34] or I think a couple of the [1:36:36] parcels in the very far [1:36:38] northeast of this intersection [1:36:39] [1:36:39] with waldo and 8th very [1:36:43] recently, but this does feel a [1:36:46] [1:36:46] little bit like putting the [1:36:47] carpet before the horse. [1:36:48] everything next door is zoned, [1:36:50] [1:36:50] but it's also a big, huge, [1:36:52] mostly vacant parcels, right, t [1:36:55] o [1:36:55] the east right now. [1:36:57] largely vacant? [1:36:58] >> to the east, I believe -- I [1:37:02] [1:37:02] can't speak to the current [1:37:03] status of whether they're -- [1:37:07] whether they're in use actively [1:37:11] [1:37:11] or not, but you're correct tha [1:37:12] t [1:37:12] the land use and zoning did [1:37:15] change from a pud over to the [1:37:19] zones on that corner. [1:37:20] >> I'm sure if the future, to [1:37:22] commissioner book's point, whe [1:37:24] n [1:37:24] we're looking at 8th avenue, [1:37:26] we're looking at some traffic [1:37:28] numbers. [1:37:28] it's not nearly as much as one [1:37:30] [1:37:30] of the other sections, but all [1:37:33] [1:37:33] of that corner, outside of wha [1:37:34] t [1:37:34] we're talking about today. [1:37:34] if all that developed in a way [1:37:36] [1:37:36] that would perhaps have more [1:37:37] housing or commerce or mix, muc [1:37:40] h [1:37:40] more intense, that would chang [1:37:41] e some of [1:37:41] some of the traffic on 8th. [1:37:42] so, I understand this is right [1:37:46] [1:37:46] next to it, which that's kind o [1:37:50] f [1:37:50] that sequential. [1:37:51] we did one of these up on [1:37:54] northwest 16th, I believe, [1:37:56] behind the cvs, just one small [1:37:59] [1:37:59] parcel, and we barely increased [1:38:01] the [1:38:01] the intensity, and that was [1:38:03] quite a conversation. [1:38:05] that was right next to something [1:38:07] [1:38:07] that had been zoned for decades [1:38:09] , [1:38:09] at least two decades, and just [1:38:12] [1:38:12] the one next parcel, about hal [1:38:15] f [1:38:15] an acre. [1:38:16] so, seems -- it makes sense if [1:38:19] [1:38:19] you're talking about developing [1:38:20] [1:38:20] the whole corner, but, I [1:38:24] appreciate that the larger map [1:38:25] [1:38:25] that mr. Swageer shows, where I [1:38:31] t [1:38:31] transitions to -- if we could [1:38:33] show that, broadcast that [1:38:36] overhead. [1:38:36] we are the oldest single famil [1:38:39] y [1:38:39] is on the farther west and sou [1:38:40] th [1:38:40] side. [1:38:40] the section, the middle that I [1:38:43] s [1:38:43] mixed office resident -- mor I [1:38:47] s [1:38:47] not -- mixed use office [1:38:50] residential. [1:38:50] that's where it lies. [1:38:52] this helps give me a little mor [1:38:54] e [1:38:54] context for it. [1:38:55] [1:38:55] seems like it's a little -- I [1:39:04] would wait until the other [1:39:05] properties got developed to see [1:39:07] [1:39:07] what the demand is in the area [1:39:10] [1:39:10] for land use because that mixed [1:39:12] [1:39:12] op is clearly we're allowed to [1:39:14] [1:39:14] have single family in the mixed [1:39:17] [1:39:17] use office residential? [1:39:19] >> in urban 4 and urban 6 do [1:39:24] allow dominate. [1:39:25] >> in the mixed use office, [1:39:28] that's why we have some of the [1:39:30] [1:39:30] homes in southeast 12th street [1:39:34] . [1:39:34] that's all I got for now. [1:39:35] thank you. [1:39:36] >> mayor: thank you, [1:39:37] commissioner willis. [1:39:38] would anyone like to make a [1:39:40] motion? [1:39:40] [1:39:40] commissioner book. [1:39:45] >> I'd like to ask one more [1:39:47] question. [1:39:47] this is really for the city [1:39:48] manager. [1:39:48] I hate to complicate things. [1:39:52] is there any benefit in us not [1:39:54] [1:39:54] kicking the can down the road, [1:39:56] [1:39:56] but getting the same feedback [1:39:58] we're about to get from probabl [1:40:00] y [1:40:00] a lot of people for that [1:40:01] corridor because this is the [1:40:02] exact same stretch of road we're [1:40:05] [1:40:05] about to get feedback on befor [1:40:07] e [1:40:07] or from your perspective, [1:40:09] mr. Manager -- [indistinct] two [1:40:13] [1:40:13] very different situations, but [1:40:14] [1:40:14] they're in the same geography. [1:40:18] [1:40:18] >> mr. Mayor, I would say that [1:40:20] [1:40:20] really kind of separate, two [1:40:22] separate issues. [1:40:23] I did also kind of want to [1:40:27] clarify one, somewhat wonky [1:40:30] aspect, of the discussion about [1:40:32] [1:40:32] the allowance for a funeral [1:40:35] home. [1:40:35] urban 4 zoning in the list of [1:40:38] permitted uses allows for [1:40:40] personal services, which that [1:40:42] definition includes funeral [1:40:44] homes, so actually that urban 4 [1:40:47] [1:40:47] does allow funeral homes, just [1:40:52] not specific called-out use. [1:40:53] it's a little bit in the weeds [1:41:04] . [1:41:04] not something that jumps out [1:41:05] unless you're reading through [1:41:07] definition. [1:41:07] >> so why do we need the land [1:41:09] use change? [1:41:10] >> -- [indistinct] # [1:41:29] [1:41:29] >> mayor: ms. Bower -- you had [1:41:34] [1:41:34] your opportunities. [1:41:35] >> the question was important [1:41:39] since you brought it up. [1:41:40] why do we need the land use [1:41:42] change? [1:41:42] [1:41:42] >> I'll take a swipe at it. [1:41:50] >> the manager's correct in tha [1:41:52] t [1:41:52] embedded in the definition [1:41:54] personal services, but then [1:41:55] there's the use table that [1:41:57] doesn't have funeral home as a [1:42:00] [1:42:00] permitted use in u4, so there's [1:42:03] [1:42:03] conflicted information. [1:42:04] so, I'll let the city planning [1:42:07] [1:42:07] director say more, but that was [1:42:09] [1:42:09] the response I wanted to give t [1:42:10] o [1:42:10] you all. [1:42:12] >> good evening. [1:42:12] thank you all. [1:42:13] director of sustainable [1:42:14] development. [1:42:14] the u6 designation also include [1:42:19] s [1:42:19] crematory, which is an important [1:42:21] [1:42:21] adoition that funeral home and [1:42:23] [1:42:23] the personal services definitio [1:42:25] n [1:42:25] there. [1:42:25] >> so really largely that u6 I [1:42:31] s [1:42:31] again additional options or [1:42:32] opportunities for those [1:42:34] commercial practices. [1:42:35] >> very good. [1:42:38] >> mayor: commissioner book. [1:42:40] >> I know this merely because w [1:42:43] e [1:42:43] have someone on the dais -- [1:42:46] makes us feel a little bit [1:42:48] awkward, but we apply the same [1:42:51] [1:42:51] standards regardless of who's [1:42:52] involved, and those standards [1:42:53] are related to the comprehensi [1:42:55] ve [1:42:55] plan. [1:42:55] and if it's substantially in [1:42:58] compliance with the conference [1:42:59] [1:42:59] of plan, then by law, not even [1:43:01] [1:43:01] by opinion, by law we have to [1:43:05] move forward at least one of [1:43:07] these. [1:43:07] so, with that, I move approval [1:43:10] [1:43:10] of 202-5994 and adopt the [1:43:13] proposed land use change. [1:43:14] >> second. [1:43:16] >> mayor: motion and a second. [1:43:17] [1:43:17] commissioner willis. [1:43:18] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [1:43:21] I know we're getting to zoning [1:43:23] [1:43:23] in a minute, but some of this I [1:43:25] s [1:43:25] helping us understand what is [1:43:26] allowed in different land uses. [1:43:28] [1:43:28] I will say I think it's crazy [1:43:30] that a crematory's allowed in u [1:43:33] 6 [1:43:33] and not u4 because higher up t [1:43:36] he [1:43:36] sect is more urban in nature. [1:43:38] does not make a lot of sense to [1:43:39] [1:43:39] me, but thank you between the [1:43:41] manager and mr. [indistinct] [1:43:45] clarifying it. [1:43:46] same way talking about hospita [1:43:47] ls [1:43:47] and medical services. [1:43:48] sometimes it's -- the details [1:43:50] are lost in there somewhere wha [1:43:52] t [1:43:52] allowed and what isn't allowed. [1:43:54] [1:43:54] thank you for clarifying that. [1:43:56] [1:43:56] so, yeah, that is -- I'm still [1:44:00] a [1:44:00] little shocked that we allow I [1:44:04] t, [1:44:04] that our zoning code crematory [1:44:08] [1:44:08] in u6 when I was hearing in a [1:44:11] different county, union county, [1:44:13] [1:44:13] the conversation was in a rural [1:44:15] [1:44:15] area, people thought it was too [1:44:17] [1:44:17] close to homes, let alone close [1:44:19] [1:44:19] to what -- the rest of u6 is [1:44:21] zoned up to 60 verses or 50 [1:44:25] units per acre plus with [1:44:27] potential bonuses, putting a [1:44:30] crematory that close to even [1:44:31] more people. [1:44:32] I'm having a hard time [1:44:33] understanding how this got int [1:44:35] o [1:44:35] that portion of our comp plan, [1:44:39] [1:44:39] unless it was completely [1:44:40] ignored. [1:44:40] I would think crematories and [1:44:43] stuff in general should be in [1:44:44] the more rural area you can [1:44:45] make, or industrial areas, chi [1:44:48] which [1:44:49] I know that's common. [1:44:50] thank you. [1:44:51] that's all I have. [1:44:52] >> mayor: thank you, [1:44:54] commissioner will is. [1:44:57] please call the roll. [1:44:58] [1:45:12] >> mayor: that passes [1:45:20] unanimously with commissioner [1:45:21] chestnut abstaining. [1:45:23] good, commissioner book. [1:45:26] >> I want a statement released. [1:45:28] [1:45:28] this first half is since we wi [1:45:30] ll [1:45:30] be doing some community [1:45:31] engagement, we already have the [1:45:33] [1:45:33] week we've done extensive types [1:45:35] [1:45:35] of engagement related to the [1:45:38] northeast 8th avenue, the mlk [1:45:40] center, citizen's field. [1:45:42] when we end up sending out mor [1:45:44] e [1:45:44] information about the northeast [1:45:46] [1:45:46] avenue corridor. [1:45:50] certainly not complicating the [1:45:52] [1:45:52] matter, providing additional [1:45:54] information about all the [1:45:55] components going on so all the [1:45:58] [1:45:58] people want to weigh in. [1:45:59] would that be problematic? [1:46:01] >> I guess, can you clarify wha [1:46:05] t [1:46:05] you're asking that we would [1:46:06] notify about? [1:46:06] >> sure, for the last two years [1:46:13] , [1:46:13] we've been talking about [1:46:14] citizen's field, and we've got [1:46:16] [1:46:16] information out many, many times [1:46:17] [1:46:17] in many different ways. [1:46:18] earlier today we had the [1:46:19] northeast 8th avenue, the [1:46:21] roadway, and everything we're [1:46:22] doing, and clearly we're going [1:46:24] [1:46:24] to focus on what neighbors and [1:46:26] [1:46:26] businesses feel like around [1:46:27] there and our faith-based [1:46:29] community, and here we have a [1:46:31] third component right there in [1:46:32] [1:46:32] the same area, and it seem to m [1:46:35] e [1:46:35] it would be to our benefit, eve [1:46:36] n [1:46:36] if we're not asking for input t [1:46:38] o [1:46:38] provide as much information [1:46:39] about all the things we know [1:46:40] that are going on in an area. [1:46:57] does that clarify a little bit? [1:47:01] [1:47:01] >> yes, I believe so. [1:47:02] [1:47:02] >> mayor: thank you, [1:47:05] commissioner book. [1:47:09] >> mr. Mayor, we're on to [1:47:13] ordinance 2025-995, ordinance o [1:47:16] f [1:47:16] the city of gainesville, [1:47:17] florida, amending the zoning [1:47:19] atlas by rezoning 1.3 acres of [1:47:22] [1:47:22] property generally located at [1:47:24] the 1200 block of northeast [1:47:27] 8th avenue. [1:47:38] >> this is the rezoning of the [1:47:49] [1:47:49] chestnut petition. [1:47:53] so this is the same area we wer [1:47:55] e [1:47:55] just discussing. [1:47:57] the portion that we're [1:47:58] discussing now is the urban 6 [1:48:03] area going from u4 to u6, and [1:48:05] same area we are discussing. [1:48:07] here you can see -- I'll pause [1:48:10] [1:48:10] for a second to talk about the [1:48:12] [1:48:12] zoning districts, so as you can [1:48:14] [1:48:14] see in the blue urban 4 being [1:48:17] the subject property and u6 [1:48:20] existing on the east side, so [1:48:25] east of the subject properties [1:48:26] [1:48:26] to the south, there's more urb [1:48:28] an [1:48:28] 4 zoning and to the west is [1:48:30] urban 3 zoning. [1:48:33] to the north with citizen's [1:48:36] field being public service, and [1:48:40] [1:48:40] mu1 being to the north as well. [1:48:41] [1:48:41] and urban 6 is the proposed [1:48:45] zoning district for this, and [1:48:47] I'll get a little bit into the [1:48:49] [1:48:49] table with the permitted uses t [1:48:53] o [1:48:53] explain a little bit more [1:48:54] between u4 and u6, so, for thi [1:48:58] s [1:48:58] table you can see the uses [1:49:00] listed on the left. [1:49:01] those are uses just directly [1:49:03] from the land development code [1:49:04] [1:49:04] of what is permitted, not [1:49:07] permitted, or allowed by [1:49:08] accessory, or allowed with a [1:49:10] special-use permit. [1:49:12] you can see the columns with u [1:49:13] [1:49:13] u4 -- what's allowed is p with [1:49:16] a [1:49:17] permitted, allowed by accessory [1:49:20] [1:49:20] a, and also the column for u6. [1:49:23] [1:49:23] so I'll click through some of [1:49:24] these. [1:49:24] I've also highlighted in blue [1:49:28] where with the rezoning going [1:49:30] from u4 to u6. [1:49:32] if it's blue that means it is [1:49:35] now permitted in u6. [1:49:36] if they're rezoning carries [1:49:39] forward. [1:49:39] in the orange it would no longer [1:49:42] [1:49:42] be permitted in u6. [1:49:44] you'll see there's all blues a [1:49:46] s [1:49:46] far as the change from u4 to u [1:49:49] 6 [1:49:49] is considered. [1:49:49] so there would be no, I guess, [1:49:53] [1:49:53] loss of a permitted use if you [1:49:55] [1:49:55] will, and this just captures t [1:49:56] he [1:49:56] non-residential uses. [1:49:58] I have another table going ove [1:50:01] r [1:50:01] density in the residential [1:50:02] component. [1:50:02] just clicking through. [1:50:05] as I explained previously, u6 [1:50:07] zoning allows for more [1:50:09] non-residential uses, including [1:50:11] [1:50:11] commercial and retail uses by [1:50:13] right. [1:50:13] so you can see as I click [1:50:14] through things like restaurant [1:50:16] [1:50:16] and retail sales would be al [1:50:17] allowed by right with the p? [1:50:22] in [1:50:25] u6 zoning. [1:50:25] [1:50:40] going from u4 to u6, that would [1:50:45] [1:50:45] be changing from 20 to 50 units [1:50:47] [1:50:47] per acre. [1:50:47] just to note that the subject [1:50:50] area that is being considered [1:50:51] for rezoning is 1.38 acres, so, [1:50:54] [1:50:54] at 50 units per acre, that's 69 [1:50:57] [1:50:57] units maximum. [1:50:59] we've discussed the maximum [1:51:02] stories going from u4 allows [1:51:05] three stories by right. [1:51:06] u6 allows four stories by right [1:51:11] , [1:51:11] and five with a bonus for tree [1:51:14] [1:51:14] preservation or things like [1:51:16] affordable housing. [1:51:17] maximum height is listed there [1:51:19] [1:51:19] as well, and there would be an [1:51:22] [1:51:22] increased in required glazing. [1:51:24] [1:51:24] changing from u4 to u6 dependi [1:51:27] ng [1:51:27] on the type of project that's [1:51:28] proposed, additional treatments [1:51:29] [1:51:29] to the urban forum, like [1:51:33] sidewalk improvements or [1:51:36] material improvements, dependi [1:51:38] ng [1:51:38] on the project, may also be [1:51:39] imposed with different uses [1:51:42] being allowed at the site. [1:51:43] but generally, setbacks, [1:51:47] building placement and buildin [1:51:49] g [1:51:49] frontage, all would remain the [1:51:51] [1:51:51] same between u4 and u6, and tha [1:51:54] t [1:51:54] should remain the same. [1:51:55] I can also talk about urban fiv [1:51:58] e [1:51:58] should you have any questions, [1:52:00] [1:52:00] have some notes for that, if y [1:52:02] ou [1:52:02] are interested. [1:52:02] so, with the proposed zoning [1:52:06] staff reviewed the petition [1:52:11] based on the criteria in the [1:52:14] land development code. [1:52:15] the u6 zoning district is [1:52:18] compatible with the sownding [1:52:19] uses, and allowed intensity and [1:52:21] [1:52:21] density. [1:52:21] u6 zoning exists to the east o [1:52:23] f [1:52:23] the subject property and many o [1:52:25] f [1:52:25] the u6 permitted uses are [1:52:27] similar to those in the u4 [1:52:29] zoning district, with some of [1:52:31] those additional non-residenti [1:52:33] al [1:52:33] allowances I mentioned. [1:52:34] the proposed rezoning also [1:52:36] conformed to an additional set [1:52:38] [1:52:38] of criteria, the transect zone [1:52:43] [1:52:43] criteria. [1:52:43] it establishes a logical [1:52:48] extension of the existing u6 t [1:52:49] o [1:52:49] the exist. [1:52:50] a more urban transect zone is [1:52:54] appropriate considering the [1:52:55] interest in development in thi [1:52:57] s [1:52:57] area, and the improvements the [1:52:58] [1:52:58] city's making to the corridor. [1:53:01] [1:53:01] if development at the property [1:53:05] [1:53:05] occurs the urban transect zone [1:53:08] [1:53:08] standards would require [1:53:09] additional glazing, and [1:53:10] depending on the type of proje [1:53:14] ct [1:53:14] more material standards or oth [1:53:15] er [1:53:15] things may also be applied. [1:53:17] I also wanted to mention the u [1:53:23] 6 [1:53:23] zoning district would come int [1:53:25] o [1:53:25] play with the inclusionary [1:53:28] zoning requirement, so going [1:53:29] from u4 to u6. [1:53:31] u6 is one of the zoning distric [1:53:34] t [1:53:34] that is would require [1:53:35] inclusionary zoning if the [1:53:37] property were developed with [1:53:38] over 50 units. [1:53:40] and I think that is all that I [1:53:41] [1:53:41] have to say. [1:53:42] staff recommends approval of [1:53:45] ld25- 000125, and the plan boa [1:53:53] rd [1:53:53] recommended approval of the [1:53:54] petition. [1:53:54] here for any questions you hav [1:53:56] e. [1:53:56] >> mayor: very good. [1:53:57] thank you. [1:53:58] applicant have anything to add [1:53:59] ? [1:54:10] if you have questions for me, I' [1:54:13] I'm glad to answer them. [1:54:13] with the umu land use, you nee [1:54:16] d [1:54:16] to consider a new zoning, and u [1:54:18] 6 [1:54:18] is one of the lower tier, [1:54:20] less-intense zoning options tha [1:54:23] t [1:54:23] you have. [1:54:23] I did want to mention too, in [1:54:28] the back to our previous [1:54:29] conversation a few minutes ago [1:54:31] [1:54:31] at our neighborhood workshop, w [1:54:33] e [1:54:33] did make an extra effort to lay [1:54:35] [1:54:35] out the table to show what use [1:54:37] s [1:54:37] are allowed, what's not allowed, [1:54:40] [1:54:40] what are the changes. [1:54:42] we were clear and announced tha [1:54:44] t [1:54:44] the funeral home is a [1:54:47] possibility. [1:54:47] we're trying to be transparent [1:54:49] [1:54:49] about this, but, of course, you [1:54:50] [1:54:50] all have to consider all the [1:54:51] uses that are allowed in u6, a [1:54:53] nd [1:54:53] we really think it's compatibl [1:54:55] e [1:54:55] with that overall map pattern w [1:54:58] e [1:54:58] had discussed a few minutes ago [1:54:59] . [1:54:59] if you have any questions for [1:55:00] me, I would be glad to answer [1:55:03] -- [1:55:03] one last thing too. [1:55:04] I think the neighbor who was [1:55:07] here and left, if a project [1:55:10] comes sphward they'll have to [1:55:11] -- [1:55:11] forward, stl they'll have to d [1:55:15] o a [1:55:16] site plan review, and most [1:55:17] likely neighborhood workshop. [1:55:18] I'm sure this project would tak [1:55:20] e [1:55:20] into consideration local stree [1:55:21] ts [1:55:21] and neighbors and zoning code [1:55:24] allows -- I'm sorry, it require [1:55:26] s [1:55:26] buildings to be fronting the [1:55:28] primary street, addressing the [1:55:29] [1:55:29] street, which is 8th avenue, a [1:55:32] nd [1:55:32] so the concentration of any [1:55:34] development on this property I [1:55:35] s [1:55:35] going to be towards the more [1:55:37] primary street and away from t [1:55:39] he [1:55:39] residential area to the south. [1:55:42] [1:55:42] certainly aware of that issue. [1:55:43] [1:55:43] thank you. [1:55:44] >> mayor: thank you, [1:55:45] mr. Swager. [1:55:47] I would point out also that ha [1:55:51] s [1:55:51] been alluded, it's our decision [1:55:58] [1:55:58] tonight to allow a particular [1:55:59] use. [1:55:59] whether to allow the different [1:56:01] [1:56:01] zoning. [1:56:01] not what will go in that, on [1:56:06] these lots. [1:56:07] that is for a future question. [1:56:10] [1:56:10] tonight's question is, will we [1:56:12] [1:56:12] allow the zoning to move forwa [1:56:14] rd [1:56:14] as requested? [1:56:15] commissioner willits. [1:56:20] >> questions about u5 instead o [1:56:24] f [1:56:24] u6. [1:56:24] u5 is allow inside thi [1:56:28] >> it's actually not. [1:56:32] skipping to 6, what about 5. D [1:56:41] on't have my laptop. [1:56:41] it's at it, but I have my [1:56:44] phone -- the better question. [1:56:46] what are the other zonings [1:56:47] allowed? [1:56:47] that's kind of what I was [1:56:50] looking at. [1:56:51] in the urban mixed use zoning [1:56:55] district -- sorry, future land [1:56:57] [1:56:57] use category, there are three [1:56:59] sort of allowable zoning [1:57:01] districts to choose from that [1:57:03] would be permitted in that [1:57:05] category. [1:57:05] it would be u6, u7, or u8. [1:57:09] the u5 zoning district is only [1:57:11] [1:57:11] allowed in the mixed-use [1:57:14] residential future land use [1:57:16] category, which is primarily [1:57:18] areas like sorority row [1:57:24] surrounding the university tha [1:57:26] t [1:57:26] have a unique set of [1:57:27] circumstances that have [1:57:28] descriptions of the u5 zoning [1:57:30] district if you're curious, but [1:57:32] [1:57:32] that is not something that cou [1:57:33] ld [1:57:33] be placed in the urban mixed u [1:57:35] se [1:57:35] future land category. [1:57:36] >> I want to remind -- which [1:57:38] runs are available? [1:57:40] so then, can you tell me the [1:57:42] difference between u6. [1:57:44] typically as you go up, more a [1:57:46] nd [1:57:46] more things are allowed and [1:57:48] permitted, but I wanted to [1:57:49] double check on a few things. [1:57:51] drive-through facility is [1:57:55] allowed and permitted in u6. [1:57:57] is it permitted in u7 and u8? [1:58:00] >> I can check that. [1:58:02] [1:58:02] table is limited in its [1:58:06] research. [1:58:06] >> it's one that wasn't allowed [1:58:12] [1:58:12] in u4, but it is permitted in [1:58:14] u6. [1:58:14] so I'm trying -- in general, I [1:58:18] [1:58:18] know that usually as you go up [1:58:20] [1:58:20] more and more things are [1:58:21] permitted, but I think some [1:58:24] things drop out as you get [1:58:25] closer to u9. [1:58:27] >> that's correct. [1:58:28] some uses do drop off as you g [1:58:29] et [1:58:29] to the more intensive united d [1:58:34] t [1:58:34] zoning districts, but [1:58:35] drive-through facilities are [1:58:37] allowed in u6 and through u8. [1:58:39] >> this is where I get to -- t [1:58:41] he [1:58:41] idea of permitting, and I know [1:58:45] [1:58:45] we, on the legislative, somewha [1:58:47] t [1:58:47] optional side land use, we [1:58:49] already at least one time [1:58:50] around, made that decision, but [1:58:53] [1:58:53] zoning it for that one in [1:58:55] particular in this specific are [1:59:01] a [1:59:01] seems a little crazy that you'd [1:59:03] [1:59:03] have a drive-through facility [1:59:05] there, and like a lot of these [1:59:06] [1:59:06] other ones, things that don't [1:59:09] make a lot of sense right there [1:59:14] . [1:59:14] so anyways, that's the one tha [1:59:16] t [1:59:16] stuck out to me on the list of [1:59:20] [1:59:20] just because it is still jamme [1:59:24] d [1:59:24] in next to not very far away [1:59:26] single-family homes, out of the [1:59:29] [1:59:29] quiet corner. [1:59:30] up on 8th avenue it's a little [1:59:31] [1:59:31] bit a little more busy and [1:59:34] denser. [1:59:34] makessense. [1:59:34] if you want to build 30 units a [1:59:38] n [1:59:38] acre. [1:59:38] that makes sense to me, put [1:59:41] people close to what's going t [1:59:43] o [1:59:43] be a great park, you know. [1:59:44] anyways, that's just -- that [1:59:46] stuck o out to me. [1:59:47] thank you, mr. Chan. [1:59:53] >> mayor: any public comment? [1:59:55] >> yes, ms. Sharon bower. [1:59:57] >> mayor: welcome, ms. Bower. [2:00:00] >> I know I'm wasting my breat [2:00:02] h, [2:00:02] but I do want to point out tha [2:00:06] t [2:00:06] irrespective of how you have [2:00:08] changed the land use, there is [2:00:10] [2:00:10] this parcel where john phlegmi [2:00:13] ng [2:00:13] has put together 7 acres [2:00:17] fronting a highway to put a [2:00:19] development there. [2:00:19] other than the sunny food m [2:00:22] the east end eatery, and the [2:00:25] union hall [indistinct] on the [2:00:27] [2:00:27] highway, there is no commercia [2:00:30] l [2:00:30] from here all the way to main [2:00:32] street. [2:00:32] none. [2:00:32] so, the use is residential. [2:00:36] it's all single family and [2:00:40] duplexes, except for -- santos. [2:00:44] [2:00:44] he had a duplex and built a [2:00:46] single family. [2:00:46] that's the highest-density [2:00:48] thing, other than the housing [2:00:50] authority down by main street. [2:00:51] [2:00:51] you're destroying neighborhoods [2:00:55] . [2:00:55] these are established [2:00:56] neighborhoods. [2:00:56] these are duck pond area. [2:00:59] the appraiser's office calls o [2:01:03] ur [2:01:03] neighborhood duck pond area or [2:01:05] [2:01:05] east of duck pond. [2:01:06] so, I just don't understand why [2:01:11] [2:01:11] iowa would allow -- you would [2:01:13] allow t [2:01:13] why you would allow these poor [2:01:17] [2:01:17] people who dreamed of buying a [2:01:18] [2:01:18] home and bought the homes from [2:01:20] [2:01:20] the national -- I mean, from t [2:01:22] he [2:01:22] neighborhood housing development [2:01:23] [2:01:23] corporation. [2:01:23] these five beautiful homes [2:01:25] there, and single family all [2:01:28] there, and I don't know, a [2:01:30] funeral home. [2:01:30] the table s says you four no, u [2:01:38] 6 [2:01:38] yes for a funeral home or [2:01:41] crematorium. [2:01:41] you don't care about these [2:01:43] single-family homes. [2:01:44] they're going to have this [2:01:46] 40 feet away from them. [2:01:47] it baffles me. [2:01:48] >> mayor: thank you, [2:01:55] ms. Bower. [2:01:56] commissioner eastman. [2:01:58] >> whenever these things come [2:02:09] up, people look at the most [2:02:10] intensive uses one step above. [2:02:12] [2:02:12] I think about that as we're [2:02:13] trying to potentially increase [2:02:15] [2:02:15] uses. [2:02:15] this allows an alcoholic [2:02:20] beverage establishment. [2:02:22] the highest use. [2:02:24] we have u4 4 across the street [2:02:27] [2:02:27] from my house. [2:02:28] I have u6 in the neighborhoods [2:02:29] [2:02:29] north of mine right behind the [2:02:31] se [2:02:31] houses. [2:02:31] these more-intensive zoning [2:02:36] districts exist in the very old [2:02:38] [2:02:38] neighborhoods, and this is one [2:02:39] [2:02:39] of those. [2:02:39] like I said, u6 right next doo [2:02:42] r [2:02:42] to it, which is why I feel [2:02:44] fairly comfortable with where w [2:02:46] e [2:02:46] are with it. [2:02:46] it's a -- there's shops [2:02:49] nearby, and there's no single -- [2:02:54] [2:02:54] [indistinct] single family ove [2:02:57] r [2:02:57] to where this would be. [2:02:58] so there's a bit of a buffer [2:02:59] there. [2:02:59] and so I feel very comfortable [2:03:03] [2:03:03] making a motion for ordinance [2:03:05] no. 2025-995. [2:03:08] >> mayor: madam clerk, please [2:03:15] call the role. [2:03:16] >> commissioner eastman. [2:03:18] commissioner ingle. [2:03:22] commissioner duncan-walker. [2:03:24] mayor ward. [2:03:26] >> mayor: that passes [2:03:27] unanimously with commissioner [2:03:29] chestnut abstaining. [2:03:30] madam clerk. [2:03:31] [2:03:31] >> mr. Mayor, we're going back [2:03:39] [2:03:39] to ordinances for second [2:03:41] reading, ordinance no. 2025-60. [2:03:49] [2:04:00] providing directions to the cit [2:04:06] y [2:04:06] manager, providing severabilit [2:04:08] y [2:04:08] clause, providing a repealing [2:04:10] clause, and providing an [2:04:11] effective date. [2:04:11] >> mayor: thank you, madam [2:04:13] clerk. [2:04:13] commissioner willits. [2:04:17] >> no further questions from m [2:04:21] y [2:04:21] colleagues. [2:04:21] I move adoption on second [2:04:22] reading 2025-760. [2:04:26] >> aye. [2:04:27] >> second. [2:04:27] >> mayor: motion and a second. [2:04:28] [2:04:28] any public comment? [2:04:29] >> no public comment. [2:04:31] >> mayor: no for the lights. [2:04:33] let's call the role and give [2:04:34] commissioner walker another shot [2:04:35] [2:04:35] here. [2:04:48] >> mayor: that passes [2:04:51] unanimously. [2:04:51] madam clerk. [2:04:53] >> mr. Mayor, we are on to [2:04:57] ordinance 2025-873, ordinance o [2:05:00] f [2:05:00] the city of gainesville, [2:05:01] florida, annexing approximately [2:05:07] [2:05:07] 26.897 acres, privately-owned [2:05:09] property generally located sou [2:05:11] th [2:05:11] of state road 24, archer road, [2:05:14] [2:05:14] west of sw 51st drive, north o [2:05:18] f [2:05:18] oaks, preserved, phase ii, eas [2:05:22] t [2:05:22] of county road sw 24c, as more [2:05:27] [2:05:27] specifically describing in thi [2:05:28] s [2:05:28] ordinance as petitioned for by [2:05:30] [2:05:30] the property owners pursuant to [2:05:32] [2:05:32] chapter 171. [2:05:34] providing for persons engaged I [2:05:36] n [2:05:36] any occupation, business, trade [2:05:39] , [2:05:39] or profession, providing [2:05:40] directions to the city clerk, [2:05:42] providing severability clause, [2:05:43] [2:05:43] providing a repealing clause, [2:05:45] and providing an immediate [2:05:46] effective date. [2:05:47] >> mayor: thank you, madam [2:05:48] clerk. [2:05:48] before we roll into this, I wan [2:05:52] t [2:05:52] to apologize for folks who wer [2:05:57] e [2:05:57] here for the entire afternoon [2:05:57] and had to wait for this. [2:05:58] we obviously have a lot going [2:06:00] on, and I appreciate your [2:06:01] patience. [2:06:01] so thank you. [2:06:04] >> thank you, good evening, [2:06:08] mayor, and commissioners. [2:06:09] the item before you is a request [2:06:12] [2:06:12] for voluntary annexation [2:06:15] submitted by dogwood acquisiti [2:06:19] on [2:06:19] llc. [2:06:19] [2:06:19] >> so this annexation request is [2:06:26] [2:06:26] for a total of eight contiguou [2:06:29] s [2:06:29] tax parcels totaling [2:06:36] 26.25 acres, and due sw of [2:06:38] butler plaza and I-75. [2:06:42] currently under alachua county, [2:06:46] [2:06:46] zoned single family residential [2:06:48] , [2:06:48] and residential estate re1. [2:06:51] staff prepared an urban services [2:06:55] [2:06:55] report as attached to the [2:06:57] backup, which detail the city [2:06:59] services provided following [2:07:01] annexation, so the parcels wou [2:07:03] ld [2:07:03] fall under city commission [2:07:05] district 3, with the closest [2:07:06] fire station being station 9, [2:07:09] and would fall under the [2:07:10] gainesville police department [2:07:12] zone papa. [2:07:12] rts route 75 would service the [2:07:15] se [2:07:15] parcels and gru would provide [2:07:18] utility services like electric, [2:07:21] [2:07:21] wastewater and gas, and [2:07:22] additionally, public works wou [2:07:26] ld [2:07:26] provide solid waste services, a [2:07:28] s [2:07:28] well as basic maintenance and [2:07:32] repair any building streets. [2:07:33] however, there are no current [2:07:37] street city streets that would [2:07:38] [2:07:38] be involved in this annexation [2:07:40] [2:07:40] upon approval. [2:07:41] the details of all of the [2:07:43] services that are available in [2:07:44] [2:07:44] that urban services report wer [2:07:46] e [2:07:46] provided or were created with [2:07:48] feedback that were provided by [2:07:50] [2:07:50] each relevant department as we [2:07:51] ll [2:07:51] as some additional maps that [2:07:53] highlight the locations of [2:07:55] utilities and emergency response [2:07:56] [2:07:56] facilities. [2:07:56] according to florida stawlt [2:08:04] chapter 171 -- statute chapter [2:08:07] [2:08:07] 171, required to meet certain [2:08:09] criteria. [2:08:09] so the parcels must be [2:08:12] contiguous with existing city [2:08:14] boundaries. [2:08:14] they must be reasonably compact [2:08:17] [2:08:17] and close together, and must n [2:08:18] ot [2:08:18] create any enclaves or a [2:08:21] non-city parcel would be bound [2:08:22] [2:08:22] on all sides by city boundarie [2:08:25] s. [2:08:25] illustrated by this map, [2:08:27] provided by the applicant, the [2:08:31] se [2:08:31] criteria are met allowing the [2:08:32] city to move forward toward [2:08:34] adopting the ordinance. [2:08:36] with that, staff does recommend [2:08:37] [2:08:37] approval of agenda item [2:08:41] 2025-873. [2:08:41] if you approve today, we would [2:08:44] [2:08:44] aim to have the second reading [2:08:46] [2:08:46] before you by april 16th, which [2:08:48] [2:08:48] would be the effective date of [2:08:49] [2:08:49] the annexation. [2:08:50] I am near you have further [2:08:52] questions. [2:08:52] the applicant is also here. [2:08:54] >> mayor: very good. [2:08:55] would the applicant like to mak [2:08:58] e [2:08:58] any presentation? [2:08:58] [2:08:58] >> hi, good evening, mayor, [2:09:02] commission. [2:09:02] I don't have much to add. [2:09:03] staff did a great job [2:09:05] illustrating everything. [2:09:06] I wanted to say thank you for [2:09:10] your time. [2:09:10] I'm here with -- to answer any [2:09:13] [2:09:13] questions you might have. [2:09:14] >> mayor: thank you so much. [2:09:15] I appreciate it. [2:09:16] commissioners, anything? [2:09:18] commissioner willits? [2:09:23] >> a question for staff about I [2:09:25] f -- when we bring in, this is [2:09:27] [2:09:27] one of the bigger chunks, I [2:09:30] think, it's one of the bigger [2:09:31] chunks we've done recently, tha [2:09:33] t [2:09:33] does not have an existing road [2:09:35] [2:09:35] network like through it [2:09:36] necessarily, I don't think. [2:09:38] what's the difference between - [2:09:41] - [2:09:41] if this was developed in the [2:09:43] future but still under the [2:09:45] county, would they -- is there [2:09:47] [2:09:47] an agreement with the county [2:09:48] that they would have to design [2:09:50] [2:09:50] the roads for the existing roa [2:09:54] d [2:09:54] network, any connections to the [2:09:56] [2:09:56] part that's already in the cit [2:09:58] y [2:09:58] that's being developed? [2:09:59] I cannot remember if that oak [2:10:02] whatever neighborhood has a stu [2:10:04] b [2:10:04] anticipating out there, but if [2:10:07] [2:10:07] it remains in the county do the [2:10:10] y [2:10:10] have to connect that stub or [2:10:11] only by coming into the city a [2:10:14] nd [2:10:14] then they would have the connect [2:10:16] [2:10:16] a stub according to our comp [2:10:17] plan? [2:10:17] >> so I don't think I can speak [2:10:20] [2:10:20] to if there are any county [2:10:22] requirements that they build o [2:10:25] ut [2:10:25] those roads prior to annexation. [2:10:27] [2:10:27] we -- [2:10:29] >> no prior. [2:10:29] if it stays in the county and w [2:10:36] e [2:10:36] don't approve annexation, and [2:10:38] someone wants to build and hav [2:10:39] e [2:10:39] a small street networks. [2:10:41] because it's in the county, is [2:10:43] [2:10:43] there any agreement with the [2:10:44] county -- will you please [2:10:46] connect to, across the border [2:10:47] line, if wehave a stub on the [2:10:50] city side, will these connect? [2:10:52] [2:10:52] have more of -- a comp plan [2:10:54] envisions a grid with a lot of [2:10:56] [2:10:56] connectivity? [2:10:56] >> after annexation they would [2:10:59] [2:10:59] be required to build out that [2:11:00] road network to meet the lot [2:11:03] requirements for development I [2:11:05] n [2:11:05] the city of gainesville. [2:11:07] if you're asking whether count [2:11:09] y [2:11:09] parcels are required to connect [2:11:12] [2:11:12] to city roads. [2:11:13] that I'm not entirely sure of. [2:11:15] [2:11:15] >> mr. Singleton. [2:11:19] >> I do want to answer this. [2:11:20] so I can fully understand. [2:11:23] >> chief operating officer, I [2:11:28] used to be employed by the [2:11:30] county -- [2:11:31] >> hold that against you. [2:11:32] >> review these type of [2:11:34] applications, networks, county [2:11:36] [2:11:36] has a very similar land [2:11:38] development regulations and com [2:11:40] p [2:11:40] plan reg regulations similar to [2:11:43] the [2:11:43] city. [2:11:43] they would connect to the [2:11:46] existing s stubs. [2:11:48] looking at the plat, I don't s [2:11:51] ee [2:11:51] that stub to these parcels, but [2:11:53] [2:11:53] we do collaboraten and sure we [2:11:57] [2:11:57] have -- and ensure we have [2:11:58] interconnected roadway network. [2:11:59] [2:11:59] >> I bring it up partially as [2:12:01] part of the conversation on the [2:12:02] [2:12:02] outside edge of the city when w [2:12:04] e [2:12:04] potentially annex, particularl [2:12:06] y [2:12:06] right next to a new development [2:12:08] , [2:12:08] how they interact, the current, [2:12:12] [2:12:12] new development, and potential [2:12:13] ly [2:12:13] new annexation. [2:12:15] mr. Singleton, I appreciate [2:12:18] that. [2:12:18] I've had some skepticism in the [2:12:23] [2:12:23] southwest largely because of [2:12:26] annexations and changing of [2:12:27] densities because of the amoun [2:12:28] t [2:12:28] of park services in southwest. [2:12:31] [2:12:31] I would say we almost bought, w [2:12:33] e [2:12:33] haven't -- I don't know if we [2:12:34] signed the contract yet, rough [2:12:37] ly [2:12:37] 14 acres in southwest [2:12:38] gainesville for future park and [2:12:40] [2:12:40] reservation land. [2:12:41] that makes me a little more [2:12:42] confident in the future we'll b [2:12:43] e [2:12:43] able to ride that, but that lan [2:12:47] d [2:12:47] is -- of 75, and past 75 there's [2:12:51] [2:12:51] continued conversation. [2:12:52] firefighter infrastructure's [2:12:53] gointo go in, great, but in [2:12:55] the end the city or the county [2:12:56] [2:12:56] or us combined we need to build [2:12:59] [2:12:59] another -- we need to be looki [2:13:02] ng [2:13:02] at longer, 10-15-year plan [2:13:05] larger park, south that is [2:13:08] serves that chunk -- in the end [2:13:10] [2:13:10] it's going to serve county and [2:13:14] [2:13:14] city. [2:13:14] that's another conversation wit [2:13:16] h [2:13:16] the county: so with that, I'v [2:13:19] e [2:13:19] been skeptical, but I'm very [2:13:21] happy. [2:13:21] I will be supporting this [2:13:22] voluntary annexation. [2:13:24] thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:13:25] >> mayor: thank you, [2:13:27] mr. Willits. [2:13:30] >> if there are no further [2:13:31] questions, I move ordinance [2:13:34] 2025-873. [2:13:34] >> second. [2:13:35] >> mayor: we have a motion and [2:13:36] [2:13:36] a second. [2:13:36] any public comment? [2:13:37] >> there's no public comment. [2:13:40] >> mayor: okay! [2:13:42] >> I'm here. [2:13:45] our firm worked on the oaks [2:13:47] preserve project with the city, [2:13:49] [2:13:49] and I can tell you there is a [2:13:52] stub out to this property. [2:13:53] I had to look at it too. [2:13:54] it's in a future phase, but, [2:13:56] yeah, just kind of the very [2:13:58] bottom corner makes a 90-degree [2:14:01] [2:14:01] turn. [2:14:01] if this property's built in the [2:14:04] [2:14:04] city, lit connect to that [2:14:06] neighborhood. [2:14:06] >> mayor: thank you. [2:14:07] I remembered that discussion. [2:14:10] that was the whole point of [2:14:11] discussion about that issue was [2:14:16] [2:14:16] whether or not people came to [2:14:16] talk to us about whether or not [2:14:19] [2:14:19] there was going to be [2:14:19] [indistinct] there. [2:14:21] I remember that. [2:14:21] all right! [2:14:22] madam clerk, let's call the [2:14:24] roll. [2:14:24] [2:14:24] [roll call] [2:14:28] [2:14:28] >> mayor: all right, that [2:14:37] passes unanimously. [2:14:39] yes. [2:14:39] madam clerk. [2:14:41] commissioner willits. [2:14:49] >> I'm not going to go into the [2:14:51] [2:14:51] full because it's been a long [2:14:52] day. [2:14:52] I wanted to poke at the [2:14:56] on-street neighborhood parking [2:14:58] [2:14:58] permit and some of the zonings [2:15:00] [2:15:00] around campus. [2:15:00] we currently charge people hav [2:15:04] e [2:15:04] the privilege of owning a home [2:15:06] [2:15:06] far less than we do for people [2:15:08] [2:15:08] paying rent. [2:15:10] it looks like we charge $119.25 [2:15:14] [2:15:14] to homesteaders, people who hav [2:15:16] e [2:15:16] a homesteaded property, verses [2:15:18] [2:15:18] looks like $238 for [2:15:20] non-homestead. [2:15:20] I know there's not a lot of [2:15:23] properties that necessarily [2:15:25] applies to. [2:15:25] some of the larger complexes y [2:15:27] ou [2:15:27] may think of around campus are [2:15:29] [2:15:29] not eligible for [2:15:32] neighborhood-zoned parking [2:15:34] because those were developed a [2:15:36] s [2:15:36] a denser parking on site and/o [2:15:39] r [2:15:39] it is envisioned not every [2:15:42] person brings their car for some [2:15:43] [2:15:43] of the on-street parking on [2:15:45] campus there's always going to [2:15:47] [2:15:47] be tension. [2:15:47] the fact we charge renters mor [2:15:49] e [2:15:49] than people who own their home. [2:15:51] [2:15:51] I'm sure there's going to be a [2:15:53] [2:15:53] lot of arguments why that is t [2:15:55] o [2:15:55] protect homeowners, giving the [2:15:57] m [2:15:57] a space, but a person who rents [2:15:59] [2:15:59] that close to there may also -- [2:16:02] [2:16:02] I feel like they should probably [2:16:04] [2:16:04] be more similar, that they [2:16:06] should pay the same amount to [2:16:09] park on the street whether the [2:16:10] y [2:16:10] own the home there or whether [2:16:14] they are renting. [2:16:15] so that's something I'm going t [2:16:16] o [2:16:16] bring in forward in the future [2:16:18] as [2:16:19] fairness to the renters in our [2:16:20] [2:16:20] community. [2:16:20] it's only in a couple [2:16:22] neighborhoods that it applies. [2:16:23] [2:16:23] I'm going to be asking staff I [2:16:25] f [2:16:25] I can get a -- peer into the [2:16:27] data on the number of people w [2:16:29] ho [2:16:29] have those permits, but at lea [2:16:31] st [2:16:31] digging to understand the cost [2:16:32] [2:16:32] of the permits. [2:16:33] that's something I'll bring up [2:16:38] [2:16:38] later. [2:16:38] >> mayor: thank you. [2:16:39] commissioner ingle. [2:16:42] >> so there's a zoning issue I [2:16:47] [2:16:47] wanted to bring up, actually [2:16:51] [2:16:51] some drive-through businesses [2:16:53] have caused some real traffic [2:16:56] snarls in town. [2:16:57] starbucks on 13th street, reall [2:17:00] y [2:17:00] kind of backs some stuff up, a [2:17:02] nd [2:17:02] I know it's the new coffee sho [2:17:04] p [2:17:04] down on 16th, I forget the nam [2:17:09] e [2:17:09] of it, 7 brew, also caused a l [2:17:13] ot [2:17:13] of snarls around there and [2:17:14] people trying to get in a [2:17:16] drive-through line, backing all [2:17:17] [2:17:17] the way out into traffic. [2:17:19] I would really like to see wha [2:17:21] t [2:17:21] options we've got on tweaking [2:17:23] our zoning to either prohibit [2:17:29] drive-through things on major [2:17:31] thoroughfares like that or wha [2:17:33] t [2:17:33] options we've got to kind of [2:17:35] regulate some of that to make [2:17:37] those more compatible to those [2:17:39] [2:17:39] areas. [2:17:39] just plopping them down I've [2:17:43] seen them cause real traffic [2:17:45] problems with just a line of [2:17:47] people out in the street waiti [2:17:48] ng [2:17:48] to get into a business. [2:17:49] and I think there's got to be [2:17:51] some way we can avoid doing tha [2:17:53] t [2:17:53] in the future. [2:17:55] so talked a little bit to the [2:17:56] city manager, but I'd really [2:17:58] like to have some options [2:17:59] brought back on what it is we [2:18:02] can do in those areas. [2:18:04] >> it looks like the director I [2:18:06] s [2:18:06] chomping at the bit to come talk [2:18:08] [2:18:08] about this. [2:18:08] [laughter] [2:18:08] >> thank you, mr. Mayor, [2:18:10] commissioners, halfway there. [2:18:12] I realized I had a little bit o [2:18:14] f [2:18:14] regret that maybe I should [2:18:15] probably not start walking, but [2:18:19] [2:18:19] anyhow, certainly any time it's [2:18:21] [2:18:21] a use in the way that a use is [2:18:23] [2:18:23] really playing out is something [2:18:24] [2:18:24] that we can look at through [2:18:27] zoning code. [2:18:27] what we had done to date for [2:18:29] those uses. [2:18:30] the starbucks on 13th has [2:18:32] been -- has had issues for qui [2:18:37] te [2:18:37] some time. [2:18:37] the 7 brew you're speaking of, [2:18:39] [2:18:39] but we've had them in a couple [2:18:41] [2:18:41] other locations that are drive [2:18:43] [2:18:43] throughs. [2:18:43] the zaxby's, popeyes when they [2:18:51] [2:18:51] had their fried chicken [2:18:52] sandwich, that was an issue, a [2:18:54] s [2:18:54] you might understand, but what [2:18:55] [2:18:55] we've done for the code [2:18:57] enforcement side of sit gone o [2:18:59] ut [2:18:59] and worked directly with the [2:19:00] businesses to adjust their [2:19:01] business model to make sure the [2:19:03] y [2:19:03] can or if they could actually [2:19:06] fit these uses on their [2:19:07] property, which is required by [2:19:09] [2:19:09] code. [2:19:09] we've worked with them to be [2:19:10] able to do that. [2:19:11] some of you may have seen at t [2:19:13] he [2:19:13] starbucks or the chick-fil-a [2:19:14] where some of the staff started [2:19:16] [2:19:16] getting tablets and walk to you [2:19:17] r [2:19:17] car and order. [2:19:18] and they direct you through tha [2:19:22] t [2:19:22] area. [2:19:22] that allowed them to both have [2:19:24] [2:19:24] more users on site, but process [2:19:26] [2:19:26] them quickly and really we [2:19:28] helped them with their own [2:19:29] businessodel. [2:19:29] now, of course if that -- in [2:19:32] some cases, continues to spill [2:19:34] [2:19:34] out in the roadway, then we've [2:19:37] [2:19:37] started to go down the code [2:19:38] enforcement path. [2:19:40] gpd is engaged in some of these [2:19:42] [2:19:42] businesses. [2:19:42] I cannot speak in detail for [2:19:45] what gpd has doan done, but [2:19:48] they've been involved in the [2:19:49] conversation and working with [2:19:50] the businesses. [2:19:51] in several cases we've seen vas [2:19:52] t [2:19:52] improvements just by working [2:19:54] with the practices [2:19:55] [2:19:55] >> I appreciate that, and I [2:19:58] think it's a good way to addre [2:20:00] ss [2:20:00] the issue in places that alrea [2:20:02] dy [2:20:02] exist, but I don't want to [2:20:03] continue making more work for [2:20:08] code enforcement and gpd, [2:20:10] clearly we're setting ourselves [2:20:12] [2:20:12] up for a problem and trying to [2:20:14] [2:20:14] fix it instead of seeing if we [2:20:16] [2:20:16] can't find ways to eliminate t [2:20:18] he [2:20:18] problems. [2:20:18] it's frustrated me. [2:20:20] I talked to a lot of people who [2:20:21] [2:20:21] get frustrated with it, [2:20:23] especially on major [2:20:25] thoroughfares. [2:20:25] when we look at major [2:20:33] thoroughfares through places, [2:20:35] I'm very concerned about [2:20:36] continuing to set up the type o [2:20:37] f [2:20:37] businesses that are going to [2:20:40] limit themselves to have code [2:20:42] enforcement involved or have [2:20:43] work around to make them [2:20:45] function well as neighbors. [2:20:46] >> add to what -- was saying o [2:20:53] ur [2:20:53] code requirements. [2:20:53] during the process as we're [2:20:55] seeing the newer drive through [2:20:56] s [2:20:56] come in, we request a queuing [2:21:00] analysis from the applicant. [2:21:02] we do look at that. [2:21:03] I would say the 7 brew was a [2:21:04] surprise to all of us. [2:21:06] we didn't expect that to queue [2:21:08] [2:21:08] up and backup that far. [2:21:10] I'm not aware of that trying t [2:21:12] o [2:21:12] do that, but I'm not down in [2:21:14] that area regularly, so -- so [2:21:18] codes has been monitoring it. [2:21:20] but the drive throughs that hav [2:21:24] e [2:21:24] gone in recently, we've not bee [2:21:26] n [2:21:26] seeing on that anymore, like [2:21:29] what the exception of 7 brew [2:21:31] first opened, but we are [2:21:32] actively working with developers [2:21:34] [2:21:34] and doing a queuing analysis a [2:21:36] s [2:21:36] the drive throughs come through, [2:21:39] [2:21:39] as required by code. [2:21:40] >> mayor: anything else? [2:21:46] very good. [2:21:48] mr. Manager, was that toward [2:21:51] this? [2:21:51] >> it was towards this? [2:21:55] >> we would want a motion and [2:21:56] add it to the list and send you [2:21:58] [2:21:58] a new list of code pieces. [2:22:03] >> I'd like to make a motion w [2:22:04] e [2:22:04] add to that the list. [2:22:05] >> second. [2:22:06] >> adding it to the list. [2:22:08] >> mayor: all right. [2:22:09] is there any public comment on [2:22:11] [2:22:11] that? [2:22:11] [2:22:11] >> mr. Mayor, is there like a - [2:22:15] - [2:22:15] [indistinct] [2:22:15] [laughter] [2:22:15] [laughter] [2:22:15] emotion added to the list? [2:22:20] >> mayor: definitely. [2:22:23] >> I'll get with the city [2:22:24] manager and find out the [2:22:25] specific terms. [2:22:27] >> mayor: very good. [2:22:29] all in favor please say aye. [2:22:32] any opposed. [2:22:33] that passes unanimously. [2:22:34] mr. Manager. [2:22:35] >> thank you, mr. Mayor. [2:22:37] this is unrelated to drive [2:22:39] throughs or zoning for that [2:22:40] matter. [2:22:40] I did want to give you all an [2:22:42] update. [2:22:42] we had an individual come at [2:22:46] public comment and talk a litt [2:22:47] le [2:22:47] bit about the st. Francis [2:22:53] closure. [2:22:53] I did get an update this [2:22:55] afternoon from mr. Mann who's [2:22:57] the city's liaison and coc. [2:23:02] to date, th there three remaining [2:23:05] [2:23:05] families in sherlt at [2:23:06] st. Francis that we have not [2:23:09] connected. [2:23:09] we, being the city, the cnd the [2:23:14] coc, connected with [2:23:14] housing. [2:23:14] believe will be connected with [2:23:19] [2:23:19] housing as early as tomorrow, [2:23:20] leaving two remaining families [2:23:22] [2:23:22] and one individual. [2:23:23] those are the only remaining [2:23:25] folks that were in shelter tha [2:23:27] t [2:23:27] have not been able to find new [2:23:31] [2:23:31] housing. [2:23:31] so, we're continuing to work o [2:23:36] n [2:23:36] the list and be able to [2:23:38] successfully place everybody I [2:23:39] n [2:23:39] shelter that was in shelter [2:23:41] before the closure of [2:23:44] st. Francis hospital. [2:23:45] >> mayor: excellent. [2:23:46] I appreciate that. [2:23:47] I don't see any other lights, [2:23:49] but I have a few items try to g [2:23:51] o [2:23:51] through as quickly as possible [2:23:52] [2:23:52] here. [2:23:52] first of all, on a somber note, [2:23:56] [2:23:56] yesterday's news we learned tha [2:24:00] t [2:24:00] coral springs commissioner and [2:24:02] [2:24:02] vice mayor, nancy bowen, was [2:24:07] murdered, and what appears to [2:24:08] have been a domestic violence [2:24:13] attack. [2:24:13] I mentioned that not only [2:24:17] because she is one of our own, [2:24:19] [2:24:19] but to remind everyone that [2:24:24] the -- we don't know what's [2:24:26] happening in somebody else's [2:24:27] house. [2:24:27] we don't know, and domestic [2:24:30] violence can happen anywhere I [2:24:36] n [2:24:36] any home, and I have talked [2:24:38] about this a couple of times [2:24:40] this year. [2:24:41] it is something that I want us [2:24:43] [2:24:43] to, as a city, as an entity, [2:24:47] find ways that we can be more [2:24:48] supportive of organizations [2:24:51] fighting domestic violence. [2:24:52] and sometimes that is as simpl [2:24:55] e [2:24:55] as talking about it. [2:24:59] that's why I wanted to bring I [2:25:01] t [2:25:01] up. [2:25:01] not for action, but I want to [2:25:02] think about how we might [2:25:04] approach the issue differently, [2:25:08] d [2:25:08] d nigd we can all -- anything [2:25:10] we can all do is talk about [2:25:12] domestic violence more [2:25:13] frequently and let folks know [2:25:19] who we may not realize are in a [2:25:21] [2:25:21] difficult situation, that we a [2:25:22] re [2:25:22] here for them. [2:25:23] the city is here for them. [2:25:24] we as individuals are here for [2:25:29] [2:25:29] them. [2:25:29] and all we can do for this [2:25:31] commissioner and vice mayor is [2:25:32] [2:25:32] offer prayers and thoughts, [2:25:34] which is a hollow thing right [2:25:35] now, but it was important to [2:25:38] mention that. [2:25:39] try to get less somber as I go [2:25:41] [2:25:41] down the list here. [2:25:42] I have heard recently that there [2:25:47] [2:25:47] is potential of the northwest [2:25:48] boy's club, the existing [2:25:50] northwest boy's and girl's clu [2:25:54] b. [2:25:54] that property being up for sal [2:25:57] e [2:25:57] and all sorts of things there. [2:25:59] [2:25:59] it is in the county. [2:26:00] it's not in the city, but it I [2:26:03] s [2:26:03] important to me, and I think t [2:26:05] o [2:26:05] this community, that that [2:26:08] remain, if it can't be boy's and [2:26:10] [2:26:10] girl's club, then at least [2:26:12] remain athletic fields for tho [2:26:13] se [2:26:13] purposes [2:26:13] [2:26:13] that matters a lot to this [2:26:16] community, I think. [2:26:22] not only from historical [2:26:23] perspective, but that kind of [2:26:25] use is dwindling. [2:26:26] I am normally 100%, 150% for m [2:26:31] u new [2:26:32] places to live, but that is a [2:26:35] place that's dwindling rapidly [2:26:36] [2:26:36] when it is not a school use, a [2:26:38] nd [2:26:38] that one is not. [2:26:39] I would like to put that messa [2:26:40] ge [2:26:40] out there. [2:26:40] it is in the county. [2:26:41] were it to be in the city, I [2:26:42] don't think my mind would change [2:26:45] [2:26:45] own that. [2:26:45] just put that out there. [2:26:46] a thing that I would like us to [2:26:51] [2:26:51] be thinking about, we don't nee [2:26:54] d [2:26:54] to take action on it tonight, [2:26:55] but if you would think about [2:26:57] this. [2:26:57] I am interested in us getting [2:27:00] into the community and out of [2:27:01] the building more as a body. [2:27:06] I was talking with city clerk [2:27:09] yesterday about the idea of [2:27:12] doing one gpc meeting a quarter [2:27:15] [2:27:15] off site somewhere, in an ada [2:27:18] accessible city facility, [2:27:20] wherever possible, certainly a [2:27:21] n [2:27:21] ada-accessible facility [2:27:23] regardless, whether it's city o [2:27:25] r [2:27:25] not, and get into each district [2:27:27] [2:27:27] once a year. [2:27:28] there's -- I'm sure there's [2:27:32] reasons to be uncomfortable with [2:27:34] [2:27:34] that, but I think it's good for [2:27:36] [2:27:36] the community and the city as a [2:27:37] n [2:27:37] organization and us as a [2:27:39] commission to be out of the [2:27:41] building when we can. [2:27:42] I fully respect the idea we've [2:27:47] [2:27:47] got to be not only personally [2:27:49] accessible with ada compliance, [2:27:53] [2:27:53] but also available for people to [2:27:55] [2:27:55] be able to watch and hear the [2:27:58] meetings, and that is something [2:28:00] [2:28:00] that matters that we will [2:28:02] follow, but I would like to us [2:28:04] [2:28:04] think about that as we move [2:28:05] forward, please. [2:28:06] last thing, I want to thank you [2:28:10] [2:28:10] all for your wisdom and patienc [2:28:12] e [2:28:12] and good humor over the course [2:28:14] [2:28:14] of this very long day, and I [2:28:16] hope to see many of you at the [2:28:18] [2:28:18] mlk prayer breakfast tomorrow [2:28:22] morning, bright and early. [2:28:23] commissioner ingle. [2:28:24] >> I just wanted to throw some [2:28:26] [2:28:26] support behind that idea of [2:28:27] maybe having meetings off site, [2:28:29] [2:28:29] not only because it might be [2:28:31] interesting to be in all the [2:28:33] areas of the city, but the ide [2:28:36] a [2:28:36] of gpc is a little easier to [2:28:38] hash out. [2:28:38] I don't think this is the [2:28:40] easiest format to have [2:28:41] conversations about things. [2:28:42] so, being able to get around a [2:28:46] [2:28:46] table somewhere or a little bit [2:28:48] [2:28:48] different format where -- I like [2:28:51] [2:28:51] to have a look at somebody whe [2:28:55] n [2:28:55] I'm talking to them. [2:28:57] a round table may be conducive [2:29:00] [2:29:00] to have better conversations a [2:29:02] nd [2:29:02] see if we can't get those type [2:29:03] [2:29:03] of topics on the agenda for whe [2:29:07] n [2:29:07] we might be in a format more [2:29:09] conducive to the conversations [2:29:10] . [2:29:10] >> I noticed there's a workshop [2:29:13] . [2:29:13] >> mayor: thank you, [2:29:15] commissioner ingle. [2:29:16] no further lights. [2:29:18] we are adjourned. [2:29:18]