City Commission - Regular Meeting

1 City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES May 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. City Hall Auditorium 200 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Members Absent: Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. B. INVOCATION Invocation given by Mrs. Kim Hankins, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Gainesville, Inc. C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the regular and consent agenda. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Eastman Approved (5 to 0) 2 D. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the regular and consent agenda. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Eastman Approved On Consent (5 to 0) 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 16, 2026, City Commission Meeting (B) Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the April 16, 2026, meeting. Approved On Consent 2. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list. Approved On Consent 3. 2026-302 Appointments to the City of Gainesville Advisory Boards and Committees (B) Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission appoint: -Eric Zhu to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development for a term expiring November 1, 2028; 3 - Alexander Sanchez-Hamilton to the City Beautification Board for a term expiring November 1, 2027; - Jay Rosen to the Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust for a partial term ending September 30, 2027; - Aadarsh Arul to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board for a term expiring September 30, 2028; - Tyler Nesbit to the Police Advisory Council for a term expiring January 21, 2030; and, - Cheyenne Lukander to the Public Recreation and Parks Board for a term expiring June 1, 2029. Approved On Consent 4. 2026-304 Conservation Land Scoring Criteria Revision (B) Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the proposed revisions to the Conservation Land Scoring Criteria. Approved On Consent 5. 2023-523 American Rescue Plan Act Quarterly Update (B) Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission receive an update on the American Rescue Plan Act program for activity through March 31, 2026. Approved On Consent E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING 1. 2026-288 Sustainable Development Department Update (B) Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave an overview of the item, thanked Forrest Eddleton for his service to the city, and mentioned the promotion of Ralph Hilliard to Acting Sustainable Development Director. 4 Brittany McMullen, Planning Manager, gave a presentation on the Sustainable Development Department Update, and noted that Ari Rabinovich was promoted to Planner II. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to Inclusionary Zoning projects. John Freeland, Building Official, gave a presentation on Building Division projects. Nicole Johnson, Code Enforcement Manager, gave a presentation on Code Enforcement. Sarit Sela, City Architect, gave a presentation on Special Projects. Miranda Searing, Development Review Coordinator, gave a presentation on site review data. William Karl, Development Review Coordinator, gave a presentation on building permit data. Public Comment: Kali Blount Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation from staff. Heard 2. 2026-319 Cotton Club Museum HVAC Replacement Funding Request (B) Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, gave an overview of the item. Evelyn Foxx spoke to the item and gave thanks. Mangnye Vivian Filer, spoke to the item, gave thanks, and spoke to the efforts of the county. Public Comment: Kali Blount Recommendation: The City Commission hear an update and provide staff with direction. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner James Ingle 5 Motion: Direct staff to fund the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center HVAC system repair not to exceed $40,000 from the Gainesville Reinvestment Area fund, to include up to four rentals to the City of Gainesville per year for three years to be negotiated between the City Manager's Office and the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center Administration. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner Eastman Approved (5 to 0) Recess: 11:38 a.m. G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:03 p.m. Commissioner Ingle did not return from recess. I. GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT To be presented by Ms. Donna Waller. J. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS K. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Edward Dodan, Jacob Turner, Meg Neiderhofer, Jim Konish, Leigh Scott L. COMMISSION COMMENT Mayor Ward: Gave comments related to speakers from the Continuum of Care and Family Promise at General Public Comment related to childhood homelessness and mentioned an idea that had been discussed to house a community resource center at Stephen Foster Elementary School, which will be closed. Commissioner Chestnut: Would like the Mayor to send a letter similar to Alachua County, and to convene a stakeholder’s group to meet. 6 Commissioner Willits: Supported the proposal of Family Resource Center; due to University development to many 4/4-bedroom apartments and would like to see affordable 3/3 and 2/2 apartments. Commissioner Book: Mentioned a needed focus on family and youth houselessness; get non-profit partners, including Community Foundation of North Central Florida, to be a part of the conversation; asked about the recent Housing Summit and whether a report on the outcomes was made. Jacob Turner, Taskforce for Ending Homelessness, Continuum of Care, spoke to the comments and mentioned 18 different tasks stemming from the summit; Continuum of Care gave funding awards to nine organizations, and are in the process of developing a strategic plan with stakeholders in the community. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to general comment about tree quest, which is partnership with UF and forestry team. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Motion: Direct the Mayor to send a letter to the Alachua Board of County Commissioners and the Alachua County School Board, with the same points made in the county letter addressing family and youth homelessness. Aye (4): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (3): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (4 to 0) M. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON 1. 2026-303 Appointment to the Development Review Board (B) Cheyenne Lukander spoke to her application to the Development Review Board. 7 Recommendation: The City Commission discuss an application received for appointment to the Development Review Board and take action deemed necessary. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: Appoint Cheyenne Lukander to the Development Review Board for a partial term ending November 1, 2027. Aye (4): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (3): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (4 to 0) N. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) O. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) P. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) Q. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2026-165 Proposed Charter Amendment Addressing Vacancies in Office (B) Dan Nee, City Attorney, gave an overview of the item and spoke to the item related to how many votes are needed to pass this ordinance on first reading. Kristen Bryant, City Clerk, spoke to the item related to how much time a potential candidate would have to collect petitions before the deadline. In 2026, petitions are due on May 11, 2026. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance adding language to schedule the swearing in of the elected official to the vacancy to be scheduled at the subsequent meeting after the election. 8 Motion: Approve as recommended on first reading. Aye (4): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (3): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (4 to 0) 2. 2026-140 Portman University Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation LD25- 000154 (B) Nathaniel Chan, Planner III, gave a presentation on the Portman University Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation. Gerry Dedenbach, Vice President of NV5, gave a presentation on the Portman University Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation. The NV5 presentation will be attached to the minutes. Patrice Boyes, NV5, spoke to the item related to how this was discovered and the need to correct. Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item related to the need to make this change. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item related to community impacts during construction. Public Comment: David Wilson Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the proposed ordinance. Died for lack of second 9 Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Book Motion: Direct staff to bring this item to the City Commission meeting on May 21, 2026. Aye (4): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (3): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (4 to 0) Recess: 2:58 p.m. 4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break R. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Book did not return from recess. The City Commission lacks quorum. S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Manhood Youth Development T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS 1. 2026-276 Earth Day Children’s Art Award Celebration (NB) Recommendation: The City Commission recognize and celebrate Gainesville’s 2nd annual Earth Day Children’s Art Contest winners. Heard 2. 2026-320 Manhood Youth Development Foundation, Inc.’s 16th Anniversary (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Charlie Ray Jackson, President of Manhood Youth Development Foundation, Inc. Heard 10 3. 2026-287 Emergency Medical Services Week (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Chief Joseph Hillhouse, Gainesville Fire Rescue. Heard 4. 2026-305 Older Americans Month (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Elder Options: Katina Mustipher, CEO, and Lisa Kanarek, Director of Marketing and Communications. Heard 5. 2026-306 Historic Preservation Month (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Jay Reeves, Chair of the Historic Preservation Board. Heard 6. 2026-321 Professional Municipal Clerks Week (B) Recommendation: To be presented to City Clerk Staff. Heard U. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS V. RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required) W. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING X. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions) Y. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) Z. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) AA. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) AB. COMMISSION COMMENT Mayor Ward: Mentioned the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated City Hall Plaza on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 11 AC. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC City Clerk