City Commission - Regular Meeting

Commented on what welcoming means in this community. Commissioner Book: Supported the alternative motion; requested further updates as the legislation progresses through the process. Andrew Person, Interim City Manager, spoke to the motion. John Alexander, Government Affairs and Community Relations Director, gave an update on the proposed legislation. Commissioner Eastman: Supported the alternative motion. Mayor Ward: Supported the alternative motion, commented on his desire for Gainesville to be a welcoming community. Commissioner Ingle: Gave his thanks to staff and colleagues for the welcome back after his absence. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Eastman 16 Motion: Direct the City Manager to add to the City's 2026 state legislative priorities the City Commission's opposition to 2026 Florida Senate Bill 1134 and it's companion House Bill 1001 in their current form (as of February 19, 2026) and communicate that to our assigned and contracted legislative affairs professionals. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) AC. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC City Clerk.

Commissioner 1 City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES February 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. City Hall Auditorium 200 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Members Absent: Commissioner Duncan-Walker _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. B. INVOCATION The Reverend Arthur Lee, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (5 to 0) 2 D. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved On Consent (5 to 0) 1. Approval of Minutes from the February 5 (2), 2026 City Commission Meetings (B) Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the February 5 (2), 2026 minutes. Approved On Consent 2. 2026-90 First Amendment to the HASTUS Software Maintenance and Support Agreement (B) Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the First Amendment to the HASTUS Software Maintenance and Support Agreement with GIRO Inc. in the amount of $127,396.00, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Approved On Consent 3. 2026-102 Appointments to the City of Gainesville Advisory Boards and Committees (B) Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut 3 Recommendation: The City Commission appoint Aaron Wise to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board for a term ending December 31, 2028 and nominate Bessie Jackson for reappointment to the Library District Board of Trustees for a full-term ending March 31, 2029. Approved On Consent 4. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list. Approved On Consent 5. 2023-523 American Rescue Plan Act Quarterly Update (B) Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission receive an update on the American Rescue Plan Act program for activity through December 31, 2025. Approved On Consent E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING 1. 2026-89 February 2026 Employee Recognition (B) Laura Graetz, Director of Human Resources, introduced the item. Mayor Ward presented the service awards to city staff. Recommendation: The City Commission recognizes those employees with 15 years of service or more for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. Heard 2. 2026-130 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant (B) Malcolm Kiner, Chief Operating Officer, Gainesville Housing Authority, gave a presentation on the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. February 28, 2026, will be their first pop-up event in the new plaza. Plans to seek a letter of support from the Alachua County School Board. 4 Public Comment: Kahli Blount Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the partnership agreement and all related documents, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (2): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, and Commissioner James Ingle Approved (5 to 0) 3. 2026-83 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Quarterly Update (B) Roxana Gonzalez, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, gave a presentation on the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Quarterly Update. Commissioner Ingle joined the meeting at 10:50 a.m. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to data collection. John Alexander, Government Affairs and Community Relations Director, spoke to the item related to the upcoming Summer Blitz event on March 7, 2026, at the MLK Center. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Heard Recess: 11:25 a.m. G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:02 p.m. 5 I. GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT Presented by Ms. Donna Waller. J. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Public Comment: Kahli Blount spoke to the following items: 2026-114 Quarterly Housing Update (B) 2026-129 Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (GRUA) Request for City Commission Resolution Authorizing Gainesville Regional Utilities Financial Transactions (B) 2026-96 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement for the Wilhelmina Johnson Center Restoration and Renovation Project (B) 2026-109 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement for Construction of Catalyst EOC Parking Lot & Generator Site Expansion (B) 2026-103 Construction Agreement for Porters Neighborhood Improvements – Community Center (B) 2026-104 GTEC Center Building Renovation (B) K. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Adrian Hayes-Santos, Jason Cory Brunson, Thomas Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins submitted photos related to the GPD fence issue to the City Clerk. They are attached to the minutes. The City Commission discussed the fence proposed at the Gainesville Police Department Headquarters. The issue will be added as an item on March 5, 2026, regular meeting agenda. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave a status on the GPD fence. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the comments related to the GPD fence and communicating with the community. L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON 1. 2026-108 Appointments to the City of Gainesville Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board (B) 6 Kristen Bryant, City Clerk, gave an overview of the item; and clarified the process if a member has a conflict related to a vote of the board they sit on. Jason Cory Brunson and Jessica Parrish spoke to their applications. Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item related to conflicts of board members. Recommendation: The City Commission discuss the applications received for appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and the application received from Jason Cory Brunson for a partial term to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board and take action deemed necessary. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Motion: Appoint Jason Cory Brunson to a partial term for the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board for a partial term expiring December 31, 2027. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Motion: Appoint Russ Hirshik, Krista King, and Michael Pellett to the SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for full terms expiring January 31, 2028, and readvertise the fourth vacancy. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 7 2. 2026-91 Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan Update (B) Allison Moss, Alachua County Transportation Planning Manager, Interim Executive Director, MTPO Growth Management, gave a presentation on Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan Update. Scott Wright, Planner IV, spoke to the item related to projects on the Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan that should also be listed on the Mobility Plan. Recommendation: The City Commission provide feedback to staff on the work conducted to date. Heard 3. 2026-114 Quarterly Housing Update (B) Corey Harris, Housing and Community Development Director, gave a presentation on the Quarterly Housing Update. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations spoke to the item in that the basketball court near Jessie’s Village development is a city park. Mayor Ward requested the city park with the basketball court near Jessie's Village be put on a future meeting to discuss naming. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, mentioned that the YIGBY (Yes in God's Back Yard) mailer was sent out twice. Public Comment: Gerry Dedenbach Mayor Ward requested that staff return to a future meeting in two months with an update on the city-owned lots along NW 5th Avenue near NW 10th Street. Recommendation: The City Commission hear the quarterly Housing update presentation from the Department of Housing & Community Development. Heard 4. 2026-131 Expansion of Cold Shelter Night Program to Community- Based Organizations (NB) Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to doing outreach to Community-Based Organizations to expand cold night shelters. 8 Corey Harris, Housing and Community Development Director, spoke to the timing of the opening of the program for applications. Recommendation: The City Commission discuss and take action deemed necessary. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Motion: Direct the City Manager to 1) Expand the cold night shelter program, utilizing community-based organizations, for the year 2027, and 2) Bring back an update to the City Commission with a report on the expansion's progress and results. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) M. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) N. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) O. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-688 Quasi-Judicial Rezoning 2.87 Acres of Property Located NW of NW 6th Avenue and NW 14th Terrace (B) Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item. Gerry Dedenbach spoke to the item. Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance. 9 Motion: Approve as recommended on second reading. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) P. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) Q. COMMISSION COMMENT Kristen Bryant, City Clerk, clarified that the applicant for the SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Board, who turned out to be ineligible, had an address on her application that was within the city limits, but her current address on her resume was not. Mayor Pro Tem Willits: Mentioned Senate Bill 1134 and that the City of Miami Beach had issued a letter opposing the proposed legislation and requested a Resolution from the City Commission also opposing it. City of Miami Beach letter and proposed resolution opposing 2026 SB 1134 are attached to the minutes. Commissioner Chestnut: mentioned she would like an update from our lobbyist on the bills that are being passed around the legislature. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the proposed resolution. John Alexander, Government Affairs and Community Relations Director, mentioned that the city's lobbyist plans to do a legislative update, but wanted to wait until the state legislative session settled down. Commissioner Chestnut asked the City Manager to give an update on "Gainesville on the Move" at a future Commission meeting. Jennifer Smart, Director of Communications, mentioned they planned to give an update at the March 5, 2026, meeting. Commissioner Book: Bring options on developing an internship program and unique employment opportunities to a future General Policy Committee. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, mentioned that he would have Human Resources do a top-down picture on the current status of internships in city departments at a future General Policy Committee meeting. 10 Commissioner Eastman: Spoke to the comment related to interns and the need to have a charter amendment. Commissioner Ingle: Spoke to the comment and paid internships. The discussion on opposing 2026 Florida Senate Bill 1134 was moved to the evening Commission Comment session. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Motion: That the City Commission pass Resolution 2026-144 opposing 2026 Florida Senate Bill 1134. Withdrawn Recess: 3:38 p.m. 4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break R. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:31 p.m. S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Buchholz High School, Air Force Junior ROTC T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS U. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS V. RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2026-129 Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (GRUA) Request for City Commission Resolution Authorizing Gainesville Regional Utilities Financial Transactions (B) Significant Project Lists FY27 - FY29 shown to the City Commission are attached to the minutes. Dan Nee, City Attorney, gave an overview of the item, and after passage of the resolution, distributed the no conflict of interest form. Mark Benton, Accounting and Finance Director for the Utilities, spoke to the item related to the additional capital needed for upcoming projects. Michael Wiener, Holland and Knight spoke to the item. Public Comment: Chuck Ross, Jim Konish 11 Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) W. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING 1. 2025-356 Advisory Board and Committee Report (B) Roxana Gonzalez, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, introduced the item. David Ruiz, Chair, Cultural Affairs Board, gave a presentation on the board's annual report. Carol Velasques-Richardson, Cultural Affairs Manager, spoke to the item, giving further details on past events. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation and take action deemed necessary. Heard 2. 2026-96 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement for the Wilhelmina Johnson Center Restoration and Renovation Project (B) Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave an overview of the item. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to pursuing a historical marker for the property. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits 12 Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with J.E. Decker Construction Group, LLC for the Wilhelmina Johnson Center Restoration and Renovation project in the amount of $1,863,684.71, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 3. 2026-109 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement for Construction of Catalyst EOC Parking Lot & Generator Site Expansion (B) Gary Cothren, Facilities Manager, gave an overview of the item. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item related to parking. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with Ajax Building Company, LLC in the amount of $1,786,116 for construction of the Catalyst EOC Parking Lot & Generator Site Expansion, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as Recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 13 4. 2026-103 Construction Agreement for Porters Neighborhood Improvements – Community Center (B) Rick Smith, Director of Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), gave a presentation on the Construction Agreement for Porters Neighborhood Improvements – Community Center. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item related to how guaranteed maximum price agreements work. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to funding being earmarked for the Porter's Community for a long time and the choices reflect the neighborhood's input about what they want to see in their community. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with The Flanagan Companies, Inc., in the amount of $545,396.90, for the Porters Neighborhood Improvements – Community Center Project, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 5. 2026-104 GTEC Center Building Renovation (B) William Dorman, Community Reinvestment Area Manager, gave a presentation on the GTEC Center Building Renovation. Rick Smith, Director of Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), spoke to the item that all funding for the project has been allocated. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item related to pricing per foot (28,000 square foot building). 14 Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, stated that the renovation fits in with the city's Economic Development Plan; and the importance of improving existing city facilities. Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement with D.E. Scorpio Corporation, in the amount of $5,147,007.00 for the GTEC Center Building Renovation Project, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 6. 2026-134 Unfreeze Compliance Manager Position (NB) Zeriah Folston, Equal Opportunity Director, gave an overview of the item. Adam Maxwell, Compliance Investigator, gave a presentation on the need to unfreeze the Compliance Manager position. The presentation shown is attached to the minutes. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to be sure to go through the budget process before unfreezing more positions. Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission unfreeze the Compliance Manager position. 15 Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 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 Pro Tem Willits: Withdrew his previous motion from the afternoon and moved an alternative motion related to SB1134,

• City Commission - Regular Meeting — Minutes