City Commission - Regular Meeting

1 City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES August 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m. City Hall Auditorium 200 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Willits _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. B. INVOCATION To be presented by Dr. David Kaiman, Congregation B'nai Israel C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Item 2025-591 T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex Master Plan Task Assignment (B) was pulled to the end of the morning discussion session. Item 2025-642 Third Amendment to the Boulware Springs Revitalization Design Task Assignment (B) was pulled to the end of the morning discussion session. Item 2025-371 FY 2026 Budget Development Update (NB) and item 2025-637 Gainesville Police Department Quarterly Update (B) were switched in order for the morning discussion session. Public Comment: Judith Hamilton - 2025-615, Spencer Morton - 2025-615 Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, gave an overview of the item: 2025- 615 Method of Source Selection Recommendation for Purchase of Paratransit Management Software (B).

2 Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the regular and consent agenda. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan- Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) D. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the regular and consent agenda. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan- Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) 1. Approval of Minutes from the August 7, 2025 (2) Meetings Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the August 7, 2025 (2) meetings. Approved 2. 2025-604 Authorization to Enter into Two (2) Grant Funding Agreements Between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for Award and Distribution of Local Government Infrastructure Surtax for Street, Stations & Strong Foundations (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

3 Recommendation: The City Commission authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to enter into the two (2) Grant Funding Agreements with Alachua County for Award and Distribution of Local Government Infrastructure Surtax for Streets, Stations & Strong Foundations for reimbursement of up to $2,333,333 for the N.E. 9th Street Reconstruction (E University Avenue to N.E. 23rd Avenue) project, and $1,000,000 for the Southwest Public Safety Center, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality and establish budget associated with the grant funding agreements. Approved 3. 2025-583 Ratification of Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Bargaining Agreement (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission ratify the Agreement between the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and the City of Gainesville, extending the Agreement through September 30, 2028. Approved 4. 2025-615 Method of Source Selection Recommendation for Purchase of Paratransit Management Software (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the specified source purchase of paratransit management software from Via Transportation Inc., totaling $201,100 over three (3) years, and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a contract. Approved

4 5. 2025-614 Authorization to Enter into Grant Agreements Between Alachua County and City of Gainesville (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to enter into the four Grant Funding Agreements with Alachua County for Award and Distribution of Local Government Infrastructure Surtax for Wild Spaces & Public Places Projects for reimbursement of up to $333,333 for the NE 31st Avenue Trail (NE 15th Street to NE Waldo Road) project, $1,500,000 for the Thelma A. Boltin Center project, $1,000,000 for the 8th and Waldo and $500,000 for the Sweetwater Wetlands Park Visitors Center, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality and establish budget associated with the grant funding agreements. Approved 6. 2025-626 Transit Service Agreement with Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Transit Service Agreement with Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Approved 7. 2025-627 Regional Transit System Title VI Equity Program Plan Update 2025-2028 (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

5 Recommendation: The City Commission adopt Regional Transit System’s updated Title VI Plan 2025-2028 to meet the requirements for transit agencies receiving public funds for transit services. Approved 8. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list. Approved E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Jim Konish, 2025-371, Clark Wood, 2025-616 Appointment to the Development Review Board F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING 1. 2025-595 Years of Service Recognition for Community Builders (B) Mayor Ward presented certificates to city staff. Recommendation: The City Commission recognize those employees with 15 years of service or more for the 3rd quarter of FY25. Heard 2. 2025-637 Gainesville Police Department Quarterly Update (B) Nelson Moya, Police Chief, gave a presentation on the Gainesville Police Department Quarterly Update. Lisa Scott, Police Lieutenant, gave a presentation on houseless outreach and community engagement. Nancy Hallett, Police Captain, gave a presentation on traffic safety. Marquitta Brown, Police Lieutenant, gave a presentation on recruiting and hiring.

6 Recommendation: The City Commission receive the quarterly update. Heard 3. 2025-371 FY 2026 Budget Development Update (NB) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, gave an overview of the item. Zeriah Folston, Equal Opportunity Director, spoke to the item related to a position that was frozen at the budget meeting. Cintya Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, spoke to the item regarding the total budget stabilization fund and fund balance. Public Comment: Donald Shepherd Recommendation: The City Commission receive a summary of the decisions made at the August 14, 2025 FY 2026 Budget Workshop. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner Willits Motion 1: Bring back the Compliance Officer in the Office of Equity and Inclusion to be funded out of the budget stabilization fund. Aye (3): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, and Commissioner Willits Nay (4): Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Failed (3 to 4) Moved by Commissioner Book Motion 2: Unfreeze 5 Police Officer positions to be funded out of the budget stabilization fund. Died for lack of second

7 4. 2025-591 T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex Master Plan Task Assignment (B) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item. Elizabeth Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave an overview of the item. The City Commission directed that this item be placed on a future General Policy Committee meeting agenda. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Task Assignment with NV5, Inc. for the T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex Master Plan in the amount of $207,565.00, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) 5. 2025-642 Third Amendment to the Boulware Springs Revitalization Design Task Assignment (B) Elizabeth Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, gave an overview of the item. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Third Amendment to the Task Assignment with Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. for additional design services for the Boulware Springs Revitalization Project in the amount of $97,985.00, for a total of $403,772.52, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.

8 Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) Recess: 11:52 a.m. G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m. I. GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT To be presented by Mangyne Vivian Filer. J. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS K. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Donald Shepherd, Johnny Law L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON 1. 2025-616 Appointments to the Development Review Board and Pension Review Committee (B) Recommendation: The City Commission discuss applications received for appointments to the Development Review Board and Pension Review Committee. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

9 Motion 1: Appoint Clark Wood to the Development Review Board for a full term ending November 1, 2028. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Motion 2: Reappoint Matthew Barker and Harvey Lewis to the Pension Review Committee for full terms ending July 31, 2030. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) 2. 2025-655 Lot #10 Update (B) Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, gave an overview of the item. Anthony Lyons, Vice President, AMJ Group Inc., spoke to the item related to the details of the project and the taxes that are paid on the property. Mike Warren, President, spoke to the item. Public Comment: Donald Shepherd, Eric Godet, Landon Harrar Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission provide direction as appropriate regarding the two options presented by staff.

10 Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) 3. 2025-641 Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Quarterly Update (B) Roxana Gonzalez, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, introduced the item. Leslie Ladendorf, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, gave a presentation on Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Quarterly Update. Carol Velasques-Richardson, Cultural Affairs Manager, gave a presentation on cultural facilities and city art collections. Sunshine Andrei, Cultural Affairs Assistant Manager. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Heard M. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-657 Request to Adopt a Resolution Declaring a City Owned Parcel as Surplus (B) Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, gave an overview of the item. Roxana Gonzalez, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, spoke to the item related to conversations and the interest of Alachua County in this property. Ed Williams, Capital Projects Manager, Alachua County Parks and Open Space, spoke in support of the transfer of property to the county. Moved by James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

11 Recommendation: The City Commission:1) adopt the Resolution declaring Tax Parcel #17945-000-000 as Surplus Property Not Designated for Affordable Housing; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest the Special Warranty Deed to Alachua County and direct the City Manager, or designee, to execute all other appropriate documents to dispose of the property per the City's Real Property Policy, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. ROLL CALL VOTE RETAKEN IN EVENING SESSION Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) N. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) O. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-302 Quasi-Judicial Hearing: The Knot Rezoning (B) Commissioner Willits left the meeting at 3:16 p.m. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance. Motion 1: Approve as recommended on second reading. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Absent (1): Commissioner Willits Approved (6 to 0) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by James Ingle

12 Motion 2: Direct staff to include this property in the recommendations for future land use changes, making it part of the larger effort to reimagine the South Main Street area as a mixed-use walkable district. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Absent (1): Commissioner Willits Approved (6 to 0) P. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) Q. COMMISSION COMMENT Commissioner Book: Mentioned the new rack cards to market downtown. Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the comment. Jennifer Smart, Communications Director, spoke to the process and the intent of the project. Brian Singleton, Special Advisor to City Manager, mentioned FDOT is sending a letter related to the painted crosswalks and that it includes an appeal process. Mayor Ward: Mentioned the Pulse Nightclub memorial being painted over overnight and wanted to make sure a similar situation was not going to happen. Commissioner Ingle: Added his sentiments about the removal of the memorial and mentioned his support for representation within the city of the LGBTQ+ community. Commissioner Duncan-Walker: Mentioned the Porters Quarters Health Fair. Recess: 3:28 pm. 4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break R. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

13 T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS 1. 2025-639 National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Gainesville Fire Rescue and the Gainesville Police Department. Heard 2. 2025-640 SMART Week (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Susan Cone and Moms Demand Action. Heard U. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING 1. 2025-650 Results of the 2023 Cultural Arts Center Feasibility Study (B) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item. Roxana Gonzalez, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, gave an overview of the history and current status of the project. Commissioner Chestnut joined the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Public Comment: Oshubi Craig, Ms. Carla Lewis, Kali Blount, Dr. K.A. Shakool Recommendation: The City Commission review and discuss the results of the study. Moved by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: 1) The City Commission agrees to continue discussions about the development of a Cultural Arts Center; 2) We direct Staff to convene a Working Group comprised of internal and external stakeholders to develop a plan, including review of partnerships, site options (with a preference in the East Gainesville area), and funding mechanisms for operating and capital costs; 3) The Working Group provide periodic updates to the General Policy Committee; 4) We schedule a joint meeting with the Alachua County School Board and

14 the Board of Alachua County Commissioners to discuss options for collaboration and potential use of the Duval Early Learning Center as a site for the Cultural Arts Center. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Absent (1): Commissioner Willits Approved (6 to 0) V. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS W. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS B - EVENING 1. 2025-356 Advisory Board and Committee Report (B) Davonda Brown, Vice Chair, Gainesville Community Area Advisory Board gave a presentation on the board's annual report. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation and take action deemed necessary. Heard 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. RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-657 Request to Adopt a Resolution Declaring a City Owned Parcel as Surplus (B) Item recalled due to need for the City Commission to hear the item after 5:00 p.m. Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item relating to why the commission needed to rehear the item after 5:00 p.m.

15 Moved by James Ingle Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission:1) adopt the Resolution declaring Tax Parcel #17945-000-000 as Surplus Property Not Designated for Affordable Housing; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest the Special Warranty Deed to Alachua County and direct the City Manager, or designee, to execute all other appropriate documents to dispose of the property per the City's Real Property Policy, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Absent (1): Commissioner Willits Approved (6 to 0) AC. COMMISSION COMMENT Commissioner Book: Task advisory boards, particularly the Gainesville Reinvestment Area Advisory Board, with researching ways to fund things downtown. Commissioner Eastman: Happy Birthday, Commissioner James Ingle. Mayor Ward: August 22, 2025, ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. for the Woodland Park neighborhood with the Gainesville Housing Authority, and at noon that day is the Hippodrome ribbon cutting for the oldest elevator in Florida. AD. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC City Clerk