City Commission Special Meeting

1 City Commission Special Meeting MINUTES May 8, 2025, 9:00 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 9:02 a.m. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the agenda. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan- Walker, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (2): Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, and James Ingle Approved (5 to 0) C. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2025-322 Economic Development Framework (B) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item and mentioned developing a work plan that would be presented within a month. Commissioner Willits joined the meeting at 9:04 a.m.

2 Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, gave a presentation on the Economic Development Framework. Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave a presentation on the Economic Development Framework regarding investments. George Burgess, Special Advisor to City Manager, gave a presentation on the Economic Development Framework regarding community partners. Commissioner Eastman joined the meeting at 9:58 a.m. Public Comment: Rodney Long, Kali Blount, Erik Bredfeldt, Donald Shepherd Recommendation: The City Commission receive the presentation and provide direction as needed. Moved by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Motion: Approve the next steps as amended: 1. Begin negotiations with Alachua County for an extension of the current GCRA with modified provisions. 2. Continue business discussions with Alachua County Public Schools for a potential business agreement for the use of Citizens Field. 3. Develop an implementation plan to accelerate downtown development via expedited processes, leadership initiatives, and an ombudsman position within the City Manager’s office as outlined in the presentation. 4. Begin discussions with community, governmental, higher education, and business leaders to brainstorm and develop an Economic Development Council for the Greater Gainesville Area. 5. Begin initial work, including producing a schedule of potential projects and costs, and a detailed workplan, for the development of a GOB initiative for voter consideration no later than 2027. 6. Report to the City Commission on progress of these initiatives monthly during the 1st or 2nd GPC meeting each month.

3 7. Bring back recommended land use changes to improve walkability and mixed use. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): James Ingle Approved (6 to 0) D. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 11:38 a.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC, City Clerk