City Commission - Regular Meeting

1 City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES November 20, 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, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, Commissioner Willits _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Duncan-Walker was absent for the morning session. B. INVOCATION To be presented by Pastor Kenyarda Feathers, Williams Temple Church Of God in Christ. C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES: 2025-930 - 2025 Holiday Parade Memorandum of Understanding with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by City Manager 2025-891 Fiscal Year End 2025 City Investment Performance Report (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by City Manager 2025-892 Evergreen Cemetery Trust Fund Investment Policy Statement (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by City Manager REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES: 2025-910 ImagineGNV Comprehensive Plan Update (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by City Manager

2 2025-924 Resolution Receiving Report of Board of Canvassers – Charter Amendment Special Election 2025 (B) New Item, Explanation: Requested by City Attorney Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) D. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Approved On Consent 1. Approval of Minutes from the November 6, 2025 City Commission Meeting (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. Approved On Consent 2. 2025-885 Settlement of Workers’ Compensation Claim (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits

3 Recommendation: The City Commission authorize Special Counsel to prepare and execute the appropriate documents for a lump-sum settlement of Havis Velasquez’s workers’ compensation claim of $60,000. Approved On Consent 3. 2025-893 Resignation of Amanda Rodriguez Demaria from the Gainesville Community Reinvestment (GCRA) Advisory Board (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission accept the resignation of Amanda Rodriguez Demaria, effective immediately. Approved On Consent 4. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list. Approved On Consent 5. 2025-920 Use of State Forfeiture Funds for the Sponsorship of a Community Program (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the use of State forfeiture funds in an amount not to exceed $14,190 toward the sponsorship of the Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association, Inc. Approved On Consent 6. 2025-922 Participation in Florida Department of Law Enforcement FY25- 26 Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment & Retention Program Grant Award for the Gainesville Police Department (B)

4 Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) approve the Gainesville Police Department’s participation in receiving services provided by Performance Protocol as detailed in their “Law Enforcement Staffing Solutions” proposal that was awarded funding from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement FY25-26 Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment & Retention Program Grant; 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the “Law Enforcement Staffing Solutions Proposal” ; and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an Addendum to the “Master Subscription Agreement: Master Service Agreement Terms and Conditions”, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Approved On Consent 7. 2025-930 2025 Holiday Parade Memorandum of Understanding with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission retroactively approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Gainesville and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the 2025 Holiday Parade. Approved On Consent 8. 2025-891 Fiscal Year End 2025 City Investment Performance Report (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission review and accept the submitted Fiscal Year End 2025 City Investment Performance Report. Approved On Consent

5 9. 2025-892 Evergreen Cemetery Trust Fund Investment Policy Statement (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission review and accept the Evergreen Cemetery Trust Fund Investment Policy Statement. Approved On Consent E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING 1. 2025-884 Years of Service Recognition for Community Builders (B) Mayor Ward presented the years of service awards to staff. Recommendation: The City Commission recognize those employees with 15 years of service or more for the 4th quarter of FY25. Heard 2. 2025-912 Gainesville Fire Rescue Quarterly Update (B) Joseph Hillhouse, Fire Chief, gave a presentation on the Gainesville Fire Rescue Quarterly Update, mentioned that a burn ban is in effect for all areas within Alachua County, and the overage in the overtime budget due to understaffing. Brandace Stone, Director of Community Health Initiatives, gave a presentation on the Co-Responder team. Brittany Coleman, Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager, gave a presentation on IMPACT GNV. Andrew Persons, City Manager, spoke to the item related to the difference between the fire fees being challenged in Ocala and Tallahassee, and the fire special assessment in Gainesville. Dan Nee, City Attorney, spoke to the item on the lawful methodology for the city's fire special assessment. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation from Gainesville Fire Rescue. Heard

6 G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-886 Resolution for 49 U.S. Code Chapter 53, Section 5310 Grant Applications (B) Andrew Persons, City Manager, gave an overview of the item. Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) adopt a Resolution required in support of the Regional Transit System (RTS) application for a Florida Department of Transportation 49 U.S. Code Chapter 53, Section 5310 grant for operating assistance for paratransit service and for capital assistance to purchase a replacement van; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute related Public Transportation Grant Agreement(s) with the Florida Department of Transportation, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney. Move: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 2. 2025-887 Resolution for 49 U.S. Code Chapter 53, Section 5311 Grant Applications (B) Andrew Persons, City Manager, gave an overview of the item. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) adopt a Resolution required in support of the Regional Transit System (RTS) application for a Florida Department of Transportation 49 U.S. Code Chapter 53, Section 5311 grant for assistance with costs for demand response for rural area transportation service; 2) authorize the inclusion any resulting grant award in the next available City budget amendment, and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute related Public Transportation Grant

7 Agreement(s) with the Florida Department of Transportation, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) Recess: 11:01 a.m. 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Duncan-Walker joined the meeting at 1:00 p.m. I. GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT To be presented by Mangnye Vivian Filer. J. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS K. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Richard Selwach, Valerie Phillips Commissioner Willits joined the meeting at 1:14 p.m. L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON 1. 2025-910 ImagineGNV Comprehensive Plan Update (B) Nathaniel Chan, Planner III, gave an overview of the item, including the timeline for the approval of the comprehensive plan update. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to the timeline. Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, spoke to the item related to incorporating commission comments.

8 Recommendation: The City Commission discuss the proposed timeline for the Comprehensive Plan, ImagineGNV, and if necessary, provide guidance to staff on next steps. Heard 2. 2025-923 Gainesville Police Department Quarterly Update (B) Jaime Kurnick, Police Major, gave a presentation on the Gainesville Police Department Quarterly Update and introduced new members of the administrative team, Marquitta Brown and Timothy Durst. Nancy Hallett, Police Captain, gave a presentation on the Criminal Investigations Bureau. Marquitta Brown, Police Captain, gave a presentation on the Operations Bureau. Timothy Durst, Police Captain, gave a presentation on Traffic Education and Enforcement. Paris Owens, Police Captain, gave a presentation on personnel and introduced Victoria Young. Andrew Persons, City Manager, spoke to the item regarding all of the effort and care that goes into the work at the Gainesville Police Department. Recommendation: The City Commission receive the quarterly update. Heard 3. 2025-825 Accept the 2025 Incentives and Recommendations Report (B) John Wachtel, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator, gave a presentation on the 2025 Incentives and Recommendations Report and introduced Marie Mesadieu, Housing Compliance Specialist and Advocate, and Phimetto Lewis, Housing and Community Development Manager, and mentioned that the Local Housing Assistance Plan is due May 1, 2026. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

9 Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) accept the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2025 Incentives and Recommendations Report; 2) approve the submittal of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2025 Incentives and Recommendations Report to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 31, 2025; and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents required for the submittal of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s 2025 Incentives and Recommendations Report, 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, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) M. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-924 Resolution Receiving Report of Board of Canvassers – Charter Amendment Special Election 2025 (B) Kristen Bryant, City Clerk, spoke to the item, giving appreciation to the Supervisor of Elections and her staff, the City Attorney and his staff, as well as the City Auditor. Stephen Mhere, City Auditor, gave a report from the City Board of Canvassers, giving appreciation to the Supervisor of Elections and her staff, the City Attorney and his staff, as well as his fellow board members. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner 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)

10 P. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) Q. COMMISSION COMMENT Mayor Ward: Spoke regarding the Gainesville Regional Utilities and the finance report that was presented to the Finance Committee on Monday, November 17, 2025; and also passed out a major construction projects list. The Mayor's Major Construction Projects List will be attached to the agenda. Commissioner Willits: Spoke to the comment relating to the finance report presentation they received as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Commissioner Eastman: spoke to the comment related to the substance of the legal fees billing. Commissioner Book: spoke to the comment related to the county streetlight fees being covered by the City of Gainesville. Commissioner Chestnut: Spoke to the comments. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the comment related to how the University of Florida and city work well together on football game days, and gave comments on the construction projects list. Commissioner Duncan-Walker left the meeting at 3:25 p.m. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Motion: the City Commission directs the Mayor to send a letter to the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority requesting full transparency for all legal and related expenses billed to the City for FY23, FY24, and FY25, including itemized invoices, travel charges, consulting fees, and meeting- preparation costs. The letter should also request an explanation for why these expenses are being charged to Gainesville taxpayers along with a review of whether these expenses are related to the original motion about defending HB 1645. And, that legal fees are no longer charged to the City of Gainesville. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) Recess: 3:49 p.m.

11 4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break R. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Duncan-Walker did not return from recess. S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Ward. T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS 1. 2025-890 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated – Gainesville Alumnae Chapter 40th Charter Anniversary Day (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Gwendolyn Saffo. Heard 2. 2025-926 World AIDS Day (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Marvene Edwards & Natalie Davis. Heard 3. 2025-927 Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Philip Kabler. Heard U. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS V. RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-928 Sixth Budget Amendment to the FY 2025 General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget (B) Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, gave an overview of the item. Allison Teslia, Office of Management and Budget Director, introduced herself. Susan Boyd, Budget Analyst Senior, spoke to the item, giving the highlights of the sixth budget amendment.

12 Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Absent (1): Commissioner Duncan-Walker Approved (6 to 0) 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 Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, gave an update on the supplemental funds allocated to Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. Commissioner Willits: Mentioned the Trans Day of Remembrance event that was after the meeting at Bo Diddly Plaza. AC. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC City Clerk