City Commission - Regular Meeting

1 City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES April 3, 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 Prophet George Young C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA UPDATES: - 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Modified Text, Explanation: Requested by the City Manager REGULAR AGENDA UPDATES: - 2025-294 GRU Report (NB) New Item, Explanation: Requested by Mayor Ward - 2025-240 Honorary Street Naming of the Roundabout on South Main Street at Southeast 10th Avenue (B) New Backup, Explanation: Requested by the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut

2 Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified 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 Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified 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 On Consent (7 to 0) 1. Approval of Minutes from the March 6, 2025 City Commission Meeting (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 2. 2025-236 Authorization to Enter into a Reimbursement Agreement Between Gainesville Housing Authority and the City of Gainesville for Construction, Use and Maintenance of an Outdoor Concrete Pathway at Woodland Park II (B)

3 Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the reimbursement agreement with the Gainesville Housing Authority for the construction, use and maintenance of an outdoor concrete pathway at Woodland Park II property, located at 1900 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32641 and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all memorandum documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 3. 2025-239 Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Policy for Regional Transit System as required by The Federal Transit Administration (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Drug and Alcohol Policy specifically written for Regional Transit System to comply with requirements of The Federal Transit Administration. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 4. 2025-241 Use of Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Funds for Purchase for Supervisor Leadership Training (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the use of Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture – Justice funds for the purchase of supervisor leadership training in an amount not to exceed $49,700.

4 Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 5. 2025-243 Purchase of Real Property for Urban Forest Conservation Burch Property (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property, (including all documents to effectuate a closing), with William Ernest Burch, Jr. & Judy Diane Penturff, for the purchase of Tax Parcel 06724- 000-000, in the amount of $125,000 plus any associated closing costs, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 6. 2025-244 Purchase of Real Property for Urban Forest Conservation Calfee Trustee (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property, (including all documents to effectuate a closing), with Dennis A. Calfee, Trustee, for the purchase of Tax Parcel number 10050-000-000, in the amount of $164,000 plus any associated closing costs, subject to the approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits

5 Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 7. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 8. 2025-251 Method of Source Selection Award Recommendation for an Electronic Validation System (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) award the Method of Sole Source selection for an Electronic Validation System to Kontron America, Inc. and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 9. 2025-252 Real Property Transaction for the SW Public Safety Center (B)

6 Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Easements (including all documents to effectuate a closing) with North Florida Regional Medical Center (HCA), for a portion of Tax Parcel 06974-040-000, in the amount of $1,740,000 subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 10. 2025-215 Appointments to the City of Gainesville’s Advisory Boards and Committees (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission appoint: - Doretha Anderson to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development for a term expiring October 1, 2028, - Robert Baird to the Fire Safety Board of Adjustment for a term expiring April 2, 2028, - Kaitlin Alexander to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board for a term expiring June 1, 2027, - Charles Ross to the Nature Centers Commission for a term expiring November 1, 2027, - Linda Maurice to the Police Advisory Council for a term expiring January 21, 2029, and - Eli Wells as a Student Member to the Public Recreation and Parks Board for a term expiring September 30, 2026. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0)

7 11. 2025-225 Resignation of Faith Corbett from Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The Commission accept the resignation, effective immediately. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 12. 2025-245 Removal from the Citizen Advisory Committee for Community Development for Non-Compliance with Attendance Requirements (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The Commission approve the removal of Omar Hernandez from the Citizen Advisory Committee for Community Development effective immediately for non-compliance with attendance requirements. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 13. 2025-275 Ramon Gonzalez-Acosta v. City of Gainesville (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the pre- suit settlement and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Ramon Gonzalez-Acosta v. City of Gainesville.

8 Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 14. 2025-281 Lourdes Rodriguez v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023- CA-1488 (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the settlement reached during negotiations at court-ordered mediation; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Lourdes Rodriguez v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-1488; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 15. 2025-283 Shataria Simmons v. City of Gainesville (NB) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the settlement reached in pre-suit negotiations; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Shataria Simmons v. City of Gainesville. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 16. 2025-256 SHIP and Local Housing Assistance Plan Audit (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman

9 Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: Recommend the City Commission accept the City Auditor’s report, as approved and recommended by the Audit Committee. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 17. 2025-257 Modification of Annual Audit Plan (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: The City Commission accept the City Auditor’s revised FY 2025 Annual Audit Plan as approved by the Audit Committee Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 18. 2025-258 City Auditor’s Quarterly Update (B) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut Recommendation: Recommend the City Commission accept the City Auditor’s Quarterly Report, as approved and recommended by the Audit Committee. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING

10 1. 2025-294 GRU Report (NB) Dan Nee, City Attorney, gave a report on the GRU Authority's court case against the city. Public Comment: Janice Gary Recommendation: The City Commission hear a report from the City Attorney. Heard 2. 2025-255 City’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Report Update (B) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item. Dan Zhu, Chief Sustainability Officer, gave an overview of the item, introduced the presenter, gave an update on the electric vehicle grant from the federal government, and an update on the LEED certification. Hank Hodde, Resilience Leader at Jacobs Engineering, gave a presentation on the City’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Report Update. Public Comment: Donald Shepherd Recommendation: The City Commission receive the presentation and provide guidance as needed. Heard Recess: 11:54 a.m. G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:01 p.m. I. GAINESVILLE HISTORY MOMENT J. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS K. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Nathalie Evans, Jim Konish L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON

11 1. 2025-260 Sustainable Development Quarterly Update (B) Cynthia Curry, City Manager, introduced the item. Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, gave a presentation on the Sustainable Development Quarterly Update. Miranda Searing, Development Review Coordinator, and Maria Cooper, Building Review Coordinator, were introduced as authors of the Development Review Data Summary, January 2022 through January 2025. Brian Singleton, Director of Public Works, spoke to the item related to process efficiency. Recommendation: The City Commission hear a presentation. Heard 2. 2024-322 Alcoholic Beverage Establishment Text Amendment (B) Forrest Eddleton, Director of Sustainable Development, gave a presentation on the Alcoholic Beverage Establishment Text Amendment. Zeriah Folston, Equal Opportunity Director, spoke to the item. Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the item related to on- premise consumption, but not package stores. Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item regarding a related to an upcoming conference in May. The City Commission requested the following data be brought by staff to a future meeting: 1) data on peer cities, 2) how many churches and schools will be affected by the removal of the language, 3) possible exemptions, and 4) a comparison of arrests and calls for service before and after the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Districts were created. Recommendation: The City Commission discuss and provide direction to staff. Heard M. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required)

12 1. 2025-242 Public Hearing on Regional Transit System Fiscal Year 2025 Program of Projects, Federal and State (B) Jesus Gomez, Director of Transportation, gave an overview of the item. Public Comment: Donald Shepherd Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the item. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) accept comments at a Public Hearing on the Regional Transit System Program of Projects for Federal and State FY 2025 and 2) adopt the Resolution authorizing the Regional Transit System to file grant applications with the Federal Transit Administration and Florida Department of Transportation as outlined in the Regional Transit System Program of Projects for Federal and State FY 2025. 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) 2. 2025-186 Amendments to the Towing or Immobilizing Vehicles on Private Property Ordinance Chapter 14.5 Article III and Appendix A- Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges – Trespass Towing and Immobilization (B) Jaime Kurnick, Major at Gainesville Police Department, gave an update on the item. Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item. Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the item. Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, spoke to the item. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the attached resolution.

13 Motion: 1) Table the resolution, and 2) Direct staff to bring the resolution back In conjunction with the towing policy. 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) P. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-246 Ordinance Creating Valet Operations Regulations (B) Deborah Leistner, Transportation Planning and Parking Manager, gave an overview of the item. Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance. Motion: Approve as recommended on first reading. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Commissioner Willits Approved (7 to 0) Q. COMMISSION COMMENT Mayor Ward: Requested Zeriah Folston, Equal Opportunity Director, bring back a report on equitable development to a General Policy Meeting in July or August; and mentioned more investment in Southwest Gainesville. Commissioner Book: Requested the City Manager to relay safety concerns related to the Final Four game. Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the request and introduced Phil Mann Phil Mann, Special Advisor to the City Manager, spoke to the request, mentioning there will be a March Madness watch party at Bo Diddly Plaza on Monday night if

14 the Gators win the Final Four on Saturday. He spoke about road closures and other safety measures to be put in place for celebrating downtown and around the university. Commissioner Eastman: Would like to discuss at an upcoming General Policy Committee meeting, ordinances prohibiting skateboarding, rollerblading, and roller-skating in city parks. He also mentioned an update on the Fire Safety Board of Adjustment. Phil Mann responded that a report on the FSBA was coming back soon. Commissioner Chestnut: When is the Office of Equity and Inclusion bringing back information and/or recommendations on Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises and The Disparity Study. Zeriah Folston, Equal Opportunity Director, answered that they are monitoring current legislation before they bring back those recommendations. Commissioner Willits: Recognized that another motorcyclist death took place in the community; also, would like communication from advisory boards to the commission to be timely. Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer, spoke to the comment. 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 John Phillippon, Eastside NJROTC T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS 1. 2025-253 Procurement Professionals Day (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Todd Tuzzolino. Heard 2. 2025-254 Distracted Driving Awareness (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Sergeant Lynne Valdes.

15 Heard 3. 2025-269 Child Abuse Prevention Month (B) Recommendation: To be Presented to Cathy Winfrey. Heard 4. 2025-270 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Patricia Ford-Thomas and Kimberly Kutner. Heard 5. 2025-271 Raul Serrano National Barber Day (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Jadira Serrano. Heard 6. 2025-274 Records and Information Management Month (B) Recommendation: To be presented to Michael Bryant, Shaneka Young, and Nikita Scruggs. Heard U. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS V. RESOLUTIONS A - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-237 Honorary Street Naming of SE 4th Place (B) Public Comment: Family of Cleo Strawder Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution to dual name SE 4th Place from SE 12th Street to SE 13th Street, “Cleo Strawder Avenue.” Motion: Approve as recommended.

16 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) 2. 2025-238 Honorary Street Naming of NE 2nd Street (B) Moved by Commissioner Willits Seconded by Commissioner Book Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution to dual name NE 2nd Street from NE 16th Avenue to NE 23rd Avenue, “Father Roland M. Julien Way.” 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) W. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING 1. 2025-235 Invitation to Bid Award Recommendation for the Tom Petty Park Pickleball & Miscellaneous Improvements Project (B) Elizabeth Waite, Wild Spaces Public Places Director, spoke to the item. Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the Invitation to Bid award to D.E. Scorpio Corporation in the amount of $1,967,007.00 and 2) authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended.

17 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) X. RESOLUTIONS B - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-240 Honorary Street Naming of the Roundabout on South Main Street at Southeast 10th Avenue (B) Public Comment: Bob Ackerman Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Willits Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the Resolution to name the Roundabout on South Main Street at SE 10th Avenue, “Robert Karp Roundabout.” 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) Y. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Including Planning Petitions) Z. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) AA. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) AB. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - EVENING (Roll Call Required) AC. COMMISSION COMMENT AD. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at _________________________

18 Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC, City Clerk