City Commission - Regular Meeting

City Commission Regular Meeting MINUTES June 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. City Hall Auditorium 200 East University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, Mayor Pro Tempore Willits _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. B. INVOCATION Dr. Saeed Khan, Hoda Islamic Center C. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA 2026-442 Resignation of Dwight Bailey from the Public Recreation and Parks Board, New Item, Explanation: Requested by the City Clerk Move 2026-443 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement Final Package for Construction Completion of SW Public Safety Center / Fire Station 9 from the Consent Agenda to discussion in the evening. Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman 1  Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan- Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (7 to 0) D. CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Motion: The City Commission adopt the modified regular and consent agenda. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan- Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved On Consent (7 to 0) 1. Approval of Minutes from the March 9, June 4, (2), and June 8, 2026, City Commission Meetings (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission approve the minutes from the March 9, June 4, (2), and June 8, 2026, City Commission Meetings. Approved On Consent 2. 2026-441 Move the City Commission Fall Recess to November 2, 2026, through November 6, 2026 (NB) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman 2  Recommendation: The City Commission move the fall recess to November 2, 2026, through November 6, 2026. Approved On Consent 3. 2026-387 Appointments to the City of Gainesville’s Advisory Boards and Committees (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission appoint: - Chelsea Lobst and Alain Ayan to the City Beautification Board for terms that expire November 1, 2027. - Daniel Stepp to the Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust for a term expiring September 30, 2029. - Cassandra Moore to the Police Advisory Council for a partial term expiring January 21, 2028. - Alain Ayan to the Public Recreation and Parks Board for a term expiring June 1, 2029; and reappoint David Gold, Christopher Sean Johnson, and Gina vanBlockland for a second term expiring June 1, 2029. - Lillian Baker to the SHIP Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2028. Approved On Consent 4. 2026-390 Specified Source Award Recommendation for Bus Farebox Replacement with Genfare LLC (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the specified source award to Genfare LLC for farebox replacement on Regional Transit System buses and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement with Genfare LLC in the amount of $1,677,113.00, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney. Approved On Consent 3 5. 2024-556 Informational Item: Upcoming City Events List (NB) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission receive the informational list. Approved On Consent 6. 2026-398 Authorization to Accept the Transfer of a Portion of Southwest 47th Way to City of Gainesville from Alachua County (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission authorize staff to accept the transfer of Southwest 47th Way, east of SW 44th Street from Alachua County and authorize the Mayor, City Manager or designee to execute any documents to effectuate the transfer, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality. Approved On Consent 7. 2026-438 Roderick DeSue v. City of Gainesville (NB) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the settlement reached during pre-suit negotiations; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Roderick DeSue v. City of Gainesville. Approved On Consent 8. 2026-439 Donna Sherman v. City of Gainesville (NB) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman 4  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the settlement reached during pre-suit negotiations; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Donna Sherman v. City of Gainesville. Approved On Consent 9. 2026-442 Resignation of Dwight Bailey from the Public Recreation and Parks Board (B) Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Commissioner Eastman Recommendation: The City Commission accept the resignation of Dwight Bailey from the Public Recreation and Parks Board effective immediately. Approved On Consent E. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Public Comment: Jim Konish - 2026-430, 2026-434, 2026-327 F. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - MORNING 1. 2026-430 ConnectFree Funding for New Affordable Housing Developments (B) Corey Harris, Housing and Community Development Director, gave a presentation on the ConnectFree Funding for New Affordable Housing Developments. Marie Mesadieu, Housing Compliance Specialist and Advocate, gave a presentation on the applicants for the Connect Free funding. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item. Anthony Lyons, Vice President, AMJ, spoke to the item, giving an overview of their project at Lot 10. Malcolm Kiner, Gainesville Housing Authority, spoke to the item, giving an overview of their project located between East Waldo Road and Northeast 3rd Avenue. 5  Discuss at an upcoming General Policy Committee on affordable housing funding in August. Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Recommendation: The City Commission 1) award up to $342,723.89 in ConnectFree funds to 150 SW Second Avenue Holdings, LLC (Lot 10); 2) award up to $199,565.84 in ConnectFree funds to Build First, LLC and, 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any documents necessary to such funding, subject to City Attorney approval as to form and legality. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (7 to 0) 2. 2026-437 Ironwood Golf Course Unsolicited Proposal (B) Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave a presentation on the Ironwood Golf Course Unsolicited Proposal. Craig Carter, Coldwell Bank, spoke to the applicant's plans for Ironwood Golf Course. Adam Rappaport, Owner, HangTime Golf, spoke to the plans for Ironwood Golf Course. Chuck Smith, Golf Course Superintendent, HangTime Golf, spoke to the plans for Ironwood Golf Course. A Community Involvement sheet from HangTime Golf, Gastonia, NC, was distributed to the City Commission. 6  Recommendation: The City Commission direct staff to develop and issue a competitive public solicitation via a Request for Proposals for the sale and disposition of the Ironwood Golf Course, including potential public/private partnerships, open to all qualified respondents, including HangTime Golf, and return to the City Commission with the results of the solicitation and a recommended purchaser and sale terms for final approval. Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Book Motion: The City Commission direct staff to develop and issue a competitive public solicitation via a Request for Proposals for the sale or lease, and disposition of the Ironwood Golf Course, open to all qualified respondents, including HangTime Golf, and return to the City Commission with the results of the solicitation and a recommended purchaser and sale terms for final approval. Aye (6): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Nay (1): Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (6 to 1) Recess: 12:14 p.m. G. RESOLUTIONS – MORNING (Roll Call Required) 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break H. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 1:05 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: Jim Konish, Anita Ondrusek, Ethan Maia de Needell, Mr. Warren Goldstein, Reverend Catherine Dearlove, Reverend Rebecca Lawson Putman, 7  Merilyn Wende, Hunter Holtzworth, Veronica Robleto, Mr. Nelson C., Carolina Cordero, Jennifer Rich, Katelynn Caddell, Dr. Laura Blecha, Abigail Fletcher, Mary Nutter Received into the record a signed petition and a proposed resolution. The City Commission will discuss the proposed resolution at their July 16, 2026, meeting. L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - AFTERNOON 1. 2026-389 Appointments to the Historic Preservation Board (B) Jay Reeves for Anthony Ackrill, Mangnye Vivian Filer, Daniel Lord, Lida Rodriguez-Taseff Kathleen Kauffman Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Recommendation: The City Commission discuss applications received for appointments to the Historic Preservation Board. Motion: The City Commission appoint Anthony Ackrill, Vivian Filer, and Lida Rodriguez-Taseff to the Historic Preservation Board for full terms ending June 1, 2029. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, and Mayor Ward Nay (2): Commissioner James Ingle, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (5 to 2) M. RESOLUTIONS - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 1. 2026-433 Stormwater Initial Assessment Resolution (B) Gail Mowry, Director of Public Works, gave an overview of the item. Public Comment: Jim Konish Moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Seconded by Commissioner Chestnut 8  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) establish the Stormwater Services Special Assessment as follows: $150.65 per Equivalent Residential Unit, 2) set the public hearing on the Stormwater Final Assessment Resolution at 5:30 pm (or as soon thereafter as may be heard) on September 10, 2026; and 3) adopt the proposed Stormwater Initial Assessment Resolution. Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (7 to 0) 2. 2026-434 Solid Waste Initial Assessment Resolution (B) Gail Mowry, Director of Public Works, introduced the item. Kyle Stephens, Stantec, gave a presentation on the Solid Waste Initial Assessment Resolution. Brian Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, spoke to the item, stating the need to move forward and revisit cart rates with GFL Environmental. Moved by Commissioner James Ingle Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) establish the preliminary Solid Waste Services Special Assessment Rates as follows: 20 gallon cart - $368.18 35 gallon cart - $391.58 64 gallon cart - $436.81 96 gallon cart - $486.73 2) Set the public hearing on the Final Assessment Resolution at 5:30 pm (or as soon thereafter as may be heard) on September 10, 2026, and 3) Adopt the proposed Solid Waste Initial Assessment Resolution. 9  Motion: Approve as recommended. Aye (5): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Nay (2): Commissioner Eastman, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (5 to 2) 3. 2026-327 Fire Assessment Preliminary Rate Resolution (B) Allison Teslia, Office of Management and Budget Director, gave a presentation on the Fire Assessment Preliminary Rate Resolution. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the item related to the letter he sent out to community partners, giving them a heads-up about the challenges the city is facing in funding. Moved by Commissioner Eastman Seconded by Commissioner James Ingle Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) Determine the percentage of the assessable fire budget the City Commission desires to fund for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026; 2) Set the public hearing on the Annual Rate Resolution at 5:30 pm (or as soon thereafter as may be heard) on September 10, 2026; and 3) Adopt a Preliminary Rate Resolution. Motion: Approve as recommended, moving forward with option C in the presentation. Aye (5): Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, and Mayor Ward Nay (2): Commissioner Book, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (5 to 2) N. ORDINANCES: ADOPTION READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) O. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) P. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - AFTERNOON (Roll Call Required) 10 Q. COMMISSION COMMENT Commissioner Chestnut: Taskforce on the Unhoused operating through the Continuum of Care, stakeholders spoke about their respective programs, and mentioned a program that is piloted in Broward County to allow the unhoused to park in their cars overnight, and wondered if this could be implemented here. A printed presentation on Safe Overnight Parking was distributed to the City Commission. Commissioner Eastman: Gave comments in support of this initiative. Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, spoke to the comment, saying he will have staff look into how this may be implemented locally; and also are reviewing suggestions to help with the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Willits: Mentioned that there is potential federal legislation affecting the distribution of CDBG funds, and HUD may provide a model code to municipalities. Commissioner Book: Questioned what neighboring jurisdictions fund for the unhoused in their communities, gave congratulations to the Interim City Manager for sending the eNewsletter requesting ideas from staff regarding budget levers, and to Alachua County Tax Collector received a service award. Mayor Ward: Echoed the comments about the County Tax Collector's office; had a conversation with a towing provider who brought an interesting idea about having the towing providers serve as ticketing agencies instead. Recess: 3:58 p.m. 4:30 - 5:30 PM Dinner Break R. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. S. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE T. PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS U. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS V. RESOLUTIONS - EVENING (Roll Call Required) 11 W. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS - EVENING 1. 2026-428 Citizens Field Agreement with the School Board of Alachua County (B) Andrew Persons, Interim City Manager, gave an overview of the item in light of the vote by the School Board against moving forward with the purchase of Citizens' Field. Commissioner Duncan-Walker joined the meeting at 5:32 p.m. Briant Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave a presentation on the Citizens Field Agreement with the School Board of Alachua County. Public Comment: Reverend Ron Rawls, Mr. Armando Grundy-Gomez Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) provide the City Manager direction on the duration of a lease extension with the School Board of Alachua County for the continued use of Citizens Field; and 2) authorize the City Manager to develop site options for NE 8th Avenue at Waldo Road without a stadium facility. Moved by Commissioner Chestnut Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker Motion: 1) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Alachua County School Board asking for clarification on their decision not to move forward with the agreement for Citizens' Field and request a response by August 31, 2026; and 2) Extend the lease of Citizens Field for one year. Aye (7): Commissioner Book, Commissioner Chestnut, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (7 to 0) 12  2. 2026-443 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement Final Package for Construction Completion of SW Public Safety Center / Fire Station 9 (B) Briant Singleton, Acting Chief Operating Officer - Governmental Operations, gave an overview of the item. Moved by Commissioner Book Seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Recommendation: The City Commission authorizes the City Manager or designee to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreement Final Package with Ajax Building Company, LLC in the amount of $18,191,923.00 for construction completion of the SW Public Safety Center / Fire Station 9, 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, Commissioner Eastman, Commissioner James Ingle, Mayor Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore Willits Approved (7 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 Commissioner Ingle: Mentioned how awesome his Aunt Joyce is. Mayor Pro Tem Willits: Mentioned all of the Juneteenth events coming up, also the events associated with Pride Month, and 4th of July, and Team USA in World Cup. Mayor Ward: Wished a Happy Birthday to his wife, Gillian Ward. 13 AC. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. _________________________ Kristen J. Bryant, JD, CMC City Clerk 14