City Commission Meeting

23718 W US HWY 27 Telephone: (386) 454-1416 High Springs, Florida 32643 Facsimile: (386) 454-2126 Web: highsprings.gov HIGH SPRINGS CITY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2025 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM ROLL CALL CITY COMMISSION: Mayor Andrew miller – Present Vice Mayor Wayne Bloodsworth – Present Commissioner Tristan Grunder – Present Commissioner Chad Howell – Present Commissioner Katherine Weitz- Present STAFF PRESENT: Jeremy Marshall, City Manager Angela Stone, City Clerk Kiersten Ballou, City Attorney Diane Wilson, Finance Director Antoine Sheppard, Police Chief Kevin Mangan, PIO Joe Peters, Fire Chief Montavis Miner, Police Officer Angela Robertson, Evidence and Records Manager Markel Parks, Police Officer INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation: David Janaro, First Baptist Church of High Springs Pledge of Allegiance and Presentation of Colors: Led by the Boy Scout Troop 69 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion: Commissioner Howell moved to approve the agenda. Second: Commissioner Grunder Motion carried 5–0. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 2 of 9 1. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 13, 2025, COMMISSION MEETING Motion: Commissioner Weitz moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Second: Commissioner Grunder Vote: Motion carried 5–0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUT REID MORRIS Proclamation read by Vice Mayor Bloodsworth for Reid Morris on the achievement of his Eagle Scout. Vice Mayor Bloodsworth explained that this is the last year of Troop 69. After being a troop since 1944 they will not be applying for continuation. He gave a history of the troop and with great sadness this troop has reached the end of its time. Commissioner Weitz thanked Vice Mayor Bloodsworth and Troop Leader Mrs. Bloodsworth for all their work with the Troop and their success. 2. OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER-PROGRAM OVERVIEW Staff Angela Robertson gave an overview of this year’s Holiday Cheer. She explains that Holiday Cheer will be sponsoring around forty families. She spoke of the great community support. She invited the Commission to come and help pass out the gifts on December 19, 2025. 3. PRESENTATION ON SANTA FE RIVER BASIN BMAP AND MFL’S AS WELL AS PROJECT CONSIDERATION BY FDEP TO RESTORE MFL’S. Stacie Greco, Water Resources Program Manager, gave a presentation on the Santa Fe River Basin BMAP and MFL’s. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND ACT ON ORDINANCE 2025-07, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT. Attorney Ballou read Ordinance 2025-07 by title only. Finance Director Diane Wilson explained that this is the second reading of the Ordinance, and nothing has changed since the first reading. Commissioner Weitz asked if the Farmer’s Market is solvent? Finance Director said yes. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 3 of 9 Commissioner Weitz asked for a detailed spreadsheet of the ARPA Funds and all the Debt for the City. Commissioner Grunder asked if we are confident that we will not have an issue come up again like the unknown almost $1,000,000.00 invoice. City Manager Marshall explained he is going through all emails to make sure we have no other outstanding bills, and staff will be putting procedures in place to prevent this from happening again. Motion: Commissioner Howell to approve Ordinance 2025-07 as read by title only. Second: Commissioner Weitz Public Comment: Sue Weller asked about the line-item Ad Valorem Delinquent Taxes. She asked for explanation on the previous budget years being significantly higher. Finance Director Wilson explained this is the monies we receive from the County for delinquent taxes. Sue Weller asked about the budget line-item for $40,000.00 under the City Manager budget for academic consultants. Finance Director Wilson explained what those items are, it is the for the lobbyist and the City Manager Consultant. Mrs. Weller asked about the CRA carryover funds. Mr. Marshall stated that we did not have a solid starting number with us being behind on the audits. He stated that CRA Manager Bohannon has been focused on smaller projects since she did not have a solid starting number. He explained that Ms. Bohannon has been conservative about starting the larger projects. Finance Director Wilson stated without the audit being complete the County still gives approximately $3000,000.00 to start each year. Mrs. Weller asked about the million-dollar invoice and if there will be a written report presented to the Commission. Mr. Marshall explained the process he will be taking to find out the breakdown in what happened. He will go as far as to walk through the process of a P.O. to make sure this does not happen again. Finance Director Wilson explained that a major issue was the funding source information and the cash flow issue. She explained there was a misunderstanding of whether this would be grant funded or not. Roll Call: Mayor Miller: Yes Vice Mayor Bloodsworth: Yes Commissioner Grunder: Yes Commissioner Howell: Yes Commissioner Weitz: Yes Motion carried 5-0. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 4 of 9 2. DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND ACT ON A SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. City Manager Marshall provided an overview of the two contract options. Kevin Smith, GFL, stated he is here to answer questions. He really cannot discuss the Alachua County Contract numbers; he would like to have permission before discussing the County rates with the City. Mayor Miller thanked GFL for coming. Dana Williams, Waste Pro, stated that the proposal for renewal would be for a 5-year renewal, this would keep the prices the same for two years. She reminded the Commission of the process they went through to start this contract and service for city in the short period of time they were given. Commissioner Grunder thanked Waste Pro for all their work. He thanked them for not having an increase for two years. Commissioner Weitz asked about a smaller can. Mrs. Williams stated they may be able to do this for handicap, elderly or disabled, they could not do for everyone. She explained that they pick up even if there is more than what is in the can. Mrs. Williams speaks of single stream recycling. Commissioner Weitz asked about how much of the recycling is actually able to be recycled. Mrs. Williams explained they could make a refresher video on what can be recycled. Commissioner Weitz asked if the City Attorney’s Office has been able to review the contracts. Attorney Ballou said they have reviewed but they have not reviewed the GFL contract at the in- depth level they know Waste Pros. Commissioner Weitz spoke of the pricing during the switch over. She spoke of lost revenue the city had. Commissioner Weitz would like to be able to review the contracts with the attorney. She did ask if they could ask for no CPI for years 1,3, and 5 instead of years 1 and 2. Commissioner Grunder spoke of the exceptional service that Waste Pro gives. Dana Williams spoke of the CPI that they did not put in last year. They spoke of the savings the City has received with no CPI. Commissioner Weitz spoke of the contract for the two companies, and the price differences are not that significant for what she can tell. Discussion on pricing differences. Vice Mayor Bloodsworth stated that we need to be able to compare the pricing. He thinks we need to table until January. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 5 of 9 Motion: Vice Mayor Bloodsworth to table this item until the January 8, 2026, meeting. Second: Commissioner Weitz Kevin Smith, GFL, stated he did not have the ability to speak on the numbers without the County’s permission. He stated he had been given the notice of this meeting on Monday and was not able to be prepared. He will have all the information by the January 8, 2025, Commission Meeting. Commissioner Howell states the service Waste Pro gives is second to none. He states that he does not like kicking this down the road. Commissioner Weitz stated that she wants all the information to make a decision. Vice Mayor Bloodsworth stated he would like to have all the information to make the best decision for the citizens. Public Comment: Janet Evans asked for a thorough explanation of what happened with the contract and the short fall. Manager Marshall explained the transfers for administration fees. He stated right now he is prioritizing the Wastewater issue. Brian Bisher stated that our fees are 20% higher than in other areas. He asked if they can collect the trash and recycle on the same day. Mr. Marshall explains how the rate is figured for the citizen. He explains we are looking at a renewal. Mr. Marshall explained the process for the contracts. Mayor Miller asked for clarification on the transition from GFL to Waste Pro and the fees and revenue. Finance Director Wilson gave an explanation. Mayor Miller asked about Waste Pro charging the City for the City trash bins, as GFL did not. Mrs. Williams stated that that has not been part of their discussions. Motion Carried 3-2 with Commissioner Howell and Commissioner Grunder voting against. CITIZEN REQUESTS AND COMMENTS (Items Not on Agenda) Erica Hernandez, Trust for Public Land, spoke of the rail corridor. She spoke about working with CSX Railroad for the last year on a contract to get it executed. She stated that they are working with the State of Florida on the corridor. She will be able next month to give a more formal presentation. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 6 of 9 Thadeus Price spoke of his concern. He asked about the standard operating procedure when paying your utility bill. Mr. Marshall spoke of the issue with his account. Mr. Price spoke of his bill. He spoke of an act of God when a tree fell. Commissioner Weitz asked if he was offered a payment plan on the bill. He stated he did not. Don Decker, High Springs Historical Society, stated that the museum has been doing well. He is very appreciative of everyone he has dealt with at the City in the last year. He states that at St. Barthalamew’s Church they have a display of trains for the kids. He spoke of Veteran’s Day service, they were able to use the Civic Center and were very appreciative. Judge Johnathan Ramsey from Alachua County gave an update and wanted to make sure he is making himself available. David Linch spoke of not paving over our concrete streets. He spoke of alcohol and its effects. He spoke of the High Springs Brewery using the High Springs name. Brian Bischer spoke of the Mill Creek and Tara Development in Alachua and appreciated the city’s effort in attending the meetings. He asked why the City Manager did the affected party status letter instead of the attorney. Mr. Marshall was asked by the attorneys to give the letter to the City of Alachua as they were not available. Attorney Ballou explained how the conflict will be addressed. Discussion on the conflict of interest for the affected party status. Commissioner Weitz stated she wants it on record that she had hoped High Springs would come first to our attorney’s office. Attorney Ballou gave an explanation of the conflict and the project. Commissioner Weitz expressed her concern. Brian Bischer expressed his concern. Mayor Miller asked if we have an alternate plan to feel confident. Attorney Ballou explained the Florida Bar compliance. Discussion on the attorney’s duties. NEW BUSINESS: 1. DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND ACT ON ACCEPTING GRANT FROM FLORIDA STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 7 of 9 Fire Chief Peters explained that the Fire Department has been awarded a grant for the purchase of protective blocking hoods and gloves. He explains that the grant is a 75/25 grant, with the State portion being $4,793.43 and the City’s portion being $1,597.81. Motion: Commissioner Grunder to accept the grant from Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office for the purchase of protective particulate blocking hoods and gloves. Second: Commissioner Weitz Public Comment: None Motion Carried 5-0 2. DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND ACT ON A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY OF WILLISTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Police Chief Antoine Sheppard explains that they are seeking approval of a MOU with the Williston Police Department. The MOU will establish mutual support, cooperation, and resource-sharing between both agencies. He explained that the Williston Police Department has expressed interest in formalizing a collaborative agreement to support joint law enforcement activities. Motion: Commissioner Grunder to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of High Springs Police Department and the City of Williston Police Department. Second: Commissioner Howell Public Comment: None Motion carried 5-0. 3. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND ACT ON PURCHASE OF 36 GRINDER PUMPS WHICH EXCEEDS THE CITY MANAGER’S SIGNATURE AUTHORITY. City Manager Marshall explains we are preparing for future purchases of grinder pumps to be sure they are available when needed. The brand of grinder pump used by the City is only supplied by Wascon, Inc. Wascon has advised staff that pricing of the grinder pumps will increase by $260.00 each as of 1/1/2026. With the increase in pricing staff is recommending purchasing thirty-six pumps this month. The cost for the thirty-six pumps is approximately $78,000.00, which would save $9,360 if purchased after 1/1/2026. The purchase of the pumps is included in the 2026 budget. Commissioner Grunder stated that the City needs to get out of the grinder pump business. Mayor Miller spoke of having a Workshop. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 8 of 9 City Manager Marshall spoke of the sewer being a complicated system. He stated that the Public Works Director will be giving a presentation in the coming months on the sewer/water system and where our needs are. Vice Mayor Bloodsworth asked about the USDA loan and the stipulations. Motion: Commissioner Howell to approve the purchase of thirty-six grinder pumps from Wascon. Second: Commissioner Weitz Public Comment: None Motion Carried 5-0. ATTORNEY REPORT: Attorney Ballou is collaborating with staff on a lot of projects and that their office is thinking of doing update reports for the Commission quarterly. CITY MANAGER REPORT: Gave an update on the Priest Theatre project. They are in the shoring up phase, so the project is underway. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Howell: Several citizens have reached out happy that the Priest project is moving forward. New trolley sounds awesome and rails to trails would also be amazing. Commissioner Grunder: He stated that our hearts and prayers are with the Tillman family. Gave congratulations to Sgt. Moore from the Police Department on his retirement. Commissioner Weitz: Thanked the chamber and everyone that took part in the tree lighting. Reminded of the parade on Saturday. Spoke of having an anonymous survey from the city employees on how they feel the Commission and City are doing. She wants to get feedback. Spoke of the 4th graders that came through on a field trip. She thanked everyone as difficult it may have been this last year. She spoke of a commenter on Facebook regarding the outreach. She would like that commentor to reach out to her for facts. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mr. Marshall spoke of keyboard warriors. He spoke of a citizen that called to get accurate information. He asked that if you are going to put out the information call and get the information. Commission Weitz spoke of Public Records requests. Vice-Mayor Bloodsworth: Wants to move forward. COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2025 PAGE 9 of 9 Mayor Miller: His laptop has been down. He stated we are going to do the employee of the week a little different and have a department of the month. His department for the month is Public Works. Reminded of the Parade, would love to have everyone come out to celebrate. Mr. Marshall explained the new Fire truck will not go into service until we decide what to do as a city with the new truck. Chief Peters gave an overview of the new truck… Motion: Commissioner Howell moved to adjourn. Mayor Miller adjourned at 9:40 p.m.