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 JANUARY 22, 2026 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 Jami Echeverri, Asst City Clerk Kiersten Ballou, City Attorney Antoine Sheppard, Police Chief Kevin Mangan, PIO Joe Peters, Fire Chief Austin Dampier, Police Officer Montavis Miner, Police Officer Kristyn Adkins, Planning Technician Allan Alligood, Building Official Jason Kytle, Public Works Director INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation: APPROVAL OF AGENDA: AGENDA FOR THE JANUARY 22, 2026 COMMISSION MEETING Motion: Commissioner Howell Motioned to approve the agenda Second: Commissioner Grunder Vote: Motion carried 5–0. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2025 COMMISSION MEETING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 2 of 7 Motion: Commissioner Grunder moved to approve the consent agenda Second: Commissioner Howell Vote: Motion carried 5–0. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: PRESENTATION ON RAILS TO TRAILS BY ERICA HERNANDEZ OF TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND. Ms. Hernandez provided an overview of the Trust for Public Land and presented information regarding the Rails to Trails project, including background, community benefits, and current involvement. Commissioner Weitz asked clarifying questions regarding the Gainesville–Hawthorne Trail. Attorney Ballou read a letter from Heart of High Springs expressing support for the Rails to Trails project. Mayor Miller thanked Ms. Hernandez and encouraged commissioners to tour the project area when possible. UPDATE ON BRIDLEWOOD BY CHRIS POTTS Mr. Potts provided an update on the Bridlewood project, noting delays related to the electrical utility provider. He advised that fiber installation is underway, the roundabout is anticipated to begin construction in February or March, and home construction is expected by summer. Commissioner Weitz requested clarification regarding the location and purpose of the roundabout. Mr. Potts explained the Florida Department of Transportation requested a roundabout in lieu of a turn lane. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE CITIZEN REQUESTS AND COMMENTS (Items Not on Agenda) Julie Tapia-Ruano Commended staff, leadership, and commissioners who attended the Mill Creek Sink hearing in Alachua. Requested continued City involvement and asked about the status of the Land Development Code (LDC) rewrite and recent legislation allowing HOA dissolutions. Rick Testa Presented an example of a development project improved through collaboration with the Planning Board and encouraged citizens and commissioners to recognize the work of advisory boards and staff. Joann Tremblay Invited the public to the Arbor Day celebration on January 24 and expressed concerns regarding tree removal code awareness among new residents. COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 3 of 7 John Mullay Raised concerns regarding CRA reporting and its impact on his business. Asked when the CRA report would be completed and suggested the CRA Director report directly to the Commission. Don Decker Spoke on behalf of the High Springs Historical Society in support of Rails to Trails and provided historical context regarding railroad routes through the City. Noted museum visitation in 2025 exceeded 1,000 visitors. Lanier Smith Discussed experience with similar Rails to Trails projects and future planning opportunities. David Linch Opposed selling the Boy Scout Hut, citing historical significance. Suggested dedicating the building to a former Eagle Scout. Also expressed concerns regarding City branding. Commissioner Response: Mayor Miller clarified that the CRA Director position discussion was a suggestion and not a vote. Commissioner Weitz clarified that discussion of selling the Boy Scout Hut was exploratory only and not a final decision. City Manager Marshall advised that the CRA report was included with the City audit and that circumstances earlier that day may delay completion. Commissioner Weitz clarified to Mr. Linch that she does not want the citizens to think she takes the sale of the scout hut lightly and it is not definitive just a discussion. Asked for clarification on the CRA report. Mr. Marshall explained that the CRA report was performed with the audit for the rest of the City but due to circumstances that occurred today that would likely be delayed. NEW BUSINESS 1. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND ACT ON RESOLUTION 2026-A, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, GRANTING WITH APPROPRIATE CONDITIONS AND SAFEGUARDS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION, CUP 25-01, BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS; PROVIDING FOR A CONDITIONAL USE TO PERMIT SIX DUPLEX STRUCTURES, TOTALING 12 DUPLEX DWELLING UNITS WITHIN A COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL (C-1) ZONING DISTRICT, AS PROVIDED FOR IN TABLE 2.02.01 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR REVOCATION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Attorney Ballou read resolution 2026-A by title only. She explained it was a quasi-judicial matter and asked all who wished to speak to please stand for swearing in: Brad Bower COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 4 of 7 Scott Jamison Julie Tapia-Ruano Michael carillo Joe white Lance Griner Lisa fowler Sergio Cruze Kristyn Adkins Attorney Ballou asked the commission to disclose any ex parte communications: Vice Mayor Bloodsworth: advised he asked questions of staff and also visited the site but it was strictly informational and no one has swayed his decision. Mayor Miller: none Commissioner Weitz: advised she listened to the meeting. She also met with Plan Board Member Testa but nothing seen or discussed swayed her decision. Commissioner Grunder: viewed the property but nothing further Commissioner Howell: also viewed the property but had no further communications. Attorney Ballou read from a letter expressing concerns about the proposed development. Mayor Miller asked for clarification on the plan board’s decision. Sergio Cruze, with Menadier Engineering presented information about the project. He explained all proposed improvements comply with current code and is even lower than allowed density. He believes their proposed development improves the transition between more intensely classified commercial properties and residential properties on either side. Staff Adkins provided a brief explanation of the resolution and its purpose. She explained that all multi-family must go to the commission for approval. She explained it is boarded to the south by C3 commercial property. She advised that looking at the code the applicant has met all requirements. Public Comment: Lisa Fowler: Lives on boat ramp road and has concerns about traffic safety, as well as property maintenance. Brad Bower: lives near the proposed development. Are the units going to be owned or rented. Is apprehensive about lower income property against a nicer neighborhood. Joe White: has concerns about the infrastructure impact. Commended the plan board on their thorough research and thought into the project. COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 5 of 7 Scott Jamison: has concerns about the adverse effects to the property values of surrounding homes. Michael Carillo: does not support the development. Julie Tapia-Ruano: just wanted to clarify they did not see the same data. Lance Brunner: has concerns the code requirements have not been met. Sergio Cruze: a traffic study will be performed if deemed necessary for safety. HOA that maintains the fencing, landscape, roads etc. There will be enhanced landscaping. Broken buffer comes from the High Springs Code of Ordinances. While we are discussing what’s proposed it is still important to know the area permits much more traffic intense options. Difference between ties to commission, they took comments into consideration and improved the proposal. Second story building: trees left will block view. Commission Response: Mayor Miller: appreciates the transition between different zoning areas. He really likes the guest parking but would like more information. Has concerns about lack of lighting in that area. He knows residents don’t want lights but that contributes to the danger of the area. Commissioner Weitz: has concerns about 4 codes not being met: property values, character of existing land use, suitable drainage access and ingress, screening or buffering to prevent effecting other properties. Commissioner Grunder: has concerns about lack of information and would support tabling this until it can be brought forward. Vice Mayor Bloodsworth: concerned about the condition of the road. He would prefer to see a DOT study not an independent. He has concerns the buildings are two stories not one and this effecting the neighboring homeowners properties. He also needs further information. Commissioner Howell: asked for clarification on the property to the south. (Staff Adkins advised it is all commercial). He would like to see geological studies and more accurate comps. Motion: Commissioner Grunder moved to table Resolution 2026-A to allow additional information to be provided, including traffic analysis, geological review, property value comparisons, and tree protection considerations. Second: Commissioner Howell. Commissioner Weitz stated she had concerns about the 4 codes not having been met satisfactorily. Amended Motion Commissioner Grunder moved to amend his original motion to table the item and require the application to be brought back through the Planning and Zoning Board for further review prior to returning to the City Commission. COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 6 of 7 Additional Public Comment (Post-Motion) • Brian Boucher: Requested that a future date be set for the continued item. • Janet Evans: Expressed appreciation for the communication between the Commission and citizens. • Charles Parrish: Raised concerns regarding land shifting and building height impacts. Amended Motion carried 5-0 2. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND ACT ON ORDINANCE 2026-01, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES CONSISTENT WITH FLORIDA SENATE BILL 954 (2025) AND FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING LAWS; ESTABLISHING APPENDIX B, ARTICLE XI, PART 11.19.00 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE PROVIDING AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attorney Ballou read Ordinance 2026-01 by title only. She advised this was second reading. She addressed the questions posed previously advising most portions of the ordinance were statutory updates. Commissioners discussed the ordinance at length, raising concerns and seeking clarification regarding both legal requirements and practical implications. Commissioner Weitz expressed concern that the ordinance could allow certified recovery residences to be placed within residential neighborhoods without sufficient local discretion. She stated that additional explanation was needed regarding how the ordinance would operate in practice and what limitations, if any, the City retained. City Manager Marshall advised that tabling the ordinance would likely be understood at the state level and would not create immediate compliance issues, but noted the importance of ultimately aligning City regulations with state requirements. The Commission as a whole discussed whether the item would benefit from additional explanation or a workshop-style discussion to better inform both the Commission and the public before adoption. Motion: Commissioner Weitz moved to table Ordinance 2026-01 to allow for additional explanation and discussion. Second: Commissioner Grunder. Public Comment: COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2026 PAGE 7 of 7 • Rick Testa: Spoke based on experience with similar laws in other jurisdictions, noting that while recovery residences can provide important services, implementation details are critical and can vary widely in impact depending on local procedures. • Lynn Jamison: Described observations of similar facilities in other areas, expressing concern that some have been used primarily for financial gain. She recommended the issue be discussed further in a workshop setting rather than decided quickly. • Sue Weller: Expressed concern about the timeline for adoption and requested clarification regarding how quickly the City would be required to act under state law. Attorney Ballou responded that when the bill was first enacted there were significant discrepancies that needed resolution before the City could responsibly present an ordinance, and reiterated that the current draft was intended to address statutory requirements. Motion carried 5-0 ATTORNEY REPORT Attorney Ballou advised she and Danielle were working on the waste pro addendum. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Marshall reported on: • Arbor Day celebration (January 24, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Civic Center Park) • Recreation sports registration • Public Works FDEP grant activity COMMISSION REPORTS • Commissioner Howell: Thanked staff and expressed interest in additional workshops. • Commissioner Grunder: No report. • Commissioner Weitz: Commended Applebee for representation in Alachua. • Vice Mayor Bloodsworth: Requested update on the LDC rewrite; staff advised consultant analysis nearing completion with a February meeting anticipated. • Mayor Miller: Announced the next meeting would include recognition of Employee of the Year. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Howell moved to adjourn. Mayor Miller adjourned the meeting at 9:20 pm