Agenda (PDF)

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-05-26 · agenda

[12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners meeting agenda for May 26, 2026. The agenda includes various items such as proclamations, art selection for the Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center, board appointments, public hearings on land use, and funding approvals for community services. Specific projects include the selection of art for the Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center with a budget of $75,000, and the approval of funding for housing initiatives including $1.5 million for Sunrise Residence Inn construction and renovation and $2 million for Tiny Home Containers. Additionally, there is an item regarding the potential designation of Lakeshore Drive and SE 74th Street as a County Scenic Road, with staff recommending against it due to public opposition. A land acquisition project for Lake Forest Creek – Friedman Tract is also on the agenda with an approved budget of $258,685. Other items include a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment (Z26-000006) and a rezoning (Z26-000007) for Wahoo Springhills, and a preliminary development plan for Westside Christian School. Funding is also proposed for the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. for capital repairs and improvements up to $328,000. A land acquisition partnership project for Surface to Springs Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) v.2.0 is noted, with the county committing at least $7M for conservation easement acquisitions. The addition of Lake Santa Fe – Eagle Shores Investments LLC to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List is also proposed. A RAISE Grant Agreement for the SW 20th Avenue Complete Corridor Project is on the agenda, with a project cost of $1.4 million funded by the federal grant. Intersection improvements at SW 24th Avenue & SW 122nd Street are also being addressed with a change order to Watson Construction Company, LLC for $99,671.40. A property owner interest poll for improvements to a portion of NE 225th St. and NE 69th Ave. is proposed, with potential funding from the Gas Tax Fund. An interlocal agreement for a bike path from SW 170th Street to US 41 in Archer is also listed. [case 26-00338] Presentation of a proclamation recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Alachua County, Florida. The proclamation acknowledges the contributions, cultures, and legacy of AANHPI communities and encourages residents to learn about and celebrate their heritage. [case 26-00316] Selection of art for the Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center. The Board is to select art from three presented options, with a purchase order authorized for $75,000 for commission and installation. Payment/performance bond requirements are waived as the project is under the $200,000 threshold. The budget for art is through the Art in Public Places program. [case 26-00320] Appointments to the Alachua County Health Care Advisory Board. The recommended action is to appoint individuals to various positions including Doctor or Nurse Provider, Alternate Position, Dental or Oral health services provider, Pharmacist or pharmacy provider representative, and representative of low-income, or Medicaid eligible position. Specific individuals recommended include Leilani Doty, Varsha Chaudhari, and Patricia Vargas-Newton. [Lakeshore Drive and SE 74th Street; case 26-00358] Update on Public Input on Lakeshore Drive and SE 74th Street Potential Scenic Road Designation. Staff recommends that the Board not move forward with the process for designation due to public opposition and concerns. [case 26-00341] Presentation of the 2026 Legislative Update for Growth Management. No cost is associated with this item, but any changes resulting from staff direction will be evaluated individually. [Lake Forest Creek – Friedman Tract; case 26-00368] Lake Forest Creek – Friedman Tract Option Contract to Purchase Real Property. The agenda item is to approve and authorize the Chair to exercise the option contract to purchase the real property, subject to due diligence inspections and notice of title and environmental defects. Authority is delegated to the County Manager to decide on accepting or rejecting title exceptions and closing the acquisition. The approved budget for this acquisition is $258,685. [Wahoo Springhills; case Z26-000006] Z26-000006 Wahoo Springhills Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the amendment with the bases listed in the staff report. [Wahoo Springhills; case Z26-000007] Z26-000007 Wahoo Springhills Rezoning. Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the rezoning with the bases listed in the staff report. There is no fiscal impact at this time. [case 26-00356] Preliminary Development Plan for Westside Christian School. The recommendation is to approve, with conditions, the Preliminary Development Plan and Resolution DR-26-11, based on a finding of consistency with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan and the Alachua County Unified Land Development Code. [case 26-00133] Proposed uses of funds within the Housing and Strategic Development Program. Recommendations include Housing Trust funding of $300,000 for Community Resource Centers, $1.5 million for Sunrise Residence Inn Construction and Renovation, and $50,000 for Partners in Housing Initiative. Infrastructure Sales Tax funding of $2 million is proposed for the Construction of Tiny Home Containers. Additionally, up to $150,000 from the Housing Trust Fund is proposed for the UF Levin College of Law Heirs’ Property Clinic. [case 26-00366] Lutheran Services of Florida Amendment 104 Change in Funding for Mobile Response. The amendment increases the MRT Program Fund by $4,056. The recommended action is to approve the LSF agreement amendment, resolution, and budget amendment. [case 26-00373] First Amendment to Funding Agreement with PEAK Literacy, Inc. NO. 14839. The recommended action is to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the amendment. The fiscal note indicates $237,500 budgeted. [case 2025-CA-1528] Authorization to settle civil case of Trixie L. Farr vs. Alachua County #2025-CA-1528. The recommended action is to approve the settlement for $175,000, to be paid from the Self Insurance Fund. [case 14588] Perpetual Loan of Lion Sculpture to the Matheson Museum. The recommended action is to approve the First Amendment to Agreement between Alachua County and the Matheson History Museum, Inc. for the Loan of Historic Lion Statue – Contract No. 14588, authorizing the perpetual loan. [case 26-00374] Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Board Appointment – Incorporated Cities – Not Gainesville. The recommended action is to appoint Leza Mueller to the alternate member vacancy for a term ending 09/30/2027. [case 26-00324] Library District Board of Trustees Appointment. The recommended action is to nominate all applicants to the Alachua County Library Board of Trustees for final selection of one member with a term ending Mar. 31, 2029. [Alachua County Ag and Equestrian Center, County-Owned “Weseman” Tract on Waldo Road; case 26-00263] Restrictive Covenants Related to Fairground Uses at Alachua County Ag and Equestrian Center and Related to Right of First Refusal on County-Owned “Weseman” Tract on Waldo Road. The recommended action is to approve the chair signature on three documents related to covenants and restrictions on County-owned property. [case 26-00390] Conditional Approval of the TDT Grant to the Cotton Club Museum for Capital Repairs and Improvements. The grant is not to exceed $328,000 from Tourism reserves. The recommended action includes legislative and factual determinations and approval of the grant contingent upon execution of a grant agreement. The purpose is to repair, remodel, and improve the museum to promote tourism. [Alachua County; case 26-00367] Land Acquisition Partnership Projects – Surface to Springs Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) v.2.0. The County will spend at least $7M for less-than-fee conservation easement acquisitions from 2027 to 2032, which can be applied as match to RCPP funding. Easement acquisition will utilize Wild Spaces and Public Places local government infrastructure surtax funds. Any expenditures for specific property acquisitions will be brought before the Board for approval. [Lake Santa Fe; case 26-00369] Addition of Land Conservation Projects to the Alachua County Forever Active Acquisition List - Environmentally Significant Lands Category. The property is Lake Santa Fe – Eagle Shores Investments LLC. The estimated county cost for due diligence and 10-year stewardship is $135,130. Purchase and maintenance would be funded from the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax. [SW 20th Avenue; case 26-00349] RAISE Grant Agreement for SW 20th Avenue Complete Corridor Project. The cost of this project is $1.4 million, with all funding coming from the Federal RAISE grant. A resolution for unanticipated revenue with a budget amendment will be done on a future agenda. The recommended action is to execute the grant agreement. [case 26-00353] Regional Transit System Advisory Board- County Appointment. The recommended action is to appoint Erica Townes to Position #2 for a 3-year term ending 3/29/2029. [case 26-00359] Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board- County Appointment. The recommended action is to appoint Lillian Baker to the County Appointee #1 vacant position with a term ending 8/31/2027. [case 26-00340] FY 2026 Revision to Non-Bargaining Pay Plan. This includes a reclassification of an existing vacant position to Animal Volunteer Specialist, resulting in an hourly rate increase from $19.3150 to $20.1100. It also includes a reclassification of an existing Sr. Office Assistant position to Foster Specialist, resulting in an hourly rate increase from $19.5746 to $21.5321. [case 26-00372] Request for one additional 1.00 full-time equivalent (FTE) Executive Staff Assistant position for the County Commission Office. This position will be funded 100% through the General Fund. [case 26-00318] Second Amendment to Agreement 14341 between Alachua County and the Florida Department of Health for the payment of invoices for approved Ryan White vendors. The amount is not to exceed $277,976.00. The recommended action is to approve and authorize the Chair to execute the amendment. [SW 24th Avenue & SW 122nd Street; case 26-00352] Change Order 1 to the Agreement with Watson Construction Company, LLC (14799), for Bid 25-556-LC Intersection Improvements at SW 24th Avenue & SW 122nd Street for Public Works. The change order is in the amount of $99,671.40. The total project budget will be $1,849,339. The recommended action is to approve the issuance of the Change Order and a budget amendment. [NE 225th St. and NE 69th Ave.; case 26-00361] Property Owner Interest Poll for improvements to a portion of NE 225th St. and NE 69th Ave. This is the first step in the special assessment district process. Preliminary costs are covered by the application fee. If approved, construction and financing costs would be identified, with the Gas Tax Fund being the most likely source. [SW 170th Street to US 41 in Archer; case 26-00350] Bike Path from SW 170th Street to US 41 in Archer Interlocal Agreement. The project is currently budgeted only for the design phase ($5,853). There is no construction agreement with FDOT or the County yet, and the expected timeframe for a construction agreement is around 10/1/2026. The recommended action is to adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the Chair to execute the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Archer. [Lakeshore Drive and SE 74th Street; case 26-00358] Alachua County staff recommended against designating portions of Lakeshore Drive and SE 74th Street as a County Scenic Road due to significant public opposition. Initially, there was support for the designation, with 31 letters received in favor. However, after further public outreach, including a neighborhood workshop attended by 25 residents, the consensus shifted to opposition. Key concerns included restrictions on private property, perceived lack of benefit, and the potential to worsen existing community issues like traffic and crime. The proposed designation would have created a protected area within 100 feet of the right-of-way, potentially restricting tree removal and new structures. [Lakeshore Drive & SE 74th Street] Alachua County is considering a potential Scenic Road Designation for Lakeshore Drive & SE 74th Street. A neighborhood workshop was held on 02/09/2026 to gather public input. [12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida; case 26-00341] Alachua County held an Agenda Item on 5/26/2026 to discuss the 2026 Legislative Update for Growth Management. The purpose was to present state legislative items impacting county growth management regulations and procedures. The recommended action was to hear the presentation. Several bills were discussed, including those related to private school facilities, manufactured housing, housing compatibility, development and building fees, building permits and inspections, affordable housing, local housing assistance plans, registry of consultants, agricultural enclaves, data centers, and vertiports. No costs are associated with this item. This document details legislative changes in Florida concerning economic development, large load tariffs for public electric utilities, data center permitting, and agricultural enclaves. It establishes new definitions and requirements for large load customers, including those in data centers, and outlines a process for certifying and developing agricultural enclaves. It also addresses building permits and inspections, including provisions for offsite-constructed dwellings and state term contracts for inspection services. This document outlines changes to Florida Statutes related to building permits and inspections. Key provisions include the statewide adoption of uniform commercial and residential building permit applications by July 1, 2027. It also details exemptions for certain work valued under $7,500 from requiring a building permit, with specific exclusions for flood hazard areas and certain types of work (electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, gas). Temporary residential hurricane and flood protection walls/barriers installed by licensed contractors are also exempt under specific conditions. The document further addresses the use of private providers for plans review and inspections, outlining fee reductions for local governments when private providers are utilized, and establishing procedures for their registration and oversight. It clarifies that local governments cannot require contracts or cost breakdowns for permit issuance and sets standards for signage visibility and glazing on commercial properties. The statute also defines terms related to building code inspection services and the roles of private providers and local building officials. This document outlines legislative changes related to development permits and preapplication consulting services in Florida. Key provisions include requirements for counties and municipalities (with populations of 75,000 and 10,000 or more, respectively) to establish preapplication consultation programs by January 1, 2027. These programs will involve reviewing applications for completeness and providing guidance. Local governments may use qualified contractors or contractor firms for these services and must maintain a registry of such entities. The legislation also sets timeframes for permit application review and approval, with provisions for automatic approval if deadlines are missed. It addresses conflicts of interest for contractors and specifies conditions under which certain properties (e.g., historic sites) are exempt from these requirements. The act also amends statutes related to building permit application review timelines and the use of private providers for building code inspection services, including insurance requirements and audit procedures. [case CS/CS/CS/HB 927] This document is a legislative bill (CS/CS/CS/HB 927) concerning development permits and plats. It details fee refund conditions for municipalities failing to meet processing timelines for development permit applications. It also outlines requirements for written notification of completeness or deficiencies, and specifies conditions under which municipalities must approve, approve with conditions, or deny applications within set timeframes. The bill clarifies that 'development permit' and 'development order' do not include building permits. It also states that municipalities cannot require state or federal agency permits as a condition for local permits unless the state/federal agency has already denied their permit. Additionally, it addresses administrative approval of plats and replats, allowing the use of a registry to expedite processes and limiting local governments from creating inconsistent procedures. It also introduces provisions for expedited approval of residential building permits before a final plat is recorded, allowing for the issuance of a percentage of building permits based on planned homes, and outlines conditions and rights related to the use of qualified contractors for technical review and certification. The bill also includes provisions for financial assurances for infrastructure and defines terms related to development permits and plats. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2026. [case CS/CS/CS/HB 1093] This document is a legislative bill (CS/CS/CS/HB 1093) concerning vertiports. It amends Florida Statutes to revise the definition of 'qualifying project' to include vertiports and charging systems. It also revises the definition of 'airport infrastructure' to include vertiport pads, safety zones, and charging systems. The bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to fund public vertiport projects, specifying that the department may fund up to 100 percent of project costs when federal funds are unavailable, and up to 80 percent of the nonfederal share when federal funds are available. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2026. [case CS/CS/HB 1389] This document is a legislative bill (CS/CS/HB 1389), also known as the 'Live Local Act,' concerning affordable housing. It requires counties and municipalities to authorize multifamily and mixed-use residential uses in areas zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed use, and on certain other properties, provided specific affordability criteria are met. The bill prohibits restricting building height through other dimensional means and sets limits on required setbacks or stepbacks. It revises definitions for 'commercial use' and 'industrial use.' The act also includes provisions for the assemblage of parcels for development and specifies exceptions to its applicability. It provides for retroactive applicability to January 1, 2024, for certain clarifying amendments and allows applicants to notify or submit revised applications by July 1, 2026, to account for the act's changes. The bill also amends provisions related to affordable housing property exemptions and authorizes local governments to provide density bonus incentives for donations of property for affordable housing for military families. The effective date is not explicitly stated for the entire act, but some provisions have specific dates or are retroactive. [north of SE Hawthorne Road, west of SE 43rd Street, Gainesville, Florida; case 26-00368] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is seeking to approve and exercise an option contract to purchase the 20.24-acre Lake Forest Creek – Friedman property. The property is located north of SE Hawthorne Road and west of SE 43rd Street in Gainesville, Florida. The acquisition is part of the Alachua County Forever program, aimed at preserving environmentally significant lands. The purchase price is based on $9,850.00 per surveyed acre. Due diligence, including a boundary survey and Phase I environmental assessment, will be conducted after the option is exercised. The County Manager will have authority to approve or reject title exceptions and decide on closing. The property contains natural communities including upland hardwood forest, former sandhill, and dome swamp, with no existing buildings. There are noted title exceptions including an easement for the City of Gainesville and a lack of direct road frontage, though access is provided through an adjacent county parcel. The Board previously placed the property on the Active Acquisition List in January 2024 and adopted a resolution in June 2022 for acquiring environmentally significant lands. The acquisition is funded through the WSPP Surtax Fund with $258,685 budgeted. [Unassigned location; 16127-003-002, Gainesville, FL 32641] Alachua County exercised its option to purchase 20.24 acres of land from Theodore C. Friedman and Deborah E. Sanders, as successor co-trustees of the Paul Friedman Employees Pension Trust. The property is identified by Alachua County Property Appraiser Parcel ID 16127-003-002. The property is zoned Mixed Use Medium Density Residential with a Future Land Use designation of Mixed Use Residential Medium Density (4-8 du/ac). The property is located within the Eastside Activity Center and has an Eastside Master Plan. The County's acquisition is part of the Lake Forest Creek ACF Project Area and aims to protect natural communities including upland hardwood forest, former sandhill, and dome swamp, as well as contribute to the Eastside Greenway Strategic Ecosystem. The contract includes provisions for termination, assignment, escrow, and governing law (State of Florida, venue in Alachua County). The County Manager may extend dates upon request from the Sellers. The contract also includes affidavits regarding no coercion for labor or services and no ownership by foreign countries of concern. Public comment sentiment is not stated in this document. [16127-003-002] Alachua County is considering the acquisition of approximately 20.24 acres of land from Theodore C. Friedman and Deborah E. Sanders, Successor Co-Trustees of the Paul Friedman Employee Pension Trust. The property, identified by parcel number 16127-003-002, is currently zoned Mixed Use Medium Density Residential (Eastside Activity Center) / Mixed Use Residential Medium Density (4-8). The total estimated expenditure authority requested for the acquisition, including due diligence and a 10% contingency, is $258,685. The purchase price for the land is estimated at $199,364. The acquisition is part of the Lake Forest Creek ACF Project Area and is located within the Eastside Greenway Strategic Ecosystem. Public access will be restricted initially, with potential for future expansion if a larger corridor is realized. The County Manager will have the authority to decide on closing subject to title exceptions #5 and #6. The proposed closing date is August 2026. [3500 NW 97th Blvd.; case Z26-000006] Alachua County is considering a small-scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment (File #: 26-00226, Agenda Date: 5/26/2026) to change the future land use designation from Tourist/Entertainment to Commercial for a 1.36-acre parcel located at 3500 NW 97th Blvd. (Tax Parcel Number: 06233-002-002). The owner is Thirty-Ninth Avenue Limited Partnership, and the agent is eda consultants, inc. This amendment is associated with a rezoning request (Z26-000007) to change the zoning from BH to BR. Staff recommends approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The property was previously a restaurant and is located within the Springhills Activity Center. Public facilities and services are considered adequate to serve future commercial development. [3833 NW 97th Blvd; case Z26-000006 (Comprehensive Plan Amendment) and Z26-000007 (Rezoning)] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved a change to the Future Land Use Map designation for Tax Parcel 06233-002-002, approximately 1.36 acres located at 3833 NW 97th Blvd. The designation changed from Tourist/Entertainment to Commercial. Concurrently, the property was rezoned from BH (highway oriented business services) to BR (retail sales and services). The property was previously a restaurant and is located within the Springhills Activity Center. The rezoning is intended to facilitate future utilization of the vacant building for commercial purposes. No public comment is stated in the provided documents. [3833 NW 97th Blvd.; case Z26-000007] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved Zoning Application Z26-000007 to rezone approximately 1.36 acres at 3833 NW 97th Blvd. from the BH Commercial Zoning District to the BR Commercial Zoning District. This rezoning aligns with the Commercial Future Land Use designation and the Springhills activity center plan. The property owner is Thirty-Ninth Avenue Limited Partnership, with eda, inc. as the agent. The rezoning is effective when the companion Comprehensive Plan Amendment Z26-000006 becomes effective. [Parker Road (SW 122nd Street), south of SW 24th Avenue; case File #: 26-00356] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is considering a Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) for Westside Christian School, proposing 65,300 SF of institutional uses for a private school on approximately 9.7 acres at an existing church. The project also requests centralized potable water and sanitary sewer extension beyond the Urban Cluster Line. The property has an Institutional Future Land Use designation and is in the Agriculture Zoning District. The PDP is for up to 750 students, faculty, and staff. The site will continue to operate as a church on nights and weekends, with renovations to existing buildings and infrastructure, plus additional buildings, expanded stormwater management, parking, septic systems, and potable water connection to GRU. The school is permitted as a limited use. The PDP application was submitted on January 5, 2026. [3200 SW 122nd Street, Gainesville, FL] This record pertains to an Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) application for Parker Road Baptist Church, located at 3200 SW 122nd Street, Gainesville, FL. The application involves the installation of a new septic system, including a tank and drainfield, to serve a multi-use hall and Sunday school addition. The project is associated with North Florida General Contracting, Inc. The Alachua County Health Department is processing the application, requiring various site plans, floor plans, and system specifications. The document also includes a separate application for Westside Christian School at the same address, proposing a private school for up to 744 students and requesting extension of water and sewer services beyond the Urban Cluster Line. This school project is designated as 'Institutional' with an 'A' Agriculture future land use designation and is considered 'Over Threshold' for development review. [3200 SW 122nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608; case 25-0260] Project involves the development of a new school on approximately 10 acres, combining two parcels. The site is currently partially developed with an existing church and proposed for a future school. Environmental assessments identified existing church and disturbed land FLUCFCS codes, with no wetlands or significant geologic features. Eleven potentially occupied gopher tortoise burrows were documented, requiring review for protective measures or relocation permits. The closest bald eagle nest is approximately 4.0 miles away, and the closest wading bird rookery is approximately 4.4 miles away, both outside recommended buffer zones. The project is seeking a potable water connection from Gainesville Regional Utility's system. [3200 SW 122nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608; case PN: 25-0260] This document details a Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) application for Westside Christian School, formerly the Faith Baptist Church, located at 3200 SW 122nd St, Gainesville, FL. The project involves renovating existing facilities and adding new classrooms, an office, a gymnasium, a student drop-off loop, expanded parking, and additional septic systems. The site will continue to operate as a church on nights and weekends. The primary intent is to connect to Gainesville Regional Utility (GRU) potable water outside the Urban Cluster. The property is currently zoned Agricultural (A) and has a Future Land Use of Institutional. A neighborhood workshop was held on December 17, 2025, with three public attendees. Concerns raised included the possibility of connecting Parker Place to GRU water, the sewer connection, the water main connection point, potential water service interruptions, and traffic impact on Parker Road. The application is tentatively scheduled for Board of County Commissioners review on March 16, 2026. [3200 SW 122nd Street; case DR26-000003] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved a Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) for Westside Christian School. The project involves constructing a private school with 65,300 square feet of institutional uses on approximately 9.7 acres, expanding an existing church. The plan also includes a request to extend centralized potable water and sanitary sewer services beyond the Urban Cluster. The existing site has a church and accessory buildings served by well and septic systems. The proposed development includes a sports field and expansion of existing stormwater facilities, with an additional stormwater basin proposed. The applicant, NV5, Inc., is acting as agent for Westside Baptist Church of Gainesville Florida, Inc. The decision was approved with conditions. Public comment is not detailed in this portion of the record. [case FL020] Amendment 103 to Contract FL020 between Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. d/b/a LSF Health Systems and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, effective March 1, 2026, modifies contract language, decreases funding, updates service rates, and revises exhibits. The total contract amount is not to exceed $10,794,624.00. Exhibit H (Funding Detail) and Exhibit L (Covered Service Rates) are replaced with versions revised March 1, 2026. Appendix A is also replaced with a revised version. [case FL020] This document details covered service rates for mental health and substance abuse programs for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026, provided by LSF Health Systems to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners. It outlines specific rates for various services such as assessments, case management, crisis stabilization, and residential care. An amendment (Amendment #104) effective April 1, 2026, increases the contract total dollar amount to $10,798,680.00. [12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida; case 26-00373] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners approved an amendment to a funding agreement with PEAK Literacy, Inc. The amendment increases the total funding to PEAK Literacy, Inc. by $37,500, bringing the total not to exceed amount to $237,500. The original agreement was for literacy improvement programs. The amendment also incorporates statutory language regarding certifications and termination for violation, and updates the public records provision. [US HWY 301N, east of Waldo; case 26-00369] Alachua County is seeking to acquire approximately 19.16 acres of land for conservation purposes. The property, owned by Eagle Shores Investments Inc., is located in northeastern Alachua County on US HWY 301N, east of Waldo. It is adjacent to the Lake Alto Preserve and within the Florida Wildlife Corridor Boundary. The acquisition is intended to provide public access to the preserve and expand upland acreage. The estimated cost for due diligence and 10-year stewardship is $135,130, with acquisition funded by the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax. The Land Conservation Board placed the property in the Priority Pool on April 23, 2026. [SW 20th Avenue from SW 61st Street to SW 62nd Boulevard; case 26-00349] Alachua County is entering into a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the 'Paths to Opportunity – SW 20th Avenue Complete Corridor Project'. This project will fund the planning and design of Complete Streets improvements along SW 20th Avenue from SW 61st Street to SW 62nd Boulevard, a distance of 0.56 miles. The design will include separated bikeways, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, transit amenities, landscape features, stormwater treatment, and potential future transit lanes. The total grant amount is $1.4 million, funded entirely by the Federal RAISE grant. The project is designated as 'Planning' and is in an 'Urban' area, with a 'Historically Disadvantaged Community/Area of Persistent Poverty Designation'. [Alachua County; case 26-00367] Alachua County is supporting Alachua Conservation Trust's (ACT) application for a USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant, 'Surface to Springs RCPP v.2.0'. If awarded, the county will commit up to $7 million in Alachua County Forever (ACF) expenditures as matching funds for land acquisition of conservation easements to protect non-industrial farmland and wetlands within Alachua County. The grant period is from 2027 to 2032. The county's commitment is subject to Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax funds. Any specific property acquisition will require separate Board approval. [SW 20th Avenue from SW 6th Street to SW 62nd Boulevard] Alachua County received a $1,400,000 RAISE grant for the "Paths to Opportunity – SW 20th Avenue Complete Corridor Project." The project aims to fund the planning and design of Complete Streets improvements along SW 20th Avenue from SW 6th Street to SW 62nd Boulevard. Improvements include separated bikeways, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, transit amenities, landscaping, placemaking features, stormwater treatment, and additional vehicle lanes that could be converted to dedicated transit lanes. The project is intended to address deficiencies in the SW 20th Avenue corridor, including the existing bridge which lacks safe facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and contributes to motor vehicle congestion. The grant funding is expected to be obligated by September 30, 2028, and expended by September 30, 2033. [case 26-00353] Alachua County is seeking to appoint Erica Townes to Position #2 on the Regional Transit System Advisory Board for a 3-year term ending March 29, 2029. Townes's application indicates she is a former workforce career counselor and aims to contribute the voice of peer commuters, citizens with disabilities, and those with fixed incomes and limited resources, as well as Alachua County public school parents who benefit from RTS bus routes. [case 26-00359] Alachua County is seeking to appoint Lillian Baker to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) as County Appointee #1, with a term ending August 31, 2027. Baker has experience in the automotive industry and as a mathematician, and aims to bring safety and infrastructure issues for bicyclists and pedestrians to the GACTPO. She cited a personal experience of witnessing a bicyclist fatality in 2019 as motivation. [case 26-00340] Alachua County is requesting approval for Fiscal Year 2026 revisions to the Non-Bargaining Pay Plan, which includes reclassifying two existing Senior Office Assistant positions. The 'Animal Volunteer Specialist' position will be reclassified from Pay Grade NBR 5 to NBR 8, with an hourly rate increase from $19.3150 to $20.1100. The 'Foster Specialist' position, currently held by Skye A. Barkley, will also be reclassified from Pay Grade NBR 5 to NBR 8, with an hourly rate increase from $19.5746 to $21.5321. [12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida; case 26-00372] Alachua County is requesting approval to add one full-time equivalent (FTE) Executive Staff Assistant position to the County Commission Office to assist with administrative duties for the Commissioners. This position will be funded 100% through the General Fund. [12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida; case 26-00318] Alachua County (AC) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are seeking approval for the Second Amendment to Agreement 14341. This amendment facilitates the payment of invoices for approved Ryan White vendors serving eligible clients of the DOH in Area 3/13. The DOH will reimburse AC for facilitation and timely payment of invoices processed through June 30, 2027. The total amount for this amendment is not to exceed $277,976.00. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides HIV/AIDS care to individuals with insufficient health coverage.