City Commission - Regular Meeting: May 2026
City of Gainesville
Agenda Cover Page (PDF)
[NE 8th Avenue at Waldo Road; case RFP #PWDA-2600022-SM (Construction Manager), RFP #PWDA-260021-SM (Professional Services)] The City Commission is considering the award of a contract for Construction Manager at Risk services for the NE 8th Avenue at Waldo Road Redevelopment Project. The project involves building projects and site work. The total identified for redevelopment is up to $36.1 million, funded by various sources including the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Area ($10.9 million), Wild Spaces Public Places ($5.0 million), Alachua County Wild Spaces Public Places Grant ($2.5 million), Excess Fund Balance ($5.0 million), Sale Proceeds from Citizens Field ($5.5 million), and HUD Section 108 Loan ($7.2 million). The recommendation is to approve rankings, award the contract to D.E. Scorpio Corporation, and authorize negotiations for pre-construction services not to exceed $1.0 million. The City Commission will consider construction phase services at a future date. The City Commission is also considering awarding a contract for Professional Services for the same redevelopment project, with engineering services authorized via separate work orders, up to $10 million for design and post-design services. The recommendation is to approve rankings, negotiate with NV5, Inc., and enter into an agreement not to exceed $10 million. [case 2025-834] The City Commission is considering the approval to purchase rifles and accessories for Patrol and Drug Task Force Officers. The purchase is funded by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) C-JG156: Equipment Enhancement Program and the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Fund. The total cost will not exceed $167,721. The JAG award amount of $22,506.00 will be used, and the remainder of $145,215 will be paid from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Fund, which had an uncommitted balance of $324,259.54 as of March 31, 2026. The recommendation is to approve the purchase, authorize the use of the forfeiture fund, and authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents. [City of Gainesville; case 2026-322] The City Commission will consider adopting an ordinance relating to the provision of stormwater services, facilities, and programs. This ordinance authorizes the imposition and collection of stormwater services assessments against property. The estimated revenue needed to fund stormwater management costs is $12,124,295.00. Costs associated with collection are estimated at $704,280.00 annually. The recommendation is to adopt the proposed ordinance. [City of Gainesville; case 2026-323] The City Commission will consider adopting an ordinance relating to the provision of solid waste services, facilities, and programs. This ordinance authorizes the imposition and collection of solid waste services assessments against property. The estimated revenue needed to fund solid waste collection, disposal, and related costs for residential curbside properties is $17,020,281.77. Costs associated with collection are estimated at $783,049.00 annually. The recommendation is to adopt the proposed ordinance. [case 2026-346] The City Commission will consider approving a Bond Resolution for the issuance of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, for up to $33.5 million. The interest rate will not exceed 4.0%, and the repayment schedule will not extend beyond the expiration of the Streets, Stations and Strong Foundations surtax. The financing will be repaid using surtax revenues. The recommendation is to adopt the Bond Resolution. [case 2026-356] The City Commission will consider approving an Award Resolution authorizing delegation parameters for the sale of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, for up to $33.5 million. The interest rate will not exceed 4.0%, and the repayment schedule will not extend beyond the expiration of the Streets, Stations and Strong Foundations surtax. The financing will be repaid using surtax revenues. The recommendation is to adopt the Award Resolution. [East of SW 6th Street between SW 4th Avenue and SW 5th Avenue; case 2026-139] The City Commission will consider an ordinance to vacate, abandon, and close portions of a public right-of-way located approximately east of SW 6th Street between SW 4th Avenue and SW 5th Avenue. The recommendation is to adopt the proposed ordinance. [1542 West University Avenue; case 2026-140] The City Commission will consider an ordinance to vacate, abandon, and close portions of a public right-of-way along the western boundary of a tax parcel located at 1542 West University Avenue. The recommendation is to approve the proposed ordinance. [City of Gainesville; case 2026-165] The City Commission will consider a proposed charter amendment addressing vacancies in office, to be submitted to voters for approval or disapproval at the November 3, 2026 election. The recommendation is to adopt the proposed ordinance.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-21
- Type:
- Agenda
- Decision:
- Recommendation to approve rankings and authorize negotiations
- Address:
- NE 8th Avenue at Waldo Road
- Applicant:
- D.E. Scorpio Corporation (Construction Manager at Risk), NV5, Inc. (Professional Services)
Captions
The City Commission heard a presentation on Ordinance 2026-139, an ordinance to vacate, abandon, and close portions of a public right-of-way located between Southwest 4th Avenue and Southwest 5th Avenue in the Porters Neighborhood. The applicant, Heritage Group, seeks to vacate a 0.2-acre, 10-foot strip of right-of-way adjacent to the Hawthorne Trail. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the developer shall grant the city ownership and rights to the property at no cost to the city for infrastructure. This would consolidate the right-of-way with the Hawthorne Trail and consolidate public access for infrastructure. The City Plan Board recommended approval. Commissioners discussed the implications of the ordinance, particularly regarding the impact on residents and the potential for increased costs. Commissioner Willits expressed concern about the ordinance's impact on residents and the potential for increased costs. Commissioner Eastman supported the motion to approve the ordinance as written, with a condition to revisit the training program and assessment in one year. Commissioner Book also supported the motion, emphasizing the need for practical ramifications and consumer protections. The motion to approve Ordinance 2026-139 passed unanimously. The Commission also discussed Ordinance 2026-322, relating to stormwater services, facilities, and programs. The ordinance would authorize the imposition and collection of stormwater services assessments against property, establishing a procedure for imposing these assessments, and providing that they constitute a lien on the assessed property. The ordinance primarily affects single-family homes, with some multifamily properties also affected. The estimated revenue impact is $1.31-$1.4 million. The Commission voted to direct staff to write a letter to the GRU Authority highlighting increased costs and timeline. The Commission also discussed Ordinance 2026-323, relating to solid waste services, facilities, and programs. The ordinance would authorize the imposition and collection of solid waste services assessments against property. The Commission voted to approve the ordinance. The Commission also heard public comment on various issues including towing and immobilization, the need for consumer protections, and the impact of development on neighborhoods. Several speakers expressed concerns about predatory towing practices and the need for clearer regulations. The Commission voted to approve Option 1, which eliminates roam towing and immobilization, and would still allow for call-in towing. The Commission also discussed the establishment of fees for towing and immobilization, with proposed fees of $160 for base tow rate, $30 for storage, $75 for administrative and lien fee, and $65 for immobilization. The Commission voted to approve the resolution for fees, with a motion to set the immobilization fee at $80. The Commission also heard presentations on Hepatitis Testing Day and Public Works Week, and recognized Phil Mann for his 39 years of service to the City of Gainesville. The Commission also heard a proclamation for National Bike Month. The Commission also heard a proclamation for William Reuben Thomas Day. The Commission also heard a proclamation for Internal Audit Awareness Month. The Commission also heard a presentation on the right-of-way vacation for Southwest 6th Street. The Commission also heard a presentation on the right-of-way vacation for 1542 West University Avenue. The Commission also heard a presentation on the right-of-way vacation for Southwest 6th Street. The Commission also heard a presentation on the right-of-way vacation for 1542 West University Avenue.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-21
- Type:
- Attachment
- Decision:
- Staff recommended approval with conditions; City Plan Board recommended approval; Motion to approve passed unanimously.
- Address:
- Southwest 6th Street, Southwest 4th Avenue, Southwest 5th Avenue, 1542 West University Avenue
- Applicant:
- Heritage Group
Minutes (PDF)
City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes from May 21, 2026. Key decisions include approving the naming of S.E. 8th Avenue for the Late Bishop James E. McKnight, Sr. Way, approving the purchase of rifles and accessories, awarding a contract for construction manager at risk services for NE 8th Avenue at Waldo Road Redevelopment, and approving amendments to the towing ordinance. Several ordinances related to special assessments and right-of-way vacations were also discussed and approved.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-21
- Type:
- Minutes
- Decision:
- Minutes approved
UPDATE LIST
City Commission Meeting Agenda Updates for May 21, 2026. Two items are listed under Regular Agenda Updates. The first is 2026-353, concerning the naming of S.E. 8th Avenue for the Late Bishop James E. McKnight Sr. Way (B). This is a new item, requested by Commissioner Chestnut. The second item is 2026-356, an approval of an Award Resolution for the Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 (B). This is also a new item, requested by the Financial Services Department. The document was printed on May 20, 2026.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-21
- Type:
- Attachment
- Address:
- S.E. 8th Avenue
Agenda Cover Page (PDF)
[1542 West University Avenue; case 2026-304, 2026-165, 2026-140] The City Commission will consider approving revisions to conservation land scoring criteria. Revisions include new criteria for land purchased by Tree Mitigation Funds and minor changes to the criteria for land purchased by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The City Commission will also consider approving ordinance 2026-165, a proposed charter amendment addressing vacancies in office, to be placed on the November 3, 2026 election ballot. Additionally, the Commission will consider approving ordinance 2026-140, to vacate, abandon, and close certain portions of a public right-of-way along the western boundary of a tax parcel located at 1542 West University Avenue.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-07
- Type:
- Agenda
- Decision:
- Recommendation: The City Commission approve the proposed revisions to the Conservation Land Scoring Criteria. Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance 2026-165. Recommendation: The City Commission approve the proposed ordinance 2026-140.
- Address:
- 1542 West University Avenue
Captions
This document is a transcript of a Gainesville City Commission meeting held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026. The meeting included various agenda items, including an invocation, approval of the agenda, discussion items, proclamations, and first reading ordinances. Key discussions and decisions involved the adoption of the agenda, a presentation on sustainable development, updates on various projects, a discussion on inclusionary zoning efforts, a right-of-way vacation application, and several proclamations including Earth Day Art Award, Manhood Youth Development Foundation's 16th Anniversary, Emergency Medical Services Week, and Older Americans Month. The meeting concluded with the first reading of an ordinance proposing an amendment to charter laws regarding election of terms and a motion to defer a right-of-way vacation item. The transcript details discussions on homelessness, affordable housing, historic preservation, and city development projects. Public comment was provided by several individuals and organizations.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-07
- Type:
- Attachment
Minutes (PDF)
[Portman University Avenue; case 2026-140] The City Commission approved the proposed ordinance adding language to schedule the swearing in of the elected official to the vacancy to be scheduled at the subsequent meeting after the election. This ordinance passed on first reading. The City Commission also discussed the Portman University Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation, but the item died for lack of a second. The City Commission directed staff to bring this item to the City Commission meeting on May 21, 2026. The City Commission recognized and celebrated Gainesville's 2nd annual Earth Day Children's Art Contest winners and recognized the 16th Anniversary of Manhood Youth Development Foundation, Inc. They also recognized Emergency Medical Services Week, Older Americans Month, Historic Preservation Month, and Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Mayor Ward mentioned the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated City Hall Plaza on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Board:
- City Commission - Regular Meeting
- Date:
- 2026-05-07
- Type:
- Minutes
- Decision:
- Died for lack of second (Portman University Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation); Approved (Proposed Charter Amendment Addressing Vacancies in Office on first reading); Approved (Direct staff to bring item to May 21, 2026 meeting); Heard (Proclamations and Special Recognitions)
- Address:
- Portman University Avenue
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