Agenda (PDF)

City Commission - Regular Meeting · 2026-07-16 · agenda

[200 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601; case 2026-429] The City Commission is scheduled to accept the City Auditor's report on the Gainesville Police Department Forensic Crime Unit. The audit assessed the unit's processes and controls, identifying a need to improve staffing due to lower salaries compared to other Florida cities, leading to higher turnover and longer vacancy periods. The report recommends increasing the unit's budget to align salaries competitively or identifying other retention strategies. Management agrees and plans to explore options including reallocating funds from a vacant position and reviewing compensation competitiveness. [case 2026-429B, 2026-431, 2026-431A, 2026-431B, 2026-432, 2026-446] This document contains multiple agenda items for the City of Gainesville Commission meeting on July 16, 2026. It includes an audit of the Gainesville Police Department Forensic Crime Unit, an audit of Gainesville Fire Rescue Badge and Physical Access, a quarterly update from the City Auditor, and a specified source award recommendation for electric charger equipment. The police department audit identified staffing as an area for improvement due to lower salaries compared to other Florida cities, with management agreeing to evaluate compensation adjustments. The fire rescue audit assessed badge and key management for physical security. The electric charger equipment award is for $203,400, funded by FTA grants, to expand charging infrastructure for electric buses. The document also details numerous federal requirements for contractors, including those related to civil rights, EEO, and Buy America provisions. [451 Discovery Drive, Livermore, CA 94551 (GILLIG LLC's registered principal address); case RFP 21-980369] City of Gainesville has entered into a contract with GILLIG LLC for the purchase of electric charging equipment. The contract includes specific hardware, warranty, software, and services. The total contract amount is $203,400.00. The contract term begins on the Effective Date and expires March 31, 2027. GILLIG LLC is a California limited liability company registered to do business in Florida. The contract requires compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, including Buy America provisions. GILLIG LLC is not responsible for installation or assembly of the goods. [case 2026-471] The City of Gainesville is seeking to award a contract for video production services to Studio 601, Inc. This is a recommendation following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process (GPDX-2600034-WB). Six proposals were received, and Studio 601, Inc. was ranked first by all evaluators. The contract is for a two-year period, with an initial allocation of $49,500 from the FY 2026 budget and a proposed $70,000 in the FY 2027 budget from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband – Justice Fund. Future funding will be evaluated in FY 2028. The services will support the Gainesville Police Department (GPD). [case 2026-475] The City of Gainesville Fire Rescue has been awarded a federal subaward from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for Hazardous Materials Program Sustainment (HSGP). The grant is for $49,000.00 and will be reimbursed. It will fund specialized equipment, protective gear, and supplies for the Hazardous Materials Response Team. The grant period is from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. The recommendation is for the City Commission to accept the award and enter into the grant agreement. [case 2026-470] The City of Gainesville Police Department (GPD) requests approval to use Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Funds for two purchases: 1) Window tinting for approximately 100 patrol vehicles, including clear UV blocking tint for windshields and maximum legal tint for front side windows, at an anticipated cost not to exceed $17,000. This will enhance officer health and safety by reducing UV exposure, minimizing glare, and acting as a thermal barrier. 2) High-visibility uniform shirts for officers assigned to large-scale public events, traffic control, and crowd management, at an anticipated cost not to exceed $11,747.50. These shirts will increase officer visibility. The total anticipated cost for both purchases is not to exceed $28,747.50. [34 SE 13th Road, Gainesville, FL 32601 (City Contact); 451 Discovery Drive, Livermore, CA 94551 (Contractor Contact); case 2026-446C] This document outlines contract terms and conditions between the City of Gainesville and a Contractor, including provisions for contract termination (with or without cause, and due to loss of funding), public records compliance (Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119, Fla. Stat.), disclosure and confidentiality (including trade secrets), intellectual property ownership, right-to-audit, open data policy, advertising restrictions, dispute resolution, applicable law and venue (Alachua County, Florida), severability, integration, modification and waiver, successors and assigns, nonexclusive contract and remedies, third-party beneficiaries, construction, counterparts, time computation, force majeure events, and notice procedures. It also includes procurement forms related to Method of Source Selection (MOSS) and Small Business Efforts Checklist for purchases over $100,000. Specifically, it details a non-competitive procurement for Gillig LLC for Battery Electric Buses (BEB's) and charging equipment, citing compatibility with existing infrastructure and partnership with Chargepoint. The MOSS amount is $203,400.00 for the Regional Transit System. This document is a cost-reimbursement agreement between the State of Florida's Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) and a Subrecipient. It details the terms and conditions for the expenditure of funds, maximum reimbursement amounts (up to $49,000.00 for the entire agreement), reporting requirements, record retention policies (3 years from final expenditure report, with exceptions), audit procedures, and remedies for default or termination. It also outlines procurement standards, including requirements for solicitations and subcontracts, and prohibits the use of funds for lobbying. The agreement emphasizes compliance with federal and state laws, including those related to public records, government in the sunshine, equal opportunity, and labor standards. Specific attachments are referenced for budget, scope of work, deliverables, and other contractual provisions. The document does not describe a specific construction project or development, but rather the administrative and financial framework for a grant agreement. This document outlines contractual requirements and compliance obligations for subrecipients, specifically Gainesville Fire Rescue, related to federal grant funding. It details requirements for labor wages, environmental compliance (Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act), suspension and debarment, anti-lobbying provisions, and contracting with small and minority businesses. It also specifies the use of funds from the State Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), including eligible expenditures for planning, organization, equipment, training, exercises, and management/administration. A key focus is on the procurement and use of equipment related to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threats, and the development of intelligence analysis capabilities. The document also includes restrictions on using grant funds for certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services, as mandated by the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This document outlines the allowable costs and requirements for grant funding under the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), focusing on prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. It details eligible expenses for training, exercises, equipment, management and administration, maintenance, critical supplies, construction, and communications towers. Specifics include compliance with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and conditions for receiving funds. The document also lists prohibited and controlled equipment, emphasizing adherence to FEMA policies and the Build America, Buy America Act for construction projects. It provides contact information for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for programmatic and contractual matters. [case 2026-476] The City Commission is considering appointments to various advisory boards and committees. Specifically, Julie DeCarmine and Jacob Ihde are recommended for the Downtown Advisory Board, Larry Fowler for the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Advisory Board, Faye Ricker for the Nature Centers Commission, and Harrison Scoville for the Public Recreation and Parks Board. [14608-000-000; case 2026-482] Grant of a perpetual egress easement to Alachua County on Tax Parcel No. 14608-000-000. The City will be responsible for all construction, improvements, permits, fees, and maintenance on City Lot 13 to allow the County's use for egress to Southwest 1st Street from the State Attorney's parking lot, as part of the Southwest 1st Avenue reconstruction (Streatery project). This will result in two spaces under County control being gained. [case 2026-474] The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) provided a general update on its programs and projects to the City Commission. Key initiatives include the Cornerstone EHEDI and GTEC Center Renovation, the 8th and Waldo Economic Development Incentive Program, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center, the Heartwood Neighborhood improvements and Community Land Trust, Downtown Gainesville Strategic Plan activities (including The Streatery project), the Downtown Ambassador Program, the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Program), the Downtown Event Grant, the Downtown Market Series, the Community Partnership Grant, Porters Quarters (including the Pink House Community Center and Infill Lot Housing), and the 5th & Pleasant Black Heritage Trail. [case 2026-444] Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute grant applications and enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for funding for transportation projects and infrastructure. This blanket resolution will streamline the process for responding to grant and funding opportunities. [case 2026-458] The Police Advisory Council (PAC) presented its Annual Report (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026) and updated Rules of Procedure/Bylaws. The report details the PAC's mission, key accomplishments (including serving as an interview panel for assistant chief finalists, reviewing 16 closed internal affairs investigations, and scheduling meetings in various communities), current work (completing council membership, increasing visibility at GPD events, and training new/current members), and ongoing efforts to facilitate communication between citizens and the Gainesville Police Department. The updated bylaws were approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney's office. [case 2026-473] The City of Gainesville is seeking approval and submission of its Program Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This plan outlines the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds for the upcoming program year. The estimated federal allocations are $1,430,548 for CDBG and $654,934.93 for HOME. Funds will be used for Block Grant Administration, Neighborhood Revitalization, and City Housing Programs. A portion of the funds will be made available to non-profit organizations through a competitive process, with recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD). CACCD recommended $180,000 for Outside Agency Housing Programs and $210,000 for Outside Agency Public Services from CDBG funds. For HOME funds, CACCD recommended $46,000 for Outside Agency Housing Programs and $98,240 for Community Housing Development Organization Reserve. Public input was gathered through four in-person meetings and public hearings. The City Commission is recommended to approve and adopt the plan, authorize its submission to HUD, and authorize the allocation of funds and execution of sub-recipient agreements. This document details the City of Gainesville's Annual Action Plan for 2026-2027, outlining community development and housing strategies. It includes consultations with various agencies like Episcopal Children's Services, The Hutchinson Foundation, SEVA Care of Alachua, ISKCON of Gainesville, Girls Place, Inc., Gainesville Regional Utilities, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Alachua County Emergency Management, and GIRL SCOUTS OF GATEWAY COUNCIL, INC. The plan focuses on housing rehabilitation, homeowner assistance, new construction, public services, planning, administration, and public facilities/infrastructure improvements. Specific projects include program administration, public services for at-risk youth, elderly, and homeless, construction of wheelchair ramps, home renovations (roofs, energy upgrades, critical repairs), and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. The plan allocates CDBG funds totaling $1,430,548 and HOME funds totaling $654,934.93. The city also plans to leverage these funds with other resources. A one-cent surtax (Streets, Stations & Strong Foundations) will generate an estimated $8.7 million over 10 years for affordable housing, with a focus on a scattered-site strategy. The Eighth and Waldo Incentive Program aims to revitalize a specific corridor with various grants for property owners and businesses. Public hearings and meetings were held to gather community input, with all comments accepted. The Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) is also undertaking major development projects, including Woodland Park Phase II, and administering numerous housing vouchers. This document outlines the City of Gainesville's strategic plans and actions for housing and community development, primarily focusing on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027. It details initiatives to address homelessness, create affordable housing through various programs like rehabilitation, new construction, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and reduce barriers to affordable housing. The document also covers plans for lead-based paint hazard reduction, poverty reduction strategies, and enhancing coordination between public and private agencies. Specific infrastructure projects under the "Streets, Stations & Strong Foundations" (SSSF) initiative are mentioned, including the North Main Street Resurfacing (completed) and Northeast Ninth Street redesign (in planning). The Yes-in-God’s-Backyard (YIGBY) initiative is introduced as a pathway for faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing. Public engagement and feedback mechanisms are described, along with the process for recommending and allocating CDBG and HOME funds to outside agencies. [2002 SW 112th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607] Randall C Wright applied to serve on the Gainesville/Alachua County Regional Airport Authority for the term August 1, 2026 - July 31, 2029. He previously served on the board from 2018-2021 and chaired the Columbia, Missouri Regional Airport advisory board. His application was submitted on June 1, 2026. The document does not state the decision on his application. [City of Gainesville, Florida; case 2026-436] The City of Gainesville proposed an ordinance (2026-436) to rename the Office of Equity and Inclusion to the Equal Opportunity Office. This ordinance amends Chapters 8 and 14.5 of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance was passed on first reading on July 16, 2026, and adopted on August 6, 2026. The purpose is to re-title the office. There is no direct economic impact estimated for private, for-profit businesses. [City of Gainesville, Florida; case 2026-318] The City of Gainesville is undergoing its FY 2027 Budget Development process. The agenda item (2026-318) provides an update on the budget, including a projected General Fund shortfall of $12,046,773. The City Manager proposed a recommendation to close the shortfall without increasing the millage rate or eliminating filled positions in the General Fund, by combining departmental reductions, an increase in the Fire Services Assessment to 85% cost-recovery, and using excess fund balance for police vehicle replacement. The City Commission was to hear the presentation and provide direction. The document details various balancing scenarios and revenue estimates. [case 2026-318A, 2026-318B] This document details the City of Gainesville's Fiscal Year 2027 budget development, focusing on balancing a projected $10.39 million gap. It outlines various scenarios involving fire assessment increases, operating budget reductions, and millage rate adjustments. Specific budget reduction proposals from various city departments are detailed, including cuts to personnel, services, and programs. Notably, the document discusses the potential closure or sale of the Ironwood Golf Course, which currently operates at a deficit. There are no specific construction projects or development proposals mentioned that would directly create work for contractors or trades. The document is primarily a financial planning and budget allocation discussion. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions across various city departments, including Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs (PRCA), Police, Procurement & Contracts Management, Public Works, Risk Management, Sustainable Development, Technology, and Transportation. The reductions involve eliminating or reducing services, positions, travel, training, and supplies. For PRCA, proposed cuts include eliminating contractual services for youth and adult sports programs, eliminating positions like Recreation Supervisor and Ground and Events Workers, and reducing program activities. For Police, proposed cuts include eliminating various specialist and technician positions (e.g., Latent Print Examiner, Special Events Staff Specialist, Property and Evidence Specialist, Crime Analyst, Police Officer positions), reducing travel and training budgets, and eliminating hiring bonuses. Public Works proposes eliminating the Downtown Exterior Cleaning Contract, reducing equipment repairs, and eliminating positions like Custodial Worker and Engineer III. Technology proposes eliminating positions like GIS Analyst and Network/System Administrator, reducing software tools, and deferring SIEM and migration funding. Transportation proposes reducing garage security services and building repairs for the parking garage. Sustainable Development proposes eliminating the City Architect and Planner I positions. Public comment is not stated in this section. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions across various city departments, including Communications and Marketing, Financial Services, Fire Rescue, Housing & Community Development, Human Resources, Management & Budget, Non-Departmental, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The reductions primarily involve eliminating or reducing funding for positions, contractual services, travel, training, supplies, equipment, and specific programs. There are no new development projects or zoning changes described in this section of the document. The focus is on internal budget adjustments and service level impacts. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions across various city departments for fiscal year 2027. It outlines specific cuts to contracts, positions, and operational expenses. Key areas affected include Public Works (elimination of downtown exterior cleaning contracts, reduction in fence and lawn maintenance for Grace Marketplace), Procurement & Contracts Management (elimination of mail meter maintenance, reduction in office supplies, elimination of Account Clerk Senior and Contract Coordinator positions), and Technology (deferral of CIO membership, reduction in office supplies, elimination of GIS Analyst, Network/System Administrator, Database Administrator/Power Platform Developer, Senior IT Business Analyst, Information Security Analyst, and Business Systems Analyst Senior positions). Several scenarios for balancing the budget are presented, including the City Manager's Recommendation, which combines fire assessment, department reductions, and a transfer from the Fleet Fund. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions across various city departments for the fiscal year 2026-318B. The reductions primarily involve eliminating or decreasing funding for positions, travel, training, supplies, and specific programs. There are no new construction or development projects detailed in this section of the record. The focus is on internal operational adjustments and cost savings within existing city services. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions across various city departments, including Police, Public Works, Sustainable Development, and Technology. Specific reductions involve eliminating vacant positions such as Forensic Crime Lab Technician, Special Events Staff Specialist, Property and Evidence Specialist, and various Police Officer roles. Other reductions include cutting travel and training budgets, eliminating contracts for downtown exterior cleaning, and reducing maintenance on city facilities and equipment. There are no new development projects or zoning changes mentioned in this section of the document. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions for various city departments. Specific line items include reductions in travel and training for Police, Forensic Crime Lab, Police Training Unit, Administrative Services Bureau, and Police Personnel Division. Procurement & Contracts Management proposes eliminating mail meter maintenance and reducing paper office supplies. Public Works is reallocating costs for Road Maintenance and Construction, and Tree Crew personnel/overtime to specific funds. Risk Management proposes reducing security contract hours. Sustainable Development is moving Urban Forestry positions and costs to the Tree Mitigation Fund. Transportation is reducing garage security services and eliminating professional memberships, books/films, and staff travel/training. Wild Spaces Public Places is moving fleet fuel and variable costs out of the General Fund. Scenario D outlines a 70% fire assessment with department reductions, impacting various departments including City Manager, Fire Rescue, Housing & Community Development, Police, Public Works, and Sustainable Development through FTE reductions and program eliminations. Specific positions being eliminated include Legislative Coordinator, B.O.L.D. Program Manager and Staff Specialist, Account Clerk Senior, Internal Control Specialist, Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager, multiple Community Resource Paramedicine positions, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator, Latent Print Examiner, Special Events Staff Specialist, Field Service Technician II, Towing Program Coordinator, and Forensic Crime Technician. Reductions also include travel, training, supplies, and contractual services across multiple departments. [case 2026-318B] This document details proposed budget reductions and fund reallocations for various city departments for FY2027. It includes shifts of costs for Urban Forestry, Tree Crew, and WSPP fleet costs from the General Fund to specific dedicated funds (Tree Mitigation Fund, Roadway Resurfacing Fund). It also outlines the elimination or reduction of various positions and services across departments such as Planning, Economic Opportunity & Special Projects, City Manager, Communications and Marketing, Financial Services, Fire Rescue, Housing & Community Development, Human Resources, Management & Budget, Non-Departmental, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Police, Procurement & Contracts Management, Public Works, Risk Management, Sustainable Development, Technology, and Transportation. Specific impacts include reduced security at City Hall, discontinuation of holiday events, elimination of certain grant programs, and reduced training budgets for police personnel. No new construction or development projects are detailed, but rather adjustments to existing operational budgets and personnel. [200 E University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601; case 2026-478] The City of Gainesville is proposing to set the Maximum/Not-to-Exceed Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2027 at 6.7297 mills, which is the same as FY 2026. The estimated taxable value for the City of Gainesville for Tax Year 2026 is $12,625,373,917. The proposed millage rate is 5.42% higher than the rolled-back rate of 6.3839 mills. Public hearings are scheduled for September 10, 2026, and September 17, 2026, at City Hall Commission Auditorium, 200 E University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. [case 2026-489] The Regional Transit System (RTS) is proposing a fare increase for FY2027, with fares remaining unchanged since October 1, 2008. The proposed increases range from 17% to 67% depending on the fare type. For example, the one-way fare would increase from $1.50 to $2.00 (33% increase), and the all-day pass would increase from $3.00 to $5.00 (67% increase). The estimated revenue increase for FY2027 is $92,208. The City Commission is asked to hear a presentation and authorize staff to proceed with public engagement, including an equity study. Public engagement is scheduled for July-August 2026, with potential approval in September 2026 and implementation on January 1, 2027.