Community Update
A Report on the Activities of Alachua County Government
This Issues Features:
Commission approves funding for Heatwave summer youth basketball program
Three County programs receive national awards
Chairman Rodney J. Long receives FAC Award
Progress made on CR 1474 milling and resurfacing
County lifts burn ban and urges fireworks safety
NW 93rd Ave. receives new type of surface treatment
County seeks RFP for CHOICES marketing campaign
What’s on Alachua County Talks?
Green building strategies adopted for county buildings
CHOICES enrollment now at FloridaWorks One Stop
County Update TV on Community 12
Public invited to Waldo Road corridor workshops
Public hurricane preparedness workshop July 1
County Event and Meeting Reminder
Commission Meeting Highlights
Alachua County Advisory Boards
Commission approves funding for Heatwave summer youth basketball program
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has approved $117,300 to fund a new summer youth basketball program called Heatwave. The program will run from July 7 to August 23, and an estimated 500 youth can participate in age groups 13-16 and 17-20 at no charge.
The program will be organized into teams at a variety of basketball courts across the county. Practices will be held on Monday through Friday between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the locations listed below. Game days are Monday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at locations listed below. Various social activities will be built in to the daily practices.
Participants must provide their own games shorts and basketball shoes. Team t-shirts will be provided.
Residents interested in coaching, please contact Ed Lavagnino at 352-441-0760 or eal2323@yahoo.com .
Joint Sponsors are Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, Gainesville Housing Authority, Reichert House, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Lincoln Estates Neighborhood Association, Jennings Development Group, Black on Black Crime Task Force, Operation Respect Yourself, Sunshine Broadcasting, Gainesville Guardian, African American Accountability Alliance, and University of Florida Athletic Association.
Click here for a registration form.
For more information or to sign up, please call the MLK Center at 352-334-5053.
Three County programs receive national awards
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has released results of its 2008 Achievement Awards. Alachua County Government submitted three awards applications. The County learned yesterday that all three submittals earned program recognition awards.
In the Planning Category the County’s “Green Infrastructure” submission garnered top honors in winning the coveted, “Best in Category” award. “Achievement Awards” were earned in the Information Technology Category for the County’s “WebGIS Building Permit Tracker” submittal and in the Environment & Energy Category for the County’s “Household Hazardous Waste” submittal.
In speaking of the awards, County Manager Randall H. Reid said, “I am very pleased that our peer organization, NACo, has recognized these important and innovative programs. I am very proud of the talented people that have made these programs possible.”
The “Best in Category” award for the “Green Infrastructure” submission recognizes Alachua County’s success in integrating and leveraging local investment in land conservation through the Alachua County Forever program and the environmental protection provisions of the County’s development review process. The program was recognized for its effective partnerships, information technology integration, interdepartmental collaboration, citizen participation, and its innovative government structure. As part of this special recognition, Alachua County’s “Green Infrastructure” program will be included in an upcoming “NACO Model Program” publication.
Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Director Chris Bird explained, “Green infrastructure is a framework for understanding the valuable services nature provides for people. I am pleased that Alachua County’s commitment to investing in green infrastructure has been recognized as a model for other local governments. I want to recognize Land Conservation Manager Ramesh Buch and Natural Resources Manager Kathy Fanning for their leadership in these efforts.”
The “Achievement Award” winning, “WebGIS Building Permit Tracker” consists of a suite of eight WebGIS applications in support of the operations of the Building Division. In real time, these applications integrate into a geographic framework the field activities of the inspectors, contractors, builders, and office clerks. Homeowners, homebuyers and the building community can monitor the construction process from start to finish from their homes or offices. These applications, developed entirely in-house, saved taxpayers at least $500,000 of up front acquisition costs of similar products and at least $50,000 each future year for maintenance and licensing. Growth Management Director Steve Lachnicht said, “The exemplary work of GIS Manager Juna Papajorgji and her talented and dedicated staff continue to translate GIS technology into service improvements for our citizens.”
The “Achievement Award” for the, “Innovations in Managing Unconventional Household Hazardous Wastes” program recognizes the achievement of the Alachua County EPD’s Hazardous Waste Collection, Petroleum Management, and Pollution Prevention Programs in developing innovative and proactive initiatives that address hazardous waste challenges in the area of electronic waste, pharmaceutical waste, and home heating oil collection. Chris Bird, EPD Director, stated that, “We appreciate this national recognition of the effectiveness of our County programs to remove unconventional pollutants from the waste stream. The strength of these hazardous waste collection efforts is their integration with our primary mission of protecting water quality in Alachua County. I would like to recognize Kurt Seaburg, Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Dr. John Mousa, Pollution Prevention Manager, and Tim Ramsey, Petroleum Contracts Manager, for their excellent work in developing and sustaining these outstanding, proactive, services for our County residents.”
For more information click here or contact the Communications office at 352-374-5226.
Chairman Rodney J. Long receives FAC Award
Commission Chairman Rodney J. Long has been selected by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) to receive a 2008 FAC Presidential Advocacy Award. The award was presented during the FAC 2008 Annual Conference in June 2008 in Miami.
The Presidential Advocacy Award is awarded by the FAC President to commissioners “who have shown extraordinary leadership and commitment to the mission of the FAC, and who actively advocate on county issues before and during the legislative session.” Chairman Long currently serves as the FAC’s First Vice President.
Chairman Long was very active in lobbying members of Florida’s Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) to support the unfunded mandates proposal, a proposal that would put restrictions on state unfunded mandates to counties and municipalities. Chairman Long also lobbied and testified before the TBRC to oppose the TABOR proposal.
In speaking of the award Chairman Long said, “It is an honor to be a part of the important work being done by FAC. I am humbled by this kind award and look forward to continued service.”
The stated mission of the FAC is to “preserve and promote democratic principles by working to keep appropriate authority at the level of government closest to the people, and to increase the capacity of Florida counties to effectively serve and represent the citizens of the state through legislative action, education of public officials, and enhancement of public awareness about the role and functions of county government.”
For more information, please contact the Florida Association of Counties at 850-922-4300.
Progress made on CR 1474 milling and resurfacing
The Alachua County Public Works Department is pleased to report on the good progress being made on the CR 1474 milling and resurfacing project. Approximately one half of the project is complete. The second half involves the CR 1474 section from SE 163rd Street to US 301. This section will be closed to through traffic from Monday, June 23, 2008 to August 15, 2008. Local traffic only will be permitted to travel on the roadway. Anyone traveling through this area should expect delays.
The mill and resurface of CR 1474 is being done by County road crews resulting in considerable savings to Alachua County taxpayers.
For more information, please contact Antonio Vergara at avergara@alachuacounty.us or 352-374-5245 ext. 308.
County lifts burn ban and urges fireworks safety
The burn ban for Alachua County has been lifted. The language of the proclamation lifting the band follows:
Proclamation Terminating Local State Of Emergency
PURSUANT to the authority conferred by Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and Alachua County Ordinance 86-1 (codified in Chapter 27 of the Alachua County Code), and pursuant to paragraph 3.2.1 of the Alachua County Emergency Operations Plan 1.1 dated July 26, 1993, after consultation with state and local authorities that, as a result of significant recent rainfall, severe drought and wind conditions no longer increase the potential of serious wildfires, and upon such basis that a declaration of emergency may be terminated when the emergency no longer exists, I, Rodney J. Long, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, hereby declare that the local state of emergency initiated on May 9, 2008, and extended for additional weeks through June 20, 2008, no longer exists in Alachua County as of 12:00 noon, June 25, 2008, and is hereby terminated.
Click here for information on fireworks safety
For more information contact the Alachua County Department of Public Safety at 352-384-3101.
NW 93rd Ave. receives new type of surface treatment
The Alachua County Public Works Department is pleased to announce the application of a surface treatment on NW 93rd Avenue, the kick-off project of the Unimproved Road Improvement Program. The program will be applying this surface treatment on a prioritized list of unimproved roads throughout the County. The surface treatment will alleviate many of the problems associated with local County-maintained limerock roads such as maintenance costs, excessive dust, washboarding, and erosion.
On Monday, June 23, 2008, lane closures began on NW 93rd Avenue from US 441 to the western termination point. The lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and will last for approximately three weeks. Anyone traveling through this area should expect delays.
For more information, click here or contact Sylvia Torres at storres@alachuacounty.us or 352-374-5245 ext. 289.
County seeks RFP for CHOICES marketing campaign
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is seeking proposals for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated public relations, marketing and advertising campaign to provide community awareness and education for CHOICES Health Services, CHOICES Health Education & Wellness, and CHOICES Disease Management Programs.
Proposals must be submitted with all required submissions included. Failure to comply may preclude consideration of the proposal. Each consultant is responsible for full and complete compliance with all laws, rules and regulations which may be applicable.
Interested consultants shall submit proposals to: Alachua County Purchasing Division, Third Floor, County Administration Building, 12 S.E. 1st St., Gainesville, FL 32601-6983.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Any proposals received after the submittal deadline will not be considered. Proposals are time-stamped upon submission. Applicants are encouraged to allow time for limited downtown parking. There will be no exceptions.
This announcement is not to be considered complete proposal instructions. For details and additional information, please visit:
Alachua County Purchasing Division: www.alachuacounty.us/government/depts/as/purchasing/bidinfo.aspx
Onvia Demand Star: www.demandstar.com
Alachua County website: www.alachuacounty.us
For more information about proposals, please call Alachua County Purchasing Divison at 352-374-5202. For more information about CHOICES Health Services, please visit www.acCHOICES.com .
What’s on Alachua County Talks?
Check out the latest editions of Alachua County Talks on Community 12 TV by viewing the Channel 12 Show Schedule , or click on the images to the right to view streaming video of the episodes.
Click here to watch County Engineer Dave Cerlanek give viewers an update on County road projects.
Green building strategies adopted for county buildings
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a strategy requiring all new buildings to be designed and constructed to meet “green” building ratings as specified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system , a set of standards for sustainable construction. LEED standards were developed in 1998 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainable building.
LEED Certification is scored on a point system of six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. Scores result in 4 levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Alachua County is implementing various LEED rated strategies in its current facilities and new construction, such as energy efficient fixtures and systems, and usage of recycled materials (e.g. carpeting made with recycled plastics). Other strategies include water conservation practices like use of water efficient landscaping with native or draught resistant plants using non-potable water or simply no irrigation. Waterless urinals along with low flow and dual flush toilets are being integrated in all older and new buildings.
In 2006, Alachua County Commission approved of the following new construction and renovation (bond) projects:
Jonesville Fire Station #17
The first “Green” Fire Station in Alachua County is being constructed in the Jonesville Soccer Park Complex at an approximate cost of $2.9 million. The design will include solar heating panels, solar tubes for lighting, and achieve a rating of “Certified” or better.
EMS Station #1
This building is being constructed in Gainesville for approximately $1,825,066 and is scheduled for completion around February/March 2009. LEED scorecard have been processed on this facility and have confirmed a minimum of over 33 points, qualifying this building with a rating of “Silver.”
Court Support Building
This potentially “Silver” rated building will house the State Attorney, Public Defender, Guardian ad Litem, Supervisor of Elections, Sheriff’s Civil Office, and some of the County’s Court Services functions.
State Attorney’s Building Renovation
Around the 2010 time period, the County plans on performing a major renovation in this 34,000 sq. ft. building. We anticipate that it would include state of art building control systems, a possible green roof, rain water harvesting, and use of gray water to flush toilets.
For more information contact Facilities Management at 352-374-5229.
CHOICES enrollment now at FloridaWorks One Stop
Alachua County’s CHOICES Health Services program has partnered with FloridaWorks to provide one stop access to CHOICES enrollment. FloridaWorks Gainesville One Stop, located at 4800 SW 13th St., will host a CHOICES Health Services staff member on Mondays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CHOICES staff will be available to answer questions about program services and receive applications for enrollment.
FloridaWorks Gainesville One Stop provides assistance and job training to those seeking employment or career changes. Employers also come to Gainesville One Stop to recruit employees. “Many people look forward to the benefit of obtaining health coverage from employers,” says the FloridaWorks One stop Center Manager. “Unfortunately, for some of our residents, that is simply not the case. We want to put people in touch with organizations that fill this void.” Lorraine Austin, CHOICES Health Services Director, adds, “This partnership will make CHOICES program information and enrollment more accessible to individuals the program is designed to serve.”
CHOICES Health Services is committed to providing quality healthcare to Alachua County’s working uninsured. To date, the program has provided medical and dental services to more than 1700 Alachua County residents.
For more information about eligibility or to apply for CHOICES, visit www.acCHOICES.com or call 352-264-6772. For more information about FloridaWorks call (352) 955-2245 or visit www.floridaworksonline.com .
County Update TV on Community 12
County Update is a half hour news program providing citizens in-depth information on County programs, services and initiatives. County Update airs on Community 12 and the Video On Demand website.
Features This Month
Bo Diddley
City/County Public Works Rodeo
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
Pet Smart Charities Grant
Animal Adoption Kiosks at Local Libraries
County Employee Health Fair
Annual County Advisory Board Reception
EPD - Enviroscape Demonstration
Ancient Records Archives
Click here to link to the view the video via Video On Demand
Public invited to Waldo Road corridor workshops
Three public workshops on the Waldo Road Corridor Districts are coming up. The purpose of these workshops is to continue to integrate the community’s perspective into the conceptual proposals for the future of this important roadway. Citizens are urged to attend and to pass the word to others.
All three workshops will be held at the UF Eastside Campus Community Room, located at 2006 NE Waldo Road, Building 1602 and will last approximately 2 hours.
Workshop dates, times, and subjects:
Monday, June 30 - 5:30 p.m. - Fair/Airport, Creative Arts, Tacachale Districts (node is located around 39th Avenue and Waldo Road intersection)
Tuesday, July 1 - 5:30 p.m. - Citizens’ District (node is between 8th Ave and 12th Ave - both E and W of Waldo Road)
Monday, July 7 - 5:30 p.m. - Rosewood District (node is between SE 2nd Avenue and University Avenue and Waldo Road intersection)
For more information, see the project website at http://flcdc.org/?cl=Waldo%20Road%20Project or call Naomi Whiteley, Program Manager of the Design Center at 352-334-7111 naomi@flcdc.org
Public hurricane preparedness workshop July 1
Hurricane Season began June 1, 2008. Although the tropics have been quiet to this point, Alachua County Emergency Management would like to remind residents that now is the time to prepare for the next disaster. To help the public prepare, Emergency Management will be presenting hurricane readiness tips at the High Springs branch of the Alachua County Library District. The presentation will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. The library is located at 135 N.W. 1st Ave. in High Springs.
Topics to be discussed include:
What is Emergency Management?
The Role of the Emergency Operation Center
Alachua County Hurricane History
Hurricane Predications
Preparations for Individuals, Families and Businesses
For more information, email Alachua County Emergency Management at acem@alachuacounty.us or call 352-264-6500.
County Event and Meeting Reminder
Waldo Road Corridor Workshops
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop
Heatwave Summer Youth Basketball League
RFP for CHOICES Marketing Campaign
CHOICES Enrollment at FloridaWorks One Stop
Commission Meeting Highlights June 24, 2008
Presentations, Proclamations and Recognitions
Announcements - Mark Sexton, Communications Coordinator
The Chair presented Certificates of completion to the graduates of the 8th class of the Alachua County Civic Education Series (ACCESS) program.
ACCESS PARTICIPANTS RECEIVING A CERTIFICATE2008.pdf
Human Resources Manager Kim Baldry presented Retirement Plaques to Employees
The Board accepted the presentation by Mr. James Bennett, Florida Department of Transportation to discuss changes to the tentative five-year work program
The Board proclaimed Saturday, June 28, 2008 as "Bettye Gibbs Jennings Day" in Alachua County, Florida
The Board made a public purpose determination to apply $420 in unclaimed money to Mr. Earl Williams, criminal court costs. Mr. Williams currently owes a total of $1,583.70 in court costs on 4 criminal cases. The breakdown is as follows: (05 CF 1811 -- $395.94), (05 CF 3287 -- $395.90), (05 CF 3288 -- $395.93), & (05 CF 3289 -- $395.93)
The Board approved the Proposed List of Major Community Issues on the EAR for submittal to the State Department of Community Affairs as the basis for the Letter of Understanding on EAR scope and authorize Chairman to sign transmittal letter (attached).
MajorIssues_forChairLetter.pdf
EARProcessFlowchart.pdf
PublicParticipationPlanApprovedByBoard.pdf
EARStatutoryRequirements.pdf
MajorIssues_withAgencyInput.pdf
ChairlettertoDCA62408.pdf
SJRWMDComments_053008.pdf
AgencyComments_060208.pdf
The Board adopted the resolution authorizing the acceptance of FDOT's Quit-Claim Deed for the Micanopy Triangle. In addition, that the Chair be authorized to execute any additional documents, approved by the County Attorney, related to this Resolution.
The County Manager reported on the upcoming Municipal Fire Authority meeting on June 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Chestnut asked for staff to research using State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) dollars to fund energy conservation upgrades to low income housing.
Commissioner Pinkoson asked about the status of the financial report on the Coopperstown Sports Park project. The Manager reported that staff was waiting on the requested business plan from the principals and would bring this item bask when it arrives.
Commissioner Pinkoson moved to instruct the Manager to conduct a review of vehicle use and policies. The Board passed the motion.
Public Hearings
The Board adopted the Resolution to vacate a portion of the Lake Forest-Gainesville-Lake Farms plat.
Lake_Forest_PUBLIC_HEARING.pdf
LAKE_ FOEREST_FARMS_PLAT_VAC_06242008.ppt
lakeForestFarms.pdf
LakeForrestResoFinal.pdf
The Board approved and exercised the option to purchase the Conservation Easement on the Lochloosa Connector - Wood Tract and authorize staff to execute documents as necessary to close the transaction.
Amount: $791,933.00
Exhibit 2 Wood Evaluation.pdf
EDAWAmendFinal.pdf
Exhibit 3 Wood acquisition costs.pdf
Exhibit 4 BoCC080624 ACF Wood.pdf
The Board adopted the ordinance amending County Code Chapter 27, Emergencies, and authorized the Chairman to sign the ordinance.
The Board(1) Adopted CPA-10-08 Comprehensive Plan Amendment to implement public school concurrency by ordinance and (2) authorized Chairman to execute the updated Interlocal Agreement for Public School Facility Planning.
CPA 10 08 Staff Report Adoption.pdf
Alachua PSFE Data Analysis Revised 060308.pdf
LIST APPENDICES CPA 10 08.pdf
APPENDIX PSFE CPA 10 08.pdf
CPA 10 08 Intergovernmental Adoption.pdf
CPA 10 08 CIE Table SBAC 5 Year District Facilities Plan Adoption.pdf
Alachua County Interlocal Agreement Update Adoption.pdf
DCA ORC Report in Full CPA 10 08.pdf
ORC Response CPA 10 08.pdf
MIDDLE CSA MAP CPA 10 08.pdf
CPA 10 08 BoCC Adoption School Concurrency.ppt
Alachua County Interlocal Agreement Final 06 24 2008.pdf
Ordinance CPA 10 08.pdf
CPA 10 08 PSFE Adoption.pdf
CPA 10 08 CIE Adoption.pdf
HIGH CSA MAP CPA 10 08.pdf
Power Point CPA 10 08 BoCC Adoption School Concurrency.pdf
CPA10 08 Future Land Use Adoption.pdf
ELEM CSA MAP CPA 10 08.pdf
Advisory Board Appointments
Historical Commission
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Community Agency Partnership Program (CAPP)
Alachua County Advisory Boards
The Alachua County Commission is committed to citizen involvement on its advisory boards and is soliciting applications for the following vacancies:
Get Involved - Click here for an application: http://www.alachuacounty.us/government/bocc/advisoryboard.aspx
Applications are also available at the County Manager’s Office on the Second Floor of the County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st St., Gainesville. For more information, call (352) 264-6904.
Thank you for your continued interest in County Government!
Community Update is produced by the County Manager's Communications Office.