Community Update - Earth Day Edition
A Report on the Activities of Alachua County Government
This Issues Features:
Wild Spaces & Public Places Progress Report
What’s On “Alachua County Talks”
Fire Assessment Notices
Reid Appointed to National Board
New Assistant Public Works Director for Waste Management
County Update on Channel 12
Senior Safety Summit
New Veterans Services Director
Free HIV Testing
Recycling Contest Winners
Byrne Grant Advisory Board
Free “Grants Navigator” Training
4-H Summer Camps (Day Camps and Extended Stay)
Master Gardener Program Accepting Volunteer Applications
Commission Meeting Highlights
Wild Spaces & Public Places Progress Report
Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid instructed the Communications Office, under the direction of Assistant County Manager Rick Drummond to assemble a Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP) Progress Report. The purpose of this report is to keep citizens informed about the progress and accomplishments of the voter approved WSPP Local Government Surtax.
To view the report click here.
For more information, call the Alachua County Communications Office at 352-374-5204.
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.
Click here to watch Alachua County Veterans Services Director Jim Lynch talks about his retirement and accomplishments.
Click here to watch Gainesville Sports Commission Executive Director Jack Hughes talk about his experiences with the Commission.
Official notices to all Alachua County property owners that will be affected by the proposed County Fire Assessment were mailed out June 1, 2010. The notice is not a bill; it is a statement required by Florida Statues to let affected property owners know that the County Commission is considering imposing a Fire Assessment. If the Fire Assessment is imposed by the County Commission, the Fire Assessment will be included on the upcoming tax bill sent out by the Tax Collector.
The notices include information on the property’s hazard classification and size, as well as, the maximum Fire Assessment rate being considered by the Board of County Commissioners. The Fire Assessment covers the unincorporated area of Alachua County and the cities of Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, and Waldo. This area has been broken down into two designated service zones, an Urban Zone, which is the area within the City of Gainesville’s Urban Reserve and a Rural Zone, which is the area outside of the City of Gainesville’s Urban Reserve.
The Fire Assessment will provide a more financially stable means of funding fire protection services, stability in insurance rates, and a mechanism to sustain services. Unlike taxes, which can be used for any general purpose, the Fire Assessment can only be used for fire services. It is the County Commissions intent to reduce the current MSTU-Fire Ad Valorem millage and replace it with the Fire Assessment.
The Alachua County Commission will consider the final adoption of a Fire Assessment on June 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in the Alachua County Administration Building, 12 S.E. 1st Street Gainesville.
The Alachua County 3-1-1 Call Center has been activated to help answer questions or concerns. For more information, citizens are encouraged to call 3-1-1, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Information relating to the fire assessment program can also be obtained from the County’s website at: http://alachuacounty.us.
Reid Appointed to National Board
The Alliance for Innovation has announced the upcoming appointment of Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid to their national board of directors at this year’s annual Transforming Local Government Conference held in Las Vegas, NV from June 2 -4, 2010.
The Alliance for Innovation is an international network of progressive governments and partners committed to transforming local government by accelerating the development and dissemination of innovations. For more information about the Alliance for Innovation, click here.
In speaking of the appointment Reid said, “We are in a very challenging time for local governments. Innovative actions are more important than ever. We have been a member of the Alliance for Innovation for many years. This appointment will allow me to assist in shining a national light on the many unique and effective programs originating at the local level. It is also a great opportunity to highlight Alachua County’s efforts in the regard.”
Reid and the Alachua County delegation will be participating in a joint presentation with Sarasota County on innovative efforts in civic engagement. Alachua County’s presentation focuses on “Community Conversations,” a unique series of conversations with citizens that included a wide-ranging discussion of ideas as well as an interactive simulated budget activity. To view a video story on Community Conversations, click here.
For more information, call the Alachua County Communications Office at 352-374-5204.
New Assistant Public Works Director for Waste Management
Alachua County is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Keith as the new Assistant Public Works Director for the Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department.
Mr. Keith has 30 years of environmental program experience encompassing a diversity of roles ranging from lab technician, state environmental regulator, local program manager, private sector consultant, county program director and assistant county administrator.
Tom has an extensive background in municipal solid waste management, having served as Deputy Executive Director for the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Florida, Assistant Executive Director for Des Moines Solid Waste Authority and Director of Environmental Services with Charlotte County, Florida. In addition, he has served as an instructor for the Solid Waste Association of North America and as private sector environmental consultant on solid waste issues. Mr. Keith served as Assistant county Administrator for 5 years in Charlotte County, Florida and as General Manager with Sarasota County Public Works.
His recent experience includes serving as Environmental Program Manager with the City of Greenville, South Carolina, City Manager’s Office and as Executive director for Friends of Reedy River, a conservation non-profit organization in South Carolina.
Mr. Keith possesses a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biology and Physical Science (Physics/Chemistry). In addition, he has taken graduate coursework in Management and Public Administration.
For more information, contact Thomas Keith at 352-374-5245 ext. 278 or tkeith@alachuacounty.us.
County Update is a half hour news program providing in-depth information on County programs, services and initiatives. County Update airs on Community 12 and the Video On Demand website.
Click here to view this month’s show.
Features This Month:
On Friday, June 18, 2010, the Alachua County Seniors and Law Enforcement Together Council (SALT) is holding “Senior Safety Summit 2010” at the Thelma Boltin Center at 516 NE 2nd Ave. in Gainesville, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Participants will get timely information on crime prevention, safety, and wellness issues that affect older adults. Topics include Preventing Frauds and Scams, Domestic Violence, and Adult Protective Services. Speakers from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Peaceful Paths, the Department of Children and Families and the Social Security Administration will attend. This free event includes refreshments, door prizes and is open to the public.
SALT is an advisory council comprised of older adults in the community, people that work with seniors, and law enforcement. In close collaboration with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department, SALT focuses on the crime and safety related needs of older adults in the community.
SALT meets once monthly on the first Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are currently at Pine Grove Apartments at 1901 NE 2nd Street in Gainesville. Anyone is welcome to become a member of SALT and participation of seniors is encouraged. There are no membership fees or dues.
Seating is limited at the event so citizens are encouraged to call Elder Options at 352-378-6649, extension 146. If voicemail picks up please leave a message with your name and the number attending
New Veterans Services Director
The Alachua County Community Support Services Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Dan Wojcik as the new Veterans Services Program Director. He began working with the County last year as a Veterans Services Counselor assisting veterans and their families with navigating the VA benefits process as well as other veteran issues.
He is very involved in veterans services, programs, and organizations throughout Gainesville. He served in the US Army as an airborne infantryman and as a special operations team sergeant. In the Army, he was deployed to thirteen countries on four continents. He later joined the Florida National Guard and was deployed to Iraq for combat operations as an infantry squad leader.
As a student at the University of Florida, Wojcik was the President of the Collegiate Veterans Society. During his tenure with that organization, he was involved in creating the Veterans Memorial at UF, supporting the Veteran’s Bridge Scholarship, and advocacy for fellow veteran’s needs.
“Dan is a local who grew up in Williston, FL.,” said Community Support Services Assistant Director Lanard Perry. “We feel very fortunate to have him join the CSS team as we strive to serve the citizens of Alachua County.”
For more information, contact Dan Wojcik at 352-264-6740.
The Alachua County Health Department will be observing National HIV Testing Day by providing HIV Testing in the Gainesville Community. CDC estimates that one out of five people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their HIV status. National HIV Testing Day gives the citizens of Alachua County an opportunity to know their HIV status, and take control of their health.
Free HIV testing will be held:
In support of this important public health initiative, the Alachua County Health Department will be providing free and confidential HIV counseling and testing at the following locations through the Mobile Outreach Clinic:
The free test utilizes the OraQuick Advance finger stick test and citizens will only have to wait 20 minutes for their HIV results.
For general media inquiries, please contact Bobby Davis at (352) 334-7964. For more information, visit http://www.alachuacountyhealth.com/.
The Alachua County Office of Waste Management announces the winners of its annual Alachua County Phonebook Recycling Competition. The Archer Community Center received first prize in the two top categories. They won the total number of books collected (3,630) and the average pounds per student (415) categories. The runner-up for total books collected was the High Springs Community School and runner-up for average pounds per student was the Sidney Lanier Center. The total number of phonebooks collected in the competition was 8,265 weighing in at 33,060 pounds.
All Alachua County Schools are encouraged to participate in this annual competition which takes place in January and February. The pounds per student category allow smaller schools to compete fairly with larger ones. The cash awards for the top three in each category are $500, $400, and $300. In addition to the cash prizes for the winners, each participating school’s recycling team receives a pizza party courtesy of Gator Dominos.
“When recycled these phonebooks are turned into new products such as cardboard, cereal boxes, and brown paper bags,” Alachua County Waste Alternatives Manager Sally Palmi said, “ This is a wonderful way for these young people to have fun while learning about the importance of sustainability.”
For more information, contact the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives at 352-374-5213.
The County’s Byrne Grant Advisory Board will meet in the Sheriff’s Conference Room at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville) on June 9, 2010 at 1 p.m. to review and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners proposals and programs to be funded by Byrne Grants.
The Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Program (Byrne Formula Grant Program) is a partnership among federal, state, and local governments to create safer communities. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is authorized to award grants to states for use by states and units of local government to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system with an emphasis on violent crime and serious offenders and enforce state and local laws that establish offenses similar to those in the Federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6) et seq.).
Grants may be used to provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for more widespread apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation of offenders who violate such state and local laws. Grants also may be used to provide assistance (other than compensation) to victims of these offenders. Twenty-nine legislatively authorized purpose areas were established to define the nature and scope of programs and projects that may be funded under the Byrne Formula Grant Program.
For more information on the Byrne Grant Program, click here.
Free “Grants Navigator” Training
Alachua County is offering three training sessions on the use of the eCivis Grants Network, Grants Navigator. Grants Navigator is an online grant search tool that indexes all federal and State of Florida grants, as well as a number of privately funded grants. It is web based and provides information about the grant itself, where to apply, links to grant application documents, contact information and links to other relevant information.
The County entered into an agreement with eCivis in 2004 and makes it available, free of charge, to all county agencies and constitutional officers, all municipalities, the Library District, the School Board and all not for profit organizations (including faith based ) in the County. Since 2004, over $5.4 million dollars in new grants have been received from grants found using Grants Network, ranging in amount from $1000 to $3.2 million.
The training dates and locations are:
Monday, June 14, 2010 at 3 p.m.
Grace Knight Conference Room
County Administration Building
12 SE 1st Street
Gainesville, Florida
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.
Alachua County Public Health Building
Conference Room A
218 SE 24th Street
Gainesville, Florida
Each session will cover:
Each session will take approximately one hour. Reservations are required.
The training is open to new and existing users.
To make a reservation call the Office of Management and Budget at 352-374-5262 or email jdj@alachuacounty.us
For more information about Grants Network, contact John Johnson at 352-338-7392. Visit eCivis on the web at www.ecivis.com
4-H Summer Camps (Day Camps and Extended Stay)
The Alachua County 4-H Youth Development Program is pleased to announce the following Youth Camps (this includes both extended stay, and day camps).
Day Camps
These day camps (with the exception of Shooting Sports) are held at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville). Space is limited so make your reservations now.
Jewelry Workshop – July 5, 9 a.m. to 4: p.m. for ages 8 – 18. Cost is $15.00.
Learn how to make custom necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Lunch will be provided.
Knitting – August 11 - 13, 9 a.m. till noon, for ages 8 – 18. Cost $30.00.
Learn to use “knifty knitter” looms to create a scarf or hat. Basic crochet will also be taught for those interested in expanding their needle crafting skills. Snacks will be provided.
Shooting Sports – August 9 – 13 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on August 9), for ages 10 – 18. Cost $90.00.
Learn proper gun safety, handling, and skeet shooting in a supervised environment. Beginners welcome. Shotguns provided. Will be conducted at Gator Skeet and Trap (5202 NE 46th Avenue, Gainesville). Snacks will be provided.
Summer Camp (extended stay)
4-H Camp will be held from July 19-23, 2010 at Camp Cherry Lake, Madison, Florida. Campers age 8 (as of Sept. 1, 2009) to 12 are invited to attend (do not have to be 4-H members). Daily activities include swimming, canoeing, games, nature study, recreation and fishing. Evening activities include cabin skits, crafts, leisure sports, dancing, cabin competitions and camp fires.
Campers will live in rustic cabins divided into boys and girls sections overlooking beautiful Cherry Lake.
Camp will be supervised by Alachua, Bradford, and Duval County 4-H faculty and UF/IFAS 4-H camp staff. Cost to attend is $180.00, price includes transportation, meals, snacks and a souvenir t-shirt.
For all camps (day and extended stay), payment must accompany registration.
For more information, or receive a registration form Contact Matt Benge, 4-H Youth Development Agent at 352-955-2402 or mbenge@alachuacounty.us.
Master Gardener Program Accepting Volunteer Applications
The Alachua County Master Gardener Program is accepting new volunteer members for the class of 2010. Applications will be accepted thru July 11, 2010.
Master Gardeners are citizens helping citizens who:
Ideal applicants are:
Master Gardener Program certification training begins September 2, 2010. This training includes classroom lectures and group activities, field trips and site visits. Participants will take weekly quizzes and a final exam, and receive pesticide training. Participants receive study/reference materials including a three volume set of Master Gardener Workbooks, the Florida Lawn Handbook, and insect identification sheets. The cost of the training is $120.00.
To maintain your certification as a Master Gardener you are expected to volunteer a minimum of 75 hours the first year and 35 hours in following years, and complete at least 10 hours of continuing education/training per year.
For more information click here, or call the Alachua County Extension Office at 352-955-2402.
Announcements
The Board heard announcements by Mark Sexton Communications Coordinator
Attachment: Announcements
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Board proclaimed June 15, 2010 as “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in
Alachua County, Florida.
Alachua County Youth Orchestra Day
The Board proclaimed June 8, 2010 as “Alachua County Youth Orchestra Day” in Alachua County, Florida.
Attachment: Youth Orchestra Day1.pdf
East Ridge Retirement Village, Inc.
The Board approved the resolution to approve issuance of bonds by the Alachua County Health Facilities Authority to finance capital improvements (amount not to exceed $60,000,000) for East Ridge Retirement Village, Inc., and authorize Chair to sign.
Attachment: RESO_HFA_EastRidge.pdf
Health Facilities Authority Bonds
The Board approved the resolution to approve issuance of bonds by the Alachua County Health Facilities Authority to finance capital improvements (amount not to exceed $124,000,000) for Shands Teaching Hospitals and Clinics, Inc. and to refund all or a portion of outstanding Health Facilities Authority Bonds, Series 1992R.
Attachment: ShandsRefundingRequest.pdf
Attachment: RESO_HFA_Shands2010.pdf
Attachment: Shands_HFA_Reso_2010_3.pdf
Attachment: Shands_HFA_Reso_2010_2.pdf
Nighttime Airboat Curfew
The Board authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to consider an ordinance establishing a pursuant to the charter-based ordinance initiative process.
Attachment: 1_NighttimeAirboatCurfewInitiativeOrdinance.pdf
Attachment: 2_SupervisorofElectionCertification.pdf
Attachment: 4_ExcerptAlachuaCountyCharter.pdf
Attachment: 3_ProposedAd.pdf
Florida Back to Work Program
The Board approved the contract with TempForce for the Florida Back to Work Program, and authorized the Chair to sign the contract.
Amount: $77,884.00 Estimated Budget
Attachment: Temp Force TANF Final.pdf
Bicycle and Pedestrian Work Program
The Board approved Bicycle and Pedestrian Work Program Priority List with the following changes:
Reprioritize project list to move 1&2 to 5&6, move forward with projects 3, 4, 5 and 6
Clarify that the SE 15th St. project should provide a combined use 8 foot facility on the eastside of the road
Attachment: 2008bikeped_w_notes.pdf
Attachment: 2010 Bike Ped Work Program.pdf
Attachment: 2010bikepedlist.pdf
Attachment: 2010 Bike Ped Work Program.pptx
Water Conservation Initiative Report
The Board received the Water Conservation Initiative Report and provided staff the following policy direction to implement new water conservation measures in Alachua County:
Identify those recommendations in the report that are more appropriately applied as Comprehensive Plan amendments and bring forward during the current Comp. Plan amend cycle.
Provide separate listing of policies that could be implemented with no additional County resources other than staff time and existing resources
Move forward with the 9 recommendations for the Board to consider in the future
Draft a letter to GRU, The Gainesville City Commission, and the Suwannee Water Management District, urging them to move quickly to a funded plan to cool the bio mass plant w/reclaimed water
Attachment: WaterConservationInitiativeReport.pdf
Attachment: Water_conservationrevised 51510.pdf
Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers
The Board accepted the offer from Mr. Marty Mesh, Director of Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, and approved the sale of a surplus 2004 Ford F250 pickup for $1,500.
Amount: $1,500.00
Attachment: MartMeshEMail05122010.pdf
Attachment: Resolution10MartyMesh05122010.pdf
Solid Waste Commercial Franchise Applications and Disposal Agreements
The Board approved the Solid Waste Commercial Franchise Applications and Disposal Agreements franchise agreements between Alachua County and SWS and Waste Pro of Florida, Inc.
Amount: Approximately $139,000.00
Attachment: Waste Pro Franchise Final.pdf
Attachment: SWS Franchise Final.pdf
Inmate Medical care
The Board approved the Inmate Medical care agreement between Alachua County, Florida,
The Alachua County Sheriff, Prison Health Services, Inc., and Shands and the
University of Florida Health Care Network
Prime Conduit, Inc.
The Board approved a resolution supporting the request by Prime Conduit, Inc. for participation in the Qualified Targeted Industry (QTI)
Infrastructure Sales Tax
The Board chose not to move forward with placing an infrastructure sales tax on the Nov. 2010 ballot.
Unified Land Development Code
Concerning the second and final Public Hearing for a Text Amendment to the Unified Land Development Code for Indoor Sports Training Facilities, the Board:
Convened as the Land Development Regulation Commission and found the proposed ordinance consistent with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan: 2001-2020
Adopted the Ordinance providing for changes to the Unified Land Development Code as shown in Exhibit A
Attachment: ISTF_ReferencedPolicies.pdf
Attachment: StaffPresentation_060810.pptx
Attachment: full_impact_sportsIntro.pdf
Attachment: ZON_ULDC_Text_Appl.pdf
Attachment: StaffPresentation_060810.pdf
Attachment: ISTF_Ordinance.pdf
Shands Rezoning
The Board conducted the first public hearing for ZOM-05-10 (Shands Rezoning) and directed staff to bring the item for second public hearing
Attachment: ZOM0510AppMaterialsPart1.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510AppMaterialsPart2.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510_BoCCPresentation.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510StaffReport.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510Resolution.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510_BoCCPresentation.pptx
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.