Community Update - Earth Day Edition
A Report on the Activities of Alachua County Government
This Issues Features:
How Your 2010 Property Taxes Are Divided
What’s On “Alachua County Talks”
Global Facilities Management Day
Randall H. Reid Featured in InFocus
Downtown Farmer’s Garden Planting
County Update on Channel 12
NW 16th Ave. Ground Tests
ADA Expo Celebration 2010
Health Department Alerts Community To Dangers Of Heat
Water Quality Report
July Commercial Horticulture Extension Programs
4-H Summer Camps (Day Camps and Extended Stay)
Master Gardener Program Accepting Volunteer Applications
Commission Meeting Highlights
How Your 2010 Property Taxes Are Divided
This is a representation of how each property tax dollar is divided for property owners in the unincorporated area.
All Alachua County property owners pay only 16.28¢ per property tax dollar for countywide programs provided by the County Commission. Property owners in the unincorporated area pay a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) of only 7.14¢ per property tax dollar for municipal services provided by the County Commission. Property owners living within municipalities pay their city’s property tax instead of the MSTU.
Click here for a larger version of this graphic.
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.
Global Facilities Management Day
Alachua County joined the Global Facilities Management Association as they celebrated the second annual “Global Facilities Management Day” on June 24, 2010. The event recognized the contributions that facilities management makes to the workplace
Alachua County Manager Randall Reid and County Facilities Manager Charlie Jackson encouraged all building owners throughout Alachua County to join in this celebration by sponsoring activities including, networking events, award presentations, luncheons, etc., all with the goal of raising awareness of the facilities management profession.
Alachua County Administrative Services Director Betty Baker adds, “Celebrating Global Facilities Management Day provides an opportunity to express sincere appreciation to all of the people who work hard to make our built environments healthy, efficient and sustainable. The list includes architects, engineers, facilities managers and directors, housekeepers and custodians, plumbers, electricians, painters, carpenters, roofers, building maintenance workers and technicians, grounds workers, landscapers, consultants, maintenance coordinators, capital project and construction coordinators, support staff, developers and property owners, and others.”
In honor of this event, the Alachua County Commission presented a proclamation at the June 22, 2010 meeting declaring June 24, 2010 as Global Facilities Management Day.
For more information, contact County Facilities Manager Charlie Jackson at (352) 374-5289.
Randall H. Reid Featured in InFocus
Alachua County was recently featured in a national periodical. The article features quotes from Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid and focuses on the County’s functional group model.
Click here to view the periodical.
Downtown Farmer’s Garden Planting
Alachua County, in partnership with Florida Organic Growers, Abundant Edible Landscapes, UF Young Entrepreneurs in Leadership and Sustainability, Home Depot and the Downtown Rotary Club, will plant an organic demonstration garden Saturday, July 10 at the County Administration Building on the corner of University Ave. and Main St. in Downtown Gainesville. The area will be a living classroom for growing organic fruits and vegetables while providing fresh, healthy and local food to nutritionally disadvantaged communities.
The Downtown Farmer’s Garden’s purpose is to provide food and inspire citizens to substitute purely ornamental plants with an edible landscapes. For the community, growing more fruits and vegetables locally reduces energy consumption and increases the area’s self sufficiency. Growing more of our own food is a critical part of building a resource efficient Alachua County.
“As a pilot project the garden represents a commitment to building a resilient community and will feature educational events on rainwater collection, edible landscaping, composting, and local food year round,” said Randall Reid, County Manager. Harvested fruit and vegetables will be shared with local food banks and charitable organizations.
“Access to good nutritious food is important for communities suffering from hunger and obesity problems,” said Sean McLendon Sustainability Program Manager. Recognized nationally, Alachua County has developed a Hunger Abatement Plan and is sponsoring ongoing Healthy Community Dialogues with its citizenry.
This demonstration garden was made possible by a $4,000 donation from the Downtown Rotary Club and partnerships with Florida Organic Growers and Abundant Edible Landscapes to help plant and harvest. Home Depot also donated garden tools. “These projects can’t succeed without the support of the community and our civic organizations,” said McLendon.
“Florida Organic Growers (FOG) through the GIFT Gardens program has installed raised-bed gardens at more than 200 sites in Alachua County since 2008 through generous funding from Alachua County’s Community Agency Partnership Program and the City of Gainesville’s Community Development Block Grant,” FOG Executive Director Marty Mesh said. “This is FOG’s first GIFT Garden installation at an Alachua County facility, and we look forward to working with the County and others to develop more edible landscaping in years to come to increase our community’s food security.”
“The opportunity to work with the county to establish an edible park for teaching people to grow food is exciting. There is a lot of potential for growing food all over Alachua County and this is just the start of creating a sustainable, local food system,” Ryan Brouillard, co-owner Abundant Edible Landscapes, Inc.
The public is invited to view the planting and attend an address by community leaders with refreshments provided from local business owners at 10 AM.
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 February 23, 2010, Alachua County staff presented to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) a summary of the public comments received and the action plan proposed for the NW 16th Ave/NW 23rd Ave Project. During this meeting, the BoCC directed staff to proceed with the implementation of the proposed action plan which includes ground tests and evaluations of the proposed median modifications and closures. Upon completion of the action plan, which began on March 22, 2010, staff will return and present the findings and recommendations to the BoCC.
The ground tests temporarily closed the existing traffic separator and medians located west of the NW 16th Ave/NW 13th Street and east of the NW 16th Blvd/NW 43rd Street intersections. These initial tests were completed on May 25, 2010.
An additional action item is proposed to those that were approved by the BoCC on February 23, 2010. This additional ground test will temporarily close the existing traffic separator in front of the Kangaroo Station/Millhopper Square and modify the median opening in front of the Fresh Market and Publix Shopping Centers located east of the NW 16th Blvd/NW 43rd Street intersection. This test is scheduled to begin on June 21, 2010 and end on August 4, 2010.
To view the February 23rd BoCC meeting, click here (scroll down to and click item 16 to skip to this part of the meeting).
The NW 16th Ave/NW 23rd Avenue Project (between NW 57th Terrace and NW 13th Street) includes the resurfacing and rehabilitation of the existing pavement, upgrading the existing pedestrian facilities to meet current ADA requirements, addressing safety and operational issues through intersection and median opening modifications, and stabilizing the retaining walls along NW 16th Ave. The project length is 4.0 miles.
Upon completion of the preliminary plans, the County identified the need to evaluate the provisions for accommodation of bicycles along the entire corridor. This resulted in the identification of three options to improve bicycle accommodation including narrowing the existing lanes, widening the existing sidewalks, and widening the existing roadway. This information was presented to the BoCC during their meeting on Oct 27, 2009, at the Public Information Meeting held on November 16, 2009, and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board meeting on December 1, 2009.
A Public Information Meeting Summary Report has been developed that summarizes written comments received on this project. In addition, an action plan has been developed to identify specific tasks and activities to address issues raised by the BoCC and the general public during the public involvement process in order to finalize the preliminary design concepts for the project. The plan presents research activities to evaluate proposed project improvements, identifies on the ground tests and evaluations for selected proposed project improvements and presents communications and public involvement activities to communicate the findings.
Click here for a public comment form, which is available for making written comments concerning this action plan.
For more information, contact Brent King, Alachua County Public Works at 352-374-5245 ext. 217.
The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office along with the City of Gainesville Equal Opportunity Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Center for Independent Living and Alachua County School Board is hosting an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Expo to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the ADA. The Expo is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the Sidney Lanier Center (312 NW 16th Avenue, Gainesville). Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to Noon. It is free and open to the public. Employers are encouraged to attend.
This 6th Annual ADA EXPO will feature a panel representing the EEOC, State Vocational Rehabilitation Office and the Environmental Safety & Occupational Health Division of BlueCross BlueShield of Florida. The speakers will discuss the new ADA changes required of businesses as well as information about providing affordable, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Many business vendors, agencies and organizations that offer service to individuals with disabilities will be present. Individuals will also be able to register with Alachua County Emergency Management for special needs assistance in the event of a hurricane or disaster and experience accessible voting machines with the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Passed in July, 1990, the ADA creates an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, education, transportation and accommodations. On January 1, 2009 a new law became effective which significantly expands coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will require changes by employers to ensure compliance. The ADA applies to businesses with 15 or more employees, including part time and temporary workers.
Click here for the event flyer.
Free transportation is available for persons with special needs.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 or the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity at 352-334-5051.
If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.
Health Department Alerts Community To Dangers Of Heat
The Alachua County Health Department is alerting citizens to monitor their health and limit direct sun exposure as temperatures rise.
“The high temperature and humidity that we are experiencing make heat-related illness more likely,” stated Jean Munden, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “Citizens should monitor their health and contact their medical provider if they start to feel ill due to the heat.”
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the primary heat-related illnesses people suffer when the body’s temperature increases. Citizens are urged to stay inside air-conditioned rooms or out of the sun when possible and drink plenty of light-colored fluids. Additionally, citizens should never leave children or pets in vehicles, as the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
Citizens should limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, wear light clothing, and if exercising or working outdoors, rest often in shady areas. Alachua County is expected to have temperatures in the 90’s with sporadic rain throughout the week.
Click here for the Alachua County Health Department webpage.
For more information, contact Paul Myers at 352-334-8873.
Florida Administrative Code, Rule 62-550.824, requires community water systems to prepare and provide their customers an annual consumer confidence report on the quality of the water delivered by their systems. Water samples are drawn and tested throughout the year to test for required contaminates. This report is provided to the consumers no later than July 1st each year.
The Alachua County Public Works Department is the operator for the Santa Fe Hills Water System. The County has filed the 2009 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for Santa Fe Hills Subdivision.
According to this year’s report:
“None of the contaminants exceeded the maximum contaminant levels. We are pleased to report that Santa Fe Hills Water System provided safe drinking water to our customers in accordance with the State and Federal standards.”
To view the report, click here.
If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Kenneth Fair of the Alachua County Public Works Department at 352 374-5245 X233.
July Commercial Horticulture Extension Programs
The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs in July, 2010. All of these programs are held at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville), and require pre-registration.
Green Industries Best Management Practices Workshop July 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This workshop is designed to provide training in Best Management Practices for anyone working in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. This is a required training class for all commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators in Alachua County according to the Alachua County Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code.
A “Commercial Fertilizer Applicator” means any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in Alachua County in exchange for money, goods, services or other valuable consideration.
An “Institutional Fertilizer Applicator” means any person, other than a non-commercial or commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners and managers of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium and/or common ownership.
Best Management Practices are focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application. In some areas, you need to be certified in the BMPs to be able to bid on jobs or have commercial customers. It will be mandatory throughout the state in the near future. Stay a step ahead of the new requirements.
* Earn CEUs for pesticide license holders. For CEUs, get form signed before you leave.
*(2) CORE, (2) Ornamental & Turf, Limited Commercial Landscape.
Cost $25.00 (includes materials and lunch). Please pre-register by July 6 by calling 352-337-6209.
Click here for a complete brochure of commercial horticulture programs and events (with registration form).
Worker Protection Standard – Train the Trainer Workshop July 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Under FAWSA and WPS, agriculture employers must ensure that agricultural workers and pesticide handlers employed in the state of Florida receive protection from agricultural pesticides and information concerning pesticides. The Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer (WPS TTT) Program promotes the development of a working population of knowledgeable WPS trainers of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers, in order to prevent and reduce pesticide exposure and related illness.
Cost to attend this class is $5.00. Pre-register by July 8 by calling 352-337-6209.
Click here for a complete brochure of commercial horticulture programs and events (with registration form).
CORE (General Standards) July 22, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This workshop is designed to provide training in practices related to CORE (General Standards) for anyone working with pesticides in the agricultural or landscaping industry. CEU’s will be awarded.
Cost to attend this class is $5.00 (includes materials and snacks). Pre-register by July 19 by calling 352-337-6209.
Click here for a complete brochure of commercial horticulture programs and events (with registration form).
For more information about Extension Programs, click here, or call 352-955-2402.
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
Attachments: Announcements
ACCESS Graduation
The Board presented the certificates of completion and a copy of the class photo to the 23 graduates of the 2010 Alachua County Civic Education Series (ACCESS) class.
Attachment: ACCESS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2010.pdf
Dr. Kathleen Cantwell Day
The Board proclaimed June 22, 2010 as “Dr. Kathleen Cantwell Day” in Alachua County, Florida.
Attachment: Dr Kathleen Cantwell V3.pdf
Global Facilities Management Day
The Board proclaimed June 24, 2010 as “Global Facilities Management Day” in Alachua County, Florida
Attachment: Global Facilities Management Day B.pdf
2010 Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties
The Board approved and signed the Voting Credentials for Rodney J. Long and Cynthia M. Chestnut, who will be attending the 2010 Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Attachment: Voter credentialing form.pdf
Attachment: NACo Memorandum.pdf
Non-profits Fee Schedule
The Board authorized staff to develop a change to the fee schedule for development review items for non-profits that provide a direct fiscal service to the County. The Board directed staff to continue to work on the criteria for these operations to demonstrate that they provide a service to the County that the County would otherwise pay for and is consistent with Comprehensive Plan policy or code. The Board directed staff to attend the Aug. 2010 informal meeting to discuss this issue.
Attachment: Evaluation of Fee Reduction.pdf
Florida Public Service Commission
The Board authorized the Chair to sign of letter to the Florida Public Service Commission with comments on the GRU 2010 Ten Year Site Plan. The letter will include the Board’s concern about use of water regardless of source and that GRU is working on plan to minimize their use of water
Attachment: BoCC Letter to City Feb122010.PDF
Attachment: Deerhaven Site Map.pdf
Attachment: Florida Statutes Ch186.pdf
Attachment: PSC Request for Comment April 21 2010.pdf
Attachment: Draft Chair Letter to PSC June222010.pdf
Attachment: GRU 2010 Ten Year Site Plan.pdf
Attachment: Letter from City May282010.PDF
CAPP Advisory Board
The Board adopted the Resolution to change the designated United Way position on the CAPP Advisory Board to a Citizen-at-Large position.
Attachment: CAPP_Amend_FINAL.pdf
Attachment: CAPP_Tracked.pdf
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida/Health Options, Inc.
The Board approved the execution the agreement between Alachua County and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida/Health Options, Inc. for Network Administration. This will enable the County to take advantage of the projected savings opportunities, which will extend the length of time that the CHOICES Program can be operated.Attachment: HEALTH OPTIONSINC FOR NETWORK ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT Final.pdf
Attachment: BCBS_MCABid.pdf
Attachment: Additional Page for BCBS Power Point Presentation.pdf
Attachment: BOCC Contract signature page.pdf
Attachment: Additional Page for BCBS Power Point Presentation.pptx
Attachment: MCA_Termination_Language.pdf
Metamorphosis Substance Abuse Treatment Program
The Board approved amendment 3 to Contract CD903 in order to maintain funding for Metamorphosis Substance Abuse Treatment Program with the Department of Children and Families.Attachment: dcfcontract.pdf
Attachment: DCF_email_powell.pdf
Attachment: dcfamendment.pdf
Attachment: dcfreview.pdf
State of Florida Department of Emergency Management
The Board approved the State of Florida, Department of Emergency Management, Federally-Funded Sub-grant Agreement, the Resolution, Budget Amendment, and Authorized the Inter-fund Loan
Amount: $147,446.00
Attachment: Reserve adjustments for FY10 06222010.pdf
Attachment: EMPA Reso Final.pdf
Attachment: EMPA Grant Fnal.pdf
Attachment: EMPG Bud Amend 06222010.pdf
County Manager’s Report
The Manager reported that there were no substantial savings to be had by bond refinancing at this time due to refinancing that took place in 2007.
The Manager reported on properties available in the SW 24th Ave/Tower Road area for a possible Community Center. The Board instructed staff to continue looking at possibilities to include properties that are not for sale but whose owners might want to sell. The Board Instructed staff to return when ready with a management plan for the facility.
The Manager reported an upcoming meeting with a citizen who is willing to fund the continuation of the Digital Downtown wireless internet service in the downtown area. The Manager is meeting with the citizen and other government entities to discuss the maintenance of the system in the future.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Long expressed concern about a call that alleged that some realtors are not disclosing the Koppers Superfund Site when showing homes near the site. The Board authorized sending a letter to the president of the local realtors association reminding that this must be disclosed.
Unified Land Development Code (Building Setbacks)
The Board voted to amend the Chapter 404.10 of the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) to allow the reviewing board to reduce building setbacks for agricultural processing to a minimum of 100 feet wide on a case-by-case basis.
Attachment: Ag Processing ULDC.pdf
Attachment: Ag Processing ULDC.pptx
Attachment: Ordinance for Ag processing.pdf
Unified Land Development Code (Transit Oriented Development)
The Board approved the ordinance amending the Unified Land Development Code by adopting regulations for traditional neighborhood and transit oriented developments and amending the public hearing requirements for rezoning requests to make them consistent with State Statute and directed staff to proceed to the second hearing.
Attachment: TNDTODPresentation062210.pdf
Attachment: FS_Section 125_66.pdf
Attachment: TNDTODOrdinance.pdf
Attachment: TNDTODPresentation062210.pptx
Attachment: TNDTODOrdinanceExhibitA.pdf
Shands rezoning
The Board approved Item ZOM-05-10, Shands rezoning, with basis as listed in the Staff Report
Attachment: ZOM0510Resolution.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510AppMaterialsPart2.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510_BoCCPresentation.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510AppMaterialsPart1.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0510_BoCCPresentation.pptx
Attachment: ZOM0510StaffReport.pdf
Reduced Building Setbacks
The Board adopted Resolution Z-11-10 approving ZOX-02-10: A request to amend a special exception to reduce required building setbacks from 200 feet to 100 feet in the Agricultural zoning district.
Attachment: Special Exception Minor Amendment.pdf
Attachment: Resolution for ZOX0210.pdf
Attachment: ZOX0210 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: ZOX0210.pptx
Attachment: ZOX0210 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: Zoning Application.pdf
Attachment: Original Survey.pdf
Fire Assessment
The Board conducted the Public Hearing to adopt the Final Assessment Resolution related to the Fire Assessment. The Board chose to continue this item to the July 13, 2010 meeting at 5 p.m.
Attachment: Final Report and Addendum Memo.pdf
Attachment: FINAL Alachua County Report 052010.pdf
Attachment: FinalAssessmentResolution 06222010.pdf
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.
