Community Update - Earth Day Edition
A Report on the Activities of Alachua County Government
This Issues Features:
Creating Sustainable Workplaces and Organizations
Trashformations: Recycled Art Competition
What’s On “Alachua County Talks”
Mill Creek Preserve Input Needed
County Job Opportunities
County Update on Channel 12
Warning: Mosquito Borne Diseases
Three Road Projects Beginning
2010 Election Information
Fire Prevention Week
Commission Meeting Highlights
Creating Sustainable Workplaces and Organizations
Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid has released, "Creating Sustainable Workplaces and Organizations." This booklet gives tips and resources for residents and businesses to help understand and implement environmental changes.
According to Manager Reid, "Sustainability entails living mindfully of the future, embracing and respecting life in the present, and caring for the wellbeing of generations to follow. The concept is broadly defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."
To view the booklet, click here (click here for a downloadable PDF).
For more information on sustainability click here, or contact Alachua County Sustainability Manager Sean McLendon at 352-548-3765.
Trashformations: Recycled Art Competition
From an egret made of milk jugs to a copper butterfly, reused and recyclable materials are finding their way to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives and the Florida Museum of Natural History are hosting "Trashformations," a juried student recycled art show and competition. The competition begins at 5:30 p.m. on November 19, 2010, at the Florida Museum of Natural History (in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza, SW 34th Street and Hull Road, Gainesville).
All artwork entered in the contest must be comprised of 70% or more recycled/recyclable/reused materials. Cash prizes will be awarded for winning entries in middle school, high school and college categories. There will also be The Waste Watcher and Museum awards. Applications (to participate) must be submitted by November 6, at 5 p.m. Click here for a printable application/brochure.
The Trashformations exhibit is free and open to the public.
For more information, click here, or contact the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives at 352-374-5213.
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 Pretrial Services Manager Gerie Crawford discuss pretrial services, including community supervision and case management services provided to defendants to ensure compliance with release and court appearance orders.
Click here to watch lachua County Purchasing Manager Larry Sapp discuss County purchasing philosophy, policy and procedures, including discussions on how businesses can learn about and compete for County contracts.
Mill Creek Preserve Input Needed
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department's Alachua County Forever Program is soliciting citizen input on the revision of the Management Plan for Mill Creek Preserve.
Alachua County owns 1230 ± acres at the intersection of CR241 and CR 236. The property was acquired to protect, preserve, and enhance the unique natural and cultural resources found on the property, and to provide an enjoyable and educational passive recreational experience. The County is seeking citizen input on the revised management plan.
To view the draft management plan, click here or call 352-264-6848.
Citizen input can be given by submitting written comments via mail to the Environmental Protection Department Land Conservation Program (201 SE 2nd Ave., Suite 201/Gainesville, FL 32601), or email to kmcpherson@alachuacounty.us by October 19, 2010.
For more information, contact Alachua County Senior Environment Specialist, Kelly McPherson at 352-264-6848 or kmcpherson@alachuacounty.us.
Alachua County is hiring a COURT SERVICES DIRECTOR- Must Apply by 11/05/10
Click here for job details.
Click here for other County job opportunities
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:
Warning: Mosquito Borne Diseases
The Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) continues to detect mosquito borne diseases in the County. "Our sentinel surveillance system continues to indicate that disease transmission is occurring," stated Paul Myers, Assistant Director at the ACHD. "Taking a few simple steps can drastically reduce the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne illness."
Symptoms of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne diseases.
The ACHD continues to advise citizens to remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites by following the "5 D's," which include:
For more information on mosquito borne illnesses, visit the ACHD website at www.AlachuaCountyHealth.com, the DOH Web site at www.myfloridaEH.com, the CDC Web site www.cdc.gov or contact the ACHD at 352-334-7930.
General media inquiries please contact Paul Myers at 352-334-8873.
In the fall of 2010, the Alachua County Public Works Department will begin construction of three projects to relieve traffic congestion in southwest Gainesville. The projects are funded through a series of federal transportation earmarks associated with the SW 62nd Blvd Connector project. These projects will provide short-term relief to traffic congestion.
The planning, design and construction of these projects are through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and City of Gainesville. The $4.36 million construction contract for the three projects was awarded to D.A.B. Constructors. JEAces will be providing the Construction, Engineering & Inspection services for these projects at a cost of $661,335.
The three projects scheduled for construction include:
1. The addition of turn lanes in the intersection of SW 40th Blvd and Archer Rd. A second eastbound to northbound left turn lane will be added on Archer Rd and a southbound right turn lane will be added on SW 40th Blvd.
2. The addition of turn lanes at the intersection of SW 20th Ave at SW 43rd St. A second northbound to westbound left-turn lane will be constructed on SW 43rd St and other enhancements including construction of bike lanes, sidewalks, a new turnout for eastbound buses, and landscaping will be constructed.
3. The construction of a Smart Bus Bay on SW 20th Ave east of SW 38th Terrace. This project will provide a new transit stop with shelters for eastbound and westbound buses on SW 20th Ave. The project will include a new pedestrian signal to cross SW 20th Ave. The bus bay is "smart" since the new signal will be linked to buses through sensors in the roadway and the signal will be used to give priority to buses when they cannot merge into traffic. The project also includes connections between the signal on SW 20th Ave at SW 43rd St and SW 34th St to improve traffic flow along this corridor.
A fourth project in this area, the design and construction of the four-lane connector from Archer Rd to Newberry Rd east of I-75, will move forward when funding is available and provide long-term congestion relief.
For more information, contact Ha Nguyen at the Alachua County Public Works Department at 374-5245 ext 1223 or click here.
Early Voting for the November 2, 2010 General Election will be available Monday, October 18, 2010 through Saturday, October 30, 2010.
EARLY VOTING HOURS:
Weekdays, Monday – Friday (9AM to 5PM)
October 18th through October 22nd
October 25th through October 29th
Saturday, October 23rd (9AM to 1PM)
Sunday, October 24th (1PM to 5PM)
EARLY VOTING SITES
Supervisor of Elections Office
County Administration Building Location
12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville
Millhopper Branch Library
3145 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville
Tower Road Branch Library
3020 SW 75th Street, Gainesville
VOTE BY MAIL
Any registered voter may Vote by Mail. To request a ballot and Vote by Mail, voters may make their request online at VoteAlachua.com or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252. Voters will need to make sure their address and signature on file with the Supervisor of Elections are current. Your mail ballot may not count if the signature does not match the signature on your voter record. The last day to request your ballot be mailed is Wednesday, October 27, 2010 by 5:00PM.
To request a ballot for another voter, you must be a designated member of the voter's immediate family or a legal guardian. Requests can be made online, in person, by mail, by telephone or by fax. All requests must include the voter's name, residence address, and date of birth. The request must also include the requestor's name, residence address, relationship to the voter and driver's license number if available. Mail or fax requests must also include the requestor's signature.
A voter may designate in writing another person to pick up an absentee ballot starting Thursday, October 28, 2010. The designee must have a note signed by the voter, a picture identification of the designee and must complete an affidavit. The affidavit is available for download at VoteAlachua.com. The designee may not pick up more than two absentee ballots per election, not including the designee's own ballot and ballots for members of his or her immediate family.
Absentee ballots are available at the Supervisor of Elections Office for voters who may have emergencies that will not allow them to go to their polling place to vote.
All absentee ballots must be received in the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7:00PM Election Day.
VOTE AT YOUR PRECINCT
Any voter may vote in the precinct of their residence between 7:00AM and 7:00PM on Election Day. Florida Law requires voters to present picture and signature ID in order to vote, or vote a provisional ballot. If you need to locate your precinct, go to VoteAlachua.com and click on MY VIP (My Voter Information Page).
If you have any questions or need further information please visit our website at VoteAlachua.com or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252.
LONG BALLOT IN THE GENERAL ELECTION
Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter would like Alachua County voters to be aware that the November 2nd General Election ballot is going to be a long one, and will take a little extra time in the voting booth to complete. Voters should be prepared and be patient.
The General Election ballot will have national, state, county, and local races on it. The ballot also will include six State Constitutional Amendments, one Nonbinding Statewide Advisory Referendum, six Alachua County Referenda questions, one Alachua County Initiative Ordinance and two City of High Springs Municipal Referenda.
Voters are encouraged to study their sample ballot ahead of time so they are familiar with the races and issues, thus requiring less time in the voting booth marking their ballot. Voters may bring their sample ballot with them to the polls, but must remove it from the voting booth after they have completed their ballot.
The Alachua County League of Women Voters, a non-partisan educational organization, has compiled two helpful Voter Guides to assist voters in understanding the state amendments, County Referenda and the County Initiative Ordinance. This information can be found on our website at www.VoteAlachua.com or on the League's website at www.lwv-alachua.org.
Sample ballots are available for viewing on the Supervisor of Elections website at www.VoteAlachua.com.
An audio sample ballot for the November 2, 2010 General Election is also available on the Supervisor of Elections' website at www.VoteAlachua.com.
Audio Ballots Available
All Alachua County Public Libraries
Center for Independent Living, 222 S.W. 36th Terrace, Gainesville
Division of Blind Services, 3620 NW 43rd Street, Suite C, Gainesville
Supervisor of Elections Office, 111 S.E. 1st Avenue, Gainesville
A text file of the sample ballot formatted for screen readers is also available on our website at www.VoteAlachua.com.
If you have any questions or need further information please visit our website at www.VoteAlachua.com or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 3rd-9th, 2010, as Fire Prevention Week in Alachua County. The theme for Fire Prevention Week this year was, "Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with."
Fire Prevention Week is the annual time period set aside by fire departments throughout the country to focus the public's attention on the tragedy and suffering caused by something that can be prevented. It's a time when fire departments heighten their efforts to bring awareness citizens about how to prevent a fire in the home or work place, and how to escape if one occurs. The mission of the Alachua County Department of Public Safety is to "Improve the life, safety and protection of property through preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery."
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871. According to popular legend, the fire broke out after Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn't the biggest. The Peshtigo Fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, was the most devastating forest fire in American history. It roared through Northeast Wisconsin and burned down 16 towns. Historical accounts say that the blaze began when railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. The small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed. Those who survived never forgot what they'd been through; both blazes produced tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety.
On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (now known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has always been observed the Sunday through Saturday period during which October 9th falls.
While The Alachua County Department of Public Safety stands at the ready to respond to any fire emergency, it still remains that the best fire is the one that never occurs.
For more information, contact Alachua County Department of Public Safety at 352-384-3101.
Announcements
The Board heard announcements by Mark Sexton Communications Coordinator
Attachment: Announcements
United Nations Day 2010
The Board proclaimed October 21, 2010 as “United Nations Day 2010” in Alachua County, Florida.
Attachment: UN_Day_2010.pdf
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day
The Board proclaimed October 15th through 23rd as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day” in Alachua County, Florida.
Attachment: Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Days.pdf
White Cane Awareness Safety Month
The Board proclaimed October, 2010 as “White Cane Awareness Safety Month” in Alachua County, Florida.
Attachment: White Cane Safety Awareness.pdf
Veteran Services Advisory Board
The Board heard the presentation by the Veteran Services Advisory Board
Attachment: VSAB 201011 workplan form.pdf
Meeting Calendar for 2011
The Board approved the Board of County Commission Regularly Scheduled Meeting Calendar for 2011.
Attachment: 2011 BOCC Calendar.pdf
Facilities Division Personal Service Budget
The Board approved the use of General Fund Reserves to increase Facilities Division Personal Service Budget for the use of staff for Jail Energy Conservation, Jail Kitchen Renovation and the Jail Window Replacement Capital Projects
Amount: $150,000.00
Attachment: GENERAL_FUND_RESERVE.pdf
Attachment: SHERIFF_LETTER.pdf
Attachment: JAIL_BUDGET_AMENDMENT.pdf
Landscape Fertilizer and Irrigation Codes
The Board authorized staff to advertise the proposed Ordinance to amend County’s Landscape Fertilizer and Irrigation Codes to include the Cities of Gainesville and Hawthorne who recently opted-into the ordinance.Attachment: Hawthorne201019.pdf
Attachment: Gainesville090813.pdf
Attachment: Hawthorne201018.pdf
Attachment: FertilizerIrrigationAmendment.pdf
Attachment: Gainesville090896.pdf
Attachment: FertilizerIrrigationAmendmentAd.pdf
SW 62nd Blvd. Connector Interim Projects
The Board approved the Construction Contract for the SW 62nd Blvd. Connector Interim Projects with D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. for County Project No. 6313, SW 62nd Blvd Connector Interim Projects.
Amount: $4,363,333.32
Attachment: DAB Const 62nd Ave Connector Final.pdf
Attachment: Bid document spec.pdf
Attachment: SW 20th Signal Interconnect Plans.pdf
Attachment: 10 430 LAP Project 6313 SW 62 BLVD Connector Interim Projects Addendum1.pdf
Attachment: dab perf bond.pdf
Attachment: dab pay bond.pdf
Attachment: dab cert insurance.pdf
Attachment: Combined Revision Plans Smart Bus Bay without Interconnect.pdf
Attachment: Combined Revision Plans Archer SW40th.pdf
Attachment: Combined Revision Plans SW20th SW43rd.pdf
Professional Service Agreement
The Board approved the Professional Service Agreement with JEA, Construction Engineering Services, Inc. (JEAces) to provide services for Construction, Engineering and Inspection (CEI) for Project 6313 SW 62nd Blvd. Connector Interim Projects
Amount: $661,334.89
Attachment: JEA CEI 62nd Ave Connector Final.pdf
Revisions to Employees Policies
Under the County Manager’s Report, the Board approved revisions to Employees Policy 3-2, Recruitment and Selection; Policy 4-5 Performance Evaluations and Policy 4-6, Equal Employment Opportunity.
NW 16th Ave/NW 23rd Ave Resurfacing Project
Concerning the NW 16th Ave/NW 23rd Ave Resurfacing Project the Board chose to:
Proceed with the development of 30% plans for NW16 Ave and NW 23 Ave based upon the merger of options 4 and 2 as presented
Schedule a joint meeting with the City of Gainesville at Westwood Middle if available in Dec. 2010
Include expansion of sidewalks to both inside/outside margins design as shared use facility
Get sales tax data before and after “access management” redesign of Westgate Shopping Center
Provide BOCC before/after speed study of NW 143 St
Open median asap at Kangaroo, pursue opening design with Millhopper and Thornebrooke shopping centers
Provide analysis of turning movements once Publix reopens.
Not pursue lane reductions
Attachment: NW16thBOCCPresentation10_12_2010.pdf
Attachment: ActionPlanSummaryReport.pdf
Land Use Designation
The Board adopted the Ordinance amending the land use designation on this parcel, CPA-07-10 small-scale land use from Office/Residential to Commercial land use.
Attachment: CPA0710 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Attachment: Ordinance for CPA0710.pdf
Attachment: CPA0710 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: CPA0710 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: Arbor Greens CPA Package.pdf
Small-scale Land Use
The Board adopted Ordinance 10-xx approving the requested change, CPA-09-10 request for small-scale land use from Office to Commercial use.
Attachment: CPA0910 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: Ordinance for CPA0910.pdf
Attachment: Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application.pdf
Attachment: CPA0910 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Attachment: CPA0910 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Alachua County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Element
The Board denied a request by Gerry Dedenbach of Causseaux, Hewett & Walpole, Inc., agent, for Oakmont at Gainesville, LLP, owner, for a text amendment change to amend Alachua County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Element Policy 7.1.7 to allow for development in accordance with Low Density Residential Future Land Use category on approximately 480 acres located at 12103 SW 24th Avenue on Tax Parcel Number 04427-000-000.
Attachment: CPA0310 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: CPA0310 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: CPA0310 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Attachment: CPA0310 Citizen Comments.pdf
Attachment: Alachua_Co_10_2_ORC.pdf
Attachment: CPA0310 Background Materials.pdf
Attachment: Ordinance for CPA0310.pdf
Density Requirements
The Board adopted Ordinance 10-xx approving the request CPA-05-10 to allow density requirements to be waived in case of personal hardship.
Attachment: CPA0510 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: CPA0510 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: Ordinance for CPA0510.pdf
Attachment: Alachua_Co_10_2_ORC.pdf
Attachment: CPA0510 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Newberry Village
The Board adopted the Ordinance approving CPA-02-10, Newberry Village Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Attachment: Alachua_Co_10_2_ORC.pdf
Attachment: CompPlanAmendmentApp.pdf
Attachment: FaciltiesImpactStudy.pdf
Attachment: NeighborhoodWorkshop.pdf
Attachment: ApplicantsAnalysisofPlanConsistency.pdf
Attachment: CPA0210BoCCAdoptionPP.pptx
Attachment: Legal Description.pdf
Attachment: CPA0210AdoptionStaffReport.pdf
Attachment: CPA0210BoCCAdoptionPowerPoint.pdf
Attachment: CPA0210_Citizen_Comments.pdf
Attachment: DescriptionRequest.pdf
Attachment: NaturalResourceInventory.pdf
Attachment: CPA0210_Ordinance.pdf
Springhills
The Board adopted the Ordinance approving CPA-04-10, the Springhills Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request
Attachment: NeighborhoodWorkshop.pdf
Attachment: Alachua_Co_10_2_ORC.pdf
Attachment: CPA0410_Citizen_Comments.pdf
Attachment: PREITCompPlanApp.pdf
Attachment: CompAmendmentJustification.pdf
Attachment: CPA0410_Ordinance.pdf
Attachment: CPA0410BoCCAdoptionPowerPoint.pdf
Attachment: PropBoundaries.pdf
Attachment: CPA0410AdoptionStaffReport.pdf
Attachment: CPA0410BoCCAdoptionPP.pptx
Attachment: TripGeneration.pdf
Longleaf Planned Development
The Board approved the Replat of Lot 296, Longleaf Planned Development, Phase VI, Unit III
Attachment: LL296GMSR.pdf
Attachment: LL296CHSR.pdf
Attachment: LL296plat.pdf
Attachment: LL296replat.pdf
Marmaduke West Addition
The Board approved the Replat of Lot 1, Marmaduke West Addition No. 1
Attachment: MDWA1_CHSR.pdf
Attachment: MDWA1_plat.pdf
Attachment: MDWA1_repl.pdf
Attachment: MDWA1_GMSR.pdf
Non-residential Planned Development District.
The Board adopted Resolution Z-10-15 approving the proposed request to amend an existing non-residential Planned Development district.
Attachment: ZOM0710 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0710 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Attachment: Resolution for ZOM0710.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0710 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: Arbor Greens ZMP.pdf
Attachment: Arbor Greens Rezoning Package.pdf
Administrative/Professional District
The Board adopted Resolution Z-10-16 approving the item to rezone from Administrative/Professional district to Business, Retail Sales and Services District.
Attachment: ZOM0910 Powerpoint Presentation.pptx
Attachment: ZOM0910 Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
Attachment: ZOM0910 Staff Report.pdf
Attachment: Resolution for ZOM0910.pdf
Attachment: Zoning Application.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:
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: One citizen actively engaged in the banking or mortgage industry in connection with affordable housing, one citizen actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing, one citizen actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing, one citizen actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing, one citizen who serves on the local planning agency
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.