Future of Canoe Outpost Uncertain as Costs Climb

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission is wrestling with increasing costs associated with the city-owned Canoe Outpost. At the June 8 Commission meeting, after hearing about a number of issues at the recreation area that provides access to the Santa Fe River, Commissioner Tristan Grunder said the City should consider getting out of owning the facility. Commissioner Katherine Weitz echoed Grunder’s view.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos reported about the increased cost of replacing the dock, a wood walking path to the Santa Fe River, and that costs for all items have increased dramatically over the past two years, pointing to an exponential increase in insurance costs, among others.

Stathatos said the original goal of the project was to improve the dock to be ADA accessible and provide safe access to the river for a variety of activities including launching vessels, fishing and site seeing. In so doing, a design needed to be developed that could withstand flooding events and complied with the requirements of the Suwannee River Water Management District, Conservation Trust and building codes.

Those improvements required by all authorities make the dock more expensive to build than originally planned. Due to the increased cost, City staff recommended the project be put on hold while seeking additional funding and exploring other options, bringing back alternatives to the Commission.

One option under consideration includes maintaining the path in its natural, unimproved state and stabilizing the ground so it is accessible to most wheelchair users and assessing soft launching options.

In other City business, the Commission set Nov. 7, 2023 for the City election for Seat #1, currently held by Vice-Mayor Ross Ambrose, and Seat #2, currently held by Mayor Gloria James.. Candidates may qualify to run for election for either of the two seats by filing with High Springs City Clerk Angela Stone during business hours from Monday, July 17 - Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to a request by Gary and Patricia Grunder to vacate a 15-foot utility easement originally reserved by the City in the mistaken belief that there was an existing water line in the easement. City Manager Ashley Stathatos explained that there is no water line in the easement and that the City has no plans to ever run a water line in the easement.

The homeowners plan to place a garage and greenhouse in the easement area. City Commissioner Gary Grunder abstained from voting on this issue as he is the person petitioning the City to vacate the easement. After consideration of the request, Commissioners voted 4 – 0 to vacate the easement.

Wastewater Treatment

The Commission approved hiring Norm D. Fugate and Fugate & Fugate Law Firm to negotiate an interlocal agreement between High Springs, Archer and Newberry for the use of the City of Newberry’s wastewater treatment plant when it is built. The city manager is also authorized to negotiate an agreement between the City and Fugate at a cost of $225 per hour plus costs.

City Attorney Scott Walker estimated the cost to be based on approximately 10 hours or less, depending on negotiations.

Restricting Large Vehicle Traffic

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2023-07 on first reading, which directs vehicles having three or more axels to use the preferred truck route in lieu of operating on Northwest 186^th Place, formerly known as U.S. Highway 27 Alt. The preferred truck route will be State Road 20/State Road 25 US 441 to State Road 45/High Springs Main Street.

Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham met with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and requested the truck traffic change. FDOT will provide signage to redirect traffic and requested that the City provide this ordinance restricting vehicles having three or more axles.

Charitable Donations

In other business, Stathatos reported a significant increase in requests for charitable donations and recommended revamping the City’s policy. There have been requests from Gainesville for donations, which may not benefit High Springs residents, and the Commission agreed that local groups and organizations would be more likely to benefit local citizens. Stathatos was directed to develop a policy that will include a line-item budget for these requests.

The Commission denied an email request for a donation from a group in Gainesville called Created Gainesville, which is supposed to support victims of human trafficking. None of the Commissioners were familiar with the organization.

Changed Meeting Dates

The Commission changed several upcoming meeting dates to avoid calendar conflicts. Meeting dates are now scheduled for Sept. 14 and 25, Nov. 16 and 28 and Dec. 14.

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