High Springs Priest Theater Gets Reprieve, City Accepts Grant to Purchase and Renovate

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The Priest Theater has once again received a reprieve from an uncertain future. The High Springs City Commission on Nov. 28 unanimously agreed to move forward with the purchase and renovation of the historic structure.

Building contractor Joe Hoffman addressed the Commission about moving forward with the Priest Theater renovation to shore up the crumbling landmark. He submitted an estimate of $605,000 to shore up the roof and structure. The price doesn’t include paint, setting it up for ADA compliance or electrical work, but it would be enough to replace the roof and shore up the building. He estimated another $100,000 to do more to improve the building.

Hoffman urged the Commissioners to accept the $1.4 million grant through a State of Florida Legislative appropriation and move ahead with the project before it’s too late to save the building.

Several other citizens and some Commissioners voiced support to accept the grant. By unanimous vote, the Commission accepted the grant appropriation and directed staff to bring back a resolution to create an advisory board to oversee the project. During discussion, a member of the Heart of High Springs announced their interest in possibly acquiring the building as a cultural, as well as historic, property.

Search for New City Manager

The City has begun the search for a new city manager following receipt of a letter of resignation from current City Manager Ashley Stathatos. Due to illness, Stathatos was not in attendance at the meeting. City Clerk Angela Stone prepared an advertisement for review. Additions included a request to add that “experience in a small, historic town” would be preferable and a salary range of $100,000 - $120,000. The advertisement will stay open for 45 days. The ad will be placed in a Florida League of Cities publication.

In discussing interim city managers former High Springs City Commissioner Sue Weller suggested the addition of the stipulation that the applicant would have to move to High Springs and also informed the Commission about the Rangers Program that is part of the City Managers Association in which an experienced former city manager can be assigned to a town in the interim.

City Attorney

The Commission tackled issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new city attorney. Following discussion and comments for current City Attorney Scott Walker, the Commission tabled the discussion until a new city manager has been hired.

When Mayor Katherine Weitz said she was looking for ways to save money, Walker explained that when he joined the City 16 years ago, the City was in litigation on several fronts. He pointed out that the hidden saving of having an experienced city attorney is that his firm has been able to keep the City out of costly litigation.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder said this is not the right time to change attorneys. Commissioner Steven Tapanes agreed with Grunder, pointing out that the City was already having to find a new fire chief as well as a new city manager. The motion passed in a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Andrew Miller casting the dissenting vote.

Interlocal Agreement

Newberry Fire Chief Mike Vogel has been acting as High Springs’ fire chief since the departure of former fire chief Chief Bruce Gillingham. Vogel addressed the Commission about an interlocal agreement between Alachua County and High Springs for Fire Prevention services.

Previously, Gillingham filled that role for the City, but the agreement allows Chief Adler to work with Captain Pearson for plans reviews, inspections and to provide classes to train others to perform those duties. In the agreement, the County will provide free classes and advanced classes to High Springs fire personnel.

As plans reviews and inspections are paid for by the requesting company, there will be no cost to the City.

This matter will be presented to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 12 for their approval. City Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.

Other City Business

Mayor Weitz was named as the delegate to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO). Their next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 8. The organization meets quarterly.

Finance Director Wilson made a presentation and answered questions on the FY 2022-23 budget amendment on first reading of the item. She said the numbers were based on the unaudited numbers. This item will be addressed on second reading on Dec. 14.

The last meeting of the High Springs City Commission for 2023 is scheduled for Dec. 14.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com