Tristan Grunder Named High Springs Mayor

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs has a new mayor and vice-mayor. On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, the High Springs City Commission convened for its annual reorganization meeting, a tradition following elections. The meeting concluded the term of the 2023-24 Commission and marked the start of the 2024-25 term.

Outgoing Mayor Katherine Weitz adjourned the final session of the 2023-24 Commission after approving the minutes of the Oct. 24 meeting and discussing the City’s Special Magistrate position, which will be re-advertised due to unresolved negotiations with the first candidate.

The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Commissioner Chad Howell and re-elected Commissioner Katherine Weitz. City Manager Jeremy Marshall called the first meeting of the 2024-25 Commission to order. Commissioner Tristan Grunder was unanimously elected mayor, and Commissioner Andrew Miller was also unanimously elected vice-mayor.

Several board appointments were made:

• Planning and Zoning Board: Tim Bolliger was reappointed, and Julie Tapia-Ruano joined as a new member.
• Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA): Vice-Mayor Andrew Miller will continue as chair, with Commissioner Chad Howell as vice-chair.
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Cassandra Davis was reappointed, with Eva Verner serving as an alternate.
• Mayor’s Youth Council: Camden Treese and Leila Ceilley were reappointed, and Jenelie Avila was added as an alternate.

Additionally, the Commission unanimously authorized the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk to sign city checks.

In other business, High Springs may soon be selling a vehicle and replacing it with one more suitable for unpaved roads. High Springs Fire Department Captain Kevin Pearson proposed selling a heavy rescue vehicle to Clay County for $740,000. The vehicle, purchased for $738,854, is considered unsuitable for unpaved roads in High Springs. Pearson suggested replacing the vehicle with a smaller, more versatile option. Commissioners tabled the discussion to allow more time for research and to address questions raised during the meeting.

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard presented information about a new state law regulating public camping and sleeping. The new law prohibits a county or municipality from authorizing any person from regularly engaging in public camping or sleeping on any public property, public building, or public right-of-way unless the county designates property for such purposes. The prohibition applies to residing overnight with or without a tent. It does not apply to residing overnight in a registered, insured motor vehicle which is parked in a lawful place, nor does it apply to camping for recreational purposes on property designated for such purposes.

The Commission was provided with a sample ordinance and asked to submit feedback to the City Manager by Monday for review by the City Attorney.

In other business, following a brief discussion, the Commission dissolved the Organizational Liaison position between the City and the High Springs Chamber of Commerce. Acting as the Liaison between the two was former City Commissioner and Mayor Sue Weller.

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