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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission convened Thursday, April 10, 2025, to recognize two standout student groups: the Santa Fe High School Winter Guard and members of the City of High Springs/City of Alachua High School Honor Band. Both teams were applauded for their achievements and dedication throughout the season.

In addition, alternate dates were set for the September, November and December City Commission meetings and budget workshops.  Temporary suspension of the alcohol consumption ordinance for the Hot Rodding for Heroes one-day event and a change was approved of City Attorney services from one attorney to another within the same firm.

Commissioners voted unanimously to temporarily suspend the alcohol consumption ordinance for the Hot Rodding for Heroes one-day event.  The event will donate all proceeds to the Veteran’s Foundation and Marine Corps League.  The event will feature live music, food trucks and awards for the best in show as well as the top 10 vehicles.  This event has been successfully managed in the past and staff has no issues with designated drinking areas as long as clearly defined boundaries are in place.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to change City Attorney services from Scott Walker to Danielle C. Adams, an Associate with the same firm, Folds Walker.  Adams attended American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. on an academic scholarship.  During her academic career at the Washington College of Law, Adams was the Managing Editor for the Journal of Gender, Social Policy, and the Law, the top cited legal periodical in the United States in the topic area of gender, social policy and the law.  She was also the Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee Chair for all the Journals at American University.

Other topics covered by City Manager Jeremy Marshall and the Commission included an update on the Priest Theater.  Marshall said the State needs to give final approval of a request to extend the grant for the project until the end of the calendar year.  Wall pressure tests have been performed and results were sent to the State for their review.  The City is waiting on the State approval prior to completing construction.

In other business, the City has received two magistrate bids and will place both items on the next meeting’s agenda.

Marshall will be meeting with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD regarding the city-owned and operated Canoe Outpost.

The City is working with bond attorneys and Alachua County regarding a Wild Spaces Public Places matter.   As reported by Alachua County Today in its April 4, 2025, edition, Marshall said at the March 27, 2025 City Commission meeting that there is a possible repayment of $260,000 in Wild Spaces & Public Places funds used toward the purchase of Canoe Outpost. Marshall said Alachua County had notified the city earlier in the day about the issue.

Marshall noted the matter was still in early negotiations and expressed hope that, if repayment is necessary, the city would not have to return the full amount immediately. He added that he and the city’s finance director were reviewing options with the county and would provide updates as discussions continue.

The next Florida League of Cities will provide free tutoring on April 21 at the Douglass Center.  

Commissioner Katherine Weitz requested and received permission to send a letter asking that the City of High Springs be listed as an affected party regarding Tomoka Hills in Alachua.

Marshall reported that the Garden Club, whose building was damaged during the last hurricane, is still looking for a location for their meetings.  Marshall said he is looking at rooms at Canoe Outpost for Club members to meet. 

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for April 24 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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