High Springs Commission Puts Off Charter Amendments Citing Cost Concerns

HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs city commissioners addressed a range of administrative, policy and community-related items during their March 12, 2026, meeting, including adopting a state-required ordinance, declining to advance proposed charter amendments and approving several agreements tied to recreation and neighborhood improvements.

One of the key actions taken by the commission was approval of Ordinance 2026-01, which establishes a process for reviewing and approving certified recovery residences within the city. The ordinance is required under Senate Bill 954, a state law that mandates local governments adopt procedures for regulating such housing.

Certified recovery residences are structured living environments designed to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The ordinance sets a framework for how those facilities will be evaluated and approved locally. Commissioners said they wanted to adopt a measure quickly to comply with state requirements, with plans to revisit the issue in more detail as part of a broader update to the city’s Land Development Regulations, or LDRs, the rules that govern zoning, land use and development standards.

City staff is currently working with the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council on that comprehensive LDR update. The ordinance passed unanimously.

In a separate matter, commissioners declined to move forward with two proposed amendments to the City Charter, the document that outlines how the local government is structured and operates. Although staff had been directed to draft the amendments, Vice Mayor Wayne Bloodsworth made a motion to deny them, citing concerns about unknown costs. Commissioner Katherine Weitz seconded the motion, and the commission voted unanimously in favor of denial.

The proposed changes were not discussed in detail during the meeting. According to agenda materials, one amendment would have established a method for resolving tie votes by using a plurality voting system, while the second would have updated residency requirements for city commissioners. The city attorney advised that the commission could revisit the proposals in a future year if desired.

Commissioners also approved the surplus and disposal of several pieces of city-owned equipment. A 2018 Gravely Pro-Turn mower used by the Parks and Recreation Department will be listed for sale through an online government auction platform. In addition, two police vehicles, a 2013 and a 2014 Dodge Charger, were declared surplus after being deemed no longer suitable for law enforcement use. The vehicles will be disposed of in accordance with city guidelines.

The commission filled a vacancy on the Mayor’s Youth Council, appointing Noah A. Walden as an alternate member. The term for the position will run through May 2028 or until graduation, whichever occurs first.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz was also appointed to serve as the city’s liaison to the Youth Council, replacing Mayor Andrew Miller. Commissioners approved the change unanimously, and Weitz agreed to take on the role.

In recreation-related business, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement, a formal partnership between government entities, with Alachua County Public Schools to allow use of the High Springs Community School gym for recreational volleyball programming.

The commission also voted to temporarily suspend the city’s alcohol consumption ordinance for a one-day event, Hot Rodding for Heroes, allowing alcohol to be consumed in designated areas during the event.

Several actions focused on neighborhood improvements tied to federal funding. Commissioners approved agreements with Fred Fox Enterprises Inc. for grant administration services and with CPH Consulting LLC for engineering services related to a Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, in the Neighborhood Revitalization category. The CDBG program provides federal funding to local governments for projects aimed at improving housing, infrastructure and quality of life in eligible areas.

Looking ahead, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, which focuses on revitalization efforts in designated areas, is scheduled to meet March 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., immediately before the next City Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com