Local

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Commission on Dec. 14 approved increasing solid waste disposal rates for both residential and commercial users. The vote came after Commissioner Tapanes first proposed to increase the solid rate charge for residential customers only from $23.13 per month to $27.75, an increase of $4.62, which is the amount current waste hauler WastePro is charging the City for residential pickups. The motion did not include an increase for commercial customers and died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder stated his fear that the City was getting deeper in debt by not charging commercial customers the increased rates as well. He made a motion to increase the rates on all customers, noting that the City is paying significantly more to WastePro for commercial pickups than the City is charging commercial customers.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos reported she contacted WastePro and company representatives were open to discussing the existing contract with commissioners. Tapanes said other commercial waste hauling contracts in nearby cities are being billed by the waste hauler and not the municipality. He would like the City to negotiate that matter with WastePro when they meet.

City Attorney Danielle Adams advised the Commission that there may have to be changes or addendums to the current contract with WastePro should there be a change in the agreement.

Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved Grunder’s motion to increase residential and commercial customer rates.

The Commission unanimously approved water and sewer charge increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of 5.7 percent. The Commission had previously passed a resolution to automatically increase rates on water, sewer and solid waste funds yearly by the CPI amount to keep up with inflation.

In a related matter, Mayor Katherine Weitz reported that Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe contacted her about their Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) system they are installing in Newberry. Weitz said she would meet with Marlowe and the Newberry city manager to discuss the issue further. She requested that Public Works Director Thomas Henry join her for that meeting.

Henry pointed out that the cost of replacing or repairing grinder pumps is high and that the pumps were at the end of their life. Commissioner Steven Tapanes said he had talked with Henry and they are trying to figure out ways to conduct preventive maintenance on the pumps to extend their life. Residential grinder pumps work like a household garbage disposal grinding up solids produced in the residence and pushing the materials toward the main sewer line.

School Zone Cameras

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard introduced Ordinance 2023-18 on first reading to request authorization for use of an Automated Speed Detection Systems (SDS) in municipal school zones pursuant to Florida Statutes. He pointed out that the SDS would be authorized to monitor traffic for 30 minutes prior to and after school hours.

The license plates of speeders would be turned over to the High Springs Police Department (HSPD)for review prior to sending out notices for speeding tickets. Also, an appeals process would be created to address drivers’ who protest the tickets.

Monies collected for violations will be returned to the HSPD for use in their public safety program. Sheppard said the program most likely will be operational for the next school year and there would be a public education element to gradually provide notice to drivers that SDS cameras are in use. The Commission unanimously approved this ordinance on first reading.

LifeSpring Church Site Plan

The Commission unanimously approved a request by Joshua Highlander, speaking on behalf of LifeSpring Church, to approve a reduced site plan for the church site. Highlander said the scope of the project has decreased due to budgetary changes, the parking spaces would be reduced and 20-25 trees will not be removed from the site.

Mayor Weitz recusing herself from voting on the matter.

Budget Amendment

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-17 on second reading, which “trues up” the budget at the end of fiscal year 2022/2023 and is required by Florida State Statute.

The city manager announced that the Revenues and Expenditures for the general fund were $6,771,844. Fire accounted for $2.1 million, Transportation $620,000, Building $390,000, the CRA $299,000, Water $1.6 million, Sewer $1.9 million and Solid Waste $1.5 million.

Final Comments

Wrapping up the meeting, City Manager Ashley Stathatos said the pickleball court was now open and in use. She and all the commissioners commented favorably about the Christmas Parade. Stathatos also said the CRA sponsored this year’s the tree lighting ceremony.

Mayor Weitz reported that she, the city manager and Fire Chief Bradley met in Tallahassee to lobby for funding for a new police station, which they felt went well.

Public Works Director Thomas Henry said that 1,700 AMI meters of the 3,000 have now been installed. He also wants to send out guidelines for grinder pump users and would be setting up a tent at Pioneer Days to answer questions and provide education to citizens about their utility systems. He also reported that framing is being done on the inside of the Douglas Center building.

The next regular City Commission meeting will be held Jan. 11, 2024.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE ‒ A 37-year-old Hawthorne man was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 10, at approximately 10:49 p.m. after he allegedly tried to hit an officer with a stolen car and then fled across Gainesville. Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle near Ironwood Golf Course on Northeast 39^th Avenue, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and drove through the Eden Park complex.

Once the fleeing vehicle was stopped, the driver, Johnny Mack Bryant, Jr., was arrested and charged with Grand Theft of an automobile, trafficking methamphetamines, possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) arrest report, GPD officers had attempted to stop the stolen white Hyundai Sonata, which had been spotted in the area of Pineridge Apartments, Northwest 23^rd Terrace. While attempting to stop the car, GPD officers said that the driver of the Hyundai deliberately attempted to hit a GPD officer, who narrowly dodged the car, as the driver fled the scene.

ACSO Deputies joined the chase in the 4300 block of Southeast Hawthorne Road and deployed stop sticks, successfully stopping the vehicle.

While following the car, a GPD officer reported that he saw something thrown out the window in the area of Earl Power Park. A search of the area reportedly produced two baggies containing 21 grams of methamphetamine and six grams of cocaine and a search of the vehicle produced an Ecstasy tablet located in the driver’s side well.

Post Miranda, Bryant reportedly admitted driving the vehicle but said he didn’t know it was stolen. According to the ACSO report, he stated that “he had no knowledge that the vehicle was stolen, and that his friend told him to drive it.” Bryant also reportedly admitted swallowing an ecstasy pill during the incident. The ACSO report continued, “Based on Bryant’s admission, as well as the location of the tablet in proximity to Bryant’s location in the car, he is being charged with tampering with evidence.

Bryant was transported to Shands Hospital to be treated for ingesting narcotics.

According to law enforcement databases, Bryant has existing warrants out of Marion County and St. Johns County. GPD is also charging for fleeing and eluding law enforcement, as well as aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Bryant has nine felony convictions, four of which were violent, and seven misdemeanor convictions, one of which was violent. In addition, he has served three state prison sentences, with his most recent release in August 2022. Bail was set at $905,000.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ Main Street Alachua was alive with the holiday spirit this past Saturday, Dec. 9 as the Alachua Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Christmas Parade through the downtown area. Annually, businesses, government departments, civic groups, churches and more sponsor floats to entertain spectators and compete for prizes.

On Saturday, children anxiously awaited the parade for a chance to see Santa Claus and secure sweet treats tossed from decorated floats or handed out by people walking alongside.

The parade featured some 73 floats decorated in this year’s toy land theme. The excitement and spirit of Christmas celebration were evident as children scampered around while waiting for the festivities to begin.

Parade participants lined up along North Main Street, and with a police escort of police cars and motorcycle patrolmen, the parade crossed U.S. Highway 441 to the sounds of wailing sirens accompanied by blue and red flashing lights.

Families and friends lined the street, some in lawn chairs, other perched on the curb, while still others stood, to watch the procession. Three law enforcement organizations were represented as Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky was joined by High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and Alachua County Deputy Chad Scott as they walked the parade route leading the procession.

The parade's grand marshal, longtime resident, businessman, and Chamber of Commerce member Jerry Smith greeted the hometown crowd from a vintage blue convertible Mustang.

The City of Alachua’s float, featuring a huge toy chest filled with oversized stuffed toys, carried members of the Alachua City Commission.

Volunteers, walking alongside the floats, were dressed in Christmas dress or portrayed characters such as Santa's elves, and handed out candy to the children along the parade route. For the children, it was an exciting experience, seeing the colorful floats and costumed characters, along with free candy and gifts.

Other float sponsors and participants included Mi Apa Restaurant, Girl Scouts, MatchMaker Realty, All Stars Twirling Academy, Momentum Dance Academy, Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball team, the Alachua Business League, Alachua County Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon, Santa Fe Soccer Academy, the Mebane Cheer squad, Hare Krishna members and a long list of others.

Parade favorite Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment engaged the crowd with their holiday melodies and were accompanied by Santa Fe High School’s festively dressed dance teams and the varsity cheerleader squad.

As each float passed the judge’s stage at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, parade MC's Ben Boukari, Jr., Damon Messina and Robert Bonetti announced the sponsor of each float, oftentimes pausing long enough to chat with the participants.

The parade finale was the star of the show as Santa Claus waved to the children as he rode by perched on top of a firetruck. Excited youngsters waved and called out Santa's name, surely thinking about gifts he may leave under their tree to be discovered Christmas morning.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission has signed an agreement with Alachua County for access to the Public Safety Radio System (PSRS). This access will allow communication between the City of High Springs police and fire departments and Alachua County’s Combined Communications Center (CCC)

Alachua County purchased the PSRS, or trunked radio system, previously owned by the City of Gainesville. Access to the system is in the public interest as it enables public agencies with access to PSRS to communicate with Alachua County’s CCC that provides county-wide dispatch services and is the contact location for all emergency calls.

The agreement is for a period of five years and the cost will be split 50/50 between the High Springs Fire and Police Departments. The cost has already been budgeted by the City, said Theus.

The agreement calls for High Springs to pay Alachua County $2,200 in 12 equal monthly installments totaling $26,400 annually for a period of five years. In the agreement it states, “At the end of 5 years the payment for services under this agreement will be renegotiated to include a method for the calculation of user fees going forward.” The five-year-period will allow the County time to determine a fair and equitable way to charge for the services in future years.

Currently, the system has six tower sites, which Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus said should be increased to service the outlying areas of Alachua County.

The Commission unanimously approved this agreement.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Today File Photo / Priest Theater

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