Local

BY JENNIFER CABRERA/Alachua Chronicle

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County Commission on June 13 instructed staff to draft an interlocal agreement with the City of High Springs that would permit an extension of the City’s sewer and water utilities to the area around the I-75 interchange at mile marker 404.

A representative from the City of High Springs said that the project was initiated by the owners of a hotel that has been trying to get a permit to build at the interchange since 2019 but has been unable to meet wastewater requirements. The Welcome Center in the same area has been under a Consent Decree since 2018 because of issues with its package plant, and access to a sewer system will also allow that business to do some remodeling. Connecting that area to the City’s water system will also enable fire hydrants to serve the businesses in that area and provide water for fires on the interstate.

“Available for connection”

The staff recommendation had eight parts, but commissioners were mainly interested in #5 and #6, specifically the “available for connection” wording. Commissioner Ken Cornell said he thought the intention should be that property owners who don’t meet the condition in #4 (“Existing or proposed development around the interchange of I-75 and CR 236 on property with a ‘Tourist/Entertainment’ land use designation”) would not have to connect to the system, but they could “if they paid for it.”

The original ordinance passed by the High Springs City Commission on March 9 required “all persons or corporations living or doing business within the district” to connect to the City’s water and sewer system, a provision that generated a great deal of concern among residents. The ordinance paved the way for the City to apply for a grant for the water/sewer system, but the City won’t find out whether they won the grant until later this year.

The current proposed ordinance (amended from the ordinance passed on March 9) does not require residential property owners to connect to the City’s water/wastewater system, but they have the option to connect; multi-family and commercial uses would be required to connect to the system.

County Manager Michele Lieberman explained that if a sewer line is “available,” state statutes require property owners to connect to it within 365 days. She continued, “If we make it unavailable, then you don’t have to connect, but if somebody connects, it’s hard to argue that it’s an ‘unavailable’ line.”

Motion to draft interlocal agreement

Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler made a motion to move forward with the staff recommendation to prepare an interlocal agreement with the City of High Springs and Commissioner Chuck Chestnut seconded the motion; both the High Springs City Commission and Alachua County Commission will take this issue up again when the interlocal agreement is ready for approval.

During discussion on the motion, Cornell said he wanted to have further discussions about the map and how the proposal will affect properties along CR 236. He proposed having a joint meeting with the High Springs City Commission to talk about the reasons for proceeding with the project.

“Is the intention to address the Consent Order, which I think everyone can get their hands around, and limit any other impacts? Or is the idea to actually create an area where we could have future annexations or future growth?…

“Maybe it’s just a matter of kind of slowing this down so we can have some discussions with the public, both in the city and outside the city,” said Cornell.

Although an exact map wasn’t available at the meeting, Cornell amended the motion to use a different map that includes the Tourism and Entertainment District and a 50-foot right-of-way along CR 236.

Cornell said that if they moved forward with the amended map, they could build some consensus around applying for the grant for the purpose of providing water and sewer service to the businesses at the interchange, which is better for the environment than package plants.

“So if this can continue that dialogue and get us to a place where we have a draft interlocal that we can look at in a joint meeting… I think that would be a good thing.”

The motion passed unanimously.

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ALACHUA ‒ Who doesn’t love happy hours? It’s a chance to relax after a long workday and spend time with friends. On Sunday, June 11, San Felasco Tech City was the scene of a special kind of happy hour at the Daft Cow Brewery and Beaker and Flask Wine Co. Guests had a chance to relax and enjoy craft beer and wine while their four-legged furry friends enjoyed dog treats, toys and interacting with other dogs. The Yappy Hour charity event welcomed both pet owners and their dogs to socialize and enjoy the day.

Yappy hours are often hosted by hotels, bars, apartment complexes or breed play groups with guests paying a fee to attend. The event at the Daft Cow Brewery was held by the Shakespeare Animal Fund, a non-profit that helps pay emergency veterinary costs for elderly, disabled and others who have a suffering pet and no funds to get help.

“Our mission is to help pet owners with emergency veterinary bills due to accidents, sickness and other emergencies,” said Shakespeare Animal Fund founder Jennifer Webb. “We are active in 13 northern Nevada counties and now in North Central Florida as well.”

Webb started the organization in 2003, while living in Reno, Nevada after the loss of her own dog, Shakespeare, a cocker spaniel who jumped into his new companion’s arms from a pet shop counter in Harlem three days before Christmas.

Shakespeare became Webb’s constant companion as he travelled the streets of New York with Jennifer. The two of them spent countless hours in Central Park on weekends. He was allowed to attend dance classes in the evenings, and he even rode the streets of the city in a little red wagon as he got too old to walk

In November 2003, Shakespeare became ill, and nothing the vet could do seemed to help. In desperation, Webb took him to a large medical facility where they did extensive testing including an MRI before finding there was nothing left to do. The medical bills were expensive, but Webb says she would have done anything, borrowed from anywhere, to help him recover.

“When he died on Nov. 14, 2003, my heart was forever broken at his loss,” said Webb. “I heard stories from others who had watched their beloved pet suffer and die because they simply couldn't afford the vet bills.”

Out of this heartrending experience, Webb founded the Shakespeare Animal Fund. “I hoped that many others who love their animal companions as much as I loved Shakespeare, but perhaps can't afford to pay for an unexpected illness or any other medical expense, can be helped,” said Webb.

“Often those who need our help are elderly, disabled, returning veterans or simply those who find themselves in an emergency situation without the funds to get the help their pets desperately need. For many people their pets are their only family, and a constant source of unconditional love,” said Webb. “We believe no one should ever have to choose between taking care of their four-footed family member or putting food on the table.”

Under Webb's direction, fundraisers have brought in more than $1million to help pet owners in need in Nevada, Webb’s previous home. Recently Webb moved to Alachua for work and is now also creating events in North Central Florida. At the recent Yappy Hour, pet owners made a donation of $25 for beer, wine and snacks, while their canine family members enjoyed a variety of treats. Attendees could also contribute additionally by bidding on a variety of silent auction raffle items.

“Although this is our first Yappy Hour event in Alachua, we are establishing our headquarters here and letting other members in Nevada continue events out there.” Webb is currently planning a Yappy Hour event at the Black Adder Brewery in Gainesville in August and hoping to expand to Marion County as well.

“We also welcome anyone who would like to join, either as a board member, staff support or as volunteers for the events,” said Webb

Anyone who is interested in additional information, joining or contributing can email helpshakefund@gmail.com with the subject line Yappy Hour or visit www.shakespeareanimalfund.org. The website also has contact links for people who need emergency help, and there is also a crisis phone line at 775-342-7040.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe recently welcomed Jamie Kraut, Family Liaison from Alachua Elementary School, to talk about a school nutrition program.

Kraut shared with the Club that the school’s cupboard used to store healthy snacks for students is now empty. These snacks are used for children who regularly come to school without having breakfast, or for children who get hungry during the day. The snacks are also used as positive reinforcement by teachers in classroom activities.

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe requested a grant from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation of $750 to restock Alachua Elementary’s cupboard with fresh fruit and healthy foods.

The grant application was successful, and the local Kiwanis Club received a check in the requested amount. Kiwanis club member Linda Hewlett bought and delivered the food to Kraut and Alachua Elementary and helped stock the school’s cupboard.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission is wrestling with increasing costs associated with the city-owned Canoe Outpost. At the June 8 Commission meeting, after hearing about a number of issues at the recreation area that provides access to the Santa Fe River, Commissioner Tristan Grunder said the City should consider getting out of owning the facility. Commissioner Katherine Weitz echoed Grunder’s view.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos reported about the increased cost of replacing the dock, a wood walking path to the Santa Fe River, and that costs for all items have increased dramatically over the past two years, pointing to an exponential increase in insurance costs, among others.

Stathatos said the original goal of the project was to improve the dock to be ADA accessible and provide safe access to the river for a variety of activities including launching vessels, fishing and site seeing. In so doing, a design needed to be developed that could withstand flooding events and complied with the requirements of the Suwannee River Water Management District, Conservation Trust and building codes.

Those improvements required by all authorities make the dock more expensive to build than originally planned. Due to the increased cost, City staff recommended the project be put on hold while seeking additional funding and exploring other options, bringing back alternatives to the Commission.

One option under consideration includes maintaining the path in its natural, unimproved state and stabilizing the ground so it is accessible to most wheelchair users and assessing soft launching options.

In other City business, the Commission set Nov. 7, 2023 for the City election for Seat #1, currently held by Vice-Mayor Ross Ambrose, and Seat #2, currently held by Mayor Gloria James.. Candidates may qualify to run for election for either of the two seats by filing with High Springs City Clerk Angela Stone during business hours from Monday, July 17 - Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to a request by Gary and Patricia Grunder to vacate a 15-foot utility easement originally reserved by the City in the mistaken belief that there was an existing water line in the easement. City Manager Ashley Stathatos explained that there is no water line in the easement and that the City has no plans to ever run a water line in the easement.

The homeowners plan to place a garage and greenhouse in the easement area. City Commissioner Gary Grunder abstained from voting on this issue as he is the person petitioning the City to vacate the easement. After consideration of the request, Commissioners voted 4 – 0 to vacate the easement.

Wastewater Treatment

The Commission approved hiring Norm D. Fugate and Fugate & Fugate Law Firm to negotiate an interlocal agreement between High Springs, Archer and Newberry for the use of the City of Newberry’s wastewater treatment plant when it is built. The city manager is also authorized to negotiate an agreement between the City and Fugate at a cost of $225 per hour plus costs.

City Attorney Scott Walker estimated the cost to be based on approximately 10 hours or less, depending on negotiations.

Restricting Large Vehicle Traffic

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2023-07 on first reading, which directs vehicles having three or more axels to use the preferred truck route in lieu of operating on Northwest 186^th Place, formerly known as U.S. Highway 27 Alt. The preferred truck route will be State Road 20/State Road 25 US 441 to State Road 45/High Springs Main Street.

Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham met with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and requested the truck traffic change. FDOT will provide signage to redirect traffic and requested that the City provide this ordinance restricting vehicles having three or more axles.

Charitable Donations

In other business, Stathatos reported a significant increase in requests for charitable donations and recommended revamping the City’s policy. There have been requests from Gainesville for donations, which may not benefit High Springs residents, and the Commission agreed that local groups and organizations would be more likely to benefit local citizens. Stathatos was directed to develop a policy that will include a line-item budget for these requests.

The Commission denied an email request for a donation from a group in Gainesville called Created Gainesville, which is supposed to support victims of human trafficking. None of the Commissioners were familiar with the organization.

Changed Meeting Dates

The Commission changed several upcoming meeting dates to avoid calendar conflicts. Meeting dates are now scheduled for Sept. 14 and 25, Nov. 16 and 28 and Dec. 14.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry has received state funding worth $2 million to fund critical infrastructure projects that city officials say will promote economic growth and improve regional utility services.

A $1 million Florida Legislative appropriation will be utilized to construct an elevated water storage tank on State Road 26, marking a key investment toward enhancing economic development along the main corridor. This elevated tank will provide the required water storage and pressure to foster economic development opportunities between the University of Florida, unincorporated Alachua County and Newberry. The new tank will also support the City’s efforts to expand the City’s Agri-Tech Innovation Park, projected to generate 1,600 direct jobs and 7,905 indirect/induced jobs over its lifecycle.

An additional $1 million in Legislative appropriated funding will be directed toward the City's regional wastewater treatment plant project. This project serves to bolster Newberry’s utility services and introduces centralized and regional treatment options for neighboring communities and unincorporated areas of Alachua County. This upgrade is poised to drive regional economic growth while resolving pressing environmental challenges, such as failed septic systems and impaired waterways. The new plant will utilize innovative treatment processes to reduce harmful nutrients, remove approximately 600 septic tanks from neighboring communities and serve future growth for the next 30 years.

“We are delighted with the support we've received from the State Legislature,” said City Manager Mike New. “These grants are a testament to Newberry's future-focused planning and our commitment to environmental stewardship and economic vitality.”

Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe expressed his gratitude to Senators Keith Perry and Jennifer Bradley as well as Representative Chuck Clemons, saying, “We sincerely thank Senator Bradley, Senator Perry, and Representative Clemons for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Newberry. Their support was instrumental in securing these grants, which will significantly enhance our infrastructure and contribute to the regional economic and environmental sustainability."

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission met Monday, June 12, to consider a number of issues including rezoning of a small parcel, a replat to cure encroachment, the City’s waste collection contract, the upcoming joint City/County meeting and renovation of Newberry’s historic electric generating plant.

The City’s contract for waste collection services with WastePro USA is expiring this month. The Commission authorized City Manager Mike New to negotiate a five-year contract extension with the firm and bring the proposed extension agreement back to the Commission for consideration by Sept. 1.

The City’s current contract for solid waste collection services is through an exclusive franchise agreement and contract with WastePro USA, which was initiated on July 1, 2017, has been amended twice and extends to June 30, 2024.

The contract allows for two five-year extensions beyond the initial term and for a 95-day negotiation period to consider an extension. This allows 270 days for the City to solicit bids from vendors should negotiations fail or the City Commission decides not to extend the contract and allow it to expire.

In other City business, the Commission approved rezoning three properties of 0.9 +/- acres at the southwest corner of State Road 26/West Newberry Road and Southwest 257^th Street from Commercial, General (CG) to Commercial, Central Business District (C-CBD). The application for rezoning was made by Norfleet Construction Group, LLC on behalf of Bounds Properties, LLC, owner.

“At this time, no development is proposed in the petition, and a Site and Development Plan is required for new development of the site,” said Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez.

Also approved was a replat of Lot 1 of the Bartley Lane Subdivision. The encroachment was due to the relocation of the house foundation during construction and the house now encroaches into the front yard setback. Approval of the replat will now provide the developers with a clear title so the property can be sold.

In other business, Newberry is preparing for its annual Newberry City Commission and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) joint meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, July 10 at the Easton Newberry Archery Center.

New offered items for discussion during the joint meeting for Commission consideration. Teed up are discussions about several projects including the Newberry Environmental Park. Commissioners agreed to discuss the proposed Alachua County meat processing facility, the proposed Alachua County Rural Collection Center/Small Quantity Hazardous Materials Collection Center, the proposed Alachua County/Newberry Fire Training Facility and County Road 337 improvements.

Other areas of discussion will be a Newberry projects/initiatives update, which includes the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion/Regional Treatment Facility, Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment (AMI), State Road 26 road improvements, impact fees, transportation projects, City Hall, Urban Services Area, Comprehensive Plan update, Champions Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

In other business, the City has recently submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of State to help fund repairs and upgrades to the City’s historic electric generating plant. Costs for those renovations are estimated to be close to $700,000. Grant terms require a 1:1 match with the City footing $350,000. New offered there is still some $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available.

Various uses for the restored building could include citizens’ use for meetings, a conference center, and a museum. New said there have been inquiries about using the building as a restaurant or brewery. The Commission suggested that if someone wanted to turn the building into a business, they may be willing to come up with the $350,000 matching funds for the grant and to also possibly consider a minimal to no rent agreement for the use of the building.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for June 26 at 7 p.m.

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