Donald M. Barber

Key discussions and actions for this meeting include motions and actions regarding Mayor and Vice Mayor appointments for 2026. The consent agenda involved approving bill payments and transaction lists for October 2025 and November 2025 (previously tabled), as well as December 2025. Public discussion covered the FY24 AUDIT Report from Powell & Jones, CPA. Old business focused on the employment contract for the Temporary Part-Time City Manager. New business items included Ameris Banking Authorization by Resolution, review and action on the Surplus Equipment List 2026, Surplus Property List 2026, Alachua County Commission WSPP FY23 Funds Replacement Plan of Action, and discussion/action on the results of the Part-Time Permanent City Manager Commission Interviews.

The meeting commenced with a discussion concerning the absence of an agenda and the capacity of the current Interim City Manager to fulfill her duties. Following citizen comments, the Commission debated the process for selecting a permanent part-time City Manager and the need to hire an immediate Interim City Manager due to FMLA considerations for the current interim manager. A motion was passed directing the City Attorney to expedite the return of application packets and scoring sheets so that the Commission could vote on candidates during the January 12, 2026 meeting. A subsequent motion to hire John Martin as a Part-Time Interim City Manager was presented but later rescinded. Consensus was reached to schedule a Special Meeting on January 12, 2026, specifically to decide on hiring a Part-Time Interim City Manager. The City Attorney also provided an update on JLAC issues before the meeting adjourned.

The City Commission meeting addressed several items, including the adoption of the agenda with two added items concerning the Public Works Yard incident and the Interim City Manager hiring update. The consent agenda was adopted despite questions regarding bill payments. Key discussions included a vote to increase water rates, where one commissioner dissented, and a unanimous vote to increase solid waste rates. The commission discussed the Bethlehem Church letter regarding surplus property, agreeing to obtain an appraisal. New business included approving a license agreement with Alachua County Supervisor of Elections for a polling place, which was amended to include the City election. The commission also approved the renewal agreement for the Interim City Manager, with an amendment specifying the contract termination upon hiring a Permanent Part-Time City Manager, again with one dissenting vote. Discussions covered an incident at the Public Works facility regarding commissioner access, the status of the search for a Permanent Part-Time Manager, and various reports from the City Attorney and Commissioners. A special meeting for December 15, 2025, was confirmed.

The Commission meeting focused on administrative matters related to City Manager positions. It was decided that discussion regarding the Permanent Part Time City Manager would be for information only, with a vote taken only on the Temporary Itrim Part Time City Manager. Following initial motions that failed or were rescinded, John Martin was hired as the Itrim Part Time City Manager by a 3-2 vote. The Commission also requested the City Attorney conduct full background checks on five candidates for the Permanent Part Time City Manager role and set January 5th and 6th, 2026, as the dates for interviewing those candidates. A discussion concerning an Audit review also took place.

The special called meeting agenda included several new business items. Discussions focused on the selection of a Temporary Part-Time City Manager with an immediate start date. Additionally, the Commission planned a review of the ranking results for the Permanent Part-Time City Manager candidates, which involved Attorney Scott Walker. A key action item involved scheduling individual finalist interviews with each Commissioner. The agenda also included a review and discussion of a JLAC Letter dated December 16, 2025, and a session for Public Comment.