Jennifer Applebee

The discussion heavily focused on internal management issues, including concerns about transparency, employee treatment, and accountability following personnel actions involving the City Manager and staff terminations. Commissioners debated the appropriate level of involvement in operational matters, referencing the City Charter. Financial solvency was addressed, noting significant long-term debt burden and the management of ARPA funding, particularly concerning an improperly allocated expense that was voluntarily brought forward for review. A separate lengthy discussion addressed a potential joint venture with the county involving the Elatchua Children's Trust and the potential use of the Boy Scout hut facility for a community resource center. Additionally, there was discussion about restarting the Mayor's Youth Council and planning logistics for future meetings.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for the passing of Floyd Sunny Tilman, followed by an invocation. The agenda included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting. Key new business items involved two commercial facade grant applications. The first was for the Howard T. ODM, Florida Springs Institute, proposing upgrades including painting the building and installing a new sign, which was approved contingent on a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approval. The second facade grant was for the New Century Women's Club, involving the design, fabrication, and installation of a new sign and the construction of a small deck off the back entrance, which was also approved. A price change for an electric bicycle for enhanced police services was approved, increasing the cost by $300, which was covered by adjusting patrol hours. Finally, a presentation was given regarding a downtown shuttle proposal by Honeybee Ventures/Serendipity. The proposal suggests a free weekend shuttle service between the springs and downtown High Springs during peak tourism season (March to September) to boost local commerce, funded by advertising space sales. The board expressed strong enthusiasm for the shuttle concept, noting its potential economic development benefits and alignment with the strategic plan.

The meeting addressed several significant items, including the discussion and subsequent adoption of a five-year solid waste franchise agreement with WastePro, following presentations from GFL and WastePro representatives regarding service availability and pricing structure, including a CPI increase estimate. The Commission approved declaring several Public Works items, including old equipment and an unused plotter, as surplus. An elected official was appointed to represent the City at the Alachua County School Board meeting. Site plans were approved for the Acorn Storage Expansion and a new convenience store, with discussions involving ex parte communications disclosure and conditions like privacy fencing and drainage. An update was provided on the Fire and Police budgets, noting staffing impacts and planned changes to time-off policies, including the elimination of Kelly Days. Finally, the City Commission formally executed the legal services agreement and received reports from the Attorney and City Manager.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Special presentations recognized an Eagle Scout achievement and provided an overview of the Operation Holiday Cheer program. Under unfinished business, the Commission conducted the second reading and approved Ordinance 2025-07, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, following extensive public comment regarding budget line items, including ARPA funds and CRA carryover. The discussion concerning the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement resulted in tabling the item until the January meeting to allow for further review of contract options and pricing details. New business involved accepting a grant from the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office for protective gear, approving a Mutual Aid Agreement between the High Springs and Williston Police Departments, and authorizing the purchase of 36 grinder pumps to avoid impending price increases. Commission reports covered updates on the Priest Theatre project, and general community matters.

The meeting covered old business updates on ongoing projects including the Sports Complex, Shuffle-Board/James Paul Park Notice Board, Canoe Outpost, PRIEST Theater, and stonework for a plaque at Catherine Taylor. Programming updates included ongoing Tai Chi, Dance Club Classes, and Zumba, with Friday Dance Nights scheduled to resume in February. Events discussed included the Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for January 24th. New business focused on planning for Spring Sports such as Flag Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball & Softball, and reviewing upcoming events through May, including the Autism Awareness Benefit Softball Tournament and Pioneer Days.