Joe Davidson

The meeting included an organizational session where the Executive Board nominations for Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary-Treasurer for calendar year 2026 were approved. The financial report for the period ending November 30, 2025, indicated that income to date was slightly below projections, resulting in fund balance utilization to cover an operational deficiency. Management reports covered Impact Fee collections for November and December, noted an open Board seat, provided an update on the Redbud Project status, and detailed the Executive Board's approval of new Fees and Charges for athletic programs, including stipends for Volunteer Head Coaches. A Capital Projects update was also provided.

The meeting included an organizational session requiring the election of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary-Treasurer for one-year terms, with nominations presented for each position. The Board Action Agenda included consideration of the Financial Summary Reports as of November 2025. Management reports covered updates from the Director on the Impact Fee Report and the Open Board Seat, updates from the Deputy Director on Operating Capital and Capital Projects, and operational and program updates from the Leadership Team across various divisions including Recreation, Marketing and Communications, and Parks & Facilities.

The key discussions involved the annual meeting and officer elections, resulting in the approval of the slate of officers: Audrey Simmons as President, Maria Calkins as Vice President, and Carlyle Cox as Secretary. New business items included the review and acceptance of the FY 2025 Audit from Rushton, LLC, approval of a By-Laws amendment concerning the Term of Office, and approval of the Developer Agreement for Summit Street-West and the Gainesville Mill Area. The meeting also included general updates on grants and projects.

This document outlines the City of Gainesville's strategy for utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during the 2025 program year. The plan focuses on several key areas, including expanding and preserving affordable housing, reducing homelessness, promoting fair housing, improving public infrastructure and facilities, revitalizing neighborhoods, and fostering economic development. The overall objective is to principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents by providing decent, affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities.

The Board meeting covered several key actions. In financial review, the July 2025 financial reports were presented, indicating that income was slightly below projections, necessitating the use of fund balance to cover an operational deficiency. The main action item involved the recommendation for the award of a contract for Longwood Park Improvements -- Pavilion Construction. The Board approved awarding the construction contract to Place Services, Inc. (PSI) for $3,495,000, along with $55,000 for contingency and other necessary expenditures. Additionally, a request for an additional $132,525 from the agency's unassigned fund balance was approved to cover total project costs. Management reports included an update on Impact Fees collected for August 2025, notification regarding a request from the New Town Florist Club to book Desota Park, and a reminder about the upcoming Annual Butterfly Release and the pending SPLOST Vote.