Community Update
A Report on the Activities of Alachua County Government
This Issues Features:
Alachua County Seeks Input on Water Conservation
Reid Participates in Sustainability Webcast
ACCESS Spring Classes
The Census is Coming
2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7th)
Alachua County Health Department Parking Lot Expansion
Alachua County Extension Classes in January
ADA Amendments Act Training for Employers
Crisis Center Assists the White House
What’s On “Alachua County Talks”
Partnership Provides Recreation for People with Special Needs
RSVP’s Fiscal Year 08/09 Accomplishments
Alachua County Senior Volunteers Needed
Candidate Qualifying for City of Gainesville Election
New County Building Official, John Freeland
Milling and Resurfacing of CR241 – Phase II
Good Government Award
County Update on Channel 12
Commission Meeting Highlights
Alachua County Seeks Input on Water Conservation
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) has launched a new website for providing updates on their current Water Conservation Initiative. This initiative is in response to an Alachua County Commission request for a comprehensive inventory of effective strategies and techniques to achieve more water conservation, and less water consumption.
The first drafts of the individual chapters (Introduction, Agricultural Irrigation, Landscape Irrigation, Water Pricing, Industrial/Commercial/Institutional, Homeowner/Indoor water use, and Reuse of Reclaimed Water) can be downloaded by clicking here.
Each chapter has an associated email address where comments can be sent.
ACEPD would like citizen input on the chapters and is specifically hoping to receive the following feedback:
For more information, contact Gus Olmos with ACEPD at 352-264-6806 or Gus@alachuacounty.us.
Reid Participates in Sustainability Webcast
Recently Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid participated in a webcast hosted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) with the support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The subject of the webcast was, “How do we make an energy efficient, resource resilient, and sustainable local community?” The webcast’s focus was the need for sustainable communities and Alachua County’s and Austin Texas’ best practices were highlighted in the presentation.
The webcast discussed how currently local governments have unprecedented funding opportunities to implement energy efficiency programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. A wealth of no-cost, easily accessible resources, tools, and leading practices are available from the EPA ENERGY STAR program and local government practitioners to assist local government to measure, track, finance, develop policies and implement their energy efficiency programs.
The webcast also pointed out that typically, 30 percent of the energy consumed in commercial and industrial buildings is wasted. Tools such as ENERGY STAR‘s Portfolio Manager can help local governments identify how to reduce energy in existing buildings by 10% with little or no investment costs. The ENERGY STAR Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator is another unique tool that helps address three critical questions about installing energy efficiency projects:
Click here to watch the recorded webcast.
Some visitors may have to install “WebEX Client” to view the presentation.
For more information on this subject, visit the following websites:
Alachua County
http://www.alachuacounty.us/government/sustainability/
ENERGY STAR
www.energystar.gov/government
www.energystar.gov/ia/business/government/Menu_of_Offerings.pdf
Austin Energy
www.austinenergy.com/
ICMA
www.lgean.org
www.icma.org
For more information, contact the Alachua County Communications Office at 352-374-5226.
The public is invited to participate in the annual Alachua County Civic Education SerieS (ACCESS) classes, which will begin this spring. Alachua County Government invites you to learn about local government issues and gain access to County operations that most citizens never see. Each ACCESS graduating class will produce a group of citizens equipped to engage in ways that help Alachua County become more representative of its citizenry’s needs.
County Manager Randall H. Reid said of ACCESS, “Thomas Jefferson believed an informed citizenry was democracy’s greatest safeguard and we agree. Where do you go if you want to make a difference in your community ... ACCESS is the key.”
ACCESS begins March 22, and runs for seven sessions. ACCESS is free but space is limited. For a complete schedule of classes, visit www.alachuacounty.us/ACCESS.
To reserve your seat, or for more information, call 352-374-5219.
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
The 2010 Census aims to count all U.S. residents, both citizens and non-citizens alike. To do this, the Census Bureau delivers a short 10-question form to every household in America. The Census requires residents to fill in the form to account for everyone living at your address as of April 1, 2010 (Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law). The form includes a prepaid envelope to mail it back. If you don’t mail it back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.
The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:
The data collected by the census also help determine the number of seats our state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Before we begin a new chapter in American history, we need to understand who we are right now.” says Alachua County Commissioner and Commission appointed Census Champion Rodney J. Long, “It’s in our hands Alachua County, so let’s get counted and make the Census count for us.”
For more information, contact Alachua County Growth Management Senior Planner, Ivy Bell at 352-374-5249, or visit http://2010.census.gov.
2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Coordinated by the Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission of Florida, Inc., and co-sponsored by Alachua County, the 2010 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Gainesville and Alachua County is underway.
Established in 1985, the MLK Commission of Florida, Inc. has continued the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by advocating and promoting, nonviolently, the elimination of poverty and racism, and has worked to promote social and economic justice in Alachua County and the State of Florida.
Click here to view the schedule for the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
The public is invited to attend these events.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7th)
February 1st through February 5th, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Alachua County Health Department will be observing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (February 7th). The theme for this year is “HIV/AIDS Prevention-A Choice and a Lifestyle!” In support of this important public health initiative, the Alachua County Health Department (224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville) will be providing free and confidential HIV counseling and testing. The free test utilizes the OraQuick Advance finger stick test and citizens will only have to wait 20 minutes for their HIV results.
Call 352-334-7960 to schedule a free and confidential HIV OraQuick test.
For general media inquiries, contact Bobby Davis at 352-334-7964.
For more information, visit http://www.alachuacountyhealth.com/.
Alachua County Health Department Parking Lot Expansion
Alachua County Facilities Management has completed the expansion of the parking lot at the Alachua County Health Department.
The Health Department building under went expansion in 2005, in order to accommodate the staff and services provided. With the expansion of the building size, it was necessary to expand its parking lot to conform to the requirements of the state building code and City of Gainesville Planning & Development Department (to accommodate the increased number of staff and citizens using the facilities). Previously, the Health Department parking lot had a capacity of 330 vehicles including 10 handicaps. The 9,929 square feet expansion accommodates 20 more vehicles and helps the parking issues that community users have had when looking for health services.
This capital project was coordinated by Allan Waters, Capital Project Coordinator, and Fernando Bartos, Capital Project Coordinator Intern, in conjunction with Andrew’s Paving, Inc. (they helped to oversee the project closely to assure that the citizens got the best work for their money).
This project, among others, was a good experience for interns of Alachua County Facilities Management that are looking for hands on experience and knowledge in the construction and maintenance field.
Alachua County Extension Classes in January
The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to offer the following classes in January, 2010. All classes are presented at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville). Pre-register by calling 352-337-6209.
For more information, call the Alachua County Extension Office at 352-955-2402.
ADA Amendments Act Training for Employers
In September 2008, Congress passed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The new law, which became effective on January 1, 2009, significantly expands coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will require changes by employers to ensure compliance. The ADA applies to organizations with 15 or more employees, including part time and temporary workers.
The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office is partnering once again with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to provide free training on the Americans with Disabilities Act to local employers. The training will be held on February 2, 2010, from 10 a.m. – Noon at the Alachua County Health Department. This workshop is a follow-up to the ADA training held last November and will focus on how to provide “Reasonable Accommodations” for employees with disabilities. Participants in the November training are strongly encouraged to attend, but first-time participants will also benefit from the workshop.
The training is free but space is limited and requires advance registration. The deadline to register is Thursday, January 28, 2010.
To register or for more information, contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275.
Crisis Center Assists the White House
For the last seven years, the Federal Government has actively committed resources to suicide prevention efforts through the funding of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Alachua County Crisis Center is one of approximately 130 suicide prevention agencies across the United States that make up this network. Through this network, suicidal individuals anywhere in the United States can call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK and be routed to the nearest available member agency. It also allows concerned citizens and agencies a way to request help for a friend, a co-worker, a loved one or anyone who may be in a suicidal crisis. Click here to view a letter in response to the Crisis Center’s assistance to such a recent request ... from the White House.
Speaking about the letter from the White House, Alachua County Crisis Center Director Marshall Knudson said, “Obviously, it is an honor for the Crisis Center to be able to respond to a request for assistance from the White House. However, perhaps a greater privilege has been our ability for the last 40 years, to respond to each Alachua County resident that has sought our assistance in times of emotional distress or need.”
For more information, contact Alachua County Crisis Center Director Marshall Knudson at 352-264-6792.
What’s On “Alachua County Talks”
Check out the latest editions of Alachua County Talks on Community 12 TV by viewing the Channel 12 Show Schedule.
Click here to watch Maggie Labarta, President and CEO of Meridian Behavior Healthcare, Inc., give an overview of the institution and its long history of providing mental illness and addiction treatment in Alachua and surrounding counties.
Click here to watch lachua County Purchasing Manager Larry Sapp discuss County purchasing philosophy, policy and procedures, including discussions on how businesses can learn about and compete for County contracts.
Partnership Provides Recreation for People with Special Needs
Jonesville park offers recreational opportunities for residents through the soccer complex and tennis courts. Through a partnership with two private organizations the facilities at Jonesville Park are now accessible to Alachua County’s residents with special needs.
The Gainesville Soccer Alliance (GSA) constructed and manages the six soccer fields at the park. Alachua County provided funds for the fields and as part of the agreement GSA provides soccer practices, games, tournaments, and scholarships for children of low income families.
GSA also provides the TOPSoccer program at Jonesville Park. The program is for kids of all disabilities age 3 years and up. The program has run for the past three years and currently has 50-60 participants and 150 volunteers. In 2008 GSA received one of fourteen TOPSoccer grants from the US Youth Soccer Association and Adidas.
“The program [TOPSoccer] has been very successful and greatly appreciated by the participants and their families,” said Parks Director Rob Avery.
Jonesville Tennis LLC operates the tennis facility at Jonesville park and provides opportunities for children of low-income families to be members of the United States Tennis Association and participate in the Jonesville park programs.
Jonesville Tennis LLC also hosts charity events, provides free court space to the Junior Team Tennis program, provides the Quickstart program for children, and a free Playday program.
For more information on The Gainesville Soccer Alliance go to www.gainesvillesoccer.org.
For information on tennis at Jonesville Park got to www.jonesvilletennis.com.
RSVP’s Fiscal Year 08/09 Accomplishments
The Alachua County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has released a list of its accomplishments for Fiscal Year 08/09.
RSVP of Alachua County matches persons ages 55+ that have time to share their skills, knowledge, and talents, with opportunities for volunteering. RSVP has partnerships established with over seventy non-profit, government, and health care agencies where people can volunteer to make positive impacts to communities.
Click here to view the published list of accomplishments.
For more information, click here or call RSVP at 352-264-6732.
Alachua County Senior Volunteers Needed
The Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program is currently seeking interested seniors to serve special-needs children in our community, especially in local childcare centers and after-school programs. The next training session for new volunteers is February 8-19, 2010.
Alachua County residents ages 55 and over who live on a limited income are encouraged to apply. Volunteers serve 15-40 hours per week, working one-on-one with special-needs children in schools, after-school programs, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the County. In return for their service, volunteers receive an hourly stipend of $2.65, a daily meal, assistance with transportation, an annual physical examination and supplemental insurance.
For more information, contact Pat Knight, Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program Specialist at 352-264-6731.
Candidate Qualifying for City of Gainesville Election
Candidate qualifying for the City of Gainesvillle March 16th elections begins at noon, January 25, through noon, January 29, 2010.
OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION
Gainesville City Commission - Mayor
Term of Office – 3 Years
Qualifying Fee - $393.64 (Undue Burden available)
The Mayor is elected by the electors of the City of Gainesville to serve a 3-year term. Each candidate for Mayor must be a qualified voter who is a resident of the City for a period of not less than 6 months prior to the date the person qualifies to run for office. The person elected as Mayor shall continuously reside in the City during the term of office. The last dates to have moved into the City to meet the residency requirement for the 2010 election would be between July 27, 2009 and July 31, 2009 depending on which day the candidate qualifies in 2010.
Gainesville City Commission - District 4
Term of Office – 3 years
Qualifying Fee - $309.29 (Undue Burden available)
If you are running for the District 4 Seat, you will be elected by the electors of District 4. You will
be elected to serve a 3-year term. Each candidate for a District seat must be a qualified voter who is a resident of the District from which they seek to be elected for a period of not less than 6 months prior to the date they qualify to run for office. The person elected to a District Seat shall continuously reside in that same City District during the term of office. The last dates to have moved into the City District to meet the residency requirement for the 2010 election would be between July 27, 2009 and July 31, 2009 depending on which day the candidate qualifies in 2010.
The current list of candidates seeking election may be found on the Supervisor of Elections’ website at VoteAlachua.com.
Anyone interested in qualifying or needing further information, please visit our website at VoteAlachua.com or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE
Monday, February 15, 2010 is the last day to register to vote for the March 16, 2010 City of Gainesville Election. You must be a City of Gainesville resident to vote in the Gainesville City Election.
You may register to vote, update your voter information, or update your signature online at VoteAlachua.com. You may go online for a list of other facilities in the county where voter registration application forms may be obtained or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252. To vote in the City of Gainesville Election, mail-in applications must be postmarked no later than the February 15th deadline.
VOTE BY MAIL
To request a ballot and Vote by Mail, voters may make their request online at VoteAlachua.com or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252. Voters will need to make sure their address and signature on file with the Supervisor of Elections is current. The last day to request your ballot be mailed is Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by 5 PM.
EARLY VOTING AVAILABLE
Early Voting for the City of Gainesville Election begins March 8th at the County Administration Building at 12 S.E. 1st Street, Gainesville. Please view our website for the dates and times of early voting.
POLL WORKERS NEEDED
If you are interested in serving as a Poll Worker, you may call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (352) 374-5252 or you may complete the Poll Worker Application on our website at www.VoteAlachua.com.
New County Building Official, John Freeland
After 12 years of employment with Alachua County, Phil Dunnington has retired as Head Building Official. Replacing him in this position is John Freeland.
John Freeland came to work for Alachua County in 1998 and has worked continuously as a field inspector and later as the Assistant Building Official. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, is licensed as a Building Code Administrator and is an active member of the International Code Council and Florida Building Officials Association.
John has been an active participant with the Local Home builders Association and gives a presentation on the building code every semester at the University of Florida School of Building Construction.
“For the past year, John has been active in the County effort to create incentives for encouraging more energy efficient buildings in Alachua County. He is well known and respected by the building industry.” says Alachua County Growth Management Director, Steve Lachnicht.
For more information, contact John Freeland at 352-338-3284.
Milling and Resurfacing of CR241 – Phase II
On January 19, 2009 the Alachua County Public Works Department will begin milling and resurfacing CR 241-Phase II (NW 140th St) from CR 236 to SR . 235. Construction will consist of 2 bike lanes (4 feet wide), striping, turn lane and drainage of the road.
Construction is expected to last 90 calendar days. Daily lane closures may be in effect during this time period. Anyone traveling through this area should expect delays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
The milling and resurfacing is being funded from Gas Tax Bond Revenues approved by the Board of County Commissioners in April, 2005.
For more information, click here or contact Antonio Vergara at the Alachua County Public Works Department at 352-374-5245 ext. 308.
Each year, the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF), a 630 company trade organization representing the building industry, recognizes a public official who has contributed to responsibility in government. This year’s recipient was Alachua County Head Building Official, Phil Dunnington.
BANCF President Adam Bolton presented the award during the 2009 Installation and Awards Banquet on December 11th at the UF Hilton Hotel. In presenting the award, Bolton commented that, “Phil is very fair in interpreting the building code and has been instrumental in fostering a spirit of cooperation between the building industry and the building department. Although he is tough on the job site, you know you are always going to be treated fairly. He is known as a straight up guy and a pleasure to work with.”
The plaque reads, “Presented by the Builders Association of North Central Florida in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to our industry by truly recognizing the needs of our community 2009.”
Phil Dunnington was with the County’s Building Department for 12 years and had most recently become the Head Building Official. He retired on December 31, 2009.
For more information, contact BANCF Deputy Executive Vice President, Margie Krpan at 352-372-5649.
County Update is a half hour news program providing in-depth information on County programs, services and initiatives. County Update airs on Community 12 and the Video On Demand website. Click here to view this month’s show.
Features This Month
Announcements
Announcements by Mark Sexton Communications Coordinator
Attachment: Announcements
City of Waldo/GRU Wastewater System
The Board deferred the discussion of the City of Waldo/GRU Wastewater System Interconnection to the Jan. 26 2010 meeting.
Attachment: Original FDEP Consent Order.pdf
Attachment: Letter from County Manager.pdf
Attachment: Preliminary Engineering Report.pdf
Attachment: FDEP Consent Order First Modification.pdf
Attachment: Force Main Location Map.pdf
Attachment: Letter of Support from Chair.pdf
Attachment: Waldo Application for Federal Funding.pdf
Attachment: Comp Plan Policies on Utility Extension.pdf
County Manager’s Report
The County Manager reported on the County’s efforts in applying for over 100 temporary positions through the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Subsidized Employment Program
Alachua County Advisory Boards
The Alachua County Commission is committed to citizen involvement on its advisory boards and is soliciting applications for the following vacancies:
Get Involved - Click here for an application: http://www.alachuacounty.us/government/bocc/advisoryboard.aspx
Applications are also available at the County Manager’s Office on the Second Floor of the County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st St., Gainesville. For more information, call (352) 264-6904.
Thank you for your continued interest in County Government!
Community Update is produced by the County Manager's Communications Office.