Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton discussed video productions available on the home page of the county website that celebrate and honor Black History Month.
Sexton also presented information on the history of the backlog of road projects.
Presentations
The commission heard three presentations during Tuesday’s meeting.
Alachua County Historical Commission
The Alachua County Historical Commission presented its annual report and work plan. The group’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect history and resources around Alachua County.
The Historical Commission reported on its many accomplishments and emphasized its assistance with the county’s Truth and Reconciliation project. The group also reported on its involvement with the placement of historical markers and continues to conduct research on the history of the County Commission from 1950 to the present, as well as the history of Florida’s Indigenous people.
Health Care Advisory Board – Dental Therapy
The commission voted to support proposed legislation in the House (HB-1173) and Senate (SB-1254) regarding dental therapy. Similar legislation has been adopted by 14 other states in the U.S.
The commission also voted to renew its membership in the Floridians for Dental Access. Data shows Florida ranks last in the total percentage of children who receive dental health visits. The number of adults living in Florida who visit a dentist at least one time a year ranks a concerning 42nd in the country.
The presentation reported that Alachua County children with untreated cavities are higher than the national average, according to the Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science team at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. Furthermore, the county nearly doubles the national average of hospital admissions for preventable dental problems, data shows. Children receiving dental care through Medicaid are also below the state and national averages.
Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP) Oversight Committee
Assistant County Manager and Chief of Staff Gina Peebles provided a third-quarter update on the oversight of the infrastructure surtax, also known as Wild Spaces Public Places. The commission voted to send a letter from Chair Mary Alford to the county’s municipalities to encourage joint projects and to help address vacancies on oversight boards.
Proclamations
Hazardous Materials Awareness Week
The commission declared the week of Feb. 19-25, 2024, as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week in Alachua County. The county partners with nine other surrounding counties to recycle and reuse hazardous materials, including paints, batteries, thermometers and motor and cooking oil.
Commission Comments
The commission discussed a proposed sand mine in Levy County and its effect on the nearby University of Florida observatory. Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler volunteered to attend a future meeting at UF to discuss the issue.
The commission discussed the local NAACP’s request for volunteers to assist five schools on its “watch list.”
During the comment period, the County Commission also voted to dedicate $1 million in Bed Tax dollars to enhance sports facilities in county parks and the attraction of sports tourists. The commission dedicated $500,000 to improving the soccer facilities at Rotary Park in Jonesville. The improvements envisioned include new bleachers and a press box to create a more functional “soccer stadium.” For the remaining $500,000, the commission directed staff to return with ideas for sporting event facility improvements at other parks.
