Immigrant and language services
The County Commission adopted a language access policy to better serve those who are limited in English proficiency across county government services, programs and activities.
The policy establishes better access to translation and interpretation services for residents, including live over-the-phone interpretations, prioritization of translating or interpreting critical documents and emergency notices and creating language access working groups.
Outside of English, the top five languages spoken in Alachua County are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Farsi.
Over the coming months, the county will translate more of its most critical documents, launch a language access pilot site, expand over-the-phone interpretations and host training workshops for staff.
Watch the presentation.
Gun violence presentation
The commission heard an update on its gun violence prevention initiative.
In August 2023, the commission adopted a resolution declaring gun violence as a public health crisis in Alachua County. Since then, they have authorized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in partnership with the City of Gainesville and Santa Fe College to form the Alachua County Gun Violence Prevention Alliance.
Collectively, the group is attending meetings with community stakeholders and intends to develop a strategic plan to address gun violence locally. Staff is also working on ways to develop small grant initiatives for qualified non-governmental small businesses to conduct prevention programs, while the county’s crisis center is planning crisis intervention and de-escalation training for first responders.
Watch the discussion.
Special assessment in Melrose
The commission adopted a resolution of intent to use the uniform method of collection of non-ad valorem assessments for roadway improvements for Quail Street in Melrose, south of State Road 26.
The work involves conducting a chip seal pavement of the lime rock road.
The assessment won’t be incurred until November 2025 and was widely supported by the affected neighborhood with an 88% response rate. The estimated cost for the improvements is about $74,000. Stretched out over 10 years, the annual assessment will be $930 per parcel, per year, not including interest costs.
Watch the discussion.
Environmental protection
The commission heard an annual work plan presentation from its Environmental Protection Advisory Committee Chair John Rosenbek.
Last year, the group helped with water resources and quality, advised the county to collaborate with the Florida Springs Council on legislative issues and played a role in the commission passing a resolution in support of the Right to Clean and Healthy Waters state constitutional amendment.
The committee’s report details some of its goals for next year, which include analyzing research on microplastics, providing recommendations, hosting a panel discussion on land use and preservation and focusing on challenges facing our springs, wetlands and water systems.
The commission also appointed six citizens to the committee.
See the presentation.
Watch the discussion on committee appointments.
Recognitions
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed June 2024 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
See the full June 25 agenda and video.
