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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua will be searching for a new top cop as Police Chief Chad Scott announced he would be leaving his post with the City. The news came at the Jan. 24 Alachua City Commission meeting. Scott has accepted a position with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO), where he previously worked, serving 16 years until 2007 when he joined the Alachua Police Department (APD) as a reserve police officer. After Scott’s announcement, the audience gave him a standing ovation in honor his service to the city.

In other City business, the Commission announced the schedule for the upcoming April municipal election. Two seats will be decided including Mayor and Commission Seat 2. Mayor Gib Coerper has stated his intent to run again for the Mayor's seat and Commissioner Robert Wilford has announced he will not seek reelection. The election will be held April 12, the second Tuesday in April. In the event no candidate receives a majority of more than 50 percent of the votes cast, a runoff election will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

The election qualifying period is from noon, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 to noon, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. The polling places will be located at the Multipurpose Center at Legacy Park, the Clubhouse at Turkey Creek, and the Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr., Community Center.

The Alachua Lions Club was honored with a special presentation by the City Commission. The not-for-profit service organization has been serving the Alachua community for more than 80 years. The club is celebrating its upcoming anniversary, and to commemorate its achievements a proclamation was read by Mayor Coerper proclaiming Jan. 24, 2022 as Alachua Lions Club Day in the city of Alachua. Alachua Lions Club Vice President Jeremy Thomas accepted a copy of the proclamation.

In other business, the Commission considered an offsite tree mitigation request as part of a site plan for the Alachua Dreyer's building. The site plan application proposes the construction of a 16,000-square-foot building with associated site improvements on a heavily forested 3.95-acre property located on U.S. Highway 441and 133^rd Terrace. The mitigation request proposes to provide eight replacement trees onsite while the offsite mitigation is for 240 trees. Cost of the off-site mitigation is $38,400, which must be paid to the City prior to the issuance of a building permit for new construction associated with the site plan.

During property development, when trees are removed from a property, new trees must be installed to replace healthy regulated trees on a one-for-one basis. A regular tree is defined as 10 inches or more in diameter or two feet in circumference. Heritage and champion trees, which are defined with a diameter of at least 30 inches or seven feet, ten inches in circumference, must be replaced on an inch-for-inch basis. When required tree replacement cannot be accommodated through onsite mitigation, offsite mitigation trees may be planted in City-owned properties and parks, City rights-of-way, preservation or conservation areas owned by the City, and within medians and rights-of-way of state and county roads where an inter local agreement authorizes such planting.

In other business, the City’s Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Robert Bonetti, informed the Commission that the City had been awarded a $2,024 grant through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award will be used to purchase new gun holsters for APD.

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ALACHUA COUTY ‒ The three teachers selected as finalists in this year’s Alachua County Teacher Recognition Program come from different backgrounds, but all share a passion for helping students develop skills and attitudes that will help them beyond the classroom.

Nicole Duncan, Todd Eckstein and Kendra Vincent were chosen from among the district’s 39 teacher of the year honorees to represent elementary, middle and high school teachers in the districtwide program. One of them will go on to represent Alachua County Public Schools in the Florida Teacher of the Year program.

Nicole Duncan is a first-grade teacher at the Rawlings Center for Fine Arts. Originally from Jamaica, Duncan has worked as a teacher and parent educator/counselor teacher with Alachua County Public Schools and as a guidance counselor in Kingston, Jamaica. She’s also volunteered her time with local churches and with the St. Francis House.

Duncan says she wants students to know that with hard work, they can master even those subjects that cause them to struggle. She says seeing children do just that is the best part of teaching.

“Those moments are unpredictable,” she said. “You don’t know when it’s going to happen, but when it does happen, it’s so good to see, and it’s good to be a part of it.”

Todd Eckstein is the director of music at Lincoln Middle School, where he’s been on the faculty since 2007. He’s been teaching music since 1998, and is active in state and local music and music education organizations. He’s also performed and recorded professionally.

Many of Eckstein’s students were not musicians until they started attending his class. Like Duncan, he wants his students to understand the value of trying, even if it sometimes means failing.

“They’re learning a new skill, something they’ve never done before,” he said. “In order to be successful, they have to be ready to fail, but approach it with a grateful heart, be excited about it and ready to try again and again and again.”

Vincent is an English teacher at Buchholz High School. She’s been teaching there since 2006. Her resume also includes time as a unit leader with the Girl Scouts of America and as an Americorps VISTA volunteer serving high-needs students in West Virginia. She’s also volunteered as a child advocate with the local Guardian ad Litem program and as a tutor for the PACE Center for Girls.

Vincent says she wants to teach students to understand and enjoy books, but also much more.

“I really hope that I can broaden their horizons and that they get a larger sense of the world instead of just their own bubbles,” she said. “I want them to realize they can make a difference in their community and the larger world.”

Duncan, Eckstein, Vincent and their fellow honorees will all be recognized at the 30^th Annual Robert W. Hughes Alachua County Teacher Recognition Program celebration, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. and is being hosted by The Education Foundation. The program is named after the former Alachua County Public Schools superintendent who established the program.

All honorees will receive a cash award and gifts donated by local businesses and individuals, including primary sponsors Cox, Florida Credit Union, North Florida Regional Medical Center and SWI Photographers. The overall district Teacher of the Year will be announced at the end of the celebration.

The event will be live streamed at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eW2H0Jj7YxM&feature=youtu.be

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua is losing its police chief while the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ASO) is gaining a police commander with 32 years of experience. At the Jan. 24 Alachua City Commission meeting, Alachua Police Chief Chad Scott announced his resignation to accept a job with the ASO as the Chief of Operations with the rank of Major.

“Law enforcement was my passion ever since I was a teenager,” Scott said. Growing up in Newberry, Scott described himself as a kid who always talked with local law enforcement and asked a lot of questions, learning about the career by listening to officers’ stories. After high school Scott played on the football team at Bethel College, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Social Sciences.

Two years later he began his career in law enforcement when he was hired by the ASO. Over the next 16 years he served in a variety of capacities, including Patrol Deputy, School Resource Deputy, Detective, Special Operations, and SWAT. As he advanced through the ranks, he further developed his professional skills through classes and coursework.

Scott’s tenure with ASO would ultimately come to an end, when in 2007, an internal investigation alleged that he had incorrectly filled out timesheets over a year’s time, resulting in overpayments totaling $900. While the investigation was underway, Scott was placed on probation. Although the investigation ultimately failed to find evidence, as well as a second investigation by the State Attorney’s Office, then Sherriff Sadie Darnell kept Scott on probation.

After the dustup with the sheriff, Scott realized that further advancement with the department would be limited, and he resigned. Scott says that at the time he considered changing careers. “However, what I thought was my worst day, turned out to be my best day ever.”

Scott had come to know many people during his time with ASO, and some became friends. One of those individuals was current Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr. Watson had served as the Deputy Chief of Police with the City of Alachua Police Department and later became City Manager. “Although we had been friends for a long time, he was also my mentor, giving me advice and support in my law enforcement career,” said Scott. “When I told him about my thoughts of changing careers, he told me ‘Chad, you are a cop and nothing else will make you happy,’” Scott said.

Scott was hired by the City of Alachua Police Department (APD) in 2008 as a reserve police officer. Over the next 13-plus years he would be hired full time and rise through the ranks. He was first assigned to the Patrol Division until his appointment to the Traffic Safety Unit. In March 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Detective and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division where he investigated multiple high-profile cases.

In May 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Division as a supervisor. Scott also supervised the Traffic Safety Unit until his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in November 2011. As a Lieutenant, Scott was responsible for the oversight of Police Operations and Administration. In August 2014, he assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Police and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Police Department.

In 2015, APD Police Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr., retired and then Alachua City Manager Traci Cain appointed Scott to replace him. “My work ethic has always spoken for itself,” Scott said. “I just think the City of Alachua recognized it as an asset to the ‘Good Life Community.’”

During his tenure as Police Chief Scott saw the department grow and become more involved with the community. He stressed that officers must always be professional and treat people fair. “You have to be engaged in your community,” he said. “That consists of, at times, of being a big brother or a big sister, a mentor, a counselor, a teacher. Sometimes you have to be a minister or a deacon. And my most favorite is being a coach.”

Scott believes he is leaving APD in good hands and that his move to ASO will benefit Alachua by establishing a stronger bond and communication between the city and the county. “I may be moving on to a new position with the ASO, but my heart stays with Alachua.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs residents went to the Jan. 13 High Springs City Commission meeting to voice their frustration over what they say is a business operating in a residential neighborhood. Although the Commission was set to discuss proposed Ordinance 2022-01 amending the Land Development Code regarding home occupations, several homeowners took the opportunity to voice their frustration and concern about what they believe is an automotive repair business being run out of a residential property on Northwest 191^st Street.

Residents Sheila Gannon, Lance Verner, Deborah Simone, J.D. McNeil, Eva Verner and Jesse Lindsey all addressed the Commission to complain about the same home business, which they said was operating as an automotive and engine repair company.

Complaints ranged from excessive noise during the day and late at night, racing engines, the use of loud pneumatic tools, bright floodlights, cars being moved onto neighbors’ properties without permission, accessory construction without a permit and washing oil and automotive products into the soil to leach into the aquifer.

Some of the neighbors had produced videos and photographs to document their claims, some of which have been turned over to the High Springs Police Department and to the Codes Enforcement Officer.

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said he had just seen some videos that afternoon that were concerning and would be following up on. Sheppard had contacted Alachua County Environmental Protection Agency regarding the business’s disposal of waste products. Sheppard said they conducted an assessment and cleared the business owner, whose business is listed as a mobile automobile repair business. He further encouraged citizens with proof to bring it to the police department.

Sheppard also asked that people call immediately with noise-related issues so his officers can document the disturbance as it is occurring.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos said she would also talk with the City’s Building Department regarding the structures that have been built on the property to determine if they were permitted.

Turning back to Ordinance 2022-01, the Commission considered the measure, which was drafted in direct response to an update in Florida Statutes. Florida Statute Section 559.955 preempts the regulation of home-based business to the state and the statute describes state and municipality authority and responsibilities. Stathatos said, “The goal is to ensure consistent enforcement of home-based business throughout the state of Florida.” She said that if a home-based business is operating such that you can’t tell it’s a business from the street, it is in compliance with state statutes.

Commissioner Ross Ambrose said he had attempted to contact State Senator Keith Perry when he was proposing the legislation. Ambrose opposed the bill because he felt this and some other bills Senator Perry was proposing preempted home rule. “Citizens need to be aware that this is going on in Tallahassee,” he said. He said although he tried to contact Senator Perry, he never received a return call or email from his office.

Regarding the ordinance, Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham said that the City was not compliant with statutes and were less able to enforce regulations. The ordinance was unanimously approved with Ambrose making the motion to approve, which was seconded by Vice-Mayor Gloria James.

In other business, Stathatos presented Resolution 2022-A, which authorizes the issuance of a $589,000 note to provide funds to finance the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and related capital improvements. She said the funds to conduct the closing came from Wild Spaces Public Places and money from the Alachua County Trust associated with the Conservation Easement.

She said the fund has $1.6 million in available resources. “It is making around $300,000 - $400,000 a year. The purchase took away around $600,000, leaving approximately $1 million.

Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina reported on projects planned for the next fiscal year and the anticipated costs associated with those projects. He said Alachua County voters would consider continuing Wild Spaces Public Places funding again this November. Should those funds be renewed, it is possible to pay the loan back sooner than the seven year time frame for payback.

“Staff’s recommendation is to borrow the funds to allow for some leeway,” Stathatos said. She pointed out that construction costs are higher right now and interest rates are lower. She also said there is no penalty for paying the loan off early, should the funds become available. The interest rate on the loan under consideration is 2.23 percent.

Weitz offered again that the City should use America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds rather than borrow money. Jones said she tended to agree with Weitz. However, after a motion made by Ambrose to approve, with a second from James, the final vote was 4-1 with Weitz casting the only dissenting vote.

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved a settlement agreement and release of lien on Tax Parcel 01295-000-000. The agreement is with former titleholder Herbert Allen Towne and lien holder, the City of High Springs. The lien was placed against Towne’s property in 2006 for codes violations and fines that accrued at $200 per day to a total of $1,066,000.

The property was sold by tax deed in November 2020, and the building was removed in September 2021. In exchange for resolution of this matter, Towne will receive $40,000 and the City will receive $21,356. According to Stathatos, the lien attaches to all of Towne’s other properties. Should any other property owned by Towne be sold, a portion will also be collected by the City.

Also unanimously approved was Resolution 2022-C, which is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the state of Florida to participate in a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid litigation settlement proceeds. Sheppard presented this item and said that an amount of $5 billion is anticipated over a period of nine years to be available to cities for substance abuse education.

“Once they know the number of cities who want to participate,” said Sheppard, “the exact numbers will be provided.” He said he anticipates approximately $30,630 spread out over a number of years will be available to High Springs.

Commissioners appointed Hector E. Tapanes to replace Ronald Wilson, who resigned from the Planning and Zoning Board.

Stathatos asked for input from Commissioners in the near future as to whether they would like to discuss how the ARPA funds should be used at either the first meeting in February or at a workshop.

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