HIGH SPRINGS – Just in time for Christmas, the High Springs Fire Department recently accepted delivery of a new fire truck. The new engine, which cost $320,000 including equipment, will expand the fire department’s capabilities and “add a plethora of improved safety and functionality features,” said High Springs Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham.

“The new truck has been financed at an excellent interest rate for 10 years,” he said. “The payments on the tanker will expire this year and the payments on the new engine will be close to the same amount as the tanker’s payments, approximately $41,000-$42,000 per year. The first payment is not due until October 2013, and are on a once a year basis,” explained Gillingham.

The new engine will replace Engine #29, manufactured in 1991, and which will now be used as a backup for the department.

“It will enable the department to now provide a third piece of apparatus at a fire scene capable of fully fighting a building fire and adding to our fleet, enhancing our level of protection to the City,” explained Gillingham.

The new truck was ordered with most of the equipment on it to allow the department to keep backup Engine #29 in reserve, complete with all existing equipment, so there is no time wasted if a call comes in while the new engine is in use elsewhere or down for maintenance, Gillingham said.

One feature of the new engine is that it will allow a crew of four to ride on a single truck. Considering that two trucks have been required to be dispatched in the past to allow four fire fighters to go to the same fire, the new engine should help free up at least one truck so it can be dispatched to a medical emergency, another fire or to the same fire, if required.

“For example,” said Gillingham, “the new truck and the tanker will both be used in the parade this weekend. If a call comes in during that time, the backup truck can be dispatched immediately.”

The engine formerly used as a backup was manufactured in 1985. “It became hard to find parts for that engine,” said Gillingham. “It might be surplused or used for parts. It hasn’t been determined yet.”

One reason for buying the new engine was that like the 1985 engine, locating parts was becoming difficult, and it was estimated to cost about $10,000 a year to keep it in service as a primary engine.  “

Currently, the High Springs Fire Department has four vehicles for emergency response, fire fighting, brush fires and a tanker.

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Mi Apá Latin Café is set to open in Alachua at 15634 NW Highway 441 in the Rolling Oaks Plaza adjacent to the Hitchcocks Market area. The restaurant will be fashioned after Gainesville’s Mi Apá Latin Café, offering the same menu items.

ALACHUA – Alachua will soon be getting a bit more flavorful as it expands its culinary offerings.

Mi Apá Latin Café will be opening a location in the area Monday. The Cuban restaurant serves breakfast, sandwiches, hot entrees and desserts. Some of the menu offerings that will be available in the Alachua restaurant include chicken fricassee, Cuban sandwiches, and bread pudding.

Owner Pete Ynigo said arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and roasted pork are the most popular items. The restaurant offers inexpensive food and disposable ware, but employs waiters and waitresses.

He said the restaurant is in-between fast food and upscale restaurants.

“We’re kind of in the middle, and that’s what we want to be,” he said.

Ynigo opened the first cafe in Gainesville 10 years ago. He said he first thought of opening a restaurant in Alachua five or six years ago, but he said it didn’t work out until this year.

“We know Alachua has growth,” he said. “It has more growth in the future.”

He said one reason he decided to bring the restaurant to Alachua is because the city is welcoming.

“It was very appealing to us that Alachua is known to be business-friendly,” he said.

The Gainesville location is currently the only cafe. He said the Alachua restaurant will allow the business to test out expansion.

“It’s a big test for us to see if a multi-unit business is a way to go,” he said.

He said the response from Alachua residents has been “amazing.”

“I think our product fits Alachua perfectly,” he said. “We come across very casually and relaxed. Our value for what we give you is very good.”

The Alachua restaurant will be a replica of the Gainesville cafe, down to the menu, paint and decorations. While Ynigo wanted a drive-through in the Alachua restaurant, he said he couldn’t find a suitable location.

The Gainesville location stays open until midnight Friday and Saturday, and the Alachua location will close at 10 p.m. on weekends.

He said the restaurant will be so similar to the Gainesville location because it’s worked so far.

“It’s working,” he said. “Why change it if it ain’t broke?”

He said Monday’s opening is a soft launch, and a grand opening is scheduled down the road. The restaurant will use existing staff members in the beginning, but he said they will be hiring new employees soon.

“We’re super excited about being in Alachua, and we’ll see how it goes,” he said.

The Alachua Mi Apá Latin Café will be located at 15634 NW Highway 441 in the Rolling Oaks Plaza adjacent to the Hitchcocks Market area in Alachua Towne Center.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) is now accepting donations of new unwrapped toys, pajamas and books to be given to children in the community this holiday season. Wrapping paper and wrapping supplies are also needed.

Donations, also including monetary donations, can be dropped off at anytime at the HSPD station located at 110 NW 2^nd Avenue, High Springs, until 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17.

Anyone who would like to help wrap the gifts is asked to contact Stephanie Hall or Christina Thueson at 386-454-1415, shall@highspringspd.com or cthueson@highspringspd.com.

Once all of the gifts are wrapped, uniformed HSPD officers will make the special deliveries by Friday, Dec. 21to the families that have already been identified.

For additional information, contact Stephanie Hall or Christina Thueson at 386-454-1415, shall@highspringspd.com or cthueson@highspringspd.com.

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L-R: Vice Mayor Scott Jamison and Commissioner Byran Williams

HIGH SPRINGS – The Nov. 20, 2012 High Springs City Commission meeting was one of change. Byran Williams was sworn in as commissioner after defeating his opponent Pat Rush in the Nov. 6, 2012 election. Commissioner Scott Jamison ran unopposed and was sworn in as well. And a new mayor and vice mayor were elected by their colleagues.

Commissioner Scott Jamison thanked everyone for their help and support, as did Williams. Williams also singled out his campaign manager, Ron Wilson, and his wife for their support, along with his family and friends and called for everyone to work together for the good of the City of High Springs.

As the floor was opened for nominations for Mayor and Vice-Mayor, Commissioner Bob Barnas nominated Commissioner Sue Weller for mayor. Following a unanimous vote for Weller, she continued the meeting by accepting nominations for vice-mayor. Commissioner Williams nominated Jamison. As no other nominations were made, Jamison assumed the vice-mayor position. Seating was rearranged and Mayor Weller began her meeting by thanking outgoing Mayor Dean Davis for his service to the City.

Moving forward Weller suggested the commission review goals identified by the previous commission and begin to work on the goals they had in common. She also asked for an atmosphere of civility both in and out of the commission chambers. She asked that her fellow commissioners “set aside any animosity” they might have in order to “move the City forward.”

Formalities complete, the 2012-2013 City Commission began by tackling the unfinished business portion of the agenda.

City attorney representative Sondra Randon reported on the status of the U.S. Department of Labor settlement regarding the City’s past compensation practices. Randon explained City Manager Lee Vincent authorized her firm to hire outside counsel to review the City’s wage and overtime program. Ray Valasquez, a wage and overtime specialist with Ford & Harrison, is currently investigating the City’s procedures and will provide an opinion letter within the next month or two regarding the City’s compliance with Department of Labor standards.

This action was taken in response to a Department of Labor investigator who approached City Manager Vincent to discuss settlement options. Prior to discussing those options, City Attorney Scott Walker wanted to make sure the City had looked into the issue as completely as possible before offering any settlement suggestions to the City Commission. “There is always a potential for a liability for the City,” explained Randon. Currently, there is no formal action against the City by the Department of Labor. Discussion with the federal agency is an outgrowth of a complaint filed by former City employee Christian Popoli.

Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham is coordinating the Pocket Park improvement plan with City engineers Chen Moore. Gillingham is waiting for final approval from USDA to complete the project and reported that if everything goes as planned, he anticipates completion “just after the first of the year.”

New Business

A Christmas Party for all City employees received commission approval and will be allowed to use the renovated school house building. The proposed date was set for Dec. 14, at 5 or 5:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by Citizens for a Better High Springs. Entertainment will be provided in addition to a festive buffet, which will be prepared off site and brought to the school building.

Commissioners formally authorized Mayor Sue Weller, Vice-Mayor Scott Jamison and City Clerk Jenny Parham to sign checks and investment documents in compliance with Section 2-97 of the High Springs Code of Ordinances. Once a new city manager is onboard, the commission with also authorize him as a recognized signer.

Board Vacancies/Appointments

Commissioners announced two vacancies to the Plan Board, which will be advertised by City Clerk Jenny Parham in the near future. Two available positions on the Housing Needs and Improvement Committee were filled by David Beckerman and Richard Doeherty as the alternate. Stephen Morgan and John Doerr were appointed to the Code Enforcement Board. The Tree Board had one vacancy for a three-year-term, which was filled by Carol Doeherty, and a second vacancy to complete the remainder of a one-year term expiring in 2013, which was filled by Donald Branson. Ross Ambrose was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The pending contract with Edwin Booth for the city manager position was tabled to the Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 commission meeting.

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