2013 City of Gainesville Citizen's Report: One Gainesville

2013 Citizens Report

2013One Gainesville

2Dear Citizen,Unity of purpose-- the idea that together as One Gainesville we can accomplish our goals and vision for the future--is what distinguishes this city from most others. It is the motivation which inspires your city government employees to work harder than ever before to earn your trust each day.

During the past year, forward-thinking policy direction from our elected officials enabled city staff to engage in major economic initiatives to create jobs and to put shovels in the ground for three major city facilities capital construction projects. In concert with the Gainesville Small Business Growth Task Force, established by Mayor Ed Braddy and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, city staff has entered into a continuing dialogue with community business leaders to enhance our efforts to support business opportunities within the city.

Gainesville continues its partnership with the Florida Innovation Hub at UF to successfully attract leading professional service firms and jobs to our city. Mobiquity, Inc. is adding 260 high-tech jobs to support growing demand for its mobile app development expertise. Mindtree, Ltd. is a global information technology solutions company which has pledged to bring another 400 high-tech jobs to Gainesville. Other businesses that are expanding their presence in the city include international publishing company CurtCo Robb Media and Sum Total Systems. Local developer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, Prioria Robotics, is expanding its operations to add 40 new jobs to its 31 existing jobs in Gainesville. It remains a business success story that exemplifies public-private partnership to retain thriving local businesses within our community.

To meet the future demands of a city that is quickly gaining momentum toward becoming an innovation-based economy, your city government is also upgrading its public service infrastructure. A modern police headquarters and training facility, located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Northwest Sixth Street and Northwest Eighth Avenue will open its doors in April 2014. The $11.6 million project is comprised of a new two-story, 40,305 square-foot headquarters and a nearly 9,000 square-foot physical training facility and materials storage yard. A new $10.7 million, 44,000 square-foot consolidated fleet maintenance facility built in northwest Gainesville to service more than 1,500 heavy and light city vehicles, opened for business in Oct. 2013.

The Regional Transit System (RTS) fleet and administration facility currently under construction is a $35 million project which includes a 78,000 square-foot maintenance building and a 28,000 square-foot administrative/operations center. When complete in late 2014, it will nearly triple the current capacity of RTS maintenance operations by enabling service for as many as 200 buses.

This year has been filled with spectacular achievements and lays a solid foundation for greater accomplishments for our community in the coming year. As you read this report, a one-stop assistance facility called the Homeless Empowerment Center is beginning operations at a former state-owned facility on Northeast 39th Avenue. The center will provide a comprehensive array of services to those who require help to become productive taxpaying citizens again. As is so beautifully captured in the cover photograph and theme of the City of Gainesville annual 2013 Citizens Report, when we unite as One Gainesville, the sky is the limit. Let us know how we are doing by emailing your comments regarding this report to [email protected] or call 334-5017.

With appreciation,

City Manager Russ Blackburn

3www.cityofgainesville.org

Table of Contents

This report was prepared by the City of Gainesville Communications Office to inform residents about the City of Gainesville, its operations, services, programs and financial condition. It is suitable for readers that prefer an overview or summary of city government activities. The following pages provide brief descriptive information about your governments organizational structure and how that structure relates to the services provided to Gainesvilles residents. We hope this report will give you a better understanding of the services provided by the city, its accomplishments and its overall financial condition.

We welcome your comments and suggestions for improving this report. The photograph featured on the cover of this report is titled Stargazing in Paynes Prairie, by Jesse Summers. We are pleased to announce it as the grand prize winner of the Fifth Annual Gainesville Photography Contest. This photograph and others will be shown at a photography exhibition at the Hippodrome State Theatre in early 2014 and featured in a printable calendar that can be found on the City of Gainesville website at www.cityofgainesville.org.

Gainesville: Your City

2 Letter from Your City Manager

4 Letter from Your Mayor

5 Voting Districts Map

5 Your City, Your Government

6 Your City Commission

7 Organization Chart

8 Citizen Engagement: Advisory Boards

9 Strategic Management Framework

Public Services

10 Your Charter Officers

14 Public Safety

16 Quality of Life

20 Infrastructure & Transportation

22 Governance

25 Economic Development & Redevelopment

28 Human Potential

Fiscal Sustainability

30 Responsible Fiscal Policy

Contacts

back cover City Contact Information

4Dear Gainesville Citizen,There are many good things happening in Gainesville. On behalf of the Gainesville City Commission, I am pleased to present you with the annual 2013 Citizens Report. Government of, by and for the people means government that is accountable to the people, and this report gives you a look at the activities directed out of City Hall and their related costs and benefits.

Inside, you will see how your local government works to enhance your quality of life through services like police and fire rescue, code enforcement, recreation and cultural affairs, as well as through the provision of parks, neighborhood and community development, and utility transportation infrastructure. As mayor, I am proud of the men and women who work hard to administer these services efficiently, professionally and respectfully.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we are reminded that public policy involves partnerships. The excitement and success of the Innovation Square initiative (now rapidly becoming an Innovation District) is evidence of multiple entities working together toward a common cause. Strengthening our partnerships with the University of Florida, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and others will help us expand opportunities to other parts of the city as well.

Public policy also involves trade-offs, and there is no greater example of that than the biomass facility now operational. We can confidently say that Gainesville has achieved a new status around the country as a leader in renewable energy. We must also acknowledge that this vision has resulted in some of the highest electric rates in the state, adding a new burden to many of our citizens and businesses already struggling in a tough economy.

We can and we must do better. A notable signal that your commission recognizes the urgency of addressing these unsustainable utility costs came with the decision to change leadership at Gainesville Regional Utilities, resulting in the appointment of a new, interim general manager. Looking forward, the principle challenge for the City Commission and its charter officers is to demonstrate to you that we can be responsible stewards of the citys resources and assets, that we can commit to greater transparency and accountability, and that we can pursue policies that are affordable to our citizens.

A city as rich in talent, intelligence and creativity as ours should naturally be a place of opportunity for all people regardless of their background, but such qualities can be stifled through the high cost of services or with a weighty regulatory environment. A city of opportunity is one where there are many pursuits of happiness, individually defined and facilitated, rather than prescribed, by government. Such a future is ours for the making.

So with a strong sense of optimism, we look to the future, building on our strengths while addressing our challenges openly and honestly. In our drive to make Gainesville a city of opportunity for all, I welcome your involvement and ideas that can make our city an even greater place.

Mayor Edward B. Braddy

5The City of Gainesville, Florida is the county seat and the largest city in Alachua County. The city was founded in 1854 and incorporated in 1869. As of 2013, there are 62.89 square miles of land inside the corporate boundaries of the city. As of April 2013, the citys population was estimated at 124,391 by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the states leading research institution, and Santa Fe College, a provider of excellent professional and vocational education. Gainesville has one of the largest medical communities in the southeastern United States, and is a center for commerce, art and culture in north central Florida.

Your government has operated under a Commission-Manager form of government since 1927. The City Commission is responsible for enacting the ordinances and resolutions that govern the city. The City Manager, who is appointed by the City Commission, is responsible

for the operations and management of all departments of city government, except those controlled by other charter officers. The City Manager implements the policy directives of the City Commission. The current organizational structure is depicted on page 7.

Gainesville provides its residents with a wide variety of municipal services, including police and fire protection, comprehensive land use planning and zoning services, code enforcement and neighborhood improvements. Construction and maintenance of the citys infrastructure are significant, ongoing services, as well as the planning and operation of the traffic engineering systems. Cultural opportunities, nature trails, parks and recreation improvements (including a championship golf course) help make Gainesville one of the most livable cities in the nation. Gainesville provides refuse removal and recycling services, and owns and operates a regional transit system that serves the community, the University of Florida

1

2

3 4

SE

15S

T

NW 31 AVES

MA

INST

SWAR

CHER R

D

E UNIVERSITY AVE

SW 20 AVE

NE 8 AVE

NW

6S

T

NW

22S

T

NW 16 BLVD

NW 39 AVE

NM

AIN

ST

NE 31 AVE

NE 23 AVE

NW 53 AVE

SW

34S

T

NW

43 ST

NW

55S

T

NW 8 AVEN

E15

ST

NW13 ST US

441

NE 39 AVE

NI-75

HAWTHORNE RD

NE 16 AVE

W UNIVERSITY AVE

WAL

DO R

D

City of GainesvilleVoting Districts

Prepared by the Public Works Departmentmap current as of Sept. 30, 2013

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4 EMiles

0 0.5 1 2

www.cityofgainesville.org 5

City of Gainesville Voting Districts

Your City, Your Government

6and a portion of Alachua County. The city also provides administrative services to support these activities. These services are accomplished through various departments under the direct supervision and leadership of the City Manager. Gainesville owns and operates regional electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and telecommunication systems. The General Manager of Utilities oversees utility operations.

The citys financial statements are organized on the basis of funds, each of which is considered a separate accounting entity. Government resources are allocated to, and accounted for, in individual funds. Funds are based upon the purposes for which they are to be spent and the means by which spending activities are controlled. The citys funds can be divided into three categories: governmental funds, proprietary funds and fiduciary funds (pg. 33-34). The following pages provide descriptive information about the major services and programs of each city department, as well as an overview of the citys fund structure and the resources that finance those services and programs.

Your City CommissionDuring fiscal year 2013 (FY13), your City Commission was comprised of six elected commissioners and the elected mayor. Four commissioners are elected from single-member districts. The mayor and two at-large commissioners are elected citywide. The City Charter prohibits consecutive service on the City Commission for more than two, three-year terms. A map of the citys voting districts, as of Sept. 30, 2013, is included on page 5.

The City Commission adopts the citys budget, sets the millage rate and adopts local laws and policies. The City Commission is ultimately responsible to the residents of Gainesville. The City Commission

appoints the citys six charter officers, whose functions are described on the following pages.

The City Commission previously identified a number of goals at their annual strategic planning retreat. Each department has initiatives that help align their department with the City Commission goals. In FY13, your City Commission was committed to the following seven goals: public safety, economic development and redevelopment, human potential, governance, infrastructure and transportation, quality of life and environment and energy.

Rest Stop by Deborah Wilbanks, placed second in photography contest


City of Gainesville FY14 Adopted Organization Chart

Budget & Finance

Risk Management

Community Redevelopment

Agency

General Services

Neighborhood Improvement

CommunicationsOffice

Fire Rescue

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs

Public Works

Equal Opportunity

General Manager for Utilities

Clerk of the Commission

City Attorney

City Auditor

City Manager

Human Resources

Assistant City Manager

Gainesville Police

Department

Administrative Services

Planning & Development

Services

Assistant City Manager

GainesvilleCitizens

Economic Development& Innovationhires the

GainesvilleCitizens

CityCommission

elect the

8Citizen EngagementParticipation in advisory boards and committees gives citizen volunteers an opportunity to shape their city.

Advisory Boards & CommitteesCity of Gainesville Advisory Boards and Committees are comprised of citizens with an interest, or expertise, in a specific issue or program. They advise and are appointed by the Gainesville City Commission. Volunteering countless hours, the diverse citizenry of our Citizen Advisory Boards and Committees provide valued input, insight and assistance to staff and the City Commission in addressing important issues to our city. The following is a listing of current Citizen Advisory Boards and Committees. You can learn about the duties of these boards and committees, as well as any current openings, on our website.

Art in Public Places Trust (5 members: 3 city, 2 county)

Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board (12 members: 4 city, 4 county, 4 MTPO)

Board of Adjustment (5 members: City residency required)

Board of Trustees of the Consolidated Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement Plan (5 members: City residency required for the two appointed by the City Commission)

Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (15 members)

City Beautification Board (15 members)

City Plan Board (7 members: City residency required)

Development Review Board (7 members: City residency required)

Fire Safety Board of Adjustment (5 members)

Gainesville Code Enforcement Board (7 members: City residency required)

Gainesville Energy Advisory Committee (9 members)

Gainesville Enterprise Zone Development Agency (8 members)

Gainesville Housing Authority (5 members)

Gainesville Human Rights Board (7 members: City residency required)

Gainesville/Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board (15 members: 10 city, 5 county)

Gainesville/Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (9 members 5 city, 1 county, 3 governor)

Historic Preservation Board (9 members: City residency required)

Nature Centers Commission (12 members)

Pension Review Committee (5 members: Successful investment and advisory experience required)

Public Recreation and Parks Board (9 members)

Regional Transit System Advisory Board (9 members: 6 city, 3 county. City residency required for city appointees)

Student Community Relations Advisory Board (7 members: City residency required)

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (11 members: City residency required)

Tree Advisory Board (5 members)

Tree Board of Appeals (3 members)

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) - Citizen Advisory Boards: To the extent possible, members of each redevelopment advisory board should reside or work in the area. Members are appointed by the Community Redevelopment Agency.

College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board (9 members)

Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (7 members)

Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board (7 members)

Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Redevelopment Advisory Board (7 members)

9The City of Gainesville recognizes the importance of aligning all levelsof the organization with the goals of the community.

Mission

Values

Vision

Em

plo

yee W

orkp

lans

ResidentsEm

ployeesService Providers

Municipal service areas, as described in this report, set

priorities in alignment with the Strategic Plan.

City C

ommission

Municipal service priorities and the citys vision, mission and values guide theemployees workplan.

Goals drive executive level

strategic planning.

Opera

ting Bud

get Performance Measures

PoliciesManag

emen

t Plan

s

Strat

egic P

lan

InitiativesAc

tion P

lans

Goals

Strategic Management Framework: How We Plan

10

City ManagerThe City Manager is the administrative officer of the city government, responsible for the operation of all departments, except those under the direction of other charter officers. The City Managers Office oversees all General Government programs and services; enforces all city laws, ordinances and policies; acts as the purchasing agent for the city; prepares the budget and performs other duties as assigned by the City Commission. These tasks are accomplished through the selection and supervision of the Assistant City Managers, Administrative Services Director, Planning and Development Services Director and Chief of Police. The two Assistant City Managers oversee assigned operational departments and serve as project managers to specialty teams.

City AttorneyThe Office of the City Attorney is committed to protecting the legal interests and assets of the City of Gainesville with the highest level of professionalism, ethics and dedication. This office provides legal counsel to the City Commission, the charter offices, all city departments, including Gainesville Regional Utilities, numerous city boards and committees and the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency.

The office provides legal counsel to the city in the conduct of its day-to-day business and in the prosecution and defense of legal challenges. The transactional division of the office interprets and applies state and federal statutory law, case law, the City Charter and Code of Ordinances; researches legal authority, and drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, bonds and other legal instruments. The litigation division initiates, defends and settles all legal challenges filed on behalf of or against the city. This includes challenges to city ordinances, development actions, employment actions, civil rights actions, torts, tax liability issues, foreclosure of city liens and mortgages and the prosecution of municipal ordinances.

FY13 Key Accomplishments Drafted approximately 90 ordinances and 40 resolutions, including the Butler Plaza development, University

Corners, Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the Comprehensive Plan, five annexations and ordinances to implement bargained-for reductions in pension benefits for both the General Employees Pension Plan and the Consolidated Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement Plan, as well as separate ordinances amending the plans for tax qualification purposes.

Processed Gainesville Police Department forfeitures for three automobiles, one motorcycle and $26,893.74.

Provided legal support to the Charter Review Committee.

Represented the city in evaluating more than 156 claims and lawsuits.

Provided legal support to the Community Redevelopment Agency, including key projects such as Innovation Square, Power District redevelopment, Depot Park and Cade Museum.

City AuditorThe City Auditors Office works to promote honest, effective and fully accountable city government. This is accomplished by providing the public and the City Commission with timely, objective, accurate information about what city departments and programs are doing and how they could improve. By providing this information, the City Auditors Office helps hold our government accountable for the stewardship of public resources and continually focuses on ensuring that city operations are utilizing limited resources effectively and efficiently to provide quality services to the citizens of Gainesville.

Charter OfficesThe City of Gainesvilles six charter officers administer the assigned duties of their individual offices.


FY13 Key Accomplishments

Audited the system of management control over billing and collection processes related to Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) revenues, which exceeded $350 million in FY13. Based on the results of the review, the office recommended GRU improve management oversight regarding adjustments and edits to customer accounts to provide better assurance that only appropriate changes to accounts are made. Staff also recommended management implement automated controls to ensure that outdated files will not be processed by their billing agent.

Completed an audit of Combined Communications Center (CCC) expenses in order to provide the City Commission with reasonable assurance that the citys share of expenses, which exceed $3 million per year, are calculated in accordance with the terms of the ongoing CCC interlocal agreement between the City of Gainesville, Alachua County and the Alachua County Sheriff. Based on the review results, staff concluded that the citys share of expenditures was calculated properly. The office also provided two recommendations focused on providing greater transparency in the annual budget process and clarifying the City of Gainesvilles ability to access CCC financial and operational records.

Audited management controls over the citys payroll system, which processes payments in excess of $100 million annually. Based on the results of the offices review, staff determined there is general compliance with applicable personnel, payroll and timekeeping practices established by the city; however, several weaknesses were identified in departmental timekeeping and payroll practices needing improvement. As a result, several recommendations have been provided to 1) improve the coordination and efficiency of payroll processing, 2) optimize technologies and achieve cost-savings, 3) modify payroll reports, 4) improve procedures for new hires and rehired retirees, 5) modify practices to reduce errors and contract misinterpretations and 6) improve collection procedures for terminated employee reimbursements.

Monitored agenda items submitted to the City Commission, recalculating financial impacts and monitoring compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.

Operated a whistleblower hotline, focused on helping to prevent and detect fraud, waste or abuse in government activities.

Reviewed the citys adopted general fund budget in order to provide an independent assessment of whether data, methods and assumptions used by management to forecast revenues were reliable and reasonable.

Clerk of the CommissionThe Office of the Clerk of the Commission records meetings, prepares agendas and minutes and provides administrative support to the mayor and members of the City Commission. The Clerk of the Commission attends all City Commission meetings and serves as parliamentarian during the proceedings. The office maintains the citys vital records, ordinances and resolutions and is custodian of the city seal. The office also publishes the citys notice of public meetings, facilitates appointments to the City Commission advisory boards and committees, publishes legal notices, records official documents and provides research for information requests for public records.

The Clerks Office continued to administer the Lobbyist Registration Act, which requires lobbyists who communicate with City Commissioners or Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board members to encourage the passage or defeat of any matter presented for a vote before the City Commission or CRA, to register with the office prior to engaging in lobbying. Additionally, the office continued to administer the Domestic Partner Program for the City of Gainesville.

Our Secret Garden by Don Musen, photography contest finalist

12

Equal Opportunity DirectorThe Office of Equal Opportunity works to promote equality and opportunity, while ensuring all residents, employees and visitors to the City of Gainesville have access to, and are able to enjoy, all that Gainesville has to offer. The office accomplishes this by resolving discriminatory complaints through efficient enforcement of equal opportunity laws and policies. The Office of Equal Opportunity is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination alleging unlawful practices in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations within Gainesvilles city limits.


Investigated internal and external complaints of discrimination and continued to provide diversity training to the entire municipal workforce.

Continued small business development, encouraging city departments to learn about the importance of the development of local minority and small businesses, and the diversification of goods and services provided by such businesses.

Attended the University of Floridas Annual Small Business Conference & Fair, partnering with GRU for the event.

Developed an Affirmative Action Plan, which targeted recruitment of minorities and women for employment by the City of Gainesville.

Continued to hold study circles, a community wide viewing and action forum as a part of the Dismantling Racism Initiative, where citizen groups engaged in intimate discussions regarding the pertinent and personal aspects of race and racism and an eventual call to action.

Held the Fourth Annual Employment Law Seminar, in collaboration with the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office, providing comprehensive training to business and government employers regarding equal opportunity workplace laws.

Participated in, distributed materials at and sponsored several community festivals including the Avenue Cultural Arts Festival, Annual Pride Parade and Festival, UF Hispanic Latino Collegiate Forum, Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Downtown Latino 2013 Gainesville Hispanic Festival.

Sponsored the 2013 ADA Celebration, which educated individuals on the recent revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Held the Annual Job Fair, with the participation of non-city entities, giving job seekers an opportunity to speak directly with department representatives and business owners about present and future job openings.

Facilitated the spring Small Business Workshop, an event focusing on educating minority and women business owners about the available resources and business opportunities available to their companies, partnering with GRU, Santa Fe Center for Innovation & Economic Development (CIED) and the Chamber of Commerce for the event.

General Manager for UtilitiesThe General Manager for Utilities oversees the operations of the citys utilities system, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), with a mission to provide safe, reliable, competitively-priced utility services in an environmentally-responsible manner to enhance the quality of life in our community. GRU provides electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services to more than 93,000 residential and business customers. GRU provides the critical backbone of infrastructure to support our nationally prominent health care and technology industries, which have helped insulate Gainesville from the extremes of economic volatility. The utility has provided well-paying, stable jobs to generations of men and women in north central Florida for more than a century. Gainesvilles City Commission serves as the board of directors for GRU, and a portion of GRUs revenues are transferred to the citys general fund to support vital city services, such as public safety and parks.


With the addition of biomass in 2014, more than 30 percent of GRUs energy comes from local, renewable sources. The availability of biomass as a local fuel source protects customers from rising costs in any one fuel type.

Construction continues on the Paynes Prairie Sheetflow Restoration Project. GRU is working with the City of Gainesville Public Works Department to improve water quality in the Alachua Sink and restore more than 1,300 acres


of wetlands in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. When finished, residents will have access to a 3.5-mile walking path and eight viewpoint shelters to enjoy the improved wildlife habitat.

GRU is pre-installing all utilities within the Innovation District and constructing a central energy plant, the Innovation Energy Center, to help businesses operate more efficiently. GRU worked with local contractors to develop a unique business model known as Special Infrastructure Assessment (SIA) to make development more affordable for businesses. The SIA will improve the existing water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructures so customers needs will be met as the district grows. Additionally, GRUCom, GRUs telecommunications division, is offering gigabit broadband connections up to 100 times faster than standard DSL or cable services.

The Power District in downtown Gainesville was created when GRU relocated several operational departments to the new Eastside Operations Center. GRU is collaborating with the City of Gainesville and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to make the land and associate buildings available for private redevelopment in the downtown area. While supporting the Power District, GRU protects its customers interests by selling the property to the CRA at a fair price that provides value to both our customers and the community.

GRUs cross-training program in electric, water and natural gas field services diversifies employees skill sets, which increases efficiency, especially during high-volume periods.

GRU is serious about its responsibility for the water of today and tomorrow. Florida has a limited fresh water supply and future availability depends on preserving it. That is why GRU uses reclaimed water to recharge the aquifer about 70 percent of the water taken out is reclaimed and returned to the aquifer.

Since 2007, the utilitys Low-income Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP) has helped more than 1,000 low-income customers make home improvements through GRUs partnering contractors, which resulted in significant long-term savings. Additionally, customers learn tips for maintaining their new household systems and managing their electric consumption. On average, participants see a 13 percent energy reduction.

GRUs principal role in the Depot Park Redevelopment Project- remediating soil contaminated by a defunct gas manufacturing company- was completed during the fiscal year. In the future, the City of Gainesvilles Depot Park will offer residents opportunities to experience the renovated historic train depot, enjoy a system of walking paths, visit a science and innovation museum and participate in family activities.

As part of its commitment to providing safe and reliable service, GRU has adopted a power-line safety technique that allows line workers to maintain high-voltage transmission lines without taking those lines out of service. This process is known in the industry as bird on a wire since it allows line workers to work on live lines without harm, much like birds that perch safely on live wires.

GRUs employees are invested in the community. Employees contributed more than $69,000 for the 2012 United Way campaign, making GRU one of the largest United Way contributors in the area. Additionally, through the Adopt-A-School program, employees volunteer, mentor and raise funds for a local elementary school.

Work continues on the Paynes Prairie Sheetflow Restoration project.

14

Gainesville Fire RescueIn 2013, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) qualified for a peer assessor site team visit from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). A team of four fire rescue professionals from agencies throughout the United States met in Gainesville for five days during July to evaluate GFRs Standards of Cover and Integrated Community Risk Assessment, the GFR Strategic Plan and the GFR Fire and Emergency Medical Services Self-Assessment. The team members are evaluating their findings and will make a final recommendation to the CFAI in January 2014. The accreditation process continues to provide a useful framework to help GFR meet its department values to be responsible, accountable, professional, innovative and dedicated to excellent service.

FY13 Key Accomplishments Completed a comprehensive Community Risk Assessment of more than

11,700 buildings and businesses within Gainesvilles city limits to gather information on risk characteristics. The data will provide valuable information for public safety first responders and a better picture of our community, its risks and its hazards. The project was funded through a federal Assistance to Firefighters fire prevention grant.

Awarded $610,465 federal grant funding to replace and upgrade the departments supply of cardiac monitors and defibrillators.

Hosted the second annual GFR Citizens Fire Academy in March.

Hosted the 10th annual Junior Fire Academy for middle-school students in June.

Evaluated options for replacing Fire Station No. 1, which is more than 50 years old, and met with community members to develop plans for a new fire station that has been proposed for construction on land that the city is purchasing south of the existing fire station.

Gainesville Police DepartmentThe Gainesville Police Department (GPD) continues to be dedicated to its mission Together as a community, we foster order, safety and freedom. GPD works toward the citys strategic initiative of developing and continuing programs to reduce the causes of crime. In FY13, GPD addressed the initiative by creating the Special Operations Unit (SOU), enhancing the existing Crime Prevention Unit and placing resource officers into local elementary schools. Additionally, GPD strengthened ties within the community by opening new doors of communication using modern technology. GPD successfully completed an accreditation assessment to achieve accredited status for another three years, and continues to embrace community-oriented policing to help reduce crime throughout Gainesville.


Reduced violent crime by 11.9 percent and overall Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) crime by 3.6 percent compared to FY12. Significant cases cleared by arrests included three homicides and numerous credit card fraud investigations.

Public SafetyMaintain a safe and healthy community in which to live


GPD Honor Guard Outreach by SWAT Officers GPD Bicycle Patrol Unit

Awarded one of two nationwide grants by the Childrens Law and Policy Center to study Disproportionate Minority Contact in Gainesville. The first phase of the study is currently being implemented and is aimed toward ending the School to Prison Pipeline in local schools.

Introduced the Step Up, Stop Crime initiative which urges local residents to become involved by reporting crime or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Public comments to the initiative praised GPD for helping break the snitch stigma in some neighborhoods.

Created the Special Operations Unit (SOU), which has the primary mission of investigating burglaries. Residential burglaries have dropped 24 percent since the creation of the SOU. The SOU also provides support for agency investigative activities to include street-level narcotics and criminal gang investigations.

Held two Town Hall meetings. These open-forum meetings are held as a way to keep the public aware of current crime trends and emerging issues, and to continue GPDs accountability to the community.

Expanded the School Resource Officer (SRO) program to include elementary schools. Elementary SROs build relationships with young students and help ensure the overall safety of area elementary schools.

Implemented GPD ALERT and Text a Tip services to interact with Gainesville residents via mobile phones. These services allow residents to have a two-way dialog with GPD via text messages.

Completed a successful on-site accreditation assessment and was awarded a three-year Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Florida Commission of Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Acquired two additional police K-9s to provide 24-hour coverage to all patrol shifts. GPD K-9s assist in narcotics investigations, missing person searches and the apprehension of dangerous felons.

Continued efforts with the High Visibility Pedestrian Enforcement program, which has significantly reduced the number of pedestrian-involved crashes. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has formally recognized GPDs program, which is grant-funded by Florida DOT.

SWAT Operator comforts a frightened child during the service of a narcotics search warrant.

16

Code EnforcementThe Code Enforcement Division strives to enrich and preserve the quality of life and property values through voluntary compliance with the citys code of ordinances through community education and enforcement. Throughout the year, staff investigates violations based on complaints and proactive patrols. The division is focused on education and provides information about the citys code of ordinances through various outlets including Community 12TV, the citys website, print advertisements, attendance at neighborhood and community meetings, partnerships with other departments and local agencies.


Investigated nearly 4,500 violations of the citys code of ordinances. Approximately 37 percent were identified proactively by staff and almost 90 percent were resolved voluntarily without prosecution before the Code Enforcement Board.

Demolished six dangerous structures and cleared four properties cited as a hazardous property.

The City Commission approved the use of a Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement to be implemented in 2014.

Saw approval of two pilot programs geared toward resolving violations related to nuisance properties. The first is a lawn maintenance program geared toward abating violations of the citys overgrowth ordinance when properties are uninhabited and not maintained by the owner. The second is a foreclosure pilot program which will allow staff to initiate a foreclosure on non-owner-occupied properties that have existing Code Enforcement Board liens. The intent is that the properties will be available to investors willing to return the property to a productive use. Both pilot programs will be implemented in 2014.

Partnered with Historic Preservation staff to develop a program addressing housing code violations within historic districts and historic properties to help avoid the potential demolition by neglect of these properties.

Parks, Recreation and Cultural AffairsDuring FY13, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) recruited 3,186 volunteers who provided more than 34,000 hours of volunteer services valued at more than $510,000, an increase of 2 percent over last year. During the year, the department completed its first comprehensive master plan, PRCA Vision 2020. More than 1,500 citizens participated in the 14-month process of developing the plan, providing input and feedback through surveys, community meetings, focus groups and one-on-one interviews; interviews were also conducted with park users at various park locations. The plan will guide the department through the next 20 years, enabling provision of quality facilities, programs and services for our citizens.

Marketing efforts expanded and supported almost 200 departmental press releases, designed more than 400 pieces of marketing materials such as posters, rack cards, fliers, ads and newsletters, both printed and electronic. The PRCA Web pages received more than 40,000 hits, in addition to more than 50,000 likes and posts on the departments Facebook and Twitter sites. Expanded marketing efforts have resulted in numerous programs being filled with waiting lists, the first time in many years.

PRCA proudly completed a rigorous national agency accreditation process and anticipates formal notification of successful national accreditation in early FY14. The national accreditation process includes a thorough, internal self-assessment, measuring the department against 144 national, best practice standards. Becoming accredited will help insure that the services, programs and facilities provided by the city have been measured against national standards, guiding the department in providing the highest quality services possible.

Quality of LifeImprove the quality of life in our neighborhoods for the benefit of all residents

Skater at Possum Creek Skate Park, photograph by Denise Prodigo-Herrmann

17

Cultural Affairs FY13 Key Accomplishments Initiated and/or completed multiple Art in Public Places project installations at

public buildings during the fiscal year, including one at GPD, one at the new RTS station and one at the new Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park.

Continued to provide affordable studio space for regional artists at the Tench Building, the Wilhelmina Johnson Community Center and its programming partner, the Cultural Arts Coalition; the center serves as a vital resource for citizens in its historic neighborhood. The Union Academy/Rosa B. Williams Recreation Center and its programming partner, YOPP! Inc., continued to provide arts education for young audiences.

Administered approximately $750,000 in city and county grant awards to arts and cultural organizations on behalf of the City of Gainesville-Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board and the Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Held the 2012 Downtown Festival & Art Show, which is hailed as north central Floridas premier fall festival of the arts. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation and has steadily climbed in rankings in recent years and moved up another three positions and jumped into the top 10 in national art show rankings for the first time, from the no. 13 spot to no. 10 on Sunshine Artist magazines 200 Best list of top fine arts festivals in the nation. The poster image from the 2012 show was also selected for the front cover of the Yellow Pages companion book.

Provided more than 9,200 people an elegant, low-cost option for their special event by hosting more than 120 private rental events at the Historic Thomas Center. The Thomas Center also hosted more than 4,400 guests at nearly 75 cultural events such as plays, concerts and recitals.

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Thomas Center set a festive mood in December with holiday music, carriage rides, Santa, and, of course, the illumination of the giant holiday tree.

Held the Hoggetowne Faire, hosting more than 54,000 attendees, with over 57 percent of those attending the faire from outside the county, helping to stimulate our local economy. The 2013 Hoggetowne Faire commemorative poster won second place in the Best Event Poster category at the Florida Festivals and Events Association Annual Convention and Trade Show.

Presented 13 featured exhibitions at the Thomas Center Galleries, including the Blues Pioneers and Their Progeny exhibition, which was very well received and opened with a concert by Willie Green and the R. Mutt Blues Band; an exhibition featuring Artifacts Exquisite and Extraordinary from the Theatre of Memory Collection and a special exhibition of Gainesvilles Historic Evergreen Cemetery, This Wondrous Place, which included rare photographs, documents and multimedia exhibits telling the story of Gainesvilles 156-year-old historic site.

Ironwood Golf Course FY13 Key AccomplishmentsIronwood renovations were completed in November 2010, and its conditions have positioned Ironwood as one of the best courses in north central Florida. Drainage was installed underneath the greens, which makes our greens some of the most consistent putting surfaces in the region. Residents and visitors are encouraged to play a round at Ironwood and enjoy the improvements.

Implemented new pricing options, which provided visitor flexibility, and online registration, which makes setting up tee times simple and convenient. Also, established a monthly calendar of different specials and incentives for discounts for play on different days of the week.

169.5 Treated 169.5 acres of invasive exotic plants in the City of Gainesvilles nature parks.

40,000 Ironwood Golf Course increased its rounds by more than 3,000 patrons over FY12, bringing in more than $40,000 in increased revenue.

800 Served almost 800 teens during the eight-week Teen Lounges. Teen Lounges increased from two to three lounges, which were open nightly for eight weeks during the summer, giving teens a safe and fun place.

17

18

Ran a commercial hourly on the Golf Channel for a six-month period.

Brought in Golf Now (in association with the Golf Channel) to help market the course and provide golfers across the United States with a way to schedule tee times online, as well as via a mobile phone application.

Continued to host more than 50 civic and charity fundraising golf tournaments each year. High school golf teams from across the county use the facility for their practices, matches, district and regional championships. Ironwood also continues to serve as a venue for Special Olympics golfers and their companions.

Continued to charge a $5 surcharge per round, which has easily recovered the $98,000 in debt service that paid for the course renovations. This allowed the renovation project to be fully funded without using any tax dollars.

Placed new yardage markers on all the par 3s showing exact distance from every tee box and placed yardage stakes at the 150-yard and 200-yard marks on all of the par 4s and 5s, for golfers to gauge distance more easily.

Received the Audubon Certification again for its conservation of water use and for the natural wildlife at the course. Ironwood has maintained this designation since 1999.

Nature Operations FY13 Key Accomplishments

Documented more than 62,200 visitors to the departments nature parks utilizing trail counters at 10 locations.

Completed a number of nature park improvements (see Capital Projects section) working carefully with nearby community residents to minimize disruption to park users and adjacent neighborhoods.

Completed the installation of a new neighborhood tot lot in the Pine Ridge community.

Worked closely with the Planning Department to develop and approve updated land development regulations pertaining to the protection of the citys tree canopy.

Maintained the tree planting program, which included 15 tree sponsor trees, 70 city-maintained trees and 95 giveaway trees.

Secured the planting of more than 737 mitigation trees for tree removal permits to replenish Gainesvilles urban forest. In addition, the team reviewed development plans that proposed the removal of 884 trees, the replanting of 1,298 trees and the mitigation donation of nearly $208,000 to the citys tree mitigation fund.

Nature Park Acquisitions: Cone Park Southwest, October 2012, 75 acres, $630,000 Newnans Lake Southwest Corridor, December 2012, 153 acres, $615,000

Recreation Park Acquisitions: 121 Property, March 2013, 60 acres, $186,000 Smokey Bear Addition, June 2013, .5 acres, $150,000

Recreation FY13 Key Accomplishments

Experienced an all-time high record attendance at the three city pools increasing from 112,512 in 2012 to 120,854 in 2013, an increase of more than 7 percent.

Hosted the sixth annual HeatWave Basketball league and Operation Respect Yourself events during summer 2013, serving more than 250 participants, playing Monday through Thursday evenings, for eight weeks during the summer. Program attendance was 2,000 with record-breaking spectator attendance of 500 people per week, for more than 4,000 spectators attending during the eight-week period.

Served more than 275 children in the nine-week recreational summer camp program, increasing participation levels and attendance to more than 2,500.

Continued adult softball, a popular activity, filling two seasons with 24 mens and coed leagues in the fall and spring.

Pop Warner football, cheerleading and coed youth basketball served several hundred youth during the fall and winter, keeping them involved in positive activities.

Reached nearly 9,500 community members who benefited from environmental, cultural history, educational and interpretive programs, including school and outreach programs, special events and Earth Academy day camps.

19

Prescribed Burns

Staff completed prescribed burns on more than 51 acres of nature park land. To provide habitat for fire-dependent species and reduce wildfire risk, the Nature Operations Division uses prescribed fire in several nature parks. Burns are done using a prescription specifying the weather, personnel, and equipment, so that burns are as safe as possible, with minimal smoke impacts to the community.

Free Fridays Concerts

In FY13, the Bo Diddley Community Plaza was packed with thousands of attendees for another successful season of the Free Fridays Concert Series. Additionally, more than 1,000 merrymakers attended the Downtown Countdown to ring in the New Year at the plaza with great live music and free noisemakers.

Jest Fest

FY13 brought the production of the inaugural Jest Fest, a celebration of hilarity and derring-do, which took place each Saturday in April at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza. Jest Fest featured world class variety and circus acts, headlined by the world-famous Flying Wallendas.

Capital Improvement Projects FY13 Key AccomplishmentsPRCA has continued to develop and complete capital projects funded by the citizens of Gainesville and Alachua County with the Wild Spaces-Public Places (WSPP) half-cent surtax initiative. Collections ended Dec. 31, 2010, and the department anticipates completion of all WSPP-funded projects by the end of 2014. PRCA continues to participate in the citizen advisory board meetings of the Wild Spaces-Public Places Citizens Oversight Committee, which reviews all Alachua County expenditures of WSPP funds. Some WSPP capital projects completed during FY13 include:

Continued to add sensory indoor/outdoor lights and energy-efficient interior/exterior lighting at neighborhood parks and to upgrade outdoor restrooms at neighborhood parks.

Installed lighting at Fred Cone track and field facility, continued to improve the parking lots and repainted the interior of the racquetball courts at Northeast Park, and continued to improve the parking lots and repaired and/or replaced the boardwalks at several nature parks.

Utilized WSPP and Home Depot donations to fund improvements at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park, including parking, stormwater facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, installation of prefabricated restrooms and exterior building aesthetic repairs.

Upgraded the Thomas Center Gardens irrigation system, and replaced the lighting at the Grace and Sidney Knight Childrens Theatre at the Thomas Center.

Resurfaced the tennis courts at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, Northside Park and Northeast Park, and completed batting cage renovations at Albert Ray Massey Westside, Northeast and Greentree Parks.

Completed lighting repairs at Northeast and McPherson Parks tennis courts and Tumblin Creek basketball courts.

Completed repairs to the playground, restroom and pavilion roofing at Kiwanis Challenge Park, and installed a new irrigation well at Greentree Park.

Replaced the merry-go-round at Albert Ray Massey Westside Park, an extremely popular piece of playground equipment for park visitors, which had failed due to age.

Replaced the sod in the Northeast First Street medians.

www.cityofgainesville.org

20

Public WorksThe Public Works Department maintains the city infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems and traffic signs/signals; provides engineering services, including implementation of capital improvement program, development review and the Clean Water Partnership Program; provides parking management services; delivers mosquito control services; manages solid waste and recycling collection, including disposal services and delivers public transportation services through the Traffic Management System and the Regional Transit System (RTS), the top transit service provider in the state of Florida in ridership per capita.


Completed milling and resurfacing of Northwest 22nd Street, from West University Avenue to Northwest Eighth Avenue, including the installation of a raised intersection at Northwest Fifth Avenue.

Completed the installation of landscaped islands at the intersection of Southeast Second Avenue and Southeast Third Street to provide more efficient movement of traffic.

Brought the I-75 corridor online with the Traffic Management System.

Completed upgrades to Northeast 15th Street, from University Avenue to Northeast Eighth Avenue, including the installation of bike lanes and crosswalks.

Completed the update of the City of Gainesvilles Engineering Design and Construction Manual.

Completed a comprehensive review and update of the citys decal parking program.

Implemented a test section of Northwest Eighth Avenue as a two-lane road, with on-street bike lanes for review by the community.

Began construction on the long-awaited Depot Stormwater Park.

Managed approximately 62 traffic incidents through the Traffic Management System.

Picked up litter along 372 miles of city rights of way, swept 14,337 miles of roadway and mowed 2,018 acres of right of way.

Resurfaced approximately 1.6 miles of roadway, replaced 4,919 linear feet of roadside curb and gutter and installed 102 new ADA curb ramps for ADA accessibility. Staff also restriped 17.88 miles of roadway center and edge lines and replaced 515 traffic signs to ensure sufficient retro-reflectivity for motorists.

Regional Transit System (RTS) FY13 Key AccomplishmentsRegional Transit System (RTS) has continued to set ridership and revenue generation records over the last few years. RTS is the alternative transportation mode of choice for the greater Gainesville community with more than 10.8 million passenger trips in 2013 and an additional 53,799 in paratransit trips, as provided by MV Transportation. Advertising revenue has also increased, with more than $305,000 in contracted business.

Infrastructure & TransportationInvest in community infrastructure and continue to enhance the transportation network and systems

21

RTS continues to plan for enhanced service through a number of studies and input from the public. Through public and private partnerships, RTS added more environmentally-conscience buses and relief vehicles to its fleet, while improving the fuel efficiency of its older buses by retrofitting them with mini-hybrid cooling systems and using biodiesel fuel. RTS staff is working on additional projects to improve facilities through programs such as the Bus Stop Improvement Plan.

Completed funding for RTS new Maintenance/Operations Administration facility through federal grants. The project groundbreaking was in January 2013.

Provided more than 53,700 paratransit trips by RTS partner, MV Transportation, more than 2,200 trips than the previous record set in 2012.

Contracted more than $305,000 in advertising revenue, with more than 25 buses fully wrapped with advertising messages, setting a new advertising revenue record.

Added five hybrid (electric/diesel) buses to the RTS fleet. Two were purchased by the University of Florida as part of the Campus Development Agreement.

Equipped the entire RTS fleet with internal and external video cameras, increasing the safety of RTS patrons and staff, while being able to provide valuable evidence to law enforcement agencies.

Installed automatic passenger counters (APCs) on 44 buses, allowing for a more accurate accounting of passenger boardings and alightings. This information is used by different state and federal agencies to adjust RTS funding.

Continued the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Go Enhance RTS study. This is in its final stages with reporting expected in early 2014. Possible corridors, types of vehicles to be used and other criteria are being studied.

Continued RTSs Streetcar Feasibility Study, with wrap up scheduled early in FY14. The study is looking at corridors, types of infrastructure and vehicles needed for implementation and if the project is economically feasible.

Developed interior card messages, mini-schedules and maps, as part of a federal initiative, for the largest Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations in our community, Spanish and Chinese.

13,488 Through the residential recycling program, more than 13,488 tons of waste was diverted from the landfill, including 23.5 tons of electronic waste.

10,873,061 In FY13, RTS broke its ridership records: 65,667 daily

ridership record was set Aug. 26, 2013 1,386,437 monthly

ridership record was set October 2013 10,873,061 annual

ridership record was set for FY13

21

22

Administrative ServicesThe Administrative Services Department coordinates the strategic planning activities for the City of Gainesville, provides oversight to the Risk Management and Budget and Finance Departments and manages the contractual arrangement with GRU to provide information technology services to General Government. Strategic planning activities include coordinating the citys tactical and strategic planning efforts, including all annexation activity, corporate goal setting and management planning. The office oversees the citys performance measurement program, performs productivity analyses, program evaluations and participates on special project work teams. The primary responsibilities of the Budget and Finance Department are to safeguard the citys assets, ensure cost-effectiveness, provide financial support to operating departments and report accurate and timely financial information to the City Commission, management and residents of the community. The department offers budgeting, accounting, treasury, revenue recovery, grant fiscal coordination and procurement services to city departments. This includes providing financial analyses upon request, preparing the citys biennial budget, quarterly monitoring reports and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. It also administers position control, billing and collection of the citys revenues, including occupational taxes and landlord permits, and the processing of payroll and accounts payable. The department also oversees the coordination of all city cash and investment management, pension management, debt management, mail services and the disposition of all surplus property through public auction. The Risk Management Department manages the general insurance and employee health, accident and life insurance benefits for the city, including a self-insurance plan for workers compensation, automobile and general liability coverage. The department also provides employee health, nutritional and psychological services through a city clinic. Wellness services are available to employees and retirees, as well as their spouses/domestic partners, if they are covered by the citys group health plan. The wellness focus represents the citys commitment to create and maintain healthy employees, ensuring the future financial stability of the citys group health plan.

FY13 Key Accomplishments (includes Budget & Finance and Risk Management) Bargained pension benefits with union representatives throughout FY13, and revised the General Pension Plan Asset

allocation and amended investment policy.

Finalized the FY12 financial audit with no findings.

Upgraded the City of Gainesvilles financial management software.

Completed the FY14 proposed budget and oversaw its adoption, with no significant service reductions.

Continued offering ProClub wellness incentive to employees and retirees covered under the citys health plan. Total awards reached 467 employees and retirees, a 16 percent increase over FY13.

Earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Continued to offer enhanced services to employees, focusing on disease prevention and early detection.

Managed the citys strategic planning process, including quarterly progress reports to the 2013 Strategic Plan and a City Commission workshop to update the FY14 Strategic Plan.

Continued to manage the citys Safety Program, which has a positive impact on workers compensation premiums.

Fewer workers compensation claims, along with lower costs per claims over multiple years, resulted in an additional annual savings of more than $900,000.

Communications OfficeThe Communications Office is responsible for coordinating General Government communications and promotional activities. Responsibilities include information and education programs; broadcast and maintenance of Community 12TV, the local government cable television channel; comprehensive communications activities; management of internal communications programs; content management of the citys social media pages and main internal and external websites; development of electronic media outreach and public education initiatives.

GovernanceMeasure and improve the cost-effectiveness of government services

23

Gainesville 101

Gainesville 101: the City of Gainesvilles Citizens Academy provides citizens with the opportunity to go behind the scenes at GPD, GFR, GRU and more.

Photography Contest

In FY13, the Fourth Annual Gainesville Photography Contest was held and the finalists photos were on exhibition at the Hippodrome State Theatre in January, and featured in a calendar.

City Government Week

Twenty-five Alachua County students participated in the seventh City Government Week event. The day included a tour and culminated in a mock City Commission meeting.


Assisted with coordinating and planning more than 55 ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings and other events.

Continued to manage the content of the citys website and intranet, and developed issue-specific Web pages and public information programs.

Developed and designed presentations for the City Manager and other key executive staff, and designed, edited and published the 2012 Citizens Report, which was once again honored with Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association.

Provided more than 285 city communications to the City Commission, staff, the media and the public through various publications, including press releases, the City Managers Biweekly Report to the City Commission and the Municipal Minutes e-newsletter.

Provided live meeting broadcast coverage; produced public service announcements and produced original television programs for Community 12TV. The office also provided telecasts of event replays on Community 12TV and online via video Web streaming technology.

Offered the 12th and 13th sessions of Gainesville 101: the City of Gainesville Citizens Academy, registering 69 residents for the course. The office also teamed up with the School Board of Alachua County and hosted City Government Week for the seventh consecutive year, giving 25 fifth graders the opportunity to learn about Gainesvilles municipal government. Private citizens and the State Attorneys Office generously raised money to provide a charter tour bus for the students and their chaperones.

Continued to chair the Communications Advisory Group, and staff from the office provided 13 training opportunities throughout the year to staff throughout the city on best practices in communications.

Maintained the citys official social media presence, utilizing websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. The office continues to increase its social media audience and now reaches more than 37,000 followers, a 15.6 percent increase over last year.

Chaired the Website Design Update Team, liaising with the team and the contracted vendor to redesign the citys website, which will be complete in early FY14.


24

General ServicesThe General Services Department includes Fleet Management, Facilities Management and capital projects involving vertical construction. The department is responsible for the administration, repair and maintenance of more than 100 city-owned buildings and the citys fleet of 1,809 vehicles for GRU and General Government. The department also provides custodial and construction management services to General Government facilities. General Services is a vital component of the Neighborhood Improvement Department, as the city works to be a good neighbor in its many facilities.

FY13 Key Accomplishments FY13 saw substantial work on a number of vertical capital projects, including:

The Gainesville Police Department Operations building is on schedule to be complete in March 2014. The Centralized Garage will be complete in November 2013. The Materials Management Facility is substantially complete.

As more options become available, General Services continues their effort to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles, as long as they meet the various standards and our total cost of utilization financial model.

The focus to reduce carbon footprint continued in FY13, as several energy-efficient projects were completed. i.e., installation of LED lights in City Hall, the Old Library building, the Oscar Lewis and Rosa B. Williams Center and an increase in number of battery pack powered aerial devices that the department purchases.

Key performance indicators continued to be measured and benchmarked with other agencies in order to ensure continuous improvement in a competitive environment.

Human ResourcesThe Human Resources/Organizational Development (HR/OD) Department supports the foundation of the City of Gainesvillethe people who serve our citizens. Its goal is to optimize the effectiveness of our employees: to acquire, develop and retain talent; to align the workforce with the goals of the City Commission and to implement programs that enhance communication and cooperation between those individuals and departments.

FY13 Key Accomplishments HR Administration/Labor Relations guides HR/OD processes, reviews and updates policies and procedures,

and facilitates labor union negotiation. In FY13, Labor Relations facilitated the negotiation and implementation of retirement plan modifications that are projected to save more than a quarter billion dollars over the next 30 years.

Staffing Services provides support to hiring managers to recruit and selectfrom a diverse pool of applicantsthe most qualified individuals to keep our operations running smoothly. In FY13, Staffing Services processed more than 17,000 applications and filled 447 positions, including new hires, promotions and transfers. Staffing Services introduced a Web-based approval process that reduces approval time and provides a paperless system.

The Classification and Compensation Division audits and ensures proper classification of positions; administers the citys pay plans, trains and serves as liaison to timekeepers and reviews salary offers. These recommendations protect the city from a legal standpoint, and move the organization forward from a strategic standpoint. Classification and Compensation quickly and accurately calculated and administered retroactive pay increases to union employees upon ratification of their labor agreements. This division has been instrumental in planning and evaluating the forthcoming upgrade to the Human Resources payroll system.

Gainesville Corporate University provides professional development opportunities for General Government and GRU employeesfrom managers to front-lineon topics ranging from computer training to compliance, to effectively managing employee performance, leading innovation and problem-solving. The Learning and Development Division has been instrumental in leading customer service initiatives for both General Government and GRU.

The Employee Relations Division provides guidance to managers to comply with state and federal laws, as well as city policies, procedures and labor agreements. Employee Relations partners with managers and employees to foster an engaged workforce and a positive work environment.

25

Planning and Development ServicesPlanning and Development Services is comprised of the Planning and the Building Inspection Departments. Planning is responsible for all current and long-range city planning, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Historic Preservation Program. From a strategic perspective, the department works to facilitate urban development and redevelopment

citywide. Building Inspection promotes public safety in construction activities by enforcing applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire prevention and life safety codes citywide. The department also manages the First-Step Development Assistance Center, which is designed to provide a convenient one-stop location for review of applicable code requirements for prospective projects.

Planning FY13 Key Accomplishments

The Plan Board processed 66 petitions and nine information items in FY13.

Processed updates/revisions to the Butler Plaza and University Corners developments.

Processed amendments to the zoning for the Gainesville Correctional Institute (GCI) site for the development of the Empowerment Center, including services for the homeless.

The Urban Village Comprehensive Plan policy in the Future Land Use Element was selected as an example of best practices for infill and redevelopment by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and published in their guide Planning Case Studies: Infill and Redevelopment, making the City of Gainesville one of five communities in Florida highlighted.

Completed extensive work on the citys form-based code effort and finalized the evaluation and appraisal Comprehensive Plan amendments.

Building Inspection FY13 Key Accomplishments

Building Inspection processed, conducted plan review for and issued 7,610 building and life safety permits in FY13. The total valuation of construction activity permitted within the city was $265,123,197.

133 certificates of occupancy and 536 certificates of completion were issued to confirm code compliance and occupancy for new and retrofitted building projects within the city.

121 First-Step development assistance meetings were conducted at the Thomas Center to coordinate, inform and guide prospective applicants through the development process.

Economic Development & RedevelopmentFoster economic development and encourage redevelopment

435 Staff processed 435 zoning compliance permits for new Gainesville businesses.

20,685 Staff conducted 20,685 field inspections for compliance with the Florida Building Code, NFPA and local ordinances, 98.6 percent of which were completed within 24 hours of being requested.

114 Staff processed 76 certificates of ap-propriateness for historic structures and 38 development review petitions, which included Boulware Charter School, Cone Park Library, the Grove development in the Urban Village and the CarMax dealership.

25

26

Economic Development & InnovationThe Economic Development and Innovation Department was created by the City Commission to facilitate economic development opportunities citywide, with an emphasis on building the areas innovative economy. The department coordinates economic development activities with private industry and local partners and will direct efforts at the creation and retention of jobs and a broadening of the citys tax base. In addition, the department is tasked with working with city departments to ensure a transparent, consistent and predictable regulatory regime that is hospitable to the growth and development of private industry.

FY13 Key Accomplishments Established collaborative relationships with members of the

local business community to assist in improving the regulatory environment to increase their competitive viability.

Advocated for City Commission strategic initiatives for economic development.

Pursued development of the framework for future economic development activities that includes suggested metrics and benchmarks.

Assisted in implementing suggestions from the Economic Development University Community Committee to streamline government processes to enable prompt, reliable municipal government response to support local business innovation and development.

Provided a consensus-building, facilitator role between business owners and the city, and served as a city liaison to the Gainesville Small Business Growth Task Force, a new partnership between the City of Gainesville and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce to support efforts to promote small business growth in Gainesville.

Community Redevelopment AgencyThe Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) strives to bring vitality and economic diversity and prosperity back into Gainesvilles downtown communities. The CRA operates in four Community Redevelopment Areas: Eastside, Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street, Downtown and College Park/University Heights. Redevelopment projects in these areas all share a central purpose: to alleviate urban blight and improve economic conditions within the community.

FY13 Key Accomplishments Engaged a new strategic planning process that began with stakeholder engagement in May. Staff and stakeholders

discussed the history of the CRA and contemplated the future of the agency by asking the question, How do we get out of this business? Realizing a need to better align the agency for this new paradigm, the CRA examined its projects, people and processes in an effort to leverage its capabilities and partnerships, become more simplistic and accessible with its internal processes and better engage the communities they serve. CRA staff is beginning to implement its FY14 goals from the approved work plan, which includes a reorganization of CRA staff; more focused community initiatives in each of its four redevelopment areas and streamlining its business processes. The CRA will continue to revisit the strategic planning initiative moving forward.

Completed construction of three new Model Block homes, a project that was conceived to help address issues of vacant and abandoned properties in the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Redevelopment Area, successfully transitioning these properties into homeownership. All three homes have sold.

Approved projects in the Faade Grant program, which is a competitive matching grant program designed to encourage reinvestment in building faades, specifically those located on highly visible target corridors within the district. Applicants must commit to expending (at a minimum) a cash match equal to the grant funds sought in the

Your Carriage Awaits, by Dave Mathia, photography contest finalist

27

Depot Avenue Rail-Trail

In 2013, the CRA completed the Depot Avenue Rail-Trail construction and it is now open to the public. A series of improvements were made including widening the trail from eight-feet to 10-feet, new asphalt, improved drainage on-site, new landscaping, new pedestrian lighting and improved pedestrian safety.

Catalyst Project

The construction of the Catalyst Project was completed the first redevelopment site within the Power District. The Catalyst site, a 22,000-square-foot warehouse, was renovated to serve as the corporate headquarters of Prioria Robotics, a locally-grown, high-tech company that produces unmanned aircrafts. This project is a great example of public/private partnerships and the unification of redevelopment and economic development goals.

Historic Depot Building

The CRA completed the rehabilitation, core and shell renovation of the Historic Depot Building, which plays a significant role in Gainesvilles past and is poised to re-emerge as a prominent site in the communitys future. This building will serve as the gateway into Depot Park.

application. Repairs/upgrades to the faade must be visible at all times from the buildings exterior, and maintenance items are not eligible for grant funds. There are currently five approved faade grant projects in the College Park University Heights Area and one approved faade grant in Downtown Redevelopment Area.

Started construction on two new public roadways in the iDistrict. The new corridors are Southwest Third Avenue and Southwest Ninth Street. Third Avenue will provide major infrastructure connections to the iDistrict, while Ninth Street will be the signature boulevard throughout the iDistrict.

Began facilitation of the development of a master plan for the redevelopment of the city-owned properties between Southeast Hawthorne Road and Southeast Eighth Avenue, between Southeast 20th Street and Southeast 24th Street, including the lot where the GTEC facility is located. The master plan will build on the existing on-site resources and constraints.

Developed the first program under the Neighborhood Improvement Program, the FAPS Residential Paint Voucher Program. The program will provide an eligible applicant with a voucher for paint and painting supplies up to $500 to be used for the exterior painting of their home. The program is available to all residences in the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Redevelopment Area. To date, three homes have been power washed and painted and additional homes are anticipated to be completed in FY14.

Facilitated a memorandum of understanding between the City of Gainesville and the Cade Museum Foundation regarding the proposed plans to locate the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention at Depot Park. The anticipated construction start date is no later than October 2015.

Worked with local businesses and avid cyclists to install 13 bike racks throughout the downtown area.


28

Housing & Community Development

The mission of the Housing and Community Development Division (HCD) is to provide housing and community development opportunities by providing leadership in the preservation, revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods for the benefit of citizenry of the Gainesville community. The HCD receives federal, state and local grant funding designed to encourage innovative and constructive approaches to improve physical, economic, social and housing conditions. The HCD provides Gainesville with a broad range of programs, such as housing, community development, public services, public infrastructure and neighborhood planning.

FY13 Key Accomplishments More than 37,800 low and moderate income persons received assistance

through various programs and services funded through the CDBG and HOME Programs.

Provided $49,258.76 through the Emergency Shelter Services Program, in partnership with Alachua County, to assist 2,619 homeless persons with temporary shelter and other support services during the coldest winter months, when the temperature dropped below 45 degrees, with temporary shelter and other services.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funding was awarded in the amount of $1,946,686 to 23 nonprofit agencies and three city departments to provide housing programs, senior services, youth programs, job training opportunities, food distribution programs, homeless programs, child care programs, child abuse prevention programs, medical assistance programs and public infrastructure services.

The Homebuyer Lease Purchase Program (HLPP) was designed to assist low-income, first-time homebuyers who were unable to obtain a mortgage loan to fulfill their dream of homeownership. The goal of the HLPP is to develop a work plan for the first-time homebuyer to provide the opportunity to reduce barriers preventing the purchase of a home, such as derogatory credit issues. Three first-time homebuyers participated in this program to purchase a new home in the citys Depot Gardens subdivision.

Assisted 398 income-eligible families through the citys comprehensive Housing Program: 25 through the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program; 16 through the Roof Program; three through the

House Replacement Program; one through the Mortgage Foreclosure Intervention Program; eight first-time homebuyers assisted through the Down Payment Assistance Program and one first-time homebuyer purchased a new home in the Southeast Gainesville Renaissance Initiative (SEGRI) area.

344 families received housing counseling assistance through the Housing Counseling Program. This program is designed to expand homeownership opportunities, prevent homelessness and improve access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

Through the Neighborhood Planning Program, the Pine Park Neighborhood was assisted with landscaping improvements to several rights of way, which included installing decorative trees and other plants.

The Community Grant Program awarded small grants totaling $105,635 to 43 local nonprofit organizations in support of services that serve a public purpose and improve the quality of life for Gainesville residents. These grants were used to assist needy families and individuals with support services such as nutritional programs, temporary housing, utility payments and youth activities and senior programs.

Human PotentialAssist every person to reach their true potential

Staff visits the former Gainesville Correctional Institute facility, which will house the Empowerment Center, the cornerstone of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

29

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Porch II, by Gary Paul, placed third in photography contest

In partnership with the U.S. Department of HUD and the North Central Florida Continuum of Care (CoC), the city sponsored two agencies, Vetspace, Inc. and Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., to provide transitional housing services through the Supportive Housing Program totaling $204,048 to assist 29 homeless veterans and mentally disabled persons and families.

The city continued its partnership to fund Homeward Bound Program in the amount of $10,000. The program is administered by the St. Francis House to assist homeless persons in reuniting with family or friends in other communities. A total of 38 homeless persons were assisted, reuniting them with their families.

The city continued to partner with Alachua County, Shands, North Florida Medical Center, St. Francis House and several other nonprofit organizations to implement the Medical Respite Care Program for homeless residents. This program is funded jointly by the City of Gainesville and Alachua County, and allows homeless persons discharged from the hospital to recover in a safe, sanitary, restful environment, rather than on the street. In FY13, 23 people were assisted with recovery services based on their medical needs.

398 398 income-eligible families received assistance through the City of Gainesvilles comprehensive Housing Program.

37,800 More than 37,800 low and moderate income persons received assistance through various programs and services funded through CDBG and HOME programs.

2,619 2,619 homeless persons had temporary shelter and other support services during the coldest winter months (below 45 degrees) through the Emergency Shelter Services Program, which is jointly funded with Alachua County totalling $49,258.76.

30

Financial Information The financial information presented here is summarized and does not substitute for the citys Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR details the citys financial position and operating activities for each year in conformity with governmental accounting principles. This report, by its summary nature, is not intended to conform to generally accepted accounting principles and associated reporting standards set forth by applicable governing bodies. Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), a major component of our organization, issues a separate report in compliance with its bond

Ge

ne

ra

l Fu

nd

- r

ev

en

ue

s &

ex

pen

dit

ur

es

as o

f Se

pt.

30

, 20

13 a

nd

20

12

Table 1: General Fund Revenues and Expenditures

Revenues by Source:Taxes: Real Property, Net Utility Taxes Local Telecom Services Tax Other TaxesLicenses and PermitsIntergovernmental: State Revenue Sharing Half-cent Sales Tax Other IntergovernmentalCharges for Services: Fire Assessment Indirect Costs Other Charges for ServicesFines and ForfeituresMiscellaneous RevenuesTransfers from Other Funds: From Utility From General Government Total RevenuesExpenditures by Department:Neighborhood ImprovementEconomic DevelopmentPlanning and Development ServicesAdministrative ServicesCity CommissionClerk of the CommissionCity ManagerCity AuditorCity AttorneyInformation TechnologiesBudget & FinanceEqual OpportunityPublic WorksPoliceFireCombined Communications CenterGeneral ServicesParks, Recreation and Cultural AffairsHuman ResourcesRisk

2013 City of Gainesville Citizen's Report: One Gainesville

Documents

Transcript of 2013 City of Gainesville Citizen's Report: One Gainesville