[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6273067,"mediaKeyId","3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3","parentId",3005398,"title","TrackLine operations halted after stop-work order; owner and engineers say submittal imminent, commission urges process","audioSeconds",714,"startMs",3060000,"endMs",3774000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3&start=3060&end=3774","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273067/Florida/TrackLine-operations-halted-after-stop-work-order-owner-and-engineers-say-submittal-imminent-commission-urges-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273067-12f6beb74a31bdb6cc21d4eba9b40f75/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212159&Signature=CR6FVAUoM4xIHfZl3qblJM2c-XpmTgw0Y0hj7iFUgoNV02vMlsrYlLEYGYx~NUDJ2bMg~5I-ykE5T2-2e1MChP6VN7zISPtTwruZ6PFJrbLdiqa5D0kNoq5hO~85iCMWQ5fat6K6s8BjR7BSCDfLl4titq~v7MBsfR8mMbYECnxasFWnYWNz7bJ41eGpG4VczC0fnBtku3U6bsTAIfwjfNyvKVYsMHe1ZiIOIJKcDwAW0Hpz-1cvQJG5KRadFR71JJTcv0sXI3B18AkVuyDKHgekG0uhp9A5kOutJsMGSMLvm8VrL2VYDyB-Dcb-~797ABCADkpwp3UL3qGpfuuPYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Newberry, FL","date","2025-04-15T12:11:44Z","article","A stop‑work order issued Friday halted on‑site activity by TrackLine, a company converting retired railroad ties and other feedstocks into alternative fuel, after a filing deadline was missed, company representatives told the City Commission at the April 14 meeting.

TrackLine owner David (Dave) Malay described the company’s operations and its relationship with a major nearby customer. Malay said TrackLine began limited operations in January while working toward a full site‑plan submittal and that the company had invested substantial equipment in the site. He told commissioners that a submission deadline tied to site permitting was missed by one day, triggering a stop‑work order, and that his engineering firm (JV Pro) submitted the full site plan on Saturday. Malay asked the city for leniency so operations could continue while staff processed the permit.

JV Pro principal Jay Brown told the commission that the team had planned an April 11 submittal and completed and uploaded the site plan over the weekend; he said the firm did not understand a stop‑work order would follow the miss. “We had no idea there was negative consequences associated with this,” Brown said, adding that the plan was submitted after a final review and that the firm works frequently with Newberry staff.

Joy Glanzer, a longtime community volunteer and organizer, urged the commission to continue supporting industrial businesses that rely on the city’s heritage industries, including phosphate, and said Newberry historically has taken extra steps to assist such businesses during permitting. Other public speakers praised the economic potential of TrackLine and urged staff to help move the project forward.

Commissioners and staff said they want the project to succeed but emphasized that the city must follow established permitting procedures and give neighbors and the public an opportunity to review applications. Commissioner Martin said the city will protect citizens first while working to resolve permit issues. The mayor and staff indicated legal and planning staff would review the submittal and expedite processing where lawful. City legal counsel (Mr. Carney) said he would work with staff and consultants to determine next steps.

No formal action was taken during public comment; commissioners said that once a complete application is on file staff will expedite review and follow the normal public‑notice and permitting process. City staff invited TrackLine representatives to meet with planning and legal staff to resolve outstanding technical and bonding questions and to ensure the application proceeds through the planning and permitting sequence.

Why it matters
TrackLine’s operation would supply an established local plant with an alternative fuel and represents a potential large employer and industrial investment in Newberry. The stop‑work order and the timing of the site‑plan submittal create immediate operational and regulatory questions: continued operation without review could deprive neighbors of notice and limit public input, while a forced shutdown could affect the local fuel supply and jobs.

Next steps
Staff said they will confirm receipt and completeness of the JV Pro submittal, prioritize technical review where permitted by law, and coordinate with legal counsel on outstanding compliance or bonding questions. Commissioners asked that staff act quickly while ensuring the city’s notice and permitting obligations are met.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commission Meeting - April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A stop‑work order halted TrackLine operations after a permitting deadline was missed, company representatives told the City Commission on April 14; the company says a full site‑plan submittal was uploaded over the weekend and asked the city to expedite review.","taxTitle","City of Newberry , Alachua County, Florida","taxId",71804,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273071,"Commission approves electric franchise, transmits water/waste updates, extends NC Ranch deadline and backs CDBG application",214,1503000,1717000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3&start=1503&end=1717","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3/thumbnail_1503000.jpg","/articles/6273071/Florida/Commission-approves-electric-franchise-transmits-waterwaste-updates-extends-NC-Ranch-deadline-and-backs-CDBG-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273071-4aeb5c3a8badc7016cc8479cb803454f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212159&Signature=nnjfPq-eQbMhCZp6h5mcmGL~EfXlLEiEj5YGsjzyZTVeFPZW1i3SWlT~93UXwJBeen2Zik-L80Au5HROK1H3isq0OSlY961hsUx9mWlgIhNzUg9IAksJe7V3sr4bQTC3y7YiWCc4Jql1loe1BNLkrowhlgswNGPmpJlLqx5u7zeSoQwjlgQHsRCyTz-aMJS4eIjP~PlhG68wi4~oDPGhIQ9vTBY5GHoCcy56L3uMiLxTS4OBXoETD7nftwoIBGdNnJ3zVEL6zGyOnsW1QR3O6V9EisnmRGKv8FepY69KJ6ZJTpjNIzQW45ZGIf6yBWJdHp-SElKAdFKLf038d5eXxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission of the City of Newberry on April 14 approved four formal items: a 30-year franchise agreement with Central Florida Electric Cooperative, transmittal of amendments to the comprehensive plan’s wastewater/solid-waste/stormwater/potable-water and capital improvements elements to the state, a one-year, single extension for the NC Ranch planned development final-plan deadline, and a motion to submit a Community Development Block Grant (neighborhood revitalization) application.

The franchise ordinance (Ordinance 2025‑O‑03) grants Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC) the right to use city rights‑of‑way to serve customers in the city and establishes a stepped franchise-fee structure. The commission passed the ordinance on its second and final reading. The city attorney read the ordinance into the record and staff described the key terms: a 30‑year term, the utility’s responsibility for its infrastructure and permitting compliance, and a franchise fee starting at 4% of gross electric revenues with step increases in later years. The ordinance also includes an economic‑development incentive option and an indemnification clause for the city. Commissioner Martin moved the ordinance; Commissioner Clark seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

On first reading the commission approved transmittal of ordinance 2025‑O‑04, a package of comprehensive‑plan amendments that updates the wastewater, solid‑waste, stormwater and potable‑water elements and the capital improvements element. Stacee Hechtis of the Community Development Department summarized the changes, saying the update adds adopted levels of service and modernizes outdated references. Hechtis said the amendments will be transmitted to the state under Florida’s expedited review procedures and are expected to return for final adoption in roughly 45 days. Commissioner Coleman moved the transmittal motion; Commissioner Farnsworth seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The commission adopted Resolution 2025‑R‑13 to grant a one‑time, one‑year extension for the NC Ranch planned development to submit a final development plan (construction plans, final plat, covenants, easements and other required instruments) and to extend certain phase deadlines under the city’s land development code. Staff noted the extension moves an existing ordinance expiration from May 28, 2025 to May 28, 2026. Commissioner Martin moved the resolution; Commissioner Farnsworth seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

In a separate public hearing, the commission voted to ask staff to submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) neighborhood revitalization application to the State of Florida. Staff explained eligibility rules (the project area must be at least 51% low‑to‑moderate‑income according to HUD limits for the Gainesville/Gilchrist area) and described eligible uses including streets/sidewalks, drainage and water/sewer improvements. Commissioner Maison moved the motion; Commissioner Clark seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance
• Ordinance 2025‑O‑03 (Central Florida Electric franchise) — mover: Commissioner Martin; second: Commissioner Clark; outcome: approved unanimously (yes:5, no:0).
• Ordinance 2025‑O‑04 (Comprehensive plan: water/waste/capital improvements) — first reading/transmittal — mover: Commissioner Coleman; second: Commissioner Farnsworth; outcome: approved unanimously (transmit to state review) (yes:5, no:0).
• Resolution 2025‑R‑13 (NC Ranch one‑year extension) — mover: Commissioner Martin; second: Commissioner Farnsworth; outcome: adopted unanimously (yes:5, no:0).
• Motion to submit CDBG neighborhood revitalization application — mover: Commissioner Maison; second: Commissioner Clark; outcome: approved unanimously (yes:5, no:0).

Why it matters
The CFEC franchise creates a long‑term legal framework that permits an electric cooperative to operate within Newberry rights‑of‑way and provides the city with franchise‑fee revenue that staff said is typically used to support streets and public‑works functions. The comprehensive‑plan transmittal advances required updates to water, wastewater, stormwater, potable‑water and capital‑improvements planning and begins the state review required before final adoption. The NC Ranch extension preserves the applicant’s time to finalize construction plans and plats. The CDBG application could channel state/HUD funds into targeted street, drainage or water improvements in an eligible low‑to‑moderate‑income neighborhood.

Details and next steps
The franchise ordinance will take effect as provided by its terms following final adoption. The comprehensive‑plan amendments will be transmitted to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for expedited review under the statutory procedures and are expected to return to the commission for final adoption in June or July. The NC Ranch owner must submit the required final development plan documents by May 28, 2026 per the resolution. If awarded, CDBG funds will follow the state’s award schedule; staff said award notifications typically take several months and construction often begins later the same fiscal year.

The commission took all four actions by unanimous votes during the April 14 meeting; no recorded dissents were entered on these items.","At its April 14 meeting the City Commission of Newberry approved a 30-year franchise with Central Florida Electric Cooperative, voted to transmit updates to several comprehensive-plan elements to the state, granted a one-year extension for the NC Ranch planned development and authorized staff to apply for a CDBG neighborhood revitalization grant.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273062,"Westfest set for April 26; Newberry community groups announce events and outreach meeting for Old West End golf course",416,978000,1394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3&start=978&end=1394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005398-b100b3f89940b58c30f98f3beff49dd3/thumbnail_978000.jpg","/articles/6273062/Florida/Westfest-set-for-April-26-Newberry-community-groups-announce-events-and-outreach-meeting-for-Old-West-End-golf-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273062-8f6deaeed17bdce5eb03fe2542b10169/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212159&Signature=fUL3uHtnYzNtKdDRRlGqoZVdoHpTZixgOa0qupecbWT3IDtS8D5g08Qat8ukB8BYhHa46AeoUAfIql7gJvrvufSrnOp3um6jHLpiQP5r5Cj-3pOx~BHwqbfw8czIfIm-cvPxWPQjpCeqyDMrMrt4KZoCdc0yS-gTcNqwno4513puT8DUUkrZH8YjmrzxfJ1hYXqIXhC8ca-iFEQfiJJJq7pMMhw6M85CTDxg94RvXtltIY74u69ncg8OEdftQeI5-0CdwnrtfDg3pFpXuSyhQtxWqpGMnnt1LFbxGTiu945gsjukiX-~arXqhPGRCpdGPM3DtH9nCfJb7Xp~s1ImMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Crystal Rushing, the city’s newly appointed special events coordinator, presented details about Westfest 2025 at the April 14 commission meeting. Westfest will be held April 26 at Lewis Fort Park with gates opening at 3:30 p.m. Rushing named four featured musical acts — TJ Brown, Andrea Kaye, the duo Harbour Wind, and headliner Emma Forgette — and said returning family attractions include a bounce house and kid activities from Greenfield. Title sponsor Visit Gainesville/Alachua County and several other sponsors were listed, and food trucks scheduled include Donut Envy, Back Porch Burgers, Rolling Sliders, Charlie’s Snow Shack, Lazy Days Lemonade and local taco vendors. Rushing said the event Facebook page and westfest.rocks include performer lists and a chance to enter for a free T‑shirt; she said roughly 1,800 people had marked interest on the event page.

During the public‑announcements segment, Joy Glanzer introduced Newberry Proud, a newly formed volunteer group dedicated to recognizing youth achievements; the group’s first event is May 23 at the high‑school football field and will feature a movie night, athlete recognitions and free popcorn. Glanzer listed the organization’s board and said Congresswoman Kat Kamik provided commemorative coins for student athletes.

A county‑led public engagement meeting on the Old West End Golf Course property was announced for Tuesday, April 29, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ag Extension Auditorium; the presenter said the top three options under consideration from earlier community input were a nine‑hole golf course, a driving range and walking trails, plus playground/splash‑pad amenities. The speaker urged Newberry residents, athletic coaches and parents to attend to voice support if they want the site to include golf facilities.

Staff also presented the geographic map used for the city’s CDBG neighborhood revitalization application and explained the HUD eligibility rules (project area must be at least 51% low‑to‑moderate income under HUD’s Gainesville/Gilchrist area limits). Staff said the state’s CDBG pot this cycle was more flexible because of recent storms and that the normally capped $700,000 limit might instead allow projects up to the project cost in this emergency round. A public hearing and a commission motion authorized staff to proceed with the application.

Why it matters
These events and outreach items affect community engagement, local tourism and neighborhood infrastructure planning. Westfest is a large community event that draws regional attendance; the Old West End Golf Course meeting is a final public engagement opportunity shaping future recreational uses for county‑owned land; the CDBG application could fund street, drainage or water improvements in an eligible neighborhood.

What’s next
Westfest will proceed April 26; residents may consult westfest.rocks and the city event page for details. Newberry Proud’s event is scheduled for May 23. The county meeting on the Old West End Golf Course is April 29, and staff will submit the CDBG application in May per the commission motion.","City special events coordinator Crystal Rushing outlined Westfest on April 26 at Lewis Fort Park and the commission heard several community announcements including a new youth recognition group, a county engagement meeting about the Old West End Golf Course on April 29, and details about an eligible CDBG project area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TrackLine operations halted after stop-work order; owner and engineers say submittal imminent, commission urges process

Commission approves electric franchise, transmits water/waste updates, extends NC Ranch deadline and backs CDBG application

Westfest set for April 26; Newberry community groups announce events and outreach meeting for Old West End golf course