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

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Development Department summarized the changes, saying the update adds adopted levels of service and modernizes outdated references.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.