Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves $19.1M GMP for new police property and evidence facility; neighbors raise fence concerns
Summary
The commission authorized a guaranteed maximum price (~$19.1M) to build a 31,000‑sq‑ft, hardened property and evidence building. Chief Nelson Moyer and staff stressed secure storage and HVAC/ventilation needs; residents asked the city to reconsider a proposed security fence along a popular trail.
The City Commission voted Dec. 4 to authorize a guaranteed maximum price of $19,095,555 for construction of a new Gainesville Police Department property and evidence building. The three‑story, roughly 31,000‑square‑foot facility is designed to replace a cramped 3,900‑sq‑ft evidence vault and provide modern, climate‑controlled storage, forensic processing space and chain‑of‑custody accommodations.
"The building will meet current needs and provide capacity for future growth," Gary Cawthorn, facilities manager, told commissioners. He outlined a planned construction schedule with mobilization targeted for February 2026 and substantial completion in mid‑2027.
Staff and commissioners noted the cost per square foot is high compared with ordinary municipal construction because the building requires specialized ventilation, segregation for biohazardous and narcotics evidence, hardened infrastructure, fire suppression, backup power and secure storage systems. "These are not ordinary interior finishes — the HVAC, evidence refrigeration and security requirements raise costs," a staff member said.
Neighbors and some commissioners sought to delay or limit a proposed security fence that would sit between the facility’s south parking area and a heavily used multi‑use trail. Chief Nelson Moyer said GPD supports measures that protect staff and evidence, and described recent incidents in the parking lot that motivated the security conversation; commissioners asked staff to return with more design detail and neighborhood outreach rather than decide fencing today.
The commission approved the GMP; staff said remaining design elements, alternates and any fence design will be worked out during the construction phase and brought back for final decisions where appropriate.
Next steps: construction manager Ajax Building Company will proceed with preconstruction and mobilization tasks under the GMP; staff will report back to the commission on fence design options and community outreach.
