Gainesville’s City Commission told Student Government members it’s their responsibility to make sure student voices are heard.
The discussion between the two was part of the second annual joint meeting between the commission and SG. They discussed transportation, the Gainesville experience and student safety.
Sen. Kylie Werk (Impact, District A) asked about the city expanding bike lanes and crosswalks.
Mayor Ed Braddy said the city has added bike lanes and tries to incorporate bike lanes in new construction projects.
"We don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach," Braddy said.
City legislation, which proposed raising the entrance age to 21 for bars after 9 p.m., was also discussed. They decided to stop discussing the bill until students were back from summer, Braddy said.
"Whatever we do, we need to make sure all stakeholders are at the table," he said.
But Commissioner Charles Goston said students need to help the city commission find a solution to underage students drinking.
"If we can’t come up with a solution that works for you guys, why don’t you guys come up with a solution that works for you?" he asked.
Commissioner Harvey Budd said he thinks UF’s Honor Court should handle the consequences of underage drinking rather than the city.
Sen. Amanda Nelson (Access, Liberal Arts) said she felt it was hard to get answers from the commission on how students could help.
"We want to help you, but it seems like every single question is ‘y’all go do that’ or ‘that’s not our responsibility,’" she said.
Concealed carry of weapons on UF’s campus was another safety concern discussed. Recent legislation for concealed firearms on campus has been making its way through committees in the state legislature.
Braddy said regardless of his personal opinions, he would support UF in its stance on the legislation.
Gainesville Regional Utilities rates, which are among the highest in the state, and how they affect students were discussed.
Utility rates have been a hot topic recently. Many blame the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center biomass plant, which went online in 2013, for causing such high rates — an allegation disputed among current and former city officials.
Budd said the biomass plant never should have been approved.
"We are bleeding money, and it was a bad decision that was made," he said.
The commission urged UF students to write to commissioners and the mayor about utility rates.
"All problems are simple once a solution is done," Goston said. "If we don’t call you, call us."
Contact Caitlin Ostroff at costroff@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @ceostroff
