25-03-2025
On top of TMH, city set to discuss airport, StarMetro, construction at next meeting
Most attention likely will be on the city of Tallahassee's upcoming Wednesday, March 26, meeting because of developments with Tallahassee Memorial, but commissioners also will be looking at a host of other items.
City leaders met with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare officials Monday morning after news that city staff was exploring "the advantages of a possible sale" blindsided hospital leaders and buzzed through the community over the weekend.
But commissioners are set to discuss other issues, such as road improvements along FAMU Way, a construction contract dealing with electric infrastructure for StarMetro and more happenings at the airport for an international processing facility.
More: FSU 'eager to explore' opportunity as city tees up discussion of 'possible sale' of TMH
As the city's public bus system, StarMetro, continues to work toward greener buses, it is looking to the city for approval to negotiate a $12,198,100 million contract for electric infrastructure.
In 2023, the city applied for and received over $20 million as part of Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) 5339(c) Low or No Emission Grant. That includes funding for several new bells and whistles for the public transportation entity, including bus charging infrastructure construction.
StarMetro is looking to enter into a contract with Camber Operating Company and, according to agenda materials, most of the cost will be covered through the grant with a portion to be covered by the city.
The city aims to use eminent domain for private properties along South Monroe Street and FAMU Way for phase 4 of roadway improvements along FAMU Way. The construction will look to improve traffic patterns as well as vehicular and pedestrian safety, according to agenda materials.
Eminent domain is the government's legal power to take private property for public use, such as infrastructure projects, provided the owner receives fair compensation.
The city was able to negotiate deals with other parties, except for a couple needed to finish the project. The commission is being asked to adopt two condemnation resolutions, one for each property owner, in order to acquire the rights needed to avoid the delay of road construction.
The city has received $2,092,536 from the Florida Department of Transportation for the International Processing Facility Project at Tallahassee International Airport.
The funding will be used, among other things, to cover project costs related to the construction.
The agenda says the International Processing Facility will "provide for a terminal expansion to house a U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved international passenger port-of-entry and Federal Inspection Services facility that will serve both commercial air service and general aviation needs at the Tallahassee International Airport."
Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@ and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: More than TMH: What else is on Tallahassee City Commission agenda?
