Submitted by Eric Bartelt
August 20, 2014 1:32 p.m.
Mayor Ed Boner opened the lengthy August 19th City Commission meeting with three proclamations and a brief presentation by Marina Manager Joe Springer.
The first Proclamation was awarded to the 2014 Fernandina Beach 14-and-Under Babe Ruth League All Stars baseball team for achieving All Star status and representing the finest in Fernandina Beach youth sports. After capturing District and State titles, the team finished third in the Southeast Regionals, just two wins away from being in the World Series championship.
Scott Moore, along with members of the team and assistant coaches were on hand to accept the Proclamation.
The second Proclamation recognized Captain Tommy Spicer, retiring after 34 years and 8 months with the Fernandina Beach Fire Dept. The Proclamation was accepted by Fire Chief Jason Higginbotham, as Captain Spicer was out of town and unable to attend.
Chief Higginbotham read comments Captain Spicer had written, in which he considered everyone in the firehouse to be a member of his family, that he had enjoyed working with the fine individuals in the fire service, and that he was pleased to serve our great community.
The third Proclamation was for the Professional Firefighters Local #2836 for their “Fill The Boot Days” for Muscular Dystrophy. Accepting the Proclamation was Ms. Dustie Davis, from MDA, and Mr. Steven Henderson from the Fernandina Beach Fire Department. The Proclamation applauds members of the Firefighters Local #2836, who donate their time and energy to support the battle against muscular dystrophy by “filling the boot.” The Proclamation cites the $530 million raised over the past 60 years by professional firefighters through the annual “Fill The Boot Days” campaign. Ms. Davis said all the money raised locally stays within the community.
Marina Manager Joe Springer made a presentation about the Marina having been named by Marina Life Magazine as one the top 50 Places To Stop, and its recent designation as the third most Pet Friendly marina on the east coast of the U.S. And Canada. Springer said good things are happening at the marina and the next thing that is coming is a “surprise”, one that the Commission will like.
Following Joe Springer’s presentation, the Commission heard from the public about items not on the evening’s agenda.
Len Kreger addressed the Commission regarding the need to fund the storm water management projects. He cited the storm water study done in 2010 that outlined 13 projects, costing $17 million. By Kreger’s calculations, it would take the storm water fee the City imposed about a year ago, which raises $20,000 per month, about 70 years to cover the cost the projects. He questioned the City’s priorities, saying he doesn’t understand “a city that can be talking about wireless for downtown, parking garages, parks, that can’t support the infrastructure.” He said the City needed to establish priorities and set money aside.
Joan Bean raised a concern about the floor tile in the women’s locker room at the Rec. Center. She said the tile was too slippery and posed a serious safety problem. She hoped it would be replaced with tile similar to the tile used on the floor of the downtown Comfort Station, which has a more textured, non-slip surface.
Josh O’Brien, General Manager of the municipal Golf Course provided an update on the Golf Course. He mentioned the Grand Reopening of the south Course greens. The feedback, he said has been positive, with several people saying the greens are now some of the best on the island.
Dawn Lunt, Treasurer and Merchandise Chair of the Shrimp Festival, urged the Commission to commit to providing $32,800, as it has in past years, to cover the Shrimp Festival’s trash removal cost. The City has budgeted $16,400 but the remaining amount was not included in the proposed 2014/2015 city budget. Ms. Lunt was concerned that without the full amount, the Shrimp Festival would be hard pressed to continue operating. The Commission assured her that it would not jeopardize the existence of the festival, but that all avenues for acquiring sponsors should be explored. City Manager Gerrity assured her that the remaining funds, if necessary, would come from the City’s contingency fund.
Editor’s Note: Eric Bartelt retired as a corporate design consultant and moved to Fernandina Beach in 2004. His previously lived in Wisconsin. Since Eric’s arrival in Fernandina Beach, he spends his time volunteering, and playing soccer. We thank Eric for his contributions to the Fernandina Observer.