Work begins for new Fernandina Beach City Commission

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

The first Regular Meeting of the 2015 Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) got underway shortly after the FBCC Reorganizational Meeting on December 16, 2015, with newly seated commissioners Robin Lentz and Tim Poynter sitting in the spots previously occupied by Sarah Pelican and Charlie Corbett. The meeting lasted only an hour. Commissioners handled a relatively light agenda, unanimously approving three resolutions and one ordinance on first reading:

• Resolution 2014-172: Designating the tree located in the median of Via Del Ray and Amelia Island Parkway as a Heritage Tree;
• Resolution 2014-173: Approving budget amendments for the previous fiscal year to correct coding errors and provide for the purchase of new Police and Sanitation equipment;
• Resolution 2014-174: Vacating and abandoning an unused utility easement in the Park Subdivision;
• Ordinance 2014-34: Modifying the Amelia Park PUD to add a new housing type identified as “Single Family House—Tract I.”

Commissioners also approved 6 appointments to city boards:

• Planning Advisory Board: Chip Ross (regular member), Chris Occhuizzo (first alternate); and Jamie Morrill (second alternate);
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Paul Martinez (new member); and John Cotner and Burton Bright (2 reappointments);
• Board of Trustees of the Fire and Police Pension Plan:reappointment of Janet Griffin and Walter Sturges.

Planning Advisory Board appointments

The only item on the Agenda to generate significant discussion was the appointments to the Planning Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB had forwarded the applications of four individuals for FBCC consideration. Commissioner Poynter moved to seat Ross, Occhuizzo and Morrill. Vice Mayor Johnny Miller seconded the motion. However, before the vote could be taken, Commissioner Pat Gass expressed concerns over Chip Ross’ nomination. She asked Poynter for his reasoning in recommending Ross over the fourth applicant, Walter “Eric” Lawrence. Poynter replied that during the recent spate of public meetings over both PAB and citizen issues with the Port of Fernandina, he had had an opportunity to observe Ross. Commending Ross for his efforts to “get it right,” Poynter said, “His research is incredibly impressive. I’ve actually seen him in action the past three months. That’s why I’m requesting this.”

Gass asked Poynter, “You are aware that his accuracy isn’t all there, correct?” Poynter replied that people might have different positions on the issues. Poynter added that he is trying to appoint someone who delves into the work. “What he has demonstrated to me is that that is the type of person he is,” Poynter said.

Gass commended Ross for his desire to serve but expressed her concerns.

“Because Ross has only been a resident since September 2014,” she said, “he may not know the lay of the land, government entities of the areas and how they work together and intermingle and how the laws work. It might be better for him to observe more and get involved later.” Poynter reminded the Mayor that there was a motion on the floor. When the vote was taken, only Gass opposed the motion.

During Commissioner Comments, Gass suggested that FBCC members to prepare for the January 7 FBCC Workshop with the Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) by reading the OHPA charter. “It’s a very eye opening experience,” she said, “to understand the authority they do have.” Gass also cited several Florida Statutes outlining port authority. “The OHPA can really do some things,” she said. “They are a government body we should be friends with, and work with, just as the county commission. … I don’t think anyone in the community understands the things, the good things, that they can do for this community and this county. If you read the documents I have pointed out, you will understand this.”

City Manager Report

City Manager Joe Gerrity delivered his report at the end of the meeting. He reminded commissioners of upcoming meetings and workshops, advising them that the PAB has requested a joint meeting to discuss the role of the PAB vis-a-vis the city and the city commission. He also advised commissioners that he has contacted County Manager Ted Selby to restart talks on funding for beach renourishment.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Robin Lentz thanked her supporters and expressed her pleasure at joining the commission. She thanked the city manager and his staff for their efforts to get her up to speed on city operations and issues.

Commissioner Tim Poynter thanked his supporters as well, singling out his wife Theresa for special mention. “A lot of things get said about people, which is understandable, about people running for office by those trying to get the other person elected,” he said. “I’d like to put all of that behind us. I want everyone to know how bullish I am on this community. We live in a great community. The sky’s the limit with this place, and I’m happy to be back [on the commission] doing my part to make it happen.”

Commissioner Pat Gass reported on a recent trip to accompany a friend to the Barnabas Clinic for the first time. She praised the people staffing the clinic and reported that it was an overwhelmingly wonderful experience. She encouraged those considering holiday giving, to support that operation. She also spoke to the upcoming port meeting (see above).

Vice Mayor Johnny Miller welcomed the new commissioners and thanked the entire commission for electing him Vice Mayor. “I did not see that coming,” he said, “but I will try to do a good job.” He expressed concern over beach erosion issues as recently experienced in St. Johns County and thanked City Manager Gerrity for his renewed emphasis on beach renourishment talks with Nassau County. He thanked the Police Department for the successful “Shop with Cops” program memorialized in a YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np3lS12TYRY.

Mayor Ed Boner expressed his desire to talk at a future meeting about the status of an existing permit for opening the Alachua railroad crossing, which expires in February. He also expressed a desire to return to the topic of full funding for trash pick up during Shrimp Fest. He expressed a desire that more people participate in the annual Martin Luther King parade in January, stressing how important it is for all people to recognize Dr. King’s contributions.

Boner ended the meeting by congratulating the new commissioners. “I’m very happy to see you here,” he said. “Everyone’s using their lights [to be recognized], they are polite, and the sky didn’t fall in. It’s going to be a great new year.”