Submitted by Eric Bartelt
April 24, 2015 2:45 p.m.
Following four lengthy presentations made to the City Commission at their April 21st meeting (a proposed Trolley Loop, a proposed Performing Arts Tent at Main Beach, progress on Economic Development, and a CRA update), the Commission entertained comments from the public on items not on the agenda.
First to address the Commission was Mr. Chett Lynker, President of the Firefighter’s union. Mr. Lynker told the Commission that he had good news and bad news, The good news was that this would be his last time he would appear before the Commission “on this issue”. The “issue” he was referring to is apparently the controversy regarding former Chief Higginbotham’s tenure as Fire Chief. He said the bad news is “it’s going to escalate to the next level because we are becoming very concerned that public safety is becoming more and more affected.” He provided no explanation as to why he would no longer appear before the Commission on this “issue” or what he meant by “escalate to the next level.”
He did provide, however, his version of a 60 day update, referencing City Manager Gerrity’s earlier promise to update the Commission within 60 days about progress in resolving the Fire Department problems. Mr. Lynker said the only thing that has happened in the 60 days is that a “false FDLE allegation has been placed on me, which has been proven false.” He also asserted that the “shuffling around of Chiefs” has changed nothing, that morale continues to decline, and that personnel are continuing to look for jobs elsewhere. He pointed out that this costs the City money and affects public safety.
His issues haven’t been with the former Chief’s lack of experience, he said, but with the “injustices that have occurred that have been under-addressed and swept under the rug” over the past three years. He also told the Commissioners that the City and County unions were discussing uniting to form a stronger group. Mr. Lynker concluded by saying, “Let’s find the truth so that it doesn’t affect public safety…because I promise you declining morale will eventually affect public safety.”
James Tucker, Vice President of the Firefighter’s union spoke next, expressing concern as to why the Resolution passed in February to initiate an investigation of the Fire Department had not been brought back and placed on this evening’s meeting agenda. He also, on a more upbeat note, reminded everyone about the Guns and Hoses softball game on June 13th, with one team from the Fire Department and two teams from the Sheriff’s Department competing.
Questioned by Commissioner Lentz about Mr. Tucker’s comments, City Manager Gerrity read a prepared statement. In it, he said, “I consider the issue regarding leadership in the Fire Department resolved.” He cited former Chief Higginbotham’s years of combined experience as Fire Marshall, Fire Chief and EMS Chief, and who is, “according to our Medical Examiner, Dr. Ullah, as good as any EMS Chief the City had ever had.” Mr. Gerrity went on to say that the City is advertising for a new Fire Chief and expected a new Chief to be in place by October 1st.
Commissioner Lentz then asked Mr. Gerrity, relative to morale, “How do we know when things are better?” Mr. Gerrity replied that what he looks at as City Manager are such things as the Department’s ISO rating, which has gone down, and is based on training, organization and tracking of training. He cited “high and tight extraction training” completed here in the last two years as an example of training for situations that would ordinarily have required help from Jacksonville. And he referred to a recent surprise EMS inspection by the state, in which the City “did fine.”
Mr. Gerrity went on to say he thought morale doesn’t turn around instantly and that the rank and file needed to give Interim Chief Bergel a chance. According to Gerrity, Chief Bergel has been “a breath of fresh air,” has brought forth new ideas, and was the #1 pick in 2010 to be Chief prior to the hiring of Chief Bogle. He added that we’re going to be getting a new Chief and “he’ll have the experience level you guys want.” To which Commissioner Lentz responded, to considerable laughter in the room, “It could be a she, couldn’t it?”
Discussion continued about the Fire Department situation, with Mr. Gerrity expressing some exasperation about the morale problem, saying he wasn’t really sure “what to do for these guys”, meaning the firefighters, and that he wasn’t going to “go back and dig up three years worth of whatever Mr. Lynker was referring to.”
Moving on from Fire Department issues, next up to the lectern to speak about items not on the agenda was Mr. Tony Crawford, who began by inquiring about the status of the railroad wayside horns (directional horns that would be track mounted and used in lieu of a locomotive’s horns) being discussed for downtown and urged the Commission to set up a demonstration of the horns to determine if their sound level would be acceptable.
Mr. Crawford also asked about a project he brought to the Commission in February – banners on 8th St. – and if he could get some funding for that. He proposed having two sets of banners made up so that “there would be banners all year long going down 8th St.” He asked for one person from the City to work with him and the banner fabricator to design and approve the banners, and to guarantee the fabricator payment of $3,990 for the 19 banners in 90 days, unless the City can raise the money from another source. The banners would not be for specific events, but would be “generic” and serve to “spruce up” 8th St. Commissioner Lentz expressed support for the idea, saying she thought is was a great idea. She proposed reaching out to Rayonier or RockTenn to see if they would sponsor it.
Commissioner Lentz then asked the other Commissioners whether or not they supported the idea. All seemed to, if somewhat half-heartedly, with the exception of Commissioner Poynter, who said he wasn’t sure, because he hadn’t seen anything. He was concerned the Commission was spending “a little money here, a little money there” and that “we do so many things half-assed.” Mr. Crawford responded by saying this would at least get something done, even though it would be “lipstick on a pig, no doubt about it.” He said, however that “it’s something, that it’s showing the people something, instead of just talking about it, forever”. Mr. Gerrity said he’d think about it and Commissioner Lentz suggested 30 days for them to get back to Mr. Crawford.
After a brief recess, the Commission took up Resolutions, the first being the purchase of two thermal imaging cameras for the Fire Department. Interim Chief Bergel provided information about the need for the cameras. He said the cameras have several advanced features and provide a means for determining how hot it is inside a structure, and therefore how life-threatening it is, before firefighters enter the structure. Since firefighters cover up with protective gear, they can’t always feel the temperature, which can be dangerous. The cameras also have integrated video so that the Incident Commander, who is outside the structure, can view video being taken inside the structure, allowing him to see where all the firefighters are. They also have picture and video capture, which is useful in fire investigations. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase.
After approving Resolutions for a final plat for the Coastal Oaks development and a budget amendment covering a professional services agreement, a Resolution was considered next that would allow city residents who are not U.S. citizens to serve on advisory boards and committees, such as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the CRA Board. They would not, however, be allowed to serve on quasi-judicial boards, such as the Board of Adjustment, Planning Advisory Board, Historic District Council, Code Enforcement and Appeals, the Pension Fund, or Housing Authority. The Resolution passed 4-1 with Commissioner Gass dissenting, saying, “To me this is understood, you live in the City, you belong to a country, and you help out with the government.” Commissioner Lentz, having previously not supported the Resolution, now voted in favor, since it would not apply to the quasi-judicial boards.
Nearing the end of the Commission’s official business, they took up one final item – a First Reading of a Code Amendment about street performers. The Amendment allows for ensembles to be charged the same $300 fee as individual performers. It also changes the permit application period so that applicants can apply any time during the year. Mr. E. J. McClelland, a member of an ensemble group, thanked the Commission for their consideration and for making it easier for groups to perform.
The formation of a Youth Advisory Board was the final item on the agenda, and was requested by Mayor Boner. The board would be a non-binding advisory board that would give students an opportunity to work with the Commission, learn about government and bring forward issues that concern them and their peers. Several other cities in Florida have such boards. The Mayor suggested it might have 5 members, with students at the high school level serving one year. A teacher or administrator from the school would coordinate with the City and bring forward interested and qualified students to serve on the board. The Commission enthusiastically supported the idea.
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.
I would like to elaborate on my statements. When I told the Commission that this would be the last time that I addressed them on this issue, I was referring to the Commissions decision to investigate and then not to investigate the alleged issues at the Fire Department including the City Managers 30 day update and 60 day fix. I have never mentioned a Chief by name nor their qualifications or lack of in these Chambers. The focus of the Union during all of this has always been and will always be, public safety. As for my statement that this will escalate to the next level, that means that when we have reached the top authorities in our local government and they chose not to investigate the alleged issues, that governing bodies above this level must be contacted to ensure public safety.
I am honored to serve this great community!