Weekly comments from Dale Martin

Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
June 24, 2016 1:00 a.m.

Tuesday evening’s City Commission workshop on Special Events concludes the initial series of workshops dedicated to specific topics. Previous workshops discussed City Organizational Structure, Storm Water Issues, and Waterfront Re-development. These workshops were developed, and approved, in response to key issues raised by the City Commissioners to me during my first months in Fernandina Beach.

Given the attractiveness, the amenities, and the ambiance of Amelia Island, and specifically Fernandina Beach, it is not surprising that the area hosts several events. Those events, however, have drawn the attention of the City Commission for several reasons.

First, the number of events has continued to grow. In 2006, approximately twenty-five events were held; in 2016, the number approximately triples. Most of the events occurred over weekends, which means that many weekends had multiple events.

Second, the events can be disruptive. Neighborhood traffic becomes confusing and congested. Some neighborhoods are subject to such disruption several times due to repetitive running and biking events. Efforts to control vehicles, cyclists, and runners are frustrated by those that do not adhere to the control measures in place (such as runners or cyclists running or riding abreast across the entire road). Many events are, by their very nature, loud.

Residents in many areas, like Main Beach, listen to the music, crowds, and vehicles associated with events.
Third, the costs of the events are being increasingly borne by City staff and resources. The efforts to prepare for, sponsor, and recover from events requires staff to move barricades, install fences, retrieve signs, and clear trash. With minimal event fees, these financial costs are burdening the City and local taxpayers.

Fourth, the process for reviewing and approving events has become somewhat disjointed. Some events are presented to, considered, and approved at the departmental level, others at the City Manager level, and others before a Special Events Committee (comprised of several key staff).
Given these issues, it is obvious why events merit new scrutiny.

Recreational Facilities and Special Events are primarily governed by Chapter 65 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. Although the terms “event” and “special event” are often differentiated, the codified definition of “special event” specifically reads, “means the same as ‘event.’ An “event” is defined as “a non-profit, commercial, co-sponsored or private event, and includes uses or activities such as shows, festivals, parades, fairs, concerts and parties if held on public property” (Sec 65-4).

Chapter 65 also provides for the authority to levy or charge fees for events. These fees “shall be set by resolution, and may be amended from time to time” (Sec. 65-1).

The challenges associated with events include risk management, the proliferation of larger events (taxing City resources even more), sponsorship of events (with so many external sponsors, should the City be actively creating additional events), and fees and financial controls for events.

It may be necessary to further define various types of events. Should some “community events” such as the Shrimp Festival, the Concours d’Elegance, Katie’s Ride, Sounds on Centre, several parades, and perhaps other long-standing, recognized events be considered differently than out-of-area running events or other “routine” events? Should the fees and review/approval process be different? Should externally-sponsored events be limited to a specific annual number?

I have come to recognize first-hand how wonderfully beautiful and welcoming this community is. I understand why event organizers want to take advantage of the variety of assets we have. At some point, however, the community must decide how to integrate events into the quality of life for other visitors, residents, and businesses.
Tuesday’s workshop will provide an opportunity to consider how to address event challenges and opportunities.