Has the number of special events maxed out in Fernandina Beach?

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 29, 2016 12:06 p.m.

The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) met in an hour-long workshop session on June 28, 2016 to discuss concerns over what some have called a proliferation of special events at the expense of neighborhood tranquility. City Manager Dale Martin led the discussion, which touched on many points, including the number and type of events, the application and approval process, and fees.

After commission and public discussion, commissioners adopted the City Manager’s recommendation to establish a short term, temporary moratorium on new event approvals. The City Events Committee will be reconstituted and possibly augmented to include additional representatives of affected venues or parts of the city. During the moratorium, city code and aspects of the application and approval process will be reviewed. Recommended changes will be brought back to the FBCC for consideration.

City Manager presentation

In a series of slides, Martin explained that in 2015, the city hosted 66 special events that totaled 90 days, or a quarter of the entire year. The events ran the gamut from art to yoga, and included fireworks, concerts, vehicles, sports and nature. These events also generated concerns and problems dealing with crowd behavior, disruptions, liability, noise, traffic and safety.

Martin raised further issues with current city code, Chapter 65, where 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.” Under definitions, “special event means the same as event.”

Commissioners’ concerns with special events

Commissioner Len Kreger, the most vocal critic of the status quo, expressed three major concerns. He said that the first consideration in approving a special event request should be its impact on the citizens. Next should be a concern that the cost of the permit is sufficient to cover the services required from the city. Finally, consideration should be given as to whether the event is benefitting the city or a city non-profit organization.

Kreger voiced concerns of his neighbors over the number of races held on North Fletcher. He said that there have been 7 races held in the neighborhood, and 3 triathlons have been scheduled this year. He cited issues with “uncontrolled participants”, including runners pounding on the cars of people trying to get to medical appointments or otherwise exit their neighborhoods during the events. He asked, “Is [such an event] beneficial to the citizens?” He added that when these events are in progress “there is no way to respond to emergencies” in the neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Robin Lentz, who is a runner and has participated in both planning and running in such events, said that the city “strongly urges” race organizers to use the North Fletcher route. She added that a 5K race lasts less than an hour. She said that she did not know where the city should draw the line.

Lentz added that she sees running and cycling events as a way to promote the health and welfare of citizens. She said that she has received no complaints about events and that many people say they love island life here “because something is always going on.” She suspected that some of the concerns were “generational.”

This comment drew an immediate response from Kreger, who cited his own age (74) and his own commitment to running and cycling daily. He said, “It’s not a generational thing; it’s a neighborhood thing.” He reminded commissioners that even Fort Clinch has stopped permitting races because they have become too disruptive to other park users. Kreger cited the stress on neighborhoods, adding, “That’s excessive. Runners think they own it. Consider the residents first.”

Commissioner Roy Smith agreed with Kreger asking, “Why do we let people from outside the city inconvenience our citizens?”

Mayor Johnny Miller said that like Lentz, he has not been hearing complaints about special events.

Commissioner Tim Poynter said that he does not want to tie events to making money for the city; he just wants fees charged to cover city costs. He said, “We are probably at the point where there are just too many events. We need to give priority to those that benefit local causes. I don’t think it’s that complicated.”

City Manager Martin said that he has not received a lot of complaints. But he asked, “What is the saturation point, and are we there yet?”

Public comment

Mayor Miller invited public comment, and six people spoke.

Philip Bowen, a 6-year resident, said he moved to Fernandina Beach both for the community feel and the ability to remain active. He said that it is important to have activities for people on the weekends.

Sam Lane, who chairs the Airport Advisory Commission, reminded commissioners that the airport operates from an enterprise fund and therefore needs to raise money. He said that revenues from special events help make improvements to the airport. He supported events that are aviation-related and/or do not impact airport operations. He cautioned commissioners not to view the airport as a “big fairgrounds.” He asked that criteria be established for events at the airport.

City Attorney Tammi Bach advised commissioners that current ordinances require specific FBCC approval for any event held at the airport or the marina.

Mike Pikula, an active cyclist, cautioned commissioners not to “use a broad brush” in establishing special event policies and procedures. He also asked them to be mindful of the purpose of some of the events and to differentiate between local runs and cycling events and those that are sponsored by professional organizations.

Jeff Kurtz, Executive Director of Fernandina Main Street, expressed concern over special event impact on downtown, when the city closes streets. He said that he sees both sides of the issue, asking that a representative of the downtown merchants be included in reviewing event applications for the downtown area.

Philippe Boets, who brought the annual petanque tournament to the city, thanked the city for all its help and support in a variety of special events. In addition to petanque, he mentioned the city’s willingness and ability to act quickly to opportunities to bring in the French Tall Ships and the Belgian Motorcade. He said that the city’s flexibility has allowed things like this to happen and provided room to improvise for unique situations.

First Avenue resident George Murphy thanked Kreger and Smith for their concerns for city residents. “Pay attention to those who pay taxes!” he said.

Commission discussion continues 

Commissioner Tim Poynter opined that it is important to look at the mindset surrounding the process of recruiting and organizing special events. He said sometimes it appears that the attitude seems to be to bring in an event and then find someone to sponsor it. He allowed that he could see the difference between a community event and timed races. He suggested that instead of having so many events of the same kind – like barbecues and car shows—the city concentrate on holding fewer, better events.

Vice Mayor Robin Lentz defended runners. She suggested that the city consider a lottery system for awarding slots for events. She also suggested that the city develop multiple courses for events like running and cycling.

Commissioner Roy Smith still believed that there are too many events. He cited as examples, Buggies on the Beach, a Jeep event and the recent dog surfing event. He expressed concerns that the dog surfing event was cruel to the animals and had nothing to do with the community.

Mayor Miller, however, supported the dog surfing event. He said that the variety of events is a reason for people to move to Fernandina Beach.

Poynter suggested that perhaps the city should get out of special events, concentrating only on those that have citywide appeal. He suggested that there should be better reasons for hosting events.

Consensus

It was the consensus of the commission to proceed with the city manager’s recommendation to institute a temporary moratorium any new event approvals to allow time for a review of the current ordinance, policy, application and approval process. There seemed to be an agreement among the commissioners that the city’s only financial interest in events should be covering actual costs, not turning a profit.

Following staff review, the item will return to the FBCC for further consideration.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.