Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
On December 17, 2013, before an unusually large audience, the city of Fernandina Beach conducted its annual reorganization meeting an hour before conducting its first business meeting as the 2014 City Commission.
Following departing commissioner Arlene Filkoff’s farewell address, Interim City Clerk Kim Briley administered the oath of office to newly elected commissioner Johnny Miller, who joined the commission to participate in the election of mayor and vice mayor. Commissioner Charlie Corbett moved and Commissioner Johnny Miller seconded the election of Ed Boner as mayor for the 2014 term. Before the vote could be taken, commissioner Pat Gass indicated that she had a question. She wanted to be assured that Boner had “the extra 20 hours per week” that would be required of a mayor. Boner said he did, and went on to be unanimously elected.
Boner assumed the mayor’s position after his election and entertained a motion to elect a vice mayor. Commissioner Gass nominated Johnny Miller, but received no second. Commissioner Miller then nominated Sarah Pelican. Charlie Corbett quickly seconded his nomination. Before the vote could be taken, Gass asked Pelican if she were willing to accept the position. Pelican, who seemed somewhat taken aback by the question, responded that she considers all the commissioners who are not the mayor to be vice mayors, and in that spirit, she agreed to accept the position. She was elected unanimously.
Newly elected mayor Ed Boner made comments to the commission and the audience, becoming emotional at times. He first thanked his fellow commissioners for their support. He went on to say that it meant a lot to him to be elected mayor. “I grew up here,” he said, “and I think about family and parents and how I’ll try to make this a better place to live.” He added, “It is much easier to be negative than positive.” He said that it is important to stay positive, reiterating that he was grateful to have the privilege of serving the city.
The final act of business for the reorganizational meeting was the appointment of commissioners to serve on various committees of local and regional impact. After some discussion and debate, the following appointments were made:
- Sarah Pelican to join Charlie Corbett on the Tourist Development Council (TDC).
- Ed Boner to remain on the Juvenile Justice Council and the Nassau County Economic Development Board (NCEDB).
- Pat Gass to replace Sarah Pelican as an honorary board member on the Nassau Humane Society
- Johnny Miller – Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council (NEFRPC)
Additional appointments to standing city committees and boards will be made in January.
Many friends and family members joined in wishing the new commissioner and new mayor and vice mayor good luck in the coming term. Departing commissioner Filkoff was also thanked and recognized by audience members both before and after the meeting.
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.
December 18, 2013 4:01 p.m.
Thank you, FO, my source for for The Local News.