Submitted by Suanne Z.Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 16, 2015 2:24 p.m.
At the September 15, 2015 Regular Meeting Fernandina Beach Mayor Ed Boner issued three proclamations. Commissioners also approved appointments to the CRA Advisory Board (CRAAB) following recommendations and a report from the CRAAB chair.
National Estuaries Week
The city proclaimed September 19-26, 2015 as National Estuaries Week. In reading the proclamation, Mayor Ed Boner cited the importance of estuaries as the most productive ecosystems in the world. He said that Fernandina Beach estuaries are vital to migratory species, provide critical habitats for a variety of marine plants and animals, help prevent coastal erosion and are important to local recreation and tourism industries. He recognized the importance of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve’s Environmental Education Center.
Andrea Noel, Manager of the Northeast Florida Aquatic Preserves, accepted the proclamation. She was accompanied by Ned, the Estuarine Dolphin.
Noel thanked the city for recognizing the value of estuaries on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She added that estuaries around the country will be celebrating the week as well.
Constitution Week
Mayor Boner proclaimed the week of September 17-23, 2015 as Constitution Week in Fernandina Beach. September 17 marks the 228th anniversary of the drafting of the American Constitution. In 1955 the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) petitioned the Congress to set aside the week of September 17-23 each year for the observance of Constitution Week. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Congressional bill into law on August 2, 1956.
Lucinda Jo Glenn, Regent of the Amelia Island DAR Chapter, accompanied by DAR member Cara Curtin, accepted the proclamation. Glenn delivered brief remarks on the importance of the Constitution. She said, “The landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and to live their lives under their own government was the impetus for our American Revolution. Today the Constitution stands as the icon of freedom for people throughout the world. The DAR encourages all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and to come together to celebrate America and its Constitution.”
“Fill the Boot Days”
Ms. Jasmyne Stanley of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)and Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Ty Silcox, along with a team of city fire fighters, were on hand to receive a city proclamation declaring September 18th, 25th and October 2nd, 2015, as Professional Fire Fighters Local #2836 “Fill the Boot Days.”
In delivering the proclamation, Mayor Boner noted that during the past 60 years professional fire fighters around the nation have raised $530M to help in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy Disease. He recognized the endless service of Local #2836 toward giving so much hope to families fighting the disease.
In accepting the proclamation, Jasmyne Stanley expressed appreciation on behalf of her organization. She thanked the community for being part of the drive. Fire Chief Silcox urged audience members to contribute to the cause and noted that there is a competition with Nassau County on which organization can collect the most contributions. Silcox said, “We have our work cut out for us!”
CRAAB update and appointments
CRAAB Chairman Pro Tem advised the Commission that Board members voted last week to recommend the purchase of property immediately north of the city marina, subject to completion of a broad-based cost/benefit analysis feasibility study to be funded with a matching grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND). Curtin said that the idea is to “look before we lea” to buy the property, since the big benefit would be to acquire the riparian rights to the land. This would allow the city marina to move north and thereby eliminate the need for costly dredging every two years. Use of the uplands and other matters could be determined as part of a cost/benefit analysis.
The CRAAB further recommended that the FBCC reappoint member Lou Goldman to another term while appointing Lynn Williams and Ann Thomas to fill vacant positions. Later in the meeting the FBCC unanimously approved the board’s recommendation.
Curtin reported that discussions are continuing with port, rail and mill representatives in an attempt to minimize rail traffic and the need for sounding horns along Front Street between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for September 23 at the West Rock Mill.
Commissioner Gass asked if it was a public meeting. City Manager Joe Gerrity reminded the City Clerk that the meeting would have to be noticed to allow for the possibility of more than one commissioner to attend.
Boner asked Gerrity about the recommended cost/benefit analysis. Gerrity replied that the city has no numbers at this time. Boner said that anything other than a rough calculation would take time to complete. Gerrity agreed.
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.