Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 2, 2015 11:24 a.m.
Before a packed house at the Fernandina Beach City Commission on December 1, 2015, City Clerk Caroline Best administered the ceremonial oath of office to Dale L. Martin, the new city manager. Martin had been unanimously selected in September to replace city manager Joe Gerrity, who departed the position at the end of FY2014/15.
Martin’s first official day on the job was Monday, November 30. On his second day on the job, he attended both the FBCC meeting and a joint FBCC/Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) meeting.
Martin came to his new position from that of town manager in Winchester, CT, where he oversaw an annual budget of $33M and a staff of 75 that served a community of 11,000 people. He earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. He has nine years of experience as a city manager in addition to four years of military experience with the U.S. Army. He has achieved the status of credentialed manager from the International City and County Managers Association (ICMA). Additionally, Martin has served as a member of the 103-member Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team since 2010.
Although holiday poinsettia plants blocked the audience view of both commissioners and the new manager, Mayor Ed Boner remarked that City Manager Martin had been taking extensive notes during the meeting and jokingly warned him of Florida’s public records laws. That did not deter Martin, who according to another commissioner, noted all the items that came up during the 3-hour meeting that required his action.
The Fernandina Beach City Hall audience extended a warm welcome to Martin, who hopes to settle on his new home in Fernandina Beach soon.
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.
Welcome Dale and best wishes for a long and successful tenure. No question it will be exciting.
Congratulations City Manager Dale Martin & welcome to our beautiful island!! Best wishes for a successful & long tenure……hope to see you around.
The very best of not only luck, but internal fortitude. I hope you are hear with us for a very long time, the very best. If nothing else you will find us entertaining.
Welcome to Fernandina Beach Mr. Martin, we wish you the best as you tackle the challenges ahead!
Welcome to Fernandina beach. My husband Bob and I wish you much success as our new city manager.