Adam Kaufman
Legal Analyst
On Special Assignment
October 20, 2017 3:33 p.m.
It was clear on Thursday October 19, 2017 at the Fernandina Observer’s 6th City Commission Candidate Forum that each candidate views his responsibility, if elected, as sustaining and enhancing the quality of life of the citizens of Fernandina Beach. There was broad agreement on issues that need to be addressed: the marina, the waterfront and improving day-to-day City operations. The method and approach to addressing the challenges facing the Commission differed among candidates in each group.
Philip A. Chapman III, and incumbent Timothy M. Poynter, candidates in Group 2, and Group 3 candidates Orlando J. Avila, Medardo Monzon, and Ronald “Chip” Ross participated in the Forum held at Fernandina Beach City Hall. Some 60 individuals attended the debate that was taped and available for viewing live or at a later date on the City’s web site. (clickhere) Comcast Community Channel 264 also broadcast the Observer Forum. Larry Myers, former City Manager and County Administrator moderated.
Candidates addressed seven questions prepared in advance by the Fernandina Observer with citizen input covering a range of topics. Candidates did not receive the questions in advance of the forum.
Candidates
Phillip Chapman, a resident of the City for over three years, emphasized that he will “listen to you,” the citizens of Fernandina Beach. He underscored that he will abide by what the majority of citizens wish; he wants to be reminded by individual citizens if he does not. He believes that those who speak at City Commission meetings have not been heard. Chapman suggested that he viewed citizens as the “parents” and the members of the Commission as their “children” and as such, commissioners should take citizen direction. Chapman implied that certain rules and regulations are ignored by the current City Commission citing “vacating the right of way” at Citrona as an example. For Chapman, the goal is to “keep this beautiful place.”
Tim Poynter, a City resident since 1999 and the incumbent, believes that he is a better Commissioner than what he was five years ago, recognizing that the issues facing the Commission are not “black or white” but are more nuanced and “shades of gray.” Poynter contends that the City is moving in the right direction and that this Commission continues to get things done. He acknowledges that some may disagree or have been dissatisfied with his votes in the past. He asserts that in determining how to vote that he listens to the community as well as his fellow Commissioners and that everyone “knows where he is coming from” on the issues upon which he votes. Poynter maintains that he votes with the understanding that the purpose and goal is to make Fernandina Beach a “better place” now and in the future.
Orlando Avila moved “to his dream home” in Fernandina Beach from Yulee in October, 2014. He is running to preserve and improve the quality of life in the City now and in the future for the community and his four young adopted children. In that regard he seeks improvement at City recreational facilities. He believes in being a “citizen servant” and in “giving back to the community.” He too promises to listen to everyone and be “proactive.” Avila maintains that he does not have a preconceived agenda and will act in the interest of the City on each item as it comes before the Commission.
Merdardo Monzon has been a City resident for over five years. Monzon, who is retiring this year, has had over thirty-eight years of business and management experience as well as being a leadership consultant. Monzon who has managed organizations much larger than the City of Fernandina Beach suggests he has the financial knowledge and business skills to continue to help build a stronger community through a shared and collaborative effort. Monzon contends that the City will undeniably face significant and complex challenges due to growth in the County and the City in the years ahead. To meet those challenges and maintain our quality of life, argues Monzon, will require a Commission with common purpose. Upon retirement Monzon wants to participate in that collaborative effort.
Ronald “Chip” Ross is an Emergency Medicine physician practicing on Amelia Island. He has lived in Fernandina Beach since 2013. As an Emergency Medicine physician for twenty-five years he suggests that experience demonstrates that he is “skilled at solving problems.” Ross chose to move to Fernandina “for what it is.” He contends that he has been at every City Commission meeting for the past two and one-half years. He maintains that the City has a history of coming up with “grand plans” that never get done. Ross’ goal is to “maintain a livable, workable community.” He believes our tree canopy, wetlands, historic district, beaches, and open space, need to be preserved. It is his view that the City has not complied with its own mandated Comprehensive Plan.
Current city direction
When asked to comment on the current direction of the City Commission Poynter not surprisingly reiterated that it was moving in the right direction. He commented favorably on the recent Citizen Survey.
Avila focused on the “day-to-day” bureaucracy, specifically the permitting procedure and the purported difficulty of navigating that process.
Monzon believes the current Commission is well intentioned and respects its efforts although he suggested it was not a blanket endorsement. He focused on issues regarding preserving wetlands, the Airport Terminal and the delay in restoring the marina. Monzon would encourage “introspection” on the part of the Commission and suggested “we can always improve.”
For Ross, stating that “reasonable people can agree to disagree,” fault could be found in, among other things, the design and cost of the Airport Terminal, the delay in repairing the hurricane damaged marina, the opening of Alachua Street to vehicular traffic (he would prefer a pedestrian crossing), and the Ligno-Tech project allowing hazardous materials to be stored within the 100 year flood plain.
Chapman’s reservations about the current Commission focused on “rules being ignored” and the delay of marina repairs. Chapman believes the “long term consequences” of decisions are not being “dealt” with.
Forging a common vision
Asked about how to forge a common vision that would bring citizens and the Commission together, Avila called for increased dialog and praised the survey instrument, but cautioned that the Commission could be “workshopped to death” and needs to take action. Nor, said Avila, can we drive a DeLorean and go “back to the future” and undo decisions such as the Airport Terminal. Avila restated his commitment to improved Parks and Recreation facilities.
For Monzon “vision” is important to effective leadership and is a “moving force” in successful organizations. Establishing that “vision,” he suggested, must be through a collaborative effort.
Ross indicated that he listened at Commission meetings and he knows that City residents want basic services at an affordable rate while preserving the City’s “natural beauty.” Ross believes that the “coming together” of citizens and the Commission is the task of the City Manager.
Chapman believes the members of the Commission need to respect each other and work together. It is important, he contends, that Commissioners explain their votes and the rationale behind their decisions. He believes that communication may affect decision making and suggests there is an absence discussion at Commission meetings.
Poynter maintained that there is no such absence of interchange and discussion, except, possibly, for items on the Commission’s “consent agenda.” It is clear, he argued, that policy matters are debated and there is “robust discussion.” What must be understood, he said, when decisions are made you do not complain you move on.
Biggest opportunity facing the city
Focusing on the opportunities facing the City, Monzon called for a revisiting the City’s enterprise funds and the accounting practices applied to those funds. The immediate focus, Monzon said should be reestablishing a workable, expanded functioning marina together with a waterfront community park, both he views as essential to revitalizing the economic well-being of Centre Street.
Ross suggested that the City’s opportunity rests with the people in the community. People know what they want. Instead of using outside consultants, he argued, The City should harness those in the community who can, for example, design waterfront parks and know about riverfront and marina development.
Chapman emphasized that the primary need for the City is the marina rehabilitation and expansion. The marina he said is “the gateway to the world” for boaters. He also suggested using talented people in the community in that effort.
For Avila the greatest opportunity for the City is that “people are coming” both new entrepreneurs and home owners and there is a prospect of an expanded tax base. The City, he said, faced with this influx must simplify the permitting process. Avila too cited the marina as a major and immediate issue.
It was left to Poynter, who underscored his desire to move forward on marina and waterfront development, to explain that the City could not expedite the project and repair the damage from Hurricane Mathew until the necessary approvals were obtained from FEMA or the City could jeopardize the receipt of approximately seven million dollars ($7,000,000) in federal funding. He indicated he shared everyone’s frustration with the process. With regard to the waterfront he noted the City’s acquisition of the Vuturo property north of the marina and the restart of waterfront park effort to create open park space as consistent with the response to the Citizen Survey.
How to ensure profitability in golf course and marina
enterprise funds
When asked to address the question of profitability of the Marina and Golf Course Enterprise Funds Ross stated that in his view the waterfront is five separate issues: the mooring field, the south marina, the expansion north and the parking lots and emphasized again the need to get up and running. Ross suggested he had specific design solutions for each aspect of the waterfront. Ross believes that there are less people playing golf and the City course may not in its present configuration make money. Although for this issue Ross did not have an answer, he would be opposed to selling the land for development.
Chapman focused on the need for thinking about amenities at a new marina and waterfront park for example the placement of shower rooms so that boaters are not walking in bathrobes through the park. As to the issue of golf course he would to maintain it as a “quality course” work to promote it and possibly institute programs for children. He said he would never make it a trailer park.
Poynter underscored his belief that the Marina is part of our heritage and that the golf course is 170 acres of green space. It is his conviction that while each needs to be run efficiently and in a cost effective manner they separately contribute to our quality of life and the economic viability of the community and should not be viewed in isolation of that fact. Poynter was open to rethinking the golf course’s present 27-hole configuration.
Avila expressed his belief that government is not intended to be a profit making organization but believes the Marina and Golf Course Funds should be self- sustaining. He would work with the TDC to market the course but may be willing to repurpose the land but not for commercial or residential development. Avila believes the marina “is in the works.”
Monzon advised that his analysis of the Marina Enterprise Fund demonstrated that when fully operating it generates income but carries on its books debt associated with infrastructure that would exist without a marina that may more appropriately be a City charge. In any event, Monzon suggests that you cannot look at the Marina in isolation but must credit its impact on the City’s downtown economy and the quality of life.
Addressing misperceptions in the community
Chapman, when asked to address any misconception about him as an individual or his positions suggested that he was an unknown and it was “hard to get out there.” He repeated his commitment to the citizens and the community and being open to criticism if he does not follow through.
Poynter emphasized his record of listening to everyone and his preparation and hard work, recognizing that for even those he has listened to he may have made them “upset” when voted in what he believes is the interest of the community as a whole.
Avila asserted that he is not a “shill” for any one individual or group, does not have a predetermined agenda and he is not proposing “radical change.”
Monzon stated that he had been unfairly pilloried on social media with false allegations that he was paid for taking his final position on the City’s proposed approval of the Ligno-Tech project. He implied there were individuals in the room who had participated in dissemination of that untruth. Monzon recounted his promise at age 13 to his deceased father that he would always behave “ethically and responsibly.” For Monzon it is a question of personal integrity.
Ross stated he understands that some consider him a “trouble maker, an activist” and “litigious.” He then proceeded to recount a lengthy list of his challenges to decisions or proposed actions by the City and other agencies, although he allowed that some of his administrative complaints might not be upheld. Ross believes in the right to appeal government actions and suggested he would continue to do so.
Areas for city improvement
When asked what areas the city Manager should be charged to address Poynter suggested ongoing scrutiny of every area to improve service delivery, to save money and to create efficiencies. He pointed to his support of privatizing the marina and golf course as examples of past actions that achieved those purposes.
Avila would task the City Manager with creating plans that support redevelopment of the 8th Street corridor. He believes mitigation of storm water is a continuing problem. Avila underscored that he would like to see improvements to our recreational facilities as part of maintaining the City’s quality of life.
Monzon would charge the City Manager with a review of the day-to-day City operating expenses to determine what drives increased costs; he would like the City Manager to create a “flow chart” of the City permitting procedure believing that it would cause change. Monzon has observed that at the City Recreation facility on Atlantic Avenue payments are accepted in cash and would suggest to the City Manager that the practice should end.
Ross believes that “by and large” City day-to-day operations work. He would seek strict enforcement of the 3 hour parking limit. Ross would encourage that the City increase its “walkability” noting there are 1800 feet of sidewalks that should be installed and there is a need for improved street lighting.
Chapman would have the City Manager look at the permitting process, provide a locked “customer satisfaction” box at City Hall and set a process in place where employees can suggest how to save money.
The candidates encouraged all eligible citizens to vote on November 7.
Registered City residents may vote for one candidate in each Group in this nonpartisan election. The election will be held on November 7, 2017 with a runoff on December 12, 2017, if no candidate receives 50% of the votes cast for Commissioner in Group 3.
Those wishing to vote prior to the election may request a ballot to be mailed from the Supervisor of Elections Office (www.votenassau.com) or visit the Supervisor’s Office in the James Page Government Complex in Yulee. There registered voters may pick up mail ballots to mail back or complete and submit the ballots during their visit.
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Editor’s Note: Adam Kaufman, a graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, is a retired attorney, mediator, and arbitrator.”