City’s Marina Advisory Board holds first meeting

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 24, 2018 5:32 p.m.

The Marina Advisory Board (MAB) of the city of Fernandina Beach held its first meeting the afternoon of September 24, 2018 in City Hall Commission Chambers.

The meeting, which was organizational in nature, lasted about 20 minutes.  After electing its officers, the MAB established its regular meeting time as the 4^thMonday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall. The next business meeting will be held on October 22, 2018.  Committee agendas will be published on the city’s website www.fbfl.us.

Marina Manager Joe Springer will serve as staff liaison for the committee.  Newly elected chair Kevin McCarthy asked that members come to the next meeting prepared to introduce themselves and explain their interest in serving on the advisory board.  He suggested that they familiarize themselves with the role of city advisory committees as well.

Springer reminded members that they are not permitted to discuss committee business with other members outside formal meetings, adding that they will receive a briefing on Florida Sunshine Law requirements at the next MAB meeting.

The MAB is an advisory, ad hoc committee.  Its tasks as enumerated in Resolution 2018-98 require the board to provide advice and make recommendations to the FBCC as follows:

1. Make recommendations regarding a comprehensive plan for the physical development and betterment of the Marina.
2. Make recommendations on the operation of the Marina and for the improvement of the operations.
3. Make recommendations regarding policies, such as Marina Rules and Regulations and the Marina Code of Conduct.
4. Perform additional functions as requested by the City Commission to advise and assist in the continued operation and betterment of the Marina.

At the end of the meeting Springer announced that Fender Marine has been taking core samples in preparation for the replacement of the south marina basin attenuator.  The mobilization date for commencement of the project is November 27, 2018.

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.