FBCC says no to sale of marina and golf course

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 21, 2018 12:15 p.m.

Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) Chambers were packed to overflowing for the FBCC’s second regular meeting in June on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.  The big draw was an item listed early on the agenda for FBCC discussion and direction:  sale of the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina and the Fernandina Beach Municipal Golf Course. The item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Vice Mayor Len Kreger, who did not attend the meeting due to a family health situation.  Kreger had not himself proposed the sale of these two city assets.  But since rumors had been circulating in the community that some commissioners favored these moves, his intention was to air the commissioners’ preferences and take a public stand.

All four commissioners in attendance declined to support sale of both assets after extensive discussion.

In introducing the item Mayor John Miller attempted to alleviate public concerns by polling the commissioners to determine their positions.

Commissioner Chip Ross said,   “I believe the focus of any discussion should be on improving the financial ability and playing ability of the golf course.  I have absolutely no interest in selling that asset.  I ran on that platform, and I will stay on that platform. The marina is the gateway to our downtown, and again I have absolutely no interest – zero interest – in selling any part of that asset.”

Commissioner Phil Chapman, whose remarks about the potential sale of these two assets had unsettled the public, said,  “I guess since I am the one responsible for creating the uproar over selling it, I do have some comments.”  Chapman recapped his position going back to his public stands before joining the FBCC. He said that he had supported making decisions on where the marina should be located prior to making landside decisions.  “What happens in the marina will dictate what happens on the land,” Chapman said.  He went on to explain his concerns about repair delays and costs.  “I gave a lot of thought to this city’s history of not taking care of its assets,” he said.  He emphasized that his thinking led him to ask:  why not explorethe possibility of selling the marina?

Commissioner Phil Chapman

Chapman asked Economic Development Director Laura DiBella to see if there might be parties interested in purchasing the marina.  She reported that there were some interested parties.  Chapman on his own also contacted a national marina broker to determine interest.

“There is no question this city deserves a first class marina,” Chapman said.  “However, I’m not sure the city will ever have the financial ability to provide that.”

Chapman went on to cite what he called “big ticket items” in the city’s future:  converting the Historic Post Office to City Hall; reopening of Front Street; opening of Alachua Street; the future of the Vuturo Building.  “Where will all the money for these projects come from?” he asked.  In addition to known costs for the marina, he cited the unknown cost for building/repairing a seawall.  Chapman raised other questions relating to cost and repair of docks, and dredging.  “Does anybody know the full cost of this project?  Does anyone know when the marina will reopen?” he asked.

Chapman said his intent was to explore a public private partnership among the city, the state and private owners to “turn the waterfront into a destination instead of an eyesore.”  He suggested that if the city decides to reinstate a Marina Advisory Board, that it be charged with exploring such a partnership.  He said that he had long advocated for the marina, but he believes that the project cannot be viewed in isolation from other projects needed in the city.

He acknowledged that there does not appear to be public support for selling the marina. “Whatever the Commission decides, I will support,” Chapman said. “All I was trying to do was to get people to think a little bit outside the box and maybe work together so that when all is said and done, the City of Fernandina has the best marina in the state of Florida. I think it’s possible, but I don’t think this city can do it alone.  I hope now you understand my thinking, my logic.”

Miller asked Chapman for his position on selling the golf course.  Chapman replied, “That’s a tremendous asset.  If we gave them a $6M line of credit, we’d have one of the best golf courses in the state.  I have no interest in selling it.”

Commissioner Roy Smith

Commissioner Roy Smith said, “I spend a lot of time at the marina, because it is the marine entrance to town.  I’ve always supported the marina.  I’m not nearly as negative as Commissioner Chapman.  I don’t want to see a public private partnership out there; the city should control its own marina.  I don’t believe the state would partner with us anyway.  I have no intention of selling that marina.  It would be nice if we had the best marina in Florida, but I don’t think that’s what we’re looking at.  We want a marina that the city can be proud of.  I’m working to do that.  I have no intention of selling the golf course.”

Smith cited the improvements made to the golf course, which he called a benefit to the city.  He supported repurposing one of the 9-hole courses into a par 3 course or creating a driving range to increase public interest in the course.  “I think we should be looking at different ideas like that,” he said.

Mayor John Miller

Mayor John Miller said he had explored with the city attorney the potential for a private sale that would meet all the city’s conditions for keeping the marina open to the public, dredging, and taking over the existing debt.  He said that such a potential buyer, who would meet all the city’s caveats, has not come forward.  He emphasized all the other needs of the city ranging from stormwater to recreation that cannot be done because of lack of funds.  “Pushing all these things back because the marina needs to be dredged is hard to explain to members of our community who really don’t care that we have a marina.  These people are just as much taxpayers as the marina supporters.  At this time I am not interested in selling the marina.”

Miller went on to explain that he is also not interested in selling the golf course.  He pointed to the public angst over increasing development and the often-expressed need for open space, which the golf course provides. “If we sell it, we can’t get it back,” Miller said.  “So golf course, marina:  they can’t have them because they are ours.”

Miller reinforced to the audience that there is no interest among the four seated commissioners in selling the marina.  However, five individuals spoke during public input either to reinforce the FBCC decision or to thank the FBCC for their position.

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.

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Dave Scott
Dave Scott (@guest_51660)
5 years ago

The current city marina is like an old rusting car up on blocks in the front yard, but when a guy knocks at the door and says he be interested in buying it, the owner says “It ain’t for sale.”

Steven Crounse
Steven Crounse (@guest_51663)
5 years ago

The Fernandina City Marina is a Community Jewel.! Once sold, it’s gone forever and the City loses all Control. If it was out of Town, I would champion the sale of it, But it’s part of who we are and a Keystone to our Historic district. As the John Anderson song goes” I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’m gonna be a Diamond someday” Please Commissioners, hurry up!