Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 3, 2021
The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) began its new format on February 2, 2021 by moving discussion items from its Regular Meeting Agenda to an hour-long workshop that immediately precedes the Regular Meeting. Commissioners wasted no time in moving into discussing one of their top priorities: improving the Amelia Riverfront.
City Manager Dale Martin kicked off the discussion by presenting a slide representing what would be the first phase of waterfront and park development. He was careful to explain what would be included in the construction plan, and which items would be left for future consideration. As part of his presentation, he read a list of 20 basic planning guidelines for waterfront park development identified by citizen groups in earlier planning efforts. This list had been provided by Eric Bartelt, a member of planning groups that began meeting in 2005. Martin explained how the plan provided by Marquis Latimer + Halbeck addressed each of these guidelines either fully or partially.
Commissioners appeared to agree to move forward with the plan as outlined by the City Manager. Funding for the first phase is in place via grants, the City budget via the Capital Improvement Plan and Impact Fees.
City Engineer Charlie George will work with Passero Associates to prepare bid documents for construction that may be released as early as March.
What’s included
Phase one of the waterfront plan covers the area between the boat ramp on the north and the southern limit of the City’s property, just south of the petanque courts. Actions that will be included in this phase include: shoreline stabilization, the boardwalk and the petanque courts.
What’s NOT included:
At this time neither Front Street nor parking spaces will be affected. Commissioners also deferred consideration of an elevated observation platform, the band shell, and potential retail buildings.
Other related matters
City Manager Martin reported that he is in talks with private parties on the possibility of a public/private partnership to fund the band shell. Also, the future location or inclusion of Atlantic Seafood is under discussion. The City is still in litigation over its attempt to acquire the Osteen property, which would be part of the waterfront park north of the current Parking Lot A. Shoreline stabilization efforts cannot proceed northward until this issue is resolved.
The City has an opportunity to acquire an historic waterfront warehouse currently located at 231 Front Street which could be placed on the property for use as one of the proposed retail areas. Current owners have expressed a willingness to work with the City on this donation, Hygema Movers, an experienced house moving firm—they recently relocated the historic Liberty Billings House on North 5th Street— has already looked at the building and indicated it could be moved. However, the owners need a decision before June or they will look toward other options to remove the building from their property.
Commission discussion
Commissioners seemed eager to move forward with the City Manager’s suggested limited project scope. Because no formal action can be taken at a workshop, the decision to move forward will come before the FBCC at their next Regular Meeting in the form of a Resolution to approve going out on bid.
While Vice Mayor Kreger seemed confident that the City has sufficient resources to move forward to award a bid, Commissioner Bradley Bean supported advertising a bid to see if the responses were truly within the City’s budget.
Mayor Mike Lednovich questioned how and when the observation platform would be considered. City Manager Martin replied that it might be considered as a bid alternative, to understand how much it would cost before making a decision to move forward.
Commissioner Chip Ross said he opposed the plan to carve out a “bowl” in front of the proposed band shell, preferring the grassy area to remain level. Such action would save the City money.
In response to Mayor Lednovich’s question as to who would prepare the bid documents, including the construction drawings, City Manager Martin replied that City Engineer George is already working with Passero Associates on this task.