By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
November 22, 2019
Just like a Blue Moon, i.e., something that happens rarely, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners met twice this week –a phenomenon that happens just a few times in any given year.
The BOCC met on Monday, November 18 and again on Wednesday, November 20th.
At the Monday of the 18th, during the portion of the agenda when the public is invited to express opinions on items NOT on the agenda — a number of individuals took to the podium to speak about their thoughts and feelings relating to the recommendations made by Beach Community Working Grouping. That report is available by clicking here.
That report is an amalgam of comments and concerns received from the public in the course of sixteen meetings and input from over 1600 individuals. The report contains “no specific hard and fast recommendations,” stated County Attorney Mike Mullin. And, as noted in a press release dated November 12, 2019, the Commissioners did not vote on any beach-related business at the meeting on the 18th. Instead, the BOCC has directed County staff to review the report and make recommendations. There are no fewer than nine different ordinances that impact beach activities. Additional public workshops and hearings will take place after the new year.
Both Mac Morris and Lowell Hall (famous for their work with the Citizens for the Preservation of Public Beaches and their leadership in having the Leave No Trace Ordinance enacted), who were members of the Beach Working Group, took to the podium to express their disappointment and objections to the report issued by the committee. Numerous parties — both pro and con — spoke about the issue, echoing many of the comments already received.
If interested parties are unable to download the document, they can request a full copy by calling 904-530-6100.
The Commission unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming November 2019 as National Adoption Month and November 21, 2019 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.”
Each month, employees with 20+ years of service are recognized at a Board meeting. Those being recognized this month were Ormond Ford (Roads and Bridges) 31 years;
Billy Stonebreaker (Facilities Maintenance) 26 years; and Sean Babick (Fire/Rescue) 25 years.
As is de rigueur, all consent items, all appointments, all ordinance amendments, and all re-zoning requests were approved 5-0 – with one exception.
The one exception was in reference to an amendment to the Land Development Code which would allow someone to replace a dwelling that would otherwise not be allowed on a piece of property, if they could prove that such a dwelling was in existence as of October 8, 1974, the date the first zoning code was adopted in Nassau County.
Commissioner Bell (District 2) was concerned about the payment of impact fees and recommended that the date to refer back to should instead be the date that impact fees started to be collected instead of going back to 1974, noting that should individuals decide to replace a pre-existing dwelling, such action would have an impact on the community and thus fees should be paid. The commissioners were not swayed and the original motion passed by 4-1, with Bell opposing. This proposed amendment has been going back and forth between the Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Board since 2017.
And while there is no ordinance under consideration, several residents rose to express their concerns about the gaming industry in the County. They are worried that since Jacksonville closed down all of its game rooms and internet cafes, an unsavory element may attempt to set up shop in Nassau County. County Attorney Mullin noted there is no legal basis to forbid any such new businesses. The BOCC will hear from Sheriff Leeper (tentatively) on December 9th about his concerns regarding this type of business operation.
Also on December 9, the BOCC has scheduled a workshop session featuring nationally recognized consulting firm Tischler Bise who were contracted to perform an independent study of the current impact fee rates for Law Enforcement, Fire and Administrative Space. Staff notes explained, “Impact fees are an essential component to sound fiscal planning intended to defray the cost of new growth on vital services. Fee levels should be re-examined on a periodic basis to ensure that they are based on accurate data to appropriately address the impact of new growth on these services.”
The next meeting of the County Commissioners is scheduled for November 25th at 6PM.
Complete agendas and background materials can be found on the County website in advance of every meeting. Simply go to https://www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings.
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.