Note: Post publication updates appear in italics.
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 14, 2015 6:23 a.m.
Fernandina Beach’s new city manager is making good on a promise made during his job interview to provide weekly updates to not only City Commissioners, Charter Officers and his staff, but also representatives of the media. In his email, Martin wrote: “My intent is to provide a weekly report on my activities, a status report on key issues and projects, and reminders for key events. This correspondence will be directly distributed to members of the City Commission, department supervisors, and local media. If you have any questions or comments related to the information, format, or distribution, please contact me.”
Martin has provided his calendar of meetings held during the past week and meetings scheduled for the upcoming week. His calendar shows him meeting with department heads, City Commissioners, local business representatives and citizens, in addition to participating in community activities like United Way, Rotary Club and Shop With Cops, the Shrimp Fest Committee and the Main Street Program. He is planning a police ride-along next week as well.
In a sharp departure from previous city managers, Martin will also attend upcoming meetings of various city advisory boards and committees–at least initially.
The City Manager provided updates on Commission Goals set last winter for 2015 and other ongoing business:
Martin highlighted the Employee Service Awards recently presented. Martin wrote, “Several City employees were recognized for their service to the City. The full list of awards is attached. Special congratulations for their thirty years of service to Fernandina Beach to Ms. Carol Cibel (Fire Rescue Department), Mr. Rex Lester (Maintenance Department), and CPT David Bishop (Police Department). Thank you for your service and dedication to our community.
Although not formally recognized at the ceremony, Ronnie Foster, retired on Friday after over thirty-nine years of service with the City of Fernandina Beach.
Although not formally recognized at the ceremony, J.R Murallo [also received a service award]. He is actually scheduled to retire within the next several weeks.
In the spirit of the season, Martin asked everyone to support the Tourist Development Council’s inaugural Dickens on Centre Festival this weekend. Details about the events can be found on the TDC’s website (www.ameliaisland.com/things-to-do/Festivals/Amelia-Island-Dickens-On-Centre). He also expressed thanks to the businesses, residents, and others who contributed and participated to make the annual Shop with Cops another resounding success for our community. Approximately 150 area children gathered a variety of gifts at the Fernandina Beach Walmart. This annual event is made possible through contributions to the Fernandina Beach Police Foundation (www.fb-pf.org), a 501(c)3 organization.
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.
I noticed in the text of recent CC minutes that the matter of Concours parking had been placed on Mr. Martin’s desk for follow through w/ FAA re gaining permission to use an airport runway for auto transport trucks. Apparently Mr. Warner has made an offer, and apparently the airport likes the idea of gaining revenue for usage of their runway. Looking forward to hearing how the Concours parking dilemma turns out.
It is a challenge as the Councours is also a super busy time for the airport with the old closed runway used in the past as parking for all the corporate jets that are coming in for a couple of days. Then the local airport interest chapters (Experimental Aircraft and FB Airport Friends) use the grassy areas in the NW corner for parking for attendees. So not sure where they will put all the semis and trailers, but am sure they will figure it out.
Unless something has drastically changed, the private transporter parking at the airport will not entail closing of a runway. The transporters will not be the large semi trucks, but rather the smaller individually owned single or dual car trailers; those that are usually pulled by a pick-up truck. The proposal is to temporarily close the little used Taxiway E with access through Jamestown Rd for these transporters. The larger semi type transporters will park elsewhere. And, in compliance with local ordinances, there will be no overnight camping on city owned property. There will, however, be 24 hr security provided by the Concours folks. This plan provides the best solution with very little impact on airport operations for this event.
Looks like Mr. Martin is off to a great start!
Congrats to all the City staff that are celebrating service anniversaries. Dale’s strategy of keeping all informed will serve him well. A bit of an administrative challenge/task due to the diversity and sheer number of subjects that he will address in any given week. Keep up the great work!
We can’t wait to see Mr Martin take the bull by the horns and get things going. We had a very long spell of non action on many projects, and while I understand that things take time when dealing with so many people and ideas, it’s time to stop making excuses and move on.
Mr Martin, your action of disclosure and weekly reports is a great idea! Thank you and good luck!
With patience and a spirit of good faith and compromise, we have the chops in this special community to do well. Off to a good start.
Here, hear!
Whooops, but I did win the spelling bee in 6th grade!