Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
November 10, 2016 5:50 p.m.
November is an important month for Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin, and not just because he celebrates a birthday. This November marks the completion of his first year with the city of Fernandina Beach. Fernandina Observer co-editor Susan Steger and I recently sat down with him to get his take on city business and the community after a year on the job.
When we asked Martin about his first year’s accomplishments, he was quick to point out, “It’s not just my progress. Credit goes to everyone. It’s been a successful year.” He characterized the city commissioners as “engaged, but not meddlesome,” adding that they function well as a group.
Martin was most proud of the progress on goals that the city commission set during their winter planning retreat. He said that he has always kept those goals in mind as city work has been planned and executed. “They [the city commission] set the goals, and I report to them,” he said.
Because there is no need for a run-off election this year, the annual planning retreat will take place much earlier than usual: December 14, to be exact. Martin expects that much of the discussion this year will center on unfinished business at the foot of Centre Street—the railroad issues, waterfront and Front Street plans, as well as rebuilding the city marina following $25M of damage from Hurricane Matthew.
With respect to the hurricane-related problems at the city marina, Martin said that he and marina manager Joe Springer had agreed on 6 relatively small projects that can proceed to get the marina up an running again—once FEMA provides authorization. Money is already available, but FEMA must greenlight any projects.
Another looming issue following Matthew is the future of septic tanks. It appears that the state has prioritized the need to eliminate such systems. Martin reported that he has already received requests from some residents in the unincorporated area of the island to hook up with the city sewer system. He is looking at ways to incentivize such hook-ups for all septic system users.
Martin does not appear to be looking at a major reorganization of the city and its services at this time. He is working with city staff and the Tourist Development Council on improving the special event process. He added that perhaps the word “special” should be removed, and the city work toward improving all city events. He agreed that communication was an important component, while adding that sometimes organizations just decide to hold their own events without notifying the city. He cited a recent example of a run that was not city sanctioned.
In light of experience in both Michigan and Connecticut, Martin said he was amazed at the growth he has seen in Fernandina Beach during his first year. He said, “The city issued more single family residential building permits over the past year than I saw in 19 years combined in other communities I served.”
With the growth, there is an increased demand for city services. This may strain relationships with the unincorporated area of the island. Currently, the county fire station at the south end of the island must respond to emergencies off the island in Nassauville. If that occurs, only the city is left to cover fire and emergency services on the island. “There is a limit to unpaid service,” Martin said. “City residents will be asking, ‘Why do we need to pay for public safety and other services to non-city residents?’” Martin will continue to work with Nassau County to devise a more equitable arrangement.
We asked Martin for his observations on the community. He enthused over the warm welcome he has received. “People take the time to say ‘hi!’ when they spot me in the grocery store,” he said. “This is a wonderfully engaged community.”
Martin said, “It’s been an exciting year, and it’s been fun. I am glad I came here, no question.” We are, too.
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.