Submitted by
Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter-News Analyst
In consideration of the November 6 national election day, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) moved its first regular November meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Both Commissioners-Elect Ed Boner and Pat Gass were in attendance. City Clerk Mary Mercer publically approached both Boner and Gass individually before the meeting advising them that Sunshine Law requirements now applied to them. In the aftermath of the election, the mood in Chambers was subdued; the meeting lasted barely an hour.
During public Input, Andy Curtin, representing Friends of Fernandina Aviation, brought back to the commission more detail regarding proposed dimensions and placement of an aviation display at the municipal airport, which had previously been conceptually approved by the FBCC. Commissioners balked at giving final site approval in light of the need to review the airport master plan to accommodate possibly a second fixed base operation and a fire station. City Manager Joe Gerrity informed a visibly frustrated Curtin that it was his goal to have the master plan updated by January 15. Commissioners appeared to be comfortable in delaying any further consideration of that item until then.
Under Agenda Item 7 (Resolutions), commissioners dealt quickly with 3 items, passing all unanimously and without significant discussion:
- Resolution 2012-180, transferring $50,000 from the water contingency account to the professional services account to cover legal fees connected with the Impact Fee case. These funds are part of the Utilities Enterprise Fund and do not impact the city’s General Fund.
- Resolution 2012-181, approving a franchise agreement with Fernandina Beach Market Place (FBMP) – commonly referred to as the downtown farmers market — limiting sales to fresh products and whole foods such as produce, meat, fish, eggs, beverages, prepared food products, plants, herbs and natural based products. No artwork, jewelry, pottery or other such goods may be sold under this franchise. The agreement does provide that the Market Place may feature a “business of the week” booth where a local business may provide promotional information; however, no sales or orders may be made or taken at this booth. In return, FBMP will pay the city $1,200 annually for grant of this non-exclusive franchise. The fee covers utilities such as electric, water, sewer and refuse collection. In response to a commissioner question, FBMP partner Dr. Elizabeth Lee indicated that while they are permitted to ban dogs from the market, they have had no cause to do so to date.
- Resolution 2012-182, authorizing outside legal counsel to assist the city with the evaluation of a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) proposal and lease negotiations with 8 Flags Aviation, LLC.
On first reading, the FBCC amended and subsequently passed unanimously Ordinance 2012-28, revising chapters of the city’s Land Development Code (LDC). Members of the city’s Board of Adjustment (BOA) and Historic District Council (HDC) expressed concerns regarding a Planning Advisory Board (PAB) recommendation limiting the review of variance cases which would remove the ability to apply for setback deviations for new construction on residentially zoned vacant land. Planning staff concurred with their concerns. City planner Kelly Gibson represented that the PAB-proposed limitation did not account for unique situations that may be found throughout the city, whereby deviating from a setback standard could result in better design of the lot, retention of natural topography or specimen trees or enhancement of wetlands protection. The FBCC concurred with the concerns expressed and accordingly modified that section of the proposed ordinance change.
All ordinances up for second reading also passed unanimously with no public comment. The FBCC approved annexing into the city 6 parcels on South 14th Street with a combined taxable value of $1.2M.
City Manager Gerrity reported that the kayak launch was ready to go but for a question regarding placing a curb cut into the Wolff Street Park from Atlantic Avenue. Commissioners agreed that such a move would eliminate needed parking spaces and directed Gerrity to move forward without the curb cut. Gerrity also reported that after one month’s experience with the new, larger recycling rollout bins, the amount of material collected had tripled from 26 tons to 75.5 tons. We are indeed making our mothers proud.
For complete information on all items covered during the meeting and to watch video of the meeting, consult the city’s website. (Click Here)
November 8, 2012 5:20 p.m.