Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Routine business took little time during the January 21, 2014 regular meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC), as commissioners debated the question of naming rights for the expanded and renovated city building on North Fourth Street that will continue to house the Fernandina Beach branch of the Nassau County Library System. It was the consensus of the FBCC to defer making a decision unless or until a substantial donor comes forward with a request to name the building. Groundbreaking for the library project is set for 4:00 p.m. on February 27, 2014.
The issue of naming rights came under FBCC scrutiny during the January 7, 2014 FBCC meeting, when some commissioners became aware that in their fundraising efforts the Friends of the Library (FOL) were offering an opportunity to name the building for a donation of $500,000. At that meeting Commissioner Pat Gass expressed what she characterized as public opposition to such a plan, suggesting that since city and county taxpayers have contributed $1.2M to the project, it might be more appropriate for the city to sponsor a contest to name the building, rather than “selling” naming rights to a single donor. Gass asserted that the building belongs to the city and that while the FOL might offer naming rights for various areas or items inside the library, the city retained naming rights for the building itself. City Attorney Tammi Bach agreed that the building could not be named without city approval. Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican supported the idea of a naming contest. It was the consensus of the FBCC to bring back the topic as a discussion item for the January 21 meeting.
After introducing the agenda item, Mayor Ed Boner allowed public comment. Former Nassau County Commissioner Mike Boyle (District 2) was the first to speak.
Boyle recapped some of the history behind the current library expansion effort. Boyle said that upon leaving office, one of the accomplishments in which he took most pride was the $600K commitment of county funds for this project. He cited the strong support of Commissioner Danny Leeper and the other county commissioners in this effort. He commended the city for following suit and the pledge of the FOL to raise any remaining funds needed.
He added, “As most of you know, Bill Flynn and the Friends of the Library have been instrumental in raising over $400,000 from private donors to be used for a variety of purposes in the planned renovation. That’s $400,000 that will benefit every resident in Nassau County, and $400,000 that will not come from your taxes. This means that for the city’s $600,000 investment, it will receive $1.6 million in improvements to the downtown library. The same is true for the county and its $600,000 investment. “
He continued saying, “Most communities would be envious of our relationship with the Friends of the Library. Most communities can only dream of having a large group of dedicated volunteers whose only agenda is to help improve our community, using only their own time and treasures to help others. The possible sale of naming rights for the library itself could result in donations of several hundred thousand dollars, which could be used for any number of critical projects within the new facility. However, seemingly out of nowhere, two [City] Commissioners suddenly recommended that the city not sell the naming rights, but instead hold a public contest in which local residents could compete to name the library.”
He went on to express his puzzlement over why elected officials would balk at naming the building when a sizable private donation might save taxpayers hundreds of thousand of dollars, as similar activities have done in Jacksonville and elsewhere. He asked, “Which brings us to the real question here at home: Why? Why, instead of profusely thanking FOL members for all that they have done for the Fernandina Beach Library, why show up at the 11th hour with a bizarre plan that has the potential to cost taxpayers the loss of hundreds of thousands of private dollars, and also delay any real progress while the idea continues to be kicked around. And that, in my opinion, is what I believe is the strategy behind all of this: “delay.” Since it’s hard to understand how anyone could be “anti-library,” and since this naming issue doesn’t involve public funds, we’re all left to wonder what is the real purpose of this last minute turmoil involving naming rights. Why are certain people, who heretofore have shown little interest in this project, now suddenly pushing a strategy seemingly designed to “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?”
Boyle asked the commissioners to stop playing critic, set aside differences and move forward with the FOL to demonstrate that the library project “can be a shining example of how a private-public partnership can benefit the entire community.”
Commissioner Pat Gass was the first to respond to Boyle, saying that the city could decide to name the building “The Elmer Fudd Building” and the county could name the library housed in that building something else. She tried to explain that naming the library and naming the library building were two different matters and that her people had come forward to express their unhappiness with the idea of selling the building naming rights. She mentioned the names of other Fernandina Beach residents who had been active in obtaining the current library building years ago before the current expansion project arose.
Commissioner Charlie Corbett said, “The building already has a name: the Fernandina Beach Library. If and when someone comes forward with money [and a request] to change the name, we’ll worry about it then.”
Mayor Boner said, “The wisest thing I can do for taxpayers is to let them pay less money [for public services].”
Commissioner Johnny Miller opined, “I don’t know if I would be willing to step forward with such a major donation if the picture seemed muddy about naming rights.” He added that in talking to citizens on the street he had concluded that people “just want the library to have all the money it needs to [carry out the expansion project]” and are not concerned about naming rights. Gass turned to Miller and said that they had each spoken to their people, which is what elected representatives are expected to do. Miller replied that to Gass that he hoped “your people are our people.”
Boyle, after expressing some confusion over Gass’ earlier attempt to differentiate county and city jurisdictions with the library building and function, advised the FBCC not to get caught up in nuances over naming building and function.
Mayor Boner expressed concerns that by continuing to debate the topic of naming the building the FBCC might inadvertently be discouraging potential donors from coming forward. He said, “Let’s get out of the way of fundraising.”
Gass said that she was not trying to start some last minute [problem], but had been asked to bring the matter forward for discussion, which she did. “I’ve done what I was asked to do,” she said.
The FBCC thanked former Commissioner Boyle for his comments. Mayor Boner recognized Lynn Williams as the next speaker. Williams repeated his comments from the previous meeting in which he expressed his opposition to naming public buildings, citing problems he had observed in Chicago. He said there is a “whorish aspect to it.” Boner asked, “Why not take the money?” Williams replied, “It’s a choice and I’m against it. [It is] pandering to people with a bunch of money.”
Local resident Robin Lentz was the final public speaker, indicating that she agreed with Commissioner Corbett. Corbett replied, “There’s a first for everything.” Lentz said that the FBCC just needed to determine that it would be open to considering an offer to name the building if one came forward.
Vice Mayor Pelican asked Williams why he felt that there was something “lady-of-the-night-ish” about accepting a donation to name the building. He replied, “I think an inside naming campaign is to be applauded. [It’s a question of] at what point do you draw the line at what you are willing to do.”
At the conclusion of the discussion Mayor Boner said, “My pride doesn’t mean much. I’ll do anything if it doesn’t cost taxpayers and helps raise money.” Corbett added, “Nobody is standing in the way of fundraising. So we [the FBCC] are in favor of seeing a proposal [for donor naming of the library building] and will decide then.”
Other business
The FBCC unanimously approved a relatively spare agenda that included a facilities use agreement (Resolution 2014-07) with YMCA of Florida’s First Coast covering sports leagues and a voluntary annexation petition for 2840 S. 14th Street.
The FBCC approved a 15-year lease agreement with Putt-Putt Florida, LLC (Resolution 2014-06) to cover putt-putt golf and concessions. Under the agreement the city will be paid $3,300 in annual rent and 3% of gross concession income. Commissioner Miller questioned why the city would approve such a low rent (25 cents per square foot). City Manager Gerrity replied that the object has always been to keep putt-putt operating and affordable at Main Beach. The low rent lease allowed that to happen.
Under Resolution 2014-08 the city awarded a bid to Parry Pools to resurface the Atlantic Recreation Center Pool and the Martin Luther King, Jr. kiddie pool. Parks and Recreation Director Nan Voit said that the resurfacing will result in closing the lap pool for about a week, but that public notice will be provided before work begins. The kiddie pool is not affected this time of year.
Commissioner Miller asked about the possibility of converting the city property at 8th and Lime Streets into a community garden. Vice Mayor Pelican replied that there was already such a garden on airport property, along with another one behind St. Peter’s Church. Mayor Boner said that he would want to know more about liability issues involved in such an action. City Manager Gerrity agreed to look into the possibility.
Mayor Boner expressed his deep appreciation to Interim Clerk Kim Briley for her work over the past year. He reminded the public to communicate with commissioners if they had any input for the January 23rd workshop on goals.
There was no update on contract negotiations with Caroline Best, the FBCC’s choice for City Clerk.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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.
January 22, 2014 4:30 p.m.
Great story. Carefully, clearly written; complete.
Suanne, as usual a detailed and objective writing of the story. Now just assure me that wasn’t Charlie’s or Lynn’s truck that was set on fire after the meeting.
500,000 dollars to put a name on a building is not a “whorish” act. That would be like comparing a street walker to a high paid escort service. Call me whorish but I would rename myself for $500,000. At the end of the day we all have to ask what is better for the City? Would that sum of extra money benefit the kids who use the library? Would it save the taxpayers money? Would it be an improvement or a detriment to the rebuilding and re furbishing of the library? Pride and Chicago should have nothing to do with this. It sounds like a controversy that will soon be forgotten, while its benefits remain for years to come.
When we go to the beach we all read the inscriptions on the benches to our loved ones who have passed. That seems like small potatoes compared to the money we may get to put a name on a building
Tony,
I agree although I may sell myself short and do it for $250,000! I think the controversy erupted first from the FOL taking it upon themselves in having that authority without getting clearance from the City as the owners of the buildings. As most of the Commissioners indicated, they had no problem with selling naming rights to interior parts of the library such as reading rooms or even furniture/fixtures. I think the FOL made a mis-step there.
It is an issue the City Commission must address and set a policy as the City seeks private partners to improve City-owned land or buildings. One could easily see that a donor might want to have naming rights for a contribution of funds to build a performance pavillion, fountain, bell tower, etc. in the riverfront park or Main Beach – all subject to the approval of the City Manager under the policy’s guidelines. As to the “whorish” concern, if that is such a big deal maybe they should rename Ladies Street in Olde Town since that area has its “shady” history in the early days of Fernandina.
Dave,
Don’t sell yourself short.
I don’t know what agreement the FOL and the City had with naming rights. That said, I think it is time to look forward and not back on what is best for the City, the taxpayers and the kids who would benefit from these improvements. The naming issue seems to be more of a philosophical issue than a nut and bolt issue. I think the question must be asked– what do we gain or what do we lose? I don’t know what we gain should we turn down $500,000 to put a name on a building that no one is arguing belongs to the City. What we lose appears to be $500,000. We also lose potential high end contributions from people who for their donation want something named after them. I think we also lose $500,000 of improvements that will benefit all. The better we make our library the more locals and tourists will use it. The more locals and tourists use it the more people come downtown. The more people who come downtown, the more money they spend. The more money they spend the better the local economy gets. The better the local economy gets the less empty, vacant store fronts we have to show tourists. Let’s not forget too, the better library we offer the better the education we provide for our youngsters. A well read, educated youth just might become a well read educated adult, who will then turn into a productive citizen. The library is not just a place to read books. It is a place that can set good standards for kids. Will $500,000 help this all to happen? Yes. I am all for allowing a building or whatever future endeavor we persue be named after someone who is willing to fund that amount of money. It saves the taxpayers money and helps to make the City a better place. I hope all can see the benefits of contributions such as this and not get lost in the politics of it all.