FBCC Regular Meeting May 20, 2014: Other Actions

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 22, 2014 1:43 p.m.

Mayor Ed Boner opened the second Regular May Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCCC) on May 20, 2014 with some gentle reminders for both commissioners and the audience.  “Let’s use lights,” he told commissioners, hoping to avoid situations where commissioners speak before being recognized.  Audience members were reminded that FBCC rules of procedure allow those who want to provide input to the commission to speak once for three minutes and direct their comments to the entire commission.  Should a commissioner ask a question, the respondent is allowed an additional minute to respond.  He encouraged all speakers to stay on the subject during their time at the podium.

North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (NFTPO) presentation

Wanda Forrest, NFTPO Transportation Planning Manager, provided commissioners with a brief update on some road projects planned and budgeted for the city and county between now and Fiscal Year 2018/2019:

• Add lanes and reconstruct SR200 (A1A) from I-95 to West of Still Quarters Road – FY 2016/2017  Total Cost  $ 41.922M
• Add lanes and reconstruct  SR 200 (A1A) west of Still Quarters Road to west of Rubin Lane – FY2015/2016  Total Cost  $35M
• Add lanes and reconstruct Chester Road from SR A1A to Green Pine Road – FY 2017/2018 – Total Cost $ 11.133M
• Resurface S. 14^th Street to Amelia Island Parkway – FY 2016/2017 –  Total Cost $ 330
• Build off street, multi-purpose trail along Bailey and Simmons Roads from the Sports Complex to Fletcher Avenue – FY 2017/18  Total Cost $ 1.988M

Forrest indicated that she was also briefing the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on the total list of projects.  For a complete list or more information on a wide variety of projects, consult the NFTPO website: http://www.northfloridatpo.com.

Budget Summary

Commissioner Johnny Miller asked city Comptroller Patti Clifford on the size of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fund.  She reported that by September 30, there would be $560K in that fund.

Consent Agenda

The FBCC unanimously approved with no discussion the only item on the Consent Agenda, an application to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for a Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant in the amount of $25,000 to develop a Recreation Master Plan.

Public Comment

Old Town resident Michael Harrison asked for an update regarding the city’s progress in opening a gate obstructing a portion of Estrada Street blocked by Rock Tenn.  City Attorney Tammi Bach reported that the city has received no response to their latest letter to Rock Tenn.  Mayor Boner continued to press for a title opinion on ownership of the portion of the blocked street.

Local business owner Bob Long addressed the commission on his concerns regarding the inflatable waterslide approved for Main Beach.  He said that as a local businessman, he took exception to the city’s permitting this operation, which he likened to permitting food trucks.  He claimed that permitting such seasonal operations takes away from “brick and mortar” businesses that pay taxes year long for what amounts to a 6-month season.  He provided a handout showing experiences with a similar slide in other areas.  He said that the 36-foot slide is really not for children, but more for teenagers and young adults.  He called it a “Spring Break slide.”

Resolutions

The FBCC unanimously approved with no discussion Resolutions 2014-46 and 2014-47; grant applications to the Florida Inland Navigation District, one for mooring field improvements and the other for constructing a deck on the marina welcome center.  City Manager Joe Gerrity assured commissioners that he had checked to make sure that modifying the marina welcome center would not violate terms of the Big-P grant.

Billy Casper course manager Josh O’Brian and greens manager Buddy Tate appeared before the commission to explain why they were recommending sole source purchase for equipment needed for golf course maintenance (Resolution 2014-65).  Tate explained that by purchasing this equipment through a Billy Casper source, they were getting a much better deal than could be gotten anywhere else for specialized equipment.  Commissioners approved the resolution unanimously, including authorizing an interfund transfer from the General Fund to the Golf Course in the amount of $26,580, to be repaid in 3 years at 4% interest.

See separate article for discussion of Resolution 2014-66, Conceptual Waterfront Park Plan approval.

Ordinances – First Reading

See separate article for discussion of disapproval of proposed Ordinance 2014-13, providing for the regulation of chickens on private property.

Commissioners unanimously passed Ordinance 2014-18, which creates and amends various sections of the City Code pertaining to taxis.  City Attorney Bach explained that the changes allow for reciprocity between jurisdictions and clarifies the distinction between a business license and a taxi permit, known as a medallion in some jurisdictions.

Ordinance – Third Reading

See separate article for discussion of voluntary annexation of Gateway Complex, Ordinance 2014-08.

Reports

Vice Mayor Pelican reported that the Airport Advisory Committee continues to review airport rules and regulations.  A joint meeting with the FBCC should be scheduled soon.

Commissioner Johnny Miller asked if the city was “ready to go” with respect to development of the Standard Marine property, which has recently acquired a new owner.  Gerrity reported that water and sewer are in place.  Miller also asked for a meeting to discuss the current situation and possible changes to city policy and code regarding use and maintenance of city rights of way.

Mayor Ed Boner asked for an update on funding for beach renourishment.  Gerrity reported that a joint meeting with the Nassau County Commission to discuss this topic would likely be held in September or October.  The Corps of Engineers will weigh in on costs in January 2015 for a project that will need to be done next summer.  It appears that the local cost share will be $1.4M.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 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.