Fernandina Beach City Commission highlights – Golf course, beach renourishment, animal control

 Submitted by Suanne Z. ThammCity Hall SZT

Reporter-News Analyst

June was busting out all over as the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) kicked off the month with a 3 ½ -hour meeting on June 4, 2013, that covered a wide range of topics.  By the time Mayor Pelican gaveled the meeting to a close at 9:30 p.m., the FBCC had: annexed The Palms Condominiums into the city, despite opposition from the residents; backed off an ordinance to further restrict Centre Street street performers; and officially designated Deputy City Clerk Kim Briley, who has been shouldering the responsibilities of City Clerk since January, as City Clerk Pro Tem.  (See separate articles on each of these three agenda items.)  The FBCC also received another report on the condition of the city’s golf course, passed two ordinances on first reading dealing with animal control and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Economic Development), authorized a $33M bond issuance, and moved forward with beach renourishment. 

All items of business were approved with unanimous votes.

Municipal Golf Course Report

Tommy Shave updates commission on golf course conditions
Tommy Shave updates commission on golf course conditions

Tommy Shave delivered his second update to the FBCC on the conditions at the city’s golf course, reporting that according to the scoring system used by his committee members, the condition of the course had improved by 19% over the past 30 days.  His committee rated the course at 4.9 out of a possible score of 10.  He attributed part of the improvement to mother nature, with warming evening temperatures and rain helping the grass.  He said that there has been a lot of sodding activity, but questioned why the ground was not being better prepared in advance of the sodding.  He expressed disappointment in the “drill and fill” work being done to aerate the soil and provide nourishment for the grass.  He also raised concerns over the unsightliness of brush piles placed in the middle of the course, suggesting that they be moved to the outside edges of the greens. 

Shave announced significant improvements in the condition of the clubhouse, reporting that exterior mold and leaky faucets have been repaired and that trashcans are emptied in the restrooms.  He also noted improvements in the practice areas.

Commissioner Arlene Filkoff asked golf course manager Chad Barhorst to respond to some of Shave’s observations, which he did.  Barhorst reported that revenue for play is down about 20% but that memberships are back up to 303.  Shave asked Barhorst if some of the actions on the greens could be better classified as band-aids rather than repairs.  Barhorst responded that Billy Casper is doing the best it can within resources, and that there are not funds to rebuild the greens at this time.  Filkoff asked Shave if Billy Casper was being cooperative.  Shave replied, “The turn around on the golf course began when Chad arrived.” 

Shave said that he and Barhorst get along well.  He said, “I think {Billy Casper’s] intentions are good, but they are going too fast.”

Later in the meeting Commissioner Filkoff asked City Manager Gerrity to make sure that at future meetings involving reports on the golf course that the maintenance manager was also there to respond to questions.  Gerrity agreed to do so.

A-1-A Scenic Highway DesignationAIA 2

The FBCC approved Resolution 2013-75, requesting the Florida Department of Transportation to designate state highway A1A in Fernandina Beach from the Nassau County line on South Fletcher, continuing on to Atlantic Avenue to the Nassau County line on S. 8th Street/SR 200 as a Florida Scenic Highway pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 335.093. 

Former Jacksonville Councilwoman Elaine Brown presented this item to the FBCC, explaining that this non-binding resolution would be a first step in a process that would take about a year and involve many public meetings to collect input.  She explained that the designation would be part of Visit Florida advertising and would help attract more visitors to the area.  In response to a question from Commissioner Ed Boner she replied that the designation should also prove helpful in sustaining the Mayport Ferry over time.

Mayor Pelican revealed that she had “volunteered” Commissioner Pat Gass and Vice Mayor Charlie Corbett to serve on the historical committee supporting this endeavor.

Public Input 

·       July 4th Fireworks:  Scott Moore, President of the Historic Downtown Business Association (HFBA), reminded commissioners and the public that the final scheduled fundraiser to support the fireworks fund will be held on Thursday, June 6 at the Crab Trap from 5-7 p.m.  June 6 is the deadline for the city to contract for the fireworks and while optimistic, organizers are currently short about $1,500.  He encouraged the community to attend the fundraiser and/or contribute to the fund by visiting CBC National Bank with funds payable to HFBA/Fireworks.  He said that the HFBA is hoping to form a committee, with representation from the community, to forward fund fireworks and possibly expand celebrations on July 4th.

·       Fire hydrants:  Don Johnson of the Cape Sound subdivision, claimed that the city’s annual levy of $37 per fire hydrant in that community was “petty and ludicrous.”  He said that people in the gated community pay for their own landscaping and roads and questioned why 66 families are being charged for fire hydrants merely because they are behind a closed gate.  City Manager Joe Gerrity replied that the fee has been reduced from $117 to $37, which all similarly situated gated communities are being charged.  He said that the city is in the process of trying to sort out how Cape Sound escaped this charge, but informed Johnson that city taxes do not pay for water and sewer in the city.  Johnson’s concerns were echoed and amplified by John Welland, Tom Morrison and Vicky Maley of Cape Sound.  Their presentations brought applause from some in the audience.

·       Roadside food sales:  James R. Sutton appealed to the FBCC to be able to sell food on the side of the road to benefit various charitable organizations.  He asked, “Can I peddle food on the side of the road to raise money?”  He said that he raises money for three charitable organizations and has been refused a vendor’s license by the city.  Staff will discuss this with Mr. Sutton.

Beach Renourishment

The FBCC approved Resolution 2013-77 approving task order 2013-02 with Olsen Associates, Inc. for the Nassau County Shore Protection Beach Disposal Task.   This task will provide additional beach sand to the north end of Amelia Island from U.S. Navy dredging of the submarine channel.  Although the sand is free, Olsen will administer the task.  Commissioner Filkoff asked if Nassau County would cost share this task order.  Gerrity responded that the state will pay $9,288 of the $20,000 cost.  While he is in discussion with the county on cost share of the remainder, the city might be required to pay the remaining amount without county assistance.

Master Utility System Bond

Ed Stull, the city’s bond counsel, following up on information provided at a previous meeting, said that by refinancing the city’s $33M master utility system bond, the city could save $2.5M.  In light of the current market conditions, he recommended that the city lock into this savings as soon as possible.  The FBCC agreed.

Animal Control

The FBCC approved on first reading ordinance 2013-11, which would provide that animal owners shall not allow an animal to make sounds for more than 30 continuous minutes and that it would be unlawful to allow an animal to be confined in an unattended vehicle without sufficient ventilation or otherwise in conditions that may be reasonably detrimental to an animal’s health.  This ordinance was proposed by the Nassau County Humane Society as a protection for animals, not as an amendment to the noise ordinance.

Economic Development Element of the city’s Comprehensive Plan

City senior planner Kelly Gibson presented this item as Ordinance 2013-12.  It endorses the proposed Evaluation and Appraisal Report based Comprehensive Plan amendments for transmittal to the State Land Planning Agency for the purpose of a sufficiency review in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 163.3191.  Commissioner Pat Gass had several issues with the proposed ordinance, stating her concerns that it seemed directed toward high-end resort tourism development and neglected more modest family tourism from surrounding areas.  She also objected to naming the Nassau County Economic Development Board (NCEDB) as a partner in this endeavor, explaining that while she had no problem with the NCEDB, she felt it was too limiting.  She preferred using broader, generic language that would allow for partnerships with a multitude of organization, such as the Chamber of Commerce.

Both Gibson and Commissioner Filkoff explained that the NCEDB had formed a task force to help in the development of this element, so that it would be consistent with similar language in the county comprehensive plan.  Work is also underway to do the same in other cities in the county.  Filkoff said, “Change is going to happen.  The intent through this element is to manage it.”

Aaron Bell spoke on behalf of NCEDB, explaining the interconnectivity of economic development initiatives in the county and the possibility for state incentives if the activity is approached in an organized way.  Citing misgivings, Gass said that she was not ready to vote for the ordinance yet.  Vice Mayor Charlie Corbett suggested that she use the time between first and second readings to talk with Gibson to get her concerns addressed.  Gibson said that the item would not return to the commission until the end of the summer following state review.

With some misgivings, Gass joined other commissioners in approving the item on first reading, understanding that some of her concerns regarding making language more generic would be incorporated.

Pay and Classification Plan Amendment

This item passed unanimously on second and final reading, amending the Pay and Classification Plan for FY 2012-13.

Board Appointments

The FBCC approved the reappointment of Walter Sturges to the Board of Trustees of the Police & Fire Pension Board as well as the reappointments of Adam Kaufman and Cynthia Crow to the Code Enforcement and Appeals Board.  In response to a question from Commissioner Gass, Deputy Clerk Kim Briley replied that she hoped to have candidates for the vacant Historic District Council position on the next agenda.

Reports

City Manager Joe Gerrity
City Manager Joe Gerrity

City Manager Gerrity informed the FBCC and the public that there will be a new parking scheme at Main Beach within the next few weeks to add more parking spaces.  He also indicated that he has found money in a General Obligation Bond to “do something” for the bathrooms at the MLK Center.  Mayor Pelican said that she would like to see work done on that project immediately and not wait for the new budget year, because the project has been on the drawing board so long.  While not necessarily disagreeing, Commissioner Arlene Filkoff said that she would like to see a facilities use plan for all the city’s recreational facilities before committing to spend over $50K to improve a building that she has been told is underutilized.  She said that she would like to see that all the city’s recreational facilities are viable and vital to the community.  Gerrity said, “We can do that.”

City Attorney Bach said that she will have new language on the proposed ballot language for charter amendments that would extend commissioner terms to 4 years and eliminate odd-year elections at the June 18 meeting.

Commissioner Filkoff asked Gerrity to bring to the commission the city’s case for charging gated communities for fire hydrants.  He said he would bring Utilities Department Director John Mandrick to explain that.

Commissioner Gass asked that the lot size requirement for building in Old Town be set by code at 4,228 square feet to resolve issues and concerns over triangular sized lots, media peonias, etc.  Attorney Bach said that other factors entered into such a determination, such as the Bert Harris Act, which could construe that limiting development rights constituted a “taking” of private property.  Gass also asked for enforcement of policies involving loading zones in the Central Business District, specifically S. 3rd Street.

Mayor Sarah Pelican thanked police and fire for recent rescue efforts.  She also thanked Jennifer Gooding for being willing to give up job security to consider the position of City Clerk.

Suanne-2Editor’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.

June 6, 2013 8:00 a.m.