Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 16, 2015 12:19 p.m.
The city of Fernandina Beach held its annual Reorganization Meeting last night before an audience packed with well-wishers, family and supporters of both incoming and outgoing commissioners. Smiling wives accompanied Len Kreger and Roy Smith as City Clerk Caroline Best administered the oath of office to the newly elected commissioners. The first official act of the new commission was to elect a new mayor and vice mayor. Following the results of the recent straw poll and tradition, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously ratified the voters’ choice and elected Mayor Johnny Miller and Vice Mayor Robin Lentz.
Ed Boner, departing commissioner who also served as mayor for the last two years, accepted a plaque in appreciation for his service from Johnny Miller, who served as vice
mayor during Boner’s term. Boner delivered sometimes emotional remarks citing gratitude toward commissioners, city staff and the citizen advisory boards. He enumerated many FBCC accomplishments during his term, including the completion of the library renovation, advances at the airport, and the passage of the referendum changing commissioner terms to four years. He expressed hope that with longer terms and a new city manager the city would become more stable. Boner singled out two citizens—Friends of the Library president Bill Flynn and former Mayor-Commissioner Arlene Filkoff—as examples of inspirational leadership.
In quoting Filkoff, Boner advised the new commissioners to “like the people who are for something” and who want to build, not stop things. He concluded by addressing the audience on behalf of his commission, “Even if we don’t agree, we all want to do the best for Fernandina Beach.” Boner did not seek reelection. Newly elected commissioner Len Kreger replaces him on the FBCC.
Departing commissioner Pat Gass declined a plaque or a proclamation. She delivered comments thanking her family and friends for support during her term. Gass stressed that Fernandina Beach is a working community and that the new commission must balance industry, quality of life and tourism to maintain a healthy community. She said that it had been a privilege to serve the citizens and stated unequivocally, “We shall survive.” Gass lost her seat in the city runoff election on December 8 to Roy Smith.
Following his swearing in, new Mayor Johnny Miller thanked the voters for choosing him to be the next mayor and his fellow commissioners for ratifying the people’s choice. He expressed optimism for the future year with a new commission.
Mayor Miller finalized the following board appointments for commissioners in the 2015-16 session:
Mayor Johnny Miller: Nassau Alcohol Crime Drug Abatement Coalition; Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Vice Mayor Robin Lentz: Tourist Development Council, Fernandina Beach Animal Rescue, Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Board; Fernandina Beach Youth Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Len Kreger: Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council; Airport Advisory Commission.
Commissioner Tim Poynter: Tourist Development Council ; Greens and Oversight Committee.
Commissioner Roy Smith: Nassau County Economic Development Board.
The FBCC also discussed the Ocean Highway and Port Authority’s (OHPA) request for a city nominee to serve on the OHPA Charter Review Committee. City Attorney Tammi Bach had clarified with OHPA Attorney Clyde Davis that OHPA was seeking a citizen and alternates, as opposed to an elected commissioner, to serve on that committee. The FBCC unanimously selected Frank Santry as its representative along with Arlene Filkoff as alternate.
Reorganizational Meeting Photo Gallery
While the reorganizational meeting was a somber event in which residents bid farewell to departing commissioners and welcomed new ones, there were some light moments as well.
But swearing in new commissioners is serious business. Every commissioner except Poynter was required to execute an oath of office, either as a new commissioner or because of assuming new offices as mayor and vice mayor.
The two new commissioners and their families were wreathed in smiles for the occasion.
And after all the swearing and leave taking, new Mayor Johnny Miller joined new City Manager Dale Martin for a brief moment before beginning the first business meeting of the new commission.
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.
I think that is the first time I have ever seen Len Kreger wear a sport coat! LOL Congratulations to all on their roles in moving the City forward. Special thanks to Ed Boner for his leadership during the last three years. During very difficult times Ed maintained a professional and positive attitude. I am sure that he and his family will really enjoy all the family time that he will recapture in the future.
Best wishes to all.
Congratulations again to Mayor Miller and the Commission! Here’s to new and good things ahead!
Thank you also to Mr Boner for your service and commitment to our island.
Congrats to the new commission, I wish them and the new city manager the best for 2016 in addressing the challenges ahead. Thank you to Former Mayor Ed Boner for his public service and sacrifice. Merry Christmas!
Thank you all for serving our community, it is a daunting job at times. Many times an uncomfortable position. I do know you all have the best interest of Fernandin Beach as your first priority. God knows, it’s not the pay. Mayor Boner, thank you for always running an orderly Commission meeting, a challenge at times. I’m sure in quoting Ms Filkoff, “Like the people who are for something” wasn’t referring to the decent in our City over possible future decisions at the Port that could, negate all the positive growth this Island has seen in Tourism, Convention and Real Estate over the last decade. Again thank you all foe “Stepping up to the Plate” for all of us.
Thank you’s and Congratulations all around to departing, arriving and sitting City Commissioners!
The appointment of Frank Santry to the OHPA charter review committee is great! Thanks to the City Commission for taking our Port concerns seriously.
Thank you to all who have, and continue to, serve. Delighted for Mayor Boner and his family to return to civilian life, however he will be missed. He did great things during his time in office. Thank you Ed, for your service. Best wishes to those who have committed to the challenge of leadership as Fernandina Beach moves forward.
My thanks and appreciation to Commissioner Gass for the diligence,hard work and commitment she displayed during her term of office.Her services will be missed.