Highlights and briefs from Fernandina Beach City Hall: April 5, 2016

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 7, 2016 1:30 p.m.

Spanking new city fire truck

Those attending the April 5, 2016 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting got to see the newest addition to the city’s fleet of vehicles: a brand new fire truck, the first new fire truck purchased by the city since 2002. As one person remarked, “It even has that new fire truck smell!”

Lt. Matt Edison (l) and Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dowie present the city's new fire truck.
Lt. Matt Edison (l) and Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dowie present the city’s new fire truck.

 

Caroline rearranged the furniture.

City Clerk Caroline Best enlisted help from city staff to reorient the staff desk to provide a better view of the audience, public speakers and the projection screen. By rotating the desk 45 degrees, the city clerk and city staff, who speak on specific items during FBCC meetings, no longer have their backs facing the audience. The new configuration also helps the clerk assist speakers with their slide presentation.

City Clerk Caroline Best in her new location. Note that the flags on the wall behind Ms. Best have been rehung to reflect the proper chronology of island history.
City Clerk Caroline Best in her new location. Note that the flags on the wall behind Ms. Best have been rehung to reflect the proper chronology of island history.

National Library Week April 10-16, 2016

Library Director Dawn Bostwick (c) and Assistant Director Janet Loveless (r) listen as Mayor Johnny Miller reads library proclamation.
Library Director Dawn Bostwick (c) and Assistant Director Janet Loveless (r) listen as Mayor Johnny Miller reads library proclamation.

In a city proclamation that touted modern libraries as centers of learning and praised librarians for their customized, one-on-one assistance to patrons, Mayor Johnny Miller encouraged residents to take advantage of all the services that libraries provide, especially during National Library Week. Nassau County Library Services Director Dawn Bostwick accepted the proclamation. She invited the public to attend the grand opening of the expanded and renovated library branch on N. 4th Street in Fernandina Beach will be held on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bostwick highlighted some of the features of the newly improved library, such as business class internet access, upgraded Wi-Fi, a computer lab that can be reserved for teaching, additional public access computers, new features for children and readers. She said that with the expansion, a community meeting room, that had to be sacrificed for space needs 15 years ago, has been returned to the facility.

FOL President Bill Flynn cites increase in library activity following expansion.
FOL President Bill Flynn cites increase in library activity following expansion.

She acknowledged the many Friends of the Library (FOL) and Advisory Board members in the audience and reminded the audience of the FOL book sale this weekend at the Peck Center Gymnasium.

FOL President Bill Flynn followed Bostwick and provided numbers on increased library usage following the renovation. Circulation has grown 18 percent in the first half of the fiscal year and visitation is up to 60,000, an increase of 22 percent for the same period. Computer usage has increased 40 percent to 18,000. Flynn quoted some research that stated, “Children who start out reading hardcover books as opposed to electronic books score better in school and have a wider vocabulary.” He then joked, “Older people who read their books online, retain less of what they read—but it doesn’t matter.” The audience and commissioners laughed and applauded.

FBCC tables Ben Byrns facilities use agreement

The FBCC, in light of recent concerns over non-airport events being held at the municipal airport, has tabled consideration of an agreement with the Nassau Alcohol, Crime, and Drug Abatement Coalition (NACDAC) that would authorize use of the airport for the 5th Annual 5k Ben Byrns Rally slated for October 22, 2016. The city is dealing with the FAA to secure their approval at this time. Should the FAA approve, the event will return to the FBCC for action.

April 2016: Water Conservation Month

Jimmy Peluso accepts Water Conservation Month proclamation.
Jimmy Peluso accepts Water Conservation Month proclamation.

Jimmy Peluso of the St. Johns River Water Management District accepted a city proclamation from Mayor Miller declaring April, a typically dry month in Florida, “Water Conservation Month.” Peluso thanked the FBCC and said that Fernandina Beach joined many communities and government bodies at all levels in Florida via this action. He suggested that every citizen can take small actions to help conserve water. He advised citizens to call or consult his organization’s website (www.sjrwmd.com) for additional information on water conservation.

 

Old Town streets

Old Town residents Jennifer Harrison and Patricia Taylor commended city staff for their recent work on the sewer system and streets. Harrison reported that Utilities Director John Mandrick is replacing the limestone paving with oyster shells, which should alleviate dust problems in the community. Harrison and Taylor noted improvements in stormwater drainage when the Utilities Department removed portions of the hard surface paving on White Street. They asked that the city “un pave” White Street, the only hard surface road in Old Town, to alleviate stormwater problems and resurface in oyster shells to match the other Old Town streets.

Board appointments

Commissioners unanimously approved the following board appointments:

  • Greens and Oversight Committee—Carl Galphin and Vicki Galphin
  • Arts and Culture Nassau—Sandra Dawson

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’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.