Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 23, 2016 1:00 a.m.
After 90 days on the job, Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin has decided that the city is a “wonderfully successful community” and that sometimes citizens and city staff lose sight of that in their hurry to improve upon what is already here.
Fernandina Observer editor Susan Steger and reporter Suanne Thamm met with Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin on March 21 for an informal chat seeking his observations on the city and the community. He is positive on both. And judging from community reaction, that positive reaction is being returned to him.
Our discussions covered a wide range of topics, from stormwater and the waterfront to recycling, special events and some specific neighborhood problems. Throughout our meeting, Martin was thoughtful and candid in his responses. We left the meeting with an appreciation for Martin’s grasp of issues, whose solutions have evaded the city for many years and his determination to jumpstart efforts to resolve them.
It was clear that Martin understands that he takes his direction from his five bosses: the Fernandina Beach City Commission. They have made the opening of the Alachua Street rail crossing their number one priority (for the second year in a row). To that end, Martin is meeting with FDOT officials this week to try to make that happen.
In discussing the CRA/Front Street/waterfront park interrelationships, Martin said that he hopes that the April workshop, which will focus on the big picture, will add some clarity to plans that were made many years ago based upon studies and public input that may need to be revisited in light of intervening developments. He hopes to involve Fernandina Main Street in a meaningful way to work with interested parties on moving forward with appropriate CRA development.
Martin reminded us that the FBCC has expressed dissatisfaction with the way in which the city today handles special events. He will be working this spring to improve that process. In response to our concern that there is not a consistent means for publicizing special events, he told us that this summer an intern will be working with the city on ways to improve communications with citizens.
Martin, in response to a question about surprises he has encountered since his arrival, said that he has been impressed by the talents and abilities of senior city staff. He said that he is not a micromanager, expecting his senior managers to run their departments in the best interests of the city. He is currently working on a recruitment notice for an airport manager, another priority assigned by the FBCC.
As a newcomer to the city, it appears that Martin has already fallen under Fernandina Beach’s spell. He has purchased a house near the city golf course. Another surprise for Martin: some citizen complaints. He said that people who have lived here for some time seem critical of many things that visitors and newcomers don’t even notice. He emphasized how special Fernandina Beach is and expressed the hope that people keep reminding themselves of that fact.
And yes, he has heard the complaints about the city’s website, noise from special events and inadequate recycling facilities. But none of those complaints change the fact that Fernandina Beach is light years ahead of many small communities. And he has the experience to know that.
Dale Martin is definitely a glass half full kind of guy.
Without a doubt, City Manager Martin is intelligent, experienced and knowledgeable in his career choice. It is up to the City Commissioners now and in the future to do their job properly in giving sound guidance to City Manager Martin. And it is up to the voters/residents to put an end to the political games and personal agendas which we have recently experienced from our City Commissioners.
For example, firing a competent City Manager just to hire a friend who was out of a job. The paper trail is all there for that one.