By Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
March 13, 2020
An overview of several issues and projects . . .
FEMA. To no surprise, FEMA officials again canceled the teleconference related to Hurricane Matthew recovery scheduled for today. FEMA regional efforts are now being directed to responding to the recent tornadoes in Nashville, Tennessee. In February, the regional efforts were directed toward flooding in Mississippi and Alabama.
FEMA officials have been asked to provide documents for review two days prior to the teleconference, which is now tentatively scheduled for Monday. Since that means the documents should be provided by Thursday, I once again expect the teleconference to be postponed.
Again, the support by Congressman Rutherford has been outstanding: he cleared a portion of his calendar to participate in the scheduled call and invited me to join him in Jacksonville for the teleconference. His staff is now working to clear time for the call next week.
Waterfront development. Following comments from several committees, the City Commission has continued its endorsement of Concept E, which features outdoor event space, indoor event space, reconfigured parking, and additional greenspace along the Amelia River waterfront. Specific details have yet to be examined and developed- the project is still conceptual in nature. The City Commission has directed me to schedule a public forum (likely for Saturday, April 4) to receive public comments on the concept. After receiving comments, appropriate revisions will be incorporated before returning to the City Commission for a final endorsement. The project will then move from the conceptual phase to the planning phase.
At next Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, the City Commission will be asked to consider a grant application to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) which will seek funding for a new waterfront boardwalk, extending from the boat ramp to the south end of the park area. At the April 21 City Commission meeting, Passero Associates will provide the results of the shoreline stabilization analysis which will provide the basis for protective measures along the riverfront.
On March 30, I will meet with Department of Transportation and railroad officials to review the efforts related to Front Street rail crossings at Ash, Centre, and Alachua Streets. The planned safety improvements at those crossings will require Front Street to be reconfigured (shifted westward) to accommodate the new signals. The area from the railroad tracks to the river is very tight, so getting the road, parking, sidewalks, and other infrastructure and amenities properly positioned will be critical for Concept E to come to fruition.
A new sidewalk extending from Ash Street to Centre Street between the railroad tracks and the Hampton Inn should be under construction shortly. The project also includes a fence to enhance safety along the railroad tracks. The project is expected to be completed before Shrimp Festival.
Fire Station #2. Passero Associates have also been preparing documents related to a new fire station. The proposed fire station will be located at the Airport, on Airport Road just off of Amelia Island Parkway. Passero staff will present the preliminary drawings at the Apr 7 City Commission meeting. The intent, after construction, is to relocate the personnel and equipment at the current Fire Station #2, located near Sadler Road and Seaside Park, to the new Fire Station #2, which will provide enhanced coverage and response to the central portion of Amelia Island. The positioning of the new station at the Airport also provides for funding support from the Federal Aviation Administration.
With its key location near a primary City beach, the current Fire Station #2 will then likely become Ocean Rescue (and perhaps Fire Administration) headquarters.
City Hall Request for Qualifications. The deadline for submissions for this project is today. Consultants have been asked to provide a summary of their professional capabilities and experience (specifically with historic structures). The recommended consultant will be asked to complete three sequential tasks: first, perform an analysis of existing and projected staff space needs; second, conduct a site analysis of the current City Hall facility and the adjacent City-owned property; third, prepare preliminary plans for renovating the existing facility and/or a new facility on the adjacent site. The City Commission will consider the recommended consultant next month.
Marina Request for Proposals. The Request for Proposals to manage/lease the City Marina was posted on the City’s web site yesterday. An Evaluation Committee will review the submitted proposals next month before offering a recommendation to the City Commission on May 5.
Thank you for your continuing interest in the City projects and efforts.