Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
November 11, 2016 1:00 a.m.
With no run-off election necessary this year, the City Commission will be able to schedule its annual visioning session in December rather than having to wait until January. The annual visioning session is an opportunity to develop goals and discuss other projects or issues of interest to the City Commission. This year’s day-long session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, at the City golf course.
Let me first review the six primary goals formally adopted by the City Commission as a result of last year’s session.
1. Open Alachua Street- the Commissioners’ desire for this project is related to improved traffic circulation, economic development, and pedestrian safety. After discussions and meetings with various city, State, and railroad officials, representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation offered an initial concept regarding the re-opening of the Alachua Street railroad crossing. In general, the concept creates a one-way traffic counter-clockwise pattern along 2nd Street, Alachua Street, and Front Street, before reaching Ash Street which retains two-way traffic. The vehicular crossing at Centre Street and Front Street is converted to solely a pedestrian crossing, with the block of Centre Street between Front and 2nd Street also closed to vehicular traffic. I expect that this project will generate significant discussion at the next visioning session in order to provide direction as to how to proceed with future discussions with the State and railroad. No formal decision is likely in the immediate future and such a decision will entail significant public discussion and review.
2. Improve/review beach safety- the Commissioners’ intent for this topic was to review ocean rescue operations and costs. Fire Chief Silcox presented a report to the City Commissioners in September that detailed the highly successful ocean rescue season during the past summer: no drownings occurred in the vicinity of City beaches or County beaches under the watch of Ocean Rescue personnel. A review of the cost of Ocean Rescue operations in County areas will likely see a minimal fee increase requested from Nassau County (approximately $5,000).
3. Improve storm water infrastructure- City Commissioners requested that storm water planning and infrastructure be improved. The City has retained a consultant to prepare a new storm water plan (current plan is nearly twenty years old). That plan should be available for Commissioner review before the end of the calendar year. Funding was received from the State for storm water drainage improvements in the N. Fletcher Avenue area, and construction on that project has commenced. The project is expected to be completed before the end of November.
4. Install soccer field lights- due to increased play, lights were requested to be installed at the City’s soccer fields. The funds have been appropriated in the current budget, Federal Aviation Administration approval has been received, and construction is expected to begin in January (completed in March).
5. Increase downtown density- the City Commissioners’ expressed interest in reviewing opportunities to increase downtown density. Community Development Department staff has had a full plate of issues to address for several months, but with the completion of several large scale projects, I expect that new attention will be directed at this goal.
6. Promote accessibility- the City Commissioners sought to have the City’s accessibility efforts recognized. Through the efforts of City staff and volunteers, mats were acquired and installed at Main Beach to provide access to the beach and ocean for residents and visitors that might otherwise have limited access to those areas which so many others get to enjoy. Other recognition opportunities are being sought.
What projects will draw the attention of Commissioners next month? I anticipate that the marina, Alachua Street, and the waterfront will be discussed. Other downtown development discussions may include the future use of the Post Office building, streetscape amenities, and parking concerns. I believe that a portion of the discussion needs to consider areas of the City outside of downtown- the Peck Center area, S. Fletcher Avenue, and the southern portion of the City. With the natural draw of downtown, other areas are often overlooked and neglected. Personnel, equipment, and facilities may be reviewed.
This meeting will be a key moment to present policy direction and opportunities for City staff to pursue. City staff will review, research, and incorporate this policy direction into the proposed budget for next year (or earlier if additional opportunities arise).
I look forward to spending the day with the City Commissioners to chart a path for the City’s future.