By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
April 18, 2019 3:48 p.m.
For the first time ever, at the April 17th, 2019, meeting of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, a resolution was unanimously passed in support of an economic development opportunity. Known only as Project Citrine, it is described in the resolution as a potential “200 acre corporate headquarters with a research and development facility.” The resolution, as read by Commissioner Justin Taylor notes if Nassau County is selected as a finalist by the site selection team, “the BOCC may set a meeting to discuss grant incentives for the project pursuant to local ordinances.”
Recognizing BOCC employees for their years of service is a practice initiated by County Manager Michael Mullin a few months ago. This month Gregory Jones of Fire Rescue: was recognized for 25 years of service, Darren Marsh with Road and Bridge for 20 years and Robyn Mobley, now with Human Resources, for 22 years.
Giving an update on departmental activities this month was Rebecca Jordi, with the Nassau County Cooperative Extension. Ms. Jordi recognized the “extension” has been in Florida for over 100 years. Accompanied by staff, activity highlights were accompanied by statistics which detailed cost savings to Nassau County residents. For example, a homeowner site visit for plant and pest identification is typically valued at $150 per visit. The Extension performed two such visits for a cost savings to residents of $300. Nassau County Extension staff conduct programs in 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Lawns Gardens & Landscapes, and Families & Consumers. For more information on the Extension Service, check out their website at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/nassau/
A 55.5 acre parcel on the south end of Amelia Island, (Parcel ID 39-1N-29-0000-0001-0000) was also an agenda item. The property is currently zoned as Residential General Two (RG-2) which allows for structures up to seven (7) stories and 85 feet in height. Though no application has been filed to date on that parcel, a status which County Attorney Mullin repeated a number of times, he encouraged commissioners to report that status to their constituents. It was reported that on April 9, 2019 Commissioner Danny Leeper attended an informational meeting organized by concerned residents at Walker’s Landing. That meeting was attended by well over 200 individuals. As a result of the groundswell of interest in that potential development, Commissioner Leeper suggested that if in fact, an application is filed and public hearings are scheduled, the Board should consider holding hearings at a facility large enough to accommodate large crowds.
Mullin noted that alternative locations present problems as far as live streaming is concerned. After much discussion, Mullin assured commissioners that every effort would be made to accommodate all interested parties. Mullin also assured commissioners that every individual that has called or sent an email would be notified if and when a hearing is scheduled.
Condemnation was yet another topic of lengthy discussion and one that made practically every commissioner uncomfortable. Local governments are already empowered to exercise condemnation procedures but it is a very complicated process and one which the current Board of County Commissioners has never used. Chapter 73 of the Florida statutes governs condemnation and eminent domain. It states: “Effective July 1, 2000, before an eminent domain proceeding is brought under this chapter or chapter 74, the condemning authority must attempt to negotiate in good faith with the fee owner of the parcel to be acquired, must provide the fee owner with a written offer and, if requested, a copy of the appraisal upon which the offer is based, and must attempt to reach an agreement regarding the amount of compensation to be paid for the parcel.” In addition, there is a process for establishing that the project for which the land is needed is in the public interest. (Chapter 73 can be accessed in its entirety at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0073/Sections/0073.015.html
As Mullin explained, as the County attempts to acquire more rights-of-way for roads or road extensions, there may come a time when without the utilization of the concept, acquisitions are not going to happen. Mullin further emphasized, “condemnation does not mean you [a property owner] are going to lose your property without compensation.”
As required by law, local governments must follow certain procedures to invoke their condemnation authority. While Nassau County may have the authority — as granted by State statute — there are reporting requirements that must be followed before the County can invoke said power.
At the most basic level, a property owner must be notified if the County intends to invoke its statutory authority. The commissioners made it clear they did not want to vote on a blanket resolution but would consider the concept on a case by case basis and a case by case basis only.
While specifics were not given during the meeting as to why this subject was coming up now, an email attempt to get those specifics went unanswered as of press time. During the meeting, however, Mullin did mention there was a road project, that the road project involved state monies and said project was one in which Senator Bean was most interested.
Another item which engendered a great deal of discussion related to the Nassau County Fire Code and specifically, a new development in District 4. District 4 includes Hilliard, Bryceville, Boulougne, Kings Ferry and Nassau Oaks and is represented by freshman Commissioner Thomas Ford.
Commissioner Ford received a phone call from a constituent a few weeks ago who was in the process of developing seven lots in Hilliard. During a meeting of the Development Review Board (the DRC), this developer was informed he would have to install a 20,000 gallon underground water tank for those seven lots to be in compliance with Nassau County’s fire code. The cost of such a tank — $20,000 – $30,000. The reason being the need for adequate water flow in the event of an actual emergency.
Fire Chief Brady Rigdon was there with handouts of the Fire Code as was Fire Inspector Chris Lance (one of two inspectors). Chief Rigdon explained Fire Prevention codes are adopted every three years. The code was last updated in 2015. In a phone conversation with Commissioner Ford after the meeting, he mentioned he had asked around and no one could recall when this particular article in the code was ever enforced. During the public discussion, Chief Rigdon stated at one point he “thought it was a recommendation but instead it is a requirement.”
Mullin stated he too had received several phone calls about the issue and to his knowledge, up until now, he knew of no one being cited on this underground tank requirement.
While explaining how the fire code was established, amended and other details, Chief Brady emphatically stated, “We not trying to single anyone out.”
Commissioner Ford, while expressing his thoughts that it seemed a bit unfair, did speak of his respect for Fire and Rescue and stated for the record, “if it’s in the code, it’s in the code.”
As it turns out, there are number of (what could be described as) ambiguities in this particular code requirement. For instance, if a development was platted many years ago for say, 50 lots — yet only three lots were constructed –should the developer of those 50 lots suddenly decide to begin again, he or she would in effect, be “grandfathered” – so this new requirement for the installation of underground water tanks would not apply to the development of any or all of those homesties.
Commissioner Ford made mention of another requirement which infers if an individual is outside the “five-mile range” of a fire station, their homeowner’s insurance rates are higher.
As a former Fire Marshall and Fire Chief for Fernandina Beach, Commissioner Leeper stated the Fire Code needs to be “applied fairly and consistently.”
Other items of interest to Nassau County residents may include a workshop scheduled about road paving on April 22nd at 5PM at Commission Chambers, outreach meetings organized by the Planning and Economic Opportunity Department, a new and expanded schedule and locations for “Ask the County Manager” sessions, meetings of the Beach Committee and others, For more detailed information, please visit the County website at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/calendar.aspx
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.