BOCC discusses pending state legislation

Cindy Jackson
Reporter
March 14, 2019 4:00 p.m.

County Attoney/Manager Mike Mullin (File Photo)

The Board of County Commissioners held a public meeting on March 13, 2019 to hear from County Attorney/County Manager Michael Mullin to receive his recommendations on legislation introduced in Tallahassee that could affect local counties – specifically Nassau County. State Representative had requested the County’s input in a letter dated March 1.

The letter from Representative Byrd listed 15 bills. However, information on an additional piece of legislation was provided in a handout and that additional bill was HB 1159.

That bill, HB 1159, is an “an act relating to private property rights prohibiting local governments from requiring permits, fees or other notices for the pruning, trimming or removal of trees on residential property.”

Commissioner Leeper asked if any input had been received from The Amelia Island Tree Conservancy. Posed to Taco Pope, Director of Planning and Economic Opportunity, Mr. Pope indicated that he had not heard from the organization on this particular issue.

As is customary at BOCC meetings, before adjourning, commissioners were asked about “items of concern.”

Commissioner Pat Edwards noted that he has received numerous calls about the state of Pages Dairy Road and Commissioner Bell noted he has received a number of complaints about speeding on Scott Road. County Attorney/County Manager Mullin will be reporting back but did indicate the drafting of an ordinance relating to installing a speed bump/speed hump on Scott Road was in process.

Finally, after a statement made by Chair Justin Taylor, a motion made by Commissioner Edwards was agreed to unanimously for the BOCC to move forward in an attempt to remedy the stand-off with Rayonier regarding recreation fees, etc. The meeting was then adjourned.

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.

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Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
5 years ago

Certainly would like to understand the sponsoring legislator of HB 1159 as to the rationale behind such a bill besides just private property owner rights. While I am a strong defender of such rights, I also accept that my actions related to my property have consequences to my neighbors and community. As long as regulations are rationale, they are okay with me.

Lyn Pannone
Lyn Pannone(@lyn-pannone)
5 years ago

To be clear, an Amelia Tree Conservancy member spoke at an earlier meeting of the legislative delegation in opposition to this bill. It was even reported in local media. This is a state issue therefore we spoke directly to our state senator and representative.