Other FBCC business: audit, chickens, waterslide and more

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

DSCN1883

Other than the waterfront, the airport and proclamations, the Fernandina Beach City Commission dealt with other items, some of greater consequence than others, at its March 18, 2014 regular meeting.

City Audit

Ryan Tucker and Todd Hallowell of Purvis Gray prepare to discuss city audit report.
Ryan Tucker and Todd Hallowell of Purvis Gray prepare to discuss city audit report.

The city’s auditing firm of Purvis Gray and Company presented the Annual Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2013.  Ryan Tucker, representing the firm, reported positive results.  Ryan explained that the auditors issue an opinion on the city’s financial statements and report on compliance and internal controls.  Tucker reported that total revenues were up $1.8M over the previous year due to increased taxes and grants.  Expenses were also higher reflecting the refund of impact fees, debt refinancing and legal fees.  The city improved its financial status over 2012.  The General Fund was up $400K, but the Capital Fund decreased due to the refunding of the Forward Fernandina loan.  Tucker advised the city to keep an eye on interfund receivables/payables.  He also noted no new debt was contracted during the year, except for refinancing of existing debt.

Tucker reminded commissioners once again that according to new accounting standards unfunded pension liabilities will appear on financial statements effective 2015.

He concluded his report by noting that there were no critical weaknesses identified during the audit.  He commended city staff for the work they do in preparation for the audit.  City Manager Joe Gerrity also thanked Comptroller Patti Clifford and the staff of the Finance Department for their hard work that led to a successful audit.

Consent Agenda and Ferry Endorsement

All items on the Consent Agenda passed via unanimous vote except for item 5.5, which was pulled for future action.  That item, Resolution 2014-32, called upon the National Park Service to incorporate the City of Fernandina Beach as an embarkation/debarkation location for regular ferry service to/from Cumberland Island National Seashore in its 2014 Cumberland Island National Seashore Foundation Plan.  City Manager Gerrity explained that the item had been pulled at the request of two island residents for further review, but that it would return at the next meeting for action.

Action Items Approved Unanimously

  • Resolution 2014-33, lease agreement with Eight Flags Aviation LLC to operate second fixed base operation at city airport (see separate article)
  • Award of Bid #14-02 to Vilano Electric, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $71,000 for breakwater dock electrical improvements in the City Marina
  • Resolution 2014-35 changing the terms of an agreement from month-to-month to two years with Florida Technology Managed Services to provide off-site server rack space and internet access
  • Resolution 2014-36 requesting grant assistance from the Florida Inland Navigation District to provide 50% ($180,000) of the cost of dredging the public boat ramp and out to the Intracoastal Waterway
  • Resolution 2014-37 approving a 5-year extension to the existing agreement with Per-Se Technologies for medical claims billing and related account receivable services.

Ordinances

On first reading the FBCC passed Ordinance 2014-07, which provides an updated Pay and Classification Plan for FY 2013/14.  This item replaces the position of IT Director with a new position, Network Administrator.  City Manager Gerrity reported to the FBCC that Michael Rooney, former IT Director, has left city employment.

On second and final reading, the FBCC adopted Ordinance 2014-05, which repealed ordinance 671 and amended Resolution 2011-45 to reflect changes in composition and operations of the Airport Advisory Commission.

DSCN1892Board Appointments – Greens & Oversight Committee

Commissioner Charlie Corbett, FBCC liaison to this new committee, moved that the following applicants be appointed to this committee:

  • 3 year terms:  Bob Dorsey and Rob Maynard
  • 2 year terms:  Bruce Smyk and Beth Anderson McQueen

Mayor Boner asked if perhaps appointments could be delayed until more applications are received.  Corbett disagreed, saying that the one remaining vacancy was for a one-year term.  Since only four people were qualified applicants, their appointments would allow the committee to operate with a quorum.  He believed that it was important for the committee to begin its work.  Commissioner Pat Gass seconded Corbett’s motion, which was unanimously approved.

Railroad Improvements

City Manager Gerrity reported that First Coast Railway has secured funding to repair crossings at Ash and Centre Streets.  With city assistance, work will begin soon and be completed by Shrimp Fest.

Waterfront Park Plan meeting

The FBCC will hold a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on March 25 to listen to presentations from the Waterfront Advisory Group (WAG) and Partnership for the Amelia Riverfront Park (PARP).  Currently, only the WAG plan has city approval; following the presentations and discussion, that could change.

Chickens_feedingChickens

City Manager Gerrity reported that he has been receiving requests from residents to be allowed to keep chickens.  While he has approved single bird requests, he said that many people want to keep chickens as part of a trend toward organic foods and local food sources.  He will bring back to the FBCC an ordinance to allow residents under certain circumstances to keep as many as 6 hens, no roosters.  Commissioner Johnny Miller strongly endorsed this move.

Main Beach SlideMain Beach Waterslide?

Gerrity advised commissioners that a party interested in operating a seasonal waterslide at Main Beach has approached him.  The slide in question would inflate in the morning and deflate at night.  He distributed a brochure to commissioners with additional information.  Commissioners will address at a future meeting.

July 4th Fireworks

Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican asked Commissioner Corbett about the status of funding for the July 4th fireworks.  Corbett had been working with downtown merchants on this project.  Corbett said that he knew that $3,000 had been collected, but would report back with more detail at a future meeting.

Road Trip for CRA Advisory Board (CRAAB)

Commissioner Pat Gass, FBCC liaison to the CRAAB, reported that the board was attempting to schedule a bus trip to visit communities with successful CRAs, like Palatka.  Gerrity advised that the new Parks and Recreation bus could be used for such a trip.

DSCN1913Medical Marijuana Referendum

Commissioner Johnny Miller reported that he had recently attended a Nassau Alcohol Crime and Drug Abatement Coalition (NACDAC) meeting during which the discussion centered on the November ballot initiative to allow medical marijuana to be sold in the state.  He reported that it would take a 60% approval vote to pass.  Miller suggested that this is a bad idea and urged people to inform themselves by reading background information on the effects of marijuana on communities and youth.  He believes that the measure is more about making money for big companies than helping people with medical conditions.

Suanne ThammEditor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

March 20, 2014 11:02 a.m.