Cedar Key News - CITY COMMISSION MEETS

Meeting Specifics:

The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key City Hall. Present were: Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, and Commissioners Royce Nelson, Dale Register, and Nickie Rucker.

Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Manager Robert Robinson, Public Works Supervisor James Custer, City Clerk Nicole Gill, Assistant City Clerk Crystal Sharp, and Legal Assistant to Mr. Fugate Leslie Landress.

Among those in the audience were: Granville and Francine Petrie, George Oakley, Renee Payne, Ron Hunt, Gary Hathcox, Rosie Cantwell, Leslie Sturmer, “Coach” William James Rogers, Jr., Peggy Herrick, Allison Nelson, Mike O’Dell, Susan Rosenthal, Chris and Diana Topping, Jimbo Keith, Jim Keith, Jeri and Bob Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.

PUBLIC COMMENT

COMMISSIONER DESK DESIGN:

Resident and architect Renee Payne presented her desk design to commissioners. She was asked, as much as possible, to design it: so commissioners could see one another and the audience concurrently; with privacy panels and leg room; and also be portable. Payne, consulting with Ron Hunt and Cedar Key Public Works James Custer, presented her modified horseshoe design which contained all the desired specifics, built in two pieces, and placed on rollers. Commissioners thanked Payne for her volunteer efforts and directed Custer to estimate the cost and return to the commission with that information.

GRANT APPROVED:

The Gulf of Mexico Climate and Resilience Community of Practice Climate Adaption Small Grants Competition “favorably reviewed” and approved Cedar Key’s grant request entitled “Shoreline Restoration Management Plan for Cedar Key, Florida.”

Nature Coast Biological Station’s Dr. Savanna Barry requested permission to apply for this grant which hopes to ultimately assist homeowners and city officials plan and protect their properties and adapt to sea-level rise and climate change. Dr. Barry wrote the grant, as well.

NO MAY 1 COMMISSION MEETING:

Mayor Heath Davis announced that no May 1 commission meeting would occur. The next meeting will be May 15, 2018.

FORMAL QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING 2018-06

Gary and Sheila Hathcox, 12418 State Road 24, requested an aquaculture variance to add electricity and plumbing for aquaculture use. Affected parties Louise and Ronnie Taylor supported the request. Commissioner Royce Nelson asked for assurance that the plumbing did not involve a toilet; no adequate response was offered. The request was granted in a five-to-zero vote.

FORMAL QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING 2018-07

Chris Topping-owned C&M Seafood, 12911 State Road 24, requested an aquaculture variance “to have an aquaculture facility,” and add electricity, plumbing, and air conditioning, at the recently constructed building opposite the Jiffy Store south of Number One Bridge in town.

Affected parties Granville and Francine Petrie, owners of the properties immediately north of the Topping structure, voiced their concerns about nearby residential and rental properties. Mr. Petrie said that he “feared that it would be used as a springboard to do more, bigger aquaculture things.” He believes his half million-dollar property has enhanced the area and the $45,000 structure has not. He reiterated not being “against a hatchery,” just “going beyond that.” Docks and possible smells concern him, as do no setbacks, no parking, and risk to his property. Both Petries requested that if the commission approved the variance, that they add a codicil negating any future requested additions and additional uses.

Commissioners did not respond to the Petries’ request and approved the variance in a five-to-zero vote.

FOLLOW THEE CLAM TRAIL

University of Florida Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences Specialist Leslie Sturmer, representing the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, requested approval to place artistic, fiberglas representations of clams on city property.

The Follow the Clam Trail idea, as stated in the Trail materials, “is one of ten projects selected by the Levy County RESTORE Act Committee for funding in 2018. The project allows for a fun, educational and public art treasure hunt throughout Cedar Key and its surrounding area providing information to visitors and about the clam’s ecological and economic benefit to our coastal waters.”

The city’s regular permitting process for each clam proposed to be located on public property will govern the process. Initial approval was granted in a five-to-zero vote.

CEDAR KEY MARINA

SPECIAL USE PERMIT:

Police Chief Virgil Sandlin reported that the Special Use Permit needed to tie up at the Marina daily is working well and needs no adjustment now.

SECOND METER:

Public Works Supervisor James Custer requested the purchase of a second launch permit meter to collect Marina fees; his concerns are increasing Marina use and possible meter breakage. The cost is $7,775. Vice-Mayor Colson reminded Public Works personnel of the importance of the machine’s maintenance training.

Commissioners approved the purchase in a four-to-one vote; Commissioner Royce Nelson voted no.

FIXED OR FLOATING DOCK:

After some conversation, with the input of audience members Jimbo and Jim Keith, commissioners decided upon a floating dock. Movement to the inside Marina in times of storms remain a problem. The Keiths offered to help move the floating dock in severe weather; Davis accepted the offer.

SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION:

Commissioners agreed to investigate vendors to sample the inside Marina soil.

DREDGING RFP:

Commissioners approved putting out a request for proposals to dredge the inside Marina.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTION

PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE:

After some conversation and suggestions from Custer and Nelson, commissioners approved the purchase of a John Deere machine with interchangeable ,attachments that can sweep streets, lift materials, etc.

BUDGET AMENDMENT:

Commissioners approved Resolution 411, a budget amendment to cover FEMA expenses, Cemetery repair and maintenance, Fire Equipment, City purchases, City Hall miscellaneous repairs, Special Election Compliant Attorney fees and Self Insurance repayments.

DEPARTMENT HEADS QUARTERLY REPORTS:

Commissioners approved quarterly reports from Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief Robert Robinson, and City Clerk Nicole Gill.

CLEAN MARINA RENEWAL

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recognized Cedar Key in its eleventh year as a Clean Marina.

COMMISSIONER DALE REGISTER LEAVES COMMISSION

Mayor Heath Davis and commissioners thanked Dale Register for his service to the city, as this was his last meeting. He will be replaced by Susan Rosenthal. Amidst applause, Register said, “It has been a privilege, an honor to serve. I have enjoyed every minute…some more than others.” He also said, “Don’t count me out,” referencing the numerous others who have returned to the commission.

MINUTES APPROVED

Minutes from the April 3, 2018, city commission meeting were unanimously approved.

MEETING ADJOURNED

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 pm.

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CITY COMMISSION MEETS - 17 APRIL 2018