RESIDENTS SHARE CONCERNS WITH MAYOR
June 27, 2019
Mayor Heath Davis conducted an open forum for residents to share their concerns this past Tuesday evening at 6 pm at the Cedar Key Community Center. By the size of the crowd, thirtyish, to the tone of the event, easily decorous, the “State of the City” is quite good, indeed.
After thanking folks for coming and advising them that Beth Dieveney and Mendy Allen were extracting careful notes that would be emailed later to attendees Davis asked for concerns.
Davis also explained that his job tonight is to listen carefully, bring voiced concerns back to the commissioners, and to address the issues as a commission.
The need for better cell phone coverage and Internet access were among the first items mentioned. Asked what was happening with the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District cell tower contract, CKWSD board member Joe Hand reported that the tower construction is scheduled to commence July 23 and is established to improve Levy County’s Emergency Operations. If, later, cell companies wish to rent tower space, the matter would be dealt with then. Another person reminded the group that that tower will be built off island and may be too far away to provide better cell service.
Another suggestion was to place UPS and FedEx pick-up boxes on the island.
Water quality was questioned. Davis assured all that the drinking water in Cedar Key is certainly safe, though it is a challenge. CKWSD tests regularly and reliably notifies residents of its test results and actions.
Resident Peggy Herrick directly noted the drug and alcohol abuse on the island and suggested that the city investigate drug courts. These courts, begun in 1993, address drug-related crime with alternatives such as substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs for eligible nonviolent felony offenders instead of incarceration.
One participant pointed to two problem intersections where drivers seem to consistently not follow the rules of the road and suggested further or more effective line painting or signage. He pointed to First and D Streets and the Cookes’ Seafood/Whiddon curve.
Andy Bair asked about the recently erected, odd signs along Airport Road. One designates a playground; there is no playground. Others are placed in the middle of sidewalks designating that no person may walk on the sidewalks. Trash receptacles were also requested in the area.
The question of when the Dock Street Bridge would begin construction was answered with September 2019. Understanding that the construction will necessarily be interruptive, Davis advised that another meeting, one of many thus far, will be scheduled and announced soon.
The recurring theme of the Marina parking lot needing lighting was registered.
One person’s concern was that airboat noise needs discussion or regulation. The concern was not to curtail airboats usage but to think of ways to mitigating the loudness of the engines.
Beth Mizell raised the concern of the lack of long-term rentals on the island. That conversation evoked the “sometimes less civil overnight renters” or/and those with many more people than the rental unit can possibly house. Affordable housing for those who work on the island, but live off the island, is problematic, all agreed. The question of whether airbnb rentals pay their share of taxes surfaced.
Pastor Susie Horner stated her belief that empty lots on the island should be mowed and kept neat and that a protocol should be put in place for code enforcement purposes.
Pastor Horner also stated her belief that the First Methodist Church was not the proper place for the Cedar Key Food Pantry, saying it is “not the mission of the church” to administer food to the needful. She believes that the Pantry has outgrown the space, that it is “too crowded” when clients come for the one-and-a-half hours per week, and that some must bring their children.
A concern that the Marina is not “user-friendly” was voiced, citing little water. Bridge dredging, and more. Davis provided some background on the multiple workshop through the years and the work that has been done on the Marina. Currently, RESTORE Act funds are the next on the docket. Mooring balls were suggested.
Indeed, open communication and comfortable dialogue defined the forum.
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