CEDAR KEY CITY
COMMISSION MEETS
COMMISSION MEETS
18 AUGUST 2020
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key City Hall. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Susan Rosenthal, Jim Wortham, and Nancy Sera.
PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF MEETING
The room at City Hall was arranged to physically distance audience members.
• Because of that distancing, the room held far fewer seats for audience members; all seats were filled.
• Five commissioners and the city attorney sat at the front of the room; four commissioners started the meeting wearing masks.
• Six City staff, (three from the Clerk’s office, one from the Fire Department, one from the Police Department personnel, and one from Public Works) spoke from the floor or from the clerk’s office through an open door or window without masks.
The room at City Hall was arranged to physically distance audience members.
• Because of that distancing, the room held far fewer seats for audience members; all seats were filled.
• Five commissioners and the city attorney sat at the front of the room; four commissioners started the meeting wearing masks.
• Six City staff, (three from the Clerk’s office, one from the Fire Department, one from the Police Department personnel, and one from Public Works) spoke from the floor or from the clerk’s office through an open door or window without masks.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works Director Michelle Petersen, City Clerk Crystal Sharp, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester.
Among those in the audience were: Buddy Scruggs, Esta Johnson, Maureen Magee, Doug Lindhout, David Harris, CPA Beauchamp, and Mandy Offerle.
COVID-19
Mayor Heath Davis reminded all to be courteous of others regarding their coughing or sneezing needs.
LEVY STATISTICS:
Emergency Operations Manager Robert Robinson reported content from the Levy County Emergency Management COVID-19 Dashboard.
Click here for current content: https://levyem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bf5387b84d89456e9904001d00899504
Emergency Operations Manager Robert Robinson reported content from the Levy County Emergency Management COVID-19 Dashboard.
Click here for current content: https://levyem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bf5387b84d89456e9904001d00899504
WASTEWATER:
Robinson further reported on the COVID-19 content in Cedar Key wastewater. Since March 2020, University of Florida staff have been testing wastewater weekly for evidence of COVID-19. Tests have shown no evidence of COVID-19 presence until July 18; this COVID-19 free presence has continued through the most recent test last week.
Robinson further reported on the COVID-19 content in Cedar Key wastewater. Since March 2020, University of Florida staff have been testing wastewater weekly for evidence of COVID-19. Tests have shown no evidence of COVID-19 presence until July 18; this COVID-19 free presence has continued through the most recent test last week.
University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station Director Dr. Mike Allen, who communicates with the UF test manager, advised “be vigilant, take caution.” Allen complimented the Cedar Key Water District General Manager John McPherson and Engineer James McCain for their diligent and “ingenious” efforts to continue the testing efficiently and accurately.
MEETINGS TO BE MOVED:
Commissioner Jim Wortham made the motion to move the Cedar Key Commission meetings to the Community Center for “the foreseeable future.” Wortham expressed that the commission might be “inadvertently sending the wrong message” by keeping meetings in the smaller City Hall room and diminishing public access. Davis responded, “I disagree. No one is standing outside.” An audience member echoed and affirmed Wortham’s perception.
Commissioner Jim Wortham made the motion to move the Cedar Key Commission meetings to the Community Center for “the foreseeable future.” Wortham expressed that the commission might be “inadvertently sending the wrong message” by keeping meetings in the smaller City Hall room and diminishing public access. Davis responded, “I disagree. No one is standing outside.” An audience member echoed and affirmed Wortham’s perception.
Wortham suggested that perhaps one of the monitors in City Hall could be moved to the Community Center. Davis suggested that one of the four commissioners voting “yes” could move the monitor.
In a four-to-one vote, commissioners approved the motion. Colson, Rosenthal, Wortham, and Sera voted yes; Davis voted no.
PUBLIC COMMENT
COASTAL CLEANUP:
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson announced that the International Coastal Cleanup effort in Cedar Key will occur on September 19, 2020. The cleanup will continue to be sponsored by the City of Cedar Key, the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, and the Nature Coast Biological Station. Much will need to be done to put COVID-19 safety guidelines in place. More detailed information is forthcoming.
COASTAL CLEANUP:
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson announced that the International Coastal Cleanup effort in Cedar Key will occur on September 19, 2020. The cleanup will continue to be sponsored by the City of Cedar Key, the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, and the Nature Coast Biological Station. Much will need to be done to put COVID-19 safety guidelines in place. More detailed information is forthcoming.
EMPLOYEE LAUDED:
Cedar Key Public Works Director Michelle Petersen presented copies of two letters from residents to Cedar Key City Park keeper Michelle Broestler. The correspondence cited the many ways Broestler keeps the park welcoming, litter free, sanitary, clipped, trimmed, and thoroughly enjoyable for its visitors seven days a week. A shy Michelle Broestler accepted the letters and thanked the commissioners.
Cedar Key Public Works Director Michelle Petersen presented copies of two letters from residents to Cedar Key City Park keeper Michelle Broestler. The correspondence cited the many ways Broestler keeps the park welcoming, litter free, sanitary, clipped, trimmed, and thoroughly enjoyable for its visitors seven days a week. A shy Michelle Broestler accepted the letters and thanked the commissioners.
HIGHWAY 24 RESOLUTION
Commissioners discussed the recent closing of State Road 24 because of a sinkhole. As SR24 is the only direct evacuation route from Cedar Key, Mayor Davis suggested directing City Attorney Norm Fugate to draft a resolution stating so. Commissioners agreed.
Commissioners discussed the recent closing of State Road 24 because of a sinkhole. As SR24 is the only direct evacuation route from Cedar Key, Mayor Davis suggested directing City Attorney Norm Fugate to draft a resolution stating so. Commissioners agreed.
FORMAL AUDIT PRESETATION
Commissioners unanimously accepted the receipt of the 2018-2019 Purvis Gray audit.
Commissioners unanimously accepted the receipt of the 2018-2019 Purvis Gray audit.
Click here to view the audit: CLICK HERE TO READ AUDIT COVER LETTER FROM PURVIS GRAY
ETHICS TRAINING
City Clerk Crystal Sharp will arrange dates for the required ethics training of commissioners with Attorney Fugate’s office.
City Clerk Crystal Sharp will arrange dates for the required ethics training of commissioners with Attorney Fugate’s office.
CKWSD LEASE AGREEMENTS
Some months ago, Commissioner Wortham assumed the task of actualizing what was one lease agreement between the city and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District. Because of its complexity, Wortham broke the agreement into three simpler agreements, each focusing on one of the following concerns: the Public Works yard at the intersection of County Road 347 and State Road 24; the property at the north end of G Street, where the water tower is located; and the testing and maintenance of fire hydrants.
Some months ago, Commissioner Wortham assumed the task of actualizing what was one lease agreement between the city and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District. Because of its complexity, Wortham broke the agreement into three simpler agreements, each focusing on one of the following concerns: the Public Works yard at the intersection of County Road 347 and State Road 24; the property at the north end of G Street, where the water tower is located; and the testing and maintenance of fire hydrants.
FIRE HYDRANTS:
Included in the city commission’s agenda packet is a “Memorandum of Understanding" presumed to be the Wortham-renewed “lease.” Wortham reported that Fire Chief Robert Robinson, working with the CKWSD, had revised portions of the piece. Commissioners unanimously approved the content of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Included in the city commission’s agenda packet is a “Memorandum of Understanding" presumed to be the Wortham-renewed “lease.” Wortham reported that Fire Chief Robert Robinson, working with the CKWSD, had revised portions of the piece. Commissioners unanimously approved the content of the Memorandum of Understanding.
WATER TOWER PROPERTY:
The “Interlocal Agreement between the city and the CKWSD Regarding Use of Property and Ownership” establishes and reaffirms: the district owns the water tower; the city owns the land beneath the tower; the city may store items on the property as agreed upon by both entities; dollars generated from communications on the tower will be shared equally by the city and the district. Commissioners unanimously approved the “Interlocal Agreement….”
The “Interlocal Agreement between the city and the CKWSD Regarding Use of Property and Ownership” establishes and reaffirms: the district owns the water tower; the city owns the land beneath the tower; the city may store items on the property as agreed upon by both entities; dollars generated from communications on the tower will be shared equally by the city and the district. Commissioners unanimously approved the “Interlocal Agreement….”
PUBLIC WORKS YARD OFF SR 24, “THE COMPOUND”:
The “Commercial Lease Agreement” leases to the city use of the property for city needs at no cost. Mayor Davis asked Wortham to find and attach an “Exhibit A” to the agreement and bring it back to the commission. Added to the property of late is a tower which is not reflected in the document. A visual exhibit, site plan, and/or legal description will clarify the document’s understanding of future commissioners. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.
The “Commercial Lease Agreement” leases to the city use of the property for city needs at no cost. Mayor Davis asked Wortham to find and attach an “Exhibit A” to the agreement and bring it back to the commission. Added to the property of late is a tower which is not reflected in the document. A visual exhibit, site plan, and/or legal description will clarify the document’s understanding of future commissioners. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.
These three concerns have been on the commission’s agendas for some time. Still needing signatures, they now seem to be reaching welcomed conclusions. Wortham’s work with the CKWSD has furthered movement with Verizon for better broadband internet service and Wifiber for better cell coverage in the future.
RESURFACING OF AIRPORT
Mr. David Harris, spokesperson for Passero and Associates Engineering, overviewed plans to resurface the George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key. Beginning this week, the runway will be closed, its identification number will be obliterated by a yellow “x,” and resurfacing equipment will arrive on site.
Mr. David Harris, spokesperson for Passero and Associates Engineering, overviewed plans to resurface the George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key. Beginning this week, the runway will be closed, its identification number will be obliterated by a yellow “x,” and resurfacing equipment will arrive on site.
Work will begin Monday, August 24, 2020. The runway will be graded and compacted as a base and then paved and re-marked. Once curing is finished, Passero will repaint the markers and open the runway.
The job is scheduled for 90 days. Harris believes the job will be completed more quickly; the paperwork may take the full time.
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System provides flood insurance premium rate reductions to policy holders in recognition of the fact that their communities implement activities that exceed the minimum FNIP requirements. CRS is overseen by Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson who regularly updates the commission on its work and progress.
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System provides flood insurance premium rate reductions to policy holders in recognition of the fact that their communities implement activities that exceed the minimum FNIP requirements. CRS is overseen by Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson who regularly updates the commission on its work and progress.
Professors Tom Ankersen and Byron Flagg, and a student, all from University of Florida's Levin School of Law, now join Robinson in his CRS monitoring and progression toward goals. Sea Grant has helped fund the process. Drs. Savanna Barry and Mike Allen are pivotal, as well.
This evening Robinson reported having submitted application to the CRS-FNIP program and hopes to begin the process. He hopes to begin with a 9 rating which could save residents 5% discount on insurance rates. The city’s many conservation efforts will do much to further increase the discount in the future. Updates will come from his team.
PURVIS GRAY ENGAGEMENT LETTER / CRA AUDIT ENGAGEMENT LETTER
Attorney Fugate requested tabling this issue until the next meeting. The letter’s subject is a possible separation of the Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency from the City of Cedar Key’s annual audit and the creation of a separate CRA annual audit.
Attorney Fugate requested tabling this issue until the next meeting. The letter’s subject is a possible separation of the Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency from the City of Cedar Key’s annual audit and the creation of a separate CRA annual audit.
GRANT, JOE RAINS BEACH
Vice-Mayor Colson requested that this item be removed from the agenda.
Vice-Mayor Colson requested that this item be removed from the agenda.
LEVY COUNTY PIER INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
In an August 4, 2020, correspondence, the Levy County Board of Commission Chairperson Mett Brooks expressed he county’s wish to transfer the Cedar Key Dock Street Fishing Pier from county to city ownership, an idea initially discussed in an unsigned, non-activated Interlocal Agreement in 2007. Mayor Davis and Commissioner Wortham expressed a desire to accept the pier; Vice-Mayor Colson expressed concerns about the pier’s condition in general, the doors, bathrooms, building condition and about the urgent timing of the issue. Rosenthal expressed concerns about potential financial expenditures.
In an August 4, 2020, correspondence, the Levy County Board of Commission Chairperson Mett Brooks expressed he county’s wish to transfer the Cedar Key Dock Street Fishing Pier from county to city ownership, an idea initially discussed in an unsigned, non-activated Interlocal Agreement in 2007. Mayor Davis and Commissioner Wortham expressed a desire to accept the pier; Vice-Mayor Colson expressed concerns about the pier’s condition in general, the doors, bathrooms, building condition and about the urgent timing of the issue. Rosenthal expressed concerns about potential financial expenditures.
Before such an agreement could occur, both commissions would need to discuss the Sovereignty Submerged Lands Fee Waived Lease between the county and the State of Florida Internal Improvement Trust Fund’s Board of Trustees. The lease expires in March 2021. It was Wortham’s understanding that if the City of Cedar Key agrees to the transfer, then the county wishes the new lease to be executed between the City and the State of Florida.
Another issue posited by the country that needs discussion is the transfer of the uplands adjacent to the pier.
Other concerns raised by Wortham and Colson included: the pier’s plumbing is in poor condition causing the bathrooms to be closed and locked; the understanding that the county was to maintain the pier has not been realized; instead, the city’s Public Works maintains the pier from cleaning to supplies.
Wortham noted that it was his understanding that “the pier will be there until 2100, but the plumbing may not be there next week.”
Wortham reported that his perception is that the county’s offer comes from one Cedar Key Commissioner’s request for an additional garbage can and needed supplies for the pier.
Commissioners decided to have the mayor respond to the county commission expressing interest, continuing discussion, and making no commitment.
When asked by an audience member why the city wants the pier, Mayor Davis responded, “Economic impact. In ‘09 when they re-did it we lost our
one percenters…our high-end stores and galleries…. That was “big money.”
one percenters…our high-end stores and galleries…. That was “big money.”
WHO’S RUNNING THE CITY
COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mayor Davis opened a discussion of the mayor’s and commissioners’ responsibilities. They reviewed a list indicating extant responsibilities as follows: Davis, administrator; Sera, none; Rosenthal, Police liaison, RESTORE Act; Wortham, leases, RESTORE Act.
COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mayor Davis opened a discussion of the mayor’s and commissioners’ responsibilities. They reviewed a list indicating extant responsibilities as follows: Davis, administrator; Sera, none; Rosenthal, Police liaison, RESTORE Act; Wortham, leases, RESTORE Act.
Added responsibilities included Heritage Trees, storm water flow, and grants to Colson’s tasks. Davis’s title was changed from “Administrator” and became “chair.”
POLICE:
Commissioner Rosenthal requested approval to ticket people parking their boats and trailers in the Third Street and A Street for extended periods of time, thus using parking spaces needed on weekends, in particular. Davis cited that the sign in that parking lot currently reads “no overnight camping” and not “no overnight parking.”
Commissioner Rosenthal requested approval to ticket people parking their boats and trailers in the Third Street and A Street for extended periods of time, thus using parking spaces needed on weekends, in particular. Davis cited that the sign in that parking lot currently reads “no overnight camping” and not “no overnight parking.”
No clarity was generated from the ten-minute discussion. Left unanswered is why a ticketing incident was brought to the entire commission.
STAFF ANALYSIS TEMPLATE:
In search of a more thoroughly informed and effective commission, Commissioner Wortham presented a suggested format to be used when commissioners submit items for commission meeting agendas. Commissioners and staff were urged to use it as a template and include as much information as possible.
In search of a more thoroughly informed and effective commission, Commissioner Wortham presented a suggested format to be used when commissioners submit items for commission meeting agendas. Commissioners and staff were urged to use it as a template and include as much information as possible.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
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