CEDAR KEY
CITY COMMISSION
15 SEPTEMBER 2020
MEETING SPECIFICS
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key Community Center. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Susan Rosenthal, Jim Wortham, and Nancy Sera.
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key Community Center. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Susan Rosenthal, Jim Wortham, and Nancy Sera.
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: Sherry Siking, Savana Barry, Esta Johnson, Maureen Magee, Jennifer Conlin, Sam Noah, and two more Flourish Health Network representatives, Margo Ward, Nikki Rucker, Judy Drake, R. J. Murphy, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
MAYOR’S INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Mayor Heath Davis reminded audience members, in order to be heard better, to stand when they speak and to state their names for the record.
Mayor Heath Davis reminded audience members, in order to be heard better, to stand when they speak and to state their names for the record.
Davis requested a moment of silence and expressed hope that the evening’s actions would result in actions beneficial to the community.
COVID-19 UPDATE
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
PUBLIC COMMENT
FLU SHOTS
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported that flu shots will be available in Cedar Key at the Library from 10 am until 1 pm on Thursday, September 24. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance subscribers will pay no fee; others will pay a fee of $20.
FLU SHOTS
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported that flu shots will be available in Cedar Key at the Library from 10 am until 1 pm on Thursday, September 24. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance subscribers will pay no fee; others will pay a fee of $20.
COVID-19 TESTING
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson further reported that COVID-19 testing will be available at the Cedar Key School all day on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. Testing is free and delivered by the Levy county Department of Health.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson further reported that COVID-19 testing will be available at the Cedar Key School all day on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. Testing is free and delivered by the Levy county Department of Health.
EAGLES REQUEST
Margo Ward from the Cedar Key Eagles requested a rental fee waiver for the use of the Community Center. After some discussion, commissioners unanimously approved waiving rental fees for Cedar Key non-profits until March 2021.
Margo Ward from the Cedar Key Eagles requested a rental fee waiver for the use of the Community Center. After some discussion, commissioners unanimously approved waiving rental fees for Cedar Key non-profits until March 2021.
HALLOWEEN, SECOND STREET
Wayne “Lightning” Watson informed the city that “in the best interests of all concerned, the community and the kids, to cancel” the Spook House this Halloween. All understood Watson’s thinking and decision.
Wayne “Lightning” Watson informed the city that “in the best interests of all concerned, the community and the kids, to cancel” the Spook House this Halloween. All understood Watson’s thinking and decision.
When asked about the closing of Second Street for children to wear costumes and gather candies, audience input was varied. Resident Esta Johnson remarked that shutting down the street gives a signal that Cedar Key is wide open, alright for the city to fill up, and that the City is sponsoring the event. Children come from as far away as Chiefland. Resident Mandy Offerle commented that it would be irresponsible for the city sponsorship the event. City Clerk Crystal Sharp spoke in favor of closing Second Street for the children and reported that the youngsters are close together in the school lunchroom and on school buses daily.
Mayor Davis said he would return to the issue of closing Second Street later in the meeting, giving commissioners time to think on the matter.
FLOURISH HEALTH
Jennifer Conlin and Sam Noah, representatives from Flourish Health, spoke to their company’s apparently concierge health care services. They left pamphlets for audience members and/ or business owners to take with them if interested. For more information click on the link below:
http://flourishhealthnetwork.com/about-us/
Jennifer Conlin and Sam Noah, representatives from Flourish Health, spoke to their company’s apparently concierge health care services. They left pamphlets for audience members and/ or business owners to take with them if interested. For more information click on the link below:
http://flourishhealthnetwork.com/about-us/
GRANT PARTNERSHIP WITH UF
University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station’s Dr. Savanna Barry requested the city’s partnership in submitting a grant entitled “A Partnership of PROS (Plastic-free Restoration of Oyster Shorelines” to the Department of Environmental Protection. The grant’s purpose is to establish “a community of educators/researchers, local government officials,” etc. who will implement oyster prism reef projects throughout Florida. Commissioners unanimously and enthusiastically partnered with Barry’s grant.
University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station’s Dr. Savanna Barry requested the city’s partnership in submitting a grant entitled “A Partnership of PROS (Plastic-free Restoration of Oyster Shorelines” to the Department of Environmental Protection. The grant’s purpose is to establish “a community of educators/researchers, local government officials,” etc. who will implement oyster prism reef projects throughout Florida. Commissioners unanimously and enthusiastically partnered with Barry’s grant.
COASTAL CLEANUP
Vice Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that this Saturday, September 19, is International Coastal Cleanup in Cedar Key. Though the day will be different than it has for the past 15 years, the event will occur, and volunteers are needed.
Click here to learn more:
Vice Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that this Saturday, September 19, is International Coastal Cleanup in Cedar Key. Though the day will be different than it has for the past 15 years, the event will occur, and volunteers are needed.
Click here to learn more:
FIRST READINGS OF ORDINANCE 536 AND ORDINANCE 539
ORDINANCE 536, CEMETERY
This cemetery ordinance adds the following to Section A (13) to the law: “Internment: Each plot shall be limited to: (a) one casket; or (b) one casket and one urn; or (C) two urns.” Commissioners unanimously approved the Ordinance’s first reading.
ORDINANCE 536, CEMETERY
This cemetery ordinance adds the following to Section A (13) to the law: “Internment: Each plot shall be limited to: (a) one casket; or (b) one casket and one urn; or (C) two urns.” Commissioners unanimously approved the Ordinance’s first reading.
ORDINANCE 539, COA DOORS
This reading amends the definition of a certificate of appropriateness as set forth in the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four, Land Development Regulations. The ordinance deals with fences, roofs, and windows, and now adds doors. Additional language includes: “Doors: New and replacement doors which maintain period appropriateness.” Commissioners unanimously approved the Ordinance’s first reading.
This reading amends the definition of a certificate of appropriateness as set forth in the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four, Land Development Regulations. The ordinance deals with fences, roofs, and windows, and now adds doors. Additional language includes: “Doors: New and replacement doors which maintain period appropriateness.” Commissioners unanimously approved the Ordinance’s first reading.
SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCE 537 AND ORDINANCE 538
ORDINANCE 537, DANGEROUS DOGS
This second reading redefines dangerous dog and requires that the dangerous dog be removed from the island immediately. Commissioner Jim Wortham questioned the removal of dogs after only one incident. Ultimately, commissioners voted four to one to approve the second reading of this ordinance; Wortham voted no.
ORDINANCE 537, DANGEROUS DOGS
This second reading redefines dangerous dog and requires that the dangerous dog be removed from the island immediately. Commissioner Jim Wortham questioned the removal of dogs after only one incident. Ultimately, commissioners voted four to one to approve the second reading of this ordinance; Wortham voted no.
ORDINANCE 538, FENCES
The second reading of this ordinance was unanimously approved. The change eliminated the contradictory language. “Fences or hedges along property lines shall not exceed a height of five feet.
The second reading of this ordinance was unanimously approved. The change eliminated the contradictory language. “Fences or hedges along property lines shall not exceed a height of five feet.
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MARINA KIOSK PARKING REQUEST
Tidewater Tours Michelle Pierson requested a parking space or a timed parking permit to allow her to load and unload materials. Commissioners took no action of the request.
Tidewater Tours Michelle Pierson requested a parking space or a timed parking permit to allow her to load and unload materials. Commissioners took no action of the request.
BEAUCHAMP AND EDWARDS CONTRACT
Commissioners unanimously approved a $11,500 contract with Certified Public Accountants Beauchamp and Edwards. The contract articulates the services to be provided and the responsibilities of the city in relation to them.
Commissioners unanimously approved a $11,500 contract with Certified Public Accountants Beauchamp and Edwards. The contract articulates the services to be provided and the responsibilities of the city in relation to them.
FISHING PIER
At the August 2020 City Commission Meeting, commissioners discussed the Dock Street Fishing Pier. In an August 4, 2020, correspondence, the Levy County Board of Commission Chairperson Matt 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. In that August 2020 meeting, 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.
At the August 2020 City Commission Meeting, commissioners discussed the Dock Street Fishing Pier. In an August 4, 2020, correspondence, the Levy County Board of Commission Chairperson Matt 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. In that August 2020 meeting, 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.
That August meeting ended with commissioners deciding to have the mayor respond to the county commission expressing interest, continuing discussion, and making no commitment.
At tonight’s meeting, commissioners shared that they were working with the county, public works personnel from the city and the county had established a good working relationship, and that Commissioner Wortham move the project forward and report back to the city commission. Davis expressed that the project was a long term, lengthy one. Correspondence and agreements relating to the pier may be found in the back-up material for this meeting: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
MARINA SLIPS
Several Marina boat slip renters requested reimbursement or not making a payment as they are unable to use the slip because of bridge construction. Currently, 14 slips are rented; the cost is $64.20 per month. Commissioners discussed availability and safety of launching from the inside marina. The construction, as determined by the contractor, should not prevent the boats from using the inside ramp as long as they use caution and follow any signs that may be posted. The request for reimbursement was denied.
Several Marina boat slip renters requested reimbursement or not making a payment as they are unable to use the slip because of bridge construction. Currently, 14 slips are rented; the cost is $64.20 per month. Commissioners discussed availability and safety of launching from the inside marina. The construction, as determined by the contractor, should not prevent the boats from using the inside ramp as long as they use caution and follow any signs that may be posted. The request for reimbursement was denied.
COMMISSIONERS AREAS OF ADVISEMENT
Duties assigned to commissioners: Davis - Chair for City meetings, LPA and CRA; Sera – IT (including Website) and Waste Collection (not storms); Rosenthal, Police liaison; Wortham - County Liaison, Restore Act and Lease agreements; Colson - Parks, Trees (including Heritage Trees), Grants, and Storm Water.
Duties assigned to commissioners: Davis - Chair for City meetings, LPA and CRA; Sera – IT (including Website) and Waste Collection (not storms); Rosenthal, Police liaison; Wortham - County Liaison, Restore Act and Lease agreements; Colson - Parks, Trees (including Heritage Trees), Grants, and Storm Water.
A Commissioners’ Comments format was initiated by the mayor that will allow ideas to be brought up and briefly addressed before becoming an agenda item for full discussion.
MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the July 21, 2020, and the August 18, 2020, commission meetings.
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the July 21, 2020, and the August 18, 2020, commission meetings.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm.
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