CEDAR KEY CITY
COMMISSION MEETS
16 FEBRUARY 2021
MEETING SPECIFICS
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 6 pm, at the 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, February 16, 2021, at 6 pm, at the 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, Newly-hired Interim City Clerk Carol Walker, Public Works Director Michelle Petersen, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester. Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson was not in attendance. Four commissioners continually wore masks; the fifth who conducted the meeting, wore a mask before and after the meeting. All commissioners and staff were physically distanced. The newly hired City Clerk wore a mask; no other staff wore masks.
Only two audience members did not wear masks. Among those in the audience were: Henry Coulter, Andrew Gude, Mike and Mendy Allen, Margy VanLandingham, Doug and Barbara Maple, Mike ad Missy Collins, Jeff and Jennifer Webb., Patty Jett, Janice Fugate, Esta Johnson, Doug Lindhout, University of Florida students Alayna Dean, Makiya Seminera, David and Charlotte Lindoerfer, Bob and Jeri Treat, , and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
CITY WEBSITE COMING:
Mayor Davis thanked Commissioner Nancy Sera for working with the city website and note that it should soon share the city Covid-19 information.
CITY WEBSITE COMING:
Mayor Davis thanked Commissioner Nancy Sera for working with the city website and note that it should soon share the city Covid-19 information.
COUNTY DASHBOARD UPDATED:
The Levy county website follows and is up to date:
https://levyem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bf5387b84d89456e9904001d00899504
The Levy county website follows and is up to date:
https://levyem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bf5387b84d89456e9904001d00899504
WASTEWATER RESULTS AVAILABLE:
Davis reported that the ongoing weekly University of Florida-based wastewater testing now mirrors the cases assigned to the 32625 ZIP code, seemingly proving it a reliable measure. He stated that the weekly report would be posted at City Hall.
Davis reported that the ongoing weekly University of Florida-based wastewater testing now mirrors the cases assigned to the 32625 ZIP code, seemingly proving it a reliable measure. He stated that the weekly report would be posted at City Hall.
HAVE INFORMATION EMAILED TO YOU:
Davis further offered the audience the opportunity to receive the monthly Cedar Key Commission meeting agenda, its attendant packet, and the wastewater report in the email. Anyone wishing to o sought simply call City Hall; staff will add them to the list.
Davis further offered the audience the opportunity to receive the monthly Cedar Key Commission meeting agenda, its attendant packet, and the wastewater report in the email. Anyone wishing to o sought simply call City Hall; staff will add them to the list.
COUNTY-LEVEL VACCINATIONS:
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported that Levy County has not received its vaccine shipment this week “due to the weather,” apparently alluding to the dramatic snow and ice storms throughout the country of concern to her was that other counties, such as Gilchrist and Dixie remain able to service their clienteles. She suggested audience members eligible for vaccination and not having been vaccinated should telephone those two counties. Audience member Patty Jett added that Palms Medical is responding to vaccine calls and has numerous locations.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported that Levy County has not received its vaccine shipment this week “due to the weather,” apparently alluding to the dramatic snow and ice storms throughout the country of concern to her was that other counties, such as Gilchrist and Dixie remain able to service their clienteles. She suggested audience members eligible for vaccination and not having been vaccinated should telephone those two counties. Audience member Patty Jett added that Palms Medical is responding to vaccine calls and has numerous locations.
HELP A NEIGHBOR:
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that many eligible, unvaccinated people around town may need your help in navigating the internet and / or the phone to secure an appointment. She asked that all look beyond their circle of friends and reach out to those experiencing difficulty.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that many eligible, unvaccinated people around town may need your help in navigating the internet and / or the phone to secure an appointment. She asked that all look beyond their circle of friends and reach out to those experiencing difficulty.
ROBERTSON LETTER:
In the agenda packet was February 4 handwritten, emotional correspondence from Patty and Jack Robertson, of Venice, Florida, extoling love for Cedar Key and railing against masks and the “mask gods.” Mayor Davis explained the city’s protocol: whenever the city receives correspondence, the city responds appropriately, by email, telephone, etc.; when the correspondence comes at a time when the subject of that correspondence appears on the current agenda, city staff places it in the agenda packet.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
LEVY COUNTY GRANT REQUEST
Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks has submitted a $500,000 grant request to the State of Florida to fund a project entitled “Levy County Shoreline Resiliency - Preserving Historic Cedar Key,” and sponsored by Florida House of Representatives for Cedar Key’s district Joe Harding.
LEVY COUNTY GRANT REQUEST
Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks has submitted a $500,000 grant request to the State of Florida to fund a project entitled “Levy County Shoreline Resiliency - Preserving Historic Cedar Key,” and sponsored by Florida House of Representatives for Cedar Key’s district Joe Harding.
The specific purpose, so the application reads, is to “preserve Florida's historic coastal communities. Protect residents/businesses from expected concerns related to resiliency; Cedar Key and Levy County are seeking grant fund assistance to establish a strategic plan. The plan will focus on necessary improvements related to strengthening and protecting the coastal community, improving storm water infrastructure, and increasing access and mobility. Plans include public communications effort, initial design and funding estimates.”
The specific City Commission agenda item reads “County Commissioner Brooks Request to State for $500,000 to study Dock Str., past the new bridge, upon completion.
Mayor Davis thanked Commissioner Jim Wortham for working with the County.
DR. PAYNE WORKSHOP
On January 28, 2021, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, commissioners engaged in a Zoom-based, three-hour in-service training exercise with the League of Cities University Dr Payne, entitled “Effective Communication Techniques.” Mayor Davis expressed satisfaction with the session as did several other commissioners. Anyone wishing a copy of the instructional video is welcome to telephone City Hall and have it emailed to him/her.
On January 28, 2021, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, commissioners engaged in a Zoom-based, three-hour in-service training exercise with the League of Cities University Dr Payne, entitled “Effective Communication Techniques.” Mayor Davis expressed satisfaction with the session as did several other commissioners. Anyone wishing a copy of the instructional video is welcome to telephone City Hall and have it emailed to him/her.
TREE PROJECT
Vice Mayor Sue Colson reported a most successful 2021 Cedar Key Arbor Day which amassed some thirty or more residents, visitors, and seasonal folks and planed nearly fifty oaks and cedars in the city. Colson reported that she will have a more formal, written presentation in the near future.
Vice Mayor Sue Colson reported a most successful 2021 Cedar Key Arbor Day which amassed some thirty or more residents, visitors, and seasonal folks and planed nearly fifty oaks and cedars in the city. Colson reported that she will have a more formal, written presentation in the near future.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
NEW CITY CLERK
The City of Cedar Key has hired new City Clerk Carol Walker, a certified, retired, experienced clerk who worked in South Florida and now resides in Crystal River.
NEW CITY CLERK
The City of Cedar Key has hired new City Clerk Carol Walker, a certified, retired, experienced clerk who worked in South Florida and now resides in Crystal River.
Davis remarked that lightning struck the Cedar Key Fire Station and resulted in telephone and internet outages there and in City Hall. He furthered that prior City Clerk Crystal Sharp helped City Hall operate with that outage. Sharp will assist part time as needed.
LEASE TERMINATION
The outer Marina dock previously rented to Tom Pierson is now vacated and will be reissued to Captain Doug Maple and Phillip Collins who will hold he lease through expiration.
The outer Marina dock previously rented to Tom Pierson is now vacated and will be reissued to Captain Doug Maple and Phillip Collins who will hold he lease through expiration.
Commissioners welcomed Maple who has owned Tidewater Tours in past years and rented a dock. Maple is a highly credentialed captain, a Master Naturalist, bird rescuer, and known to most Cedar Keyans as the most knowledgeable person, for many, many miles around, about birds.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM PLANNING
Vice-Mayor Colson requested permission to begin planning for the 2021 Cedar Key Summer Youth Program. Dollars are in place as the 2020 Summer Youth Program was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns.
Vice-Mayor Colson requested permission to begin planning for the 2021 Cedar Key Summer Youth Program. Dollars are in place as the 2020 Summer Youth Program was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns.
Colson expressed thanks to the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station Director Mike Allen who has networked with the UF School of Education to enlist two student interns for the summer.
FOOD PANTRY FURNITURE RQUEST
In recent correspondence, the Cedar Key Food Pantry Director Sue Colson requested that the city release to the Pantry some soon-to-be surplussed furniture. Mayor Davis said that the request can be accommodated.
In recent correspondence, the Cedar Key Food Pantry Director Sue Colson requested that the city release to the Pantry some soon-to-be surplussed furniture. Mayor Davis said that the request can be accommodated.
LIBRARY REQUEST
Cedar Key Library Manager Nancy Stephens requested that the city waive fees for the use for the Community Center through the end of March. Mayor Davis explained that the decision was made some time ago to waive the fees through the end of March.
Cedar Key Library Manager Nancy Stephens requested that the city waive fees for the use for the Community Center through the end of March. Mayor Davis explained that the decision was made some time ago to waive the fees through the end of March.
DOZIER LETTER
A February 9, 2021, correspondence came to the City from Robert Batsel, Jr., Dozier’s attorney. It was a request that the City reconsider and approve the Dozier application at its 18 (16) February meeting. A request came from the audience for an update of the situation.
A February 9, 2021, correspondence came to the City from Robert Batsel, Jr., Dozier’s attorney. It was a request that the City reconsider and approve the Dozier application at its 18 (16) February meeting. A request came from the audience for an update of the situation.
Attorney Fugate sated that the court sent the issue back to the City for re-consideration and the applicant has not chosen how he wants it to move forward with it yet. If Dozier decides to change the application, there will be a Quasi-Hearing and will be advertised.
The City will have a second reading of Ord 540 at the March meeting to clear up language that was involved in the lawsuit.
ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR MAY ELECTION
Newly hired City Clerk Carol Walker will function as the election administrator for the city’s May election.
Newly hired City Clerk Carol Walker will function as the election administrator for the city’s May election.
CANVASSING BOARD ASSIGNED
The May election Canvassing Board will consist of Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks, Levy County School Superintendent Chris Cowart, and Levy County Commission Chairman John Meeks.
The May election Canvassing Board will consist of Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks, Levy County School Superintendent Chris Cowart, and Levy County Commission Chairman John Meeks.
DE-ANNEXATION REQUEST
New two-year Cedar Key residents David Lindoerfer and Charlotte Van Londen, of 11571 SW 154 Avenue, Boogie Ridge, requested that they de-annex their property from the City of Cedar Key. They expressed their love for Cedar Key, their happiness not being in Maryland any longer, and the fact that their taxes here were too high. They believe that some $1,000 in property taxes would be saved annually by de-annexing their property from the city and by paying only county taxes.
New two-year Cedar Key residents David Lindoerfer and Charlotte Van Londen, of 11571 SW 154 Avenue, Boogie Ridge, requested that they de-annex their property from the City of Cedar Key. They expressed their love for Cedar Key, their happiness not being in Maryland any longer, and the fact that their taxes here were too high. They believe that some $1,000 in property taxes would be saved annually by de-annexing their property from the city and by paying only county taxes.
Vice Mayor Colson expressed her distress that the couple did not wat to be part of Cedar Key. They again expressed their love for Cedar Key. Colson remarked that, assuredly the couple uses the City Park, the other parks, and other city facilities, and that requires tax money to maintain. She explained that the city lawyer, the police, and fire persons must be paid. And that taxes are the mechanism to pay them.
Colson said she was unable to make a decision on this de-annexation this evening; Commissioner Wortham said the same.
PUBLIC WORKS REQUEST
Public Works Director Michelle Petersen requested approval to bid from Blackwell Electric to provide electric service and receptacles to four Aqua Busters locations that, at low tide, will remove debris from the inside Marina. The price for labor and material is $3,996.
Public Works Director Michelle Petersen requested approval to bid from Blackwell Electric to provide electric service and receptacles to four Aqua Busters locations that, at low tide, will remove debris from the inside Marina. The price for labor and material is $3,996.
MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the January 19, 2021, Commission Meeting.
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the January 19, 2021, Commission Meeting.
COMMISSIONERS’ CONCERNS:
COLSON, UNPAID CITATIONS
At the December commission meeting, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson presented an abbreviated history of Cedar Key’s unpaid parking violations and suggestions for recouping some of the over $20,000 losses. Commissioners unanimously approved hiring a collection agency, Kinum, Inc.
COLSON, UNPAID CITATIONS
At the December commission meeting, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson presented an abbreviated history of Cedar Key’s unpaid parking violations and suggestions for recouping some of the over $20,000 losses. Commissioners unanimously approved hiring a collection agency, Kinum, Inc.
Colson asked tonight if any recouping has occurred. Police Chief Virgil Sandlin responded that he had attempted to move the contract forward and received information it was not legal in Florida. Fugate responded that it was. Sandlin will move forward with the contract.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
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