CEDAR KEY CITY
COMMISSION MEETS
16 MARCH 2021
MEETING SPECIFICS
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, March 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, March 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, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, newly hired Interim City Clerk Carol Walker, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester.
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.
Among those in the audience were: multiple parents of Cedar Key School Future Farmers of America students, Rachel and Cody Wetherington, John McPherson, Dottie Haldeman, Eva Egerton, Linda Nelson, Anne Miller, Patty Jett, Doug Lindhout, James McCain, Michelle Petersen, Chad Wisdom, Scott Sykes, Bob and Jeri Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
CEDAR KEY SCHOOL FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
The meeting was called to order by Cedar Key School Future Farmers of America students in partial preparation for an upcoming April contest. The organization’s president, vice-president, treasurer recorder, secretary, and advisor spoke briefly about their duties as officers.
The meeting was called to order by Cedar Key School Future Farmers of America students in partial preparation for an upcoming April contest. The organization’s president, vice-president, treasurer recorder, secretary, and advisor spoke briefly about their duties as officers.
President - Payton Campbell
VP - Raechel Brinkman
Secretary - Emmy Everidge
Treasurer - Claire Ryan
Reporter - Morgan Winfield
Sentinel - Orla Fine
Student Advisor - Tesa Sharp
Creed Speaker - Alyssa McCain
Delighted with their performance, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson asked that the audience stand and applaud the group’s performance.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS, CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioners requested no agenda adjustmentsed. The consent agenda was unanimously approved and consisted of the February 16, 2021, Commission Meeting Minutes and a Cedar Key School fee waiver request to use the Cedar Key Community Center for its April 2021 Senior Prom.
Commissioners requested no agenda adjustmentsed. The consent agenda was unanimously approved and consisted of the February 16, 2021, Commission Meeting Minutes and a Cedar Key School fee waiver request to use the Cedar Key Community Center for its April 2021 Senior Prom.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson spoke of the Levy County Dashboard, https://arcg.is/11rrbe
Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson spoke of the Levy County Dashboard, https://arcg.is/11rrbe
He noted concern that the site might not be updated regularly as the number of Cedar Key cases remained at eight for some time; this evening the cases numbered ten. “Cedar Key” on this dashboard includes all those living in the 32625 ZIP code.
Robinson reported that the UF-conducted Wastewater Testing Program manifests Covid-19 and one of its variants in the city’s wastewater. Vice-Mayor Colson added that she feeds to the UF scientist conducting the Wastewater Program, Joseph H. Bisesi Jr, Ph.D., weekend population estimates. Bisesi will consider if those data can inform or amplify his conclusions.
Robinson also advised attendees to download the new Levy County emergency application on to their cellphones. Click here for more information:
https://cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/6315-levy-emergency-em-app-2021-march-16
https://cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/6315-levy-emergency-em-app-2021-march-16
Vice-Mayor Colson offered her assistance to all vaccine-eligible persons if they were unable to get vaccinated. She advised them to telephone her at the Chamber of Commerce.
EMAIL TO CITY COMMENTING ON MASKS
In a February 17, 2021, correspondence to Mayor Davis , a Gainesville man responded to last month’s letter to the commission regarding mask wearing. This February letter references the earlier letter with the following attention-getting line: “In re: Cedar Key held hostage by a masked army?” the February correspondence may be read by clicking here: LETTER TO CITY
In a February 17, 2021, correspondence to Mayor Davis , a Gainesville man responded to last month’s letter to the commission regarding mask wearing. This February letter references the earlier letter with the following attention-getting line: “In re: Cedar Key held hostage by a masked army?” the February correspondence may be read by clicking here: LETTER TO CITY
HERITAGE TREE, PLANTING SUMMARY, REQUEST
Complete with illustrative photographs, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson summarized the recent February 4 Cedar Key Arbor Day Tree Planting efforts. The crew accomplished the following.
• Designated three areas for tree installation: Cemetery Point Park, Cedar Key Cemetery entrance, and along the north end of G Street.
• Planted 47 trees and 25 muhly grass plants.
• Installed 1,000 feet of irrigation.
• Photographed and measured and compiled documentation for each tree.
Complete with illustrative photographs, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson summarized the recent February 4 Cedar Key Arbor Day Tree Planting efforts. The crew accomplished the following.
• Designated three areas for tree installation: Cemetery Point Park, Cedar Key Cemetery entrance, and along the north end of G Street.
• Planted 47 trees and 25 muhly grass plants.
• Installed 1,000 feet of irrigation.
• Photographed and measured and compiled documentation for each tree.
Colson reported the overwhelming community involvement.
• Some 35 volunteers planted trees on February 4.
• A team of more than six installed the necessary irrigation.
• Cedar Key Public Works dug and filled irrigation trenches.
• Cedar Key School students dug the holes in which to plant the cedar trees along G Street.
• Cedar Key School Future Farmers of America students tidied up brickwork and planted additional muhly grass.
• Some 35 volunteers planted trees on February 4.
• A team of more than six installed the necessary irrigation.
• Cedar Key Public Works dug and filled irrigation trenches.
• Cedar Key School students dug the holes in which to plant the cedar trees along G Street.
• Cedar Key School Future Farmers of America students tidied up brickwork and planted additional muhly grass.
Colson requested approval to plant ten more 10 oaks and/or crepe myrtles on F Street across from Bed and Breakfast. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
PUBLIC COMMENT
NEW CKWSD GENERAL MANAGER INTRODUCED
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Attorney John McPherson introduced his replacement as CKWSD General Manger Chad Wisdom who began work on February 1, 2021. McPherson will continue to function part time as the organization’s attorney.
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Attorney John McPherson introduced his replacement as CKWSD General Manger Chad Wisdom who began work on February 1, 2021. McPherson will continue to function part time as the organization’s attorney.
Wisdom expressed his pleasure in being in Cedar Key, having visited here for several years, as a neighbor of Police Chief Virgil Sandlin. He invited anyone with a water problem to talk to him anytime.
POLICE OFFICERS
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin introduced newly hired Cedar Key Police Officer Cody Wetherington, previously with the Department of Public Safety.
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin introduced newly hired Cedar Key Police Officer Cody Wetherington, previously with the Department of Public Safety.
Sandlin reported that Officer Neal Polimeni will leave the Cedar Key Police Department next week to further his career in insurance. Sandlin hopes that in three months, Polimeni will return to work on some weekends.
Mayor Davis awarded Polimeni, in absentia, the famous Cedar Key Golden Clam and a certificate of appreciation in recognition to his service to the community.
ACTION ITEMS
HISTORIC BBOARD MEMBERS
Two seats are open on the Cedar Ky Historic Preservation Board. Three individuals have submitted applications to fill those seats: Doug Lindhout, Bill Rucker, and Scott Sykes.
Two seats are open on the Cedar Ky Historic Preservation Board. Three individuals have submitted applications to fill those seats: Doug Lindhout, Bill Rucker, and Scott Sykes.
Commissioners unanimously approved Doug Lindhout for Seat Two and Scott Sykes for Seat One to the Historic Preservation Board.
QUASI JUCICIAL HEARING 2021-02
Property owner, Mr. James McCain, requested a Development Review for Cedar Key Parcel 0880700000, which is within the Commercial District, to establish a recreational vehicle park with approximately six available spaces.
Mayor Davis conducted the hearing.
Property owner, Mr. James McCain, requested a Development Review for Cedar Key Parcel 0880700000, which is within the Commercial District, to establish a recreational vehicle park with approximately six available spaces.
Mayor Davis conducted the hearing.
Four affected parties in attendance spoke. Papers submitted by those two affected parties not in attendance were entered into the record. Concerns voiced included: would the owner impose a “quiet time”; did the owner understand that the one RV would be close to one resident’s bedroom; fumes and noise.
More importantly, speakers attested to the fact that they considered McCain to an honest, reliable, admirable community member who they would hope to use the property rather than have an outsider come in and build condominiums. All wished him well in his efforts.
Davis asked McCain to consider some kind of quiet time, careful distancing from the fence line, and a maximum length of stay to 180 days.
McCain’s request was unanimously granted.
ORDINANCE 540 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
Commissioners unanimously approved, on the second reading, Ordinance 540 which addresses minimum lot size. The ordinance clarified wording that had previously been misinterpreted in an exisitng ordinance.
Commissioners unanimously approved, on the second reading, Ordinance 540 which addresses minimum lot size. The ordinance clarified wording that had previously been misinterpreted in an exisitng ordinance.
RESOLUTION 445
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 445 which is necessary to schedule meetings with the Levy County Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 445 which is necessary to schedule meetings with the Levy County Board of County Commissioners.
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
“The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over 1,500 communities participate nationwide.” https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/community-rating-system
“The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over 1,500 communities participate nationwide.” https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/community-rating-system
The website continues, “In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program: reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property; strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; and foster comprehensive floodplain management.”
The City of Cedar Key recently applied and has been accepted to the CRS Program. Cities perform actions and gain points; the points generate a “class” rating of one through nine. One is the highest class, and in a Special Flood Hazard Area, can generate a 45% insurance discount. Cedar Key has entered at a grade of nine and has generated a 5% insurance discount.
Commissioners unanimously elected Jennifer Sylvester as the City of Cedar Key CRS Administrator. Colson, working with Sylvester, hope to change Cedar Key’s class and increase insurance deductibles. Both Colson and Sylvester have gone through a sixteen-hour training session; they believe much is already in place to raise the entrance rating.
MAYOR / COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
COMMISSIONER / STAFF ORIENTATION
Through the generosity of the University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station, student interns Alayna Dean and Makiya Seminera have the task of interviewing all relevant personnel, gathering information, and producing a “white paper” that should spell out future orientation processes and content for commissioners and staff. They continue to work on the project. Commissioners unanimously approved implementing its content until after the next city election in May.
Through the generosity of the University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station, student interns Alayna Dean and Makiya Seminera have the task of interviewing all relevant personnel, gathering information, and producing a “white paper” that should spell out future orientation processes and content for commissioners and staff. They continue to work on the project. Commissioners unanimously approved implementing its content until after the next city election in May.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Mayor Davis reported that the city’s human resources files are in “awful shape.” Until the area is put in order, he will seal it and impose a hiring freeze. Davis also will establish an HR committee to oversee pay raises, hires, and more. When Commissioner Rosenthal asked who would be on the committee, Davis replied he and staff; commissioners would not be on the committee.
Mayor Davis reported that the city’s human resources files are in “awful shape.” Until the area is put in order, he will seal it and impose a hiring freeze. Davis also will establish an HR committee to oversee pay raises, hires, and more. When Commissioner Rosenthal asked who would be on the committee, Davis replied he and staff; commissioners would not be on the committee.
POLICE DEPARTMENT TRUCK
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin reported being within 60 to 120 days of receiving a new police vehicle. The truck, purchased through a $35,415 grant and $approximately $10,000 of Police Department funds, comes fully equipped.
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin reported being within 60 to 120 days of receiving a new police vehicle. The truck, purchased through a $35,415 grant and $approximately $10,000 of Police Department funds, comes fully equipped.
BOCC / CITY MEETING
Commissioner Jim Wortham reported that the Cedar Key City Commission and the Levy County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for April 6, 2021.
Commissioner Jim Wortham reported that the Cedar Key City Commission and the Levy County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for April 6, 2021.
WAYNE WEEK
On April 27, reported Vice-Mayor Colson, UPS driver Wayne Johnson will deliver his last packaagaes to Cedar Key as he will retire. Colson plans for the city to give him a Golden Clam Award. She urged all to put a temporary sign in their yards wishing him a happy retirement.
On April 27, reported Vice-Mayor Colson, UPS driver Wayne Johnson will deliver his last packaagaes to Cedar Key as he will retire. Colson plans for the city to give him a Golden Clam Award. She urged all to put a temporary sign in their yards wishing him a happy retirement.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm.
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