February 19, 2019
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key City Hall. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, and Commissioners Royce Nelson, Nickie Rucker, and Susan Rosenthal.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, City Clerk Nicole Gill, Public Works Supervisor James Custer, Assistant City Clerk Crystal Sharp, and Legal Assistant to Mr. Fugate Leslie Landress.
Among those in the audience were: Jan and Maurice Hendrix, Allison Nelson, Sam Gibbs, Savanna Barry, Esta Johnson, Diana and Steve Preissman, Bill Heckler, Beth Mizell, Peggy Herrick, Reene and Dennis Schneck, Tom Ankerson, Byron Flagg, Julie Gore, Jeri and Bob Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CEDAR KEY SCRUB AND WACCASASSA BAY PRESERVE
Mayor Heath Davis announced that the Department of Environmental Protection will conduct its Ten-Year Planning Meeting for the Cedar Key Scrub and Waccasassa Bay Preserve at the Kirkpatrick Lab on Cedar Key on February 27, Wednesday. He urged those interested to attend. For more information, click here: https://www.cedarkeynews.com/index.php/activities/20-conservation/4519-fdep-2019-2
CEDAR KEY SHORELINE RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Service, Nature Coast Biological Station’s Dr. Savanna Barry and University of Florida Law School’s Tom Ankerson and Byron Flagg presented the Shoreline Restoration Master Plan gran’s outcomest. In concert with Corina Guevara, Tom Ankerson, Mark Clark, and Byron Flagg, they have produced the VIMS Self=Guided Decision Tools website: http://www.vims.edu/ccrm/ccrmp/bmp/decision tools/index.php
This product is an online series of decision trees that lead the user through shoreline options and the best way to protect them. The site contains two layers: an environmental, or living shoreline, layer and a legal, or permitting, layer. Residents may use the site to locate their specific property, determine the best method for diminishing erosion, and understanding what permitting is necessitated.
NEW BUSINESS
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION
Mayor Davis made a formal proclamation which reads, “ No More Drugs in Cedar Key.” He explained that this was the first proclamation he had made. He explained that his working with Commissioner Susan Rosenthal and Police Chief Virgil Sandlin of laate have made the proclamation a necessity. He further explained that drugs “are not just a person’s problem, it’s our problem.” Davis said this is “super simple” and “it’s a line in the sand.” Davis will stand with Virgil.
Chief Sandlin spoke briefly and asked the community to speak up when they hear or learn of anything that will help him enforce the law regarding illegal drug use, manufacture, or any activity surrounding it.
Commissioner Rosenthal, affirming that “drugs are indeed a problem in this town,” suggested that the commission draft a resolution echoing Davis’ proclamation. Commissioners unanimously agreed.
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY MEETING
Mayor Davis met with business owners in a town hall meeting in City Hall several months ago, brought notes of the meeting’s content before the commission, and is now incrementally working through the issues contained.
It was suggested that he conduct the same town hall meeting with residents. Davis plans to schedule that meeting until after the May elections.
CHAMBER REQUEST REGARDING PAID PARKING
The Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce, no representatives of whom were in attendance, is apparently suggesting paid parking. Davis requested commission permission to send correspondence to the Chamber asking that hey present their concerns/ideas at a commission meeting. Commissioners unanimously granted approval.
FEATHER FLAGS REVIEW
Owners of the Canvas Shop requested that they be allowed to display a feather flag in front of their business. The current sign ordinance negates anything moving, because of the distraction to motorists and passersby, which includes the flags. Commissioners directed Attorney Norm Fugate to draft some language that would allow limited use.
LIBRARY SIDING
One bid was received in response to an RFP from Jan 520 Inc. from Largo, Florida , at $32,977, nearly $8,000 more than budgeted. Commissioners agreed to contact some local contractors and reissue the RFP.
AMERICAN TOWER
American Tower notified the city of its intent to terminate its contract in April of 2019. The contract requires the company to notify the city 90 days before termination; American Tower has done so. The city will no longer receive $17,000 annually from American Tower.
VOLUNTARY ANNEXATIONS
The second reading of Ordinances 527, 528, 529, 530, and 531 were unanimously approved. The following properties are voluntary annexed into the city:
- 16731 SW 133 Street, Sisters of Cedar Key Vacation Rentals, LLC
- 16731 SW 133 Street, William R. and Teresa D. Bixenman
- 11590 SW 154 Street, Steven and Diana Priessman
- 16650 SW 120 Place, John Eaton and Diane Konzon
- 16571 SW 120 Place, John Eaton and Diane Konzon
ORDINANCE 532 LPA
At the January commission meeting, Mayor Davis explained that should the LPA be suspended, when issues arise needing LPA action, the commission would convene as the LPA. Commissioners voted unanimously to suspend the LPA. Tonight, they further approved the first reading of Ordinance 332, Commission Shall Serve as LPA.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ON-CALL NOTIFICATIONS
Commissioners accepted department heads’ on-call contact information.
ELECTION NOTICE
Click here for open seats and election timelines: https://www.cedarkeynews.com/index.php/city-news/15-announcements/4527-city-and-ckwsd-notice-of-election-2019
The following City of Cedar Key Commission seats will be open and are currently occupied by: Seat One by Heath Davis, Seat Three by Nickie Rucker , and Seat Five by Sue Colson.
The following Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Commission seats will be open and are currently occupied by: Group / Seat Two by Chris Reynolds and Group / Seat Four by Stephen Rosenthal.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNUAL REVIEWS
Department head annual reviews were approved by commissioners, well ahead of time for possible rehiring in May.
Commissioners unanimously made the decision to promote James Custer to department head from his current position of supervisor. Applause came from the audience.
City Clerk Nicole Gill recently earned her Master Municipal Clerk status. Applause ensued.
MINUTES APPROVED
Minutes from the January 15, 2019, commission meeting were approved.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
NORM FUGATE , CITY ATTORNEY
UPDATED LAWS OF CEDAR KEY REVIEW
The updated Laws of Cedar Key are not yet online due to formatting difficulties, reported Fugate.
COMMERCIAL TRASH SECURITY DEPOSITS
The unpaid commercial security deposits have dwindled to four businesses. Fugate will correspond with them one more time requesting payment.
JAMES CUSTER, PUBLIC WORKS
DREDGING UPDATE
Custer reported the good news that the Department of Environmental Protection has verbally approved moving the spoils from the Marina dredging to the depression in Cemetery Point Park.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
