CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION MET FRIDAY, REOPENS BRIDGE MONDAY
2020 May 1
OPENING OF THE NUMBER FOUR BRIDGE IS SOLE TOPIC
Mayor Heath Davis thanked all in attendance for their presence, limited the meeting’s subject to the possible reopening of the Number Four Bridge, and advised all business owners to contact their particular state licensing agency (at the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations) if they had questions about their ability to reopen.
Mayor Heath Davis thanked all in attendance for their presence, limited the meeting’s subject to the possible reopening of the Number Four Bridge, and advised all business owners to contact their particular state licensing agency (at the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations) if they had questions about their ability to reopen.
He explained that the decision made at this meeting would need be “all in or all out,” meaning the island will stay closed as it presently is or open the bridge to all. Altering or layering regulations for admittance to the island cannot be done; the manpower to enforce additional regulation is nonexistent.
ISLAND OPEN TO PROPERTY OWNERS NOW
Commissioners voted unanimously to allow all property owners on to the island starting at 5 pm Friday, May 1, 2020.
Commissioners voted unanimously to allow all property owners on to the island starting at 5 pm Friday, May 1, 2020.
NUMBER FOUR BRIDGE WILL OPEN ON MAY 4, 2020
CONCLUSIONS AND GENERALIZATIONS FROM MEETING
• All property owners on to the island starting at 5 pm Friday, May 1, 2020.
• The boat ramps have been and will continue to be open.
• The Fishing Pier is owned by the Levy County; the city cannot open or close it.
• The City Park, including the playground, is open. Users are urged to use social distancing and not gather in groups of more than ten.
• The Library’s child play area will remain closed.
• No curfew was approved.
• if businesses have questions about their ability to open, they are advised to contact their particular state licensing agency (at the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations. The city does not regulate their reopening.
• Social distancing and groups no larger than ten remain integral parts of the governor’s executive order.
SPEAKERS HEARD
Cedar Cove and Island Room owners Gina and Peter Stefani, 83 West proprietor Jordan Keaton, Marathon manager Michael Hancock, the Island Place’s Tina Ryan, Tidewater Tours owner Tom Pearson, and Golf Cart Company owner George Oakley spoke favoring reopening of Bridge Number Four. They cited reasons as making too little money (one business reported earning only 2 to 8 % of its normal revenue) and concern for their employees,
• All property owners on to the island starting at 5 pm Friday, May 1, 2020.
• The boat ramps have been and will continue to be open.
• The Fishing Pier is owned by the Levy County; the city cannot open or close it.
• The City Park, including the playground, is open. Users are urged to use social distancing and not gather in groups of more than ten.
• The Library’s child play area will remain closed.
• No curfew was approved.
• if businesses have questions about their ability to open, they are advised to contact their particular state licensing agency (at the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations. The city does not regulate their reopening.
• Social distancing and groups no larger than ten remain integral parts of the governor’s executive order.
SPEAKERS HEARD
Cedar Cove and Island Room owners Gina and Peter Stefani, 83 West proprietor Jordan Keaton, Marathon manager Michael Hancock, the Island Place’s Tina Ryan, Tidewater Tours owner Tom Pearson, and Golf Cart Company owner George Oakley spoke favoring reopening of Bridge Number Four. They cited reasons as making too little money (one business reported earning only 2 to 8 % of its normal revenue) and concern for their employees,
They spoke of methods they plan to employ to keep their patrons comfortable and businesses sanitary: 25% occupancy, increased hand sanitizer availability, training staff in cleaning methods, and social distancing. 83 West will offer at-home delivery if patrons prefer.
COMMISSIONERS HEARD
Commissioner Royce Nelson said, “I’m for opening the bridge.” He further stated he wanted to see a “bigger police presence” and the closure “of the Park and Pier” to stop groups gathering.
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal said, “If we go with the governor’s order,” she wants “a curfew at 10 pm.” She warned that it is not “party time” yet and “we must abide social distancing.”
Commissioner Jim Wortham said, “As a community, we’ve done a prudent job. Now is the time for us to give back to the businesses.” He later remarked, “Now is the time to help neighbors. I’ll get groceries to anybody.”
Vice Mayor Sue Colson said she is against layering complexities to the governor’s last executive order. She emphasized following the 25% occupancy concept in the order.
CITY HALL STAFF
Vice Mayor Sue Colson urged the audience, and everyone not in the audience, to vent their vitriol on commissioners or the governor directly. She reminded all that City Hall staff do not make decisions and railing at them serves no purpose, except to alienate individuals.
Vice Mayor Sue Colson urged the audience, and everyone not in the audience, to vent their vitriol on commissioners or the governor directly. She reminded all that City Hall staff do not make decisions and railing at them serves no purpose, except to alienate individuals.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm.
MEETING SPECIFICS:
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Friday, May 1, 2020, at 4 pm, at Cedar Key Community Center. The meeting occurred at the Community Center, instead of City Hall, to allow for social distancing dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Royce Nelson, Susan Rosenthal, and Jim Wortham.
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Friday, May 1, 2020, at 4 pm, at Cedar Key Community Center. The meeting occurred at the Community Center, instead of City Hall, to allow for social distancing dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Royce Nelson, Susan Rosenthal, and Jim Wortham.
Chairs in the Center numbered thirty; all were filled. Some others stood about the room. Others listened from outside the door to the meeting broadcast over a speaker system. City Clerk Sharp streamed the meeting on Facebook while Chief Robinson monitored distant audience responses.
Staff in attendance included: in place of City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate was Blake 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: Nancy Sera, Janice Fugate, Myra Zeigler, Ed DeHaan, Buddy Scruggs, Bev Ringenberg, Jeff Hardison, Esta Johnson, Niki Mason, Maureen Magee, Walt McJordan, Pelican Realty’s Caryn Stephenson, George Oakley, Jordan Keaton, Darlene Skarupski, Andy Bair, Dennis Gill, Tina Ryan, Gina and Peter Stefani, Tom Pearson, Michael Hancock, Reene Schneck, Bob and Jeri Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle. Others included representatives from: Island Trading Post, Tipsy Cow, Pirate’s Cove, Annie’s, Low Key Hideaway, and the Cedar Key Marina.
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