CEDAR KEY
CITY COMMISSION,
CRA, and LPA MEET
16 JUNE 2020
CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 6 pm, at the Cedar Key Community Center. The meeting was moved to the larger, more open Community Center from City Hall to allow for social distancing dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. 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: Buddy Scruggs, William Rogers, Mary Prescott, Tom Pearson, John McPherson, Steve and Diana Priessman, Esta Johnson, Bob and Jeri Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
NEW PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE
Public Works Director Michelle Petersen introduced n new employee who will work part time with Public Works and part time at the Marina. He will work Thursdays through Mondays.
MOVING VEHICLES & PARKING
Resident Buddy Scruggs requested that the city investigate his three concerns: unauthorized golf carts on State Road 24, vehicle parking, and vehicles with boat trailers parking. He noted that many of the big boat owners arrive in town, launch, spend no money, adding nothing to the economy, and leave. Mayor Davis acknowledged his concerns.
Resident Buddy Scruggs requested that the city investigate his three concerns: unauthorized golf carts on State Road 24, vehicle parking, and vehicles with boat trailers parking. He noted that many of the big boat owners arrive in town, launch, spend no money, adding nothing to the economy, and leave. Mayor Davis acknowledged his concerns.
MARINA SLIP
Tidewater Tours owner Tom Pearson asked if he would be able to keep his inside Marina slip with the ongoing bridge work. Mayor Davis assured him he would have a slip. “All we all need now is water,” he quipped.
Tidewater Tours owner Tom Pearson asked if he would be able to keep his inside Marina slip with the ongoing bridge work. Mayor Davis assured him he would have a slip. “All we all need now is water,” he quipped.
DANGEROUS DOGS
Mary Prescott thanked Police Chief Virgil Sandlin for all he has done to protect her, her husband, and their two 70-ish pound dogs from a pit bull and its two new companions which reside nearby. She said she was not at the meeting tonight to suggest a leash law nor discriminate against any particular breed. She did request that the commission review its dangerous dog ordinances, which currently, she said, require that a person must have been bitten before a dangerous dog can be removed from the island. Commissioners agreed to investigate the matter.
Mary Prescott thanked Police Chief Virgil Sandlin for all he has done to protect her, her husband, and their two 70-ish pound dogs from a pit bull and its two new companions which reside nearby. She said she was not at the meeting tonight to suggest a leash law nor discriminate against any particular breed. She did request that the commission review its dangerous dog ordinances, which currently, she said, require that a person must have been bitten before a dangerous dog can be removed from the island. Commissioners agreed to investigate the matter.
COVID-19 WASTEWATER TESTING
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John McPherson reported that the University of Florida’s effort to test Cedar Key’s wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 have resulted in the negative; no COVID-19 was found in the wastewater as of early June. The University of Florida plans to continue weekly testing.
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John McPherson reported that the University of Florida’s effort to test Cedar Key’s wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 have resulted in the negative; no COVID-19 was found in the wastewater as of early June. The University of Florida plans to continue weekly testing.
POLICE MANUAL
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported having recently reread Cedar Key’s Police Manual and was proud to find within it a no chokehold statement. She lauded Commissioner Susan Rosenthal and Police Chief Sandlin who produced the manual. Colson described it as well organized, easy to search and use, and “well done.”
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reported having recently reread Cedar Key’s Police Manual and was proud to find within it a no chokehold statement. She lauded Commissioner Susan Rosenthal and Police Chief Sandlin who produced the manual. Colson described it as well organized, easy to search and use, and “well done.”
NEW BUSINESS
CODE ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester presented her newly styled report that cites the following information about the complaints coming to the city: date, case number, address, complaint summary, status, and if the matter is closed. She was happy to report that people have been pleasant and cooperative, even in the wake of a complaint. Sylvester noted that anything commissioners wished to add to the current report could easily be added. Commissioners approved the form and directed that it be a monthly submission.
Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester presented her newly styled report that cites the following information about the complaints coming to the city: date, case number, address, complaint summary, status, and if the matter is closed. She was happy to report that people have been pleasant and cooperative, even in the wake of a complaint. Sylvester noted that anything commissioners wished to add to the current report could easily be added. Commissioners approved the form and directed that it be a monthly submission.
VERIZON LAND LEASE
Commissioner Jim Wortham presented a thirteen-page Verizon Land Lease Agreement. The agreement is one of two required for Verizon to place its antennae atop the CKWSD tower on Whiddon Avenue. The second agreement is between Verizon and the Water District; it has been signed. The land is city owned; the tower is CKWSD owned; thus, the two agreements.
Commissioner Jim Wortham presented a thirteen-page Verizon Land Lease Agreement. The agreement is one of two required for Verizon to place its antennae atop the CKWSD tower on Whiddon Avenue. The second agreement is between Verizon and the Water District; it has been signed. The land is city owned; the tower is CKWSD owned; thus, the two agreements.
The agreements rent Verizon space on the tower for $27,000 annually; both the CKWSD and the city will receive $13,500 annually. The agreements are for 25 years and rent may be increased but not decreased, reported Wortham.
PROPOSED BUDGET DATES
City Clerk Crystal Sharp proposed two sets of budget meeting dates. Commissioners unanimously selected one which will be published soon.
City Clerk Crystal Sharp proposed two sets of budget meeting dates. Commissioners unanimously selected one which will be published soon.
LEVY COUNTY TAX APPRAISER CORRESPONDENCE
Levy County Tax Appraiser Osborn Barker’s June 1, 2020, correspondence informs Cedar Key of an increase of approximately $8,000,000 in estimated taxable value. The 2019 taxable value was $151,508,054; the 2020 estimated taxable value is $158,500,000.
Levy County Tax Appraiser Osborn Barker’s June 1, 2020, correspondence informs Cedar Key of an increase of approximately $8,000,000 in estimated taxable value. The 2019 taxable value was $151,508,054; the 2020 estimated taxable value is $158,500,000.
MINUTES
Minutes from the following three meetings were unanimously approved:
March 22, 2020, Emergency Commission Meeting; May 1, 2020, Emergency Commission Meeting; May 19, 2020, Commission Meeting.
Minutes from the following three meetings were unanimously approved:
March 22, 2020, Emergency Commission Meeting; May 1, 2020, Emergency Commission Meeting; May 19, 2020, Commission Meeting.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The initial commission meeting was adjourned at 6:28 pm.
The initial commission meeting was adjourned at 6:28 pm.
CEDAR KEY CRA MEETING
The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency commenced at 6:38 pm. Because of the city’s annual reorganization and subsequent lack of a CRA chairperson, Cedar Key City Attorney Norm Fugate initially presided.
MEMBERS SWORN IN
New member Nancy Sera and returning member Susan Rosenthal were sworn in as CRA members.
New member Nancy Sera and returning member Susan Rosenthal were sworn in as CRA members.
CHAIR ELECTED
Sue Colson nominated Heath Davis as chairperson. Susan Rosenthal seconded the motion. Davis was unanimously elected as CRA chair.
Sue Colson nominated Heath Davis as chairperson. Susan Rosenthal seconded the motion. Davis was unanimously elected as CRA chair.
VICE-CHAIR ELECTED
Heath Davis nominated Sue Colson as vice-chair. Sue Colson was unanimously elected as CRA vice chair.
Heath Davis nominated Sue Colson as vice-chair. Sue Colson was unanimously elected as CRA vice chair.
Colson explained that she believes new persons in positions of leadership are integral to a well-run organization. The CRA, however, has such a complicated history, the new commissioners may best use this term to gain baseline knowledge of the agency.
Commissioner Wortham asked if any new plans were on the horizon. Davis and Fugate responded that the current contract with Sun Bank could not be altered and incurring new debt is far from simple.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The CRA meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
The CRA meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
LPA MEETING
The Cedar Key Land Planning Agency convened at 6:35 pm, immediately after the Community Redevelopment Agency adjourned. Cedar Key City Commissioners sit as Land Planning Agency members since August 2018 when its citizen membership was suspended.
FENCES
After much discussion about fences and hedges, commissioners unanimously voted to exclude from the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four Land Development Regulations, Section 7.01.04 Fences, Paragraph C, the last sentence which reads, “Fences or hedges along property lines shall not exceed a height of five feet.”
After much discussion about fences and hedges, commissioners unanimously voted to exclude from the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four Land Development Regulations, Section 7.01.04 Fences, Paragraph C, the last sentence which reads, “Fences or hedges along property lines shall not exceed a height of five feet.”
Vice-Mayor Colson suggested that the commission revisit the section sometime in the future, considering that no resident ought to build directly on the property line. Hedges grow in width and breadth, properties are sold and ownerships transferred, and opinions on both fences and hedges eventually differ. Building and planting further into one’s property diminishes future conflict.
COA ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL
Commissioners unanimously approved reducing current certificate of appropriateness fees when they can be made by the administration. The full fee will be charged when the application is filed and if it is determined that the approval can be made administratively, the reduction in fee will be return credited and returned to the owner.
Commissioners unanimously approved reducing current certificate of appropriateness fees when they can be made by the administration. The full fee will be charged when the application is filed and if it is determined that the approval can be made administratively, the reduction in fee will be return credited and returned to the owner.
DANGEROUS DOG
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal and Police Chief Virgil Sandlin will return to the commission with language that strengthens the current dangerous dog ordinance.
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal and Police Chief Virgil Sandlin will return to the commission with language that strengthens the current dangerous dog ordinance.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The LPA meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.
The LPA meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.
CITY COMMISSION MEETING RECONVENES
The Cedar Key Commission Meeting reconvened at 7 pm, immediately after the Land Planning Agency adjourned.
MARINA CONCERNS:
DOCKS AND BOARDWALK
Public Works Director Michelle Petersen reported that the central dock has been refurbished and is completed. The old wood inner Marina dock has been replaced and is ready to accept the kiosk. The kiosk will be located in its original location.
DOCKS AND BOARDWALK
Public Works Director Michelle Petersen reported that the central dock has been refurbished and is completed. The old wood inner Marina dock has been replaced and is ready to accept the kiosk. The kiosk will be located in its original location.
COMMERCIAL ENTITIES IN INSIDE MARINA
Commissioners unanimously and temporarily approved two commercial ventures space on the north rim of inside Marina: Bobby Witt’s clam touring operation and Daniel Smith’s pontoon boat operation. Both will be allowed limited signage. Mayor Davis explained that this venture is an attempt to see if commercial activity is viable there.
Commissioners unanimously and temporarily approved two commercial ventures space on the north rim of inside Marina: Bobby Witt’s clam touring operation and Daniel Smith’s pontoon boat operation. Both will be allowed limited signage. Mayor Davis explained that this venture is an attempt to see if commercial activity is viable there.
Commissioner Wortham expressed, “We can do better,” as he commented on the lack of information in the agenda package. Only the names, Daniel Smith and Bobby Witt, appeared on the agenda with no other information or back-up material in the meeting’s packet.
WORK ORDER
The review of the maintenance work order was tabled.
The review of the maintenance work order was tabled.
RESTORE ACT
Mayor Davis explained that the commission needed a commissioner to spearhead the city’s efforts and correspondence with the RESTORE Act. Commissioner Wortham volunteered. Commissioner Rosenthal volunteered to assist Wortham.
Mayor Davis explained that the commission needed a commissioner to spearhead the city’s efforts and correspondence with the RESTORE Act. Commissioner Wortham volunteered. Commissioner Rosenthal volunteered to assist Wortham.
CITY ORGANIZATION
Commissioner Rosenthal asked to continue to work with Police Chief Sandlin. She also stated that she does not want information to come to her “third-hand.”
Commissioner Rosenthal asked to continue to work with Police Chief Sandlin. She also stated that she does not want information to come to her “third-hand.”
She wishes for problems to come to her first.
Vice-Mayor Colson requested working with Public Works Director Petersen. Nancy Sera asked to be assigned; Mayor Davis said that would soon come. Commissioner Wortham continues to work on cell phone, broadband, and RESTORE Act advancement.
LIBRARY WINDOWS
Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson reported that the funding he has been requesting from FEMA for the past several years to replace the Library’s windows has been denied.
Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson reported that the funding he has been requesting from FEMA for the past several years to replace the Library’s windows has been denied.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
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