CEDAR KEY
COMMISSION MEETS
October 16, 2018
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, October 16 2018, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key City Hall. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, and Commissioners Nickie Rucker, and Susan Rosenthal. Commissioner Royce Nelson was absent.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Assistant City Clerk Crystal Sharp, Staffer Telicia Winfield, and Legal Assistant to Mr. Fugate Leslie Landress. City Clerk Nicole Gill was absent. Public Works Supervisor James Custer was absent because of fire department training.
Among those in the audience were: Gina and Peter Stefani, Stanley Bair, Tina Ryan, Joan Selby, Beth Mizell, Jordon and Shannon Keaton, Jeri and Bob Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
BRONSON FFA, PIRATES, CITY PARK BUSINESS
Before the Public Comment portion of the agenda, Mayor Heath Davis explained that a City Park issue needed to be resolved first.
Among those in the audience were: Gina and Peter Stefani, Stanley Bair, Tina Ryan, Joan Selby, Beth Mizell, Jordon and Shannon Keaton, Jeri and Bob Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
BRONSON FFA, PIRATES, CITY PARK BUSINESS
Before the Public Comment portion of the agenda, Mayor Heath Davis explained that a City Park issue needed to be resolved first.
The Bronson Middle High School Chapter of the Future Farmers of America reserved the City Park for December 1, 2018, for its fund-raising fishing tournament. All paperwork was properly completed; the contract executed.
A conflict arose with the realization that the Pirates wanted the December 1 and 2, 2018, weekend for its festival in Cedar Key. No paperwork was completed; no contract was executed. Pirate representative and Cedar Key resident Joe Catalano was not commission meeting and had not reserved the City Park since the 2017 Pirate visit.
At this meeting, without Catalano, were business owners of 83 West, Island Hotel, Island Room and Cove, and Nature’s Landing, concerned that their respective rooms and restaurants had reservations in place expecting the Pirates to come to town.
Many suggestions were proffered. Stanley Bair suggested that the FFA change its dates. Gina Stefani continued to cite potential losses. Dividing the Park’s east and west spaces, on the two sides of the pavilion, was suggested and declined.
At 6:25 pm, with still no Joe Catalano was present, Gina Stefani said that she “was here for him,” she was the negotiator.
Peter Stefani suggested offering the FFA a donation in exchange for their changing of the date. Suggestions were made to leave the Park to the FFA and offer the Pirates much of Second Street. Eight-three West owners Jordan and Shannon Keaton suggested closing Dock Street; this suggestion was negated because emergency vehicles must be able to access to Dock Street to operate, according to Fire Chief Robert Robinson.
Commissioners expressed understanding and empathy of the difficulty before them, fully respected that the FFA had done everything properly and timely to reserve the park for their event and the Pirate entrepreneur and representative Catalano failed to secure a permit.
At 6:45 pm, all had been heard, still no appearance by Joe Catalano. Mayor Davis then brought closure to the issue. Davis left the issue to Commissioner Susan Rosenthal, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, and Gina Stefani to resolve.
As of October 29, 2018, the FFA contract is fully honored. The Pirate paperwork, with no Catalano presenting it, has found City Hall. The Pirates and its vendors will occupy portions of Second Street for the weekend.
PUBLIC COMMENT
COMMUNITY THANKS CITY, COLSON FOR CROSSROADS
Resident Jeri Treat thanked Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Ken Young, and the others who worked together to make the Smithsonian Crossroads exhibit and six weeks of activity a success. Audience members applauded the commission.
COMMUNITY THANKS CITY, COLSON FOR CROSSROADS
Resident Jeri Treat thanked Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Ken Young, and the others who worked together to make the Smithsonian Crossroads exhibit and six weeks of activity a success. Audience members applauded the commission.
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC SERVICE TAX INCREASED, ORDINANCE 526
In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved the second reading of Ordinance 526, which increases the Public Service Tax from 4% to 8%, effective April 2019.
PUBLIC SERVICE TAX INCREASED, ORDINANCE 526
In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved the second reading of Ordinance 526, which increases the Public Service Tax from 4% to 8%, effective April 2019.
FINAL MILLAGE RATE ADOPTED, RESOLUTION 422
Commissioners unanimously approved the final millage rate of ad valorem taxes of 5.356 mills, which is more than the rolled-back rate of 5. 1422.
Commissioners unanimously approved the final millage rate of ad valorem taxes of 5.356 mills, which is more than the rolled-back rate of 5. 1422.
BUDGET AMENDMENT, RESOLUTION 423
Commissioners unanimously approved the budget amendment to “increase the budgeted appropriations of a fund within the city budget” involving shoreline enhancement and historical resources grants. Further detail was not offered.
Commissioners unanimously approved the budget amendment to “increase the budgeted appropriations of a fund within the city budget” involving shoreline enhancement and historical resources grants. Further detail was not offered.
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AGREEMENT
At last month’s meeting, the seven-page DEO Agreement Number F 1319 was presented to the commissioners who decided that they needed more clarification. Discussion ensued centered on the lack of clarity of what the agreement demand of the city and its staff. Assistant City Clerk Crystal Sharp reported that the absent City Clerk Nicole Gill sent an email to the commissioners stateing that is was a “requirement by state law” for the commission “to approve it.” Colson voted no; the remaining commissioners voted to sign the agreement.
At last month’s meeting, the seven-page DEO Agreement Number F 1319 was presented to the commissioners who decided that they needed more clarification. Discussion ensued centered on the lack of clarity of what the agreement demand of the city and its staff. Assistant City Clerk Crystal Sharp reported that the absent City Clerk Nicole Gill sent an email to the commissioners stateing that is was a “requirement by state law” for the commission “to approve it.” Colson voted no; the remaining commissioners voted to sign the agreement.
ANNEXATION
In search of a simpler, more effective, and less liable process for annexing properties into the city while trying to avoid additional isolation and “patchworking,” City Attorney Norm Fugate offered sample processes from three other cities: Mulberry, Palm Bay and Clearwater.
In search of a simpler, more effective, and less liable process for annexing properties into the city while trying to avoid additional isolation and “patchworking,” City Attorney Norm Fugate offered sample processes from three other cities: Mulberry, Palm Bay and Clearwater.
Commissioners unanimously voted on the following three decisions: for Police Chief Virgil Sandlin to work with Cedar Key Building Department to inspect properties whose owners request annexation; for Attorney Fugate to present an annexation ordinance to commissioners; and to annex in, now, the two properties requesting annexation, not requiring them to wait until the new process is complete.
The two properties requesting annexation are: William R. and Theresa D. Bixenman at 16751 SW 133 Street; and Carl Stevens Trust, Cloud 9, of 16731 SW 133 Street.
HOLIDAY PARK LIGHTING
Fire Chief Robert Robinson, his family, and another dedicated Cedar Key family no longer here, have bought, assembled, and disassembled the Christmas lighting and decorations in Cedar Key’s City Park since 2006. Through the years, no problems have occurred except for last year when some extension cords went missing.
Fire Chief Robert Robinson, his family, and another dedicated Cedar Key family no longer here, have bought, assembled, and disassembled the Christmas lighting and decorations in Cedar Key’s City Park since 2006. Through the years, no problems have occurred except for last year when some extension cords went missing.
Discussion occurred about overuse of the Park and the city’s attempts to work with all sorts of renters through the years. Commissioners unanimously agreed that from Thanksgiving until Christmas, that activities in the City Park would be “limited” and if there was a question as to the term “limited,” Chief Sandlin should come back to the commission and in time they would figure out the definition.
CITY OF CEDAR KEY GALA
Reminding all that profits will go to children’s programs, Mayor Davis encouraged all to attend the upcoming Gala. Click here for more information: https://www.cedarkeynews.com/index.php/city-news/4184-2018-city-gala
Reminding all that profits will go to children’s programs, Mayor Davis encouraged all to attend the upcoming Gala. Click here for more information: https://www.cedarkeynews.com/index.php/city-news/4184-2018-city-gala
MINUTES APPROVED
Minutes from the September 18, 2018, Commission Meeting and the September 19, 2018, Final Budget Hearing were unanimously approved.
Minutes from the September 18, 2018, Commission Meeting and the September 19, 2018, Final Budget Hearing were unanimously approved.
DEPARTMENT HEAD QUARTERLY REPORTS
The following department heads quarterly reports were submitted and accepted: Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works, and City Clerk Nicole Gill.
The following department heads quarterly reports were submitted and accepted: Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works, and City Clerk Nicole Gill.
NOTICE OF BOARD OPENINGS, LPA AND HISTORIC BOARD
Mayor Davis reminded all of the following openings and encouraged residents to apply if the feel qualified or interested.
Land Planning Agency:
Seat 1 is open and applied for by Bill Rucker.
Seat 2 is open and currently held by Jim Mason.
Both seat terms are November 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021.
Historic Preservation Board:
Seat 5 is open and currently held by Niki Mason.
The seat term is November 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021.
Mayor Davis reminded all of the following openings and encouraged residents to apply if the feel qualified or interested.
Land Planning Agency:
Seat 1 is open and applied for by Bill Rucker.
Seat 2 is open and currently held by Jim Mason.
Both seat terms are November 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021.
Historic Preservation Board:
Seat 5 is open and currently held by Niki Mason.
The seat term is November 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER UPDATE
Commissioner and Police Department Liaison Susan Rosenthal requested that current part-time Cedar Key Police Officer Lucas be hired full time as he, in the absence of other officers, injured in the line of duty, has worked approximately 50 hours weekly for well over the past month. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
OFFICER UPDATE
Commissioner and Police Department Liaison Susan Rosenthal requested that current part-time Cedar Key Police Officer Lucas be hired full time as he, in the absence of other officers, injured in the line of duty, has worked approximately 50 hours weekly for well over the past month. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
FIELD MANUAL
Attorney Fugate continues to work with Commissioner Rosenthal and Police Chief Sandlin completing the field manual which should be ready at the next commission meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
DREDGING UPDATE
Mayor Davis, in Custer’s absence, reported that the dredging project was moving forward.
FIELD MANUAL
Attorney Fugate continues to work with Commissioner Rosenthal and Police Chief Sandlin completing the field manual which should be ready at the next commission meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
DREDGING UPDATE
Mayor Davis, in Custer’s absence, reported that the dredging project was moving forward.
CONCRETE DOCK UPDATE
Commissioners agreed that the aluminum floating dock will work no longer. Staff will get an estimate for a concrete dock before the next commission meeting.
Commissioners agreed that the aluminum floating dock will work no longer. Staff will get an estimate for a concrete dock before the next commission meeting.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
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