CEDAR KEY CITY
COMMISSION MEETS
COMMISSION MEETS
21 JULY 2020
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 6 pm, at Cedar Key City Hall. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, Commissioners Susan Rosenthal and Nancy Sera; Commissioner Jim Wortham was not present.
PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF MEETING
The room at City Hall was arranged to physically distance audience members.
• Because of that distancing, the room held eleven seats for audience members; each seat was filled; two people waited outside.
• Four commissioners and the city attorney sat at the front of the room.
• Eight City staff, (three from the Clerk’s office, one from the Fire Department, three from the Police Department personnel, and one from Public Works) spoke mostly from the clerk’s office through an open door or window; none wore face coverings or were socially distancing.
The room at City Hall was arranged to physically distance audience members.
• Because of that distancing, the room held eleven seats for audience members; each seat was filled; two people waited outside.
• Four commissioners and the city attorney sat at the front of the room.
• Eight City staff, (three from the Clerk’s office, one from the Fire Department, three from the Police Department personnel, and one from Public Works) spoke mostly from the clerk’s office through an open door or window; none wore face coverings or were socially distancing.
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. Policeman Neal Polemni and Rashad Cruz visited briefly.
Among those in the audience were: Buddy Scruggs, William Rogers, Steve and Diana Priessman, Esta Johnson, Sherry Sicking, Caryn Stephenson, Doug Lindhout, George Oakley, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
COVID-19
Mayor Heath Davis reported receiving much email commenting on the COVID-19 issue and thanked those communicators for their input. Davis updated the audience with reports from Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson and Vice-Mayor Sue Colson.
COVID-19
Mayor Heath Davis reported receiving much email commenting on the COVID-19 issue and thanked those communicators for their input. Davis updated the audience with reports from Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson and Vice-Mayor Sue Colson.
Email to city re COVID-19
Five letters were distributed to the audience but were not included in the agenda packet nor read into the record. Letters included:
• one which encouraged the city to begin contract tracing;
• another voiced distress about the movement of the meeting to City Hall from the Community Center, hence limiting citizen access;
• one encouraging the required use of masks in all businesses in Cedar Key;
• another encouraging mandating mask wearing in Cedar Key;
• another encouraging mandating mask wearing in all businesses and on crowded docks.
Five letters were distributed to the audience but were not included in the agenda packet nor read into the record. Letters included:
• one which encouraged the city to begin contract tracing;
• another voiced distress about the movement of the meeting to City Hall from the Community Center, hence limiting citizen access;
• one encouraging the required use of masks in all businesses in Cedar Key;
• another encouraging mandating mask wearing in Cedar Key;
• another encouraging mandating mask wearing in all businesses and on crowded docks.
Local Information Offered
Robinson reported that neither the city nor his Emergency Operations office is notified of COVID-19 cases in the area, as that violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA. He reported that three or more Cedar Key businesses have been recently shuttered. The city nor the Florida Department of Health shut the businesses.
Robinson reported that neither the city nor his Emergency Operations office is notified of COVID-19 cases in the area, as that violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA. He reported that three or more Cedar Key businesses have been recently shuttered. The city nor the Florida Department of Health shut the businesses.
City Hall Changes
Robinson reported changes are occurring in City Hall. He said that staff realizes that should one contract COVID-19, the whole office would have to be shut down.
• In the large office area will be City Clerk Crystal Sharp, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester.
• In the Police Office will be Police Chief Virgil Sandlin.
• The whole office area will be cleaned at least once a day.
• Visitors enter City Hall one at a time and stay in the meeting hall area by the front entry door.
• Staff meeting outside their offices with the public, will be required to wear a mask.
• In staff meetings, “some will wear masks; some won’t.”
Robinson reported changes are occurring in City Hall. He said that staff realizes that should one contract COVID-19, the whole office would have to be shut down.
• In the large office area will be City Clerk Crystal Sharp, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester.
• In the Police Office will be Police Chief Virgil Sandlin.
• The whole office area will be cleaned at least once a day.
• Visitors enter City Hall one at a time and stay in the meeting hall area by the front entry door.
• Staff meeting outside their offices with the public, will be required to wear a mask.
• In staff meetings, “some will wear masks; some won’t.”
Free Testing Offered
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson announced that free drive-in COVID -19 testing is available in Bronson at 9 am every weekday at the Department of Health. The results will be reported by telephone within four days, including weekend calls.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson announced that free drive-in COVID -19 testing is available in Bronson at 9 am every weekday at the Department of Health. The results will be reported by telephone within four days, including weekend calls.
Chamber of Commerce Input
Chamber President Caryn Stephenson and Mayor Davis agreed to work together on signage that would contain COVID-19 information and city endorsement that local businesses might display at their operations. Stephenson will take the proposed sign idea, initially suggested by resident Steve Priessman, to her chamber board.
Chamber President Caryn Stephenson and Mayor Davis agreed to work together on signage that would contain COVID-19 information and city endorsement that local businesses might display at their operations. Stephenson will take the proposed sign idea, initially suggested by resident Steve Priessman, to her chamber board.
Chamber of Commerce Labor Day Auction Canceled
Stephenson announced that the annual Chamber Labor Day Auction is cancelled because of large group gathering size and the belief that this is not the time to ask businesses for donations.
Stephenson announced that the annual Chamber Labor Day Auction is cancelled because of large group gathering size and the belief that this is not the time to ask businesses for donations.
Chamber Survey
Stephenson announced that she had, again, polled the chamber membership. The results of her survey to recommend or to require mask wearing will be forthcoming.
Stephenson announced that she had, again, polled the chamber membership. The results of her survey to recommend or to require mask wearing will be forthcoming.
Audience Input
One audience member remarked that wisdom would dictate that commissioners ought to consider the five to seven hundred local residents’ opinions. Another audience member remarked that if the science is clear, which it is abundantly clear, why would not the commissioners require mask wearing.
One audience member remarked that wisdom would dictate that commissioners ought to consider the five to seven hundred local residents’ opinions. Another audience member remarked that if the science is clear, which it is abundantly clear, why would not the commissioners require mask wearing.
ROSENTHAL PROPOSAL
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal averred that, “We’re not protecting people here,” and proposed that commissioners require the wearing of masks. She expressed concern for residents, workers, visitors, oldsters, and youngsters.
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal averred that, “We’re not protecting people here,” and proposed that commissioners require the wearing of masks. She expressed concern for residents, workers, visitors, oldsters, and youngsters.
When asked by Mayor Davis what it would take to make such a requirement a reality, Attorney Norm Fugate reiterated the likelihood of being sued and a difficulty in enforcement.
Vice-Mayor Colson, citing her nursing background, said that she “would love to require masks,” but declared herself “a realist” and doubted the city’s ability to enforce such a requirement. Commissioner Nancy Sera suggested adding the word “strongly” before “recommend.” Mayor Davis reminded all that mask wearing is not the only issue, that following the full CDC guideline protocol is needed.
RESOLUTION PASSED
Hence, the motion was to “strongly recommend” mask wearing and follow the current Centers for Disease Control guidelines of safe social distancing, hand washing, and using hand sanitizer. The motion passed unanimously. Attorney Fugate will process the resolution.
Hence, the motion was to “strongly recommend” mask wearing and follow the current Centers for Disease Control guidelines of safe social distancing, hand washing, and using hand sanitizer. The motion passed unanimously. Attorney Fugate will process the resolution.
HISTORICAL RESOURCES GRANT FUNDING
Vice-Mayor Colson announced the award of a $50,000 grant from the Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. Entitled “Envision Cedar Key, Phase Two, Adaption Strategies, Data Base, and Case Studies,” the grant will: produce adaption strategies for buildings in the historic district; provide property owners with a comprehensive GIS system; and produce adaption strategies for some buildings.
Vice-Mayor Colson announced the award of a $50,000 grant from the Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. Entitled “Envision Cedar Key, Phase Two, Adaption Strategies, Data Base, and Case Studies,” the grant will: produce adaption strategies for buildings in the historic district; provide property owners with a comprehensive GIS system; and produce adaption strategies for some buildings.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
In response to Cedar Key commissioners asking the Cedar Key Arts Center for assistance in formulating guidelines for art in public places, the Arts Center Board produced a two-page document including a clearly articulated definition of public art, the purpose of the document, and nine proposed guidelines. Guidelines are embellished with exemplary pictures and explanations.
In response to Cedar Key commissioners asking the Cedar Key Arts Center for assistance in formulating guidelines for art in public places, the Arts Center Board produced a two-page document including a clearly articulated definition of public art, the purpose of the document, and nine proposed guidelines. Guidelines are embellished with exemplary pictures and explanations.
Vice-Mayor Colson found one guideline example inappropriate. All commissioners agreed the guidelines provided a substantive starting point from which to work as requests come to them; changes may occur as the document is used.
Commissioners approved the guidelines in a three to one vote; Colson voted no.
CRS UPDATE
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System provides flood insurance premium rate reductions to policy holders in recognition of the fact that their communities implement activities that exceed the minimum FNIP requirements. CRS is overseen by Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson who regularly updates the commission on its work and progress.
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System provides flood insurance premium rate reductions to policy holders in recognition of the fact that their communities implement activities that exceed the minimum FNIP requirements. CRS is overseen by Cedar Key Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson who regularly updates the commission on its work and progress.
Professors Tom Ankersen and Byron Flagg, and a student, all from University of Florida's Levin School of Law, will join Robinson in his CRS monitoring and progression toward goals.
DANGEROUS DOG ORDINANCE
The First Reading of Ordinance 537 changed the language from “Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal….” to “Has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered, severely injured or killed a domestic animal….” The “more than once” is eliminated.
The First Reading of Ordinance 537 changed the language from “Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal….” to “Has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered, severely injured or killed a domestic animal….” The “more than once” is eliminated.
The change also included a seven-day period in which the offending animal would remain on the island during an appeal period. Commissioners directed Attorney Fugate to further amend the ordinance to require that the dangerous animal be immediately removed from the island.
FENCES ORDINANCE
Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 538 which addresses fences and hedges. The ordinance excludes 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.”
Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 538 which addresses fences and hedges. The ordinance excludes 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.”
FEES ORDINANCE
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 437 which specifies fees for an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness at $250 and considers a possible refund of $150 if conditions are met.
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 437 which specifies fees for an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness at $250 and considers a possible refund of $150 if conditions are met.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester presented her continuously updated report that cites code complaints coming to the city. In the future, audience members will see the report with other departments’ quarterly reports.
Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester presented her continuously updated report that cites code complaints coming to the city. In the future, audience members will see the report with other departments’ quarterly reports.
MARINA UPDATE
Decking, guard railing and kiosk are in place and the picnic table is being used. The mayor called it “ baby steps” and a “mark of success” for the marina. ”As we work on the marina, we have to appreciate small things.”
Decking, guard railing and kiosk are in place and the picnic table is being used. The mayor called it “ baby steps” and a “mark of success” for the marina. ”As we work on the marina, we have to appreciate small things.”
The floating dock has been moved. There were “a few snags” but they are being worked out and the paying users are happy with it.
INTERLOCAL SCHOOL GUARD
Commissioners unanimously approved the interlocal agreement between the School Board of Levy County and the City of Cedar Key. Last year, the SBLC paid the city $8.46 per hour towards the crossing guard’s salary.
Commissioners unanimously approved the interlocal agreement between the School Board of Levy County and the City of Cedar Key. Last year, the SBLC paid the city $8.46 per hour towards the crossing guard’s salary.
QUARTERLY REPORTS
City of Cedar Key Staff Quarterly Reports were submitted by Police Department, Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and Public Works Department.
City of Cedar Key Staff Quarterly Reports were submitted by Police Department, Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and Public Works Department.
EMEGENCY MANAGEMENT GATES
Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson presented an alternative to the barricades and cones set up on streets about town when flooding occurs. Roads are closed to prevent saltwater entering engine parts and to minimize flooding of low-lying houses’ foundations.
Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson presented an alternative to the barricades and cones set up on streets about town when flooding occurs. Roads are closed to prevent saltwater entering engine parts and to minimize flooding of low-lying houses’ foundations.
The alternative is a swing-arm, extendable gate. Two gates are currently installed: one at Third and A Streets, on Third; another on Fourth and G Streets, on G. Each cost $150. Fewer man hours will be involved using these devices as staff need no longer lug barricades and cones to and from locations.
PARKING
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin reported on past parking decisions and successes and then posed challenges to accomplish now.
Police Chief Virgil Sandlin reported on past parking decisions and successes and then posed challenges to accomplish now.
Some past actions and successful actions include:
• eliminating parking on the east side of the street between D and First Streets;
• constructing a handrail on the southeast corner of the D and Second Streets intersection.
• painting crosswalks at the D and Second Streets intersection;
• eliminating parking on both sides of D Street from Second Street northward;
• eliminating parking on G Street;
• eliminating parking along First Street from D to G Streets;
• painting yellow lines around fire hydrants.
• eliminating parking on the east side of the street between D and First Streets;
• constructing a handrail on the southeast corner of the D and Second Streets intersection.
• painting crosswalks at the D and Second Streets intersection;
• eliminating parking on both sides of D Street from Second Street northward;
• eliminating parking on G Street;
• eliminating parking along First Street from D to G Streets;
• painting yellow lines around fire hydrants.
Discussion this evening centered on the following actions. Mayor Davis instructed Chief Sandlin to move forward on these items as soon as possible.
• Get appropriate “passenger vehicles only” signage to eliminate trailers, semis, etc. from parking on Second Street between D and A Streets.
• Repaint white lines on streets where paint has faded.
• Enforce a “no parking” distance at along the curbs at corners.
• Look into parking on one side of the street only on Fourth Street between G and D Streets.
• Look into parking on one side only of F Street.
• Repaint white lines on streets where paint has faded.
• Enforce a “no parking” distance at along the curbs at corners.
• Look into parking on one side of the street only on Fourth Street between G and D Streets.
• Look into parking on one side only of F Street.
POLICE DAILY CHECKLIST
Commissioners reminded Chief Sandlin and his staff to adhere to the “Cedar Key Police Daily Shift Checklist” containing 24 activities. Sandlin assured commissioners that his staff has been fully briefed.
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COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES
Mayor Davis reiterated previously agreed upon commissioner responsibilities:
• Davis functions as administrator;
• Sera is yet to be assigned specific responsibilities;
• Colson will function as liaison to Public Works;
• Wortham will liaise with the county, lease agreements, and RESTORE Act communication;
• Rosenthal will liaise with the Police Department.
Commissioners reminded Chief Sandlin and his staff to adhere to the “Cedar Key Police Daily Shift Checklist” containing 24 activities. Sandlin assured commissioners that his staff has been fully briefed.
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COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES
Mayor Davis reiterated previously agreed upon commissioner responsibilities:
• Davis functions as administrator;
• Sera is yet to be assigned specific responsibilities;
• Colson will function as liaison to Public Works;
• Wortham will liaise with the county, lease agreements, and RESTORE Act communication;
• Rosenthal will liaise with the Police Department.
CITY/COUNTY INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
Mayor Davis suggested that commissioners study the 2007 Interlocal Agreement between the city and the county. The agreement articulates understandings focusing on roads, the airport, the pier, and intergovernmental organization. Davis will bring the document up for discussion at the next commission meeting.
Mayor Davis suggested that commissioners study the 2007 Interlocal Agreement between the city and the county. The agreement articulates understandings focusing on roads, the airport, the pier, and intergovernmental organization. Davis will bring the document up for discussion at the next commission meeting.
MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the following meetings: June 16, 2020, Commission Meeting; January 21, 2020, Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting, June 16, 2020; Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting; June 16, 2020, Land Planning Agency Meeting; June 16, 2020, Commission Workshop.
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from the following meetings: June 16, 2020, Commission Meeting; January 21, 2020, Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting, June 16, 2020; Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting; June 16, 2020, Land Planning Agency Meeting; June 16, 2020, Commission Workshop.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.
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