CEDAR KEY CITY
COMMISSION MEETS
19 MAY 2020
Meeting Specifics: The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 6 pm, at 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: Maureen Magee, Buddy Scruggs, William Rogers, Cliff and Jan Childers, Bev Ringenberg, Tabitha Lauer, Mendy Allen, Kathy Lawrence, Mary and Phil Prescott, Caryn Stephenson, Esta Johnson, Laurie and Paul Shaffer, Pat Bonish, Nita Cox, Bob and Jeri Treat, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
ANNUAL CITY TRANSITION BUSINESS
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Because Cedar Key City commissioner elections took place on May 5, 2020, potentially seating two new commissioners and city charter necessitates election of a mayor and vice-mayor at this post-election meeting, Attorney Norm Fugate called the meeting to order.
Because Cedar Key City commissioner elections took place on May 5, 2020, potentially seating two new commissioners and city charter necessitates election of a mayor and vice-mayor at this post-election meeting, Attorney Norm Fugate called the meeting to order.
Applause came from the audience.
NEW COMMISSIONERS SWORN
New Commissioner Nancy Sera and re-elected Commissioner Susan Rosenthal, occupying Seats Two and Four respectively, were sworn in by Attorney Fugate.
New Commissioner Nancy Sera and re-elected Commissioner Susan Rosenthal, occupying Seats Two and Four respectively, were sworn in by Attorney Fugate.
MAYOR ELECTED
Attorney Fugate asked for nominations for mayor. Commissioner Sue Colson nominated Commissioner Heath Davis; Susan Rosenthal seconded the nomination. Commissioners unanimously elected Heath Davis mayor.
Attorney Fugate asked for nominations for mayor. Commissioner Sue Colson nominated Commissioner Heath Davis; Susan Rosenthal seconded the nomination. Commissioners unanimously elected Heath Davis mayor.
VICE MAYOR ELECTED
Newly reelected mayor Heath Davis asked for nominations for vice-mayor. Nancy Sera nominated Sue Colson; Susan Rosenthal seconded the nomination. Commissioners unanimously re-elected Sue Colson as vice-mayor.
Newly reelected mayor Heath Davis asked for nominations for vice-mayor. Nancy Sera nominated Sue Colson; Susan Rosenthal seconded the nomination. Commissioners unanimously re-elected Sue Colson as vice-mayor.
WOMEN IN THE MAJORITY
Mayor Davis noted that this was only the second time in Cedar Key history when women have been in the majority on the commission. He congratulated the commission and extended the congratulations to women in general.
Mayor Davis noted that this was only the second time in Cedar Key history when women have been in the majority on the commission. He congratulated the commission and extended the congratulations to women in general.
DEPARTMENT HEAD STAFF REHIRED
As performance appraisals and recommendations had been discussed in prior meetings, the department head rehiring process was speedily executed. Rehired and welcomed back were: City Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief / Emergency operations Director Robert Robinson, and City Clerk Crystal Sharp.
As performance appraisals and recommendations had been discussed in prior meetings, the department head rehiring process was speedily executed. Rehired and welcomed back were: City Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Fire Chief / Emergency operations Director Robert Robinson, and City Clerk Crystal Sharp.
Applause came from the audience.
BUSINESS UPCOMING
Mayor Davis explained that at the next meeting many weighty issues will be discussed. Included will be Cedar Key’s Land Planning Agency, RESTORE Act, Historical Board, and more.
Mayor Davis explained that at the next meeting many weighty issues will be discussed. Included will be Cedar Key’s Land Planning Agency, RESTORE Act, Historical Board, and more.
PUBLIC COMMENT
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS / HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
Vice Mayor Sue Colson announced that Thursday, May 21, 2020, is Cedar Key’s Hurricane Preparedness / Hazardous Waste Day at the Cedar Key Community Center from 9 am to 1 pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the event will be a drive- through experience. Hurricane information will come in a packet, and waste will be transferred from vehicles to containers with the help of city staff.
Vice Mayor Sue Colson announced that Thursday, May 21, 2020, is Cedar Key’s Hurricane Preparedness / Hazardous Waste Day at the Cedar Key Community Center from 9 am to 1 pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the event will be a drive- through experience. Hurricane information will come in a packet, and waste will be transferred from vehicles to containers with the help of city staff.
PARKING PROBLEMS
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal reported that on weekends, the number of cars parking on the sidewalk along G Street between Second and Third Streets necessitates people walking in the street. She advised the commission to discuss the matter.
Commissioner Susan Rosenthal reported that on weekends, the number of cars parking on the sidewalk along G Street between Second and Third Streets necessitates people walking in the street. She advised the commission to discuss the matter.
RIBBONS
Resident Maureen Magee presented commissioners with a token of appreciation from Cedar Key residents thanking all city staff for their care and protection while Bridge Number Four was closed. The token was an approximate one-and-a-half by three-foot frame upon which ribbons, containing written messages of appreciation from residents, were placed. Magee remarked, “The ribbons may be down [from City Hall], but the sentiment certainly is not.” She read several of the messages aloud to the audience and presented it to Mayor Davis. Applause echoed about the room.
Resident Maureen Magee presented commissioners with a token of appreciation from Cedar Key residents thanking all city staff for their care and protection while Bridge Number Four was closed. The token was an approximate one-and-a-half by three-foot frame upon which ribbons, containing written messages of appreciation from residents, were placed. Magee remarked, “The ribbons may be down [from City Hall], but the sentiment certainly is not.” She read several of the messages aloud to the audience and presented it to Mayor Davis. Applause echoed about the room.
BUSINESS: OLD AND NEW
CEDAR KEY SCHOOL GRADUATION
Cedar Key School Principal Kathy Lawrence requested the use of City Park for the school’s graduation and the wavier of the usage fee for Saturday evening, June 27, 2020. Commissioners unanimously approved the requests.
Cedar Key School Principal Kathy Lawrence requested the use of City Park for the school’s graduation and the wavier of the usage fee for Saturday evening, June 27, 2020. Commissioners unanimously approved the requests.
Lawrence explained that her staff, students, and she have measured the park, considered physical distancing requirements, and deduced that the nineteen graduates might have four guests each and “still fit” in the park.
COMMISSION MEETINGS
Resident Jeri Treat suggested that commission meetings be in the Community Center for the foreseeable future because of distancing expectations. Mayor Davis replied in the affirmative.
Resident Jeri Treat suggested that commission meetings be in the Community Center for the foreseeable future because of distancing expectations. Mayor Davis replied in the affirmative.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Cedar Key Arts Center President Bev Ringenberg spoke to the center’s upcoming priorities. Among them were finishing its Sculpture Garden, refreshing murals about town, and initiating its Ugly Places Creative Art Project.
Cedar Key Arts Center President Bev Ringenberg spoke to the center’s upcoming priorities. Among them were finishing its Sculpture Garden, refreshing murals about town, and initiating its Ugly Places Creative Art Project.
Mayor Davis asked for the CKAC to provide the city with guidelines for art to be put in public places. He reminded Ringenberg that last year he asked for these guidelines and provided a sample from St. Lucie County. Ringenberg replied that she had responded to the request.
Davis explained the need for guidelines the city could use to assure them that something undesirable would not find its way to public places. Ringenberg thought she had done that and asked for someone on the commission to work with her to provide the city with what it needs. Commissioner Susan Rosenthal was assigned the task.
VOTING PLACE
Due to the COVID-19 physical distancing recommendations, Levy Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones requested the use of the Cedar Key Community Center for the August and November elections because it is larger and more open than the regularly used City Hall. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Due to the COVID-19 physical distancing recommendations, Levy Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones requested the use of the Cedar Key Community Center for the August and November elections because it is larger and more open than the regularly used City Hall. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
FIREWORKS
Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce President Caryn Stephenson relayed that she and her board had met, discussed at length, and voted on the feasibility of a fireworks display in Cedar Key this year. The vote was tied, and the decision made not to sponsor fireworks this year. The Chamber will not promote the event nor fund it. Stephenson explained that it was a difficult decision to make.
Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce President Caryn Stephenson relayed that she and her board had met, discussed at length, and voted on the feasibility of a fireworks display in Cedar Key this year. The vote was tied, and the decision made not to sponsor fireworks this year. The Chamber will not promote the event nor fund it. Stephenson explained that it was a difficult decision to make.
Stephenson explained that with the pandemic’s impact of businesses’ finances, the Chamber could not ask them for money. She noted how many of the fireworks visitors arrive, watch, and leave the island, not staying nor spending money at local businesses; thus, not a great deal of money would be lost should the display not occur. Further, she noted, sponsoring an event where people are shoulder to shoulder is not wise nor safe.
City Clerk Crystal Sharp reported to the commission that she had spoken to the fireworks provider who said he would pay half the cost of the fireworks, approximately $5,000. Sharp suggested that the city take $5,000 from the Children’s Summer Program, add it to the provider’s $5,000, and display the fireworks.
Business owner Pat Bonish remarked that the “mob” was coming anyway, so the city ought to “go ahead with it.”
Davis and Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reminded the audience that the city, though it sponsored the fireworks in the past, has not for some years. The city made the decision that fireworks are not the city’s business. Nor is it the city’s business now, was made clear. The Chamber took up the cause in subsequent years.
Stephenson expressed the thought that the Chamber may look at the issue in several weeks if the situation surrounding the pandemic changes.
CEDAR KEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY GRANT APPROVAL
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson requested commission approval of a letter of support for the Cedar Key Historical Society’s grant proposal intitled “Locating Cedar Key’s African American Burial Ground.” The State of Florida’s Division of Historical Resources grant involves mapping and ground penetrating radar surveying techniques.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson requested commission approval of a letter of support for the Cedar Key Historical Society’s grant proposal intitled “Locating Cedar Key’s African American Burial Ground.” The State of Florida’s Division of Historical Resources grant involves mapping and ground penetrating radar surveying techniques.
BYRNE MEMORIAL GRANT
Commissioners unanimously approved the acceptance of the $35,415 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award. The Cedar Key Police Department intends to purchase a police vehicle with the grant money.
Commissioners unanimously approved the acceptance of the $35,415 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award. The Cedar Key Police Department intends to purchase a police vehicle with the grant money.
PUBLIC WORKS
Commissioners unanimously approved the disposal of the city’s old, largely non-functional dump truck and compressor. In the dump truck’s stead, commissioners approved purchase of a dump trailer, a less expensive, more maneuverable option.
Commissioners unanimously approved the disposal of the city’s old, largely non-functional dump truck and compressor. In the dump truck’s stead, commissioners approved purchase of a dump trailer, a less expensive, more maneuverable option.
MARINA RENTAL CREDIT
Commissioners unanimously approved crediting inside Marina boat slip renters their monthly fees due to the bridge construction.
Commissioners unanimously approved crediting inside Marina boat slip renters their monthly fees due to the bridge construction.
CKWSD MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Commissioner Jim Wortham was recently tasked with moving forward the old and complex memorandum of understanding between the City of Cedar Key and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District.
Commissioner Jim Wortham was recently tasked with moving forward the old and complex memorandum of understanding between the City of Cedar Key and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District.
Attempting to simplify the memorandum content, Wortham broke it into three separate documents, the first of which would be dealt with this evening; the three documents would focus on hydrants, the compound, and the water tower site.
The hydrant MOU makes clear the responsibilities of the CKWSD and the city regarding the maintenance and testing of all the hydrants located in the City of Cedar Key. It details costs, Fire Department duties, hydrant replacements, annual inspections, and annual inline valve exercise.
Commissioners approved all content, though Mayor Davis did not sign it, apparently waiting for the upcoming two other MOUs.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
To revamp an antiquated form and reorder job responsibilities, Mayor Davis offered a one-page handout clarifying the code enforcement issues. The code enforcement handout was broken down into three different areas: General Complaints, Site Visits, and Violations and the appropriate authorities to handle them.
To revamp an antiquated form and reorder job responsibilities, Mayor Davis offered a one-page handout clarifying the code enforcement issues. The code enforcement handout was broken down into three different areas: General Complaints, Site Visits, and Violations and the appropriate authorities to handle them.
Building official Jennifer Sylvester has recently completed her code enforcement training and has become certificated.
MINUTES
Minutes from the October 15, 2019, Commission Meeting, the January 21, 2020 Land Planning Agency Meeting, the February 18, 2020, Commission Workshop, and the April 21, 2020, Commission Meeting were unanimously approved pending one alteration suggested by Attorney Fugate.
Minutes from the October 15, 2019, Commission Meeting, the January 21, 2020 Land Planning Agency Meeting, the February 18, 2020, Commission Workshop, and the April 21, 2020, Commission Meeting were unanimously approved pending one alteration suggested by Attorney Fugate.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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