The Cedar Key City Commission met at 6PM on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, with Commissioner Scott Dennison and Mayor Gene Hodges absent. HEATH DAVIS` RECOGNIZED Commissioners thanked Commissioner Heath Davis for his extended service to the commission, the city, and its residents. Davis opted not to run for his seat again in this election cycle. Vice-Mayor Dale Register commented on how worthwhile and instructive Davis`s historical knowledge of Cedar Key has been through the years and expressed hope that Davis would come to commission meetings in the future. PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY After prolonged discussion, the commissioners agreed that the pedestrian pathway should be abandoned for numerous reasons but decided not to hold a vote regarding the future of the project until more commission members were present. The city has been unable to get written permission regarding right-of-way use in front of the Low Key Hideaway, thus limiting the possible sidewalk to 550 feet, from Bridge Number Three to the south end of the Low Key property. Questions remain about how or if the Gainesville-based engineering firm CHW, which has started work on the project, will be paid. Police Chief and Interim Public Works Director Virgil Sandlin plans to meet directly with Florida Department of Transportation`s Jordon Green to clarify and resolve the issue of payment. MAY 7 and 21, 2013, MEETINGS The City Commission meeting for May 7th is cancelled.
An election will be held for the open seat on Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Board at City Hall on May 7th.
The next city commission meeting will be on May 21st at which time the commission will seat its new member, reorganize, and elect a mayor and vice mayor. FLORIDA PADDLING TRAILS BLUEWAY COMMUNITY Commissioner Sue Colson presented the Florida Paddling Trails Association`s Blueway Community Program. This program is designed to attract both in-state and out-of-state tourists to locations where there are: waters in which to paddle; hotel, camping, and bed and breakfast accommodations; restaurants; additional recreational activities such as hiking and biking. Colson commented that this association would be helpful to the businesses in the area. Commissioners unanimously approved the Association`s Memorandum of Understanding with the city and the $50 fee. Colson will work with Levy County Tourism`s Carol McQueen to complete the required paperwork. WATER CONSERVATION MONTH PROCLAIMED The commission officially proclaimed and unanimously voted to designate April 2013 as Water Conservation Month. Part of the city`s responsibility is to educate the town in ways to conserve water. Commissioners commented that if one thing could be cited that some Cedar Key area residents do not do well, it is watering their lawns after 10AM and before 4PM. Much water used during those hours simply evaporates and does plants little good. Knowledgeable agencies suggest watering before 10, or even 9AM, and after 4, or even 5PM. BUILDING DEPARTMENT CONTRACT EXTENDED Commissioners approved extending the Cedar Key Building Department`s Walt Brown at the current rate until October 1, 2013; his contract was to expire within thirty days of this commission meeting. ARTS FESTIVAL REPORT Police Chief Sandlin reported two disturbances on Dock Street and the expected parking difficulties over festival weekend. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Scholarship Fund Commissioner Sue Colson reminded the commission and public that the J. Q. Hodges scholarship Fund still has not reached its` goal and additional funding is needed. July 4th Celebration Fire Chief Robert Robinson reported working with the Chamber of Commerce constructing a request for funding from its members. Robinson hopes to raise $10,000 for the event. | 
