The Cedar Key Commission met Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 6PM in City Hall for three full hours. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Commissioners Gene Hodges, Pat O`Neal, Dale Register, Sue Colson, in Seats 1, 3, 4, and 5 respectively, were sworn in for two-years terms, excepting Register for a one-year term. Commissioners re-elected Gene Hodges as mayor and Dale Register as vice mayor. At the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, convened after the commission meeting, Dale Register was elected chair and Pat O`Neal vice chair. Commissioners unanimously agreed to confirm the following appointments: Police Chief Virgil Sandlin; City Clerk Frances Hodges; City Attorney Norm Fugate; Interim Public Works Director Virgil Sandlin until October; Fire Chief Robert Robinson; Planning and Development Administrator Robert Robinson until October. The code enforcement hearing officer will be hired as needed. Commissioners addressed committees. The Historic Architectural Review Board was renewed retaining its members: Ada Lang, Earl Starnes, George Sresovich, Bucky Schlemmer, and Anne Young. Commissioner Colson remarked that: the commission needs to revisit the purpose of the committee, provide guidelines, and decide collectively the meaning of "historic" in Cedar Key; the committee members need to meet regularly and purposefully. The Cemetery Committee was renewed with its members: Laura Jean Delaino, Jackie Padgett, and Bucky Schlemmer. Commissioners unanimously voted not to renew the Form-Based Code Committee; Colson directed staff to construct a letter of thanks to the committee members. PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Heath Davis was granted approval to sink the old cypress boat, that he is restoring, in the City Marina waters for a week to swell the boards. Mike Day addressed his concerns with the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District`s initiative to install water pipes that might necessitate tree removals on Hodgson Avenue. He questioned what guidelines or rules were currently in place to keep the District from taking trees from public land. District Attorney John McPherson responded by saying that the matter is 99% resolved, removing no trees from public land. McPherson further agreed that the he and City Attorney Norm Fugate should and will meet to initiate a policy regarding tree removal. Commissioner Colson reminded the commissioners that Mayor Hodges is expected to present the Quitman Hodges Scholarship at the June 1 Cedar Key School graduation ceremony. CITY CLERK`S OFFICE ITEMS
Purvis Gray and Company completed its 2012 audit of the city`s financial records. The report is available at City Hall. Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement regarding a crossing guard for Cedar Key School. PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS
In a quasi-judicial hearing format, commissioners granted William Vanscyoc a variance from the current city ordinance that restricts alcohol being sold, consumed, or served within five hundred feet of established schools or churches. John Eigner`s Marina lease was extended for one year. His efforts to incorporate overnight docking slips were heard; commissioners asked that he return with more thorough, clearer plans. Commissioners granted Daniel Smith of Cedar Key Paddling the use of a small grassy area in the Marina, for one dollar per year, with the provisions that he launch no craft in the inner marina, use and pay for a garbage can, and use a kayak/canoe rack holding no more than six crafts. No structure will be allowed on the site. Chief Sandlin reported that he had met with Jordon Green regarding the payment for services of CHW for its work on the proposed State Road 24 sidewalk. Sandlin believes that the arrangement to pay CHW is forthcoming. FIRE DEPEARTMENT ITEMS
Commissioners approved a purchasing policy for the Assistance to Firefighters federal grant. They further approved Chief Robinson`s request to negotiate for an increase in the county fire budget. $4000 has been collected for the July 4 fireworks display; $10,000 to $12,000 is the goal. Robinson reminded the group of the quickly approaching Thursday, May 30 Hurricane Day and Hazardous Waste Day, from 9AM to 1PM, in the parking lot across from the fire station. COMMISIONERS CONCERNS
Colson reminded the commissioners that the city is in need of a human resources administrator. Such a function, she explained, does not necessitate a new hire; the job can be done by a current employee if the responsibilities are clear. Colson narrated a three-minute slideshow graphically describing the April 26 Arbor Day plantings of 59 trees around the island, mostly in public places: Cedar Key School, Anchor Hole, Cedar Key Cemetery, Cedar Key Park, the parking area across from the Market, Whiddon Avenue, and in front of the Water and Sewer District. Colson warned that the Library has a ceiling leak. Colson asked and received commissioner`s approval to enter the city into the Project Main Street program, in concert with the Smithsonian Museum, which she believes will bring many visitors to Cedar Key in 2014. She promised more detail at a later date. The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm. | 
