The Cedar Key Commission approved construction of a sculpture garden at the Arts Center at its November 9 meeting, and attended to several other matters coming through the Building Department. The limited temporary moratorium, much discussed at earlier meetings, actually came to a first reading, as did the first reading of an ordinance that would limit use of the city right-of-way for business purposes. Also, the final orders on petitions to fill land owned by H & R Enterprises and construct a garden court at the Island Hotel were acted upon. Perhaps of greatest importance was a brief report on discussions with Levy County Commissioners regarding changes in responsibility for roads, services and the dock now under county control. In record time, plans for construction of a low wall and paving of a sculpture garden in the lot adjacent to the Cedar Key Art Center were approved. Mike Leiner presented plans, Mickey Wieland reported prior approval by the Architecture Review Board and each Commissioner gave full approval of the plans. However, H & R Enterprises` request to fill a property on Gulf Boulevard was rejected, whereas the changes in the garden court of the Island Hotel were given final approval. Commissioner Sue Colson reported that dredging operations have resumed and the brick work and safety rail construction on Dock Street will be finished this week or shortly thereafter. Commissioner Heath Davis announced the completion of restoration of the city`s Ford fire truck. The truck will be at the Grand Opening of the Cedar Key Library November 21. Children who attend the Grand Opening will be given rides on the truck. Commissioner Davis also describe a plan to exchange property owned by Ronnie Taylor at the west end of Fourth Street for property owned by the City at the east end of Sixth Street. However, several other Commissioners expressed doubts about the exchange. Mayor/Commissioner Paul Oliver reported meeting with County Commission Chair Lilly Rooks regarding Cedar Key taking responsibility for county roads, police services and fire services this side of the Number Four Bridge. However, the County would keep the bridges and dock. Current estimates are that the dock will need to be completely replaced due to storm damage. The County Commission meeting planned for December 2 has been changed to December 9 according to Mayor/Commissioner Oliver to accommodate input from Cedar Key regarding the proposed development of thirty-seven home sites on the Andrews property just east of the number four Bridge. The impact of the development on Cedar Key`s water quality and fire and police services may motivate attendance at that meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. | 