Controversial, and for some confusing, issues generated a three hour City Commission meeting April 4. A request for approval of a Concept Plan for Cemetery Point Park by CRA Director Jackie Gorman elicited extensive discussion of potential access routes to the proposed park. Proposed changes to the planned City Park pavilion and site plan brought more discussion which focused on saving existing cedar and palm trees and relocation of the toilets. A proposal by Commissioner Heath Davis to modify the boundaries of the CRA District to facilitate issuance of CRA bonds was a major agenda item. Also, City Attorney David Coffey described a new concept in city planning called "form-based code." Other agenda items included a proposal for a farmers' market, fireworks safety, and half a dozen routine matters. Furthermore, the Commission passed Resolution 270 regarding purchase of two lots for use as clammer parking. CRA Director Gorman presented a detailed plan for development of the Cemetery Point Park that included a picnic area, beach, kayak launch, fitness and nature trails, observation deck and six other features. An access route to the proposed park has caused bitter debate for about three years. Gorman recommended a boardwalk over the marsh along the edge of the City Cemetery. Points of contention have been protection of the sanctity of the cemetery and protection of the marsh. Secondary issues expressed were current misuse of the site, type of fence and the possibility of the State Of Florida developing the park without local input. The Commission voted unanimously, with Commissioner Sue Colson absent, to send the Conceptual Plan to Tallahassee with park access via a boardwalk. Director Gorman also presented changes in development plans for City Park. Mary Stone questioned the failure of the plan to consider saving nine cedars, twenty palms and other vegetation planted about ten years ago by volunteers after receiving a $25,000 grant. Director Gorman acknowledged the need for proper irrigation and said that irrigation is in the plan. She will ask the design firm to evaluate the existing trees. Commissioner Hearth Davis insisted on one aspect of the plan, i.e. that the men's and women's toilet sections be side-by-side to accommodate mothers' supervision of children of both sexes. Late in the meeting, Commissioner Davis presented an elaborate plan to shrink the boundaries of the CRA District, thereby providing a phased reduction of CRA funding and facilitating approval of a CRA bond issue by the Levy County Commission. According to Director Gorman, the financial impact of reducing the size of the district will take about four weeks. By reducing the portion of CRA tax money received by the City the City's operation fund can be increased. City Attorney David Coffey presented a new concept in city planning called "form-based code." He described a process in which professional planners hold meetings to define goals that that are then illustrated by drawings of what new building are expected to look like. The purpose of "form-based code" is to avoid verbal code that does not produce the desired appearance and aesthetic effect. Nancy Christians asked the Commission for approval of a farmers market to be held for three hours on Saturday mornings. She anticipates sales of produce, flowers and baked goods. The Commission directed City Attorney Coffey to meet with Mrs. Christians to get details of how the market would be administered and to settle on a location for the vendors. With Fourth of July approaching, Fire Chief James McCain suggested a change in the location of the City's fireworks display. He cited the proximity of buildings and difficulties in crowd control when Sand Spit Beach is use to set off rockets. The location of rocket launchers on Atsena Otie is under consideration. Although not on the agenda, the Commission voted four to zero to approve Resolution 270 which clears the way for the City to own two lots at the corner of Gulf Boulevard and Hodges Avenue for use by clammers who launch their boats at the Anchor Hole. | 