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News: Campaign Sign Vandalism Investigated
October 29th, 2008

News: Cedar Key Building Inspector Change
October 23rd, 2008

News: Chief Sandlin Before City Commission
October 23rd, 2008

News: Polling Place: Local Autonomy vs. County Control
October 16th, 2008

News: Cedar Key Pier Officially Open
October 7th, 2008

News: Utility Tax to be Dropped
October 2nd, 2008

News: Cemetery Point Park to be Accessible
September 21st, 2008

News: Commission Moves Forward on Improvements to City Marina
September 20th, 2008

News: Police Chief Selection Near
September 12th, 2008

News: Local Activists Register New Voters
September 2nd, 2008

News: Police Budget Further Refined
August 27th, 2008

News: Dockside Motel Has New Owners
August 26th, 2008

News: Cedar Key PD Budget Firms Up
August 24th, 2008

News: Police Chief Applicants Winnowed to Six
August 21st, 2008

News: Lang Named Interim CRA Director
August 20th, 2008

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Emergency Management Plan Approved

Emergency Management Plan Approved

Jim Hoy

An emergency management plan was adopted by the Cedar Key Commission at its July 17 meeting. The seven page plan, drawn up by Commissioner Pat O'Neal, covers official actions following mandatory evacuation prior to an emergency event. The plan considers action if bridges remain intact and if vehicular traffic is not possible. In either event, control of access to the island, chain-of-command, communications methods and recovery activities are prescribed and prioritized.

Island residents will be particularly interested in the requirements for re-entry after evacuation. O'Neal's plan calls for clear identification prior to re-entry. Returning vehicles may display window stickers that will be available in advance from the City.

Recovery efforts follow these priorities:
1. Determining who is in command.
2. Securing electrical and fire safety.
3. Making roads and bridges passable.
4. Checking for survivors.
5. Adequate supply of food and water.
6. Communication with Levy County officials.
7. Protecting property.
8. Cleaning up debris.

The integrity of Cedar Key's six bridges is the major factor in recovery from an emergency. Arranging in advance for heavy machinery is a key to recovery efforts. The plan received full approval from Commission members.

In other business, citizen concerns were aired, three ordinances were addressed, two annexations were examined and an evaluation of the existing Comprehensive Plan was approved. Finally, under Administrative Issues, the first steps were taken to increase garbage collection fee by $0.50 per month.

Brian Hussan returned to pursue his request for a routine agenda item to allow citizen comments. He was told that a memo had been prepared addressing his request. However, the memo was not available on July 17. Nancy Taylor addressed the Commission regarding short-term rentals and associated problems. The consensus of the Commission was that noise and other problems should be reported to the Police Department, and that owners of rental properties have an obligation to prevent problems.

Ordinances establishing fees for candidates and limiting overnight R-V parking were passed. An ordinance that would have added the former Church of God to the registry of historic places was dropped. A request to annex into the City by Rebecca Heaton was tabled until August, whereas a property owned by Bill and Alice Phillips was annexed, as requested.

An elaborate Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the existing Comprehensive Plan was approved for transmittal to Tallahassee. That report prepares the way for submission of the Revised Comprehensive Plan that is nearing public review and hearings.

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