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. | 