Kids Bumped from Golf Carts

The Cedar Key Commission moved to require golf cart drivers to show proof of age sixteen or older at its October 18 meeting. The Commission also addressed a proposed extension of Seventh Street, paving contract bidding and transfer of street ownership from Levy County to our city. Parking for clammer's vehicles, in general and at the Anchor Hole area were acted upon. Housekeeping issues rounded out the meeting.

The first reading of an ordinance to require that golf cart drivers be at least sixteen years old passed unanimously. Recent changes in Florida law allow local governments to limit the use of golf carts. Common misuse of golf carts by minors and tourists precipitated the ordinance, which requires drivers to carry a picture ID proving age of sixteen or more. The penalties for violation of the ordinance will be determined after consultation with Police Chief Bubba Castell.

Linda Seyfert spoke to the Commission regarding the need for street access to lots that she and her husband own. The lots are between E and F Streets near the end of Seventh Street. Access via Seventh Street would require an extension. Access from E Street is an alternative favored by neighboring property owners, several of whom itemized problems with extension of Seventh Street. The issue was referred to a committee composed of Building Official Robert Niffenegger, City Attorney David Coffey, the lot owners and Commissioner Sue Colson. The committee will consider an independent survey of the lots to determine the mean high water line and the need for a variance to deal with non-conforming lots resulting from an easement along the south side of the lots.

The Commission discussed a draft agreement in which the City would take ownership from Levy County of Whiddon Avenue, multiple sections of Historic District streets, Hodges Avenue, Gulf Boulevard, Airport Drive and Dock Street. Commissioner Vanessa Edmunds was instructed to inform Levy County officials of several options that could occur over two or three years. There was general agreement that Levy County should retain ownership of various bridges. Also, a request for paving contract bids for the Hodgson and Jernigan Avenue area is progressing. The plans include a fifty foot diameter turn-around at the end of Jernigan Avenue that will spare an existing tree.

Parking for aquaculture business vehicles was first addressed by the first reading of an ordinance that exempts those vehicles parked within 500 feet of the business from paying parking fees. Reimbursement of previously paid fees will depend on a quasi-judicial hearing after passage of the ordinance. During discussion of administrative issues the Commission voted unanimously to purchase a lot next to the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association parking lot to serve as a buffer between the lot and residential lots. The Cedar Key Aquaculture Association lot at the Corner of Hodges Avenue and Gulf Boulevard will be purchased with a grant from the USDA.

A quasi-judicial hearing of a petition to create a three lot subdivision abutting Gulf Boulevard was postponed until November 1 following questions about the sizes of the proposed lots and those in an adjacent development. Lia King commented on the Commission's repeated consideration of creation of more lots which then require more water and sewer hookups.