Police Criticized before Commission

A citizen's complaint against police methods, two proposals for special property tax relief and a plan to redistribute Community Redevelopment tax revenues enlivened the September 12, 2006 Cedar Key Commission meeting.

Long-time resident Ricky Cooke presented a detailed account of his arrest that followed an alleged stop sign violation at the corner of First and C Streets, and his subsequent arrest for refusing to sign a traffic ticket. He said that the police officer who made the traffic stop approached him in a threatening way. Cooke said that overly aggressive police are hurting business and failing to police drug use at various locations.

Three Commissioners, while refraining from comment on Cooke's case, said that the grievance process had been properly pursued. Police Chief Bubba Castell responded briefly to Cooke's presentation, saying that he stands behind his men and that had made some improper statements during Cooke`s talk. Both Cooke and Chief Castell said that the police video of the arrest is available for viewing. Both Cooke and Castell received applause at the end of their statements.

Stanley Bair, Co-owner of the Island Hotel, proposed that the City (and Levy County) give a 50 percent property tax break to owners of historic building that meet certain criteria. The Commission directed City Attorney David Coffey to draft an ordinance to that effect. Robert Treat spoke in support of the ordinance, with the reservation that only property owners that have cooperated with the Historic and Architectural Review Board be given the tax break. Dr. John Andrews pointed out that Francis Akins, the County Property Assessor, has anticipated the move and requested a list of historic properties.

Commissioner Heath Davis proposed that aquaculture sites be designated as agricultural land use. A group was appointed to explore that possibility.

An interlocal agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Commission was established by voice vote of both entities in their respective meetings. The agreement provides that 15 percent of Community Redevelopment funds are contributed by the City while retaining 85 percent of the funds under City control.