Park and Marina Problems Nettle CRA

Execution of the plans for City Park will be delayed until after the original deadline set to precede the April Arts Show. None of five contractors was willing to bid on the park re-make if to be required to finish by mid-April 2007. Therefore, bidding will open at a later time with a required completion prior to the Clam Festival on the Fourth of July.

In view of the delay, Commissioner Heath Davis designed a plan for festival food booths to be located outside City Park. Tented food booths will line the Second Street curb next to the park between A and Depot Streets. Food booth patrons will be given access to the unfinished park. Access to Cedar Cove and the nearby condos will be via Third Street and Depot Street. Commissioner Sue Colson expressed concern for the musical entertainment venue.

The deteriorating launch ramps at the City Marina may be improved with an estimated $133,500 construction grant from the Florida Boating Improvement Program. The cost estimate seemed reasonable to four of the five Commissioners who voted for the grant request. Commissioner Davis voted against the grant request, saying that we could "maneuver around the problem" until we know how bad the problem is.

Plans to transplant palm trees from the Cedar Key Village construction site to the City Marina depend on installation of an irrigation system. The cost of the system will be great according to Mayor Paul Oliver even though the exact amount is unknown. Preparation of an engineering plan only was approved by the Commission.