COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED
WASTE PRO, MORE
January 18, 2022
January 18, 2022
MEETING SPECIFICS
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key City Hall for its regular monthly meeting. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, and Commissioners Susan Rosenthal and Nancy Sera. Commissioner Jim Wortham attended by telephone.
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key City Hall for its regular monthly meeting. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Sue Colson, and Commissioners Susan Rosenthal and Nancy Sera. Commissioner Jim Wortham attended by telephone.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, Receptionist Telicia Winfield, Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester, and Legal Assistant to Norm Fugate Lee Anne E. Rohrer.
Among those in the audience were: Sarah Stokes, Tom Deverin, Buddy Scruggs, Esta Johnson, Maureen Magee, Sally Beverage, Maggi Funchion, Anne Miller, Kay Probst, Guy Scialdone, Ken and Vanessa Edmunds, Tripp Lancaster, George Sresovich, Darrell McCormick, Linda and Colin Dale, George Oakley, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
The meeting was Zoomed. Approximately half in the audience and two commissioners wore masks.
Addressing Covid, Mayor Heath Davis reported ultraviolet lights in the room and fans at a standstill. Davis noted that the city was doing all it could. He urged residents to take care of one another. He invited residents with further safety suggestions to email the city. Health professionals will consider these ideas and include them when possible.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CARMEN PROJECT UPDATE
Co-developer Mendy Allen updated the commissioners on the Carmen (CARyn Stepheson and MENdy Allen) Project which comprises eleven land parcels in downtown Cedar Key. Allen shared that her team: closed on the loan on December 29; is now working with an architect; and will begin with the Lutterloh Building.
Co-developer Mendy Allen updated the commissioners on the Carmen (CARyn Stepheson and MENdy Allen) Project which comprises eleven land parcels in downtown Cedar Key. Allen shared that her team: closed on the loan on December 29; is now working with an architect; and will begin with the Lutterloh Building.
She reported that a fence would encircle the property being worked upon for safety reasons. Recognizing the potential parking displacement, Mayor Davis advised Allen to work with the Cedar Key Police and Public Works Departments.
Allen reported that in February, her team’s plan is to conduct a public meeting to share the plans and ask for input.
CITY PARK ROBINSON PRAISE
Resident George Oakley drew the audience’s attention to Christmas decorations in City Park, noting that at least a third more lights were added this year. Commissioners reflected on the work of Fire Chief Robinson and his family for all the park’s decorations. When asked how long he had been creating the magical scene in the park at Christmas, Robinson responded, “a long time.” Robison and his family place every wreath, bell, light, bough, and bow every Christmas. The rumor is that Robinson funds portions of the scene himself. And then, they dismantle and store each and every decoration. An appreciative audience applauded.
Resident George Oakley drew the audience’s attention to Christmas decorations in City Park, noting that at least a third more lights were added this year. Commissioners reflected on the work of Fire Chief Robinson and his family for all the park’s decorations. When asked how long he had been creating the magical scene in the park at Christmas, Robinson responded, “a long time.” Robison and his family place every wreath, bell, light, bough, and bow every Christmas. The rumor is that Robinson funds portions of the scene himself. And then, they dismantle and store each and every decoration. An appreciative audience applauded.
ARBOR DAY
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that Cedar Key’s Arbor Day is Saturday, January 21. From 10 am until Cedar Key city residents may arrive at City Park and select an oak or a myrtle tree to plant on their own property. The city has lost over 600 trees in the last five years, she reported. This Arbor Day is an intent to plant 100 new trees to begin replacement. The day is dedicated to Cedar Key’s two recently passed environmentalists, Dr. Earl Starnes and Bill Delaino.
Vice-Mayor Sue Colson reminded all that Cedar Key’s Arbor Day is Saturday, January 21. From 10 am until Cedar Key city residents may arrive at City Park and select an oak or a myrtle tree to plant on their own property. The city has lost over 600 trees in the last five years, she reported. This Arbor Day is an intent to plant 100 new trees to begin replacement. The day is dedicated to Cedar Key’s two recently passed environmentalists, Dr. Earl Starnes and Bill Delaino.
ACTION ITEMS
FOURTH AND F STREETS, MCCORMICK, EDMUNDS
General Contractor Ken Edmonds addressed the commission presenting a “request for an exception to height limitations” for the home to be built at 6031 F Street for his clients Darrell McCormick and Renee Dubault of Tampa, Florida.
General Contractor Ken Edmonds addressed the commission presenting a “request for an exception to height limitations” for the home to be built at 6031 F Street for his clients Darrell McCormick and Renee Dubault of Tampa, Florida.
On Edmunds’ “Application for Land Use Action by the City Commission” form, Edmunds specifically requested “…the city commission to grant an exception for the height of the required handrail, which will exceed the height limitation of 38 feet by 42 inches.” His next sentence on the application invokes City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate’s opinion. Edmunds wrote: “The city attorney has determined that this is a parapet.”
Questions regarding whether building should have permitted arose.
The exception was specifically for the railing and the question of the observation deck which also exceeds the maximum height, was not included in the exception.
Commissioners voted to allow the building height exception: Mayor Davis and Vice-Mayor Colson voted not to allow the exception; Commissioners Wortham, Rosenthal, and Sera voted to allow the exception.
After the vote was taken the some of the commissioners attempted to explain the reason for their vote. The mayor then remarked that any time this (an exception to the height limitation) has come before the commission, it has been denied. The mayor continued, “We don’t have many laws in Cedar Key and so far this property has broken most of them.”
As the next item for discussion started, Mayor Davis asked for a recess. The meeting was reconvened about five minutes later.
ATTORNEY’S ITEMS
WASTE PRO CONTRACT
Cedar Key commissioners approved the five-year Waste Pro renewal contract. Largely identical to the prior contract, the renewal version made the following changes:
• eliminates the yard debris removal;
• allows residents the use of any can size, all of which will cost the same;
• increases the contract by 5% over the next five years.
Cedar Key commissioners approved the five-year Waste Pro renewal contract. Largely identical to the prior contract, the renewal version made the following changes:
• eliminates the yard debris removal;
• allows residents the use of any can size, all of which will cost the same;
• increases the contract by 5% over the next five years.
Resident Tom Deverin, Energy Advisory Committee and Conservation Corner author, spoke last evening at the City Commission Meeting, stressing the need for education and its concomitant printing and materials costs.
Both the city and Waste Pro’s Tripp Lancaster agreed to place $1,500 into a fund to do that.
ORDINANCE 547 FLORIDA’S NATURE COAST CONSERVANCY
Commissioners unanimously approved, upon its second reading, Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy/s annexation of property into the city.
Commissioners unanimously approved, upon its second reading, Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy/s annexation of property into the city.
ORDINANCE 548 ALCOHOL, CHURCHES
On its second reading, commissioners unanimously approved removing the words “church” and “churches” from the Laws of Cedar Key Chapter Two, Section 2.02.04, which regulates the proximity to which alcohol may be sold or imbibed. Provoking this change is the Catholic Church purchase of land opposite the Island Hotel.
On its second reading, commissioners unanimously approved removing the words “church” and “churches” from the Laws of Cedar Key Chapter Two, Section 2.02.04, which regulates the proximity to which alcohol may be sold or imbibed. Provoking this change is the Catholic Church purchase of land opposite the Island Hotel.
ORDINANCE 549 PARKING
On its first reading, commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 549 which removes fees in lieu of parking, leaving the law to read “…off street parking must be provided for all development within the city… ” found in the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four, Land Development Regulations, Section 603.01 through 603.05. The ordinance further removes provisions for tandem parking.
On its first reading, commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 549 which removes fees in lieu of parking, leaving the law to read “…off street parking must be provided for all development within the city… ” found in the Laws of Cedar Key, Chapter Four, Land Development Regulations, Section 603.01 through 603.05. The ordinance further removes provisions for tandem parking.
PUBLIC WORKS, CITY PROPERTY
PARK GRANT UPDATE
The City of Cedar Key has secured a $50,000 grant from Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) to refurbish/replace the playground equipment at City Pak. Commissioners approved Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain’s request from FRDAP to add two new pieces of equipment and complete the repairs quoted in Miler Recreation’s quote. They further approved $15,000 to pay for the grant writer surveys, and upgrade/replace the Fibar material under the playground equipment.
The City of Cedar Key has secured a $50,000 grant from Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) to refurbish/replace the playground equipment at City Pak. Commissioners approved Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain’s request from FRDAP to add two new pieces of equipment and complete the repairs quoted in Miler Recreation’s quote. They further approved $15,000 to pay for the grant writer surveys, and upgrade/replace the Fibar material under the playground equipment.
UV LIGHTS
Commissioners unanimously approved placing ultraviolet lights in all city owned buildings at a cost of $1,400 to be paid to Spann’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Trenton, Florida.
Commissioners unanimously approved placing ultraviolet lights in all city owned buildings at a cost of $1,400 to be paid to Spann’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Trenton, Florida.
MARINA DOCK REPAIR
Commissioners unanimously approved replacing ten supports undergirding the west side of the outside boat ramp at the Marina for $1,530 to be paid to John Buck.
Commissioners unanimously approved replacing ten supports undergirding the west side of the outside boat ramp at the Marina for $1,530 to be paid to John Buck.
PUBLIC SAFETY, POLICE, FIRE RESCUE
FIRE
Commissioners unanimously reappointed Fire Chief Robert Robinson the Authorized Organization Representative for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and several other federal agencies.
Commissioners unanimously reappointed Fire Chief Robert Robinson the Authorized Organization Representative for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and several other federal agencies.
Commissioners further unanimously approved Chief Robinson continuing to submit applications for grants.
Robinson also offered his Volunteer Cedar Key Fire and Rescue Quarterly Report.
POLICE
Mayor Davis addressed a brief PowerPoint presentation entitled “Cedar Key Police Department: Recruitment and Retention.” Contained within are goals: better pay; take-home vehicles; equipment. The presentation further addresses how these might become possible. Davis, Chief Sandlin, and Lieutenant Cody Wetherington will continue to work toward the presentation’s goas and update commissioners regularly.
Mayor Davis introduced Officer Edwin Jenkins, a long-time colleague of Chief Virgil Sandlin, who will “help us out” now that Cedar Key has so few officers.
Mayor Davis addressed a brief PowerPoint presentation entitled “Cedar Key Police Department: Recruitment and Retention.” Contained within are goals: better pay; take-home vehicles; equipment. The presentation further addresses how these might become possible. Davis, Chief Sandlin, and Lieutenant Cody Wetherington will continue to work toward the presentation’s goas and update commissioners regularly.
Mayor Davis introduced Officer Edwin Jenkins, a long-time colleague of Chief Virgil Sandlin, who will “help us out” now that Cedar Key has so few officers.
COMMISSIONER CONCERNS
CEDAR KEY WATEAR SEWER DISTRICT
Mayor Davis presented a memorandum from the city to CKWSD informing the distract that the city commissioners have agreed to grant its request for $85,000 of the American Rescue Plan funds.
Mayor Davis presented a memorandum from the city to CKWSD informing the distract that the city commissioners have agreed to grant its request for $85,000 of the American Rescue Plan funds.
COVID RELIEF FUNDS
Ranking of the city’s needs upon which Covid Relief Funds may be spent was presented. The
Ranking of the city’s needs upon which Covid Relief Funds may be spent was presented. The
The following rankings will yet be considered: three, premium pay for City Hall staff; four, build additional public bathroom facility; five, community public health nurse.
CLOSING REMARKS
After all agenda items and commissioner concerns were covered, the mayor again expressed concerns regarding buildings exceeding the city height limit. Mayor Davis stated that, “In Florida, you can go to every community and the first thing you hear is someone complaining about the height. That law was crystal clear.” “That law has never been deviated from.” He referred to UF and the fact that they had the authority to exceed Cedar Key height limitations, “but out of respect, they followed our code.” “In all of Florida, you can watch us lose our state. That ain’t gonna to happen here. And we’re prepared for it to not happen here.”
After all agenda items and commissioner concerns were covered, the mayor again expressed concerns regarding buildings exceeding the city height limit. Mayor Davis stated that, “In Florida, you can go to every community and the first thing you hear is someone complaining about the height. That law was crystal clear.” “That law has never been deviated from.” He referred to UF and the fact that they had the authority to exceed Cedar Key height limitations, “but out of respect, they followed our code.” “In all of Florida, you can watch us lose our state. That ain’t gonna to happen here. And we’re prepared for it to not happen here.”
The meeting was adjourned at about 6:40 pm.
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