CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION
MET IN OCTOBER
20 OCTOBER 2023
20 OCTOBER 2023
MEETING SPECIFICS
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key Community Center, due to the hurricane damage to its previous venue, City Hall on Second Street. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Nancy Sera, and Commissioners Sue Colson, Susan Rosenthal, and Jim Wortham.
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key Community Center, due to the hurricane damage to its previous venue, City Hall on Second Street. Present were Mayor Heath Davis, Vice-Mayor Nancy Sera, and Commissioners Sue Colson, Susan Rosenthal, and Jim Wortham.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Department Chief Edwin Jenkins, Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain, Interim City Clerk and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester, Deputy City Clerk Telicia Winfield, Clerk Heather Lang, and Legal Assistant to Norm Fugate Lee LeeAnne E. Rohrer.
Among those approximately 45 individuals in the audience were: Doug and Sandy Lindhout, Joey Cannon, Dell Weibel, Jan Hendrix, George Oakley, Anne Miller, Doris Hellerman, Patty Jett, Ms. Barron, Marry Ellen Zyper, Cedar Key School Student Collins, and Mandy and Frank Offerle.
PUBLIC COMMENT
TREE CITY
Resident Mary Prescott reported her recent communication with a Mr. Todd at TREE City USA, a program of the National Abor Day Foundation.. Understanding that Cedar Key is an officially designated “Tree City,” and that Hurricane Idalia damaged the city’s canopy, the organization’s Forestry Strike Team will send a team of arborists to Cedar Keys in the spring to assess the tree damage. Though tree cutting, clipping, and removal is a city function, the visiting arborists will add greatly to the city’s focus on its Heritage Tree Program and the canopy.
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Levy County Property Appraiser Jason Whistler advised residents that his Levy website now contains several items that might help residents post hurricane. One is a property damage form that informs his office of damages that might alter the appraisal of property. The second is a form available to individuals who, because of the hurricane, were required to move from their property for more than thirty days.
Levy County Property Appraiser Jason Whistler advised residents that his Levy website now contains several items that might help residents post hurricane. One is a property damage form that informs his office of damages that might alter the appraisal of property. The second is a form available to individuals who, because of the hurricane, were required to move from their property for more than thirty days.
Completion of the forms may result in tax relief and/or a refund. Whistler urged residents needing his services to contact his office.
AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
Cedar Key Aquaculture Association Vice President Joey Cannon stated his concern that parking at the Marina, the docks, and nearby is a problem and has resulted in an association member receiving a parking ticket. He wanted to make certain that that does not reoccur.
Cedar Key Aquaculture Association Vice President Joey Cannon stated his concern that parking at the Marina, the docks, and nearby is a problem and has resulted in an association member receiving a parking ticket. He wanted to make certain that that does not reoccur.
Mayor Davis agreed that parking was insufficient and reminded Cannon that Anchor Hole and the Shell Pile were available to waterpersons. Davis suggested, as he said he had in the past, that Cannon return to the commission with a parking plan that might rectify the aquaculture members’ parking concerns. Cannon’s bringing a plan to the commission, remarked Davis, is better than the omission telling the association members what to do.
DECA PROCLAMATION
Cedar Key School student Fisher Collins asked that Mayor Davis sign a proclamation designating October as DECA Month in Cedar Key. “DECA is a student organization that encourages the development of business, marketing, and leadership skills in high school through classroom instruction, student conferences, and competitive events…” states the proclamation. Cedar Key School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) program is sponsored and championed by Instructor Nicole Gill.
Cedar Key School student Fisher Collins asked that Mayor Davis sign a proclamation designating October as DECA Month in Cedar Key. “DECA is a student organization that encourages the development of business, marketing, and leadership skills in high school through classroom instruction, student conferences, and competitive events…” states the proclamation. Cedar Key School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) program is sponsored and championed by Instructor Nicole Gill.
The DECA group is currently fundraising. Click here for more information: cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/8071-deca-offers-surf-an-turf
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
After noting the Welcome Center’s good fortune of not being damaged by the hurricane, Chamber of Commerce representative Doug Lindhout recalled the ways in which the organization was able to help the community after the Hurricane Idalia event. After dividing the center into four separately walled areas, FEMA representatives, Senator Mario Rubio’s staff, and Representative Kat Cammack’s staff used the facility to speak somewhat privately to citizens’ needs and concerns.
After noting the Welcome Center’s good fortune of not being damaged by the hurricane, Chamber of Commerce representative Doug Lindhout recalled the ways in which the organization was able to help the community after the Hurricane Idalia event. After dividing the center into four separately walled areas, FEMA representatives, Senator Mario Rubio’s staff, and Representative Kat Cammack’s staff used the facility to speak somewhat privately to citizens’ needs and concerns.
Click here for Lindhout’s full memo to the community: https://cedarkeynews.com/index.php/community/8012-chamber-of-commerce-note
Lindhout reminded the audience of the auction held the previous Sunday and that the dollars go to support the chamber citywide events, such as the City Park Christas Tree and the fireworks event.
CLERK’S OFFICE
Interim City Clerk and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester reported that her office was busy processing 202302024 business tax receipt renewals, 202302024 processing launch pass renewals, compiling a Hurricane Idalia loss report , and compiling a local/county/state contacts list.
Interim City Clerk and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester reported that her office was busy processing 202302024 business tax receipt renewals, 202302024 processing launch pass renewals, compiling a Hurricane Idalia loss report , and compiling a local/county/state contacts list.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Interim City Clerk and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester reminded audience members that hurricane damage involving water requires a licensed electrician and a permit to repair. Permits, she said, are normally processed within two days.
Interim City Clerk and Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester reminded audience members that hurricane damage involving water requires a licensed electrician and a permit to repair. Permits, she said, are normally processed within two days.
Commissioner Jim Wortham spoke to the importance of the Community Rating System. He reminded residents that the National Flood Insurance Program monitors and assigns CRS ratings which range from 1 to 9, the best rating being a 1. Points are earned incrementally, and as they are earned, ratings may be improved. Gaining one point, perhaps a 9 to an 8, decreases flood insurance rates by 5%. The city’s compliance with flood regulations, including permitting and construction, dictates this rating which is regularly monitored by FEMA. Currently, the city has been accepted into the CRS program, has a 9 rating, receives a 5% insurance cost decrease, and is aiming for a 7 rating.
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
City Attorney Norm Fugate reported that he and Mayor Davis met with the Carmen Project owners Mendy Allen and Caryn Stephenson regarding the sale of six vacant lots located at the corner of Third and B Streets, behind the Island Hotel.
City Attorney Norm Fugate reported that he and Mayor Davis met with the Carmen Project owners Mendy Allen and Caryn Stephenson regarding the sale of six vacant lots located at the corner of Third and B Streets, behind the Island Hotel.
The owners’ asking price is $535,000, plus title insurance, doc stamps, and recording costs totaling another estimated $7,200.
An audience member asked if the city intended to pay the full asking price. Others questioned the existence of an assessment or appraisal. Fugate responded that the asking price was in line with other recent sales in the area. No appraisal was completed.
Additional concerns were proffered about potential use as a parking lot. More questions from the audience and Commissioner Nancy Sera and Jim Wortham ensued. Commissioner Sue Colson stated that she believed that the property was an appropriate purchase because such a purchase would: diminish future building in an already overcrowded downtown; eliminate the concomitant need for services; as part of the recent resiliency work, would help mitigate the flooding of Third Street; and would protect Second Street from further flooding damage. Susan Rosenthal opined not at all.
Commissioners, in a three-to-two vote, approved getting an appraisal and revisiting the issue upon its receipt. Wortham, Sera, and Rosenthal voted yes; Davis and Colson voted no, preferring to purchase the property at the asking price that evening.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MARINA
Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain reported that the hurricane damaged floating dock was further demolished and removed by FEMA. Removal of the 14,ooo pound dock, broken into two pieces, would have cost the city $7,000. An RFP is published to replace the dock with an aluminum one.
MARINA
Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain reported that the hurricane damaged floating dock was further demolished and removed by FEMA. Removal of the 14,ooo pound dock, broken into two pieces, would have cost the city $7,000. An RFP is published to replace the dock with an aluminum one.
Handrails and gangways have been replaced for $3,000, making the area safe and assessable.
Electricity and water meters to the outside Marina docks are not functional at this time. Commissioner Colson suggested that the city dispense with the dock rental fee until the electricity and water are restored. The motion was unanimously approved .
SECOND STREET FOUR-WAY STOP
An RFP is published for construction and engineering necessary to complete the four-way stop at the intersection of Second Street and State Road 24.
An RFP is published for construction and engineering necessary to complete the four-way stop at the intersection of Second Street and State Road 24.
OTHER
McCain reported that City Park required much cleanup but suffered not substantial damage. Fibar replacement will be necessary for the playground.
McCain reported that City Park required much cleanup but suffered not substantial damage. Fibar replacement will be necessary for the playground.
McCain plans to repair the severe road damage at G and Third Streets before the festival. The storm worsened other city streets, particularly along road edges.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Fire Chief and Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson reported on myriad meetings and actions of the last several weeks.
LIBRARY
Contractors are lined up and will meet to schedule activities later this week for the Library’s restoration.
Contractors are lined up and will meet to schedule activities later this week for the Library’s restoration.
CITY HALL
Now the City Hall on Second Street has been dried and cleaned out. Below the structure lies a depression that accumulates water that ebbs and flows but is largely permanent. In order to keep the building from deteriorating further with the elements, a subfloor might be installed for an estimated $12,000.
Now the City Hall on Second Street has been dried and cleaned out. Below the structure lies a depression that accumulates water that ebbs and flows but is largely permanent. In order to keep the building from deteriorating further with the elements, a subfloor might be installed for an estimated $12,000.
Mayor Davis reiterated his desire to sell the building and the lot, acknowledging that the structure “doesn’t have good bones.” Nearly every person in the room had an opinion about the use of the structure and/or the property. Commissioner Wortham suggested constructing the subfloor until the commissioners had a well thought out plan about what they wanted to do with the building.
Commissioners voted three-to-two to spend the dollars to construct the subfloor. Davis and Colson voted no; Wortham, Sera, and Rosenthal voted yes.
FEMA REIMBURSEMENT
Robinson reported that over 7,000 volunteer hours were logged in hopes that FEMA would not charge the city for debris removal, as the community worked so diligently to ameliorate the problem. Robinson will prepare and submit to FEMA a Request for Public Assistance.
Robinson reported that over 7,000 volunteer hours were logged in hopes that FEMA would not charge the city for debris removal, as the community worked so diligently to ameliorate the problem. Robinson will prepare and submit to FEMA a Request for Public Assistance.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Redesign and construction of new City Hall offices at the Community Center site will involve approximately a total cost of $127,000 of which $99,000 will be recouped by insurance. Flooring is not included. The cost for flooring for the entire area, except the kitchen and bathrooms, in approximately $25,000.
Redesign and construction of new City Hall offices at the Community Center site will involve approximately a total cost of $127,000 of which $99,000 will be recouped by insurance. Flooring is not included. The cost for flooring for the entire area, except the kitchen and bathrooms, in approximately $25,000.
Commissioners unanimously voted to include the new flooring.
Mayor Davis spoke to the issue of community gatherings’ locations. He said to expect a tab on the city website listing possible places that might house such gatherings. He warned that not all of them may allow alcohol consumption.
FIRE STATION CEILING RFP
Robinson reported that only one RFP was submitted to renovate the ceiling in the fire station and that price was high. He informed commissioners that the project was now on hold.
Robinson reported that only one RFP was submitted to renovate the ceiling in the fire station and that price was high. He informed commissioners that the project was now on hold.
FIRE TRUCK
Robinson reported that he and the person who repairs the city’s fire trucks will soon fly to Sioux Falls to finalize the specifications for the new 1.2-million-dollar fire truck being constructed specifically for Cedar Key. Commissioners unanimously approved the funding agreement.
Robinson reported that he and the person who repairs the city’s fire trucks will soon fly to Sioux Falls to finalize the specifications for the new 1.2-million-dollar fire truck being constructed specifically for Cedar Key. Commissioners unanimously approved the funding agreement.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PARKING
Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins updated the commission regarding parking demarcations.
Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins updated the commission regarding parking demarcations.
- Designating parking space on the east side of B Street between Second and Third Streets, beside the Island Hotel was approved.
- Designating parking space on the west side of B Street between Second and Third Streets was approved.
- Designating parking space on the east side of C Street between Second and Third Streets, beside the Mercantile Store, was approved.
Adding a “No overnight parking/camping” sign along East side of A Street between First to Second Street was postponed.
CARS
Commissioners unanimously approved the acceptance of three SUVs Police Explorer Interceptors from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at no cost.
Commissioners unanimously approved the acceptance of three SUVs Police Explorer Interceptors from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at no cost.
HALLOWEEN
Chief Jenkins intends to close off Second Street from A to D Streets for Halloween evening.
Chief Jenkins intends to close off Second Street from A to D Streets for Halloween evening.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned after 7:45 pm.
The meeting adjourned after 7:45 pm.
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