CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSIONMET ON AUGUST 22
2024 AUGUST 22
The Cedar Key City Commission met on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 5:20 pm in City Hall, immediately following the Community Redevelopment Agency adjourned. The latter meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Commissioners in attendance included: Mayor Sue Colson, Vice-Mayor Nancy Sera, and Commissioners Jeff Webb and Jolie Davis; Commissioner Jim Wortham attended by telephone.
SCHOOL TRAFFIC
Resident Mike Day reported on his concern about the previous back-up of traffic along Whiddon when school closes daily. The problem is apparently resolved. Day thanked Principal Josh Slemp who talked with parents and altered dismissal time. “Kudos,” he remarked, “to Principal Slemp and the Cedar Key Police Force, specifically Officer Maria, Sergeant Mike, and Chief Jenkins.” He also thanked several commissioners who helped solve the daily difficulty.
FLORIDA GUARD VISITS
The marine division of the Florida Guard trained in Cedar Key from August 16 through 18 , furthering their mission of establishing relationships with municipal leaders and familiarizing themselves with adjacent waters to be of assistance after disasters hit smaller coastal communities. They made part of their mission removing from Cedar Key waters a dumpster obstructing marine traffic. Understanding Colson’s concern about dangerous marine debris, the guardsmen removed the dumpster handle and presented it to her as a memento of the beginning of marine debris removal in Cedar Key waters.
The marine division of the Florida Guard trained in Cedar Key from August 16 through 18 , furthering their mission of establishing relationships with municipal leaders and familiarizing themselves with adjacent waters to be of assistance after disasters hit smaller coastal communities. They made part of their mission removing from Cedar Key waters a dumpster obstructing marine traffic. Understanding Colson’s concern about dangerous marine debris, the guardsmen removed the dumpster handle and presented it to her as a memento of the beginning of marine debris removal in Cedar Key waters.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM
Mayor Sue Colson narrated a brief slide show featuring approximately sixty exuberant Cedar Key area students, their teachers, and their chaperones, celebrating their escapades during the four-week summer program. City Deputy Clerk Telecia Winfield manages the summer program; resident Patty Jett provides artistic, curricular, and chaperone assistance.
Mayor Sue Colson narrated a brief slide show featuring approximately sixty exuberant Cedar Key area students, their teachers, and their chaperones, celebrating their escapades during the four-week summer program. City Deputy Clerk Telecia Winfield manages the summer program; resident Patty Jett provides artistic, curricular, and chaperone assistance.
IMPORTANT DATES
The following important dates were noted. The public is urged to attend each.
August 27, 2024, City Budget Workshop, 5 pm
August 29, 2024, CRA Budget Workshop, 5 pm
August, 30, 2024, Ethics Training, 9 to noon
The following important dates were noted. The public is urged to attend each.
August 27, 2024, City Budget Workshop, 5 pm
August 29, 2024, CRA Budget Workshop, 5 pm
August, 30, 2024, Ethics Training, 9 to noon
CONSENT AGENDA
FIRE INSPECTOR FEE
Commissioners unanimously approved an hourly rate increase in its Interlocal Agreement Amendment with Dixie County Fire Prevention. The rate for the fire inspector was $65 per hour and is now $100 per hour. The rate increase will be passed on to applicants within Building Department fees.
Commissioners unanimously approved an hourly rate increase in its Interlocal Agreement Amendment with Dixie County Fire Prevention. The rate for the fire inspector was $65 per hour and is now $100 per hour. The rate increase will be passed on to applicants within Building Department fees.
FIRE, SAFETY INSPECTION FEE
Commissioners unanimously approved an hourly rate increase for the city’s Fire ad Life Safety Inspections for new brick and mortar businesses. The current rate is $225; the increased rate is $300. Inspections are normally three hours in length. Applicants will shoulder the fee.
Commissioners unanimously approved an hourly rate increase for the city’s Fire ad Life Safety Inspections for new brick and mortar businesses. The current rate is $225; the increased rate is $300. Inspections are normally three hours in length. Applicants will shoulder the fee.
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING
Commissioners unanimously approved a request for Minor Replat 2024-06. The application by Steven M. McMillen of McMillen Surveying, Inc. as agent for William Clayton Taylor and Marguerite Pringle Teetor, requested to replat Parcel No. 0043700300 into two pieces. The Piney Point address is 16830 SW 136 Place, Cedar Key.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
President Doug Lindhout announced the Chamber’s Labor Day Auction on August 31, at Second Street Café at 4 pm,. The annual auction, Lindhout noted, helps the chamber cover its expenses.
President Doug Lindhout announced the Chamber’s Labor Day Auction on August 31, at Second Street Café at 4 pm,. The annual auction, Lindhout noted, helps the chamber cover its expenses.
CEDAR KEY WATER SEWER DISTRICT UPDATE
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John Rittenhouse’s update included the following items.
• CKWSD is nearing budget finalization, with nominal increase in rates and millage.
• CKWSD is investigating bridge loans to be prepared should the need arise.
• Insurance hurricane claims, stemming from Hurricane Idalia, will be the focus of a May meeting with adjusters and CKWSD engineers from Dewberry. They will inspect water and wastewater plants, hydrants, and lift stations.
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John Rittenhouse’s update included the following items.
• CKWSD is nearing budget finalization, with nominal increase in rates and millage.
• CKWSD is investigating bridge loans to be prepared should the need arise.
• Insurance hurricane claims, stemming from Hurricane Idalia, will be the focus of a May meeting with adjusters and CKWSD engineers from Dewberry. They will inspect water and wastewater plants, hydrants, and lift stations.
RESOLUTION 481 CRA PLAN
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution Number 481, adopting the amended 2024-2054 Community Redevelopment Plan for the Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency.
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution Number 481, adopting the amended 2024-2054 Community Redevelopment Plan for the Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency.
ORDINANCE 558 BUSINESS TAX
City Clerk Jennifer Sylvester submitted a request for an increase in the city’s business tax from $ 25 to $30.50. Commissioners approved the request unanimously.
OLD CITY HALL
Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson reported that many people continue to work on the resolution of old City Hall, while the commission has not made any decision on the building’s fate. Engineers have reported estimates, workshops have allowed much discussion, still no decisions have been made. Tonight, commissioners agreed not to raise the structure.
Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson reported that many people continue to work on the resolution of old City Hall, while the commission has not made any decision on the building’s fate. Engineers have reported estimates, workshops have allowed much discussion, still no decisions have been made. Tonight, commissioners agreed not to raise the structure.
MARINA LEASES, ETC.
Mayor Colson noted that a request by area businessperson Daniel Smith to rent space within the inner marina to rent his kayaks was made to commissioner Davis. Colson used the opportunity to share some Marina history.
Through the years, the commission has thought it unsafe, and consequently unwise, to have motorboats and kayaks launch, disembark, and travel under the bridge, in the same place.Mayor Colson noted that a request by area businessperson Daniel Smith to rent space within the inner marina to rent his kayaks was made to commissioner Davis. Colson used the opportunity to share some Marina history.
Colson suggested that Commissioner Davis conduct a Marina Workshop to update all commissioners on past practices, establish current foci to inform such decisions, and set a future Marina vision. Davis said she was too busy working on a personnel workshop and was unable to do such a workshop now.
IN ATTENDANCE
Commissioners in attendance included: Mayor Sue Colson, Vice-Mayor Nancy Sera, and Commissioners Jeff Webb and Jolie Davis; Commissioner Jim Wortham attended by telephone.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Department Chief Edwin Jenkins, Fire Chief/Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain, Interim City Clerk/Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester, Deputy City Clerk Telicia Winfield, and Clerk Heather Lang.
Among those in the audience were: Doug Lindhout, Mike Day, John Rittenhouse, Doris Hellerman, Dan Delaino, Jeri Treat, and the Cedar Key News’ Mandy and Frank Offerle.
Commissioners in attendance included: Mayor Sue Colson, Vice-Mayor Nancy Sera, and Commissioners Jeff Webb and Jolie Davis; Commissioner Jim Wortham attended by telephone.
Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Department Chief Edwin Jenkins, Fire Chief/Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson, Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain, Interim City Clerk/Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester, Deputy City Clerk Telicia Winfield, and Clerk Heather Lang.
Among those in the audience were: Doug Lindhout, Mike Day, John Rittenhouse, Doris Hellerman, Dan Delaino, Jeri Treat, and the Cedar Key News’ Mandy and Frank Offerle.
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