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[1. CALL TO ORDER]
BE SEATED PLEASE. THIS IS THE JUDGE 7, 2022 CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP. MADAM CLERK, AS WE CALL INTO ORDER. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.>>CLERK: COMMISSIONER STURGES IS JOINING US VIA ZOOM.
MAJOR LEAGUE MAJOR LEAGUE HERE VIRUS VIRUS HERE.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS. PERSONAL DEVICES. IF WE PUT IT ON AIRPLANE, SILENT OR TURN IT OFF. GREATLY APPRECIATED.
WE ARE STILL -- COVID IS STILL OUT THERE SO TAKE WHATEVER MEANS ARE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AND THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OTHERS. AND DECORUM, COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE FOLLOW OUR RULES OF PROCEDURE.
[3.3 YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE AGREEMENTS - Staff requests direction on new youth sports league agreements for use of City athletic fields.]
IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ALL RIGHT, APLACED 3.3, THE YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE AGREEMENT AT THE -- FOR THE FIRST TOPIC.AND AT THE REQUEST OF COMMISSIONER ROSS, 3.1 AND 3.2 WHICH ARE IMPORTANT TOPICS, WE ARE GOING TO PULL FROM THE AGENDA BECAUSE I BELIEVE WE WON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME GIVEN THAT THE HOUR THAT WE HAVE AND I WANT TO DEVOTE A FULL DISCUSSION TO THE SPORTS LEAGUES. ALSO WE ARE GOING TO DIFFER FROM OUR FORMAT. WE HAVE THE LEAGUE OFFICIALS HERE. AND I TOLD THEM THEY WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK AND WE CAN ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
SO IN THE ORDER OF THIS DISCUSSION, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BEGIN DISCUSSING, THEN HEAR FROM THEM? OR DO YOU WANT TO HEAR FROM THEM FIRST.
WHAT IS YOUR PLEASURE, FELLOW COMMISSIONERS.
>> I THINK WE SHOULD DISCUSS IT AT FIRST AND THEY CAN RESPOND
APPROPRIATELY. >> IF YOU FILL OUT A SPEAKER FORM. THAT WILL BE GREAT.
SO WE HAVE YOUR NAME. WHAT LEAGUE YOU REPRESENT.
THAT WILL BE GREAT. AND THANK YOU.
SO COMMISSIONER ROSS, YOU PROVIDED MANY OF THE ATTA ATTACHMENTS. WOULD YOU LIKE TO KICK THIS OFF?
OR THE CHAIR TO KICK IT OFF? >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: SO I REVIEWED ALL THE CONTRACTS, AND IN VIEW OF SOME OTHER INFORMATION, I HAVE HANDED OUT A WORKSHOP SHEET AND HERE -- IN THE BREVITY OF TIME. HERE ARE I WOULD RECOMMEND, THAT THE CITY REMOVE GATES FROM ALL THE FIELDS TO ALLOW EQUAL ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC. IT HAS COME TO LIGHT THAT SOME OF THE FIELDS ARE LOCKED UP AND PEOPLE CAN'T USE THEM.
I THINK THAT IS APPROPRIATE. NUMBER TWO, THAT WE LOOK AT THE OPERATIONAL COST OF THE PARK FACILITIES SO WE KNOW INDIVIDUALLY WHAT THEY ARE COSTING US.
NUMBER THREE, CONSIDER REPURPOSING OR ELIMINATING CERTAIN SOFTBALL FIELDS. 12 BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL FIELD IN THE CITY OF A CITY OF 13,000 PEOPLE.
PERHAPS WE CAN GET -- OR ELIMINATE SOME OF THE SOFTWARE FIELDS AS FAR AS THE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CURRENT LEAGUE HOLDERS I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS THAT, NUMBER ONE, THERE WILL NOBODY USAGE FEE FOR PRIORITY USE CHARGED WITH ANY OF THE LEAGUES. BUT INSTEAD.
THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN THEIR CURRENT MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY. AS YOU GO THROUGH THESE CONTRACTS, SOME OF THEM WERE CONTRACTED TO TAKE OUT TRASH, KEEP THE BUILDINGS IN GOOD SHAPE AND CLEAN THE BATHROOMS. THEY WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE T THAT.
ALSO CONSIDER PUTTING THOSE WITH THE PRIORITY CONTRACT ON THOSE TO PUT THEIR NAME ON THE UTILITY BILLS SO THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ELECTRICITY AND THE WATER USAGE.
AND THE THIRD IS CONSIDER HAVING THEM PAY FOR ANY CAPITAL REPLACEMENT. AND, AGAIN, NO CHARGE TO THE USERS, BUT SOME CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT.
AND THOSE WERE MY IDEAS. THE OTHER THING IS I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD WHO USES BOTH OUR SWIMMING POOLS AND ALSO OUR BASEBALL
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FIELDS. THE BASEBALL FIELD, THERE IS NO CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP. SO THOSE ARE THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE STAFF TO CONSIDER AND WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE.>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: CAN WE PUT COMMISSIONER ROSS'S FIELD S S SLIDES. COMMISSIONER STURGES, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK, IF YOU COULD RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> COMMISSIONER STURGES: I AM RAISING MY HAND.
>> COMMISSIONER STURGES, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> COMMISSIONER STURGES: I APPRECIATE IT.
I THINK THAT COMMISSIONER ROSS HAS A LOT OF GOOD POINTS ESPECIALLY TAKING THE FENCES DOWN.
I DON'T THINK THERE SHOULD BE ANY FENCES.
IF THEY ARE OPEN AND NO FIELD PLAY GOING ON WITH ACTIVITIES, THEN EVERYBODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE THAT AREA.
PROVIDED WITH CONCESSION STANDS. OTHER THAN THAT I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY. THANK YOU.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: OKAY. VICE-MAYOR.
VIRUS VIRUS KIND OF ADDRESS IT IN A WAY THIS I CAN.
REMOVING THE GATES FROM ALL THE FIELDS CAN BE A GOOD IDEA OF ACCESS. NOT KNOWING HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ACCESS TO. AND BRINGS UP THE PROBLEM OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE FIELDS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THOSE FIELDS AND THE PLAYABILITY OF THE FIELDS.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO MAKE ANY COMMITMENTS. WITH TERMS AND COST.
YEAH, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET TO DETERMINE THE COST AND WE SHOULD HAVE THOSE. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT REPURPOSING I WANT TO SEE WHAT WE GO WITH SPECIFIC FEELS AND SPECIFIC INFORMATION. AND I DON'T KNOW AGAIN IF WE CAN PUT THE ELECTRIC AND WATER BILL, I DON'T SEE A PROBLEM WITH THAT PAYING. I KIND OF WANT TO MAKE A POINT AND I DON'T THINK ANYBODY IS DISPUTING THIS POINT.
IN MY MIND I FELT THAT THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY FEES FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES. I DO BELIEVE THAT AND I FEEL WE ARE IN A MONEY YOU CRUNCH, AND I WILL ENTERTAIN ANY IDEA.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT KIDS PLAY BALL.
AND WE WILL GET INTO RESIDENT AND NONRESIDENT AND THIS IS A TOUCHY STATE WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE ENOUGH KIDS TO PLAY.
I AM WILLING TO LOOK AT THOSE THINGS AND LOOK AT OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA. PICKLEBALL COURTS.
WE CAN TALK ABOUT THAT LATER AND THEY DO PAY FOR THE TOOL, I
DON'T CONSIDER THE COST. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: I UNDERSTAND BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH SUBSIDIZING PARKS.
I REALLY DON'T. >> CITY MANAGER, HOW ARE YOU
DOING ON THE SLIDE? >> IF IT IS AVAILABLE I AM NOT
SURE HOW IT IS GOING TO. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH:
COMMISSIONER BEAN. >> COMMISSIONER BEAN: THANK U YOU, MR. MAYOR. TO KICK THINGS OFF, I THINK THE VICE-MAYOR BRINGS UP EXCELLENT POINTS.
I CAN SEE THE POINT THAT WE NEED TO ENSURE THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELDS ARE PRISTINE. AT THE SAME TIME, THOUGH, I CAN'T QUITE GET OVER FOR TO KEEP THIS -- I DON'T BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE CHARGING LITTLE LEAGUE'S FEES.
I DO THINK THAT -- IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE.
AS A FORMER LITTLE LEAGUER MYSELF AND LEAGUES REPRESENTED TODAY, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE MAINTAIN LEAGUES RIGHT IN THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH. AND WITH THAT I DON'T THINK THERE SHOULD BE ANY FEES. IF WE WILL HAVE NO FEES ON TAXPAYER PARKS, THEY SHOULD BE OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, I WILL AGREE NOT CHARGE THEM ANY FEES BUT SOME SOMETHING AND UTILITIES IS SOMETHING TO BE A GOOD PLACE TO START THERE. IF THEY PAY THE POWER BILL.
SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE A PARTNERSHIP RATHER THAN ONE OF THE OTHER -- THAT'S WHERE WE END ON THAT.
THAT IS WHERE I AM SITTING RIGHT NOW AND WOULD CERTAINLY LIKE TO TALK TO THE SCHOOL BOARD AS L WELL, BECAUSE WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY IN FERNANDINA BEACH. WHERE THE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYED.
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THE FOOTBALL GAMES ARE PLAYED AND FERNANDINA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL IS PLAYED AND BASEBALL FIELD USAGE.I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO TALK ABOUT THAT, BECAUSE THERE COULD BE SOMETHING MORE EQUITABLE DONE WITH THEM.
I WOULD LIKE TO DO THANK THAT IN A NICE WAY, AND SEE HOW WE CAN
MAKE IT HAPPEN. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: VICE-MAYOR?
>> VICE MAYOR KREGER: THE PAY FOR CAPITAL.
I DON'T KNOW HOW -- I DON'T KNOW HOW VIABLE THAT IS.
THE FENCES ARE SIGNIFICANT. WE DEFERRED THOSE FOREVER.
SO I DON'T KNOW -- I MEAN, I WOULDN'T BE OPPOSED TO SOME METHOD, SOME AGREEMENT WHERE THESE LEAGUES WOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF FEE IN THE FEE STRUCTURE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. AGAIN, THAT THAT -- THAT -- THAT THE STRUCTURE DOES NOT GET EXCESS SIEVE SO KIDS CAN'T PLAY.
MY UNDERSTANDING -- AND YOU CAN ADDRESS THIS, THAT EVERY KID PLAYS REGARDLESS OF INCOME. I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT.
I AM NOT OPPOSE TO SOME METHOD THAT WE CAN WORK THAT OUT.
COMMISSIONER ROSS. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS. LEAGUES HAVE FUND RAISING DRIVES AND YOU CAN DO A FUNDRAISER. OR -- FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE USE OR YOUR MOSTLY USE AND TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THEM AS OPPOSED TO THE TAXPAYERS. SHOULDERING THE ENTIRE BURDEN.
I PUT A QUESTION MARK THERE AND IT CAN BE PARING AND COMPLETE AND NOT AT ALL. ALL THESE WERE OF BEGINNING A CONVERSATION. AND JUST THOUGHTS ON HOW WE MIGHT -- THOUGHTS OF HOW WE MIGHT PAY FOR THESE THINGS.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: OKAY. I COME AT THIS FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE HAVING BEEN A TRAVEL BALL, SOFTBALL COACH FOR TEN YEARS.
BOTH MY GIRLS PLAYED SOCCER. ONE OF MY GIRLS DID GYMNASTICS AND SWIM. EVERY ONE OF THOSE LEAGUE AND ACTIVITIES, WE PAID FOR THE USE OF THE FACILITY.
NOTHING IS FREE. AND IN ORDER TO OFFSET THAT T COST, WE RAISED MONEY. OR WE FOUND A TEAM SPONSOR.
SO FERNANDINA BEACH IS THE MOST GIVING, CHARITABLE CITIES THAT I KNOW OF. AND BELIEVE ME, IF THERE WERE ANY CHILD THAT COULD NOT AFFORD TO PARTICIPATE, I PERSONALLY WOULD DONATE MONEY. AND I CAN THINK OF A COUPLE HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE WHO WOULD DO LIKEWISE.
I DON'T THINK WE ARE AT A POINT WHERE DISADVANTAGED KIDS WILL PARTICIPATE. MY PRIMARY AND OVERRIDING CONCERN AND I SAID THIS AT THE LAST MEETING IS WE CAN NOT GO THIS ALONE. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WE LOSE MONEY, GENTLEMEN. WE LOSE MONEY IN THE PROGRESS.
BUILDING ONE IS CONCESSION S D STAND.
THAT A CITY BUILDING IN WHICH WE GET NO REVENUE.
BUT WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN THE BUILDING.
I BELIEVE IT NEEDS NEW CARPETING INSIDE THAT BUILDING.
WE HAVE TO UPKEEP. WE GET NOTHING.
SO ALL THE MONEY MADE BY WHATEVER LEAGUES ARE SELLING CONCESSION OUT THIS EVER THERE, WE DON'T GET A DIME.
BATHROOMS, DUGOUTS, BATTING CAGES, IRRIGATION.
THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FACILITY -- OF THE FIELDS THEMSELVES.
FERTILIZER, PESTICIDES. GARBAGE REMOVAL, WATER, INSURANCE. LET'S AT LEAST BREAK EVEN.
CAN WE TRY TO GET TO A POINT WHERE WE BREAK EVEN? WE ARE NOT TRYING TO BLEED THE SPORTS LEAGUE PUSHES.
MY GOODNESS, GENTLEMEN, WE NEED TO BREAK EVEN ON THIS DEAL.
AS COMMISSIONER ROSS POINTS OUT, WE DON'T -- WE DON'T BANK ANY MONEY FOR REPLACEMENT. SO THAT CHANGE LINK FENCE SITTING THERE ON OUR BUDGET EVER SINCE I WAS ELECTED, THAT
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$400,000. HOW WOULD WE PAY FOR THAT.SO THE FIRST STEP IS FIGURE OUT THE COST OF THIS LIST I JUST READ. NOT JUST BASEBALL BUT ALL THE SPORTS. I JUST USED BASEBALL AS AN EXAMPLE. HOW DO WE BREAK EVEN.
HOW ARE WE IN THE RED. I HAVE BEEN ON THE RED SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON THIS COMMISSION, AND VICE-MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER ROSS, YOU HAVE BEEN ON THIS COMMISSION LONGER THAN I HAVE.
AND THIS DATES BACK TO YOUR ORIGINAL TENURE.
THAT IS PROBLEM NUMBER ONE. HOW DO YOU BREAK EVEN.
WE DON'T KNOW THAT UNTIL WE KNOW THE COSTS.
OKAY. NUMBER TWO, I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A COMMUNITY WHERE THE PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES WERE LOCKED. THE TENNIS COURTS ARE LOCKED.
PICKLEBALL ARE LOOTS. MANY TIMES I WENT SO THE S SOFTBALL FIELD. HIT GROUNDERS TO MY DAUGHTERS.
SHE WAS A PITCHER. SHE TOOK PITCHING LESSON AT THE FIELD. IF YOU ARE A PARENT, YOU TAKE CARE OF THE FACILITY. YOU ARE NOT OUT THERE TRASHING IT. YOU TAKE CARE OF THE FIELDS THAT YOU ARE USING. SO -- SO ALL OF OUR TAXPAYER SUPPORTED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SHOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NOTHING -- NOTHING SHOULD BE LOCKED. SO WE -- WE NEED TO UN DO THAT.
VICE-MAYOR. >> VICE MAYOR KREGER: YEAH, I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT I CONQUER THAT THE EFFORTS CAN AND SHOULD BE MADE BY THE LEAGUE TO SIT -- I AM SURE THEY WILL STEP UP TO -- TO DO WHAT THEY CAN WITH FUNDRAISERS.
I DON'T -- I HAVEN'T SEEN WHAT FUNDRAISERS THEY ARE.
AND I AM SURE THEY CAN DO THAT. AND WE CAN LOOK AT THAT WHEN WE KNOW WHAT THE COSTS ARE. I COME FROM A PLACE WHERE PARKS WERE NEVER LOCKED. AND NOBODY PAID ANYTHING EITHER.
AND IF THAT'S -- I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH UNLOCKING THEM AND SEEING WHAT HAPPENS TO THE FIELDS.
IT WILL BE MORE WORK FOR THESE GUYS COME GAME TIME.
BUT THAT'S OKAY. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: ANYONE ELSE? COMMISSIONER STURGES.
>> COMMISSIONER STURGES: JUST TRYING THAT MY HAND UP WORKS.
ALSO, I THINK THE BIGGEST THING IS TO DETERMINE THE COST.
WHETHER WE TRY THE COST IN ALL ONE YEAR OR THE TREND.
IT IS A TREND TO MAKE A BALANCE, WE ARE GOING IN THE GREAT DIRECTION. THAT IS MY OPINION.
JUST LIKE ALL THE THINGS THAT YOU MENTIONED.
I MENTIONED HALF OF THOSE EVEN JUST A TREND TO THE PARTNERSHIP, ALL THE FACILITIES, THE FOOTBALL, THE BASEBALL, ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE USING THE FIELD AND THAT'S JUST IT.
JUDGE JUDGE COMMISSIONER? >> BUT MY MAJOR CONCERN IS EVERYBODY HAS GOT TO HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.
AND I AM NOT GOING TO SIT HERE AND PARSE.
I HAVE BEEN SITTING HERE IN ARGUMENTS THAT THEY ARE ALL KIDS. COUNTY KIDS, CITY KIDS, IT JUST BECOMES -- IT BECOMES A DUELING BATTLE.
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CHILDREN ARE CHILDREN. WE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF KIDS.WE SHOULD LOOK FOR A EQUITABLE WAY FOR REMAINDER OF THE TAXPAYERS TO BENEFIT IT FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE USING THESE AS THEIR TOTAL USE. AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR PART OF IT OR AT LEAST TRY TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PAY FOR IT.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: COMMISSIONER.
>> YEAH, I -- DON'T THINK. I THINK THAT IT IS IN THE CARDS EITHER. WHEN YOU START TALKING OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT, THIS EXAMPLE, WE OPIOIDS THESE F S FIELDS, AND THE MAINTENANCE BECAME -- AS IT IS NOW.
I DON'T KNOW -- AND THEY CAN TELL US HOW MUCH PREPARED FOR THE GAMES AND I DON'T KNOW IF THEY DO THAT OR DON'T DO THAT AND COME UP WITH IDEAS FENCINGS. I DON'T THINK WE WANT TO REMOVE FENCING FROM FIELDS WHEN WE OPEN IT UP AND THAT SOME BALANCE IN THERE. THEY ARE NOT JUST FOR KIDS,
ADULTS ADULTS ARE USE THE FIELD. >> MR. MAYOR, DOES THE GREENWAY BREAK EVEN OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BREAK EVEN.
I WILL ANSWER NO TO THOSE QUESTIONS.
THE PRICE WE PAY FOR BEAUTIFUL, AND THE ISLAND AND TO BE PROTECTED FIRES THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND.
I DON'T THINK THE POINT IS TO BREAK EVEN.
WE ARE PAYING MONEY SO OUR CHILDREN HAVE A PLACE TO GO AND BUILD COMMUNITY AND PLAY TOGETHER.
THAT'S WHAT I -- I AM PREPARED TO SPEND CITY DOLLARS TO ENSURE THAT OUR ROLE IN THIS WILL CONTINUE.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM IS -- AND I AM TRYING TO RECALL WHO WAS AT THE COUNTY MEETING WITH ME.
A JOINT MEETING WHERE WE ATTENDED WHERE WE ASKED THEM AND THE COUNTY MANAGER LOOKED ME IN THE EYE DIRECTLY AND SAID THE FOLLOWING, QUOTE, RAISE YOUR FEES.
THAT IS WHAT HE SAID, RAISE YOUR FEES.
NOT ONLY A MATTER OF TRYING BALANCE THE BOOKS AND I ACCEPT THAT. MAYBE WE WILL BE A LITTLE BIT IN THE RED, BUT WE SHOULDN'T BE TOTALLY UPSIDE DOWN WHEN 60% OF THE PARTICIPANTS ARE IN THE COUNTY THE COUNTY MANAGER SITS THERE, LOOKS ME DIRECTLY IN THE EYE AND SAYS "RAISE YOUR FEES." NOT ONLY WILL THEY SUPPORT THE YOUTH OF THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH, BUT THEY MUST NOW BEAR THE COST FOR THE YOUTH OF NASSAU COUNTY. THE COUNTY IS UNABLE TO DO THAT.
I DON'T FIND ACCEPTABLE, GENTLEMEN.
I AM SORRY. THAT IS A BITTER FOIL SWALLOW.
SO WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO HERE IS RECOUP SOME OF THIS MONEY.
BECAUSE WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET MONEY FROM THE COUNTY.
I HAVE ONE COUNTY COMMISSIONER TELL ME, YOU WILL NOT GET MONEY FROM THE COUNTY UNLESS YOU MAKE -- UNLESS YOU MAKE US HURT.
AND BY THAT, HE MEANT BY RAISING FEES ON COUNTY KIDS.
SO THAT THE PARENT THE COUNTY MRAIRNT GOING TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER SAYING WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING.
GIVE THE CITY MONEY FOR THESE COMPLEXES AND THIS IS THE OVERALL CLOUT REALLY DRIVING US. THAT IS REALLY THE ISSUE.
THAT'S HOW I SEE IT. SO COMMISSIONER ROSS.
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS: SO WHEN YOU SAY "THE COUNTY." I WANT TO BE VERY CLEAR. IT IS NOT ACCOUNT COUNTY, BUT
THE COUNTY COMMISSION. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: CORRECT.
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS: I REMIND PEOPLE THAT THERE IS AN ELECTION THIS YEAR AND AT LEAST THREE SEATS ARE UP.
I THINK IF YOU ARE AN ISLAND RESIDENT, THAT SHOULD BE ONE OF THE QUESTIONS. HOW ARE WE GOING TO BENEFIT? HOW WILL YOU HELP US BENEFIT FROM THE TAXES WE PAY.
THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH -- I SAID THAT MANY TIMES, 24 PER% OF THE AD VALOREM TAX. WHEN THEY PAY US $110 MILLION
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR PARKS AND RECREATION, THEY CONTRIBUTED EXACTLY ZERO DOLLARS TO THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH.THERE IS A CLEAR MESSAGE THERE AND THAT WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. I GOT UP AT ONE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETINGS AND BROUGHT THAT TO THEIR ATTENTION
AND THIS IS WHERE IT WAS LAST. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: VICE-MAYOR.
>> VICE MAYOR KREGER: THE MEETING WHERE WE ARE ASKING FOR 500,000. CHIP WAS THERE.
I WAS THERE. PHIL CHAPMAN WAS THERE.
YOU KNOW, TO BE TRUTHFUL, WE WEREN'T PREPARED FOR THAT MEETING. THE FIRST QUESTION ASKED IS WHAT DO YOU WANT THE MONEY FOR. AND AS A RESULT, THAT ISSUE WAS GOING TO BE BROUGHT UP AGAIN AT THE JOINT AGENCY MEETING WE HAD AND WE NEVER GOT TO IT. CHIP IS RIGHT.
THAT COUNTY COMMISSION HAD BASICALLY SAID JUST RAISE THE FEES, OKAY. SO THAT IS KIND OF -- IF IT IS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM OR WHAT IT REALLY IS.
TO DO THAT THERE ARE -- IN MY MIND SOME THINGS WE CAN RAISE THE FEES AT VERY SIMPLY AND WE DO.
COUNTY RESIDENTS. NONCITY RESIDENTS PAY 25% SURCHARGE WHEN THEY USE THE FACILITY.
AND THEY EVEN KNOW THAT AND EVEN SOFTWARE TO TELL US THAT.
IF I RAISE THAT AND 150% AND ENOUGH PEOPLE TO RATTLE A CAGE, GO AND THINK ABOUT IT. IF WE GO BACK TO THE 50 ACRES, THAT IS CERTAINLY RATTLE THEIR CAGE AND THEY MADE A DECISION.
TO DO THAT, I THINK WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL THAT WE DON'T WIND UP LOSING REVENUE BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF PARTICIPATION.
THE ELASTICITY THAT ENDS UP COSTING US MONEY.
PART OF THE PROBLEM. THE COUNTY, POINT-BLANK, WE ARE NOT GIVING YOU ANYTHING. RAISE THE FEES.
>> COMMISSIONER STURGES. >> COMMISSIONER STURGES: THANK YOU, MAYOR. ONE OF THE THINGS OF THE PROJECT, WE DIDN'T ASK FOR A $500,000.
WE HAVE HE CAN TENSES IN SOME OF THE PLANNED PROJECTS WITH WHAT WE ARE EXACTLY GOING TO DO AND BROUGHT IT TO THE COUNTY.
THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THEY WOULD HELP US FUND SOME REPAIRS.
WHO KNOWS. I HAVE A FEELING THAT, YOU KNOW, I DON'T WANT TO RAISE FEES TOO MUCH, BUT, YES, RAISING FEES IS AN OPTION FOR THE COUNTY; HOWEVER, WE DIDN'T HAVE A PLAN.
WE DID NOT HAVE A PLAN WHEN WE WENT TO HIM AND THAT'S ALL I AM
COMMISSIONER ROSS. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: MY RECOLLECTION IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
THE PLAN THAT WE ASKED FOR 500,000 TO TAKE CARE OF THE YBOR ALVAREZ DEALS. AND THIS IS MY RECOLLECTION THAT I HAVE TO GO BACK -- YOU ARE SHAKING YOUR HEAD.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: NO IT WASN'T.
>> I BELIEVE IT WAS MORE GENERAL IN NATURE.
>> STARTED OUT AS. MAYBE THAT IS WHAT IT GOT WA WATERING DOWN TO. IT STARTED WITH A REAL ASK.
>> WELL, I SPOKE WITH A COUPLE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH THE IDEA OF A SPECIFIC PROPOSAL FOR FUNDING AND HE SAID, YOU -- YOU MIGHT AS WELL, YOU KNOW, BE RUNNING AGAINST A HURRICANE WIND BECAUSE THEY WILL NEVER DO IT. THAT WAS -- DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF. DON'T WASTE THE ENERGY.
SO TO COMMISSIONER ROSS'S POINT. THERE IS AN ELECTION.
BUT, AGAIN, THIS IS BEING DRIVEN BY THAT BY THAT.
AND THIS WE -- LIKE I SAID, WE ARE GOING ALONE WITH NO SUPPORT WHERE MARLEY THERE SHOULD BE COUNTY SUPPORT AND THERE ISN'T.
SO VICE-MAYOR, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING ELSE?
>> AFTER THE $500,000 THING. I DID DEVELOP A PLAN TO LOOK AT COUNTY USE IF REPORTED IN A CRANKED-IN CAN TALL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR -- YOU KNOW A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF YEARS.
IT CAME OUT TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY. I THINK IT CAME OUT TO BE $300,000 AND MY GOAL -- THE POT WAS SO POISONED AT THAT POINT,
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THEY DID NOT WANT TO DISCUSS IT. BY I SAY THAT WE SHOULD NOT -- WE SHOULD LOOK AT THAT AGAIN AND SUBMIT IT AGAIN.NOT THAT MUCH WORK AND WITH THE POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.
THE COUNTY THAT THEY CAN BUILD ALL THESE PARKS.
THEY CAN WAIT. I DON'T KNOW IF SOME OF THESE 12-YEAR-OLDS WILL BE 30 BY THE TIME WE GET THERE.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: COMMISSIONER BEAN.
BEAN CARIBBEAN THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR.
WHEN IS THE NEXT JOINT MEETING WITH THE COUNTY?
ON THE BOOKS? >> USUALLY MEET WITH THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES THE FIRST QUARTER FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE COUNTY. WE TYPICALLY MEET IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR AND NOTHING SCHEDULED AT THIS POINT IN TIME BEAN CARIBBEAN DID WE MISS IT THIS YEAR? THAT WOULD BE A MISS ON OUR T PART.
CERTAINLY NEED TO MEET WITH THE COUNTY.
WITH THE MAYOR'S POINT, COME BACK WITH A SMALLER ASK FOR SERVICES. SERVICES IS SOMETHING THAT IS USED BY BOTH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY RESIDENTS.
AND MAYBE SERVICES AND COME PROPOSAL THAT INCLUDES HOW MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, COUNTY ONLY BECAUSE WE ARE ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS IN NASSAU COUNTY. COUNTY RESIDENTS.
COME WITH A PROPOSAL THAT INCLUDES THAT AND TO THE VICE-MAYOR'S POINT THAT WE COULD GET A DIFFERENT ANSWER.
IF THAT IS AMENABLE TO OUR OTHER COMMISSIONERS, I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE ANNUAL MEET BECOME THE COUNTY.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: COMMISSIONER BEAN.
>> COMMISSIONER BEAN: WE DON'T NEED A MEETING.
EVERYBODY IS POLITE TO EACH OTHER WHICH IS GOOD.
AND NOTHING REALLY HAPPENS. SO IT IS BUDGET TIME.
AND RIGHT NOW THEY ARE MAKING THEIR BUDGET.
IF YOU WANT TO GET IN FOR THIS YEAR, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT COULD COME OUT OF THIS EVENING IS WE ASK THE CITY MANAGER TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO HELP. I CAN TELL THAT YOU YBOR ALVAREZ IS HIGHLY USED BY COUNTY RESIDENTS AND FIGURE OUT WHAT
OUR EXPENSES ARE OUT THERE. >> SENDING A LETTER WILL BE OKAY WITH ME. A PERSONAL TOUCH.
THEY MAY DISMISS A LETTER. THEY MAY NOT.
YOU MAY BE CORRECT ON THAT. BUT TO GIVE THEM EVERY CHANCE
THEY HAVE TO SUCCEED IF IT CAN. >> WE ARE UP AGAINST A TIME CLOCK AND BUDGET TIME NOW. SO PERHAPS WE COULD DO BOTH.
SEND A LETTER AND THEN HAVE THEM MARY MARY I WOULD SAY THE LET WEAR INCLUDE SPECIFICS LIKE FUNDING HALF OF THE FENCE REPLACEMENT. YBOR ALVAREZ NEEDS A DRAINAGE SYSTEM BECAUSE IT FLOODS. PAYING PARTLY FOR THAT.
ISN'T THERE A NEW BATTING FACILITY THAT IS NEEDED? SO LET'S -- LET'S NAIL IT DOWN INTO SPECIFICS.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR AND WHY. >> MR. MAYOR, I CAN DOCTOR I CAN MEET FIRST WITH MR. POLK AND PERHAPS GET HIS OPINION WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH HIS BOARD IS.
AND I WILL SHARE THAT WITH YOU AND FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN
APPROACH THEM. >> CAN WE DO THAT IN TIME FOR OUR NEXT WORKSHOP. TWO WEEKS?
>> I WILL WORK AND SCHEDULE SOMETHING WITH MR. POLK.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: ALL RIGHT. ANYTHING ELSE GENTLEMEN? WE WILL LET THE LEAGUE FOLKS. YOU HEARD OUR DISCUSSION.
YOU HEARD THE ISSUES. CERTAINLY YOU DO NOT MAKE DECISIONS IN A VAC TSUNAMI. -- IN A VACUUM.
ANY IDEAS THAT YOU MAY HAVE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
I WILL NOW ALL ON THE SPEAKERS. THE FIRST SPEAKER IS MR. APERT.
THERE AN ORDER. OKAY, MR. CAMARIS.
NAME, ADDRESS, AND THE LEAGUE THAT YOU REPRESENT, PLEASE.
>> DO YOU WANT ME TO KEEP ANY TIME?
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK -- NO.
DISCUSSION. >> WELL, WE SAY THAT.
HOW MANY -- YOU GOT 25 MINUTES. AND HOW MANY PEOPLE.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: WE HAVE FIVE.
>> FIVE MINUTES. >> THANK YOU.
1518 NORTH PARK DRIVE. REPRESENTING BABE RUTH.
GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU FOR TAKING IT THIS TOPIC UP IT IS VERY
[00:35:03]
VITAL TO OUR CITY. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF THING ABOUT THIS OVER THE PAST MONTH. %-ÚE FROM D.C.IT IS A POLITICAL TOWN. MORE SO THEN FERNANDINA OR NASSAU OR ANY PLACE ELSE, OKAY. WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS IS, WE NEED TO HAVE A SUMMIT. A SUMMIT WHICH INCLUDES THE COMMISSIONERS. WHICH INCLUDES OUR TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM NASSAU COUNTY, AND ALSO A -- THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD.
THEY SHOULD ALL BE IN HERE. WE SHOULD ALL HAVE WHATEVER IT TAKE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE BEST ROUTE IS AND EVERYBODY IS ON THE SAME PAGE. AND HERE IS THE SAME THING.
WITH THAT SUMMIT, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH A LOT OF THINGS.
WE NEED TO DROP THE BARRIERS BETWEEN THE CITY, THE COMMISSIONERS AND NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
WE NEED A PLAN. AND THE PLAN CAN ONLY BE DONE IF WE ALL SIT TOGETHER AND FIGURE OUT WHAT OUR NEXT MOVES ARE.
NOT IN ONE YEAR WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING.
BUT OVER THREE YEARS. FIND PROJECTS THAT ARE FEASIBLE AND USABLE TO SHOW PROGRESS. YOU GUYS BROUGHT UP THE ELECTION, OKAY. I DIDN'T.
AND I WAS GOING TO BRING IT UP ANYWAY, BUT THIS ELECTION, WE CAN BRING CLOSE TO 2,000 FAMILIES OUT HERE WHICH ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS. DOESN'T INCLUDE THE ONES OUTSIDE TO GIVE YOU 2,000 GREAT REASONS. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WE DON'T NEED FENCES -- EXCUSE ME, WE NEED FENCES BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE CLOSED FENCES WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO IN.
I BEG TO DIFFER WITH YOU ALSO THAT THE CITY DOESN'T OFFER ANY OF THESE SPORTS IN THEIR DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION.
NONE OF THESE SPORTS ARE OF D OFFERED.
THEY HAVE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF VOL S VOLUNTEERS. YOU GUYS COULDN'T PAY THE BILL FOR THAT. AND THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. I HAVE YET TO SEE ANY OF YOU OUT TO A BALL PARK, TO COME AND VISIT TO SEE FAMILIES OUT THERE WITH GRANDPARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS AND NEIGHBORS COMING OUT TO WATCH GAMES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COME OUT AND SEE THESE PEOPLE IN ACTION.
SEE WHAT YOU ARE MISSING AS LEADERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
YOU NEED TO BE OUT THERE. YOU NEED TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE GOOD THAT WE ARE DOING.
WE ARE TRYING TO BUILD NOT ATHLETES.
WE ARE TRYING TO BUILD LEADERS. WE ARE TRYING TO KEEP THE FAMILIES HERE THAT ARE GROWING TO BECOME MORE CITIZEN IN FERNANDINA. THAT IS THEIR FUTURE.
THE 1100 OR 1200 KIDS THAT ARE LIVING IN THIS CITY RIGHT NOW WITHOUT THE 60% OUT. THAT'S WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS NUMBER. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART, GENTLEMEN, IS THAT CAN'T LIVE IN THE PAST.
WE HAVE A FUTURE. AND THE FUTURE IS OUR KIDS IN THIS COMMUNITY. I DON'T HAVE A KID IN THIS -- IN ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS. I DON'T HAVE ANY AX TO BEAR EXCEPT TO DO THE BEST I THINK WE CAN DO.
WE HAVE BUSINESSES THAT WILL HELP SUPPORT US.
THEY DO THAT EVERY TIME WE GO OUT THERE TO TRY TO RAISE MONEY.
TO KEEP THE UNIFORMS ON KIDS. TO KEEP THE BATS GOING.
TO KEEP THE BALLS COMING IN. TO PAY FOR THE UMPIRES.
NOT ONE OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS GIVE ANY MONEY TO COACHES.
IT IS ALL FREE. AND SOMETHING THAT YOU GUYS CAN'T FATHOM A BILL IN FRONT OF A RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
COMING FROM A RECREATION DEPARTMENT WE GAVE THOSE THINGS OUT. WE HAVE PEOPLE AND WE ALSO NEEDED VOLUNTEERS BECAUSE NOBODY CAN DO IT ON THEIR OWN.
AND I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS FRONT AND CENTER.
I WANT THAT SUMMIT. I WANT PEOPLE TO HEAR IT FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE FROM ALL OF YOU GUYS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOU GUYS. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: THANK YOU. DO YOU HAVE AN ORDER WHO WANTS TO GO NEXT? JUST FOR THE RECORD, I TOLD -- I
[00:40:11]
INFORMED THE SPORTS LEAGUE THAT THEY -- THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO WOULD BE ALLOWED TO ADDRESS THE WORKSHOP.I TOLD THEM IN ADVANCE. NORMALLY WE HAVE NO PUBLIC COMMENT. SO I MADE AN EXCEPTING IN THIS
CASE FOR THE LEAGUE OFFICIALS. >> I APPRECIATE THAT, MAYOR.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: THANK YOU. >> LESLIE ANDREW, OLD NASSAUVILLE ROAD. AND I AM WE WILL AM STREET LITTLE LEAGUE. THE SOFTBALL GIRLS OF OUR COMMUNITY. SO I WANT TO GO OVER A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT YOU GUYS WERE SAYING.
I AM TOTALLY OPEN -- NOW MY JOB -- TO GO TO MY BOARD AND HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THIS STUFF. SO I AM SPEAKING NOT OF MY BOARD RIGHT NOW. FENCES DOWN -- I SAY DON'T TAKE FENCES DOWN. WHEN THAT HOME RUN GOES OUTSIDE THAT FENCE THAT IS PRETTY INCREDIBLE AND MAKES THOSE GIRLS HAPPY. OPENING OUR FENCES.
I AM DOWN WITH THAT. YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I CAN OPEN THE FENCES TO GO AND PLAY. YEAH, I AM DOWN WITH THAT ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER WHEN WE ARE NOT PLAYING.
I AM OKAY WITH OUR COMMUNITY USING OUR FIELDS.
I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WERE LOCKED.
I WALKED ON IT THREE YEARS AGO AND THEY WERE LOCKED.
I FOLLOWED THAT RULE. I DON'T KNOW WHO IMPLEMENTED THAT. MAYBE VANDALISM, AND IMPLEMENTED BEFORE I EVEN GOT THERE. OUR POLICIES THAT RUN TWO AND A HALF MONTHS EACH TIME, TO COME OUT THERE AND SET A FIELD AND WE HAVE TO RESET THE FIELD BECAUSE THAT IS VOLUNTEER HOURS.
KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL OF US OUT HERE ARE ALL NONPROFITS.
WE ARE NOT A TRAVEL LEAGUE. WE ARE NOT HIRING OUR COACHES.
WE ARE NONPROFIT SPORTS. AND UNDERSTAND THAT AND PLEASE RESEARCH A LITTLE BIT OF THAT. PARENTS ARE PAYING LARGE MONEY FOR PARENTS TO HAVE THAT. AND GENERALLY IT STARTS WITH OUR LITTLE LEAGUE LEVELS WHERE THEY ARE COMING IN AND LEARNING THE SPORTS. SOME OF THEM TRAVEL AND SOME CAN'T. WHEN WE TALK OF PEOPLE WHO PERSONALLY SUPPORT THEM, I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EVERY SINGLE YEAR TO MAKE SURE THEY.
I TRY TO KEEP THE SAFETY ON THE FIELD AND I AM OKAY WITH THAT.
THE ONLY SPORT IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT IS ALL GIRL THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE CHEERLEADING OR DANCE. I AM KIND OF PASSIONATE ABOUT IT. I NEVER THOUGHT IN MY LIFETIME I WOULD BE SITTING ON A SPORTS LEAGUE FIGHTING FOR LITTLE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT DON'T HAVE TO VOICE AND I DO.
I AM SORRY I CAN'T MAKE IT TO ANY COMMISSION MEETING.
I AM WORKING PROFESSIONAL AS WELL.
I AM TRYING TO RAISE MY KIDS. DURING SPRING, MY HAIR LOOKS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OUT AND I AM LOSING MY MIND.
WHO MAINTAINS OUR FIELDS? YOU GUYS SET OUR FIELDS UP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON. WE MAINTAIN OUR FIELDS THROUGH THE REST OF THE SEASON. WE APPRECIATE THAT.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. CAN THE COUNTY TAKE OVER THAT? I DON'T KNOW THAT ANSWER. ELECTRIC AND WATER BILL.
GIVE ME AN IDEA OF WHAT THE CONCESSION STANDS COST AND THAT MAY BE AN AREA THAT WE GO ON. THE BIG THING IS I COME FROM THE COMMUNITY. I AM AN OSCEOLA ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENT. OUR FIELDS WERE OPEN.
WE DIDN'T PAY IT EXCEPT FOR OUR LITTLE LEAGUE FEES.
ONCE AGAIN, WE WILL GO BACK TO NONPROFIT.
VERY SPECIFIC OF NONPROFIT IN THESE ORGANIZATIONS.
WE DID PAY FOR FIELDS WHEN WE DID TRAVEL.
WE DID PAY OUR CITY FOR THE USAGE OF THE FIELDS.
MANY PARTS AND REC IN OUR COMMUNITY.
>> TO TO THE CREEK TO WORK OUT EVERY DAY.
WE HAVE THE PIRATE'S PARK. WE HAVE ELM STREET LITTLE PARK THERE. WE HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITY FEATURES WE HAVE IN THIS AREA THAT IS COMPLETELY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. BUT THE ONLY PLACES WE HAVE TO PLAY ON FIELDS IS WHAT WE REPRESENT.
AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT PERCENTAGE.
BUT I CAN TELL YOU LITTLE L E LEAGUE, SOFTBALL LEAGUE, THAT FIELD HAVEN'T HAD ANY UPDATES BUT THINKING YOU HAVE THE FIELDS WHERE WE CAN ALMOST PLAY ON IT. WE STILL DON'T HAVE ANY DUGOUTS YET. WE STILL DON'T HAVE A POSITION WE CAN ACTUALLY PLAY. WE WERE SO EXCITED TO PUT THE MINOR GIRLS IN THERE AND GROW OUR LEAGUE.
WE CAN'T GROW OUR LEAGUE AN E ANYMORE.
WE ARE DONE. WE HAD KIDS WE HAD TO TURN AWAY
[00:45:01]
THIS SEASON BECAUSE WE CAN'T PUT THEM ON THE FIELD SAFELY AND TO ME, THAT IS HEART. BREAKING AND COMING TO YOU GUYS FOR TWO YEARS SAYING CAN YOU GUYS DO THIS.WHOEVER DID THAT AND GOT THE FIELD WHERE IT IS ALMOST PLAYABLE. WE TALK OF OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONER -- NOT EVERY LAST ONE OF US HAVE MET BEFORE.
I ASKED CAN WE AS US THAT REPRESENT, WE HAVE WHAT OUR FIELD NEED. IF WE PUT TOGETHER AND PRESENTED IT TO YOU GUYS I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM RAISING RUCKUS WITH THE COUNTY. I PROMISE YOU THAT.
AND I WILL. AND IF I HAVE TO CALL EVERY ONE OF THOSE GUYS IN HERE AND GO TO EVERY PERSON WHOEVER PLAYED A SPORT IN THIS TOWN BECAUSE I AM NOT ASKING THEM TO COME OVER HERE AND PAY FOR ANYTHING. BUT DO THEY NEED TO DO THEIR FAIR SHARE. I DO BELIEVE THAT.
I PAY COUNTY TAXES AND NOT A DANG THING IN THAT COUNTY THAT I USE AND BALL FIELDS WILL NOT DO JUSTICE FOR MY CHILDREN IF I DRIVE THEM ONE HOUR OVER THERE. MY KIDS WILL PLAY ON THESE FIELDS. THIS IS WHERE THEY GO TO SCHOOL AND THIS IS OUR COMMUNITY. MAYBE -- I CAN AFFORD ME A LAND AND HAVE A NICE HOUSE. I CAN'T AFFORD IT ON IN ISLAND.
MAYBE ONE DAY. BUT I DO BELIEVE THE COUNTY TAXPAYERS AND PERSONALLY MYSELF NEED TO COME OVER TO THIS SIDE.
AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE BUT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM SITTING DOWN WITH ALL FIVE OF THEM SAYING, LEI, LISTEN, THIS IS OUR BUDGET. ONE THING WHEN THEY CAME TO ME.
THEY GAVE US NO NUMBERS. THEY ASKED US FOR A BLANK CHECK.
I DIDN'T HAVE A NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM THEM AND EVERY ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS ARE NOT AGAINST CHILDREN PLAYING OVER HERE. THEY KNOW THEY DON'T HAVE ANY KIND OF GAME PLAN FOR THE SOUTH END KIDS OR ANY OF THE KIDS ON BARNWELL AND NASSAU ROAD THAT ARE ZONED IN TO FERNANDINA B H BEACH. WE HAVE BOUNDARY LAWS IN OUR LITTLE LEAGUE. I CAN'T JUST GO AND START PULLING KIDS FROM YULLY TO PLAY AT MYERS PARK.
THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS. MY ASK TO YOU GUYS, CAN WE AS THE LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES PUT TOGETHER WHAT WE NEED.
WE HAVE IT. WE KNOW WHAT WE NEED.
CAN WE PUT TOGETHER THAT B BUDGET? CAN WE GO TO THE COUNTY PARK. CAN WE GO TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH YOUR AUTHORITY I CHOOSE NOT TO USE THE INFLUENCE BECAUSE YOU GET BEAT UP AS IT IS.
I DON'T WANT TO SEND AN E-MAIL TO 900 PEOPLE SAYING THIS IS WHAT THE COUNTY IS DOING. I THINK WE CAN ALL LIKE TEN ADULTS CAN RESOLVE THIS, IN MY OPINION.
>> VICE-MAYOR. >> VICE MAYOR KREGER: I WANT TO EMPHASIZE A COUPLE OF POINTS. WE ARE AND HAVE SUPPORTED TEAMS.
>> I KNOW DO YOU. >> VICE MAYOR KREGER: WE ARE
AND DO GO TO GAMES. >> LEN IS AT MANY OF OUR GAMES.
>> I DID SEE THAT. >> VICE MAYOR KREGER: WE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR A LONG TIME FOR YOU TO GO TO THE COUNTY.
>> I DID. AND THAT IS THE ANSWER THAT CAME
BACK TO ME. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH:
COMMISSIONER ROSS. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: I WANT TO
YOU SEND 900 E-MAILS. >> I DON'T WANT TO BECAUSE IT IS NOT FUN. IT IS VERY TIME CONSUMING FOR E ME. I AM ASKING YOU DO YOU PUT TOGETHER A BUDGET. AND GET A BUDGET AND SIT DOWN WITH THEM AND SEE IF WE CAN MAKE HEADWAY WITH THEM.
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS: GO FOR T IT.
>> OKAY. BECAUSE WE NEED FOR YOU TO APPROVE TO SAY THIS LOOKS LIKE THE BUDGET YOU NEED.
EVERY ONE OF OUR FACILITIES WE KNOW WHAT WE NEED FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND WE WILL PUT OUT A FIVE-YEAR.
AND THIS IS WHAT WE NEED. I DON'T THINK THAT THEY -- THERE WAS ONLY ONE COMMISSIONER WHO WAS COMPLETELY AGAINST ME AND HE OFFERED TO DONATE A BUNCH OF MONEY, SO THAT WAS GOOD.
I TOLD HIM TO PUT UP HIS OWN CASH IF HE WASN'T GOING TO HELP
WITH THE COUNTY MONEY. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: PLEASE SEND YOUR LIST AND IN TERM, DISTRIBUTE IT TO US.
THE CITY MANAGER. >> JUST TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW, AT THE NEXT PARKS AND REC MEETING ON JUNE 14, A LINE ITEM AND DISCUSSION ITEM ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
THIS IS A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION FOR THE PARKS AND RE C COMMITTEE TO PRIORITIZE THE CITY'S PARK AND REC DEPARTMENT.
MR. CAMERON IS ON THE PARKS AND REC.
OR MR. MICHAELSON BECAUSE THIS IS A LINE ITEM ON THE PARKS AND
[00:50:02]
REC AGENDA. AND TO HAVE THE PARKS COMMITTEE BE THE ADVISORY ADVOCATE TO THE CITY COMMISSION.JUNE 14, 5:00 P.M. >> AND WE CAN SPEAK?
>> YES, MA'AM. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: PLEASE COME
TO THE LECTERN. >> ON THAT NOTE, SCOTT MICK L COLSON AND I TALKED LAST WEEK AND WE SENT A LETTER AND WENT TO THE FIVE LEAGUE PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS OF EACH LEAGUE.
I WAS THE ONE WHO WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS ON THE AGENDA, BUT ALSO MAKE SURE THAT WE NEED THE CORPORATION OF EVERYBODY ON THE SAME PAGE. AND WE WANT TO WORK TOGETHER.
WE DON'T WANT TO WORK SEP Y SEPARATELY.
THIS IS A UNIFIED BODY OF PEOPLE THAT WANT TO REALLY FIND THE BEST SOLUTIONS GOING FORWARD. AND NOT JUST TRY TO PIECEMEAL IT TOGETHER. AND JUST FOR -- ETIQUETTE SAKE.
I WANT TO KNOW WHERE 2.5 MILLION IF WE CHANGE THE DYNAMICS OF -- ON THE MONEY THAT IS IN RESERVE MARY TALKING ABOUT IMPACT?
>> YEAH, THE IMPACT FEE. WHERE THE MONEY WILL GO IF WE CHANGE THE STRUCTURE OF CENTRAL PARK.
CHANGE THE WAY IT LOOKS TODAY. MAKE IT BETTER.
OPEN FIELDS. WIDER FENCES AND STUFF LIKE T THAT, OKAY. THAT IS WHERE -- AND THE $500,000 THAT WAS GIVEN TO -- AS A -- AS A SILENT DONATION, OKAY.
WE NEED TO WORK WITH PEOPLE LIKE THAT AND GET THEM ON BOARD.
AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WITH EVERYBODY'S CORPORATION, WE CAN DO THAT. THANKS.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: THANK YOU. >> QUICK NOTE ON THE IMPACT F FEES, MISS BAC HIS LOOKING TO GET EXTERNAL OPINIONS ON THE APPROPRIATE USE OF IMPACT FEES. AND WE HAD A DISCUSSION WITH THE -- OFFICIAL FROM STAN TECH. THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE USE OF IMPACT FEES. WE ARE PREPARING TO ASK THEM A REQUEST TO GIVE US A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ON AS-NEEDED BASIS THAT IF AND WHEN PROJECTS COME UP, DOES THIS MEET THE STAFFED EXPENDITURE OF IMPACT FEES.
WE ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS THE APPROPRIATE USE.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: THANK YOU. JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THERE WILL BE A VIGOROUS DEBATE OVER THE USE OF IMPACT FEES COMPLETE WITH ATTORNEY OPINIONS. I CAN TELL YOU, WE WILL NOT HAVE AN UNANIMOUS LEGAL OPINION. I GUARANTEE YOU.
GUARANTEE YOU GOING IN. >> I WILL QUARANTINE HE YOU L
WILL. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: I GUARANTEE YOU THAT WITH WE WILL NOT.
COMMISSIONER BEAN. >> COMMISSIONER BEAN: AN IDEA OCCURRED TO ME AFTER YOUR TALK THERE.
EARLIER ON THAT WE WOULD SEND A LETTER THAT MAYOR LEDNOVICH IDENTIFIED. AND THIS LETTER -- COMMISSIONER ROSS, COULD WE -- I AM GOING TO FLOAT THIS BY YOU GUYS.
HAS GRAVITAS OF THE STATE COMMISSION THAT WHAT IF WE ALSO GOT -- ON THE SAME LETTER -- HEAR ME OUT HERE.
SIGNATURES FROM THE LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES.
NOT JUST THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH ASKING FOR IT.
THAT IS COOL, YOU GO NOT AS COOL AS HAVING ALL FOUR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES. THAT WAY.
>> HANG CONTINUE TO THAT. >> COMMISSIONER BEAN: THAT'S WHY WHEN THEY READ IT, COMMUNITY SUPPORT OF THEIR OWN CONSTITUENTS. NO JUST THE CITY SAYING HELP US.
>> SOME FEEDBACK ON THAT. THE CITY SHOULD SEND THEIR OWN LETTER AND HAVE THEM SEND THE LETTER ON THEIR OWN STATION.
EACH LEAGUE CORROBORATING WHAT THAT LETTER SAYS.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: IF YOU ARE GOING TO SPEAK, YOU NEED TO COME TO THE LECTERN. YOU ARE OUT OF ORDER YELLING AT
THE COMMISSION. >> THE CITY SPEAKS FOR THE CITY.
AND THE ON CITY STATIONARY. IF THEY WANT TO CORROBORATE THAT IN A CORROBORATING LETTER. YOU KNOW -- I THINK THAT IS A
CLEANER APPROACH. >> I AGREE YOUR POINT, COMMISSIONER. CAN I GO BACK.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: YES. >> I LIKE THE ONE ENVELOPE IDEA.
IT NEEDS TO BE TOGETHER. I DON'T WANT ANYBODY ON THE
COUNTY SIDE TO MISS. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: ALL
TOGETHER? >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: ALL
TOGETHER AT ONCE. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: VICE-MAYOR.
WE HAVE SEVEN MINUTES LEFT. ANY OTHER LEAGUE OFFICIAL WANT TO SPEAK? IS IT QUICK?
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>> I WANT TO MAKE A POINT. WHEN YOU START TALKING OF YOUR NEEDS IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT. THAT IS WHEN -- THAT IS WHEN YOU HAVE TO START DETERMINING IS THAT NEED FOR THAT LEAGUE OR FOR
THE ENTIRE POPULATION. >> THE BUDGET IS UNBUDGETED AND PUTTING NUMBERS ON IT IS CONTRIBUTED BY.
>> CARL CAZARIAN. SOUTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND.
I AM VICE PRESIDENT AND ACTING PRESIDENT.
SO I REALLY KEEP IT SIMPLE. EVERYBODY RAISED POINTS AND WE COVERED A LOT OF GROUND AND ISSUES A LOT OF THOUGHT ON USAGE FEES. WE HAVE ABOUT 60% COUNTY.
AND UNIVERSAL THROUGHOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT SPORTS LEAGUES.
HOW WILL THAT BE DETERMINED -- HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT HOW THAT WILL BE DETERMINED? ONE FEE THAT -- THAT THE YOUTH ORGANIZATION IS GOING TO PAY AND IN FAIRNESS BECAUSE SOME SPORTS TEAMS OR SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS.
SOME HAVE LESS USAGE. I CAN ONLY SPEAK FROM MY EXPERIENCE. WE HAVE BOTH HICKORY WHICH IS SCHOOL BOARD LAND. THE CITY MAINTAIN IT IS AND RIGHT NOW THE SCHOOL BOARD. AND WE ALSO USE -- WE USE AT CENTRAL PARK A FOOTBALL FACILITY BUT ON A VERY MINIMAL BASIS.
WE DON'T USE THE CONCESSION STAND.
IN FACT MOST OF THE GAMES -- THE VAST MAJORITY OF GAMES ARE NOT EVEN ON THE ISLAND. VERY, VERY MINIMAL FOR US.
WE ALREADY TALKED TO MY BOARD, AND FEEL IT IS PROBABLY COMING DOWN THE PIKE. WE ARE REALISTS.
WE MET BEFORE. REALLY WANT TO UNDERSTAND BETTER HOW IT WILL BE DETERMINED AND AFFECT OUR CLUB, PARTICULARLY A CLUB LIKE MINE. WE ARE NEW.
FOUR AND A HALF YEARS OLD. WE ARE STILL SMALL.
THE PROBLEM IS WHEN YOU HAVE FAMILIES WITH NOT JUST ONE BUT TWO, THREE KIDS IN OUR CLUB. THAT IS WHEN IT STARTS TO ADD UP A LITTLE BIT. MYSELF AND PLAYED FOR HELMETS.
IF I WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THIS WILL BE DETERMINED AND HOW MUCH THIS IS GOING TO HURT US. NOT HURT US BUT NEGATIVE.
HOW IT WILL AFFECT US. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS?
COMMENT? >> COMMISSIONER ROSS: WHAT I PROPOSE NO FEE, BUT THE FACILITIES THAT ARE ALREADY IN THESE AGREEMENT THAT THEY CONTINUE AND YOU PAY FOR SOME OF THE UTILITIES OR ALL OF THE UTILITIES.
SO -- AND THAT -- THAT IS ONE BLANK.
YOU PAY THE UTILITY. >> THAT IS FINE BECAUSE I THINK I WAS CONFUSED BECAUSE I HEARD SEVERAL DIFFERENT THING.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: LET ME CLARIFY SO YOU UNDERSTAND.
COMMISSIONER ROSS IS ONE SEAT OF FIVE.
THAT WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED. LET ME BE CLEAR ON THAT.
NUMBER TWO, DON'T GET THE CART IN FRONT OF THE HORSE.
WE ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN FUNDS FROM THE COUNTY THAT MAKE CHARGING LEAGUES' FEES. THAT TAKES CARE OF THAT PROBLEM.
LET'S DEAL WITH THE COUNTY F T FIRST.
SEE WHAT KIND OF HEADWAY THAT WE HAVE MADE, AND THEN IF WE ARE FORCED TO ADDRESS COSTS, WE WILL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE GET
THERE. >> AND THE SCHOOL BOARD BOARD AS
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: RON, DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK IN? WE HAVE THREE MINUTES AND THREE SPEAKER.
>> I THINK IT SUM IT IS UP. >> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: AND MR. ROBINS. IF YOU CAN DO IT IN A MINUTE, THAT WILL BE GREAT AND THEN HAVE -- RON ACTOR CAN.
>> I'M HERE TO REPRESENT AMELIA ISLAND.
TRUTH BE SOLD I GOT NOMINATED TO THE PRESENT POSITION ON SATURDAY.
SO I AM VERY ILL PREPARED FOR THIS MEETING.
>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: CONGRATULATIONS.
>> THANK YOU. BUT I AM WILLING TO SUPPORT THE FELLOW YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS. I KNOW THE CITY HAS SUPPORTED IT FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I DO ALSO KNOW THAT UP UNTIL A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WE WERE PAYING SOME UTILITIES USAGE FOR THE FEE. SO WE HAVE ENCOURAGED SOME OF THAT EXTRA COST IN THE PAST. WE JUST WANT TO GIVE THE KIDS A PLACE TO PLAY. THAT IS SAFE, TO HELP THEM GROW INTO RESPONSIBLE ADULTS. THAT IS ALL THAT WE HAVE HERE.
[01:00:01]
SO I WOULD HAPPILY SUPPORT ANY EFFORTS GOING TO THE COUNTY AND I WOULD LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO THE LAST WEAKER.>> MAYOR LEDNOVICH: MR. RICKY ROBINS.
NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. >> MICKEY ROBINS
>> THAT WOULD BE FOR THE BIG QUESTION.
I AM NOT A FAN OF THE FEE. GOING BACK TO A UTILITY FEE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AS LONG AS YOU SAY HERE IS A TWO YEAR PLAN THIS IS WHEN WE START, NOT TOMORROW.
BECAUSE OUR MONEY COMES FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
WHATEVER WE TAKE AS A REGISTRATION FEE COVERS THE COST. WE ARE ALL NONPROFITS SO REGISTRATION, EQUIPMENT, FIELD PAINTING, THIS AND THAT.
AND TO TOUCH ON WHAT IS MAINTAINED BY US IN THE CITY, BASICALLY THE FOOTBALL FIELD, MAYBE BASEBALL, THE GRASS IS CUT BY THE CITY. THAT IS IT.
WE SUPPLY ALL OF OUR EQUIPMENT. WE DO EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING ELSE COMES FROM DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING AND THINGS LIKE
THAT. >> MR. ROBBINS WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT TURF, THE CITY WATER IS THE TURF, RE- FERTILIZING THE TURF? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
>> SO LAST YEAR THIS CITY DID NOT DO ANY ON THE FOOTBALL SIDE, ANYTHING BUT CUT AND WATER THE GRASS.
BUT WE HAD PATCHES WHERE WE WENT OUT WITH OUR MONEY AND BOUGHT WHAT WE NEEDED TO FILL HOLES. THERE ARE STILL HOLES WHERE WE -- BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY THING. BUT I GUESS MY POINT IS, THE BULK OF THE DAILY MAINTENANCE OF THE GROUNDS IS DONE BY THE LEAKS. THE CITY COMES OUT AND DOES WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO CHECK THE BOX WHICH IS HIGHLY APPRECIATED BECAUSE IT WOULD COST MORE TO BRING SOMEONE INTO CUT THE GRASS. AGAIN, I AM OPEN TO THE OPEN GATES THEORY BUT IT IS WHO WILL MAINTAIN ONCE WE OPEN THE GATES.
AS A COMMUNITY WE SHOULD DO IT, BUT WE DO HAVE, THERE ARE A BUNCH OF FACTORS TO TAKE INTO IT.
AND WHEN WE -- IF WE GO INTO THE FEED BASE AND UTILITIES, WE NEED A PLAN ON HOW WE SPLIT IT BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATIONS.
BECAUSE AN OPTICAL CULT THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE.
FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL WE HAVE THE MAJORITY OF THE ELECTRICAL USAGE. WITH THAT I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND EFFORT WITH THIS AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET IT GOING.
>> JUST TO CLOSE THE LOOP ON LOOP ON THIS.
I THINK WE ARE AND CONSENSUS THAT OUR FACILITIES SHOULD BE UNLOCKED. SO, CITY MANAGER IF YOU CAN WORK WITH THE PARKS DIRECTOR ON A PLAN TO DO THAT.
AND THE SECOND IS, YOU ARE GOING TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER ON HOW WE PROCEED, AND THIRDLY WE WILL FORMULATE A LETTER OF REQUEST COINCIDING WITH THE LETTERS FROM THE LEAGUE ON WHAT THE NECESSARY FUNDING, WE WOULD LIKE FROM THE COUNTY, IN ORDER FOR THE COUNTY TO SUPPORT NON- CITY PARTICIPANTS.
DID I CAPTURE EVERYTHING? VICE MAYOR?
>> I JUST WANT TO CHALLENGE THE LEAGUE TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE COUNTY. DON'T TELL US YOU HAVE TO THOUSAND PEOPLE, GET THOSE 2,000 PEOPLE OUT THERE.
>> OKAY. SO WE RAN LONG, WE WILL RECONVENE AT 6:15 P.M.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.